#there was a girl on an estate seeing the future stretch on and on -- and then she embraced the future and grew up

[variousqueerthings]

I think it's also interesting to see how things change depending on the time in which they're being engaged with. so I see things about rose today that point out that she's written to be 19 when she meets the doctor and that's a big age difference (which... I understand the point is it's a big age difference because billie piper was 23 and eccleston was 40, and then dtennant was like 34/35 when he started which isn't so big of a shift but anyway the optics I get what people are getting at, but also I think it does oversimplify a lot of what's actually going on in the written dynamic, anyway-)

and also that the rtd run's Themes start coming together properly around s3 (although they are present from day one), and in some ways at this point, because nu!who has been running for... fuckn. actually quite a few years, which is wild to me as someone who started watching as a kid, and I wonder if classic!who fans felt the same way about their show and anyway -- she shifts from being Literally The First Companion You'd Seen For 17 Years (not counting the movie and fan things and the sketch) Who Was Defining A New Era For A New Generation to... a companion

comparable to other companions, comparable to the rest of the show

we sift through the writing to see what worked and what didn't (in our opinion), and we know how the ten-and-rose storyline Really ends, and how the ten storyline ends (sort, of because now that doctor and donna are Back), and we know what happens afterwards, and we talk about tenrose with a 2020s eye, and rose is "just" one of the people that travels with the doctor, one of several, and notably the one who gets most of the sunshiney doctor that buries a lot of the (wonderfully portrayed) angst of the latter half of the rtd show, and doesn't have as much lore as everything after that, so the story is "just" more simple overall

and to me she's kind of incapable of being just that. doctor who was still a risk that first season, it wasn't a done deal that it would have legs at all, never mind that it would continue for as long as it has. rose was created to be the Face of what nu!who was, moreso than nine/eccleston, because even with the extra angst and the eccleston gravitas, we know the doctor, the doctor is established, it's not actually the doctor that needs to sell what the new show is going to become and what the Feel of that new show is going to be (I mean, partly ofc, but-)

rose was doing so much heavy lifting and she succeeded! she was the face of who before dtennant or any other doctor or companion of his era and subsequent eras. she was created to appeal to a demographic of girls who wanted someone relatable in science fiction, because rtd wanted this to be for the girls, and billie piper came into it off the back of being a popstar and it changed her entire trajectory (for the better I think/hope -- there's a lot of bad shit in billie piper's past and I'm always sending her a fond thought)

nine/ten-and-rose were It! not calling it romantic or platonic or any secret third thing (haunting the narrative), but simply It! that's why it has so much staying power as a ship (which, my opinion on shipping has been somewhat *eh shrug* in later years, but in early-days when that was how you engaged with dynamics that got to you, of course it was going to be massive). it's so hard to properly describe how "for the time in which it was made" that this dynamic was written for, and how successful it was. it was rose that breathed doctor who -- and the doctor's character -- to life, as much as herself

she sets the stage for everything that comes next, both within and without the show proper

and I'm always so pleased that rtd at the time was thinking about what was needed to create this character and he opened with a shot from a girl on the estate with messy hair, clumpy eyeliner, and a minimum wage job, and went "that's the girl who's going to go on the adventure of a lifetime, that's the girl we're seeing the story through and relating to, because that's what girls (and uh... those who were girls at the time - and their parents and the boys) should be seeing."

I know rose isn't the first working class companion including classic!who, but she set the tone for nu!who and her family and background are important to why she is who she is, and is explored

"I've got no A-levels, no job, no future-" said the girl about to see the universe

she was very much for teenagers, and so she reads differently when you're an adult watching it back (much like those "teenager saves the world," novels you loved as a kid), but that's why she's 19 at the beginning. that's why she's billie piper (who does a perfect job). she was there to bring a new generation into this story, and it was perfect. and then she grows up. and we grew up. and she had adventures and it was brilliant and she survived and she made a life for herself. that's her story

[omgrachwrites]

A Girl in The Valley - Sirius Black

Pairing: Sirius Black x Reader

Summary: You are called to the enormous house on the hill to tutor the Lord’s son who longs to see his father. It’s there that you soften the Lord’s heart of stone.

Warnings: fluff, angst, mentions of death, slow burn, ooc Sirius,

A/N: I loved writing this so much! I hope you guys enjoy and please let me know what you think! Let me know if you would like to be tagged! I love you all! xxx

masterlist

The mist was settling in around the carriage as it trundled up the bumpy country lane and you sighed as you stared out onto the rolling hills and you tightened your arms around your sleeping daughter, Emily. You didn’t want to be here, you didn’t want to be in this carriage or on the way to the house on the hill, it was amazing how far from the village it was.

Your mother had told you to stop being so ungrateful and that you couldn’t have wished for a better post. You glanced at the Housekeeper McGonagall who sat opposite you. You thought that you’d better learn a little about the boy you would be tutoring along with your daughter.

“What can you tell me about the boy?”

McGonagall merely shrugged as she looked up at you through her spectacles, “there’s nothing much to tell, he’s a smart boy, an inquisitive boy. You’ll certainly have your work cut out for you,” she almost smiled.

You nodded, it wasn’t what you wanted to hear, “and his father?”

“Oh, you needn’t worry about him, Miss Y/L/N, you’ll hardly see him. He spends most of his time in France. He’s there now as a matter of fact and he won’t be coming back until Friday.”

But you wanted to know, you wanted to know if the rumours about him were true, that he was a grizzled old hunchback with a heart of stone. When McGonagall realised that you weren’t going to let this go, she sighed and glanced out the window, clearly trying to buy more time.

“He’s a tortured man, married his childhood sweetheart only for her to die in child birth. I didn’t think much of her,” she spoke hesitantly as if she didn’t like to speak ill of the dead, “but he loved her.”

You nodded as you pulled your coat tighter around your shoulders, it was clear that you weren’t going to get anything else out of her. But you still wondered about that little boy and why his father wouldn’t send him to the prestigious boarding school up in the Scottish Highlands.

The winter mist was swirling so low that it was almost like a blanket of clouds. You could barely see anything in front of you, not that you particularly wanted to, you guessed it would be more of the dreary countryside. You were looking forward to a nice long sleep when you got back to the house, you’d been travelling for half a day now and you still had hours to go, you wouldn’t reach the house until nightfall. Sirius Black really did live in the middle of nowhere.

After a couple more hours, McGonagall let out a satisfied noise, “we’re finally here, look.”

Your eyes followed where she was pointing and an enormous grand house came into view. If you weren’t here for the foreseeable future, you would have thought it was beautiful. Snow covered ivy crept up one side of the house and as the carriage came around the bend, you could almost see how far the grounds stretched.

You remembered the letter that McGonagall had sent when she wrote to tell you that your application had been accepted. Sirius Black would let you go where you wanted on the estate if you would only tutor his son. Though, you couldn’t feel too happy about your freedom at the moment.

As you woke Emily up you both climbed out of the carriage and you sighed as you stretched your legs and you both followed McGonagall to the front door. However, before she could open the door, the door was pulled open from the inside and there stood a little boy of about ten in round spectacles blinking up at you.

“Are you going to let us in, Harry?” you could hear fondness in McGonagall’s voice as she looked down at the boy.

Harry seemed to think for a moment before he deemed you worthy to be let into the house. As soon as you walked into the Entrance Hall, you heard Emily gasp and your own jaw almost dropped but you controlled yourself. The floors were marble and the staircase was lined with glittering suits of armour. It was exquisite but you couldn’t help but feel the house was cold and empty.

Standing in front of the staircase with a radiant smile there was a beautiful woman and three other men standing behind her. The boy – Harry – was at her side and you could only guess that this woman was his mother.

“Y/N, and Emily,” she smiled, “welcome. I’m Lily, one of Sirius’ friends, this is my son Harry and my husband James,” she gestured to the man behind her who looked like a grown up version of Harry. She nodded at the two other men, “that’s Remus and Regulus, Sirius’ brother,” all three men waved at you and you smiled back.

“I do hope your journey was alright?”

“Yes,” you smiled, finally finding your voice, “it was fine but tiring wasn’t it Emily?” you smiled down at your daughter who merely nodded, she was shy around new people.

Lily smiled, “how about I show you to your room and you can meet Orion before he goes to bed?”

You smiled and nodded as you followed Lily up the stairs, she led you down a long corridor lined with portraits. She opened a door on the left.

“Sirius thought you would both be quite comfortable in this room. He thought you might want to stay together.”

You gaped as you walked in, the room was huge, one wall was lined with a tapestry, and the other had had a bookcase built into it. There were two comfortable looking beds and a fire was roaring in the centre. You smiled at Lily as you put your bags by your bed and Emily gasped as she ran over to the bookcase and picked up a leather bound book.

“It’ll be perfect.”

Lily nodded, “I’ll leave you to get settled, when you’re ready, do come down to the parlour to meet Orion. It’s on the left of the Entrance Hall.”

You thanked her as she walked out, your spirits being lifted considerably as you warmed yourself by the fire. After a couple of moments, you decided that you’d better get downstairs to meet your student.

You glanced at Emily who was sitting at the window seat with her nose in a book already, “do you want to come and meet Orion? He’s your age.”

Emily pulled a face as she shook her head and answered without looking up from her book, “no, I don’t,” with a sigh you nodded and left her to it.

Regulus grinned at you as you walked into the parlour and he ran a hand through his long hair, he was so handsome.

“Orion, come and meet your new teacher, Miss Y/L/N,” he said to the ten-year-old who was sitting at the table drawing.

You smiled at Regulus as you approached Orion and knelt to his level, “it’s nice to meet you, Orion, you can call me Y/N, no need for formalities.”

“I don’t need another new teacher,” the little boy commented, refusing to look at you.

“Orion, don’t be so rude!” Regulus scolded.

Orion looked up at his Uncle with a defiant look on his face, “well, it’s true! I want to go to Hogwarts with Harry next year!”

“Your father doesn’t want you to go to Hogwarts,” Regulus sighed, “go and get ready for bed, I’ll be in to say goodnight in a moment,” without saying another word, Orion left the room and Regulus looked at you apologetically, “he’ll warm up to you.”

Dinner was an unusually quite occasion, you made small talk with the others but you didn’t ask what you really wanted to know. A million questions were flying around your head, personal questions, mostly about the mystery owner of the house. In the village there had always been a rumour going round that he was an ancient grizzled hunchback but you knew that can’t have been the case, not when everyone else looked so young. Nobody in the village had seen Sirius for years so they liked to talk.

After dinner, Lily invited you into the drawing room for a drink but you declined, itching to get into bed. The bed was incredibly soft and it was so warm as you slipped inside, Emily had fallen asleep quickly. Despite, how tired you were, you couldn’t find sleep. Whether it was because of the new surroundings and the excitement of the day or the howling of the wind you didn’t know.

In the end, you decided to go down to the kitchens to make some tea, that always helped you sleep better. As you were bustling around the kitchen you heard a soft voice come from the corner. A voice that frightened the life out of you and you almost dropped the teacup you were holding.

“You must be Y/N.”

“Oh my gosh!” you yelped and turned around to see who had spoken.

He was sitting at the table with a glass of scotch lazily dangling between his fingers. He was so devastatingly handsome that you had no idea where the rumours surrounding him had come from. Though, the frown on his face almost ruined his beauty. Almost.

“I’m so sorry, My Lord,” you gasped.

Sirius waved away your apology, “please, call me Sirius and you have nothing to apologise for,” he regarded you with cold grey eyes that weren’t unkind but you knew that he was waiting for some sort of explanation.

“I couldn’t sleep.”

“Is your bedroom not comfortable?” he raised an eyebrow and you could tell it was a genuine question.

“It’s not that at all!” you said quickly, you didn’t want him to think that you were ungrateful, “my bedroom is beautiful, thank you. It’s the wind, it sounds like,” you trail off biting your lip.

“It sounds like someone is crying,” Sirius finished for you and you nodded, “you get used to it.”

“McGonagall told me that you were in France until the end of the week,” you blurted, you were nervous and when you were nervous you tended to say stupid things.

Sirius shrugged as he leaned back in his chair and took a swallow of his scotch, “I decided to come back early.”

“To see your son?” when Sirius didn’t reply, you knew that you had said too much, “excuse me, Sirius,” you stumbled over his name before you quickly left the room.

You lingered in the doorway when he called your name, “Y/N, don’t forget your tea.”

You flushed and walked into the kitchen, forgetting why you were there in the first place, “thank you,” you said to him as you glance over your shoulder to offer him a small smile.

Sirius nodded before he stood from the table before he strode out without another word.  

[cheeriecherrymain]

Springtime On The Moor [Chapter 2]

Pairing: Viktor x fem!Reader Chapter Rating: T Story Tags: Regency AU|Slow Burn|Arranged Marriage (affectionate)|Strangers to Friends to Lovers|Angst/Comfort Proofread: No lol Taglist: @trfanglophile @fairy-writes @feeiry Chapter Summary: Now in your new home, you begin to start planning how to improve all manners of the estate. You don’t see your new husband very much, but the one time you do? Well, it’s...eventful.

When you wake the next morning, your mind is addled with confusion. At first, you can’t really place where it’s stemming from, but as you slowly begin to gain awareness, the reality of your situation sets in.

Most notably is the way your room smells - different than the one you’d grown so used to over the years, with its vague pine aroma: gone are the woodsy undertones of your childhood, replaced by a pleasant freshness that reminds you of springtime.

It’s not a terrible smell, not by any means, but combined with the strangeness of your new bed and the unfamiliar angle at which the sun casts into your room, you just feel…lost.

You’re calmer than you were yesterday, you realize, though you’re still on edge. Now that your disastrous wedding is done and over with, and you no longer feel the need to dread about the upcoming event, you can better focus on catching up from your momentary lapse.

And what a recovery it would be.

Sitting up in bed, you stretch your arms above your head until a series of little pops crackle up your spine.

It was going to require most - if not all - of your energy to climb your way out of the hole you’ve dug for yourself, and you were going to need to be smart about it. Begging your friends for forgiveness would only cause them to snub you even further, and outright trying to bribe them would result in snide disdain.

But…that’s a problem for the near future, you suppose. 

Before you could work on winning back your companions, you’d first need to work on…well, everything. 

You push yourself out of bed - a great effort on your part, considering the plush excellence that is your mattress - and wander over to where your various trunks and suitcases are still stacked by the wardrobe.

Though, much to your surprise, they’re all empty.

Your stomach leaps into your throat for a couple moments, fearing the worst fate for your precious clothes, but the moment you pull open the doors of your closets, you catch your breath.

Of course someone would have put all your things away for you - and while you were sleeping, no less.

You briefly wonder if perhaps it was a task done by your husband, as a way of apologizing to you for the night prior, but you’re quick to shake it away. In the brief time since meeting him, you’ve never known Viktor to be a particularly forward man.

No, it’s far more likely that one of the maids had come in while you were resting.

Still, it’s far easier to pick an outfit for the day when everything is delicately hung up and in plain sight, rather than neatly folded and stacked in a trunk. 

You end up choosing something light and airy, that flows comfortably over your body. The colours are the gentlest of pastels, patterned in lovely, abstract, florals, and it’s one of your favourite summer dresses that you’ve ever owned.

It doesn’t take you long to dress yourself after laying everything out on your bed. Your father had always ensured that you and your siblings were well cared for in terms of food and knowledge and housing, and never was there a day in your life when any of you were unloved: but you hadn’t been an especially wealthy family.

You were used to dressing yourself by now, having learned from your sisters as you’d grown, rather than having had the help of a ladies’ maid.

Which is why the sudden knock on your door startles you so significantly. 

Even moreso when the knob turns and the face of a young woman peeks in. If you could even call her that.

The girl barely looks older than sixteen, though she’s dressed in the standard manner for a housemaid. Hair tied back in a low twist, held in place by a ribbon, and a typical pocketed apron fastened around her waist.

She looks a little bit distracted as she comes into the room, but the moment she sees you standing at the foot of your bed, half-dressed no less, her demeanor changes. Her eyes widen in realization, and she’s quick to drop her head low to avoid eye contact.

“My apologies for entering unannounced, ma’am,” she squeaks, barely mustering up the courage to spare you a glance. “I had no idea if you’d be awake yet, and the master distinctly informed us that we were not to wake you until you were ready.”

Your brows raise in a way that must be comical, though the girl in front of you doesn’t giggle.

Viktor had ordered his staff not to wake you?

It’s a sweet notion, you think, wondering if he’d done as such just to be polite, or if he genuinely thought you needed the extra rest. You did nap on the carriage ride over to his estate. And perhaps he’d realized your emotions had been running high after the calamity that was your wedding day.

“It’s no issue,” you assure her, offering a sweet smile with intent to soothe her. “I have a tendency to oversleep. Perhaps in the future we might try rousing before ten, though?”

The young maid stares up at you for a moment, appearing most boggled by the kindness in your voice.

“I- of course, ma’am,” she agrees, nodding again. “It’s not yet past noon, though, so perhaps you’d like to take breakfast now? Our chef has prepared a menu of eggs, potatoes, sausage, toast, and an assortment of jams to choose from. Served with your choice of tea.”

Your stomach rumbles just thinking about it. Your father had never let anyone in your family go hungry, but heavens you weren’t used to such a wide variety of foods.

“That sounds wonderful,” you sigh, your mind already beginning to wander to all the different flavours of jams and jellies you might spread across your toast. The softness of the salted potatoes…the satisfying pop of the sausage as you bite down…

Until thoughts of your husband once again invade your mind.

“Will…Viktor be joining me, today?” you ask hesitantly, as you button up the last three buttons on your dress.

Your young maid looks at you with an almost pitiful expression, before she’s able to catch herself and put up a more neutral facade. She continues to fiddle with her sleeves, though, and it’s not hard to pick up on her nervous mood.

“I’m afraid not, ma’am,” she replies sadly. “The master doesn’t usually take breakfast. I fear he doesn’t usually take lunch, either, try as we might to get him to eat.”

You frown slightly, while she continues.

“But he’s insisted that you be offered a wide variety of foods, so you might find something you enjoy. No expense is to be withheld when it comes to you.”

You feel as though you should be some sort of grateful for all that your new husband has done for you, so far. At least in terms of the freedom you’ve been given. 

Full run of the estate, claim to whatever you desired, any kind of food or material object you could ever possibly want. Nothing was too expensive - not if it was for you.

You should be grateful.

And really, you are grateful.

You know many women - some of them your own friends - who do not have such kind marriages. Rules upon rules, regular scoldings, feeling as though they are always doing something wrong. You’d known that your father would have never let you enter into such a union, not for all the money in the world.

But…it’s so strange to have no structure whatsoever.

Viktor didn’t even know you, and yet he had so easily offered access to whatever you could possibly ask for.

“I’ll have to give him my thanks the next time I see him,” you mumble, wringing your hands together. 

Your stomach growls again.

“I don’t suppose you’d be able to point me towards the dining room?”

—

The young maid makes haste in leading you down towards your desired location, insisting that it won’t take you long at all to know the ins and outs of the manor. “The master chose you specifically because of your cleverness, after all,” she happily tells you, promising that the layout is not so difficult once you get used to it.

Right.

As if you could ever get used to this.

Being led through every room, it becomes more and more obvious. You hadn’t paid much attention to your surroundings the day before - you’d been far too cranky to really take in any of the details. But now, in the light of day, with a fresh mind and pair of eyes?

The manor is remarkable. 

The furniture is dated, yes, but much like your room, each piece is so finely crafted that it outright screams wealthy. Decorations and trinkets on shelves, statuettes and beautifully painted artworks, the softest and most intricate of upholstery.

Viktor isn’t just wealthy.

Viktor is filthy rich.

And it completely baffles you.

Whether his fortune is inherited or not, you don’t care. Any family of such monetary value is not one that goes unnoticed among the upper class! But Viktor…

…you had no idea who he was.

You knew of his parents, you know of his siblings. You know of the business they used to run, or perhaps the business that they still do run - but Viktor?

You didn’t even know your now-husband existed before he’d asked for your hand. You hadn’t recognized his name, nor his title, and you hadn’t believed his letters when he’d spoken of his familial ties. If not for your father vouching for him, and remembering him from when he was but a boy, you would have tossed his proposal aside!

Because surely it would have been a joke.

An incredibly cruel joke.

A man of such standing would never have chosen a woman of your humble background. Not if he was in his right mind.

Why would he choose you?

“Here we are, ma’am.”

You’re jarred out of your thoughts by the gentle voice of your young maid, her small hand coming to rest at your elbow to guide you further into the room.

“You’re free to take any seat you wish. I'll inform the chef and the other staff that your meal is to be brought up at once.”

Then, before you can so much as open your mouth to speak, she turns on her heel and glides out of the room, leaving you behind to flounder for a moment in the doorway.

Maybe she’s new.

You don’t sit down right away after she leaves, too curious about the various decor scattered about. A painting on one of the walls, of a scenic countryside you don’t recognize. A delicate lace runner laid across the center of the long, darkwood table.

About six different potted plants that are…a little worse for wear.

You reach for one of the large, fanned leaves, swiping your thumb over the waxy texture a couple times with a miffed expression. No wonder the poor thing is wilting, you think, when you observe the trail you’ve left in the dust.

It brings your mind back to the garden that you’d gotten a glimpse of when you’d first arrived at the manor. 

Your new husband obviously had trouble maintaining a home, which you can hardly blame him for. As a man, he wouldn’t have been raised to know how to handle that sort of thing, and he would have had expectations on him to flourish elsewhere: outside of the home, among the other business owners and men.

If he even had any expectations put on him at all. He was only an adopted son, after all - most parents would have wanted their fortune to go to their own blood, so that their legacy might continue…

The harder you think about it, the more baffling the entire situation becomes.

Nothing makes sense.

You eventually grow bored of picking over the various nuances of the room, and decide to find a seat for yourself, across from where you think Viktor might sit, if he were there with you.

A convenient choice on your part, because not two seconds after you settle into a chair does one of the doors in the far corner open, allowing a handful of kitchen staff to stride in and bring you your meal.

—

You venture outside not long after you finish your breakfast.

The clouds and rain from the prior day have disappeared completely, leaving in their wake a blue, sunny sky and the sweet smell of saturated earth. Even in the overgrown nightmare that is the garden, you can’t help but bask in the sunshine as you walk down the numerous, winding flagstone paths.

It truly must have been a marvel when it was kept up, you think. You poke and prod at ivies and vines as you wander, checking at the structures that lay beneath them.

Stone statues and sculptures, carved by hand and with great care.

Now worn and mildewy, covered with heaps of creeping plants.

You wonder for a couple moments if your husband has a gardener in his employ, but with a little bit of critical thought, you abandon the idea. With the yard in a state like this, there’s no way he’d have someone who tends it - no one with any sense of pride would want to be connected to the mess.

It makes you sad, the more you think about it.

His staff already seemed so minimal, barely able to care for the inside of his home. You’re not sure how frequently he ventures outside, but you know he must feel some sense of loss when he gazes upon the wreck of a garden. Loss, or perhaps failure.

As if it’s because of his own personal shortcomings that he’s not able to manage better.

But that’s why he has you, now.

You take a seat on some old patio furniture when you stumble across it. The paint is chipping, and it desperately needs a good cleaning, but the wrought iron is sturdy and relatively comfortable. It provides a good spot of respite after all the roaming you’ve done.

Viktor had said that anything you could ever want was yours to be had. Anything he owned, anything you could find, anything you could ask for. Did that sentiment also hold true when it came to bringing on new staff members?

The vines and weeds would be a great uptaking, especially so late in the year: you’re honestly not sure if you’d be able to find someone well enough equipped to handle the delicate labour: the plants needed to be removed properly, as to not destroy the healthy soil hiding beneath them.

You could do it perfectly fine, you know. It would take a couple of weeks to clear everything away, especially as you were only one person, but you could do it. Your father had raised you to love the earth, allowing you to run around and play outside when the time was appropriate, always encouraging you to learn about nature and how to care for it.

He hadn’t cared if you’d gotten your dresses dirty or made a mess.

…but you’re not sure your husband would share the sentiment.

Nothing so far about our courting or marriage has been conventional, you try to remind yourself as you stare up at the sky, thinking of how you might bring the subject up to him. You’ve been given freedoms beyond what you had ever expected, but a little piece of you knows it might not be wise to push your luck.

But you won’t know until you try.

You sit out in the sun for a while longer, letting the warmth seep into your bones and smooth over your skin. And then, when you feel sufficiently revitalized, you make your way inside to begin mapping out your plan - a schedule of sorts, to outline all the things that needed to be done in order to start bringing the estate back into its former glory.

—

You get so into your work that you end up missing lunch altogether. You hadn’t minded initially, not wanting to break into your flow state to pause and eat, but now, as the clock chimes seven, you deeply regret your actions. Your stomach is positively storming after missing a meal, creating an embarrassing amount of fuss.

You nearly run down to the dining room to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the promised food, all but bursting through the open door in a fit of hunger, disheveled and out of breath.

What’s even more embarrassing, is the fact that Viktor’s gaze snaps up to you as soon as you appear.

Ah.

Yes.

Right.

Your young maid had said that he never took breakfast, and rarely lunch. He…would have to eat at some point, wouldn’t he? Slender as he is, you don’t think he’d survive much longer without at least one meal each day.

“Ah- good evening, sir,” you greet him, trying in vain to get your hair back into place. “I wasn’t expecting your company tonight. I apologize for my tardiness.”

He’s quiet for a couple of moments, his eyes not so subtly wandering over your form.

You realize now that you must be an absolute mess, to him. Dirt caught along the hem of your dress after traipsing around outside, your hair halfway falling out of your usual style, your breath coming in quick huffs after hauling yourself through the manor like a bat out of hell.

Entirely unladylike.

“It’s alright,” he finally says, in his quiet lilt that you so desperately wished to hear more of. To hear him read to you sometime, perhaps curled up in the sitting room together - about his work, maybe, or perhaps one of his favourite novels, if he had one.

You smile sweetly at him, and quickly find yourself a seat across from him - only too late do you realize that he means to keep up appearances. 

You pull your chair out.

He scrambles to stand.

His sleeve catches on his cutlery.

You’re not entirely sure what manner of event follow, save for an upsettingly loud clatter, and then the crack of a candle popping out of its holder.

Fully lit.

Onto the beautiful crimson table runner.

“Shit!” Viktor hisses, hastily looking around for any manner of item to extinguish the small flame now burning a hole in the fabric.

You, however, are shocked into silence. Watching on in utter confusion as your husband looks high and low for a pitcher of water, or a glass, or-

He’s well and truly terrible under pressure, isn’t he? 

With a well practiced hand, you’re quick to snatch the fallen candle off the table, setting it upright in its original holder alongside its brothers. Once it’s steady and not in danger of tipping again, you turn your attention to the tiny fire smouldering on the table.

Barely bigger than that one a candlewick.

You bring your bare hand down on top of it, hardly even wincing at the slight pinch of heat, and bat at it until it’s well and truly snuffed out, leaving nothing but a crisp hole in the delicate lace and a couple wisps of smoke.

Viktor stares at you.

You stare at Viktor.

You lock eyes for a good couple seconds.

Until you can’t resist any longer. Your bottom lip wobbles dramatically, and a snort slips forth past your lips.

Then another.

And another.

You plaster your hand over your mouth to try and contain yourself, but you’re entirely unable to. Your shoulders shake as you laugh, your mirthful cries filling the room as you continue to lose your senses.

Even more peculiar, your husband joins you.

Both of you collapse back into your seats, sharing together in the moment of absurdity, the utter carelessness and back luck. Of all the things to happen during your first dinner together, neither of you could have predicted that you’d start a fire.

“I’m sorry,” Viktor sighs, with hints of a grin still tugging at the corners of his mouth. “I’m so sorry. That was - not intended. I promise you, I would never-”

“Viktor, it’s okay,” you chuckle, finally able to take a breath. “It was an accident, and no one got hurt. It’s okay-”

The door bursts open, and a portly woman in a maid’s dress storms in, looking every which way around the room in a fit of what appears to be anger.

“What is all the fuss?!” she demands, glaring a hole in your husband as she stomps closer. 

She doesn’t look particularly old, perhaps in her forties, but she looks and acts as though she’s a well-seasoned carer of the manor. She certainly speaks to Viktor as though she’s known him his whole life, though the disrespect in her tone when addressing him certainly puts you on edge.

“Boy, what have you done now?” she scolds curtly. “And why is there a hole burned in the-”

“We had a bit of a mishap,” you interrupt her, squaring your shoulders to stare at her with a cool sort of curiosity. “I’m afraid it was my doing, not that any harm has truly been done.”

The woman’s eyes nearly bug out of her head, and she rounds the table to turn her anger on you.

“No harm?!” she shouts, flailing in the general direction of the inconsequential burn. “Do you know how old this lace is, girl? It’s been the envious centerpiece of this feasting table for decades-”

“And it can be repaired,” you say sharply, cutting her off once again.

She stares down at you with a barely contained rage.

You raise your chin and stare right back.

“I don’t know who you are,” you say calmly, keeping your eyes locked on hers, “But in order to speak so fondly to the master of the house, he must consider you quite an important part of his life. I, however, hold no such ties.”

You lower your voice, and lean forward in your chair.

“In the future, you will speak to my husband and I with respect, and not as if either of us is some sort of folly child. Understood?”

The maid, as you assume her to be, remains steadfast for a couple of moments, before deflating with a deep sigh and taking a step back. All at once her expression softens and her posture relaxes, and she regards you with a tired half-smile.

“Lord knows that boy could use a woman who is capable of running a home,” she barks, turning away to begin making her way back to the kitchens. “He chose well with you, he did.”

You must look as baffled as you feel.

And then, right before she exits the room completely,

“Mind the knife stuck in the wall, though, dear.”

[mandssisters]

Brizzle innit 22.11.22

“By any means possible” A train taking the strain today. Across two counties. Wiltshire into Avon. Bristol. Love Brizzle.

After the storms of yesterday today we got lucky with the skies, they were blue again. Whilst waiting for the train at Salisbury on a cold but sunny platform I got the step count up for the day to 3,500 before boarding. Result. And didn’t buy a hot chocolate to compensate for the cold. Joe Wicks would be proud of me.

An easy 78 mins on the train. A short walk from the station to the des res Ho e clearly the Ibis budget doesn’t stretch to T’s and L’s.

I needed chips. What better way to enjoy them than in a Wetherspoons! Living the dream. Now I had a real fan girl moment, I got right up close and personal with …….. a real life pair of Gromit and Shaun the sheep sculptures. Trip already made! #suchafan Bristol been the home of Aardman animations.

Right let’s cut to the chase. The venue. Google maps did show me what to expect. And it didn’t disappoint. WOW. An idiot could have walked past quite easily and thought it was a disused warehouse….. I mean idiot. 😉

The marble factory. ((Stone cut marble not the glass ball variety.)) Back in the day I bet this place was amazing? But right now it was opposite a building site which was once an industrial estate and even the ATS Tyre shop google maps had promised me had closed!! The only location highlight was a Vegan Cafe called Future in the railway arches which sold the best donuts in town. £10 for 3 well spent.

#homersimpsoneatyourheartout

Met the very lovely Evie in the queue. from Wales…… saw Marcus at Cardiff last night so was still buzzing. Queue time passed quickly.

Motion as I’m going to give it its proper name (the marble factory) is a night club and hanger warehouse. It was pretty cool inside capacity around 1200. All standing but some balcony standing. A real hidden gem.

Monica was back. She gave a very honest set against all the odds. She was so funny. I think one too many strepsils, lemsips, paracetamols may have been taken! There was so much rambling it was fun to watch. Great work Monica. You pulled it off.

To the show.

Ooooooooh new shirt. Tweed shirt and are they called “baggies” where is seeing bees 🐝 Patrick Grant when you need him!

Opening with Awake my soul, the cave.

Banter:

Came in the form of Football.

Last nights gig in Wales not being able to announce the score as 2 blokes had “saved” the game to watch later!!

I would appear that we had “Miss Wales” in the audience as at various times ramblings were shouted! And Marcus joked at the end that for “I will wait “ Miss Wales needed to keep quiet.

Every song is about footy…

From the balcony gods came a very sweet “shout” of “it’s coming home”!!

Marcus even joked that

“Exeter being a shit show” quiet literally!! He recapped how he got a stripping down about his use of bad potty mouth language from a friends dad. Who questioned the need of the word FUCK? It’s only a good job he didn’t get carried away with “c*nt”.

Post shows, Taylor Mackall ace musician, comments about the performance of Only Child most nights and critiques the 50% of cords Marcus gets right during the average performance of only child! Harsh.

Sadly we didn’t get to see the wonderful Monica onstage for Go in Light, as he insisted she gets well for her main performance. As she isn’t in TIP TOP form!!

After the fake end of show, and encore, another fab rendition of Cowboy, with added burp slurp! Apparently within the tea cup was tonic water most nights, but tonight it’s tea but has the same effect.

Then off piste from the set list we were in for a treat. 6 mins of bliss. Marcus’s favourite song “not dark yet” by the one and only Bob Dylan. Loved this. What a real treat. At the end the slight boast that the next one was written with Bob, although he wasn’t actually there!! WIGMHOY.

Too soon it was off mic I will wait. The crowd very respectful. Miss Wales did wales proud.

I waved a sad goodbye to band as they won’t be with Marcus for leg 3 in stores next week. Going to miss them they are so tight. Marcus’s voice just gets better and better each night. Vs mine which can barely speak atm without coughing!!! What a total joy these dates have been. Over too soon.

Today. Enjoying life with a walking tour of Banksy street art and a trip on the S S Great Britain in the dry dock. Well worth a trip, fascinating engineering and fantastic recreation of sea travels circa 1840s. What a visionary Isambard Kingdom Brundel was. And a great Ambassador of the top hat.

X

[kookieswan]

Color Coded Series

Yoongi - Black - fluff (I’m still fragile)

Shades of Us – Black Cat

Word Count: 620

Genre: Poly AU, College AU, Slice of Life, Fluffy!

Warnings: Some slightly suggestive content; Namjoon is a dirty boy.

Summary: Yoongi is in denial, but that’s okay. You and Namjoon can show him the way.

Notes: Mixed this with another request from my lovely Pam and turned it into a little drabble for the SoU crew! Hope you all like it! Also, color coded requests fits SoU super well 🤭

Find the SoU Masterlist here!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I hate this.” You scoff loudly, and Yoongi sends you a glare from his place next to you on the couch. Your smaller boyfriend lays back against the cushion, a tiny fluffball balanced on his chest, curled up and sleeping like a baby. Namjoon sits on the other side of him, eyes going back and forth adoringly between both of the cats.

“Oh yeah, I’m sure you do. It looks like you really hate it Yoon, there’s nothing worse than cuddling with the embodiment of cuteness.” Yoongi disregards you and continues to watch the random movie Namjoon put on, the pout on his face absolutely adorable. Not being able to help yourself, you reach out and pet Dusky, cooing as the small baby raises up and nuzzles your hand. Yoongi sniffs haughtily, turning his head upward and away like he can’t stand the sight. He really is such an adorable baby sometimes…

One of your classmates that you’re relatively close with begged you to take care of her cat, not being able to do so since she had to leave town. You agreed almost instantly, knowing that you love cats, Namjoon loves cats, and Yoongi himself is a cat. A win-win really, and you thought maybe, just maybe it could be a test run for getting a cat in the future.

From the get-go though, Yoon had avoided the tiny ball of fluff, pointedly going in the other direction whenever the baby would run his way. Does that likely have something to do with Namjoon insisting that tiny little Dusky is what Yoongi would be in cat form and teasing him nonstop? Perhaps.

“I don’t even like cats. They’re not even cute; they’re too hairy and they lick their own ass, so I can’t be one.” Your taller boyfriend shakes his head as you sigh, slowly petting Dusky as he settles back onto Yoongi’s chest. The kitty kneads Yoon’s sweater cutely, and your boyfriend doesn’t even twitch, not worried about snags or cat hair in the slightest. Instead, you see the ghost of a smile flash across his face before its gone, angry pout back in place. What a little liar. Joonie leans into Yoongi further, lips dangerously close to his ear, his words teasing and bright.

“No? You don’t think that you’re just like this tiny little thing? I mean sure, you don’t lick your own ass, but you don’t seem to have a problem with letting us do so.” And just like that, Yoongi turns a dusty pink color which quickly deepens to red, but he can’t do much to hide it considering that he’s trapped underneath Dusky. Laughing at his reaction, you lean in yourself and plant a kiss on his warm cheek, delighted with his small grumbles and shy nature.

All of you pause as Dusky suddenly gets up, stretching as Yoongi holds his arms out as a protective barrier, eyes wide with wonder. The kitten doesn’t seem to mind, easily jumping over Yoongi and wandering down the hallway as Yoon frowns. You and your boyfriends watch in silence before Namjoon shrugs and crawls over Yoongi without a word, nuzzling against his pec with a satisfied smile.

“Your chest is free real estate now and I’d like to claim one side of it. Baby girl can have the other, and we can take a nice nap. Would you like that babies?” Humming, you move in and lay against Yoongi’s cheat, his heartbeat a quiet sound in your ears as he huffs about the situation. He must not mind much though, because he raises his arms up and wraps them around the both of you firmly.

“Yeah… I love both of you assholes. Now go to sleep.”

[belovedmuichiro]

Some headcanons about Obanai being adopted into the Rengoku family (spoilers)

Obanai was 9 when he joined the Rengoku family, Kyojuro was 10 and Senjuro was 4

Senjuro actually doesn’t remember a time without Obanai in his life and used to believe he got his black hair from their mother. Obanai never corrected him because he liked the idea of her being his real mother

Obanai was obviously very reserved when he was a child so out of the three of them, Kyojuro was the ring leader, Senjuro was the mastermind behind their antics and Obanai watched them do whatever. Eventually he became the free loader who reaped their rewards lmao

Kyojuro and Senjuro are the only people Obanai trusts to take his mask off around casually though he still prefers to keep it on

When Obanai first started living with them, he had constant nightmares of his family and the snake demon that he couldn’t get rid of on his own. Kyojuro caught on quickly and offered to sleep in his bed at night

“Because I’m going to be the next flame hashira, I can protect you from the demons in your dreams!”

Obanai believed him and didn’t have anymore nightmares from then on

It’s unknown where Obanai gets his snarky, sarcastic attitude from since Senjuro and Kyojuro are sunshine personified.

Senjuro loved Kaburamaru! He would feed and play with him all the time. Since Obanai was insistent that he wasn’t a pet but a friend, Senjuro used to call him their fourth brother

Obanai used to spook their childhood friends. Like just imagine the kindest, sweetest boys you’ve ever met that look like the literal sun and between them is this kid with jet black hair, bandages on his face, a permanent pissed off look and a snake wrapped around his neck. It’s okay though because he really is the Rengoku sibling protector

Obanai didn’t set out to be a slayer at first due to his frail nature as a child, but he asked Kyojuro to teach him some basics and they got him to a skilled enough level to begin official training

Neither Obanai or Senjuro slept the night Kyojuro went off to final selection and same for when it was Obanai’s turn. They didn’t doubt they’d survive, it’s just an unshakable anxiety

Despite Shinjuro being the one who brought him, Obanai doesn’t have many memories of the man he was before his wife died, so unlike Kyojuro and Senjuro, he’s very disconnected from him and doesn’t like him at all.

Kyojuro didn’t actually tell Obanai he was taking on Mitsuri as his tsuguko. He heard that Kyojuro made a “promising friend” but didn’t know that meant a) a future slayer and b) the prettiest girl he’s ever met in his life

Just thinking about how funny it would be for Obanai to be coming home from a long day and going to tell Kyojuro he’s home only to see Mitsuri stretching in their yard or something like that’s love at first sight babey

Kyojuro is oblivious to Obanai’s feelings for her and Senjuro noticed it immediately

When Kyojuro became a Hashira, Obanai felt a little eager to follow in his footsteps and used it as motivation to move up the ranks faster

When he did become a Hashira, Kyojuro used to make jokes about the “sibling Hashiras” and he low key loved the confusion on people’s faces because they’re very obviously not blood related

Depending on who was bugging him that day, Senjuro would loudly announce “my favorite Hashira is the snake/flame Hashira actually,” which would either make Kyojuro whine or Obanai pout lmao

Obanai never thought about taking the Rengoku surname because a) the importance of blood relations and all that and b) he never felt worthy of it.

He never told his brothers about how he feels haunted by his murderous family or his tainted blood because he never thought they’d understand. As much as he views them as his brothers, he couldn’t see himself as a Rengoku.

Obanai eventually moved out of the Rengoku estate to ease the tension with Shinjuro who he could tell didn’t want him there anymore. It made Kyojuro and Senjuro very sad but they respected his wishes nonetheless

They spent a lot of time between the two homes though so no hard feelings

When Kyojuro died, Senjuro spent the nights leading up to the funeral with Obanai and occasionally Mitsuri. It was really taboo for her to sleep in his home, but they were so devastated that they didn’t care.

After Shinjuro got a handle on his addiction, Obanai personally threatened him and promised to kill him if he ever hurt Senjuro again.

He became as protective as he could over Senjuro (given their distance and how busy he was) because he didn’t want to lose another brother

When Obanai died, he was buried next to Kyojuro

[wonwoosthetic]

Prologue: Whatever Happens || IFILWYOAT

Series Masterlist

K-Pop Masterlist

Word Count: 2.9k

°:. *₊ ° . ° .•︑︒⚬∙︓·⠄ •°. *࿐

The story starts in late 2020

Another morning, another day, and another week without any replies. You kept on clicking the reload button in your emails inbox, hoping something would pop up... but nothing did. Nothing. Just like the days before that, 61 to be exact - two months. Two whole months of sitting in front of that laptop, hoping to see some kind of positive answer. All that was ever new to your inbox were ads and emails from websites you hadn't visited in months, probably even years.

With a huff, you let yourself fall back into the chair, hand still stretched out, continuing its clicking to reload the page. Suddenly your eyes focused on the little red 1 that popped up. It took you two more reloads to realise it was there. Like lightning had hit you, you shot up from your slouching position, your fingers hastily trying to open the email through the mousepad. And there it was. The first answer in two months:

"Dear Miss Lee,

At this point, we cannot accept your request for signing nor any form of agreement of changing the contract you sent us. We will not continue looking into this matter.

We wish you and the rest of the group all the best for the future.

Yours sincerely,

Stone Entertainment"

'Wishing us all the best, yeah sure' you thought, scuffing out loud as you leaned back again, crossing your arms over your chest. Your eyes weren't able to leave the screen. As much as you tried, you couldn't make them focus on something else. This was the first response you had gotten from a label within the last two months, and it was a straight-up turn down of a perfectly fine contract, written by you and the lawyer that taught you.

It was moments like this when you thought back to your life two years ago. Back then, it all seemed to be fine. Well, as fine as a girl group under an underdog label could be. You had overcome some of the hardest times you would ever have to face, as you thought back then, with your members: dieting until one would pass out, getting mistreated by staff members, sexually assaulted by people in the building, yet nothing could ever be worse than the news you received ten months ago: bankruptcy.

The CEO who you sadly had to trust, who from day one was only out for money, not looking at the development and treatment of the only group in his company, had confessed his shenanigans to you. Through a letter, you found out where all the money you had earned for the poor company had gone - and it wasn't in investments for the group you were leading, but for his own pleasure, using it on women, drugs, and what else that he decided not to mention. Now he was paying off for all the things he had done wrong in jail, making you, and the rest of your members, job- and almost homeless.

The company gave you two weeks to finish the promotional stuff you had left and to get everything you owned out of your dorm, now having to find a new apartment to live in. Thank god, Yerim's mother was a real estate agent and was able to find you a cheap place to stay in for free for a month. Ever since then, you had to start paying your own bills, with money you had been earning through jobs to just about hold yourself above water.

You got fucked over by your own company. When did you start realising something was off? About two years after your debut... a little late some might say, but it wasn't even things that really concerned you all too much. Little things happened that just made you wonder, "Oh... is this how this business works?" Turns out no. Well, mostly not at least. It was just your company.

A year before you were jobless, you started questioning more things, looking more into certain actions and decisions made by the staff members but were brushed off even quicker than you could open your mouth. This made not only you, but also your partner in crime, Haru, more suspicious than you already were the years before. It was the moment that made you decide to start taking law classes, hiding it from the members, besides the '97 Liner in your group, and the staff. Your members found out rather quickly, as you suspiciously disappeared during some evenings, and locked yourself into the bedroom all five of you had to share, on others. These classes were for your personal interest only - you never wanted to get an actual degree, hence why you only took some courses, not full-time degree classes. At first. After the letter arrived in your hands, you knew what you could do though. With the knowledge, you had gained, and the friendships you had made with some professors, you had the power to let the company basically kneel down in front of you.

But you decided to put those thoughts to the back of your head. Back then, your focus was on the non-existent well-being of your group. You had only been in the business for a few years, only having gained a small amount of friendships, thanks to the lack of variety and music shows appearances.

The only possibility of getting your group back on its feet was to find a new company. But nobody wanted you. It didn't matter how popular you were or how much money you made for the past label because the rumours that spread through the tabloids were louder than your pleads to every company you had reached out to. With the help of one of your past professors, you had written a 28-page long contract, including everything that a professional record label-group contract would have, and sent it out to smaller labels you thought could need you. You remembered to mention the rise of your company's value after your debut, but nobody seemed to care. Nobody wanted a girl group that had apparently bought their way through the business and had used the company's money for their private lives, only choosing a poor label to debut under to gain attention.

Nobody even wanted to invite you to have a personal meeting to talk about the contract you had sent out. Of course, they didn't want to sign a group that already came with a contract, but you knew what you wanted for the group and that was to not get fucked over again. Because after reading through every little line in your old contract, you had found the loopholes your "CEO" used to get away with using the money on his behalf - what he didn't get away with was owning and using drugs, as well as paying women and even staff members to do all kinds of stuff. The fact that he had been using the money your group had worked hard for behind your back, wasn't of interest to the court - it might become once you were done with this.

That's how you got here. That's how you became this woman, sitting at the dining table, tears welling up her eyes, as she looked at the first of many rejections she would receive for sending out her own written contract, making sure to never get fucked over ever again.

A cheery Yerim, galloping out of the bedroom, housing all five of you, brought you back from your day-nightmaring.

"Where are you going?" You wondered, watching the girl put down her bag and lace her shoes, ready to leave the apartment. The second youngest looked up from her bend over position, trying to look you in the eyes, "I'm meeting up with the other '98s. I told you about that yesterday. You forgot?"

'Did she?' you ran through your foggy memory, that was mostly filled with emails and phone calls, 'She probably did. She's not usually the one who lies.'

"Oh, yeah," you snapped back, standing up after shutting down your laptop and closing it, "Right, sorry."

Yerim seemed to have noticed your distressed look as she observed you carefully, finding your slightly red eyes, "Are you okay?"

The maknaes, if you could call them that in your small group, weren't caught up on everything that had happened. You decided to keep it that way, letting them focus on their private life, as well as working to keep you a roof above your head.

"Yeah," you nodded with a smile, strutting over to the arch that separated the living-dining-room-kitchen space, and the small hallway. But the younger girl knew more about the situation than you thought, having actively spied in on your late-night chats with Haru on the couch. But she got to know your persona over the past few years you had spent together, and she knew that you'd let them in when things would start to get serious. Right now, you wanted to keep them as happy and safe as possible, and she respected that.

With a nod, she turned around and opened the door, "Well, then. I'll get going," flashing you a smile as she usually does.

"Be careful," you copied her facial expression and watched her exit the apartment.

Now that Yerim just left, Minjeong was visiting her parents, and Sunhi and Haru were at work, it was only you left in the small space you called home. One of the few moments that you were actually alone. And what better way to use it than to finally let all your emotions take over you, throwing yourself onto the couch, grabbing a pillow, and screaming into it. You just wanted to let it go.

A waterfall was running down your cheeks, the pillow now held a little lake of tears and your eyes were burning from the sensation of crying that you hadn't felt in too long. You were the leader of the group. The pillar everybody leaned onto. The person they trusted the most. And one of the biggest reasons why all of you were still living under one roof. You had promised them to get back out there. You couldn't just let them go back to their home as if nothing ever happened. As if the time you had spent training, practising, and performing together, didn't mean anything. You were going to work hard for them. For them to have a good life. Finally, a good life, doing what they truly enjoy doing, instead of what they had to do right now to keep the electricity and gas going in this place.

The time that you were able to spend sobbing to yourself, holding the tears-stained pillow close to you, was cut short as the front door opened, making you jolt up. You quickly wiped off any signs of the tears and looked towards the hallway to see who had just disturbed your moment of emotions.

Haru, your personal pillar, the person whose hands you'd put your life in.

"Hey," you whispered, noticing your strange-sounding voice, making you clear your throat, "What are you already doing back home?" Home... weird to call this two-bedroom apartment the home of five women.

"I got off earlier," she stumbled into the living room, leaving her shoes behind her, but quickly came to a halt once she saw your red eyes and even redder eyes, "W-Why are you crying? What happened? Are you okay?"

Hearing these words fall from her lips was like listening to your therapist asking you this question. You could feel your bottom lip starting to quiver again as you just crouched forward again, letting a loud sob errupt from your throat while you shook your head. Even if you wanted to, you couldn't hide it. Not right then and there. Not with the state you were in.

Haru hastily huddled over to you, plopping herself onto the empty space right next to you before wrapping both of her arms around you, pulling you as close as it was possible in your sitting down position. You accepted the embrace, and did the same, holding onto her as if if you wouldn't, you'd fall apart into little pieces, and she'd have to clean it up.

With cooing sounds and comforting words, as well as soft brushes over your hair, the '96 Liner tried to soothe you and your emotional breakdown. The only time she had seen you that emotionally unstable was when you were sitting on the couch of your old dorm, holding onto the letter that would change your lives forever, for the worse.

"It's okay, (Y/N). It's all good," she spoke to you, using her most gentle voice, but you couldn't control the pitch nor the volume of yours, so you just continued crying into her arms,

"No," sob, "No, Haru," sniffle, "Nothing's okay, and it's not all good." She truly hated seeing you like this, God did she hate it. But she also knew it would take time for you to calm down, so she would let you have it. With the rarity of you crying, it took you all so much longer to recover from it, which wasn't ideal and probably not good for your body, but that's for another time. Bottling up the fear of rejection and the anxiety that had been building up for the past three months, you had to let it out - and you found the most comfort in your best friend's shoulder.

A good five minutes later of sobbing and crying out loud, Haru's arms not letting go and her hand caressing your hair and back, you were finally able to breathe in again, leaning back on the couch, and find her worrying glance.

"What happened?" Her voice was soft and calming, knowing the last thing you needed to hear was her loud voice ringing through your ear. She turned around, finding the tissues you kept next to the couch for every sad movie marathon you held and handed you the entire box. After drying your cheeks and blowing your nose, you looked up at the ceiling, trying to find the best words to describe the situation to her,

"Stone Entertainment replied," making her eyebrows shoot up, "They're not gonna sign us," you sniffled, "Just like every other fucking company that I wrote to," throwing the used tissue onto the floor in anger.

Haru tried avoiding looking at you in agony, but she couldn't help it, "But it's only been two months. They're probably not even checking their emails that often," smiling at you to ease the tension. Your head turned to find her glassy eyes staring at you,

"They have people that just work on their emails!" You cried out, covering your face with both arms. Just as the '97 Liner tried to push your arms away to comfort you, you began sobbing again, "I promised you guys..." sniffle, "And I'm not gonna be able to keep that promise."

"(Y/N)," Haru whined, throwing her arm around you, pulling you to rest your forehead on her shoulder, "We're gonna find a way. We can do it," pulling you up to look you in the eyes, holding your face still with your hands on your cheeks, "But you have to stop wanting to do this all by yourself. Let us help."

"I'm supposed to lead us," you explained, "But I'm only leading us into our misery right now," letting your head fall back onto her shoulder. As much as Haru wanted to break down with you, watching you fall apart, she knew you needed a foundation, and she was the only person that could give you that sense of stability.

Her hand started patting your head again, "We'll find a way," whispering softly to you, letting you calm down before getting into a serious conversation again.

Another 10 minutes later, both of your guys' positions changed. Well, you were still lying on the couch, now cuddling into a blanket Haru brought you, while she was sitting next to you, your laptop on her lap, scrolling through your last sent emails. She analyzed them carefully before commenting, "You only contacted small labels, (Y/N)."

You shot up, "Because we are from a small ass company. No one even knew them before we debuted."

"Still," she argued, googling the contact details of the labels she was thinking of, "Why not try the Big Three?"

You moved your body closer to hers, extending your arms to get your laptop away from the woman who was about to type again, "Stop, Haru," you snatched it away from her, but not without her trying to get it back, "Stop!" Holding it far away from you, "Do you really want to embarrass yourself in front of those companies?" Your question made her calm down and lean against the backrest of the couch. "We have to stay realistic."

She huffed, crossing her arms in front of her chest, pouting her lips, which she liked to do whenever she was thinking about something. Then another name made the lightbulb inside her head light up, "What about HYBE?"

After putting the laptop down on the table next to the couch, you focused your eyes back on her, "I'd put them under the Big Three. They're doing better than YG, from what I know... probably even better than SM, to be honest," the realisation hitting you that this might be it. Maybe you were meant to not last. Maybe it was for the better.

"Whatever happens," Haru sighed and looked down, "We'll stick together."

"Of course," you comforted her, crawling over to sit closer together, hugging her side, "I promise you," nuzzling your head into her neck, making her giggle and hug you back tightly.

Taglist: open!

[atlafan]

a/n: A couple of weeks ago I saw a post about ex’s to lovers, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So basically it’s a story about two people who ended things on a semi-good note, like nothing inherently bad happened between them, but they decided to break up. Sometimes people find their way back to each other, though. That’s what we have here. Harry is a tax attorney, a few years older than our MC, Blair Smith, who teaches jazzercise. (not proofread) PLEASE REBLOG IF YOU READ THIS AND LIKE IT, YALL WANTED ME TO KEEP POSTING FICS ON HERE, SO HERE YOU GO! PLEASE, IT TAKES TWO SECONDS! Check out my patreon for other excursive content.

Warnings: angst, fluff, smut (sub!Harry????), mentions of death, a funeral

Words: 17.8K

Pairing: Harry x OC (Blair Smith)

When Blair Smith became a Physical Education major in college, she never thought that would lead her to leasing a dance studio, and teaching jazzercise. It took her until she was twenty-five to really get it all together. She wasn’t mad about it, she actually enjoyed it more than she thought. She double minored in Dance and in Business Administration, she had never been so thankful to have overloaded herself in her life. She thought she would be teaching gym at the high school level, along with some health and nutrition classes, but when she did her practicum semester at a local high school near her college, she realized that working with younger students was not for her. None of them listened, none of them really wanted to be there, aside from the gym-class-heroes, and she couldn’t stand that the majority wouldn’t even change their clothes for class.

Blair wanted to make her own rules. Luckily, after presenting a well-thought-out business plan to her parents, she was able to get them to co-sign for a loan from the bank to lease a dance studio. She named her studio Just Dance because she offered different types and levels of jazzercise. Some involved use of weights, some involved a little more high intensity, and some involved a little yoga. She was grateful for the couple of marketing classes she took because she was able to really build her brand. She had an Instagram, Facebook Page, and a website. She had an online way to sign up for memberships, and she had daily drop-in prices.

It was easier than she thought to build her clientele. She had a great spot in the city, and there was a small parking lot out back behind the building. Most of her friends from school signed up, and helped her advertise. It was open to men and women, as opposed to a lot of jazzercise places that only offered classes to women. Even though Blair couldn’t afford to hire a second instructor, she was managing things just fine. She offered two early morning sessions, one lunch hour session, and three evening sessions. So, she had plenty of time to relax, stretch, and not over work her muscles. She was strategic about class offerings as well. She gave herself Sundays and Fridays off, since those seemed to be the days with the least amount of people signed up. Monday through Thursday, and Saturday, she made sure to stagger her lessons. For example, Mondays and Wednesdays were weights and yoga infused classes, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays were the high intensity days. Going into her fourth year doing this, she had it down to a science to say the least.

Business was always really good in January and February, when people were making their New Year’s resolutions, and during the summer months when people were trying to feel better about being in their bathing suits. Blair always preached positivity and inner health as the most important things. It was an inclusive space, which is exactly what she wanted it to be.

She liked working for herself. If she needed to run errands between classes, she could. If she wanted to take a nap in the middle of the day, she could. She didn’t have to answer to a single person. Her parents would sometimes ask questions, but mostly just to make sure Blair was making her loan payments on time. She had automatic withdrawals set up with the bank, so she didn’t even need to think about it. Yup, Blair had just about everything figured out, and she knew she was very lucky for that.

//

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Sullivan, we’ll get everything figured out for your son. Yes, he’s in very good hands with me. Alright, have a nice evening.” Harry hangs up his phone and sighs, rubbing at his temples to soothe the oncoming headache he could feel. It was another complicated trust fund case, but that was the job.

The Law Office of Styles and Associates was a tax attorney office. Harry specialized in cases that dealt with trusts, gifts, and various tax planning structures to reduce the burdens of income taxes and estate taxes, and he assisted in devising investment strategies. His undergraduate degree was in accounting, and he minored in pre-law. After that, he went to law school for three years and passed the bar. His father had been a tax attorney as well. Harry liked living the comfortable life he was able to live growing up thanks to his father, and he wanted the same for himself. Plus, he just enjoyed crunching numbers for people, so it was a win-win. Making nearly $150K a year wasn’t too shabby either.

“Hey, H, you ready to go?” John comes into Harry’s office.

“Yeah, just finished up for the day.” Harry stands up, puts his suit jacket back on, grabs his brief case, and heads out. “Kate, feel free to head home, I’m done for the day.” He tells his secretary on his way out.

“Thank you, Mr. Styles, have a nice weekend.” She smiles at him.

“Same to you.” He nods and keeps walking with John. “I feel terrible, she’s pregnant, you know? Her feet are the size of melons by the end of the day.”

“When’s her maternity leave start?” John asks as they enter the elevator.

“Not for a while, she’s only seven months along. She’s been trying to train some college intern to take her place while she’s gone, but no one’s as good as Kate.” Harry rolls her eyes. “Oh well, I’m happy for her. Her and husband have been trying to get pregnant for a while.”

Harry and John make their way to a bar downtown, one of their usual Friday evening spots. They usually met up with some of their other law-school buddies. It was also a great way to blow off steam from the week. Sometimes Harry would end up pulling a 60-hour week, so he thought he deserved to cut loose, and have a little fun with his friends. Maybe meet a pretty girl he could take back to her place and have a whole different kind of fun with her. Harry was a phenomenal attorney, but when it came to his personal life, well, if you looked up the definition of a playboy, his picture would be there. He fucked around, a lot, without a second thought. Actually, his only thought was to make sure he always had a condom. Harry never went bare back. The last thing he needed was someone claiming he was the father of their child, and suing him for child support. The only time he didn’t use a condom was when he was in a legitimate relationship a couple of years back.

He thought about her from time to time. He never met another girl like her, and there were times he really did miss her. The breakup wasn’t anything dramatic, the pair had just grown apart. Harry was in the process of taking over the practice for his father, and she…wasn’t quite ready to settle down. She wanted to work on her own career and make a name for herself. It hurt that she didn’t see him in her vision for the future, but he understood where she was coming from. She was a few years younger than him, and he didn’t want her to resent him for taking away her time to be young and have fun. So they ended it. Since her, he decided to have some fun himself with his friends.

//

Blair got the call right before her second morning class on Wednesday morning. She nearly collapsed on the floor in tears. Everyone rushed over to her. She had to cancel everything for the rest of the week, and her clients were more than understanding.

“How did it happen?” She asks her mother, Pam.

“He had a stroke, and…god, he just didn’t bounce back.” Pam uses a hankie to wipe her tears. “Most of everything should be all set, he was very specific, but…we’re going to need an attorney. Your father’s biggest fear is that his first wife would claim that she has a right to his pension, that she was promised money or something.”

“God, I hate her.” Blair grimaces. “All she’s ever cared about is making him miserable. She just wants money for her son. He’s not even Dad’s!”

“That’s why they got divorced! She cheated on him with his best friend and got knocked up. You can see how sticky this is going to get. I hate to ask, but…”

“I’ll go see him.” Blair sighs.

“I just think he might sympathize, maybe work the case pro bono. I’m not sure we could afford him otherwise.”

“Don’t worry about it, Mum, I’ll talk to him and figure it out. I’m not going to let Lora fuck everything up for you.”

//

Kate nearly choked on her water when she saw Blair walking towards her. She knew Harry had a meeting with a B. Smith. She should have known better.

“B-Blair, hi.” Kate says.

“Kate! Oh my goodness, you look incredible! You and Roger finally-“

“Yeah! I’m due in a couple more months.”

“That’s amazing, I’m so happy for you.” Blair smiles. “Um, I think I set up a meeting through an intern?”

“Yes.” Kate sighs. “I’m training her for when I go on maternity leave. Um, may I ask why you’re here to see Harry?”

“It’s strictly business. My…my father recently passed, and-“

“I’m so sorry.” Kate frowns. “He was always so nice.”

“Yeah, he was a good guy. Anyways, there’s a lot going on with his will and a trust he set up for my mom. Harry’s the only person I could think of when my mom said we’d need an attorney.”

“Of course.” Kate nods. “I’ll let him know you’re here.” Kate knocks on Harry’s door and opens it. “Mr. Styles?”

“Yes?”

“Your 2PM is here.”

“Ah, great.” Harry squints at his screen to check his calendar. “B. Smith? Why does that sound familiar?” He puckers his lips in thought.

“Um…it’s Blair.”

“Blair!” Harry stands up and bangs his knee in the process. “Why didn’t you tell me she was coming?!”

“I didn’t know! Maura answered when she called to set up the appointment.”

“Fuck.” Harry runs a hand through his hair. “How do I look? Is there anything in my teeth?”

“No, you’re fine. Just relax, I’m going to send her in.” Kate leaves his office and smiles at Blair. “He’s ready for you.”

“Thank you, Kate. We should catch up before the baby comes.”

“I’d like that. I miss going to your classes.”

Blair nods and goes into Harry’s office, closing the door behind her.

“Hi, Harry.”

“Hi.” He walks over to her, leaving about a foot of space between them. “To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing you?” Her bottom lip trembles, and his smile fades. “What’s wrong?” He asks softly.

“M…my Dad died.” She says, tears rolling down her cheeks.

“Oh, sweetheart.” He pulls her in for a hug so he can comfort her. “When’s the funeral? You know you could have just called me, you didn’t have to be so formal.”

“Actually, I did.” She sniffles and steps back from him. “I need an attorney, my mom and I do…only…we can’t really afford a good one.”

“Oh.” Harry nods. “Have a seat.” He gestures, and rounds his desk to sit back down in his own seat. “Is this about his ex-wife?”

“Unfortunately.” Blair rolls her eyes, and grabs a tissue off his desk. “My mom is scared she’s going to pull some fake paternity crap with her son, even though everyone knows he’s not my Dad’s. I think my mom just wants to be prepared for the inevitable shit storm Lora’s going to bring.”

“I don’t blame her.” Harry sighs and leans back in his chair. “I…haven’t taken a pro bono case yet this year. I could help that way.”

“Only if you really want to. I’m not asking for a handout, but I don’t trust anyone else to take care of me.” Blair blinks when she realizes what she’s said. “Us, I don’t trust anyone else to take care of us.”

“Right.” He leans forward. “I’d be happy to do it. Um, does your mom want to meet with me, or-“

“I think she’s sort of hoping I’ll take care of all the legal stuff. She’s grieving, you know?”

“So are you.” He frowns.

“You know me, I like to keep busy during these sorts of things. I can get a copy of the will, and the trust information over to you via email if that works, and then we can go from there?”

“Sure, yeah. My email’s still the same, um, and so is my phone number…”

“I still have your phone number.” She rolls her eyes.

“Then why didn’t you call me about this first? Why call and make an appointment?”

“I…I thought if I called…you’d think I was calling for something else.” She blushes. “I wanted you to know it was strictly business.”

“Blair, all you had to say was that your dad died. I could have been there for you. You live alone, all you do is work…your best friend is my cousin…do you and Riley even still talk?”

“Of course we do! Just because we broke up doesn’t mean that she and I did. I met you because of her, I was her friend first. It would be really shitty to stop talking to her because it didn’t work out with you.”

“Okay, Christ, calm down.” He shakes his head. “You’re as hot headed as ever, you know that?”

“I’m sorry, my father just died and I’m trying to keep it together!” Her eyes rim with tears again. “He’s never going to be able to walk down the aisle when I get married, he’s never going to meet his grandchildren, there are so many things…he was too young.” She sniffles.

“How did it happen?”

“He had a stroke, and didn’t recover.” She looks away.

“I’m so sorry.”

“I appreciate that, but that’s not going to being him back, so don’t be sorry. Just…help me with this.”

“I will, there’s no question about it.”

“Thank you, Harry.” She stands up. “I’ll email you.”

“Blair.” Harry stands up. “Look, if you need anything else, don’t be afraid to ask. If you need a friend…I’m here for you.”

“I have plenty of friends.” She sighs. “And no offense, but my friends don’t fuck a ton of women weekend after weekend and treat them like shit.” She smirks.

“I don’t do that.” His face flushes. “I just haven’t met someone I’ve really wanted to continue seeing, that’s all.”

“Harry.” Blair shakes her head as she chuckles. “Not that I ask, but Riley’s told me a few things. You two are close, and when she gets drunk she loves regaling me of your many escapades.”

“I’ll have to send her a very strongly worded text after you leave.” He rolls his eyes.

“Don’t get mad at her, it’s fine. I don’t really care.”

“You don’t?”

“No, why would I? It’s not me you’re fucking, so it doesn’t concern me.” She shrugs. “That’s the beauty of breaking up, Har, I don’t give a shit where you stick your dick at night.”

“Well, obviously you do if you won’t even let me be a friend to you, Blair.”

“I just…I don’t want us getting close again, alright? It’ll hurt when we end up parting way, and I don’t wanna go through that while also grieving my Dad. Can you understand that?”

“Yeah.” He nods. “Don’t worry, we’ll get this all sorted out.” He smiles at her.

“Thank you. I need to go. I told my mom I’d be over to help her pack some things up. She sort of just wants to rip the band aid and put his clothes away.”

“If you need any help at all with any heavy lifting, call me.”

“Harry.” Blair sighs.

“I’ve got that nice SUV, I can help move stuff, that’s all I’m saying.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. I’ll talk to you soon.” She says, and out the door she goes. Kate waits a moment before coming into Harry’s office.

“Scotch?” Kate asks.

“Scotch.” Harry nods, and Kate goes over to his credenza to take out his good crystal and liquor to pour him a small glass.

“You’ll get through this.” She lifts her water bottle to cheers with him, and he downs the brown liquid.

//

Blair was back at work the following week. She needed the distraction. Lora had been eerily quiet. Maybe she didn’t know that Blair’s father passed, but as soon as the obituary hit the papers, she was sure that witch would be out and about to cause some trouble. At the end of Blair’s last Thursday class, she heard the sound of dress shoes on the hard wood. She turns to see Harry.

“You know there’s not supposed to be outside shoes in here. I just mopped.” She puts her hands on her hips and huffs at him.

“Yeah, I’m well aware of the rules. I used to be your best customer, remember?” He smirks. “Anyways, I looked over all the documents, I thought you might like to go over everything with me before the funeral, in case she shows up to cause trouble, you’ll have all the facts.”

“I need to, like, go home and shower…today was an intensive day, I’m soaked.”

“Perfect, I’ve got dinner in the car. We can go there, eat, and go over the documents.” He smiles.

“You’re such a weasel.” She chuckles. “But I’m too tired to argue with you. What did you pick up to eat?” She raises an eyebrow at him.

“Nothing special.” He shrugs. “Just some dumpling curry from that Thai place we both like.”

“I take it back you’re not a weasel, you’re the devil.”

Harry drives over to Blair’s apartment. He didn’t have a key anymore so he had to wait for her. He follows her up to her apartment, and makes himself at home while she goes to take a shower. She hadn’t changed much, but he definitely noticed some different pictures on her bookshelves. They used to be littered with framed photos of them, and she had a ton of scrapbooks for the two of them, but those seemed to be missing now as well. He sighs while he plates up the food for the both of them, and opens up a bottle of wine while he waits. Blair comes out about ten minutes later with her hair wrapped up in a towel, and her long, plush, pink robe around her body. She sits down next to him at the island.

“Wine?” She questions, but picks up the glass to take a sip.

“It’s been a long day, to be honest with you. I’m gonna work from home to catch up on some sleep tomorrow since I don’t have any meetings.”

“You know I have Fridays off, we could have done this tomorrow.” She frowns.

“It’s okay, I figured you’d want everything now. The funeral’s Saturday, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“Eat up, and then we can look at everything.”

“We can do both at the same time.”

“Does your nose still run like a leaky faucet when you eat spicy food?” He smirks, and she rolls her eyes. “That’s what I thought.”

“Thank you for picking this up.” She says as she takes a bite. “I haven’t had this in forever.”

“Me neither…I stopped going because I didn’t want to run into you there.”

“That’s why I stopped going. We should have divided up restaurants when we broke up.” She laughs, and takes another sip of wine. “Do you mind if I dry my hair when we’re done eating? I’ll get a-“

“You’ll get a headache if you don’t, I know the drill.” He takes a sip of his own wine, and eats a spoonful of rice.

“Stop remembering things about me.” She swats a hand at him.

“We were together for long enough, Blair, I can’t help it.”

“Yeah, well, quit throwing it in my face, okay? We’re not doing this to go for a stroll down memory lane.”

Harry knew he’d be waiting at least twenty minutes while Blair dried her hair. He walks around her living room, stretching his legs a bit. He was curious to see what she had filled her bookshelves with. There was a picture of her and Riley from their freshman year of college. Harry picks it up and smiles. Harry was in his first year of law-school when Riley and Blair were college freshmen. He didn’t meet Blair formally until their senior year, and he was in his first year working at his father’s firm. He was helping Riley move in after winter break, and Blair had already been there.

“Blair!” Riley exclaimed. “I missed you so much.” She threw her arms around her.

“I missed you too! I’m glad we both agreed to come back a week early.”

“Same here. This is my cousin, Harry. Harry, this is Blair.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Harry shook Blair’s hand.

“It’s nice to meet you too.” Her mouth had run dry. They held eye contact for a beat too long. “You’re in law school, right?”

“I finished last year, I’m actually working now. I’m a tax attorney.” He explains. “It’s my dad’s business.”

“And it’s super boring.” Riley rolled her eyes. “Har, could you bring everything in for me? I have a meeting with my advisor that I need to get to. We’re going over my practicum stuff.”

“Sure thing. We’re still getting dinner later, right?”

“Mhm, I shouldn’t be too long. Blair, you don’t mind if Harry hangs here for a bit, do you? You’re also welcome to come to dinner with us.”

“Sure, I don’t have a problem with it.” She shrugged.

“You’re the best. See you in a little while!”

“Is there a lot of stuff? I can help.” Blair said to Harry.

“Not a lot, no. But…I’ve never been here before, so if you could just show me upstairs, that would be great.”

“Yeah.” She nodded.

Harry brought Riley’s suitcase in, and Blair led him upstairs. She showed him Riley’s room.

“Is yours similar?” He asked.

“My room? Um, no…it’s a little different.” She swallowed. “Do you wanna see?”

“I’d love to.” He grinned, and followed her down the hall to her room. “Riley’s told me a lot about you over the years, but she failed to mention how insanely gorgeous you are.” He leaned against her wall after she closed her door.

“Well, she failed to mention how hot her cousin is, but I suppose that would be a weird thing to say about a family member.” She smirked. “How old are you, exactly?’

“I’m about to turn twenty-six, what about you?”

“I’m almost twenty-two…in May.”

“Not a huge age difference.” He walked towards her.

“Not at all.” She looked up at him with big eyes.

“Want me to kiss you?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, all done.” Blair says, coming out with her all dry and pretty. “What are you doing?”

“Nothing, just saw this old picture of you and Riley.”

“God, we were babies then.” Blair smiles at the photo. “We took that on the day we met at orientation.” She looks at him. “Wanna sit on the couch?”

“Sure.” Harry grabs his briefcase and takes out all of the documents he needed to go over with Blair. “So, as you can see, your father set up a trust for you that you’ll get access to a year after his passing. That’s pretty standard. Your mother has a different sum of money that she’ll be able to access much sooner. There’s absolutely nothing in his will about Lora or her son. Even if she tries to contest it, there’s nothing in here that would indicate he was hiding anything. I looked over their divorce settlement as well, she stopped getting alimony when she remarried. She literally has no case. You and your mum can take a breather.”

“Oh, what a relief! Thank you, Harry. She’ll be able to let herself relax for the first time in a while.”

“Are you going to take any more time off from work?”

“Well, I’m closed Saturday, and I’m off Sunday, and I’m closed Monday as well. Then I’ll be back to it Tuesday.”

“You’re only giving yourself a long weekend?” He frowns.

“Harry, I can’t afford to keep closing. I make enough with the memberships, but I won’t be making the extra I do from the walk-ins.”

“Look, if you need some money-“

“Don’t you dare.” She stands up. “I don’t want your money, Harry, I never have, and I never will. I’m not your goddamn sugar baby!”

“I never said you were!” He says, standing up.

“But you used to make me feel like that all the time! You were always paying for every little thing. You never let me pay for a single thing. It was like you had zero confidence in me, even though I was running a successful business!”

“You were just starting out! All I wanted to do was help you, make it a little easier for you. You’re the one that went to their parents for loan help when I would have done it in a heartbeat! You crushed me.”

“We weren’t even living together, and you were ready to drop that amount of money on me?! That would have been so weird!”

“We were both working odd hours, and we had only been together a few months at that point, moving in would have been weird! A loan is totally different, I would have been investing in something great.”

“Well, I didn’t need your investment! We were together for nearly three years, Harry, what’s your excuse for not living together after all that time, hm?”

“I would have felt guilty. I was never home, I didn’t want you waiting up for me. It was easier when I could just come here and crawl into bed with you after a long day. And you always had to get up so much earlier than me. I thought…I thought it was better that we weren’t living together. You had never lived alone before, I wanted you to enjoy the freedom.”

“Was that it, or did you just want to keep your own?” She huffs, crossing her arms. “You know what, this fight is useless, it doesn’t matter because it’s not going to solve a single fucking thing. Thank you for your help, I really do appreciate it, but now that I know everything’s fine, you can go. If I need anything else from you down the line, I’ll reach out. I’m sure Lora will make a stink, and therefore I’ll need an attorney. But it’s all professional, Harry.”

“You’ve made that plenty clear already, thanks.” Harry packs up his things, and Blair walks him to the door. They look at each other. He just sighs and heads out the door.

Blair would be lying if she said that she didn’t miss Harry. They had a really special bond that was hard to find with just any one. All they did that first day they met was kiss, have a passionate make out, but that was it. Blair didn’t want to go too far with him in case Riley wasn’t comfortable with it. But Riley was overjoyed when Harry asked if she would mind if he asked Blair out on a date. It was a whirlwind from there.

He took her on some of the nicest dates she had ever been on. Most guys would take her out for coffee, maybe a movie if they could scrape the money together, but Harry took Blair out to nice restaurants, and to the movies that had lux levels. Not to mention his condo, god, she loved his condo. He liked that she kept things simple. Crockpot dinners at her place, watching TV curled up in her little full-sized bed, and clipping coupons together on Sunday mornings. That was where they had sex for the first time, in her little bed after their fifth date. He told her he loved her for the first time on the top of a Farris Wheel during the spring carnival her campus held, and she wasted no time saying it back. After that, a deeper trust formed between the two of them. One that not a lot of people would understand. Harry didn’t quite understand it himself since he was usually the one who was a little more dominant in bed, but with Blair…well, needless to say after a long week of working cases, his favorite thing was to come home, find her in his bedroom with some lingerie on, and letting her tie him to the bed posts for a little while. It was a release he didn’t even really know he needed. And with her, having been a college student about ready to graduate and enter the real world, it felt like so many things were out of control. Harry gave her that control back.

Harry wonders if that’s why they breakup seemed so much harder on him than her. It seemed like Blair was able to let go so easily. Yes, he started fucking around afterwards, but he just couldn’t get that same high from anyone else, nor did he trust some random girl at a bar to do the things for him that Blair once did. Blair was just better at hiding her emotions. She missed Harry, she’s missed him for a long time now. She cried for weeks, feeling this undeniable ache in her heart without him around. But, she had her studio to throw herself into, a brand to keep building. It was the perfect distraction, and even though she missed Harry, she didn’t hate being single for the first time in a while. For three years, Harry had been like her security blanket. The way she looked at it, every kid eventually stops sleeping with their security blanket at some point. It was time to be independent.  

//

The funeral was a graveside service. It was cloudy, but there wasn’t rain, which was probably the only upside Blair could think of. She was there, sitting next to her mother, other family members in the row behind them. Her mother was holding Blair’s hand, but this is one the few times Blair wished someone was there for her. Just as the service was about to get started, someone sat down next to her. She looks to her right and sees Harry, dressed in black from head to toe. He doesn’t say anything, he just puts his arm around her, and rubs his shoulder. He gives Blair’s mom a soft smile before sitting back in his seat.

“Harry…you weren’t supposed to come until afterwards…” Blair says.

“I know.” He looks at her. “I just wanted to be here for you.”

Harry gave Blair his extra tissues while she cried during the service. He held her the entire time, and stayed back once it was over. Then, he offered to drive Blair and Pam back to Pam’s home. Neither of them were in any condition to drive. There were a lot of people that came back to the house afterwards. Blair was able to calm down a bit, but her mother was really taking it hard.

“We don’t have to do this today.” Harry says to Blair.

“No, we should just rip the band aid. Then she can just…” Blair’s eyes widen when she sees Lora walk through the door. “Oh, you miserable cunt.” She says.

“What?” Harry asks, confused.

“Not you, Lora’s here.” Blair storms over to her. “What are you doing here?”

“Nice to see you too.” Lora smiles. “I’m here to grieve the loss of my first husband.”

“You weren’t at the funeral.”

“I didn’t want to upset anyone.” Lora shrugs. “So…have you read the will yet? I think I should be in on that.”

“Lora.” Pam says when she walks over. “Alright, let’s get this over with.” Pam sighs, and has everyone follow her down the hall to the guest bedroom. Harry takes out the paperwork.

“There’s been-“ He starts, but he’s cut off.

“I’m sorry, but how is it legal if her boyfriend is reading the will?” Lora asks.

“We’re not together anymore. We haven’t been for a while. He’s here as our attorney, that’s it.” Blair says.

“Anyways, been a trust set up for Blair a little down the road. Everything else, including the house, has been left to Pamela Smith. There is no mention of anyone else’s name.”

“That can’t be right.” Lora scoffs. “I was promised-“

“He would have never left you anything.” Pam says. “And I’m sick of dealing with you. He’s gone, he’s left you nothing, you have no ties to us now. It’s clear as day that Derek is not his. He owed you absolutely nothing, you gold digging bitch.” Pam steps closer to Lora. “Now, get out of my house before I have you removed. I buried my husband today, I am in no mood to be fucked with.”

“Fine.” Lora says, turns on her heel and leaves.

“Way to go, Mum.” Blair gives her a high five. “I thought she’d put up more of a fight than that.”

“With your father maybe, but not with me. I’ve ripped her cheap extensions out more than once, and she knows I’ll do it again.” She takes take a deep breath. “I think I’m about ready to be done for the day. I need to lay down.”

“Do you want me to stay tonight?” Blair asks her.

“No, honey, thank you. Auntie Fay is staying, I’ll be alright.” She looks at Harry. “Harry, I can’t thank you enough for helping with all of this.”

“Don’t mention it. If there’s anything else I can do, anything at all, don’t be afraid to ask.”

“Drive Blair home.”

“Mum.”

Pam raises her hands in defense and leaves the room.

“I can drive you back if you want. I took an uber out here as it was.” Harry says, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“You’ve done enough for me today, it’s alright…I can make it back on my own. Riley’s flying back in from Chicago tomorrow and we’re gonna have a girl’s day, so-“

“Blair, I still have your keys in my pocket, I’m driving you.”

“I don’t need you to swoop in here and act like superman, Harry.” Her bottom lip trembles. “I know my dad’s not around to do it anymore, but-“

“Hey.” He takes her in his arms. “I wish I could take it all away, I really do. I wish you weren’t going through all of this, baby.”

“Harry.” She sighs heavily into his chest.

“Sorry.” He rests his chin on the top of her head. “Some habits are hard to break I guess.”

“Have you called anyone else baby in the last year?” She nuzzles in close to him.

“No.” He tilts her chin up to look at him. “I never could.”

“Okay, you can drive me home.” She sighs. “I’m about ready to pass out as it is.”

Blair takes a few minutes to say goodbye to the people still at the house before her and Harry get into her car. He keeps the music volume low, and her eyes start to droop. Harry can’t help but feel soft and warm knowing she was so easily able to fall asleep with him there still. She’d always fall asleep on long car rides.

“Blair.” Harry says, trying to wake her up. “We’re at your place, love.” She groans at him, and he sighs. “Are you really going to make me carry you up?” She groans again and he rolls his eyes. Blair would always pretend to be asleep so Harry would carry her inside. He unbuckles her, gets out, and opens her door to lift her out. “You’re killing me.” He grunts as he carries her to the front door. He keys in, and carries her up the stairs to her door. “I know you’re awake.” He says as he brings her to her bedroom.

“Mm, but you’re so strong and warm.” She mumbles.

“Okay.” He chuckles and lays her on her bed. “Are your pj’s still in the third drawer of your dresser.”

“Harry.” She sits up. “You don’t have to do all that…”

“I was just gonna grab you a shirt and get out of your hair.” He says innocently.

“God, I’m so confused.” She pinches the bridge of her nose.

“About what?” He grabs a bed shirt for her, and sits on the edge of her bed.

“I think I’m just feeling vulnerable, I don’t know.” She looks away from him. “I don’t want you to go.” She mutters, and then looks at him. “But I also don’t want to get your hopes up.”

“If you need me to stay as a friend, I can do that.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, I’d never leave you like this.” He runs a hand through his hair. “I was just gonna pretend to leave, and then crash on your couch.”

“Well, you don’t have to do that. Got a queen sized bed now, plenty of room.”

“I can see that.” He smiles. “There was nothing wrong with your old bed. It was kinda fun when we were practically sleeping on top of each other.”

“Yeah, but your bed was better for…well…never mind.” She clears her throat. “Um, I still have some of your old pajama pants in my drawer, you can wear those if you want.”

“I’m good with just boxers if that’s alright with you.”

“Oh, um sure.” She gets off the bed to stand up. “I’m just gonna go wash up and change.”

Harry nods and gets undressed. He goes over to her bathroom door to wait his turn. Blair’s eyes widen when she sees him standing there in his underwear.

“You don’t have a spare toothbrush, do you?”

“Um, you can use one of the extra heads I have for my electric brush.”

“Thanks.” He steps into the bathroom as she leaves to go back to her bedroom.

“Oh my god.” She says to herself. He had beefed up a bit. Harry was already sort of beefy, but he used to be leaner. Had he been getting a lot of protein? She shakes her head as she crawls into bed. Harry comes in shortly after and gets in on the other side. She turns her head to look at him. “Thank you, Harry.”

“You don’t have to thank me.” He looks at her. “I’d be a pretty shitty person to leave you in a time like this.”

“Yeah, but you could be catching tail at some bar with your friends.” She smirks at him.

“You make me sound like I’m promiscuous or something.” He chuckles and turns fully on his side towards her. She does the same. “It’s a stress reliever, and I always wrap it up. M’not doing anything wrong.”

“Do you, um, do what we used to do with any of these hookups?”

“No.” He smirks. “No, I don’t think I could ever trust someone in that way again even if I tried.” He chews his bottom lip. “What about you?”

“Harry, to be honest with you…I haven’t slept with anyone since we broke up.”

“Blair, that was a year ago.”

“I’m well aware.” She rolls her eyes.

“That’s a long fucking dry spell.”

“It’s not a dry spell, it’s a personal choice. I threw myself into the studio, I worked on choreographing a ton of new dances. I was building my brand, bringing in more clientele. Plus…anytime I’d use a dating app or go out with Riley to a bar…no one was ever you.”

“I know things seemed mutual and we didn’t end in some big blow up…but I was so hurt that we couldn’t make things work.” He reaches to tuck some hair behind her ear. “I thought we were going to be together forever.”

“So did I…but I don’t know if I was ready for something so long-term yet, which I know sounds stupid because three years is a long time to be with someone.”

“It’s not stupid. I would have felt the same at that age. It was sort of selfish of me to try to lock you down the way I was.”

“You weren’t being selfish for wanting to be with me, Harry.”

“You know, the last thing I expected when I helped Riley move in that semester was falling in love with her roommate. You just looked so cute that day.”

“You remember how I looked when we first met?”

“How could I forget? You were wearing these sweater leggings that had snow flakes on them, and you were wearing this oversized sweater that was hanging off your shoulder, and you kept trying to tug it back on. You seemed so flustered around me.”

“I was.” She laughs. “I thought for sure you just wanted to fuck me and then leave with the way you pushed me up against the wall when you kissed me.”

“Yeah, you nearly shit yourself at dinner afterwards. Poor Riley had no idea I frenched you for a solid thirty minutes.”

“My lips were so swollen, she had to have known. I was more in shock when you came by a week later to ask me out. God, you were so cute, you were waiting outside my apartment with hot apple cider, and I had such a shit day at my practicum. I was in dingy sweats too, and you still told me I looked beautiful.”

“And I meant it.”

“Then you said I looked tired, and right before I went off on you, you pulled me inside and said that you were going to make me dinner so I could go upstairs and take a long hot shower.”

“Mhm, made you spaghetti and meatballs.”

“And that really yummy homemade garlic bread.” She smiles.

“Then we cuddled up and watched Ratatouille.” He chuckles.

“I was so mad that you had never seen it! And then you ended up loving it.”

“It’s a great movie, honestly.” He says, smiling at her. “Best first date ever.”

“Yeah, it was. When I went to sleep that night I couldn’t believe that a real man wanted to be with me. I don’t think any of the guys I dated in college knew how to cook.”

“Pretty sure I did a good job making you forget about any other guy you had ever been with.” He smirks, and she nudges his shoulder.

“Maybe…maybe when I’m in a better mindset…we could talk about…I mean…I’ve been thinking about you a lot ever since we started talking again, sorry, I’m rambling.” She sighs. “I don’t want you to think that I wanna give things another shot because you’ve been helping me and my mom, but it’s been hard not to think about it…especially after today.” She blinks away a few tears. “I wasn’t expecting you to come to the service. Riley felt awful that she couldn’t be there, and I felt so alone, even being with my mom. You’re so selfless.” She pouts at him.

“I would love to talk about potentially getting back together. I…I don’t think I realized how much I missed you until you walked into my office. I thought I was out having the time of my life, but I wasn’t. Nobody could ever compare to you.”

“I think I just need some time to make sure I’m not…I’m not just feeling this way because you’re being so sweet to me when no one else is.”

“Take all the time you need.” He strokes her cheek. “M’gonna turn over now. If you just so happen to feel like spooning me, I promise not to question it.”

“Please, snuggling sounds like the perfect medicine after today. Assume the position, Styles.”

He chuckles and rolls onto his other side. Blair slots a leg between his, and wraps her arm around his stomach. They both sigh, and wiggle closer to one another. Blair hadn’t felt peace like this in quite some time, and neither had Harry.

//

Blair woke up in a fog the next morning. Her eyes still felt puffy and swollen from crying, and even though the clock read 10AM, she felt like she could stay in bed for at least two more hours. She remembers Harry staying and falling asleep with her, but he wasn’t there next to her now. Where he laid was still warm, so he couldn’t have left too long ago. When she smells coffee, she wakes up a bit more. There was a coffee cup from Dunkin’ on her side table, along with a small bag that she knew had to be a coffee cake muffin. She sits up and sees a note next to the casual breakfast.

Had to rush off to the office this morning. Got a call that one of my major clients passed, and his family is already fighting over the money. Had to time to run out and get you brekkie though! I’ll call you later. – H

Blair pouts at the note, and takes a sip of her coffee, which had cooled down just enough for her to sip it without burning her tongue. She texts Harry a quick “thank you” before diving into her muffin. This was his signature “sorry for not being there when you wake up” breakfast treat. There had been many mornings Blair had woken up alone after spending the night with him. It wasn’t because Harry liked scooting out, he just usually got pulled away due to something work related, and he knew that Blair liked being able to sleep in when she could on the weekends, especially when she was still in school. She never minded because she knew he was busy. She used to just lounge around for an hour or so in his large bed before getting up and making it. Then she’d take an indulgent bath in his Jacuzzi-tub. He’d usually get back to her sometime in the afternoon, and they would snuggle up to watch a movie before he brought her back to her apartment. It worked for them.

There were plenty of times Blair had to scoot early as well. When she was doing her practicum, she needed to be at the high school no later than 7AM, which sucked because at the time she was a major night owl. It’s taken her years of discipline to get herself to fall asleep at a reasonable time so she wouldn’t be so groggy and grumpy in the morning. That was something that Harry helped with as well. He told her about this sleepy time playlist on Spotify that he would listen to on the nights he needed to go to bed early. Blair had told him she couldn’t afford the premium membership and she didn’t want to be jolted awake by ads. So what did Harry do? He bought the subscription plan that allowed for two people to be on it, helped her shift her account, and even though she protested, he insisted. The music sounded like something a masseuse would put on, and it always put her right to sleep. Harry was a genius, at least Blair thought so.

“How do you always have an answer for everything?” She had cried to him on a particularly stressful evening. It was after she graduated, and she had just gotten her business up and running. She felt overwhelmed and scared. “You always stay so calm, it’s like you don’t even care!”

“I just know that this’ll pass, baby. You just graduated from college, you’re going through a major life change. You’ve had the same routine all your life, and now it’s completely different. In a few months things won’t feel as scary.” He smiled at her, and wrapped his arms around her mid-section. “Went through the same thing myself not too long ago. I promise, it gets a lot better. Your early twenties fucking suck.”

“Yeah? How are things looking in the world of mid to late twenties?” She pouted up at him.

“Well,” he moved some hair away from her face, “I’ve got an incredible girlfriend who loves me, and I just so happen to love her, and I’m feeling settled in mt job, and I have a great place to live, and oh! Finally stopped having stress dreams about missing a big exam. Can’t complain too much.”

“I…I’m gonna be really busy at the studio. I have to choreograph all these dances, and start advertising, and-“

“Hey, I’ve got an idea.” He tugged her along down the hall to his home office.

“Harry, I’m not in the mood to fuck in your office…” She said, and Harry chuckled.

“As much as I love it when you let me bend you over my desk, that’s not what this is about.” He took her inside and took out a few sheets of blank paper and some pens. He sat down and pulled her into her lap. “Alright, this used to help me all the time when I was super stressed, still does, actually.” She watched as he drew three large circles, and wrote CHOREOGRAPHY in one, SOCIAL MEDIA, in another, and BUDGET

in the last. “Alright, so these are some rather large cookies, wouldn’t you say?” He looked up at her, and she looked down at him and nodded. “Okay, so what are some ways we can take little bites out of these?”

“Like a checklist for each?”

“Sort of, yeah.” He drew a few stems from each circle. “Almost like a backwards flow chart.”

“Is this what you do with your clients when they ask for financial advice?”

“Sometimes.” He nodded. “But more importantly, I want to help my girlfriend who is insanely frazzled. I hate when people try to be problem solvers…so hope you don’t think that’s what I’m trying to do…”

“No.” She shook her head. “This is great. I think if I have it all laid out in front of me…and can check certain things off…take smaller bites, like you said, I can handle things better.” She grabbed a pen and started writing, and making more stems, color coding a few of them. “My parents are gonna help cover the loan payments for the first year so I can save up, and start paying off my student loans.” She chewed her bottom lip. “And I can set aside some time in the mornings to do the social media stuff, and use the afternoons for choreography…evenings I can work on my website.”

“Just think of how sweet it’ll all taste by the time you finish.” He smiled up at her, and she leaned in to peck his lips.

“I love you, Harry, thank you.”

“I love you too, baby.” He kissed her again, ever so tenderly and soft. “Don’t let this stuff build up, you know you can talk to me about anything.”

“I just feel like my problems are so trivial, like, there are people that are starving, and I’m crying about being overwhelmed.”

“Your feelings are valid, don’t compare it to what someone else might be going through.”

“Do you think, um, could you just hold me for a bit?” It was so rare for Blair to be this vulnerable. Usually she was the one to hold Harry, but once in a while she just really needed him.

“Of course.” He shifted in his seat to cradle her to his chest. He was so warm and inviting, he always made Blair feel safe.

Blair sighs, and shakes herself from the memory. She couldn’t bask in the good times and act as if there weren’t also bad times. Although…there really weren’t that many bad times. She finishes up her muffin and gets out of bed. She grimaced when she saw herself in her bathroom mirror, and decided a long, hot shower would do her some good. She didn’t have the energy to wash her hair, so she grabs a scrunchie to put it up in a bun on the top of her head. As the warm water cascades over her body, she can’t help but continue to let her mind wander to other old memories.

“Harry! I told you I’d be five minutes.” Blair whispered to Harry as he entered the bathroom. He locked the door behind him and smirked. “Riley’s home! Just down the hall sleeping.” Harry pulled back the shower door, and walked into it with her. All he did was put a finger up to his lips.

“Then we’ll need to be quiet.” He whispered to her, ghosting his lips over hers.

“I…I’ve never had sex in the shower before. I always heard it wasn’t as cracked up as it looks in the movies.”

“That’s because people try too hard to do it full on.” He stepped into the water, getting his hair wet, and then moves her so she’s pressed up against the wall. He knelt in front of her, and looked up at her wet body. “Can I make you feel good, baby?”

“Y-yes.”

He grinned, and lifted one of her legs over his shoulder.

“Now, you need to stay quiet.” He pressed his lips to one of her hip bones, and kissed across her pelvis. “So, if it gets to be too much, just suck on your fingers or something, pull my hair, whatever you need to do.” She watched as his eyes darkened when he licked over her clit. His tongue moved to her slit and licked up. He moaned, letting his eyes flutter closed before looking back up at her. “You have no idea how fucking good you taste.”

“Blair!” Riley exclaims as she comes into the apartment. Blair’s taken from her thoughts just as she was whimpering out Harry’s name.

“I’m in the shower!” Blair yells back, and finishes cleaning herself up. She meets Riley out in the living room once she’s thrown some sweats on. “Hi.”

“Oh, god, I’m so sorry I couldn’t be there.” Riley wraps her arms around her friend.

“You couldn’t have known.” Blair hugs her back. “A month in Chicago, I can’t wait to hear all about it.” They let go of each other.

“Are you sure you wanna talk about all that?”

“Yeah, I need the distraction.”

“Alright. I brought coffee and doughnuts.” Riley smiles.

“Thank you, but I might save that for later. I had coffee and a muffin earlier…um, Harry spent the night last night.” Blair blushes as they both move to sit on the couch.

“Holy shit! Pleas don’t tell me you called him for a booty call.” Riley frowns.

“No, it was nothing like that. I told you he was helping with all of the legal stuff…he ended up coming to the funeral unannounced. He was there for me…he drove me home and I asked him to stay. We just slept, and he was gone before I woke up because of a work thing.”

“Ah, and he brought you the old comfort breakfast to make up for it.” Riley shakes her head. “Well, I’m glad he was there for you. I always hoped you would become friends at some point after you broke up.”

“I don’t think I realized how much I missed him. I’ve been so independent for the last year, it felt kind of nice to lean on him for a change.”

“Do you think you wanna get back together?”

“I don’t know…I was definitely feeling something yesterday, even this morning, but I don’t know if it’s because I’m just sad and vulnerable, or if it’s because I really wanna give it a second go. I don’t really know what would be different this time. He still works crazy hours, and-“

“He’s dialed back a lot.” Riley cuts him off. “Ever since he’s taken over, and once he really got settled into it, he hasn’t been working himself to the bone like he was. Are there still some sixty-hour weeks? Sometimes, but not like he was, I swear.”

“He didn’t seem to think we still spoke…so that made me think you weren’t as close with him…”

“I don’t hang out with him as much…I speak with his friend John quite a bit, though.” Riley blushes.

“Speak to or fuck?” Blair smirks.

“Don’t. If Harry knew I was messing around with one of his boys, god, I don’t even wanna think about it.”

“Oh, so he can go out with your friend, but you can’t go out with his?”

“John and I aren’t going out. We just…meet up to fuck sometimes, but we both still hookup with other people. I mean, I’m sure he slept with his share of people while I was away.”

“Did you?”

“There were a couple of people I let take me back to my hotel, yeah.” Riley nods. “Don’t say anything to Harry, okay?”

“Christ, I’m not his best friend all of a sudden. I think I was just emotional last night. I doubt we’ll even-“

There’s a jingle of keys, and then Harry’s entering the apartment. He freezes when he sees Riley.

“Hey! You’re back.” He smiles at his cousin. “How was Chicago?”

“Windy.” Riley says. “But fun, I made a ton of sales.”

“That’s great.” Harry sets the keys on the kitchen counter and then comes further into the living area. “How are you this morning?” He asks Blair.

“I’m okay, um, thanks for breakfast.”

“Yeah, of course, sorry I had to skip out. Uh, I just came back to see how you were, but I can see your girl’s day has started, so I’ll head out.”

“You can stay, Har, we were just gonna paint our nails, nothing you haven’t done with us before.” Riley says. “You don’t mind, right, Blair?”

“S-sure, you can stay, Harry…if you want to.”

“I’d love to stay.” He comes over and sits down on Blair’s other side. “Nothing like giving you a Styles sandwich to make you feel better.” He smirks. “Alright, Riles, what colors did you bring?”

The three ended up having a great day together. It felt like old times. They painted their nails, ordered Chinese, and watched Mystic Pizza. Riley was starting to get tired, so she left around six. The jet lag was catching up with her. So it was just Harry and Blair sitting on the couch watching Wall-E.

“Do you remember the first time we watched this?” Harry asks her a few minutes in.

“Mhm.” Blair smiles without looking at him. “It was that weekend we went away Hampton Beach, and it rained in the evening, so instead of being annoyed, we got all cozy and watched this.”

“After…” He looks at her, a smirk growing on his face.

“Harry.” She rolls her eyes.

“Come on, what did we do just before settling in to watch this adorable film?”

Blair sighs, but gives in, “We made hot fudge sundaes, and, um, I let you lay me on the counter and lick chocolate sauce and whipped cream off my body.” She swallows. “Then I did the same to you. We made a mess of the Air BnB.”

“We cleaned it up. Then we got into that big, comfy bed and just vegged out. Think this is one of my favorite Pixar films that you showed me.”

“You really liked Cars too.” Blair chuckles.

“Yeah, I did. That was a good one.” Harry leans back on the couch, crossing his arms behind his head.

“You don’t need to do this, you know?”

“Do what, love?” He says without looking at her, eyes focused on the screen.

“Babysit me.” She mutters.

“S’not what I’m doing.” He scoffs. “I’m enjoying spending time with you, Blair.” He looks at her. “And I’m worried about you, but I’m not babysitting you.” He puts his hand on her knee and gives it a squeeze before taking it away. “Just relax, yeah?”

“Thanks.” She pauses for a moment. “Harry…would you be taking care of me like this if you had a new girlfriend?” Her eyes start to well up with tears. “Because-“

“Why are you asking a what if like that?” He reaches to wipe her tears with his thumbs. “At the risk of sounding totally lame…I was sort of just waiting on you. Sort of hoping you’d wanna get back together at some point. I tried dating, but it’s like I told you…no one was ever you.”

“So you just kept fucking strangers?” She was so confused.

“It was all meaningless. I figured if you were out there living your life, then I should do the same.” He shrugs.

“Harry, I know you think we broke up because you thought I needed time to be young or whatever, but I wasn’t out there fucking a ton of different people. I just…I don’t know, I wanted to be on my own.”

“And I understood that, as much as it upset me. What was I going to do, beg you to stay my girlfriend?” He moves a bit closer to her. “If we were to get back together, what would you want to be different? Obviously things stopped working…”

“It’s not that they stopped working, I just…I think I just grew up a little bit. You gave me plenty of room for it, but I just sort of realized that there were other things I wanted to do and I didn’t wanna be totally tied down. If we were to get back together, I wouldn’t want you paying for things all the time, or thinking you need to fix all of my problems. Sometimes I just want someone to listen without making suggestions, you know?”

“I didn’t even realize I was doing that.” He runs a hand through his hair and sighs. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, I know you always meant well, and you were just trying to help in your own way.” She gives him a reassuring smile. “It didn’t always bother me, but sometimes it did. I wasn’t perfect either, I know how closed off I could get.” She furrows her brows. “I’ve been trying to work on that. I added the yoga into my routines…so that’s been helping. You sort of inspired that.”

“I should start my membership back up.”

“Yeah…it would be nice to see you in class again.”

“Remember when I started coming on Tuesday evenings, and then we’d go to the Thai place for dinner afterwards?”

“Mhm, and then you’d take us back to your place, and set up a bath for us.” She sighs dreamily. “And then you’d massage my calves for me, ugh, I always loved that.”

“Couldn’t have my baby being sore the next morning, could I?” He pouts playfully at her, and she giggles.

“You were always so good to me.” Her face was only a few inches from his now.

“Fucking worshiped you.” His lips ghost over hers, and she whimpers.

“Kiss me, Harry.”

His lips slot over hers immediately, and cups her cheeks to pull her even closer. He sucks on her bottom lip, and she whimpers again. Blair tugs on Harry’s shirt, and then pushes his back to the couch. She moves to straddle him, and he wraps his arms around her body. They’re both grabbing at different parts of one another, and she shifts so she’s only straddling one of his thighs, rolling her hips down onto it. Harry groans, and starts kissing on her neck. She gets a fist full of his hair, and yanks his head back.

“Harry, I don’t think this is a good idea.” She admits. “I mean…we haven’t agreed to anything. I think we should take this slow, don’t you?”

“You just told me to kiss you, and then you climbed into my lap.” He smirks, and she starts laughing.

“Yeah.” She grips his chin with her other hand. “You’re always good at doing exactly what I say.”

“Always.” He agrees. “If you’re not planning on having your way with me then you should get off. You’re only gonna rile me up, and I’ve not done anything to deserve that.”

“No, I suppose you deserve a reward instead of a punishment.” She presses her forehead to his and lets her hands fall to his shoulders. She sighs heavily and then looks at him again. “I need a little more time. I wanna make sure that this really makes sense. The last thing I wanna do is hurt you again.”

“I don’t want you to feel hurt either.” He squeezes her hips. “I wanna give you the time, Blair, but you’ve also had a year to sort your feelings. You either wanna do this or you don’t.”

“I really hate it when you’re right.” She huffs. “But I know what you’re saying.”

“How about this…why don’t we go out Saturday night? We could go on a date, and see how it feels.”

“Why not Friday?”

“Because you work early on Saturday mornings, darling, and you’re just going to be getting back to it again.” He tucks some hair behind her hear. “Can’t have you being sleepy.”

“You’re so sweet.” She smiles. “Okay, yeah, I’d like that. Um, did you want to just go out for dinner?”

“If that’s what you wanna do, baby. I’m down for whatever.”

“I haven’t been to that grill we used to go to all the time in forever. Feel like I could go for a really good burger.”

“Alright, we’ll go to Benson’s. I’ll pick you up around six, how’s that sound?”

“I think it sounds like a date.”

//

On Wednesday evening, much to Blair’s surprise, Harry walked into one of her evening classes with Riley. Riley had a cheeky smile on her face, and Blair just shook her head at the two of them. It had been ages since Harry had been to one of her classes, and he had picked a yoga day.

“Good evening, everyone!” Blair says once everyone gets there. “We’re gonna start off with our warm up, and then get in to it. We’ll work a little with the weights, and then we’ll cool down with the yoga like always. Does everyone have their weights?” She hears a collective yes. “Alright!” She hops up onto the small stage and gets the music playing.

When the class is over, a few people hang back to talk to Blair. Riley would usually grab a quick bite with her after class. A guy was talking to her now.

“Hey, who is that?” Harry asks Riley as they clean up their stations.

“Hm? Oh, that’s Rich, he has a thing for Blair.” Riley rolls her eyes. “He refuses to take a hint. The second he found out she was single he was all over her. She’s nice to him, but she doesn’t like him back.”

Harry narrows his eyes, and reads Blair’s body language like a book. Her arms were crossed, and she was casually trying to step away from Rich.

“I’ll get him to leave her alone.” Harry says.

“Harry, don’t.” Riley grabs his wrist. “She can handle herself.”

“I know she can, but she looks so uncomfortable. What if they were left alone here, and he tried something. He needs to know she has some backup.” Harry walks over to the two, and Blair can’t help but smirk because she knows exactly why Harry’s walking over. “Hey, sorry to interrupt, but we should get going if we want to make trivia night.”

“Right! Yeah, sorry, Rich, I need to get the studio cleaned up so I can head out.” Blair was thankful. Harry was always good at coming up with excuses for them to leave places early. Usually it was because he needed to get her home so she could fuck him, obviously now that wasn’t the case.

“Oh…alright, well, I’ll see you next week. Have a good night.” Rich looks Harry up and down before leaving.

“Thank you.” Blair sighs. “He’s a nice guy, but I’m not interested.”

“Obviously.” Harry scoffs. “Have fun with Riley.”

“You don’t wanna come with?”

“Nah, I need to get home. I have some stuff I need to do before tomorrow. Still on for Saturday?”

“Mhm.” She nods with a smile.

“Good.” He kisses her cheek. “I’ll call you Friday.”

Harry leaves and Riley helps Blair cleanup before they head out to a Panera for dinner.

“So, you two are going out on Saturday?” Riley asks her when they sit down with their food.

“Yeah, it’s sort of like a first date. I wanna make sure things feel really right with us. I have a feeling we’ll get back together officially, though.”

“Yeah? What makes you think that?” Riley smirks.

“Well…we kissed on Sunday night when he was still over. It was a really good kiss too, it was familiar, but there was still that, like, passion, you know?”

“I would love it if you got back together. I never really liked the other people he dated, and I was so excited when you both got together. He’s like the brother I never had, and I want him with someone that really cares about him. I never doubted that with you. You guys got together at a weird time in your life where you were sort of at different places. Now…well, now you might mesh better. You grew up a lot during the time you were together, I know that was tough on you both.”

“Yeah, it was.” Blair sighs, and bites into her piece of bread. “I feel like I could handle things better now. He’s been there for me during so many tough times, he’s seen me…at my absolute worst, and still loved me through all of it. I can’t wrap my head around him turning into such a playboy.”

“I couldn’t believe it myself, but I honestly don’t think he really knew how to deal with not having you around, and then…I don’t know.” Riley shakes her head. “He always wrapped it up, that’s what John told me, anyways.”

“He mentioned that to me too.” Blair rolls her eyes. “I’m not going to hold anything against him, we weren’t together. I don’t have the right to judge him about it.”

“He only wanted you, B.” Riley smiles.

“I really have missed him.” Blair smiles. “I’m really looking forward to going out with him Saturday night.” She bites her bottom lip. “Wanna come with me to Victoria’s Secret during the day? I think I should pick out something new…”

“Yeah! I’ve got a coupon to go there, actually. I need some new undies.”

“Oh, yay! We haven’t been shopping in forever.”

“I know! I hope I’m not on the road for an entire month like that again. It got old real quick.”

//

On Friday, Harry was in his office wrapping some things up, going over some paperwork. Then he looked over his calendar for Monday, just to see what meetings he had, and if he needed to do anything over the weekend.

“Mr. Styles?” Kiley, the intern training with Kate comes into his office.

“Miss Stewart, what can I do you for?” He asks, giving her his full attention. She pouts slightly at him.

“You can just call me Kiley…you call Kate by her first name.”

“I’ve known Kate for quite some time, Miss Stewart.”

“Well, we’ll get to know each other pretty well once she’s on maternity…right?”

“Most likely.” He nods. “Did you need something?”

“Yes, sorry.” She pulls a paper out of her bag. “Um, I just need you to sign off on the hours I worked this week since Kate left early. I forgot to ask her before she stepped out for her doctor’s appointment.”

“Oh, sure.” He gestures for the paper. “They’re really on you guys about the hours, huh?”

“Yeah.” She sighs. “I don’t mind, though, because I have to write a paper explaining what I did, so having an account of that will be helpful.” She shrugs. Harry hums his response as he signs the paper and hands it back to her. “Thank you…any fun plans for the weekend?”

“Just laying low tonight. I’ve got a date tomorrow, though.” He smiles.

“Oh! That’s nice.” She smiles. “Did you just meet someone?”

“No.” He shakes his head with a chuckle. “Might be starting over with my ex, which I’m pretty excited about since I’m still hopelessly in love with her.”

“Well in that case, I hope it goes super well.” She beams at him.

“Thank you, Kiley.” Her smile widens at him even more. “Feel free to head out, enjoy your weekend.”

“Thank you, Mr. Styles. I expect a full report of your date on Monday morning.”

Harry chuckles and nods as she leaves. Just when he thought his door was going to close, John enters.

“Wrap it buddy boy, we gotta meet the guys soon.”

“About that…I’m going to skip out on tonight.”

“Seriously? Why?” John frowns.

“I…I have a date tomorrow night with Blair, and-“

“You can’t be serious.” John rolls his eyes and sits down. “Why would you even entertain the idea of getting back together with her?”

“Because she seems ready for a relationship again. I still love her, and I think she still loves me. There’s still a chemistry between us, physically, so we’re going to Benson’s for a burger tomorrow to see if everything else is still there.”

“So that means you can’t come out for guy’s night?”

“You know as well as I do that guy’s night never stays guy’s night. I don’t want to be tempted by anything that could fuck me over. Besides, it wouldn’t kill me to stay in for a change. There’s a book I’ve been meaning to get back to. I wouldn’t mind just taking it easy, you guys have a good time without me.” Harry smiles at his friend. “It’s nothing personal…”

“I know.” John sighs. “You’re just fun, that’s all…” John looks down at his phone and smirks.

“Maybe you’ll meet up with that girl you see on the regular. Seems like she just texted you.”

“Maybe she did.” John nods.

“How come you don’t just date her? I’ve watched you turn down other girls to go meet up with her a dozen times.”

“It’s a little complicated. She travels a lot for work, we’re both just looking for someone familiar to hookup with right now.”

“Guess that makes sense.” Harry shrugs. “You’re pretty busy yourself”

“Exactly, so when’s around I see her more, and when she’s gone, I see other people. She does the same. We’re pretty open about it.”

“Good.” Harry smiles. “Have a beer for me tonight, yeah?”

“Alright.” John sighs and stands up. “Have fun with Blair, I guess.”

“You could sound a little more enthused.”

“I’ll be enthused if she doesn’t string you along.”

“She never strung me along.” Harry shakes his head. “We were a great team.”

“Seems like you were always doing everything for her.”

“No, she did plenty for me.”

“Babe?! I picked up a pizza!” Blair shouted as she entered Harry’s place, putting her key in the bowl by the door. “Baby?!” He wasn’t in the kitchen like she thought he’d be. She set the pizza down on the counter and walked down the hall to his home office. Her jaw dropped when she saw him knuckling at his eyes. “Harry, are you crying?” She asked softly.

“Blair.” He said, almost surprised. “Hi, I lost track of time, I’m sorry. Let’s eat.” He stood up, but she went over to him and urged him to sit.

“What happened, what’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing, baby.”

“It’s not nothing if you’re crying. Talk to me.”

“I’m just really stressed.” His voice cracked. “I was looking forward to taking over for my dad, but there’s so much other shit that’s been added to my plate that he didn’t really prepare me for. Now he’s down in Florida living it up with my mum, and I can’t even talk to him about it because I don’t want him to be disappointed in me. He’s trusting me with everything.”

“That’s a lot.” She wipes=d his tears away. “I’m so sorry you’re feeling like this.” She chewed on her bottom lip. “Is…is there anything I can do to help? Anything I can do to help take your mind off things for a bit? I brought pizza…”

“Um…yeah, I think there is something you could do for me, but it doesn’t involve food.” He stood and took her hand, leading her out to the living room. They both sat down. “Sometimes when we’re having sex…I let you take the lead, have you noticed that?”

“A little.” She shrugged. “I mean, I like that you’re not super dominating, it makes me feel safe.”

“Right, but before you I wasn’t really like that. I was always in control, but with you…I feel really safe too. So safe…that I’m able to just let everything else slip away when we’re doing what we do.”

“What are you saying exactly?”

“I…I sometimes I think I want you to really be in control. I’m not saying all the time, but I have to be in control of so many things, and I think it would be nice to not.”

“Okay, so I could ride you more if you want.”

“Well, that would be nice.” He smirked. “But I’m talking more like…like maybe you could blindfold me once in a while, or you could cuff me to the bed?” His was flushed with embarrassment. Her eyes widened as she finally started to understand what he was trying to say. “I’ve totally freaked you out, haven’t I? I know that stuff isn’t for everyone. I was just thinking we’ve been together a while now-“

“Harry, calm down.” She smiled, squeezing his hand. “I think it’s kind of hot that you wanna explore some different things.”

“You do?”

“Mhm.” She nodded. “I…just don’t ask me to, like, whip you or anything. I don’t think I could hurt you.”

“No, I’m not looking for pain.” He chuckled. “I just…wanna clear my head sometimes, that’s all.”

“Okay, I think I could be into that. You know how much I love all your ties, I’d love to tie you up with them.” She grinned, and he groaned softly.

“What do you say we leave the pizza for later, and we head into the bedroom to explore a little bit?”

“I say we’re in for a fantastic weekend.”

“Whatever you say man.” John says. “See you Monday.” John leaves Harry’s office, and Harry sighs. He never told anyone about what he and Blair did, it was no one’s business. He certainly wasn’t going to let it slip now.

//

At around 10AM Saturday morning, Blair picked up Riley so they could go shopping. Riley had bags under her eyes, and a fresh hickey on her neck. Blair’s mouth fell open the second Riley got in the car.

“Don’t.” Riley mumbles.

“I didn’t say anything.” Blair chuckles.

“But I know what you’re thinking.”

“Did you meet up with John last night?”

“Yeah, I guess Harry didn’t feel like going out last night, so I met up with him at some bar, and then he came back with me to my place.”

“Oh shit, is still there?”

“No, he left at, like, seven.” Riley rolls her eyes. “But not before he fucked me again.” She shakes her head. “We’ve fucked so many times, I don’t know how he’s not sick of me yet, or how I’m not sick of him.”

“Maybe it’s a sign you two should be more.” Blair smirks.

“I mean, we’re basically just in an open relationship, that’s the way I look at it anyways.” She shrugs. “We were up most of the night.” She yawns loudly.

“You could have stayed home.” Blair frowns as she keeps her eyes on the road.

“No, it’s okay, I wanted to go shopping with you.”

The girls make their way to a Victoria’s Secret, and start shopping around. Just as Riley hoped, there was an underwear sale. Blair indulged in it as well. Nothing wrong with getting some new undies to replace some old ones.

“Oh, these are cute!” Blair says, holding up a cheeky pair of panties.

“Yeah! I’ve been way more into the lace cheeky bottoms instead of thongs lately.”

“Me too! It’s way more comfortable. To be honest, I wear boxers a lot around my apartment. They’re more breathable than athletic shorts, and they don’t ride up.”

“Of course men have more comfortable underwear than us.” Riley sighs heavily. “Oh! Look at these white ones! Can never have too many white pairs.”

“Snag me a pair, please.”

Once the girls are done picking out their underwear, and a couple of bras that were two $50 (yes, way overpriced, but necessary), they head to the part of the store where the lingerie was.

“What are you looking for exactly?” Riley asks as she looks over some babydoll nighties.

“I don’t know, nothing crazy, but if things go well tonight, which I think they will, I wanna surprise him with something fun.”

“You’d really jump into bed with him right away?” There was no judgement in Riley’s voice, more so surprise.

“I mean…I know he’s your cousin and all, but he’s pretty hard to resist, Riles. He had me wrapped around his finger from the second we met.”

“Fair enough.” Riley shrugs. “I might try one of these on…surprise John one of these nights.”

The girls giggle as they pick out different things. Blair ends up finding a black lace bralette and matching panties that she thinks will work well under an outfit. The only thing was the bralette didn’t have any support, like, at all, but she was able to adjust the straps on it a bit to give her a slight lift.

“God, I wish I danced as a kid.” Blair huffs as she leaves the dressing room to meet Riley out at the register line.

“Why?”

“Because then maybe I wouldn’t have these fucking honkers on my chest. I’d love to be able to wear a bralette without worrying. My boobs are so saggy, I look like a granny when I don’t have the proper support.”

“You’re being dramatic.” Riley chuckles.

“Easy for you to say, Miss B Cup.”

“Hey, I’d kill to have boobs like yours. I always feel like mine are too small. I have to wear pushups all the time. Besides, your boobs are not saggy, they just sit a little lower on your chest.”

“When I really started dancing I thought they’d get smaller since I was working out all the time, but nope. The worst part is, it’s all right here.” She lifts her arm slightly and rubs just under her armpit. “I’m only a C, but I feel like a double D sometimes when I put a bra on, it takes all the side boob to the front.” Blair puts her things up on the counter, and Riley goes to the next register.

“Find everything okay?” The girl behind the register asks.

“Mhm.” Blair smiles. “I have some coupons too.” She takes her phone out so the girl can scan the barcodes on Blair’s screen.

“Oh, that’s a good one! Took off 25% of your total.” The girl puts everything into a bag for Blair, and she heads out with Riley.

“So, when will John get to see that babydoll?” Blair smirks at Riley.

“When I feel like he deserves it.” Riley grins. “If he invites me over tonight, I might bring it with me.”

“Do you usually see him two nights in a row?”

“Sometimes, but not often. I think he missed me a little since I was gone for so long. Kinda missed him too. He told me he’d call me later today.” She shrugs.

The girls grab a quick lunch before heading home. Blair didn’t want to eat anything too heavy since she was going to be eating out for dinner, so she just had a salad. She spent some time doing some social media work for her business, and then spent some time putting a new dance together. Her customers had been asking for some more throwbacks, so she was crafting some choreography to a couple of Ricky Martin songs. They could be used for the high intensity days. She always recorded herself so she could go back later to review the steps.

When she was done she was drenched in sweat, so she hops into the shower to freshen up. She sort of ends up pampering herself a bit. She shaved her legs, so she massaged some lotion into them, and used some cocoa butter on her thighs because she liked the way it smelled. After that, she grabbed her electric razor to trip her bikini line, having exfoliated first in the shower, so she was plenty smooth where she wanted to be. She spritzes some perfume into the air and walks through it, then she gets to work on her hair. She had been sporting a shoulder length look lately. Her hair used to be really long in college, but in recent years she had been keeping it a tad shorter. It was up in a braid or bun most days, but she decides to wear it down tonight. She puts on some makeup, and then goes through her closet to find something to wear over her new lingerie. She decides on a pair of black jeans that could easily be word with some booties. She pulls on a blush pink tank top and a tan cardigan to complete the look. You could just see the lace top of the bralette, and she sort of liked that look. Her phone goes off just as she’s putting some lipstick on.

“Hello?” She answers brightly.

“Hey, baby, I’m downstairs.”

“Okay, be down in a sec!” She throws some makeup remover wipes into her bag, and a spare toothbrush, then she heads out. Again, she didn’t quite know what would happen tonight, but she wanted to be prepared. Harry was standing outside his car. He smiles when he sees her.

“Hi.” He says, and opens the car door for her.

“Hi, thanks.” She smiles back and gets inside. They head towards Benson’s, being silent in the car at first. “How was your week?” She asks him.

“Good, had a pretty good workout Wednesday.” He grins, looking at her for a moment before looking back at the road. It makes Blair giggle. “Work wasn’t too stressful for a change, although I’m getting anxious about Kate going on maternity leave.”

“Is the intern no good?”

“No, she just doesn’t have a lot of experience. She’ll get the hang of it.” He shrugs. “How was your week, how are you feeling?”

“I’m okay. I spoke with my mom last night, she’s doing alright. My aunt’s been staying with her, so that’s good.”

“Do you think she’ll sell the house?”

“Nah, she likes where she lives, but I think she’s going to paint and change a few things so it doesn’t feel like such a ghost town, you know?”

“Makes sense.” Harry nods. “I know I’ve offered a ton, but if she needs any help with anything, don’t be afraid to ask. I can hold my own with a paintbrush.”

“Thank you, Harry, that’s very sweet.” She gives his shoulder a squeeze. “It was really nice having you in class Wednesday.” She says shyly.

“Yeah? Would you be opposed if I started coming regularly again?”

“Not at all, I’d really like it, actually.” She smiles. “It…it made it easier to wait to see you tonight.” She blushes, and he reaches for one of her hands. He brings it to his lips to kiss her knuckles.

“You’re cute.” He tells her, resting their hands on the console, not letting go at all.

They get to Benson’s, and get seated in a booth. Harry hesitates for a moment, desperately wanting to sit next to her, but he thinks that might be too much too soon, so he sits across from her. She gives him a funny look.

“What?” He asks.

“Nothing…you’re just far away. You usually sit next to me.”

“I didn’t know if you wanted me to.”

“I want you to.” Harry smiles, stands back up, and slides in next to her. She hooks her arms around his and rests her cheek on his shoulder. “Much better.” She sighs. He kisses the top of her head, and a waitress comes over.

“Evening, folks, are you expecting anyone else?” She asks.

“No, love, it’s just us.” Harry says to her, squinting at her nametag. “Becky, is it?”

“Y-yes.” She clears her throat. “Can I get you started with any drinks or appetizers?”

“Definitely two waters.” Blair begins. “And I’ll have a vodka-tonic, please.”

“I’ll have the same.” Harry says. “Do you want an app?” He asks Blair.

“No, I think just the burger will be good.”

“Right, think we’re ready to order dinner.” Harry says to Becky.

“Great! What can I get you?”

“I’ll have the turkey burger with cheddar cheese and sautéed mushrooms.” Blair says.

“And I’ll have veggie burger with avocado.” Harry says.

“Sounds good, I’ll be right back with your drinks.” Becky says, taking their menus before walking away.

“Just a veggie burger?” Blair asks Harry.

“Yeah, I’ve been craving a good one lately, and they make the best here.”

“Very true.” She nods. Becky comes back over with the drinks, and sets them on the table. “So…do anything fun last night?”

“I stayed in.” Harry says, before taking a sip of his drink. “Got caught up on a book I’ve been reading, watched a little TV, nothing special.”

“I’m surprised you didn’t go out with your friends. Isn’t Friday usually your guy’s night?”

“Yeah, I just felt like skipping last night.” He shrugs. “What about you, what did you do?”

“I ran errands all day, and then went to bed early so I could get up for my early classes this morning. Then Riley and I went shopping, and then I did some work at my place. Got ready to go out with you.” She shrugs.

“What does Riley have to say about all this?”

“She’s happy that we’re entertaining the idea of getting back together.” Blair chuckles and sips her drink. “Did you tell anyone we were going out tonight?”

“Mentioned it to my intern…and to John. He wasn’t so enthused.” Harry rolls his eyes.

“He’s never liked me, and I literally have no idea why.”

“Think he was just jealous that I snagged someone as gorgeous and bright as you.” Harry grins. “You know, when we first got together a ton of people gave me shit because you were still in school.”

“I was in my last semester, and I was twenty-one, it wasn’t like I was a child.” Blair scoffs.

“That’s what I said! It wasn’t like I was looking for someone younger than me, it just happened.”

“We just clicked right away, nothing wrong with that.” She inches a little closer to him, her ankle hooking around his under the table.

“Not at all.” His lips graze over hers, but their food is brought over to the table before they can really kiss.

They both giggle and dig into their food, each moaning out at the taste. They continue to talk about things, catching each other on the last year that they weren’t in one another’s lives. It felt easy and natural.

“I don’t wanna be too forward, but would you like to come back to mine when we’re done?” Harry asks.

“I’d like that.” She nods. “Got any sweets at home?”

“Mhm, I’ve got those chewy chocolate chip cookies you like so much.”

“This night just keeps getting better and better.” She smiles. When the check comes, they both reach for it.

“Blair, let go of the check.”

“No, I wanna pay for dinner.”

“I insist, let me pay.”

“Harry, I don’t want you always paying for everything, come on.”

“Fine, can we at least split it?”

“Ugh, fine.” She slaps her card down and so does he.

“So fucking irritating when you do that.” He huffs.

“No, what’s irritating is that you think I can’t pay for stuff.”

“That’s not what this is! I just like paying for our dates, it’s gentlemanly.”

“Yeah, well, it makes me feel like shit.” Becky comes to grabs the cards, and tells them she’ll be right back. “I’m doing well for myself now, I want things to be more equal. I’m not with you for your money.”

“I know you’re not, baby…I just…I can’t help that I wanna spoil you rotten.” He presses his forehead to hers, and she sighs before pecking his lips quickly.

“There are plenty of other ways you can do that, Harry.”

“Am I gonna have the chance?” Becky comes back with their cards, and they both sign their slips before sliding out of the booth. She takes his hand in hers as they walk out.

“Yes.” She says as they both get into the car. “I…I think wanna see where this goes with you, babe. I feel like I’m really ready for you now…”

“That means the world to me, Blair.” Her bottom lip starts to quiver, and he frowns. “Hey, why are you crying?” He reaches to caress her cheek.

“I just can’t believe you basically were waiting for me all this time.” She sniffles. “I feel so shitty. And I feel even shittier because I’m jealous of all the other people you slept with that we weren’t together.”

“Baby.” Harry sighs. “I was so in love with you, still am, none of them meant anything. I’m sorry you feel hurt by it. You don’t need to worry about it now, though, I’m all yours.” Her hand grips the collar of his shirt and she tugs him close to her, only a few centimeters apart.

“Mine.” She says, eyes darkening before her lips crash against his. She nips and sucks at his bottom lip as his hands cup her cheeks, trying to get even closer.

“Fuck.” He breathes, putting his keys in the ignition. “Need to get you home.” He pulls onto the street, and zips them home. His hand grips her thigh the entire time, squeezing it occasionally.

“Thought of you last weekend in the shower.” She says, shifting on her side a little. “Thought of the first time we had sex in the shower.” Her breath is on his ear now, and she nibbles on his lobe.

“Blair.” He warns, but she keeps going, kissing on his neck.

“Made me feel so good, always make me feel good.”

“Blair, I’m going to crash the car, just sit patiently, please.” She sits back normally in her seat. “Thank you.” He sighs. “So, you really thought of me?”

“It was hard not to with you leaving me breakfast.” She pouts at him. “So sweet of you, and I haven’t had a chance to even reward you for being so good to me.”

“You’re still into all that?” He asks cautiously.

“Only for you…do you still like it?”

“Only if it’s you. I told you I didn’t do that with anyone else.”

“You still trust me enough?”

“Course I do, baby.” He reaches for her hand to intertwine their fingers. He drives a little faster to his place, and they finally reach it. “Gonna take care of you first, and then you can do me, alright?”

“Whatever you want, babe.”

They get up to his place, somehow keeping their hands to themselves in the elevator. Before she knows it, Harry’s slamming Blair against the wall of his front hallway, attacking her neck with his lips.

“Gonna mark you up.” He says as he sucks on her skin. “Then everyone will know you’re taken again.”

She whimpers as her response, and pushes his head further into her neck. She wiggles out of her cardigan, and wraps her arms around his neck.

“Jump.” He grunts into her ear, and she does so, wrapping her legs around his waist so he can carry her to his bedroom. He sets her down on the bed, letting her get her shoes off. He does the same before kneeing onto the bed. She takes her tank top off, and his mouth waters at the sight of the bralette. “Christ.” He breathes as he gropes her supple breasts. “Missed these.” He sucks on her nipple through the lace, and her head rolls back. He does the same to the other one, getting it nice and pebbled. One of his hands slides down between her legs and he whimpers. “Need to get these off you, that okay?”

“Mhm, yeah, please.”

He undoes her button and zipper, yanking the jeans off of her. His eyes widen when he sees the matching panties.

“Jesus fucking Christ, Blair. Are these new?”

“Yeah, bought them today, just for you.” She props herself up on her elbows. “Wouldn’t mind you taking them off, though.”

Harry nearly growls as he tugs them down her legs. His hands slide up and down her smooth skin, having missed the feeling of her skin on his. He spreads her legs apart, and starts leaving open mouthed kisses on her inner thighs, sucking some nasty bruises into them. Blair clutches at his blankets and grits her teeth while he has his fun marking her up.

“Can I?” He asks, looking up at her. “Can I taste you?”

“Yes, of course you can.” She reaches forward to push his hair back, and he smiles at her before licking up her slit.

He licks and sucks all around her folds before working his tongue around her clit, sucking on it briefly before bringing his thumb to it. He licks into her center, making her mewl as he essentially just makes out sloppily with the area.

“Yes, fuck.” Her hands rake through his hair. “Feels so good, Harry.” She grinds against his face, and he moans against her. “Harry, fingers, please, use your fingers.” She whines.

He lifts his head from her, and reaches his hand up to her so she can suck on his fingers. She does so happily, and then he slips two fingers inside her. She gasps and lets her body go slack against the bed.

“Baby, shit, you’re so fucking tight, does it hurt?”

“No, feels so god, m’so wet.”

“I know, you’re dripping.” He pulls his fingers out and sucks on them, moaning again before slipping them back inside to the knuckle.

“R-right there.” She whimpers. Her mouth was open, body writhing under his, having not been touched by another man in almost a year, her body was reacting on overdrive. Her back was arching, and she was pushing her head further into the mattress. “Harry, Harry!” She screams as she comes around his fingers, and he fucks her through it, sucking on her clit to prolong it. As she starts to come down he sits up, and starts taking his shirt off. “Fuck, I’m gonna give it to you so good.” She sits up and watches he takes his clothes off. She takes her bralette off, and tosses it on the floor.

“How do you want me?”

“That depends…um…what would you like me to do? Like, how…how hard do you wanna go tonight?”

“I wanna be able to touch you since it’s been so long, and I wanna be able to look at you.”

“Alright, so we can just keep it sweet and easy, save the rest for another time.”

“Yeah…work back up to it.”

“Get on your back, m’gonna ride you.”

Harry gets himself situated, sitting up against the headboard. Blair raises an eyebrow at him.

“Just wanna be as close as possible tonight, baby.”

“Okay.” She smiles, and gets herself on his lap.

“Are you still on the pill?”

“Mhm, are you okay to not use a condom?”

“Definitely don’t want to. Need feel you.”

“Need to feel you too.”

She grips his hard cock, giving it a few pumps before she guides it inside herself. Her mouth falls open as she feels him stretch her out. Harry looks down and watches as she swallows him whole. They both moan out once he’s full inside her. Her fingernails dig into his shoulders as she gets adjusted to him. His hands squeeze at her hips and ass.

“Shit, Harry.” She presses her forehead to his. “Missed you so much.”

“Missed you too.” He cups her cheeks and kisses her as she starts to slowly rock on and off him. His tongue slips into her mouth, and she grips at his back as she kisses him back. “You feel so fucking good.” He says before biting her bottom lip, sucking on it.

She whimpers and moves herself a little faster on him. She grinds herself against him, feeling the friction on her clit start to form. His arms wrap around her back, his fingers digging into her skin.

“Move with me.” She says into his ear before nibbling on it.

He groans as he starts to thrust up into her. She starts to bounce up and down him, moving his hands to her hips. He watches as her breasts bounce in front of his face, and he leans in to kiss and suck on them. Her head rolls back with pleasure. She wanted to feel his tongue all over her. She brings two fingers to his mouth, and he takes them in quickly. He looks up at her as he sucks on them, swirling his tongue around them, and nipping at the pads of them. She takes them away to rub at her clit.

He growls, and moves to pin her on her back, surprising her completely. He was never like this in bed with her. She looks up at him with wide eyes as he throws one of her legs over his shoulder, and replaces her fingers with his own. She groans at his touch. He was driving himself in so much deeper and she could barely handle it.

“Okay?” He asks her, panting slightly.

“Mhm, it’s good, so good.” One of her hands goes to the back of his neck, pulling him down for a sloppy kiss. They breathe each other in and out once they both start panting. “Harry, fuck, I’m so close.” She squeezes around him and he bites down on her shoulder.

“Blair.” He moans into her ear. “Can I come inside you?”

“Yes! Fuck, yes, please!” She screams as she’s coming again, feeling even more turned on when she feels Harry’s hot come start to fill her up. She grinds her hips towards his trying to make her orgasm last as long as possible. “Love it when you fill me up, feels so good.” She says as she continues to squeeze around him.

He slots his mouth over hers as they both start to come down. Their tongues mold together as they kiss lazily. He’s slow to pull out, but he was too sensitive to stay inside her any longer. She squeezes her legs closed to try to not make a mess. Harry scoops Blair up quickly bridal style to carry her to the bathroom, setting her down gently on the toilet, and leaving her to do her business. When she walks out of the bathroom, he’s laying on his bed in a fresh pair of boxers with a dreamy smile on his face. She climbs onto the bed and lays in between his legs, resting her head on his tummy. She buries her face into his soft skin while he starts to card through her mussed up hair.

“So…we’re really back together?” He asks after a few moment of peaceful silence. She looks up at him with a smile on her face.

“Yeah, I really wanna be your girlfriend again.”

“You have no idea how happy I feel right now.” He continues to play with her hair as she sets her head back down.

“You’ve never really taken control like that before…I kinda liked it.” She peers up at him again, grinning. “Maybe I should see what being the sub feels like sometime.”

“Oh, baby, I don’t know if I could switch like that. Don’t think I’d get much pleasure in making you wait for things. Think I’d give in the second you asked for something.” He chuckles.

“You’re so cute, Harry, but I understand what you’re saying. I don’t mind being the one to do that stuff when you really need it, babe.” She moves further up his body so she can be closer to his face. “Do you think in a bit when you’re ready to go again we could…bring out some of your ties?”

“Feel like I’m already bloating back up, fuck.” He groans, and kisses her.

“You know what I’ve really missed doing with you?” She says, moving her lips to the shell of his ear.

“What, baby?”

“Fucking that tight hole of yours.” She says lowly, and he whimpers.

“Yes.” He breathes, and she looks at him. “Still have everything, it just hasn’t been used in a while.”

“Would you really wanna get into all of that tonight? I mean, I’m game if you are…you seemed hesitant before.”

“I just wanted to feel really close with you before, but now that we’ve got that out of our system I’m definitely up for it.” He pecks her lips. “We’ve got the rest of the weekend to do all we want.”

“Mmm, and the weekend after that, and the weekend after that, and maybe sometimes during the middle of the week. Oh! Remember when I used to come to your office at work, and I’d let you bend me over your desk, god, that was always so hot.”

“Or that time we screwed in that bathroom at your studio?” His smile was incredibly mischievous.

“Or the times you sit me up on the counter in your kitchen and fuck me?”

“Or the time you bent me over my own desk her here?”

“I think it’s time we make some new memories.” She says, getting off of him, and extending her hand out to him for him to follow.

“Couldn’t agree with you more.”

Blair leads them inside Harry’s walk in closet where he kept his box of toys. It was still in the same spot as always. She pops the lid off and they both smile at each other.

“How long do you think I could edge you for?” She asks him.

“Um, I should be okay to go for a while since I already came.”

“Excellent.” She picks up a cock ring, the kind that vibrates. “We’ve got a lot of time to make up for.”

[kiribaku-queen]

The Blood King and his Queen [8]

Pairing: Bakugou x reader

Romance, Angst, Drama

Word count: 2.3K

Summary:  From being a mere servant girl to marrying the scariest prince in existence, your world changed right before your eyes. Exchanging places with the princess, you knew, wasn’t going to be easy. But could you have found love on the way? Or was it never meant to be?

A/N: I've introduced two new characters this chapter! Kazuhiko and Katashi, the first born and second born respectively, brothers of Bakugou. If reader thought Bakugou was intimidating at first glace, best believe that these two are even scarier than him.

Also, I've tried tagging some of you but it seems that I am unable to do that. Please make sure that your Tumblr is visible when typing it in the search bar. I think that's the only way I'm able to tag you :) Please enjoy and see you next Monday!

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You were woken up by the golden sun rays hitting your resting eyes. Squinting your eyes to open them up a bit, you saw that you forgot to close the tent completely, allowing the sun to fully brighten up the place. You sighed. You didn’t want to get up just yet. Maybe a few more minutes. You tried to move to get a bit of a stretch before going back to sleep, but quickly realized a powerful arm around your waist prevented you from moving. When your eyes looked up, Bakugou’s face was only inches from yours. Even though it was so early in the morning, that didn’t stop a rush of heat from appearing across your cheeks. And despite his face being so close to yours, you didn’t look away.

This was probably the first time you actually took a good look at his features. He looks so peaceful when he’s asleep, despite the fact that his eyebrows were still angry. His mouth was slightly ajar and you could hear him softly breathing. His skin may look rough upon first look, but when you touched his cheek, was much softer than you thought. You wanted to keep admiring his handsome face. It wasn’t everyday that you could stare and not get caught. Taking advantage of this chance, you snuggled right up to him, sighing in satisfaction.

You heard a deep chuckle and suddenly, your body was even more flushed against Bakugou’s body. He had rested his chin on top of yours and wrapped his arms around you tightly.

“Good morning,” his deep, husky, morning voice startled you.

“You were awake?” you asked, embarrassed.

“The whole time,” he chuckled.

“Why didn’t you say something?” you whined, lightly hitting his chest, making Bakugou laugh even more.

“I thought it was cute,” he admitted.

“Was not. It was creepy!” you disagreed.

“Everything you do is cute, my princess,” he declared. You looked up at him, shocked.

“What did you say?” you asked. He looks down at you with the softest expression and repeats,

“My princess,” he softly says. Your heart wants to leap out of your chest. The way he’s looking at you, the way he’s claiming you as his, and the fact that his lips was only a breath away was making you fall harder. As if that was even possible at this point.

Bakugou stops smiling and suddenly becomes serious. You see his eyes move from yours, down to your lips. As if on cue, yours do the same. Bakugou’s lips were getting closer to yours as your heart does summersaults across your chest. Right as you were about to share your first kiss, the tent entrance opens wide, the sun rays now emitting more light than what you wanted. Standing there, a dorky, smiling Denki Kaminari.

“Gooood MORNING!” he sings with the widest smile on his face. “Oh…” his smile slowly dissipates when he sees Bakugou’s killer glare and your hiding face. From behind, Sero and Kirishima both grab Denki by the face and drag him away.

“You idiot!” Sero scolded.

“We told you to see if they were awake! NOT barge in on them!” Kirishima continued.

“I’m sorry!” he cried. They continued to argue until their voices faded in the distance. Bakugou grumbled, smacking his forehead in annoyance.

“Fuckin dumbass,” he muttered under his breath. He looks to you apologetically, but you couldn’t help but giggle at his friend’s antics.

“What an interesting group of friends you have,” you stated.

“They’re one of a kind, that’s for sure,” he complained even though he was bidding them a compliment. He happened to look back at you the same time you met his eyes. Without hesitation, he leans again but you were quick to turn your head and clear your throat.

“We should uh- probably get ready,” you suggested.

“Right,” he whispers and you quickly get up, exiting the tent to leave the prince behind.

After a quick breakfast that Sero had whipped up for everyone, it was time to head back on the road. But this time, you were enroute back to the palace. The ride back to the palace was more relaxing than before. You were fully calm and comfortable in Bakugou’s arms, despite last night and this morning’s events.

Thinking back to when this trip first started, you were so uptight and tense sharing a horse with the mighty Blood Prince. You couldn’t even breath properly with him being so close to you. Now, you were fully able to relax into Bakugou’s arms. You allowed your back to touch his chest, since you were no longer afraid of the Blood Prince. Bakugou had leaned forward to rest his chin on your shoulder. You two were too digested into your own conversation to see the fond looks his crew was giving them.

He was pointing to different landmarks and areas, able to give you stories about anything and everything. Some were sad, some were adventurous, some were silly, some were dangerous. You were able to laugh with him and his men, not believing that this was the man that everyone feared.

Halfway on the trip, you started getting sleepy, yawning your butt off every few minutes. Bakugou took notice, leaning closer to you.

“Sleepy?” he asks. You only nodded your head, trying to rub the sleep out of your eyes. “You can take a nap.” He offered.

“Is that really alright?” you made sure. He nodded in approval. So you didn’t hesitate to turn your body to the side, snuggling into his body. The moment your head rested against his chest, you were out like a light. Bakugou softly smiled at the sight. Mina and Sero silently fangirled to the side, but thanks to Bakugou’s sharp hearing, he heard them. He glared in their direction causing both of the soldiers to turn their heads and whistle like it was no one’s business. Bakugou then pointed to everyone else, making sure they weren’t loud enough to wake you up. His finger stopped at the electric blonde, extra cautious of his loud ass. Denki locked his lips and threw the key away. Far away. He wasn’t ready to get beat up again.

You fell asleep most of the way back, but his highness didn’t mind. When you awoke, you found yourself back in the palace estate. You stretched your arms out with a big yawn.

“You looked like you got a good rest,” Bakugou joked.

“I did,” you said as a matter of fact, smiling up at him.

The horses pulled up to the front of the palace and other soldiers and maids alike were helping to unpack your belongings. Bakugou had helped you down from your horse and took your hand to head inside. You offered to help bring something in, but Bakugou insisted that you go see someone.

When the doors opened, you were greeted by two masculine figures whose auras emitted such a strong presence, dare you even say malevolent. Kazuhiko and Katashi, the older brothers of the Blood Prince, were there in the flesh. They were much older looking than Bakugou, with even more scars on their bodies. Their build was impressive but the enraged and annoyed expression was prevalent on their faces. Honestly, Bakugou couldn’t compete when it came to how scary and afraid you were on these men.

“Little brother,” Katashi, the second born, greeted mockingly. But that didn’t faze Bakugou one it.

“Where’s father?” Bakugou ignored them. Your eyes widened. Father? As in, the King? Bakugou wanted to take you to meet the King?

“Where he always is. Any reason why you’re asking?” Katashi interrogated.

“I have matters to discuss with him,” Bakugou simply told them. Kazuhiko, the first born, leaned to the side and raised his eyebrows when he saw your cowering body behind Bakugou.

“Ah, what do we have here?” Kazuhiko got closer to you and circled around you to get a good look. “I see you brought something for us to snack on.” He licked his lips repulsively. You shrunk behind Bakugou, holding his arm for dear life. Luckily for you, Bakugou moved to make sure that he was in between you and his brother.

“Be careful with what you say. We wouldn’t want to puncture another eye, would we?” Bakugou threatened. Kazuhiko backed up, covering up his right eye that contained a long scar running in the middle, most likely caused by Bakugou.

“I wouldn’t want to be talking to your future queen like that,” Bakugou pointed out. Both brothers looked at you with slanted eyes as if they couldn’t believe someone like you could be queen.

“Forgive us, princess. We misspoke,” Kazuhiko was quick to bow, but his attitude was more forced.

“Tell us, from which kingdom do you come from?” he asks.

“The Northern Kingdom,” you respond, rather nervously. Katashi raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

“The Northern Kingdom? I thought the King only bore one daughter,” The second oldest questioned. Your heart started to pound and cold sweat was running down your back. You didn’t know what to say. You didn’t know what to do. Were you going to be caught just like this?

“Enough. Tell Father that we are to hold a ball to celebrate our engagement. In a week’s time. No later,” Bakugou spoke up before you could respond. You could let out a big sigh of relief but you’d do that later.

“Go get some rest. I’ll see you later?” Bakugou spoke softly to you. The way he spoke to you compared to his brothers was night and day. You nodded in agreement and Bakugou smiled. His brothers were watching your interaction closely, frowning in dissatisfaction.

“Princess?” Kirishima came from behind you, ushering you to your room. You let Kirishima lead the way, but not before looking back at Bakugou who was talking to his brothers.

“Worried about his highness?” Kirishima asked.

“N-No! I was just…” you tried to make an excuse but failed to come up with one.

“He’ll be fine. There’s a reason Bakugou is in line for the throne and not his brothers,” Kirishima explained. “Despite being the youngest, he is stronger, more powerful, and more ruthless than his brothers. He earned his title as next in line.” Even still, you couldn’t help but worry when you’re not by his side. And Kirishima could see that.

“Now, now. Let’s freshen up for his highness later,” Kirishima took you shoulders and forced you to keep walking, to distract you from the problem.

Bakugou was about to walk away but Kazuhiko stopped him by grabbing his shoulder.

“Oi, you aren’t serious, are you?” Kazuhiko questioned.

“What are you going on about this time?” Bakugou huffed in annoyance.

“You. Have feelings? For that princess?” Katashi doubted like he couldn’t believe his eyes.

“Is that so hard to believe?” Bakugou raised a brow.

“Yes! It is! Come on, do you really think it’s going to work out with her? Do you think we love our wives? No! We are using them, just like you’re about to do. Don’t steer away from the prize,” Katashi tried to manipulate Bakugou, but he wasn’t having it. He swatted him away like an annoying fly buzzing around his head.

“Go back to your own kingdoms and take your shitty ideals with you.” Bakugou dismissed them and walked away, now in a bad mood. Katashi was about to run after him, as he has a shorter fuse than the Blood Prince, but Kazuhiko stopped him.

“Don’t. He’ll come around. There’s no escaping it,” Kazuhiko was convinced and watched as the angry Pomeranian retreated back to his quarters.

Back at the Northern Kingdom, the real princess grumbles as she maneuvers around in her maid outfit, trying not to get caught by anyone. After putting you on that mission, she has been stuck serving as a maid all this time. Day after day after day, she was waiting for the moment you come back and announce that this silly arranged marriage was off, but you had yet to show up. And what’s worse, the brother of the Blood Prince is now requesting to see her. So here she was, waiting outside for this prince to show up.

“Nice of you to show up,” the princess complained when Katashi appeared from the shadows. He chuckles upon seeing what the princess was wearing.

“What are you wearing?” he laughs but the princess wasn’t having it.

“Oh, shut it. What is it you want to say?” the princess snapped, wanting to get straight to the point. Katashi clears his throat, suddenly getting serious.

“You don’t happen to have a sister, do you?” he asks. The princess just rolls her eyes and crosses her arms across her chest.

“Of course, I don’t. You’ve known me how long? You would’ve known if I had a sister. You probably would have slept with her by now,” the princess mumbles. She wasn’t wrong there. But now everything clicks in Katashi’s head.

“Ah, so the princess back with the Blood Prince is an imposter?” Katashi asks in a high pitched tone.

“Not really. I asked her to make the prince hate her so that he could call off the wedding and I wouldn’t have to marry him. When that happens, I’ll be back to my gorgeous dress,” the princess told of her masterplan.

“I don’t think you’ll be having that any time soon. You see, this maid you sent on a mission, is living happily with the prince as we speak. And will be celebrating their engagement within this week,” Katashi said. It took a minute to process what he was saying. The more she understood, the more her blood started to boil.

“What?”

“Oh yes. They traveled the kingdom together and supposedly are very in love with each other,” Katashi spit his poison, whispering these tales like a snake wrapped around her neck.

“That explains why she hasn’t come back yet,” the princess hissed.

“Lucky for you, I am willing to take you as my date to their little party,” Katashi gave a devilish smile. He offered his hand to the princess. “Let us crash this party?”

“Let’s.” the princess agreed, taking his hand, their evil plan now in motion.

A/N: DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA! We live for it!

We are almost done with the first half of the story so... enjoy and be happy while it lasts :)

I'd love to know your thoughts and maybe predictions or wants for the story???? ooh that'll be fun! I love reading every one of your comments and DM's and asks. Don't be afraid to send me something! I'M NICE I PROMISE! Love you all!!! <3 If you'd like to be tagged, please let me know!

Tagged: @superblyspeedydragon @melasnchz-things @animexholic @bkgwrites @sam-i-am-1025 @apexqueenie @katsukibabe @germfart3 @tspice283 @angie-1306 @bakugous-trauma @bakugousmrs @random-fandom-girl-24 @monetfatalia @triviajeongin @readingslumpfanfic @softredrobin @daddy-daichis @stardream14 @spicysherlock @cathwritestragediesnotsins @luvtaromilktea @aaannabbanana @i-ameri-cant @shyonigirichan @aomi04

[gojo-x-reader]

Red String of Fate

Relationship(s): Gojo Satoru x F!Reader

Warnings: slight swearing, slight manga spoilers

Tags: Soulmate AU

AO3 Link: here

Words: ~2.3k

Request:  “Hello I'm actually not sure if I'm supposed to put put my request here? well, if its not supposed to be here, then please ignore it. Anyways, can I ask of you to share your thoughts on Soulmate AU w/ Gojo around 12 to 16 yrs old where he can see signs of who's soulmate is whos meeting his possible fiance who turns out to be his soulmate (I asked that age bc first meeting! he's from a noble clan and its really weird he doesn't have fiance or something) Sorry if its confusing and Thank you!”

Gojo Satoru was twelve years old when his Six Eyes began showing him the red strings of fate. Every person’s string was different. Some of them stretched on for what seemed like an eternity, almost seemingly never reaching the other end. Others were shorter, connected to the person they stood next to (whether they knew of their existence or not). And unfortunately, on some, Satoru could see the end of the string, but it dragged behind someone, unconnected to another human.

Satoru had told his mother about the strings as they appeared. Those are strings that lead one to their soulmate, she had explained to him. Everyone has a soulmate, but not everyone is in love with theirs. There are different kinds of love in this world.

Satoru’s parents were soulmates, but they did not love each other; that much was clear from how his father treated his mother. He never hit her or anything, but he didn’t treat her like an equal; more of a vessel that gave birth to an heir. He only interacted with his wife when necessary, the two not even sleeping in the same room at night.

For that reason, Satoru was scared to meet his own soulmate. He had one, that much was clear by the bright red string tied around his left pinky that stretched on for kilometers. He didn’t want to end up like his parents.

Gojo Satoru was fourteen years old when his father announced that he would be marrying you, a girl from the Kamo clan. You were the youngest daughter in the secondary branch of the family, just a year younger than him. Tomorrow, the two of you would meet for the first time.

You were nervous about tomorrow, for several reasons. Number one, you had heard the rumors about Gojo Satoru--the first member of the Gojo clan to be born with the Six Eyes and  Limitless, the two inherited techniques of his clan, in a hundred years or so. That meant, in a nutshell, he was much stronger than you could ever hope to be, as someone who hadn’t even inherited the Kamo clan technique (which is why you were being shipped off to another clan). Number two, you had heard rumors of his personality, somehow both cold and carefree at the same time, but one hundred percent a horrible personality to be combined with your timid and quiet nature. And number three, you almost resented him because now you were stuck in an arranged marriage and you saw how well that worked out for your parents.

Tomorrow arrived, and the maids dressed you up in the finest of kimonos, hair ornaments, and even makeup. You weren’t particularly into girly interests, more interested in training for when you enter Kyoto High in a few years; the feeling of foundation and lipstick felt foreign on your face.

You arrived at the main hall, escorted by your uncle (the head of the Kamo family), your parents, and a few maids. You normally didn’t wear a kimono often, except for very special occasions, and you have never been in one for this long. Graceful, you were not, and tripped a few times because of the geta chosen for you to wear with the kimono. Each time, the maids were swift to grab ahold of your arms and stabilize you. They even helped you sit down as you awaited your future fiance and his parents.

Gojo Satoru’s parents arrived before he did. They apologized on behalf of their son, citing that he was on he was back from a mission. You were jealous, he wasn’t even in high school yet and was already being assigned missions. While you weren’t powerful in comparison to Gojo Satoru himself, you could still hold your own against your older cousins and had a decent amount of cursed energy.

Gojo Satoru’s parents seemed nice enough, but the chemistry between them resembled that of your own parents; they tolerated each other, but that was it--no love, no spark, nothing. You wondered if his parents were also put into an arranged marriage. You could sympathize, but you also secretly hoped that the two of you wouldn’t end up like your parents.

You poured tea for your future in-laws, hands shaking slightly, a few drops of tea spilling. As you sat the teapot down, in came Gojo Satoru himself, dressed in a simple black kimono, but the sash was not tied tightly. His hair was touseled, and stained with either dirt or blood (you hoped it was dirt). Despite his unkempt look, he was gorgeous, with bright white hair and eyes blue like the sky matching neither of his parents. Despite the color differences, he took mostly after his mother with her soft features.

When he made eye contact with you, he froze, looking down at his left hand, and then back to you. Before you could even greet him, he immediately fled the room, both his parents calling after him, leaving after him.

That was a bit painful; your first time meeting him and he leaves immediately seeing your face. You weren’t sure how your self-esteem would recover after that blow.

About twenty minutes later, Gojo Satoru’s parents came back, empty-handed without their son. He refused to meet you, but they promised he would come around eventually. So, your family said your goodbyes and left the Gojo estate.

Once your family arrived back at the Kamo estate, your uncle slapped you across the face, blaming you for what transpired with the Gojo family. It was your looks, your lack of femininity that obviously scared your fiance away. Not even makeup or the finest materials could fix it.

So what, if you weren’t “feminine”? Being “feminine” doesn’t exorcise curses, now does it?

You grumbled an apology, leaving to your room and locking the door behind you. You started crying, ruining the makeup that took the maids hours to do, but not even bothering to care. It took a while to get out of the kimono, but you changed into sweatpants and a large T-shirt and left the offensive material on the floor. Neither of your parents bothered to check in on you, but the head maid did. She cleaned up your makeup and brought you some of your comfort foods. She was more of a mother to you than your own, and you were always grateful for her in your life.

The next time you would meet Gojo Satoru, there would be hell to pay for embarrassing you like this.

Gojo Satoru was sixteen years old when he next met his fiancee, this time on the battlefield rather than mitigated by their families. Kyoto was short by one for the Kyoto Goodwill Event, so you were allowed to join as the sole first year. You were glad for the opportunity because that meant you could finally pay back Gojo Satoru for the embarrassment you felt two years ago.

You were told you had great potential as a jujutsu sorcerer, already being promoted to Semi-Grade 2 as you entered Kyoto High. Of course, you weren’t even close to your fiance who was promoted immediately to Special Grade upon entering Tokyo High. While the power difference between a Semi-Grade 2 and a Special Grade was immense, you weren’t going to let that stop you. You held a lot of pain in your heart for how Gojo Satoru rejected you from one glance, refusing to ever see you again that day.

This was Gojo Satoru’s first Goodwill Event, as last year he was only a first-year and the spots were full from the second and third years last year. Since last year, Kyoto had won, the event was held at your school. Not a single second or third year at Kyoto believed they even had a chance to win this year, as Tokyo has not one but two Special Grade students this year participating in the event. There was only one Grade 1 sorcerer on the Kyoto side, a third-year, while the others were a Grade 2 or Semi-Grade 2. The goal was to stick together; power in numbers. While the two monsters Gojo Satoru and Geto Suguru could take out the entire Kyoto team singlehanded most likely, the others on the Tokyo team were rather weak, at only Grade 3.

So, the Kyoto side would stick together, avoid conflict. The goal was to exorcise curses, not necessarily fight each other.

The six of you stuck together, exorcising curse after curse. It was strange, as several minutes passed and you hadn’t even encountered one of the Grade 3 Tokyo sorcerers. You felt the hairs on the back of your neck stick up, then a voice behind you announcing, “Hello~”

You turned around quickly, barely able to avoid an attack. There he was, Gojo Satoru in the flesh. He was much, much taller than last time you saw him, now towering over you like a tree. On his (admittedly) handsome face was a smug grin, his bright baby blues peeking out behind round black shades. He held his hands in his pockets in a carefree manner. Almost not like he just attacked you and your senpai.

You glanced back briefly. While you were somehow lucky to avoid the attack from your fiance, your senpai behind you was not. The attack left them unconscious, back against a tree and blood running down their head.

While reading headfirst toward your fiance probably was not a good idea, only rage flowed through your head. You may not have inherited your clan’s cursed technique, you inherited a similar technique but more closely to your mother’s Zenin clan’s technique. You could manipulate shadows, not to summon shikigami, but rather to form weapons.

You summoned the shadows to form a sword, raising it to strike Gojo Satoru. But it reached just centimeters away from his body before stopping, almost like an invisible forced kept it in place, unable to move it further. You stared at your hand in surprise.

“Now, now, is that any way to greet your fiance?” Gojo Satoru asked, grin widening.

“Are you really though?” You asked, jumping back cautiously before he could ready another attack. “You didn’t even want to meet me two years ago.”

He placed his hand onto his chin in thought. “Hmm, I suppose that’s true. Tell you what, land a hit on me and I’ll tell you everything.”

“Bastard,” you called to him, switching your shadow weapon to a bow and arrow, pulling back the shadow string, and releasing it toward him.

Gojo Satoru held up two fingers as the arrow stopped in mid-air, much like your sword earlier. “I don’t think that’s my name, sweetie. Bad luck for you today. Seems like we’re just a bad match.”

You were frustrated. How the hell was he doing that?

A siren sounded out through the forest. The match was over; Tokyo won, only because Gojo Satoru had distracted the Kyoto group while Geto Suguru handled the stranglers and the remaining Grade 3 sorcerers were able to exorcise more curses than your side.

Gojo Satoru disappeared before your eyes, but you heard a whisper in your ear from him, “I’m feeling generous. An hour before the individual matches tomorrow, meet me in the garden. I’ll explain everything.”

So, that’s how you found yourself out in the garden at 8 am, shivering from the morning chill. The garden was huge, but somehow you figured your fiance would be able to find you.

“Yo,” he called out, startling you from your thoughts. “I didn’t think you’d actually come.”

“I don’t think highly of you,” you admitted. “You embarrassed me two years ago and my uncle thinks I’m a disgrace to the family now.”

“Yikes, that seems a little harsh. Not like I annulled the engagement or anything. I just was going through some good ole teenage angst then, nothing more.”

“Still going through some ‘teenage angst’?” you questioned.

“Oh, you know, just the normal amount. I died a few months ago and it reset me back to typical teenage angst levels.”

“You what? ”

“But that’s a whole different story. We’re talking about why I left two years ago after seeing you.” He brought a finger up to his lips. “This is top secret. Can’t tell anyone.”

You nodded.

“So, my Six Eyes. I’m sure you’ve heard all about them, being in the Kamo clan and all. It turns out I can also see the red string of fate that brings soulmates together. My parents are soulmates, but they have a shitty relationship.”

“Okay.” You could relate, your parents also have a shitty relationship.

“And they’re the only pair of soulmates I’ve ever known. So,” he grasped his left pinky in yours, “when I saw that red string of mine connect to yours, I panicked. Didn’t want to be forced into a relationship with my own soulmate and end up like my parents. Call me a sappy romantic, but I wanted to meet you and get to know each other on our own, not because we’re in an arranged marriage.”

You couldn’t help but blush. Here was Gojo Satoru, your fiance, one of the strongest jujutsu sorcerers in the world, proclaiming that you were his soulmate. It seemed ridiculous, but you didn’t think he was lying. Suddenly, all the resentment for that time a few years ago left.

You took your pinky out of his, looking away from him in embarrassment, then stated, “There’s nothing that says we can’t do all that while still being engaged. Lets.” You took a deep breath, looking straight at those brilliant blue eyes past his sunglasses, then continued. “Let start over. Get to know each other the right way and see where this takes us.”

He grinned. It was the first time you saw him smile with pure happiness behind it. “I like that idea, soulmate.”

[itsallyscorner]

Fluffy Surprises

Pairing: Sebastian Stan x Reader

Summary: Seb finally makes one of your life long dreams come true.

A/n: I haven’t written a full length imagine in like forever, so if this is a bit rough I’m sorry ya’ll. But I hope you enjoy it💜

✪

Growing up you have always wanted a dog. You absolutely loved dogs and just formed heart eyes whenever you would see one. When you were younger, you constantly begged your parents for a dog. Although, they said adopting a dog took a lot of responsibility and cost a lot of money. Which resulted in you never having one. All your life you would admire dogs from afar, asking strangers if you could pet their dogs, or just hanging out with your friends’ dogs and pretend they’re yours.

Fast forward to now. You’re a grown adult in a very healthy and serious relationship with your boyfriend Sebastian. You guys have been together for a few years now, meeting at a mutual friend’s party and ended up hitting it off. After that, you guys would always bump into each other at other parties and end up spending the whole night talking to each other. Now you guys took a big step in your relationship and bought your first penthouse together! Since Seb and you both found NYC as your home, you guys bought a place in Manhattan. The both of you were very excited to finally be living together, it was a new chapter in both of your lives.

Unlike your previous apartment, the penthouse allowed pets to live in the building. Seb remembers the moment the real estate agent mentioned it to you guys while checking out what would be your new home. He remembered the way your eyes lit up and how your lips formed into a small grin. When you two left and were back at his apartment, you wouldn’t leave him alone with the puppy eyes and constant hints.

“So, I really liked that last place we checked out. It was very spacious, had a nice view, they even allow pets to live there..” you would casually bring up as you two eat your dinner.

“Seb, look at this puppy I found on Pet Finder!”

“So Golden Retrievers make really good house pets. They’re great protectors and get along with kids.”

“Honey, we don’t have kids.” Seb would look up from the current script he was reading and tilt his head at you in confusion.

“Yeah, but like our future kids, you know? I want them to have a dog growing up.” Your response made his stomach feel light and fluttery. The fact that you thought about having kids with him made him love you even more.

“Seb, can we adopt a dog.” You randomly asked him one day as you two were watching some movie on Netflix.

“You didn’t even try on that one.” He chuckled as he peered down at you. You pouted as you looked up at him from your position on his chest. “Yeah, well I wanted to make sure you were getting my hints.”

Sebastian knew you’ve been wanting a dog of your own since you were little. If he can get anything that would make you the happiest girl in the world, it was a puppy. And of course, being the amazing and most loving boyfriend ever, he wanted to do nothing but make you happy. So he did his research and looked for some nearby shelters around your new neighborhood. He found one just a few blocks away from your shared complex and went to visit it. Obviously, he did this on the down-low, not wanting to spoil the surprise he had planned for you.

The sound of the iPhone alarm pulled you out of your sleeping state. You glanced at the time on the digital clock on your nightstand and grunted. It was currently 6 am, the usual time Seb would wake up to go on his daily jog. How he managed to wake up and instantly be in the mood for running? You had no clue. But you did know he did it to avoid the crowded streets as not many people will be out at that time.

“Go back to sleep, sweetheart.” You heard Sebastian’s deep morning voice coax you back to sleep. He always made sure to take a few minutes to just lay in bed and hold you while you drifted back to sleep. When he was sure you were sleeping again, he slowly unwrapped himself from you and got out of bed. He made his way to the connected bathroom and freshened up for the day. He got dressed in sweatpants, a shirt, and some sneakers, his usual jogging attire. But he wasn’t going on a jog. He was actually going to that shelter not too far from your penthouse and picking a little something up.

About two hours later, Sebastian returns home with bags full of pet supplies and most importantly the new member of the family. In his right arm was a 5 week old Golden Retriever puppy. Seb knew that one of the breeds you loved were Golden Retrievers, so when he saw the familiar golden furball at the shelter, he immediately asked for the adoption papers.

Once he shut the door and placed the bags down, the puppy began to squirm in his arms.

“Alright, alright,” Seb places the puppy on the ground, “There ya go, welcome to your new home, buddy.”

Seb watches as the small chubby puppy sniffs its way around the house. He quietly giggles as the puppy bumps into the coffee table. He lets the unnamed puppy (He wants you to name him.) wander around as he starts to set up the dog’s food and water bowls. As he poured the puppy kibble into the bowl, he heard the little taps of the puppy’s nails against the floor. Looking down, Sebastian sees the puppy looking right back at him wagging his tail.

“This is where your food’s gonna be from now on. Unless (y/n) changes that, but for right now your food’s here.” He softly explains to the puppy as if it can understand him. As soon as he placed the bowl down, the dog hurried to the bowl and shoved its face into it.

“You stay right there and eat, I’ll be right back.”

Assuming that the puppy would stay put, Sebastian leaves the kitchen to check on you.

~

“(Y/n)”

“Babe, it’s time to get up.” you let out a huff as you hear Seb try to wake you up. You let out a sound of disagreement.

Sebastian chuckles as you cling tighter onto the pillow you were hugging. Which happens to be his pillow. Seb presses a kiss to your exposed shoulder and gently presses his body against your back.

“Come onnn, I got you something.” He sings as he pokes your side.

“Is it food?”

“Not quite.”

“Then I don’t want it.” Today felt like a lazy day so you were going to do nothing but stay in bed all day.

“I swear it’s worth it come on, baby.” He tried to persuade you. His fingers against your sides slightly twitched making you jump a bit. Finally coming to your senses, you sat up and stretched your arms out. Sebastian smiles brightly at you and leans in for a kiss, but you stop him before he can come closer.

“No, morning breath.” You hand comes up to block your lips.

“I don’t care.” His response came out muffled as he pulled your hand away and pressed his lips against yours. When he pulled away he excitedly pulled you up from the bed and dragged you out the bedroom.

“What did you do?” You guys arrived in the kitchen only to see...nothing. Sebastian’s eyes widened as he internally freaks out. He subtly (not really) looks around the kitchen. He quickly glances at the front door and sees that it’s still closed. Trying to come up with an excuse he uses the first thing he sees.

“Uh, the sun looked really nice today.” He pulls you towards the window in the living room all while looking around the room.

‘Where the hell could that puppy be?” He thought to himself.

“Seb, we could barely see the sun from here.” You said as you tried to look past a building. You noticed how he got a bit antsy, but didn’t think much of it since it was probably the after jogging energy pumping through his body.

“Hmm you’re right. Hey, why don’t you go back to bed and I’ll cook some breakfast. Your surprise should be ready by then.” Seb suggested as a way to get you out of the room as quick as possible so he can find that puppy.

“Don’t have to ask me twice.” You winked. Before you can leave the room you pressed a kiss on the corner of his mouth, “Try not to take too long.”

“Yes ma’am.” He swatted your bum before you walked away from him. When he saw you enter the room and close the door he began to search the whole penthouse for the puppy.

~

When you entered the room, you headed straight for the bathroom to do your morning routine. While you were in the midst of washing your cleanser off your face you heard a bark. The sound itself made you stop what you were doing and quickly dry your face with a towel.

“Hello?” You whispered.

Suddenly from behind the bathroom door came a Golden Retriever puppy.

“Oh my god.” You gasped at the puppy in front of you, questioning if it were real or not.

“Hi baby.” You cooed as you got down to your knees in front of the puppy. The puppy approached you and pawed at your knees making you audibly “aww”. You gently pet it’s head as it leaned into your touch.

“How did you get in here, huh?” You asked as you lifted up the puppy. Holding it in your arms like a baby, you leave the room and headed straight for Sebastian.

“SEB! SEBASTIAN!!”

Seb jumps from the sound of your voice, making him hit his head on the counter he was under of.

“Yea—,” his mouth gapes at the sight of the puppy in your arms.

“Why is there a puppy in our house? Wait, is it a stray? Can we keep it?!” You began to question as you walked towards him. Seb only smiles at you as he sighs in defeat.

“Well of course you can keep him, he’s yours.” He answered. You looked up from the puppy in your arms and looked at Sebastian in disbelief.

“What do you mean?”

“This little troublemaker ruined my surprise. I know how long you’ve been wanting a dog and since we have our own place that allows pets, I decided to surprise you with a puppy.” He explains as he ruffles the puppy’s head. Tears began to form in your eyes as you held the puppy closer to you.

“You’re not lying right?” You asked just to make sure this was real.

“I would never lie to you, draga mea.” He reassured you, resting his hand on your elbow. With one arm you pulled Sebastian into a tight hug with the puppy squished between you two.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you! Oh my goodness, I love you.” You rambled as you hugged both him and the puppy as tight as you can. Letting him go, you squealed as you held up the puppy like Simba.

“I HAVE A DOG, OMG SEB IM A DOG MOM!” You jumped excitedly as Sebastian laughed at your excitement. The whole day all you could do was play with the puppy and continuously thank Sebastian for the surprise. You ended up naming the puppy Bucky.

Draga mea: my darling

[bamsywrites]

Mistakes Like These

Summary: Kakyoin never paid much attention to the younger Kujo. Who knew stockings and short skirt were all it would take change that

Rating: 18+, nsfw

Words: 4877

Warnings: cannabis mention, alcohol use

Tags: afab, fem pronouns, modern!au , doesn’t follow the canon like at all, very au, brother!jotaro x sister!reader, kakyoin x reader, soft dom kak, lots of pet names, plus size reader

Notes: I haven’t written any fanfiction in over five years so this might be rusty. I’m sorry for any mistakes made or if its not how the characters would act. I’m still new to the Jojos fandom but had this idea pop in my head and decided to get it out. I want to turn this in to a multi part story and have several parts already planned out, I just want to have feedback to see if people actually like it.

“Have a happy Holidays. Make sure to check in with your financial advisor about the spring semester.”

A sigh escaped your lips as you read the most recent email in your student inbox. Patience may be a virtue, but it was sure one you didn’t possess. At least not right now anyway. Tsking your tongue against the roof of your mouth, you moved the mouse over to the refresh button and clicked. Your eyes followed the downloading icon in circles, fingers tapping anxiously over the desk.

“Have a happy Holidays. Make sure to check in with your financial advisor about the spring semester.”

You exhaled angrily through your nose and leaned back in your chair. Your eyes fixed on the ceiling for a few moments before you looked over to your bed where your cat, Miso, had woken up from his nap.

“I know I should be more patient. But this grade is what determines if I move on to the next course which I need if I want to graduate soon and get out of this apartment.” You spoke as if your cat had scolded you for your impatience.

Your apartment was nice. Super nice. Your friends often described it as “apartment goals.” You could have never afforded it on your own. Hell, you couldn’t afford it even when you graduated and got a job. Two large bedrooms with a spacious living room, modern kitchen, and a balcony that overlooked the cities skyline. There were only two major downsides: there was only one bathroom which had to be shared with your roommate and your roommate happened to be your older brother, Jotaro.

Now, you didn’t exactly hate your brother. He was like any older brother, he thought you were extremely annoying and wanted nothing to do with you most of the time, though there were times growing up where he’d come home with scrapes and bruises after dealing with someone who picked on you at school. As you were both older, you found each other more bearable than you did when you were younger. That didn’t mean, however, you wanted to live with him. Especially while you were in college, which was supposed to be your time to let loose and have fun while still receiving an education, of course. Your grandfather, however, had other plans.

Joseph Joestar was a real estate mogul and had some serious money to his name. He loved to dote on his two grandchildren and was upset that for the most part your parents chose to give you a “normal” life without the extravagance that he offered. Birthdays and christmas he would buy you each a present, until Jotaro turned 15 and started asking for money instead. He made your mother an offer that he knew she couldn’t deny: he would pay for the entirety of your schooling, from associates degree to PhD if thats what you wanted, in order for the two of you to focus on your studies he’d also give you a weekly allowance so that you wouldn’t have to work, and he’d buy you each your own apartment and pay to furnish it how you liked. Holly couldn’t turn down the offer, what kind of mother would deny her children an opportunity like that? However, she did ask that her father only buy a single apartment for her children to share. Her hopes were that it would strengthen your relationship and it also meant she could see both her darling children whenever she desired.

You didn’t want to seem ungrateful at all for what Jiji had done for you. You knew you were extremely privileged to have the opportunities that he provided you but, fuck, sometimes you wished you had your own place. You wanted the independence, to know you earned something but also because sharing a bathroom with Jojo was infuriating. He always moved your stuff, never cleaned the shower, and he never had patience for you to get ready in the mornings. A wishful sigh left your lips as you thought of your future, with just you, Miso, and the ability to use the bathroom whenever you wanted.

Your eyes moved back to the computer screen, clicking refresh, and rolling your eyes when you read the same email from the dean again. Like you expected anything different, you just turned the term paper in yesterday. You brought your cup of tea up to your lips but furrowed your eyebrows when you realized there was none left.

Pushing yourself up out of your chair you formulated a plan for the rest of your evening. You would refill your cup of tea, hop back on your computer to play Overwatch with your friends until the early hours of the morning, and then cuddle up with Miso and look at TikToks until you fell asleep. It was foolproof. No way that you would even think about your term paper grade.

And if you did, you could always refresh your email in between matches.

-----------

Your finger tapped your lip as you looked over all the snack foods in the pantry. While waiting for your tea, you realized that the only thing that could make your plan better was a good snack. You had just gone shopping so it meant that all the poky, ramen, and chips you desired were on the shelves and it made the decision extra hard.

In the middle of your contemplation, you heard the front door turn and the sound of your brother and his friends entering the apartment.

“You know it's true, Jotaro. Your apartments bigger. Its nicer. It has that view that drives the ladies wild. Our apartment is cramped and it smells like weed.” Polnareff’s voice was the first you heard as the trio entered the house.

“Don’t forget the upstairs neighbors who are always playing loud polish music.” Kakyoin added, plopping down to sit on one of the chairs in the living room.

You heard your brother sigh and could feel his annoyance. You never understood how the trio became friends, it was a mystery to everyone including them but they had been together since their days in primary school and the bond they shared was one that intrigued you.

“Yes, yes. The polish,” Polnareff nodded. “Known around the world for their ability to ruin the mood with a hurdy-gurdy.”

There was silence, and you could tell your brother was not budging a bit. A party was not Jotaros thing. Kakyoin wasn’t a partier either, from what you gathered he’d much rather stay at home playing video games and smoking weed. Sucking your bottom lip in your mouth, you made your decision, grabbing a bag of chips and a box of strawberry pocky. You did your best to hold those in one hand and your cup of tea in the other.

“Feel that Christmas spirit, Jo. Help Pol in his never ending crusade to get laid. The poorman is gonna end this year with, what, a batting average of zero. He’ll be a disgrace to French men everywhere.” The teasing tone Kakyoins voice almost made you laugh.

“Hey! Batting average of 3. You know this,” Polnareff shot back, causing his roommate to throw his hands up in mock surrender.

“Jotaro,” The french man turned his attention back to your brother, who simply turned on the TV in what seemed to be an attempt to drown out the sound of his friend's voice, “C’mon. I’ll buy your cigarettes for a month…..Two months?” His voice was getting more desperate, his head turned toward you. A smile stretched across his features as he jumped off the couch and threw his arms around your shoulder.

God, you just wanted to go to your room.

“New deal,” Polernaff declared, squeezing you to the side of his body as you tried not to splash your tea all over the floor. Kakyoin looked away from the TV, eyebrow raised, Jotaros attention never faltered from the knock-off Viagra commercial. “If you agree to a Christmas Eve party I will buy you cigarettes for three months, I will never ask anything of you ever again, and I will stop flirting with your sister.”

Kakyoin snorted, shaking his head and turning his attention to Jotaro. Since you had moved in with Jotaro, the frenchman hadn’t stopped making comments about how beautiful he thought you were or just giving you flirty winks whenever you walked through the room. You found it annoying at first, but you quickly got over it when you realized he did the same thing with every girl, and boy, that he saw.

“Good grief,” Jotaro sighed. “Its a deal.”

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

“I can’t believe you agreed to this.” Kakyoin mumbled as he and Jotaro watched their friend place the final touches on the decorations and food for the party. Y/N had already put up Christmas decorations earlier that month, there was some snowmen set out on the dining table and a cute tree with some presents neatly wrapped under it. However, Polnareff had decided that wasn’t enough. He had hung up snowflakes to come down from the ceiling, there was garland hung on every wall, and so much fucking mistletoe.

Polnareff had even requested that his friends dress festive. Jotaro, of course, didn’t listen and wore what he always wore. Kakyoin decided to humor his friend and wore a Santa hat along with a dark green v-neck and dark wash jeans.

“You don’t need the money, right? Grandpa Joestar’s allowance has to be enough for cigarettes.” He continued, watching his roommate place a bowl of peppermints by the door.

“I just wanted to get him to shut up,” Jotaro said with a roll of his eyes.

“You think he’ll actually follow through on leaving Y/N alone?”

Jotaro shook his head, “Out of all the people in this city, you’d think he’d leave the only one of limits alone.”

Kakyoin simply nodded, taking a sip of his drink.

-----------

You smoothed your hands over your outfit, turning to the side to get it from a different angle. You couldn’t decide if you liked it or not. The sweater was cute, it was red with a deep green christmas tree that had colorful little puff balls as the ornaments. Your make-up and hair looked nice, too.  That wasn’t what concerned you. It was the white pleated skirt and tight red stockings that caused you pause. You grabbed at your love handles that spilled over the top of the skirt a bit and your eyes traveled to how your thighs looked in the stockings.

Polnareff had told you you could invite some friends over. Which, of course you could, this was your apartment and you didn’t need his permission. You had told him as such and invited over your three closest friends.

You turned around to your bed and looked at Miso, who was comfortably curled up. “How do I look?” You waited a moment before turning back to the mirror and smacking your lips together. You were tempted to take off the skirt and tights and throw a pair of jeans on but something changed your mind last minute. Instead of heading to your closet to change, you instead grabbed the reindeer antler hand band and slipped it on top of your hair before heading out of the safety of your bedroom.

You were so distracted with the new decorations that you didn’t notice the pair of eyes that were glued to your form.

------

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime was playing for what seemed like the fifth time. Kakyoin had never hated Paul McCartney more than he did now. He was just now starting to feel the buzz of all the drinks he had had but it didn’t make the party any more bearable.

“She,” Kakyoin pointed to a blonde girl in a Santa dress, “is gonna hook up with him,” He pointed to a dark haired main that had for some reason felt the need to take his shirt off.

Jotaro simply grunted before eyeing more of the members of the party. This was a game they’d been playing for the past hour and a half, making bets on who was gonna hook up with who and who was gonna get the most shit faced.

“He’s gonna end up passed out in my bathtub,” The dark haired man stated, pointing to the only person dancing to the playlist Polnareff had created.

Kakyoin broke a smile as he watched the clearly wasted man's horrible dance moves. His attention was brought away from the scene by the sound of Y/N’s laugh. For what had to be the millionth time that night, the red haired man eyed her up and down. That outfit looked so fucking good on her but the smile streched out across her lips looked even better.

I wonder what the lipstick would look like smeared on my cock.

The thought slipped into his head and he couldn’t stop from staring at the red painted on your lips.

Does she feel as soft as she looks?

He took a sip from his cup. He knew he shouldn’t be thinking about his hands running over her thighs or his fingers digging into her hips. It was strange that he was having these thoughts. He’d never viewed Y/N as more than just Jotaro’s younger sister. He never thought she was ugly, in fact there were multiple times that he thought she was down right gorgeous but it had never turned sexual. Something about that outfit had sent him over that edge.

The sound of Last Christmas brought him out of his trance. Kakyoin almost immediately rolled his eyes. He almost missed the hurdy-gurdy.

“Good grief,” Jotaro mumbled and grabbed the pack of cigarettes off the coffee table. “I’m heading out for a smoke.”

Kakyoin watched as his best friend got up but instead of heading for the balcony, Jotaro went out the front door. The red haired man was tempted to follow but as soon as that thought popped into his mind he heard the drunk voice of his other best friend call to him.

“Kak, you gotta show these guys the cherry thing!”

---------

It was well past 3. The party had ended and most of the attendants took an Uber home. The only people in the apartment were you, Polnareff, and Kakyoin. Jotaro had still not returned from that smoke he said he was going to take hours ago. The buzz had long worn off and the reality sank in that you had to clean the disaster of an apartment that was left in the christmas party’s wake.

There were red solo cups strewn about various surfaces and all over the floor, glitter seemed to have gotten everywhere, there were plates of food left half eaten, and there was a candy cane just stuck to the wall. Looking at the destruction, you almost wondered if the fun you had had was worth it. With your parents coming over tomorrow...or, well, today…..for Christmas, you had really no other option than to clean it, with that thought in your head you grabbed a garbage bag and started cleaning.

After a few minutes, you heard the familiar rustle of plastic as someone was opening a trash bag and you turned to see Kakyoin helping you with your task.

“Thanks,” You told him as you threw a plate of half eaten cake into the bag.

“No problem. Pol is passed out in the hallway and I gotta make sure Jo makes it home safe, so I’m kinda stuck here.”

You simply nodded in response and kept about your task in silence. A silence which seemingly bothered Kakyoin because a few minutes later he cleared his throat and broke the silence.

“So I, uh, noticed your man wasn’t here tonight.” He almost smacked himself for asking the question. You thought he was just making small talk, the thought of him having more devious reasons behind asking if you were single hadn’t crossed your mind.

“My….My man?” You quirked an eyebrow, looking back over your shoulder at him.

“Yeah, your man. I saw you with some guy a while back,” Kakyoin had put down the now full trash bag and was leaning against the counter top with his arms crossed as he spoke.

“Oh,” You suddenly realized who exactly he was talking about, “Yeah, um, we broke up six months ago,” You said with a laugh.

“Oh...Six months?” He titled his head to the side, “Are you sure? Hmm… Well, sorry I didn’t notice...I uh guess I should be more observant.

You shook your head, placing down your own bag and heading past him to the pantry to grab another. “Its alright, I’m not offended. I’m sure you find me as annoying as I find Jotaros friends.”

Kakyoin raised his eyebrows at your statement, “You find me annoying? I mean, Pol, I get. Yeah. He’s one of my closest friends and even I can’t handle him sometimes. But me? I never talk to you.”

You had busied yourself with cleaning the rest of the cups off the counter, “ I don’t know. You’re just…” You looked up and noticed his eyes quickly flick down to your lips before making eye contact with you again. “I mean, you did one time give me oregano and told me it was weed.”

“First,” Kakyoin started, his body shifted so it was turned toward you, “Thats not annoying. I would call that immature, maybe. But annoying? Nah. Second,” he threw up two fingers to emphasize his point, “ In my defense, you were 15 and I was worried about you finding our stash under Jo’s bed and I thought it would lessen that chance if I gave you your own stash.”

You laughed, setting the bag down and turning to look at him. You couldn’t help but notice how good he looked in that dark green shirt but you quickly willed that thought away.  “Kakyoin, that doesn’t make any sense.”

“Hey, at the time it did.”

You tilted your head to the side, you had plenty of stories that you could use as proof that he was annoying, “ What about that time you and Jojo left me stranded at school because the new playstation came out?”

“Thats not fair,” He noticed the playful hint your voice was taking and it caused a small smile to tug at his lips.

“How about the time that you threw up in my make up bag?”

“Hey, that was all Frenchie. Not me.”

“Or…..” You were silenced by Kakyoin pressing a finger to your lips. You hadn’t noticed that the two of you had just kept moving closer and closer as you were talking. You could get a better look at him now, his eyes looked tired but there was a mischievous glint to them, proof to you that he found this just as amusing as you did.

“What about you, huh? You saying that you’ve never been annoying?” He cocked an eyebrow, giving you a knowing look that let you know he had as many stories about you that you had about him.

“Look, I never once implied that I wasn’t annoying. I’ll own up to it,” You shrugged, “I was a total brat.”

Kakyoin snorted, “Don’t act like you’re not still a brat.”

“How?!” You looked almost taken aback, “How am I still a brat? You hardly see me!”

Kakyoin loved banter and teasing with his friends, it was kind of his thing. It was how he showed affection. If he didn’t gently bully you how was he supposed to show that he cared? But this, this teasing between the two of you was different. It made the room seem hotter and his pants feel tighter. That coupled with how fucking cute you looked in that damn outfit, even if your make up had worn off a bit and the lipstick was smugged. He couldn't deny it was doing things to him.

“I see you now,” His voice was deep, his tongue sticking out to wet his bottom lip as his eyes trailed you up and down.

Your cheeks immediately turned a blushy pink and your skin was hot under his gaze. Your lips parted but no words came out. This was Jotaros best friend, there was no way he was flirting with you.

Kakyoin took a few steps forward so he was as close to you as he could be without touching you. “I see you now,” He repeated in the same low voice, this time keeping eye contact with you, “And I see a brat.”

He pushes a few strands of hair out of your face and behind your ear, a gasp hitching in your throat as his heated skin touched your check briefly, “Unless you’re gonna show me otherwise.”

“I…” You swallowed the lump in your throat, suddenly weak at his gaze. “H-how?”

You look into his eyes and you can see it. You can see how much he wants you and how intense that want is. No one has ever looked at you that way before and it made your stomach erupt in butterflies. Quickly, you turn your head away not being able to handle the intensity of his stare. You feel his fingers on your chin guiding you to look back up at him, holding you there so he can take in all the features of your face. Its like he’s looking at you for the first time. His fingers move gently from your chin down to your neck, your breathing hitched in your throat when you felt the soft pad of his thumb move across your lips.

“If you want me to stop, tell me sweetheart,” He’s eyes had gotten a few shades darker and his voice seemed more strained than usual. Kakyoins free hand traveled under the sweater your were wearing, fingers lightly dancing along your side as his other hand stayed on you face, gently tracing the outline of your lips with his thumb. “Tell me right now and I’ll go back to pitching solo cups and scrubbing counters.”

In the pit of your stomach you knew you shouldn’t. You knew that if Jojo ever found out he’d flip, he’d always done his best to keep you and his friends separate. You always thought it was because you annoyed him and he didn’t want to have to be around you more than you already were, Kakyoin knew that it was because no matter how the man acted, he deeply cared for you and would do anything to protect you. These thoughts of Jotaro’s reaction filtered through your mind but your brother wasn’t here right now.

You acted on impulse, your tongue peaking out of your mouth to coax Kakyoins thumb between your lips. He watched with heavy lidded eyes as you gently sucked on the digit, swiping your tongue along the length of it. His breathing picked up for a moment before mumbling a quiet, “Fuck.”

Almost instantly you were hoisted on the counter with his lips against yours and wasting no time to swipe his tongue into your mouth. His hands quickly traveled up your thighs, pushing your skirt to pool at your hips and quickly ripping the stockings down the middle. Your legs hooked around his waist, pulling him as close to you as possible as your fingers worked at undoing his belt.

He pulls away from your lips for a moment to help you pull down his boxers and jeans. You licked your lips as you admired his cock, already hard and glistening with precum. You felt his fingers on your face again directing you to look at him.

“My cock needs to be inside you, sweetheart. Can I do that?” He was breathing heavy, he had never wanted someone so much in his life. All he wanted right now was to feel your pussy around his cock. Consequences be damned. “Can I fuck you, princess?”

You whine when you hear him speak, his voice is like nothing you ever heard before. Lust and want seemed to be dripping off every word. The whole situation leaves you speechless. At the nod of your head, Kakyoin pulls your panties to the side and slides inside you. His moan and your whimper are the only noises in the quiet apartment, his eyes watching your face intently for any sign of discomfort or desire to stop.

“Fuck me,” You breath out when your vocie finally comes to you. “Please, Kakyoin. Fuck me.”

He groans and happily obliges, rocking his cock in and out of you. Your small gasps and whimpers only egg him on more as he increases the speed of this thrust, your hands bracing yourself against the countertop. His eyes break from your face to watch his own cock slide in and out, the sight of his cock slick with your wetness makes him moan.

“Thats a perfect fucking pussy, sweetheart.” He breaths out so soft you almost can’t hear him over the slick sound of his skin on yours. His eyes find yours again, hand moving back to rest on your jawline and hold you in his gaze. He leans close and sucks your lip into his mouth, his teeth nipping at the soft flesh before soothing it with his tongue.

“You’re such a good girl,” Kakyoin tells you before pressing his lips against yours again. He picks up the pace because, goddammit, he wants to feel you cum on his cock. He pulls aways, resting his forehead against yours. Your moans are soft and the whimpers that follow cause him to smirk.

“Oh, fuck. That feels so good,” You whisper, looking into his eyes. He can see you getting closer and closer and its making it hard for him to keep composed.

“You take a cock so well, princess,” His lips brush against yours, he tilts your head to the side so that he can kiss down your neck, and then back up again. His lips find the lobe of your ear and gently suck on it. Your moans are getting more and more erratic, every now and then you’ll gasp out his name.

“You gonna be a good girl and cum on my cock,” Kakyoin whispers into your ear, his lips brushing against the shell of it. “Shit, sweetheart, I wanna feel that pretty fucking pusy come on my cock.”

It’s the sound of his voice whispering those dirty things in your ear that sends you over the edge.

“Thats it, princess. Fuck, sweetheart…I’m...shit. Can I….?” The red heads voice is ragged and incoherent but you knew what he was asking.

“Fuck, yes, please,” Its all you can do to get the words out. “Please, I wanna feel you come in me.”

You both come hard, his fingers digging roughly into the skin of your thighs and loud moans filling the space of the kitchen. The warmth of him spilling inside of you is enough to make you want a round two. After a few moments the two of you are left breathing heavy, his forehead resting on your shoulder as he tries to catch his breath.

You stay like that for a moment, trying to regain your composure and come to terms with everything that had just happened. This was a development in events that neither of you ever saw coming. Its you that make the move to separate, pushing against his chest and moving off the counter. You avoid eye contact with him, flating your skirt back down and picking up your, now ruined, stockings off the tiled floor. You could feel his cum drip out of you down to your thighs.

“That was….” Kakyoin broke the silence, buckling his belt and running a hand through his hair. You noticed he too was looking at anything but you.

“Yeah,” You nodded your head in response.

“You know we can’t uh…-”

“Yup.”

“Like, ever.”

“Trust me, I’m aware.”

“H-Happy...Happy Christmas.”

You just nod and quickly retreat to your room, throwing yourself on your bed and groaning into your pillows. After a moment, you crawled under the blankets and pulled your cat into your chest.

“Miso. I think I’m a slut….”

--------

Kakyoin watched as you retreated away down the hallway, his mind still wrapping around what had happened. The fact that he was the one that instigated it. He was the one that made all the moves and god, he shouldn’t have. But he had wanted to. He had wanted to get you in that position all night.

It was at that moment that Jotaro entered the apartment again, smelling of cigarettes and….perfume? Kakyoin was gonna have to ask him about that one later. “

“The prodigal son has returned,” The redhead teased his friend, doing his best to hide the guilt he had for what he had just done.

“Shut up,” Jotaro mumbled. He eyed his friend curiously, he was very observant and it was very naive of Kakyoin to think that he wouldn’t notice the change in his friend. “What’s wrong with you?”

I just busted a big one in your sister. And would probably do it again if the chance presented itself. No biggie.

“I’m, uh, I’m just tired.”

-----------

Thank you so much for reading this! I appreciate it very much. Let me know what you think of it and if I should continue the story. Merry Christmas!

[velvetsehun]

Born To Die| OSH | 08

pairing: Oh Sehun x Reader genre: Mafia!Sehun rating: 18+ warnings: violence, gun use, mature language, smut (in future chapters), slow burn. words: 17k summary: a collusions of worlds is supposed to kill, but what if it can do something else?

A/N: Im going to let chapter 8 do the talking for itself ;) remember feedback is important, like AND reblog,  so drop into my askbox once you’re done, lets chat hehe 

TW// Warning this part contains some material that might be sensitive to readers as it depicts scenes of blood, mentions of gun use and violence, readers discretion is advised.

sehun this chapter [x]

Masterlist

“We split up; cover what needs to be covered then regroup to scope the basement? Sound good?” Baekhyun told him just after breaking down the door to the rather drab building, their flashlights illuminating the foyer in wide circles; the light dancing with the dust in the air.

“Sounds good to me,” Chanyeol gruffed back, tapping his back pocket to make sure he had a spare magazine, “Boss find out why we’re here?”

“Nope,” Baekhyun hummed, checking his gun, “Kyungsoo tried to follow through with Jongin’s lead, didn’t get us anywhere.” He sighed softly

“Lovely,” Chanyeol was keeping it short, something Baekhyun noticed.

“You good?” Baekhyun asked nonchalantly, eyebrow quirked, “You were quiet the whole ride here.” Chanyeol shook his head.

“I’m fine,” He grumbled, “Just don’t see the point in this that’s all.” Baekhyun tried to not roll his eyes at that one.

“I don’t just mean today,” Baekhyun clicked his tongue, “You’ve been in a bad mood all week,”

“I have not.” Chanyeol snapped slightly, but Baekhyun merely smirked.

“My point exactly, save it for someone else,” Baekhyun chuckled, “You can pull that shit with anyone else but not with me, got it? So, spill.”

“We don’t have time for this,” Chanyeol tried to walk away, shaking his head, “We’ve got a job.” But Baekhyun caught his arm, making the taller male look at him.

“You can stomp around the compound till your heart's content, Yeol,” Baekhyun started with a look, “But when something eating at you, it hinders your ability to think – and we can’t have that, not now.”

“So, you’re not asking me cause you care?” Chanyeol’s eyebrow flicked up as he looked down at the man, “You just don’t want me shot.”

“I do care, you wouldn’t be here if I didn’t,” Baekhyun’s hands raised in a calm down gesture, placating the man for a brief couple seconds, “You’re showing that you’re upset over something so I’m asking you as a friend, what’s wrong.”

“We’ll talk about it later,” Chanyeol sighed, looking around the area, “Not worth discussing now okay?”

“You promise?” Baekhyun smirked softly, but there was a friendliness to it.

“I don’t make promises, as you told me to,” Chanyeol smirked back at him, “Now do your job.”

“Sehun’s rubbing off on you,” Baekhyun laughed while walking towards the stairs, “I’ll meet you in the middle, sound good?”

“Sound good,” Chanyeol nodded before walking towards the corner that led to the ground floor apartments.

“Stay safe,” Baekhyun sang slightly which Chanyeol shook his head at.  

The apartment building was disgusting, meaningless graffiti slew across desolate walls that were barely holding on – the musty smell had Chanyeol’s nose turning up slightly as he flashed his light down the hallway that held the apartments; the dust dancing in the bright light.

“Where did Jongin get this place…” Chanyeol mumbled to himself, flashing his light up at the first door.

Apartment G1

He took as deep a breath as he could before he tried the doorknob, the old piece of wood falling open as Chanyeol applied a bit force – a cloud of dust kicking up with it, Chanyeol’s hands swatting the particles away with a cough.

“And why are we doing it at night,” He mumbled on from his point earlier, readying his gun as he stepped into the apartment.

It was a pretty basic layout, open plan kitchen living room that probably reversed in each home with a small hallway that led to the only bedroom and bathroom in the place; it wasn’t as light as what the apartments up on the floors would be but Chanyeol merely just prepared himself for the dark before fully walking into the place. The place looked like it hadn’t been touched in years, aside from the small graffiti that was littered it seemed no one ever stuck down here.

“They probably all slept in one room for safety,” He spoke to himself quietly, thinking of the fact that this area was rife with homelessness and there were rumours of numerous break in’s here – not that the pace showed it.

Chanyeol was careful when he opened door to the only bedroom, coughing softly at the stench of mould that filled the room; a breeze whistling in from a left open window. It was strange for a window to be open in an apartment that looked like it handed been touched in a while, but at the same time; Chanyeol didn’t know how long it had been open for. A small sigh passed his lips as approached the thing, shining his light into the ground outside; a fat lot of nothing.

“Note to self,” Chanyeol mumbled while giving the bathroom the same treatment, “Talk to Jongin about the validity of his tip-offs,”

There were sixteen different apartments in the one stretch of hallway, all categorised by the same peeling green door and faded gold numbers – something that grew monotonous to Chanyeol after the 4th apartment as they were all as empty as the last.

Apartment G5

“Here goes nothing,” He faintly whispered to himself as he went to open the door but stopping slightly as he looked down at the ground; the door just barely open.

Unnoticeable to some, a patch of dust that had been clinging to the old wooden floors had been recently disturbed; Chanyeol remembering how his boots left marks in the settling dust and how easy the dust could settle again. Placing his hand on his gun that was tucked into his pants, he opened the door; letting the wood bounce off the wall behind it.

The apartment looked as untouched as the last but faintly on the floor near the hallway, there was a scuff that alerted Chanyeol that he wasn’t alone; drawing his gun up in front of him, he took a careful step into the apartment; wary of any loose floorboards that might alert anyone straight away that he was entering.

Planting his shoulder to the adjacent wall that led down the hallway, Chanyeol took a small breath before swinging himself around; the butt of his gun connecting with flesh making him grit his teeth.

Dressed completely in black with a covered voice, he heard a modulated gasp come from the mouth of his assailants mask; Chanyeol wasting no time in gripping the man by the scruff of his neck to toss him into the open plan – dust springing up everywhere as the body landed with a thud.

“Who are you,” Chanyeol demanded, aiming his gun at the person, switching the safety off.

A modulated laugh siphoned out of the mask the man was wearing, his shoulders jumping slightly as he laid back on the ground, arms folded over his stomach like nothing was happening. Just as Chanyeol was losing his patients with the idiot, the man held up a remote shaking it slightly just at the same time Chanyeol felt something cold pressing into the back of his skull. The cackling man still laughed, taking a breath before speaking again.

“Wouldn’t you like to know, Park Chanyeol?”

Baekhyun liked to imagine that the precious few hours before Electric Kiss opened its doors were supposed to be his quiet time; a small amount of time that he dedicated to ignoring everyone that tried to talk to him unless it was of the utmost importance, one where he could sit at his cushy desk and imagine that he was a regular guy that worked a regular job. But Baekhyun was not a regular guy – something that was becoming more and more evident as he found himself slammed in the chest with a foreign object on the way to get a meagre drink from the bar.

“How are you today, Baekhyun?” He mimicked his newest workers voice whilst glaring down at her, before answering himself in a conversation that wasn’t happening, “I was fine, almost peaceful until someone decided to get in my way.” He snapped softly, brushing the hand that was holding something to his chest away with an annoyed tsk.

“My composure is now wearing thin,” He plunked an eyebrow at the girl in front of him, his eyes flicking between Y/N and Joohyun, the later who was wearing a wince behind the bar, “What do you want.”

“What’s this?” She waved a crème envelope in front of his eyes, his eyes narrowing slightly at this thing.

“If I say a piece of paper can I go?” He asked with a raised brow, but she merely glared at him.

“Baekhyun,” She snapped slightly, but he merely rolled his eyes and plucked the thing out of her fingers – his eyes narrowing at the silver insignia on the wax seal, the tree of life staring him in the face.

“Unless I’ve been leaving my stationary around then I’m curious to where you got this,” He frowned, opening the envelope quickly – the familiar cursive written across the thick crème paper, the feeling of a look passing over his eyes.

“You are warmly invited to a night of festivities, courtesy of Exodus.

It would be with great pleasure if you would honour us with your presence at the Byun City Estate this coming Friday for a black-tie event.  

We look forward to your attendance.”

“Night of festivities my ass,” He spoke to himself as he watched the women in front of him look utterly confused, a small roll of irritation passing down his spine before he thrust the paper back to her.

“Joohyun,” Baekhyun smiled rather tensely at his other bartender, “Be a peach and let me borrow her for a bit, we’ve got some things we need to discuss.”

“Is everything okay, Byun?” Her eyebrow quirked slightly, a glimmer of something in her eyes as she flicked between himself and Y/N.

Baekhyun merely gritted his teeth in a rather tense smile before parting without a word, the scurry of feet behind him signifying that the woman in question was indeed following him. The walk to his office was brief but it felt like an eternity at the same time as the two went without words, and well he was without a drink and a little irritated to the point he flinched himself when he opened the door to his office with a little more aggression than what was needed.

“Sit.” His gestured to the plush seat in front of his desk lazily, while rounding the magnificent piece of dark wood himself.

He let out a rather stressed sigh as he sunk down into his leather desk chair, the cushions hugging his tense back muscles in a warm embrace – Baekhyun’s eyes fluttered shut for a moment to savour the feeling.

“What is this all about?” Your voice broke his silence, a puff of air passing through his lips as he opened his eyes to look at you; probably the vision of a tired man. “Why am I being invited to your house?

“Where did you get that invitation?” He countered with a slightly raised brow.

“I asked first,” He rolled his eyes as you snapped back.

“Watch the tone,” Baekhyun huffed at you, “Just answer the damn question, you’re not in trouble here.”

“I came home from work two days ago and it was laying on the floor of my entryway,” You huffed back at him, laying back on his leather chair as you did, “You’re the only Byun I know so I figured you could tell me.”

“What does he see in you, I’m still yet to work that out” Baekhyun eyes rolled, lounging carefully back into the plush chair, “I can’t tell you why you got one because I didn’t see it off, so if anyone’s going to do something without my knowledge, well... I think I can hazard a guess who it is.” You frowned.

“But what is it.” You stressed, tossing the envelope onto his desk.

Baekhyun took a second to compose himself, rubbing his eyes with his pointer finger and thumb to relieve some of the tension before speaking.

“It’s an invite to a very exclusive party,” Baekhyun began with a look on his face, “Factions of Exodus will congregate together for one night under some elusive reason, we haven’t had one in a while, but…” He gestured to the invite.

“I guess that’s changing,” He tutted, “Obviously I knew about the party, but I was not informed of who was going...”

“Wait,” You said confused, rightly so, “Then why did I get this? I’m not part of any of your…Factions?”

“That’s the million-dollar question,” Baekhyun hummed before he lulled his head to look you in the eyes, “You're taking this rather calmly.”

“It’s just party, right?” You naively asked, “I don’t have to go do I?” Baekhyun let out a rather low laugh at that.

“You have no idea about this world, do you?” He asked honestly, “It isn’t as easy as just declining an invitation.”

“Well, what happens if I do?” She asked, eyes a bit wider, “Am I fucked?” Baekhyun chuckled at that but it was short-lived.

“Listen, something you need to know is that every “immediate family” to the Oh’s gets a number of invitations they can hand out,” He gestured to the papers slew across his desk, “It’s only for high ranking members and they’re limited, so whoever gave you that was a higher member.”

“So, who was it?” He watched her rightly frown, something he started tapping his finger on his desk at.

“See that’s where this gets even funnier,” Baekhyun hummed with an annoyed look on his face, “That’s mine but that’s not my handwriting.” He watched her mouth open to dispute him and, in his annoyance, he was quick to refute her with a finger being held up.

“Sehun may like being interrupted by you but I don’t so shut it.” He snipped, “I didn’t write the damn thing.” He watched her deflate back into his chair.

“I only wrote out a few,” Baekhyun defended, “And you were not on that list.” There was a small beat of silence as the two of you tried to think of something to explain the invitation; the two of your minds clearly off to completely other directions. 

It took Baekhyun only a few seconds to put the pieces together, nothing his brothers like the back of his hands; but if you received one of these stupid things that to him meant that whatever higher power involved wanted you there – something you were not catching up with.

“Chanyeol?” You asked with a sigh, “He could have, he got a weird...” Baekhyun smirked as he watched you struggled with the feelings of the taller man but also at the hilarity of it.

“A weird attachment? Nice theory but laughable at best.” Baekhyun kept smirking.

“How so?” You huffed, glaring at him slightly – ignoring the previous jab.

“Chanyeol isn’t even high enough ranked to send out any invitations,” Baekhyun stated as he watched you frown, a sigh passing his lips at something else you clearly knew nothing about.

Shaking his head, Baekhyun snatched a piece of paper from the tray on his desk before gesturing you forwards; scribbling something down.

“Oh the things I do for this man…” He thought to himself.

“I’m doing you a favour, so if anything of this leaves this room, even a peep to some who isn’t us; I’ll know,” He glared at you, “And I’ll make sure you pay for it, do I make myself clear?” He asked plainly, watching as you mouth glued itself shut for a second.

“Don’t make me repeat myself,” Baekhyun told you, “Am I clear?”

“Crystal,” You huffed at him, an air of attitude passing over your face for a second, “What is it with you all threatening my life, I’m of no importance.”

“A match is of no importance to a piece of wood until it’s up in flames,” He retorted like he normally did, quick-witted, “Now pay attention.”

“Yes sir…” You curled your lip up in annoyance slightly before giving the paper your attention, something which Baekhyun opted to ignore for now.

‘Oh’ was written very clearly at the top, Baekhyun’s scripture something you didn’t expect as you looked at the nearly perfect cursive.

“I’m guessing you know who this is?” Baekhyun gestured to the name, “Oh is Sehun’s family name and ergo, the leader of this all.” He watched you nod.

“Okay, I could guess he was the boss…” You bit down on your lip slightly, “He made that message clear.”

“Good,” Baekhyun ticked at you before writing a series of three names directly in a line under the Oh’s, connecting them with lines to their leader.

Byun. Kim. Zhang.

“These three are the three main families directly under the Oh’s,” He explained to you, “Do you know who these are?”

“Well, you’re Byun.” She affirmed to him, “But the other two I don’t know.” He sighed softly.

“I’m from the Byun’s, yes,” He started, “Kim is the family that Junmyeon is from, he is Sehun’s right-hand man.” He looked at you to check you understood before continuing.

“Zhang is Yixing’s family, you’ve met him very briefly,” You nodded to him, “He typically does our more…Out of area stuff – not for your ears.”

“What do you do?” She interrupted him again, “Your family I mean…” Baekhyun tensed slightly but he guessed she’d be inquisitive – every time he met the woman, she was asking some form of a question.

“Don’t tell the others,” He tried to counter the feelings bubbling with a bit of sarcasm, “But its typically written in order of importance, arguably my family and the Oh’s are the closest, we sort out the nasty stuff they don’t want to – but if you’re asking about me? I do a bit of everything.” Your eyebrow raised at that.

“Shouldn’t that make you Sehun’s right-hand man?” His jaw ticked slightly as you mocked the way he spoke for a second.

“You’ve met Junmyeon?” Baekhyun tried to counter you, “I’d hate to be that uptight about everything.”

“But…” You tried to talk but he merely glared at you.

“Back to the task at hand,” He gestured to the paper with a snap, “I’m doing you a favour, as much as it would bring me no greater joy to see you get ripped apart by the wolves, I’d rather save myself the scolding since your name is on my invitation and guest-list.”

“You’re so hot and cold,” You quietly huffed but paid him attention again.

“There is one more connected to the Oh’s,” His eyebrow raised slightly while drawing a line that was straight across from the Oh’s, not beneath like the other three, “That’s the Parks.”

“The Parks?” You echoed him slightly with a small furrow of your brow.

“I believe you met their delightful heir,” He rolled his eyes, “Park Jeonghwa, the woman you met.”

“That’s her?” Your own nose scrunched at that as he hummed in agreement.

“Complicated family relationship between the two but she’s an only child and her father is a bigwig in the city; you probably know him.” Baekhyun explained, “Own’s a pharmaceutical company, that invests in the city hospitals, he’s the chairman of them basically.”

Legacy Pharmaceutical

“But he’s in the pocket of the gang…” You asked quietly, “Isn’t that…”

“Highly illegal?” Baekhyun said like it was nothing, “Yes, but he’s a big investor, helps us out when we need it – doesn’t do anything the grimy stuff that we do but his hands aren’t clean.”

“Come to think of it,” Baekhyun smirked looking at you with an act of slight revenge written in his eyes, “Doesn’t your precious boytoy work in the main hospital in the city?”

“For a man that turns his nose up at us, I’m sure he’d be just elated to know who his boss is…” Baekhyun kept talking because he knew it would rile you up.

“Paper?” You snapped at him slightly, a feeling of pure joy filled him knowing you had a small thread to pull on. “So, where do Chanyeol and such fit in.”

“I was getting there,” He rolled his eyes, “Chanyeol, along with Jongin, Kyungsoo, Minseok and Jongdae full under what we call ‘adopted brothers’.”

“Adopted?” You repeated clear confusion.

“Adopted,” He affirmed to you, “Every so often, the main families will take people under their wings I guess, it’s different to just… Joining us.”

“How?” You asked him, still clearly confused.

“Anyone can join us if you know the right people,” Baekhyun stated to you while placing his pen down, “But adopted brothers are someone we’ve asked to join our ranks, we’re responsible for them in a sense.”

“So like prodigies?” He watched you try to rationalise it all with a hint of amusement on his face.

“Sort of, we train them and are directly responsible for them, they’re often hand-picked and there isn’t that many of them.” He explained to you slowly, “It’s sort of a phenonium, you have to get approval from the head of your family and the head of the gang.”

“So, it’s like literal adoption in a sense? You induct them into the family, not just the gang.” You kept up with him.

In that moment of time, Baekhyun could understand the appeal in your that Sehun seemed to see; you rationalised quicker than most and especially for someone who literally is having the information they don’t want dumped on them.

“Yes, like that,” He nodded, “They don’t hold the same respect as blood children would, but they’re apart of the family in a sense, they can even take their names if they really want.”

“It’s complicated and not easy to understand, it’s also different for every family,” He hummed, “Some people, like my own father, don’t give a shit about adopted brother’s they’re just pawns to him, but Kim’s turn theirs into mini geniuses” His nose turned softly.

“What about Zhang’s?” You asked curiously.

“Negotiators, mini leaders, the best liars you’ll ever meet,” He smirked slightly, “Zhang’s don’t just take on anyone, it’s an honour to be selected.”

“So, who goes where? Who is what family?” You looked a bit more interested than the beginning of the conversation, something Baekhyun wasn’t sure was a good or a bad thing.

“Jongin and Kyungsoo are part of the Kim’s, but only Jongin carried the name.” He sighed softly, writing their names under Kim’s

“Minseok and Jongdae are Zhang’s, neither took the name for safety reasons.” He smirked softly as you let a little noise.

“So that leaves…” You trailed off slightly.

“Chanyeol is a Byun, didn’t take the name though,” Baekhyun hummed, “Park Chanyeol sounds better.”

“Park?” You quizzed as he laughed softly.

“Not related, don’t worry about that,” He chuckled, “Byun didn’t have a ring to it so he stuck to his actual name, but I doubt my father would let him use it anyway…” He trailed off himself.

“Why only one for you?” You asked honestly, “I guessed you and Chanyeol were close, but why only one?”

“Short story; My father is a bastard,” Baekhyun shrugged, tossing his pen back into the pot, “He’s all about being a pure Byun – no adoptive business.”

“But Chanyeol?” You frowned.

“Chanyeol is lucky I like him,” Baekhyun sighed, “Listen it’s a lot more complicated when you look into the families, back to the task at hand.”

“Does Sehun have anyone?” You asked, a glint in your eye.

“No,” Baekhyun didn’t waste time in shutting you down, “He doesn’t bother with that business, he’s got his hands full with us.”  

“I’m still confused to why you’re telling me this though, I appreciate it but…” Baekhyun sighed again for what felt like the umpteenth time.

“Friday, you’re going.” He stated to her, “Your invitation is under the Byun name and I will not have you disgracing it by rejecting it.”

“But I don’t want to go?” Your voice heightened slightly.

“I don’t care.” Baekhyun said simply, “You’re were asked to go by a high-rank family, and you will attend – I’m not skinning myself to save you from whatever nonsense my father will conjure up as punishment.”

“But I’m not a part of this.” You snapped at him, a fire in your eyes, “You’re dancing around everything, who sent the invitation, Baekhyun – you can explain all you want but I know you know.”

“Wow, you do not catch on quick.” He hummed, “Of course I know, you idiot – it’s as clear as day to me, but you do not, so what you’re doing going to do is turn up like you’re asked and smile prettily at the boss or whatever ever it is you do with him.”

“You can’t force me,” Your jaw was tense.

“Yes, I can.” He smirked, “I know where you live and I’m not above coming to your place and dragging you myself.”

“I’ll get-,” He cut you off.

“The police?” He leered, “You forget how we got here”

“I hate you; I hate all of you.” You spat at him, “There was supposed to be no meddling, I told you what I know.”

“I’m not Chanyeol,” Baekhyun laughed with a drawl, “I don’t care if you hate me.”  You were fuming in your seat, Baekhyun could read that very easily, so to bring the situation back down to what it was before, he took a deep breath before speaking again.

“Friday evening; a car will pick you up at 6:45 pm,” He began sharply while looking at you, “You will be dressed in something appropriate, I will provide it if you need it, and you will pretend that you are going to a perfectly normal party.” His eyes ticked softly.

“You don’t need to stay the whole time, but you need to turn up – do I make myself clear?” He asked you, without a bit to his words. “Everything I just told you will keep you in check, no talking to anyone that doesn’t talk to you – people will be watching you”

“What do I get out of it…” You asked quietly, simmering down from your earlier burst.

“Well, what do you want?” His mouth was tense, “I’m not Sehun, I don’t hand out favours.”

“I want to not go.” You bit at him, “Or you tell me why I’m going in the first place.”

“Not an option, pick something else.” He responded.

“Pay rise and a promise,” You asked plainly, not giving it much thought, something that his eyebrows flicked up to, “I want a pay raise for working here, and I want you to promise that I will not be involved in any pathetic schemes like this again.”

“Not even any diabolical plans?” He smirked softly.

“Baekhyun,” You warned him, something he raised his hands to.

“Pay rise I can do,” He explained, “The other thing I’ll see about, I’m not a man who makes promises.”

“Talk to your boss or something, I don’t care” You snipped, “I’m tired of this, it’s bad enough that I work here.”

“So, you won’t attend a party, but you’ll take our money,” He pulled an amused face, “Some moral high ground you have, completely solid.”

He looked at you quite amused as you stood up, snatching the papers off his desk before pointing a finger at him.

“This is the last time I do anything for any of you, whoever wrote the damn invitation…” You started with a stressed look, “Tell them I will personally make their life hell if they don’t stop, I’m tired and want no part in any of this.”

“Don’t shoot the messenger before the message can be sent,” Baekhyun tutted with a raised eyebrow, “Don’t worry Cinderella, we’ll make you a real belle of the ball.”

“Oh, fuck you, Baekhyun,” You snapped at him before storming to his office door, practically tearing it off the hinges more than he did, before speaking again, “Get me a dress.” Was the last thing you said before you slammed the door – Baekhyun jumping slightly at the force of it.

As soon as you left, he felt the mask melt off for a brief second – his body sinking back into the chair as the stress of the last hour left a funny taste in house mouth.

“What are you thinking, you idiot…” He spoke quietly to himself, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes.

“Do you normally have that effect on women?” Baekhyun practically leapt in his seat as a new voice joined his own.

“Fucking hell… Joohyun,” Baekhyun snapped, glaring at the woman now standing in front of his desk, “What have I told you about sneaking up on me.”

“She’s in a mood, practically shook down the whole place,” Joohyun asked with a raised brow, “Why is that?”

“Not anything you’d be interested in,” Baekhyun leaned back in his chair to continue rubbing his eyes, the familiar burn seeping into his retinas, “Gang stuff and such.”

“Gang stuff,” She whistled lowly, trailing around his desk to lean on it, looking down at him, “A soft thing like that, what did she do to you all?” He glanced up at her with a sigh.

“Nothing,” Baekhyun pulled his mouth tight, “Surprisingly, she was just in the wrong place at the very wrong time”

“Which means?” She pushed slightly, a slight smirk curling on her lips.

“Bar shoot up, Sehun spared her,” Baekhyun crossed his arms loosely over his chest, “Ridiculous move, but here we are.”

“My my…” She laughed softly, “I can tell that’s not even the full story”

“You have no idea…” He sighed softly.

“That heartless bastard actually has a heart, wow.” Joohyun chuckled, “Who would have thought?”

“That heartless bastard,” Baekhyun repeated, “Is the most powerful man in the city, remember that he’s got ears everywhere.” He looked up at her with an amused look.

“You’d never rat me out would you, Baekhyun?” She asked sweetly, a smirk painted on her lovely mouth.

“Do me a favour and I won’t have to,” He smirked back, “Get her a dress for a black-tie event.”

“Now,” Joohyun tutted, “You don’t even pay me enough for that,”

Baekhyun gave her a look before fishing into his pocket, pulling out his wallet quickly and handing her a credit card, swiping it back before she could fully grab it.

“You’re not just buying her a dress, are you?” He gave her a look, to which Joohyun merely laughed back in response, swiping his card.

“The son of a very rich man hands you a credit card asking for a favour? of course I’m not just getting her a dress…” She teased looking at the black card with an impressed look, “Oh a black card as well…I have a couple of things on my wishlist too.”

“You’re a cruel woman, Irene” He gave her a fake sad look, using her work name to tick her off slightly, “If you wanted the house, I could have got it for you”

“And have to be indebted to you?” She smirked before nodding at the door, “I’m not one of your lackeys, I owe you a lot but not a ‘5-bedroom house with walk-in closet’ lot.”

“You’re my best employee, buy what you want,” He smirked slightly, “You deserve it.” He nodded, as she went to open her mouth, he cut her off.

“You would deserve it more if you accompanied me on Friday,” He raised an eyebrow at her, “Like I asked.”

“I do recall you complaining to me that you didn’t want to go because your family would be there,” She mocked a frown, “Also that, and I quote…”

“Chanyeol is being a miserable bastard, Sehun is a lovesick puppy, and no one wants to have fun,” She mocked his voice and his stature, before going back to her tune, “Did I get that right?”

“Actually, I change my mind, I’ll ask someone else,” He tried to swipe the card back but Joohyun looked elated as she jumped from his desk, waving the thing in front of her.

“Ah, no take-backs,” She smirked, walking towards the door in what Baekhyun could only call a strut of pure jubilation, “I want that new coat and bag, it’s getting cold outside,”

“Just get her the dress, Joo…” He called out to her as she walked out the door, “And is that a yes to Friday?”

“I’ll get her the dress, Baekhyun”

Sehun’s eyes refused to leave the pieces of papers splayed out in front of him, but his hands told a different story and he fished in his suit jacket to pull out a familiar black and silver box; his nimble fingers deftly pulling out a cigarette before an elegant black gas lighter was lighting the extension of his stress. It wasn’t long before curls of smoke crawled out of his lips, a relaxed sigh leaving his chest as they did – he paid, even more, no mind as his fingers plucked the thing from his mouth to ash it in the crystal ashtray that always sat on his desk.

“That’s going to kill you one day, you know?” Junmyeon tutted disapprovingly, looking at the younger man with a slight grimace; the smell of smoke filling the room.

“Ah yes, the cigarette is going to kill me,” Sehun spoke back without looking at the man, continuing to take draws from his cigarette, “Not the countless threats on my life, the guns, running a gang, or even the countless enemies.” He had a sarcastic edge to his voice as he spoke, tapping the ash off again into the tray.

Junmyeon was silenced at that.

“But yes, let's worry about my nicotine addiction – this pack of Marlboros is just pressing a gun to my temple waiting to pull the trigger at any moment,” Sehun flicked to the next page still not bothered to glance at his brother, “Truly terrifying.”

Another beat of silence passed between them to which Sehun sighed to fill.

“You’ve clearly got something to say, so say it.” He tutted.

“Why can’t you ever take anything seriously?” Jun sighed, tossing his pen down.

“I do take things seriously, insufferably so” Sehun countered ashing off his cigarette again before tossing his papers down, “Actually I think I might be the only one here taking anything seriously.”

“Sehun…” Jun gave him a look, sitting a bit straighter but Sehun carried on talking.

“I do recall that it’s my head someone has a metaphorical, or probably more, in this case, literal gun to,” Sehun ranted while taking another draw of his cig, “It’s my business, my family, hell its what’s left of my livelihood that got a giant red marker over it.” He stood up pushing his chair back to look out the window keeping his back turned to his brother.

“And what have I got defending that, huh?” He countered himself quietly again.

“You have us,” Junmyeon sighed, putting his papers down to come to stand beside the man, “All of us…” He rested his hand on his shoulder while the latter pressed his cancer stick back to his lips.

“You know Baekhyun said he’d be proud of me…” Sehun spoke quietly, his face almost reminding the older man that he wasn’t as far from a child as he liked to think he was, “Very proud…” His voice took an edge to it.

“But you don’t believe that.” Junmyeon opposed quietly.

“Why should I?” Sehun asked him honestly, turning to face the man while he flicked the bug of his cigarette out the window, “I’ve lost thousands in weapons, I’ve had a drug laundering bar go bust and detained by police, I've had shipments stolen and tampered with before being redistributed under someone else’s name…” He looked at his watch briefly.

“All within… Nearly two weeks.” He tutted, “I think that’s a track record, considering the man that’s supposedly proud of me handled everything with the utmost ease…”

“Your father was…” Junmyeon trailed off for a second before Sehun cut in.

“A horrible man, a narcissist, a murderer, a criminal,” Sehun’s eyes danced with mirth that wasn’t pleasant to look at, the sarcastic yet jovial stance didn’t settle well with Junmyeon’s stomach in the slightest.

“He was your father, he raised you,” Junmyeon concurred, “We may not have the most settling of up bringing’s, but this is our world – you know that.”

“Actually, nannies raised me,” Sehun retorted sarcastically. “Stop spending so much time with Baekhyun,” Junmyeon rolled his eyes, “You know what I meant.”

“I’m going to be very plain with you, Jun,” Sehun spoke honestly, sliding his hands into his pockets while he gazed out at the fields in front of the compound, “Your world and mine and very different…”

“How so?” Junmyeon asked, his eyebrow raised, “We grew up in the same circles.”

“The difference is that you were your father’s golden boy…” Sehun started with a sigh, “He wanted you to better yourself, be a part of this world – you belong here because you want to be.”

“And you don’t?” Jun wasn’t mad, “Is it that insufferable to be here doing this?”

“I didn’t get a choice,” Sehun chewed on his lip, “From the moment I was even conceptualised I had everything laid out for me, not a say otherwise… It’s heavy guilt to carry.”

“You’re hardly worse off because of it,” Junmyeon shrugged, “It’s a heavy guilt that reaps rewards that only some men can dream of, that has to count for something.”

“Do you know why you have the job you do?” Sehun asked off-topic.

“Because Baekhyun said no?” Jun frowned slightly.

“That…” Sehun chuckled faintly, “And because you’re the only man who can do the job; otherwise I would have run off years ago, and you know fine well Baekhyun would have let me.”

“Baekhyun would let you burn the city if it meant he could fight off a chill,” Junmyeon hummed, “Byun’s good at what he does, but I still don’t get where you’re going with this.”

“Where I’m going with this is that I have a very horrible feeling,” Sehun sighed.

“About tomorrow…?” Jun asked, leaving the man to leave against his desk.

“Not just about tomorrow,” Sehun sighed, telling a lie that not even his closest brother needed to know, “That’s just another showboat to get the families back on my side; I mean in general.”

“Check my top drawer…” Sehun nodded to his desk.

There was a passage of silence between the two while Junmyeon plucked a thick envelope out of Sehun’s desk; the usual matte black being replaced with a crisp crème, the silver tree of life taunting the man with its presence.

“Is this…” Junmyeon said in disbelief.

“It’s not a will…” Sehun sighed, “Think of it as the next course of action in case of an untimely demise of any kind.”

“Sehun…” Junmyeon started, “You can’t be serious.”

“I am, very…” He sighed “It’s just a precaution that’s all,”

“Listen,” Junmyeon sighed, tossing the documents back into the drawer, “I get it's hard; things aren’t ideal right now and we’re all running with our heads off but even Rome wasn’t built in a day, there’s going to be mishaps.”

Sehun hummed with a smirk on his lips.

“But it burned in one.”

After your spat with Baekhyun in his office, you assumed that your next day off would be spent finally relaxing into your couch while the world passed around you – but as you occupied yourself early Wednesday morning, you felt a wash of confusion bathe over you at the sound of a knocking door. A sigh passing out your lips as you tossed your dishtowel down to investigate.  Taking a breath before opening the door your smile felt like it dropped as you caught glimpse of who was on the other side.

“Joohyun,” You asked, shocked at the women who was giving you a dazzling smile on the other side of the wood frame, “What are you doing here?” You stuttered softly looking at her.

Dressed in woollen coat, black turtleneck, and grey slacks - she looked like a million dollars, especially considering it was 9 in the morning.

“We’re going out,” She grinned, pushing herself into your apartment; looking around with a look of approval, “Homely, very you.” It took you a second to process what she said while you closed the door.

“Out?” You echoed, “Where, or more so, why?”

“Well…” She smirked softly, “A little birdie, told me you need a dress, don’t you?” You deflated slightly.

“He was being serious about it wasn’t he,” You sighed turning to look at the woman who made herself very at home looking at everything you had on display; more so the pictures that sat on your bookcase. “Listen Joohyun, I appreciate the help but-.”

“Handsome guy, your boyfriend?” She cut you off completely, changing the topic to what she wanted to talk about; she was holding up an old photo that you knew was your old friends, or more so yours and Jeonghan’s old friends. “The two of you look cosy,” She smiled.

Rushing over slightly you plucked the frame out of her hand to rest back on the shelf, a look passing over your face at your boss; her easy smile giving you a sense that she wasn’t being completely honest.

“Ex. Now, what are you doing here really?” She quizzed, looking at the woman who huffed slightly.

“Ex hmm…Like I said, you need a dress and I’m here to help.” She coolly breezed past you to keep looking around, “No offence but you don’t exactly scream that you’re knowledgeable on black tie events.” She laughed softly.

“Baekhyun said he’d provide the dress, he didn’t mention shopping,” You sighed, looking at her as she smiled softly at an old stuffed toy you kept on the couch as a makeshift cushion.

“Baekhyun doesn’t mention much,” Joohyun turned from what she was looking at to beam at you, “Again, hence why I am here and I’m not leaving this apartment without you.”

“Joo…” You started but she shushed you.

“You’re going, Baekhyun even offered to pay if you’re unsure about prices,” She smirked softly, plucking a card from her coat pocket, “Piece of cake.”

“Do I not get a choice?” You asked defeatedly.

“Let me think,” She smiled, “No.” A tinkering laugh spilt from her lips, looking at her, she painted herself with the vision of an angel; a halo practically glowing from the crown of her perfect hair.  

“Give me five minutes,” You rolled your tongue in your cheek slightly, shaking your head as you beelined for your room.

“You have two!” She cackled softly, clearly going back to her snooping.

“Of course, I do…”

After being rushed out the house by the excitable Joohyun, you couldn’t help by smile at her softly as she linked her arm with yours; the two of your taking public transport like two friends who had known each other for years, it was wholesome to an extent, but there was an underlying feeling behind it all.

Joohyun had rightfully taken you to the richer part of town, the one that was lined with designer shops that had a price tag worth a year of your rent; her ecstatic voice talking your ears off as you two strolled down the pristine street.

“We’re here for your dress, but I have a few things I want to get!” She grinned, “We’re gonna get you the whole package; dress, shoes, jewellery, the works!”

“Is Baekhyun okay with this?” You quizzed slightly, looking around at the people who were looking at the two of you, “I mean this is a lot of money,”

“Between you and me,” She mumbled with a smirk, stopping in front of a very fancy looking store, ‘The Kingdom’ written across a crème signage in beautiful modern letters, “Baekhyun’s more than good for it, the card he gave me probably doesn’t max out until into the millions…”

“He really has that much?” You frowned softly.

“He’s a gang member, silly, and the son of one of the richest men in the world,” She smirked at you widely, “Of course he has that much, now come on…” She tugged your hand with a smile, watching at the security guard opened the door for the two of you with a polite smile.

“Ladies.” He nodded, while the two of you strolled in.

Clothing of all sorts lined the racks in a spacey fashion, giving the customer room to glance at the garments without having to struggle with anything else; but Joo didn’t give you enough time to look at anything before she was tugging you to the back of the store, an array of dresses picking up in your peripherals.

“This is where the money is,” Joohyun smile brightly, gesturing to the dresses, “Let’s get looking…”

After talking briefly the two of you concurred that due to the fact you didn’t want to be there, it was probably best to stick to a black dress; something to blend in with but something that wasn’t a gaudy colour at the same time, minimalist yet sophisticated. The store attendant had bothered you both a few times to ask if you needed help but each time Joohyun shooed her away with a smile, telling the sour-faced woman that she had it handled; and that she did.

It took merely 15 minutes before Joohyun was shoving you into a fancy fitting room; one the size of a small bedroom while she talked to the woman in charge about getting your size for other dresses that had caught her eye. The room had a podium in the centre of it that directly looked at a series of huge mirrors, while a silk curtains off to the side hide where you were supposed to change; yours and Joohyun bags swung unceremoniously over the chairs for the waiting husbands. There was an air of discomfort in your chest you ran your fingers over the lux fabrics of all the dresses, a small pang in your heart feeling disgusting just being here. This wasn’t your world, and to some degree, you couldn’t understand how it could be anyone’s but as you picked up the first dress, you figured you had to live with it for a while.  

By the time you’d managed to get into the first dress, Joohyun and all her tyrannic dress tendencies were back in the room, her nose turning up slightly at the first dress you tried on. It was a beautiful sheer cream with a colourful shift to it that glinted softly in the light, the airiness of the tulle looking ethereal as the modest bust line squared off into spaghetti straps – it was a lovely dress but.

“It looks like a prom dress,” Joohyun giggled softly, cutting off your inner thoughts, “A very expensive prom dress…”  

“I thought so too,” You tried to smile softly, but it looked more like a grimace in the mirrors, your eyes catching your companions as she came up behind you in the mirror.

“Smile,” She tugged softly at your cheek, “We’re having fun.”

“This just isn’t me,” You said honestly, looking yourself up and down in the mirror, “I don’t do fancy dresses and cocktails with associates,” She jokingly rolled her eyes at the word associates.

“Honestly,” She adjusted the dress slightly, “Neither do I, this is a favour to Baekhyun…”

“So, you’re telling me you don’t want to be in an overpriced store with me on a Wednesday morning?” You hummed softly with a smile.

“No,” she stage whispered to you, “I like you but I’d rather hang out doing something a bit more productive than shopping with snobs, but hey – I really wanted that new coat” She winked.

“Will you be there?” You asked her, catching her eye.

“Where,” She hummed not looking at you, and instead, rearranging the skirt to the dress you both agreed was ugly.

“Friday,” You raised a brow, “Will you be there?” She held her breath slightly before she sighed.

“I won’t lie to you,” She nodded, “I won’t be there Friday, I don’t…” She struggled with the words for a second before continuing.

“I don’t belong there, it’s not my world and I’m not welcomed,” She smiled softly, but it wasn’t real, “I’m a bartender, not a socialite.”

“I’m not either,” You frowned, “I just thought you and Baekhyun seemed close…”

“We are,” She smiled sadly, “I owe that man more than I can ever thank him for, but his world isn’t mine – I don’t fool myself into believing I could be part of it either.” She placed her hands on your shoulders, the warmth radiating into your bones; much like her personality.

“But how?” You were still frowning, “He’s so…”

“Crass? Sarcastic? Pig headed?” She smiled, “That’s just him, we have an understanding…”

“You on the other hand,” She hummed softly looking at your shoulders, “I saw some security tapes the other day – Oh Sehun?” Her eyebrow raised while you flushed softly.

“He drove me home, I had to ask him some stuff…” You breathed softly, “It’s not like that, I don’t know him.”

“But he knows you?” She clicked her tongue softly, looking much like an older sister would, “I won’t tell you what to do, it’s your life but you need to be careful.”

“I know that,” You trailed slightly, but she didn’t give you time to explain as she spun you around to face her, your eyes looking down at her own.

“No, I don’t think you do,” She was frowning, “This isn’t some cheap book plot where a dangerous man falls for an innocent girl and the world does another rotation like nothing is wrong,” She stressed softly.

“He is a very dangerous man who is a part of a very dangerous gang, y/n…” She pursed her lips together, hands tightening on your shoulders, “They’re all dangerous, one wrong move and police are finding your body in a back ally with no clue who did it.”

“He shot up the bar you worked in,” She stressed to you, “Stop and think about that for a second before you get all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at the man, there is no way that this ends well for anyone, especially not you…” Her voice trailed off slightly, cracking almost at the end.

“Speaking from experience?” Your own voice cracked softly as you took in her words, a sad smile passing over her face.

“Go to the party, do as Baekhyun says…” She said softly, stroking your shoulder now instead of gripping it, “But you can’t let your heads get in the clouds about this, you’re being blind-sighted… You can’t fall for Sehun.” It was the first time she had said his name and you wanted to flinch hearing it.

“You work for them though?” You asked her truthfully.

“I work for Baekhyun, he’s no better… But I owe him,” She smiled sadly again, “I’m telling you this as your friend,”

“I know…” You smiled delicately at her, “I know you are; I’ll be careful – things right now… They’re complicated.”

“Promise me.” She demanded softly, “Anything goes wrong, you come to me.”

“I promise you, Joohyun,” You touched her hands softly, “Anything wrong, I’ll come straight to you.”

“Good,” She smiled, pushing a stray hair from your face like a mother would, “Let’s find you a dress huh?”

“I think I have the perfect thing…”

TRANSACTION: $10,000

Baekhyun grimaced as he looked at the notification that popped up on his phone during the meeting, the device buzzing with his bank app loudly on the table as Sehun; the grumpy man he was, was explaining the plans for Friday evening.

“Important?” Sehun’s brow ticked softly from the head of the table while Minseok stifled a laugh from beside him, “Or would you like us to pause while you take a message?”

“Sorry dad,” Baekhyun smirked slightly, sliding the device off the table and into his pocket – or he would have if Minseok didn’t decide it was a wonderful idea to pinch it out of his hand before he could.

“$10k, how are you spending money while you’re here?” He whistled lowly, before the device buzzed again, “Oh look at that, another one for $5k, what are you up to Byun.” He tossed the device back at the man who barely managed to catch it over the knock to his fiscal funds.

“I gave Joohyun my credit card,” He stuffed the offending device in his pocket before looking at his brothers, “I believe we were in a meeting or is it break time” He gestured to the papers over the table with a look, while the rest of them looked at him quizzically.

“I’ll bite,” Sehun smirked softly, “$15k in mere seconds, is she preparing to rob you dry?” Baekhyun rolled his eyes.

“I don’t know, you tell me, Oh?” Baekhyun tightened his mouth slightly, “Or was forging my invitations and paying for your little friend to come to this god-awful party not enough for you?” Baekhyun smirked softly as Sehun’s face tightened a bit, only something he would notice.

“I have no reason to forge anything of yours, Byun.” Sehun chuckled with an easy smirk while Junmyeon sighed slightly tossing his pen down, “And I certainly didn’t invite her, have you tried our resident stab wound victim?” He gestured to Chanyeol’s empty seat.

“Can’t we just have a nice family meeting? Just once?” Junmyeon rubbed his temple slightly, “Or is your own security measures beneath all of you?”

“He started it,” Baekhyun smirked, “Sorry Dad number 2,” Minseok chuckled beside him again while Jongdae did the same from across him.

“If you’re up to something, just don’t let me hear it,” He spoke out but everyone knew who it was directed at, “It’s bad enough we’re all gathering on Friday if anyone of you fucks that up then it's directly on you.”

“Oh, he said a swear,” Baekhyun chuckled, while Yixing cut in – the man relaxing like he was the one that one the place on the other end of the table.

“Do we still have that swear jar?” Yixing teased, sipping on his coffee.

“No,” Jongin hummed, “We got rid of that after Baekhyun’s last trip home, you can only deposit so much into it before it becomes another bank account,” The man had an easy smirk on his face.

The bantering stopped for a second while the double doors opened again, Taeyong and Johnny letting in a very haggard looking Chanyeol – the evidence that the man just woke up still on his face.

“That’s a record,” Sehun hummed with a tone that wasn’t biting for once, “Only 2 hours late,”

“Slept in,” Chanyeol grumbled while Jongdae slid the man a coffee.

“No, we thought you were off running to be the cities next murder victim again,” Baekhyun grinned at the man who merely passed him a glare, whatever had been eating at him wasn’t as bad but Baekhyun couldn’t tell if the stab wound was just worse.

“No threatening doctor and cute nurse to patch you up this time,” Jongin laughed softly.

“How are you feeling, Yeol?” Yixing asked him with a slight smile, to try and ease the teasing but Chanyeol wasn’t having any of that.

“Like I’ve been stabbed, Yixing.” He spoke with a dead look on his face.

“That’s great,” Minseok chuckled, “We’d worry if you felt like anything else,” Chanyeol rolled his eyes, before looking at Sehun.

“Sorry I’m late,” He nodded while Sehun looked confused, Chanyeol seldomly apologised for… anything.

“It’s fine…” Sehun looked at his brothers, “Did stabbing you give you manners or something?”

“If that’s the case, I get to stab Baekhyun,” Kyungsoo smile slightly at the man in question, “Lord knows he could use it”

“I think my attitude is character building,” Baekhyun was offended for a second while Junmyeon cut in.

“Are you okay?” He asked Chanyeol.

“Yes,” Yeol sighed, “Just in a bit of pain that’s all, it’s nothing really”

“Well if that’s the case…” Junmyeon nodded to Sehun to continue.

“We’re discussing Friday,” Sehun confirmed, “That’s if you’re still coming,”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Chanyeol smile tensely, “Is it on my schedule to get verbally abused by Mr Byun and his wife? Or do I just get jumped with that again,” Baekhyun pulled a face.

“Could be worse,” Jongdae hummed, “You could have to listen to Mr Kim’s all inspiring speeches again, solidarity is key remember?” Junmyeon chuckled faintly at that.

“Will your mother be there?” Baekhyun asked Sehun, who flicked is brows up faintly before answering, “Please say no,”

“Sadly, yes – She has things to discuss with me” He hummed.

The boys all pulled a face at that, the ex-gang mother wasn’t the most pleasant to be around; especially after her husband died, the hidden verbal lashing that Sehun got every time he saw her was enough to make any of the boys want to stay away. Mrs Oh had a clear vision from her husband how they wanted things in Exodus to run, and the current line-up of boys wasn’t exactly the best on delivering that, she lived about 4 hours away from the city which made their lives easier to deal with, but when she was here, lord, was she here.

“She’s not going to make us scrub this place again, is she?” Minseok flinched, “I don’t know if I can live with the smell of chemicals ingrained in my nose again.”

“My mother won’t be here this time, relax,” Sehun rolled his eyes, the woman had an affinity to use his brothers to the bone – especially the “adopted” ones, “She’s staying with the Byun’s for a few days, told her that it wasn’t worth travelling into the woods to stay here when she’d only have to travel back out.” He waved his hand slightly.

“Back to the matter at hand,” He sighed slightly, “Rooftop looks directly onto the ballroom, someone has to post up there otherwise whoever wants could take a clear aim in,”

“Post up two of my father’s security,” Baekhyun waved his hand slightly, “He owns that building so I doubt an attacker would try to break into that, considering its rife with security anyway.” “Two of your dad’s men then,” Sehun mumbled slightly, writing it down, “I think it goes without saying that I expect you all on your best behaviour, right?” He said again not looking up from the paper yet.

“This is an important night, and I expect the 6 of you to understand that,” Sehun said casually, “One mess up and its trouble, am I clear?”

“Just 6? Why not 8,” Baekhyun asked as the rest of his brothers sighed at once, telling him to shut up.

“Two of you don’t get on my nerves, I asked If I’m understood?” Sehun asked again.

“Crystal clear, sir.”

Walking around the nicer side of town might not have been your forte exactly, but you had to admit that Joohyun, regardless of the earlier talk, had made the day very enjoyable, even if she wouldn’t let you see the receipt of it all. The outfit and such were eventually forgotten as soon as it was bagged, the woman on a mission not very intent on spending her boss’s money to fulfil whatever need she had now. It had started with lunch at an upscale restaurant that you’d only seen businessmen and rich girls eating at, yourself and your newfound friend making fun of the menu whenever you could, making sure that Baekhyun fed you two the best- regardless of price.

It was fun, it was even fun when Joohyun decided it was now time to drag you around the stores she wanted to, her tiny body bursting with excitement as she found the things she wanted and tried them on in turn – her stature fitting into the world more than she gave it credit for, something you noted as you watched her try on a very expensive jacket that she just insisted on having.

She made the area seem normal to you, that the people here could have personalities beyond their bank accounts – while you understood clearly, she wasn’t from around here, if someone told for a second, that she was, you’d believe them wholeheartedly. Someone that like doesn’t just stumble into things like this.

Eventually, the day had to come to an end, when evening struck after getting dinner at a slightly less upscale restaurant in freight to spare Baekhyun his bank account, the two of you parted ways – thousands in bag expenditure in toll. It was a nice evening, especially considering it was now the end of October, the chill settling into the air as it belonged once again. It wasn’t exactly the easiest thing on your small apartment, considering the heating system tanked itself every winter without a fail – but it was something to live with, all the smalls things you noted as you hiked up the 5 floors to your apartment.

However, what you weren’t expecting was the shape of a hooded body standing outside your door; a male figure leaning up against the old wood like he was waiting for someone. Approaching closer, you let out a small breath as you managed to see a small tuff of blonde sticking out from under the black hoodie, a small smile passing your lips.

“Do you make a habit of camping outside of doors now?” You teased slightly as the figure jumped into action, spilling to face you in slight shock, “Or does being a doctor not give you enough gratification?”

“Maybe if you learned to answer your phone, you’d know I was here,” Jeonghan smiled slightly, holding up a bag and a few bottles, “I brought food,”

“I was out with a friend,” You chuckled softly nudging past him to open the door, the warmth from his body comforting as you wrestled with the wood to get open, “You’re dressed comfortable, day off?” You shoved the door open with a smile, nodding for him to go in before following.

“It’s not one of your… Criminal friends is it?” He frowned softly placing the stuff he brought on the coffee table, glancing at the bags in your hand with curiosity, “Yeah, it was my day off today…What are those?” He gestured to your bags.

“I didn’t peg you as a designer person,” You rolled your eyes as you walked to place them just in the entryway of your door, out of his sight.

“Someone from work, a girl named Joohyun,” You shook your head softly, flicking on the lights to your living room while he made himself comfortable, “And I’m not, it’s for… work,” You nodded rolling with your lie.  

“Work requires a heavy price tag dress?” He raised his eyebrow at you while passing you various food items; Chinese food and booze, just want you needed after today, “I know you work at a nice club but I didn’t think it required 3k dresses,” He chuckled faintly passing you chopsticks.

“How do you know how much dresses there are,” You smirked faintly, breaking the chopsticks to tuck into the food he got you, “Or is that doctor perks? Attract some rich girls and have to hear all about it,” If he wanted to talk about it more, he decided to drop it instead.

“I don’t do rich girls,” He smirked softly leaning back into your couch with a small sigh, the tiredness of his job written on his face, “And I certainly don’t have time to date,” You laughed softly, tucking into your food.

“Don’t let them hear that, imagine the heartbreak?” You stifled a laugh, “The good doctor Yoon Jeonghan not on the market? The outcry,”

“I do not have the affect women that you think I have,” He laughed easily back at you, eating his food at your pace.

“Relatively tall, blonde, even if it's fake,” You winked, “Career, well mannered, funny, I’d say you were a steal,” He smiled faintly

“You’d know,” He hummed, looking at the table before tossing you a fortune cookie, “Open it” He nodded at it while you looked at him.

“Really, you force me to eat now you want to know my fortune too?” You smirked teasingly at him, “Admit it, sleeping all day doesn’t do it for you anymore,”

“Just open it,” He rolled his eyes, “And for your information, sleeping all day works fine but I’m a doctor, we don’t get that pleasure anymore.”

“Romance follows you if you can only see it,” You repeated to him while looking at the small slip of paper, “Oh and lottery numbers, think we can strike gold this time?” You went to smile at him, but he was already looking at you.

“Jeonghan?” You frowned softly, “What’s wrong.”

“There’s a reason I’m here,” He sighed softly, placing down his food, “It’s about the other day with… them.”

“Jeonghan we’ve been over this,” You sighed, “You were right in acting how you did, regardless if it was stupid – I sprung this on you and lied about who you were treating…”

“It’s not that,” He waved his hand and reached into his pocket, placing something on the table as your frown grew, “I found this in my locker at work.”

“I think someone is following me.”

Joohyun had managed to keep her word and found you the perfect outfit for the night, the dress you were being forced to wear fitting you like it was made for your as the black fabric caressed your body like a whisper of velvet. It was a picturesque floor-length gown clung beautifully to your torso and upper hips before falling naturally around your legs and to the grown; no pleating or draping was needed as the fabric fell and swayed with your natural shape – accentuated by a lower back and a bold silver exposed zipper, the shape and the thin straps at the shoulders spoke of its modernity while also holding strong to the type of event.

“Wow…” You breathed to yourself in the mirror, running your hands over the soft velvet that made your hips look goddess-like, your feet pushing into insanely high heels picked the end of the dress up just enough that only a small pool of fabric trailed as you walked, it was a work of modern art being worn.

Your décolleté was kept open, letting the skin being shown doing the taking - a thin diamond choker adorning your neck instead of chunky jewellery; the jewels so small that they glinted in the lights like glitter, with a thin matching bracelet and ring, you looked like you were worth more than the apartment you were standing it. A heavy wool coat was to be your small protection from the chill that was spilling outside, the item clutched in your hands along with your clutch as you waited by the door for your ride.

As promised, Baekhyun had a messaged passed onto you earlier reminding you that the car would be there at exactly 6:45 pm and no later, and while you stood looking at the clock in your entryway; that was confirmed as your door rattled softly at exactly 6:45 pm. It was hard to stop your hand shaking a little as you opened the wood, but you let out a small breath as the man on the other side.

“Your ride,” The man greeted you with a smile, his black hair looking much like the material of your dress as it fell over his forehead softly, “I’m Doyoung, I’ll be your chauffeur for tonight.” He nodded while gesturing to the hallway to get a move on.

“Pleasure,” You nodded softly, stepping out into the cold open balcony, quickly shuffling your coat on as you locked the door behind you, checking a few times to make sure it was closed before following the man – who was now waiting right next to the elevator, a small grimace passing on your face.

“Not a fan?” He asked, when you caught up to him, shuffling into the old thing with a sigh, his finger quick on pressing the button for the ground floor.

“Not exactly,” You hummed, the two of you looking extremely out of place in the rundown elevator; you in your dress and him in his suit, contrasting with the poverty of the place immensely.

The conversation between you was few and far between as he led you out to the car, your throat seizing slightly as you registered it as one of the cars that they kept in the compound; your brain remembering your escape with the gun that led you to blow out a few windows.

Doyoung was ever the gentleman as he opened the back door up for you, gesturing for you to get in; the leather of the seating warming to your body as he’d left the heating on to keep you comfortable. Night had settled onto the city early, with winter approaching fast, it was almost night to see the lights dance on the skylight by 5 pm, but you couldn’t appreciate them as the car started to take off, your fingers deftly buckling yourself in as you tried your best to relax.

“You’re nervous,” Doyoung commented after a few minutes of driving, glancing at you in the rear-view mirror.

“A bit,” You sighed looking out the window, watching the city get more and more expensive with each mile taken, “This isn’t exactly my scene,”

“You don’t say,” He hummed stopping at a light, “Well, when I left they were inviting the more important members in for pre-drinks, there’s gonna be a lot of people there – I’m sure you can blend into the background.” He assured you.

“But,” He continued before you could say anything, “It’s not every day Baekhyun asks me to pick someone up.” He smirked faintly, but there was no ill intent behind it.

“Guess this isn’t just your usual day then,” You gulped, swallowing the stomach bile that was threatening to creep out of your oesophagus any second.

“Guess it’s not,” He echoed to you.

The car went silent after that, the hum of the engine filling the void for a while – at least until you noticed that you were creeping closer and closer to the houses in the city that cost more than you could even imagine; their large yet still old detached building making a home in the bustle of lights and decay of a usual city. They were the diamonds in the rough, their millions coating the walls like paint and pebbles on their driveways.

“Byun City estate,” Doyoung confirmed as he began to pull up to the only house that had its gates open, the lights from the place causing a gentle yellow hue in the night sky.

The driveway was a bit extensive as Doyoung slowly followed a car that was in front of yours, but it still felt like time was moving faster than light at the door to the establishment crept closer and closer. Two very heavily armed guards standing at the old double doors, ready to weed the ones who weren’t supposed to be here out in seconds.

Your heart seized in your chest as the car came to a stop in front of the stairs, Doyoung quickly getting out to open your door for you; holding his hand out for you to take as your feel footing into the unknown began.

“Breathe,” He said quietly, hoisting you out the car as the stones underneath you created unstable ground.

The air felt crisp against your lungs as you took a moment to look around, the hair settling your stomach as the white curls spilling from your lips at your warmth met the cold air – it as a short-lived moment of peace however as Doyoung nudged you slightly to the door, another gulped passing down your throat as you ascended the stairs; the man who drove you falling back into the car to park it somewhere else.

The guards were sizing you up as you approached them, a glance at the foyer inside bustling with people and more of them were behind you getting out of their respective vehicles; this was a legit event. The guard closest to you was about to ask for your name when it was called out instead. The man of the untimely hour, walking closer to the doors to get a look at you as a stressed look settled into his eyes.

Byun Baekhyun. He was dressed a lot more formal than you’d seen him previously; his usual garb traded for a dark suit and tie, the black making the fact his hair was a shade of light brown looking all the nicer. It fitted him well, he wasn’t the tallest in the world, but the suit gave him an air that said regardless of height he was dangerous; something the guards noted at the broke formation slightly to let the man past. A sigh passing his lips as he approached you, his hand instantly resting on your back you were ushered into the place. He was quick in giving your jacket to a coat attendant while he was rushing you in.

“You’re late,” He grumbled, looking at his watch accusingly, “Its 7:02,” He looked down at you while he walked you in.

It wasn’t a fairy tale moment that people often made these things out to be, no one stopped to stare and no one gave a shit who walked in and you appreciated that more than anything; people stopped to star at Baekhyun but that’s only because they probably have the information that this was his family home.

“I wasn’t aware that it was dire time?” You frowned softly while looking at everything you could. The black, white, and cream decorations looking fantastic in the grand foyer; the checkboard floor one of the key pieces while Baekhyun led you around to another set of double doors, “You look nice,” You grudgingly added on.

“I saved you the issue of listening to pointless speeches,” He flicked his eyebrows up slightly, “You could at least make it here a bit quicker.”

The doors opened into what you could only describe as a grand ballroom, the checkerboard pattered from the foyer carrying into the room beautifully; it was lined with numerous windows that let the nigh time in like a dream, the warm lights glinting off of every polish surface. Holding the room together was a series of roman pillars that kept the up the stairs in its places; the only way to get there is a grand staircase that was off to the side of the room. You would have caught a glimpse at the people on the stairs if Baekhyun hadn’t tugged you to the furthest away he could manage.

“I know what you’re doing,” He fake smiled at someone the two of you passed, his hand still firmly on your lower back, “He’s busy, look later.”

“Where are you taking me,” You hissed back, glancing up at him.

“To your babysitter for the night,” He said collectedly, “I refuse to let you embarrass yourself under my name,”

“I am 22, I know social cues,” You huffed quietly at him.

“Knowing social cues is not gawking at the décor like you’ve never seen it before,” Baekhyun mumbled back, before grinning at someone in passing again.

“Then who the hell is my babysitter?” You asked him quietly, trying to smile at the people looking at the two of you.

Wrapping his arm around you to pull you up next to him, Baekhyun grinned briefly before gesturing.

Chanyeol.

“He is,” Baekhyun smiled tensely, “Now we know this isn’t his first job at this.”

“Baekhyun?” Chanyeol rolled his eyes, suited up much like the man her was referring to was.

“Hi, Chanyeol,” You smiled at him, looking a lot better than the last time you saw him, “You clean up nice, even if you have a fire truck on your head.” You chuckled softly while a ghost of a smile came on his mouth.

“Great, now that we know this is going to work lovely,” Baekhyun pushed you into Chanyeol, your feet barely stumping before you were caught by the taller man, “I’ve got a meltdown to avoid, go dance with her while I do that.” Looking up you noticed Chanyeol rolling his eyes.

“He is…” You watched his quick walk away, ducking away from a man that looked scarily like him before turning back to Chanyeol, “Is he okay?”

“Is he ever?” Chanyeol straightened you out, watching where the man was walking before turning to you with a slight smile, “You look good, you clean up well.”

“Can’t exactly look like a measly bartender here, can I?” You smirked softly, something he chuckled at.

“Don’t think that would go down with anyone here,” He gestured to the servers that were handing out flutes of champagne, “Or you’d be in a doing that.”

“Rich people,” You mumbled slightly, passing a smile at one of the workers, “This doesn’t seem as bad as I thought,”

“You’ve not been here that long,” Chanyeol rolled his eyes, “You missed the boring speeches, and having to deal with the families,”

“That bad?” You frowned softly, something he took your arm to and turned you around to look at all the people; a mixture of them dancing to the music that was playing and a mixture of them conversing, turning you slightly you watched as Chanyeol leaned down as whispered to you.

“Stairs at 2 o’clock,” He mumbled as your eyes flicked to them, getting the shape of Sehun standing on the stairs with a much older woman beside him; her face familiar.

“Mrs Oh,” Chanyeol confirmed, “Has kicked off 3 times since she got here, has been in the office all day ranting about things.” Adjusting you again, he pointed to where Baekhyun had headed; the man in question standing with two other men and woman, only two of them looking scarily like him.

“Baekhyun’s family,” Chanyeol confirmed, “I don’t bother myself with them, none of them like me, but they do love to berate him…”

“Things aren’t always what you hear, you need to take time to look around sometimes,” Chanyeol confirmed slightly.

“That’s poetic coming from you,” You hummed, looking around before pointing at Jeonghwa and Yixing, “Who pissed her off?” You asked.

“Who do you think?” Chanyeol’s chest rumbled from behind you, “He’s standing on the stairs looking like he’s ready to throw himself off them.” You shook your head slightly.

“And how are you feeling?” You asked, “My eyes tell me one thing, but I’ve heard something else”

“Dance with me first,” You could hear a smile in his voice, “And then maybe I’ll feel inclined to talk about myself.”

“Lead the way”, Turning around instantly you held your hand out to him with a nod and a smile.

He merely just faintly smiled before he tugged you towards the space that was meant for dancing – couples of all sorts dancing to the music that was gently playing from the speakers, orchestral but with somewhat of a modern flair. Chanyeol wasted no time, grabbing your other hand he settled the two of you into position, just off the main throng of people; Your hand was delicately placed on his shoulder while he grasped the other one in his hand, his sliding onto your waist – it was intimate enough for conversation but there was still a respectful distance.

“Will you tell me now?” You looked up at him to ask, while he looked over your head, taking everything in, “Or were you just respecting Baekhyun’s orders.”

“What’s a party if you stay in a corner all night?” He asked, “But to answer your question, I’m fine – the wound is healing nicely, thanks to you.”

“Thanks to Jeonghan,” You corrected him, “He done the stitching I merely just gave you some blankets,” He shrugged softly at the two of you danced slowly around the area you permitted yourself to.

“It’s the thought that counts,” He hummed.

“Would it kill you to just thank someone for once?” You raised an eyebrow at him, as he looked down at you briefly before looking away.

“I don’t like him,” Chanyeol stated, “Am I not allowed to do that?” You chuckled in disbelief.

“You don’t know him,” You smiled incredulously, “He done you a favour.”

“Do you like everyone you meet?” He asked you simply, “Is that part of the peppy package?”

“I’m not peppy,” You stated with a huff, looking around at the people around you, “I just give people chances.”

“But how many?” He countered you, “How many chances?”

“Enough to prove their worth,” You frowned at him, “God knows I’ve given you too many.” He smirked at that.

“And I gave your little boy toy a chance, he blew it,” Chanyeol announced, “I only do one, too many and well… You’re asking to get hurt.”

“He’d never hurt me, or you,” You raised an eyebrow at him, “He’s a doctor for god’s sake” He has an amused look on his face as the dance took you both into turning around, his head gesturing faintly to an older man who was by one of the pillars; his cheeks already reddened with the drink.

“Anyone can hurt anyone,” Chanyeol shrugged while there was a beat of silence.

“That man over there is a doctor,” Chanyeol stated, “Do you think he’d ever hurt someone?”

“I’d hope not,” You frowned, “But we’re also at a gang party,” You lowered your voice slightly.

“Ding, we have a winner,” He chuckled, “Profession doesn’t equal good, also doesn’t always equal bad, from what I know that man loves to get his hands dirty.”

“What’s your point,” You rolled your eyes, “What has this got to do with you not trusting Jeonghan?”

“What I’m saying, is that because you know someone doesn’t mean you know them, anyone can hurt you,” He chuckled faintly, “I gave your doctor a chance and saw something you don’t see,”

“Well, what did you see,” You frowned again.

“Something you’ll see in due time,” He nodded at someone who passed him.

“What is it will all of you and being fucking cryptic,” You mumbled, “Why can’t you just say what you mean.”

“There’s no fun in that,” Chanyeol snickered, “Then everyone knows what you’re talking about.”

“Fine, I have another question,” You threw your eyes back, “Who’s Yoora?”

“Oh, that’s how she’s playing,” He hummed, “Why do you want to know?”

“You called me that,” His jaw tensed slightly, “That night after you were stabbed before you passed out - so who is she?”

“My sister,” He licked his lips glancing down at you briefly, “Older.”

“Hmm...” You hummed, “So if I’m right, taking into consideration what Baekhyun said about you being miserable – you’re upset about more than a stab wound.”

“Me calling you her doesn’t mean anything,” He deflected with an eye-roll, “Blood loss makes us do funny things.”

“But you were thinking about her,” You countered.

“Is it a crime to think about your family?” He frowned slightly, “God imagine the prisons if that was the case,”

“It’s not a crime to think about your family, but adding onto everything else,” You thought carefully, “And the fact you haven’t seen her for nearly ten years, I’d page a guess something’s happened, am I wrong?” You smiled up at him, his own eyes giving you an unamused look.

“I believe that’s none of your business,” He said while spinning you around. “Just why are you here exactly?”

“I was invited,” You grinned.

“Whose smart idea was that?” He rolled his eyes but before he could pull you back in, you saw a hand rest over Chanyeol’s bicep stopping the movement.

“Mine,” Baekhyun said with a tense smile, “Mind if I cut in?” Chanyeol frowned slightly but stepped away, gesturing for him to take his spot.

“Nice dancing with you,” Chanyeol smile slightly at you, moving away to give his brother room.

“This isn’t over,” You countered while he walked away with a slight chuckle, but the jovial nature didn’t last long as Baekhyun tugged you towards him – the dancing style very different considering he was closer to your height.

“I thought Chanyeol was my babysitter,” You asked quietly noticing the tense air of the man, “Or is something wrong.”

“You’re good at reading people,” He spoke just as quiet as you, tugging you a bit closer to hear you, “Let’s just say I needed a small escape plan.”

“Family issues?” You asked, locking eyes with him.

“Something like that,” He sighed.

“Well…Do you want to talk about it?” You asked carefully, “You did come over here to me,”

“Not particularly,” Baekhyun’s mouth tightened slightly.

Sighing, you let the dance move into silence as he led you around, he was quite the dancer but your eyes were too busy drifting to be able to pay too much attention to it – instead of focusing on the pair dancing a few feet away; Sehun and Jeonghwa.

“I thought they were mad at each other,” You nodded slightly to them as Baekhyun’s head turned with a slight smirk.

“They’re always mad at each other,” He said, “It’s just part of their relationship.”

“Relationship,” You echoed slightly, “Some relationship.”

“Is the green-eyed monster knocking at your door?” He smirked again to which you rolled your eyes at.

“I don’t know him enough to be jealous,” You sighed, “Why does everyone keep assuming that.”

“Because no one looks at Oh Sehun with puppy eyes,” Baekhyun retorted, “People look at him with respect, fear, hate – but not lovesick puppy eyes.”

“But Jeonghwa-,” He cut you off.

“Jeonghwa looks at him like a task she needs to accomplish,” He stated looking over you, “I don’t think that woman has a romantic bone in her body.”

“But…” He started with a sarcastic edge, “I don’t often know people that fall for their kidnappers, is Stockholm Syndrome all the rage?”

“It’s not-,” He cut you off again, pulling you closer with a wicked smirk.

“In another world, I imagine the two of you would make quite the couple...” Baekhyun hummed, an air of severity dripping into the word, “But sadly this is our reality, and frankly... the future of it is being switched from a promise to a threat with you around.”

“So whatever idea’s you stored in your little head about how this all ends? It needs to stop,” He hissed softly, making it look like the two of you were just having a polite conversation. “This won’t end well for you.”

“Do you often lash out at people to deflect from your own problems?” You raised an eyebrow a him, “Does cutting someone else down for a second make you feel a fraction better about everything around you.”

“I enjoy watching the light in people’s eyes die,” He said sarcastically, “What can I say.”

“I don’t have any ideas about anything, Baekhyun,” You stated firmly, “I am here like you asked me to be, that’s it – after today it’ll never see any of you again besides work, sound good?”

“Sound’s perfect.” He hummed straightening back up.

The dance and the conversation trailed off to a finish the song started to die back down, a few people clapping slightly as the orchestra finished their piece; only a brief second passing before they started back up – Baekhyun being quick to release you, the people around you started to part, a figure emerging from the crowds.

Parting the crowds like the red sea was Sehun, fitted in a suit much more formal than his usual ones; the black fabric clinging to him in a way that let your mouth feeling a lot drier than it had done before; his hair that was usually pushed away from his face was parted off to the side with the front section only being slightly pushed away, the inky tresses falling around his forehead like ribbons of silk.

“Boss,” Baekhyun nodded slightly, glancing between you two, “What do I owe the pleasure.”

“Your brother is asking for you,” Sehun announced, nodding at you with a smile, “Taking care of our guest well?”

“Quite well,” Baekhyun edgily smiled, “If you’ll excuse me.”

“Excused,” Sehun smirked softly, making room for the walking man before turning to you, “Everything to your standard?”

“I don’t think my standard matters all that much,” You nodded slightly.

“Nonsense,” He chuckled faintly, “You’re probably one of the few people here that’s never seen this before, I’d like to know if we’re doing a good job.”

“It’s very nice, Sehun,” His name felt like sand in your mouth, “If you’ll excuse me, I do believe I had a conversation with someone to finished.” You said as you attempted to walk past him, but you jumped slightly as his hand caught your arm in a loose grip, tugged you back.

“Dance with me,” He stated, as you opened your mouth in slight shock.

“I think I’ve had enough, for now, you’re probably busy,” You explained as people started looking at the two of you.

“I wouldn’t ask otherwise,” He smiled easily at you, it was faint, but it was there. Sighing deeply, you nodded. Letting him take your hand and drag you back to him to get into position, only this time you were aware of where he was touching you as the two of you took off.

He was gazing down at you now, a vague sense of amusement dancing in his eyes; your own eyes barely managing to keep focused at the warm of his hand sitting casually on your waist; it was beautifully distracting. The moment felt more surreal than it was, the music feeling like it caressed one ear and went straight back out the other as the two of you moved calmly to it, your heart in time with your steps magically; gliding across the floor with no care.

“You’re better at this than I thought” He hummed, plucking his eyes away from yours to peer over your head, the warmth of his breath hitting your forehead softly, he was closer than the other two, as he spoke, “Maybe you’re made for these sorts of things.” You scoffed at that.

“You don’t know me that well,” He was close enough to the point his aftershave was making a home in your senses, “I actually can think of a million other things I’d rather be doing right now.” He chuckled at that.

“I don’t know you that well,” He repeated with a smirk, “But I can tell you’re an excellent liar,” His eye’s flicked down at yours again briefly as his voice lowered to a tone only, you’d hear.

“We need those sorts of people around here.” He tutted softly.

“I’m not a liar,” You pursed your lips softly, “And I’m not joining your little… club” You raised an eyebrow at him as you looked up at him, his face very much looking down at you as your forehead brushed his nose.

“See that’s where you’re wrong, you are a liar, and a bold-faced one at that,” He smirked softly, “And I don’t think you’re cut out for my little…club” He mimicked you.

“How am I the liar?” You sniped at him while he chuckled, "When you're right here?"

“It’s in your eyes,” He stated, “You’re lying about something, and a part of me wants to know what that is.”

“You don’t need to know everything,” You countered him, “I’m nothing to do with you.”

“You’re at my party,” He hummed, “You also work at my bar, I’d say that’s pretty involved.”

“But why is that?” You caught his eye as you stared him down, “Why do I work for you? why am I here? I have just as many questions as you.” He tittered at that.

“Why do you think I’m the only one involved? And I told you why you’re working for me, or did you forget our little car ride?” He chuckled pulling you a bit closer, “You’re so full of questions but you don’t have the backbone to ask them.”

“I do have a backbone,” You looked away from him, “For normal people things, like making sure I get an order right or getting a refund – not dealing with people like you.”

“Am I not a normal person?” He asked, “I thought the term normal was relative?”

“You’re insufferable,” You scoffed, “Why does everyone here dance around their words?”

“Because if anyone tells you what they mean, they’ll have to kill you,” He stated simply.

“See, that’s not normal,” You gulped softly, “None of this is.”

“To you,” Sehun countered, “I think this is perfectly normal,”

“The world doesn’t revolve around you,” You rolled your eyes at him.

“My world does,” He smirked at you as he held your gaze, looking around your face for a second while it softened.

His eyes were like barrels of warm whiskey if you caught them in the right light, but the intensity came from the fact that Sehun had a knack for looking at you like he was trying to peel back every layer of you in mere seconds and without words. It was charming to see someone want to figure out something they couldn’t understand, to have that attention on you for long enough to know that they were really looking at you.

“You look beautiful,” He said quietly, “I haven’t said that to you yet.”

“You look good yourself,” you gulped softly as you looked back at him, remembering every little thing that made him…Him.

“I wasn’t lying,” He said quietly, “You do fit in here – even if it doesn’t feel like it, most people would have bailed at the door.”

“I was asked to be here so I am,” You nodded slightly, “Least I could do I guess…”

“Baekhyun talked to me about the meddling,” He hummed slightly, “Apologies, I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again, I said that to you before…”

“Who sent the invitation?” You frowned softly, his eyes flicking to the small crease on your eyebrows as you did.

“Faintest clue…” He sighed, his eyes a bit more unreadable, “But does it matter now? You’re here”

“Yes, I am…” You said quietly, focusing back on the dance.

The two of you went back to dancing quietly as you mentally evaluated the situation, it was comfortable to be this close to him surprisingly – it almost felt right to be the person dancing with him, and that was dangerous. His chest was directly in your eyesight as you tried to focus on anything else but your dance partner, but he was insistent on talking.  

“You don’t make a lot of eye contact, do you?” He asked casually, releasing your waist slightly to tip your eyes up to meet his, his fingers holding your chin, “I’m no formal dancer but eye contact is a given”

“You’re tall,” You weakly said to try and simmer the conversation down, but he merely frowned using that same hand to move your hair away from your neck slightly – his warm palm resting on your neck as your eyes widened.

“What are you doing-,” You started.

“Shit.” He cut you off with a swear

The world around you blurred for a second, the feeling of his hand on your neck tossing you off to the side with him sending your mind into a spin as the sound of shattering glass suddenly filled the ballroom – the music cutting out fast. You could feel your face forced against Sehun’s as the man let out a pained grunt after the sound of something thudding into flesh filled your ears as well.

The cool feeling of marble against your back sent a chill down your spine as the sound of another thud landed close to you again, the shattering of windows and screams echoing around the room as a replacement for the music. It felt like a lifetime before Sehun peeled back from you, his breath a bit more haggard than before while your eyes adjusted to the sudden light, you neck barely making it to look up at him. He was gritting his teeth, his left arm placed above your head to brace himself on the wall while the other was still around your waist in a tight fashion. The sounds of bullets hitting marble floors sending awful pangs into the air.

“You need to leave.” He hissed out, glancing down at you while you looked around his torso to see what was causing him discomfort, pushing his jacket back on his left shoulder - you gasped, your hand leaving wet as a giant red stain formed around his pectoral.

“Sehun you’re-,” You gasped out, but he moved his chest away with a slight wheeze.

“I said you need to go,” He snapped looking down at you, the fire and pain clear in his eyes – He gulped slightly before pushing himself off you, a hiss passing through his teeth as he ducked again from a bullet that hit the pillar, a dusting of marble raining down on your head as you both ducked.

“But you…” You stuttered softly, frightened out your mind.

“Taeyong.” Sehun snapped as someone came skidding over, a small mind with intense eyes stopping next to you.

You didn’t even get to hear what he said before you were shoved into the man’s arms his lithe body catching you with a grunt as Sehun barked orders at him.

“Get her and anyone else out of here, now.” Taeyong merely nodded as you shrugged in his grip – the sounds of bullets still echoing with the constant yells of men barking orders.

“Wait, you idiot.” You yelled slightly, “You’re the one bleeding.”

“Taeyong.” Sehun snapped ducking again, “Do your job, now.”

“Yes boss,” His voice was surprisingly level while he took you away, your heels scraping on the floor as you tried to escape on your own.

For once in your life, you called out the name you never thought you would.

“Sehun.”

[shewillreadyou]

Me before you: Chapter 3: Excuse me miss

A/N: This is a TRR AU. Liam is already married, but see’s Riley and wants his cake. If the readers are receptive this might turn into more than a mini series. Enjoy!

Disclaimers: Most characters are property of Pixelberry

Warnings: Language, adult content, mild sexual innuendo. 

Word Count: 3468

Catch up: Haven’t met you Yet  For Real

Prompts: None 

Pairings: Drake & Riley

Song inspiration: Luther Vandross Take you out & Wait for Love

Be Kind: Hit the heart button, leave a comment or reblog. It makes a writer so so happy.

The hot water cascaded down his sculpted body. He groaned as he ran his hands through his luscious chocolate locks. He lathered his shoulders as thoughts of her ran through his mind. He was captivated by her. She seemed to consume his every waking moment. Liam had crossed the line yet again. Every time it seemed his transgressions got more and more out of hand. He refused to allow his friend’s actions to ruin his final couple of days in the states. 

Bastien had taken over the King’s detail while they were in Waxahachie for Savannah’s wedding. For the next 48 hours, Liam was not his charge, he was his friend. His thoughts went back to her. She represented hope, possibility, promise. He had no idea what was to come, but he knew that it would be an exciting adventure if she was at his side.  

As he pulled his white henley tee shirt over his head, his mind went back to the conversation he had at the reception with his cousin Tyler, who was a cyber-security analyst with the Department of Homeland security. Drake explained to Tyler that he would no longer be sitting with him and the rest of the bridal party because the girl who he had been telling Tyler about who works in advertising, who he met in New York was there, and he intended to spend as much time with her as he could. She was something special. She could be the one. “So you invited her to Sav’s wedding?” he inquired. 

“No, actually she is the friend of Sav’s college roommate, Mackenzie, and came as her plus one. I had no idea she would be here.”

 “Sounds like fate.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying that of all the places in the world this one person could be, she is here at your sister’s wedding... in Waxahachie, TX. If this girl is the one, you’re screwed. You might as well spruce up your resume. She’s a career woman. She is not going to move to Cordonia for you, and you suck at long-distance relationships. I can probably get you in at my job. My guy Rob in HR owes me a favor.”

“I’ll keep that in mind if I ever get the courage to ask her out,” he told Tyler.

The truth was, he could easily see a future with Riley. She’s beautiful, honest, smart, quick-witted, and kind. His cousin’s words bounced around in his head as he pulled on his favorite distressed jeans giving himself a quick once over in the full-length mirror in the room his Mom had decorated for him at the ranch after she returned to the states when his dad passed.

He opened his laptop and took a look around the room. The Walker Ranch had been in his father’s family for several generations being passed down to the eldest male child, like each generation before. Drake stayed in Cordonia after his father died and was handsomely compensated by the crown. His college education was covered, and he and his sister received a stipend each month. Drake was always taught to do a lot with little and to save the rest. For years he lived at the palace and saved every penny. Being friends with Liam, he learned how to invest wisely and he did pretty well in the stock market. His newest pastime had been real estate investment. He had been buying foreclosed homes in and around Dallas and having his Mom’s brothers and his cousins fix them up before selling them for a generous profit. 

He was curious, he was now the rightful owner of the Walker Ranch. It had struggled in the past, but because of his business plans and wise investment, the family business was as strong as it had ever been and his mom was nearing retirement age. What if he and Riley did end up together? He knew the plan was for his cousin Miranda to replace his mom when she was ready, while he retained ownership, but where would that leave him? He pulled up the DHS website and clicked on the careers tab. He was reading a description of a position that he believed he would qualify for, Intelligence Analyst.  

Just then Liam plowed through his door without warning. 

“Li! What the fuck man?” he shouted as he closed his laptop abruptly. 

“My apologies, I hope I'm not interrupting.  I just wanted to apologize if I offended you. You were right, any woman can be a lot. Carsyn is not speaking to me, she thinks I'm interested in Riley.”

“You are interested in Riley. She's just not interested in you and it's killing you. Let me ask you something, why is it so hard for you to grasp that a smart beautiful woman would be interested in me over you?”

“It’s just.. It’s not that. I'm not accustomed to rejection. It intensifies my want for her.”

“ I hate to cut our conversation short but I have to head out. I’ve got a few stops to make before I pick up Riley.”

“Then I shall take my leave. Enjoy! Smart man, planning a date when it’s going to storm. I’m sure you won’t have a problem closing tonight,” he said as he left the room.

The evening came and Drake drove along the winding Country Road towards the city. He tapped his thumb against the steering wheel to the beat of Chris Stapleton’s, “Starting Over.”

Then he switched from Prime country to the Heart and Soul station on his XM Radio. If he was going to have her in his life it meant embracing all aspects of it. He knew that music was a big thing for her and although she would listen to a little bit of everything she loved R&B and Jazz.  A song by Luther Vandross came on and to his surprise, it was not very different from the country music he listened to all the time. The chorus was catchy and very fitting. 

“Excuse me Miss, what's your name? Where are you from, and can I come? And possibly, can I take you out tonight?”

He found himself humming the tune as he stepped into the local Nursery to pick up a houseplant to go along with the Pinot Grigio he bought as a gift for Riley.  He decided on a Prayer Plant. 

It was relatively low maintenance and he thought it would be entertaining to watch it curl up in darkness. He didn't want to do the same flowers and candy that everyone does. He wanted to take her something that she would keep for a while, and possibly would make her think of him when she saw it.  As much as he didn't want to admit it the thought of her dating someone else while he was back in Cordonia was driving him insane. 

He was nervous and he couldn't figure out why. They were just going to hear some live music.  But he wanted to impress her so badly. He knew that it was more likely that he would end up putting his foot in his mouth but with her, for some reason, it did not matter. When he pulled up in front of her place he put on ChapStick, and reached into his glove box, sprayed on some Chrome, and checked his breath before quickly gathering the gifts for her and heading toward the door. He tucked the house plant under his arm as he smoothed over his clothes as the elevator took him to her floor.  A small lump formed in his throat as he approached her door. 

She opened the door and his breath caught in his throat as he took in her appearance. She was dressed in a denim outfit with matching stiletto boots and oddly enough, the denim matched his jeans. It would almost appear planned. He was secretly thrilled. She smiled at him and he was sure he forgot his own name for a few seconds. She stretched up on her toes and kissed him sweetly on the cheek.

“Hey Drake, you smell delicious.”

 “Hey. Thanks. These are for you.”

“Aww, you brought me a houseplant and wine? I’m not worthy, but I love it. Thank you. Come in! I promise I’m almost ready.”

She sat the plant on the counter and placed the wine in her wine fridge. 

“You look greeeeat,” she squealed. 

“Thanks. So do you.”

“So how’d you know what kind of wine I like?” she asked as she finished her eye makeup in the mirror. 

“Observant, I guess. I saw a bottle in the trash when I was here yesterday.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Are you ready?”

He stood moving to open the door for her. “After you.” They made it downstairs as a couple of her neighbors made it home from what he only assumed was church. He couldn’t figure out if the staring was due to her outfit or if it was because she was with him. He looked at her in awe as she strutted with confidence to his car. 

He opened the door for her and she smiled before thanking him. 

He could feel his heart pounding in his chest. She was rattling on and on about the artist performing in the festival and he was secretly praying she wouldn’t ask him a question that required an intelligent answer. She kept touching his biceps and his hand. Her hands were so soft and he was sooo turned on. He hoped that she didn’t notice the bulge in his pants and think that he was a creep. He wondered if she kept touching him because she was nervous too?

“Um, Ri? You good?”

“Yeah, why?”

“You are extremely chatty and you keep touching me.”

“I’m excited. I’ll try to keep my hands to myself, but the way this henley hugs your arms,” she wiggled her eyebrows. 

He let out a low chuckle as he quickly glanced at her for the seventh time.

“Are you ok?” 

“Yeah, never better. Why?” 

“You keep looking at me.”

He grinned keeping his eyes on the road. They were nearing the venue when she glanced at his pants. He immediately assumed that she spotted his retreating erection. 

“What?”

“We’re matching you know. People are going to think we did this purposely.”

“Do you care what others think?”

“No, I suppose not.”

“Good because we’re here.”

They parked and he asked her to stay put for a moment. He got out of the truck and grabbed a blanket and wicker picnic basket. He walked around the truck and opened the door for her and she blushed furiously as she stepped out.

They made their way to a free spot among the crowd. Riley noticed a few glares from both men and women, who obviously had an issue with she and Drake being there together. Then she smiled as one woman gave her a smile, wink and thumbs up as she stood to the side watching while Drake spread the blanket and invited Riley to sit. She knew that some people would have opinions of them being an interracial couple, but Drake didn’t seem bothered. In fact, she thought it showed how courageous he was. When another woman mouthed, “That’s a good look!”

She bit the inside of her cheek trying not to smile. The truth was she didn’t need any validation. She knew Drake was a catch. The fact that he was easy on the eyes was a bonus.  

“What’s in the basket?”

“Uh, a little something my mom helped me with.”

He opened the basket and pulled out wine glasses, a bottle of her favorite Pinot Grigio, cheese, cashews, summer sausage, deli turkey, sliced cucumbers, grapes, strawberries, whipped cream and 2 brownies. The opening act took the stage and Drake pulled Riley close. 

“I hope you’re hungry.”

“I am,” she said coyly as she settled between his legs.

They cuddled for a bit before eating, until one of the performers played a rendition of The Gap Band’s, “Outstanding.” She jumped up and pulled Drake with her. He wrapped his arms around her from behind and swayed back and forth with Riley. She felt so comfortable in his arms, he actually had rhythm. There went another stereotype out the window, it just felt right. 

After several acts had gone on and several glasses of wine later Riley settled in his lap as a performer started to play a slower song. “I love Luther,” Riley squealed as she began to sing along.

Knowing love the way I do

I can say for certain that it's true

There's a chance for me and you.

I surely feel like the time is near

The picture in my mind is very clear

I think love has brought us here

I remember not too long ago

I was just a lonely person

With a lonely heart, yeah

And I was hoping there could one day be,

Be a chance

For me to get the love

That I'd been missing

Sometimes love takes a long time

Wait for love

And you're gonna get the chance to love

Wait for love, wait for love oh, my

When you take the chance on love you'll see

It's not a waste of time if you truly believe

The impossible can be..

So hold on tight if you think you're right

Cause nothing hurts as bad as when you see

You gave up too easily

Now I remember spending all my time

On a dream that kept me wishing that you could be mine, yeah

And I was hoping there could one day be, be a chance, whoa

I never stopped believing there could one day be, be a chance

For me to get the love that I'd been missing

Sometimes love takes a long time

Wait for love, and you're going to get your

Chance to love

Wait for love, wait for love

And you'll get the love that you've been missing

Sometimes love takes a long time

But wait for love

And you're going to get your chance to love.

Drake couldn’t help but hang on to her every word. He wondered if she was trying to send him a message through the lyrics. She had a voice like an angel and when the song ended he was breathless. 

“Ms. Riley sings too?”

She giggled as she rested her head on Drake's shoulder, her back to his strong chest. He fed her  grapes then strawberries with whipped cream soliciting jealous glances from some nearby onlookers. She made sure to let her lips and tongue graze his fingers.  For a few blissful moments, they both silently enjoyed the closeness.

“You know, this is pretty cool,” he whispered in her ear.

She smiled as his breath tickled her ear. Feeling the effects of the wine, she paused for a few moments before she responded.

“What’s that?”

“This. Us. The festival. It all just feels right.”

She wordlessly looked up at him. She wondered if she could will him to kiss her with her “come get it eyes.”  Suddenly, a torrential downpour covered the venue, leaving Drake and Riley scrambling to gather the blanket and basket before sprinting to his Jeep. Before they could get there he stopped snaking his arm around her pulling her close. 

This was it, he was going to do it, it was now or never. If she was the onehe wanted to look back at their first date and tell a romantic tale of their first kiss in the rain. Now was the time. He leaned in and when she opened her eyes her lips found his instantly. It was everything she expected and more. It was hungry and passionate and lustful and it made her lady parts twitch. When he pulled away he watched her for signs of regret, but her eyes said she wanted more. 

“Hurry, get in,” Drake urged her as he took the time to throw the basket and blanket in the back.

They were both soaked. She laughed hysterically when he finally got inside. 

“This entertains you, does it?”

She nodded as she continued laughing, her eyes were clenched tightly. 

He went back in taking her lips again as it continued to storm all around them. Her hands roamed his body and her eyes went wide when she made contact with the bulge in his pants. Another stereotype out the window…Drake cupped the back of her dripping head with his left hand deepening the kiss while his right hand explored the soft skin of her thigh as a soft moan escaped her. Suddenly his phone rang, “Mama’s Song” by Carrie Underwood blasted from his pocket startling Riley. Drake huffed and looked at her with apologetic eyes before answering.

“Mom? What’s up?”

“I’m so sorry for interrupting your date Drizzy.”

Riley smiled.

“Mom, what’s wrong?”

“The power is out and the generator didn’t kick in. I gave Larry the weekend off..”

“I’ll be there as soon as I get Riley home safely. Sit tight.”

“Thanks Driz. How’d it go? Did you kiss her?”

“Mom! She can hear you.”

“Hi, Mrs.Walker.” Riley chimed in.

“Hi, sweetheart. Did he kiss you?”

Riley laughed again. 

“Bye Mom!”

Drake ended the call and turned to Riley, cheeks flushed red.

“I’m sorry.”

“For what?” She asked as he pulled out of the parking lot.

“For the way, tonight is ending. For my Mom.” 

“Nothing could ruin today. Not even your Mom Drizzy,” she laughed again.

‘Geez, Ri that was below the belt.”

His comment made her think about his bulge and she began to blush.

“Are you blushing?”

“Maybe.”

“Why?”

“Oh, it’s too embarrassing to share.”

“Now you know I won’t stop until you tell me.”

When they pull into her neighborhood the entire area is pitch black. Her building was also dark. 

“Good thing I have candles.”

“Or you could go back to the ranch with me,” he said shyly.

“Really? I don’t want to put anyone out.”

“It’s just Mom and I. Liam and Carsyn should be out for the evening. Besides, I promised you dinner and it’s Sunday, I bet my mom cooked.”

“I can’t meet your Mom looking like this. I’ll be ok.”

“Riley, I’m not leaving you alone in the dark.”

“If you want to spend more time with me just say that.”

“Fine, I want to spend more time with you and I’m not leaving you alone in the dark. My Mom would kill me. Pleaaase! I can get you one of Sav’s outfits. I promise it will be an adventure.”

“Okay, I’ll go. But only because you’re so cute when you beg.”

He bit his lip. “You haven’t seen anything yet.”

“Drake Arrington Walker!” she warned.

“Too much?” He smiled.

When they arrived at the ranch, Drake showed Riley to his room and gave her towels and a change of clothes while he went to help with the generator. She quickly showered, pulled her hair up into a messy bun and moisturized with his Nivea lotion that she found on the counter she walked back into his bedroom pulling on the leggings she borrowed. She was still bare from the waist up when the door opened. Her back was turned when she looked over her shoulder to reprimand him.

“Drake!” 

“Riley, it’s me, Liam.”

Riley screamed as she scrambled to cover herself.

“Get out!”

“My mistake. I thought Drake was in here. But this, you are much better.”

“Get. Out.”

“Come on, what’s a little fun between friends?” he asked as he closed the door.

Before she could answer Drake barreled into the room, his fist connected with Liam’s jaw before he tackled him. 

“Have fun with me you bastard, I told you to leave her the fuck alone,” he yelled as Bastien pulled Drake off of Liam. Riley watched the entire scene in horror from the corner.

“Get the fuck out Li!” 

After Bastien escorted Liam back to the guest house, Drake checked on Riley.

“Are you hurt? He didn’t touch you did he?” 

“No, I’m more embarrassed than anything. He walked in without knocking while I was changing.”

“Well, you don’t have to worry about him.”

“What in tarnation is all that racket back here?” Bianca asked as she turned the corner.   

“Just Li being a creep. Everything is fine Mom.”

Riley stood when Bianca entered the room. 

“Riley, this is my Mom, Bianca. Mom, this is my Riley.” 

His eyes went wide as soon as the words left his mouth. He grimaced as Riley extended her hand to his Mom. Bianca pulled Riley into her embrace instead. 

“It’s nice to meet the girl who makes Driz nervous.”

“Mom!”

Riley laughed.

Come on darling, I know y’all were supposed to get dinner. It’s Sunday so I cooked some pot roast, mashed potatoes, carrots, and green beans and for dessert, banana pudding funnel cakes.

“Oh my God, Mrs. Walker, that sounds amazing. Drake, you were holding out on me.”

“Not, really. Maybe I wanted to cook for you first.”

@txemrn @pixie88 @secretaryunpaid@khoicesbyk @blackkingliamstan @mom2000aggie @shannonwrote @hopelessromanticmonie @chemist-ana @rideordiechronicles @lucy-268 @dcbbw @darley1101 @maurine07 @sfb123 @bbrandy2002 @kingliam2019 @schnitzelbutterfingers @lem-20 @choicesficwriterscreations @no-one-u-know @jessiembruno @queenrileyrose @thefrenchiemama​ @somersetmummy​

TRR: @twinkleallnight  @bebepac @mainstreetreader @romereadingshop @romewritingshop @lem-20 @texaskitten30

[impalas-r-important]

Love of my Life - (10) Taken

Summary: Y/N and the Winchesters have been hunting non-stop amid the beginnings of the apocalypse. Y/N is forced to bring out her dark side

Warnings: Show level violence.

A/N: I've been having so much fun with this series and I love hearing all your feedback. Feel free to leave your thoughts on the series and let me know if you'd like a tag. Thank you all!

Series Masterlist

After a decent amount of time spent resting, Sam had grown stir crazy and found a case not too far from Sioux Falls in a small town called Madison.

Some real estate buff and his family were the next unsuspecting targets of two hungry ghouls, but you and the Winchesters had taken the monsters taken care of before anyone was killed. It was fairly straightforward and simple as far as cases go, aside from one minor slash in your leg. It was late by the time you were finished disposing of the bodies, and you opted for a crappy motel rather than driving back to Bobby’s place. Dean was stitching you up while Sam went to go get food for everyone.

“Do you ever think about getting out of the life?” Dean asked out of the blue. Maybe he was just trying to get your attention off of the needle going in and out of your leg.

“I never used to, but lately it’s been a different story.” You took a sip of Dean’s cheap beer that was sitting next to you and made a disgusted face before putting it back down.

“What changed?” Dean glanced at you quickly, trying to get a read on your emotions, then continued his stitching.

You had a hard time opening up to people, but you wanted to tell Dean how you felt about him. A million thoughts ran through your mind as you debated whether or not to be honest about your feelings. “Well,” you began, “I always thought that hunting was my only option. I was a loner and I figured that if I was going to die, I would die fighting for the good cause or whatever.” You looked down at Dean, so carefully taking care of you. His eyebrows were furrowed as he intently waited for you to continue. You loved how interested he was in everything you said, no matter how silly or mundane. “But then I met this guy who makes me feel like my life is actually one worth living; like maybe the future doesn’t hold darkness and death after all.” Dean tried to hide his smile as he finished up his last few sutures. “I’ve never felt like I was worth much, but he makes me feel like I’m more than just a girl who can throw knives and punches… and I think that I’m falling for him pretty fast.” Dean placed a bandage over your calf and set his needle down. “Maybe you know him? His name is Sam Winchester.” Dean shot you a confused look, making you lose your composure and bite your lip, repressing a cheeky smile. “It’s just too easy to tease you.”

Dean let out a chuckle and stood up, wiping his hands off on a towel. His tongue darted in and out of his lips, leading into a perfect smile as he dove on top of you and crashed his lips onto yours, knocking you backwards on the bed. You slid you hand behind his neck and deepened the kiss.

The door handle began to wiggle, signaling Sam coming back with the food. “That kid has the worst timing. I swear!” Dean grumbled and pushed himself off the bed, marching over to the door and holding it open with an unmistakable annoyance in his eyes as Sam walked in, juggling the food in his arms. Sam, clearly clueless about what he had interrupted, returned Dean’s annoyed gaze.

“What’s your problem?” He shoved a bag of food into Dean’s arms.

Sam had fallen asleep during a re-run of Jeopardy when Dean touched your hand, silently signaling for you to follow him outside to the small balcony. You happily obliged. Once the door was shut, Dean pulled you in close, kissing you with just as much passion as he had before you were interrupted.

“You know what I want?” Dean asked.

“Some nice scotch and an autographed Zeppelin album?”

The lines by his eyes crinkled as he smiled and shook his head. “No, well, yes, but no. I asked you earlier if you ever wanted to get out of hunting.”

You nodded in remembrance.

“I want out, too. I want a boring life, and a farmhouse, with kids and a dog and a fence. The whole thing. I want to have summer barbeques with Sam and his family, and bonfires where we roast s’mores. I want it with you.”

“I’ve never had a s’more.” You admitted, smiling ear to ear at Dean’s confession.

“Me either.” Dean shrugged; his smile just as wide as yours.

That life sounded perfect. “What happened to Dean Winchester the womanizer that everyone warned me about?”

“He’s whipped.” You could see your future in those deep green eyes as he held you close.

“There has to be a porch swing.” You added. “I’ve always wanted a big comfy porch swing.”

“You got it.” Dean slipped his arms around your waist from behind and leaned down to rest his head on top of yours, making the height difference between you two almost comical. Looking out at the night sky, you thought about living a peaceful life in a small town like this one, sitting next to Dean on the front porch in the summer evenings while your kids played in the front yard. These were never things you would have thought of before meeting this man.

“You wanna go make out in your car?” You not so subtly hinted. Before you knew it, Dean was picking you up and throwing you over his shoulder, carrying you back into the room and towards the door. You did your best to mute your giggles and squeals so you wouldn’t wake up Sam.

It had been weeks full of hunting, with the last case being a weird one. You'd found a town that had a working wishing well, powered by a coin that used the power of the goddess Tiamat. There was a life-sized and talking teddy bear, someone won the lottery, a kid had super strength, and the wormy guy had a hot girlfriend. It was pretty far up on the list of odd things you'd encountered.

The post-case morning routine was in full swing with the sunlight streaming through the window, prying your eyes open to face a new day. Dean was lying next to you on his stomach with drool slowly dribbling from the corner of his gaped open mouth. You loved this soft side of the ever-stone-cold hunter. Steam was trickling from under the bathroom door, signaling that Sam was almost done getting ready, so you slid out from under the covers and changed before he reentered the room.

"Morning." Sam greeted, toweling off his wet hair. "You wanna go grab breakfast, or should I?"

"You can go but I'll walk out with you and try to convince the clerk to give us a late checkout. I don't think we're making it out of here on time." You nodded your head towards Dean.

"There's a shocker." Sam grabbed the car keys from Dean's nightstand and put his arm around your shoulders, leading you out the door.

Sam took off and you managed to flirt your way into two extra hours before checkout. You exited the lobby and made your way to the outdoor staircase that led to your room. You lifted your foot to take the first step, then everything went black.

Dean’s POV

I spit out the toothpaste from my mouth when Sam came back in the room with a bag of crappy fast-food breakfast. My favorite.

"Where's Y/N?" I asked as I rifled through the brown bag, pulling out a hash brown. Sam shot me a confused look.

"She's not here?" I shook my head; a pit of concern began to grow in my stomach. "She walked out with me to ask for a late checkout. She was in the lobby when I left."

"I'll go check there. You look around for her."

"Dean, I'm sure she's fine. Maybe she's just stretching her legs." Sam tried his best to relieve my obvious state of stress.

"The clerk was useless. All he said was that she was in there for two seconds and then left." I looked to Sam, hoping he had found a sign of her.

"I got nothing." Sam held his hands up. "Did you call her?"

I pulled out my phone, dialing her number from memory then hitting the call button. Sam sharply turned his head towards the stairs and took off in a jog. He leaned over to look underneath the steps and pulled out Y/N's ringing phone. We exchanged knowing looks and I began to feel queasy.

I slammed the door to our room and began to shove my things into a duffel bag. "Someone took her." The nausea I was feeling was not-so-slowly turning to rage.

"We don't know that. Don't freak out just yet."

Like clockwork, my phone went off signaling an incoming text. "It's a link from an unknown number." Sam frowned and I quickly clicked on it. A web page opened up with a live video feed showing Y/N, unconscious and tied to a chair with dried blood painted down her face from her hairline.

"Son of a bitch!” I grabbed the lamp from the nightstand next to me and threw it across the room. "Someone’s gonna die!”

Your POV

You were sure you’d been hit by a train. Your head was pounding, and it hurt to even open your eyes. As your vision unblurred, you became more aware of your situation. First, you saw your feet tied to the legs of a wooden chair, then realized that your arms were bound behind the back of it. You heard arguing voices in the background and did your best to act like you were still unconscious as you assessed your surroundings and the sticky situation you had found yourself in. You were in a damp abandoned warehouse with old pallets stacked in high piles around you and a webcam sitting in the distance pointed in your direction. Your pocketknife had been taken from you and was sitting on a table across the room next to the two arguing captors. You didn’t recognize the two large men who had abducted you, but it was easy to make enemies in your line of work. There was almost a constant target on your back. Keeping your eyes closed and head hung low, you quickly thought about how you would get yourself out of this mess.

You began to stir, letting your kidnappers know you were awake. They finished their conversation when they heard you.

“Well, well, well. Look who decided to join the party.” The bigger one greeted you.

“I’ve never been much of a party animal. Why don’t you just let me go and find someone more fun?” You snarked.

“Oh, we’re going to have plenty of fun. Don’t you worry.” As he turned his back to you, he pulled a gun from its holster on his belt and waved it in the air as he spoke, clearly trying to scare you. “See, I’ve had eyes on Dean Winchester for years. Just waiting for him to find a pretty little girlfriend to settle down with.”

You glared at him, remaining silent. You could feel the rope that was tied around your hands loosen as you discreetly wiggled your hands around. Lucky for you, your thumbs were double jointed enough that you could pop them in out of place. It hurt like hell but proved convenient when you found yourself being held hostage, which was far more than the average person ever should be. You continued listening to the monologue as you worked your hands free. You had no idea what you’d do next, but you’d figure it out. Right?

“Years ago, he took something from me – my wife. And now, I’m going to make him feel that same pain. Smile at the camera!” He pointed to the webcam sitting a few feet in front of you as he walked over and spoke into it. “Hope you’re watching, Deano! She’s gonna die a bloody, slow death.”

Sam and Dean's POV

The boys were in the car, speeding around town, desperately searching for where you were being held. Sam was looking up old buildings and giving Dean directions as he pushed the Impala to its limits. Dean’s phone was propped up on the dashboard with the live feed still streaming.

“Hope you’re watching, Deano! She’s gonna die a bloody, slow death.”

“Son of a bitch! I swear if you hurt her!” Dean screamed at the screen.

“Who even is that Dean?” Sam asked, looking for any kind of clues that would give away a location.

“I don’t know! I don’t recognize him at all but apparently I made quite the impression on him!”

Your POV

The big guy finished his address to Dean and turned to face you, with teeth and claws bared. Okay, well at least you knew he was a werewolf. Only problem was you didn’t have any silver bullets. You freed your hands completely but held them behind your back as you looked around, planning your next step and replaying it in your head a few times to go over the possible outcomes. You had to move fast because the wolf was walking straight for you.

Oh well, here goes nothing.

Keeping the rope your hands were bound with looped into the back of your belt, you tucked your head in and somersaulted forward, whipping your legs up and over your head hard to smash the wooden chair against the ground, freeing your feet from their binds. One of the broken chair legs had come to a sharp point and you immediately threw it at the onrushing werewolf, hitting him in the thigh. It slowed him down enough that you could duck behind one of the large pallets, narrowly avoiding a bullet being shot at you from the second, smaller wolf. The breaker panel was close by and you ran to it, pulling the main power lever down which turned off all the lights except a dim red emergency light. Game on.

There was an upper level which was essentially a deck around the walls of the square building. You snuck your way to the edge of the room, climbed on a pile of crates, then jumped up and grabbed the railing, pulling yourself to the upper level to get a better idea of the layout of the room below. You stumbled across a pile of rebar, taking the sharpest one to use as protection.

“What are you going to do? Call your boyfriend? Come out and play!” One of the men shouted. “I’m not scared of Dean Winchester or his gumpy brother!”

“Oh, you should be! But lucky for you, they’re not here right now.” You laughed. “See, this isn’t my first rodeo,” you began as you stalked the two wolves from up above, “I’ve been held hostage more times than I can count, and you all make the same stupid mistake. You assume that I’m just some damsel in distress, waiting for a big hero to come save me. But I got news for you, buddy. I’m the one you should be scared of.” You trailed the smaller of the two and made your move as he crouched down behind a large crate. Lowering yourself down from the upper deck, you set the rebar down and silently pulled the rope from the back of your belt, wrapping it around his neck and pulling so hard that he couldn’t make a sound. You released him once you were sure he was passed out, then hog tied him and left him for later, moving onto your next target.

“Then stop hiding and let’s do this!” The anger in your next victim’s voice was intertwined with fear. You had him just where you wanted him, physically and mentally, and took your post where you had a perfect visual of the room.

“See your hand shaking?” You yelled and he glanced down at the trembling gun in his hands. “Cortisol. It floods the body when you’re stressed. Makes your muscles tighter, reactions quicker. But put those two things together, and it makes you sloppy. Unless you learn to love it. Then it becomes a drug that you thrive on. That’s when you become deadly.” As unhealthy as it was, you soaked up the feeling of being the apex predator. You simultaneously hated and loved this side of yourself.

You’d spent years doing combat in the dark, learning to use every sense to take in your surroundings and focus on your target, making you the ultimate threat. You threw a bag full of old newspapers across the room, and he fired a desperate shot at the clatter, moving slowly towards the commotion. Following close, but soundlessly behind him, you held your weapon at the ready. He slowed to look around the corner, only to find the newspapers you had thrown strewn across the floor.

“Boo.” Your voice was eerily calm. He whipped around and you timed your swing perfectly and rammed the sharp rebar through his throat. He fell to his knees, gasping for air and you took the gun from his hand, firing a quick shot between his eyes. The shocked look was still plastered on his face as he fell to the ground, and you let out a huff of relief before moving back to the first wolf you had tied up, making sure he met the same fate as his friend. You didn’t have silver bullets, but this worked out okay.

You tucked the gun into your pants as you walked over to the webcam. “Hey Sam and Dean, I really hope you’re watching this. I’m at some old abandoned supply warehouse. I can hear a train in the background if that helps you find me at all.”

Sam and Dean's POV

“Holy crap, Dean, she broke free.” Sam leaned in and intently watched as you expertly broke the chair and turned off the lights. Dean did his best to watch as he drove.

“What’s happening?!” Dean demanded an update.

Sam shook his head. “I can’t see super well, the lights got turned off.” Sam pulled the screen closer to his face and squinted. “She’s got a piece of rebar I think…”

Dean nodded in approval of your choice of weapon. Sam gave the occasional update when he could make out what was happening.

“She strangled one of them and hog tied him.” Sam raised his eyebrows.

Both boys listened intently as you spoke with clarity, messing with the last wolf’s head as you stalked behind him then stabbed him in the throat.

“Hey Sam and Dean, I really hope you’re watching this. I’m at some old abandoned supply warehouse. I can hear a train in the background if that helps you find me at all.” The brothers heard your message and Sam quickly found your location. Dean turned the car around and sped off towards you.

The boys sat in silence, trying to process what just happened. Dean’s jaw had been clenched since the moment he realized you had been taken and wouldn’t relax until he was holding you safe in his arms. He felt guilty that you had been taken because of him, but at the same time, he felt so proud that you had taken control of the situation with such ease that it was almost scary. No, it was definitely scary. This wasn’t a side of you that he had seen before. He knew he should be concerned, but he loved it.

Sam spoke first. “So… Y/N is terrifying.”

Dean scoffed in agreement. “That’s an understatement.”

Your POV

You had dragged the bodies of the two wolves behind the warehouse where a construction site was filling in a large hole with concrete. You tossed them in, turned on the mixer, and covered them up enough that they would never be found. It wasn’t too long after you’d made your way back to the front of the warehouse that the familiar sound of the Impala speeding closer rang in your ears. Dean drifted around the corner and drove straight to you. He was out of the car before it could even roll to a stop, and you met him halfway as he pulled you into a massive hug.

“Y/N, I’m…” Dean began before you could cut him off.

“Stop. If the next words out of your mouth are anything to do with apologizing or blaming yourself then I don’t want to hear them.” You knew exactly what he was thinking.

“This was my fault.”

“Dean, this is not the first time I’ve been kidnapped by a monster out for revenge, and it won’t be the last. You didn’t send that wolf after me so absolutely none of the blame is on you. Not to mention, I’m a damn good hunter and I know how to take care of myself. Aside from this,” you touched your fingers to the wound on your head where you had been knocked out this morning, “I don’t even have a scratch on me.”

Dean sighed and squeezed you tighter. You’d never had someone there to comfort you after being kidnapped and it felt nice to know that you’d be missed if something happened to you.

“Y/N I’m in love with you.” Dean’s words took you by surprise. “Have been since the day that we met, and I should have told you before now.” You began to respond, but he held up his hand, stopping you. “I gotta say this.” He took a deep breath and continued. “I love that you are so kind and genuine with every person you meet, even if it’s some stranger on the street. I love that you can eat enough chocolate to kill a horse, and I love that aren’t ashamed of that. I love your taste in music. I love that you are the most badass person I’ve ever met. I’m pretty sure you’re some kind of international hitman or something after what I saw today. But more than anything, I love that you make my life one worth living.”

“Are you just saying all this because you’re scared of me now?” You joked. Dean smiled softly as he shook his head. “I love you too, Dean Winchester. I have from the start.”

“Let’s get you back to the motel and make sure you’re okay.” Dean examined the gash just above your hairline where you’d been struck with a tire-iron this morning. “I’m glad you’re safe. I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you.” He kissed you hard, not caring that you were covered in blood splatter.

Sam gently slapped you on the back, clearly proud of you. “Y/N, that was freakin’ amazing. I felt like I was watching an action movie or something. That whole spiel about cortisol was so kick ass!” Sam and Dean both put their arms protectively around your shoulders and led you back to the car. “I’ve never seen anyone take control like that. They were terrified of you. I was terrified of you!” Sam continued to rave as you and Dean exchanged grateful smiles that the three of you had a happy reunion.

Chapter 11

Tags:

@panicking-outside-the-disco

@vicmc624

@akshi8278

[shini--chan]

1p allies and axis react to that the reader gave birth to they're child. When they ask here she wants the hold the baby? , her answer is like "I don't want hold that thing!"

Alright. So, before I start off I need to give a fair warning that as to why it would even come to that point … let’s just say that it is pretty dark. Warning for implied non-con, manipulation & coercion. You’re reading this at your own risk.

Yandere Allies

America

“What do you mean you don’t want it?”, Alfred would ask, completely dumbfounded by your vindictive reaction to your very own child. Lovingly, he stared down at the bundle in his arms. The reddened face covered with wax was just too adorable to be true.

“We’re finally going to be a family; it is the most wonderful thing I can think off. And you have to react like this.”

The malice in those sky-blue eyes was clear as he took in your exhausted state.

“Aren’t you ashamed of yourself? This is your child as well as mine and you have to go on and reject the best thing that has ever happened to you? Your lack of compassion is shocking. So, either put your big girl panties on and act like an adult or we’re going to have a serious talk!”

Let’s just say that Alfred wouldn’t take it well at all that you have such an aversion to your very own child. He would see it as grounds as to have a serious talk with you. If you’re lucky, it would be something akin to a psychotherapy section that he would do with you, only with a lot of condensation. Then, if he is in a very bad mood, it would be far more macabre.

Of course, the things he would do to you would be wrong, except in his mind where everyone of his actions would be justified. Through rejecting your child, you would have tarnished his image of you. Alfred would have thought that you had gotten used to idea of spending the rest of your days by his side. Those vile words of yours would have served to confirm the latter. And villainize you in his eyes.

You would have a lot of apologizing to do. Just keep in mind that if he would sense anything fake in your buttering up to him, the trust he would have established would crumble to ashes. And he is good at disconcerting true from false. However, if you’d hide any lies you’d have behind extreme emotions, then you could succeed.

Canada

“But, she/he is your child”, Matthew would protest. The way you’d firmly shake your head would make his heart drop to your gut.

“A child I never wanted”, you would whisper, sweat glistening on your brow and making it seem as through you were submerged in a fever dream. “Only you wanted a child, I didn’t. How can you be so blind to not see that?”, you would murmur, too lost to evade the hole you were digging yourself into.

Your captor’s lips would thin as he was reminded about the darker aspects of your relationship.

Talk about popping a balloon with a needle, there goes all that happiness and excitement, blown away by a few cruel realisations. Of course, due to your relationship not being of an overly violent nature the fall-out wouldn’t be harsh in the direct, tangible sense. Needless to say, Canada would be pissed that you just had to go on and ruin the whole show and his dreams of a saccharine future.

He’ll skilfully dismissed that you would have been coerced into bearing a child (if not by the worst way you can get pregnant) and tell everybody that would even catch wind that there was something sinister buried deep, that you were just hysterical because of all the residue hormones from the delivery and the exhaustion. That is, if he has too.  

China

A fine, pencil thin eyebrow would rise as he condescendingly regarded your disarrayed constitution. Calmly, he would turn to the midwife he had order and take the new-born expertly out of their arms while stating:

“We thank you sincerely for your services. Please, leave now that I may calm my wife down.”

They would nod and quickly scurry out of the room.

Snake-yellow eyes would stare fondly at the infant weakly kicking at the blankets and thin lips stretched to an endearing smile as a tiny, waxy hand was extended up to his face. Gently, he would shift his arms so one hand was free. The baby would snatch the outstretched index finger as soon as they would have the chance, clumsily stuffing it in their mouth and sucking.

Yao wouldn’t even glance your way as he would seat himself on the edge of the mattress, however, his scolding words said with such calmness would add a crude shadow to the picturesque image:

“All your tantrums are growing increasing petty. You should restrain your emotions before you go completely out of control.”

You wanted to gap at him, at his patronizing words. But more than anything else, you wanted to cry for help. Not that any would come. You were stationed in the guest room of his estate and the midwife that had been summoned was the only other person anywhere near you.

She wouldn’t aid you, not that she could. Your “lover” had a way with words – his violence wasn’t physical; it was an intangible knife that made wounds that would never heal.

Instead, you would stammer shakily: “But you said we would give it up for adoption.”

“I said I would consider it. There is a big difference there. Besides, you shouldn’t torture yourself by denying your own nature.”

At those words you would find yourself trembling. Rage would simmer like a pool of magma in your stomach and combined with exhaustion it would make you shake – a brittle leaf in the autumn wind. Your voice would crack as you seethed: “Do you have to start with this sexist nonsense out me being a woman…”

A glare would be enough to silence you.

“It is not because you’re a woman. It is because you’re a human and humans care for their kin.”

To China, it would be barbaric for you to so callously reject your very own child, the fruit of your womb, a testament of the love you two have for each other. To him, family is infinitely precious and for you to smash that vision there would be severe consequences. Whether you would like it or not, you’re going to keep the child and you’re going to love him/her. Although, you might do all that out of your own “volition”, as in China would manipulate you to extent that you’d think those thought would be yours.

England

“Shut up!”, would be his immediate response and the waspishness of his tone would be enough to make the nurse raise their eyebrows in suspicion. However, the rage upon porcelain feature and the harshly snapped instructions of “Leave” and “Not you bloody dare tell anybody about this” would be enough to make your only gate way to freedom vanish.

Money would also help seal the deal.

The baby would be in the cradle at the foot of your bed, luckily, because the expression of malevolent fury on his face told you that he would’ve broken anything in his hands in fit of rage. It was the expression of hot passion and chilled anger that one would normally attribute to a general.

Still you summoned your courage to make your case: “I never wanted this, not any of this so not give me that look. You knew I never wanted a baby, you knew that didn’t want to…“, you would yell and choke on those last words because of the memories they’d evoke.

And that window of opportunity would be what Arthur would use to crush your case to dust:

“It is funny, really, because half of the time you don’t know what you want from life”, he would say, voice dangerous soft as he approached you, the fairy fire in his green irises making your skin itch as if there was something contagious directly underneath the first few layers.

“But that doesn’t matter anyhow because your feelings are irrelevant.”

You would open your mouth to protest but only a croak your come out.

“No matter what you say, your emotions are not accurate assessments of reality. What is reality is that you don’t know what is best for you. I do, better than anybody else and that is why you need me. Face it, you’re nothing without me.

“So, except your new role of mother. I promise, you’ll grow to love it.”

As the man himself just now stated, your wants and desires are meaningless to him in the grand scheme of things, or at least, he’ll convince you of that. If you would believe that yourself, then thing would be much easier for him. Arthur would see it as another chance to degrade your identity while putting his on a pedestal.

However, if you wouldn’t fall soon for his manipulations, then he would let you feel his anger in controlled bursts. The spite would surface over your time of recovery and he would purposefully leave you alone with the child so that you would be forced to take care of them.  

France

“You will”, he’d state firmly.

Your jaw would hit the floor. Him not getting sentimental would shock you.

“It pains me to see you like this, to see you so cruel, so take those words back. What happened to my (y/n)? What happened that her morals decayed to this point? Where is her heart? Where is her compassion?”, he would sorrowfully lament, like a heart broken poet.

His touching little serenade would be enough to make the fussing baby fall silent, not to mention you.

Guilt would rise up in your gut, toxic and hot. Just what had come out of your mouth?

This would be one of the matters where he’d leave no room for his delusions, where he would even go as far as to revive all the memories of your countless grievances for the sole purpose of teaching you a lesson. It would be needed, and he would be lucid enough to recognize you as a potential threat to your own offspring.

To say the least, he would be weary of you during the next few years, least you try to get rid of the child somehow, be it through cold blooded murder or by giving them away for adoption. With the outburst you would have displayed, nothing would be off the plate in his eyes.

Russia

Violet-blue eyes would be harsh as the high north when they met yours, the warning glare enough to silence you and make something shrivel up in you. Defeated, you would press yourself back into the mattress hoping the accursed thing would swallow you whole because that would be better than all the damnation that the hardset features of your captor promised.

Therefore, it would be all the more petrifying when Russia would elect to ignore in order to turn his attention to the squirming infant in his arms, cooing lovingly and smiling.

Ivan wouldn’t take any nonsense on your part and if you hadn’t learned it at that point then you would be in double trouble. It might even descend into slaps. Although that would be a last resort, if he would feel his control slipping and resort to drastic measures in order to regain it.

He wouldn’t lose a word over your unforgivable behaviour, not the next day, not the next week, not the next year. If you would bring the topic up, then he would be quick to shut it down. However, just because he would verbalise the problem doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be any consequences for it. It would take for in the nuances of your life together – him not help you with the post-delivery recovery, often having a patronizing and degrading undertone in his voice when speaking with you, generally acting more spiteful towards you…

Those would just be a few examples. And he wouldn’t take written or spoken apologises either. Ivan wouldn’t care for lip-service, you would have to prove yourself to be a worthy and loving mother in order to get in his good books again.