#the way I loved you/I look in peoples windows

[httpknjoon]

quite an impression | myg

plot | that time where the afterparty left quite an impression on the not-so-friendly relationship between the popstar and her bassist.

w.c | 5.1k

pairing | bass guitarist!yoongi x popstar!reader

genre | enemies to lovers, popstar x bassist

main masterlist | series masterlist | want to request?

After the show, everyone, including the band and the show's crew members, was told that you and your management prepared an afterparty for everyone in one of the known yet private hotspots around New York City.

Everyone agreed to come, including Yoongi due to the band's persuasion. Plus, he doesn't really have anything to do back in his hotel room. The holiday EP's done. The concert tour just finished its first leg, which means their one-month holiday break basically started the moment you closed the show a while ago.

"What happened to your Valentino suit?" Fred was the first to ask when Yoongi joined the rest of the band on their ride to the afterparty venue.

Yoongi shakes his head lazily, "Don't want to ruin it at the party."

Before getting back into his usual clothes, Yoongi had to convince Paul to let him change. But your stylist was eager to make him wear it to the party tonight. He told him that there would be paparazzi there to take pictures of them arriving.

"I don't really care what I'm wearing if I ever get photographed tonight," Yoongi replied to Paul. It's not like I'm the main star, he thought.

He was so sure that the paparazzi were not interested in taking photos of them, but the moment their ride stopped in front of the private bar, Yoongi could hear the little commotion outside. There were paparazzi waiting by the sidelines with their big cameras and as soon as a car stopped, they got up to prepare to whoever is in the vehicle.

"This is crazy." Akio gasped as they all looked outside their tinted windows.

"Okay, put on your sunglasses if y'all don't want to be blind before we even get to the party." Noah, who has been a part of your team for years now, told them.

Yoongi was thankful he followed what your lead guitarist advised because the moment they got out of the car. There are flashing lights everywhere. He can hear some people calling his name, which is something he still needs to get used to. He doesn't remember getting much attention when he was at other artists' shows. Hearing various voices call his name everywhere makes him feel weird— not in a good way. They didn't stop for photos, heading straight to the private club's entrance while being guided by one of your security staff.

"I love playing for big artists," Akio whispered when they entered the venue, already eyeing the cocktails not too far from where they stood. "They know how to party."

It was obvious, the moment they got in, that the afterparty was well-prepared and expensive. Although the lights were dimmed and colorful fairy lights mainly provided lights for the place, there were customized holiday decors everywhere to celebrate your EP, which plays in the background. There are ice sculptures of your brand's logo and even a few mistletoes on entryways with your signature kiss mark placed on them.

"Yeah, YN's label is never scared to splurge money on her," Noah said, pulling out his phone to take a picture of the place.

Who will be scared anyway? You are one of the biggest pop stars in the world currently. Your songs earn hundreds of thousands of streams every day and almost everything you do gets praised by your fans and critics. Everyone, even you yourself, knows you are the top cash cow of your company at the moment, considering your recent tour and EP release. You are an investment worth investing in.

Yoongi stayed quiet while his eyes scanned the whole place. He never really cared about parties, but he could not deny that your label made an effort to make tonight's celebration impressive.

Everyone was invited, from your concert staff down to the late-night show crew members. While the band was walking through the crowd, Yoongi took a glimpse of Art, chatting with the producers of the late-night show you just hosted. Your dancers also came, already enjoying the dancefloor with other guests. There are more faces Yoongi had recognized, but there are some he still hasn't seen yet. Paul... Cal... You.

"Yoongi, over here!"

Suddenly, somebody called his name, snapping him out of his trance. Yoongi turned and immediately spotted another familiar face waving his hand across the room. It was a friendly gesture from Ben, one of the tour's sound engineers, Yoongi raised his hand, offering a small wave before walking deeper in Ben's direction. Along the way, one of the waiters offered him a drink and Yoongi got one, quickly taking a sip to hopefully give some energy to him to socialize. Nods and smiles were exchanged once Yoongi joined the small group, which included a few of your staff and a couple of writers from the late-night show. Ben was in the middle of telling the others of something.

"Yeah, the tour just ended its first leg this week. I think we'll be back touring internationally in the last week of January though. Right, Yoongi?"

Feeling a lot of eyes on him, waiting for him to say something, Yoongi's eyes widened slightly before he looked away, "Yeah, I think so."

Ben went on to talk about the work he does in your shows. Yoongi, as usual, just listened and observed the lively crowd.

"I saw you on the show earlier, you are a great guest." someone in the group spoke, making Yoongi look back to them.

A woman in a ribbed-knit, V-neck, white sweater smiled at him, offering her hand, "I'm Bea, one of the writers of The Late, Late Show."

"Yoongi, YN's bassist." he shakes her hand.

"And favorite band member?" Bea teased, referencing the question in the show earlier. They both laughed.

Yoongi smiled, shaking his head before sipping from his glass, "Not sure about that."

"Oh, trust me. Based on our team's research, you seem to be YN's favorite." the curly-haired brunette smirked.

"What research?" he asked, now curious about what she said.

"Well, you know, our team does research on our guests before writing for them. Then, we noticed how many times you two interacted on stage during shows, even your outfits aligned during her Halloween shows," she answered casually. "She always seemed to gravitate towards you."

Her tone seemed to be implying something, making Yoongi shake his head again.

"She just likes to play around on stage." he denied whatever Bea must be thinking.

"Yeah, sure. Whatever you say." she sneered, hiding an obvious smile while drinking from her cocktail.

Yoongi looked at her, trying to decode her thoughts, and when she felt her stare on him, she simply smiled, "I mean, I kinda get her."

As the music gets louder and the crowd gets bigger, Yoongi finds himself chatting with Bea ever since they met half an hour ago. They occupied one of the booths in the club alone while they talked about their jobs in the entertainment industry, something they are similar to.

Bea is funny, witty, and smart, Yoongi thought. He likes that she doesn't force him to speak in their conversation. He didn't really mind her telling him about her experiences as someone who moved here to New York eight months ago. It's better than being forced to jive on the dancefloor, something he's not really fond of.

"Yeah, I was actually scared to come here tonight." Bea shared, chuckling.

"And why is that?" Yoongi asked, slightly leaning closer to hear her over the loud music.

"I heard that staff members from other shows have to pay for their own drinks at after-parties like these, and I just can't do that right now. I have rent to pay!" she exclaimed, making both her and Yoongi laugh. She then rested her chin on her palm on the table, "How about you? Do you enjoy these parties?"

"Not really..." he was quick to answer, not bothering to conceal his dislike for social events. "Everything's too much at parties. The drinks, the people— even the music, it's too loud."

That's another thing he and his ex used to be contrasted about. Sara will always be at parties back in LA because of her job. It's a place for widening her networking in her perspective. Sometimes it is necessary for her to attend, sometimes she just wants to. Yoongi, on the other hand, is not a fan of networking. As long as someone is interested in collaborating with him, he's gonna be fine. But he cannot deny that Sara helped him get more people to work with him whenever she pulled him along with her at parties. She literally introduced him to Art years ago.

Bea chuckled, "Isn't it ironic that you're literally a bass guitarist and you hate loud music?"

"There's a difference between music and what's basically a noise." he joked.

Just when Yoongi took another sip of his drink, there was a sudden change of energy in the room. The music lowered slightly, and the whispers and turning of heads at the main entrance got more noticeable.

"Looks like the woman of the hour has arrived." Bea mused next to him.

Everyone can hear the main door opening, along with the sound of cameras clicking and people calling your name. Then, it was followed by familiar voices laughing and chattering. Yoongi didn't bother to turn around to the doorway until Bea murmured.

"Oh, they arrived together."

He finally glanced at the doorway, catching sight of you at the center. You were glowing with your gold closed-fitting, thin-strapped mini-dress. He wondered if you got cold outside while wearing that glamorous dress, but then he saw Cal next to you, holding a fur that he assumed was yours.

Then, he also noticed who was standing on your left. Harry was holding your waist as you greeted the first people who approached you. You two were a pleasant eyesight, a perfect eyesight for everyone. It was obvious how you two were comfortable with each other. Harry leaned closer to you to whisper something, and you would easily laugh like he was the funniest person in the world. Yoongi looked away, back at minding his business.

"They used to date, didn't they?" Bea whispered next to him.

Yoongi shrugged, "I don't really know."

"You should. You were Harry's bassist during his first album, right? I heard he wrote songs about her in there." she went on.

He raised an eyebrow, "You really did your research, huh?"

"Told ya." she clicked her tongue before looking back to you and Harry. "They still look cute together, don't they?"

"Yeah," Yoongi mindlessly replied even though he was not looking anymore.

He took another scan of the whole room. He stops when he sees you looking at him while everyone in the circle you're in is having conversations. Your eyes traveled from him to the woman next to him. Your eyebrows raised and you looked back at him again. Just when lines form between his brows, Yoongi sees you joining your group's conversation once again. It was a brief and quiet interaction— confusing for Yoongi— that seemed to be only known by you two.

"That was... interesting." Bea, the best observer, smirked into her drink.

The night went on with you and Yoongi being on separate sides of the room. Yoongi introduced Bea to the band, joining them in their booth. He ignored Fred's teasing stare ever since his new writer-friend sat with them. Noah also has his boyfriend with him, adding more fun to their conversations. At some point, Yoongi excused himself from the booth, getting up next to Bea.

"Oh, where are you going?" she asked with her hand on his arm.

"I'll get another drink, want some?" He answered, nodding at her empty glass.

She smiled, "Yeah, sure."

"Don't try to escape the party!" Noah teased him as Yoongi walked away, rolling his eyes at his friend.

He was about to walk to the bar, but decided to stop midway, heading to the restroom first. After doing his business and enjoying the quick solitude, Yoongi rinsed his hand and walked out to the dimly lit entryway. He was not paying much attention to his surroundings, just aiming to get to the brighter entryway to the party, causing him to bump into someone.

"Oh."

It was a light collision, but you were wearing your strappy God-knows-how-high heels, causing you to lose balance a little. He was quick to catch you and help you steady yourself.

"Sorry, didn't see you there," he mumbled.

"Clearly," you looked up with a snarky reply and the same smile you always give him. "Enjoying the night?"

Was it a little unexpected question from you? Yes. But maybe you've been asking everyone that since you are the host of the party. Yoongi wouldn't want to overthink it.

"Yeah, it was fun." he replied like he didn't spend his time talking to people he only knows except for Bea.

You hummed, "Bea seems nice though."

He paused, staring at you for a second, "You know her?"

Shrugging, you replied, "Met her during preparations for the show earlier. She seemed pretty smart and witty."

Were you watching them? Yoongi starts to wonder since he sees you vibing with Harry and your other guests whenever he catches glances at you in the crowd. He cannot tell by your tone if you are just being friendly, casual, or just teasing. But the way you were looking at him got his throat running dry, making him gulp hard.

Before he could figure out what to say next, a voice piped up from one of the small circles near the entryway.

"Oh my gosh, look up!"

Your eyes widened. Yoongi frowned. Right above you, it's one of the few mistletoes in the place. The small circle cheered, getting more attention to their direction.

One of your dancers urged, "You have to kiss now!"

"Ugh, seriously? Do we really have to do this?" you tried to play it off, acting dramatically.

But Yoongi can feel the tension growing in the small space between you, making everything more awkward. All while your concert staff enjoy how you are both caught off guard, knowing your childish and petty relationship behind the scenes.

"It's a tradition!" someone sing-songed.

Yoongi rubbed the back of his neck, "But it's just a plant."

"It is!" you laughing awkwardly.

It felt like high school— or even middle school. Like they were stuck in a game of truth or dare. The cheers for them got louder and clearer. Yoongi only looks at you, trying to read your thoughts. But you were exchanging jokes with the small audience.

“Wow, you guys are really committed to this tradition, huh?” you let out a breathy laugh.

In all honesty, Yoongi would not mind kissing you. Will it be awkward? Yeah, probably. But you both know that the easiest way to end this scenario is to just get over it. A quick kiss, then move on! It's not like everyone will make a big deal out of it.

But why? Why is it so hard?

You took in a slow inhale as you looked at your bassist standing in front of you. How can he still have the same blank expression on his face while you were shitting bricks, trying not to make the atmosphere awkward? You swallowed. Hard. You wondered where's the liquid courage when you need it. Kissing is never a problem with you. Hell, you were the one who suggested putting mistletoes everywhere tonight, unprepared that you are your own victim.

Yoongi's lips parted when you took a step closer to him. So close that he can smell the same sweet vanilla scent he sensed when you gave him a quick hug earlier after the show. He cannot help but study your features as you stand this close to him.

"Let's just do it?" your glossy lips whispered.

"Okay." He replied, almost breathless.

When he unexpectedly yet gently held your waist, you unconsciously held your breath like his soft touch burns your skin. You can still feel the tightness in your chest when his lips brushed against yours, like a feather. It would have been meaningless if one pulled away as soon as your lips touched. But for a half second, no one moved. You felt like leaning it when you felt his slight squeeze on your waist. But before anything could happen, it was over.

Brief and light.

Everyone cheered as you went along in this stupid holiday tradition. Yet the noise was all drawn out in the background as you and Yoongi slowly pulled away from each other.

In that quick second, you swore you felt his warm breath as he pulled away. You blinked, but still, stared back at him. Your heart was beating too fast, you didn't like it.

Yoongi didn't like that when he pulled away, he could not think of anything to say. It was like his brain into a factory reset, resetting everything he knew. He remembered you singing this close to him during one of your shows, thinking you looked like an angel. He still thinks the same thing.

After getting your souls back on the ground, Yoongi let go of your waist and you took a step back. Everyone is still having their reaction. Someone even whistled, making you turn back to the crowd. You forced a laugh.

"Satisfied?" you played it off with the crowd.

Yoongi's jaw clenched as he turned around leaving the entryway, ignoring the warmth that was still lingering on his lips. The image of your face close to his cannot get out of his head. He walked straight to the bar to get another drink.

You, on the other hand, ran back to the restroom. Looking back on yourself in the mirror, your fingers slowly touched your lips as you felt like they had been tingling ever since Yoongi pulled away. Realization sets in as your bite your lower lip.

Fuck, you wanted more.

For the rest of the night, you and Yoongi got some unspoken agreement to not stand within a six-foot distance between them. Yoongi found more comfort, sitting next to Bea, who raised a brow, when he came back to their booth after the kiss. He simply shook his head with that. She took it that he didn't want to talk about it.

"So are you guys playing tonight?" she asked him.

"I don't know, really," Yoongi replied, resting his arm behind her seat.

"I mean, it would be really cool to see you play at this party." she drew circles on the rim of her cocktail's glass before playfully tilting her head to him. "You know, just throwing the idea out there... Only if there are instruments laying around at this par— Oh, wait. There it is!"

Yoongi laughed at her feigned yet coy innocence as she tried to convince them to play. He scanned the room, looking for the instruments Bea was referring to. Instead, he catches you looking at him before quickly turning your back. Something in his stomach flipped before he finally found what he was looking for.

"You alright, angel?"

As soon as you turned your back to your bassist, Harry, who had his hand on the small of your back, asked. You looked up, putting on a smile before nodding. Ever since he said about your nose flaring when you lie, you try to be careful about not saying the truth around him. He smiled, pinching your nose.

"Looks like that kiss did something to you." he leaned into your ear as he teased you.

You moved away, glaring at him, "It's just a mistletoe kiss. Nothing too special about it, H."

"Okay, okay, if you insist." he chuckled.

You rolled your eyes, "I feel like you're trying to push an agenda here and I am just gonna ignore that."

Feeling your face warming up, you walked away to distract yourself with something else. It's nothing! You repeated in your head as if to remind yourself. Yoongi seemed to thought the same thing since you saw him getting comfortable with the same girl he's been talking to ever since you arrived.

There is a tightness in your chest. You had to stop one of the waiters who was going around with shots of espresso martini. You took one and immediately let it slid down your throat before returning the glass to the same guy.

Out of the blue, you hear a familiar beat of the drum playing along your song that was playing in the background. The small crowd in the dancefloor started cheering. Turning around, you see your live band on the small stage back in their element. The lights were dim, but you can see your bassist pushing his hair back, which somehow made your throat dry.

"I think we need a vocalist." Noah spoke on the mic.

Your eyes widened, you know he sees you with your shimmering gold dress. And the spotlight that landed on you didn't help for you to hide in the corner of the room. Shaking your hands to your sides, you exhaled before walking up to the stage. The last thing you want now is to stand next to your bassist, especially when you're confused and having a meltdown in your head. But your forever motto plays in your head, fake it 'til you make it.

The band continue playing along with the song that was already playing in the background. You took a sip from a bottle of water Cal handed you before catching up on the song. Shaking it off, you put on your usual popstar persona. The one who's confident, spontaneous, and maybe a little annoying to your bassist.

An idea pops in your head, making you signal to the band to repeat the song from the start. They followed, same with the DJ who turned down the music. Noah began counting and Yoongi almost crashed out in his head when he felt you standing close to him.

Unexpectedly, you lifted his chin, making him look at you. You silently hoped he is under the same spell as you are, not knowing that your touch burns his skin. Looking straight to his eyes, you sung,

"Oh, I leave quite an impression..."

The moment you saw a hint of something familiar in his gaze, you tried to bit off a victory smirk, letting go of him and turning to the crowd. A spur of energy grew quickly in you, knowing that you're not the only one struggling here.

The crowd sings along throughout the whole song. Yoongi was quite relieved that you didn't try to pull something on him again. He knew you got him earlier in the song, hence why you are suddenly more confident now, dancing on stage. Your hips swayed along with the beats and he finds himself almost getting out of tune, distracted. He played it off, adding a cool riff in your song, which made you turn to him.

"Show off." you scoffed in the mic, making the crowd laugh.

"Every time you close your eyes, And feel his lips, you're feelin' mine..."

That gave you another reason to annoy him. Yoongi felt you resting on his sides like he was a wall. You slowly slid down as you sang the bridge before getting up to let the crown scream the line,

"Yeah, I know I've been known to share!"

Yoongi tried to stay as far as possible from you after that performance. Harry sang too after you called him on stage, which didn't really distract Yoongi as they played the song your ex wrote about you. Only Angel. What a fitting title? He thought.

After that, they played a couple more songs before getting back to their booth. He was so ready to get back to the hotel, but he didn't to leave Bea alone, who he enjoyed talking with tonight. She just finished her fourth glass of the night when she noticed the time on her watch.

"Oh, it's almost midnight." She murmured as the corners of her lips dropped.

"And? Are you Cinderella?" Yoongi quipped.

Her eyes narrowed behind her glasses, "Well, yeah. Fairy Godmother will take away this thick ribbed-knit sweater once I don't show up in Central Park on time."

They laughed. She continued, "I have a flight to catch tomorrow morning. Need to be home before Christmas."

Bea began saying goodbye to everyone. Yoongi said he'll go back to the hotel too, and got a knowing look from his bandmates. He rolled his eyes, lifting his middle finger at them, which made them laugh. The party is dying down anyway. Yoongi saw you saying goodbye to Harry before he left after he performed on stage. Then, he didn't catch sight of you again.

"How about you? Going back to LA for the holidays?" Bea asked as they walked out of the private lounge.

Yoongi clicked his tongue, "I don't know. I have no plans yet."

They stopped on the pavement. The paparazzi are long gone, it's just them and the distant noise of the city.

"Maybe you can come to Seattle with me? Want to meet my parents?" she joked. "But seriously, I enjoyed talking with you, Yoongi."

He smiled, feeling a warmth on his chest, "Me too, Bea."

As if on cue, a yellow cab stopped in front of them. Bea looked at him before getting on her tiptoes to give his cheek a soft peck.

"Contact me. Let's see each other again once we're in the same place again. Okay?" she smiled, hopeful.

He nods at her with a small smile before she gets in the cab, waving at her before the car drives away. For a few seconds, Yoongi stood there alone. He looked down, remembering the last time he went on a date. As an image of Sara came up in his mind, he shook it off while walking away.

Yoongi did not mind walking from the party to the hotel. It was a twenty-minute stroll. He needed it with so many thoughts in his head to organize. His dating game, the mistletoe, Bea, your gold mini-dress that exposed your back, his plans for Christmas, your face when you pulled away, his house back in LA... the kiss.

What the fuck.

He paused just right before the hotel everyone in your staff is staying at. You kept on reeling back in his head, he did not even notice it. Suddenly, he's recalling your scent and the softness of your lips on his. It lingers. He sighed, running his fingers through his hair. Then, he remembered your own fingers running through his jet-black hair when he was asked to show up during your Bed Chem performance. Your gaze under the red lights. His Adam's apple bobbed as he thought about it.

As he walked into the hotel elevator, Yoongi thought of hopping into a quick shower before sleeping tonight. Maybe it will clear up some of his thoughts. Just when the door began closing, he heard a scream from a distance.

"Please hold it!"

Yoongi, although distracted, followed. He held out his hand between the doors, slowly opening it up again. That's when you showed up, chest heaving, still wearing the same dress Yoongi was thinking about. He squeezed his eyes closed as he turned his head down. The amount of curses he let out in his head.

"Thank you." you tried to say it softly, but you were breathless from running. You push the button to your floor and you notice that he still hasn't clicked his. "What floor?"

"Hmm?"

You turn around and catch him staring at you in a way you've never seen before. You felt your stomach twist. Your eyes moved down to his lips. He was biting too hard, turning the skin red. You watched as he inhaled, lifting his shoulders like he was trying to stay still.

"Same as yours. Twenty-nine," he mumbled.

His voice was too deep, your voice ran dry. You nodded, standing back next to him. Silence hummed for the first few seconds as the door closed. You didn't know that this tension joined you two in this elevator, making the atmosphere heavy and honestly, a little warm. You felt it again. Your lips. They're tingling again.

You can feel that he feels the same way. Your heart starts to beat too fast when you look at him again, still biting down his lip. Hard. Maybe talking would help.

"So, what happened—"

You were not even done with your question about Bea when Yoongi moved forward, crashing his lips on yours. It felt urgent. And hot. Like he was thinking about it for a while now. It was like you broke him.

Your gasp barely made it out of your lips when he swallowed it. He got his one hand on your cheek, while the other was squeezing your waist. His fingers held you down as you squirmed too much.

You don't really have much thought except him. His scent. His lips. His hair. Oh my god, his hair. You ran your fingers on it, tugging on it as you felt the temperature rising in your body. He groaned before pressing you on the elevator wall. You tilted your head, deepening the kiss, while your hands explored each others' bodies. Desperation and hunger reeks from the way you two taste each other's tongues.

Wanting to hear him again, you bit on his lower lip. He groaned lowly, feeling the vibration in your chest. You smiled into the kiss. Suddenly, you felt both of his hands on your waist. You instinctively wrapped your arms around his neck, feeling the kiss getting gentler.

Your chests were heaving as he pulled away, resting his forehead above yours. You unconsciously licked your lips after seeing how his got redder and glossier due to your own. You noticed his Adam's apple moved up and down, making you meet his eyes.

Ding!

Your heads snapped to the side when the elevator door opened. Yoongi's hands clenched when you slowly stepped back, exiting the elevator wordlessly. He followed behind you while still tasting the strawberry taste of your lipgloss.

Your rooms were right before each other's. Turning your back, you didn't say anything as you opened the door. He didn't either and faced his door, but didn't reached for the key card. The moment he heard your door closed, he turned around.

Fuck it.

Determined, he knocked on your wooden door. And almost in an instant, it opened with you pulling him inside.

note | thank u for @momma1 for commenting this song months ago! 🩷 please consider as the conclusion for the first leg of this tour. the next drabbles will be set after their "tour break". lmk what u think of this one?

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[shanastoryteller]

Hi shana! Hope you have a great day!

Bit of a strange question ... So, the recent ao3 maintenance had me read through your mdzs fics again (I love lynchpin so much!) and it had me notice something: there are quite a few redemption fics for pretty much any chara out there, except for jin zixun. And tbh, I wouldn't even know how to start writing one for him, but I thought, shana's a really good author, maybe she would have an idea?

Obviously not asking for a fic, more like, if someone challenged you to write it, how would you go about it?

weeellllllllll

i don't think jin zixun really needs to be redeemed

what's he guilty of, really? he's an asshole, sure, but he's not evil. he doesn't betray anyone. he doesn't scheme. he doesn't lie. he's just a chess piece, manipulated and used and ultimately discarded. he hates wei wuxian because he's rude to jin zixuan, because the rumors of his relationship with jiang yanli sully jin zixuan's reputation in turn. hating wei wuxian doesn't make him evil. in both lynchpin and become tomorrow i try and write him as a jerk, but not a bad guy

however if we were to make him likeable, when it comes to tweaking characters enough to polish them up without making them unrecognizable, you gotta ask yourself three questions

what is his best quality?

what's his worst quality?

how can his best quality be used to soften his worst quality?

i'd say his best quality is his loyalty and his worst is his gullibility. you should also look at the inverse of this - his worst quality is his loyalty because it leads to him doing stupid shit and acting like an asshole when it's not necessary, and his best quality is his gullibility because phrased another way, he's unthinkingly trusting of certain people.

so you'd take the person he's loyal to - jin zixuan - and make him a good sympathetic character. you'd give jin zixun's overprotectiveness a reasoning - such as jin zixuan feeling constrained by the expectations of his station and father's reputation keeping him from acting as freely as he'd wish - and you'd use this to soften his gullibility by having him trust jin zixuan completely

looked at like this, jin zixun's foil is wei wuxian. he acts for jin zixuan as wei wuxian acts for jiang yanli, with similar reasoning, and similarly potentially disastrous results. we find wei wuxian good and compelling and sympathetic. why not jin zixun?

often i think the best thing to do is not necessarily adding or subtracting to a character, but taking the traits they already have and shifting them just enough to show a different angle, like holding a prism up to the window to make a rainbow. there's something good in there already. you just gotta look at it the right way

[thewitchblue]

"Stop stealing my shit."

Jason said as he yanks his favourite hoodie from Dick's hands. Everybody comes by his apartment and steals something for the road. He had assumed this sibling habit would stop when he moved out, but apparently, that is not the case.

Dick, undeterred, continued to riffle through his closet. The apartment looked too lively in the past couple of months. It looked like people actually live here and not Jason's usual barren home. Dick held up one of your plushies and examined it. Jason said aggressively,

"That's not even mine! Put it back!"

Dick huffed. Jason used to have a stuffed animal that he dragged everywhere back in his early Robin days, so Dick could totally believe Jason having a plushie collection in secret.

"I knew my little birdie is still in there."

Dick smiled as he held the plushie. It was a fluffy polar bear that looked like it was used regularly. The image of Jason holding a small bear to fall asleep with was too cute for Dick not to feel the familiar joy little Jason used to bring him. His baby brother is still his baby brother! Underneath all that rage, Jason is still the 12 year old kid who wants love.

"Honey, I'm hooooome!"

Dick heard a voice call out dramatically like a 1950s sitcom. You were putting away your coat and humming softly when Tim casually climbed into your house through your living room window. He stood awkwardly for a moment, unsure how to proceed after climbing through the window and spotting you. This is an awkward way to meet his brother's significant other. You screeched when you noticed him and smashed a lamp on his head. He cursed his silent footsteps as he stumbled back. Five seconds ago, you were humming Singing in The Rain, and now you have an injured vigilante on your doorstep.

"You alright, munchkin?"

Jason called out as he managed to finally take the bear from Dick's grubby little hands. The white fur wasn't covered in Gotham's dirt, thankfully, but now he was angry.

You were quiet for a suspicious amount of time, so he couldn't fight Dick the way he wanted to. He went to the living room to find you cleaning up shards of glass while Tim awkwardly plucked out shards from his hair. His head hurt, but he didn't complain, and you didn't apologise.

Neither brother knew what to do around you. Dick wants answers. He will get to the bottom of this.

"How long have you been together?

Dick asked when he got over the initial shock. He needed to know everything. Tim is the one to answer,

"Four years, yes, they know about Red Hood, they've lived together for a few months now and recently got engaged."

You nodded to confirm everything while throwing away the glass. It was weird that Tim knew everything about your relationship, but you didn't really care in the moment. You sighed and lay on the couch after putting away the broom and dustpan. You need a nap, not guests.

Dick was hung up on the word engaged. It's one thing to keep a secret partner, but a secret fiancée hurts his big brother ego. Was Jason going to get married before he ever met you? Dick was frustrated. He asked,

"What was the plan? To never show us your partner?"

You lazily took Jason's hand in yours. You remained in your comfortable position on the couch, but you wanted to show your silent support. You were willing to do whatever makes Jason comfortable.

Jason lightly squeezed your hand in gratitude. He knew they would adore you and steal your attention at every possible chance. Why would he tell them about you? They would all be insufferable. He said flatly,

"It wasn't a secret. Replacement found out about it."

Dick was still mad, but now he turned to Tim with a look of betrayal. He just remembered that Tim was the one to answer his earlier question. He asked Tim,

"You never thought to tell me?"

Tim shrugged and replied,

"It was good blackmail in the beginning."

You laughed despite the tension growing in the room. Tim found out within the third week of your relationship. Master detective indeed.

He knew something was different. Jason wasn't as aggressive nor as self-destructive. He started to pull his punches in their spars, and he stopped bullying everybody. He either had six months left to live and wanted to make amends, or there was something or someone in his life fixing him.

Dick didn't like that excuse, but it made sense to Tim. Why wouldn't he blackmail Jason? He has dirt on everyone, even Bruce. Jason was livid at the time, but Tim held him back by threatening to leak the relationship to the press.

Jason sat on the armrest of the couch you were lying on and kissed the back of your hand gently. He wouldn't care if people knew now, but he admittedly wanted to selfishly keep you to himself. Jason asked,

"Why does it matter?"

Dick was malfunctioning. Why does it matter? How does it not matter? These are huge steps in life, and he missed them? He was going to miss his little brother's wedding! What's next? Adopting kids from Crime Alley? Dick was speechless.

Jason just wants them out of his house. He always hates when they show up randomly, but it's even worse now that he has someone waiting for him at home. You had clashing schedules up until now, so it wasn't a huge problem with their random visits because he could always physically shove them out the door before you arrived home. Now that you switched shifts, you can spend a lot more quality time with him, but at the cost of his family popping in and snooping like they are right now.

You and Tim were watching from the sidelines with intrigue. If there was popcorn, you both would have a bowl. Normally, this is around the time Jason punched Dick and started a fight, but this time, Jason simply dragged Dick and the previously forgotten Tim by their shirts and stuffed them out of the window. He quickly locked the window and closed the curtains while giving them the middle finger.

You walked over to him when you noticed his irritation not leaving and wrapped him in a hug. He needs something to de-stress, and you often use sensory stimulus to keep him in the presence. You murmured softly,

"Sugar bear, it's okay."

Jason nodded. He wanted your gentle touch, but he needed to search the apartment for any stolen property. What if Dick stole your favourite plushie or Tim stole his combat knife? They are stealthy in what they steal, which is why he kept everything barren in the first place. If they can get away with it, they will do it.

Your hands run along his arms. Jason relaxed into your touch. How do you do that? What magic do you have that can calm him so efficiently? You make his loud mind silent.

"If he stole one of your plushies, I'm going to kill them both."

He said gruffly. You laughed and gently ran your fingers through his hair. You shouldn't be surprised by the clear irritation, but it really highlights the effects his family still has on him. The way he tensed when he saw Tim and you, the way he squeezed your hand a tad tighter than normal, and the way his breathing changed to calm a raising panic attack just like you taught him. You lightly kissed his shoulder before saying,

"He probably stole my Nightwing plush. I have the whole family set, you know."

Jason knows for a fact Dick would steal a Nightwing plushie if he found one in Jason's home. He can already see it in Dick's apartment. It would probably be next to his bed as a trophy, teasing Jason and daring him to try to reclaim it.

He casually reached for one of his guns and loaded it. You lightly hit his arm and scolded,

"I can always buy a new plushie. You can't buy a new brother."

Jason raised an eyebrow. He definitely could buy a new brother. He could bring Bruce an orphan and his baby fever would take over. What's Bruce going to do if Jason shows up with a baby who was recently orphaned? Adopt them, of course.

"You underestimate Bruce's baby fever. He would adopt the whole orphanage if he could fit them all in the manor."

You shook your head with amusement in your eyes. You pointed out,

"You would become the eldest if he was killed. All your brothers would go to you for advice on life experiences."

Jason sighed and put the gun away. Fine. You win this round. He doesn't want to deal with his family any more than he has to anyway. He pulled you into a calming kiss. It soothed his aggression instantaneously. He practically melts into your arms. He is excited to spend his life with you.

Your beautiful boyfriend may be rough around the edges, but you love the chips and scratches.

[arc-misadventures]

Son-in-law Bonding

Jaune: So... Red Hood...?

Red Hood: Athena is just fine, Love.

Jaune: So, Athena... Why... Why did you invite me out here?

Athena: Why? Well, because I wanted to test your blade.

Jaune: My blade? You were testing my potential as a Huntsmen?

Athena: Yeah. Pyrrha is a hell of a Huntress-in-training, she'll probably become more famous than myself when she become a full blown, Huntress.

Athena: I've had lots of people both after myself, and my daughter, trying to use our fame, or the power of our family supposedly has. I've started filtering out all the trash to keep their slimy little hands off of myself, and my daughter.

Jaune: Oh, thank you.

Athena: 'THank you?' For what?

Jaune: For looking after, Pyrrha such as you did.

Athena: Oh... Well, I just love my family... After losing my sister, and her husband, Pyrrha is all that I have left... So I'm going to do whatever I can to protect her.

Jaune: I understand, if someone hurt my family... Well as the saying goes: 'Demons run when a good man goes to war.'

Athena: I have certainly made my fair shar of demons run. IT's quite fun watching them run! Several of the poor bastards pissed themselves when I went after them~!

Jaune: Pfft! Now that must have been a sight to see.

Athena: Yeah after I threw one out of my house... from the second story window. They finally back off. Mostly. None of those bastards are worth me, or my daughter.

Jaune: And, what about me; Am I worth anything?

Athena: ...

Athena: When my daughter first mentioned you, I thought you were another sweet talker trying to steal my girl away from me. But, you never even knew who she was when you two first met. And, even after you got to know her you just treated her as your friend. And, when you started dating you were more concerned about her well being instead of your own. I always hopped she would find a friend like you, even more so now since she found a lover like you. You're worth your weight in gold, Jaune. I am honoured, and proud to have my daughter date a man such as yourself.

Jaune: O-Oh... Thank you... That means a lot to hear. Thank you, Athena.

Athena: My pleasure love.

Jaune: But, how am I as a Huntsman?

Athena: Well, Pyrrha told me how you cheated your way into, Beacon Academy.

Jaune: Ahh yeah... that happened...

Athena: Pretty ballsy of you kid. I admire that! You are still a bit green, but I can see you become one hell of a, Huntsman one day!

Jaune: Oh, thank you, Athena! That mean's a lot to hear from my childhood hero

Athena: I'll happily give you some training if your interested?

Jaune: I would love that!

Athena: Alright! Now it's time for some fun!

Jaune: F-Fun?

Athena: Yeah, you think me testing your skills as a Huntsman-in-training was the only reason why I asked you out here?

Jaune: Well... Yeah?

Athena: Well you're wrong! I asked you out here, because I wanted to test you out. Only this time without, Pyrrha around.

Jaune: Another training bout?

Athena: Something like that...

'Click.'

Jaune: Uhh... what are you...?!

'Boing~!'

Jaune: ...?!

Athena: Alright, Jaune ready for me to test out your 'blade~?'

Jaune: ...

Jaune: Aura don't fail me now.

Athena: Haha~!

Athena: Bring it on, Love~!

///

Here's another one, @lar-mx

Question: I'm callings this pairing of, Red Hood, and Jaune: Yellowhood. Does that sound good?

Link to Art

[luvfae]

CLEAN, PT 2

summary: after rehab, you reunite with thanos, sharing love, passion, and a fresh start together.

parings: thanos/choi su-bong x f!reader

warnings: mention of addiction, swearing, smut, oral (both receiving), fingering, handjob, unprotected sex (don’t be an idiot), p in v.

part 1

Three months ago, Thanos had dragged you—kicking, screaming, and cursing his name—into the same rehab facility where he had gotten clean.

Today, you were walking out.

With no family to pick you up (Thanos didn’t even know if you had any who cared), he was the one waiting.

Three excruciating months apart. He spent every day wondering if you hated him, if you were okay. But no calls from the facility meant you weren’t doing too bad. Meanwhile, you had spent those months drowning in withdrawal, fighting everyone who tried to help, refusing therapy—until eventually, you gave in. And for the first time in years, you felt normal. You started to remember the girl you used to be before the drugs took her away.

Then came the shame. The time lost. You should’ve graduated from art school by now, but instead, addiction had dictated your life. You regretted cutting off your family, pushing away friends until you had none left. You regretted how you had treated Thanos when all he ever did was try to save you.

And now, standing at the door, your hands trembled. Would anyone even be waiting for you?

Then—

“Y/N.”

You blinked.

Thanos.

You didn’t think. You just ran.

Throwing yourself at him, you hugged him so tightly it knocked the wind out of him. He didn’t hesitate to wrap his arms around you.

“Thank you,” you whispered, voice shaking. You pulled back slightly to look at him. “Thank you so much.”

“Don’t thank me,” he murmured, brushing away your tears.

“I didn’t deserve your help,” you admitted, pulling away completely. He caught your hands, grounding you. “I was so awful to you. I’m so, so sorry.”

“I know what it’s like to be an addict,” he replied. “Everyone deserves help.”

Sniffing, you wiped your eyes as he led you to his car.

It was strange. You had known Thanos for nine months, lived with him, had sex with him, and yet… you didn’t really know him. Your brain had been so fried on drugs you barely retained any information.

And Thanos was the same. He had taken care of you, paid for your rehab, seen you at your lowest, and yet he didn’t know who you were.

Maybe it was time to change that.

The car ride was quiet at first. You were still getting used to the feeling of sobriety, of being aware. But as the city passed by through the windows, you glanced at Thanos.

“I used to paint,” you blurted out.

He looked at you. “Yeah?”

You nodded. “Before everything… I loved painting. I was good at it, too. I was supposed to graduate art school a few years ago. Art was my dream.”

Silence settled for a moment before you continued. “I had a good life. A good family. My parents weren’t perfect, but they cared. I had a future. And then I got caught up with the wrong people.” You swallowed. “I let it ruin me.”

Thanos tightened his grip on the wheel. “It’s not too late.”

You let out a small, breathy laugh. “You sound like my therapist.”

“Well, your therapist is right,” he said, glancing at you. “You’re clean now. You can start again.”

You didn’t reply, just watched the city blur past.

“What about you?” you asked. “How did you get into rapping?”

Thanos smirked slightly. “It was either rap or go to jail.”

Your brows furrowed, but you stayed quiet, waiting for him to explain.

“I was a street kid,” he said. “Grew up bouncing between different family members. No real home. I got into some bad shit—gangs, drugs, fights. Ended up locked up a few times as a teenager. But music…” He sighed, tapping his fingers against the wheel. “Music was my way out. I started writing lyrics in juvie. Got out, kept at it, got lucky. Somehow, I made it big.”

You stared at him, realizing this was the first real conversation you’d ever had. “Do you love it?”

Thanos was quiet for a beat. “Yeah. I do.”

You smiled softly. “I’d like to hear your songs sometime. Really hear them. Not just in the background while I’m high out of my mind.”

His lips quirked up. “I’d like that too.”

And for the first time in a long time, you both felt like you were finally getting to know each other.

Thanos had loved you before—loved you in your worst moments, through the chaos, the anger, the addiction. But this version of you? The version that was bright-eyed, passionate, full of life again? He loved this version even more.

As he stole glances at you in the passenger seat, he really saw you for the first time. Your cheeks had filled out, your skin looked healthier, your eyes were wide and alert instead of hazy and half-lidded. And that smile—soft, genuine, real.

You were beautiful.

He pulled into the driveway, and you blinked, tilting your head.

“This isn’t the place I remember,” you said, glancing up at the massive mansion in front of you.

Thanos shrugged. “Bought a new house while you were gone.” He put the car in park and looked over at you. “Wanted to leave the bad memories behind and make good ones here instead.”

You let out a small laugh. “House? More like a mansion.”

Thanos smirked, pushing open his door. “Being rich and famous has its perks.”

You stepped out after him, following him inside. The space was opulent—high ceilings, sleek furniture, stunning artwork lining the walls. You turned in slow circles, taking it all in.

“I’ll donate them to charity,” Thanos said.

You glanced at him, confused. “What?”

“The paintings,” he clarified. “I’d rather have your art on my walls.”

Your cheeks burned, and you ducked your head, kicking at the floor. “I haven’t picked up a paintbrush in years,” you admitted. “Not sure I even can anymore.”

Thanos smiled. “I bet you can.”

Before you could argue, he took your hand and led you up the grand staircase, past a few closed doors, before stopping in front of one. He pushed it open, revealing a bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the entire city.

“This is your room,” he said simply.

You stepped inside, breath catching. It was beautiful. Warm-toned, cozy, welcoming. He walked over to the closet and pulled open the doors, revealing racks of neatly hung designer clothes, tags still on them.

“I even got you a new wardrobe,” he added.

You stared at the clothes, shaking your head. “Thanos, this is too much,” you whispered. “After everything I put you through… You shouldn’t have to take care of me anymore.”

He turned to you, gaze steady. “I want to.”

His words sat heavy between you. No hesitation, no doubt.

For the first time in a long time, you felt happy.

Real, genuine happiness. The kind that made your stomach flip and your heart race.

Or maybe it wasn’t just happiness. Maybe it was something deeper, something terrifying in its intensity.

You stared at him, eyes brimming with tears. “Thank you.” Your voice was barely a whisper, afraid that if you spoke any louder, the moment would shatter.

Thanos met your gaze, unwavering. “You’re welcome.”

You stepped forward hesitantly. “I don’t remember a lot from when I was using,” you admitted. “But I remember you.”

His brows lifted slightly. “What do you remember?”

You swallowed hard. “I remember you force-feeding me when I refused to eat. Flushing my stash down the toilet. I remember screaming in your face, kicking holes in your walls.” A tear slipped down your cheek, but you kept going. “I remember sleeping with strangers, with your friends—right after you told me you loved me.” Your voice cracked. “I was horrible to you. But that wasn’t the real me. I swear.”

Thanos nodded, watching you carefully. “I know,” he said simply. “But there were good times too, right? You remember those?”

You did.

You remembered the way he’d tuck you in at night, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. The way he’d run a bath for you after you got sick all over yourself, holding you steady as he cleaned you up. The way he kissed you like he was willing to set the world on fire for you. The way he touched you, loved you, even when you were too far gone to truly feel it.

“I remember how you made me feel,” you whispered, stepping closer.

His lips parted, his breath hitching as your fingers traced up his chest.

“I remember your hands,” you murmured, voice turning sultry. “Your mouth. Your tongue. Your fingers.” Your hand slid lower, brushing over the hardening bulge in his jeans. “Your cock inside me.”

Thanos inhaled sharply as you pushed your palms against his chest.

You had spent weeks thinking about this—about fucking him sober. About feeling everything for the first time.

“You made me feel so good,” you purred. “So fucking good, Thanos.”

A muscle in his jaw twitched. “My real name is Su-bong,” he muttered, his voice hoarse.

You smirked. “Well—Su-bong…” Your eyes darkened with intent. “Let me make it up to you. Let me show you how good I can be.”

That was all it took.

His lips crashed against yours, hungry and demanding, his hands gripping your waist as he backed you toward the bed. You gasped as the backs of your knees hit the mattress, and he wasted no time pushing you onto your back, peeling his shirt off in one swift motion and tossing it to the floor.

You sat up slightly, dragging your fingertips down his toned abdomen, your mouth practically watering at the sight of him.

He was already hard for you.

And this time, you were completely, devastatingly sober.

You dragged your nails down his chest, feeling the way his muscles tensed beneath your touch. His skin was warm, firm—real. For the first time, you were feeling him, not just through a hazy drug-fueled blur, but with a clarity that sent a shiver down your spine.

Thanos—Su-bong—looked down at you with dark, hooded eyes, his lips parted slightly as he took you in. “You’re teasing me,” he murmured, voice thick with desire.

You smirked, trailing your fingers lower, letting them ghost over the waistband of his jeans. “Maybe,” you mused. “I owe you, don’t I?”

His hands slid up your sides, rough palms skimming the soft fabric of the shirt he had given you months ago—the same one you had walked out of rehab in. Slowly, he peeled it up and over your head, letting it drop to the floor.

His gaze roamed over you, drinking in every inch of exposed skin, every little mark and scar. You weren’t the frail, hollow version of yourself anymore. You were whole.

“You’re beautiful,” he muttered, his fingers trailing over your ribs, then up to cup your breasts, thumbs brushing over your nipples. You let out a soft gasp, arching into his touch.

His mouth found your throat, lips pressing firm, open-mouthed kisses along the column of your neck. He sucked lightly at your pulse, dragging his teeth over the sensitive skin, making you shudder.

“Su-bong,” you breathed, threading your fingers through his hair.

He groaned at the way you said his name, his hands sliding down your body, squeezing at your waist, your hips, like he was memorizing the shape of you.

You tugged at the waistband of his jeans, undoing the button and pulling the zipper down, your fingers slipping inside to brush against the hard length beneath his boxers. He let out a sharp exhale, hips jerking forward slightly at your touch.

“Fuck,” he hissed, his forehead dropping against yours. “You really want this?”

You wrapped your fingers around him, squeezing just enough to make him curse under his breath. “More than anything,” you whispered.

His lips crashed against yours again, hungrier this time, his hands gripping your thighs as he pushed you back onto the bed, positioning himself between your legs. You gasped as he kissed his way down your body, his mouth hot and insistent against your skin.

When he reached the waistband of your jeans, he hooked his fingers into them, glancing up at you for permission.

You lifted your hips in response, breath hitching as he dragged them down, taking your panties with them, exposing you completely to him.

His eyes darkened, his tongue swiping over his bottom lip. “Fuck, baby,” he muttered, his voice thick with lust.

Then, without hesitation, he leaned down and devoured you.

His tongue flicked against your clit, slow and teasing, sending a jolt of pleasure through your core. Your fingers twisted into his hair, hips jerking instinctively, but he pinned you down with a firm grip on your thighs.

“You’re so fucking wet,” he groaned against you, his breath hot, his voice thick with hunger. “Missed this pussy so much.”

A whimper slipped from your lips as he flattened his tongue and licked a long, slow stripe up your slit before sucking your clit into his mouth. Your back arched, thighs trembling, but just as the pleasure built, just as you felt yourself spiraling, you pushed at his shoulders.

Thanos pulled back, his mouth glistening, brows furrowing in confusion. “What?”

You took a shaky breath, trying to clear the haze of pleasure from your mind. “This is about you, not me,” you murmured, pushing yourself up on your elbows. “I’m paying you back.”

A slow, wicked grin spread across his face. “If it’s about me, then I should get to do what I want,” he countered, voice low, dangerous. “And what I want to do is fucking taste you.”

“Jesus Christ,” you breathed, heat surging through your body.

Before you could protest further, he dove back in, his tongue circling your clit while two fingers slid inside you, curling just right. A strangled moan tore from your throat, your hips bucking as he worked you open, relentless and precise.

It didn’t take long—he knew exactly how to unravel you, exactly how to have you gripping his hair and gasping his name. Your orgasm hit fast and hard, your body shaking as he held you down, licking you through every wave until you were panting, overstimulated.

Only then did he pull away, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, looking so fucking smug.

“Fuck,” you muttered, still catching your breath. “I forgot how good you were at that. Feels even better sober.”

His smirk widened. “Unforgettable, baby.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t fight the smile tugging at your lips. Pushing him onto his back, you straddled his hips, hands sliding up his chest, fingers teasing over his nipples before raking down his abs.

“My turn,” you whispered.

You kissed down his body, taking your time, nipping at his collarbones, sucking marks into his skin just to watch him tense beneath you. When you reached the waistband of his jeans, you tugged them down, freeing his cock, your mouth practically watering at the sight of him—thick, hard, already leaking.

You wrapped your fingers around him, stroking slow, teasing. His breath hitched, his head tipping back against the pillows.

“Fuck,” he groaned, his fingers curling into the sheets. “You gonna take care of me, baby?”

You leaned down, pressing a kiss to his tip, then dragged your tongue along his length, watching the way his stomach tensed beneath you.

“Of course,” you murmured, voice dripping with promise.

And then you took him into your mouth, hollowing your cheeks as he let out a deep, guttural moan, his hands flying to your hair.

Your tongue worked him slowly, dragging along every inch of his length, teasing just to hear him groan. You hollowed your cheeks, taking him deeper, letting him hit the back of your throat, moaning around him just to feel the way he twitched in your mouth.

“Shit, baby,” Thanos growled, his fingers tightening in your hair. “Missed your mouth—so perfect, so fucking good for me.”

The praise only made you more eager. You bobbed your head, stroking the rest of him with your hand, slick and messy, making sure to keep your eyes on him. His chest rose and fell rapidly, his jaw clenched, his muscles tense as he fought to keep control.

But you didn’t want him to be in control.

You pulled off him with a lewd pop, kissing up his abs as you moved to straddle his waist. His cock was hard, flushed, throbbing against your soaked folds as you rubbed against him, teasing both of you.

“Hey,” he hissed, gripping your hips. “Quit teasing.”

You smirked, leaning down to kiss him, slow and deep, your fingers threading into his hair. “You always take care of me,” you whispered against his lips. “Let me take care of you now.”

Without breaking eye contact, you reached down, guiding him to your entrance before sinking down onto him in one slow, delicious slide. Both of you gasped at the sensation, your walls stretching around him, molding to him perfectly like you were made for this.

“Jesus,” Thanos groaned, his head tipping back, fingers digging into your hips as he tried not to lose himself completely.

“You feel so good,” you breathed, placing your hands on his chest, rolling your hips slowly, savoring the way he filled you so perfectly. “So fucking good, Su-bong.”

His eyes snapped open at the sound of his real name on your lips, dark and wild with lust. He sat up suddenly, wrapping an arm around your waist, his mouth latching onto your neck, sucking bruises into your skin as you continued moving, grinding against him, taking him deeper.

You moaned, clinging to his shoulders, kissing him desperately, your tongues tangling, the pleasure building between you like a fire. “Thank you,” you whispered against his lips, rocking faster, harder. “Thank you for saving me. For never giving up on me.”

A low growl rumbled in his chest as he flipped you onto your back, keeping you pinned beneath him, his hips snapping against yours, hitting deeper, harder.

“You’re mine,” he muttered between kisses, his voice rough, possessive. “Always fucking mine.”

“Yours,” you gasped, nails raking down his back, legs wrapping around him to pull him even closer. “Only yours.”

His pace turned desperate, his thrusts brutal yet somehow still so full of love, his forehead pressing against yours, his hand slipping between you to rub your clit, determined to drag you over the edge with him.

And when you came—hard, clenching around him, gasping his name like a prayer—he followed right after, burying himself deep, groaning into your mouth as he filled you, his entire body shuddering against yours.

For a long moment, neither of you moved, tangled together in the aftermath, your breathing heavy, your hearts racing in sync.

Then Thanos kissed you again, softer this time, lingering. “I still love you,” he murmured against your lips. “I always have.”

You smiled, brushing your fingers through his damp hair. “I think I love you too.”

And when he pulled you into his arms, holding you close like he never wanted to let go, you knew—you meant it.

You lay there for a while, tangled up in each other, your skin slick with sweat, his breath warm against your neck. The weight of him felt comforting, grounding, like you never wanted him to move.

But eventually, you stirred, pressing a soft kiss to his temple before slipping out of his arms.

“Where are you going?” Thanos mumbled, his voice thick with exhaustion.

You giggled, running a hand through his messy hair. “Relax, I’m just grabbing a towel.”

You padded to the bathroom, your legs still wobbly, but you didn’t care. You cleaned yourself up before wetting a towel, you returned to the bed, settling beside him as you began to clean him up, running the cloth over his stomach, down between his legs, gentle and careful.

Thanos watched you, his expression soft, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on your thigh. “You don’t have to do that,” he murmured.

“I want to,” you replied, pressing a kiss to his shoulder. “Let me take care of you for once.”

He huffed out a small laugh, letting you do as you pleased, though his hands never stopped touching you—gliding over your arm, your waist, like he needed the reassurance that you were still here.

When you were done, you tossed the towel aside, crawling back into his embrace, peppering kisses along his jaw, his cheek, the corner of his mouth.

Thanos smirked. “You’re in a good mood.”

“I think you fucked the happiness into me,” you teased, making him chuckle before he suddenly rolled you onto your back, hovering over you, nuzzling into your neck.

You giggled, your hands slipping into his hair, tugging him up so you could kiss him properly. Slow, lazy, sweet.

After a while, you pulled back just enough to look at him, brushing his damp hair from his face. “Thank you for the room,” you said softly. “But… I think I’d rather share a bed with you, if that’s okay?”

He pressed a lingering kiss to your lips, his thumb stroking your cheek. “That’s more than okay,” he murmured. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

You smiled, burying your face in his chest, and for the first time in years, you felt home.

You still had a long road ahead—staying clean, rebuilding bridges with your family, reenrolling in art school. But those were worries for another day.

For now, you stayed wrapped in Thanos’ arms, making up for lost time, showering him with the love you should have given him all along.

[yara0546]

Hey can you do 7dream love languages? 🧡

Nct dream | Their Love Language with You

Pairing: nct dream x Reader

Genre: Fluff, Comfort, relationship.

Note : English is not my first language, so I apologize if there are any grammatical errors, because I sometimes use a translator in some sentences.

Disclaimer : This is a work of fiction from our imagination. It is not intended that the plot, theme, original characters, idols, etc. portray any real-life events/people. Plagiarism is NOT tolerated on this blog. If you believe we have copied an existing authors’ work, please message us privately. thank you and enjoy :)

Masterlist

Mark

Mark isn’t the best with expressing emotions, but when he realizes how much words mean to you, he makes an effort.

You sigh, looking out the window of your shared apartment. “Sometimes… I just wonder if I’m enough.”

Mark’s eyes widen, setting down his guitar. “What? What are you talking about? Of course, you are.”

You hesitate. “You don’t say it often. I know you care, but I just��”

Mark gently grabs your hands. “Hey. Listen to me. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I mean it. You make my days better, you’re my safe place. I love you, and I’ll remind you as many times as you need, okay?”

Your heart flutters at his sincerity. “Okay.”

He chuckles, leaning in to kiss your forehead. “I’ll say it every day if it makes you feel secure. Because you’re more than enough for me.”

Renjun

Renjun doesn’t always say how much he loves you—he shows it.

One evening, you come home exhausted, barely able to keep your eyes open. “Renjun, I—”

Before you can finish, he gently pushes you toward the couch. “Shh, just sit. I got this.”

You blink as he brings over a tray of hot soup, tea, and your favorite snacks. “You cooked?”

He nods, his ears turning red. “You’ve been working too hard. I don’t like seeing you so tired.”

You smile, touched by his thoughtfulness. “You’re amazing, you know that?”

He huffs, but his lips twitch into a smile. “Just eat. And don’t think of anything else, okay? I’ll take care of everything.”

Jeno

Jeno isn’t overly affectionate in public, but with you, he’s all about physical touch.

You sigh, rubbing your temples after a long day. Jeno notices immediately, pulling you into his arms. “Rough day?”

You nod against his chest. “Yeah.”

Instead of saying anything, he just holds you, rubbing soothing circles on your back. His warmth melts away your stress.

“You always know what I need,” you mumble.

He chuckles, resting his chin on your head. “That’s ‘cause I know you better than anyone.”

You close your eyes, letting yourself relax in his embrace. With Jeno, actions speak louder than words.

Haechan

Haechan believes love is best shown through time spent together.

“Let’s go out!” he announces one evening.

You glance up from your book. “Haechan, it’s late.”

“So? We can go get late-night snacks. Just you and me.”

You hesitate, but the sparkle in his eyes convinces you. Soon, you’re walking down the quiet streets, hand in hand.

Haechan grins, swinging your arms. “I just wanna be with you, you know?”

You smile. “Even if it’s just for snacks?”

“Especially if it’s for snacks,” he teases before his expression softens. “Nah, I just… love spending time with you. Doesn’t matter what we’re doing.”

Your heart swells with warmth. “Me too.”

Jaemin

Jaemin’s love language is a mix of touch and words.

One evening, you’re sitting beside him, feeling insecure. “Do you think I’m… good enough?”

Jaemin frowns and immediately pulls you into his lap. “What? Who put that thought in your head?”

You shrug. “I just… feel that way sometimes.”

He cups your face, forcing you to meet his gaze. “You’re perfect to me. And if anyone ever makes you doubt that, tell me so I can fight them.”

You giggle, but your heart flutters at his sincerity. “You’re so dramatic.”

“Only for you,” he says, pressing kisses to your forehead. “I’ll keep reminding you until you believe it.”

Chenle

For Chenle, love is shown through thoughtful gifts.

“Open it,” he says, handing you a beautifully wrapped box.

You blink in surprise. “But… it’s not a special occasion.”

He shrugs. “Who cares? I saw it and thought of you.”

You open the box to find a necklace with a charm shaped like something meaningful between you two. Tears prick your eyes. “Chenle… this is perfect.”

He grins. “Well, duh. I have good taste.”

You hug him tightly. “Thank you.”

He laughs but hugs you back. “I just want you to have little things that remind you of me.”

Jisung

Jisung is shy about affection, but he shows his love through time spent together and subtle touches.

One afternoon, he drags you to the practice room. “I want to teach you a dance.”

You pout. “But I’m terrible at dancing.”

He grins. “I’ll help you.”

As he guides you through the steps, his hands linger on your waist, keeping you steady. “See? You’re doing great.”

You laugh. “Only because you won’t let me fall.”

“Of course not,” he says softly, holding your hand tighter. “I’d never let you fall.”

Your heart skips a beat. Maybe dancing with Jisung isn’t so bad after all.

[b3ach-bunn7]

MY KIND OF WOMAN

Touya is the son of your fathers greatest business rival. You’re supposed to hate him, but you definitely dont.

No quirks, forbidden romance

—————————————————————————-

Touya Todoroki looks good tonight.

You feel guilty the second the thought enters your brain, like your father might be hearing it. He doesn’t want you talking to guys, much like any father, but if there’s any person in the world he’d kill you for even looking at, it’s Touya, the son of his rival company’s owner.

You’re not even sure what it is your fathers do. Something about finance, computers, science. All you know is that it’s a filthy business, and the Todorokis and Tanakas had been at each other's throats for years. If there was one name that had been run through the dirt in your house, it was Todoroki. Enji had done this, he’d stolen this client, taken this deal. You didn’t really care. All you knew was that you were supposed to hate them all, so you did. Especially Touya, because he was next in line to take over the company, and according to local rumours, he was as misbehaved as they come. Which you were supposed to care about, apparently.

But then you actually met him. And you don’t think you hated him at all.

It was, funnily enough, at a company party. Some firm that both sides of this inane war partnered with, and your dad had forced you to go. So you did, in a little black dress and a perfect smile as you walked around with him like the good daughter you were. You greeted the people you were supposed to greet. You smiled at the old ladies who complimented your unblemished skin and laughed at all the weird comments his too old coworkers made. You only finally got away under the guise of using the bathroom. Truthfully, you took to walking around the place they’d rented out, an old auditorium, peering into the empty rooms. They were mostly filled with boxes, extra chairs and storage. But there was one room, with wide windows and boxes of stage equipment, that piqued your interest.

Because it was in that room that you saw Touya. 

He had dark black hair that fell over his eyes, sleeves rolled up while the suit jacket he was supposed to be wearing was abandoned on a chair to the side. He had cracked open a window, and was deftly blowing the smoke from his cigarette out of it. He must have heard your heels clicking against the floor, because as he turned to face you, you noticed the piercings on his eyebrow and septum and his lip. And you also noticed that he was handsome. In an alluring, he’d probably make you fall in love with him then leave you, sort of way. 

You had heard rumours about Touya. Everyone had, to be honest. Your town was small and overridden with gossip, both in your age demographic and your parents. The stuff you’d heard about the man in front of you should’ve been more than enough to steer you away, that and all your fathers warnings. But the party was boring, and you were still a little pissed at your dad for making you come, so you decided your definitely entertain this.

He tilted his head, and the cigarette burned between his fingers.

“I know you. You’re Tanaka’s daughter.” His voice was low and deep, rumbling in his chest as he eyed you.

You nodded, taking another step in the room. “In the flesh. I’m not supposed to be talking to you.” You smile.

Touya’s lips curled into a smile. “Shame.” He took another puff of his cigarette. “You just going to stand there then?”

You walked forward until you were next to him. You pointed at the cigarette. 

“You got another?”

He hummed. “No. We can share, though.”

He held it out to you, and you took it easily, taking a long slow drag. You sighed, blowing the smoke out the window.

“We basically just kissed.” 

You shot him an amused glance. “Are you twelve?”

“No. Eighteen. Just like you.” 

Touya crossed his arms on the ledge of the window. Like that, the setting sun casted shadows across his face, the flattering blue of his eyes almost glowing as he turned to look at you.

You leant against the wall, avoiding eye contact. “Should I be concerned that you know that?”

“No. I’m sure you know as well as I do how much our fathers love talking about each other.”

You snorted a laugh. “God, he’d kill me if he saw me with you right now.” 

Touya pouted. “I’m not that bad. I’m nice. I’m even sharing it with you.” He reached out his hand to grab the cigarette and you passed it to him, your fingers brushing.

“Mhm. I'll be sure to tell him how kind you were to smoke with me.” You nodded sympathetically, and he grinned something dangerous.

It was all sort of the end after that.

You started to run into him a lot more. While he didn’t go to the local school like you, but the two of you lived in the same neighbourhood. You went to the library to study and there he was, with a blonde haired girl who nearly got kicked out for talking too much. You stopped at the mall to grab some clothes and there he was with the blonde hair boy from school who’s always chatting girls up. 

And every time he’d stop you just before you left, entice you with good conversation and a cigarette outside. And who were you to deny it? He was good conversation. He had good taste in music, and he made you laugh. You’d started hoping that you’d run into him more every time you left the house. And yes,  maybe you started to develop a teensy little crush on him. It didn’t help when he slipped you his phone number one day.

You’d just gotten out of your car, about to fill it up at the gas station, when you heard the rev of a motorcycle and a shout.

“Hey! Tanaka!” 

You turned to the source of the voice to see Touya hopping off his bike. You assumed it was his bike. He’d mentioned it a couple times, and the sleek metal and soft leather seats looked pretty close to his very detailed descriptions. He took his helmet off and god, the mess of his hair and the pink of his cheeks had you smiling instantly. You lock your car door and wave.

“Hiya. What are you doing here?”

He tapped the back of his bike. “Fuelling her up.” He looks down at your car.

“Nice ride.”

You rolled your eyes. It is definitely not a nice ride. Unfortunately you got the kind of rich parents that wanted you to earn money the old fashioned way, which included using your shitty part time job to pay for your first car. 

“It’s safer than that death machine.” You raised your eyebrows at his bike and he smoothed his hands over her.

“Aw, lighten up. She’s safe enough. And she’s beautiful, isn’t she?”

You rolled your eyes, finishing up filling your car, but you couldn’t help the little smile on your face. “It’s a machine, Touya. You can’t hurt her feelings.”

You started walking towards the store to pay, and he immediately followed, twirling his keys on his finger. “So where are you headed?”

“Home. Just finished work.”

Touya tilted his head. He held the door open for you and you walked in, quietly thanking him. He’s tall, so he had no issue reaching over and pushing it open before you even could touch the handle.

“Work? Where do you work?”

The store was empty, apart from an blred looking employee fiddling with the cash register. You eyed the chocolate bars and he watched you do so, standing a little closer than normal. “I work at that bookshop on Green street.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. You know it?” You grab a pack of m&ms. 

Touya nodded. You both walked over to the fridges, and he slid the door open and you grabbed a can of coke. You pull your hoodie sleeves over your hands. “Yeah. My sister’s always in there.” He said.

You hum. “I probably know her.”

“Not better than me, I hope. I should be the only Todoroki in your life.” He pouted and you snorted a laugh.

“Oh, don’t worry, you are.” 

Touya grabbed a red bull and the two of you walked to the counter. Touya queued first, and you watched him fumble in his pockets for his wallet, and come up empty. He looked up sheepishly at the cashier.

“Shit. I left my wallet at home.” He turned to you with an apologetic look on his face. “You have a dollar?”

You smiled, stepping forward. Touya protested as you asked the cashier to ring you up too, but you batted his hands away. He huffed next to you and you rolled your eyes.

“Consider this repayment for that cigarette.” You grinned, tapping your card.

Touya walked you the short distance back to your car. “Does this make you my sugar mommy?”

“Ew, Touya! That’s gross. I’ll take the red bull back.”

Touya laughed loudly. “If you want. I’ve already slobbered all over it though.”

“I think I’ve shared enough cigarettes with you to not care about that.”

You dug in your purse for your car keys, key rings jingling as you unlocked it.

“I guess this is goodbye once more.”

“It sure is, Tanaka.”

Before you could get in it though, he stopped you, hand circling your wrist. His fingers were wet with condensation from the red bull, and you noticed how easily they wrapped around you.

“Wait. Give me your phone.”

You looked at him in confusion. “What, you leave that at home too?”

“Ha ha. No. Just give it. Come on, babe.”

You sighed reluctantly, but dug it out of your pocket nonetheless. “Don’t call me babe.”

“You prefer baby?”

“I prefer Y/N.”

He did something. You couldn’t even see, but you trusted him, brushing a hair behind you head as you watched him tap away. You heard a chime come from his phone, and when he passed yours back, you saw he’d given you his number.

“Perfect.” 

You tried to hide the smile that was itching to grace your lips. “What was that for?”

He just slipped his helmet on, unashamed of his own grin. “So I can repay you for that Redbull. Give me a time and place, angel.”

“Y/N.”

He brushed you off. “Same thing.”

It was all downhill from there. He beat you in 8 ball IMessage games every night and sent you the dumbest TikToks you’d ever seen in your life, and you loved it. Touya called you when he was at work, on his walks home, while he was doing school stuff. It only made everything more exciting how forbidden it all was. Sneaking around town so nobody saw you two, only meeting late at night. Sure, you had to clamber out your window on the nights your parents were home and awake, but it was all worth it.

And nothing happened. Not yet, at least. It was nice to complain about your parents to somebody who understood, and the two of you got along in every other aspect too. There was that tension that always hung there whenever the two of you hung out. In the backseat of your car, the alleyway behind his house. The little voice that whispered in the back of head for more, for you to bridge that little gap the two of you were teetering on. But you ignored it, because it was bad enough you two were even friends. Let alone anything else.

But good things never last, and you get found out.

It’s after school, once you’d finished the tutoring gig you have on the side for extra credit in history. Your car was at the shop, and your bus decided it didn’t want to show up that day, so you called the only person you knew with a vehicle (and the only person you wanted to call). 

He got here quicker than you thought he would and you frown as the motorbike revs its way into the parking lot. He parked the bike and ripped the helmet off his head. Touya looked far too happy as he hopped off, immediately dumping a helmet in your hands. You quickly text your dad that your friend Rumi was driving you home. It’s not like he’d know. He was at some country club thing across town.

“I knew you’d give in.” He teased.

You pouted and held it for a moment. “I can’t believe I'm going to die at eighteen on a motorbike.”

Touya tutted. “None of that talk. This will be fun.” He whispered the last word, his low drawl sending a shiver up your spine.

You brushed him off, patting your hair down so you could fit the helmet on your head. It was big and bulky, and you lifted up the visor to look at him.

“Aw. You look cute.”

“At least I’ll die pretty.”

He pulled the visor down and knocked the side of the helmet. “Stop talking about dying. I’ll protect you, sweetheart.” 

You rolled your eyes. “Enough. Okay. How do we do this?”

Touya sat down on the motorbike. When his legs curved over the side you noticed they were more muscular than you first ever realised, even in the grey sweats he had on. He patted the seat behind him.

“On you get.”

You sighed. You made sure your bag was secured on your back, and gingerly hopped on. You pulled down your skirt as it hitched up your legs, and tried to ignore Touya’s eyes burning holes in your skin. You gripped the edge of the seat and Touya laughed.

“No can do, doll. You gotta hold me.”

Right. That made more sense. 

Your arms reached and curled around his middle, resting on his waist. You felt the hard line of muscle on his stomach, and you felt his chest rumble as he laughed once more.

“Closer. Come on, I don’t bite. Not unless you ask me to.”

You mumbled some choice words under your breath before you scooted closer. “Alright. I’m ready.”

“You sure?” He asked, clipping in his own helmet.

“I guess so.” 

The motorbike revved to life and you yelped. Your hands immediately gripped him tighter, and as Touya pulled out the parking lot and started driving you’re sure you almost suffocated him with how hard you were holding on. You couldn’t think about the fact he smelled like cigarettes and something musky, because wind was rushing through your hair and face, even where your face was pressed against his back. But, regardless of all that, it was great. Thrilling and adrenaline inducing in a way you hadn’t felt before.

“It’s good, right?” He yelled and you nodded, a smile almost splitting your face in half.

You made it home sooner than you’d have liked. You hopped off the bike, hair sticking on end as you took the helmet off.

“That was fun! Terrifying, but fun.” You yelled. Your ears were a little blocked from the rush of wind.

He fixed the hairs on your head that were sticking all over the place. His hands were bigger than yours but he was gentle as he brushed a strand of hair off your face.

“I told you I wouldn't kill you. Maybe next time you can drive.” His voice was softer than usual, and it made you feel warm.

“Oh, this is never happening again, trust me.”

“I agree.”

You froze. Touya froze too, and you cursed under your breath because that was your father’s voice. Your father who was supposed to be at some country club event right now, which is why you asked Touya to drop you home in the first place. Your face burned red and you turned to see him standing at the front door fuming, staring at the two of you. You immediately stepped away from Touya, and you thought that maybe for one second he didn’t recognise him, that some elaborate lie could get you out of this mess.

“Get off my property, Todoroki, before I call the police.” His voice was clipped and angry.

Fuck. “Dad, it’s-“

He looked at you with an expression so cold and disappointed it silenced you almost instantly. You faltered, turning to Touya. He looked just as caught in the headlights as you did. He stepped forward, to say something, cut through the tension that surrounded your front lawn, but your dad didn’t let him get a word in.

He pulled out his phone. Just held it in the air and fixed Touya with a glare. “You have about ten seconds.”

Your father was a man of his word and you’re happy Touya had some sense to believe him. He clipped his helmet back on his head, and you heard the rev of the motorcycle interrupt the silence before he drove away. 

“Dad-“

“Get inside.”

It was weird, being told off. You hadn’t been scolded like that, sat on the couch as your parents stood across from you with fury in their eyes, since you were a child. You were eighteen, for crying out loud. And yet, you still found yourself waiting for him to say something, not brave enough to storm off to your room when he looked as pissed as he did. After another few moments of aching silence, he finally spoke.

“Are you trying to destroy my work? My- My livelihood? Everything me and half the men in your family worked their whole lives for?”

You furrowed your eyebrows. “What? Dad, we were just-“

“You shouldn’t be anything with that boy! Do you even know what he’s like?” He yelled.

You sat up straighter. “He’s not a boy, Dad, he’s eighteen years old. So am I! We don’t have any business with you and Enji!”

Your dad shook his head. “It’s not about that! It’s- Do you even know his intentions? What if- His father is not a good man, Y/N. God knows what his son would turn out like.”

And you felt anger bridling between your veins, your head screaming at you to defend Touya’s name, because you know he has good intentions, that he has no business with Enji. He’s complained about him enough that you think he might hate him more than your own father does. 

He cursed under his breath. He sat down heavily on the coffee table across from you.

“Listen. I know you don’t care about this business, that you have no interest in it. That’s fine. I keep you out of it as much as I can, so I understand why you don’t realise why this is so bad.”

Your father rubbed at his eyes, and it was in moments like that you saw his age. That you noticed the wrinkles that had made home on his face, the tiredness that never seemed to leave no matter how much he slept.

“But it is bad. This- This business, it’s so competitive. Everything matters. And it looks bad for my partners if they see you together. You know how things are in this town, how much people talk, and he’s not exactly got the most picture perfect image. I mean, the dyed hair, the piercings.” Your dad shakes his head. “There’s- You know he has a criminal record? He committed arson when he was fifteen.”

“But Dad-“

“There’s no buts. Not only do this bad for me, but you said you had school, and I see you coming home on a motorbike when me and your mother aren’t home. All  because of that boy.” He spits.

“I didn’t lie, I did have school. He was just dropping me home!”

“You told me Rumi was dropping you home. So you lied. And I’m sure it’s not the first time. Don’t think we don’t know you’ve been sneaking out.”

Your face burned red. You didn’t even try to deny it and. Your father nodded his head. “See? We thought it was just- Rebellious teenager stuff. But now I know you were probably going out to see him.”

Your father stopped you before you could try defend yourself. “You’re grounded. School and then work and then home. No more sneaking out and no more motorbikes.”

Your mouth gaped open. “What? I don’t even get to defend myself?”

“No. Go to your room.” 

“I’m not a child, dad! You can’t ground me!” You spluttered, but he shrugged.

“You’re still living under my roof, and I'm still paying for everything. So yeah, I can ground you.”

It was a bit hard to defend your maturity when you did indeed storm into your room like a child. It was a surprise you didn’t get in even more trouble for your little outburst. You’re sure if your father wasn’t as tired as he was he would’ve doubled your punishment for talking back like you did. 

So you stopped talking to Touya. You didn't want to, but the watchful eyes of your parents and the guilt from that exhausted look that you put on your fathers face was sort of eating you up. You never really thought about the fact that he would’ve wanted you to take over the business, like he took it from his father. How much it all meant to him. You didn’t understand the logistics of his business because you never cared to and you can’t help but feel a little horrible because of it.

So you started leaving Touya on delivered. You replied less and you ignored the heavy weight on your chest it caused and the fact that you missed him more each second he was away. You knew if you entertained his conversation even slightly you’d be back to sneaking out and finding him in town, so you tried as best as you could to keep your distance. You felt bad that you couldn’t explain why. But the truth is you barely understood why yourself.

You worked and studied and came home just like your parents asked, desperate for your freedom and less of their overbearing eyes on you all the time.

But you couldn’t avoid Touya forever, and soon enough, there’s another party your whole family is expected to be at, some community thing that apparently everyone in town is going to. Your fathers up for an award and he wants you there. You’ve been informed your grounding will be lifted if you can show up and look the part, so you’re sort of excited to go, if more for the outcome than the event itself.

You wear a dark blue dress, the slit coming up to your thigh. The soft, silk material shines as it catches the light, and you pair it with a gold necklace your mother had bought you years ago. You do your makeup and fix your hair, spritzing yourself with your most expensive perfume. You’re not stupid. You know Touya is going to be there, so you may as well dress the part in case he catches a glimpse of you.

And, low and behold, he does. You’ve seen him once tonight. He’s wearing a black suit and a black button up and he sticks out like a sore thumb in between his family, but you know he doesn’t care. He looks bored and it’s a good look on him. His jaw is set and he sips in a glass of champagne. He notices you just once, blue eyes locking onto yours. They look at your face, drop to the exposed skin of your legs and collarbones. And then they look away.

You last about an hour of speeches and clapping before you find yourself outside. Today's venue is fancier and security guarded, so instead of exploring, you just stand outside, a ways away from the door. You wish you could go home but your ride is inside and probably still pissed at you. You itch for a cigarette and the boy who comes with them.

You know that you could probably call him right now and he’d come out, but. You feel some obligation to your family. To your father. It’s the least you could do to keep your hands off him tonight of all nights.

“You wanna share?”

You turn, and like you knew deep down, he’s there. It took him about ten minutes, but you knew he’d follow you out. You were hoping for it, relally. To get a glimpse of him alone, like he was really all for you. He’s illuminated by the moonlight and the soft glow of the streetlight you were leaning on. You look at the cigarette waiting patiently in his hands, and you look away.

“No, thanks.”

You can hear cars driving a couple streets down. The night air is cold, and your hands rub up and down your arms to try to warm you up. Touya nudges your arm and when you look, his suit jacket is in his hands.

“I’m alright.”

Touya frowns. “So that’s it? You’re just never going to speak to me again?”

You shake your head, turning away. “It’s- I can’t, Touya.”

And he scoffs, incredulous. He pulls you back and his skin is warm even outside. And when you face him, he looks desperate, and you want to turn away. He doesn’t let go of you though, and holds you in place.

“You can. Who gives a shit what our parents want?”

“I do!” You yell. “Touya, you know what our fathers are like. This- This business is everything for them!” 

“Okay? And what does that have to do with us?” He says, his grip tightening. 

“It-“  You struggle for the words like they’re stuck in your throat. “It has everything to do with us, come on, Touya. You know that.”

Even this, just talking to him is enough to have your parents mad at you. And if anyone inside catches this? Catches the way his hands are sliding down your arms to hold yours, the way you’re looking up at him? You’re dead.

“I don’t know. I- God. You make me sound so whipped.” 

He mumbles the last sentence like it’s just meant for him. At the confused look on your face he smiles, bittersweet and aching.

“I don’t know what it has to do with us, Y/N.” And it’s your name that leaves his lips, not some stupid nickname, and it tugs at your heart. “I don’t know and honestly, I don’t care.”

“I’m not taking over the business. I don’t give a shit about my dad and everything he stands for. I give a shit about you. I know that- there’s probably a hundred other guys that are probably way more deserving of you but.” 

He swallows roughly. Runs a hand through perfectly imperfect hair, then immediately comes back to hold you. 

“But I like you. Okay? I- I like you and I don’t care that our parents are fucking company rivals, I couldn’t give less of a shit. I really like you. And- you not talking to me for the past few days? It’s fucking killing me.”

“I-“ 

But he cuts you off. “Don’t lie. Okay? Don’t lie to me. Don’t act like you don’t feel the same way.”

He steps closer. Your hand comes up and rests on his chest and you think you can feel his heartbeat.

“Touya. I don’t- I don’t know.”

Your fingers curl in his shirt. The fabric feels expensive in your hands, rough against the smoothness of his skin. The distance between you is so small, yet you feel like it might take everything in you to pull him closer. His hands slide from your hands to settle against your waist and they burn through the layers of your dress. 

You can hear the sound of music slipping out from under the doors. You wonder how long it will take for someone to notice you’re missing, and you wonder if you’ll be here with Touya when they do. You can only imagine the look on your fathers face, the look on Enji, if they caught you two even talking. Let alone whatever this is.

The dress you’re wearing does nothing to protect you from the cold, but you don’t think it’s the reason you’re shivering. It’s wrong. God, it’s so wrong that you can feel it physically, the cells in your body urging you to pull away.

But he’s looking at you like nobody ever has. Eyes flirting from your lips, to the slope of your nose, the heat you can feel colouring your cheeks. There’s a look of desperation in his face you’d feel horrible to ignore, like he might die if he goes one more second without you. The streetlight casts shards of light across his face and you’re certain the person standing in front of you can’t be human. You find him beautiful in a way you didn’t think was possible, and you’re scared and begging that he knows that.

You stand, silent and breathing, for what might be a lifetime. You’re both daring the other to make the first move. Both too scared to ask for what you want.

Touya lifts his hand. He curls it around your face, rests it against the space in between your neck, just where it meets your shoulder. He asks. Silent and still somehow the loudest thing you’ve ever heard.

A nod. Imperceptible at best, but enough. Enough for someone desperately searching for it. 

A breath.

And then he’s on you. His hands pull you closer and your own curve against the slope of his jaw, scratching against the faint stubble on his chin. And his lips are rough and pressing as they melt against your own, like he’s trying to fit himself inside your mouth. He bites at your bottom lip and your mouth opens with a soft noise, and he’s licking, tongue searching your gums and the uneven line of your teeth. 

You push him back, panting for breath. “We- Touya, chill.” You laugh breathlessly as his lips trail down your neck, licking at your pulse and biting at the soft skin of your shoulders.

“No.”

“Someone could walk out and see us.” You whisper weakly. 

“Don’t care. I’d fuck you in front of them all.”

“Touya.” You scold, blushing furiously.

You finally push him back properly. Your hands come up and land on his face, thumb brushing the globe of his cheeks. His face is flushed and warm and his lips look so kissed and swollen. He blinks impossibly long lashes at you and you smile despite yourself.

“I like you too. Obviously. I just- You need to give me time. To figure this all out.”

He swallows and you watch his Adam Apple bob. 

“I know you don’t care about what your father thinks, but I do. And- I need to find a way to convince him. Then, we can see.”

Touya nods. He waits a beat. “Does this mean you’ll stop ignoring me?” 

Guilt clenches in your stomach. “Yes. Sorry about that.” You say sheepishly.

He hums. “I think I’ll need a few more kisses first before I forgive you.”

“Degenerate. Pass me that cigarette.” 

—————————————————————————-

Touya Todoroki I’ll never forget u.. we r five years strong ☺️ I hate this slightly but I also love it.. so who knows

my period was late so it’s so painful and bad.. keep me I. Ur prayers people

As always hope u enjoyed <3

[horoscope1078]

:)

Lando was buzzing with excitement. Not because of an upcoming race. Not because McLaren had finally given him a decent car upgrade. Not even because he’d beaten Max Verstappen in an online sim race last night. No. Lando was excited because you had said yes.

You, his best friend, the girl he had been not-so-secretly in love with for years, had agreed to be his plus-one for McLaren’s fancy end-of-season event. And now? He was standing outside your place, practically vibrating with energy as he waited for you to come out.

"Calm down, mate." Oscar's voice crackled through Lando’s phone. "You're acting like this is a date."

"Shut up." Lando hissed. "It's not a date."

Oscar hummed. "Then why do you sound like a lovesick teenager?"

Lando groaned, running a hand through his already-messy curls. "I just... I want her to have fun, ok?"

"Right, because fun definitely requires you checking your reflection in your car window for the fifth time." Oscar teased.

"I hate you."

"I know." Oscar said cheerfully. "Have fun on your not-date."

Lando ended the call with an eye roll, just as the door finally opened. And there you were. Wearing a simple but elegant outfit, hair perfectly styled, and smiling right at him. Lando’s brain was gone, melted, completely useless.

"Wow..." he blurted out before he could stop himself.

Your smile widened. "Good wow or bad wow?"

Lando opened his mouth. Then closed it. Then opened it again.

"You look..." his voice cracked.

You bit your lip, trying not to laugh. "I look?" you prompted.

Lando cleared his throat aggressively, determined to not sound like a prepubescent boy. "You look, uh... great! Amazing! Like... wow."

You chuckled. "Well, you clean up nice too, Mr. Norris."

Lando beamed. "Really?"

You reached out and playfully flicked the collar of his McLaren-branded suit jacket. "Yea. The orange is very… on brand."

Lando gasped dramatically. "Are you mocking McLaren orange?"

You grinned. "I'm lightly teasing McLaren orange."

Lando clutched his chest. "Betrayal."

You laughed, looping your arm through his. "C'mon, Drama Queen. Let’s go."

Lando couldn't stop grinning. He was driving, but he kept sneaking glances at you.

"So..." he said, tapping the steering wheel. "Excited to hang out with a bunch of f1 nerds tonight?"

You smirked. "Oh, absolutely. Can't wait to hear you all argue about tire strategies over tiny sandwiches."

Lando laughed. "Oi! We don’t only talk about tires!"

"I dare you to go the entire night without saying the words ‘tyre degradation.’"

Lando narrowed his eyes. "That’s impossible and you know it."

You giggled. "You f1 guys are predictable."

Lando gasped. "I am full of surprises, actually."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes, really." Lando flashed you a cocky grin. "For example... I bet you didn’t expect me to bring snacks for the drive."

He dramatically reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a pack of gummy bears.

Your eyes lit up. "Ok, I’ll admit, that was unexpected."

Lando wiggled his eyebrows. "See? I am a man of mystery."

You laughed and grabbed a handful of gummy bears. "Fine, fine. You win this round, Norris."

Lando smirked to himself. Best decision ever to bring you tonight. From the moment you arrived, Lando was glued to your side. He introduced you to everyone, Zak Brown, Andrea Stella, his engineers, and even some of the other drivers. But he also got distracted, by you. The way you smiled at people. The way you laughed at his dumb jokes. The way you casually fixed his slightly askew tie without even thinking about it.

Oscar, standing nearby, definitely noticed. Lando ignored his smirk. Everything was going great until it was time for pictures.

"Lando, over here!" the photographers called.

Lando turned to you. "You coming in the photos?"

You laughed. "I’m not part of the team, Lando."

"You are tonight." he said, grabbing your hand and pulling you in before you could protest.

The cameras flashed as you stumbled slightly, landing right against his side. Lando, without thinking, instinctively wrapped an arm around your waist, cue brain explosion. You looked up at him, surprised, and he definitely turned red.

"Uh..." he stammered, suddenly realising what he’d done. But before he could panic, you just smiled and leaned into him slightly. Lando’s brain was gone again.

The photos continued, but all Lando could focus on was the way you felt pressed against him, how perfectly you fit there, and he was so in love with you.

As you left the event, you sighed contently. "That was fun."

Lando smiled. "Told you."

You turned to him, smirking. "Also, I definitely caught you saying ‘tyre degradation’ at least twice."

Lando groaned. "Damn it."

You giggled. "But I’ll let it slide… if you admit something."

Lando raised an eyebrow. "What?"

You grinned. "You had the best night ever because I was there."

Lando scoffed. "Obviously."

You blinked, clearly not expecting him to admit it so fast. "Wait, really?"

Lando nodded. "Yea. I mean… it’s always better when you’re around."

Silence, a beat too long. Then, you smiled. A soft, genuine smile that made Lando’s heart flip.

"Well..." you murmured. "Maybe I should come to more events then."

Lando swallowed. "I wouldn’t mind that."

You giggled and leaned your head against his shoulder. Lando tried very hard not to combust on the spot.

[pixiexdusts-world]

Seven chances

Min ho Moon x ex!reader

Summary: Min Ho plans seven dates to win back his ex—and it just might work.

~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~

I never thought I’d see Min Ho Moon again. Not after the way things ended between us.

The moment I spot him across the café, I freeze. He looks exactly the same—maybe even better. Same tousled hair, same confident smirk, same annoyingly perfect skin. But something in his eyes is different. I quickly turn my attention back to my laptop, pretending I didn’t see him.

I should’ve known that wouldn’t stop him.

“Hey,” his voice is smooth, casual, but I can hear the nerves underneath. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

I exhale slowly before looking up. “Min Ho.” I keep my tone neutral.

He doesn’t take the hint. Instead, he slides into the chair across from me without asking. Typical.

“How have you been?” he asks, as if we’re old friends catching up.

“Fine,” I say. “Busy.”

Min Ho leans back, studying me. I hate how easy it is for him to make eye contact, like we didn’t go months without speaking. Like he didn’t break my heart.

“I miss you,” he says. Just like that. No preamble, no hesitation.

I let out a short laugh. “That’s not how this works, Min Ho.”

He frowns. “How what works?”

“You don’t just walk back into my life and say you miss me,” I say, folding my arms. “You don’t get to act like nothing happened.”

His jaw tightens. “I know. That’s why I’m here.”

I glance away, out the café window, watching people walk by. It’s a crisp afternoon in Seoul, and the city feels like it’s moving faster than I am.

Min Ho sighs, rubbing his hands together like he’s bracing himself. “I messed up.”

“No kidding.”

He nods. “I hurt you. And I hate myself for it.”

I close my laptop, giving him my full attention. “Then why did you do it?”

Min Ho hesitates. “Because I was scared.”

“Scared?” I repeat, incredulous. “That’s your excuse?”

“I didn’t think I was good enough for you,” he says, voice quiet. “I thought if I let myself get too close, I’d end up ruining everything. So instead of losing you later, I pushed you away first.”

I stare at him. “That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard.”

“I know,” he says, a ghost of a smile on his lips. “I’m an idiot.”

I shake my head. “You really are.”

There’s a beat of silence between us. I should get up and leave. I should tell him it’s too late, that I don’t care anymore.

But I do care.

And Min Ho, for all his flaws, is sitting here, admitting he was wrong. That’s not something he does often.

“I don’t expect you to forgive me,” he says, his voice softer now. “But I want to try again. I want to prove to you that I’ve changed.”

I look at him carefully. “And how exactly do you plan to do that?”

Min Ho smirks, the familiar confidence creeping back into his expression. “Give me a week. Let me take you on seven dates. No expectations, no pressure. Just… let me show you why we were good together.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Seven?”

He nods. “Seven.”

I should say no. I should walk away and never look back.

But instead, I sigh. “Fine. One week.”

The grin that spreads across his face is enough to make my heart ache. Because deep down, I know the truth.

I never really stopped loving him.

Day One: The Ice Rink

Min Ho picks me up right on time, a smug look on his face. “You’re going to love this,” he says, leading me inside the rink.

I narrow my eyes. “You remember that I can’t skate, right?”

“That’s the best part,” he teases. “You’ll have to hold onto me the whole time.”

I glare at him, but when we step onto the ice and I immediately slip, I have no choice but to grab his arm. He chuckles. “Told you.”

Despite my frustration, I can’t help but smile. Maybe this isn’t the worst idea after all.

Day Two: The Bookstore

“I remember you used to spend hours in here,” Min Ho says as we step inside my favorite bookstore.

I give him a suspicious look. “You hate bookstores.”

“I hate reading,” he corrects. “Not bookstores.” He picks up a random book and flips through it, pretending to look interested.

I smirk. “You’re just trying to impress me.”

“Is it working?” he asks, grinning.

I roll my eyes, but I don’t miss the warmth creeping into my chest.

Day Three: The Street Market

Min Ho buys me tteokbokki from my favorite vendor, and we wander through the market, the scent of food filling the air. He tries to feed me a piece, but I swat his hand away.

“You’re so difficult,” he groans.

“You love it,” I tease before I can stop myself.

He grins. “I do.”

Day Four: The Beach

We sit on the sand, watching the waves roll in. Min Ho looks at me, his expression unreadable. “I don’t deserve you,” he says suddenly.

I sigh. “Min Ho—”

“I just need you to know that,” he interrupts. “Even if this doesn’t work out, I need you to know how much I regret losing you.”

I swallow hard. “You’re trying, Min Ho. That’s what matters.”

He nods, but I can tell he’s still scared.

So am I.

Day Five: The Arcade

Min Ho drags me to the arcade, his eyes full of mischief.

“Winner picks the next date,” he challenges.

We go head-to-head in basketball, air hockey, and racing games. He wins some, I win more (at least, that’s my version).

At the claw machine, he spends way too many tries before finally winning a small stuffed dog. He hands it to me, a little sheepish.

“For you.”

I hold it close, pretending it doesn’t mean anything. But it does.

Day Six: Karaoke Night

Min Ho books a private karaoke room, and I immediately regret saying yes.

“You just want to show off,” I accuse.

He winks. “Obviously.”

He belts out Love Scenario like he’s on stage, dancing like an idiot. I laugh too hard to resist when he shoves the mic at me.

“One song,” I warn.

By the end, we’re both breathless from laughing. He looks at me, eyes soft.

“I missed this,” he says.

I don’t respond. But deep down, I did too.

Day Seven: The Rooftop

Our final date is on a rooftop, fairy lights strung around us. The city glows beneath us, and for a moment, it feels like we’re the only two people in the world.

Min Ho turns to me, looking nervous for the first time. “Did I do enough?”

I exhale. “Min Ho…”

He shakes his head. “Wait. Before you say anything—I just need you to know. I love you. I never stopped.”

My heart clenches. “I know.”

He steps closer. “Do you still love me?”

I hesitate. Not because I don’t know the answer, but because I do.

“Yes,” I whisper.

Min Ho lets out a shaky breath. “Then let me be better for you.”

I bite my lip. “You already are.”

His lips crash into mine, and just like that, I know—

We’re going to be okay.

[momolady]

The Five Paralangua: All Parts

-Patreon - Ko-Fi - Commissions - Masterlist -

♥ Female Reader x Five Monsters (cis and nonbinary) Polyamory ♥ Why Choose ♥ One Woman ♥ Multiple Men ♥

♥Word count -15,575♥

(Ya'll broke me down. This is all four parts, no links, no tricks. Enjoy!)

One:

If it’s not the rooster who wakes me up, it will be one of the Golden Girls. Lately, I’ve been able to squeak in some extra sleep during the mornings, but today the Golden Girls aren’t having it. They’re causing a fuss in the yard, and as I roll over towards my window I can see Sophia glaring inside at me.

“Hold your horses, girls!” I fussed as I stepped out of bed. “I’m getting up!”

They’re making a racket out there, and I have to wonder if old lady Murphy’s mastiff has come sniffing around the fence again. He doesn’t do anything, he just seems to have a crush on my girls. Which they don’t take as kindly to.

By the time I’m dressed and ready, the Golden Girls have calmed down. Their mooing has stopped, and the rooster has decided to make the alarm now.

“What’s up with all of you?” I called out, holding the feeding bucket. “You were making such a fuss! I wouldn’t be surprised if I got a noise complaint from town.” I was walking to the storage shed when I noticed a strange print in the mud. It wasn’t one of the Golden Girls, and it certainly wasn’t one of the chickens or sheep. It was large, massive really, and it reminded me of a scene from that old dinosaur movie.

“What on earth?” I muttered to myself. I was studying it closely when Rose started sniffing around my head and nudging the bucket with her foot.

“Alright, alright,” I huffed. “I’ll get your breakfast.” The girls had all the hay and grass they could ask for, but that morning offering of grains was not to be delayed at any cost. 

I was hefting scoops of it into their troughs when I heard the phone ringing from inside the house. I quickly finished off the feeding, tossing some along the ground for the chickens as I raced inside.

I was breathless when I grabbed the phone, so the caller got an earful of heavy breathing before I answered. “Riley Farms, we’re out of eggs,” I said.

“Stella?”

I walked to the fridge to get myself a drink. “Yes? Who is it?”

“This is Alice Dunlop from the festival planning committee.” She sounded quite meek as she said this. Usually the festival committee members were a bit hoity toity. 

“It’s about the chosen for this year's festival.”

“I plan to attend,” I huffed. “I told Mrs. Greenhill I already was fulfilling my role as chosen.” I took out the orange juice then went in search of a cup. I was excited to attend this year’s festival. A few years ago, I would have skipped out too, but once I moved back home, it became a north star for me. Some people found being one of the chosen for the Festival of Ash to be too daunting or too frightening. The Paralangua were a site to behold, depending on how you looked at them of course. Living in Charcourt, you got your chance to spy them occasionally. They didn’t come into town but maybe once or twice a year, and if you did see one it was probably one of the elders. But they were monstrous, pale, clay creatures, who I always found a fascination with.

“Is that why you’re calling? Did she forget to fill out the paper again?” Mrs. Greenhill loved her chardonnay.

“No, she did.” Her voice quivered in a strange way. “That’s the thing, Stella, you’re the only one who has confirmed.”

I hesitated reaching for a cup and stood still. “You mean out of the five chosen for this year-”

“You’re going solo,” Alice stated plainly and nervously. 

Has this ever happened at the Festival of Ash before? One or two have certainly not shown up each year. But four?

“We’re going to have a meeting with some of the elders. They want you to attend if that's possible at all. Just to discuss what could possibly end up happening at this year’s ceremony.”

“They still want to go through with it?” I gasped. “Even if I’m the only one there? What would be the point?”

“There’s still five of the parlangua attending.” Of course, they never missed a festival. But still, this didn’t seem like the kind of ceremony worth having. Five on one!

Oh my god, five on one? Is that even possible?

“Stella?” Alice said gently, pulling me from my thoughts.

I gasped. “Oh, yes! I can attend.”

She sighed with relief. “Good. That’s good.”

That made me wonder if there was something going on behind the scenes. It would also explain the dinosaur sized footprint left in my yard. Someone was trying to sneak a peek.

“It’s going to be this evening, around six. We’ll be providing a meal for the inconvenience.” I heard papers shuffling and the sound of a door opening. “We’ll see you then.”

“I’ll be there, thanks for letting me know.” I hung up the phone then stood there, running my tongue along the edge of my teeth.

Five on one, that certainly would be a big family. I sat back down at the table, continuing to think. Was it even possible to hold the traditional ceremony as it was this way? After all it was all a huge chase in the labyrinth below the town. A show of how mates are fated together despite the challenges the labyrinth put between them.

“Me and five parlangua,” I muttered. I started growing a bit warm under the collar. “Me and five,” I whispered again. Five big, strong, handsome paralangua. Their pale scales, their strong arms, their big hands. Oh my god, ten giant hands touching me.

The sound of the Golden Girls fussing again snapped me out of my thoughts. “Stop thinking like one of those romance novels.” I finally got a glass and poured myself a drink. “You have no idea what the council is going to talk about at this meeting. They may be canceling the ceremony. Who knows?” I drank, still fixated a touch on those ten hands.

“Get ahold of yourself, Stella,” I said loudly then chugged down my orange juice. “You still have some work to do!”

I made a quick breakfast before going back out onto the farm. Ten hands, would be nice around to take care of things. The Broken Cart Grange had been in my family for generations, and now, it was only down to me. Lonesome, little old, me. After my parents died I rented the place out for a long time, until Troy came into my life.

Ugh, Troy.

I went around the chicken coops, checking for eggs, and once again, I saw one of the dinosaur sized footprints from before.

“I wonder if they’re spying on me,” I muttered to the chickens around me. “That’s usually part of the tradition you know.”

One of my chickens stares at me with a blank face then tilts her head.

“Oh yes! It’s not supposed to happen, but curious future mates will be curious future mates.” I looked out the window of the coop to the long road leading from the farm towards the main road into Charcourt. “I wonder if paralangua children come out as eggs,” I chuckled to myself as I found some eggs tucked away. I shuddered, and went on working.

That evening I drove to the council building. It was on the cusp of Charcourt and the paralangua territory, going down through the swampy area. The tall twisted trees covered any sort of sunlight, creating shadows and shapes along the path that tricked the eye and made the senses heighten.

I came upon the old bridge that crossed over the council building. It was over a tall embankment with a thick, speeding river underneath. It was told that the paralangua used this river to hide back in the old days and many lost souls could be found at the bottom.

“They sure do have the atmosphere right,” I mumbled under my breath before driving over.

I’m not sure when the council building had been built, but it was one of the newer structures compared to the Charcourt Castle where the Festival of Ash ceremony ended. I was coming upon the door when a laugh stopped me dead in my tracks.

“Well, aren’t you a tall sight for short eyes,” a parlangua came out from around the corner. This was my first time seeing one so close. I’d caught some in the distance before and at the festivals, but this one was so close I could touch them.

I then registered what he had said. “What?”

He cleared his throat. “I said, tall sight for-” he stopped, seeming to take in what he said as well. “I was remarking at how nice and tall you-” He stopped again and cleared his throat. “Let me get to the door for you.” He opened the door for me and I walked in with him close behind.

“Are you here for the meeting?” He asked.

I nodded, still taking him in. He was tall, powerful, I mean, all paralangua are. That’s nothing new. He had remarkable hind quarters, and thick strong legs, along with a pooch to his belly. 

“I’m uh…I guess the solo act for the ceremony this year.” I laughed, but the paralangua went stiff and his eyes widened. His tail flicked out and with a slight turn of his head he gazed down at me, a sudden nervousness to his stance.

I licked my lips out of nerves. “Wh-which way is the meeting.”

“So you’re Stella.” He rubbed at his neck. 

“Ah, so you’ve heard of me then?” I tried to joke around, but really I was on pins and needles. I swallowed and shrugged. “I guess they’re going to try and move up a set of chosen. That’s my guess anyways. It’s fine if I have to skip.”

The paralangua still seemed nervous. “I don’t think that’s what’s happening,” he murmured.” My name is Priapus, by the way.” He held out his hand. “My friends call me Reap.”

That big hand enveloped mine, the scales were smooth and cool. They almost felt silky on the palm, a little more textured on the backside. I liked it. Ten of them!  “Nice to meet you.” I said, shaking out my ridiculous thoughts.

He seemed anxious for a second. “I am one of the five paralangua for the ceremony.”

This big boy? I thought out of shock. This slab of big, hulking, white scales was one of the fellow members of the ceremony? A chosen like me?

“Oh,” was all I could manage to squeak out.

Reap pressed his mouth together in a firm line. “Not exactly the way we are supposed to meet, I know.”

“Yeah, well, strange circumstances all around.” You motioned down the hall. “Is this the way towards the meeting?”

“Yeah, I think so.” Reap walked with me down the hallway, keeping a couple of steps behind me. “A bit strange isn’t it?”

I glanced over my shoulder at him. “Which part?”

He chuckled. “I guess everything. I don’t think there’s been a no show like this since one of the first ceremonies. At least, that’s what I’ve been told. One of the other chosen paralangua called us a cursed group,” he forced a laugh. “I don’t know. Maybe we are. Maybe we aren’t.”

I held back so me and Reap walked side by side. “Maybe I’m just lucky!”

“Huh?”

I shook my head and looked at an open door. A girl around my age stepped out then waved us both in. “Good, you made it!” She waved me into the room then gave Reap a strange, almost scolding look before scurrying in and motioning to a table loaded with food. “Go ahead and make yourself a plate. I’m Alice, and apparently I’ll be handling this meeting,” she said with a chip on her shoulder.

“Are the council not coming?” Reap asked.

Alice held up a recording device and laid it down onto the table. “Here’s your council.” She sighed and shook her head. “They say there’s other festival work that needs their attention as well. But I’d say they’re just-” She shook her head and stopped herself from saying something she’d regret. “Just waiting on the others so I can read out the email I was sent.”

“It’s just an email?” Reap said in disbelief. He scoffed and slapped his arms against his sides. “I thought this was important?”

“Oh, but it is,” Alice said sarcastically. She then sighed and shrugged. “It is what it is. We’re lucky they’re taking their time, rather than springing it on everyone the night of the ceremony.”

I was surprised. I thought the council was this well oiled and highly traditional machine that was perfectly ready for any circumstance. But this sounded like a bunch of teenagers running a club!

Alice gave me a knowing smile. “Not to worry. I’m taking care of this. Not going to scare you with five giant men in one night.” We both looked at each other for a moment, both of us drawing lines from what she said. “This is my first big project, I’m a bit nervous,” she murmured.

I smiled. “It’s okay.”

Reap was poking at food on the table, eating small bites and chewing them slowly. He seemed distant, lost in thought. I hope he wasn’t disappointed with what was being offered. Not the food, but me, I mean.

A few minutes later two more paralangua enter the room, one is very tall with a lithe frame, the other is a tad shorter and stockier. 

“Solomon, Venus,” Alice greeted them. “Why don’t you both go ahead and get something to eat.”

“Where are the robes?” The stockier one asked.

Alice chuckled. “I’m the only council member tonight, Venus.”

Venus scoffed, his lip curling up over his sharp teeth. “Figures. I’ll bet you anything those idiots are off pre-gaming.”

“Now, now, Venus,” the lithe paralangua said. His eyes rose up, looking at me in a way that could have melted me into a giggling puddle. “We have a guest here. Remember your manners.”

“I ain’t a kid!” Venus huffed and stormed over to the food.

The lithe paralngua came over towards me. I can’t describe just how elegantly he moved, how beautiful he was. There was an elegance to his face, a sharp masculinity that was as fine as porcelain. 

“You must be Stella,” he said gently. “It’s very nice to meet you. My name is Solomon.”

My mouth had gotten very dry, and it was hard to swallow the cornbread in my mouth. I covered my lips with a napkin and nodded. “Sorry, was eating.”

Solomon had a soft smile upon his face. “My bad.” He looked around the room. “Shame we had to meet this way. The labyrinth is so much more…atmospheric.”

I had a feeling he had another word in mind, but toned it down due to the situation. I wiped my mouth once the food was swallowed. “It could be worse.”

He nodded, a serious glint in his eye. “That could be said for anything.”

Alice was checking her watch and she got a scowl on her face. “Do any of you know where Chandra and Eros are?” 

“Afraid not,” Reap answered.

Solomon just shook his head.

Venus was chewing, but he spoke up anyway. “Somewhere jacking off.”

“Venus!” Alice snapped and stormed over towards the door to look out.

I noticed Venus was giving me looks, strange glances that last a second too long so I would catch him each time.

“Don’t mind Venus. He doesn’t like letting his nerves show,” Solomon replied. “I would say he and Reap are the shyest of the lot.” He then glanced towards the door. “The other two who have yet to arrive are far from.”

“What are you?” I asked.

Solomon smirked. “I prefer to be quiet.”

I smiled back at him, the unease that had been bothering me since this morning was slowly melting away. Somehow, putting faces to these ten hands was helping.

“So, what do you do?” Venus spoke up, causing me to jerk in his direction. Reap was standing behind him, a worried expression on his face.

“I have a farm,” I answered simply.

Venus had a piece of food in each hand. Despite his cranky expression, he did look very cute. “What kind?”

“Right now it’s just me, so I have just a few animals.”

Venus took a few steps towards me. “Like chickens?”

I wasn't sure what his tone was. He sounded both tense and curious. “Chickens, a few sheep, two goats, four cows I call the Golden Girls.”

Venus’ eyes lit up. “I love that show.”

I was about to offer to show him pictures when Alice came back in, two more paralangua dragged behind her. One was wearing a pearl necklace around his thick neck, the other was yawning and had painted nails. Or well, claws I guess.

“I was trying to wake him up,” the necklace wearing one said.

“I told you no one would be here?” The yawning one continued to yawn. He blinked his eyes, revealing them to be a bright pink.

Alice had a look upon her face. “It doesn’t matter. I still have some things to go over with all of you, Chandra.”

Chandra smirked, his pink eyes lighting up as Alice fussed at him. He reached for the table, picking up the recorder. “Could this meeting have been an email?”

“It is an email,” Reap replied. 

Chandra smirked, but the other yanked the recorder from his hand. “Just because the council does it doesn’t mean you have to.”

“Careful there, Eros!” Chandra snapped. He then looked across the table at me and his pink eyes lit up. “Well, hello there.” He licked his teeth in a seductive way. “Is this our wifey?”

“Ew, don’t say wifey,” Eros scoffed. “Her name is Stella. A star,” his voice became dreamy. “And she deserves to be treated as such.”

I have so many feelings right now, I’m pretty sure I’m just blank. 

“Everyone, sit down!” Alice snapped.

Chandra hissed through his teeth. “I bet you're fun. Too bad you’re not part of-”

Alice shook her head at him and Chandra shut his mouth, “Good, now that we’re all here, we can start this.” She moved towards the table, taking a head seat at the table and laying out a folder.

The room quieted more than it already had, and the paralangua were taking seats around the table. There was definitely a tension in the air that floated about the whole room. Despite the situation most of the tension seemed to be resting with poor Alice at the head. Left to do the dirty work of her superiors she was a lot more composed than I would be given the situation.

“Alright, so I am sure we’re all aware of the situation,” Alice spoke up. She was trying to sound in control, but there was a slight warble to her voice. “The other chosen haven’t returned home to Charcourt, leaving only one of the five to take the ceremony. Which is an unfortunate occurrence. The council, in their infinite wisdom,” she said with a roll of her eyes, “have left me a message which will hopefully clear things up.”

Pink-eyed Chandra raised his hand and Alice scoffed. “Yes, what is it?”

Chandra lowered his hand and leaned forward. “I don’t agree with the council.”

“She hasn’t said what the council has decided.” Solomon replied with a cool even tone. “How can you disagree already?”

“Because the council is full of out of touch misers,” Chandra waved his hand in the air. “I don’t doubt for a second they’re going to hurt her feelings.”

Eros perked up. “Whose feelings?”

“Hers.” Chandra pointed at me. “Why punish the good one of the bunch because the other four didn’t want to shirk up to their responsibilities?”

I was once again the center of attention and I wasn’t sure I liked that yet. “Well let's see what the council does say before we start jumping off cliffs.” I swallowed down the lump in my throat. “No reason to get angry just yet.”

“I heard rumors they were allowing volunteers to join up,” Venus grunted.

Reap jerked and looked frightened at the idea. “Volunteers?” 

“Stop it now,” Alice called out. “Why are you rumor mongering when I am trying to give you the truth?” She huffed and snapped the paper out before her. “If you all don’t mind.” Her eyes glanced down. “As a reward for her loyalty to Charcourt and the traditions of the Festival of Ash, Ms. Stella Riley will be allowed to keep all five of the intended paralangua grooms, or choose the ones she feels are deserving. Despite the lack of chosen and spectacle for the ceremony, it will continue as planned. The labyrinth will be opened, but by all means, the end results will be decided by Ms. Stella Riley, rather than the usual chase the labyrinth provides.” Alice looked up from the printed email and I was for sure the center of attention now and forever.

I sat still, afraid to look at anyone in the room.

“Does that suffice?” Alice asked.

There was quiet, and with the quiet there was more tension and unease. A few beads of sweat were gathering at the nape of my neck and I knew I needed to say something, but I couldn’t think of anything at all except those ten damn hands again.

Solomon turned to me, placing his hand upon my arm in a gentle fashion. “What do you think, Stella? Are you okay with this?”

“I suppose.” I murmured and slowly looked around the room. “I’m just one person though. I’m not sure if I can handle-” I saw their eyes, all of them looking at me. There was an intensity, although not one of malice or even unease. Dare I even think they were aroused by the prospect?

Ten hands. Ten hands!

“I’d say you’re in a very lucky spot,” Chandra spoke up. “Five grooms, ten hands, what an easy life you’ll have from here on out.”

He said it, I thought to myself.

“But is it fair to the rest of us to have to share?” Venus snapped. He didn’t sound angry like he had before, instead he sounded concerned painted as irritation. “It’s easy to pick a favorite. Why should she be any different. Are we supposed to make a chore wheel of who gets time with her?”

“As if all the chosens of the past haven’t lived in polyamorous pods,” Eros replied with a sultry tone. “It’s not uncommon, hell, it’s practically the natural order of things. I remember my family growing up and how they all lived together as a unit.” He glanced across at Venus with a smirk. “Like we haven’t already-”

“Hush,” Venus hissed. “My point remains. That was a whole group of chosen. This is a singular chosen.”

“She seems capable,” Chandra replied. He then glanced to Reap who had been quiet this whole time. “Doesn’t she, Reap?”

Reap looked up nervously. “It’s her decision on who to keep. I say we leave it up to her and the ceremony.”

“But how does she do that?” Solomon asked. “If the usual labyrinth method isn’t to be the norm this year, then maybe we should figure out what to do instead.”

“I don’t think I’d have the heart to pick and choose like that,” I murmured. “You all seem very nice. At least from first impressions.”

There was quiet again and I was trying to find my voice to speak up. “I-” I took a breath to calm myself. “I’ve always wanted a big family. I used to but everyone is either gone or passed. It’s just me in that giant farmhouse ever since I moved back. And all I’ve ever wanted was a family, I’ve always wanted lots of kids.”

“Five grooms gives you a good chance,” Eros teased.

I smiled shyly. “I don’t mind the five of you, but if there is one of you who feels it isn’t what you wanted, I understand that as well.”

“The farm is lovely,” Reap replied, unintentionally giving away the fact he was the one who left the prints in the mud.

“It’s untraditional, that’s for certain,” Solomon replied. “But I think it’s the best option for all of us.”

Reap tentatively leaned forward. “Maybe we should give her a chance to get to know us. You know. Visit her a little before the ceremony.”

“That’s against the rules,” Venus snipped.

“Everyone does it every year though,” Chandra scoffed. “I think they’d over look it for us if they do it every year.”

“I believe they would, yes,” Alice interjected. 

Reap turned to look at me, his gaze gentle and his smile slightly returned. “Would you be alright with that, Stella?”

A tingle went down my spine and I took a deep breath. “Sure, just be aware of my animals. That’s all I ask.”

Alice sighed in relief. “Well, if that settles that, then that’s the end of the meeting.” She crumpled up the printed out email and tossed it towards the nearest trash can. “I will see you all again at the ceremony. Stella, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me. You can call at any time.” She gathered her things and left, leaving me and my five grooms alone in the conference room.

“Well, that was interesting.” Solomon stood up from the table. He looked back at the food spread out on the table behind us. “Do you think she remembered this is here?”

“We can finish it off, can’t we Venus?” Chandra jabbed.

Venus just glared at him.

“Maybe now would be a good time to set up a schedule between us and Stella before the ceremony. We should have enough time for each of us,” Reap spoke up.

“Schedules aren’t romantic,” Eros sighed. 

“What, and just show up randomly to her place? She works, you know?” Venus snipped at him.

“I don’t mind, really. I’m usually alone on the farm anyways,” I murmured. All eyes were on me again. “I don’t mind visits.”

There was a hush between the five of them.

“You’ve got enough to deal with,” Solomon said sternly, mainly for the rest of them. “We can work out a schedule between us, all you have to do is be your charming self.”

I smiled shyly. “I can do that.” I wasn’t sure what to expect from all this, and although I was excited by the prospect, I was trying to keep my expectations low. I had five chances, I wasn’t going to waste a single one of them. Lithe stoic Solomon. Flirty, ethereal Chandra. Shy and sweet Priapus, aka Reap. Venus, who was hot headed but vulnerable. And lastly, lovely and romantic Eros. I didn’t really have to decide, they were all mine for taking if I wanted. That was nerve wracking alone, but I was deeply excited. 

Two:

I noticed looks at the store while I was getting some supplies. Usually, the farming supply store was one of those places people paid no mind. Everyone was busy with their own lives, business, and animals. But today I could tell people were paying that mind. I suppose word had gotten out that Stella Riley was the only chosen this year. I quickly checked out, never one to enjoy that sort of limelight upon me. Why I was one of the chosen, I’ll never quite understand.

Once I got home I simply sat in the truck. My hands slipped from the steering wheel and I leaned back against the old seat and let out a heavy sigh.

“Oh boy.” I opened my eyes, staring up at the duct tape that patched up the ceiling. “What am I doing?” I patted my cheeks. “Everyone knows. What was I thinking?” I yelled out loud. I grabbed hold of the steering wheel again, thinking I should drive back to the headquarters and ask someone, anyone, if I was losing my mind agreeing to this nonsense.

Instead, I got out of the truck and went to the back. “You got greedy. What would Grandma say?” I grumbled under my breath. “Stella Riley, you can’t put both hands in the cookie jar!” I said mimicking her. I pulled down the tailgate and started to yank out the chicken feed. 

“Let me help you with that.” 

Every hair on my body bristled with anticipation. I looked up, seeing Solomon approaching from the barn. He must have been waiting.

Oh God! My first meeting, or well, my first one on one session with them. I stood erect as he approached, unsure exactly what to say. Did he hear me yell in the truck? Oh God! What am I supposed to do? Wait, he asked me a question. Say something, Stella! Say anything!

“I’ve got it, it’s okay.” I had a nervous lilt to my voice. “I’m used to it.”

Solomon came up, taking the bag of feed from me. “I’m sure you are. But what’s the harm in accepting a little help?”

I smiled, fidgeting for a second. “I keep it over here.” I motioned towards the barn, leading him towards the backdoors. Already the Golden Girls were gathering at the entrance to watch. They were entranced by Solomon, which I don’t blame them. He was tall and lithe compared to other paralangua, which gave him an almost ethereal appearance. 

“There we are,” he murmured as he set the bag down.

“Thank you.” I tried to smooth down my hair. I hadn’t been expecting one of them so soon. I figured I had at least until this evening. I was wearing my old overalls and boots, I didn’t look quite the part of a girl expecting a suitor.

Solomon was luckily looking around the barn. “It’s nice here.”

“Family heirloom, I suppose.” I chuckled and my anxiety was apparent in my voice cracking. “Uhm-so you’re my first.”

Solomon looked back at me, a slight smile came to his face. “I was quite lucky to win that draw.”

“A draw?” I asked, leading him back towards the house.

“Well, more like several games of rock, paper, scissors,” he shrugged. “It was the only way we could convince Venus it was fair.” He smiled and shook his head.  “We were going to do it alphabetically, but Venus argued that put him at the end.”

I smiled. “I could tell he was nervous at the meeting though.”

Solomon sighed. “He does like to put on his bravado. He’s younger and smaller, so he feels like he needs to…act in order to be seen. When really, I think Venus just needs to be himself to get noticed. Then again, I’m the oldest, and I know ‘be yourself’ is the oldest advice in the book.”

“I remember my Grandpa giving me that advice when I was a kid,” I murmured. I could even picture him sitting at the kitchen table, leaning forward to me as I cried into the glass bottle coke he bought me at the general store. “I hated it. So, I can see where Venus’ mind could possibly be.”

Solomon nodded. “Youth and age have their pros and cons.”

I chuckled, matching Solomon’s wise smile. I opened the door and we walked into the kitchen. “Would you like anything?” I asked. “Tea? Coffee?”

Solomon’s eyes went around the room, there was a softness to his gaze. His large hand came down on the back of a chair at the table. “This really is a picturesque place,” he murmured. “Look at all the old tins.” He motioned towards the little shelf that ran all the way around the edge of the cabinets and kitchen itself. 

My eyes went around the room and brought a nostalgic smile to my face. “My grandmother collected them.”

“Generations of things,” he murmured. Solomon then looked back at me and his smile brightened. “I love that.”

My cheeks burned and I quickly turned away. “I also have some sparkling water in the fridge.”

Solomon grunted as he sat down at the table. His tail curled up under the chair then hung over one of the rungs. “I wouldn’t mind a cup of tea if it’s not too much trouble. Or does that make me sound too old?” He laughed.

“Not at all!” I reached for the kettle on the stove and took it over to the sink. I was filling it with water when Solomon came and stood beside me, looking out the large picture window over the sink. “I enjoy tea more and more these days to relax. Coffee to work. Tea to relax.”

“Tea can have just as much caffeine as coffee you know?” He teased.

“Herbal,” I corrected. “I love a good peppermint.”

Solomon nodded. “I am partial to a sleepy time.” He leaned against the table, watching me as I moved about the kitchen. His gaze made me more aware of my body and movements. It was slightly nerve wracking, but also made me want to impress him.

“You’re quite brave to take on all of us,” he murmured suddenly. “I was instantly impressed with you.”

Holy shit did he read my mind? Did he know what I was trying to do while I gracefully turned on the stove and set the kettle upon the eye?

“I wouldn’t say brave. I actually feel a bit selfish.” I glanced up at him, taking in his handsome profile and gleaming eyes. My heart pounded. “I’m not even sure you all are interested.” I turned off the water and moved the kettle to the stove.

“What’s not to be interested in?” Solomon asked, his quiet and serious tone mixed with that deep, raspy voice of his made me shiver. 

I fidgeted with the stove for a second in order to avoid looking at him again. If I did after that I just might melt.

“Your boldness at the meeting impressed most of us. I think Reap and I were both charmed right away.”

I looked back at him finally. “Thank you,” was all I could muster.

His smile grew and there was a softness to his gaze. “What? Are you not used to such compliments?”

I shook my head. “To be honest I’m more used to the opposite.”

Solomon frowned, looking concerned. “Who from?”

I shook my head. “Oh no, I mean, not recently. It’s been years since-” My voice clogged itself in my throat and my mouth hung open for a second. I swallowed and shrugged. “It was a past relationship.”

Solomon huffed, shaking his head. “Such a shame, Stella. Men are idiots. Cruel idiots. I’m so sorry.”

“You aren’t my ex. You don’t need to apologize for anything.” I smiled shyly. “You say that about your own kind?”

“Not exactly my kind,” he sighed. “Us paralangua are raised better as young ones. I know hurt like that is hard to forget, but I do find you beautiful if that means anything.”

I must have been strawberry red because I saw his gaze turn to concern. “It means something.” My voice squeaked. I cleared my throat and met his eyes, chuckling softly. “Thank you so much.”

Solomon touched my hand just as the teapot began to whistle.

We had a lovely conversation over tea; he talked about his life beyond the river in Charcourt, he was raised by his father alone, and he, too, longed for a bigger family. I was always easily attracted to a deep voice and large hands (it got me in trouble once before), but I felt a chemistry with Solomon that felt so real.

“You probably have work to do. I shouldn’t have kept you so long.” Solomon murmured.

That cut through me as I had so been enjoying our conversation. “Oh uh-” I looked at the clock and couldn't argue that I needed to tend to things on the farm. “Yes well-” I didn’t really want to say goodbye.

Solomon took his cup to the sink. “I did enjoy getting to know you, Stella.”

I nodded. “Me too. I mean! I mean you too. I mean-”

Solomon chuckled and he leaned down, placing a kiss on my cheek. My heart could have stopped. I’d never been kissed on the cheek by a guy like that.

“Venus is next. Not sure when they'll want to come by, but do expect them.” Solomon gave me a wink.

I smiled back at him. “Is there anything they like I could have around for them?”

“Sweets,” he replied. “Venus likes sweets.”

“I do like to bake.” I said, walking him to the door.

At the door, Solomon looked at me and there was a crackle in the air. “I know we just met, but would you mind if I kissed you? In earnest?”

I just nodded, unable to say anything as I tried to contain myself. Solomon dipped his head, placing a kiss upon my lips. I shivered as his hand touched my cheek. Imagine that four more times, I thought to myself.

“Kissing? Already?”

Solomon pulled back as Venus walked up to the door. Venus had a slight scowl upon their face and their tail swished back and forth behind them.

“What are you doing here?” Solomon chuckled. “Eager to get things started.”

Venus bristled, or at least, every fiber of them stiffened. “You’re taking your time, I see! We had an agreement.”

“I know. I know.” Solomon stepped away from the door. “I’ll see you later, Stella. For now, I leave you with Venus.” 

“Until later,” I said. I then looked back at Venus. “I actually have some chores to do if you don’t mind waiting.”

Venus eyes darted towards the barn, seeing the fenced in area where the cows were gathering, waiting for their next meal. “You said they were the Golden Girls?”

I nodded. “Would you like to help me?”

Venus was still pouting but he followed me towards the barn. The Golden Girls gathered at the entrance, mooing and shoving each other to get to the front.

“The red one is Blanche,” I started. “The black and white one is Sophia. Rose is the brown and white one, and the black one is Dorothy.”

Venus approached them gingerly, holding out his hand which Rose sniffed at. He went and pet her, the other girls complained they weren’t getting the same attention.

“Do you like animals?” I asked as I filled up the trough.

Venus pulled his hand back. “I have a cat.”

“Aww, what’s their name?” I smiled at Venus who looked away shyly, but maintained a tough appearance.

“Bea.”

I smirked. “I used to listen to the Mame soundtrack with my grandmother all the time. Bea Arthur has such a great voice.”

Venus’s eyes followed me as I refilled the bucket with chicken feed. “My cat has a weird raspy voice, that’s why I named her Bea.”

“That’s so cute.” I led Venus out into the farmyard, tossing out the chicken feed and the chickens came running.

“You’re really the only one who works this?” Venus asked.

“I’m the only Riley in Charcourt left,” I replied, hugging the bucket to my chest. “And obviously I’m single.”

Venus scoffed. “So you want the five of us just for hired help?”

I gave him a look. “No. I mean, help is nice, but-”

“But what?”

I was quiet for a moment. “I don’t know. I just like the idea of the affection that comes with it.”

His gaze softened and I swear the white scales around his eyes turned pink. “You just want to be pampered by five guys?”

I chuckled. “Maybe? Doesn’t anybody want to be a little pampered?” I walked back towards the barn to get more feed for the sheep. “I was thinking about making cookies when I was done here. What kind do you like?”

Venus’ eyes got wide and he cleared his throat. “Trying to grease me up with baking?”

“Maybe a little,” I said with a giggle. “If I’m being honest.”

Venus glanced at me then away. “What kinds can you make?”

I thought for a moment. “Well, I think I can do chocolate chip, sugar cookies, I’ve got lots of cinnamon too.”

Venus sniffed, watching as the Golden Girls came closer to him. “Chocolate chip is good.”

“Alright then. I’ll have to go check the coop for eggs.”

Venus turned towards me. “What?”

“Well what do you think I have the chickens for? I sell the eggs, I also sell the milk from the girls and the goats.”

Venus seemed stunned by this. “I guess that makes sense,” he muttered. “But you just use them like that? Fresh from their-”

“That’s how eggs happen.” I walked towards the coop. “Want to see?”

Venus shook their head. “Not really. Can I just go inside?” They pointed back to the house.

“Sure, go ahead.” I gathered up the eggs I could find in the coop then went back inside. Venus was looking around my kitchen as well, especially the magnets on the fridge. I set the basket of eggs down and they looked at the basket with some repulsion. 

“They come out gross, yes. They stay fresher if you don’t wash them.”

Their mouth gaped as I said this.

I just smirked at him. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll wash the ones I use for the cookies. Is that alright?”

They nodded, returning to their usual grumpy pout.

I gathered up ingredients to make the cookies and preheated the oven. “Venus is an interesting name,” I replied. It was really the only conversation starter I could think of. It had been quiet this whole time.

“You think?” Venus huffed. “My mom liked that show Sailor Moon, she didn’t seem to care that Venus meant girl.”

It was an awfully cute explanation but I wouldn’t have dared repeated that to him. “So she named you after her favorite character, that’s sweet.”

Venus frowned. “I went by Vee until I was fifteen,” he grumbled. “Then when my mom got sick, I started letting her call me Venus again.”

I stopped measuring out flour and gave Venus a sympathetic look.

“I lived with Reap’s family for a time,” they muttered. “His brother, Lerour, had just gone through the ceremony so there was room for me.” They sniffled then turned their head away so I couldn’t see.

“I’m so sorry, Venus.” I reached out and touched his arm, which he tilted his head to look at. “My mom died when I was little too.”

Venus looked back at me, his eyes were watery and pink around the rim. “Yeah well. Guess we have something in common. Not that being sad is any sort of connection.”

I chuckled and rubbed his arm gently. “I would say grief is a pretty good common ground to start from.” I measured out more of the dry ingredients and Venus came closer to my side. They were a touch shorter than me, but they had nice strong arms and thick thighs. Plus, they felt nice next to me, a little warm with a comforting air.

“So, you lived with Reap?” I asked. 

“Yeah,” he muttered. “He’s pretty shy, just warning you.”

“Good to know.” I started mixing the dry ingredients together. “Is he next?”

Venus shook his head and got a look of annoyance upon their face. “Unfortunately for you, Chandra is next.”

“Why unfortunately?” I laughed.

“You didn’t get enough of him at the meeting the other night? He’s obnoxious, not to mention a bit of a-” They stopped and hesitated saying the next word. “Just don’t fall for his ploys.” 

“Ploys? What ploys?”

Venus gave me a warning look, one that turned their eyes into a darker shade of gray. He held up a finger and leaned in close. “Solomon can ask for a kiss and be a gentleman. Chandra is no gentleman, he is a flirt and enjoys a challenge.”

“He’s easy?” I giggled.

“A little.” Venus looked back at the cookie mix. “Just be careful. Not saying you won’t be, you seem to have a level head on you.”

“Thanks, I appreciate that.” I continued making the cookies with Venus. When the cookies were fresh from the oven, Venus had quite a few. They took the rest home and I promised we could bake together again sometime soon.

I could tell from his expression he wanted to ask for a kiss as well, but wasn’t going to do it anytime soon. “Have a good evening, Venus.” I kissed his cheek and those eyes lit up into pure silver. He didn’t say anything just looked at me and nodded before leaving.

“Pretty cute,” I said to myself after he left. “Solomon and Venus in one day,” I murmured. I could still remember Solomon’s kiss, and the connection I made with Venus was just as sweet. 

“Two down, three to go,” I murmured and went back inside to finish cleaning up. 

Three:

It had been a day or so since I had seen Solomon and Venus, so I was expecting Chandra at any moment. Considering what I had gleaned from him at the meetings, and even Venus’ warnings, it was obvious he was going to be a handful. But so far, I had been enjoying these meetings, so I wasn’t going to worry about it for too long.

Every so often I like to take my goats down to the river that runs behind the farm. They get to play, splash around, and I swear the water makes their milk taste so much better. I also like to go down there and look for pretty rocks or plants I can add to my collection.

The four goats were playing in the river, eating grass from the shore and splashing around. The youngest, Gilda, was bouncing around and having the time of her life. I was wading at the edge of the river, looking at stones that crossed my path. I then heard the goats exclaim and come running towards me, splashing and kicking up water all over the back of my legs.

Expecting a snake or something, I turned quickly, ushering the goats to the bank. Then I caught a flash of white in the corner of my eye. There stood Chandra, rising up out of the water with a great smirk upon his face.

“Didn’t mean to startle,” he chuckled. He smoothed his hand down his chest, wiping away excess water. “I just smelled something delicious in the air and came towards it.”

The goats on the bank yelled and made a fuss as Chandra came closer to me.

“Not funny,” I huffed, smoothing my hair back away from my face.

Chandra approached, taking my hand and kissing the back of it. “My apologies to you and the ladies.”

“One's a male, but thank you.” His pink eyes were captivating, they looked like glass marbles that shined brighter than any diamond.

“My apologies again for the misgendering,” Chandra said with a chuckle.  He then leaned against one of the trees that hung over the river. “So, what brings a lily of the valley like you to a place like this?”

I motioned back to the goats. “I like bringing them down here sometimes. Wasn’t expecting you to come out of the river though.”

“I enjoy making an entrance. What can I say?” he looked me over, drinking me in and growing a smile that made me think of the cat who ate the canary.

I smirked. “What are you doing?”

“What? Just looking. I’m not going to do anything, I don’t know what Venus said to sully my name, but I swear, I’m not like that.” He winked playfully.

I eyed him up and down. “What do you think Venus said?”

“Well, knowing him, nothing too fond.” He stepped aside from the tree and sat down upon the bank, stretching out his legs and tail upon the grass. “He and I have never quite seen eye to eye.”

I took the spot beside him, raising up my knees to my chest. “And why do you think that is?”

“I think he envies my confidence,” he said with a laugh. “Maybe my height.”

“Venus told me not to fall for your ploys.” I glanced up at him to garner his reaction, which there was none. Chandra simply smiled. “What would those ploys be?”

Chandra’s tail curled, wrapping around my sides then brushing up against my thigh. “Well, let me think. I have no idea what he is talking about.” he said teasingly. Meanwhile, his tail tightened and pulled me in close to his side. Chandra put his arm around me and continued to feign contemplation.

I looked at his arm and let out a small laugh. “What are you doing?”

“Hm?” He looked down. “Oh my goodness. When did you do this?” He pulled his arm back. “We’ve only just met. Unless you’re…into that.” He winked again.

I rolled my eyes and scooted back. “You’re something of a flirt.”

“Don’t you worry. Once the ceremony happens I will become the most devoted out of all my brother husbands.” he laid his hand dramatically against his chest. “I call them oats to sow. But I’m sure there are names for me out there.”

“Venus was hinting. But I don’t blame oats for being oats.”

Chandra smiled. “Have you sowed a bit in your time?”

I shrugged. “I wouldn’t call it sowing. Maybe if I was doing it on gravel.” I made a face and shook my head. “I planted my oats in the wrong ground.”

He got a look upon his face, one of concern. “Mind if I ask what was so wrong about this ground?”

I looked at him and then away a few times before I got the nerve to say anything. “Let's just say it was toxic earth.”

Chandra nodded his head, clicking his tongue in understanding. “I’m happy to see you here, away from that.”

I sighed heavily. “Me too.”

Chandra leaned back against his palms and gazed up towards the sky. “Now you have five strikingly rich, fertile soils to plant your oats.”

I grimaced. “Can we stop this analogy?”

“I hated the words as soon as I said them.” Chandra watched me as I stood up. His eyes followed me, seeing my look of distress and I gazed at the goats behind us. “Something the matter?”

“Gilda’s gone.” I whipped around, looking all over for the little goat. “One of my goats is missing.”

“Well calm down, calm down,” he coaxed as he stood up. “I’m sure she’s around here somewhere.”

“She’s my youngest and she’s not learned how wandering is bad!” I darted down the river then looked back. “I need to get the others back to the barn. But I don’t want to lose time looking for her.” I could feel the panic rising in my gut.

“You take the goats back, I’ll keep looking,” he said gently. “I’ll keep looking.”

I nodded and breathlessly lead the other goats back to the barn. As I made my way back towards the river, I looked everywhere. If I thought she could sleep under stones I would have turned every single one over. I searched all along the path and once I reached the river I searched for Chandra. After getting down to the bank I saw a flash of white in the corner of my eye. Chandra was knelt down beside a bush and my stomach seized. I instantly thought the worst and ran towards him.

“Chandra?” I called out.

He looked up and shushed me, tapping his finger to his mouth. “Be quiet. She’s sleeping.”

“Sleeping?” I blurted angrily. I ran to him and looked over his shoulder, seeing little Gilda curled up under a bush that was directly in a beam of sunlight.

“She probably curled up here and passed out.” He looked up at me and smiled. “She’s so cute, I didn’t want to bother her.”

As I came closer Gilda lifted up her head, she moved herself closer and laid her head on Chandra’s knee. The look in his beautiful pink eyes made my heart melt. As my nerves settled I leaned up against him. It was quiet for a long moment while we let Gilda enjoy her nap. I fell asleep as the sun was warm and the flow of the river made a powerful spell. 

I came to as Chandra was carrying me towards the house with Gilda at our heels. “Ah, awake I see.” He sat me down and and smoothed back my clothes from being crumpled up. “Have a nice nap?”

“Yeah, I guess I did,” I chuckled. 

Gilda was happily standing at Chandra’s side. It made my heart flutter.

“You owe me then,” Chandra teased. “Everyone got a full meeting with you, but I suppose being used as a pillow is fine.”

“Sorry, I really am.” I chuckled. 

“No worries.” Chandra smoothed his palm over my cheek then tucked back my hair. “I’ll have you all to myself here soon.” 

I closed my eyes, giving him the signal to kiss me. Instead he smoothed back my hair and kissed my forehead. “I can do better.” He whispered before he pulled away. “Hopefully Reap won’t outshine me.” He gave me a smile before leaving, and my face was molten hot. 

To say I’ve been having a hard time sleeping with all this going on would be accurate. Fitful is the word I would use. My overactive imagination combined with the ‘ten hands’ mantra I’d been going over, was giving me some pretty bodice heaving thoughts. I could only imagine what was coming with Reap and Eros still arriving. I knew a bit about Reap, I’d gotten to talk to him already. But Eros was a bit of a mystery. His painted nails and pearl necklace were the most I had to introduce him to me. Reap was shy and super sweet, and his opening line to me had been on my mind as I awaited our meeting.

It was a regular afternoon, one where I had just received a grocery order. I always enjoyed the act of putting things away neatly. Whether it was in the barn or in my own home, having everything neatly placed and organized was cathartic. Plus, if I had a hard time seeing something I often forgot it was there. So it’s best I can see what I have.

Anyways, as I was remarking on how frustrating it is certain products have the same bottles but different labeling, there was a knock at my door. I turned, seeing a shape in the stained glass window of my door.

“Just a second!” I called out, setting the groceries aside. I opened the door to see a bouquet of flowers. Vivid pinks and reads, dashes of pale yellow, all sorts of flowers that must have cost a bundle to put together.

“Don’t just shove it in her face.”

“I didn’t mean to!”

I looked beyond the bouquet to see both Eros and Reap standing in my doorway. They both looked at me, similarly sympathetic but their eyes read it in different ways.

“Two at once? What did I do to deserve this?” I asked.

Eros offered me the bouquet. “Before that, I put this together myself with Reap’s suggestions.”

“You did this? It’s beautiful!” I exclaimed.

“Eros is really talented with those sorts of things,” Reap spoke softly from behind. “It’s part of why I asked him to tag along for my visit.” He looked embarrassed, almost afraid to look at me, but he did with a lustrous sparkle to his eyes.

“Come on in, the kitchen is a mess right now, but the table is clear.” I stepped inside, letting them follow in after me.

“Do you have a vase?” Eros asked. “I can take care of those for you.”

“I’ll have to hunt one down. It’s been ages since I last got flowers I didn’t pick myself.” I chuckled, gently laying the bouquet down.

“The kitchen isn’t a mess,” Reap said as he looked around.

“I just got groceries so it’s scattered.” I was searching through the lower cabinets, hoping to find my grandmother’s vase. We used to put it on the table every Sunday with flowers my grandfather got for her. But childhood was so long ago.

From the corner of my eye I saw Eros mouth something to Reap. Reap nodded in turn and came to my side. “Can I help with the search?”

“Yes, actually,” I huffed when the lower cabinets didn’t pan out. “The vase may be up behind one of the tins. You’re so tall, you’d probably see it before me.”

Reap smiled at me. “Says the tall sight for short eyes.”

I broke into a huge smile I tried to keep restrained. “Yes, even for me.”

His bright smile broke through that nervousness he held and he began searching along that top shelf, carefully peering behind the tins.

“I haven’t had to use that vase since my grandmother passed,” I replied. “So I’m afraid I put it somewhere safe and forgot where safe was.”

Eros looked up from the sink, using a pair of shears to trim the ends of the flowers into the sink. “Isn’t that how it always goes? I lose more scissors in my shop that way.”

“What is your shop?” I asked.

“A florist,” he said with a soft laugh. “I also dabble in a few other things. But flowers are my main pay check.”

“Don’t be modest,” Reap said. “He’s a renaissance man.”

“You hush.” Eros ran water over the freshly trimmed stems.

Reap stepped back. “Is this it?” He held out the vase which was covered in grease and dust from years of sitting high up in the kitchen.

“You found it!” I reached for it, touching Reap’s hands as I did. His gaze softened and his fingers twitched. “Thank you,” I said a bit more gently. “It needs a good washing.” At the sink I stood by Eros. His eyes glanced down upon my hands as I scrubbed into the vase.

“A hard worker, I see.” He took my hand gently as the vase soaked in water. He turned my palm over, gently brushing the tip of his claw along my skin. It made me shiver in a way I never had before. It was a whole new sensation to me.

Eros smiled. “What a strong heart line you have.”

“Heart line?”

Eros looked up into my eyes. “Also known as the love line,” he almost sounded like he was purring saying this.

My cheeks radiated heat until it burned the tops of my ears. “What a coincidence,” I said breathlessly.

“See, I told you it was a good thing I brought you along,” Reap murmured from behind. “You’re so good at that.”

Eros gave Reap a gentle look. “Don’t sell yourself short, Reap. You have charms all your own, but I am more than happy to be here for both of you.” He squeezed my hand gently before letting it go.

I rinsed off the vase. “You don’t need to be nervous about me. I consider myself an easy person to be around. It’s growing up with animals I think.”

“That’s what my brother said,” Reap said with a halfhearted chuckle. “But still, Eros is good at breaking tension. I feel as though I am good at making it.”

“There we are now,” Eros said as he finished off the vase. “Beautiful. Just like the one we made it for.”

I giggled and shyly looked away.

Reap sighed. “He makes it seem so easy.”

“Compliments are meant to be easy,” Eros replied. “Action is what’s best.” He motioned to me and Reap looked at me. We both exchanged glances and Reap smiled.

“Action, huh?” Reap rubbed at the side of his neck. “Well, would you like help putting your groceries away.”

I smiled. “I’m picky about how I put it up, so don’t worry about it. All the cold stuff is put away. But, if you’d like, I’d love to sit over some tea or coffee with the both of you. It’s such a nice day out, and I rarely ever get to use my patio.”

Reap’s smile was probably the sweetest out of all five of them. I was charmed instantly by him, and anytime Eros spoke it was like he was putting me under some sort of dreamy spell.

There was a gentle breeze along with the warm sunlight, the old picnic table my grandfather made was rarely used these days, but sitting with Eros and Reap made it feel like old times.

“My big brother went through the ceremony a few years ago,” Reap was telling me. “I’ve always been nervous at the idea. But he’s been telling me all these amazing things so I’ve been growing more excited as the ceremony gets closer. Then, shocker, we find out only one of the chosen this year is attending.”

“Honest gut punch,” Eros replied. He had been holding my hand the entire time, massaging it, rubbing my palm, admiring the fine lines it seemed. “None of us were sure what to do or how to act.”

“We tried to wait on word from the council but-” Reap bowed his head and swallowed. “I got curious one night.”

“I saw your footprints,” I replied. 

Reap looked aside and fidgeted in his seat. “I’m sorry! I wanted to see who stayed and I…well-”

Eros rolled his hand. “Go on. Tell her.”

I looked back at Reap. “Tell me what?”

He took in a deep breath. “I understood something my brother said. He said he saw his chosen, and knew then and there she was it. The one. His. I thought it was silly, Lerour was always dramatic but then I saw you.”

My heart fluttered.

“And like he said, I knew.” He looked up at me with a shy glance. “I think all of us felt that way. That’s how it seemed in the meeting anyways.”

I swallowed, nervous, elated, light headed, and a bunch of other things I don’t think I could blame on the coffee. “Well, thank you.” I laugh because that sounded so silly. “I don’t know why I said thank you! But uhm…I felt a little similar that day. I feel that way each time I meet one of you. It’s like fitting into something comfortable.”

Reap’s smile returned. “It does.”

Eros lifted my hand, kissing my knuckles. “We’re all a little opposite in our own ways, but you seem to be a connecting factor to all of it.”

My heart was pounding fast. Ten hands kept repeating in my mind. “I am nervous about the ceremony. I’ve barely had one serious boyfriend, let alone five. Let alone five paralangua ones.” I gazed into Reap’s eyes, seeing a gentle gaze. “I don’t know if it will work out for all of us but…I am excited to try.”

Four:

My heart is hammering out of my chest. No. Beyond that. My heart is hammering in space and changing Earth’s rotation. I was wading in knee deep water, entering the depths of the labyrinth. Cold mud and stone greet my toes. Meanwhile, ahead of me, there is a vastness I cannot describe. The labyrinth is one of the greatest mysteries the Festival of Ash provides, and I am alone inside.

The paralangua will begin their hunt now. But I am the sole prey this festival. Usually, the five chosen paralangua will enter along with some other hopeful paralangua, hunting for their chosen mate. This year, my five will enter alone, and they will hunt me together, yet separately. The order of who leaves the labyrinth will determine…well, something very intimate.

I slipped and fell into the water, splashing down, losing footing, and finding myself careening down a waterslide that shoots me out over a waterfall, below me is a vast depth with a faint blue glow.

I notice none of this beauty or splendor. I am far too busy screaming at the top of my lungs as I cascade down the waterfall like a ragdoll.

From the waterfall lunges a huge, imposing figure that rips me from the air. My heartbeat is such that now the moon is shaken from its orbit. I am tucked into large arms, one of which grabs hold of a vine and swings us towards a wall where he stops my careening.

“Easy now,” a calm voice whispers. “I got you in the nick of time.” There was a slight chuckle to his voice, but I was too busy trying to breathe to notice the sexy inflection.

“Oh my god!” I gulped in air. “Oh my god!” My naked body pressed into the scaly flank of Chandra. His white scales gleamed with that faint blue glow. He looked iridescent in the light.

“Took a tumble, did ya?” Chandra laughed as he put me upon his back. “Was planning to sneak up on you until you did that.” He started climbing up the vine, heading towards the beam of light over us.

I clung to his neck, holding on for dear life as the pool below us grew even further away. “I didn’t even see that I was that close to a slide!”

“No worries.” Chandra started to laugh but was yanked from below. 

Glancing down, Venus was upon us, his hand wrapped tightly around Chandra’s ankle. 

“Do you mind?” Chandra tried kicking, but found it upset his balance on the rope. “I’m trying to get our Stella out of here.”

“And let you be first?” Venus snarled. “Fat chance.”

Chandra eased me around to his front, holding me in the curve of his arm. “Excuse me, love.” He set me upon a ledge on the wall then leapt down, tackling Venus, and both of them dropped into the knee deep water I started in.

I yelped, quickly coming to standing. I watched them struggle for a moment, their bodies writhing and thrashing in the water, before I made my way along the ledge. The ledge led to an opening, which itself turned into a dimly lit corridor. Light filtered in through the ceiling, which was covered by vines and tree limbs. The floor was cold with settled patches of water that trickled down the walls. I was supposed to keep running, creating the chase that the labyrinth was made for. But I really didn’t want to. I wanted one of them to find me, it didn’t matter who. I just wanted to be found and taken out of here.

As I came to the end of the hallway, I peeked around the corner to see stairs on either side, and a drop off straight ahead. I stood there for a moment, listening for rushing water or something, not sure.

“There you are.”

I jumped nearly out of my skin. I looked this way and that before turning back around and seeing a massive shape at the end of the hall I just came from.

“Found you,” Solomon’s deep voice rippled through the air.

“Oh, hi,” My voice pitched as I spoke. “Fancy-” I slipped on the wall as I tried to brace against it. “Fancy meeting you here.”

Solomon stepped into the hallway. Light flitted across his body, and I took in the entire spectacle of it. I swallowed, forcing myself to gaze back up at his face. “What happened to Chandra and uhm…”

“Venus?”

I nodded, keeping my eyeline up. 

Solomon lowered down to all fours. “Don’t worry about them.” He lunged, rushing towards me.

I jumped again, rushing out the door and heading for the stairs. Solomon came racing out, standing back up on his legs as I was halfway down the stairs. We locked eyes as I turned back to look. I smiled, and he smiled back, so I turned and kept running. 

I stumbled into the water at the bottom of the stairs. Taking a step off a stone landing, I went waist-deep, which made running and impossibility. There was a loud splash behind me, and then there was silence as the water settled. 

“This would be so scary under any other circumstance,” I whispered to myself. I saw ripples in the water where Solomon was swimming. I ducked under, swimming away myself to continue the chase. 

Now, I know that there is no possible way I could ever hope to outswim a paralangua, especially one like Solomon. But, I do have years of swimming in the creek outside the farm against kids in the neighborhood on my side. I was a strong swimmer, so there was a possibility for some fun to be had.

But just as I was thinking this, my leg was grabbed and I was pulled back through the water. I was lifted to the surface where Solomon had me locked in a tight embrace. My back was pressed to his chest, and I could feel the rhythm of his very even breathing, but also, the excited rumble of his heart. 

“You almost slipped away from me,” he whispered into my ear.

“Almost,” I laughed. I patted my hands upon his arms, feeling just how tight he was holding onto me. I glanced back at him, seeing a curious smile grow upon his face. I looked back forward, seeing more ripples in the water that aimed directly at us.

Eyes peered up from the water, then slowly, Eros rose from the depths. “I really didn’t want to go head to head with you, Solomon, old boy.”

Solomon laughed, “Then don’t.”

Eros wiped water back from his face then sighed. His eyes focused on me. “I do have to admit.” He licked his chops as his eyes turned sultry. “I like the looks of this.”

I had felt exposed and naked this whole time, well, because I was. But Eros’ gaze did something to me that made me all the more aware of my body, my shape, and Solomon’s pressed against it.

“Careful now,” Solomon coaxed. 

Eros let out a deep, dark chuckle that sent shivers up my spine. “Oh trust me. I’m as a gentle as a la-” He was cut off, dragged back under water so fast I was half certain my brain glitched out.

“Goodness,” Solomon sounded just as surprised as I was.

Venus rose up, water pouring out of his jowls. He was snarling, breathing heavy as he looked at us with an almost crazed look to his eyes.

“Give her up, old man.”

“Now why is everyone suddenly calling me old man?” Solomon lifted me up and set me back behind him. “I’ll show you old, little boy.”

Venus roared and charged ahead, but much like Eros he was ripped aside and tossed into the waters with a mightly splash. Eros dove after him, charinging into a fight that looked more vicious than it needed to be.

“Run.” Solomon whispered back at me. “Now is your chance while the children are fighting.”

“What about you?” I asked.

Solomon just laughed and rushed into the fight happening before them.

I went into the water, swimming away from the kerfuffle and finding land I could walk upon. I climbed onto a mossy embankment and slid down to the other side where I plopped into a plush field of little white flowers. 

I laid there for a moment, catching my breath. Up above me was a canopy of vines, sunlight streaming down in radiant, warm beams. I laid for a second, resting and letting myself warm. 

“Those three are fighting,” I murmured. “Chandra is somewhere. And I haven’t seen Reap yet.” I sat back up and saw across the field of flowers there was an alcove where Reap was curled up inside.

“Oh,” I gasped. I stood up, waiting to see if he would move, but he didn’t. I walked across the field then climbed up upon the stone to peer into the alcove. “Reap?” I touched his back and he shifted slightly. 

I took hold of his arm and shook him gently. To which he stirred more. “It’s alright, keep running.”

I climbed up further to peer inside. “What’s the matter?”

Reap curled up more. “Nothing. I’m just not made out for this sort of thing.”

I stepped over him and into the alcove, finding it was quite comfortable inside and the stone was warmed from the sun. “Neither am I.”

Reap sighed, keeping his eyes closed. “I’ve never been much of a fighter. I don’t mind getting out last.”

I sat beside him, pulling my knees up to my chest. “I mind.”

Reap swallowed hard but remained silent. 

“You were the first one I met. I mean, it only seems fair.” I touched him, seeing him shiver from the contact. “I like you.”

Reap let out a nervous, shuddering laugh and he opened his eyes. “Damn. I knew it. You’re beautiful.”

I was aware of my nakedness again, but I knew that in this position all my rolls and folds were showing tenfold. “Oh come on.”

“I mean it.” Reap muttered as he doubled up into his fetus position. “And you smell even better.”

I was growing warm from within. “You’re lovely too.” I said as I gazed down his body, watching his tail cover a certain area.

“You should go now,” Reap murmured. “They’ll show up soon.”

“So?” I breathed as I lowered myself down to him. I touched him more, grazing my hand down his chest. “I’ve been waiting for this. I’m not sure I can wait more. The more they come after me, the more they touch me-”

Reap shuddered again. “I shouldn’t be first.”

“Why not?” I chuckled. “I already said-”

Reap grabbed my hand before it could lower and he glared into my eyes. “I’m not made to be enjoyed so easily,” he growled.

I furrowed my brow. “What does that mean?”

Slowly he began to unfurl, pulling his tail back and shifting his hips to present himself. Now, as a farm girl, I’ve seen some things. Lots of things. Back when we had tons of animals, I had seen horses, bulls, hell, even goose and pigs go at it on the farm. My grandfather taught me the birds and the bees that way, which my grandmother and mother had to correct in a lot of ways.

But when I say I had never seen anything like Reap, you know it was nothing you had ever seen.

“See?” He snarled. “I’m too big for anyone to enjoy.” He grunted and looked away in shame. “It’s miserable. Sometimes I even get light headed when I get erect.”

“Are you now?” I whispered as my eyes remained locked to the shaft. Thick. Big. Ten hands.

“A little.” Reap kept his gaze away from me.

I licked my lips as the hunger inside me grew. Yes, he was big, but I was also a big girl. “May I touch it?”

Reap jerked and his hard cock swayed. “You should run.”

“Please? My hands are cold and you look warm.” It was a ruse, but maybe he would fall for it.

He growled under his breath, straining as he seemed to throb harder now. “Just a little. It’s fine.”

Yes! I reached down, placing the tip against my palm. Reap whined, so did I. I stroked down, my hand was barely able to wrap around him. I bit down hard on my lip, caressing him even more.

“Fuck,” Reap whimpered and his hips shook.

“Reap,” I breathed. “I’m so fucking turned on.”

He whined again as I began to pump my hand up and down his mighty cock. “I-” He couldn’t get any words out.

I scooted down, taking my mouth and joining my hands. I kissed and licked him, feeling his pulse directly against my tongue. I was growing so wet I could flood the labyrinth myself. And there was an ache, god the ache!

“Stella, please!” He gasped breathlessly.

I took his tip into my mouth, tasting him directly, tasting a saltiness that dripped from the tip. Fuck, I needed him.

“We should…I should-” Reap was shivering, his hips were bucking.

“I know.” I moaned as I sat up. I lifted my leg to straddle him, taking his cock and rubbing myself against it.

Reap cried out in a sort of desired agony. “Hot!” he cried. “You’re so hot!”

I whimpered, holding him with one hand while grinding my slit against him. I needed him, in all ways. I had been trying my hardest all this time to behave myself, to keep a cool mind. But ten hands. Five cocks. Six if you wanted to take Reap’s size into account.

I place his tip to my entrance and saw the wide eyed expression upon his face. I nodded to him, slowly taking his monstrous cock inside. God! It felt so good!

“Stella-” he gasped and grabbed hold of my hips. “Be careful.”

I moaned with glee as I took him, rocking myself upon his tip then taking slightly more. My jaw hung slack as I took more and more, but there was a lot of him to take. Below me his hips rocked, pressing into the sensitive spots inside. I cried out, leaning forward to balance myself against him. 

He would take me first, there was no question in it. I panted, trying to catch my breath, but my hips were moving to find my release, and I didn’t want to stop. Not at all. I faced Reap again, smiling at him.

“I’m enjoying you very much,” I moaned. “Oh fuck, so much.”

Reap threw his head back. “I’ve never felt like this.”

“Hey!”

The loud bellowing call shook us both, taking us completely out of our hedonistic moment. Venus was standing there in the flowers, huffing and puffing from what was, no doubt, a hard fight against Eros and Solomon. He’d also gone head to head with Chandra first thing.

“What are you doing? That’s not fair!” Venus pointed towards us, and I could swear I saw a glint of tears in his eyes.

“Oh uh-” I was scrambling, but not moving out of place. “Venus, it’s uhm-”

Venus charged towards us but stopped short. “I wanted-” His voice cracked and I was sure I saw tears.

Reap swallowed and he sat up, picking me up with him. He handed me out towards Venus. “You can join in. Who says we have to fight?”

Venus sniffled and looked away, his eyes darting back to me. “Then what?” He sniffed again, but this time, it was like he was tasting the air.

“Fuck?” I spoke up which caused Venus to chuckle. 

He smiled at me, getting that cocky smug of his. “Fine then.” He took me from Reap and laid me down upon the flowers. He kissed me, planting them all over my body along with hints of his sharp teeth. His tongue replaced Reap’s cock, slurping and moaning against me until I was a blushing, heaving mess again. I clawed at the flowers behind me, gripping at them until I moved to Venus’ shoulders.

Reap watched us from above, eyes bleary but focused at the same time. He would glance around shyly, fidgeting slightly as he seemed embarrassed to touch himself. That was, until it became too much and he had to take both his hands and stroke himself.

Below my waist, Venus was enjoying himself. His tongue was long and strong, lapping at my clit, then burrowing deep inside me. His teeth would hit every so often, eliciting a startled yet pleasured moan from my lips.

“You’re really good at that,” Reap said through a strained breath.

Venus’ eyes cut up to him, lifting his head briefly to crack that superior smile. “Have you not tasted her? She’s awesome.”

Not sure how being called awesome is sexy but I would take it.

Reap knelt down beside Venus and I thought my head would pop open like a cartoon. He and Venus licked at the same time and I craned my neck back, cupping both hands over my mouth as they feasted together.

“See how she likes it?” Venus chuckled.

Reap moaned softly against me, almost like a purr.

“Save some room for us?”

All three of us jerked, turning our attention to Eros and Solomon coming over the flowery hill. Eros was watching, licking his chops as he came forward. 

He laughed as he stood before us, Solomon hobling up behind. “Did we change the rules on the elders? Naughty boys. I like it.”

Venus sneered as Eros came up, kneeling down beside me to caress down my chest then kiss me.

“You guys really did a number on me.” Solomon huffed as he plopped down beside me, laying down and letting out a relaxed breath. “Don’t let us stop you. By all means, keep going.”

“What about Chandra?” I managed to squeak out as Eros stroked and kissed me all over, nuzzling his head against me as he let out tranquil, happy sighs.

Solomon chuckled, pointing up.

I craned my neck back, peering up above the alcove where Reap and I had started. I see Chandra poised there, watching us with a lusty glint in his eyes.

“Pervert!” Venus shouted out as he stood up.

Chandra laughed. “I’m just enjoying the view! What’s wrong with that?” He slithered down from his perch and approached us. “You and Reap make wonderful dancing partners,” he said, jutting his tongue out. “Now come here. I think I earned my turn.” He grabbed me up from the ground, holding me so my rear was cupped in his great palms.

“Who decided this order?” Eros chuckled.

Chandra’s cock slipped against my thigh, rubbing there as he rocked me in his hands. “Don’t you want to do the pampering at the end?”

Eros pouted slightly, looking away as Reap came up to his side. “I suppose.”

“Then I get my go.” Chandra lifted me slightly so when I moved his cock popped up and he was able to place me over him. “I’m nowhere near as endowed as Reap,” he whispered so only I could hear. “But I know better how to utilize my gifts.” He entered me, pressing deep until I was overflowing.

I grunted, biting my lip as Chandra began moving me, using me as his own toy. I felt someone press up against my back, hugging me and touching me as Chandra moved inside. 

Ten hands. I thought to myself again. Ten hands.

“Enjoying yourself, huh?” Eros whispered into my ear from behind. “Good. You’re going to be having this feeling for a long time.”

“What about the labyrinth?” Reap murmured.

“Fuck the labyrinth!” Venus snapped. “We’re here with Stella now. They can wait on us for a minute, can’t they?”

“I hope longer than a minute,” Solomon laughed. 

Suddenly Chandra pulled out, allowing Eros to fill in his place. He eased up between my cheeks, slipping in from behind and wrapping his arms tight around me.

I cried out, feeling the first peak of intensity from my gut. I threw my head back against Eros’ shoulder, almost completely out of breath. Someone would have to give me mouth to mouth to survive.

“That’s it,” Eros puffed. “Feel me. Take me. Oh you’re beautiful! You’re amazing. Supple creature you are-”

“Enough adjectives,” Chandra laughed. “She’s close. She doesn’t need words. She needs actions.” His hand touched me below, fingering my clit.

It was too much, too hard a push. I erupted from that touch, arching my back and struggling to keep myself in their arms. I cried out, whimpering pitifully as Chandra continued to touch me, not stopping even though my body was crying out in that agonizing ecstasy.

“You’ll kill her,” Reap said gently.

“Nonsense, women are stronger than most. She can handle this,” Chandra moaned. I felt his warmth against my belly, he was cumming from seeing me cum. His thick seed dribbled down my belly, coating his fingers as he kept moving them against me.

“I’m cumming too-” Eros said with breathless abandon. “I’m-!” The strain in his voice choked off his words as he released, filling me to the brim even more than I expected.

The cool of the grass and flowers beneath my back pushed me back into reality. I gazed above me, seeing eyes watching me as I tried to pull myself out of my stupor.

“Wow!” I panted, pushing my hair out of my forehead. 

Venus chuckled. “You’ve still got three to go.”

I gave a thumbs up.

“A thumbs up, she’s a brave one,” Solomon laughed as he rolled over into my side. He pet down my chest, nuzzling my neck and murmuring softly to me.

“We should let her rest,” Reap said gently.

I propped up on my elbows. “I can handle it. I’ll be sore come morning, but I’m used to that,” I laughed.

“Well then, don’t mind me.” Solomon climbed up on top of me, stroking the hair from my face and gazing into my eyes. “I hope you don’t mind.”

I shook my head, raising my knees up around his hips so he could move between my thighs.

“Eros and Chandra left quite a mess,” Solomon murmured. “Good. I like that.”

I would say Solomon was the middle ground between Chandra, Eros, and Reap. He was quite big, but more long than girthy. He breathed in deeply, rubbing himself against me before he took the plunge. I was still quite sensitive, and his entrance shot tingles through all my limbs.

Solomon held up my legs, hugging them to his chest as he started slowly within me. He breathed out then hissed through his teeth. “Damn boys got my leg. But this will all be worth it. I can feel it.”

I could too. He reached deeper inside me than Chandra or Eros. I could tell he was holding back, but at this point he really didn’t need to.

Venus knelt down by my head. “Do you mind if-?” He seemed shy to ask.

“What would you like?” I stretch out my arm, rubbing up his thigh towards his cupped hand.

“Well-” He released himself from his hand, aiming his cock towards my mouth. “Just a little. That’s all.”

I parted my lips, letting him rest his tip upon my tongue. He pressed deeper, going into my cheek then towards my throat. I closed my lips around him and he breathed out this pitiful little sound.

I wondered what Reap was doing. We started out together, I hoped he wasn’t growing impatient or anything. 

“Trade?” Solomon chuckled to Venus.

Venus nodded eagerly, carefully removing himself from my lips then switching positions with Solomon. Venus was short, but quite girthy, he stretched me a bit as he slipped inside. Solomon’s length hit against my throat, almost making me gag. But I had trained my gag reflux ages ago due to shoveling manure on the farm. Sorry, not exactly sexy talk, I’ll leave it there though.

“Oh-” Venus let out that adorable, pitiful sound again. His face was elated and subtly precious. Solomon’s cock went down my throat a little, he struggled with not cumming immediately. 

There was a shudder again from deep within. Actually, I’m not surprised this didn’t happen sooner. Chandra and Eros had left me so raw and tender, I should have cum when Venus first entered me. But it took a moment to grow back, to settle warm in my belly and spill out again. My legs trembled first, sending their waves up through my body until I could no longer hold on.

Solomon sensed this, pulling himself out and splattering a bit on my lips, then aiming himself at my breasts as he finished. Venus cried out, nearly falling forward from  he force at which his release hit him.

Venus rested on top of me, snuggling to my chest despite Solomon’s seed all over them. Solomon chuckled, smoothing my hair back and kissing my face as I relaxed again.

“Any good?” He asked.

I nodded, not really able to form words this time.

“Mm,” Venus snuggled up closer, curling himself around me. 

“Come on little one, we’ve got one last one to make his turn.” Solomon, said, shaking Venus’ shoulder. 

Venus swatted at him. “Just a second longer.”

“It’s okay. I’m fine,” Reap responded quietly.

“What’s fair is fair.” Solomon managed to get Venus up. “Come on, you need to wash that pretty face of yours.”

“What?” Venus touched his face and squirmed. “Oh god! I laid in it!”

Solomon and Venus walked aside while Reap came over to me. “If you need a break, I don’t mind waiting.”

I pulled him down, hugging him tight into my arms. “Just a minute. I‘ll be okay.” I nuzzled into his neck, feeling him trembled as his arms joined in.

“This is nice,” he whispered.

I was exhausted, my body spent beyond its natural borders. But I wasn’t done yet. Eight out of ten hands were dealt with. Just two more to take care of. “It is.”

“I do really like you,” he whispered. “Had this been a normal festival…I would have…you would have been-”

I kissed him softly, gazing up into his eyes as I pet his face. “I would have liked that.” I smiled, sitting up to roll him into the ground. My legs were tired, but I knew this position was the best way to take him. His beast of a cock didn’t need to be tamed exactly, just coddled. After everything, I think I was even more relaxed than before and could take him with ease.

“You don’t-” I put my finger over his mouth to keep Reap quiet.

“Shh,” I hissed. “Relax. You’ve earned this. You’ve been so patient.” I placed my hands upon his chest. Easing myself back over him. It was much easier than before, much smoother. I could take him deeper now.

Reap’s eyes widened then he threw his head back, groaning. He trembled more, grasping onto my hips as I moved upon him.

Had it not been for this whole mess with the other chosen not showing up, Reap would have been my choice as well. He was exactly what I wanted in a partner. But now, knowing all five of these strapping paralangua, I don’t think I could ever choose between them. They were all so special, so precious. Their differently personalities meshed well, including with me. I liked they worked together and they didn’t seem jealous. I wanted this, more than anything, I wanted all of them. Not just their ten hands. But their five hearts. 

Poor Reap had been waiting so long, I could feel his thunder deep within me. He came and he came, shuddering and twisting as his long awaited release finally took over. I rode him the entire time, finding pleasure in watching him writhe under me.

I woke some time later in a bed, sunlight dappling in through the curtains. I sighed and laid back, not too eager to get up and started my day. The Golden Girls were surprisingly quiet. But then I recalled what had happened, and where I actually was.

I was in the castle at the end of the labyrinth. I sat up in the bed to look around, noticing the soreness of my thighs. I tilted my head towards the door to try and see out, but I couldn’t really see anything.

I laid back down, closing my eyes and enjoying the coolness of the room. It must have rained between my memory and waking up. I could smell it in the air.

I then felt the bed sag and looked to my right. Venus was crawling back into bed. He snuggled up against me and I put my arms around him.

“We didn’t wake you did we?” He asked. “We went to the farm to take care of things while you slept.”

“You’re too sweet, thank you.” I murmured.

“Solomon is making something to eat too.” Venus sighed tranquilly as he rested against me.

“Good morning.” Reap joined us in bed as well, curling up to my back and spooning me. He smelled like the soap in my kitchen. I wonder if he did my dishes. 

“Morning,” I murmured.

Reap nuzzled to my hair, breathing in. I rested again, nearly falling asleep when my temple was kissed from over Venus. Chandra joined us, followed by Eros who crawled up beside Venus to cuddle me.

I smiled to myself, feeling a bit smug and content with how this all turned out. Eventually Solomon arrived, bringing coffee and tea for all of us. We sat upon the bed, drinking the warm beverages and sighing in content. Nothing needed to be said, we had a long time to say everything in the future. For now, we were content and happy. I’m sure we would spend time here at the castle for a while, like all chosen did. But soon, I’d have to find room for them on the farm. Which sounded like a perfect chore. 

[moonydoodlez]

Little White Lies

Pairing: James Potter x Slytherin!Reader

Summary: Reader smells something that's vaguely familiar in the Amortentia but can't quite figure out who it is.

Warnings: Use of y/n twice

Wordcount: 1,149

A/n: Reg, Barty, Evan, and reader are all not friends with snape or mulciber

Hogwarts at spring was always your favorite. The bright sun warming your skin, lovely meadows dotted with flowers. Classes always seemed a little easier, everything just felt lighter.

You longingly stared out the window you were sat next to. Fingers tediously playing the with quill that was in your hands, destined to stain your fingers black. God was it too perfect of a day to waste inside.

A few giggles surrounding you suddenly broke you out of your daze. Your eyes darted around the room when suddenly they fell on Professor Slughorn. His eyebrow cocked up and a playful glare on his face.

"Am i bothering your nap time" He jokes. "Or shall I continue"

"Yeah sorry" You smile nervously, setting your quill back down on the table and adjusting your position to actually pay attention this time.

"Like I was saying Potter and y/l/n" He reads off your names, before just as quickly moving onto the next pair.

Your head whipped to the left to find James and the rest of the marauders already glaring daggers into your head. You weren't one to hate many people, despite what nonsense the green that adorned your body put into peoples head.

James and his co marauders however had become the exception over the years. You had never spent much time with them but you were one of the many who were prime targets for their pranks.

The first two years of school you managed to get away from their mischievousness, and you even thought it was funny. Especially when they went after Snape and Mulciber. Who even you could agree were utter twats.

However when you became friends with Regulus, Barty, and Evan you began getting lumped into the 'bad slytherins' group. Which was weird considering Barty wasn't even in your house.

Time had passed and everyone had expected the boys to get over their childish antics. Yet even in your sixth year they seemed to cause a daily quarrel amongst everyone.

You sighed and look back down at your quill and parchment, wanting to no longer think about the boys who were definitely still staring at you.

"Can anyone tell me what this is" Professor Slughorn asks, pointing at the large cauldron with a bubbling pink liquid.

A Ravenclaw who sat next to you quickly shot her hand up answering.

"Good, yes it's amortentia" He smiles proudly. "Does anyone know what it does, and or the side effects of it" His eyes trail around the classroom before finally landing in you. "Y/n"

"It's a love potion but it causes obsession not love" You answer making sure to keep your answer short and concise.

In the corner of your eyes you could see blonde curls shaking around. Your eyes wandered to Evan smiling putting both thumbs up. You tilted your head at him giving him a confused smile. What a weirdo that one was.

"Correct, it also is extremely powerful" He adds. "Now if everyone would please find their assigned partners we can get started.

You waited until the majority had already found their new spots before stalking to the other side of the room where James was standing looking into the bubbling cauldron.

"Goodluck" Barty smiled pushing his shoulder into yours as he walked by. You were going to need a lot more than luck. A gun maybe.

"Potter" You snarled looking up at the boy.

"I don't want to be around you any less than you don't want to be around me" He looked up and down slowly before his eyes settled on the front of the classroom.

"Alright now I want everyone to smell what's in their cauldrons and discuss what it is you smell" He smiled. "However do no drink it or touch it, or anything that seems stupid" He added.

Nobody missed the pointed looks that found their ways to the marauders from others in the class and Professor Slughorn.

You watched James lean slowly in closing his eyes as he took a whiff of the potion. Slowly pushing his messy curls back in precaution. You hated to admit it but you understood why girls seemed to flock to him.

His lips parted for a moment before his eyes opened again.

"What are you smiling at" He huffed staring at you.

You quickly straightened up, your slight smile dropping as quickly as it had formed.

"Move let me smell" You grunted slightly pushing him out of the way. Closing your eyes you inhaled the scent.

Broom polish, tangerines, and a faint smell of what you think is coconut oil.

You pulled away, a slight frown on your face, the smell felt so familiar like it was something you had smelled a million times. It felt like you should've been able to guess it instantly. Yet you couldn't

"What did you smell" James asks. Moving his hands to the table and leaning a little closer to you.

For a moment you're confused because he almost actually seems interested in what you have to say. God were you tempted to tell him but who were you if not petty.

"Tell me yours first" You challenge.

James began saying the first thing he smelled before Sirius laughed loudly and there was a large noise from behind and suddenly James was no longer by your side.

You rolled your eyes giving one last smell. Letting the flavors mix and you felt so close to figuring out who it was.

When suddenly like a bird hitting a window, it hit you.

Shit.

...

"He is so infuriating i don't know how i am going to be able to stand him for the rest of another year" You groan throwing yourself onto Barty's bed.

"You could always murder him" He suggests, not a single ounce of sarcasm in tone or face.

"Yes Bartimaeus that is a wonderful idea, thankyou for your input" You sarcastically smile at the boy before it instantly falls.

"It's okay babe you tried to help" Evan smiles sympathetically at Barty who is wiping fake tears from his eyes. "We can murder someone another time" He coos, rubbing his hand up and down his back.

You rolled your eyes, covered your face with a blanket to block out the light. You heard footsteps before there was a dip at the end of the bed. The smell of expensive cologne filled your sense as you closed your eyes.

"You know it could be worse, you could've been paired up with my brother" Regulus added.

"Well I guess that's true" You replied.

"So what exactly did you smell" Evan asked before rolling over on top of Barty and stuffing his head into the boys sweatshirt.

"Oh um i don't really remember" You giggled nervously.

They all looked at you, a weird look on their faces. One that clearly read that none of them believed you.

"Hmm must've been Snape" Barty laughed.

taglist: @chososrightpigtail

Masterlist James Potter Masterlist

[acphengene]

Little dove

₊ ⁺ pairing: Jake x afab!reader

₊ ⁺ genre: soulmate!au, sweet asf fluff and the tiniest bit of angst

₊ ⁺ wordcount: 3.2k

₊ ⁺ note: this can be read as a standalone but also as a part of my enhypen soulmate series. let me know if you wanna be added to the tag list

₊ ⁺ Jake ₊ ⁺ Jungwon ₊ ⁺ Jay ₊ ⁺ Sunoo ₊ ⁺ Heeseung ₊ ⁺ Niki ₊ ⁺ Sunghoon ₊ ⁺

When Jake woke up at his 13th birthday, he frantically searched his whole body for any type of physical mark. It was generally known that it was a little easier to find your other half when your mark literally could count down the seconds until you met them.

And right there on the inside of his bicep it said ‘bite your lip one more time’ in fine red letters. He had wondered just why his soulmate would want him to bite his lip, because in the eyes of a child that caused pain and nothing else.

His family had celebrated, and he had been nothing short of excited and hopeful that he would get to meet you sooner rather than later. But as most people he would have to wait.

When he traveled to Korea to live his dream, he hoped that it would bring him closer to you. And when the dream took him to a tv-program he hoped with every bone in his body that you’d be watching and cheering him on.

The tattoo, he made sure stayed hidden, he had no interest in people who weren’t you, saying those words to him.

When he and the guys had debuted, they shared their marks with one another, there was no reason not to, and he felt lucky that he didn’t have to hurt like Heeseung, somewhat jealous that Jay had known his soulmate since he got the mark. And despite him feeling bad for his platonic soulmate, he couldn’t help but be thankful that he wasn’t markless like Sunghoon

Engene loved theorizing when it came to them and their marks. There was no doubt in the fandom that Jake had a physical mark, also no doubt that it had to be somewhere on his arm. He had a habit of almost always grabbing on to his bicep whenever he was nervous.

They could however not agree on which mark it was, but he enjoyed seeing people’s theories on social media. He felt grateful that most of the fandom was so acceptable of it, not all groups were that lucky.

One afternoon he threw himself onto Niki’s bed once again scrolling on weverse to see what their sweet fans were up to.

“Dude seriously? With your outside clothes and everything?” The young man said as he looked at his hyung with judgement in his eyes.

He only rolled his eyes. “Do you think they’ve ever posted on weverse?”

Niki shrugged. “No idea, if I’m being honest I try not to think about it too much. In the end mine is definitely not close by”

“I hope mine is close” Jake said with a far away look in his eyes.

“Wouldn’t that be korean if that was the case?” Niki said as he pointed to the red words.

Jake looked at his arm and sighed. “Fuck, I didn’t think of that”

Niki laughed. “Obviously. But don’t worry too much okay? You’ll find them when it’s time”

“How’s the string?” Jake asked as a diversion.

Niki looked down at his left pinkie, where a red string was neatly tied with a little bow. He followed it out and through the window of the room. Where it’s stretched all the way to the horizon.

“Still tight as ever, wherever they are, they’re in no hurry to get closer” He shrugged. Niki had always had a very casual way of seeing the world, and once in a while Jake needed to be reminded to take it easy.

He was right after all, the Universe had given them a soulmate for a reason, and would pull you together when it deemed fit. But sometimes that could be a little hard to accept.

It wasn’t that he didn’t trust that, it was more so that he was impatient, he wanted to get to know you, sooner rather than later.

As they traveled for their tours he frantically searched every face in every crowd hoping someone would draw his attention, that he would feel that pull and calmness people so often described.

In a new city, he found himself in a Prada store, looking at a new collection, as they all were picking things out.

“What do you think?” Jay said as he held up a bag.

“Pretty sure that’s a woman’s bag” Jake said with a chuckle.

As the fashionista Jay was, he only sighed. “First of all fashion is gender less, plus it’s not for me… it’s for her. I think she’ll like it”

Jake shook his head with a smile, as he tried to avoid that sting of jealousy he always felt whenever Jay talked about his other half. He knew it was most likely harder than he ever admitted. To know her, but to not have her would be torture in and of itself.

“Do you have this with gold hardware instead of silver?” Jay asked one of the sales assistants.

“We should have one in the back, give me a second and I’ll see if I can find it”

That. Voice.

It stopped Jake's entire world as he quickly turned towards you. And as he saw your eyes and that sweet and polite smile, it was as if the world stopped spinning, and everyone around him disappeared. For a second there was only you.

You went to the back to go and fetch the bag Jay had asked for, and for a second he almost followed you behind the counter.

He stood there as a puppy waiting for its owner, eyes locked on the door you had disappeared through. His fingers drummed on the glass as his heart beat frantically.

“Jake?” Sunghoon said as he tried to get his friends' attention. When he didn’t answer, he laid a hand on his shoulder, but his eyes never left that door.

“Not now” he whispered, and it almost sounded like he was in pain, and then you walked back through the door with the dust bag and set it almost right before him.

His breath hitched when you finally looked at him. He saw how your eyes widened, how your mouth fell open in almost chock. And for a second he thought: my first words can’t just be hey.

Instead he bit his lip nervously, he had always done it. Maybe it was because of the words you were to one day say to him, maybe it was just who he was. Your eyes fell to his mouth, and he saw the subtle twitch of the corner of your mouth.

“Bite your lip one more time…” you almost whispered the words, and as if you just realized what you said your hands flew up to cover your own mouth.

A gasp filled the room from both the guys, but also their bodyguards, and the whole room stilled.

“God I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to say that out loud”

Jake just smiled like a maniac, as he felt the tears prick in his eyes. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere” he said as he opened his arms for you to meet him if you wanted.

You threw yourself over the counter, not caring for the bag you had just put down, not caring for what your manager in the corner might think, not even caring for the horde of people with cameras outside the large boutique windows.

At that moment he had never felt happier. He chuckled as he pulled you as close to him as humanly possible, and the two of you stood like that until your heartbeats had calmed.

He didn’t want to let you go, so as he sat back down his hand reached out for yours and he smiled wider than he ever had when you took it and gave it a squeeze.

“You’re beautiful” he whispered and he saw you turn red almost instantly, he hoped his words would always have that effect on you.

“And you’re a romantic aren’t you?” You asked and he answered with a shrug.

You looked towards your manager who just gave you a smile and a little nod. As to say; “I understand, just go”

Jake held out his arm, and you quickly went around the counter to grab on to him. He pulled you close as the guards made sure to escort you out of the store safe and sound.

In the store behind the two of you stood Sunghoon with the biggest smile as he looked after the two of you. Sunoo was laughing in a corner as he kept repeating: did that just happen?

Jungwon smiled and said: “Finally, he was getting unbearable”

“So this is where I’m staying” Jake said as he opened the door to his hotel room. The two of you had decided it might be best for you to go there, there was no reason for you to dox yourself.

You looked around the room, but your eyes kept finding him, and every time they did his smile got wider, if that was even possible.

“C-can I see it?” you asked as you took a step closer to him. He nodded and got rid of his jacket before pulling up his sleeve, revealing the now golden words etched into his skin.

You laughed as you let your hand trace the words. Jake shuddered beneath your touch. “Oh I’m sorry, is it too much?” You stepped back to give him space, but he quickly grabbed your wrist, pulling you back to him.

“It’s nice, I’ve been wanting this, waiting for this for so long. My hitching breath and shuddering is in nothing if not from happiness and excitement for having finally found you”

The heat once again flushed to your cheeks, and he, that cheeky bastard, he bit his lips once again. You placed your hands on your face.

“I had an idea you might be a hopeless romantic” You said turning away from his gaze.

He laughed. “Why?”

“When you have ‘I’ve been looking for you everywhere’ etched into your skin from the ripe age of 13, you cant help but hope”

He felt how your words fucked on his heartstrings. “Tell me everything”

So you did; you told him how excited you were when you saw the words. How lucky your mother had told you that you would end up being because of the sweet nature of them. How your friends had fawned and been jealous.

“I know it’s not a given, and I know not all soulmates are made to be more than just platonic, but I would love to give this” you said, gesturing between the two of you. “Us a real shot”

Your cheeks were blazing hot, but you wanted to say them. In case he felt differently, you’d rather be disappointed sooner rather than later.

His hand snaked up and rested on the back of your neck, firm enough to make sure you knew he wanted you close, but still loose enough for you to get away from him if that was what you wanted.

He closed his eyes and rested his forehead against yours. “I want nothing more” as if he had done it always he rubbed his nose against yours, the gesture so soft and subtle it stole a whimper from your throat.

In that very instant his eyes shot open, pupils dilated, the love he had always felt for you on full display.

“Can I kiss you?” He whisperd. His lips so close to yours he almost did by saying your words.

Instead of answering him, you closed the small gap between the two of you. His other arm snaked around your waist as yours traced his shirt, up his stomache, over his shoulders and around his neck.

You pulled him as close to you as physically possible. And he smiled agains your lips at the way you responded to him.

A knock on the door pulled you from losing your minds, hearts and souls to one another.

“Yo, love birds… wanna grab some lunch? Get to know one another?” Heeseung said on the other side.

The two of you looked at each other and laughed. Jake only raises a brow, and you nodded as a response. You couldn’t wait to get to know him and those closest to him.

Once again he stretched out his arm for you to grab on to and you did without a doubt.

“Let’s go little dove” he said with a wink.

“Wait so I’m the first?” You said with a shocked expression.

Jake had his arm around your shoulder, it felt like his heart would physically break if he were to not touch you when you were so near.

“Yeah, hopefully the rest will come soon…” Jay said with a far away gaze in his eyes.

“You miss her?” You asked him.

“Every waking minute of every day” he answered with a small smile.

Nothing short of pure torture. You thought to yourself and leaned into Jake’s embrace. He kissed the top of your head instinctively.

“God the two of you is gonna be unbearable, aren’t you?” Niki said with a groan as he took another spoon full of the broth standing in front of him.

“Especially when we leave in two days” Jungwon said, trying not to sound to harsh.

The eyes you looked at him with broke his heart. He would have to leave you behind, go on on the tour. He would be in contact sure, but this would end up breaking him and in extension you.

It was common knowledge that the first few weeks, if not months were the hardest to be without your soulmate. It was as if your souls needed one another, after being separated for so long.

“The tour isn’t don’t yet, but I’ll be back as soon as possible. Okay? I promise” Jake said as he pulled you into another close embrace.

Jungwon stole the attention by spitting out his noodles. “Why would she think now is the perfect time for chocolate pudding. I swear it’s her hobby to ruin my meals” he pushed away the bowl, as the guys laughed.

You were thankful for the change in subject, but you couldn’t help but wonder just why the universe would set you up with someone whose job was to travel the world and leave you behind.

“Hey” Sunghoon said, “why dont you just ask if you can bring her along?”

Jake remained quiet as he thought it all through. It was not impossible, he knew that it was impossible to tear some soulmates apart, and Hybe had to accommodate that, but still… you had a life, a job and friends and family. He would hate to pull you from it all.

“Let’s talk about it when we’re alone, how does that sound?” You asked him with a little squeeze of his thigh. The mere sound of your voice calmed something inside of him, and his worried eyed softened.

“As Niki said, unbearable” Heeseung said right before he was snacked in the back of the neck by Sunoo.

“As if you’re gonna be any better than them”

He only shrugged.

“I don't wanna assume you have the possibility of just leaving” Jake said as he fiddled with his fingers. He did want you to come along. He wanted to sleep with you in his arms and wake up to your kisses.

“I don’t think that I do, sure I have a few weeks of vacation left, but it’s just so short notice” you said with a sad smile.

He nodded, “I know… what if I called Prada, or maybe if one of my bosses did?”

You smiled as you stood between his legs as he was sitting on the bed, you pulled lovingly on his long hair as he looked up at you with pleading puppy eyes. God he was beautiful.

Instead of answering you kissed his lips slowly, and his arms pulled you closer. “As much as I would love that, that wouldn’t be fair. Come back to me when you’re done, in the meantime we will just have to figure something out, okay?”

And figure something out you did. Every time you had the chance you were FaceTiming, you fell asleep talking about your childhood, and while he was training you caught up on the hours worth of content.

Hybe had been kind enough to leave you with a bodyguard of your own, but so far you hadn’t needed it. It had, however, calmed Jake’s mind a lot to know you were taken care of.

“When I can’t do it, I need someone else to, okay little dove?” That had been hard to argue with.

He had been gone for a few weeks now and it felt as if your heart had been ripped from your chest, as if you were no longer whole.

You hated every second of it, you hated your stubbornness. Why wouldn’t you take him up on the offer of just going with him? Integrity… fucking pathetic. You thought to yourself as you got the store ready before it opened.

You heard the door open, and as you turned to tell the early customer you weren’t open yet you froze.

“Sunghoon” you said before giving him a bow, you had spent the weeks reading up on Korean etiquette and culture.

He bowed back before he held out an arm just as Jake did. “Come, he’s unbearable and none of us can take it any longer… he needs you” he sent you a smile that never really reached his eyes.

Instead of bolting out the door you found yourself hesitating. You had a life and a job you had worked so hard for. Sunghoon rolled his eyes as he laughed. “Don’t worry about it, we’ve taken care of it”

And for once you chose not to second guess it, and grabbed his arm.

You knocked on the door to the room, despite what the two of you did most days, you had ignored his calls all day. Jungwon had warned you, he had been sulking and sad and as good as impossible to get to do anything. Even eat.

“Go away!” You heard his voice groan from the other side. You knocked again.

“Hee, I’ve told you all day I’m just not in the… mood” he swung the door open without even checking who was on the other side.

In your hand you had a bag of food, he would need something before the concert tonight.

“Surprise?” You said with a unsure smile, cause he only stared at you.

“You’re here?” He said as his voice cracked.

You nodded. “I’m here”

And as he heard your voice once again he broke down in the door to his room, you quickly gave the food to one of the managers in the hall as you joined him where he had collapsed.

He snaked his arms around you as he sobbed into your shoulder. And as painful as it was to see him like this you had also never felt more like yourself now that he was near.

He looked at you as he stroked your cheek. “You can’t leave me again, okay?” He said as he both laughed and sobbed at the same time.

You smiled at his words, as a single tear escaped your eye. He kissed it away as quickly as it had fallen. “I won't,” you whispered.

The two of you heard a groan further down the hall and saw Niki there. “Fucking unbearble love birds” he swore under his breath.

“Language young man!” You both yelled in unison, and a laugh quickly followed.

Neither of you minded being unbearable love birds, as long as you weren’t apart.

Hi! Thank you sm for Reading! Please remember to like and reblog, and let me know if you have any theories about the others or these two sweethearts. Feedback is very much appreciated 🫶🏼

[bennysmiller]

I love your writing! Would you consider writing a short fic where you’re one of Santi’s friends and he sets you up on a blind date with Frankie? Bonus points for Frankie being kind of shy and adorable

Blind Date - Frankie Morales x Reader

Thank you so much for your request!! I really hope this is okay 🩷

I have a friend. He’s single. You’re single. You’re both recently out of long-term relationships. You can awkwardly return to the dating scene together. But seriously, I think you’ll like each other. How does that sound?

You laughed when Santi sent you that text. But two weeks later, you were pacing anxiously in your kitchen waiting for your cab to arrive. You’d partly agreed to the date to shut Santi up, because you knew he’d complain about your complaining if he’d offered you a way out of the single life and you’d refused, without even giving him a chance. Finding a good man was difficult, so it was worth trying, right?

The cab ride to the restaurant was painful, to say the least. You couldn’t help but question if you were doing the right thing, but Santi was one of the few people you actually trusted, and he wouldn’t have set the date up if he didn’t think you’d actually get along.

Five minutes. This Frankie guy was five minutes late. You tapped your fingers on the table, trying to distract yourself from the fact that he maybe got cold feet himself. But out of the corner of your eye, you see a little bit of commotion near the entrance of the restaurant.

A man has a bouquet of roses in one hand, and the other was messing with the soft curls on top of his head. He looked as thought he’d ran all the way there. He was frantically looking around and trying to catch his breath, while also explaining to the wait staff who he was there for.

Someone’s in trouble, you think to yourself. And then it hits you. Man who looks like he’s supposed to be on a date, also looks like he has turned up late to said date?

Then you hear your name. And a few curse words that he muttered under his breath in embarrassment. You look up, and it’s him.

“Shit. I’m so sorry. I couldn’t get off work. Then I realised I’d forgotten to get you flowers. I hope you like roses.” He said, as you stood up to greet him.

“Frankie? You’re fine. I mean, not fine as in handsome, just fine as in ‘you don’t need to apologise for being late’. Actually, you’re fine as in handsome too, but-“

Disaster. Two seconds in and it was a disaster.

He hands you the flowers and you thank Frankie, before gesturing for him to take a seat in front of you.

“Let’s start over, huh Frankie? We both screwed up there.” You say as you settle at the table.

“Sure, I could take a redo at that”, he laughs and he blushes a little when you laugh back.

You just looked so beautiful. Frankie wished Santi had warned him about that.

The rest of the date went better than either of you could have ever imagined. The chemistry was just as Santi had promised in his myriad of texts to you about it. He knew. He always knew. And you needed to thank him for this one.

Frankie was so pleased with himself, he had you laughing all night. Even in his truck, on the way home. The radio was on, the windows were down, and the conversation was flowing so effortlessly. It was a movie scene straight from a movie that the two of you had no idea was only the first part of many.

“I’d love to see you again,” said Frankie, as he admired the way you looked in the glow of your porch light. “If you feel the same, of course”.

“I feel the same, don’t you worry about that.” You smiled at him and kissed his cheek, which took the poor man by surprise. “Goodnight, Frankie”.

The look you gave him over your shoulder as you opened your front door would be thought about until you graced him with your presence a second time.

[vandal-flower]

Second Chance at Love

Seishiro Nagi x Reader.

Bring Your Plus One Event

Invitation Details: You are invited as Seishiro Nagi's plus one. Too bad he's your ex, but what if you two can make it work. You never know until you try.

Warnings: Some angst (happy ending though), Reo drinks 1x of champagne, and some kissing.

You stare at the text message your ex-boyfriend of months sent you for at least five minutes. From what you have heard, there was a Valentines party coming up and the only way to enter was to bring someone with you.

As fun as it sounds, it doesn't help the fact that your ex-boyfriend, Seishiro Nagi, asked you. You both ended it off with no hard feelings, acting as friends instead of vengeful exes. One might say that your relationship with him did not change even after the break-up.

Moments later, you were in the back seat of his car, wearing something simple. You didn't want to stand out and catch the eye of the paparazzi and the cruel insults of the media. You saw the horror stories of how it ended people's relationships, romantic and platonic. You didn't want to be next.

"We're here.", you look out the window. Damn. He really wasn't kidding. The team would have ripped him apart had he missed this.

As you were about to enter the building, you were greeted by Reo. "Nagi, you actually came! And you brought...", he pauses mid-sentence before giving you a hug. It was suffocating. You would have fell had it not been for Nagi catching you in time.

"Ah, Reo. I see you have not changed one bit.", you hug him back, a smile on your face as you do so.

"You're talking as if we haven't met in 10 years. Now let's get inside before the paparazzi make a scandal of us.", he jokes, releasing you from his arms before bringing the two of you inside. Nearly everyone was here. Everyone you knew so far at least.

Chigiri conversing with his hairdresser at the lounge, along with Karasu, which seems he had brought his manager. Otoya on the dance floor with two other women, and...Is that Chris Prince at the back? You can even see Isagi, his plant ahoge ever so present.

"So (Name), how have you been doing lately, haven't heard from you in a while?", Reo sat by the bar, a glass of champagne in his hand, "You went ghost on us, care to explain why?", taking a sip of the drink in his hand.

Before you could answer, Nagi interrupts you "They were busy with work.", he scratches the back of neck. He hasn't told Reo about the break up? Why?

"Work, huh? I mean, it does make sense since it's you. Always up and about.", he chuckled to himself, missing the look of confusion on your face directed at Nagi. He finishes drinking his champagne, placing the drink on the bar counter.

"Why don't you see the others and their partners, I'm sure they'd like to know how they have been doing these days!", Reo points to his teammates among the guests. You might as well.

For the next two hours you were dragged into conversing with everyone you knew. You learnt that Chigiri's sister, Koyuki, recently got engaged, and how apparently, the forever bachelor Oliver Aiku, was seeing someone. According to Sendo.

All was well, except for the fact Nagi was following you the whole time. If you went to the lounge, he was right behind you. The bathroom, he was just right outside the door. You wanted someone to hold your drink? Your drink magically appeared in his hands. He was acting like he was your boyfriend.

Well, he was your boyfriend. A few months ago anyway.

Eventually, your social battery was depleted and you sat on the couch. It was at the darkest corner of the room, making you almost invisible had it not been for the 6'3 white haired man beside you.

"You can play games on my phone, here.", Nagi handed you his phone. On the screen had a game you have been ignoring for months, not having time on your hands to actually play. Without a second thought, you took it. You looked at the bottom left corner. He still had your gaming account.

"Why do you still have my gaming account?"

"It was a hassle to delete it."

Oh. That makes sense. No, wait it doesn't!

You pause the game and turn to him. "You've been acting strange this whole night, you've been acting like my boyfriend. You didn't even tell Reo, your best friend, that we broke up!"

"You didn't correct me even after that."

"That's not the point Nagi-"

"Seishiro. Call me Seishiro, please."

He whispered, his head hanging low. You didn't help but feel guilty. You've never seen him like this. Saying his last name put a bitter taste in your mouth, more than you would like to admit.

"Was the break up really mutual?", you muttered, catching his attention. "I'm not sure about you, but not for me.", he scratches the back of his neck. You don't even know why you broke it off with him.

Your places itself on his knee, gently kneading with your fingers. "I listen to your playlist sometimes, and...I sometimes miss our cuddle sessions, despite how hot it gets." You lay your head on his shoulder. Like you did in the past.

"I like to grind your old gaming account, it's a hassle, but it feels worth it. I also sent flowers to your work in secret. I like seeing you smile whenever you receive them.", he stared at you before looking back at the floor.

"But why?"

"I wanted to be the better boyfriend than I was before we broke up."

Your body froze, "Sei, why would you think like that? You were always a good boyfriend to me. Something just happened, that led us to break up."

"And I don't want that to happen again. Call me selfish, but the main reason I invited you was so that we could be together again. Other than soccer and Reo's nagging, you are the next thing that has been on my mind."

"I'll be better, I'll try harder, even if-"

Without giving him a chance to finish, you take his face into your hands, "You're an idiot Sei.", squishing his cheeks. "You were always a good boyfriend, one that I never really expected."

You pinch the left side of face,"Remember the time I got sick?"

"I skipped practice that day, just so I could take care of you.", he replied, "I even made you a soup."

"It was a bit salty."

"You still drank it like a champ."

You laughed softly at his response. He sits up straight, bending his body slightly so you could still keep his face in your hands. "I wasn't a bad boyfriend?", he whispered. "No, you weren't."

You pressed your lips against his, your fingers moving up to his hair to feel how soft it is. He responds by kissing you back, like he always did. He missed this.

He missed you.

You part from each other, a smile across your face and pink dust across his. "Does that mean you'll take me back (Name)?"

"Do I have to kiss you again to answer that?"

"If it feels right by you."

You kiss him, again.

This took longer than expected, but I had fun.

My inbox is open. Check out my Rules.

[sturniqlo]

「 ✦ BOYFRIEND OF YOURS? ✦ 」

summary: chris keeps his promise to your dad and visits the office, and chris notices the little nerd who is utterly in love with you.

cw: name calling(?), jealousy

word count: 2.7k

masterlist | WFYL masterlist | more WFYL | join my taglist

PART TWO

it was 10:29am and you stood in front of the high ceiling windows of your office and just watched the city and everyone going about their day. you saw a mom and her two kids enter the indoor play place that wasn't too far from the office building, a few random teenagers skipping school, something you wish you would've done, many people walking their dogs. it was funny just how many dogs ran into each other and stared at one another, or just barked.

you were having a bit of trouble trying to understand the plot to the a new movie that was in the talks. you had many jobs here, you went to meetings to discuss new movie and show ideas, you helped with editing, you even went to a few shootings to supervise, and the most important of them all was having the final say in approving a movie or show.

the guy, peter ray, who pitched the idea sure that the movie would be a number one hit in theaters and across the nation, but you just didn't understand it. he wanted the movie to end on a cliffhanger and not have an actual ending. but you didn't like the idea of that.

not at all.

why make a movie and leave it on a cliffhanger with no part two to it? you knew that it would get bad reviews and not do well due to the word that will be surfacing around social media. it's a no. either he comes up with a good ending, or it's a no.

you turned around from the window and made your way to your desk. picking up the phone you rang your assistant. “hello ms. y/n. everything okay?” you hated when people called you ms.celestine, you preferred your name. “hi, franny. everything is fine. is there anyway you can contact mr.ray and have him come down here? a meeting is needed.”

you heard some shuffling in the background and the sound of a printer beeping. “yeah, of course. i'll get to it right away.” she chirped, franny was always in a good mood even if it was a shit day and you had lost your patience and accidentally lashed at her. but you always apologized right away.

“thank you.” you said before cutting the call. you sighed, leaning against the backrest of your office chair. your phone that was set faced down on your desk buzzed

franny

mr.ray has agreed to come to the office. your meeting is at 11:30. anyone else's rather than mr.ray and his team i should contact ghat should attend the meeting?

you

no, no one else. thank you franny!

your father was tucked away in his office on the top floor, the very top floor. the last you heard from him was that he was doing some last minute deals and arrangements to set you up in the near future when you become ceo. even with the many, many times you told him you could handle it when the time came, he wouldn't budge.

deep into thought, there was a soft knock on your door. who could it be? you thought. “come in.” you mumbled, straightening your posture. as the door opened, you were met with oliver, an intern who was only two years younger than you, he had a shy smile on his face and gently closed the door behind him, pushing his glasses up his nose.

“sorry if i interrupted anything.” he blushed, he always did when he talked to you, or even looked at you. there was this one incident where you were trying to pass by and placed your hand on his bicep, the poor boy nearly creamed his pants. “you didn't, glad you took me out of my thoughts, though.” you chuckled, clearing your throat right after.

“what is it that y’need?” you asked, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear before signing a form. “i was wondering if you'd-” a knock interrupted his sentence. “sorry, just a minute.” you told him. “come in!” you said out loud to the person who knocked.

franny walked in. “hey, i just came to drop these off. i-” she put a stack of papers on the corner of your desk, she then saw oliver and cut her sentence short. “oliver, is it okay if you step out for a minute? i have to talk to ms.y/n alone.” she gave him a lip tight smile.

oliver frowned and blushed. “oh- yeah, sure. i'll just talk to you l- later.” he scurried out.

“may i?” franny pointed to the chair in front of your desk. “go ahead.” you nodded. “so, mr.ray just called me back and he was kinda… mad. he really wants you to approve his idea, but i'm with you. a movie ending on a cliffhanger with no second part is kind of pointless—to me, that is.”

you sighed, you knew he'd have a hard time accepting the fact that you were on the verge on rejecting his idea. “i knew he'd be pissed. and yeah, a movie with no ending is fucking pointless. it's either he comes up with an actual ending to the movie or i'm going to have to say no. and he's grateful that i'm still giving him a chance. if it were my father, he'd shut the idea right down the minute he knew the idea for the end.”

franny nodded as you spoke. you and her had a great relationship. on days she wasn't needed in the office or random weekends, you two would go out for brunch or a coffee run and talk like friends. just like you and your dad, you separated your outside friendship and work relationship. in all honesty, she was like the sister you never had.

“i'm ready for this week to be over. want to hang out at my place saturday night? i could really use a gossip night.” you cracked a smile. “im there. i'll bring our favorite.” there was this one pizza place near your condo and if you could, you would eat it everyday for the rest of your life. “deal, i'll get the wine.”

you two chatted for a while more until franny had to go and take care of something. “good luck with peter, y/n.” she said before she left your office.

it had been a few weeks since he had last seen you. him and your father have exchanged a couple of emails here and there and eventually set up a date to where chris would visit the office.

and that was today.

he stood in his bedroom, fixing the collar that stool out from beneath his prada sweater. chris was excited to see you again even if he tried to avoid the thought of you for several reasons.

the night after the party, he thought about you in that dress all night. a little too much. you were definitely something.

he got into his car and began to drive to the office.

when chris arrived at the parking garage entrance, the garage door opened automatically and was met with a parking garage he had never seen before. the wall were a bright white, the floor wasn't the usual concrete floor, it was a sleek black one that the light reflected off of.

there was a booth up the makeshift hill with a man in a black suit. chris stopped the car and rolled his window down, lowing the music. “good morning, sir. you must be—” he took a look at a paper that was stuck to his laptop. “- chris sturniolo.” chris nodded. “that would be me, yes.”

“good, there's been a parking spot reserved for you. number three. it's just straight ahead near the elevators, and two cars that are hard to miss.” his arm directed into the direction of the spot. “thank you.” chris responded, slowly driving away.

it was true, the two cars parked in spots one and two were hard to miss. parked in spot one was an all black rolls royce, and parked next to chris, in spot two, was a white range rover. he turned into spot one, the only spot left. chris’ guess was that spot one and two were reserved specifically for you and your dad, but that was just a guess.

locking his car, he headed to the all glass elevator and pressed the up arrow. waiting a couple of seconds, the elevator dinged and the doors opened. inside, the small space was filled with classical music and shiny numbered buttons.

he pressed one.

as the doors opened back up again, he was met with a beautiful lobby. it was filled with natural light and beautiful structures. “good morning.” the lady at the front desk said. “hello, i'm here to meet with mr.celestine. i'm chris sturniolo.” he rested an elbow on the counter. “ahh, yes. i'll be right with you, mr.sturniolo.” she smiled, picking up the phone near her desk.

as she waited for her call to be answered, chris looked around the lobby and noticed that the tvs were playing their newest movie, violet, a thriller movie. he had watched it and thought it was an incredible movie. the actors, some of which also worked with his company for pr, were incredible.

“hey, it's pam from the front desk. mr.sturniolo has just arrived at the lobby. could you please take him to mr.celestines office?... thank you.” she returned the phone to its original spot. “alright, i have someone coming down to take you up to mr.celestines office. feel free to take a seat or have something from the snack bar.” she pointed over to a small room across the desk.

“thank you.” chris nodded, making a beeline towards the room. the room was quite big, almost like a mini kitchen. there were various vending machines—free vending machines, a see through fridge with various foods and snacks, and a table with even more snacks.

chris grabbed a bottle of water and scoped out the table of snack, he picked up a pack of skittles and put them in his back pocket. walking out of the room, he smiled at the lady sitting at the desk and made his way to one of the couches.

he waited a couple of minutes, finishing his water and candy. someone finally came to get him. “mr.sturniolo?” chris hears someone call out for him and he turns around.

“that's me.” he gets up. “great, i'm oliver. i’ll be taking you to mr.celestines office. follow me.” chris nods and follows behind him. in the elevator, chris speaks up. “so, how long have you been working here?” he looks over at the boy pushing his glasses up his nose.

“oh, i'm an intern. i've been here for almost a month.” the elevator door opens back up. “right this way.” oliver steps out first and points his arm to the right down the hall.

as they walk through the hallway, chris notices the many movie posters along the walls and various news headlines about celestine studios. movie of the year, #1 high grossing movie, celestine studios makes history winning all 6 nominations in one night, highest ranked movie, celestine studios has the most perfect scores on rotten tomatoes, and there were many more.

“impressive.” chris mumbles to himself, continuing to follow oliver. “here we are.” oliver announces as they stop in front of. door at the end of the hall. plastered on the wall is a golden sign that says ‘MR. CELESTINE: CEO’.

oliver picks his fist up and knocks on the door. they wait a few seconds before a voice is heard from behind the door. “come on in.” oliver opens the door and lets chris walk in first. “mr. celestine, mr. sturniolo is here.” your dad looks up from his laptop and claps his hands. “wonderful! thanks you, oliver. you're dismissed. chris- have a seat.”

oliver closes the door behind him and leaves. chris walks up to your dads desk and shakes his hand. “mr.celestine, it's nice to see you again.” he sits. “nice to see you too. so, what do you think of my building so far?”

“it's wonderful, really.” chris nods.

the two talk for a while, asking each other questions. “let's go visit my daughter, shall we.” you dad say, starting to get up from his chair. “sure.” chris hides his excitement at the mention of you. the two make their way down to the floor you're on.

“good afternoon, mr.celestine.” franny spots your dad and chris. “good afternoon, franny. this is mr. chris sturniolo.” your dad points to chris standing next to him. the two greet each other with a smile. “where is my daughter, we'd like to talk with her.”

“oh, she's in the fifth conference room. but, she's currently in a meeting with mr.ra-” he cuts her off. “thank you, franny.” they two walk away. as they approached conference room five, mr.celestine doesn't bother to knock and barges right in.

“—i'm sorry peter, i've given you options but you're not cooperating with me.” you look up and spot both your dad and chris. chris had never seen this side of you, obviously, in a business setting. “dad? excuse me for one second.” you excuse yourself, standing up to walk up towards the both of them.

chris looks over at the man sitting at the other end of the table who looks frustrated. “what's up… im kind of in a meeting.” chris could tell that you were frustrated as well. “hon, chris is here. remember at the party the other night? ‘said he was going to stop by.” you didn't remember. “oh- yeah. how could i forget.”

“just finish this up and meet us for lunch.” your dad patted your shoulder before turning around. “c’mon chris, let me show you some set mock ups.”

you went back to your meeting. “so, are you going to consider my options?”

finishing up the meeting that went well for you and not so well for peter ray, you were making your way to your office to wind down for a bit after that meeting. as you stepped out of the conference room, oliver spotted you. making his way over to you, chris got to you first .

“hey, doll.” he smirked. “hi, chris. nice to see you again.” oliver stopped a few feet behind the two of you, and chris spotted him, looking back into your eyes. “meeting went well?” he crossed his arms. “so-so.” you nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.

“how's lunch sound- just me ‘nd you? your dad had a last minute meeting. told me to hang with you, said you fun to be around.” oliver, just a few feet away from you two, was red in the face with fists by his side and storms off. “boyfriend of yours?” he nods at oliver who stomps to his mini office. “who?”

“glasses over there. looked like he wanted to kill me for talking t’you.” he chuckles. “oliver? no, not my boyfriend. he's a sweet kid though.” you had noticed here and there the lingering looks he gave you as you walked by him, or the fact that he did anything you told him to. you could ask him to step on a million thumbtacks and he'd do it.

“mm.” he nods, rolling his lips inside. “so, lunch?” he asked again. “uh- yeah. sure, let me just put this in my office.” you refer to your laptop and notebook in your arms. “of course. i'll come with.” he followed behind you. as the two of you walked by oliver, he sent him a petty wink.

“so, this is your office?” he says as you two enter the room. “yup, like it?” you ask smiling as you place down the items on your desk. you round the corner to grab your phone from the drawer. “yeah, s’nice.” he nods looking around before putting his eyes back on you and noticing that you're reaching for your wallet. “ah- ah. lunch is on me. leave that here.”

“you sure?” you look at him, opening the drawer to put your wallet in there. “i'm sure.” he confirms. “c’mon, i made reservations ahead of time. you like sushi?” chris asks, his hand hovering over the small of your back as you two walked out of your office. “love it.” you giggle.

chris turned his head and saw oliver glaring at him once more. chris only shrugged at him and waved to him.

he's going to be seeing chris a lot from now on.

☁️ . . . ⇢ ˗ˏˋ authors note ࿐ྂ

boring chapter :/ i promise we're getting closer to the juiciness😛

[r4fe-cam3ron]

𓍯 ִֶָ FEBRUARY NINTH; side b — secret love song - little mix | r. cameron x maybank!reader

w; intended to be s1 rafe — but also can be any season you’d prefer for this, this doesn’t follow any events of outer banks (just the characters and the pogues vs kooks thing), maybe a bit ooc!rafe? i’m not sure, slight mentions of john b & reader as well, cheating 😔, this is a bit short — not sure how i feel about this one </3 !! i always try to use few to no pronouns or descriptions for r — can be adopted or half sibling! whatever you'd prefer <3 an; love this song and i also thought of rafe and then bam it came to me.

mixtape here!

John Booker Routledge had been one of your favorite people ever since you had been younger — besides your brother. 

The three of you attached by the hip, the three troublemakers you had been so lovingly called. And knowing him since you were all little tots, only to blossom into a young adult, it was only normal to develop a small crush that had JJ gagging every time he noticed where your eyes lingered. 

And it was only normal for him to be your first kiss. 

It was strange. Not that he wasn’t a decent kisser, it just felt…void of something. You weren't sure why it had felt that way, especially when you felt a small amount of jealousy whenever he tended to stray his attention away from you and to Sarah instead. 

It was confusing as much as it was aggravating. 

But, Rafe Cameron, the one person who had made everyone’s life worse just by looking at them with baby blues and a smug smirk, took you by complete surprise. 

In the sense that when he kissed you, it never felt null of anything. Even after he had pulled away, you could still feel the phantom of his lips brushing over your own. 

It also took you by complete surprise because you’re both supposed to keep a distance due to ‘image’ — something you’d always thought was ridiculous, but also never really breaking away from the hate you’re supposed to have for Kooks. 

For Rafe Cameron. 

But at the same time, you couldn’t bring yourself to hate him, or even show him an ounce of faux hatred even if you tried. 

Midnight was your favorite time. Because exactly when the numbers turned to 12, there would be a small tap at your window. Because if he were to knock on the door at this time, Luke would have probably shot him, or JJ would have no problem throwing punches and taking them. 

It was best to stay a secret, even if you hate it. And even if you want others to see the love you both have for one another. 

The tapping catches your attention, a small smile tugging on your lips when you close your book and crawl off the bed and quietly make your way towards the window, pushing the sheer curtains back before unlocking the window and pushing it up. 

Glancing back at the door to keep an eye out, you allow him to grip your arms as he slips inside your room as quietly as possible — he’s gotten better with sneaking in — before turning and closing your window slowly. 

His hand is a bit cold when it wraps around the side of your neck, causing you to gasp and shiver as you look at him quickly. “Rafe!” You whisper sharply, trying to push at his arm. He smirks slightly, pulling you closer and pressing a small kiss to the corner of your lips. “Why are your hands so cold?” You mumble. 

“It’s freezing outside, sweetheart. What do you expect?” He snorts quietly. You smile a bit, taking his hand from your neck, sandwiching it between both of your own the best you could. His eyes are soft as they watch you. “You coming tomorrow?” 

“Hm?” You look up at him. “Oh, yeah. JJ wanted to go,” You shake your head slightly, reaching for the other one. “Figured he would anyway when he heard about it.”

Rafe nods a bit and pushes away a strand of your hair, tucking it behind your ear. “You wanna lie down?” You nod and pull him towards your bed, scooting close to the wall as he slides in after kicking off his shoes. You scoot up a bit, grabbing his arm and pulling him closer to you the best you could. 

He hums and lies his head against your chest, ear placed over where you heartbeat, slipping his eyes closed and melting into the bed when your fingers begin to scratch against his scalp. His fingers rest against your side, twitching every so often. 

It’s silent for a while, except for the beat of your heart, loud and comforting, in his ear. His eyes then slide open and he pulls his head away from your chest to stare down at you instead. 

Your eyes are pointed upwards at the ceiling and he can tell by the small scrunch of your brows, you're worrying yourself sick over something. You flinch at the sudden touch of his fingertips running over the lines that had been between your brows. 

“What’s wrong?” He whispers softly. You glance over at him and tug your bottom lip between your teeth as you think of what to say. Tracing his finger down the slope of your nose before pushing his fingers into the strands of your hair, he gives you a slight worried look. 

“You can tell me whatever is on your mind, you know that, right?” 

Nodding, you sigh quietly. “Is it always going to be like this?” 

“Is what always going to be like this?” 

“You and I. This. Us,” You say as if it’s obvious because, well, it is obvious. “Having only a short amount of time together, or having to…rush date night and act as if we’re with someone else,” You shake your head. 

“It’s…I love you and I want to be able to love you freely — not privately and only a certain amount of time.” 

He frowns and drops his forehead against yours gently, nudging your nose against his. “You know I love you, right?” Your eyes drift away from his. He frowns when he notices your eyes become wet with tears. “Right? Hey,” 

Your eyes hesitantly drift back to his face. His thumb drags over your cheekbone softly. “I do love you. A lot,” He nods. “We’ll tell people. But now is not the right time.” 

“When will it be the right time?” Your brows pinch together as you stare up at him. 

His lips press into yours — a soft kiss, and a gentle hold with his hand — before pulling away slowly, his thumb pressing gently into your chin. “Soon.” He whispers against your lips. 

Which is why, when you look for him everywhere (just for a quick, shared look), you're confused when you see him pressed close to some brunette. 

Even more confused when they both laugh together and she presses a hand against his chest. 

 Now you’re frozen when he’s leaning in and kissing her — a bit too fiercely for a party in front of people. Your eyes and they drift down towards the coffee table in between the spread out teens. 

There’s some substance on some type of gold tray with other various items around it on display. Your eyes quickly look back up, watching as he finally pulls away from her, smirking as he leans back and looks ahead. 

His smug demeanor drops when he sees your face. Rafe is quick on his feet when you turn away from him, pushing past people to get outside and find JJ, John B, and Pope and leave. 

You hear his voice calling out for you, anger thrumming through your bones. Once you step outside, Rafe is suddenly closer than you realize, his hand brushing your arm. 

You turn and smack him before you could catch yourself. The sound catches the onlookers from outside, lifting some brows.

“Don’t you dare touch me, Rafe. I swear—”

“I-I’m sorry! I don’t know what—”

You cut him off with a crazed laugh, pushing him by his chest. He allows you to push him around. “You didn’t know that you were making out with someone else?! What, you thought it was me, huh? Is that your excuse!” Your brows are furrowed in anger, your cheeks flushed and wet with tears as you stare up at him. 

He opens his mouth to speak, shaking his head, but someone is cutting in, calling out your name. “You okay?” John B. 

“I want to go home,” You turn towards him. Rafe calls out your name, eyes wide and desperate. “JB, please. Take me home.” Your voice is raw and it eats away at Rafe’s heart. Because instead of you turning to him, you’re turning back to John B to comfort you. 

All because he was an idiot. 

John B glances at Rafe, a small look on his face has you stepping closer to him, shaking your head, glancing over your shoulder at him. “He’s not worth it,” Rafe’s jaw clenches as he stares at you. You look away and pass by John B, walking towards where he had parked. 

JJ had gone somewhere with Pope, more than likely crashing at his place after. John B had decided to stay with you until you had calmed down, allowing you to talk and get everything off your chest. 

He listened and never once judged you. 

So, why is it when you kiss John Booker Routledge — again — you feel null of any emotion?

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