#their chemistry was better than half of the couples on the show

[rystiel]

[usedpidemo]

Getting closer (Kang Hyewon)

“All I’m saying is—” Hyewon looks away, drink in hand, taking a little sip, calm and alluring as ever, “if you only want to see me naked, then you could have just said so.”

You widely stare back, silent, indifferent—or at least pretend to be. It’s gotten you a fair amount of awards, after all. It’s not the slightest bit of convincing whatsoever.  

She laughs, softly, as if this was the expected outcome. “So I’m taking that as an admission.” 

Setting down the near-empty wine glass on the bathroom sink, Hyewon attempts to walk away, only to be stopped by a sudden pull. Your hand appears tightly wrapped around her dainty wrist, unwilling to let go. Your eyes aimlessly wander up and down the empty void that is her black dress. There are hardly any thoughts behind that predictably empty head of yours, only the simplest of desires.

You catch the subtlest grin forming on her saccharine lips. You fucking hate how she makes you feel. How she makes your heart race with every exchange.

Despite all the time you’ve spent together, you wish you got to know her better.

—————

The last year and a half of your career has mostly centered around one thing, or in this case, one person: Kang Hyewon. There’s also this drama starring your pairing as co-leads, and you’ve been promoting together, but your names make up more of the headlines than the very show. Your names are synonymously tied together akin to an actual couple.

Unsurprisingly, Hyewon is damn gorgeous. It’s how she’s getting the calls to begin with. Another one of those former singers turned actors looking to be taken seriously within the larger entertainment industry. Most never make it past their first project and fall back on their old careers, with some completely flaming out of the spotlight altogether. She’s an exception. A minor part here, a supporting cameo there—until she’s more than pleasant eye candy. A starlet who knows how to pick what roles would showcase her talents the most. 

She’s the perfect blend of beauty goddess and hotshot young star that the internet can get behind.

So it comes as a surprise when she’s casted as second fiddle to you, the first billing—and everyone comes away talking about her more. The scene stealer. 

(This plucky rival agent, investigating a case your character has been trailing for years, barely scraping by with the thinnest of clues, only for her to uncover the mystery only days after starting the investigation. The writing screams Mary Sue, but she acts convincing and vulnerable enough to escape the scathing think pieces that’s commonly associated with such characters. Not to mention: you both look damn good together on screen and during your public appearances.

It’s a team that sailed a thousand ships—both for your characters and in the real world.)

The consummate professional you are, you don’t think much of it. Your filming experience can only be described as businesslike. Except for the scenes where you’re together on screen, you’ve been separated at arms’ length, only exchanging words between takes to keep any further relationship from developing. It’s only during the press tour where you’ve finally gotten somewhat close.

Perhaps a little too close for comfort. Enough to make video compilations by overzealous fans who think you and Hyewon are really an item. The evidence is everywhere—in interviews, behind the scenes content, and on both your Instagram pages. At least, that’s what they want to believe. Everyone else brushes it off as two hot people being hot together, and not much else.

Here’s the thing: you love Hyewon—that much is true. The question now is: does she love you back?

Thankfully, your duo doesn’t get in the way of the show being lauded, despite making up a majority of its fandom. Positive reviews from both critics and viewers, especially in regards to your chemistry. The connection between you two is one in a million, something that can’t be built over years and years of working together. It also helps your performances sell the dynamic incredibly well—well enough to create those delusional shippers that form the bedrock of your partnership. 

Your names were positioned to go far during awards season. Not the consensus top pick, but as dark horse contenders to steal one every now and then. And while you both won your fair share of accolades, neither of you ended up walking away with the top prize. The conversation during the final ceremony of the year consisted primarily of the media and viewers talking about how your appearances together these last few months—and how you’re a match made in heaven. 

Everyone’s gonna miss this pairing—and so will you.

Now you’re back at square one. Having snuck away from the afterparty currently celebrating the dozen or so awards your show won earlier tonight, you’ve brought Hyewon back to your hotel room. Neither of you cared once you both lost your respective categories. The pundits thought you each only had the slimmest of odds to win, so why bother. Hell, you were both itching to leave as soon as the red carpet concluded. 

It’s all behind you now. You’re finally free from the glitz, glamor, and chaos of these vanity ceremonies and can really focus on what really matters—the pretty girl that you most likely won’t be seeing starring tomorrow. Your careers and interests couldn’t be any further apart: your main focus is movies, while hers are dramas. Both of you remain booked and busy for the next few years with different projects, with not a single one reuniting you two for the foreseeable future.

Back to Hyewon. She’s looking down at her wrist, tightly held by your hand. She allows it. You can feel her pulse. You sense that your hearts are racing in unison, tense and anxious.

“Are you gonna do something?” she questions, daring you to pull the trigger. She knows something you don’t—or maybe you do. You’re blinded by fear to realize it. “The night is fleeting. If not now, then when?”

Her words ring through your head. 

If not now, then when?

The same five words, ordered in the exact same way—etched in tiny letters on her skin.

You still remember everything—frame by frame, down to the last details. On screen, it’s implied. In your mind, it canonically happened. She took her shirt off, exposing herself and the scars of battle, and you were gonna go there. In your characters’ supposed words, ‘Clean’’ in your own unique way.

It was ultimately never shot. Bare minimum of fanservice and completely unnecessary, the director said. 

The tattoo sticks out, not only because of how it's deeply embedded on her otherwise pristine, lithe figure, but also because it represents the last 18 months of your career.

During this period, there are a lot of things that you’ve regret—and will regret. The fact you’ve kept contact with her during filming at a minimum, keeping your interactions strictly between takes and creating a negative air around you in her eyes. The fact it took you so long to exchange numbers, only getting it done during the press tour. The fact that you never return her messages when she constantly reaches out to you, whether through text or on your Instagram. The fact you haven’t thanked her enough times during your acceptance speeches, even when you mention her name in almost every other sentence. If there’s anything you want to admit, it’s that Hyewon is everything.

Most importantly, the fact that you fucking love her, to the point where you’d yearn moments when you’re not beside her—and you still lack the will to confess to her. Even right now. When she’s right at your fingertips.

Perhaps she knows this. The signs were there all along. How she often posts your red carpet photos together and tags you in them. How she also mentions you as much during her acceptance speeches and credits you as a reason for her improvements in acting, even referencing specific advice you’ve given her. The biggest hint, however, are the dresses she’s been wearing to these galas, most evident being tonight. Simple all black, tailor made for her frame, showing off her assets for flaunting to the cameras. 

Earlier, she led you to an empty part of the theater to say something in private. “I wore this just for you,” she said—and from that point, you had to get her alone, whatever it takes.

Really, Hyewon has no intention to leave tonight. She’s just waiting for those magic words. There’s no other logical reason for her to be here, other than for you.

She might as well be holding up a huge signpost with all her requests written in capital letters. 

“If you’re not gonna do anything,” she says, tone casual, slipping one strap of her dress down her shoulder, the one half of the fabric dropping a fair amount. “Then I might as well do it myself. I was hoping you’d take this off me—”

“Stop.” 

You grab her other hand, close to touching the other strap, the dress more than ready to fall down. She raises her eyebrows in amusement. Afterward, she puts the seized hand down, convincing you to release the grip. 

Another win for Hyewon. You’ve lost count as to how many times she’s been messing with you throughout awards season. Probably in the hundreds. Thousands if you count the interviews and little jabs during her speeches. Every mention of your name is an immediate sign of trouble. You can sense she’s enjoying every single moment, relishing the remaining time you have left. Meanwhile, it’s clear on your face that you’re stressed. 

But for what?

“If it hasn’t gotten through your thick skull, then I have no choice but to explain it.” Hyewon climbs atop the bathroom sink, strong enough to lift herself off the ground. She pours the glass with new wine; it’s not meant for you. Her attitude flips instantaneously like a switch, composed and readying herself as if it were another photoshoot. 

Taking a sip of the drink, she pours the rest all over her dress. It serves no purpose anymore. it’s undeniable that she knows what she’s doing. That elegant yet cocky smile is permanently seared into your brain. Someone this haughty shouldn’t be this beautiful and seductive. “You can stand there and waste the night away, or you can do something about it. All up to you.”

You can only sigh. Whether out of wistfulness or annoyance is up for interpretation. You can add taking her back to your hotel room and taking this role in your ever growing list of regrets. When it’s all said and done, it’ll definitely be as long as the career documentary they’ll make about you in 50 years.

What more do you have to lose? 

This will all be behind you soon enough.

You finally stop giving her the cold shoulder. “God, I really wish you weren’t such a tease,” you remark, pulling on the dress strap she previously slid down. “Because otherwise, it would have been so much easier.”

Hyewon seems to have taken your words seriously, because she suddenly kisses you—as in, relentlessly smothers you. Her arms wrap around your neck, slowly pulling you close into an embrace. She smells of alcohol and perfume. An unusual concoction that you can drown yourself in.

“Only if you say the magic word,” she says, gently laughing between kisses. The lower half of your face is full of pale lipstick marks. It was foolish to think she had turned a new leaf, knowing how intentional Hyewon can be with everything.

You’ve really got no other choice.

“I love you,” you confess, but in the smallest audible voice imaginable—hiding that reluctance behind your tone. 

Hyewon pulls herself back, smiling toothily at you, borderline snorting. Her expressions convey the idea that you told her a joke, which it may as well be. 

“That’s it? Doesn’t sound like someone who loves me,” she remarks, tone evidently disparaging.

“Fuck me.” The groan comes out instinctively, as if this wasn’t your first time getting burned like this. Your head is raised to the ceiling, asking the gods for an out.

“That’s my line,” she spouts, her response almost as instantaneous. Wit comes naturally to Hyewon. The countless viewers and interviewers who’ve laughed can speak on her behalf.

“You’re gonna turn everything I say into a joke, are you?” you ask, knowing you’ve willingly fallen for the easiest bait in the entire world.

“You’re gonna turn everything I say into a joke, are you?” she repeats, mockingly imitating your voice, much to your utter chagrin. This isn’t part of some romcom or a sketch. This is real. Everything comes back around to Hyewon. She laughs—basks in your suffering.

It’s the kind of trait that would leave you second guessing whether you really love her or not. As it turns out, the public loves celebrities with a playful sense of humor. Not even you are innocent—you’ve been caught red-handed on camera a few times. Hyewon doesn’t need to reaffirm herself.

But she would love to hear it straight from the source.

“Say it. Say it.” Hyewon is urging you—demanding you—as if it were a matter of life or death. Her hands are everywhere, gripping you by the cheek and the throat like her prized possessions, threatening to choke the life out of you. 

Truthfully, this was coming the moment she stepped through those doors for the first table read. Hyewon’s gravity is inescapable.

“Love you—Hyem, please—” 

Struggling to push back against her hold, you can tell that she’s taking pleasure in every moment she has you like this: wrapped around her finger, so whipped over her that it’s alarming. There’s little use in trying to be coy or subtle. If she wanted you to go down to the afterparty in nothing but your boxers, you’d fold in a heartbeat. She’s the kind of girl you’d happily end up in a scandal with, someone you’d throw your career away in exchange for one timeless night, against the advice of everyone who knows better.

She knows this too. Look at the coy grin spreading on her face. A smile perfect for the front cover of any magazine or commercial. It’s the perfect facade for the attitude hiding beneath.

“I love you Hyem,” you repeat, showing a bit more desperation and sincerity this time. You’re breathing against her neck, the idea of pressing your lips against her skin a dire need. It’s unfortunate you can’t make it look like an accident—as is the idea of your bodies sinking down on the bathroom countertop. “For the longest time, I wanted you, but—”

Only now do you come to the simplest realization: there are no accidents.

Normally, you should feel some shame for being this oblivious. How a girl like Hyewon is giving out all these hints, to the point where she might as well be spreading her legs wide and pointing down at her cunt with a colorful sign. Hell, a thigh is peeking through her dress, pressing on your leg right now. If there’s one thing you’ve learned about working with other actors, it’s that chemistry comes naturally—it can’t be taught.

And your bodies are doing exactly that. The friction between you can’t be any more tense.

“Then show me.” She sighs against your ear, pulling on the topmost button of your suit, pushing down the matching coat. Her leg extends around your limb, goading you to pull away, even though leaving the pretty sight right in front of you is the last thing on your mind. 

You can only breathe. Slow. Hesitant. There's not a lot of hours left, and you’re wasting more by taking your sweet time—resting your gaze on her pale shoulder, admiring all the little details. In essence, you’re doing the complete opposite of what Hyewon wants. She’s showing a little frustration, proving how much better of an actress she is than you. Imagine being in her shoes, beckoning to someone astronomically unaware for months. So much energy and effort could have been saved if she chose to leave you out to dry. If you weren’t so preoccupied with thoughts of her, the many ways this little scene can go, you’d be wondering why she’s this persistent. 

Maybe you’re just as important of a character in her story too, or you’re both stubborn in your own ways. Perhaps both.

None of that is your concern right now. You’re cupping Hyewon’s face, kissing her, nibbling down on her creamy skin, reaching up to her lips by the way of her neck, pulling on the strap of her dress little by little. In response, she’s whispering sweet nothings into your ear, removing your dress shirt one button at a time. It feels like you’re going through the motions, acting under the words of an intimacy coordinator and a director. Slowly but surely, it’s all coming together, until—

“Stop.” 

You pull back, noticing your shirt is nearly undone as you look past her and at the mirror. Both dress straps are halfway down her arms, the fabric a mess, waiting to be swept away. 

You raise an eyebrow, puzzled. “What’s up?” 

Hyewon tilts her head at an angle, unsatisfied. She’s staring at you intently, taking a moment to analyze you like you’re a problem to solve—which you are—before coming to a rather alarming conclusion. “You don’t seem like you want me that bad.”

The remark doesn’t register in your brain. “What do you mean—”

She yanks you forward for a deep kiss, cutting you off. Reciprocating her passion comes naturally—and so does everything else. The movement of your hands, taking lease of her back, tearing through the fabric of her dress, coming back to her cheeks, until you stop feeling cloth and register more flesh. Feeling her skin becomes your new addiction, something you can’t get enough of. 

Watching her other movies—for research purposes—you knew she was well endowed, even when they were not on full display.  Some of her previous gala dresses truly put a spotlight on her cleavage. Part of you thought it was editing trickery, a perfectly taken photo at the right time, or a bra doing the heavy lifting. All three even. But holding them now, with nothing in between, you simply couldn’t believe how well they’ve been hidden from you. 

Her tits fold, go flush, and her nipples stiffen at your touch. They feel so right—as if they were handmade for you.

“God, Hyem—” you breathe out, savoring the sensation of her mounds in your clasp, unwilling to let go. Her taut nipples jerk with every run of your palms. If only you could rest your head between them, but your current position won’t allow you. 

“They feel so good right?” Hyewon moans in response, shedding your unbuttoned shirt off your body and tossing it to the floor, taking lease of your muscles and back. Her dress bunches up around her waist, practically collapsing when she decides to get up from the sink. Although an expected outcome, you’re both surprised that you’ve managed to get each other’s clothes off.

And you’re only getting started.

Pushing you away, Hyewon meets you at your level. Gravity does the rest. She stands before you in nothing but heels. What a mental image to remember her after tonight. She leaves you frozen and trembling, jaw agape, your eyes in a daze, unable to find a place to settle your fleeting gaze on—until she rests her hands around your shoulders. You’re caught up in your own disbelief to meet her lovely gaze and that rather sweet smile, quite the difference from her bare state.

She lifts up a leg, pushing herself onto you for another passionate kiss. Taking advantage, her legs eventually wrap around your waist, bearing all her weight on your grasp. Despite her surprise attack, she’s feathery enough to carry around. It certainly helps that she’s not the heaviest girl you’ve lifted before; you have some experience—mostly unpleasant and usually backbreaking. Still, you’ll treat her like some delicate object that crumbles at the slightest touch. Something—or someone—you can’t ruin, or else you’d be ruined too.

You both end up in the living room, deeply engrossed in a fiery passion that’s too hot for cameras. Lifting her high, your lips find their way to her chest, pressing them in the place where they rightfully belong. Hyewon is stubborn, pushing your head further up to meet your lips in a direct, frantic kiss. Back and forth, you take turns between her tits and her lips, unintentionally slamming her against a wall, eliciting a few yelps out of her. 

It doesn’t bother you both in the slightest. You hold her there, kissing down her abdomen and ribs, coming to the tiny inked part of her figure. The same tattoo that’s been ingrained in your head since you first saw them.

You mutter the very words against her skin. 

“If not now, then when.”

They’ve never been so relevant till right now. You softly kiss the ink, silently thanking her for saving you from a lifetime’s worth of regret.

Hyewon winces, throws her head back, moans up to the ceiling. Her nails brush through your hair, then claw at your nape as you remain fixated on her tattooed rib. She deserves to be adored and worshiped.

“Look at me babe,” she murmurs, gently tilting you up, faint at your touch. Against your desires, you follow. “Put me down. You know why I’m here.”

You oblige without a second thought—and you’re both on a level playing field again.

Still, you can’t help but kiss her right after. She reciprocates the favor. You’re a perfect match. Even as you’re making out, you’re thinking of ways to get messy and get the jump on her while she’s preoccupied. 

It ends up being your biggest mistake.

Both of you wrestle for control over the other, a scuffle that ends up knocking down a few appliances and tableware. The sound of glass shattering rips through the hotel room floor louder than your collective moans ever will. For someone with a lithe figure, Hyewon proves to be much stronger than you were led to believe. It shows when you try to push her onto another table; you both end up crashing to the floor seconds later. 

From there, it’s whoever is the first to get up, and you knew it was all over from there.

Hyewon leads you into the sole bedroom, shoving you onto the mattress. Unrelenting, she slams onto you right after, pinning you down with her bare hands. Surprising her with your own strength, you reach for her raven locks through her ironclad grip of your wrists. Your lips continue to crash like waves against rocks, neither of you willing to back down. There’s a clear disparity between you: she wants you more.

To further prove her point, she presses her palms down on your chest, sitting over you upright, straddled on your lap. She’s never looked better.

Making quick work of your trousers, your cock is freed from its confines, only to be immediately caught up in Hyewon’s hand. Her grip spreads through your groin, turning breathing into an absolute nightmare. The one fear that’s been haunting your mind these last few months, finally realized. 

And it’s staring you down with an innocent yet wicked smile.

“You have no idea how long I wanted this,” she remarks, her sultry voice sending shivers down your spine. Arching down, she presses her tongue forward on your throbbing tip. Combined with the pressure she’s building with her hand, holes puncture through your lungs. And right on command, you’re leaking. She’s lapping your cock in circles, slow and agonizing, taking every little drop of precum seeping. You can only tremble beneath her, utterly defenseless. “Remembering when I was tapping your foot with my heel earlier tonight?”

She leaves you in such a dizzying spiral that you can’t even look directly at her, let alone formulate a reply. Meanwhile, her eyes remain fixed on you, doe-eyed with innocence, yet her actions are cruel. Breathing proves to be a struggle, let alone returning with a response. “What about it?”

“I wanted you to follow me to the bathroom. And I wanted you to fuck me in there.”

Honest to God, that was not the first thought on your mind. If anything, the presence of many proved to be the ideal shield in keeping yourself away from Hyewon. Losing best actor was the greatest blessing in disguise, as it meant you didn’t have to look straight into her magnetic eyes during your theoretical speech and make an embarrassment of yourself in front of hundreds in attendance, and millions watching on television. 

Now that you’re in bed with no way to escape, you can only accept your fate.

“I’m not the best at reading the room,” you comment, sheepishly shaking your head.

“Not surprising, honestly,” she says, rewarding your candor with a kiss—on your tip. Then another. More heartwarming than arousing, if anything. “Anyone ever told you that you’re kind of a dork?”

“Not the first time I’ve heard it from a girl,” you say, in an attempt to show some wit, only to be met with a stiff grip on your cock. “Ah—fuck—”

A bit more force and Hyewon could break you in half with her mere hand alone. She’s cold, calculating, and cruel. Her expression seems apathetic, yet deep down, you can tell she’s having so much fun toying and teasing you, stealing what little semblance of willpower you have. And to think she’s this demure, sometimes funny celebrity with a certain image that’s universally admired by many. 

Behind that gaze, she’s thinking of more ways to further ruin you.

“I don’t think a dork like you has been with other girls,” she remarks, leaning forward to tease a kiss, only to leave you dry. “But looking at this cock—”

She stops to admire your shaft once more. Ultimately, she can’t help herself. She has to give your tip another ceremonious flick with her parched tongue in appreciation. Two, actually. If she doesn’t stop, you’ll soon be deep in her throat, and you know she’s not letting you go. Thankfully, she finally regains sight of what she wants in the first place.

Lifting herself ever so slightly, Hyewon takes a deep breath—then slowly melts into you. 

It’s a car crash you can’t look away from. It’s inevitable, but you’re completely powerless to stop her. You can only groan in agony as your bodies intertwine, creating a union that only she can break. Inch by inch, you helplessly watch as Hyewon slowly takes you into her suffocating heat. The sensation is unlike anything you’ve ever felt before: vicious, intense, and painful. 

It doesn’t help that she’s taking her sweet time, keeping you on edge for what may as well be an eternity, bracing for the certain explosion she’s going to leave in her wake. 

“Oh—fuck—it’s so perfect,” Hyewon throws her head back, her jaw dropping slow, every word delivered in a near-inaudible sigh. Eventually, she buries herself in you deep to the hilt—and she keens. “That—that’s it—that’s the fucking spot—”

Your hands cling to her waist, your maw similarly agape, breathing tensely as the pleasure slowly courses through your muscles. “God—you’re fucking tight—”

She hums in return, satisfied by your response, before losing herself in the sensation of your cock impaling her—and she begins to move.

As you fight the urge to cum right then and there, Hyewon slowly lifts herself off your lap, your cock reappearing with a fresh coat of her drenched pussy, before sinking back down. She rips the breath right from your lungs, while you’re forced to shut your eyes. Anything to keep your brain firing as the pleasure rushing throughout your body sends you into overdrive. 

You’re an outlet of ecstasy, a conduit for her to loosen all her pent-up frustration and lust. Her palms grip to your thighs, keeping you in place—as if you’re in any condition to move anywhere except for her whim. She’s crashing into you at a punishing pace as a result of keeping yourself away for so long. And she’s being open about it too: “Why did it take us so long—ugh—”

You can only moan back. Truthfully, you’re wondering the same thing too. 

As your eyes alternate between wide open and completely shut, you catch glimpses of Hyewon using every inch of you to fill her wanton pussy with cock. When she’s not cursing or screaming your name, her moans fill your ears with sweet, sultry music. It’s a sound not of her high class image. She’s riding you like it’s life or death, like her heart will stop beating if her cunt isn’t being stretched out.

With every bounce, so do her breasts. Up and down, settling into a rhythm, forming a hypnotic motion that your eyes get lost in. Your obsession reaches a point to where the movement of her tits stirs you on, reigniting your tired muscles. You can’t lie there and be a helpless viewer any longer.

And so, you meet Hyewon halfway, matching the grind of her hips with your thrust at the apex, setting her alight. This particular stroke. The hot sensation. It utterly shatters her. Her voice cracks. She trembles violently, giving you breathing room to sit upward and lean close to her chest. 

So while she staggers back, overwhelmed by your cock spearing her cunt, you go down on her succulent breasts, squishing your face between them. Despite having Hyewon’s body all to yourself, the friction between your bodies creates this wracking storm that drives you insane. It isn’t enough that you’re feasting on her tits, that her boobs are bouncing so hard it’s downright pornographic, and that she’s screaming her heart out in response to each stroke. This will be headline news tomorrow. Yet, none of that is your concern. You have to pour everything into her. It’s now or never.

“Fuck yes—oh fuck—fucking take me—fuck—” Hyewon’s riding your cock, forcing all the air out your lungs, rendering you speechless. Doesn’t matter, you’re drowning in her slick and her tits, pounding away with twice the effort. She’s swearing through her tongue like she’s a cop in a crime picture, biting down on her lip in a flimsy attempt to restrain herself, but anyone with a good ear nearby could have easily identified her voice through the four walls of this hotel room. Knowing her, it’s intentional. She’s determined to put you through a world of trouble, leaving you with no other choice but to shut her up.

And you’re going to do just that.

You end up yanking her by the waist as your bodies repeatedly collide with each other. Each impact the equivalent of a cosmic explosion, the aftermath echoing through the room. The sound of skin slapping skin fills your ears louder than what it seems in the movies. Sex with Hyewon is much, much better than in your fantasies. Here’s another thing that can’t be found on camera: her soft pleas begging you to keep going, interlaced between harsh whines and airy moans that can’t be faked.

“God, I’m gonna fucking cum, Hyewon.” There you go, your silly side showing at such a serious moment. Everyone knows you don’t proclaim your impending climax. Rookie mistake. You’re not shooting a porno, but you might as well be with how hard you’re fucking her. She can’t help but cackle even as you relentlessly pound into her cunt. What should be a moment of weakness immediately gets brushed aside as you hold her when she slams down, and you finally fall apart.

Impaling your cock hilt deep inside Hyewon, you’re digging your palms deep into her soft flesh, unwilling to let go. She rests her head beside yours as you blast her with thick, warm cum. Her prolonged, saccharine-sounding moan is nothing compared to the loaded groan that ripples through the room. The supplication she makes, demanding you to fill her with every little drop goes through deaf ears. Your dick seems to have heard it loud and clear, though. The amount you’re filling her is enough to rip through her body violently too. She follows with her own peak afterwards, hitting a previously unheard octave higher, your bodies finally melting into one. 

Just like that, she’s clinging to you like you’re her personal life support, completely drained of all her strength. 

The ecstasy lasts for a brief moment. The fall off happens too soon for your liking. Like her, you’re sapped of energy and you fall down to earth with Hyewon in your arms. The end comes—not with grandiose drama or spectacle, but by a calm, uneventful stir.

You should be done at this point. It’s been a long day. You’ve been up as early as sunrise, spent hours behind makeup and measuring tape for a suit you won’t wear more than once. Smiling comes natural, if not downright fake; in front of the cameras, on the red carpet, on screen, and even during the afterparties. Every time you step out in public, there’s an image, a reputation to uphold. You’ve done this a dozen times in the past few months alone, bearing a lifetime’s worth of and it never gets more comfortable or easier. It’s a miracle you haven’t cracked or had a public breakdown, even though your mind is calling for it.

And yet, all that labor and agony is worth it for what you have now. The awards, the recognition, the adoration—but most especially the girl. What are you now, taken out of a story. One that feels all too familiar and done to death, but it never grows old or tired. 

By all accounts, it should be a happy ending. 

Except you’re not done. You’re not satisfied, and so is Hyewon. Even though she’s settling down in your embrace, resting her head against your heartbeats, mumbling these sweet nothings about how much you’ve ruined her and fucked her to shreds, she’s quietly begging for more. It isn’t about keeping a sanctimonious image anymore; it’s about how far you’ll push her and use her. Your throbbing cock buried inside her cunt says it too.

If there’s anything you’ve learned about acting, it’s that one take isn’t enough.

Like a damsel in distress, you scoop Hyewon into your arms. Through what you might consider a second wind, you carry her into the bathroom again on wobbly legs, stepping into the shower, showing that you’re ready to take your relationship a step further. You’ll hash out the details in the morning—if she hasn’t left by then.

The sound of running water serves as background for the airy, lewd noises that quickly fill the shower. 

Hyewon feels incredibly soft to touch. Pliable in your grasp, like a doll to bend, twist, and use at your whim. You’re squeezing her flesh, fondling her mounds tightly till you’re seeing red everywhere. Her tits, her shapely ass, and everything in between. Kissing down her body, giving every little part its much needed attention. You’ve fucked her to pieces, yes, but she’s still housing a divine figure that deserves the same level of praise. 

With two fingers stroking at her cunt, she’s keening, her head tilted up to meet the relentless downpour rushing down over your bodies. Her voice is in tatters after an hour of tireless screaming, in addition to all the mindless chatter from earlier tonight. Part of you wishes to have taken up her offer. Something this good shouldn’t be kept secret, but you’re more than selfish enough to keep Hyewon all to yourself. 

Your raging impulse gets the better of you, and you slap her tits from behind. She yelps a cry of pain and pleasure. The recoil and sound activates something in your brain like a sleeper agent. You do it a second time, then a third. You stop counting after, indulging yourself in the satisfying noise of her mounds smacked over and over, every squeal, every strike equally as gratifying as your cock slamming into her pussy. She’s clinging to the walls as a respite, her body shuddering vigorously, but you don’t give her a moment to breathe. It’s what she would have wanted: to be used and taken like a ragdoll.

Hyewon screams again when you swing her around, lifting one leg around your waist, and slam your cock inside her. No pleasantries, no talking through the process—only a desire to fuck. Burying your face against her neck, growling into her skin like a ravenous beast, you hammer away without care for neither your comfort nor hers. You’re counting the hours, minutes, seconds before she disappears from your life, and you’re gonna make sure that years from now, she remembers this night in particular.

You’re too engrossed to see her expressions twist in impossible ways that average humans can make. But that’s the point: Hyewon is no ordinary person. She’s one actress, something that can be found in others who are more talented and have more resounding qualities, but more than that, to you, she’s everything. The clench of her cunt on your cock continues to invigorate you and push you further. With every thrust, she jumps and sends aftershocks coursing through your veins. God, you love how incredibly well she fucking takes it, and the slightest tilt of her lips struggling to form a grin reinforce this. You’ve got nothing else to say, really; you easily lose yourself in your own lust, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

It doesn’t take too long before you feel it again. The end. It’s approaching faster than you can react. You knew it wasn’t going to be a drawn out affair, but you’re so desperate to reach that high, no matter how brief it may be. It was too good to pass up, and you’re beyond waiting a second more.

You’d give everything up for even a single minute longer, but the period of bargaining has long passed you by.

“Gonna cum again—fuck—” is all you can muster, your first words after a long while. Her pussy feels so good to form coherent words. Lust has utterly consumed your brain more than anything. The entire time, Hyewon’s mewling, keening in every direction, trying to find purchase on the walls or the shower door, only to fall a few inches short. She ends up coming back to you, hanging on for dear life. You’ve never let up, terrified that she’ll magically disappear into nothing at any second. 

Acting fast, as if you’ve got a ticking bomb in hand, you draw your cock out, coated in a thick sheen of your own cum and hers, pumping yourself with a few strokes of your hand until you finally explode. The shower washes down the milky white blot you’re unloading on her skin, never leaving a permanent mark. It does, however, bring you back to the place that began your undoing.

The tattoo on her rib. 

Water wipes the cum blocking the view. Despite those same five words occupying your mind for the last few hours, it still hits like a fresh revelation. You hear her voice repeating them inside your head as you come to your senses, your lust being satiated—for now. Even when Hyewon is completely broken before you, reduced to a quiet pile of flesh. One hand on the surrounding wall, the other in limbo, her leg still coiled around your waist, forcing oxygen into her tired lungs wherever she can. 

With the ‘quick’ shower done, and after hardly any cleaning was made, you carry her back to the bedroom. 

You don’t even make it past the living room before your legs finally give up. You end up crashing onto the floor together before you both finally call it a night.

—————

“This is your fault you know,” says Hyewon, drawing circles on your chest, over your calm heartbeats. “I’m supposed to be in London tomorrow for my table read. And yet I’m still here. My flight was five hours ago by the way.”

It’s already high noon when you finally regain consciousness, your head still spinning despite not taking more than one alcoholic drink the night before. Hyewon’s doing marginally better, having woken up 30 minutes earlier. No wonder it feels so hot; her body is snuggled up on you, your limbs tangled. Despite the urgency she’s speaking about, she doesn’t seem to be interested in moving any time soon.

At least you’re awake and sensible enough to fire back. “Who’s fault is that? I wasn’t the one inviting you to come over and have you fucked senseless.”

She chuckles into your skin, little ripples forming where her lips are gently pressed. “And I wasn’t the one who spent the last 18 months saying we’re just friends.”

You’re already lying flat on the floor, but the rebuttal only makes you want to get up only to fall back down. So you settle with an expressive sigh. 

Hyewon laughs. It’s what won over millions, including you. You’re taken back to that fateful day you first met. Right then and there, you knew there’d be no one else like her. If given an opportunity to go back and change a few things here and there or, you’d do it over again, mistakes included. Last night was worth all the waiting and teasing. 

“So—about that show,” you lean up, pushing her closer to your face, “What was it again? Something about you being a nymphomaniac? Delete what?”

“You mean Delete This? Let’s not.” 

Mention of the premise alone is enough to set her gummy cheeks on fire. For someone whose career has been built up on mostly more general audience friendly programming, leading a sexual soap opera is quite the jump.  

She buries her head on your neck, embarrassed, feeling guilty. “Yeah. I mean, last night was—different, you know? I’ve shown my tits and body already, but I’ve never had sex—on screen before.”

You should have known. She needed a reason to get in your pants without your working relationship only centering around your bodies. And those were clearly stand-ins based on how her face is never shown during her older scenes.

“Jesus, Hyem. If you wanted to have sex, you could have asked anytime. You have no idea how annoyed I was when they scrapped our scene last minute. It was only you taking off your shirt too.”

“On the bright side, we didn’t have an intimacy director getting in the way, right?”

She does have a point. Still, your personal cold war didn’t need to last 18 months before either of you would make the first move.

But with all that tension a thing of the past, the chains are unfettered. Now both of you have the ability to take this little secret in any direction you desire. You could simply be a workplace couple; it’s been the story of your year so far. Or you could take things a step further. The possibilities are truly endless.

Hyewon’s cheeky grin slowly reforms, her hand snaking up to cup your cheek. “Shame we only had one night. I could spend the rest of the day here, but—” she huffs, “I’m running late. Too bad I won’t get to have this cock for a long, long time.”

You lift an amused eyebrow, barely able to keep your new cockiness from showing. “Will you, though?”

She’s taken completely by surprise. “What do you mean?”

“Check your phone.”

After rising to her feet, Hyewon walks over to the console table where her purse is set. Fishing her phone from the handbag, she scrolls through the apps, her attention di–vided between the screen and you on the floor, finally getting up as well. 

Her stare then lingers on the phone, as if whatever headline of the day has caught her attention. 

Next thing you know, she’s grabbing you by the chest, dragging you back to the bedroom before shoving you back onto the mattress—right where you belong. Pinning you down and dead to rights, Hyewon mounts herself on your lap, your cock pressed against her aching core, ready to receive a fresh beating.

Some jokes can go a little too far.

“You fucking asshole. You mean that—”

“Yep.”

“And it’s not—”

“It’s not.”

You can feel her hips slowly grinding against yours. You’re gonna love—and hate—the next 18 months with Hyewon.

“I’m going to kill you. And I mean: kill you.”

“No better way to go out.”

—————

(A/N: Thank you for the commission! That Hyewon dress is so ripe for material, and I had to incorporate her tattoos into it somehow. She doesn't show them quite often—heck, she hasn't publicly addressed them even once, I believe. That little nod at the end is for everyone still waiting for Delete this to return. At this point, a reimagining or remake must happen first before the next actual episode because good God my writing back then versus now is night & day. Even comparing the last update from 2022(?) to today is also radically different in style. I'm still interested in reviving it; it's just a matter of when, not if. Thank you for reading!)

[m0chisenpai]

Accessorize

˚｡⋆ lestat de lioncourt x black!fem!reader

in which Lestat and his little muse have a preshow ritual

Lestat picked you up in the beginning of his rise to fame. He heard you sing, and needed your voice. Over the screeching fans, he heard you sing to his song, and knew that your voice would be heard for centuries to come. The following day he would send one of his agents to pick you up from your hotel room. “Mr Lioncourt wants to negotiate a contract with you ma’am”

You were quick to deny it, but when they showed you the paperwork and pay you were going to receive, the thought of working for a tempered immortal that could snap you in half like a twig was the least of your worries.

They provide you with accommodations and cover all expenses to move you from your home state to California where he had already begun working on his next single.

You started working in back up vocals something you were already used to, but two recording sessions later and Lestat demanded your voice be on the song with him alone. He waved off the three singers demanding you were to stay. You could feel his eyes like a weight upon you as you read the lyrics in front of you over and over. Rock was the last thing you’d expect to do, could you even do it?

But you have little time to prepare before the sound engineers voice echoes in your ears, “whenever you’re ready!”

The song is something new, not necessarily metal or hard work. But you close your eyes and begin to hum lowly into the mic, whispering the lyrics into the mic until the song turns off. When you sang in the recording studio, his eyes remained on you unblinking.

Finally you break the silence speaking into the microphone for both men to hear. "Was that good for you, Mr. Lioncourt?" you tilted your head. He smirked pressing a ring clad finger to respond.

"Perfection, cherie" he can see the delicous shiver tingle down your spine. The song was a hit, no doubt the man was a musical genius, but he had to credit you as well, Your voice was the missing piece.

This new life was something new, something better. Who were you to deny it? You were making thrice more then you could ever in your life time. Add your new immortality? You were untouchable. You had an immortality lover, maker, companion, whatever he chose to label it by your side. Had Lestat known there was this new side to you with the Dark Gift he would have bestowed it upon you the year he began working with you.

You took to your thirst and instincts like a duck to water. Prowling the nights with your costar. Taking groupies back for meals. Walking red carpet appearances, and doing interviews in the most bold outfits.

You were made for this, made to be with him.

The tabloids and networks were reporting on the chemistry you two had stage. Were you a couple? No you were more than that. You and Lestat completed something in one another.

You sat beside him on the tour bus. It was designated just for you two and tinted windows protected you both. Your fingers scrolled on Instagram, reading the latest highlights and news from your last performance. In the high and rush of pre performance jitters, you bit him.

And the fans noticed it immediately as Lestat popped his jacket open proudly displaying it, and the smeared blood painting your lips making you look like a goddess on stage.

Tonight was an interview, and whoever it was peaked Lestat’s attention enough to get just the two of you on camera.

"It seems your previous work has begun to fade," Lestat sits up a bit on his elbows, his curly waves fall behind him. And he flashes you a fangy smirk. The bites you bestowed him have in fact begun to fade.

“Who are we to deny the people what they want,” you snicked, tossing your phone beside you.

Your crawl to him like the little minx you are are. Kissing your way up his stomach. Your first bite is just where his heart would be beating, and you take a small drink from the wound. You press kiss after kiss landing another biting right in his neck.

That's where you begin to feed, getting drunk off the ancient taste of him. He surrounds and intoxicates you. He’s panting and digging his nails into your hips, he always loved it when you fed from him.

When you are full you pull back, chest heaving and pupils wide like his own. You both would be late, using this time to satiate another hunger.

When you;ve arrived you are walking on cloud nine with your beloved, your manager in front of you both. Lestat holds your hand as you both enter the studio., guiding you like you are royalty.

Two seats are situated side by side but he immmediately pulls you atop his lap. Ignorong the staff member who fumbles to fix the set up.

Your nose crinkles at the chalice beside you. The blood smells foul. Lestat sees the distaste on your face, "my muse won't be drinking that."

A woman approaches him with a make up brush that he immediately moves away from.

“Do I look like I need you?” His sneer deterred the makeup woman immediately who moved to you.

“I touched up on the bus.” Your smile sends her away with blushing cheeks. They move to mic you both up, doing their best not to brush on the vampire. But their eyes do catch the fresh bite on his neck and the one just barely peaking on his chest.

“Can we uh…do you need to get that checked? Or covered?”

“Oh I think you know the answer to that,” you eye your work in pride, and Lestat smirks up at you. Perhaps he ought to give you a matching one.

[bengiyo]

Ben's Big BL Blurb 4: I Hope I See Jay Sorathon Again

New year, new blurb. Time to reflect on a few shows finishing, talk about some new shows, and see where we're at in January.

Haunted Hearts Sucked

Final Verdict: 5.5, Not Recommended. Y'all don't need to watch this weird mess of a show. Despite joking about "devirginizing" its lead multiple times, it was so chaste in the end. It also did some weird world shenanigans I was not feeling. The leads are supposed to be in another Oxin Films project soon, so we'll see if they're better there.

Caged Again Flopped

Final Verdict: 6, Recommended Only For Jay Sorathon. This one really hurts me, because I genuinely loved the first half of this show. Jay Sorathon as Junior was one of the most refreshing experiences I've had in a while. This young actor is charming in a way that felt different, and I found myself enjoying every scene he was in because he could deliver what he was asked to do. However, the show generally failed to do much with most of its themes, and I think it was a real waste of Nokia and Jaonine as a pair. There were interesting themes about how Junior and Sun wanted different things out of their relationship that didn't get resolved, so all of their skinship felt disconnected from the big themes they were teasing out.

I am sad that I cannot really recommend this as a complete viewing experience, but I do not want that to detract from how much I enjoyed the entire cast's chemistry. I just cannot pretend that this show didn't peak at the gif used above before floundering completely.

An Apology to City of Stars

Final Verdict: 8, Recommended. I skipped this show originally because I was overloaded and unmoved by the first episode. However, this show was actually one of the most consistent narratives we've had about the consequences of fan culture, sponsorship, and commercialization of queer actors we've had this year. Unlike Only Boo!, this show inflicted real consequences on Feuang for coming out to the point that he essentially had to change careers (which happens to real actors all the time, going back as far or further than William Haines).

The leads also kept having sex after getting together! A novel experience! I loved that Krom had almost no swag, and Feuang fell for him entire on family photos and his mom gushing over him. He really won as a tech worker. Watch this if you're interested in seeing a show with clear ideas about the entertainment industry and are willing to deal with some weak acting.

Our Youth Left Me A Bit Wanting

Final Verdict 8: Recommended With Reservations. I wrote my write up for this already, and will say here that I like parts of this show a lot even though I wasn't fully satisfied by the viewing experience.

See Your Love Got All The Important Things Right

Final Verdict: 8, Recommended for the Mains. I will admit that I didn't much care for the side couple, but I loved Shaopeng and Sean's relationship. I loved that this wasn't a story about fixing someone's hearing so they could be in a romance. I also love that one of our final scenes in Shaopeng's dad telling Sean's dad to go fuck himself. The leads reminded me of Jimmy and Tommy from Why R U and I loved their work together.

Love in the Air Koi Was a Genuine Delight

Final Verdict: 9, Highly Recommended. I liked it a lot. I think new and old fans will be able to enjoy it. I have high hopes about cross-cultural adaptations as a result.

Love is Like a Poison Was Spectacular

Final Verdict: 9.5, Highly Recommended. I had so much fun with this show. I love that this show blended multiple genres together, and I loved that Shiba was always in a legal drama. By blending this together this way, the show supports the idea that the different ways we love and see the world are not incompatible in relationships. Shiba and Haruto are one of the best couples we had this past year, because they each made the other better, and they each add something to their relationship. Also, this show was actively horny the entire time. Run, do not walk, to support this show (if you can) on Netflix.

Fragrance You Inherit Was The One of the Kindest Shows I've Ever Seen

Final Verdict: 9.5, Highly Recommended. Thanks to the constant efforts of @isaksbestpillow we were able to enjoy this incredible show. @twig-tea already wrote a great review. I will be thinking about Sakura and Touki for years. I will just add that I really loved that Hoshii was just a goofy dude that loved the women in his home. He respected both of them, and was just so happy to be included in their shenanigans. I cannot overstate how much the episode where we met him properly kicked this show into overdrive for me. I loved that he was a good dad and husband and that it was clear his wife and daughter felt safe and happy around him. I loved that this show was about kind people doing their best.

Okay, on to the currently airing stuff.

Your Sky is Faltering, but I Still Like It (8/12)

Look, I am just not keen on the Oh redemption arc. I'm also feeling the show dragging its feet at this point. I also am not sure what the relationship between the various sides are contributing to this story. That being said, I continue to enjoy the chemistry between the leads, and I am looking forward to seeing their dating era. This show has been riding the line on the bubble, and I am curious to see where it lands.

Ossan's Love Thailand (1/12)

I've grown to love Ossan's Love over the last year, and so I was cautiously optimistic about this adaptation. I don't think the humor is as tight or zippy as I would expect, and I think the branded pair component is hurting some of the initial setup. I also feel like the shower scene shifted in a way that doesn't entirely work. In addition, making Kongdetch a widower slows down his dramatic development. I'll check in again next month.

Call Me By No Name Started Weird (1/8)

gif by @my-rose-tinted-glasses

This show got off to a moody and somewhat intriguing start. I am looking forward to our little gamer's interactions with this possibly-fey creature for the coming weeks. It's difficult when the show starts coy.

When It Rains It Pours Has an Uphill Battle (1/7)

I am personally interested in the journey this show wants to go on as what will more than likely be a double cheating narrative. I like that the show started with boy guys in relationships they feel a bit frustrated with due to a lack of intimacy that is being actively ignored by their respective partners. I'm also intrigued because both partners seem like they're overall committed to our leads. This one started off in a mild note, so I'm curious how it holds audience attention. Still, both leads had sad masturbation scenes, one explicitly remembering when his partner used to fuck him, so it has my attention.

That's all for now! I'll check back in with one of these in a few weeks and we'll see where we're at.

[lurkingshan]

Japanese QL Corner

We have officially entered another bangers only era for Japanese queer media; I am loving all of these currently airing shows. These are all streaming on Gaga or provided via fansub (feel free to ask if you don’t know where to find them).

Our Youth

This show is killing me with the quiet yearning and the push and pull and Hirukawa's whole entire deal. The way Hirukawa and Minase keep drawing closer together before stepping back. The way they have created their own little bubble in Minase's home, and how they can't be that way together in other spaces. The way Hirukawa is so desperate to be close to Minase and Minase clearly wants it too, but doesn't really understand himself yet and so keeps rejecting it. I was so sad when Hirukawa admitted he provoked his dad on purpose so that Minase would let him back in; I hope Minase will ease off on the barriers from here on out. I know something bad is coming and I just want them to have a little bit of happiness before we get there.

Love is Like a Poison

The battle couple was tested this week as we finally found out Haruto's connection to this case with an assist from the lady restaurant owner, his past as a con artist was revealed to Shiba's employer, and Shiba's boss demanded that he cut ties. I was so very proud of Shiba when he did not waver about what is most important to him, and worried when Haruto took off and left his ring behind. I'm keeping the faith, though; I don't think Haruto is leaving Shiba.

Love in the Air Koi

Okay, first of all, let me get a scream out about that sex scene, because good god did they deliver. Nagumo Shoma is a gift to us all (I will be seeing that back roll in my dreams), and I thought their chemistry now that Rei has figured himself out was fantastic. The whole sequence from the time they left the race track was beautifully shot and performed, and the intimacy felt very real. Aside from the sex, one of the things I like most about this narrative is the belief that a relationship can be the reason you get your life together rather than a distraction from your goals. Rei has all the skills, but he's been lacking focus and drive, and that's exactly what Arashi is giving him. I really liked the way this episode weaved their different subplots together to show them both working toward something, and how their success brought them together in the end. They are good for each other! I also really loved all the Rei and Kai moments in this episode, and that Kai continues to be a perceptive and supportive friend. Kai's own story is coming soon, and we got our first glimpses of it at the end of today's episode. I'm impressed with how this adaptation has streamlined the story to cover every important beat in half the time without ever short changing the relationships.

The Fragrance You Inherit

This week Sakura was reunited with her long lost love via their scheming children, and I loved every minute. My favorite thing about this drama is the relationship writing. Sakura and Toki have such a lovely bond, and I like that he realized after surprising his mom with Mone that it may have been insensitive, and that he cared enough to check in with her about it. Sakura is also a great mom, supportive of his relationship and sensitive to his feelings even as she is grappling with her own shock at this reunion. I also really love that Sakura has such a good friend in Ryosuke (who continues to flag as queer to me). I'm excited to get to know Mone better as an adult and see where the story takes us. You can find the show here, with big thanks as always to @isaksbestpillow for providing English subs.

[yongility]

NEO TV # I LIKE ME BETTER WHEN I'M WITH YOU. (jaehyun x reader) 3/?

genre: angst, suggestive, gang au, rich kid au, enemies to lovers (kinda), a lil of fluffy stuff. slowburn, series.

warnings: drug use mentions, gangs, fights, use of weapons, adult language, illegal activities, cheating (not on the main couple), toxic family environment, addictions, manipulation, insecurities, illegal street racing, death mentions. jeno is jaehyun's younger brother, angst, smut and if I slip something my bad haha.

word count: +10k?

a/n: I’m sorry this took too long to post!! 😭😭 but I been so busy with college rn, I’m going to graduate this year so I’m like having a lot of work lately, and I wasn’t satisfied with what I was writing so that was the reason it took longer than expected, sorry!

I'm a sucker for cliche stuff so as soon as this fic popped in my mind l had to write it down, english isn't my first language tho.

I'm sorry if this is too long TT, but this is kinda a slowburn? it might contain a lot of parts so wait for part 3! One of the reasons this is long af it's because I would like to show you how Jaehyun and (Y/N's life is before they get together! So pls pls don't skip anything I hope you like it!

if you want to be in the taglist, just lemme know;) enjoy!

The third day of the week arrived promptly, where (Y/N) found herself comfortably seated in one of the library chairs, with her chemistry books scattered on the table in front of her as she studied for the exams she had coming up, with Jungwoo beside her.

It was becoming her routine for the week; after last Friday's party, what she most desired was to avoid being at home, especially after having an argument with her mother when she returned from the party.

She didn't want to deal with her in a good time.

Annoyed that her mother had thought it was a great idea to take away her right to use her own car as punishment for disobeying her that night and leaving the house... staying in the library seemed the most pleasant option; with silence, able to listen to music through her AirPods, without her mother bothering her every five minutes and being able to review what she had learned in her last classes: it was something she could take advantage of. She took a sip of her vanilla latte, which had been sponsored by Jungwoo, who, in an attempt to apologize for abandoning her in that way during last Friday's party, promised to pay for each of her daily drinks for a week and a half, no matter the cost.

And even though (Y/N) could afford that or even triple, she was still happy about it. Gifted things tasted even better anyway.

Of course, she first gave Jungwoo a -no- beating after telling him everything that had happened during his absence, but still, she appreciated that her friend was okay even though she hadn't heard anything from him until Saturday night.

During these last few days, with a new routine, (Y/N) was almost always in the same places, at the same times, and if she was honest, she was surprised not to have bumped into Jung Jaehyun at any moment.

It was weird; she would normally see him somewhere around the school, either accompanied by Lucas or just sitting on one of the benches while smoking his 'n' cigarette of the day. But simply, since Friday, she hadn't heard anything from him... she hadn't even bumped into Lucas, which increased the level of strangeness, considering he was a social butterfly, he was always around. (Y/N) had been aware of her words after Jaehyun had taken her home: she could no longer continue with whatever deal they had, with all the stress of her own tasks and knowing that no matter what she did, her cousin wouldn't give up his addictions, it was best to give up.

Although it would hurt her soul to know that there was no way to help Daeho.

But thinking about it, she didn't know if she had really been sincere about each going their own way... apparently Jaehyun had taken it very seriously to not show up anywhere, and although (Y/N) knew very well that being close to him didn't bring her anything good... his presence hadn't been so bothersome in the last few days. Really, after sharing a few words and spending more time with him, she couldn't say that she disliked his existence. It was funny if you asked the (Y/N) from a month ago, there would be no way she could have imagined that, somehow, she would be related to none other than Jung Jaehyun, who, on the outside, just seemed to be one more problem.

She tried to stop thinking about it and tried to focus her gaze on the book in front of her, but after a few minutes... it was difficult for her. There was something inside her that made her feel uneasy but she couldn't think what it was.

"There’s a race in Kosmo today" her best friend's voice brought her out of her thoughts.

Kosmo was the neighborhood that was right in the middle of the city, dividing Kwangya and Neo Zone. (Y/N) knew that there were usually illegal races in that area because it was when the rich kids from Kwangya usually dared to compete against Neo Zone.

"And why should I care...?"

"Your cousin will go to bet," Jungwoo replied, interrupting her study session.

The girl opened her eyes in surprise and asked, "How do you know?"

"Daeho told Mingi, and Mingi told me," he replied simply, shrugging his shoulders. The boy fell silent for a moment and cleared his throat. "Don’t you want to go?" He asked curiously.

(Y/N) looked up from her books and observed her friend incredulously. "Why would I want to go?"

"To keep an eye on Daeho," he answered.

"I'm still mad with him, I've decided not to help him anymore. I really tried, I've been trying for the past few years, but he doesn't want help and now I understand," the girl confessed, closing her book and letting out a sigh.

"Still... don't you think it would be fun? Getting out of our comfort zone a bit... seeing what all this racing stuff is about. I've heard they're amazing," Jungwoo insisted.

"Jungwoo, my mom will kill me if she finds out I went to an illegal race," the girl continued, taking a sip of her coffee.

"She won't find out."

"Jungwoo..."

"Come on, (Y/N), we won't even be in Neo Zone, it'll be in Kwangya only. We'll go, watch the race, and leave. We won't even make contact with anyone. We'll go on our own," the boy assured her, moving closer to her. "Please, I think it would be interesting to break out of our routine, just for one night, what could go wrong?"

"Many things could go wrong, Woo," she replied.

"We won't know unless we try," he pouted, clasping his hands together. "Please."

She hated how persuasive her best friend was.

She sighed and shook her head. "Fine, but at the first sign of trouble, we're leaving without a second thought."

"I love you so much," Jungwoo replied, hugging her shoulders.

"And I really hate you."

______________________________________________

The night fell faster than she expected, and among the roar of engines and the intense music that could be heard on the outskirts of Kosmo, (Y/N) felt something cold run through her body.

She could see familiar faces here and there, some of her classmates from Kwangya were in the place, and from the opposite side, the cars and familiar faces of Neo Zone were present.

It was a strange atmosphere for her; she had always played it safe, and now she didn't even know what to think. She felt herself getting closer to Jungwoo to not lose him, the last thing she needed was for them to separate like they did at the party.

She didn't think she could survive alone.

And it's not that she was dumb to think otherwise, but her parents raised her in an environment where they made her believe that she shouldn't do things outside her daily life. (Y/N) was afraid of adventures. Her life was governed by being obedient and doing the right thing; she didn't know when the moment of rebellion she had a few days ago when she left home the night of the party had been wise.

And now finding herself in Kosmo secretly from her mother at an illegal race? She must have gone crazy.

She believed even more so that she had gone crazy when something inside her hoped to run into none other than Jung Jaehyun.

She didn't understand why the urgency of what was happening, and even less why she expected to run into Jaehyun before running into Daeho.

Maybe it was because she found it strange not to have seen him since last Friday's party.

But she knew that if there was one place Jaehyun wouldn't miss... it would be the race tonight.

"Are you looking for Daeho?" Jungwoo asked when he saw her looking around. "He's probably with Mingi."

How could she explain to her friend that the person she was looking for was none other than Jung Jaehyun?

She nodded without saying more, and they both continued on their way while cautiously observing their surroundings. The smell of marijuana and car engines was embedded in the place, the music made their ears ring, and the night breeze made their bodies tremble.

(Y/N)'s eyes drifted away when she noticed Lucas in the distance, having a conversation with another guy. Lucas felt her gaze on him and looked at the girl with confusion before approaching her after apologizing to his companion.

"Hey, Kwangya kiddos, what brings you here on this magnificent night?" Lucas asked enthusiastically.

"We wanted to know what these races are about," Jungwoo replied simply.

"Hmm, interesting," the tall guy nodded. "Well, you're in luck, Jaehyun will race today, are you sure you want to see the show? The best of the area against someone from Yellow Wood," Lucas explained while cracking his fingers slightly.

Upon hearing the guy's name, (Y/N) looked up and paid attention to Lucas's words.

"If you're interested in betting, come to me," Lucas advised.

"I think we're fine like this," said (Y/N).

"Alright, take care. I'll go look for my guy to get him ready for the race," Lucas announced as he patted Jungwoo on the back.

The guy walked away from them with a smile, and Jungwoo responded with one of his own, then he looked at his friend and frowned, "relax, you're anxious."

How could she not be?

But before she could even answer anything, a few meters away, she saw the familiar face she had been looking for. In the distance, the silhouette of Jung Jaehyun was leaning against his car while talking to a few guys from Neo Zone, his neck tattoos weren't very visible due to the darkness of the night but she could distinguish them a bit, then... as if he had called him, Jaehyun's gaze moved to connect with hers, making her freeze in place.

Jaehyun frowned when he saw her standing just a few steps away from him, looking like a lost puppy as she stood beside Jungwoo.

The sight reminded him of a month ago when Daeho had clumsily brought (Y/N) to Neo Zone. Although this time she was accompanied by her best friend, another rich and spoiled kid from Kwangya. He observed the outfit she had decided to wear, once again, just like that time, it wasn't extravagant, no famous brand could be seen in her attire, and the only piece of jewelry she wore was a pair of earrings that definitely looked like gold...

He hoped she wouldn't lose them tonight.

Because they made her look good.

The surprise was evident on the girl's face when she took a better look at the brunet's body, who was now walking towards her, wearing a hoodie with its hood over his head and as he got closer, the darkness of the night was no longer so intrusive. It hadn't been enough to hide the bruises that were scattered across his body.

There was one under his cheek, just below his left eye, and it was reddish, as if it were flushed. Then, looking at the ones between his jaw and his neck, she noticed how they subtly mixed with the ink of the tattoo he had on his neck. That one was difficult to distinguish thanks to the dark lines that adorned that part of his body, but if you paid enough attention, it was alarming.

When she lowered her gaze over his torso and then looked at his hands, she could see the intense shades of red that his knuckles contained, as if ground blood had accumulated on each of them.

It wasn't the first time she had seen Jaehyun or Lucas with a bruise or two on a school day, but it was the first time she had seen it up close.

Her heart was pounding a mile a minute. Why was it suddenly doing this?

"Did you lost your way home?" Jaehyun asked when he was in front of her.

"Jaehyun," she muttered quietly, "... are you okay?"

The girl didn't need much to realize that was the stupidest question she could ask right now, of course he wasn't okay. And although she knew this happened regularly in Jaehyun's life, she couldn't help but fill her head with doubts; what had to happen for him to end up like this?

... was that the reason he hadn't gone to school?

A small smile appeared on the boy's face, and even with the different colors decorating his face, she could still notice the dimples that formed in it.

Why did he still look good?

"I don't think you came here to ask that, Angel," Jaehyun replied mockingly. "I really believed in your whole story about us going on our ways, so what are you doing at a race where most of the spectators are from Neo Zone?"

The girl was left speechless. "Jungwoo brought me here."

"Well, if that's the case, enjoy the races, I think it'll be fun for you to spice up your Wednesday nights a bit," he continued with a sarcastic smile.

"What happened to you?" She asked again.

Jaehyun didn't answer.

He had gotten himself into big trouble... all thanks to Jeno.

He had trusted that all his merchandise would be sold by the time Monday came around, but after being at Johnny Suh's party, where other dealers were also present, he didn't manage to sell what he needed.

He had a little less than half left in his pockets and in Lucas's.

Luck had not been on his side this time, and when he had to be accountable to Lee Sooman, he had to take responsibility for his brother's actions. And despite telling him that he would not take care of him like he used to after the argument they had... he'd much rather take the beatings he had received than see Jeno the way he did in the mirror.

That time, it really felt eternal. He still remembers the angry (but also mocking) look Sooman had on his face when Jaehyun and Lucas brought the money to his office and after asking Lucas none too kindly to leave, that was when Jaehyun knew what was coming.

With Cheol Uk by his side, leading him out of the office to the vacant lot not far from the warehouse, Jaehyun could do nothing but accept what was coming.

It was one blow after another, and he knew well that at that moment, defending himself was not something he should do or he would end up worse.

He remembers feeling every punch with tremendous pain, and all he could think about was Jeno and how he would have felt if it had been him getting beaten up.

At least Jaehyun was used to the beatings and had no choice; he already knew that all of this was part of being someone from Neo Zone, so he simply had to continue to comply with what Sooman demanded to the letter unless he wanted to end up again in the position he was in.

What felt like hours was really just a few minutes; Cheol Uk stopped hitting him after a while and without saying more, he left. Leaving Jaehyun in the middle of the vacant lot with a broken lip and eyebrow as he spat blood and reached for his abdomen for some support to get up and walk to where he knew Lucas was waiting for him.

How much more? How much longer would he have to keep with all of this?

But, right now, it wasn't something he should talk about.

"It's really not something you need to know," he replied with a smirk. "You came to enjoy the race, right? Then do it, I'll be running in a few minutes, if you don't get scared by the atmosphere here before that, I'm sure you'll want to see me," Jaehyun continued, winking at her.

"I think it'll be fun to see you in second place," the girl teased.

"Baby... I always win," Jaehyun bragged, looking her directly in the eyes.

It was then that the girl didn't say anything else, she just kept her gaze on his. She hated feeling intrigued by Jaehyun himself. Because right now she didn't even feel like she was in Kosmo, with Jaehyun in front of her looking directly at her, she didn't even feel real. She was getting into fire and she knew it.

And she didn't know if she could escape from it.

For a moment she felt a heaviness on her shoulders and warmth surrounded her, causing her to snap out of her thoughts and notice that the jacket that Jaehyun was wearing over his hoodie was now over her body.

"You were trembling like a chihuahua," Jaehyun explained. "Don't consider it an act of kindness, I'm just returning the favor after having done my jobs those two weeks... at least now they won't kick me out of school this evaluation period," he continued.

"I'm not sure if I should feel good knowing that I'm indirectly helping an illegal business," she replied, adjusting the jacket.

"No one needs to know," he replied. "Good luck tonight, don't get lost too much because things get interesting," he said, and without further ado, he turned around to go back to his friends.

(Y/N) stood perplexed in her place, and it was then that she felt Jungwoo's presence next to her.

"What was that?"

"I have no idea."

_______________________________________________

The next morning, after putting her books back in her backpack, (Y/N) looked at the jacket folded inside her bag, feeling a heaviness and remembering the events of the previous night.

The rumors were true... Jung Jaehyun was the best street racer in the area, because he not only competed once the day before, but two more times, winning 3 victories in a short time, and to be honest, it had been impressive.

She hadn't run into him again after the brief conversation they had, and even though she had been waiting for it... she and Jungwoo bolted from the place when they heard the police sirens approaching Kosmo.

The last thing she needed was for her parents to find out about her escapade.

She didn't hear anything from Daeho the night before, she even doubted if he had really gone to the race.

She didn't want to give too much importance to the situation, which is why she chose to continue her path through the school hallways, hoping to return the jacket that was at the bottom of her bag and trying to divert her thoughts to something other than Jaehyun.

And as if she had summoned him, she saw him under the entrance roof as he leaned against the wall and took a drag from the cigarette in his hands. (Y/N) checked the day's weather and cursed when she noticed the raindrops falling lightly. She had forgotten about today's forecast.

Jaehyun was lost in his thoughts as he watched the rain and let out the smoke in his chest.

The bruises were still visible.

She stopped abruptly to take the jacket out of her bag and, without saying anything, approached him and handed it back to him.

Jaehyun looked at her with a raised eyebrow and blew out the smoke from his lungs.

"You're welcome," Jaehyun said as he took the jacket in his hands.

"Yes, thank you," she said, feeling her cheeks flush.

"Where did you park your car?" Jaehyun asked out of nowhere.

"I didn't bring it with me, my mom confiscated it," she blurted out without thinking, and when she turned to look at Jaehyun, she noticed a mocking smile on his face.

"Oh, mom took away your Porsche," he pouted mockingly and shook his head. "Come on, I'll take you home."

"I'm fine, Jaehyun. Thanks," she said as she looked at the rain.

"Come on, it wouldn't be the first time I've taken you. Plus, the school won't be closing anytime soon."

She thought about all the possibilities that crossed her mind, but something about her was excited to think about the ride home.

"Where's your car?"

______________________________________________

It was fortunate that his car was nearby.

Jaehyun turned on the heater as soon as they got into the car, and without further ado, the journey began.

It was just like the first time they had been together in the same car. Without saying anything, both with their eyes focused on the road, and it was then that they both realized that they didn't have a topic of conversation. The few times they had interacted had been about their interests and what they needed from each other at the moment. However, Jaehyun didn't know anything about (Y/N) that he hadn't heard at school, and (Y/N) didn't know anything about Jaehyun that she hadn't heard in the hallways or from her parents about the people from Neo Zone.

At this point, they weren't even acquaintances.

They had just coincided in something and that was it.

(Y/N) took the opportunity to send a text message to Jungwoo and tell him that he no longer needed to pick her up, without explaining more, she sent the text and subsequently, Jaehyun's phone rang.

The boy sighed and cautiously looked for a quick place to park even with the sound of the mobile phone ringing filling the car. He took the device and (Y/N) could notice the slight tension that seized Jaehyun's body as he read the caller ID, without thinking twice he answered the call.

The brunette felt weird being able to hear Jaehyun's conversation, so she tried to distract herself with something else. First with her phone, then looking out the window where she could see the rain beginning to dissipate, and then she could hear a "I'll be there in a moment" that made her react and turn to see him end the call.

The boy scratched his neck and then brought his hands to his face to rub it, let out a deep sigh, and looked at (Y/N).

“Uh, I need to do something quickly and your house is still a bit far... Do you mind if we stop by that place first? It's on the way” he asked with no other option.

“Does this has to do with your job?” She asked.

It took him a moment to respond: — No, it's not about my job. You can stay in the car, it's just that, I really need to get there.

After seeing Jaehyun's face and not being able to decipher what he was trying to say, (Y/N) nodded, not very sure, and that was enough for Jaehyun to quickly start the car.

Thousands of thoughts ran through (Y/N)'s mind. Eager to know where they were headed; she didn't know if she should believe Jaehyun that this wasn't about picking up or delivering goods or meeting someone who worked on the same thing he did.

She was only sure they wouldn't go to Neo Zone because they were far from there.

She could see how impatient Jaehyun seemed while driving, and that only made her even more nervous. What exactly did they tell him in that call to make him like this? She wanted to ask, but she knew she wouldn't get an answer.

She didn't know how many minutes had passed, she only knew that the rain stopped just before the car parked and she finally noticed where they were. A gray building was a few meters away from them, and it wasn't hard to recognize it.

It was the National Rehabilitation Center.

A long and large building, which was accompanied by an extensive garden, and from the outside, you could see that there were a huge number of rooms inside it.

Her head was flooded with even more questions knowing that this was the place where Jaehyun was needed.

“You can stay in the car if you want. I'll be back in a moment” Jaehyun said as he opened the car door and got out.

Curiosity got the better of her.

And that's why she got out of the car and followed Jaehyun. Without saying anything, they entered the building where they were immediately greeted by a nurse who seemed to know the boy well.

“Jaehyun, I'm glad you were able to answer the call” said the woman as she greeted them. “We need to talk to you”.

The boy nodded and turned to (Y/N), who just nodded and said, “I’ll wait for you.”

He smiled slightly and walked with the person until they reached the reception where she was able to pull out a few papers.

It had been, perhaps, about two weeks since the last time he had been there. A place he was very familiar with and where he regularly went; he had become good friends with the friendly nurses who apparently didn't care where he came from.

He was grateful that the nurse didn't say anything when his bruises and wounds were clearly visible.

“Has something happened?” he asked after a few seconds.

“ He's fine” the nurse said with a smile “but we need to talk to you about his stay here” she continued.

That's when the small smile on his face disappeared. Jaehyun knew what she was referring to. He swallowed hard before the nurse could speak.

“The payment is overdue, Jaehyun," the nurse confirmed what he already knew. "We care about Sicheng's health, but this is not my concern. You know that the center relies on patients' monthly payments, and the administrators in charge of them request them punctually," she commented as she handed Jaehyun one of the papers. "I understand your situation and Sicheng's, but there's nothing more I can do even if I wanted to; I've tried to delay the payment as much as I could, but unfortunately, it can't be delayed any longer. The administrators expect the payment soon, or we'll have to discharge Sicheng and send him home," she concluded.

It was difficult at first for Jaehyun to process everything the nurse had said, as more than ten things ran through his mind at once; one of them being his good friend Winwin, then, thinking about how he could quickly get the money he knew he owed to the clinic, considering the beating he had just received for not being able to complete a sale. So, what would he do? He still needed half the money for that monthly payment, and between the clinic's expenses and those of his own house for his family, he couldn't see a way to get the money on time.

He would have to ask for more stash to sell if he wanted to do it.

He couldn't let them discharge Sicheng.

Not while he hasn't made progress.

"I'm sorry," Jaehyun said. "I... I still have a little left to complete the payment. It's just that lately, it's been harder, and... how much time do I have to pay it?" the breathless boy asked.

"Considering that it's only the first few days of the month, and the payment is already two weeks late... I can't give you more than three days," lamented the nurse, making a grimace.

"I'll try the impossible to bring you that money on Saturday. Sicheng still can't be discharged; he hasn't progressed the way he was supposed to," he affirmed, a slight pout evident in his mouth.

What a contrast there was between his expression and the bruises, accompanied by the tattoos on his body.

Being in the Rehabilitation Center was the place where he could be most vulnerable.

"How is he?" he asked, lowering his gaze.

"Same as the last time you came to visit him," commented the nurse. "We're doing what we can, Jaehyun, but as long as he stays the way he is, we can't move forward. We need his will to help him."

When no words came out of his mouth, the nurse continued: "Jaehyun, you know you can go see him."

For Jaehyun, each visit was just as difficult as the day he decided to admit Sicheng to that clinic, and each one left him more tormented than the previous.

He would give everything if that means that Sicheng would go back to be himself.

He nodded after a few seconds and cautiously glanced back, where, not far away, (Y/N) was reading some brochures and observing the facilities around them; when she noticed the boy's gaze on her body, she walked toward him carefully.

The brunette didn't really know what came to his mind or what caused those words to come out of his mouth, but when he wanted to back off, it was too late, because they had already been expressed.

"Are you coming with me?"

And although (Y/N) had no idea why they were there or where they were going, she accepted anyway. So they found themselves walking down the long whitewashed hallway until they reached an elevator, and then they went up about three floors.

The atmosphere was cold, the hallways and rooms were well-lit, and they could see a few nurses and what she assumed were doctors walking around in their lab coats.

Jaehyun didn't know why he was allowing himself to show her that part of his life, especially when it was such a fragile part for him. He had tried to protect it cautiously for the past few months, and now he was there, accompanied by Hwang (Y/N), with the person he never thought he would meet at that moment.

He hadn't really thought of her when he asked if they could go there before going home; his head was only thinking about the clinic and Sicheng when the call had ended, and it was too late to change his mind when they had set off.

He just hoped the girl would be discreet enough.

They reached room 119, where Jaehyun pushed the door open and where in a wheelchair, they both could see Winwin, who was facing the large window of his room, looking outside.

(Y/N)'s surprised face did not go unnoticed; she was confused in a thousand ways. She knew who Dong Sicheng was; everyone in her school knew him, however... she thought he had simply left the city. She had no idea he was in that place. So in her head, thousands of questions arose about him, why he was there, and why he was in a wheelchair.

She could only react when she heard Jaehyun's voice: "Hey, buddy. How are you today?"

Nothing.

That's what he received.

Jaehyun walked over to him, and when he stood next to him, he crouched down enough to be able to observe him better. Winwin had his gaze fixed forward, his cheeks were a little rosy, his hair fell over his forehead, and his hands were resting on his legs.

Jaehyun sighed.

"Oh, I see you've taken a shower today," the boy mentioned with a smile, and again, there was not a single response.

When he noticed the presence of the girl, who had remained in her place throughout the visit and hesitated to approach them, he spoke: "Today I'm not alone; I brought company. Maybe you'll find it helpful to hear another voice that isn't mine or Lucas's... or the nurses'," the boy teased and gestured to the brunette to come closer, who obeyed. "Do you remember (Y/N)? She was in our class; we've coincided a couple of times, that's why she's here."

"Hello, Winwin," she greeted softly. Jaehyun made a grimace and stood up from his place to be at the girl's height.

"Don't expect an answer," Jaehyun commented. "There won't be one."

"I thought... I thought Winwin had moved to China," (Y/N) confessed.

Jaehyun snorted: "Yes, that's what everyone thinks."

Those words took her by surprise, and it was when she decided to remain silent, watching from a distance the little interaction between the boys: it was just Jaehyun saying a few words while adjusting Sicheng's hair without expecting any response.

Dong Sicheng and Jung Jaehyun had been friends since birth, being two little boys who grew up on the streets of Neo Zone, it was easy to click with each other. Winwin's parents had decided to move to the infamous area after his father had met Lee Sooman in some low neighborhood in Wenzhou, China, and he had offered him a job where he could have his family at least a little better off than in his country.

Winwin had not joined the gang since it had not been of great urgency to him; his father was the active member needed by the family, and if he were honest... the farthest he could be from the Neo Zone gang... the better. He was always Jaehyun's companion at all times. Best friends who shared every detail of their lives for years, Jaehyun took care of Sicheng, and he provided the most sincere friendship he had ever had... then, a while later, Lucas Wong and Mark Lee joined their adventures.

Four boys from Neo Zone with the desire to conquer the world, but unable to leave their sad reality behind.

Jaehyun still remembers that fateful day a year ago, and he still feels like it happened yesterday.

The guilt gnawed at him every passing day, terrorizing each of his nights as he wondered: Why?

Why did something like that have to happen to someone as good as Dong Sicheng was?

A year ago, when Jaehyun had chosen to go deliver a package of stash after Winwin had asked him to stay and keep him company, and he had denied that request... that decision still drilled into his head.

Winwin's family and he had been robbed in their own home. Knowing who had done it, the reasons for the event, and who had ordered such inhumanity, were still a mystery. When Winwin's parents along with him tried to flee the place by leaving in a car; it had not been the wisest decision they had made at the moment... because not long after, outside of Neo Zone, after the group of people who had robbed their home managed to shoot a clean shot in one of the tires of the rear part of the car, causing Winwin's father to lose control of his own vehicle and not a few meters later it would impact hard enough for the car to be shot in another direction, causing immediate damage.

Jaehyun only remembers receiving a call from Lucas and minutes later finding himself at the entrance to the Emergency Room of the General Hospital, where a stretcher with Winwin's body was being transported.

He remembers seeing the blood. He remembers hearing Lucas and Mark's screams asking to see their friend. He remembers standing still at the entrance to the Emergency Room.

But above all, he remembers thinking, what would have happened if instead of deciding to go sell that stupid package of stash, what if he had stayed at home with his mother and Sicheng?

A week in a coma and a diagnosis of paraplegia was what made Jaehyun lose his mind.

It had been a year since the accident, and Winwin had not even progressed a bit. After being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, it had been difficult to help the injury in the dorsal spine that he had suffered; the damage had been partial, Winwin could handle his movements and his sensitivity to walk again... if only he would come out of the state of shock he was still in.

There were too many things he experienced in so few minutes, so much physical and mental pain for what happened, that now, Sicheng couldn't react.

It had been a year since Sicheng hasn’t spoken.

The doctors assured that he could hear and understand everything, but he was simply mentally tired to process the words and make them come out of his mouth.

His body didn't react as it should either.

And until Winwin had the strength of his own will to do it, the only thing they could do at that clinic was to keep him on medication so that the pains would not persist.

But Jaehyun couldn't take it anymore.

What he would give for Sicheng to be able to enjoy life again.

Unfortunately, the visits he made to the hospital... didn't last more than half an hour since that was the place's regulation. So, his farewell was as quick as his arrival.

"See you on Saturday, Win," he put his hand on his shoulder. "Don't give the nurses too much trouble."

He could swear he heard Winwin laugh and say goodbye.

Even though that really didn't happen.

(Y/N), who throughout the visit remained silent observing both boys, could feel her heart in her hand. She had never believed she would see that vulnerability on Jaehyun's part, and knowing what it was about because of the importance his best friend had in his life, made her heart ache with sadness even more.

"Now I'll take you home," murmured Jaehyun when he passed by her without saying anything else.

The girl glanced back, looking for the last time at Sicheng's silhouette, who hadn't moved from the same place since they had both arrived in the room. She took a deep breath and left the room when Jaehyun was already far enough away.

She didn't know what to say. There were no words of comfort for the situation, and she knew it, that's why they both silently said goodbye to the nurse who had received them and continued like that until they entered the car, which was not parked far away.

Jaehyun allowed himself to lean back on the driver's seat as he closed his eyes and sighed heavily.

"I guess you have many questions," Jaehyun said without opening his eyes.

She had.

"I don't know if I really should ask them," (Y/N) confessed as she looked at him.

The boy remained silent for a few seconds.

"Sicheng and his parents had an accident a year ago," Jaehyun said, opening his eyes to look at her. "An accident that was caused."

"By whom?"

"No one knows," he replied, taking his hands to the steering wheel of the car and squeezing it tightly. "His parents died instantly... Winwin arrived at the hospital in critical condition; it was a miracle that he came out alive."

"Why...?"

"Why is he in this clinic?" he interrupted, and she nodded with a knot in her stomach. "The accident had a great impact and damaged on his dorsal spine; the doctors diagnosed partial paraplegia; his sensitivity in his legs was minimal, and he couldn't make any extensive movements with his legs that didn't make him cry from the pain. After seven days, he woke up from the coma and realized everything that had happened, including my uncle's death... he hasn't said a single word since then... the doctors said it would take time for him to recover, and that eventually, he would speak, but Winwin doesn't have the will to do it; he's still in a kind of state of shock, and that has delayed his recovery," he explained, unable to see her in the eyes.

"Who... who pays for all this if Sicheng's parents aren't here?" she asked curiously.

Jaehyun sighed; "For the first few months, my boss covered part of the monthly fee, until suddenly he stopped doing it. Since then, I've been taking care of it."

The girl's expression was one of surprise.

"How do you do it?"

"That’s the reason I'm in the business that I'm in," he replied, changing his gaze to her, being able to see directly into her eyes and causing her to feel a shiver run through her body.

There was something about those bruised eyes that had done something to her.

"It must be hard," the girl said in a murmur.

Jaehyun snorted and nodded slowly. He hated being seen in his less tough character. The only person he allowed himself to be like that with was Lucas... or Winwin. And for a stranger to see him like that... made his blood boil.

"You know? Winwin loved dancing," Jaehyun said, smiling sideways as the memory came to his mind.

That fact wasn't strange for (Y/N), she remembers seeing Winwin at the school theater... the only boy from Neo Zone who was part of the dance team. She didn't even know how he had managed that, but he must have been good if the Kwangya students allowed him to be in the group.

"Now nobody knows if he'll be able to do it again," Jaehyun continued. "Winwin was the only one of all of us who really had a future, he wasn't even a gang member... he hadn't even gone through his initiation, and look how he ended up."

(Y/N) swallowed.

"Mark Lee is no longer friends with you, right?" The girl asked curiously.

"Things got complicated with him after the accident."

The brunette fell silent for a moment and then shifted her body to face him.

“Haven't you thought about looking for another alternative?” she questioned again “You know? If you let me help you, maybe I could get you a position at my father's company and...”

“Shh. I think I've told you it's not that easy.”

“ But it could be” she insisted.

Jaehyun scoffed and shook his head as he looked away from her.

“I not only have to cover this quota, I also have to bring money home, for my mom and for Jeno. It's the easiest way to get what I need” he confessed “besides, I told you once... in Neo Zone there's no way out, once you're in, you're in forever.”

The tattoos on his neck were what sentenced him to a miserable life forever.

But as long as that miserable life helped to ease the pain and managed to make Sicheng return to who he was, it would be worth it.

“It doesn't have to be like this” she murmured, focusing on her own hands.

"You don't know what it's like to be part of this," he countered in a low voice.

How had they opened up to have such a conversation so suddenly?

The girl felt her lip tremble as she remembered the scene she had witnessed minutes earlier in that room, and she couldn't help but think about how it would feel to lose a loved one in such a way... knowing that physically they were present, but mentally they weren't there.

(Y/N) had always had a heart easy to move, but she really never believed that Jung Jaehyun would be able to achieve that.

"Is that why you insist on continuing school?" she asked, looking at him again.

"Students are my best clients," he replied with a half smile.

(Y/N) didn't know how to take that.

She closed her eyes for a moment and then said, "I can help you with a few more assignments," she assured. "But only for a while and in my own way. But, I don't want you to involve me in any of the problems you're in, it will only be school matters. I don't want to be associated with anything you do, if anything you do is enough to help Sicheng, I'll try not to question it."

Jaehyun couldn't believe what he had just heard.

"If that helps you help me and me stay in school..." he paused "...I might be willing."

"What's the reason for your change of heart?"

"Because if I were in the same situation as you, I would also want someone to somehow help me," she replied, hugging herself.

The boy nodded with a half-smile, and without further ado, he started the car.

"Only school matters," Jaehyun confirmed.

She definitely didn't know what he had just gotten himself into.

______________________________________________

The day after the visit to the National Rehabilitation Center, something happened that made (Y/N) unable to concentrate enough during class hours. Her mind kept going back to the place over and over again, but how horrible was the situation the boy was in. One day you're capable, and the next... not even being able to move. How could anyone endure that?

At some point in the morning, during the physics period, her mind was spinning, her leg moving anxiously, and she bit her lips. She tried to erase the conversation she and Jaehyun had had the day before a thousand times and tried to erase the image of Winwin in that room.

But it was impossible.

Just when she thought she had succeeded, the image returned immediately.

She hated being someone who cared too much about things.

Because she knew something wasn't right with her when she found herself in front of the doors of the Rehabilitation Center.

Her coat shielded her from the cold breeze on that day, and as she clutched her bag to her, she didn't think anymore and entered the place.

She felt a little out of place when she entered the center, but after a few minutes, a presence came in front of her.

"Hello, good morning," the nurse greeted her. "Oh, you're the girl who accompanied Jaehyun yesterday, right?" She asked in confusion.

The girl smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'm Hwang (Y/N). I'm Jaehyun's classmate... and Winwin's."

"How nice of you to visit us... are you here to see Winwin? It's rare to see someone come for him other than Lucas or Jaehyun," confessed the nurse.

"Um, yes... I could say I'm here for a visit," the girl smiled. "But, to be honest... yesterday I overheard a bit of his conversation with Jaehyun... I know Winwin's payment is delayed this month."

"Yes, usually Jaehyun finds a way to pay on time," she sighed. "But this month it's been delayed for a few weeks, and if I'm honest, I've been doing everything I can to keep Winwin from being discharged."

The girl nodded and asked, "Do you think Winwin's treatment will still take time?"

"I can't answer that accurately," admitted the nurse. "It's all a matter of Winwin's will, but to be honest, right now he has no will at all, so far as we're concerned, and if the payment continues to be monthly... he could spend another half a year here."

The girl understood the situation, and although she would like to think more about it... she didn't, so she didn't even know when she blurted out those words: "Is there any way I can pay for the next six months?"

The nurse's eyes widened with surprise, and she looked at the girl with enthusiasm. "Are you serious?"

"Yes," she replied. "I would like to help one of my classmates as long as I can. Money is not a problem," she confessed.

"Wow... thank you, i really appreciate that. Winwin is a boy with a lot of potential from what we know, and although we're sad that we haven't made the progress we want, we know that someday he will leave through that door better," (Y/N) smiled nostalgically.

"I just need to ask you something," the brunette confessed. "Could you not tell Jaehyun that I've paid?" she questioned.

"I don't know if it's easy to lie to someone like Jaehyun," the nurse laughed. "But since it's something good you've done... I'll try," the nurse walked to the desk with (Y/N) behind her. "(Y/N)?" She called and paid attention. "I know there may be many things about Jaehyun... but he's a good guy... beneath all that facade; he really has something good."

Those words hammered in her head. "Thank you."

_____________________________________________

(Y/N) reviewed the same line of text she had read five times now on some molasses topic. Trying to understand the topic deeply.

The air coming lightly through one of the library windows was enough for her to try to hug herself to take warmth, read a bit from the physics books on the table, and impatiently move her leg.

She didn't know at what exact moment a tall figure stood in front of her, but what she did know was that that person didn't seem very happy.

"Why did you do it?" Jaehyun let out while looking directly at her.

"I don't know what you're talking about," (Y/N) replied while looking at her book attentively.

"I know you know. I thought I told you I don't need your money," Jaehyun repeated with annoyance.

"I still don't know what you're talking about," the girl stopped seeing her book and changed her gaze to the boy.

"Don't play with me," the boy exclaimed exasperatedly. "Why did I went to the center today and they told me Winwin's treatment has been paid for the next six months?"

The girl shrugged. "It could have been your boss."

"My boss doesn't give a shit about Winwin!" Exclaimed the boy. "I told you I didn't need your money, I was clear, I don't want to owe anything to anyone from Kwangya."

"You don't need to pay me back," the girl assured, standing up in front of Jaehyun. "With the money you'll save from that, you'll be able to sell less."

"It seems you don't understand a fucking thing!" Jaehyun raised your arms with annoyance. "Paying or not paying for Sicheng's treatment, it doesn't change the fact that I sell drugs!" The boy explained regardless of where they were; they were lucky the library wasn't being occupied by other people.

"Everyone starts somewhere!" the girl attacked. "I just wanted to take a weight off your shoulders."

Jaehyun scoffed and looked at her with a sarcastic smile.

"Why? I don't need your pity! If you hadn't accompanied me yesterday, you'd still be thinking Winwin had moved to China! You didn't give a fucking damn even when he was your classmate!"

(Y/N) started gathering her things and putting them in her backpack.

"Saying thank you would have been enough, Jaehyun!" the girl remarked. "I know you can do better with your life," she murmured as she turned to look at him.

Jaehyun's blood was boiling; he hated when people interfered in his life, as if he didn't already have enough to deal with.

"You don't know anything about me! You said it yourself; we're not even friends," he retorted.

"And what if I want to get to know you better?" the girl exclaimed without thinking. They both fell silent, staring into each other's eyes. (Y/N) didn't even want to say those words, but she did.

She couldn't deny that Jung Jaehyun was intriguing. She didn't know why. She didn't know why she had been avoiding him for weeks, but since that night at Neo Zone, when they had talked about the deal, she knew it would be difficult to shake him off, and when she had... something inside her wanted them to meet again. Why are things so difficult? They are two different people from different backgrounds; why would she suddenly be interested in him? Was it because she saw him vulnerable the day before? Or was it because she believed there was something good in him, just like the nurse had said?

She must be crazy to think like that.

"You really don't want to do it," Jaehyun said with a bit more calmness.

"I know you can get out out of that hole, Jaehyun."

"Winwin's parents tried, and look how that ended up!" he exclaimed. "There's no way out in Neo Zone, get that through your head," he explained. "There's nothing good about me. I don't even know why you think so, just because yesterday you saw something different or because I drove you home a couple of times, doesn't mean you know everything about me!"

"Stop acting like a fucking jerk."

"Like a jerk? This is reality! Your act of charity isn't going to change my life. I was born a dealer, and that's how my life will end!"

"I really believe there's something good in you."

"Well, keep believing it."

"If you ever feel grateful, you know where to find me," the girl said, gathering her things and walking out of the library.

Jaehyun cursed under his breath and shook his hands in frustration. In just a few days, the girl had managed to push his buttons faster than anyone else from Neo Zone.

But when he saw her walk out the door, why did he feel regret for lashing out at her?

_______________________________________________

The week had been slow this time. (Y/N) and Jaehyun had been avoiding each other like the plague, not even looking at each other when they crossed paths in the hallway. For the girl, it seemed like childish behavior, especially coming from Jaehyun and his usual façade; now he seemed nothing more than someone throwing a tantrum after she only wanted to help him.

But she still thought she really wanted to get to know him better.

What was behind his façade? What was it that made him who he was? Not the boy from Neo Zone, not the dealer everyone knew... who was Jeong Jaehyun really?

That question had been on her mind for weeks, and it disappointed her a bit to know that she might never know the answers to those doubts she had about the boy.

Today was warm compared to the weather last week. The sun was shining brightly, and luckily for (Y/N), her mother had decided to return her car. So her day had started off on the right foot, and hoping for a good day, she took the opportunity to stop by her favorite coffee shop in Kwangya. Ordering her usual vanilla latte and just before it was time to pay, a thought invaded her mind, and after debating it internally, she decided to follow her thoughts.

An hour and a half later, when she was the last one to leave her physics class, someone blocked her path at the classroom door. Holding her book to her chest, after the unexpected startle, she looked ahead to find no one but Jaehyun. Who stood silently in front of her, with the same leather jacket he used to wear, the same combination of marijuana and vanilla scent, and with the same enchanting eyes, that she had just noticed.

She was in dangerous territory.

And she knew it.

"I need to go to my next class, Jaehyun," the girl said shortly.

For a few seconds, the boy in front of her didn't say anything, he just watched her, until he sighed and slowly said, "Thank you."

Short and to the point, he didn't say anything else, and that was enough to make (Y/N)'s heart flutter in a thousand ways.

"For the coffee," the boy finished. "And for the notes."

"I did my part, I told you I would help you," said (Y/N) as she fiddled with her fingers.

"I thought you wouldn't after the last time we met," Jaehyun confessed.

"I'm sticking to that."

A small silence ensued. Two people face to face. With thousands of doubts between them and things to resolve. What had drawn them together? How was it that the universe managed to put two completely different people in the same place?

"Did you mean it?" Jaehyun asked, and when he noticed that (Y/N) didn't understand what he meant, he continued. "About wanting to get to know me more."

(Y/N) swallowed hard and looking him in the eyes, nodded.

"I still believe there's something good in you."

"Why?"

"I don't know yet," she replied honestly. "And it's killing me. A while ago, I wouldn't have wanted anything to do with you, not even to cross paths, but now, I don't know what's changed, but every time I try to stay away, it's like something brings me back here," she confessed, leaving Jaehyun speechless, who just watched her, trying to decipher everything she was saying.

It was killing him too.

"Let's go to my car," he said.

"Huh?" she asked, confused.

"You want to know more about me, then get in my car," he said again, this time making his way to the parking lot, with (Y/N) behind him, who didn't say a single word, just followed his lead.

What was he doing?

When they reached the car, Jaehyun opened the passenger door, causing (Y/N) to get in without protesting. Then Jaehyun got into the driver's seat and without further ado, started the engine. She didn't know what was happening or what would happen next, but right now she could only trust Jaehyun.

Even though she didn't know how bad an idea that might be.

A few minutes later, as they had traveled a long distance, (Y/N) noticed they were approaching Neo Zone, and with her eyes wide open, she panicked.

"This is me," Jaehyun said out of nowhere, catching the girl's attention. "See all these streets? This is where I belong. This is what I am," he explained carefully.

(Y/N) looked out the window, a couple of people smoking on the sidewalk, others passing joints, and other silent streets. The houses weren't that big... rather, they looked cramped. Unlike what she was used to, to her lifestyle, this didn't seem like it would be enough for a family.

But what did she know with the privilege she had?

"I grew up here, this is what I know," he commented. "Most people are born and die here, it's something that seems to be already written," he continued as his car slowed down. "Those of us from here have a different perspective on life... people from Kwangya lives for the money... we live to survive, and although it's getting harder and harder, we manage to do it," the car finally stopped, and still looking out the window, (Y/N) saw a small house in front of them. One story, not much to describe or point out, it was small but for some reason, it looked cozy.

(Y/N) changed her gaze to Jaehyun, who was still looking ahead and spoke.

"Is this your house?"

Jaehyun nodded.

(Y/N) smiled softly.

"Would you invite me in?"

______________________________________________

He doesn't know how (Y/N) managed to have an effect on him, but now they were there, inside his little house, (Y/N) carefully examining the walls around them and analyzing every aspect of the small space.

He was grateful there were no one at home.

"It looks cozy," (Y/N) said as she looked at one of the frames hanging on the wall.

"I guess it's not even a third of your house," Jaehyun assured to (Y/N).

“And no matter how many people are there, it always feels lonely," she confessed. "It's like no one leaves anything there, like it's something unimportant. As if it's not a home," she finished.

Jaehyun looked at her gently, and as she looked around, thousands of things went through his mind.

"To be honest with you," the girl spoke. "I see more vibes from Jeno in this house than yours," she said. "Many things here seem related to Jeno... but I don't see many things related to you..." she continued. "It's like you don't even think about staying here for long."

"I don't plan on leaving Neo Zone," Jaehyun asserted, crossing his arms.

"Don't you want a different future?"

"There's no future for me," Jaehyun pointed out. "And if there were, I'd prefer to give it to Jeno. He has much more to live for than I do."

"You also have a life to live. A future to write, you can change what is today, for something better," (Y/N) turned around to face the boy.

"I have no way out," the boy replied. "Do you think this is easy? After seeing my dad die and doing everything my bosses ask me to do no matter what. Taking care of my mom, Jeno, and now Winwin? Huh? Making sure Winwin becomes who he was again and that my brother doesn't end up being a fucking addict are enough reasons for me not to leave here," Jaehyun concluded, getting dangerously close to her, with a few centimeters separating them.

The words echoed in her head strongly.

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Don't pity me," Jaehyun said under his breath.

"It's not that. It's just that every time I think about all this and now that I see your place and I don't see anything that seems to belong to you, it makes me think that's what you're looking for, to belong to something and leave here as soon as there's an opportunity,"

Jaehyun looked directly at her, not knowing what to say. And afraid to think that maybe she was right.

Because yes, maybe he wanted to get out of there, along with his mom, Jeno, and Winwin; maybe he wanted to do something with his life that wasn't illegal, but what was the point of thinking about it when he knew he wouldn't make it? He was afraid to admit that he wanted to be able to change things, to be able to make his family okay, that no shadow from the past would follow them, that they would have a place where they could forge a clean and safe future.

"This has never been about what I want," Jaehyun commented with a future. "Since I was born, everything around me was the gang. After my father's death, I knew what was coming, and I knew I would never be able to get out of it. It doesn’t matter what I want. It matter what my boss wants, he has that kind of power, no one below him has their own decision. The whole life of Neo Zone is ruled by him," he concluded, even closer to her.

(Y/N) looked him in the eyes, her breath uncontrolled. Her chest heaved, and her hands were sweating.

"What do you want, Jaehyun?" she whispered.

The boy paused for a moment and looked at her lips.

"Now?" he asked, and she nodded. "Would it be unrealistic to say that I want to kiss you?"

"How realistic would it be to say that I want you to do it?

She didn't even finish the question because Jaehyun's lips collided firmly with hers. The boy's long hands slid through (Y/N)'s soft hair, her hair smelling of lavender shampoo. He gently covered her cheek with one of his rough hands, and she melted into the touch.

It wasn't a hurried kiss, as (Y/N) thought it would be; actually, Jaehyun was taking the time to savor every passing second. As if this moment would disappear at any minute and he wanted to hold onto it.

Was he looking for something to belong to?

His hand moved from her cheek to her waist, and she took the opportunity to press her body against his and release a moan of pleasure. As if she felt complete leaning against Jaehyun's warmth.

As if it was something they both longed for for a long time.

And even though she wanted to continue with the act, they were severely interrupted when a car horn sounded incessantly outside the house, causing them to separate with tremendous confusion. (Y/N)'s red cheeks were enough to make Jaehyun's heart race, but when he heard another horn, he took her hand and they walked outside in hurry.

And then, there was Jeno, being thrown out of the back of a car, blood streaming from a cut on his eyebrow, bruises scattered all over his body, and falling firmly to the ground after being thrown.

"I want this to be the last time your brother sets foot in our zone. Next time it won't be him we throw," the familiar voice of a boy from the opposing gang spoke up. Chris. Who was with the window down and smiling maliciously. "Neither will it be you, Jung. It will be the girl who will end up like this,"

Jaehyun moved abruptly from his place to try to reach the car, but it left as fast as it could, (Y/N) shocked to hear those words, didn't do anything more than approach Jeno to help him up. Then Jaehyun cursed under his breath and looked into the distance at the girl and her brother together.

And his chest tightened as he realized that now, she too had been involved.

And he believed there was no turning back, because she was right... Jaehyun wanted to belong to something.

But how selfish would it be to belong to (Y/N)?

a/n: well now you know what happened to Winwin TT. Once again I’m sorry if this took too long I promise I’ll try to update sooner this time!

taglist is open! if you want to be added just lemme know;)

taglist: @spicyryujin @kriizztin @daegalismybiasinnct @peachfulnight @gojoscumslut @bluedbliss @dear-97 @girlwholoveslpreppyattire @hana-off-icial @cigarettesafterjae

[jjclopelover]

How he talks to/about her v.s. How he talks to/about him

I'm back with more analysis' about JJPope and why it's better than anything either of them had with Kie.

Today I'm talking about JJ and how he speaks of and to them and why the difference in how he does it speaks VOLUMES.

JJ talking about Kie (S1): "Of course, I'm hitting on her. She's a super-hot, rich, hippie chick, slumming with us. Why? I can't figure it out either, but who cares, bro? I know that door's locked because I tried it. Have you?"

JJ talking about Pope(S2): "Ain't all that bad. Just look at the guy over there. He would do anything for us. That's a Pouge if I've ever seen one. Bone-deep. That's just one man's opinion, though."

THE DIFFERENCE.

JJ talking to/about Pope:

"For once in your life, trust someone else."

~~~

"You're the golden boy."

~~~

Topper: "Hey, I just wanna make sure everyone here is okay with ending up in federal prison."

JJ: "Uh, if it gets to that, yeah, I'll do it for Pope."

~~~

"I'm here for you, Pope. Welcome to my world, okay?"

~~~

JJ talking to/about Kie:

"And you--I mean, you're already rich as fuck anyway. Why would you bother?"

~~~

"Okay. Not all of us can afford unlimited data plans, Kiara."

~~~

"Hell of a job melting it down, Dr.Frankenstein."

~~~

(I don't need to put anymore as all of JJ's quotes for Kie are from the first half of S1 lol.)

As you can see, JJ speaks highly of Pope and lowly of Kie. He sees being a pouge as a badge of honor and gave Pope the highest honor. He sees Pope as someone he can relate too and shares a deep connection too.

He doesn't see that with Kie.

And I hear Jiara stans saying "What about S3? He was so worried about her and went back to get her!"

And to that, I say, "Yeah...cuz it's JJ."

His number one trait as a character is his loyalty. It's his best trait as it shows how much he will do for his friends. But also his worst trait as he puts his friends over his own being and in the end it only hurts him.

JJ would have reacted the same if it was anyone else in that situation.

Like when John B was a wanted criminal, JJ did anything for him. (risking to get arrested himself, shooting cops, and being by his side when he was on the run)

Or when Sarah is dealing with Ward or Rafe, JJ is always watching over her. (running after a car that held a drugged Sarah unconscious in the back, jumping in a shipping crate to get her and the cross back, staying by her side, and keeping an eye on her when John B was found guilty in court.)

And even Cleo who just joined the crew, JJ makes sure to treat her like the rest of the pouges. (like when he praised her for convincing Pope's parents to let him go to South America)

And we all know that he would do the same if not more for Pope. (going to jail for him, almost getting arrested for him again, taking over an entire boat of men to get his cross plus Sarah, risking being seen with him at Midsummers when he was supposed to be undercover, taking a beating from his dad for him, fighting for him at the outdoor movie, being super protective about him anytime he was around Limbrey and Renfield, keeping the secret that Pope was the one who actually sunk the boat and lying to the others, bringing Pope to his cousin Ricky's house to save his life even tho Ricky was still pissed at him for stealing his ambulance.)

And many, MANY, more.

The way we are introduced to JJ who loves and protects Pope but pushes Kie aside

versus

The way they "built up" S3 JJ for a toxic relationship with Kie but as a result of that he has to push Pope aside.

The writers and creators gave us s1 JJ, that's how his character was made and supposed to be portrayed. S3 JJ was built off toxic fans who threatened their way into an unfortunate canon ship.

Toxic stans = Toxic ship.

You Jiara stans wonder why JJ felt out of character, or why the Jiara chemistry felt forced or fake. That's because it was.

You can't force chemistry.

All the OBX cast did chemistry reads to see which duos worked together as a couple and which didn't. But the one duo that did not do a chemistry read was JJ and Kie (Rudy and Madi)

why?

because the creators saw no need. as they weren't even thinking of getting those two characters together. JJ was supposed to end up with Cleo. That was one of the many reasons Cleo came back as a main character.

What they would do with Kie and Pope, I don't know and I don't care. But Any ending would have been better than canon Jiara.

Anywaysssss

JJ treats Pope like he's his partner

and

JJ treats Kie like she's his sister

But let's be honest...we all see that, don't we?

Editor's note: Sry this took so long lol, life's been busy :)

[yorsgirl]

Angels like you

Gojo Satoru x Fem!Reader

Synopsis: A chance meeting with a stranger in a bar leaves you wishing for more. For the first time in a while, fate decides to bless you.

Tropes: Smut, mild fluff, One night stand AU

Warnings: Intoxication, strong language, explicit smut, fellatio, cunnilingus, fingering, multiple orgasms, unprotected sex, implied shower sex, No curse AU, implied age gap, usage of nicknames, no mentions of y/n.

Word count: 3.6k

Divider credits: @saradika-graphics

Disaster of a date is what you call it.

No, you aren't exaggerating. It is genuinely a disaster.

Firstly, your date arrives half an hour late at the chosen restaurant. While you could empathize it to be the possibility of being a communal issue (something which afflicts Tokyo often) what you found intolerable was the amount of arrogance he exuded upon his arrival. A mere apology or any excuse would have sufficed; you received none. Instead, he got seated opposite you and proceeded to criticize the restaurant's ambiance, lamenting over and over how there were far better options for this meet-up.

Secondly, if it wasn't evident from the dreadful outset of the date, it certainly did when the lack of chemistry started to show its fangs. His tastes exuded extravagance while you stood as a mere pedestrian before such opulence.

No sooner did the meal conclude and you stepped out of the commolex that you swiftly informed him about an urgent matter with your roommate for which you had to leave immediately.

Pathetic lie? Certainly.

Whether he saw through it or not, it eluded you. Yet, you were grateful that he didn't probe further and let you walk off on your own. Maybe, he isn't wholly irredeemable. Or maybe, his impression of this date wasn't so far from yours.

You'll find the answer to that some other day.

The cool liquor cascades down your throat, leaving a searing trail in its wake. Seated on a stool of a bar you frequented with your friends, you drown out the cacophony of noises permeating from the crowd under the guise of alcohol. Most of the disturbances emanate from the boisterous fraternity boys who're seated at the further end of the bar. Its irritating enough that your evening has been a lamentable failure on top of that you can't even find peace.

You could surely go back to your dorms but it's a Friday night and your roommate is working on something that requires her to bring in some friends (one of the reasons the date was set for tonight). Thus, your chance at peace will remain zero. You lose track of how many shots of liquors have passed your lips as the bartender places another drink of the same in front of you.

Five? No- maybe six? You reach for the shot glass, momentarily muddling your count and starting anew. Typically you don't drink this recklessly but today you do, considering you've to pull yourself back to your dorm later, this is a bad idea.

The bartender presents you with another drink - white wine, something you didn't order. You raise a quizzical eyebrow and he gestures to your side. All of a sudden, you're very much aware of the stranger sitting next to you. 

Though the alcohol in your system makes it difficult to focus your gaze, its difficult to look past someone with such a captivating visage, ivory locks falling over his brow and eyes tinted with a hue of azure which glows under the artificial neon light. A couple of years older than you but he looks undeniably handsome. Chiseled jawline and thin lips which look too soft for their own good. Clad in a grey dress shirt and q pair of blue trousers; he doesn't look any less than a celebrity. With the top two buttons left open, it gives you a generous view of his collar and toned chest which peeks out. Despite being seated next to you, he exudes an aura of confidence which only accentuates the palpable height difference between you both. 

You blink and a boyish grin tugs on his lips as he tilts his head to the side. "Hello there," He gestures to the drink placed before you. "Think you can use one of that."

Fuck- that voice.

You momentarily shut your eyes before reopening them, glancing at the drink with suspicion. His face can act as a good bait to hide his true motives but you know better. Men can never be trusted. Especially when they are dober and you aren't.

"I'd rather not-"

"You seem like you need something lighter."

"I am fine with this," You raise your shot glass to your lips before downing it. The substantial liquid leaves a bitter aftertaste and you suppress the urge to cringe.

"Now, easy there," He snickers. "Just cause you got dumped-"

"I wasn't dumped."

"Oh?" He raises an eyebrow. "Then a case of forbidden romance? Not allowed to meet your love like Juliet?"

"Would've been so much nice if she just listened to her parents," A sarcastic smile plays on your lips. "A hell lot of less drama and a lot more lives would be saved."

"Not a fan of Shakespeare, I see." He comments, the corner of his lip quirks up.

"The last thing I want to do on a Friday night is talk about medieval literature." You concede and he nods.

"Fair enough." For a second, the man stays silent and you are again back to your solitude. The next, he speaks again, "Then what brings you here, tonight? A pretty girl like yourself shouldn't be alone."

You pinch your lips, recalling the awful date you were stuck into, only moments prior. You sigh, pushing your shot glass away. "I went to a date and... it was terrible."

"Oh," He sounds genuinely surprised but doesn't comment on it. 

Well, that gives him brownie points. You rest your palm on the back of your hand, shifting your gaze which lands on him. Icy blue eyes stare back at you with an intensity that flushes your cheek red. You instantly look away.

A coy smirk slips on his lips before he starts, "Here's an idea. How about I make this evening better, eh? Let me buy you a drink."

Your breath hitches. Did he just- You scrutinize your eyes and the skip of a heartbeat eludes you. The offer doesn't sound bad but in an alcohol-induced state, you need to be aware of who you put your trust in. "And why do you offer this act of service?"

"Angels like you deserve all acts of service," He says softly, ending it with a wink.

And- oh Goodness...

"So what do you say, Angel?"

You drum your fingers over the countertop. Weighing the pros and cons of the situation. For all you know, he can be just another creep but till now he hadn't made any advances to make you uncomfortable, so there goes that. Plus, if he's offering then why don't you indulge? 

You find yourself nodding and he grins. Moments later a glass of white wine is clasped in your hands, similar one with the same drink in his. You raise up the glass and he follows suit, bringing it closer till they clink; sound drowned out from the music and external chatters.

"Thanks," You say after taking a sip. "What's your name?" 

"Gojo Satoru but just call me Satoru," He replies. You nod, saying his name a few times to get the gist of it. His eyes shine with amusement, he asks "And you, Angel?"

A sly smile curves up your lips as you tilt your head to the side, "Just call for me Angel for now."

Satoru smirks and your eyes meet again. Drunk individuals and loud frat boys long forgotten as you find yourself captivated just by his gaze alone. His eyes rake over your figure but you find yourself less guarded. The tension emancipates, he must be feeling it too. Is this the part where you say something? Or do you wait for him to start speaking?

In that trance it is that Satoru hands you another drink, fingertips lingering on yours for a second too long before they glide away. In that trance it is that he speaks again, and you find yourself answering. In that trance it is that conversations swing back and forth with equivalent quips from each side which incites a chuckle here and there. You find yourself letting your guard down as he indulges you in stories of his life. It could be the alcohol for that you find yourself being interested. Or maybe its him that just knows how to create a safe space around him – somewhere you could be just yourself.

You swallow a lump as you find yourself leaning towards him. His knee touches your thigh, the skin contact sends a electrifying spark through you. No sooner did you realize that it happened that you realized he was getting down from the bar stool. A pang of disappointment courses through you but you don't let it show on your face.

Then, the unexpected happens.

Satoru takes your hand in his, the warmth of it enclosing your cold one in a way that you didn't want to let go. He tugs at it, a suggestive glint in his eyes as he looks at you; something which must be gleaming in yours too.

"Will you run away with me?"

.

You blame it on the alcohol when it happens.

"Will you run away with me?"

Of course, you said yes.

Of course, you let him lead you out of the bar filled with people only a drink away from collapsing.

Of course, you stepped into Hotel de Elysium with him.

And of course, you let him kiss you once you were alone in the room.

Satoru's lips move in a sync against yours, he walks you backwards until your back is pressed to the wall. He parts a hair's breath away, eyelashes flutter as he takes in your flushed state – parted glistening lips and cheeks tinted with a red hue. You are a bit tipsy to carefully note any change in his visage. Yet, through the blur you are damn sure that you see him smirk.

His mouth presses on yours again and what starts as a soft, slow paced kiss transitions into a fiery, fervent liplock in a matter of seconds. Arms wrapped around his neck, your fingers tangle in the locks of his hair.

You hear him groan in your mouth when you tug on the strands and your lips curl up.

Satoru glides his hand down the curves of your body, finally resting on one of your breast. He kneads it over the fabric of your dress inciting a moan from you. His lips trail down to your jaw and neck, sucking on the sensitive skin of the juncture. Your body tingles with sparks flowing through your veins and you involuntarily lean into his touch.

You have to give it to him that Satoru is a damn good multitasker. For while he is busy nibbling and leaving hickeys on your neck, he reaches to unzip your dress, pulling down the neckline as the garment pools near your ankles.

He momentarily detaches his lips from you, looking down at your, now exposed, body. "Fuck– Angel, you're gorgeous." The words of praise and the lust burning in his eyes are enough to send a shiver down your spine. Thoughts jumbled and your lack of sobriety allows you to not be that embarrassed. He pulls you flush against him, holding you by the hip and his lips come down on your again.

"Mhm, yeah–" You moan into his mouth as his tongue prods and engages in a rhythmic dance with your own.

Not the one to back down, after you part, you instantly reach to undo his belt. He chuckles, "Eager, are we?"

"Yes," No need to lie when the tension is already sky high. Switching both of your places, you fall to your knees and unzip his pants. The bulge of his cock straining against his briefs causes you to widen your eyes. His member springs out and for a second, you lose your mind. He's big. Both in length and girth, mushroom tip tinted with a blush pink. Maybe you have had seen others before but you're damn sure he is one of the biggest you'll know.

"Like what you see, Angel?" His voice drips with arrogance and boy- don't you hate that? Yet, too drunk on lust with a short circuited brain can barely think, you answer by swirling your tongue on his tip before latching onto it.

"Shit," Satoru curses under his breath, fisting a handful of hair to establish a grip. "Yeah, Angel. Ah– like that"

You bob your head up and down, taking him in as much as your mouth allows. His head tips back, swallowing a lump in his throat which is unfortunately not enough to hide his moans. You lick and suck him like a child eating a lollipop, stroking the base of his cock as your fingers run over the erogenous veins.

You're sure he is enjoying himself. Even more when you gagged on his cock and more when you lool up at him, fluttering your eyelashes – feigning innocence.

Your determination to give him the best head ever gets rewarded soon after.

Clothes discarded and back pressed on the creased, silken sheets, Satoru works his tongue on your aching cunt like a starving man getting his first meal in days. He swipes and nibbles over your erectile bud, pushing two fingers inside as your walls clamp down on his digits, enthusiastically.

"Ahh– Satoru, ngh– yeah," The moan induced gasp incited from his skillful mouth makes your back arch, pushing yourself into his mouth. You could feel him smirk against your pussy, hot breath fanning over the sensitive skin as he firmly holds you in place via your thighs.

You are light headed and you don't even register the string of curses that flow out of your mouth. The only sensation is how he delves into your folds, rough hands pressing on your thighs and the need to release all of your pent-up tension.

You're close. Your muscles are twitching. So close. He's eating you out so well, swiping your spots and folds that you wonder if your fingers will satisfy you again.

"Ahh– fuck," You curse aloud, the wave of pleasure washing over you.

You don't get a second of rest after you come down from your high. Satoru is hovering over you, hard cock pressing on your thighs as he looks for a condom before you shun him, "We don't need that, I am on the pill."

"Are you sure?" He asks again, concern pooling in his irises.

"Yes," You nod in conformation and he takes his cock in his hand, positioning himself in front of your entrance. He coats the tip with the essence of your pleasure and hence, plunges in.

The gasp that escapes and your widened eyes are enough evidence of how much and how good he stretches you out. He yanks out the all before shoving back inside your cavern again. Each stroke pushes him deeper into your depths as your folds welcome him graciously.

A fire burns in your body as both of you indulge in this dance of your own. Wanton moans and curses escaping your lips which you pay no heed. "Yes- Ahh Satoru– like that- ahh."

A sheen of sweat marks itself on his body, beads glistening down his well-defined abs. He interlaces his fingers with yours, holding you firmly against him while he continues to move inside of you.

"Shit– Angel, gnnh– feel s'good." Pupils dilated, messy hair and groan induced with pleasure. He looks at you with an amalgam of emotions, none of which you can read with your stupor as he keeps on fucking you dumb.

Mouth open wide, you try to breath in as much. Each stroke hammering right upto your chest, he fills you up so perfectly that it has your eyes rolling back in your head. Making you feel like a virgin all over, your velvet walls suck him in eagerly

The room reeks of lust and sex, filled with you and your partner's pleasure filled sounds. You feel your insides twitch and soon you let out a scream, milking him with your cum. Only a few strokes later, he empties himself inside you.

You feel him collapse beside you. For a minute, both of you lie there silently, staring at the ceiling and letting the exhaustion slide of off you.

The smell of sweat reaches your nostrils and you cringe, "I'll take a shower." Sitting up, you attempt to rise, before that Satoru takes a hold of your wrist. You glance back, "Hm?"

"I'll come with you." Said so, he gets up as well. He holds you by the waist, helping you walk to the bathroom.

White tiled walls and floor greet you, skin feeling awfully cold against the hard surface. You turn on the shower handle, the sprinklers pour down water on your tensed body and you sigh in relief. Satoru stands beside you, the water runs over his skin as well, drenching each sinew and crevice of physique in it's droplets. You take a harmless peek at him, must not be to your surprise but he's staring back at you.

Only the water pouring from the shower head emanates the bathroom.

Yet with the droplets running over you, it would be ironic to say that the spark still burns. But it does. And oh well- Satoru's lips presses over yours again and you response with equal fervour. Pushing you back against the wall, he holds you by the waist, other hand reaching down to grope your ass.

He pulls away, looking down at you with the same glint in his eyes which he had at the bar.

"Ready for round two?"

Blame it on the alcohol again.

Of course, you said yes.

.

You wake up alone.

Greeted by the splitting headache as you wince trying to sit up on the sheets. When did you fell asleep, yesternight? Well... you don't know that either.

Glancing around you find your belongings, neatly kept at one corner of the bed. A frown falls on you seeing only your pair of clothes kept aside.

Satoru and his belongings are gone.

Sluggishly you put your feet down on the cool tile. That's when your sight falls on the nightstand. A glass of water and a packet of Antacids rests on the table. Only after you have taken the medication did you notice a note kept under the glass.

Hey, some urgent work came up so I'll be leaving early. I could've woken you up but you looked so peaceful that I can't. Order breakfast if you want and don't worry, all the bill's on me.

I had a good time, last night. Thank you, Angel.

–S. Gojo

.

The weekend passes by a bit too fast and before you know it, monday rolls in.

Last year of college and nothing can go wrong until your professors decides to torment the students by asking them to make three files – project, practical and investigatory – for the semester exams like last year. Fingers crossed, you just wish fate doesn't play you this time around.

Currently, you sit beside your best friend in your university classroom as she prattles about her weekend. You keep up with her conversation, speaking in between when the moment calls for. Though your attention should be on her, it relays back to Satoru and that fateful night.

Never in your wildest dreams did you think you'll ever end up having a one night stand but- oh well... here you are.

It's easily one of the best sex you had in the longest time and you can't help but hope for more. Satoru seemed to just know how to make it work and damn, you were addicted after one taste. And the way he called you Angel made your stomach churn in a way- unexplainable.

Is it a bad idea if you decide to show up in the very same bar, the next Friday? Is it bad that you are hoping to meet him again?

You snicker inwardly before pouring all of your attention back to your friend.

"–and on my way to class, I saw this handsome hunk in the hallway and Girl- I was just..." She breaths out, hearts twinkling in her eyes.

"Good grace," You sigh. "You're smitten, now who's this new one who caught your eye?"

She sheepishly smiles and starts to fill you all the details then ranges to his looks. "I saw him in the corridors, talking to Principal Yaga. He was like so tall and he's got blue eyes, like oh my god- more perfect combination just can't exist."

A smile quirks up your lips at her enthusiasm, "Ask him out then."

She sighs, "I wish."

"Why?"

A frown etches on her brow, "Cause he's supposed to be our new professor."

"Wow," You breath out, almost sarcastically. "Your choices are... spectacular."

She shoots you a scowl and you snort in return. Folding her hands over her chest, she speaks, "You'd be smitten if you see– Oh my God! That's him." She points behind you and on cue you hear another voice echo in the classroom.

"Good morning, Class. I am your good looking teacher Gojo Satoru."

Wait- that name, that voice...

Instantly, you crane your neck towards the direction of the voice and- may God help you.

Oh fuck!

"Oh fuck!" Your friend gushes from beside you. Though the curses match, both of you share antagonistic emotions.

And there he is, your one night stand or maybe now, your new professor.

Satoru's eyes scan the classroom before they stop their train on a familiar face, so does his steps halt. His eyes widen like he has seen a ghost.

You are pretty sure, your expression mirrors him as well. And you don't know how but you do hear him muttering under his breath.

"Seriously?"

Seriously.

Fate truly does hate you (love you).

[therealcocoshady]

Marshall + Lily HCs

Note : to anyone who enjoys the Marshall + Lily series… here are a few HCs. Things that are canon to the series, even though I might not put it in an actual chapter 👀. I hope you enjoy it ❤️. Also, happy first day of summer ! It means we’re close to finally getting the album 💿

Meeting Reader & Relationship with her

* He proposed on the very day he met you. It was a joke, of course, but he couldn’t help it. At first, when Paul mentioned hiring someone and having a new member on the Shady Records Team, he wasn’t a big fan of the idea (he’s such a creature of habit). But when he met you, it was a done deal : you were gorgeous but, most of all, you were the first woman he met who had a hip-hop culture to rival his own. According to him, you’re the perfect woman.

* He met Lily (who was four months old then) a couple of weeks later and he was gutted when he learned you had a child. He almost felt cheated on, imagining that you hadn’t mentioned you were married. But when you told him that you had her on your own and she didn’t have a dad, it made him even more impressed with you.

* You actually bonded over your experiences as single parents and you were grateful for everything he shared, since Lily was your first child and you were still learning how to navigate things.

* Since you moved to Detroit alone with Lily and didn’t really know people outside of work, he showed up when he thought you needed it. You mentioned you had trouble putting an IKEA bookshelf together ? Car troubles ? He was there with a smile and his toolbox.

* Attraction was immediate on both sides and evident to everyone. He was actually quick to ask you on a date but you turned him down. Partly because you weren’t too sure about dating your boss but also because Lily was so young and your ultimate priority.

* You stayed friends for a couple of months until you actually made the move.

* Lily had health issues that led to her having to undergo pediatric surgery and Marshall showed up in the waiting room to make sure you were ok. He brought you coffee and basically just tried to ease your nerves. As soon as the surgeon came to tell you that everything was fine and Lily would be more than ok, you cried tears of relief in Marshall’s arms and kissed him.

* You were mortified about it (even if he kissed you back) and didn’t really talk to him for days after.

* When you finally talked about it and you profusely apologized, he assured you that it was fine and you half-expected him to ask you out again but he didn’t. He made you ask him out (because he got turned down once and he wanted to get back at you a little).

* You were nervous about dating while Lily was so young but he consistently proved you that he was willing to adapt to your schedule and needs.

* After a while, most dates came to include Lily. He’s the one who brought the idea of taking her with you because he always wanted to see more of you and knew you wouldn’t realistically let her with a babysitter that often.

* Lily did ruin a few dates though.

* Just imagine having a romantic dinner with Marshall at your place, past her bedtime and planning everything to seal the deal. Sexy dress, amazing lingerie, hot make out session on the couch… only to keep on being interrupted by a bawling baby (you definitely didn’t get any that night).

* It actually took you a WHILE in your relationship to actually sleep together. Not because you didn’t want to (because, again, chemistry) but because of logistics. At some point you thought he would get sick of it and break up but he was in too deep already.

* He never really told you but he fell in love much faster than you did.

* The fact that you had a daughter he was often around also pushed him to be a better version of himself in your relationship and behave very well.

* You tried to hide your relationship at first (from Paul, Tracy, the team) but Marshall’s relationship with Lily was the biggest telltale sign that you were together. The whole team loved her and she was Shady Record’s unofficial mascot but, even if she had always been obsessed with Marshall, it became clear that they spent a LOT of time around each other 👀

Lily as the official Mascot of Shady Records

* You often brought Lily to work, for things like getting a little bit more work done after picking her up at daycare. It wasn’t rare seeing you around the office, working with Lily in a baby carrier.

* The whole team was very supporting of your mothering and, since she wasn’t much of a disturbance and a peaceful baby, they didn’t mind you bringing her.

* She quickly became the mascot and everyone sort of became aunts and uncles to her.

* As she grew up, though, she became more distracting to everyone and it was harder to get work done. I can absolutely see Marshall getting bored in a meeting you had to take her to (because it was late) and spending more time making faces at her than listening to Paul.

* But no one ever had the heart to tell you not to bring Lily because they like her and you actually happen to be efficient. They’re just so easily distracted.

* By the time she is two or three, she is absolutely running her world. She has toys over the place, there’s juice pouches in the fridge for her, she knows she can disturb her uncle Paul and sit in his office chair, she enjoys messing around with the buttons on the mixing board… she also meets a couple of artists on the roster (her favorite is Boogie). Basically, it’s Lily’s world and everyone just happens to be living in it.

* Everyone always jokes that she’ll inherit the label when she grows up.

Lily’s relationship with Marshall

* Marshall happens to be very good with children and he was always great with her, even when you were just friends.

* While you were dating, they quickly formed a bond, to a point where he was able to anticipate her needs and they didn’t need much words.

* Sometimes it made you scared and you asked yourself questions like “what happens if we break up ? Lily will be crushed” but Marshall put them to rest. Because he did not plan on leaving anyway, and if you ever broke up with him didn’t mean he would ignore Lily if she was around the studio.

* Marshall referred to baby Lily as the most efficient sleeping pill on earth. If she sleeps in his arms, he nods off super easily. So seeing them napping on the couch was never a rare sight.

* She’s also a very efficient alarm so it’s a two-way street, really…

* When she was a toddler, they had chaotic raccoon duo energy. She brought his inner child out. Thank God, it got calmer after a while.

* Marshall’s shoulders and arms are Lily’s favorite mode of transportation. He is always carrying her everywhere.

* He is also virtually unable to say no to her. Always was.

* At the time you got together, Stevie was fifteen and she was jealous of Lily for a while. Because Lily required a lot of attention and she was also a bit weirded out by the fact that her dad was dating someone other than her mom.

* With time, Lily developed a great relationship with Stevie, Hailie and Alaina. As Marshall’s girlfriend daughter and then their adoptive sister.

* She was obsessed with Stevie since she’s the youngest one, following her like a puppy.

* She has a different relationship with every one of Marshall’s daughters but it’s equally good.

* Overall, Marshall’s eldest daughters agree that Lily has it much better than them. Because Marshall is at a point in his career where he has a bit more time and is more secure. So he’s around a lot and he isn’t as strict as he used to be. They don’t mind though, they love their little sister.

* Marshall always says that Lily got the best version of him : sober, healthy, peaceful & with much more free time.

* Their favorite thing to do together is drawing and playing video games.

* After he adopted her he had a Lily flower tattooed on this inside of his arm

* « Daddy » is Lily’s magic word. She says it and all her wishes come true, because Marshall is too proud of that title. (He had to earn it !)

* You never lied to Lily about how you had her (IVF, donor) and that she was adopted by Marshall. She doesn’t really care about not being biologically his, since Alaina and Stevie aren’t either.

* However, once the twins are born, she’s a bit angsty about it. Everyone is pointing out how much they take after him and she’s scared that he won’t love her as much.

[unknowntoyou2205]

Memories

Info: It's the last season for the supernatural cast, and there's one question on everyone's mind.

Relationship: Jensen Ackles x Platonic reader

This was it, the final season of Supernatural had been released, and the cast were beginning to feel the emotions. For the past 15 years Jared and Jensen had been the fan favourite, but when y/n joined the cast in season 3, she instantly became a favourite among the cast. Her character Maya was originally meant to be temporary, a quick and emotionless relationship for Dean, but that turned when the chemistry between them were highly wanted among fans. By season ten the on screen couple became married, after much pushing from Sam. For a while fans even shipped y/n and Jensen together, but that was quickly put to bed when Jensen got engaged to Daneel, with y/n standing on Daneel’s side as a bridesmaid.

Now, Jensen and y/n were close beyond words, people called them each other’s soul mate. Y/n was the goddaughter for all three of his children, and Jensen had given y/n away on her wedding day since she lost both her presents quite young. Jensen had been the one to comfort y/n when she lost both her parents, and y/n had been the one to help Jensen pick Daneels engagement ring. During filming Jensen would often buy y/n her morning coffee and y/n would have their breakfast ready. Both of them were important to each other, and fans hoped it wouldn’t change when they were finished filming together.

Now, sitting on the stage, y/n sat opposite Jensen, with him in the middle of her and Jared. It was their last convention of the year, and they were all excited yet dreading the last day together. They knew they would still see each other, Jensen and Jared lived reasonably close to each other, with y/n living only half hours’ drive away. Jensen looked over at y/n and winked at her, causing her to laugh while Jared was mid talking, the crowd screaming in delight at their antics.

“Are you okay over there?” Jared asked, looking around Jensen to see y/n. “I’m fine.” y/n spoke, smiling at him while looking at the crowd. “This is very important information I’m giving these guys and your just here laughing.” Jared tutted, and Jensen rolled his eyes. “Yea y/n, so not cool.” Jensen piped in, and y/n dropped her mouth as she turned to her. “You made me laugh. You guys seen it, he made me laugh.” Y/n spoke to the crowd and Jensen looked out at them. “They see nothing.” Jensen breathed out, only for the crowd to scream in agreeance with the woman, “Okay I don’t like any of you now.” Jensen spoke dramatically, pointing to around the room. “Not my fault I’m the fan favourite.” Y/n shrugged, causing both boys to gasp. “The ignorance.” Jared spoke, shaking his head. “You seem to forget that we’re the ones who made this show happen.” Jensen stated. “Yea.” Jared chimed in, nodding his head. “And you seem to forget that it was me the guys wanted to stay, ain’t that right.” Y/n spoke, turning to talk to the crowds as they cheered. “Alright, alright.” Jared spoke, calming the crowd down, “I umm, I’ve forgotten what was asked now.” “I think you answered it.” Jensen spoke, looking at the one who asked the question. “Yep.” The boy nodded. “Thank you.” Y/n smiled at him before waiting for the next question to be asked.

“On your last day of filming, did you guys take anything from set.” A young girl , no younger than 14 spoke into the phone. “Oh you could get us into trouble here.” Jensen joked, and y/n and Jared laughed as he scratched the back of his head. “No umm, I think Jensen and I both took a flannel from Dean and Sam, right?” Jared spoke, looking at Jensen for confirmation. “Yeah took a few flannels from wardrobe on last day, there was one that I think I must have had since season one which is kind of cool umm.” “God that has seen better days.” Y/n commented, causing Jensen to laugh. “Yea it has, very tattered at this stage.” Jensen laughed. “I also took a mug which was really random.” Jared laughed, causing y/n to laugh. “Was that the white one? Which spontaneously happened to be in every season.” Y/n spoke. “Yeah it is actually. I don’t think many people realize that but I used the same mug each time we filmed a scene.” Jared explained. “Which is very surprising going by our history.” Jensen spoke. “Very true.” Jared agreed, the two laughing at the memories. “Jensen and I have a very special object with that we each took the wedding bands that Maya and Dean wore after their supposed ‘marriage’.” Y/n explained, putting air quotes around the marriage. “Yea we did actually.” Jensen nodded, causing the fans to scream in happiness. “Yea I have Deans on my pointer finger, and you have Maya’s on your pinkie isn’t it.” Y/n explained, looking at Jensen. “Yeah y/n’s fingers are very small compared to mine, so, “ Jensen chuckled as he moved to show the ring, “ I was really surprised it even fit my pinkie to be honest. Have expected it to get stuck.” Jensen lifted his pinkie and y/n lifted her finger to show the rings, both on the right hand.

“I still remember when the fans shipped you two together.” Jared commented. “I know, that was a fun conversation with Daneel.” Y/n joked, causing Jensen to laugh at the memories. “Daneel jokingly squared up to y/n the first time she met her, which was hilarious as y/n was dressed as Maya at the time.” Jensen explained, causing the crowd to laugh. “No I love Daneel, she’s great. And David also loves you which was such a relief.” Y/n commented, smiling at the memories the two couples had. “Would you still be with David if he hadn’t of liked Jensen.” A fan called out, causing gasps to come from the crowd and y/n. “Wow, what a question.” Y/n spoke, “No, Jensen is very special to me, as is Jared, but if David hadn’t of liked Jensen then he’d of been dumped straight away.” “No questions asked?” Jensen asked. “No questions asked.” Y/n confirmed, causing Jensen to smile widely and throw an arm around her. “I do like David, David is very good to our family. Whenever myself and y/n were filming he’d help Daneel with the kids which we were always grateful for.” “He loves those kids.” Y/n smiled. “And the kids love him. We are quite fortunate that our kids are quite close with each other I mean Jared is uncle Jared and y/n is their godmother so, it’s incredibly special to me that David helps Daneel when I’m not around.” Jensen spoke, causing y/n to smile. “And Arrow loves him.” Y/n commented. “Yeah Arrow is convinced she’s going to marry David so, not sure how to feel about that but.” Jensen stated, pursing his lips as he shook his head in mock disappointment. “How you feel, she told me that she was taking my man from me whether I liked it or not, it’s happening.” Y/n exclaimed, causing the crowd to aww at the story. “They’ve already had the wedding by the way.” Jared stated. “Oh yeah, everyone was invited.” Jensen confirmed, causing the crowd to laugh again. “Y/n gave David away and the look on her face was priceless.” Jared laughed. “Not every day you get told your giving your husband away.” Y/n spoke, remembering her pretending to be bitter. “She cried when he left that night. Didn’t understand why he was leaving now that they were married.” Jensen spoke. “Aww really.” Y/n awed. “Yeah took awhile to explain that he had a home and that y/n was his actual wife.” Jensen spoke, causing the crowd to aw. “Yea so, to answer your question they’re were many things taken from set.” Y/n announced, looking at the girl who asked the question. “Memories included.”

The crowd awed at that while Jared fake cried. Jensen looked at y/n with misty eyes before jumping up and tackling her in a hug. Y/n screamed as she nearly fell from the stool, and Jared only laughed before joining the two. The crowd went wild, taking photos of the moment in time.

[obsessivestar]

'What If It's All A RomCom?' - a Ted Nivison x Reader

{{-Fun fact about this chapter: I had to rewatch the beginning of Ted's Rainforest video because I wanted my description of the L.A. Rainforest Cafe to be accurate lmao you're welcome-}}

//General Warnings: 18+ Fix (MINORS DNI), Reader is implied to be afab and under 5'5

//Chapter Warnings: Suggestive conversation in the truck? I guess?

Word Count: 4.6k (I need to slow the fuck down lmao)

☆▪︎▪︎▪︎Taglist!▪︎▪︎▪︎☆

@k-k0129 , @callsign-scully & @limecorpse

☆Love Ya To Death!☆

Chapter 17: The Rainforest Cafe

Another 2 days pass and before I know it, we're halfway through the 2nd week. Everyone's been talking about how fast these weeks have been flying by and I mean, we only have about one and a half yet, but I don't know. These weeks have felt a lot longer to me, in a good way! I've enjoyed my time with everyone. Joe, Tanner, Dan, Ted and I have all developed a closeness I wasn't anticipating when I agreed to help with this project. I guess I was already pretty close with Joe and Tanner before this, but we all lived pretty far from each other. It's nice to be able to see them everyday again, like old times. Dan absolutely fits right in, too. I feel like I've known him for a lot longer than just 2 and a half weeks. Turns out, we're into almost the exact same things and he's super chill. He still occasionally apologizes to Ted and I for nearly throwing a football at my head, but it's honestly just funny to think about it now. It's become an inside joke in the friend group.

And then there's Ted. Wonderful, beautiful, fantastic Ted. We're only getting closer and closer as this project goes on. Our chemistry on camera is about as genuine and magnetic as it is off camera, you can see how it grows when we look back on footage from last week, especially comparing the recent kiss scene from yesterday to the first one Ted and I did. That's certainly going to be strange to think about, knowing our very first kiss was filmed. That, and it's going to be on the big screen of a theater, for potentially hundreds of students to view...

And it's probably going to be graded.

Oh christ, our first kiss is going to be graded.

Tanner better get a perfect mark...

Everything's just been...really good these last couple days. Every morning I'd wake up with Ted, it was practically a crime if I were to try and sleep in my own room now. If I stayed in my room for too long the night before, he'd begin knocking on my wall again, just like the first night we stayed at this place. He wouldn't call me, he wouldn't text, he wouldn't come and knock on the door, no. He'd stay in his room and knock on the wall until I caved. He didn't knock anything in Morse code this time, I checked. Guess he only knows how to spell 'cunt'. Jackass.

We'd usually head downstairs for breakfast together and begin filming as soon as we're ready. We filmed 3 more kiss scenes, practically all done on the first take. I had overheard one member of the wardrobe team make a comment about how Ted an I were 'naturals' at this, but it didn't bother me. Didn't seem to bother Ted, either.

At this rate, it's only our fan's and the general public that don't know about our relationship and Ted wants to keep it that way for the rest of the month. I was initially fine with that, but as the days have gone on, it's been a little challenging. I want to post all of the pictures I've taken of us and the group, I wanna put his stupid smile on my Instagram story, I want to show everyone that I bagged Ted fucking Nivison, but I understand where he's coming from, I guess. Despite how far we've gone and how close we are, we've technically only been together for a few days, a week at most. Hard launching this relationship now could take away from the work we're supposed to be doing. I know for a fact I'd get caught up on what our fans think of this, I'm already expecting some sort of backlash simply for being around him. Maybe he's expecting it too, that could be why he's so antsy about it. Either way, he'll have to get over it a little faster than he probably expected to.

As we help clean up downstairs, Tanner makes an interesting suggestion related to the game nights we've been having with Joe and Dan. He wants to play Jackbox again, but he wants to stream it. Tanner started streaming around the time he started college as a fun little side hustle. He's got a comfortably sized fan base of his own, he thought it'd be fun to get the 5 of us on one stream, while we're all still together. He had already talked to Joe and Dan about it and I loved the idea, but Ted wasn't too sure. The three of us started talking about it as I got my makeup done for the day.

"I mean, we don't have to use a facecam if that's what you're worried about.." Tanner spoke, standing at one side of me while Ted stood at the other, making sure not to get in the makeup artists way.

"No, that's not...they'd probably recognize my voice anyways." Ted sounded quite unsure. It was a tone I wasn't really familiar with him having, he's always been rather confident since we've been here. I suppose it was about time I started to see new sides of him. I don't mind it.

"Are you worried I'm using you for views? I promise I'm not. That's just a convenience." Tanner frowned a little, adjusting his glasses.

"No, Tanner--God, you sound like Tucker.." A slight chuckle bubbled out of Ted, bringing his finger and his thumb up to adjust his glasses. "I..."

"It's about me." I decide to speak up, making sure to stay still for the makeup artist. I can tell by the exhale that left Ted that he felt a little bad, but there's no sense in hiding it, I'm part of this conversation too. "He doesn't want his fans to know about me until the end of the project."

"Okay, well, there's a better way to phrase it.." Ted let's out a huff, running his fingers through his tall hair.

"They don't know?" Tanner almost sounded amused by this, a little smirk curling up his mouth.

"Tanner, it's been only 2 weeks, dude." Ted begins to smirk a bit as well, but based on the way his hand is pressing down on the makeup counter, I can tell this conversation is making him anxious. "I'm just--"

"Yeah, but it's also been, like, 2 years." Tanner cut Ted off with a slight scoff, leaning against the counter a bit as well. "You've talked about wanting to meet her for 2 years.."

"Not to my fans."

"Since when do you worry about your fans?"

"I don't--I'm not, I'm just saying--"

"You guys basically have the same fan's anyways.."

"I know, it's not like I don't want to show her off--"

"You wouldn't need to 'show her off', it's just us playing a game, as friends."

"I'm not saying I'd have a problem with that, Tanner, she's--"

"Okay, can we stop talking about me like I'm not here?" I once again cut in on the conversation, sort of raising my hands up to diffuse the tension. If I don't stop them now, they'll keep going. Ted's gonna wanna keep defending himself and Tanner's gonna keep asking questions. It's not that he's trying to pressure Ted, I know that, he just gets antsy when he doesn't understand something. He's also probably worried about my feelings. They're both making some good points, but I would ultimately like Ted to join us for this stream.

"Tanner, I'm alright with this, I promise." I can't turn my head to look at Tanner, but I give a little gesture with my hand so he knows I'm addressing him. "It wouldn't make sense to drop our relationship now, I don't want to take away from this film. We're here for you, not for each other." I can sort of see out of the corner of my eye that Tanner has relaxed a bit, so I lower my one hand and raise the other to now address Ted.

"At the same time, I'd really like you there." I speak to Ted, giving him a little point. "I think it'd be a good thing. I mean, wouldn't it make sense for us to be seen hanging out as friends before we reveal anything? At least that way it's not very sudden." I glance down at the counter to see Ted's grip relax a bit, a quiet sigh leaving him.

"...You're really not worried at all, huh?" Ted spoke up after a small bit of silence, taking his hand off the makeup counter to cross his arms in front of his chest.

"No, I have nothing to worry about, I don't really care." I admit with a slight chuckle and shrug. "The only opinions I care about are the opinions of the people that sleep here every night. You, Tanner, Joe and Dan."

"Y'know we're not gonna be able to flirt? Like at all?" Ted smirks at me.

"That's fine."

"No kissing? No nicknames?"

"I'm perfectly fine not doing that in front of the camera, Ted."

"We can't even cuddle. No cuddling. You cool with that?"

"We didn't even cuddle last time we played Jackbox."

"We kinda did. A little."

"Barely."

"We almost kissed."

"Key word there is 'almost', just don't."

"Yeah, but I'll want to kiss you. It's gonna suck." Ted let's out a playful whine.

"Don't.." I chuckle, shaking my head a little. "We won't be 'together' when we play Jackbox on stream."

"We weren't together last time we played Jackbox."

"Exactly, we'll just act the same way."

I hear another exhale leave Ted, a heavier one this time. I get a brief moment where I can turn to look at him. The moment our eyes meet, he relaxes and gives me a warm smile.

"Alright...I'm in.." He finally concedes and I hear an excited little 'Yes!' from Tanner, who quickly scurries away to go tell Joe and Dan the good news. I can't help but laugh, but quickly go still again when the makeup artist needs me to remain still for lipstick. As I'm looking at myself in the mirror, I feel Ted come around to stand behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders before kneeling down a little to speak into my ear.

"No idea how you do that, but it's pretty hot.." He purrs quietly, that stupid grin spread along his lips.

"Do what? Not give a shit?" I can't help but chuckle as I whisper back, being careful not to move my lips too much. I can't imagine what the makeup artist is thinking, nor do I care.

"Mhmm, it's enticing.." He purrs again, glancing at the makeup artist as she grabs a different tool for my eye makeup.

"Enticing? That's the word you're going with today?" I ask, keeping my eyes on him through the mirror.

"Well, I could just say it's sexy, but...feels too basic for you.."

"...are you really trying to seduce me right now?"

"Yeah.."

"While I'm getting my makeup done? Really?"

"Always.."

"Can I get Ted Nivison to set, please?" I hear a member of the film crew call for him, a little laugh leaving me at the disappointed expression that spreads onto Ted's handsome face.

"Yeah, Ted Nivison to set, please.." I whisper back with a grin. A scoff leaves Ted as he stands up straight.

"If you weren't in this chair, I'd spank you."

"Promises, Promises.."

"Yeah yeah, you'd like that."

"You'd like that."

"Cunt."

"Prick."

Ted snickers to himself as he moves away to head into the other room. I get a look from the makeup artist, which honestly just makes me laugh. Our dynamic must be so strange to these people.

Once she's done my makeup, I'm finally able to stand up and join Ted over by the camera's. We'd be filming the last of the kissing scenes today so we could spend the rest of the week on the ballroom dream sequence. Getting to kiss Ted all day? The perfect day, absolutely the perfect day.

Or...it would've been, anyways.

We get maybe a few takes in before the power suddenly goes out. Not just in the living room, but throughout the entire building. It caught all of us off guard, it wasn't storming or anything outside, it was a clear day, but it was like something just shot within the breaker. Without power, we don't have proper lighting, some of the cameras won't work and we can't even cook. We spend the next few hours of the day trying to contact the owners of the airbnb and the power companies in the area. We get nothing back until it's later in the afternoon, where we find out the power likely won't be on until the day is over. Thank god Tanner overbooked this airbnb, we can afford to lose one day of filming.

The film crew heads home early for the day, leaving the 5 of us here to figure out what we're gonna do for dinner, especially since everything in the kitchen is off, the fridge included. We can't even do the livestream now, the power won't be on until around 8pm, at least that's what we were told. We all sat in the living room on the couch, all of us using data on our phones to find what we were going to order. It was going to be pricey, even if we all pitched in for one thing.

"Anyone feeling like Chinese food?.." Tanner speaks up, looking up from his phone to address everyone.

"I had Chinese yesterday, so probably not.." Dan speaks up, shaking his head a little. "We could do fish, maybe?"

"The closest fish place is like a half an hour away, it'll take forever." Joe frowns, fluffing up the back of his mullet. "I'm not waiting that long for overpriced fish, sorry."

"Do we all have to order from the same place?..." Tanner frowns slightly, sitting up more in his seat.

"It'd be cheaper that way." Joe admits with a little shrug. Ted and I have been relatively quiet during the conversation. We're both leaning back a bit into the corner of the couch, with Ted's arm around my shoulder. We're mostly quiet because we were honestly fine with anything. It's usually Joe and Tanner that are a bit pickier. This time around though, it doesn't seem like anyone can come to an agreement, and none of us feel like dropping over 30 dollars to order separately...

"Why don't we just go out to eat?" Ted speaks up after a few more minutes of everyone bickering, sitting up a bit more on the couch. "I know a place. It'd be cheaper than ordering."

I already know what he wants to suggest, letting out a gentle laugh. This again?

"Oh yeah? What spot?" Tanner curiously perks up, pushing up his glasses.

"You're gonna suggest the fucking Rainforest Cafe, aren't you?" Joe gives Ted a knowing grin, shaking his head in disbelief.

"I'm absolutely suggesting the Rainforest Cafe." Ted adds with a confident smile, giving a little point with the hand around my shoulder.

"Oh sweet, I've never been there before!" Dan's immediately enthusiastic about the idea, bouncing a little on the couch with a big grin. "We should go!"

"I can't believe you still like going there." Joe chuckles, resting his elbow on his knee. "How many did you goto last time? Like 30?"

"18. There's only 18 in North America." Ted spoke, circling a little with his hand.

"Oh yeah, you went to the one in Canada too, right?" Tanner asks, giving a slight head tilt.

"Yeah, Niagara Falls." Ted simply nods. "The one here is relatively close, it's just right in the city."

"Honestly, it's not a bad idea.." I finally speak up with a little shrug, a small smile on my face. "By the time we come back, the power would be back on..." I can't believe I'm agreeing to this, but honestly, I'll eat anything at this point, and it'd be nice to get out for a bit, I suppose.

"Alright, I'm down." Tanner gently slaps his lap as he stands up off the couch, giving Ted little finger guns.

"Yeah, alright." Joe shrugs, slipping his phone into his pocket.

With all of us in agreement, we briefly split off to grab our wallets and to change into anything different if we desire. Ted had packed the Hawaiian shirt he had bought with Eddy during their trip, because of course he did, he probably figured he'd be able to convince us all to go eventually. Dan has a bigger vehicle, so he decides to drive Tanner and Joe while Ted and I go in his Tacoma. Once we're all ready, we head out to our respective rides and pull out of the large driveway. Dan follows behind us as we drive through the suburban area to get to the city.

"Have you ever been?" Ted asks, glancing at me briefly. "To the Rainforest, I mean."

"I think I have? I don't remember." I admit with a small shrug. I couldn't recall if there was one near me growing up. Either way, I was kind of excited. Only kind of. I think I was honestly just excited to be out with Ted again. This probably wasn't a date, but it felt a bit like one, in a weird way. It's the first time we've been out since we got together. I can certainly tell he's excited to bring me, he hasn't stopped grinning since we got in the truck.

"I'll admit, I'm...kinda freakin' out a little.." Ted admits with a soft chuckle, tapping his hands on the wheel as we stop at a red light. "I've been wanting to take you here all week.."

"Really?" I felt my cheeks heat up a little at his admission, turning to look at him fully. "I honestly thought your love for the Rainforest Cafe was a bit.."

"Well, like, half of it is, kinda." Ted admits, turning his head as well to grin at me. "I just like doing things with you, especially outside of work. Like..." Ted pauses for a moment, like he's hesitating to start his next sentence. It's intriguing. "I have this thing where I like to go out and do things with my partner. That's my love language, I've learned. So...when we went out to the mall to replace your wardrobe that one day, and we went to dinner, that was the day I realized I needed to make a move. A real one."

I look a little surprised, but it makes sense. That explains why he came into my room that night. I still wonder if Tanner had actually fallen asleep in his bed that night, or if it was some whack-ass lie that he used to get into my bed. I don't really care either way, if that's the lie he needed to tell to get with me, that's fine.

"That's...really sweet, actually.." I speak up with a warm smile spread along my blushing face. "I'd be happy to have more adventures with you..."

Ted has to look back at the road when the light turns green, making the truck move down the road again. I can see the sparkles in his eyes from my words, a soft, almost suggestive grin curling the corners of his lips up. He puts one hand on the wheel so he can place his free hand on my leg, giving my thigh a little squeeze.

"You're infuriating." Ted shakes his head with a deep chuckle, gliding his tongue along the edges of his top teeth. "You gotta stop doing that, y'know.." I can immediately tell what he's thinking, and it makes me laugh.

"Seriously?" I shake my head and furrow my brows at him, a big smile of disbelief on my face. "Saying I want to have more adventures turns you on?"

"Yes, so don't do that."

"I'm trying to be sweet!"

"I know. Don't. Stop that."

"I think your libido is broken, dude."

"My libido?"

"You know what I'm saying! Your sex drive! Y--whatever! It's broken."

"It's not broken."

"It's definitely broken."

"It's just you, (Y/N), that's the problem."

"I'm the problem?"

"Yeah."

"I think you're the problem."

"Oh am I?"

"100%"

"You bein' a little brat right now? While I'm drivin' ya to the greatest restaurant of all time?"

"Yeah, okay Teddy, stay broken."

"Do I need to turn this truck around and find a spot?"

I had been looking out the window as we bickered back and forth, but that suggestive little question makes me flick my head back to him, a surprised expression on my face.

"...What's that supposed to mean?" I ask with a knowing smile, narrowing my eyes a little.

"You know what it's supposed to mean." Ted replies without missing a beat, glancing at me occasionally while keeping his eyes on the road. No way is he suggesting what I think he's suggesting...

"You don't know any spots.." I challenge him a little, tilting my head at him.

"I know a few.." Ted smirks, squeezing my thigh again while keeping his eyes on the road. "I've lived around here for a few years, (Y/N)..."

"And you've?..."

"Yeah."

"In here?"

"Back seat."

"...You're fucking with me."

"You wanna find out?..."

Oh god, I hate that. I hate that because it's actually...incredibly tempting...

"Aren't we almost there though?" I ask, referring to the Cafe. I had my phone on with my Map app open, we were basically around the corner from it by now. I get silence from Ted for a moment, watching as he taps on the wheel again at yet another red light.

"...On the way back?" He finally asks me, turning his gaze to me with a raised brow. I can see by the dark look in his eyes that he's serious. I have no idea how we'd even get away with that, Dan and the others are coming with us.

"...You're insane." I let out a breathy chuckle, turning to look out the window again. Looking into his eyes makes me nervous sometimes.

"That's not a no..." Ted purrs lowly at me and I feel his hand move slightly up my thigh, his fingers tucking in between my inner thighs. I hold in a shaky breath. God, he can read me all too well...

"There's no way you could pull that off without the others catching on." I turn to look at him again, trying to ignore how warm his hand on my thigh is making me feel.

"I could say we got lost." Ted shrugs a little, his eyes clearly flicking down to my lips. Not now, Teddy...

"You just said you've lived around here for years.." I let out a scoff, shaking my head a little.

"Dan doesn't know that." Ted adds, giving me a confident smirk. "And Tanner would believe me.."

"Joe wouldn't."

"Who cares? You've been reporting to him anyways. You wanna give him another good story?"

He's terribly convincing, and he's got that look in his eye. Like he's hungry...God fucking dammit, Teddy.

Ted has to bring his attention back to the road once more, taking his hand off of my thigh to put both hands on the wheel. "Just let me know.." He shrugs a little again, keeping that confident smirk on his face as he makes a left turn. I see the Rainforest Cafe sign come into view, I had honestly almost forgotten that's where we were headed. One of these days, I swear, we're gonna get in trouble. I don't know with who, but we will. Until then...

Ted manages to find a good parking spot close to the building, with Dan pulling up sort of across from us. We all meet up at the front of the building and I have to try and act like Ted didn't just suggest fucking in his Toyota Tacoma on the way back. Wonderful.

We all get inside and wait at the front. The place isn't terribly packed since it's a weekday, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't impressed by the atmosphere. I spotted a few animatronics as we were escorted to our table. The ceiling was covered in different foliage and pretty lights to add a sort of sparkling effect to the whole place, there was an elegant little waterfall on one side where a majority of the jungle animatronics were, but we were seated over by the aquarium, illuminating the area in a pretty blue hue. The lighting looked nice on Ted, though based on the way he was looking at me as we sat down, he's probably thinking the same about me.

We're all sat in a sort of circular booth with some chairs in front. Tanner and Dan decide to sit at the chairs so Ted, Joe and I get the comfortable leather booth seats. I'm surprised at first that Ted wants to sit next to me and not across from me, but I quickly find out why. After we tell our waiter what drinks we want, the Rainforest Cafe began to make a bunch of different noises. I hear the sounds of the elephants chirping, looking up as the lights above us begin to flash to mimic the effect of lightning, a rumbling bass surrounding the entire restaurant. We're all looking up as the faux thunderstorm flickers on, all except for Ted, whose eyes are on me and my sparkling gaze of curiosity. The fake thunderstorm is a lot louder than I thought it was going to be, the only other sounds being the low bustling of the other customers, and the slightly nervous laughter coming from Dan and Tanner.

"That's so loud!" Dan laughs a little, looking back down to us to see our own reactions. "Is it always that loud?"

"Oh yeah, we'll probably hear that like 3 more times, depending on how long we're here.." Ted had a big, excited grin on his face. I could tell he was thoroughly enjoying this already, and we hadn't even gotten our drinks. I'll admit it, I'm already kind of having a good time. I've really come to admire everyone in this group, even Dan, despite not knowing him as long. This dinner with everyone felt like a sort of mini celebration for being over half-way done with the project. I can't imagine the next time we'll all be able to get together and go out like this, probably when the film premieres, if everyone can make it down again. And Ted? Man, he looks like he's having the time of his life. I don't know if it's him or if it's the ambiance of the aquarium behind us, but his eyes are literally sparkling with wonder, especially when he turns to look at me. The last time he looked this happy was when he caught me looking at his lips in my room, he had that same proud smile, like all of his dreams were coming true. Man, he must really like me. It really makes me wish that we had met at Joe's wedding. I can't believe I've gone all this time without knowing Ted.

My dreamy thoughts are broken by a sharp gasp from Tanner, making me quickly turn a worried look to him.

"They have grilled cheese here!?" Tanner exclaims excitingly as he looks down at the menu. I let out a sigh of relief, hearing Joe, Ted and Dan start to laugh.

Man, this group is the best. I love it here.

__________________________________

Chapter 1 || Chapter 2 || Chapter 3 || Chapter 4 || Chapter 5 || Chapter 6 (smut) || Chapter 7 || Chapter 8 || Chapter 9 || Chapter 10 (smut) || Chapter 11 || Chapter 12 || Chapter 13 || Chapter 14 (smut) || Chapter 15 || Chapter 16 || Chapter 18 (smut)

[bowieandqueen11]

Jesse Pinkman Being Jealous Would Include...

Request: omg so glad you’re writing for breaking bad rn cause i literally just started watching it and i’m obsessed 😭 could you do jealous jesse pinkman please? (hcs or a fic whatever you want)

Oh my gosh yay I'm really glad you started watching it!! If you haven't already you 100% have to watch Better Call Saul afterwards it's one of my favourite shows of all time! :)

Warning: spoilers for later seasons of the show! Mentions of drugs, mentions of drinking/alcohol, mentions of burn injuries, light swearing, mentions of trauma!

(I do not own Breaking Bad or its characters, all rights go to creators. Gif credit goes to @tilldeathdousart.)

☆.。.:・°☆.。.:・°

Baby boy, baby boy. meow meow cat man. its so hard writing you as jealous because i feel if anyone started flirting with your s/o you would just break down crying and honestly same we love an in touch with his emotions king loml honestly

Jesse has always been the jealous type. Hot headed. Easily wound up by bullies ten times his size and a thousand times more ferocious and cutthroat than he had ever tried to be. Almost as easily as he had slipped into that easy routine of being ass over heels, devastatingly in love with you. The kind where every night, he tosses and turns in his mildew spelling bed, plagued by thoughts of doing nothing all day but sloppily kissing your lips between blunts. The kind where he has to stare up at the sky after he's been caught staring, until his retinas burn the sunlight into the back of his skull, yet the pain is nowhere near as cataclysmic as the hurricane your smile brings to his heart.

He had far too many years to temper it, to try and smother his love, and yet over time he seemed to get worse and worse and worse at stopping it from choking at his throat. He wasn't so bad during high school: sure, you found him a little odd, the way he would brag to his friends in the corridor about how he'd never 'studied a day in my life, man!', and yet in Chemistry he would be chewing the edge of his pen and scribbling furiously down on his paper during the end of term quiz.

He was terrible at tempering it, and you were terrible at seeing it.

Little did you know, that all the words he scratched down with his shaking hand were either complete guesses, or absolute gibberish. He had no idea what the paper was even supposed to be on, but you were sitting beside him, and so he wanted to look as smart in front of you as he possibly could. Bless his heart, to everyone else he was so obvious: Mr White would just peer over his shoulder and shake his head, his mouth in a lined frown as he watched Jesse peer like a meerkat over the side of the desk to stare at you from behind his slipping down beanie.

Some of his friends, his 'gang' as he liked to call them, were snickering from a couple of benches behind at the way he was trying to look clever by placing his fist under his chin, but his elbow kept slipping off the edge thanks to his baggy hoody. Even Justin Treller, the guy sitting to your right, and the kid Jesse was getting more and more annoyed with every time he leant over to whisper something in your ear, was evidently enjoying the way the tips of Jesse's ears were beginning to burn with embarrassment.

Eventually, when you began giggling at the things Justin was leering further and further towards you to murmur, Jesse began to snap. That's when he began doing stupid shit to make you laugh, like plugging the tube in and flicking his hand through the Bunsen Burner flame to try and impress you with his pain tolerance. When Jesse inevitably ended up being sent to the nurse's office for such a dumbass idea, he was wincing so harshly at the pain that he nearly tore through his bottom lip, leaving a nice scar. You volunteered to bring him down, spending half of your lunch period taking care of him.

He sat caved in on himself, trying to make himself as small a target as possible on one of the fold out chairs. He was obviously embarrassed, by the way his voice kept cracking each time you tightened some of the new dressing over his fingers. Mainly he was talking to try and distract you from the way his hands were shaking, so desperate to reach out and brush over your cheek that he nearly sobs with the effort. He also doesn't want you to notice how pathetic he looks: how he so subconsciously prepares himself for the mental barrage from his mother, or the physical threats from the people he deals with out in the streets, that he looks like a meek kitten sitting there with his palms down on his knobbly kneecaps.

He had known then, of course. He had known, as you pressed your lips chastely against the back of his sore knuckles, and giggled at the way his cheeks immediately flushed like a blooming snapdragon, that you would always be the love of his life. The only thing, behind the emotional neglect, the gossip, the drugs, the constant damn pressure, that he truly had chosen to care about. Which is why, after he bought his parents house and asked if you'd want to live in it, free of rent, he was shocked that you said yes.

Good things don't usually happen to this boy. And seeing how you were the best of all, he had to swallow his heart and just smile at your words, terrified he was going to ruin you.

I mean, living there at first had been easy enough. You had been round (or smuggled in by Jesse) so many times since that day in the nurse's office, that it felt like a second home to you. His parents, while they had still been speaking to Jesse, had absolutely adored you. They would always be teasing their son during family dinners about how he had been saving up doing his *wink wink* 'paper rounds' late at night, just so he could save up for the big wedding he was planning. Blushing ferociously, Jesse would duck his head down until his forehead banged against the tablecloth, begging his mom with that tired drawl to 'please... just stop'.

Somehow, somehow you just... never saw it. Perhaps you were laughing too much at the way Jesse's father was pretending to elbow his son to notice. Maybe, you were trying to cover your own eyes in mortification. I'm not sure, but I do know that you never seemed to notice the gut-wrenching look of pure hope Jesse would throw your way, once he had mustered the strength to peek his head up again.

While he shook his head and bit at the corner of his fingernail, while he poked and prodded at his escaping garden peas, while he took an awkward sip of his water and pretended to glance around the table. He was always looking your way, as if you had tied his heart to a string, his compass pointing him north, directing him back to his true home. His eyes would just linger on you like a listless man possessed from between the prongs of his fork, stabbing harshly at the plate in time with his thudding heart.

His heart sure was beating now. So ferociously, he thought it was about to splinter and explode out of his chest, implanting the chards everywhere until they were all that was left in memory of him. He knew you were getting sick of the constant parties. Of him being dazed 24/7. Of not knowing why he lashed out all the time. He knew it wasn't fair, but every time he closed his eyes he just saw Gale's pleading eyes beginning to burn itself into the safe memories he kept in the back of his head. He couldn't sleep. He couldn't breathe from all the sobbing. He couldn't even think in peace. So he just bit the cap off another beer bottle and fell down heavily on the edge of his brand new thousand dollar sofa, imprisoning himself in self-isolation despite being lost amidst a sea of people.

It was right at that moment you decided to try and brave down the stairs, having to hold onto the bannister for dear life as you jumped down each step, the bass vibrating through the walls until they shook. As you peered over mountains of baggie hoodies and tripped over lumps of passed out people on the floor in your effort to try and find Jesse, you accidentally bumped into the back of one of Skinny Pete's friends. You apologised as he turned around, which would have been fine if he hadn't taken one look at you and decided you were his main entertainment for the night. The smell of stale weed and lukewarm beer radiated off his sour breath as he leant down to rasp against the shell of your ear, sending a chill rolling down your back. You tried to compress your shoulders and squeeze past him, but the guy would not stop trying to grab onto your waist and pull you back, staring very blatantly down at your chest.

You knew Jesse had been shoved into the deep end of some shady business recently, but the way he had been acting over the last while had been frightening you. So despondent. So careless. To come home every day and find him almost completely blazed out of his mind on the floor, seemingly not recognising you as he failed to respond to your greeting. Not realising that as soon as you wandered into the kitchen to put the groceries away, those desperate, love strung eyes were following your heels. He nearly cried out for you, voice hoarse and heavy in the back of his throat.

If he had mustered the energy, he would have gotten onto his hands and knees and crawled like a baby on the floor to follow after you. The way you would beg him at 2 a.m. to turn down the music, and he would just grab at your hands and try to get you to join in his terrible on the spot jump-dancing. You never discerned how heartbroken he seemed to be when you jolted back from him as if shot; his bottom lip would quiver and he would sink to his knees when your bedroom door finally slammed shut. 

He couldn't take it. He couldn't take it anymore. First it had been his parents. Then the drugs. Then Mr. White, Gus, Gale, Mike, Saul, the pressure just kept building up and up and up and he didn't know how to escape it. Too cowardly to run away, just as he had always been resigned into believing you could never love him back. Too submissive. Too easily used. And now, now there was barely anything left of him. Sometimes, sometimes that scared kid would try to crawl out of his throat when he was alone at night, but he would just choke on his tears in the darkness until he had drowned him again.

So what does he do? Gets off his face drunk, and throws another mind numbingly monotonous party until the walls start spinning and he doesn't even know who's coming through those doors anymore. Hell, he still half expects his mother to come busting through, chiding him for having drugs in the house. For having you in the house, with such company present. For being a coward.

Now he had just brought more trouble on himself. If the company he now decided to keep didn't get his hands off you in approximately ten seconds, you were going to knock him on his ass in front of all his little buddies.

Thankfully, Jesse seemed to have a sixth sense as to when you were in trouble, and he had been steadily keeping his beady eyes on you ever since you reached the top step. Before you could shove the guy back, Jesse's already doing it for you. As soon as he’s by your side you can tell he’s wound up: not by the way he comes striding over, shouting over the beat and lowering his head as if he’s about to headbutt the guy. Not from the way his hand flies in his face, or the swears, the long string of increasingly ridiculous ‘bitch’ related insults he calls him, but from the way he looks so, so tired. He looks on the verge of tears, his eyes bloodshot as he brushes gently past you to start shoving the guy out the front door, yelling above the music to shepherd everyone else out as well.

'Jesse... seriously, you need to tell me what's going on, right now.'

When the door finally slams shut, you know him well enough that the best thing to do is just let his head cool down for a minute. When he was younger, that used to involve ringing you up whenever his parents had threatened to kick him out again; you would come clambering over the picket fencing lining his immaculately manicured side-yard to see him sitting on the edge of his windowsill, smoke rings blowing out the side of his mouth as he waited in the dark for you to arrive. His hand would shake as he hefted you up from the piping by his bedroom wall, awkwardly landing you down half on his feet as he would just stay beside you all night. He would speak from time to time, asking you about what you wanted to do once you managed to escape from this dump ass town. But mainly, he just leaned his head back and listened to your voice, gazing up at the faraway stars as if it were the only place he could possibly be truly free.

But now, he was far worse off than you ever could have imagined. He hunched over, as if he had a spiked collar weighted around his neck as he lumbered past you, crawling down onto the floor. He drew his knees up to his chest as he sat back against his brand new surround sound speaker, ducking his head into the gap and clawing at the back of his neck until you worried he was about to draw blood.

It was horrifying, hearing how he gasped between retching sobs as you sunk down on the floor next to him.

You tentatively reached out to place a hand on his back, kicking an empty pizza box out of the way with your foot so you could sit with the side of your thigh touching his. As soon as you made contact, he leapt at you like a rabid dog, clawing and clenching and biting his teeth into his shirt as he fell onto your chest.

‘Please. Please don’t leave me’, he gasped out between heaving cries, looking up at you with eyes so dejected, it were as if someone had stifled out the blinding stars once in them with dark clouds. Bits of saliva stuck between his teeth as he screwed his eyes shut once again and began bawling even harder, falling like a broken bird as you held the back of his head and guided it down to rest just above your breast bone.

‘I love you’, he starts sobbing, fists bunching up the material at the back of your shirt. It was you. It always has been. And if you walked out that door with the rest of them, he had nothing left. He would willingly roll over, and let himself just rot away. 

You sure as hell saw it now.

Eventually, after you rock him back and forth against the floorboards for a while and just cradle him in a way he’s never experienced during his years on earth, he becomes more placid against you. It helps that at some point, you had absentmindedly begun to trace the silvery wisp of an outline that had been left on his bottom lip all those years ago, your pointer finger glancing back and forth as it quivered. He was almost entirely curled against you now, pretending to be asleep so you wouldn’t stop, but his breath froze when he heard you whisper ‘I love you too’ against the top of his hair.

He’ll feel really sheepish the next day when he finally wakes up, peering round the corner with his hand behind his head when he spots you trying to straighten out the crick in your neck after a night spent on the floor. He’ll come apologizing with his go to breakfast: a childhood favourite of pancakes absolutely drenched in maple syrup; they were the kind his mom would make if she were in a good mood at the weekends. When he would sit at the table the morning after you slept over, watching stupid cartoons his brother had put on the small television, grinning to himself as some dripped down his chin. It had been the happiest he had been in his life.

Although he still has that boyish, soulful smile on his face as he sits criss-cross down beside you, you can tell that he’s still plagued by how wet his eyes are: how heavily he’s blinking.

‘I really do love you, you know that right?’, you whisper, taking the plate from him.

‘Yeah, I do.’

Suddenly your fork goes crashing to the floor, forgotten about as you lean forward to kiss him, nearly surprising the heck out of him as his teeth clash against yours. He’s quick to reach up and tenderly, oh god, so gently cradle the side of your cheeks, but that’s soon abandoned as he readily allows you to guide him until his back is against the floorboards. You clamber over until you’re almost straddling him, beginning to smile yourself as you feel him grin against your top lip, the soft peals of his giggles breaking out against the surface of your tongue as you dip down against him.

And suddenly, his life seemed like it was worth fighting for again. He was going to get out of this. He was going to escape. He was going to win. Not for himself, but for you.

[stvrpst]

Bummy shippers are some of the weakest links I've ever seen in a fandom😭 Imagine being a die-hard buddie shipper for years just to give up when the writers throw buck at yet another romance with little chemistry or buildup simply because Tommy is a guy.

I'm glad Buck can explore this side of himself, but that doesn't mean I'm going to settle with a lazy and inadequate excuse for LGBT representation. Have your opinions, but the writers could have handled Buck's storyline far better, and it's clear they're being lazy about it because Oliver has been so fucking silent about the entire relationship as a whole.

There is a difference between shipping gay couples and being borderline fetishistic. You're nasty if you're shipping only to see two men kiss and fuck, rather than for the important reasons, to see a beautiful queer story with chemistry, depth, and buildup between the two

Which I'm sure half of bummy shippers are guilty of. Because bummy literally has the same build and chemistry as all of Buck's previous relationships, if not less. The same relationships you were complaining about weeks ago.

I thought y’all said we needed to stop putting buck in relationships that lacked chemistry and build up?💀

Why is it okay now? Cuz Tommy’s a man? I hope y’all are aware of how stupid y’all’s asses sound.

Cuz to claim Tommy is complex, or even has an ounce of characterization is absolutely insane, and hypocritical. His only attributes is him being a racist misogynistic asshole, and a borderline boring ass character.

And news flash! just because people want to see a realistic, queer, slow burn romance that isn’t rushed or built off of envy and jealousy, doesn’t make them homophobic. It has nothing to do with homophobia, it’s about chemistry and depth, and the relationship as whole. I could give less of a fuck if tommy is a man.

People can have their opinions and it doesn’t mean they’re homophobic just because they clocked the fact that the rep media is pushing is repetitive and shitty. It just means people are not wiling to settle for just two guys kissing. We want more then that.

"Why can't we just enjoy this!" Because it’s people like you who make media feel comfortable enough to hurl poor excuses of LGBTQ representation at us.

you're a bunch of weak fucking links who fold at just a fraction of poorly written stories about a man kissing another man, rather than advocating for authentic, original, compelling, and well-written representation for us.

And then you have the nerve to whine about our poor media reputation. You are the reason why. They see you folding at a man kissing a man and decide to just throw it in our faces without putting in the effort, like "Here!" "Now shut up!"

Because you don’t pressure them enough to actually look into and understand genuine queer representation. Y’all drool and foam from the mouth at just the thought of two men kissing or fucking, and that’s what they give us.

It's obvious that the "rep" we got was shit, because if it was good, why is half the rep y’all think we got, just made up headcanons? Why do you have to pay $200 for someone to discuss it and provide headcanons? Why is Tommy's entire non-existent personality based on headcanons that are neither canon nor depicted in the show?

Why is the relationship in general on Twitter and here primarily made up of headcanons? I promise you, if the representation was really that good, you wouldn't have to pay $200. If Tommy had true complexity and characterization, you wouldn't need to create all of these headcanons because it would’ve been displayed on the show instead.

If the representation was that good, Lou wouldn’t have deluded y’all with all these headcanons. He wouldn’t need to, cuz it would’ve been shown on the show. But alas, we got jack fucking shit, and now y’all have to rely on headcanons to give this relationship some substance and legs to stand on.

Like this isn’t about ships, and whose better or whatever the fuck. This is about getting good representation in media. This is about getting beautiful, complex, queer stories, which Buddie already had the foundation for.

And instead of the writers taking the perfect opportunity to tell a beautiful story that could’ve been told between the two, the writers decided to throw in a random ass white man with zero characteristics or chemistry with Buck. That’s why people are upset.

“They’re just mad because it’s not their ship!” and they have every right to be mad that it’s not their ship, because unlike yours, their ship had all the key components and foundational build that the writers could’ve used to bring a beautiful queer story to life. But alas, they took the easy way out.

It’s a reasonable response.

I don't understand criticizing and mocking people because they're outraged that the writers fumbled an opportunity to show accurate representation in media. I do not understand how the responses to the writer's poorly written storyline is homophobic.

I really don’t.

Also, some of us are tired of seeing the same boring ass gay white couples over and over. That shit is repetitive. Some of us, who are POC or even just white, want to witness a beautiful interracial queer couple. It's not all about your queer, white ass. The world already revolves around you. Excuse us for wanting to see some interracial queer representation.

Pushing for greater queer POC representation is not homophobic.

Do you know what is homophobic and racist tho? Being actively opposed to having an openly queer Mexican lead character because the idea threatens your bland ass, white ass ship.

So you'd rather keep them straight, knowing that there are Mexican and Latino queer fans that identify with Eddie and see him as a comfort character. But let's rescind the representation they could get so that another white queer couple in the media can capture their attention.

[bengiyo]

I Hear the Sunspot Wasted Taichi As a Character

I went off a bit in the tags of @lurkingshan's Japanese QL Corner earlier, but I’m still annoyed enough about this to make a proper post. I wanted to leave this show alone because I liked Kohei and Taichi in the early episodes enough, but this show wasted our time for 6-8 weeks in a way that I find unforgivable. They took a loudmouthed, forthright, and well-intentioned character and made him stare blandly for almost two months while actively avoiding his and Taichi’s feelings. I’m so disappointed.

I’m glad @twig-tea has been covering some of what she remembers from the source material, because her added context has kept me from feeling so confused about this show. It feels rather insidious that this show would cut out any of Taichi’s struggles with Kohei’s queerness, and what reciprocity within himself means in favor of Taichi just looking confused at the camera for two months. It feels like a cowardly choice, because they didn’t want their main character to be unlikeable. It’s like they knew, like many J-BL recently, that they would not spend time in what becoming a couple for these two friends would mean. They also got so precious about the physical intimacy at the end in a way that just doesn’t work for me. Substituting food for intimacy doesn’t always work. I don’t even think ending on a kiss fixes this, because no amount of soft intimacy fixes the years of avoidance Taichi subjected Kohei to. 

It really bothers me how this show was so much longer than the film adaptation we got years ago only to be fundamentally worse because it refused to complete the full arc of their story. With the entire story available, why focus only on this initial getting together portion, strip out characterization, and also merge two female characters to create a worse one as a result? This ended up making both Taichi and Maya so unlikeable. Taichi went from demanding that Kohei speak up for himself and make sure people hear him, to someone who actively avoided Kohei’s clear confessions multiple times for two years! This is terrible!

Maya was such a frustrating character, especially because I’d spent time with Nana in Silent (2022). Nana presented a far more nuanced set of grief about hearing people engaging in hard of hearing and deaf people that Maya sorely lacked. Beyond that, her personality shifted with each episode to suit whatever needs the narrative suddenly asked of her. It was not fair to her actress, who never feels like she’s dialed in properly, and it’s unfair to both characters she’s asked to cover. Moreover, it’s unfair to the Taichi character, because so much of his stilted characterization ends up blamed on her entry into the story when it’s not her fault. It’s the writers’ fault for abandoning anything resembling an arc for Taichi.

This really was just such a waste. I really liked the building relationship between our leads in the early episodes, and I thought the actors had good working chemistry. I did not enjoy the entire back half of this show, and it was so annoying to see this show spin its wheels until the very last minute, before changing a key reunion scene for a half-hearted hug to conclude this wobbly narrative. These characters deserved a better adaptation than this, and it’s yet another strange adaptation this year afraid of the story they’re telling. I’m over it.

[lenaboskow]

I would like to know why BT thinks I should treat Tommy any differently than other LIs. At this point, he probably maybe matches Abbys level of investment in a character by the show. That's not my fault they don't care to develop the relationship better. He wasn't even part of the plot of the finale. I ship a slow burn queer couple on this show. Why am I suddenly whatever accusation you make against me because Buck and Tommy have zero chemistry and zero storyline. Half the things I read they post are head canons about what they believe is probably true about Tommy. I have a thousand actual canons about Buddies relationship and their family with Chris.

because it's a man. all they ever cared about was buck getting with a man. i'd even bet money that if it were eddie who tommy got with like originally planned, they'd be right next to us hating on tommy.

[brainddeadd]

Pride, Prejudice, and Playoff Season

It was the height of hockey season, and the atmosphere around Vancouver was electric. The Canucks were gearing up for the playoffs, and you, a longtime fan, were swept up in the excitement. Little did you know, the drama of the hockey world was about to intertwine with your own.

You were attending a charity gala hosted by the team, and as you walked into the lavish venue, your heart raced. Dressed in a beautiful navy blue gown, you felt both nervous and exhilarated. It was a night to mingle with players, coaches, and fans alike, but you had no idea that Quinn Hughes, the talented defenseman, would be the focal point of your evening.

Quinn was charming and charismatic, with a reputation for being a bit aloof. You’d had your share of interactions with him at games and community events, but there was something about him that made you feel as though you were often at odds. He had a playful arrogance that made it easy to dislike him, yet you couldn’t deny your attraction to his quiet intensity.

As the evening progressed, you found yourself engaged in conversation with some of your friends when you spotted Quinn across the room, deep in discussion with a couple of teammates. Just then, a surge of laughter erupted from his group, and he caught your eye, smirking as if he knew something you didn’t.

“Why is he looking at you like that?” one of your friends teased, nudging you.

You rolled your eyes, brushing off the comment. “Probably just thinking about how he can annoy me more.”

“Come on! He’s handsome, and you two have such chemistry,” she insisted.

“Chemistry? More like constant irritation,” you replied, though deep down, you felt a familiar flutter of something else—something you dared not name.

As the night continued, you ended up in the same corner of the room as Quinn. He leaned against the wall, a glass of sparkling water in hand, surveying the crowd with an amused expression. You tried to ignore the way your heart raced at his proximity.

“Enjoying the gala?” he asked casually, his eyes locking onto yours.

“Better than I thought I would,” you replied, crossing your arms defensively. “Though I’m still surprised they let you out of the locker room.”

Quinn chuckled, clearly unfazed by your sarcasm. “Well, we can’t all be so quick to dismiss the finer things in life. Some of us appreciate the opportunity to dress up.”

“Dress up?” you echoed, an eyebrow raised. “You mean the chance to show off your designer suit?”

“Touché,” he said with a grin, his eyes sparkling. “But seriously, it’s for a good cause. Maybe if you looked a little closer, you’d see there’s more to me than just hockey and suits.”

“Oh, I’m well aware,” you shot back, half-joking. “A guy who thinks he can skate and charm his way through life.”

As the banter continued, you both began to draw closer, the tension palpable. There was something intoxicating about sparring with him, about the way your words danced around each other. You could see the challenge in his eyes, and it was both infuriating and exhilarating.

Suddenly, the charity auction began, and you both turned your attention to the stage. Quinn leaned closer, his shoulder brushing against yours, and you felt a spark.

“Let’s make a deal,” he proposed, his tone more serious now. “If you win that signed jersey of mine, I’ll take you out for coffee. If you don’t, I get to pick the place for dinner next time we hang out.”

“Dinner? So you’re admitting we’ll hang out again?” you countered, your heart racing at the thought.

“Only if you’re up for it,” he said with a confident smirk. “But I warn you, I’m quite charming.”

“Charming? Is that what you call being infuriatingly arrogant?” you shot back, unable to hide the smile creeping onto your face.

“Infuriatingly charming, perhaps,” he corrected, a teasing glint in his eyes.

With the auction underway, you watched as the bidding for Quinn’s jersey escalated. You were determined to win, motivated by more than just the potential coffee date. When the final call came, you raised your hand, shouting out your bid with determination.

The room fell silent as the auctioneer declared you the winner. A cheer erupted from your friends, but Quinn’s gaze was fixed on you, a mix of surprise and admiration in his eyes.

“Looks like you owe me coffee,” he said, leaning in slightly. “Or maybe I should start planning our dinner.”

“Coffee it is,” you replied, your heart racing. “But only if you promise to wear that suit.”

“Only if you promise to keep challenging me,” he countered, his grin wide.

As the night continued, you both reveled in the playful tension between you. The laughter and teasing led to deeper conversations about dreams, ambitions, and your shared love for the game. You realized that maybe, just maybe, you were misjudging him all along.

When the gala ended and you stepped outside into the cool evening air, Quinn fell into step beside you. “So, how about that coffee?”

“I’ll take you up on that,” you said, feeling a sense of excitement about what was to come. “But only if you can promise me there won’t be any more of this ‘infuriating charm’ business.”

“Deal,” he said, smirking again. “Though, I can’t make any promises about my charm.”

As you both walked away from the gala, the night felt lighter and full of possibilities. You knew this was just the beginning of something special—a friendship that might just bloom into something more.