#they said YOU A R E a TWO PACKAGED deal!!!

[steffiam]

Fade out, fade in

just a little sweet, panicy something set during the first episode of season 6.

Charles Emerson Winchester III x Fem!reader, Hawkeye PiercexFem!Reader, just something sweet, no warnings, Reader insert, no use of YN

You opened the swamp's tent door, still in your class A's from travelling back from your R&R in Seoul.

You just want to drop off the requested items you picked up for both the man before you would head over to the office and report back to Colonel Potter. And handing him the scotch you bought at the PX for him, as thanks that he had let you leave so quickly and rushed without asking further questions.

Questions why you dropped the clamp in OR as Radar announced the name of the temporary replacement for Burns. Why the hell you didn't wanted to meet the one and only Charles E. Winchester. And you were beyond grateful for that.

"Hey guys," you announced your arrival cheerfully, truly happy to be back again. "How are you? You survived all three days with Winchester? Or did he leave some scratches on your ego, Hawk?", you grinded over at the black-haired surgeon who had a Martini glass at his lips and sent you a side eye.

"Nice to have you back, Sunny", BJ said as he gave you a side hug due to his own martin glass in the other hand.

"Medical journal for BJ," you said as you started to dig through your satchel and handed him the brown paper envelope, " and a little plush panda for Erin." "I didn't order that," he said. "I know, but I couldn't resist him. He's so cute. Let me spoil your little girl", you smirked at him as you tossed the plushie over to him.

"Thanks," he pecked your cheek before placing the animal in his footlocker to send it out with the next package addressed to Frisco.

You turned your attention over to Hawkeye, who had emptied the glass and bounced excited on his cot. Like a little boy. You reached for the other envelope, on which you hand scribbled "Hawk".

"I never ever going to take requests from you again, Pierce. That's embarrassing to buy, especially as a woman."

"You really bought them? I thought you would chicken out in the last moment." "I almost did, but with a little liquid courage, I managed to buy them. But never ever again, my friend."

"I would have let you off the hook if you would have just told us what all the panic around that name meant." "Let me keep some secrets from you both, will you? And since he is already gone by now, I can keep that secret for another time."

They both exchanged a look and mischievous grin. A grin that you saw often enough, and the one you don't like to see.

" What?"

"Nothing, just having a little secret ourselves", BJ casually said while unpacking the journal.

You gave them both a side eye, not liking the whole situation. As much as you liked the two surgeons, you also knew whenever to mistrust them. They were up to something.

"Whatever, if you excuse me, I have to report back to the colonel and hand him the little thanks I bought him." You held up the wrapped bottle and made your way out of the swamp.

Both men had dropped their things to follow you. You didn't like that. They were up to something.

You entered Radar's office only to find it empty. But from the Colonels office emerged hissed voices. It took you a second to sort out the two different people.

One was Colonel Potter, a very angry Colonel, just to say. The other one, oh no, belonged to the one person you didn't want to meet. The one man, your mother, and stepfather wanted you to marry. The fiancé you ran away from, hours before the official engagement party had been held.

You froze in tracks and made a sharp turn on your heel only to be met by two doctors with shit eating grins that blocked your way out to the compound.

"Let me out, guys. please." You tried to squeeze through a little gab between them to reach freedom. Your heart was beating in panic. Every second that passed could be one too much. The door could open any moment and force you to deal with stuff you left behind two years ago.

"No way, sweetheart. Only if you tell us." Hawk looked down at you. Confident as ever, since he clearly held the upper hand.

"No." You pushed again, without chance.

"Please? I cover your tabs in the O club for one night?"

"Tempting but no", BJ said.

You squirmed in panic as you heard footsteps in the office, and recognised that the talking stopped.

"Shit," you muttered and looked at the only other escape route through Post Op.

You placed the paper wrapped bottle next to Radars typewriter and made a sprint for the door before both men could react.

You made it to the door, even managed to open it halfway as Colonel Potter's voice made you stop in your tracks.

"Ah, Lieutenant, I see you are back from R&R?" You turned and saluted to him.

"Yes, Sir. I didn't want to interrupt your meeting and report back at a later time. Thank you again for the leave. A little thanks for you." You went over the desk to pick up the bottle again, holding it out to your Colonel.

He unwrapped it and smiled warmly at you.

"Thank you very much, Lieutenant"

He twirled the bottle in his hands, not thinking of dismissing you anytime soon. Hawk and Beej could feel and see your discomfort and the urge to flee. But the weren't any help, and just heard them whispering and giggling at the door.

"Colonel, would you excuse me, please? I would like to get changed out of my Class As. I have post Op duty with Dr. Pierce in half an hour.", you tried as polite as possible.

"Not with me, Sweets", Hawkeye said. You turned to them. "BJ then?" "Nope", he shook his head, grinning from ear to ear, like Pierce. You already knew the answer as you asked, "Colonel Potter?", and the man in question shook his head equal to the men before.

The three men had been plotting together, just because they wanted to know. Damn them.

"The Doctor in question would be me, Lieutenant. I'm afraid we haven't met yet. Major Charles Emerson Winchester, the 3rd."

Slowly you turned around to face him. He hadn't recognized your voice yet. Or maybe he hadn't cared enough to try. Due to the sharp tone, you had heard earlier he clearly didn't want to be here.

"I think we know each other well enough, Charles." But noteless you grabbed the offered hand. Politely accepting his offer.

He just looked at you, like he just saw a ghost, but held onto your hand. After he collected his well-mannered behaviour, he brought your knuckles up to his lips to press a feather light kiss to them.

"What a pleasure for sore eyes, my dear. Now this place got a little more bearable."

That was not what you expected as a reaction from him and neither from yourself. Instead of having a panic attack you just accepted your fate. He didn't seemed to be angry at you for breaking the engagement of the year, of Boston's upper class. Or that you brought him and his family in the situation of explaining why the wedding was cancelled.

But he would bring it up, surely, he would. You knew him that well.

You felt the stares of the three men burning in your back. Expecting something. But you wouldn't give them the satisfaction of revealing your secret yet.

"If you all excuse me now, I go change, as I said, to be in time for duty with Major Winchester." "let me accompany you to your tent, dear." "Thank you, Charles", you said polite as you exited the office through the door, he held open for you, like the Gentleman he was raised.

As you were out of hear range from the other man he asked, "This is it? You left Boston and all the comfort that could had been yours for this... garbage dump?"

Ah, he was bitter. Even after two years. You hurt his Ego by running away.

"Yes, I did leave for that. And believe it or not, I think I'm happier here than I would ever have been in Boston." His answer was a sarcastic huff.

"How could you be happy here? Its dirty, dangerous and so far from civilisation, it's a wonder these people here wear proper clothing."

He hurted you with that. These people were your family, you came here almost at the beginning, just three months after Hawkeye had reported for duty at the 4077th. This place merged into a home over time.

"These people you are talking about, had become my family. So, stop bickering, Charles."

"Your family, pff, your real family is sitting in Boston, not knowing where you are. Just knowing that you made the stupid decision to join the Army nurse corps.", he hissed through gritted teeth.

"Yes, I didn't said where I was going to be assigned, because I know how people like you would react. Writing letters and making calls to the so important people they know to get me transferred back to the states, as close to home as possible. And I didn't want that. And you are wrong. one person knew where I was."

"And that would be?"

"Honoria knew. I got a letter from her just before I left for Seoul." "My own sister kept a secret from me?", he was really surprised.

"Yes, I needed someone that wouldn't turn me in. And I trust her with my life. Thats my tent, if you excuse me now, Major." You opened your tent door as he bid his goodbye for now. You would see each other in about 20 minutes and had to life through a 6-hour shift together. You only hoped that Kelly or someone other from your bunkmates would have duty with the pair of you.

Charles had strolled away in the swamp's direction, and you gave him one last look. His face had turned in a slightly red, as he was clearly upset. It would take time to settle that with him, that for sure. With a look back at office door, you saw the, now not so happy looking, faces of Potter, Hunnicutt and Pierce. Clearly, they watched the little argument you had with Charles.

You gave them a last glance as you wiped a tray tear of your face, the last thing you saw before closing was Hawkeye mouthing "sorry".

The following shift ran smoother than you had hoped for. You made your handover rounds with Charles and Colonel Potter, who was on duty last. Charles polite as ever, holding his composure perfectly.

After you had been off duty your nerves were on the edge of bursting. You yearned for a drink but the Officers club was still closed and not to be open for another three hours. Your feet carried you automatically to the swamp to take a sip from still. You know you would run into Charles at the attempt of getting a drink but that was a risk you were willing to take.

And as you expected, he was already there lounging in his desk chair, cognac glass in hand. He looked up at you as you entered the Officers tent.

"Ah, I assume you came to apologise, my dear?", he asked with the self-sufficient grin on his lips.

You held your head high as you answered, "No, just seeking some company from this side of that tent", you gestured to the still's side, where a happy grinning Hawkeye sat on his cot, writing a letter to probably his father.

The horror on Charles face was priceless. That you preferred Hawkeye and his moonshine over his company and expensive liquor.

You ignored his gasps and let yourself plop down on the chair next to Hawks cot. "You mind if I pour myself a drink?" "Only if you refill mine, Sweets"

You both heard Charles suck in air at the nickname.

He reached over to place his glass on the table, whispering "we are sorry for cornering you", before sitting back on his bed. You just nodded.

After you handed him his martini glass, you said, "You get revenge for that, you know". "I know, cheers to that", he clicked your glasses together. The first sip burned down your throat just fine. You drank it that often by now, it barley bothered you by it strength.

You joked around and talked with Hawkeye, playing darts, and read through the last letter that Hawkeye's dad had sent. Pierce must have mentioned in his last letter that you had been down with the flu, like so many others.

His get well soon wish warmed you heart. You pressed a lipstick stain to his current letter to send it as thanks to Main.

But at some point, you had the urge to tell him what your fuzz was all about. You had been through hell together more often than you could count on your fingers. You alone volunteered to go to the Aid Station with him 5 times.

Sure, he had hit on you in your early time at camp, and you had been at the movies together a few times. And like all good dates ended, these ended with kisses. but nothing more. You two settled with a good, reliable friendship.

While nursing your third, and last drink, you knew your limits for that devil's brew, you looked over at Hawk who was playing solitary with the cards. Charles had left to take a shower a few minutes prior.

"You want to know what my panic was all about?" He stopped the card he wanted to place mid-air and looked over at your lightly flushed face. The alcohol made your cheeks burn in a deep pink.

"Sure, but only if you are content with sharing. don't feel pressured." "I want to. Should have done that earlier. But you have to promise me to keep it to yourself, OK?"

He looked at you wide eyed. "Ok, you can tell Beej, but no one else. I will explain my strange behaviour to the colonel myself tomorrow." Hawkeye looked relieved that he could at least share the news with their friend.

"My ears are all yours, go on Sweets", he scooted closer to your chair to capture every word that dropped from your lips. Such a sucker for gossip and News.

"As you know, I'm also from Boston. My mother married again after leaving my father. My stepfather is a wealthy fabricant from Boston's upper class. He tolerated that I wanted to go to nursing school after I graduated school. At some point my family even supported my decision, saying it would do me good to blow of the steam I had and learn something I can use later when I'm married and have children."

You sipped at your drink. Hawk just nodded.

"They started to get cranky when I applied for a job at the Boston general, instead of playing the nice, well-behaved debutante like they expected. So, I continued working at the hospital, even moved out of my family's home for a while. Until my stepfather and mother stood at my doorstep with the request that I should get married and they already arranged an engagement that fitted my status."

Hawkeye swallowed hard on his drink, almost spitting it out. He coughed hard and you petted his back.

"Better?"

he nodded.

"Good, and that fiancé, that I already knew, since we worked together at the hospital, was one Charles E. Winchester. I didn't think they would come up with him. Sure, our parents had good connections and all, but it didn't crossed my mind that they would choose him, alone due to the age difference we have. Nine years are nine years. "

"Why didn't you say no?"

"Thats not what was expected from me, sadly. Say yes, or be a disappointment to the family. Thats how it works, Hawk. I met with Charles a few times outside of work, for coffee, lunch or dinner. to get to know each other better, you know. At least I wanted to know the man I was going to marry. But shortly before our engagement party he made it very clear that he expected his wife to stay at home. like a good little wife, not one that was independent and working.

That was what I couldn't live with. I went to nursing school to help people, not to sit a to big home in Beacon Hill, with a bunch of children waiting for the glorious husband to come home in the evening.

Luckily, that day before the party an army recruiter came to the hospital asking for volunteers. I was the first one to sign that paper, went to the personal chef to quit my job and then the apartment, packed my stuff and left. I asked him to meet for lunchbreak to tell him in person, my parents had gotten a letter, explaining everything. Let's say, he wasn't a fan of being ditched. He was angry at me for leaving him. He couldn't understand why I was running away from all the wealth and easy living he had to offer. And especially running away to the army with a war going on."

You drowned the last of your drink and placed the glass at the table before leaning onto Hawks shoulder. He wrapped his free arm around your waist to pull you closer to his side.

"You understand why I didn't wanted to meet him? And now I'm stuck with him again. Maybe not engaged to him but forced to live with him here. Maybe I should apply for transfer."

"NO!"

"That was quick", you giggled.

"What is "NO"?", BJ asked as he strolled into the tent to take a break from duty.

"I'm confident Hawkeye will tell you soon enough Beej. I retire for the night. Night guys. Thanks for listening Hawk." you kissed his cheek before rising from his cot.

You didn't saw the light blush on his cheeks as you left the Swamp.

Charles was on his way back from the shower, wrapped in a fluffy robe and towel around his neck when he saw you leaning against Pierce's shoulder. He took a step back into the shadow of the next tent to watch and listen a bit longer. You looked so relaxed with that dirty rat of a man. You never had been like that back in Boston when he took you out for dinner to the finest restaurants the city had to offer. You were always quiet and reserved.

Maybe he had tried too hard to make you like him. He was well aware that the set engagement wasn't out of affection for each other. It would have been the connection between two wealthy families, even if you were just the stepdaughter of James Howard.

Maybe he was the one that should offer an apology. Asking for a transfer out was impossible for him, Colonel Potter made that clear. But he could try and make up for how he overreacted two years ago. He knew he had cornered you against the wall that evening, and you only chance out had been running away. But what else he should have done. His family expected that the future Mrs. Winchester stayed home and tended to the family and estate. He couldn't go against that. That where set rules.

He stepped even deeper in the shadow as he saw Hunnicutt coming over to their quarters. He didn't wanted to be caught as a creep, watching other people from the shadows.

As you said goodnight, he went back to make it look like he just was on his way to the tent. He saw you leaning in to kiss his cheek and it stung a little in his chest to see you sharing that little affection so easy with a man like Pierce. He never got a peek to the cheek like that. His had been always quick, and barely a contact of your lips with his skin. He wasn't in love with you, but he had been fond of you. He respected you; you had a sharp mind and were an excellent, hardworking nurse. It had been always a pleasure working with you. He even had let you ask questions from time to time while operating together. A privilege not many nurses had gotten, even before the marriage had been set.

You stepped back at the fresh air in perfect timing to run into the man you wanted to avoid. A mumbled "Goodnight Charles" was everything you got over your lips.

"Wait, please. I want to say something. "

You turned around to face him. He took your hands in his and looked down at you.

"I'm sorry." You blinked. An apology from Charles? That was a first.

"For what?" "For my outburst earlier, and for the way I treated you when you broke off the engagement. I shouldn't have been such a duchebag." "Such a word out of your mouth, Charles?", you laughed softly. "Yes, special occasions need special vocabulary. Do you think you can work with me?" "I think I can. We did before, didn't we? Apology accepted." "Colleges?" "What about friends, Charlie?" "Only if you never call me that again."

Maybe the Korean countryside would do him something good, take him back to the ground and real-world problems.

After all you liked him and he was a brilliant doctor.

"May I escort you to your tent, Lieutenant?" "You may, Major."

After arriving at your door for the second time together that day he even received the peek to the cheek he wanted all the time you spent together at Boston. A real kiss to his stubbled cheek.

"Goodnight, Charles." "Sleep well, my dear."

[5sosfanfictioncatalogue]

Wearing Makeup Masterlist

#guyliner (ao3) - littleficleets (addictedkitten) luke/michael T, 400 words

Summary: Luke helps Michael do his eyeliner.

a piece of peace of mind (ao3) - sparklyjimin N/R, 1k

Summary: it feels like forever since they performed for fans, and the prospect of going on tour feels a lot like coming home to luke.

then again, he’s just spend two years struggling with being isolated from others, and maybe facing a crowd again all of a sudden is going to be a little much for him to deal with.

A sweet kiss from your strawberry lips (ao3) - livefastdiehung ot4 N/R, 1k

Summary: Luke’s lip gloss tastes like strawberries, he wants his boys to know it.

blue skies and blue eyes (a hell of a way to start) (ao3) - bellawritess luke/ashton T, 900 words

Summary: “Excuse me?” he says, carefully approaching Hot Eyeliner Guy. Hot Eyeliner Guy immediately whips his head up, clearly embarrassed. Ashton tries not to get whiplash from those blue eyes on him. “Sorry, I just — I’ve been watching you try to put your eyeliner on for almost ten minutes, so I thought I’d offer to help? I’m a makeup artist.”

Comment, Like, Subscribe My Heart (ao3) - thesoulsailor luke/michael N/R, 54k

Summary: It didn’t take more than the first three videos and Michael was hopelessly endeared. Luke was funny in an unintentional way and his words and stories were simply intriguing. The vlogs were a lot barer, broadcasted Luke’s life right into Michael’s bedroom. It felt weird, almost as if he and the blonde boy were friends, the way Michael learned Luke’s quirks and character, little things like the fact that Luke preferred soda over coffee. And Luke was not wearing make-up in some of them.

Dress (ao3) - no_clue_who luke/ashton E, 3k

Summary: Ashton bought the skirt the next morning, running out of bed and buying it. He had bought it and a few more things for Luke, stuff he wasn't allowed to know. He said he wanted to spoil him after what he had done. Luke had been on edge and waiting for the package to arrive and be given to him, he wanted to know what Ashton had gotten him.

Eyeliner (ao3) - Nerd_Cake E, 1k

Summary: Luke wears eyeliner during the show and once their backstage after and he takes off that ridiculous wig Michael’s feeling even hotter seeing the gorgeous, sweaty boy in black eyeliner.

glitter queen (ao3) - orpwrks (orphan_account) calum/ashton G, 1k

Summary: ashton has always been the one who pushed lauren to try new things, what about when its the other way around?

Influencer (ao3) - littleficlets (addictedkitten) luke/ashton G, 968

Summary: It’s not like it’s a competition, but if Luke and Ashton are both going to experiment with makeup then Luke is definitely going to win.

i think you're pretty (ao3) - dazedlight (opinionoutpost) luke/ashton G, 9k

Summary: Luke starts wearing makeup. Ashton notices.

(Or basically Ashton never stops talking about how pretty Luke is.)

it’s golden (like daylight) (ao3) - jbhmalum michael/luke T, 2k

Summary: Luke has always been fascinated by the idea of looking pretty. There’s power in pretty things, is what he’s always told himself. They make heads turn and cheeks burn red and brighten eyes better than the sun in the summer ever will. Pretty things have raged wars and brought people together, by only virtue of existing, and how could Luke not be fascinated by that? * or: Michael walks in on Luke putting makeup on. 

Lipstick Stains (ao3) - gonefornow luke/calum T, 1k

Summary: Luke flirts with a fan. Calum uses unusual tactics to get his attention back.

makeup isn’t just for girls - @sup3rbloom (haveufoundwhaturlookingfor) OT4 T, 3k

Summary: During Quarantine, Luke takes up nail painting as a hobby. Eventually, he adds makeup too. When he’s with the boys again for tour, he comes clean about his new hobbies. Unfortunately, not all of his boyfriends are supportive.

New way home (ao3) - bluenna luke/ashton N/R, 2k

Summary: "Hey Luke, I was just- are you wearing make up?

Room Service - @daydadahlias (cornflowerblue (daydadahlias)) michael/luke, calum/ashton, luke/ofc E, 27k

Summary: Luke’s blue eyes are so soft on him. He says quietly, “I don’t care that you steal tiny soaps.”

“I don’t care that you’re a hooker,” Michael replies simply.

or the one where Michael is a room attendant at a hotel and Luke is a hooker that frequents it.

skin tight jeans (ao3) - dazedlight (opinionoutpost) luke/ashton G, 3k

Summary: Luke wants to dress a little nicer. It's harder than he thinks.

The boys, the girls, they all like Carmen (ao3) - kittenmichael michael/calum N/R, 1k

Summary: Michael and Calum have sex while singing Carmen by Lana Del Rey. Basically.

the right shade of blue (ao3) - Calumthoodshands (tndart) luke/calum T, 2k

Summary: “You want me to what?” Calum repeated, baffled. It was busy backstage, the show supposed to go on in only half an hour, and perhaps he misheard Luke. But his best friend was still smiling, bopping on his feet. “I want you to do my make–up. My eyeshadow, to be specific. Come on, Cal!”

the way the eyeliner thickens (ao3) - fiveandnocents luke/ashton, michael/calum E, 7k

Summary: Ashton doesn’t understand what it is about Luke in makeup that’s driving him so crazy.

Michael has worn it before, red eyeliner here or smoky eyeshadow there and Ashton has never wanted to suddenly stare at Michael’s face like he ran out of hobbies the way that he wants to with Luke. They’ve all had to wear some for music videos at some point too, but that’s work and Luke choosing to put some on because it makes him feel good is doing something wild to Ashton’s brain.

He thinks maybe it’s a kink thing, which is equal parts terrifying and relieving, because it would explain his attraction to Luke in a way that isn’t really Ashton being attracted to Luke.

when the party is over (ao3) - no_clue_who luke/ashton M, 1k

Summary: Ashton sat next to Luke as he started to get themselves ready for the party, regretting that he had gotten a cold. He watched as Luke put on his foundation, watching in fascination as they applied it. He’s always loved watching Luke get ready, back when they were both dumb teens straightening every piece of hair on their heads or even when Luke got his quiff, Ashton watched him with fascination.

Luke leaned over and kissed his cheek before righting himself and starting to go through the rest of their makeup routine.

or how not to go to a party

wildflower fingertips on me (i can feel them still) (ao3) - orphan_account luke/calum G, 2k

Summary: He does flinch a little when Luke grabs something he calls a ‘curler’ which looks like it’s going to chop off all his lashes. Luke promises that’s not what it does, but Calum’s still not convinced to let him touch his precious lashes with that thing. It looks suspicious. He ends up agreeing anyway, because Luke has entirely too much power over him. It’s cold against his eyelids and also feels like it’s chopping off his lashes, but it’s worth the little gasp Luke emits when he pulls the curler away. “Your lashes are so fucking pretty, Cal, did you know that?”

[alphabetsoup-blogposts]

[The anagrams below seem obvious to me and fairly undeniable. If they are not correct they're nevertheless well-constructed and obvious alternatives that should have been considered by the people who use/push them. Whether they have anything to do with events in the news in 2018, however, I cannot possibly say. What I can tell you is that I am getting plenty of "epic fail!" messages, IRL, on Tumblr and on Twitter that range from sarcastic, through condescending to downright nasty. I can also tell you that more moderate types insist that we are in the territory of Brown/Shoot rather than Merk/Shot/Snow/Fire. I believe them—they have access and can follow lines of enquiry that I cannot—but that is not necessarily where the preponderance of reported context lies.

I leave you with all the information so that you can make up your own minds.]

"Christmas Market"

is an obvious anagram of:

Merk at Christmas

where Merk is Snow, aka Shot. It could also mean something simpler and figurative like "Christmas buying opportunity".

"Marketplace"

is an anagram not just of:

Merk at place [indicated] (cathedral, square, Place Kléber, Neudorf...)

but also of:

Mac later—PEK (Beijing)

Take Cream—PL (Poland)

or

Pack later—ME (Middle East Airlines)

where Mac is Cajeta, aka Shoot, Cream is Zip and Pack is Christmas Tree or a package.

"Square"

evokes

Brick

aka, a kilogram.

and

Taxi

is slang for

Merk.

"Police Officers"

might be:

Blue

Cop

or

Quai des Orfèvres (see below)

where Blue is variable but often Fire, aka Hail, or Shoot, and Cop means Score,

Meanwhile,

"Cathedral[e]"

is one we've covered thoroughly before:

Car at LEH (Lehavre, Lahore)

is best, contextually-speaking, but it's an adaptable anagram:

Deal at CH[E]R (eg, CH Robinson or Cherbourg)

Clear—ATH/THA (Athens or Thailand)

Her at ALC/LAC (California, Alicante, Larnaca, Lac du Bourget...)

C later AH (Air Algerie)

H later CA/AC[E] (Air China, Air Canada, Lanzarote...)

Chat Deal[e]r

are all more-or-less sound, where Car and C are Snow, Clear is Montura and Her and H are Cajeta.

I think last time we did this I also said:

Date, Charle (eg, Charles de Gaulle, CDG)

or something very similar, but I do not see many abbreviations and partial solutions like this and I have since rejected it as unsound (unless and until I am given a code that features two or more 'Cathédrales").

Nonetheless, Paris is being helpfully highlighted by friends on Twitter, so what I should add here is that:

Rue des Orfèvres evokes Le Quai des Orfèvres, which is the address of central headquarters of the Police Judiciaire Paris. (The address features prominently in literature (cf Maigret) and films.)

Les Chandelles is a nightclub tucked in behind the Louvre, just across the river from Quai des Orfevres. AND

"Rue des Moulins" evokes the Moulin Rouge and Café des Deux Moulins just a little north of Les Chandelles. The café was made famous by the film Amélie.

[jrueships]

😬✌🏿 ✌🏽😁

bonus josh looking like Australian psycho +Jay scrubb who is NOT John collins

[piedpiperslists]

KTH: Friends with Benefits AU

List of all Taehyung fics under 'Friends with Benefits' AU:

* ² - two shots s - contains smut sm - social media format

* Last updated: 30/04/2023

D R A B B L E S

[drabble] by bangtaninink Summary: “So! I accidentally called you the 'love of my life' today. Isn't that hilarious?”

[drabble] by noteguk s prohibited relationship, infidelity au

[drabble] by taestefully-in-luv

[drabble] by yoonpobs s angst, rivals au, PWP

[drabble] by yukheii college au

2:41 AM by likeastarstar gang au

7:14 PM by likeastarstar

7:41PM by mimithings97 s PWP Summary: FuckBuddy Tae spitting in your mouth.

7:41PM Pt.2 by mimithings97 s PWP Summary: FuckBuddy Tae wanting a taste of you early in the morning.

A Little While by noteguk s angst Summary: In which Taehyung realizes that he was wrong in thinking that being friends with benefits with you wouldn’t backfire.

A Passing Pleasure by vyduan s friends au Summary: Set in The Apartment Complex series. Taehyung asks you if you and Jimin are exclusive f*ck buddies, because he’s not stupid – and apparently, you’re not exactly quiet.

* Bad Decisions by 94hixtape s college au, friends au, PWP Summary: Dry humping.

Blazed on You by bangtansocean Summary: Your best friend Taehyung and you gather for your weekly smoking session.

Candy Cane by hamsterclaw s friends au Summary: You wake up with your head in Taehyung’s lap, and he shows you how his dick is as sweet as candy.

* Church by yoongiphoria s infidelity au Summary: It’s not unlike praying at an altar, you think, the way you’re kneeling before him.

Discreet Packaging by mintjoonlep s friends au Summary: You just wanted a new toy that wasn’t too big. Tae just wanted to show you how much fun something ‘too big’ can be.

Friends With Benefits by blu-joons

FWB with BTS [AO3] by btssmutgalore s Summary: How Taehyung acts as your friend with benefits.

Hello, Oh, You're Looking So Fine by sor-vette homewrecker!Tae Summary: Some people said he became stupid the day he fell in love with you.

“I don’t think friends do this.” by honeytae s

“I’m Yours.” by cutechim s Summary: No matter how many times he breaks your heart, you always find yourself back in his bed.

Not Mine Alone by yoongiphoria s staff!reader, idol au Summary: When Taehyung catches you flirting with Seokjin, he wants to remind you just who you belong to.

Pieces by yoonia s Summary: When he wants to make a new deal.

Shower Tease by 7waystreet s college au Summary: Taehyung doesn't care if you're in a rush to get to your university; he'll make sure to tease you until you forget everything else and only beg for him.

Soft™ Taehyung by gimmethatagustd s

Sweet Lies by illneverrecover s mafia au Summary: “My eyelashes are stuck together because you made me cry.” + “Are we starting this fight where we ended it yesterday?”

Vertical Arithmetic by xotoosweet s financial analyst!reader, idol au, PWP Summary: The mathematics of the two of you may never work out, but you still like his attempts at solving your equation.

“You come into my room and wake me up at 4am to cuddle?” by fortunexkookie s

You’re the Worst by here2bbtstrash s friends au Summary: You decide to turn the tables on your shameless best friend.

“You’re welcome to stay if you want” by bangtanficsforyou college au

O N E S H O T S

Acquainted by dewykth s wc~2.3k / angst, motorcyclist!Taehyung, married!reader, unrequited feelings Summary: There he goes again. Wishing for too much. Silly boy, doesn’t he already know he will never have you the way he wants?

Any Way You Want It by noteguk s wc~6.6k / friends au, PWP Summary: In which your best friend, Taehyung, finds out about your unsatisfying sexual experiences and decides to put an end to that track record himself.

Baddie by kth1fics s wc~4.8k / gang member!Taehyung, situationship, PWP Summary: The bad boy in your life, Kim Taehyung, comes visiting once again for his basic needs to be met.

Boundaries by kooktrash s wc~4.4k / ex-FWB Summary: No one knows about the two weeks last summer where all you did was spend nights in his arms. It was never supposed to happen, but as it rounds that time of the year again you can’t help but fall into the same pattern, neither of you could avoid it anymore.

Can’t Flaunt What’s Not Yours by turtletaemin s wc~6k Summary: “You’re the one always saying how you wouldn’t give a fuck if I were to up and leave. The one that told me I can’t flaunt you because you’re not mine,” he says, stepping away from you to run a hand through his hair. “And you’re telling me you like me?”

Conceptual Devil by yeoldontknow s wc~3.6k / classical violinist!Taehyung, PWP Summary: As Taehyung’s Muse, he often calls you when he needs you the most.

Crazy for You by oddinary4bts s wc~46.8k / best friend's brother, idol au Summary: You’ve known Kim Taehyung your whole life. When you meet again at a party hosted by your best friend, alcohol looses your lips and you spill your secrets to your childhood crush. Will Taehyung give in to your desire, or will you be struck by remorse?

Curiosity by tayegi s wc~5k / friends au, PWP Summary: "Hey, ___. This reddit post says that a vagina feels like the inside of your cheek. Is that true?"

Dick on the Go by jeonggukingdom s wc~20.7k / childhood friends au, PWP Summary: It was all shits and giggles when you and Taehyung were desperate seniors in High School, having no idea what to do with your lives, wondering if you’d ever find a decent job or even graduate in the first place. It is not so funny anymore when you come home from the big city to enjoy your vacation time and you find his sex-shop right in front of the house you grew up in when you were a kid. “If nothing works out I’m just gonna open a sex shop and call it something obnoxious like ‘Dick on the Go’ or something with a stupid zucchini logo flashing on top of the building.” He had said one time. Shit, you had no idea he actually meant it.

Dirty Habits by taendrils s wc~9.4k / fighter au, PWP Summary: The fire burning within you craves to break Taehyung’s patience, he craves to ruin you, leave you bruised up and pretty and his. Or at least, to give you the illusion of it so you never misbehave again. From there, it’s game on.

Feedback by yminie s wc~11.1k / ft JHS, friends au, PWP Summary: You’re feeling a little insecure about something your friend had said, and your besties Tae and Hobi are there to help you out.

I'll Stop Tomorrow by dreamyjoons s wc~2.8k / angst Summary: You know it has to end.

If You Don't Ask Me to Stay by yoongiphoria s wc~4k / angst, exes au Summary: Every December, you go back to your hometown - for the one person who is always waiting.

Infamous by sugaxjpg s wc~12.5k / college au, fuckboy au Summary: You would rather die than to have someone figure out about your sexual escapades with Local Fuckboy, Kim Taehyung. It was an ego thing.

It's Sweet by here2bbtstrash wc~4.3k Summary: You forgot to call out sick from your dick appointment, but he stays anyway.

Just for Practice by h0neypjm s wc~5.3k / friends au, PWP Summary: "I think we should normalise giving head to your friends as practice."

Let It Snow by suga-kookiemonster s wc~18.8k Summary: It all started by accident, but it continues by choice—even before you began sleeping together, things with your friend Taehyung have always been comfortable and easy. Simple, and this new arrangement between you is certainly no exception to that rule. Well…that’s definitely what you thought before a major snowstorm traps the two of you in his apartment over the holidays. Now? Now, it is quickly becoming apparent that things are a bit more complicated than you realized.

Love is a Foolish Thing by whitesparrows97 s wc~20k Summary: Falling in love… it sounded so simple. Falling. Like one wrong step, a small stumble and you were deeply in love. But there was nothing easy about love.

Matcha Lattes, Unfinished Letters, Velvet Cuffs... by jjkxla s wc~4.3k / idol au Summary: Taehyung and Vogue work abroad for his next photoshoot, but he uses this longtime break he is also in to bring his well known friends on this trip overseas into the French landscapes. The reader, happily taking this chance to spend more time with him, enjoys a well deserved vacations by being tied on Taehyung's bed.

Mine to Claim by jimilter s wc~13k / werewolf au Summary: You are in love with Taehyung, your Alpha. But he just sees you as the Omega bitch that helps him relieve stress by letting him use her body however he likes. And you’ve come to be okay with that, because you know you are no good for him. But now with your heat coming up and the pressure on Taehyung to find a Queen increasing exponentially, will your ties with him severe forever? Or will they bloom into something else?

My Favorite Things [AO3] by goodsoop s wc~2.6k / friends au Summary: Your friend Taehyung, won’t stop moaning over your holiday cookies, dropping compliments left and right has you dripping in the kitchen.

Never More by seokth wc~2.3k / angst Summary: It started as just one night. But one night turned into two, two turned into five, and five turned into a whole year.

Say Something, Say Anything by kookstempo wc~6.2k / ft JJK, love triangle au Summary: In the process of figuring out whether Taehyung likes you the way you like him, you don't expect to fall for one of his close friends, Jungkook, and all the chaos that ensues.

This is Me Trying by kookstempo wc~8.6k / love triangle au Summary: You explore the aftermath Taehyung and Jungkook's fight brought to your lives and relationships. You have some decisions to make.

Supernova by whatifyoulivelikethat s wc~4.7k / friends au, PWP Summary: Kim Taehyung is your best friend. Considering him as anything more was asking for a collapsed relationship. You two were just two points in the sky, side by side, always shining together. Stars aren’t meant to collide, right?

Taehyung and reader are best friends who hook up by loon4joon s wc~3k / PWP

The Sheets by kth1 s wc~6.8k / idol au Summary: On your night out with the gals you get hit up by the one and only, Kim Taehyung, who’s been eyeing all of your Instagram stories. It’s no shocker that he attempts to get you back to his place once you finally decide to leave the club because this isn’t your first rodeo with the determined and insanely hot, fuckboy.

The Text by taetaesbaebaepsae s wc~2k Summary: You’re fine with just being friends with Taehyung….until you get the text, that is.

The Wings of a Devil by jinpire s wc~6k / idol au, vampire au Summary: Taehyung has a particular way of feeding that inspires the sweetest of love-hate feelings in you.

To the Sun and Back by sugaxjpg s wc~18.7k / angst, surfer!Taehyung, coworkers au Summary: Your summer job as a receptionist at the Apollo Resort had the promise of being a safe getaway for your accumulated stress, but it all turned upside down when you met the charming surf instructor named Kim Taehyung.

T W O S H O T S / S E R I E S

4:23 AM by satnin-darling s idol au Summary: You indirectly confessed to Yoongi. Well, it was all Taehyung’s fault (you don’t know that yet). So in the midst of drowning yourself in your sorrows, Taehyung comes to visit you because inadvertently, he too has a broken heart. Then, a misunderstanding, followed by an apology. But the apology was not in the way that you think an apology should have been, and maybe, just maybe, you’d find it in yourself forgive him.

Our Gray Winter by vyduan s ex-FWB Summary: In the feminine products aisle of the grocery store, you bump into Taehyung, your ex-college friends-with-benefits, after your divorce from Jungkook. You are so, so lonely.

Please Love Me by muniimyg s sm fuckboy!Taehyung, fuckgirl!reader Summary: These days, Taehyung realizes he spends most of his time in between your legs and lost in his thoughts — trying to convince himself that he’d rather your body than half of your heart.

Songs about You: Rhapsody ² by taegularities s CEO!Taehyung, friends to lovers Summary: “The feeling of him never got old - and right in this moment, it felt newer than ever before.” Both of your touches used to fit your little agreement to fulfill your desires whenever you needed it - when had exactly these touches started to become a quiet whisper in the back of your mind that had you yearn for so much more than just careless nights?

Talk [pt2] [pt3] [pt4] [pt5] by gukslut s college au Summary: Finals week is kicking your ass, thank goodness you have a friend to help you relieve some stress. It’s a great arrangement, as long as no one finds out… as long as you don’t catch feelings. What could go wrong?

Unspoken Rules by latetaektalk s college au Summary: Sticking to rules was a lot harder when they were unspoken and a certain fuckboy was involved. Or 1. No strings attached. 2. No telling others. 3. No getting to know each other.

Vacancy ² by ppersonna s idol au Summary: Spending the night with Taehyung was like standing too close to a fire. The warmth, pleasant at first, became a ravaging inferno soon after.

[nnightskiess]

r e q u e s t: Hi !! I love your writing ❤️ I want to know if it’s possible for you to write something with Quinn fabray x reader ? They are together in quarantine in New York with Rachel, Kurt and Santana. Also Reader and Santana are best friends. Can you add humor and fluff please ? Thanks ☺️

Quinn and Y/N were walking hand in hand through the streets of New York. They had planned a little getaway together to the big city. It was mainly Quinn’s idea, she wanted to propose to her high school sweetheart— Y/N. But most of their trip, and thus Quinn’s plan, fell apart due to the rapid spread of the Covid virus. Their tickets for Broadway had been refunded. The cute tearoom where Quinn had planned to propose to the girl— and where the two women had shared their first kiss during Glee club’s Nationals in New York— was closed down due to the virus. Most of the things Quinn had planned out for the proposal got refunded, except for the hotel. Quinn decided that she’d postpone her proposal to another time. She didn’t want to propose to Y/N like this. She deserved a proper proposal, like the one Quinn had planned out in her head for years. Quinn tried not to let it get her down but she found it hard to lie to Y/N about the frown on her face. 

“I know it’s different.... but... I’m still glad we’re here.” Y/N brought their intertwined hands together and planted a kiss on Quinn’s knuckles. “New York always brings me back to high school.” 

“Remember when we broke the bed during our pillow fight? And, oh God, how Tana fell off it when you smacked her across the face?” Y/N shook her head in amusement, “But the thing I will never forget is when we shared our first kiss in that adorable tearoom near the hotel.”

Quinn gave her a distant smile. 

“And remember how panicked I was when Mr. Schuester walked by the window and I thought he had seen us out of the hotel room?”

Quinn hummed softly, rubbing her thumb across Y/N’s hand. She remembered every little detail about that morning, which made this all so much harder.

Y/N came to a halt and stood in front of Quinn, which caused the latter to bump into her. 

“Oh, baby-”

“Why are you so quiet? I don’t like it.” Y/N seemed genuinely worried. 

Quinn looked at the ground for a second and held her temple, trying to come up with a good enough lie. 

“I-” She looked back up at her girlfriend and her expression immediately softened. Whenever Y/N was worried— particularly about Quinn — her eyebrows would furrow and she’d pout her lips ever so slightly. 

Quinn sighed, “I’m just disappointed that we couldn’t visit it this time. I feel like a visit to New York is never complete without a high tea at our place.” Y/N smiled softly when Quinn grabbed her cheeks to comfort her.  

“You know what else makes our trip complete?”

Y/N grinned like an idiot, immediately knowing what she was hinting at. 

Quinn smiled, 

“Let’s go pick up our stuff from the hotel first and then drive there.”

✫彡

“Wait, let me scare her.” 

Quinn shook her head in amusement as her girlfriend plastered herself against the wall next to the front door of the apartment. Quinn knocked a few times before the door slid open. 

“Oh my God! Quinn! It’s so good to see you!” Kurt’s voice rang through the hallway. He quickly hugged her before calling Santana.

“Quinn’s here!” 

He turned back to the blond in front of him, “Are you alone?” Kurt was in disbelief, knowing very well that Quinn and her girlfriend were inseparable. Quinn quickly looked at Y/N through her peripheral and saw her nod her head.

“...I guess so-”

“Wait... you two are still together, right?” Concern filled Kurt’s voice, but before Quinn could reply, Santana appeared out of the bathroom.

“Ha! You bet they are.” She smirked at her friend, “Wait... where’s the fiancée?” 

Quinn’s eyes widened and she immediately faked a long, awkward laughter. “Good one, San.” 

Kurt looked between the two girls in confusion, and even Santana seemed lost. 

He let out an awkward chuckle. “Am I missing something?” 

Santana got the hint after Quinn shot her another look, “Oh- that’s just an inside joke of ours.” 

“Y/N! Oh my God!” Someone squealed.

The three turned around and saw Rachel stand in the hallway, two large bags in her hand. She had seen Y/N hide behind the wall when she walked up to their frontdoor.

“Damn it, Berry.” Y/N groaned. “You ruined my surprise.”

Santana snorted, “Well, I knew you were somewhere. Quinn gets rashes when you’re not within a radius of 16 feet.” She opened her arms wide when Y/N revealed herself. “C’mere, I missed you.”

The two best friends shared a sweet hug while Rachel clumsily carried her bags inside.

“What’s up with that?” Kurt turned to her.

“Oh- well, now that our shows are postponed to God-knows-when... I thought I’d bring the stuff from my dressing room back home.”

“Why’d you bring this coffee machine home? We already have one.”

“Yeah, but I don’t like that one.”

“Rachel! We have no more countertop space... or available plugs!” 

He gasped when he saw the brand, “These coffee pods are thirty dollars per package?!”

Santana rolled her eyes and walked Quinn and Y/N to the living room.

“So...while we let Bert and Ernie bicker... what’s up? No trouble in paradise?” She turned to the couple, hoping to cryptically find out why Quinn hadn’t proposed.

"I can’t believe you think we’d be able to part ways.” Y/N joked back and cuddled up against her girlfriend, who shook her head at Santana to let her know she’d tell her later.

“What do you girls want to drink? Or do you want some of Rachel’s exquisite coffee?” Kurt asked from the kitchen.

“Can I try a sip first?”

Quinn smiled at the childish antics of her girlfriend. Rachel gestured the girl to come over, which left the two ex-cheerios alone to talk.

Santana leaned in closer so that no one would hear,

“What happened?! Did you freak out at the last minute? Tell me you didn’t...”

Quinn sighed and rubbed her temples, “No, my whole proposal fell into pieces thanks to this freaking virus.”

“People are dying, Q.”

She sighed, “Gah, I know. It’s just- I’ve had this all planned out in my head for years. This was how it was supposed to go. And now everything is ruined.”

Santana gave her a sympathetic smile and squeezed her knee. “And there’s no alternative that you’d like?”

Quinn shrugged and shook her head softly.

“Well, if I may speak freely... we’re the only people who know Y/N in and out... which means that we also both know that she wouldn’t care if you went on one knee in a clown suit or if you wrote your big question in the sky with a plane...” Santana looked back to see if they were paying attention to their hushed conversation, but Y/N was sitting on the counter, her feed dangling while she took gentle sips of the expensive coffee. A small smile appeared on both girl’s faces. 

“The only thing she cares for is that you are the one to ask her.” 

Quinn’s eyes were filled with tears as she came to the realisation. 

“Thanks, Santana.”

“Anytime.” 

The two hugged until they heard Y/N run up to them.

“I want in!”

✫彡

A few hours had passed and all five of them were sprawled about the couch, their take-away food on the coffee table. Y/N’s head rested against Quinn’s chest while her legs were put on Santana’s lap. Quinn mindlessly played with the strands of Y/N’s hair.

It had become a tradition for them to watch ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ every time they visited their friends in New York.

“This scene breaks my heart every damn time.” Y/N mumbled and threw a napkin at the TV when Holly left the cat on the curb in the rain. 

“She goes back for him later, though.” Kurt spoke.

“I don’t care. Damage is done.”

‘People do fall in love, people do belong to each other. Because that’s the only chance anybody has for real happiness.’ Paul, one of the characters spoke.

Quinn put her head against Y/N’s at hearing that. She was filled with so much joy at having this wonderful girl in her arms.

“I’ve been carrying this thing around for months,” Paul grabbed a wedding ring box out of his coat which caused Quinn’s mind to wander off. Even though she had seen this movie a dozen times, she was still surprised to be reminded of her ruined proposal. 

Before she could make herself feel miserable about it again, Rachel’s phone rang. She quickly excused herself but motioned for them to not pause the movie. 

Rachel walked to the living area after a few minutes, her expression tense and filled with worry.

“Guys...”

Kurt paused the movie as the girls turned to Rachel.

“We might have a tiny problem...Well... a big one, actually.”

Everyone got the memo that it was something serious and they sat up.

“One of the ensemble members has been tested positive for the virus... which means that everyone— crew and cast — needs to go into quarantine at home... and that includes everyone they have been in contact with... so that would mean that we have to stay inside for the next two weeks too...”

The bunch on the couch took a moment to take the news in until Santana shot up, 

“I am not going to spend two weeks, non-stop, in here! I already go insane with too much of you as it is. I usually can deal with curtains as walls, your stubble in the sink or your god-awful annoying vocal exercises when I’m trying to sleep but that’s because I get home from work, eat and head straight to bed. But I will literally kill someone if I have to go through that all day long. I was supposed to see Brittany this weekend but hey, thanks a lot, Berry.”

“This is hardly Rachel’s fault. It’s the responsible and safe thing to do. You wouldn’t want Brittany to get it, right?”

Santana avoided eye-contact, but it was clear that she agreed with what Kurt said. 

“Wow, I feel so unwanted right now.” Y/N mumbled out, slightly joking. “You get to spend your quarantine with us!”

Santana gave her a tight-lipped, apologetic smile, “I know, that’s the only good thing about this.”

Rachel saw the gloomy looks on everyone’s face. “They won’t tell us who it is for privacy reasons, but I usually don’t hang out with the ensemble anyway so I hope I’m safe. I’m so sorry, you guys.”

Kurt stood up with a sigh, “I guess I’ll go find the spare mattress then. You two can take my bed.” He was about to walk off but pointed a finger at Quinn and Y/N. “No sex... in my bed.”

Quinn pursed her lips, not that happy with Kurt’s rule.

“You were the leader of the celibacy club, you can last two weeks without sex. Besides, there are no walls so I will know when you break my rule.”

“Like that’s ever stopped you and Blaine before.” Santana rolled her eyes. “But great. We’ll have five, sexually frustrated people cooped up together in a tiny apartment with no walls for privacy, no natural light and no entertainment. Someone’s definitely going to get murdered... by me.” She added.

“My vote’s on Rachel...” Y/N mumbled out. Santana stuck out her hand behind her back for Y/N to high five.

“I’m just glad we decided to check out of our hotel this morning and bring our stuff to you guys... because no matter how much I love you all, I am not going to wear any of your spare panties.” Quinn stood up to go and help Kurt.

“You could just go commando.” Y/N shrugged, “I wouldn’t mind.” 

Quinn sent her a teasing look and winked.

“I would say get a room but yeah, we don’t have any...so...” Rachel shrugged. 

“I can’t believe we’re going to have to do this.” Santana sighed and walked off to her part of the apartment. 

“Hey- but, look at it this way. We’ll have two weeks of non-stop karaoke, binge-watching and eating junk food. Doesn’t that sound great?” Rachel tried again but no one replied.

 ✫彡

One week done, one week to go. 

For Quinn and Y/N, this week had consisted of a lot of cuddling and making out in bed, watching silly movies and cooking with whatever they could find in the pantry.

Santana had surprisingly been on her best behaviour, though they let her be whenever she had a ‘don’t-talk-to-me’ look on her face. Y/N suspected that Brittany had probably told her to be nice and to make the best out of it, but she also liked to think that it was because of her presence. She hadn’t been able to visit her best friend often now that they lived so far away. But it was like old times whenever they saw each other again. However, Quinn had caught herself feeling jealous that the two women had spent that much time together. But her jealousy washed away when she saw the best friends joke or laugh like they used to when they were still 16 year olds. It warmed her heart.

Kurt blended in perfectly and knew exactly when to give someone space or when to approach them. He and Quinn made sure there was food on the table and he had ordered a lot of, mostly useless, stuff online to try and keep everyone entertained. The twister game had been everyone’s favourite so far. And the effort he put into his bingo night was even too wholesome for Santana to make a comment about it, no matter how bad she wanted to after getting a rubber duck as present when she won.

Rachel did her best to help wherever she could and she was, surprisingly, a lot of fun to have around when things got boring. Though, yes, the daily vocal exercises got a bit out of hand when she woke them up belting high notes at 7.30. Santana was close to killing her had it not been for Quinn and Y/N holding her back. Santana wasn’t intimidating at all with her bed head, tangled up hair and red PJs and Y/N couldn’t help but laugh.

Quinn had been over the moon, so to say. She got to spend two whole weeks with the love of her life. Yes, they lived together but that was different. Now, there was no schedule or work to interrupt them or cloud their minds. It was just them, enjoying being in each other’s arms. For a lot of couples the lockdown and quarantine would probably be make or break, but Quinn hadn’t been worried about a negative outcome at all. When you’ve been together for that long, and been through hell and back, you know you will persevere together. The company of Kurt and Rachel was fun, and it was certainly good to have Santana around again but Quinn couldn’t help but wish it had just been Y/N and herself in quarantine. If that had been the case, she knew they wouldn’t just spend their days only cuddling in bed.

Y/N was the only one that was visibly annoyed and on edge. She would roll her eyes or sigh in annoyance if things went wrong or if someone said something she didn’t like. Quinn had caught her staring out of the window, to which Y/N explained that she hoped if she looked hard and long enough she might see the dragon that would save her. She wasn’t used to sit around and do nothing and was bored out of her mind.

Quinn and Y/N were lying in Kurt’s bed with their legs tangled together. Quinn held her girl close to her chest. She squeezed her and inhaled the scent of her freshly washed hair. The window was slightly open, causing a chill breeze to slightly move the curtains.

“Now I’m sure of it...” Y/N started, getting Quinn’s attention, “I’m never going to commit a felony.”

Quinn let out a breathy chuckle, “Were you questioning it before?”

“I can’t imagine being stuck like this for years.”

“Well, you still have access to the internet, great food, your friends...and your wonderful girlfriend.” 

Y/N looked up at Quinn and grinned. She grabbed the girl’s cheek as she kissed her. 

“Can’t believe I’m about to say this but I’m actually really thankful we got stuck in quarantine.”

Y/N subtly arched a questioning eyebrow.

“It made me realise two things— too much of Rachel Berry will be the end of me-” Y/N let out a breathy chuckle at that, “-and...” 

Quinn stared into her girlfriend’s eyes, was she really going to do this now? Yes. Yes, she definitely was. This was the-

“Oh my God!” Kurt’s exciting squeal filled the apartment, startling both girls. They heard Santana shush him and it suddenly got very quiet. Too quiet... 

Y/N tiptoed out of the bed in her PJ’s and fluffy socks and opened the curtain to see Santana and Kurt staring directly at her. She had clearly caught them with something, but with what? Quinn appeared behind Y/N and noticed the jacket that Santana was trying to hide behind their backs.

Kurt noticed she was doing a poor job at it and snatched the jacket out of Santana’s hands to hold it up to his face, admiring it like it was a newborn baby. “Oh my, it’s so pretty! Where did you buy this?” 

Quinn quickly glanced at Y/N, who didn’t seem to notice what was happening. “Guys,” She groaned, “I thought something happened, you interrupted my peace.” She walked back, irritated, and closed the curtain in a swift motion. 

“Why were you snooping in my stuff?!” Quinn hissed and plucked her jacket out of his hands.

“Um, excuse me? When where you going to tell me that you plan on proposing to her!?” Kurt whispered, enthusiasm clear in his voice. 

Quinn didn’t reply and instead searched the pockets. “Where is it?”

“Here,” Santana gave her the jewellery box. “It fell out when Kurt was organising the coat rack.”

“Why haven’t you done it yet?”

“I had everything planned but the virus ruined it. It was suppose to happen the day we came here, but our favourite tearoom was shut down and so were all the other activities I had planned.” She sighed, “I was about to do it just now, in the heat of the moment, but then you two interrupted that. Whatever. I’m glad I didn’t. She deserved better than that.”

Santana crossed her arms, not happy with the fact that Quinn had apparently totally forgotten what the two of them had talked about a week prior.

“Damn, I wish you would’ve done it just now. That would mean the end of wicked witch Y/N.” Rachel joined their conversation. “Oh, so you can make fun of me but not the other way around? It was just a joke.” She added and raised her arms when she saw the looks Quinn and Santana were giving her.

“Okay, I know everyone’s feeling a bit irritated, but it’s just one more-”

The bell rang. 

“Don’t tell me you bought us all matching boho outfits for your Mamma Mia night. I’m not wearing it.” Santana crossed her arms.

“I didn’t order anything?”

Y/N appeared again and opened the door.

“Thank you so much. Here, keep this.”

She closed it, walked over to the kitchen table and went to put everything down, completely ignoring the rest. She noticed the silence and turned around.

“Oh- Don’t worry, I ordered for everyone.” 

Quinn eyed the table and recognised the familiar logo on the napkins. 

“Baby-”

“I felt so bad that we couldn’t go to our place this time. So when I found out that they started doing deliveries this week, I knew I wanted to order their high tea menu. I got the one we usually get... to make you feel better...”

Quinn wrapped her arms around the girl’s waist from behind and put her chin on her shoulder. Y/N leaned into her touch.

“This is the sweetest thing ever. I love you.”

Y/N kissed Quinn’s forehead and sat down, immediately grabbing a brownie.

“You need to wife her up, fast.” Santana whispered into Quinn’s ear when she walked by.

And she would, when the moment was right.

✫彡

Kurt was watching a movie with Blaine through face time, Rachel was practicing some lines and Santana was face timing Brittany. Quinn and Y/N had promised to do the dishes, but Quinn ushered the girl to take a nap on the couch when she saw how tired her girl looked. 

Quinn took quick glances towards the living room every few seconds and saw that Y/N had finally fallen asleep on the couch. With a faint smile on her face, she grabbed a blanket and tucked Y/N in. One of Rachel’s dvd’s, The Sound of Music, was still playing in the background. She slowly took the remote out of Y/N’s hands and turned it off.

“You’re the best and most precious thing in my life. I love you.” She bent down and caressed her cheek.

She widened her eyes when an idea suddenly struck her mind. 

✫彡

“What do we sing?”

“No... no singing proposal. Y/N would hate that.”

“I loved it.” Kurt shrugged.

“So, then what’s the plan?”

“Listen up...”

✫彡

Their quarantine was over and no one had gotten sick. No one from Rachel’s crew or cast had gotten it either. Brittany and Blaine came over as soon as they could. They were over the moon to hear about Quinn wanting to propose and agreed to help. 

“Love, what are you doing?” 

Y/N sat on her suitcase, desperately trying to get it closed.

“I thought I had gained weight, not my clothes.” She grunted, “If we want to get home before the dark we should drive off by-”

“Actually... I had something planned before we go home.”

“Oh?”

“Is it okay if we leave as soon as you can? Bring a jacket, I don’t want you to get cold.”

Quinn left Y/N to get ready and anxiously walked into the kitchen where the rest were whispering words of encouragement to her. Quinn knew how much they had loved each other for the past years, but something inside her was still very insecure if Y/N would say yes to her question... to her. What would she do with herself if Y/N didn’t accept her ring?

“She’s going to love it.” Santana hugged her tight but quickly let go when Y/N opened the curtain.

“Why are you all looking at me?”

“Because you look lovely.” Quinn grabbed her hand. They all sent her thumbs up as she took one last glance over her shoulder. 

✫彡

Y/N was eating a pretzel that Quinn had bought her in the park. The two were walking in a comfortable silence. Quinn glanced to the girl beside her, hoping that Y/N would catch on on what was happening soon. 

They had walked almost the very same route that they walked on that morning in New York many, many years ago. Their end stop would be at the edge of the park, where Santana and Brittany were now probably busy setting their high tea up.

“Why are pretzels so much better in New York?”

“Eh, I don’t know. I’m not really a pretzel girl.”

The park was normally crowded with locals and tourists, but they had barely seen a handful of people so far. 

“Wasn’t this where we sat with the kids from Glee?”

Quinn smiled softly.

Finally.

“Yeah, it is, actually.”

“Oh- Well, everything from that trip is very blurry in my mind, except for our first kiss, of course. I can even still tell you the colour of your coat.”

Quinn gave her a playful smile and grabbed Y/N’s hand. “Which was?”

“Red.” She booped her nose with the end of her pretzel, earning a giggle from Quinn.

She grinned softly, “Remember that snow globe I bought for you? With New York’s skyline?”

Y/N gasped, “I loved that thing.” 

The two laughed, remembering that Y/N had dropped it when they rushed to cross the street only half an hour after buying it.

“Then you bought me a couple others throughout the years but none of them have ever been able to have the same value to me. Sorry not sorry.” 

Quinn smiled to herself, hoping she was about to change that in a few minutes. She saw Santana and Brittany sitting on the grass in the distance and guided Y/N to the two. They left without saying a word, but not before giving the two enthusiastic but knowing smiles. Santana wiggled her eyebrows but Britt pulled her away.

“I am so confused right now.” Y/N hesitantly sat down on the blanket. “Why were they here?”

“I asked them to help me set up this little picnic so it could be a surprise. I know you ordered the high tea last week but I wanted to end our trip off like this, with just us. Also, we’ve spent the last two weeks in NYC without even a day outside. I didn’t want to leave before we went somewhere. I hope you like it.”

“Like it? I can never get enough of their cheesecake bites.” 

Quinn smiled nervously, trying to hide how stressed she felt. She poured the juice in their glasses and fed Y/N a bite of a scone with butter and peach marmalade.

“How does that taste?”

Y/N threw her head back and groaned. “I’m going to miss their food.” 

Quinn barely replied, too focused on how she was going to bring it up. Backing out now felt like a good way to calm her nerves but she knew she shouldn’t. Not only because Santana would kill her if she did, but also because there would never be a more perfect moment than now.

“Quinn?”

“Uh-Yeah, love?”

“What is this?” Y/N repeated. 

Quinn’s eyes widened when she saw the wrapped up package Y/N had grabbed out of the basket. 

“Oh- I... that...-” She sighed, “Screw it.” She went to sit on her knees and ushered Y/N to open it.

“For me?”

Quinn nodded, a big smile on her face.

“Quinnie... you-”

“Open it, my love.”

Y/N removed the wrapping paper and gasped when she saw what it was. It was a handmade snow globe, made in a mason jar. The New York skyline was glued to the bottom of it with a laminated picture of the two of them that they took during their first visit to New York. (Thank God Kurt was into a crafty phase during the second week of quarantine).

“I’m not the best at crafts but I just thought-”

“I love it.” Y/N beamed from ear to ear and her smile only widened when the snow inside of it fell onto the skyline.

“This is the most thoughtful gift someone has ever given me.”

“I’m glad you love it.” Quinn grabbed Y/N’s hand and softly moved it around so that the bottom of the snow globe was now facing up. Y/N furrowed her eyebrows until she realised what was scribbled down onto a piece of paper at the bottom. Quinn put the snow globe down and grabbed both of Y/N’s hands in her own, brushing her thumbs against the girl’s knuckles.

“I must admit that I thought what I’m about to say a million times over for the past days and I imagined what I would say to you in this moment for years—but truth be told, I kind of forgot all of that because of the nerves,” Quinn let out a chuckle, “To be honest, I have always known that you were the only girl I wanted to be with in this life. I don’t know what it was, but we’ve just had this instant gravitation towards each other. I know I wasn’t always the kindest to you in the beginning yet you still helped me through everything. The pregnancy, the accident... Now I can say all this cheesy shit about how you and I bring the best out of each other and how much love we have for one another but I think I don’t need to say that. We both know how much our relationship means to us. New York has always been a special place to me since it reminds me of why and how we fell in love. Which is why I wanted to do this here. This is were it all began. Now, I had everything planned months ago but... the situation changed and well... yeah. I had to adjust. At first, I wanted to postpone it all. Until I realised that I couldn’t wait any longer. Y/N, you are my everything. I want to be by your side until eternity. I want to be your person for as long as I can. I want to love and care for you for as long as you want me to.” 

She let out a shaky breath.

“So I guess...what I’m trying to say here is...” She grabbed the box out of her pocket, opened it and presented it to Y/N. “Would you like to marry me?”

Y/N looked at the box in shock, she hadn’t made eye contact with Quinn ever since she had presented her with the ring in her hand. 

The silence lasted only for a few seconds but it felt like minutes to Quinn, who slowly lowered her hands. 

Y/N suddenly let out a sob, then another. She jumped onto Quinn and wrapped her arms around her neck.

“Yes.” She said through her sobs. Quinn let out a gasp of relief and squeezed the girl in her arms, letting her own tears fall freely now. 

“Oh-” Y/N groaned and let go of her embrace. “I stepped into the scones...” She pouted and looked at her marmalade stained knee. Quinn laughed through her tears, realising this was exactly why she had asked this girl to marry her.

Y/N forgot it immediately the moment she locked eyes with her fiancée. She held her tight and kissed her like she never had before. 

They let go like two love-sick puppies when they heard all of their friends approach. The newly engaged couple was radiating.

“I love you, so much.”

[shoichee]

Since requests are open- can I please get a Murasakibara hc/fic (whatever works best for you babes!) with a shy and introverted S/O? Maybe a cute date that they do together? Thank you so much bubs ily 🥺🥺

Consider me your new friend in this lowkey dead fandom 🥺💖💖💖

hi!! let’s be friends together in this ghost town together HFUWHEIGJS thank you so much for requesting <33

Sweet Sample

Murasakibara x Reader

Word Count: 2019

»»—————　☼　—————««

How did you get yourself here?

You remembered being dragged around by Himuro in a blur of houses until you both, before you knew it, stood before his house that reeked “high class.” Before you can muster up any form of complaint that you (sort of) thought up of when you were dragged, Himuro ushers you in hurriedly. Even when he was in a rush, his movements were elegant and fluid.

“... a-ah, Himuro-san?” was all you muttered, but you only got a closed click of his bulky front door as a reply. You turned around to face a nonchalant ravenette shedding off his outer coats before he hung them on the racks next to you.

Too nonchalant, in fact.

You weren’t that close to him enough to warrant a casual visit to his home, nor did you have any reason to come here in the first place. Yet, Himuro looked as if you two had plans for the evening but that you somehow forgot that you had an arrangement with him in the first place. Plus, and probably the most crucial part that made this entire ordeal awkward to you, was that you’re dating Murasakibara. Anyone with common sense can see countless implications when someone is alone in someone else’s house, let alone dragged into one.

“U-um…”

“(Y/n)-san,” he smoothly interjects, nodding his chin to the racks to indicate for you to take off your outer layers as well. “If I may ask you something.” You only nodded in meekness as you tapped your left feet behind your right leg, a nervous tick you’ve always had since middle school.

“Have you ever gone on a date with Atsushi before?”

“E-eh?” You shot your head up to meet his accessing eyes, which, you noted, were filled with utter amusement dancing behind his pupils. “Well… we were planning to go out tomorrow on Saturday.”

“Is that so?” Himuro said, tilting his head, his bangs following the motion. He suddenly shot his head up as he made a sound, indicating that he remembered something.

“Ah, how rude of me—we’re still here at the doorway. Feel free to make yourself at home here. There’s some snacks on the table if you’re hungry, (y/n)-san.” Himuro gently guides you to the dining room, but all you could do was stiffly plop onto one of the seats at the edge of the polished table.

“Why are we… um, here? Where’s Atsushi?” you finally mustered up the courage to speak out the most important questions prevalent in your mind.

“Don’t worry about Atsushi,” he reassured. “I simply told him that there were several local food festivals near Akita and that you were there too.”

“B-but I’m not though—”

“That’s the point,” he sighed. “I needed to talk to you, and I know you don’t talk about your relationship out in the open, so that’s why we’re here.”

“That’s…” … so many leaps of logic.

Leave it to Himuro Tatsuya for his outrageousness sometimes.

“Er, what is it you need from me, Himuro-san?”

“Just wanted to check up on you guys since it’s been almost a month since you guys became an item.” Himuro pushes the bowl of snacks from the center of the table to within hand’s reach. You note the tacky colors of the packaging of umaibo sticks, Murasakibara’s favorite, and you let out a tiny smile. Typical.

Himuro doesn’t fail to catch your change in facial expression. “I guess from that face you’re making, it looks like everything’s going well. I guess I didn’t have to worry so much after all.”

“Wh-what?” you said, breaking out of your short daydreaming. “How s-so?”

“You know how Atsushi is,” he sighed. “He’s not honest with himself and he’s not the best at talking, and personality types like yours would normally annoy him, let alone actually getting him to listen to them seriously.”

“Well, lately he’s been considerate of me,” you bashfully said, averting your eyes. “We can just, um, understand each other without talking much… but thank you for looking out for us both.”

“You said you were going on a date tomorrow? Where to, if I may ask?”

“D-d-date…” you turned cherry-red at the thought of hanging out with your boyfriend outside of a school setting for the first time. “Well, um, nothing big… we’re just um…” You paused.

“(Y/n)-san?”

“Um… going to all the local groceries and supermarkets for f-free samples.” Himuro, who had been patiently waiting for your answer with his head on his propped arm on the table, doubles over in surprise.

“Seriously? You’re not going to a café or walk around in the shopping district? Not even a park?”

“W-waahh!” You firmly shook your head “no” repeatedly as you brought up your hands to wave side to side to emphasize your point in front of Himuro. “N-no way!—there’s too many people there that are always staring because of Atsushi’s height, so…”

“Ah.”

“Besides,” you started. “He finds it annoying to deal with people too, and he wants free food, so I feel like… he’d be happy if we go for these samples tomorrow… there’s less people overall, too.”

“Let me guess,” Himuro slightly smirks. “You’re going tomorrow with super casual clothes.”

“Y-yeah, um, is there something wrong?—um, Himuro, you have a… very scary look… socanipleaseleavenow?—WAH!”

———

How did you get yourself here?

You were all dolled up and dressed up today as per Himuro’s insistence.

Yesterday evening, he dragged you again out of his house to do literal last-minute shopping for your date. You kept telling him that it wasn’t such a big deal, but you couldn’t fight back against the mischievous glint he had in his eyes. You knew that he wanted Murasakibara to have a reaction when he sees you, and deep down, you were giddy at the thought of seeing Murasakibara in your new clothes too.

But still, that cunning bastard.

As soon as the two of you returned back to his house with the bag of the purchases, Himuro swiftly pushed you to the bushes in an attempt to hide you when he saw Murasakibara stomping his way.

“Muro-chin! Chibi-chin wasn’t there at all!” he huffed.

“Ah, but I thought I saw her,” Himuro feigned, tapping a finger to his chin. “I think she probably went home, after all.”

“Tch.”

After that ordeal, Himuro finally insisted to walk you safely home and MILDLY threatened you to wear the hand-picked clothes for tomorrow. You didn’t have the voice to object at all this entire evening, but you knew Himuro only wanted the best for you.

You sighed as you tried to smooth out nonexistent wrinkles for the seventh time out of nervousness. You’re just going to some supermarkets, right? There’s nothing to be scared of. Not at all. You shop for groceries every week, so it’s not like you’re going on this date completely blind.

You fiddled with the strands of your hair, twisting and pulling it down to busy your hands. You probably ruined the hairdo you painstakingly spent an hour on, and your nervous sweating probably completely drenched you like a soaked rat. That’s what you imagined anyways.

“Chibi-chin?” At the sound of his lazy voice, you whirled around to see a cozily-dressed giant of your boyfriend. But you immediately stopped in your tracks out of self-consciousness when you saw how Murasakibara’s eyes widened completely at the sight of you. Both of you looked like deer caught in headlights. “... what are you wearing?”

“U-ummm…” you stammered. “Uh, um, we’re… on a date, r-right?!”

“Hnn,” was all he said, but from the way he pouted his lips and flickered his gaze from your figure to the side constantly, you knew he liked what he saw. His hands were jammed into his pockets, and he just stood there dumbly like a street pole while his eyes kept stealing glances at you.

This was so embarrassing, you were going to die from all the flush in your face from the curious glances from bypassers and the shy stares from Murasakibara. All you could do was stare at the floor, hoping you could disappear and teleport back to your house to change.

“Ah!...” You felt a heavy weight draped over your back as a shadow loomed over. You looked up to see Murasakibara, frowning with equally red cheeks. You turned to look at what was on your shoulders. “Is that… your jacket, Atsushi? D-did you not lik—”

He doesn’t give you time to finish because he’s tugging you along with his ginormous hand, while you were tailing behind, careful not to trip on your new shoes and not to let his jacket fall off of your body.

“... I don’t like it when other people see you like this.” You can only imagine the most adorable pout he had on his face based on the sulkiness you heard from his voice when you stare at his back.

“D-do you want me to dress like this again?”

“Hnn.”

You knew that he meant, “yes, but only for me.”

———

“Atsushi,” you tugged on his sleeve, pointing to a sample stand. “They’re giving away red-bean mochi…”

“Okay~” he drawled, always making sure that your hand was linked with his as he tugs you closer to the food.

Honestly, while your attire with Murasakibara’s absurdly huge jacket attracted way more attention than if you just took off his jacket in the first place, you felt like you were protected in a haven. You don’t know if it’s because of the oversized coziness or his scent, but all you know is that you don’t feel as overwhelmed as you normally do when you’re in large crowds. Still, Murasakibara does most of the talking for you.

“Would you like to try a sample?”

“Yup… one for Chibi-chin too.”

“Wow~ you two are a couple? You guys look so sweet together!”

“A-ah, um,” you timidly spoke out. “Th-thank yo—wha?!” Murasakibara was already tugging you away, with his other hand holding both of your samples.

“You don’t have to talk if it’s bothersome.” He looks over his back to you. “Let’s eat here.”

“Thank you, Atsushi,” you said, gently smiling at his roundabout kindness. “I’ll take this mochi.”

A giant kid and a kid half his size eating powdered flour desserts in the corner of a supermarket doesn’t sound remotely romantic on paper, but for you, it was more than enough to give you fuzzy butterflies.

“Oh, Chibi-chin,” Murasakibara called out to you. He leans down to the level of your face.

“A-ah, wh-what is it—?”

He gives you a gentle kiss before he licks off the white flour besides your open lips, all while maintaining eye contact. It only takes a few seconds for the entire moment to register in your head.

“Wh-wh-wha-what are you doing?!”

You push at his cheeks and softly beat at his chest in embarrassment in a poor attempt to gain physical distance, and Murasakibara happily smirks at your feeble efforts.

“I kissed you, obviously.”

“Sh-shhhhhh! Not so loud!” You try to muffle his mouth, but you only feel his lips curve into a wider smile at your flustering. He easily swats your hands away before he gently grips them together with his own.

“Chibi-chin, that’s so cute,” he said, with full intentions to get you embarrassed even more as he stares intently at your face.

“C-can you not?” was all you dumbly said as you tried to look anywhere but his face. As cute as you were, Murasakibara wanted your eyes on him at all times. So what does he do? He pecks your lips again.

“H-hey!! What did I just… say… um…” You hastily looked around your surroundings again.

“No one’s looking though.”

“That… that doesn’t mean you should do it out of nowhere!”

“But you’re the best free sample I’ve ever tasted.”

“Wh-wh-wh-what?!”

Murasakibara might’ve hated people like you in the past, but now, he finds utter joy in getting you absolutely flustered because of him, and him only. He can’t help that you’re too sweet for him to resist, after all.

[miyosamu]

General Boyfriend HCs: Sawamura Daichi & Ushijima Wakatoshi (SFW&NSFW)

Sawamura Daichi

boyfriend of the decade

someone quickly give him the award

daichi can do no wrong

ever

he’s the perfect boyfriend

the perfect mix of loving & chaotic

daichi is always seen as the stable pillar of the team

the one who holds everything together

his role as a captain has instilled in him the skill of handling responsibility with ease

his wide shoulders were a source of comfort and security for everyone who looked towards him

including you

h o w e v e r

there are three (3) people who always managed to get daichi out of his little shell of utter calmness & sense, in order to get him to act a little more his age once in a while

to have fun and really let loose

and those people were: kuroo, bokuto, and you.

you were one of the few people who got him to act more childish and joke around more often

daichi is mischievous af and it’s endearing 

his scheming grin is super sexy 

everyone assumes that daichi’s super hard to rope into pranks and “youth induced dumb decisions” but that’s actually wrong

midnight adventures are his thing

now, daichi tries to be responsible he really does

for example, going to McDonald’s at 3am to buy 20 piece chicken nuggets and 2 large fries to go, and then proceed to eat it by the beach on a school night?

not a smart decision 

at all

and daichi knows that

is it gonna stop him though?

no

it won't 

he has impulsive moments like these and he always takes you with him

you’re a package deal now 

whatever he does, you do

whatever you do, he does

i mean what are you gonna do? let the other make stupid decisions on their own?

no!!

you join them!!

daichi comes from a big friendly family

he grew up with a loving mother

and has little siblings who absolutely adore him and always cling to him

so he’s subconsciously very veRY touchy with the people he’s close with

physical affection galore

small little touches !!

big meaningful gestures !!

daichi provides it all

he loves to hold your hand

it just makes him feel nice and close to you in the most innocent way

it’s so sweet

sawamura’s a big fan of the innocent forms of intimacy

hand holding, forehead kisses, brushing noses, kissing palms

he’s a sweet sweet man please i’m swooning

daichi gives the best hugs hands down

he’s always just the right amount of warm and his grip is always just the right amount of tight

his hugs always feel like he’s shielding you from the rest of the world

he loves long hugs

he loves holding you and just rocking gently side to side

daichi loves the sense of serenity it provides

long hugs like those always feel like you’ve effectively shut out the rest of the world and now it’s just you two

daichi is peak gentleman

he’s so sweet

and generally, that sweetness also extends to the bedroom

he’s big on giving praise and body worship is 100% his thing

daichi would love every inch of you

daichi takes his sweet time during foreplay

it can get frustrating sometimes when you’re really really needy but he doesn’t budge unless you really start begging for it

he prefers to take his time with you

loving every inch of you slowly and carefully

thigh riding

t h i g h riding

daichi will have you ride his thigh and will keep praising you during it

telling you how petty you look all disheveled and coming undone on his thigh alone

daichi wouldn’t be opposed to riding your thighs either

he’s a simple man who loves pleasure

like to try giving and receiving everything

when daichi bottoms he gets loud and whimpers a lot it’s so fucking sexy

daichi thrusts s l o w

he thrusts slow and deep and as much as it can be frustrating it feels so fucking good

the slow pull

the pleasurable burn

the way you can feel every inch of carefully entering you

it’s deliciously torturous and daichi lives for it

Ushijima Waktoshi

this will be significantly shorter than daichi’s because i recently wrote a similar ushijima imagine which you can read over here !! but i’ll add a few more here cuz why not

after really long days where all of ushi’s muscles are sore and he’s thoroughly exhausted, he always looks forward to spending his night with you

he specifically looks forward to resting his head on your lap by the end of the day while you run your fingers through his hair

it always makes him feel like he’s floating when you do that

more than his cheeks, his ears are usually the ones painted red when he’s blushing

it’s a dead giveaway and it’s so adorable

when you softly kiss him out of nowhere and take him by surprise his face will look as normal as ever but then you just see his ears and they’re sO RED

listen

ushijima, more or less, is aware he’s “a catch” as tendou put it

he knows he’s handsome and well built and that people find him attractive

he knows that because people tell him that all the time

so, physically speaking he has nothing to worry about

no insecurities so to say

personality wise though

that’s a whole other thing

he has a lot of concerns there

he’s not the best at conveying things

communication isn’t his strong suit

he’s just blunt

in everything

that’s the only thing he knows

he isn’t a jealous person pre say

but sometimes

just sometimes

when he catches you laughing hard with other people

when he sees you having fun with someone who shares the same type of humor you do

who understands vocal undertones and sarcasm and all those nuances that come in conversations

he sometimes wonders if you’d be better off with someone more neurotypical

and as a straight forward person, ushijima actually tells you that

and you’d have to reassure him that you don’t need anyone else and that you like every awkward bit of him

it eases his heart

he’s a soft boi

who loves kisses a lot

i know i said this in my previous post but he really does love kisses

kiss him you coward

[wkemeup]

By Any Other Name (6)

series summary: When Special Agent Bucky Barnes is tasked with infiltrating the notorious gang Hydra and gathering evidence against its leader, Brock Rumlow, Bucky finds himself drawn to the woman who doesn’t seem to belong in this world of violence, the wife of the head of Hydra… you. pairing: bucky x reader chapter word count: 7.2k warnings: Brock continues to be the biggest asshole on the planet, the angst begins, that long-distance longing gets a little closer 🌹series masterlist 🌹

A few weeks had passed since you’d found Bucky in your living room in the early hours of the morning, hunched over your very expensive furniture and catching droplets of blood before they stained the satin finish. You’d taken every excuse you could get to check on his wounds, to rewrap them and try to sooth the stinging pain of open cuts anyway, and Bucky was more than happy to oblige.

You’d scrunch your nose at him from across the room, eyes darting down to the pink bandages circling at his knuckles that had been white the day before and you’d quickly turn down the hall to your library, a silent order to follow. Bucky never wasted a second, excusing himself from the meetings that proved to be useless outside of gossip on Rumlow’s business meetings downtown past 2am.

He’d find you waiting on your couch, the first aid kit already unpacked as if you’d prepared for him ahead of time and you’d wordlessly gesture to the spot beside you. The scowl on your face as you unwrapped the bandages and found he’d been careless with applying the anti-bacterial cream you’d given him was enough to make his stomach flutter.

Bucky knew how to take care of his wounds. He was more than capable of tending to his own injuries, but he so preferred the way your hands would cup the undersides of his as you’d closely inspect the damage, how you’d run the tips of your fingers over the half-healed scars with a delicacy he hadn’t known in years, how you’d mutter sweetly under your breath about how stupid he’d been.

He’d flash you a smile until the concern and the frustration slowly drained away with every passing glance and you were only left with a grin of your own and a slight nervous laugh as you’d swat at his shoulder in an effort make him stop looking at you like you were hanging the damn stars in the sky and not just twisting a cloth bandage around his broken knuckles.

If that was what it took for you to hold his hands in your own, to feel you so close, to have any excuse just to be near you like this, he’d beat his fists to a damn wall.

The light pink scarring on his hands were taking longer than normal to heal and maybe if he wasn’t blatantly disregarding your instructions to change the bandages frequently and apply the anti-bacterial cream like he usually did, he would have been good as new a week or so earlier.

There was just something about you going out of your way to take care of him that pushed away any regard for himself out the window. He’d happily deal with a slight stinging and soreness a little longer if it meant you being that close to him again.

Because the thing was, his time was limited with you.

It was easy to forget that he wasn’t actually James Karpov, that this wasn’t his life, but he was damn good at his job and he had been spending months gathering evidence behind the scenes and, well, Fury was impressed.

It was a rarity within the Bureau to see the Director crack a smile, but when Bucky handed him the dozens of scanned photocopies of files he’d made from Rumlow’s office, the left corner of his mouth twitched. Thanks to the duplicate key Sam provided, Bucky was able to obtain years’ worth of back channeled shipment logs and crew listings undetected. It was the most they’d had on Hydra since their inception in the 1940’s.

But it was the intel you unknowingly provided that helped to piece the evidence together into a cohesive picture, strung together with pretty red string.  

Bucky didn’t have to purposefully pry with you or word his questions with a precision that required Natasha and Steve’s help to develop weeks ahead of time like he’d done in previous assignments. No-- you’d become so comfortable with him on Sunday afternoons and late nights curled up in the library that you willingly offered details on your husband without provocation.

Never direct, because you didn’t like talking about your husband much -- especially with Bucky -- but you’d roll your eyes and tell him how Rumlow was coercing you into attending an expensive dinner with the Mayor on Thursday. You told him about how your husband slammed the door coming home late on a Tuesday night and Bucky was able to connect that to the missing crate from the Cerberus shipment from the logs he’d scanned. You’d smile when Bucky snuck his way into the library with carefully steps and slid between the crack in the door, only to tell him Rumlow’s been out on business all day and he wasn’t expected to be home until the morning.

It wasn’t enough to bring him to trial, but it was progress. Fury wasn’t taking any chances when it came to Rumlow’s elite defense team so everything they obtained on the guy had to be concrete, had to be overwhelming and eliminate any traces of doubt.

It meant Bucky would continue under the name James Karpov for a little while longer, and though he’d never tell the Director, it was a relief. It meant more time with you, uninterrupted, untouched by his lies and manipulation. He’d hold onto it as long as he could, because the uncertainty of how you’d handle his deceit when this was over was starting to eat at him.

***

With a heavy sigh, Bucky glanced around the layout of the Lernaean, Hydra’s club that doubled as a front for their shady underground criminal enterprise.

It was loud, the bass of the speakers blaring into his ear and pounding deep into his chest, as neon lights flashed above the dance floor. Bucky wondered if it just might be worse than standing quietly in the corner of Rumlow’s kitchen as he bragged about his latest feminine conquest. 

This was part of the job, though. He’d caught sight of two college aged kids carrying out a drug deal in the back corner of the club, not being as subtle as they thought they were as the flash of bright red powder caught his eye.

Cerberus wasn’t ready for market. It was killing users at a far higher rate than it was keeping them addicted, but it was still managing to get on the streets. Bucky had pushed past one of them, swiped the drug from their pocket without them noticing and emptied it into the dirt outside.

By the end of his shift, Bucky was almost certain he was going to have a raging headache by the morning. He started to make his way to the exit when he felt a vibration coming from his back pocket. Narrowing his eyes, knowing only a few people could have this number, he pulled the phone from his pocket. His team knew better than to reach out to him unexpectedly, but when your name flashed on the screen, the panic still caught him off guard.

Bucky pushed his way out of the club to the back-alley exit, shoving aside intoxicated twenty-somethings and high school kids who never should have been allowed inside, and the rush of fresh air hit him like a wall. Glancing down the street to find no one in sight, he brought the phone to his ear, heart pounding.

“Y/n?”

There was a gasp on the other end, like you thought he might not answer. “James?”

Your voice broke as you said his name. A sniffle. Then, a sharp intake of breath that sounded near painful.

Jesus. You were crying.

“Are you okay? What happened?” His voice was firmer than he ever meant to be with you, but the sound of your voice twisted and aching and laced with fresh tears was enough to rip straight through him. He shoved his free hand into his pocket in search of his keys, warm metal to the tips of his fingers. “Y/n, talk to me. Where are you?”

You didn’t respond but he could hear you trying to muffle the sob that collapsed into your lungs. When you tried to answer his question, he could only barely make out what you were saying through the faint gasps for breath and the gut-wrenching cries stealing your voice. Something about Rumlow, maybe Peter, but he couldn’t be sure.

“I’m on my way, alright?” Bucky said as calm as he could manage despite the rage boiling in his veins. He didn’t even know what Rumlow had done but he was ready to kill him. “Where’s--”

“Not here,” you mumbled before he could ask where your husband was.

His chest was tight. It was on fire. “You in the library?”

You hummed a response.

“Give me ten minutes, okay? I’m on my way.”

You didn’t say anything, but he stayed on the line with you.

As he jumped into his car and threw it into reverse.

As he drove twenty over the speed limit through back country roads, swerving around traffic, blowing past stop signs.

As he raced up the driveway as fast as his legs would carry him and through the front door.

Just listening to your breathing through the crackling tone of the speaker, your muffled attempts to silence the tears before they choked you, the sniffles as you brushed your hand over your nose.

It tore Bucky apart.

***

T W O  H O U R S  E A R L I E R

You were only a few pages to the end of The Handmaid’s Tale when the doorbell rang. It was an unfamiliar sound, a high-pitched tone echoing up into the atrium and spilling into the hallways. And perhaps, for a moment, it didn’t seem so odd, because what would be so surprising about someone stopping by for a visit or a neighborhood kid selling cookies or a UPS driving dropping off a package or a canvasser for a local politician running for office?

But then you realized who you were. And who you lived with.

You didn’t get visitors. Your home was not one that people just came up to the front door. There were gates and security guards and there wasn’t a single neighbor for miles.

The doorbell didn’t just... ring.

Slowly, you set your book down, binding open and page saved by the surface of the coffee table, as you stood to your feet. You made your way out of the library and down the hall, cautious steps carrying you. It rang out again and your pace increased.  

By the time the bell rang for a third time, you were at the front door, staring at it like it was something out of the twilight zone. Brock’s men had never been the type to wait for permission before entering your home. They learned well from their leader, you supposed. They didn’t carry the kind of patience or human decency to seek your consent.

Then, a rushed knocking broke out on the other side of the door and it startled you enough to fall back a few paces in shock. You huffed a fallen hair from your eyes, pushing aside the anxiety churning in your stomach and reached for the knob.

The door only opened a sliver, a short beam of sunlight peering into the room before a figure shoved their way inside and left you stumbling away from the frame, knob still clenched tight in your hand.

“I thought you’d never answer!”

Peter pushed his way past you and your eyes shot wide at the sight of him; ruffled hair, rosy cheeks, the new jacket you’d bought him bunched up by his collar, in your home… the home of your husband, of Hydra.

Peter was grinning ear to ear, taking in the decorations and the extravagance of the mansion as he shrugged off his coat. The entirety of his apartment in Queens could have fit within the living room alone and Peter was looking around as if it was the Taj Mahal, picking up various expensive vases and memorabilia, inspecting it before setting it back down. A circle of dust sat under the slight disparity of where he placed them back on the surfaces. They hadn’t been moved in years.

“Peter,” you choked out, throat dry, “what are you doing here?”

“It’s been years since I’ve been to visit you, Y/n! It’s almost like you’re purposefully keeping me away from this place,” he teased, laughing and smiling because Peter never expected anything but the best of you. It never once crossed his mind that you would be lying to him about who Brock really was, what he’s done, and how your marriage had become a publicity stunt, a political move to obtain your inheritance.

He never considered the truth behind his lighthearted joke.

“Peter,” you urged again, tense, teeth gritted, “why are you here?”

“Brock invited me,” he replied casually over his shoulder and your whole body tensed up. Peter picked up a glass cigar tray Brock received as a gift from the Mayor last year, looking it over with pursed lips and a genuine fascination before he placed it back on the end table.

Meanwhile, your hand was still gripped to the doorknob and you were sure your fingers were locked in place, the metal warping under your hold. You might break the whole damn door from its hinges.

Peter turned to you with a raised eyebrow. “Did he not tell you?”

You tried to part your lips to tell him ‘no,’ that Brock invited him for a reason and springing it on you last minute like this couldn’t mean anything good. You wanted to warn him to leave before it was too late, before Brock dragged him into this world of darkness and monsters but there wasn’t a chance before you heard heavy footsteps echoing down the hall and into the living room.

“There you are, Parker!”

Hairs raised on your neck, on your arms, as you turned to find Brock walking into the room with a smile on his face you hadn’t seen in months, not since he’d been informed of the profit margins Cerberus was expected to generate. It was unsettling, foreign, and you felt bile rising in your stomach as he crossed the room and pulled Peter in for a hug.

“It’s been years,” Brock said, eyeing you as his smile turned to something colder, a dark expression in his eyes, before he slid the mask back on and faced Peter. “Feels like Y/n’s been hoarding you all to herself, doesn’t it?”

Peter laughed a bit, though you could tell it was forced. He didn’t understand the implication, but he was a smart kid. “Yeah, seems like it.”

“Anyway, I’m glad you’ve finally made the trip out to our home. We certainly have enough space,” Brock said, gesturing to the living room.

With a hand on Peter’s back, he led him further inside the house, pushing him along and you couldn’t move. It felt like Brock was leading him to a pit in the backyard only to hand him a shovel. You wanted to scream.

“Been trying to get out here for a while,” Peter replied. “Always told Y/n I could come to her, too, but she insists on meeting me in Queens.”

Brock shook his head, a tsk on his tongue. “Every Sunday, too? She’s always been a selfless one, hasn’t she?”

Your heart was in your throat, stomach plummeting as Peter only nodded, smiling back at you. He narrowed his eyes though, smile fading as he noticed your hands clenched at your sides, nails puncturing into your palms as released your grip from the doorknob, teeth grinding, breath uneven. Something was wrong, but he didn’t know what.

Peter was perceptive, but you’d learned how to hide things from him over the years. It wasn’t as easy when the very man you’d been protecting him from for years had his hand on Peter’s shoulder and a look in his eye that left you feeling sick to your stomach. You couldn’t hold the same composure when your nightmare was playing out in front of you.

What scared you the most was you didn’t even know how Brock found out about your Sunday trips to see Peter or when he learned about them. It wouldn’t be outside of his reach to hire someone to follow you. Maybe someone overheard you talking to him on the phone the night before or maybe one of the dozens of drivers you rotated through let it slip.

It didn’t matter, because now he knew. Now, Peter was in your home and Brock had an arm over his shoulders, and he was planning something.

You didn’t dare let yourself wonder if he knew about the time you’d spent with James, too.

“Dinner should be ready in a few,” Brock said, gesturing to the kitchen. “I hope you’re hungry for spaghetti and meatballs.”

“Always,” Peter chimed back, though he glanced over at you, still uncertain.

You only nodded at him, encouraging him forward because what else was there to do?

You followed them into the kitchen as you were met with a sudden influx of oregano and basil and homemade tomato sauce that looked to be on the stove for hours. Peter asked Brock if he’d made it himself and you scoffed. Brock shot you a glare before confirming that, yes, he found the time to cook on occasion, though you knew for a fact that he’d never once laid a hand on that stove. You could spot Clara’s apron sticking out of the drawer where she’d put it away hastily.

“Take a seat,” Brock said, pulling out a chair for Peter across the table from his usual spot.

You slid in next to Peter, despite your place setting sitting on the right of Brock. You grabbed the dish and utensils from across the table and dragged them to you, staring at Brock with a glare that could have burned holes into his head.

“Smells amazing,” Peter commented. He was always a polite kid. He turned to you again because your silence was uncharacteristic and he wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. Your heart clenched when you realized he was checking on you; this protective habit the two of you had for each other.

You pushed out a smile, forced, and it didn’t come near your eyes but it was enough to put him at ease for a moment longer.

The dinner passed by in agonizing pace. After Brock served the table, something he’d never once done before, he and Peter ate nearly two full servings before you managed to take in a few bites. Even the bites you could stand to swallow were impossibly small and despite the intoxicating fragrance of Italian kitchens, you tasted bile on your tongue with every bite.

Brock and Peter were laughing about something you couldn’t quite hear. Brock swatted Peter’s arm from across the table like they were old friends, as if there hadn’t been three years of dead silence between them. It was only after the boys’ plates were clean and you snuck to the counter to dispose of the rest of your meal in Tupperware you didn’t expect to return to later, that Brock focused in on what he’d been planning for the entire evening.

“So, Pete,” Brock started, leaning back into his chair with a glass of red wine in his hand. He downed it in one gulp. “How have things been with you and May down in Queens? You managing alright?”

“Brock,” you warned but he waved you off. Peter tapped your forearm with a soft smile as you sat back into your seat.

“No, it’s alright,” he told you before turning to Brock. “It’s been okay. Tougher since we lost Uncle Ben because Aunt May’s been picking up extra shifts and I… I do what I can. Y/n helps out a lot. More than she should.”

Peter glances over at you nervously, like he was unsure if he should have mentioned that last part, about how you spend money to buy him his books and new coats and sneakers and pay for every Sunday outing together, but that’s not what you're worried about.

“She’s a generous one, isn’t she?” Brock said, smile on his face though his teeth were clenched behind it. He leaned forward, setting the empty glass on the table and your heart skipped a beat. You’ve seen him do that before – in business meetings when he went in for the kill.

You tried to say something, but Brock was too fast for that and you were paralyzed.

“How would you like to make five-hundred a week?”

Peter’s eyes bolted wide, jaw dropping, and you swore, you might have cracked the glass in your hand, the wine nearly spilling up over the top.

“Brock, stop.” Your voice was too quiet, too tense. You didn’t even know if he heard you.

“Wow, that’s—uh, wow,” Peter stumbled around his words. He raked his fingers through his hair nervously. “What would I be doing?”

Brock shrugged, as if he hadn’t meticulously planned this. “I have some packages I need delivered on your side of town and who better to navigate the area than a local? My only condition is that you’re discrete and you leave the packages as is. What’s inside is confidential.”

“Brock,” you tried again, but paid you no mind. You dug your nails into your thigh.

“And this is for the club?” Peter asked.

Brock nodded. “What do you say, kid? You want to step up around the house? I’m sure it would take a lot of pressure off your aunt’s shoulders. I know you want that, don’t you?”

In the shared look between your cousin, who was more like a brother than you ever knew, and the man who had become the source of every demon in your life, you found your voice again.

“Absolutely not.”

Peter turned to you, shocked. “What! Come on, Y/n. You know how much I’ve been wanting to help Aunt May with the bills and –”

“I’ll help her,” you offered tensely, ignoring Brock’s comment under his breath claiming it was his money you were handing over anyway. Peter started to object and you tried again, “I’ll ask the Marselli’s or Neftali down at Café Ramos if they need help. We’ll find you a job if you want one, Peter. Not this, okay? We’ll find something else.”

“Not for five-hundred a week on a high schooler’s schedule,” Peter argued. He was calm in his wording, gentle, because while he didn’t understand the reason behind your objections, he knew you were upset and he never wanted to hurt you.

At a loss, you turned to your husband. He was sprawled out over the chair next to him, arm laying across the back, legs crossed. He was chewing on the ice from his glass. The left side of his mouth curved knowingly and it made your stomach ache.

“Brock,” you reasoned, begged, “please. Can we just talk for a second?”

There was a short moment of silence and for a second, you though he might have an ounce of the compassion he’d shown in the two years you’d been together before he pulled the carpet out from under you. He’d been kind then. You’d loved him once. You always wondered if it was all an act or if maybe, somewhere, there was a piece of him that wasn’t as cruel as you imagined.

But instead, a smirk peered up on his lips as he settled back into his chair. “I think Peter is more than capable of making his own decisions, don’t you?”

You bit down hard on your cheek, enough to taste the cooper of blood pooling in your mouth. Swallowing it back, you pushed your chair out from the table. Tears were burning in your eyes and you didn’t dare let Peter see.

You excused yourself, quickly darting out of the room and you could vaguely hear Peter calling your name and Brock’s voice telling him, “don’t worry about her, champ. She’s always had a flair for the dramatic.”

There was no relief in the living room. The air was too hot, too stuffy and you were crawling in your skin. You knew where you needed to go, the heaviness of your phone in your pocket a reminder of exactly who you wanted to see, but you wouldn’t abandon Peter; not alone with Brock.

Brushing the tears from your eyes and exhaling a heavy breath, you started to make your way back to the kitchen when the door suddenly swung open. Peter bounded towards you and hugged you tightly.

“Please don’t be angry,” he mumbled into the shoulder of your sweater. “You know how much I want to help Aunt May. This is how I can do it. It’s just delivering some packages a few times a week. We’ll still have our Sundays.”

Is that why he thought you were upset?

Maybe that’s what Brock told him, though you wondered why he bothered keeping Peter in the dark at all about what he’ll be tasked with delivering. There was no convincing Peter out of this and you knew that before Brock had even offered him the job. He was young, incredibly selfless and so willing to do whatever it took to care for the ones he loved that he’d overlook dangerous warning signs without realizing it.

There was nothing you could do.

“Okay,” you conceded, patting his head as he pulled away. It drew a smile back to his face, and for that, at least, you were grateful. “Text me when you get home, alright?”

“You got it,” Peter nodded. He turned back to Brock. “Thanks again, man! I’ll see you next week?”

“I’ll be in touch,” Brock confirmed, leading Peter to the door and opening it for him. Peter turned around and gave a final wave before he jogged out into the darkness, coat bundled up and hands shoved in his pockets.

You didn’t waste a second the very moment the door closed.

“What the hell is wrong with you!” you cried out, slamming your hand against the cadenza and causing several priceless gifts from neighboring crime families to tremor for a moment before they stilled again. Your chest was panting, air hot in your lungs. “I asked one thing of you, Brock. One thing! Keep my family the hell away from your shit!”

Brock stood by the door, unfazed by your sudden outburst and the level at which you were yelling. It wasn’t often you’d confront him like this, preferring passive aggressive taunts and blatant avoidance, so this was something new. A challenge. Brock liked challenges.

“Things have changed since then, baby,” he replied with a shrug.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” you huffed, arms folding over your chest as you watched him pace further into the room and pour himself a glass of whiskey.

“You used to be quieter, you know that?” he said, swirling the amber liquid and holding it up to the light before bringing the glass to his lips. You raised an eyebrow, the lingering silence passing over while he savored the burn of the alcohol. He sighed, setting the glass back down. “Something’s different.”

“That doesn’t mean you can use my sixteen-year-old cousin as a bargaining chip!” you yelled, tears stinging in your eyes and you no longer cared if he saw you cry. “He’s a kid, Brock! You’re—you’re going to get him killed running product between the Hydra and Asgardian border!”

“Maybe,” he said and you sucked in a gasp that tore through you like shards of broken glass, “but you sure as hell aren’t going anywhere as long as he’s a part of this.”

“What?” you shook your head, pinching at the bridge of your nose. “You’ve already got me here under threat of blackmail. I didn’t think I’d have to remind you of that. Besides, why would you even care whether I’m here or not? You already have my father’s money. You have no use for me.”

“That’s not true, baby,” Brock cooed, swiftly crossing the room and reaching out to run a hand up your arm but you pulled away, flinching at his touch. He didn’t seem to like that because when he tried again, he wasn’t as gentle in his movement and he grabbed a firm hold of your wrist and yanked you tight to his chest, caging you and he pressed your back against him, wrapping his forearms around your waist.

“Let me go,” you warned, but he ignored you.

“A powerful man needs his queen; a beautiful woman on his arm and a body to warm his bed,” he said as he squeezed you tighter, enough to make it hard to breath. His grip on your wrist started to ache. “Not everyone is from the underworld like I am, baby. Sometimes a man in a suit needs to be reeled in with the promise of a legitimate lucrative business, a family man, and a pretty lady. The American dream. I can’t do that without you.”

You scoffed, trying to wiggle out of his hold but he kept you still, trapped in the arms of a snake. “I’m sure you could manage.”

“Don’t be so ungrateful, baby,” he whispered in your ear, breath hot and sticky against your neck. He released you then and you shoved your way out of him arms, stumbling forward a few paces. You turned back to him with a hardened glare over your features, baring teeth and he said, “don’t I provide you with a comfortable life? I give you the world, Y/n! What more could you possibly want?”

You could think of a few things.

Your job back at Columbia with the friends you lost. The freedom to walk down the street without someone noticing you, connecting you to him and running off in fear or blatantly gossiping about you as you walked past. A blue-eyed man with a kinder smile than you’d known in years.

You’d burn this house and your father’s money to the ground if you could have even an ounce of that life.

Brock straightened his back, grabbing his coat from the rack and shrugged it over his shoulders. “You worry too much. The kid will be fine. As long as he makes his deliveries on time and doesn’t look in the boxes, there’s no reason why anything should have to happen to him.”

Your breath caught in your throat, heart pounding as your husband paid you no attention. He’d threatened Peter without so much as a look in your direction, as casually as anyone would have mentioned there was something missing on the grocery list or reminding themselves to check in with their mother after work. So simple.

He’d done it a thousand times before but it was never against someone you knew, someone you loved.

The anger was quickly swept away by fear, by panic, and you stepped forward under shaking legs. “Brock, wait, please—”

There was no reasoning with him. It was already done, but it didn’t stop you from trying, from begging.

“I have a business meeting downtown. Don’t wait up for me,” Brock said sharply, ignoring your pleas. He closed the door behind him without another word and you filched at the impact. The house was incredibly quiet suddenly, so when your phone buzzed in your pocket, it startled you.

Just got home, it read. Aunt May’s got freshly baked cookies again so I’ll save you a few for next Sunday in case you’re still upset with me. You know I gotta do what I can to help around here. It’ll be fine, Y/n. I promise. Love you.

He’d sent an image along with the text; a selfie of him leaning over the table filled with chocolate chip cookies cooling from the oven with a massive smile on his face and a thumbs up. You could vaguely make out Aunt May’s hand in the background trying to swat him away and suddenly your vision was blurring. It was hard to see. Despite the smile on your face, there were tears in your eyes and your heart was racing and suddenly, your legs felt weak, your head too dizzy and you stumbled down the hall to one the place you felt safe.

You nearly collapsed halfway down the hall when your breath was coming in too fast and the painting on the wall were starting to duplicate and sway. You gripped onto the door knob and threw yourself into the library, holding on to any spare surface you could find until you made it to the couch.

Your breaths were coming in too fast, tears choking you, and with shaking hands, you dialed the number of the one person— the only person— that could take this all away.

Consequences be damned. Rules out of the window.

The phone rang a few times before he answered, your name sweet like honey on his voice, though he was surprised, and you could hardly speak. You muttered out his name and before you knew it, he was on his way to you. No hesitation.

You listened to his breathing on the other end of the phone, his gentle reminders that he was still there, asking for you to hold on a little longer, updates on where he was at. He was worried, that much you could tell from his voice and you could hear the engine of his car roaring as he raced down the street.

Everything was numb.

The front door swung open loud enough for it to echo down the halls. It didn’t faze you. Nothing did anymore.

***

Bucky sprinted down the hall. His heart was in his stomach as he skidded in front of the library. He paused for a second, trying to compose himself before he pushed open the door; try to take a deep breath or still the rushing pace of his frantically beating heart, but when he heard the soft sounds of you sniffling on the other side, he quickly turned the knob and shouldered his way inside.

You were sitting on the edge of the couch, stiff as a board, staring off into the aisles of books. You didn’t even look at him as he stepped closer, too caught up in your trance. Bucky swallowed nervously as he made his way to you.

Wincing with every creak of the floor boards under his steps, he knelt down in front of you, and even then, it was like you were staring right through him. Your eyes were red and puffy, lips parted slightly because it was impossible to breathe through your nose, a glaze over you, and your hands clenching and unclenching at the cushions beneath you.

“Y/n?” he called softly but there was no response.

Still, nothing. It was like you didn’t recognize him at all.

His eyes trailed lower and it was then he noticed the red mark on your wrist; slowly beginning to fade to its natural color, but visible enough that he could make out the shape of a handprint etched around your arm in its grip. Bucky clenched his jaw, exhaling a tense breath his nose and doing his best to hide the rush of adrenaline and anger boiling up into his chest.

He tore his eyes away from the mark and searched for your eyes again, though they remained unfocused.

“Y/n, I’m here,” he tried again, voice a little louder now as he inched closer on his knees. “You’re okay. It’s just me.”

Nothing. Your hands bunched against the seams of the couch cushions until your fingers started to shake.

Bucky sighed as he watched you wrestle in the trance. Slowly, he brought his hands up to sit upon yours, hoping to still the constant ebb and flow of tension there. The touch of it seemed to ignite something in you because the very second his hands laid upon yours, covering the entirety and curling his fingers underneath, you gasped; broken and shaky on the sharp inhale.

Blinking a few times, focusing, and then, when you met his eye, he swore the world might have stopped spinning.

“James?”

Your voice broke on his name, tears quickly returning and he only nodded. Before they could consume you whole again, he pushed himself up onto the couch beside you, wrapping an arm around your shoulders and tugging you gently back to him so you weren’t so stiff on the edge of the couch. You fell into him easily.

“I’m here. I’m here,” he soothed, holding you as close as he could manage, your weight resting to his chest, warm to the touch. You sighed into him, sinking further in, curling into the crook of his side.

“Are you hurt? What happened?” Bucky asked hastily, trying to conceal the panic in his voice. He ran his hands along your arms like he was trying to warm you; swift motions along goose bumped skin. He didn’t know why he was doing that because it was warm enough in the room but it had been a long time since Bucky Barnes felt helpless, and you seemed to ease into it, so he didn’t stop.

“He knows,” you choked out and Bucky froze instantly, convinced for a moment that Rumlow knew he’d been spending every Sunday with you for months and sitting beside you in your library for hours on end, or that he might know his real name and what he was really doing here, who he really worked for. It didn’t slip his notice that the concern for his cover came second.

You cleared your throat, sniffling back tears as you turned to him, eyed red and glassy. “Peter was here, James. Brock—he invited him over and I—I don’t know how he found out that I’ve been seeing him every week but he did, and he convinced him to do some kind of job for him but-- but he’s only sixteen, James, he’s sixteen and Brock’s going to get him killed and he has no idea what he’s wrapped up in and—”

“Whoa, hold on,” Bucky cooed, shushing you before your heart started to kick up too fast because your breathing was already heaving in your chest, your words tumbling out faster than you could carry them. You pressed your lips together, taking in a deep breath as Bucky instructed you, guiding it along with a gentle hand on your back.

“Start from the beginning.”

And so you did.

You told him about how you’d found Peter on your doorstep and how you’d been blindsided by your husband inviting him over for dinner. You told him about how Rumlow had put on a charming face and played house for a few hours before he brought up the real reason he’d asked your cousin over to begin with. You told him how you felt your chest tearing open at the table as Rumlow offered this job to Peter, transporting products around Queens on the border of The Asgardians’ territory and how Peter was none the wiser to the illegality of what he agreed to.

“I couldn’t tell him what he was signing on for,” you tried to say in defense, but Bucky understood. He knew the law well enough for that.

“The less he knows, the better,” he agreed. Plausible deniability. It wouldn’t go far but it would be enough to separate him from the other dealers in Hydra’s payroll.

There was a silence for a moment, lingering like thick, uneasy molasses in the air. You closed your eyes, turning away from Bucky.

“He did it to keep me compliant, to keep me trapped here,” you said softly, almost too quiet to hear if he hadn’t been paying such close attention to you.

Bucky had his suspicions, knew that your marriage to Rumlow was essentially a political move, that you’d become collateral in his rise to power, but it was something else entirely when it was coming from you. You didn’t seem surprised, but it didn’t take the hurt out of your words, the grief, the anger.

“I won’t let anything happen to Peter, you hear me?” Bucky said slowly, determined.

A wave of relief, awe, something like adoration filled your eyes and you started to cry again. Throwing yourself back into his arms, clenching at his shirt, Bucky wrapped his arms impossibly tight around your waist and you only seemed to pull yourself closer.

“I’m scared for him,” you cried, and Bucky ran his fingers over your back in soft soothing motions.

“I know,” he whispered. “Nothing is going happen to him, alright? I’ll make sure of it.” He paused, a slight breath before, “do you trust me?”

You stilled, pushing back away from his chest for a moment, just enough so you could meet his eye. Despite the redness, the glisten of tears on your cheeks, his heart still managed to thump a little louder as you reached out and brushed your hand along the side of his face. Fingers tracing over stubble and his wondered if you could hear how loud his heart was racing.

He’d never been this close to you before. Never held you in his arms and he wished desperately that it was under different circumstances but here he was, and here you were, and you fit against him perfectly.

“I’d trust you with my life,” you finally replied, the slightest semblance of a smile pushing at the edges of your lips though it didn’t make it very far. “I trust you with his, too.”

Bucky nodded and you fell back against him, curling up into his side. He tried not to think of all the ways he was lying to you, how little you really knew about him, and hoped that your trust was enough. For now, at least.

“Will you stay for a while?” you asked, voice small like a child’s, like you were nervous he might turn you down, like you didn’t know he thought you hung the moon and the stars and breathed life into his beating heart.

“Of course,” was all he said back because he didn’t trust himself to say much else.

He propped his leg up on the coffee table, grabbed a book off the surface and flipped it open to the page you were on and started reading quietly. You squeezed him tighter at that, nestling in against his chest as the soft vibrations of his voice soothed away the lingering anger and fear your husband had instilled in you.

Lying beside you. A hand tracing delicate patterns on his chest as your eyes fluttered closed. His alternating between flipping the next page and resting gently on the mid of your back, holding you to him just enough to feel the faint thump of your heartbeat in every breath.

He didn’t know if he’d ever move again.

[bittybattybunny]

Me writing an Au of my original character’s story cuz I had a “what if” moment

This drawing is also a partial ‘redraw’ of an old Kaya picture

I used one of her older outfit designs for this cuz I wanted to. it’s simple but yeah I hope ya like.

Um but here’s the ficlet (this is a short oneshot AU based on my original story “Nightmare’s Dream” this is an Alternate Universe where her human dad isn’t dead and it’s modern age not ancient like her actual storyline):

“Sir, Miss, this way.”

She turned confused as she heard her father being called. She trailed after, doing her best to keep hunched over as they stepped over the barricade into the crime scene. Her nose burned and she reached to cover it disgusted. 

The area was a disaster. Rust colored splothces covered the concrete and pavement. She frowned as she narrowed her eyes as she looked around. Something was bothering her but her dad kept chatting with the police officer. 

Gabriel laughed as he tapped his cigarette package and put one in his mouth, lighting the end with magic. His silver hair was slicked back in a thick braid with many smaller braids interwoven. His brown eyes moved to look at the young woman as she was busy looking around. He chuckled.

She kept her hand over her nose as she wrinkled her nose. It was astringent smelling. She could smell blood, urine, feces, metal, rust. It was giving her a headache. There was also now her father’s smoke. She hated the cigarettes he smoked. It made her head fuzzy. She knew he did ti for his safety but it made her eyes spin. She grabbed the man’s sleeve as she frowned.

“Dad… it smells bad… really bad… it’s sharp and stingy,” she stated quietly as she tugged on his sleeve. She chewed her lip with pointed fangs as her gold eyes darted about the rubble. She gripped his sleeve tighter, “There’s a lot of iron and… dad it smells---” she whined as he didn’t respond. He was busy taking notes down. She made a whine in her throat as she put her chin on his shoulder, “Dad--”

“Kaya dear, just put your mask on if it bothers you that much,” Gabriel stated finally. Reaching into the pocket on his long grey coat, he pulled out a black fabric mask. He held the black fabric up to her and she sighed as she hooked it behind her ears, the smell of lavender overpowering her nose. It made her head dizzy but it was better than the bodily fluids and sharp smoke she was smelling. She looked around, her golden eyes wide open as she surveyed the scene. Her eyes flickered to slits momentarily.

The building had exploded from the left side. The sidewalk was littered in broken bodies broken stonework. Even though it was nighttime there weren’t even gawkers or passerbys. She listened and heard no cars and she frowned as she looked at the sky and narrowed her eyes. As she continued to look around something was annoying her and she couldn’t figure it out at first. Something wasn’t sitting right. This whole scene seemed off to her and she was having issues figuring exactly what it was. Was it the smells, was it the lack of noise, was it her father trying to make small talk with the officer? No. Something felt like eyes. Watching. She knew it wasn’t the normal paranoia she dealt with. This was something else. But where? Where was it coming from? She chewed her lip beneath the mask.

Her eyes paused near one piece of carnage. A large block that’d fallen when the building erupted. That was it! She felt a smile on her lips as she jumped past her father to the shock of the police officer who’d been leading them and made use of her large stature to get over the rocks and cement. The belts and buckles on her outfit created a clink and a clank as she moved. Slowling to a stop before the stone she shook her head to center herself. She put her hand to the stone and scowled, furrowing her brow as she growled. This was what was making her annoyed. She knew it. She looked around at the rubble trying to figure what was different. She pulled her mask down and sniffed at it. She retched slightly.

“Dad.” she stood back up looking over at the older gentleman and pointed. She looked back at the stone as her eyes glinted.

“What did you find? Is it something nice?” Gabriel asked as he took the cigarette from his mouth. He tapped the ash from the end with a small smirk on his face. He watched as she raised a gloved hand and large circles lit up, creating a gust of wind, sending her black hair fluttering. The officer gasped at the sight of the young woman using magic.

“I open at the close, the one who seeks my name shall perish in the blinding lights of my unjust rage. That which began will cease and begin once the time clicks forward.” she recited as the wind and circles faded. She frowned under her mask and pulled it down under her chin. She stuck her tongue out while she started to cough. She turned back towards her father and the shocked officer. Bright red markings dripped on her cheeks like jagged slices. The whites of her eyes appeared a greyer color, darkening as she stood there.

“Was it creature, beast, caster, or spoiled?” her father asked as she frowned. He looked at his notes as she stared at him. The officer looked confused as the others surveying the scene turned towards the commotion she was causing.

“Yes.” was her only response before she looked back at it confused. She raised her hand once more and pulled the glove off. Dark claws and darkened skin blurred together as she placed it on the large block. She began to scrawl on it. Symbols. She worked quickly as she carved line after line into the stone. It started to erode. She sided stepped as a skeleton fell out onto the street. When it clattered to the ground, coins fell out with it as well as a book and some pages. She picked the book up and tucked the loose pages inside. She flipped through it before she tucked it away into her coat with a huff. She would deal with THAT back at the office.

“Oh. a vessel.” Gabriel watched the officer vomit and sighed before laughing at the other man, “Good work sweetie. Is that why it smelt stingy?” he asked as he scribbled in his book.

“Mmhm. Kinda. Partially. Not really. This is more…. It was making me really uneasy? Like how people describe being around me. How I always feel the eyes of the moon staring.” she pulled her mask back up over her nose and knelt down poking the skull with her claws. She sighed heavily before she stood up, the various chains on her outfit ringing. She stretched as the slits in the back of her shirt showed her pale flesh and the dark markings on it and she took a deep breath.

“R I S E.”

Her voice was strong and had an echo that caused a shudder to run through the air as the bones began to shift. Shimmering black threads wrapped the brittle yellowed remains together as it slowly stood up. Its skull clacked and teeth dropped. It clicked and chittered as it shifted with the threads holding it together. A light behind the eye sockets glimmering.

“That’s new.” Gabriel whistled, “who taught you that?” he raised a brow as he watched, “that wasn’t your normal work.”

“Miss Holmes in the necromancy department.” she stated as her father walked over, “she said voice of authority should work for a limited time if the corpse was magic respondent.” she explained as she looked at him. Turning back towards the skeleton, she narrowed her eyes, “Who buried you in the block?” she asked it with a stern tone. It had a similar echo to when she rose it from the ground.

It stared at her. It clattered. It tried to point but it’s arm was limp and it couldn’t fully raise it.

“Hrm. I don’t think this will work sweetheart.” her father patted her back but her eyes were staring firmly at the skeleton. “Sweetheart?” he chewed his cigarette.

“The one who buried me sleeps in the earth but the descendants crave destruction of the barriers,” she stated in a hollow tone. “They knew not that I would rise and that I rested here. The child brings sanctuary.” Her gold eyes were blank as she spoke. Her pupils returned as cat like slits as she snarled some.

“That’s no good.” Gabriel sighed, rubbing his neck tiredly. “I’ve worked hard on barriers after all.” he chuckled lowly, “I would prefer them to not be destoryed.” 

The man turned to the officers, “it seems this is very much a case for our office. I’m going to let my daughter loose to have a little look. It’ll cut on cleanup and casualties.” he laughed as he stomped on his cigarette and looked at Kaya once more, “Ready, sweetheart?”

She whined some as she bent down. He reached to undo the leather choker she wore. He gently unclipped the belts from her arms and legs. There was a sickening feeling in the air. It became heavy. The sensation of being watched. The air was thick and oppressive as he continued to remove the belts.

 She stood up straight for the first time that night. Her stature towering over those deployed. Despite her height she was thin and wispy. Her face was hardened into a steely glare as the man held a black mask up. It had two small horns. 4 white slits decorated the dark surface.

“Here you are.” Gabriel chuckled as he handed it to her.

“Thanks…” she lifted it to her face and set it on. At once four eyes opened on the inky surface before a jagged grin spread. She yawned and the mask moved with her motions.

“Find the one causing this mess and bring them back. If they prove difficult. Eat them.” he ordered her. She gave a nod and in a flash was gone leaving a crater in the pavement. The skeleton wobbled and collapsed into dust on the ground. Gabriel sighed.

“Well that’s not helpful.” he scribbled a note as he looked at the remains. He took his cigarette packet out.

“S-sir… what exactly….” the officer whipped his mouth in shock.

Gabriel smirked as he lit another cigarette, “that’s my wonderful baby girl! She’s a special one for sure!” he chuckled as he blew the smoke through his teeth, “a wonderful girl ever since I found her asleep in the lost woods. My sweet little Kaya.” he chuckled, “she’s our best agent you know.”

She jumped from building to building. Her head was throbbing from the release of her seals. She stood on the church steeple and looked around. She raised an arm as the shadows squirmed and formed crows and bats and tore off into the sky. The moon shifted as eyes opened and the night seemed darker. She looked around as she closed her eyes and focused on the shadows that flew around searching for magic traces. For the one who exploded the grim’s holding.

They ran through alleys. They spied in windows. They flew through buildings that whistled with openings. Her eyes snapped open.

“Found you.” she jumped from the building and vanished into the shadows.

“Should we help her?” the officer asked as Gabriel sat down to pull a not book out. He rolled the belts up as he looked up.

“No, we’ll only get in her way. This is training for her you see.” he chuckled, “do you know who we are?”

“I know you work for Prometheus…” he frowned.

“Correction, I own Prometheus.” Gabriel chuckled as he took a pen to write. He scrawled the message his daughter had recited and frowned, “Someone is messing with the barriers my ancestors laid down to keep the other side from interacting with humans. Kaya is a key to maintaining those barriers.”

She jumped from shadow to shadow, the tendrils clinging as she ran through the city. She stopped as she arrived back on the scene and the officer jumped.

“Welcome back sweetheart.” he hummed, “did you find it?”

“Mmhm.” she pulled her mask off revealing she had four eyes below it. All four trained on the officer. The whites of her eyes were the same inky tone of her hair and claws. Her gold eyes glowed in the night air. The officer backed up. He shook as she kept her stare on him. Like a mouse cornered by a cat he was starting to have issues with his heart. Something wasn’t right.

“Isn’t it fascinating?” Gabriel continued, “how the very people who protect the common folk happen to keep others on their side?” he kept scrawling without looking up. The officer swallowed their spit as the young woman kept her multi-eyed gaze on him. Gabriel chuckled some. “The real way to keep the peace is to play togehter sometimes.”

She moved to open her mouth revealing larger fangs. A dark mist left mouth as she gave a low growl deep in her throat. A second mouth opened along her jawline creating the illusion of her face being a mask. It clicked aggressively as she open and closed it.

“I said it smelt bad,” she spoke in a grumbly tone from both mouths. An echo of her own words. “So bad. The moment I got here. Bad magic. ROTTEN magic. Festered, old, wrong.” she hissed word by word.

“I open at the close.” Gabriel recited from his notes. He snapped his book shut and tucked it away into the inner pocket of his coat, “Sweetheart what does that mean typically?”

“It’s where it started,” Kaya answered him as she dropped her shoulders, her claws seemed larger and her limbs longer. She moved closer to the trembling officer. Four large black wings spread from her back as an unease filled the air. She stepped closer as Horns lifted her hair like inky tendrils and she hissed another cloud of smoke. The air grew heavier.

“Do you know what it means to make thine enemy your friend?” Gabriel asked as he stood up. He dusted his coat off with a chuckle as he looked at his daughter. “It helps you immensely in the long run to not make enemies of those who dwell in magic. Officer.”

Kaya cackled as eyes opened on the wings and the officer fell over foaming at the mouth. She straightened up and sighed as she relaxed now. Her horns vanished like mist as she seemed to return to how she had appeared earlier in the evening.

Gabriel clicked her belts back on and the air returned to the normal calm evening chill. She stood up and shook her head as she shut her lower eyes and mouth. She let her father put the belts back on as the wings faded back to the shadows and she grimaced. She took her choker and strapped it on, the silver cross on it jingling as she did.

He pulled a bottle of cola from his jacket and gave it to her which she eagerly sipped on. She took a large gulp before she groaned and stuck her tongue out.

“What’s the point of making me run around if he was the one?” she frowned, “My mouth tastes so gross now.” she shuddered, “Dad. you said this was a simple thing. I ran all around the city.” she whined as she sipped the soda, “In the end it’s just bad smelling and now my head hurts because you removed so many seals at once!” she leaned on him tiredly as she complained about the evening. She gave a large yawn. Her forked tongue flicked as she shut her eyes tiredly. “It’s rotten and icky and bluh.”

“I had a suspicion. I mean this is nothing but a dummy scene.” Gabriel chuckled as he lifted the round stone from around his neck and peeked through the hole. “You noticed I’m sure. It’s far too quite for a thursday even if it is midnight. He would have done better to stage this during the day, but I feel he wanted to wait for less real victims.”

“Of course I did.” she pouted as she moved to grab the officer’s shirt. The shadows swirled and she threw him through it with a shudder. “I see everything.” she opened her lower eyes as the fog began to lift, “That’s why you bring me, isn’t it?”

“No, I bring you because you’re my daughter and you need to learn to manage this.” He looked at her with a small glare on his wrinkled face. “What will you do when I can’t be your handler?” he asked seriously, “I’m not going to be around forever young lady. You’re already 37. I’m hitting 80 next month. You may look like a teenager but you need to learn this faster.” he chided her.

She sighed and looked away from her father ashamed. She continued to grumble, “you don’t even know that. You found me as a toddler...ish.” she sipped her drink as she pulled her fabric mask back out to cover her face.

“Yes, but you’ve been in my care at least 36 years, and you’re still my baby girl. Now. clean the area up, eat the remains.” he instructed as he checked his notes, “that vessel is the only concerning thing.” he scowled as he looked at what he’d written, “the idiot mage I expected but not an actual vessel to be here.”

“It’s a grim. Not a vessel.” she corrected him as bright circles and symbols lit up. The rubble began to rise into the air. She waved her arms as black threads danced and tied the building back together and stitched them whole once more. She looked at the bodies and whined, “can we please call a clean up instead?”

“Kaya.” her father sighed with a firm tone. He stared at her with faded brown eyes.

“Ugh.” she frowned as shadows shifted and covered the bodies. She shuddered violently and started to retch and cough. She held back the urge to vomit as she continued to remove them and crumpled to her knees gripping her stomach. She wiped the black sludge tears from her eyes.

“The magic tastes so BAD it’s so out of order! Messy! Old! Miscasted! Yuck!” she whined as she bit back tears, “I hate it! Hate it!”

“I know sweetheart but you need to consume the fear they produce.” he rubbed her back as she hiccuped and groaned. “I’ll get you burgers on the way home okay? We can even get some sunflower seeds for your bird.”

“I just hate it!” she stood up and wiped her eyes, “this is the worst.” she looked at him as she sniffled.

“I know sweetheart.” he sighed as he looked at the street. He frowned as he raised a hand, “Oh powers which guide the night into the light I call upon your strength of fate. Return that which has wronged and repel that which is sight.”

There was a haze that quickly faded and the sound of cars was heard as people chattered.

Kaya looked at the city and leaned on her dad with a sigh.

“Let’s go home,” she stated as she stood back up and started to walk.

“We should get your mother a cake.” he laughed as they headed down the street into the crowd. A three-eyed crow taking flight.

[jungcity]

love, eternal. | iv

genre: reincarnation!au, fallen angel!au

[supernatural-ish, angst, use of blunts and intoxicants, extra asshole jaehyun, smut, vulgar words]

pairing: jung jaehyun x reader

words: 9k

notes: it’s been really hard for me to write these past few days. i don’t know if i’m writing sense into this fic. but i do hope that you enjoy this chapter! please leave some feedbacks (bad or good is appreciated! :) ) it would really mean a lot to me! thank you so much! also, this chapter is unedited, so forgive the errors xx

part i | part ii | part iii | part v

“There is a halo in your mouth

and I like how it burns.”

— Sincerely, Joanna

You lay in bed awake, the kiss you shared with Jaehyun occupying almost all the space in your brain. Tugging on your hair, you forced yourself to sleep and not let yourself drown into the feeling— for the kiss still lingers on your lips, making your chest swell in unbelievable happiness.

The dinged of your phone pulled you out of your fantasy, you grabbed it from the nightstand and saw Soojin’s name displayed on the notification panel.

[Are u ok? R u home?]

You typed in your answer, squinting from the brightness of the screen.

[Yes. I’m home. U?]

But before you decided to keep your phone, Yuta’s caller ID flashed on the screen. A frown slid past your lips, then you slide the red button. You currently do not have the energy to deal with anyone. But you at least owe Soojin a message to let her know that you’re home safe.

You stare at the ceiling, the image of Jaehyun flashing into the white color above. Jaehyun’s lips tasted of tequila and mint— so soft against yours. Out of all the boys that you’ve kissed in your lifetime, the one you shared with Jaehyun stood amongst others. Yes, you’ve kissed boys when you were drunk or sober, but none of their kisses made you feel light yet heavy— like you were flying and drowning at the same time. It thrilled you to the bones. You subconsciously touched your lips just to feel it one last time, and just to prove yourself that it happened. Jaehyun kissed you, and you kissed him back.

The realization of how happy you were of the experience blows your mind, and that how the touch of his lips felt like a distant memory. The caress of his lips, so familiar you started to wonder if you’d ever kiss him before.

But that’s impossible, right?

Dreaming again? The voice inside you asked.

You stare at the queen size four poster bed. Roaming your eyes around the room, you saw a vanity resting at the corner in front of the gothic-styled windows, and a dresser probably bigger than the bathroom you have home is located on the side.

The thick red curtains drapes down, their edges touching the tiled floor. You spotted a vintage hand mirror on the nightstand, the glass reflecting that of a moonstone you wonder if it’s used to mirror things or just a mere display. Shrugging, you placed it back and sat on the bed.

Your butt slightly sunk into the soft mattress, allowing a soft gasp to escape your lips. The mattress was so inviting, you laid on the pillows, and the same happened to your head— it also sunk in the cushion. You could sleep forever if you wished to. For there was no one in the whole room but you.

A sudden tardiness hugged your body whole as you lay still, your mind blank from everything. Not even the kiss you shared with Jaehyun could make you think of something other than the comfort of the room. You wonder who could be the owner of such a classic and magnificent room. He or she must be sophisticated to have owned such grandiose space. Despite the somnolence, you compelled yourself to stand. The room felt suddenly eerie because of its vastness. You would’ve shivered if not for the sunlight that’s infiltrating it through the glass windows.

Roaming your eyes for the second time around, your vision caught sight of the small veranda attached to the room, making you realized that it must be located on the top floors of a house. You pulled yourself up, the cold tiled floor biting on your soles. Barefooted, you walked to the veranda, night dress swaying in every step.

Vast green fields greeted you as you pushed the door open. Tall trees standing here and there with thick foliages. There was one who bends on the veranda: making everything looked like a Romeo and Juliet’s scene.

There was an easel supporting a finished canvas. Paintbrushes and different oil pigments sat atop a table beside it. A separate table with teacups and spoons resides in the nearest corner with two chairs around it.

Everything seems like a fairytale. The whole place felt so removed from the loudness of the society. A dream you once had as a child; serenity, with only your canvas, paintbrushes and pigments beside you. Now here it is, and it felt so real, kindling an ember inside you it could start a fire. You inhaled.

You stepped closer to the canvas. The hues of it being illuminated by the sunlight made everything so marvelous. It was bright, it was alive, and it feels like your own.

“Fallen angel,” you breathed.

It was an angel, falling from the heavens. Wings splayed, like he forgot how to use them and blend with the wind. The artwork gave the impression of an unending fall. His eyes had that horror of being banished, yet when you look at the wholeness of his face, you saw the fury that lies within.

“It is indeed a fallen angel,”

You jumped and turned around to greet the voice. Heart hammering against your chest, you saw a pretty woman standing behind you. Hair black as the night, eyes as the blue of the skies— she’s the one you saw in your reflection in the mirror. How?

“I am Aurora,” She extended her hands. You looked at her outstretched hands before reluctantly taking it with your hands and shaking it. It was so soft. No callouses could be felt.

“I am… Y/N.”

Aurora smiled. You’ve never seen someone as beautiful except for Jaehyun. She looked like a goddess ready to bring peace in to the Earth. Her smooth steps enthralled you, every move of her feet towards the canvas is like a silent wave of the waters in the ocean.

“This is unfinished.”

Her voice. It could lull any crying children to sleep; so soft, so serene.

“Really? What could be missing?”

You both stare at it and you noticed that your dresses are similar to each other.

“A tear.” She smiled at you. “Will you do the honors of completing it for me?”

Even if you don’t understand a single thing, specially her favor, you nodded. What could possibly be the reason of her asking for you if she could paint it on her own? And as if she heard the voices in your mind, she turned to you.

“I… don’t have the ability to finish it anymore.”

There was sadness in her eyes which quickly reflected on you. Almost like you feel what she currently feels. So you grab the paintbrush and started to dip it on the pigments. With Aurora guiding you, she pointed where exactly to put the tear. You oblige and started painting it.

“It’s don…e.”

Where is Aurora? You searched for her with your keen eyes, but there wasn’t any trace to tell you where did she possibly go. The door is silent, a proof that no one pushed it. All that you could hear is the rustling of winds against the leaves.

You longed to touch the canvas, to feel the bumpiness of the paint against it. Hair’s breadth away, you suddenly curled your finger. It was so perfect that you’d feel ashamed to taint it with your hands, even though you touched it with brushes, it feels wrong to let your hand feel it. So you look and look at it until you drank all the details in, with a promise to recreate it once you wake up.

Three knocks, those were the sounds that woke you up out of slumber. You heard the muffled voice of your sister against the door that’s separating you from the life outside.

“There’s a delivery for you,” said she, voice a bit louder for you to hear. You told her you’re awake, and that you’d just compose yourself so she should entertain the delivery personnel for a minute.

Delivery? You rack your brain of anything, thinking of the last thing you purchased online. And that is a new drawer to keep your art materials in place.

With a creased brow, you swiftly tied your hair while still thinking of what could the delivery be. Then the realization slowly hit you, your eyes widened and you ran outside, abandoning your hair half tied into a bun.

“Good morning, miss.” The delivery boy greeted, a soft smile on his lips.

“G-good morning,” You stuttered, heart rumbling.

“We’re here to deliver the painting purchased by Mr. Jung. Is he around?” He was still smiling, eyes roaming around the living room, searching for a man who isn’t there.

You composed yourself by breathing in and out, silently wishing that Jaehyun has already handled the shipping fee.

“He’s not around. But can I… can I receive the parcel for him?” You asked, surprised that you’ve said the sentence without stuttering.

It would cause a lot of trouble if you tell them that you mistyped the address on the mail you sent their company, so it’s best that you accept the package instead of asking them to deliver it to Jaehyun’s house. And you’re certain Jaehyun would kill you one or another.

“Oh, that’s unfortunate. But yes you can, Ma’am. Just show us your valid ID so we can tell Mr. Jung that one of his relatives accepted the parcel,”

You nodded at him and walked back to your room to gather your ID. He must’ve thought that Jung Jaehyun is living in this small apartment and that you’re one of his family members. The thought almost made you laugh and you scoff. Relative? I’m not even a friend, you mumbled.

You handed him the ID then he wrote your name on some paper and on the horizontal line at the end of a separate paper he’s laid on the table. He handed you the pen, then you wrote your signature above the name. He tipped his cap, walked back to the delivery vehicle and when he came back, he’s carrying an average sized parcel. By the looks of it, you bet the canvas is of the standard size. You guided him towards the sofa, where he laid the parcel carefully.

“Thank you,” You smiled, which he answered with the same gesture, tipping his cap again and bidding his goodbyes.

“What is that?” Yuqi asked, scrutinizing the parcel with a mug of hot chocolate on one hand. Sighing, you slumped in one of the sofas, covering your face with your hands.

“I’m seriously fucked up,” You told her.

“Why? What happened?”

“That is the parcel which was supposed to be delivered to Jung Jaehyun’s. Not here. I mistyped the address because of my agitation by Yuta’s arrival,”

“That jerk really couldn’t do anything right, could he?”

Yuqi was still a baby teen when she met Yuta, but her blood did not settle good in him. She warned you about her gut feelings towards him— that he’s bad news who’d shatter your heart in pieces. Guess what, in her young age, she was right.

“He even punched Jaehyun,”

“Wow! The audacity! Jaehyun could literally throttle him,” Yuqi stated, a scoff leaving her lips.

“Jaehyun did not fight back. Brawling with Yuta must’ve seemed so pathetic to him.”

“I guess so. Rich bachelors like him does not indulge themselves to useless—”

Your phone rang all the way to the room, making you jump in your seat and literally dive for it in your drawers. Jaehyun is calling. You gulped and pray before sliding the green button.

“The fuck is this, Y/N?! One job! You had one job! And you couldn’t even do it right!”

By his shouting, you pulled your phone away from your ear. You could see the veins in his forehead protrude in your mind, adding more to your anxiety.

“I’m—”

He breathed, “I don’t need your apology.” Then paused, “Deliver that here in thirty-minutes, or else…” He breathed again, and you swear your knees started to wobble. “You know what’d happen,”

Then he hang up. You hugged your phone to your chest, recollecting the sanity Jaehyun kicked out of your body. He couldn’t expect you to arrive in his penthouse in thirty-minutes when it’s literally one hour away from your house. But he’s Jung Jaehyun, and he always gets what he wants. It doesn’t matter how you get there, you just need to get there. Thirty-minutes, you dashed for the bathroom. Half an hour isn’t even enough to scrub your body clean. Dissatisfied from the five-minute bath, you rapidly put things in your bag and settled for a hoodie and pants.

Nice, twenty-minutes left. You didn’t even have any time to dry your hair, so you comb it on the way to the bus stop with the parcel tucked in your arms. It wasn’t as heavy as you’d expected it would be, but nonetheless, it was tiring to carry it all the way to the bus stop. Luckily, there’s already a bus waiting when you get there. You climbed on to the vehicle and made yourself comfortable by listening to some music.

It’s impossible to reach his place in less than twenty-minutes. So you disregard his death threats and think about something else. And that something else is the kiss you shared. Your heart suddenly made a jump, realizing that you’re going to Jaehyun’s house. The awkwardness settled in your bones, and the fact that you’ve never been there made you wary. You have no idea what to expect; a model walking out of his house?

Jaehyun doesn’t seem really interested in the opposite sex, but then he kissed you, ravenously. You blushed at the memory of him trying to suck the breath out of you.

The hotel where his penthouse is located loomed over you. You gasped while trying to see the peak of it, so high it made your nape hurt a little. And you frowned by the realization that you need to carry the parcel all the way to the top where his penthouse is located. Blowing out air from your mouth, you walked inside the hotel.

You stare at the canvas resting beside you while you stand in the elevator, wondering what kind of art it is. You’ve never taken Jaehyun to be fond of the arts, but here he is, proving your impressions wrong again. Coincidentally, you’ve also dreamed about a painting. Its memory already printed in your mind that your finger itch to start drawing it.

You stepped outside once the elevator door dinged, carrying the parcel in your hand. There was a single door at the end of the hallway. You have no idea how to tell Jaehyun that you’re already outside, and you don’t want to risk pushing the buttons and scanners in his door, so you sent him a text message instead, hoping that he wasn’t too busy to glance at it.

The door opened, but there was no one who greeted you. Automatic doors? Can’t relate, you whispered to yourself. You pushed the door wider, peeking your head on to the space. The whole house is as silent as a mausoleum. One word to describe the interiors? Magnificent. An expensive looking bachelor pad for a bachelor such as Jung Jaehyun. Everything in sight seems so modernized yet minimal. The hues of the furnitures blends in well with the color of the floor and walls. The ceiling is also high, and of course, a floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

You stepped your foot inside, expecting Jaehyun to appear in the corner to throttle you of your incompetence. Shaking the bad thoughts away, you completely entered the penthouse.

“Sir?” You called against the emptiness of it.

“Jaehyun! Faster!”

Chills ran down your whole body as you heard something erotic. It isn’t what you think it is, right? But the scattered clothes splayed on the sofas and floors told you that it is indeed what you think it is. Another grunt echoed of the whole floor, then a scream followed it. You couldn’t move your body. Maybe you wanted to run, or you wanted the ground to open up and swallow you whole. Because, Jesus Christ, you couldn’t stand and watch a live porn!

The moans and the grunts halted. And you still stood there, palms sweating with your forehead despite the ventilations.

“You’re here,”

“Holy mother of rectangles!” You jumped, your hand flying to your chest.

“I said thirty minutes,” Jung Jaehyun stated while leaning on the door frame with a glass of liquor in hand. He’s wearing a thin white long-sleeves, its fabric clinging on to his sweat beaded body, accentuating his chest and muscles. You thank God that he’s wearing pajamas, because let’s be honest, you’re not ready to see a limp dick today. God really do have mercy.

A girl slid her hands around Jaehyun’s chest. Despite her bedraggled hair, she is much fully clothed— maybe the clothes on the floors all belongs to Jaehyun. But you’re sure you’ve seen a female underwear— so the girl is not wearing her panties inside that body-fitted dress? You gulped down the thoughts. People could be really wild sometimes.

Wet, sloppy kisses filled the whole floor. You could only assume that the girl was giving open-mouthed kisses to Jaehyun’s back.

“Until next time baby,” She cooed, grabbing his crotch— grabbing his crotch?!— in front of you. She made it seem like there’s nobody standing there with them. You wanted to gag, but there was something in Jaehyun’s eyes as he looked at you while the girl literally shoved her hand inside his pajamas, doing God-knows-what with his penis.

The intensity of his stare suddenly makes it harder for you to breath. You felt something in your stomach uncurl as Jaehyun’s mouth slightly parted by the pleasure he’s currently feeling. Run, damn it. But your body felt leaden and you couldn’t move your feet. As much as you wanted to deny it, Jaehyun’s pleasured face made you feel hot all over. To your face down and in between your legs.

If the girl doesn’t stop giving Jaehyun a handjob, and if Jaehyun, himself, wouldn’t stop staring at you with that gaze, your knees would absolutely collapse any time soon. And as if Jaehyun saw your predicament, he pushed the girl away.

“See you soon,” Jaehyun muttered. Then the girl leaned forward, giving his neck a sloppy kiss.

You tucked the strands of you hair behind your ear, suddenly embarrassed of letting yourself watch the little scene that unfolded before you. The sound of heels echoed everywhere when the girl walked past, completely ignoring your whole existence. Like you didn’t just see her give your boss a handjob.

Jaehyun walked towards you while drinking the liquor in one go. Eyebrow already raised as he stood face to face with you. You didn’t meet his gaze, for the fear that he might see how flustered you were right now. And you didn’t want to give him any satisfaction of knowing that you were affected of his little foreplay exhibit.

You cleared your throat then offered him the parcel, “Here.”

He pointed the sofa with his lips. You have no other choice but to oblige. Heaviness tried to pull on your feet as you walked to the sofa, your nerves still in a frenzy as you lay the parcel above the cushion.

Jaehyun was still standing behind you, watching you like a prey he’s not sure whether to kill or to let go. Either way, you forced your feet to move, and walked past him. You have no more business to do for him, and you badly wanted to go home. The scene the two of them made in front of you is enough to knock your consciousness and put you in a coma. And maybe you’d need a dextrose full of holy water to cleanse your body.

He stopped you by holding your arm, “Where are you going?”

You deadpanned, “Home.”

“The kitchen is there. Make me something to eat,” He pointed with his finger, with the hand still holding the empty glass.

You stared at him, not believing his words. He didn’t just order you to make him food when he literally made some random girl give him a handjob while you’re watching, right? What kind of drug is he inhaling? You badly want to try some. Just to become as detached as him.

“It’s Sunday, Jaehyun.” You reminded him, dropping all the professionalism to make him remember that he couldn’t boss you around outside of work. And that he should probably head inside a church and cleanse his soul of anything ungodly lurking within. But of course, you didn’t say that.

“Don’t make me repeat it again.” He warned, then walked back to his room, leaving you irritated. To do what, you have no idea— maybe he’ll jer— okay, calm down Y/N.

There’s no point making sense with Jung Jaehyun. The man thinks he owns everything and everyone around him. He’s standing on a pedestal higher than your own height. You know you can’t argue with people like that. So you trekked the direction Jaehyun motioned earlier, and then you found the kitchen. It’s a U-shaped kitchen with an island on the center. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the tall buildings outside.

You placed your bag above the island, then you sauntered up to the two-door refrigerator. Of course, even his refrigerator screams ‘rich’, full of goods you bet he doesn’t even try to cook nor eat. You grabbed something that is easy to cook— eggs. Maybe you’ll make a soufflé egg, or a pancake— or maybe a meal that he could eat until dinner. Then you shook your head and reminded yourself not to be frustrated over what he wants. He’s a grown ass man, he could take care of himself.

Yes, he’s a grown ass man who could definitely take care of himself. But here you are, cooking soy garlic chicken for him. Jaehyun was still nowhere to be found, giving your head at least the peacefulness it deserves.

You pondered about what happened earlier. A girl moaning inside his room, then that girl giving him a handjob in front of you. The realization of him kissing another girl after he kissed you hit home. It shouldn’t even hurt you, but it did. Does he badly wants to rub your kiss off his lips? Of course it was a mistake, you know that. But it didn’t feel wrong to you.

What is wrong with me?

You calmed yourself by drinking a glass of cold water, forcing to forget everything like how you forced to swallow the cold liquid. But you know that’s impossible. You couldn’t just forget a kiss like that.

To keep your mind off things, you decided to make a coffee for Jaehyun. The chicken is all ready, but he still locked up on his room. He should really give you a large bonus for your effort of dressing his breakfast plate. You laid all the food in the dining table: soufflé eggs, vegetable salad, hotdogs, soy garlic chicken, rice, and his coffee.

Jaehyun showed up the same moment you gathered your bag to go. He’s wearing fresh clothes on: black shirt with a new and clean sweatpants, hair still wet and his face looking refreshed. Obvious that he just got out of shower. You stopped yourself from asking what could be his skincare routine when you remembered that rich people like him doesn’t need one.

He eyed the foods laid on his dinner table, you’re sure it’s his first time seeing that many dishes for his breakfast. Did you overdo it? The sudden thought of making an effort for him made you blush. You’ve never cooked food for someone other than your mother and Yuqi before. The reality of doing it for the first time for someone— let alone a man— flustered you.

“I left some of the chicken in the oven, you can heat it up later for dinner. Eat well.” You started to walked away, but he grabbed you again when you trudge past him.

You inhaled, closing your eyes. What is it again? Somehow, being this close to him made you feel lightheaded. Because of what? You don’t know and you don’t want to know. The mere touch of his fingers could send electric bolts in your whole body and you didn’t like the way he makes you nervous just by being near.

“What more do you want, Jaehyun?” You snapped.

He doesn’t let go of your hand when he said, “Aside from sipping a nice and warm coffee, maybe I want you to bend over this very table so I can fuck you raw,”

Jesus Christ. The next thing you heard was a loud slap of skin to skin. You stare at him, dumbfounded with a stinging palm. His cheeks turned ruddy by the contact.

His head was still in a sideway position when he smirked. You could hear your own heartbeat in your ears, so loud and so frantic you thought you’d go deaf.

“Do you… do you really want a lawsuit filed against you, Jaehyun?” Surprisingly, your voice box is still working on your throat.

If Jaehyun could laugh because of your statement, he would. But he only stared at you as if you’re the whole circus.

“I’d like to see you try, chérie.”

The caress of his voice made your skin prickle. You dared stare at his eyes, into those dark orbs no one could ever read. Hatred that no one could quenched stared back at you, with the intensity of the storm that lies within fueling it. Convoluted as it was, the hatred isn’t meant for you. It’s more like a tattoo, permanent in his eyes. But hatred isn’t the only thing that was reflected in those eyes— there was something else: desire. You shivered. In defiance of the hate that’s showing vehemently on his irises, you couldn’t deny that Jaehyun’s beauty is not of this world. With his face looking ethereal like that, he could be a deity.

“I’m… going.” You gulped down saliva, trying to salve your thundering heart. He did not say anything, not a word when you turned your back on him and walked away.

But you could swear you felt him looking at your retreating back all the way to the door.

—

Jaehyun stared at the foods lay before him on the table. Unable to process why did you cook so many. He palmed his cheek before sitting, feeling like a thousand ant is crawling on his skin, the others biting. It was well-deserved though, for being so callous of his words. Yet the words that came out of his mouth was not a joke, just ended up lecherous. And the emotion on your face while you watch Mina giving him a handjob flashed in his mind without warning.

There and there, in your spot, with your innocent doe eyes trying not to run from the scene made something in him twitch. But your expression was so priceless— forcing yourself to not give up any emotion as you watch them. It made him feel hotter, hornier even. That if he could pushed Mina away and grabbed you just to kiss you as he did in your living room yesterday night, he would. Yet a force inside him locked him in place, reminding him that the kiss you shared was nothing but the result of his impulsive ass.

He tried to erase it, you know. He tried to erase your soft lips— tasting of everything sweet against the cruelty etched in his— but he couldn’t. The way you kissed him back made him mad— mad at himself for enjoying it, mad at his heart for feeling something familiar. A familiarity he buried together with Aurora.  

He tried to shake it off by grabbing the hips of the unfamiliar girl underneath him, sure it’s going to leave bruises. Her fake squealing and moaning filled the whole house, but it didn’t even reach the emptiness inside him. So unlike the brief kiss you shared that sparked the fire long smoldered in his system.

He fucked her ‘til you arrived, just to let you know that what you shared was wrong. Not because he didn’t want it— heck, if he could claim you here and there, he would— but because he couldn’t taint another human being with the evil inside him. And he couldn’t afford to go down the path of trying to be good, just to be reminded that he’s not. And never will be.

What he felt for you, he couldn’t quite understand. When he sees you, he feels excited— alive even. And he’s certain Aurora would’ve cried of happiness if she knew he’s feeling something towards another girl again, after so many fucking years. After all, it was her wish before she blew out her last breath. For him to never forget love, instead cherish it. Hold on to it. Because it was salvation, she said. Yet Jaehyun couldn’t still believe it, if it was salvation, why does it feel punishment? Because it is a punishment, you fool, he whispered to himself.

He thanked his phone ringing of saving him into his thoughts. The name Johnny Seo displayed in the screen. He slide the green button, turning it on speakers.

“Bastard,”

“Puppy,” He reared back. Johnny is an alpha, and calling him puppy always raged him. Which is why Jaehyun branded him the name, to piss him off.

“I fucking hate you, you know that?” The wolf retaliated. Jaehyun nodded, taking a bite of his food.

“Anyways, you do know that my birthday is in four days, right? Or you don’t?”

Jaehyun could even see Johnny’s brow rising.

“I don’t. Birthdays are dramatic,” He prattled.

“Yes, because you don’t have one dickhead.” Johnny laughed.

If Jaehyun was an emotional wreck of an angel, he would’ve been hurt. But it’s the truth. He doesn’t celebrate birthdays because he doesn’t have one. He came into this world without going through the process of a mother’s pregnancy. But Johnny, and his whole pack of wolf has, being that they were all human once. Chaelin is the only one who shares the same struggle as him.

When Jaehyun didn’t bother to say anything, Johnny continued his sentence. “I’m celebrating it here, of course, in London.”

So the bastard is in London, Jaehyun whispered in his mind.

“You better go or else I’m pulling out my share in your company.” Johnny threatened. He would’ve laugh. Jaehyun is richer than all of Johnny and his pack of wolf’s riches combined. But he’s already planning to go to London for business, and he thought seeing how his comrades are faring with life every now and then isn’t a bad idea.

“I’m coming,”

“Come in my stomach then,” Johnny laughed.

It took Jaehyun a second to realize the joke. “Damn you, Seo.”

Johnny continued to laugh. Jaehyun attempted to pressed the red button when Johnny said something that perked his ear.

“Bring Y/N. Everyone will go. Including Taeyong’s clan and Doyoung’s group of warlocks.” — He said your name like you’re a friend— “Say I’m inviting her. I’ll handle her ticket, I know it’d hurt your ego to handle a pretty lady’s fare.”

“Shut the fuck up Seo, she’s not coming with me.” Jaehyun stated in a clipped tone. The thought of you meeting Johnny’s pack and Taeyong’s clan made his temper boil. At least you’re safe with Doyoung and the other warlocks if ever.

“Shall I call her myself then? She does not need to fly with you. She could arrive first, your choice.”

Jaehyun knows Johnny has his ways to contact you despite not knowing your number. And he couldn’t think straight of the possibility of you flying alone to London. Without him by your side.

“No, she’s my secretary. It’s just right that she flies with me.”

“You’re one hell of a complicated douchebag, Jung J—”

Jaehyun pressed the red button, not letting Johnny finish his sentence. Then he continued to eat, the thought of you going to London with him making him zestful than usual.

Then he remembered the forgotten canvas lying on his sofa. He stood up immediately and dashed to the living room only to slow down when he’s near. Heart thudding against his chest, a reminder that Aurora still have a part of him wrapped around her fingers.

He sat and stare at the parcel for a whole five-minutes. Readying himself to see the canvas inside that he knows too well— like the back of his hand. He grabbed it and slowly tear the thick carton wrapped in it.

Every inch of color sending bolts in his body. The familiar feeling of the canvas in his palms taking the breath out of him. He continued to tear the carton until nothing is left wrapped up around the art.

There it is. Aurora’s painting. In his hands. After so many years, he finally found the courage to stare at it. And the feeling is overwhelming. It’s overwhelming to see his own self, painted in the canvas made by the girl he loved more than life itself.

Of course Aurora knew.

Of course she knew that he was The Fallen.

And she never once judged him. Unlike all the people in the world, Aurora never turned her back on him despite knowing the truth.

That’s why his world crumbled for the second time when she died,— the only person who understood that Lucifer, himself, also needed love— slipping away from his fingers.

The art was wonderfully preserved, with only little to no dents. The pigments weren’t as bright as he remembers, but it’s the art of Aurora nonetheless.

His wings, the glowing of it intelligently captured by her. It made his lips slightly bend into a smile. But it quickly receded when he noticed something on the face. A detail he doesn’t remember noticing when he first saw the canvas one hundred years ago. A… tear?

It was so small, but it’s surely not a dent. For when he looked at it, the pigment stared right back at him.

—

You feel like shit when you came back home. It felt like you trekked a whole mountain from the unrest that you feel inside. Your bones feel heavy, your eyes too. And you blame Jaehyun and that girl for it. Her face, and her lips pressed into Jaehyun’s skin made you unexpectedly irritated. The mere thought of her sleeping on his bed made everything worse than it is.

Sure, she’s maybe a supermodel, or an actress, or an influential person and you’re just a secretary barely hanging on to life— but you could feel that the bond you have with Jaehyun is more meaningful than what they possibly have. Hearing yourself prattle about your vexation towards the girl and your boss, you tugged on your hair. You’re saying nonsense, Y/N. Of course, you and Jaehyun do not have any ‘bond’ to begin with and—

“Are you okay?” Yuqi looked up from her notes to you.

At her words, you realized that you’re already standing in the living room.

“Of-of course,” You blinked.

Yuqi shook her head, “Yes, Jaehyun and you do not have any bond. What else?” She teased.

Oh, so you said the words aloud. Your cheeks heated by Yuqi’s teasing. She’s just caught you thinking about your boss, and heard you blathering nonsense in the air.

Frustrated by everything, you decided to just paint something. The canvas from your dream begging to be recreated. You changed your clothes and readied your materials. Luckily, there’s a remaining canvas resting at the corner of your room, slightly smaller than the one in your dream but that could do.

You tied your hair in a messy bun before securing your canvas on to the easel, placing it facing the only window you have in your room. Light filters through, but not hot enough to make you wince. The weather is perfect with the sun hiding in the thick clouds.

Making yourself comfortable on the stool, you grabbed the canvas again. Hugging it onto the crook of your arm and tracing lines here and there to make the shape of the falling angel. The passion burning in your fingers prevented you from taking a rest, albeit your neck is starting to freeze and cramp.

Craning your neck left to right, you stare at the sketch. You couldn’t proclaim that it’s the same as your dream for the lack of colors it has, so you started to mixed oil pigments, with the hues of the painting from your dreams being your guide. You mixed blues for the skies, whites for the angel’s silk robe wrapped in his waist, blacks, reds, and oranges for the smoldering wings. But the one color you’ve had a hard time figuring out is the iridescence coating his wings. You needed your phone to search how to mix colors that’d look gleaming against the canvas. In the midst of your search, you’ve found out knowledge beyond what you expected.

Lucifer was God’s favorite angel. You could see it in his wings— for it glows unlike any other angels.

So, the painting must be an interpretation of Lucifer? You wondered.

Shiver like no other covered your body, the divine knowledge sipping in your mind. Because of that, you became more eager to finish the canvas. After mixing a lot of pigments and trying it to different papers, you’ve finally succeeded in making a glowing color. You laid the small jar on your study table, careful not to spill a drop, and continued to paint all around the sketch.

Yuqi called for you to dinner, the only time you allowed yourself to rest. You straightened your back and massaged your palms, numb from all the drawings and paintings you did. Before departing your room, you stare at the canvas. It’s not even halfway through, so you couldn’t make out the result in your head yet. You supposed you can continue painting it once you have the time, since it’s obvious that you wouldn’t be able to finish it today despite wanting to.

“What’s that you’re working on? Commission?” Yuqi asked as she swallowed a spoonful of ramen soup.

“Nope. Just… had an idea.”

Still, you remained quiet about your dreams. Not that anyone could understand them. You couldn’t decipher them yourself. And you know it’s best to keep them a secret for now.

Your phone lit up in the corner of the table, a text had just arrived. While munching on your food, you slid it open.

[We’re heading to London in three days. Send me your infos. Got it covered. Don’t ask too much questions.]

You forcefully swallowed your food, not wanting your mouth to spit it. Throat tightening, you drank a glass of water.

“What is it?” Yuqi asked, patting your back and peeking on the screen. “London?!” She exclaimed upon reading the message. You could only nod.

Jaehyun told you to book him a flight to London. It never occurred to you that he needed you to accompany him. The thought of flying to London with him gave you the good kind of goosebumps. But you didn’t allow your emotions to get the best of you. You typed in a reply.

[Okay, Sir. E-mailing it to you now.] But you really wanted to type in all-caps and make sure that you’re really coming with him.

You’re not certain you could get enough sleep tonight.

—

Days went on in a blur, and now you find yourself seated across Jaehyun in a first class plane. You decided not to move much, for you don’t have any idea how should you act around. Jaehyun does not spare you any glance at all. He’s reading a book for an hour now, completely ignoring your presence.

But before you got on the plane, he told you the real reason of bringing you with him after days of not telling you. Johnny’s birthday is tomorrow, and he invited you. The mere thought of him remembering you as you are and not as Jaehyun’s secretary warmed your heart. Unfortunately, you couldn’t buy an expensive watch or necktie for him so you sticked to what you do best— drawing. You drew him for days, leaving the other canvas you’re working on in the corner of your room. You could only hope that Johnny would like the gift.

Many things agitated you the whole hours that you’re sitting or leaning on your seat. Like, what would you wear? It’s not like you could wear your uniform in there. And you have no money to buy a dress. The money you have in your wallet is only enough to buy you, Yuqi, and Soojin souvenirs. As for Yuta, after days of trying to contact you and bombarding your phone with text messages, he finally gave up. You still haven’t had the guts to talk to him about his and Jaehyun’s brawl. Jaehyun never opened the conversation to you, too.

There’s many things that he does not try to address to you; the kiss, the little scene he made on his own house, and his comment about your soy garlic chicken. Yes, you bloody want him to say at least something about the food you prepared. But days had passed, no words came out of his mouth. He’s back to being the most cold-hearted man yet again.

You shifted on your seat, trying to rest your eyes. Jaehyun said there’s still three hours remaining before you land— the only thing he’s said to you. Clearing your mind off your thoughts, you close your eyes. This time, there’s no dream that accompanied the void in you.

You felt a nudge in your arm, Jaehyun’s voice looming around you, waking you up. The sting in your eyes hit the moment you opened them, squinting against the light around you. You noticed a small blanket wrapped around you, not remembering the moment you wrapped yourself in it.

“That… is the attendant’s doing.” Jaehyun pointed out, staring at you. And honestly? He didn’t need to do that. You know his personality too well to even assume that he’s the one who did it.

“We’re landing in five minutes,”

—

You arrived in Ridgemount Hotel after a hectic ride on a limo rented by Jaehyun, himself. Hectic because none of you uttered a word, your mouth has gone dry and jetlag kicked it the moment you stepped inside. You couldn’t even bring yourself to read something for the pulsating ache in your head.

Jaehyun’s hotel room is located across from you. Of course, he would prefer to spend a lot of money that to be wise and stay with you to the same room. Not that it matters to you, anyway. You’re definitely alright being your own specie in your room.

You have no idea how long did you sleep the jetlag away. There were no messages from Jaehyun when you opened your phone. You guessed he’s also getting some rest for the party tomorrow now that will be celebrated at Guildhall. The moment Jaehyun told you the venue, your eyes almost fell from its sockets. You only see Guildhall when you browse the web for medieval halls in London, and now you’ll get there tomorrow evening. The excitement is unbearable. You could literally jump from happiness. But a loud knock on the door stopped you from flinging yourself on the soft mattress.

“Hi!”

“Ms. Chaelin?”

The woman is smiling at you, wearing a white cardigan with a large belt wrapped around her waist. What is she doing here?

“Come in!” You said, letting her precede you to the door.

“Oh, your room is so cozy.”

She scanned the room with interest before sitting on the bed and looking at you.

“You’re probably wondering why I am here bothering your beauty rest,” She laughed. “But I’m just wondering if we could, you know, have some fun before Johnny’s birthday.”

“I— I’m afraid I don’t have…” Your voice faded, the sudden embarrassment coating you. But Chaelin only smiled at you, her face gave up the notion of telling you not to worry about a penny.

“Don’t worry about it! Everything is on me.”

“I can’t possibly accept that, Miss.”

“Just call me Chaelin. Please let me treat you. I wanna make up to the last time we’ve met. I know it wasn’t pleasant.” She wheedled.

She’s talking about your first week at Jung’s Fiscals. You waved your hands to tell her not to worry about it.

“It’s okay… you don’t need to. If there’s a person who should be doing that, it’s Jaehyun.” You told her.

“Yes! That’s right. Jaehyun told me— oh, nevermind. Do you have anything to wear?”

Jaehyun told her what? You shrugged off the curiosity. By her question, you slowly shake your head. That’s a problem you’ve been pondering on for hours now.

“Then all the reason for me to treat you!” Chaelin wrapped her arms around yours, not giving you any chance to argue.

You changed into comfortable clothes, fit for hours of shopping you assumed would take place. Chaelin waited for you, scrolling through her phone the whole time. According to her, all of Johnny’s friends will attend the anticipated party of the year. Not to jump into prejudice, you assumed Johnny is the kind of guy who throws absolutely crazy parties by the way Chaelin anticipates the event.

Knowing about the attendance of Johnny’s friends is the sole reason why you’re trudging the shiny floors and garish interior of a famous boutique near the hotel you’re staying in. You sent a simple message to Jaehyun, informing him that you went outside with Chaelin. As usual, he did not bother to reply.

You and Chaelin had fun. She literally made you her own personal doll, pulling you in and out of boutiques to dig every clothes there is that would fit you. You let her do her fairy-godmother work, being that you are lacking knowledge when it comes to the matter of class and magnificence. And you trust her taste enough to let her on her mission of finding the best dress for you.

Every now and then, she tells you about her friendship with Jaehyun. Not that you ask, but it made you curious nonetheless. According to her, they’ve been friends for a really long time now. It made you think that maybe they’d met in their elementary school. But Chaelin did not give you any specific date of their first meeting.

The day went on, and now you find yourself staring at the dress and stiletto Chaelin bought you. A promise to pay her was answered with a scrunch of her nose, telling you not to worry about the money and that she gave you the things wholeheartedly, not expecting any payment. It didn’t make you feel comfortable, but at least you relaxed by the assurance of wearing something decent tomorrow.

The door suddenly clicked open, and you jumped by seeing Jaehyun. He stares at you for a minute, obviously wanted to say something, but he rubbed his nape and closed the door again.

What was that?

You shrugged but after a second, the door opened again, revealing your boss with his back straightened, ready to give orders.

“Eat with me,”

Jaehyun did not wait for you to answer, giving you no chance to change your clothes. You supposed your current attire was enough, so you trudge outside and followed him to the hotel’s hall.

He sat, food in his plate. You followed after mere minutes of filling yours with delicacies you don’t know the name and haven’t tasted yet in your whole life. Jaehyun said nothing, just silently bite and munch his food. This is your first time eating with him, and you noticed that he’s feminine when he eats. There’s nothing wrong about it though, you just found the way he dabs the napkin on his mouth and the way he munches food so quietly, fascinating.

A glut of silence enwrapped the air around you. It could literally suffocate you, so with all your might, you tried to talk to him.

“Why did you let me come with you?” You have no idea why did you ask such questions, but Jaehyun only looked at you as if he’s had any choice.

“Johnny requested,” His curt answer.

“Johnny’s birthday must be so special. You even took your time to celebrate it with him.” When he does not answer, you continued your talking, “How about you? When’s your birthday?”

By your question, Jaehyun dropped his fork on his plate, creating a loud clatter to make the other hotel guests turn on the both of you. But he quickly regained his composure, giving a curt nod to everyone as a way of excuse.

“I don’t— it’s next month. 14th.” His laconic response.

“Okay…” You said, wary of his sudden lack of control.

“Excuse me,” He said, pushing his chair with the back of his knees. You nodded at him. But even after finishing your meal, Jaehyun did not go back to finish his.

You went back on your room calculating if you’d said something to irk Jaehyun. He wasn’t exactly annoyed, just taken aback? Nevertheless, you’ve gathered one information about him, and that’s his birthday. You no longer want to vex yourself by his constant berating, you thought knowing something about him would help pave the way of your bond.

While thinking about what could you give Jaehyun on his birthday, you wrapped the canvas you’d give Johnny tomorrow. After ten-minutes of cutting and ribbon-tying, you changed into new clothes and slept, a smile creeping up your face as you think about the event tomorrow.

—

Spectacular is an understatement to describe the Guildhall. Its chandelier hang high in the ceilings, with curtains draping down around them and with lights illuminating their color against the columns standing as posts of the whole hall.

Tables are decorated with a sophisticated yet manly touch. You assumed Johnny requested for a medieval touch to adorn the venue, which the organizers did an absolutely amazing job on. You feel like you were back the past. The period movies you’ve seen and books you’ve read all coming back to you— every scene and every word you thought won’t come to life is here, in front of you. The overwhelming happiness sits on your stomach, waiting to be unleashed.

“Y/N!” Chaelin waved, then she walked towards you with a wine glass in one hand. Jaehyun excused himself the moment Chaelin arrived beside you. He walked towards a pool of boys gathering around Johnny. Someone clapped his back, a man his age. But the younger ones nodded at him, reverence clear in their faces.

“You look stunning, Chaelin.” You greeted. The woman is wearing a velvet dress, hugging her curves, with a fur scarf wrapped around her arms.

“No, you look magnificent, love!” She cheered, pulling your hand and swirling you playfully, both your laughs joining together.

You’re wearing a tulle long dress, a mixture of champagne and blue fabrics adorning it. The stiletto you wear goes with the same hue as the dress. To be honest, you felt slightly out of place when you arrived, for the people around you wears monotone colors only. And you obviously stand out. But now Chaelin is here, you felt the pressure being lifted off of you.

The event started when Johnny went on to the platform, thanking each and everyone of the guess for joining him on his day. The bellows and laughters of his friends stood out among the crowd, their cheers slightly distracting Johnny. Your eyes automatically searched for Jaehyun, despite not screaming with the other boys, he has an unusual and once in a lifetime smile on his lips which made him more handsome that he already is.

He wears a simple black tuxedo, with his hair neatly parted and brushed up, a cowlick straying on his forehead. The color of his suit accentuated his pale features, making him ethereal in your eyes once again. He shifted, and met your eyes in the crowd.

His beauty locked you in your place with a heart thudding as you continued staring at him. He lifted his glass with a curt nod, a silent sign for you to enjoy the night. The small gesture made your heart swell in happiness even more, so you smiled at him. And he smiled back.

The evening moved on. You remained in your location, Chaelin giving you company. Johnny’s still walking around the venue, greeting acquaintances. And Jaehyun, he’s still talking with his friends.

“Aren’t you friends with them?” You suddenly asked Chaelin. She whirled at you before taking a sip of her drinks. Then she looked at the men surrounding Jaehyun in a sideway glance.

“Oh yes. Been friends with them for a really long time now. I’ve seen some of them grow up into the man they are today.” There was passion and love in her voice that you didn’t expect to hear. “That boy is Jeno,” She pointed at a boy with the warmest eyesmile, “We’re probably the closest, aside from Jaehyun. I adore that pup, quiet but knows when to enjoy.” She has that certain smile with her now, her eyes twinkling. Then she pulled you towards the boys suddenly.

“Let’s meet them!” She cheered. Although you were nervous in every step that you took, you let her sway you towards the men. Jaehyun met your eyes the moment you stood in front of them.

“Who’s this pretty lady?” A tall guy emerged from nowhere, bright smile directed at you. He was nudged by a smaller man.

“Jaehyun’s date,”— then he whirled towards you, offering his hands for a handshake— “I’m Ten.” You took his hand, expecting for a handshake, but instead he kissed it. Loud cheers emerged from the group, making you blush.

All of them shook your hands then, and you noticed they were glancing at Jaehyun as they did so, like they’re waiting for his permission.

“You must be Y/N?” The guy with a red hair emerged from nowhere. You slightly jump from his appearance; red hair, pale features, and his eyes, there’s a little red in his irises. Jesus Christ, he was beautiful.

“I’m Taeyong,” He offered his hand, then you shook it, still mesmerized by his exquisiteness. Taeyong, then, started to entertain you with his stories, never leaving your side until people started to slow dance in the middle of the hall. He excused himself then walked towards a pretty woman. You watched as almost everyone danced. Chaelin was with a boy you remembered named Doyoung. Seeing everyone enjoying themselves, it felt lonely suddenly. Out of place, even.

Then for the third time that night, Jaehyun met your eyes across the room. He’s got a wine glass in his hand while looking at you. Then seconds later, he drank all the contents, leaving the glass to the care of the waitress. Jaehyun walked towards you, every step making your heart beat louder, faster. He walked the earth like he’s a king. His mere steps could make the world stop on its spinning.

Then he’s standing before you, offering you his hand.

“Are you gonna dance with me or…?” He asked, the baritone of his voice sending you shivers. You locked eyes with him then took his hand. His eyes, never leaving yours too.

The slow music lulls the whole place with its softness. Jaehyun held your hip in one hand, and your hand in the other. Your heart maybe thundering, but deep in it, you know you’re in the safe place. You’ve never felt like this your whole life— like you’re becoming something other than the girl you are. There’s an ember inside you as you looked at Jaehyun’s eyes. A small fire waiting to be ignited. His familiar scent whiffed your nose as he spins you away and towards him. The familiarity of his face is staggering, yet you blame your dreams for it.

Your faces were too close, so close in the edge of the music. One push, and you’ll kiss in front of the people. One push it all it takes— then the music stopped. You held on to each other for a bit longer before Jaehyun guided you towards your table.

“I’ll get us drinks,” He whispered.

Your head was still swimming with the feel of dancing of Jaehyun when Johnny approached you, eyes bright. He automatically has his hand lifted for a high-five.

“Hey!” He called out.

“Happy birthday, Mr. Seo!”

“Please, just Johnny Y/N.”

You practiced the name with your mind before saying it out loud, “Happy birthday, Johnny!”

“There! Better!” He laughed but stopped when he saw the wrapped gift above your table, “Is that for me?”

“Uh, yes. I’m sorry this is all I could afford.”

“No, no, Y/N! Whatever is this, I’ll cherish it.” He smiled at you, “What is it by the way? You know, I really get too giddy whenever I receive gifts.”

“Oh, a portrait of you.”

His mouth formed a big ‘O’, asking for permission to open the gift, you told him yes since it’s his now. Johnny’s eyes bore an amazement that made you flustered. He stared and stared at the portrait.

“Wow, I am really touched, Y/N. Thank you for this.” Said he. You waved your hand to tell him it’s alright.

But then his eyebrows creased, his face shows an expression that of remembering something. Then he put his finger on his lips, contemplating the portrait.

“I know someone who had a similar art style as you,”

“Really? Who is he?”

You waited for Johnny to answer, an unfamiliar agitation rests in your bones by every second that passes of not knowing who the person might be. Then he snapped his fingers, creating a sound.

“Yes! I remember now! You have the same style as Aurora!”

If Johnny could clap, he absolutely would. You sat there, speechless. His other compliments were drowned by your screaming thoughts.

Aurora.

He said your art style is similar to Aurora’s.

Whoever she might really be, the mention of her name— specially in real life— never failed to send shivers down your spine.

You gulped and asked Johnny, “Who is Aurora?”

“None of your business,” The man behind you answered. Jaehyun.

You wanted to tell him she’s not ‘none of your business’. She was a product of your imagination, she was. And now the people around you knows her name. Johnny knows her. Jaehyun calls out for her name in your dreams. Your intuition tells you something is going on. But your throat has gone dry. No matter how much you wanted to tell Jaehyun that you dreamed about Aurora often, no words came out of your mouth. Your body feels heavy. And you know, you’re scared. Scared of the answers once you ask.

Aside from night black hair and blue eyes, who really are you, Aurora?

—

[nejiraez]

bakugou katsuki“soft” boyfriend hcs

let me start this off that he is an ass, but he’ll have SOME moments where he’s chill that make people go... “wow” || this is because “soft” bakugou won the poll. SEE? i listen to the people and not with my heart as much as it kills me :’)

Bakugou is the type of person where if he sees you struggling to understand class lessons or homework he’ll help you

Sure he’ll taunt/tease you at first saying shit like “I’ll be ‘beat’ this lesson into your brain that you’ll be reciting the anatomy of the nervous system for weeks.”

^Don’t be scared lmao, that just means he’s just THAT good of a tutor!

Since Bakugou’s such a good student and gets outstanding grades (fucking nerd~) UA gifts him with many prizes such as fan deck seats to sports events, hero conventions, restaurants, etc etc

You’re always the plus one he brings with him. ALWAYS.

You don’t even watch basketball, yet he’d still bring you to go and watch a game with him.

Bakugou just thinks you should experience things. You always say “I want to experience things” but he doesn’t think you actually want to experience things because you would experience it if you wanted to experience things.

^“Katsuki, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” (if you know where that whole bit is from i will cater to you!!!)

The two of you are like a package deal, wherever he goes people are bound to find you there accompanying him.

Truth is he just enjoys having you by his side

 The day hell freezes over would be the day where he willingly admits that he’s one clingy bitch.

If you haven’t talked to him for let’s say three days due to you genuinely being busy, expect a text message from him saying “why are you ignoring me”.

Lit e r ally, the night before he sent this text you’d send him memes to consciously let him know “hey im still here”! You just couldn’t busy yourself with him too much because of the workload you have to deal with.

The tiniest changes in your behaviour has him on edge and seeking your reassurance. He’s slightly vulnerable in those moments

In moments when you’re quiet or haven’t said anything in a while, he’ll softly nudge you and give you one of those looks to inquire “are you okay?”

your achievements are his achievements

he’s abundantly proud of anything and everything you do, even if he may not show it outwardly or in public

if bakugou ever brings you home to meet his family?? just know, you made it bitch

you gained his trust, so much so that he’d let you meet his parents

and that’s saying something

[yoificfinder]

Can you please rec some domestic established relationship fics?

Nonnie, I think more than half of YOI fics out there are domestic established relationship because that = post-series Victuuri, lbr. So boy do I have so many rec (put a limit of one fic per author tho. And also tried not to include fics I've already recced but you should check out the masterlist). I'm sure I still missed a lot of great fics so other recs are welcome!

And in my dreams, i'm Christmasing with you by SnarkyBreeze [T, 5K]

The presents appear to be arranged into four sections. Some of them are big, worryingly big, and Yuuri wonders if he’s going to have to mail them home instead of packing them away in his luggage. Each little section is labeled with a little card that hints at its contents.

Something you want…

Something you need…

Something to wear…

Something to read…

It’s sickeningly cute, and exactly the kind of thing Viktor likes, and Yuuri feels guilty just looking at the pristine packaging.

blessed by fnix_archive / @forovnix [T, 1K]

Victor’s a cuddler, which is a surprise to absolutely no one. The man is huge, all broad shoulders and lean muscle and long limbs meant for being wrapped around someone else. Yuuri.

come get you some of that bounce baby by @crossroadswrite [T, 4K]

“What are you doing?” Yuuri asks, side-eyeing him as he bends his arms behind his back, legs stretched into a perfect split.

“Delivering justice onto this cruel and unusual world.”

“Whoever trashed me on social media is not worth it, Vitya.”

(Or: in which they're happily married, coaching Russia's and Japan's next great skaters, and Victor Nikiforov remains the clingiest, thirstiest man on the face of this planet.)

How to Surprise Your Fiancé With Pork: An Honest Walkthrough by Viktor Nikiforov by @orchids-and-fictional-cities [T, 5K]

The thing with Viktor is that once he’s set his mind on something, there is a very very minuscule chance of him not following through on said thing.

He wants to do something for Yuuri: partly as a Valentine’s Day gift, partly as a prelude to Worlds, and partly ‘just because’. It’s somewhere between dwelling on the abstract thought of Yuuri’s hunger as a competitor, and watching the younger skater on Facetime with his mother back home, that an idea starts to form.

--

This is how Katsuki Yuuri, the love of his life, the apple of his eye, the fire of his loins et cetera, ad infinitum, finds Viktor when he walks into the door: standing precariously with one foot on a barstool and the other on top of his counter, frantically fanning at his smoke detector with a magazine.

i've been up nights making you my god by @kevystel [G, 3K]

The flight is twelve hours and Yuuri sleeps the whole time, head on Viktor’s shoulder, hand curled in Viktor’s jacket pocket underneath their shared blanket, earbuds buzzing a quiet insect harmony in the space between their throats. Viktor snores. Yuuri drools.

(Or, Viktor Nikiforov is very much in love and doesn't know how to deal with it)

In Celebration of an Off-Season by ayn2390 / @rougeandtonic [T, 4K]

"Your coach thinks you've worked hard this year. He thinks you deserve to relax."

"And what does my fiance think?" Yuuri asks.

Victor smirks mischievously and says, "Well, your fiance is looking forward to seeing your belly again."

in the spaces between by sixpences / @thetwoguineabook

Yuuri's life in St Petersburg is spread between four languages.

Losing Never Felt So Good by Ashida / @captain-erwinmerica [M, 1K]

He’d never had to stay on his toes this much before, never had to watch himself and be aware of his surroundings, because their latest game had been going on for weeks now and it wasn’t going to stop any time soon. He hoped it never did.

In which Victor and Yuuri compete against each other for the silliest things, and Victor couldn't be happier.

Naked Body, Naked Souls by @mypoorfaves [E, 3K]

“Have I ever told you,” comes Victor’s soft murmur, “that I’m not afraid to be naked in front of you?”

Yuuri hums a small laugh at the comment, memories of Victor standing proudly in his family’s hot springs, naked as the day he was born, flashing through his mind. “It seems you have no problem being naked in front of the entire world,” Yuuri replies, but Victor only shakes his head.

“There’s a difference between wearing no clothes and being naked,” he says. “I’m not afraid to be naked in front of you, Yuuri.”

Of Adoration and Heart Conditions by smudgesofink [T, 2K]

“Coffee?” Victor offers, for a lack of things to say, and raises his own cup.

“Coffee.” Yuuri parrots. He blinks, intrigued, and then shuffles nearer until he’s close enough to pull on Victor’s hands supporting the mug, his fingertips radiating warmth from where they brush against Victor’s skin. Yuuri takes a sip, closing his eyes, and makes the first happy noise at the back of his throat.

Victor almost swoons.

(Is swooning one of the symptoms of a heart condition? Is Victor dying?)

In which Yuuri is too beautiful in the mornings and Victor may or may not be having a heart attack because of it.

R/Ridiculous by phoenixwings [G, 2K]

I [32M] have to do laundry twice a week now because my husband [28M] keeps wearing my clothes, but I don’t want to ask him to stop because he looks so good in them. What should I do?

Yuuri glanced over the replies, most of which were some variation of “please stop posting these, you’re clogging up the feed”. Yuuri smirked as he wrote his own response.

Buy more clothes.

-quadflipkatsudon

In which Yuuri leaving his laptop open somehow leads to his husband being ridiculous on Reddit.

Safety Hazards in St. Petersburg by @lucycamui [E, 4K]

In which Yuuri moves in with Victor in St. Petersburg and Victor discovers just how distracting living with him can be.

Alternatively titled, How Many Ways Can Victor Hurt Himself? or Idiots in Love

snapshots from the edge of forever by @alykapediaaa [T, 2K]

video description: a three-minute compilation of Yuuri chasing after dogs and petting them.

12,421 likes

v-nikiforov My husband, the dog whisperer.

(Five snapshots from the Katsuki-Nikiforov Honeymoon.)

the soft animal of your body by @stammiviktor [E, 6K]

It happens like this every March, in the run-up to Worlds and the tail-end of winter. Somewhere during the ten-hour days of drills and run-throughs and conditioning, Viktor begins to go numb.

Yuuri warms him against his skin, brings back feeling everywhere he touches, but the cold sinks deeper within Viktor than even his husband can go.

Viktor and Yuuri have been married a year, living together for three, but are still learning new ways to take care of one another.

the st. petersburg rules by @thehandsingsweapon [T, 4K]

two people who live together always make rules. these are some of viktor's and yuuri's.

(in which we consider: the dishes, the laundry, the terrible things the refrigerator has seen, and how viktor wins all the important fights without ever making yuuri lose them).

--

ETA - Other people's rec:

@sophialala1 recs her own fics Stranger Danger, The past is the past..., and You and me against the world

[detroitbecomeyandere]

Could I please have the full alphabet for either Markus, Ralph, or Jerry? You can choose whoever is your favorite. Take as much time as you need, I know how difficult it is to write sometimes. I hope you’re doing okay in quarantine! Stay safe.

I'm going to go ahead and do Markus for this one, but feel free to request the others after this! Also I'm doing okay, I got hurt at work so I'm dealing with that right now too. But I hope you are doing good too anon!

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Markus is very loving a doting after sex, he always pulls you in tight for cuddles, holding you close and running his hands through your hair or rubbing circles into your back. He'll ask you if you need any water or if you want to take a shower.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

Markus rather enjoys your neck, he likes to mark it with little kisses and hickeys.

On himself Markus favors his hands, he loves feeling you in them, running them over your curves, your neck. His hands give him control over you and everything that touches you.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum)

The android will cum everywhere, your chest, deep in your pussy/ass, down your throat, on your back, your thighs, Markus will cum anywhere and everywhere on you.

D = Dirty secret (a dirty secret of theirs)

Markus loves marking you with his cum like stated before, but he gets off on just the thought of it. He has clips of you saved covered in his  seed escaping from your lips and rolling down your chest, tears in the corner of your eyes, the images bring out a sense of sadistic pride in the man.

E = Experience (how experienced are they?)

Markus has absolutely no experience lol, that being said he does have knowledge on human anatomy and what will be most pleasurable for you.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Markus enjoys any position where he can be close to you, if he had to pick a favorite it would be probably be missionary or some sort of variation of it.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment?)

Markus isn't super serious during sex, he tries his best to make you feel comfortable in the moment. If he thinks you need to laugh he will try to make you laugh(really it's just him feeling guilty that he's kidnapped you.)

H = Hair (how well groomed are they?)

I imagine Markus was created with very little body hair, Kamski seems like the kind of man to like little to no body hair on either men or women.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment?)

Markus is very intimate during sex, to him sex is the the time where he cam focus solely on you.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Markus doesn't jack off very often and the only time he would is when he is away from you for a while. When he does jack off he plays back his memories of the two of you having sex.

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Surprisingly Markus is into bondage, on either one of you. He especially likes it when your hands are bound behind your back and you are helpless to whatever he wants to do to you.

L = Location (favorite places to do the Devil's tango)

Markus prefers to have sex with you in the bedroom, to him it's more special that way.

M = Motivation (what turns them on)

His secret spank bank of you, when he sees you passionate about something, you showing an interest in the revolution is a massive turn on for him.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do)

He would never do anything that caused you pain (unless you are into that sort of thing ;p) Markus loves you with all his artificial heart. So doing anything that would physical harm you would be completely off limits.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving)

As much as Markus likes giving, he loves receiving more. It all goes back to his dirty secret, he loves to see his cum drip over your sweet lips, loves to hear the noises you make around his shaft (secretly he loves to hear your gags and little choking sounds when he thrusts a little to deep into your throat), it all just send delicious shivers down his spine.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough or slow and sensual?)

More often than not Markus is slow and sensual when it comes to sex, he feels this is a better way to display his love to you. There are times when he is rough with you though, like after you have tried to escape or harm him, he doesn't take you immediately after the incident but the first time you have sex after it will be rough and fast.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies)

He tried to do it once with you and he didn't really care for it, he prefers the intimacy of traditional sex.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment?)

I think Markus is up for a little bit of experimentation, he will never go to far for fear of hurting you.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for?)

Markus can go for 2 or 3 rounds on most days, as all androids he has high stamina than humans do but still not as high as say Cyrus (RK900).

T = Toys (do they own toys?)

You are the only toy he needs baby ;p

Markus got a vibrator after he brought you to your new home to spice up sex life sometimes, mostly he just likes to watch you use it.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Markus isn't a huge tease, but he does enjoy teasing you enough to get you to whine and beg for his touch every now and then.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make)

Surprisingly Markus is actually loud in bed and very vocal in how he feels. Everytime you tighten around his shaft he tells you just how good you are making him feel, it's not dirty talk per say, he just wants you to know how amazing you are making him feel and how perfect you are for him. As he cums he will whisper into your ear about how the two of you were made for each other.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

He likes to watch you get yourself off, he will sit at the foot of the bed and give you orders on how to touch yourself, how fast to go, weither you can cum or not.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on in those pants)

Markus has a little above average package, at around 6 and half inches long and a thick boi. The head of his penis is pretty sensitive and turns a shade of deep blue when he is very turned on.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Markus has a relatively normal sex drive.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

Markus will lay awake for hours afterwards, just watching you sleep, listening to your breath, holding you close to him as possible.

~Beau

[brookewhitney]

Social and Experiential Aspects of E-Shopping

According to Mirriam-Webster’s dictionary, to “shop”, when used as a verb, means “to examine goods or services with intent to buy”, or “to hunt through a market in search of the best buy” (n.d.). The third definition likely moves more towards the online aspect of shopping, as it reads “to make a search” or “hunt” (n.d.). While shopping, in the bare-bones definition, is nothing more than merely searching for products that fits a customer's wants or needs, when we look at the vast amount of data that surrounds what makes a great shopping experience for consumers, we find that it is far more than finding the best deals or even finding the best quality products. What also makes or breaks the sale is the experience that the consumer has while visiting the website and even opening the package for the first time when it arrives. With the wide array of e-commerce platforms out there, consumers want more than to just find their product. If the companies want their loyalty, then they will also provide them with the experience that will supply said loyalty.

When looking at why consumers prefer brick and mortar stores over e-commerce stores, the book “Internet Retailing and Future Perspectives” mentions that most of the surveyed participants liked the fact that in-person shopping was more “sociable” than in an online retail setting (Pantano, Nguyen, Dennis, Merrilees, & Gerlach, 2017, p. 111). In fact, they go on to say that “Internet shopping is not a personal experience. You cannot try and see what you’re buying… Shopping… [should] be very sociable” (Pantano, et al., 2017, p. 111). When questioned further, the surveyors found that participants also liked the fact that brick and mortar stores tended to have better, and more personal, “customer service” employees working with them to find the best solution to whatever the consumers needed while at the store (Pantano, et al., 2017, p. 111). While shopping online, consumers can understandably lose that touch, because they have not entered a new environment, nor have they seen anyone new when entering a website. The problem is, without these changes, the consumer is no longer immersed within the entire shopping experience. Instead, they may simply be at home, in the same couch or chair that they usually inhabit, and scrolling through another website that looks interesting, but may not necessarily be catching their attention.

This is where the new wave of shopping online is going to thrive: Experiential eCommerce.

According to Marketing Interactive (2020), “Experiential eCommerce is a customer-centric strategy that strengthens the bond between brands and consumers through a virtualised shopping experience” (Belchere, para. 5). This type of shopping experience can be as simple as recommending a product based on what the consumer searched for previously (Wylie, 2020, para. 14), or something as complex as introducing an element within a 3D version of the store that not only changes appearance given the time of day, but even changes given the weather that the consumer is experiencing on their end (Belchere, 2020, para. 16). With personalization models such as this, it is helping the consumer enter the world of online retailing, feeling more immersed because what they are experiencing currently within their world is what they are also experiencing in the online world as well. If the website does this strategically enough so as to look innovative without appearing a bit too close to home, this could help bring more consumers in, and really help change the way that businesses approach the idea behind online retailing.

Another idea businesses can incorporate in order to bring consumers who love the social aspects of traditional retailing back into the online shopping platform is to offer personal shoppers, or personal stylists, to video chat with consumers while they shop (Briedis, Kronschnabl, Rodriguez, & Ungerman, 2020, para. 13). This type of shopping can be done by setting up a “virtual [appointment]” with the sales person, then during that appointment, the “sales [associate uses a videoconferencing platform] to offer personalized attention to customers” (Briedis, et al., 2020, para. 13). This type of attention would help provide a more one-on-one experience that consumers may remember fondly from back when they had physically gone shopping in the past, therefore providing a better feeling while shopping with this retailer over other retailers who do not offer this personalized option. While this type of shopping would be largely ideal for those who have shopped at the place before, and thus know what they are looking for, smaller businesses could theoretically use this mode of shopping as well to show customers what they have to offer. This style of shopping would also allow the consumer to ask any questions about the individual products at the store, the shipping methods that are used in this business, and all the while getting to know the owner of the store in a more personal manner. With an option such as this for small businesses, this could help them further connect with consumers who may have never walked into their shop before, and it also would help consumers find them and get to know them in a more personal way than they possibly would have if they had come in off the street. This way, at least, the two are expected to talk and get to know each other while the consumer shops, building relationships, and, through that, loyalty with the company.

While that is one option that a small business can take, it is far from the only one. Shopify released an article giving small businesses “5 Ways [They] Can Offer Experiential Retail Like Big Brands (Without Big Budgets)” (2020). In this article, one way that largely stood out was the idea of “In-store co-branding initiatives” (Voidonicolas, 2020, para. 40 - 42). While this does retract the idea of Experiential eCommerce instead of Experiential Retail, this mode of co-branding can be used for online events as well by utilizing live streaming on social media platforms. This can be very beneficial because, according to TechJury (2020), “The live streaming industry has grown by 99% between April 2019 and April 2020” (Yanev, list #9). The industry has expanded so much this past year that, according to Restream (2020), “91% of business streamers plan to keep streaming after COVID” because their business efforts while doing so were such a success (para. 33). Keeping this in mind, by allowing small businesses to perform online co-branding events, they are not only boosting their own content out to a new audience that may be similar to their own, but they are also boosting another small business in the community, therefore sharing business growth and encouraging relationship growth through communicating with their audiences during the stream. The idea could be as simple as “[popping] in” and featuring the products of the other business, while showing how it could pair with the original small business’ products as well to create something even better and unique (Voidonicolas, 2020, para. 42). By hosting these consistently with different business owners, or even the same business owners when they have new products to feature, the audience is able to stay engaged and excited for new products coming out, or finding out about new local businesses to support. With the addition of the comments interacting throughout the video and the business owners replying and giving shoutouts, this is bringing back the “social” aspect of shopping online that consumers may have missed when everything went more virtual.

While we continue our transition from traditional retail to e-retail, let us remember that shopping is more than a trip to find an item that is needed. It is an experience that brings multiple senses together, and a social event that can come from speaking with a sales associate, or chatting with a local business owner as they get excited over a new product they are selling. As we market to new consumers on various platforms, we must focus on finding pieces of traditional marketing that consumers cling to, and see how we can further replicate that feeling into the online platforms we work with every day. Paraphrasing Kyle Nel’s Tedx Talk, “How Science Fiction is Shaping the Future of Retailing” (2015), no matter how in doubt people are with the latest technology updates, we must always keep working forward through the steep incline of progress.

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Reference List:

Belchere, K. (2020, July 2). How experiential eCommerce virtualises the in-store experience. Marketing Interactive. https://www.marketing-interactive.com/how-experiential-e-commerce-virtualises-the-instore-experience

Briedis, H., Kronschnabl, A., Rodriguez, A., & Ungerman, K. (2020, May 14). Adapting to the next normal in retail: The customer experience imperative. McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/retail/our-insights/adapting-to-the-next-normal-in-retail-the-customer-experience-imperative

Merriam-Webster. (2021). “Shop” Definition. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shop

Pantano, E., Nguyen, B., Dennis, C., Merrilees, B., & Gerlach, S. (2017). Internet Retailing and Future Perspectives, Second Edition. Routledge.

Restream. (2020, December 9). The state of live streaming in 2020. https://restream.io/blog/state-of-live-streaming-2020/

TEDx Talks. (2015, March 30). How Science Fiction is Shaping the Future of Retailing | Kyle Nel | TEDxUniversidaddeNavarra[Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/k8tg-eL8Y68

Voidonicolas, R. (2020, February 6). 5 Ways Small Businesses Can Offer Experiential Retail Like Big Brands (Without Big Budgets). Shopify. https://www.shopify.com/retail/experiential-retail-for-smaller-brands

Wylie, C. (2020, October 16). How retailers can recreate the in-store customer experience online. The Drum Network. https://www.thedrum.com/opinion/2020/10/16/how-retailers-can-recreate-the-store-customer-experience-online

Yanev, V. (2020, July 2). 37+ Live Streaming Statistics Every Marketer Should Keep In Mind in 2020. TechJury. https://techjury.net/blog/live-streaming-statistics/

[shibalen]

♡ matchup for @imissleeandluke

hello! i am so sorry for the wait, i ended up in some rather unexpected situations ^^; anyhowdies, i think i've found nice matches for you!

(will add the 'read more' once tumblr desktop stops its shenanigans)

|| Kuroshitsuji: i match you with . . .

Undertaker

My first thought and I stick with it 100%. (External?) opposites attract type of situation? Firstly, Undertaker is too eccentric to be put off by your antisocial behavior. Once he takes an interest in you you're already strapped up and in for the ride.

What pulled him to you most was how closed off you were. He was immediately intrigued and wanted to know what more there was to you. Though given his sketchy mannerisms it was no surprise you didn't trust him at all for a while.

He's just as stubborn as you are and clever to say the least though so you two gradually began getting along. Eventually you realised you have more in common than you could have imagined!

It's a good thing you're interested in horror because being with this man means seeing plenty of gore among other horrifying things–it's a package deal.

He lOvEs your sense of humor, it's one of his favorite traits about you! He's not too different in that aspect, and we know he appreciates laughter so being with you never fails to make him giggle. Dirty jokes, sarcasm - lay it all on him. He's glad to have someone to finally find his jokes funny too.

You tease each other so much some might question if you're a couple at all. You both have already agreed to let them use their imagination instead of giving a straight answer.

Saying he was delighted to learn about your childish side is an understatement. Whenever you act like it, in a good or bad way, he'll find it cute and just chuckle to himself and join you.

Y'all play tag and hide-n-seek in the funeral parlor, it's chaotic. And speaking of, if you're not getting pranked you're in on one with Undertaker oof–

Sing for him while he's working and he'll hum along. He really likes hearing your voice and as much as he'd think it'd funny to ruin it by intentionally singing badly, it's more worth listening to you sing.

Be careful though, he'll try to take your hobby for shopping to his advantage. Whenever you go out for fun he'll try to convince you to get him a long list of stuff that's a pain to carry. No matter how he tries to seduce you into it you have to firmly refuse otherwise he will keep at it.

"It's good exercise~ I'll give you an award later~ You get one book from my archive~" etc.

The closest thing to competition you will have are corpses, so you don't have to worry about anyone stealing him from you -w-y

Though sometimes when you get mad at him for being too wrapped up in work, he'll only tease you further by melodramatically talking to his "guests" aloud.

"Dear me, I think she's ignoring us. What a shame. Why do you think that is, hmm? Could it be . . . jealousy?"

He has so many nicknames for you. Darling, dear, doll, sweetheart, poppet . . . Your rections to them are priceless to him.

He will ask you to bake cookies for him but you've already stopped accepting his each and every request because you know he'll just eat everything by himself. He loves your baking that much.

On other days Undertaker will bake for you and have you guess what he used for a secret ingredient. oh boy.

You both are no doubt a mystery to many but that doesn't matter to either of you. I suppose that's one of the reasons why you fit so well together?

Runner up: Mei-Rin

|| OHSC: i match you with . . .

Haruhi Fujioka

It was ultimately your strong moral centre as a Griffindor that made me put you together. Haruhi would love you for not letting something you stand for be walked over. That, plus your personality and interests? It's safe to say she's whipped.

Haruhi is more an ambivert but she definitely understands your dislike towards socializing, at least partly. Some people can be very annoying. So, unless it's necessary, she won't insist you go anywhere or talk to people you don't want to.

In some situations she'll be like your representative in communication and it's adorable. She doesn't mind at all, as long as you're content and comfortable ♡

There was likely a painfully long period of friendship before you two got together, and an even longer period of acquaintance-ship prior to that. At first you talked just to discuss some schoolwork but gradually grew closer as time passed. Haruhi liked you more and more as she got to know you and was very patient with you opening up to her.

She first noticed your independance and honesty (as a Griffindor). Having been surrounded by spoiled rich people for so long, Haruhi saw those traits as a breath of fresh air! She was honestly a little taken aback later seeing your childish side but bounced back quickly, learning to accept and love it. She'll be there to watch your back in case you might go overboard.

She takes playful teasing well amd might even strike back, but your dirty jokes will never fail to make her blush /// (it's funny cause it only happens when you make them)

She doesn't entirely understand your tendency to get jealous easily, being more laid-back. That being said, she never makes you jealous on purpose! If it somehow happens anyway and she notices you're feeling down because of it, she immediately gives you her attention.

Later when you're alone together she tries to make up for it. She makes you sweets and your favorite hot drink and you spend the remnants of the day enjoying a nice indoor date, watching horror movies while snuggled up, reading, singing karaoke, just the two of you.

Sarcasm duo™ that's all.

While you tend to be stubborn Haruhi's more peaceful so you don't have to worry about intense fights. She'll give in 9/10 times because she hates arguing with you. You're so important to her🥺

Take her shopping with you! She's so used to saving up so with your help she'll be able to loosen up a little every once in a while. At the end of the day she'll be grateful, you both will be laughing to your hearts content and you get to see one of the most adorable smiles directed only at you.

Baking dates at your place are frequent! You teach her some handy tips and tricks and she shares her mother's recipes with you. Kisses while getting bits of batter or cream off the other's face are super sweet ♡

h e i g h t d i f f e r e n ce

You two wearing matching sweaters is too powerful a concept. If you do it, the boys in the host club won't be able to handle it and neither will I. It's too cute💀

Alongside with being a couple, you'd be best friends. Your relationship would be built on strong, mutual trust and respect. Haruhi feels so lucky to have you!

Runner up: Kaoru Hitachiin

thank you for requesting and i hope you have a lovely day! also, any feedback you might have is always be appreciated ♡