#this damn decor took me a few days of cursing

[misctf]

Christmas Curse

Hey everyone! Happy Holidays. If you have any holiday-themed asks, I will try to prioritize those. Hope you enjoy this story!

“Yeah, yeah Stacy, I know.” Matt grumbles, “You’ll be here soon. Got it.” He rolls his eyes, “ Jesus Stacy, I got the kids their presents. I know how to be a dad.” He hangs up, “Fuckin’ bitch.” He mumbles.

Matt yawns and starts preparing his morning coffee. He was going to need it. While he didn’t really mind having his kids over, he did hate having to see his ex-wife. Always nagging him, even after they signed the papers. It was that nagging that drove him to cheat on her with one of his clients at the gym. At least that’s how he justified it. A small frown formed on his lips as he sips his coffee.

“First Christmas since the divorce.” He mumbles, looking around his empty apartment, “Damn.” A part of him starts to feel guilty- his kids deserved better. No decorations, no tree, not even a single light, “Fuck. I won’t hear the end of this.” His thoughts return to his ex-wife.

He quickly walks to his closet where he had a few things that he got from the house after the divorce. He sighs as he realizes most of the decorations he took were broken- likely due to how unceremoniously he treated them during the move.

“Oh god.” He grimaces as he pulls out their Elf on the Shelf, “Terrifying little fucker.” He chuckles, “Yeah, you got me good, Stacy.”

It was the one decoration Stacy insisted he take in the divorce. Likely because of how much it creeped him out. Just another petty move on her part, he figured. Yet part of him can’t help but smile. His kids loved the thing.

“I guess this’ll do.” He quickly walks back to the kitchen and places it lamely on a chair.

He walks over to grab his coffee and upon turning around, he raises an eyebrow. The damn thing was on the ground. Matt walks over and quickly places it back on the chair, making sure there was no way it could fall.

“Creepy fucker.” He mumbles, turning around again.

Thump

“Really?” Matt turns back to find it on the ground again, “Seriously, what the hell?” He picks it up and looks at it closely, “Stay put.” He realizes he sounds insane- talking to an inanimate object.

“Make me.” Matt’s eyes widen as he realizes the decoration just talked to him. Its eyes blinking. Its giggles echoing in his ears.

“Gah what the fuck!?”

Matt cries out as it bites down firmly on his thumb and he throws it across the room. He stares at the small teeth marks on his thumb and watches as the little demon scurries away, its giggling filling his apartment. Matt’s breath became heavier as he stumbled to the kitchen sink and started cleaning out his cut. His thoughts were racing and he was feeling dizzy.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck...” He’s mumbling to himself, and he shakily grabs his cup of coffee.

But when the bitter liquid touches his tongue he gags and drops the mug. Its disgusting. Bitter, sour, and he spits out as much as he can. He quickly rushes to his fridge, looking for anything that might get that disgusting taste out of his mouth. But none of his protein shakes look appealing, nor does almond milk or his protein smoothies. Matt doesn’t know what compels him, but he grabs the chocolate milk he got his kids last time they visited. Without much thought, he begins to guzzle it, downing the carton in a matter of seconds.

“So good...” He giggles, wiping his mouth.

His eyes widen at the realization of what he just did. He just ruined his macros for the day without even thinking about it. At least the taste from the coffee was gone. Matt shakes his head- realizing he has bigger things to worry about. He needed to find that elf. As his thoughts return to his predicament, he can hear a giggle coming from the bedroom.

“Fudger...” Matt mumbles, “Fudger? No I meant fudger! What the fudge?” He shakes his head, trying to curse, “Sugar plums... I need to find that thINg.”

Frustrated at his inability to curse, and the strange cracking of his voice, Matt rushes to his room. Desperate to find the monster and give it back to Stacy. Of course she gave him a cursed doll. And as he storms down the hallway, he absentmindedly scratches at his beard. The hairs falling away, leaving his cheeks smooth and hairless. Unbeknownst to him, they take on a rosier complexion, filling out slightly and becoming rounder.

“ThERe you ARe.” Matt’s voice cracks as he notices the decoration sitting atop his tall dresser, “Come here.”

Matt approaches his dresser and reaches to grab it but finds his arms no longer reach the top of it. The elf grins and teases Matt, reaching out to Matt, who is unable to grab it. Just missing ever so slightly. The personal trainer is growing frustrated, now standing on his tippee toes as he desperately swats at the elf.

“Why can’t I reach it?” Matt thinks. At 6’3” he never had an issue reaching the top of the dresser.

And as he lifts his arms above his hand, he catches a whiff from his exposed pits. But it’s not his musk that invades his nostrils. No, it’s sweet. Like gingerbread and holly. He lowers his arms, not even registering that his pit hair has vanished.

“What’s happening to me?” He whispers, his voice softer. The masculine edge diminished. He looks up at the elf, who is smiling at him, “What did you do to me?”

Matt turns and looks over at his full body mirror. A high-pitched gasp leaves his mouth as he catches a glimpse of himself. He’s short... at least 5’4”. And his muscles look softer. He saunters over to the mirror, feeling his smooth face, rubbing a hand through his dissipating chest hairs. His tokens of masculinity vanishing at an alarming rate. His face cute- elfish even. Just like... just like...

“No, no, no!” Matt’s voice has settled on its higher tenor, “Stop this!” He hisses, hating how pouty his voice sounds, “Please! I...” He turns to confront the elf.

But it’s no longer on the dresser. Matt’s heart is pounding in his chest as he swings back to watch the changes continue. He grunts as his meaty pecs let out a hissing sound and deflate before his eyes. Days of chest flies and bench pressing seem to reverse themselves as his chest becomes flat, his two nipples becoming perkier and sensitive to the cool air in his apartment. He can’t help but massage his flat chest with his dainty and smooth hands. Part of him enjoying how cute he looks, another part utterly horrified at the loss of his gains.  

“Wait, please don’t... not my arms!”

In a moment of lucid thought, he realizes that his impressive tris and bis are releasing the same hissing sounds. Rapidly becoming stick-like and nonthreatening. Matt feels tears well up in his eyes. He loved to flex- to show off to his clients. He loved holding women in his muscular arms. How they would run their hands along them and his abs... His abs! He watches as they too smooth over and vanish, giving him a lean tummy. His treasure trail, another symbol of his masculinity has similarly vanished. The hairs falling to the ground, leaving Matt smooth.

“Oh god...” Matt feels for his Adam’s apple and frowns, “Even my voice...” He stumbles backwards and slides down the wall, “Oh!” He moans as his inflated ass cushions him, “Wh-what...?” He moans as he feels his larger ass. His hands filling with the flesh of his larger, jiggling mounds, “Ohhhhh...”

He gives them a squeeze, part of him embarrassed at how sensitive they are. At how each squeeze causes his dick to harden with pleasure. And as he moans again, he can’t help but realize that the bulge in his pants becomes less prominent. While part of him screams to stop, the pleasure he’s getting from just squeezing his ass overpowers any remaining willpower he might have. When he finally does pull his hands away from his ass and looks down his pants, his heart sinks. His dick has settled on 2 inches hard. Far from the thick meat women would beg for. And while part of him wanted to cry, to beg to return to his masculine form, another part urged him to give his ass another squeeze. And he did. Again and again and again...

It was a few hours later when he heard a knock at his door. Matt was lying face down, ass in the air, his dainty hands massaging his thicc ass. He slowly pushes himself up and giggles. His rosy cheeks rounding out more as a smile forms on his cute face. He quickly walks over to the closet where he rummages through tank-tops and hoodies.

“So ugly and boring...” Matt thinks as he hums a Christmas tune to himself.

And then he finds it. He never really remembered buying it, but the red footie pajamas, white fluffy mittens, and Santa hat are absolutely perfect. He quickly puts them on and walks over to the mirror.

“Ohhh I look so good!” He giggles, lifting his leg and doing a twirl.

Part of him registers that he looks exactly like the elf. A near perfect, human replica. And while he feels deep down this is wrong, that he isn’t some elf-like, twink with a big ass, he can’t imagine being anything else.

“No please! Let me out!” Matt’s giggling stops as he listens closely to the voice in his head. And when he stares in the mirror, he sees who he used to be. A desperate fear in the man’s eyes, “Please! I’m not...”

“Shhhhh!” Giggling fills the air, “We have a lot to do!”

Matt leaves the mirror, the sound of sobbing echoing deep within his brain. But Matt can’t be bothered right now. He quickly swings open the door and grins when he sees Stacy.

“Stacy!” He sings, “Merry Christmas Eve!”

Stacy grins, “Seems like you found my gift.” She says, “I just came by to pick up the presents for the kids. I think they should stay with me this Christmas.”

Matt frowns, “Alright... It’s not like I’m ready for Christmas anyway.” He pouts, crossing his arms.

Matt watches as Stacy leaves with the few presents he got for his kids. Internally, Matt is begging to be freed. This isn’t what he wanted. This wasn’t... His thoughts slow as he feels hands grip his massive ass. The two Matts moaning in unison. Their minds melding in the midst of their shared pleasure. And internally, Matt realizes it’s too late. As the new Matt opens up Grindr to find a hairy daddy to fuck his brains out, Matt realizes by the time Christmas morning comes around, he and this new Matt will be one.

As he dreads his future, he can hear a giggle coming from down the hall. One last mocking laugh from the elf on the shelf.

[nightcityvngel]

"The info you requested is on the shard. Pleasure doing business with you." The awesome Blue belongs to @lokismindtricks

[wintersera]

special gift || g!p karina x f!reader

notes: merry christmas!! hope y’all enjoy this smutfic… also “short fic” my ass i got carried away again 😭

cw: g!p karina, top!karina, bottom!reader, somnophilia, established relationship

wc: 1.7k

having a girlfriend who was one of the top idols in the industry was seriously a pain in the ass. sure you were lucky with dating THE karina from hit south korean girl group aespa, but fuck, you hated whenever jimin was basically never at home. during comebacks she was always booked and busy, and unfortunately this year, her schedules were packed tightly; solo gigs, advertisements, photoshoots on top of show after show, variety show shoots, etc.

you had cursed lee-fuckass-sooman for being such a shitty ceo and never letting his idols take a short break, even for christmas. all that cursing and manifesting towards that man in hopes that he would do something pulled through, because guess what, you woke up to the sound of your phone going off, a text message from your beloved girlfriend.

you honestly were tired as fuck, you knocked out as soon as she said ‘wait for me’, but with all the anticipation and adrenaline of seeing your girlfriend for the first time, in what? a few months, you were too excited to sleep any longer than an hour.

up at the ass crack of dawn cleaning your entire apartment, every single room had to be spotless, cleaned to perfection, shiny to the point of where you can see your face. not only that, but with christmas being literally today, you had to put up last minute decorations since you were too lazy to set up everything during your finals week, although you were busy as hell, so you couldn’t really decorate regardless, anything for your girlfriend i guess.

cleaning the entire apartment took hours, you were at it for so long that you didn’t even realise it was noon, and then decorating took way too long that in a flash it was already the evening and the sun was setting. oh shit, you realised jimin would be coming home soon, and you had no present to give her.

unless….

anyways, as a little treat, since jimin hadn’t seen you in so damn long, you thought it would be nice to dress up for her. even though you will be staying inside with her all day, dressing as santa would be on theme. rummaging through your closet, you find an off shoulder santa dress you bought last year for a party, pairing that with a set of lingerie, yeah you could be jimin’s ‘present’.

it was getting late, really really late, and even though you knew jimin said she was gonna come home at god knows what time, you couldn’t help but feel a little disheartened. you checked your phone, 11:07pm, no messages, no calls from her. you wondered if she stayed behind, knowing her, she would’ve stayed helping someone out if they really needed her, she was kind like that.

you laid on the couch feeling sleepy, all the effort put into making your apartment look presentable and christmas-y took a large toll on your body. seconds go by and you feel your eyes shutting, and your body relaxing.

thirty minutes.

the jingling of jimin’s keys could be heard from a few metres away. she knocked excitedly at the door expecting you to open up and jump into her arms, but nothing. she thought it was a little strange, you’d always opened the door and greeted her with a grin whenever she was able to visit, however you didn’t answer, not even your phone.

jimin thanked you for giving her spare keys just in case a situation like this happened, or a situation where she wanted to surprise you after your uni classes. has it happened? a few of times, yes. she came to your apartment and diligently waited for you with a cake on the table. but besides that, jimin waltzed into the apartment sighing and unzipping her massive puffer jacket “baby i’m home” her voice trailing off as she notices you sleeping on the couch “aww, did you doze off waiting for me? you’re so cute y/n” she was kind enough to lift you up and carry you to the bed, but only a few seconds later she realises what you were wearing.

jimin gently places you on top of your blanket, her face tinted a slight shade of red, your skirt hiked up a little for her to see. she pressed a shaky hand on her lips, wondering if she should really do what she was thinking, knowing you, she thought it would be okay. you’ve established this before, if it comes to jimin coming back to yours and you’re fast asleep, you told her it would be one hundred percent okay for her to wake you up by fucking you.

she sighs heavily and coughs, her hand shakily steadying herself on the bed, hovering right above you. with ease, she took off your dress leaving you with your lingerie on “why’d you have to be asleep. i’m so hard right now you don’t understand” her pants becoming increasingly uncomfortable with every passing second. caressing your skin gently before she unhooked the bra hook at the front, she begins to tease around your already hard nipples, building up her own arousal. a soft mewl escapes your lips, jimin’s teasing gradually turning into heated touches. each touch amplified your moaning, which in favour made jimin reach her breaking point, sliding her cargos off easily, she frantically tugs at the waistband of her boxers before tending to your panties.

spreading your legs apart so she can slot herself in between your thighs, you gradually come into consciousness, blinking your eyes a few times before your vision clears up “mmm… jimin?” you whispered, voice a little husky.

“finally, you’re awake. can we, you know… have sex?” she asks seriously. you giggle at the older girl, you look at her dearly.

“of course we can” noted, she draws herself closer, so close that her lips tickle your own. your arms wrap around jimin’s neck pulling her down, kissing her sweetly and softly. as she gives into the slow kiss, jimin adjusts herself comfortably between your legs, her hard cock against your bare pussy “you’re already hard” you say as you break the kiss.

“you look too cute, i couldn't help it” giggling as she pecks your lips twice before she turns your face to the side slowly kissing your jaw all the way down to your neck “were you dressed as my christmas gift?” huffing each time she stops kissing your neck.

“y-yeah” voice wavering “sorry i wanted to greet you, but i got too sleepy” you whimper softly as she pushes the tip of her cock slowly inside of your pussy.

“that’s okay, i know you did this all for me” you hum happily as she kisses your cheek, “you’ve made christmas so special, and i didn’t get you anything either, so let me treat you tonight” jimin licks her lips in arousal, attentively watching you wince as she pushes the rest of her length inside. one thing jimin loved about being intimate with you is the way you were so reactive to her touches, she always loved how easy it was to make you call out her name while your hands gripped her arm. the way you got so lost in pleasure, the way you sweetly moaned with each thrust, how you had to have your hands somewhere on jimin’s body just to feel even closer, jimin loved it all.

jimin began rolling her hips, her cock being long enough to hit almost every spot that made you squirm beneath her “how are you feeling, does my cock make you feel good?” you couldn’t answer simply with words, rather you responded with rapid ‘hm’s’ and ‘mhm’s’ all while she drove herself deeper. she leaned down and pressed her lips against yours once again, this time sliding in her tongue. you moaned into her mouth, her passion and skill making you feel dizzy and weak from the overwhelming pleasure you were receiving. jimin grinned into the kiss, knowing that she was the only one who could make you feel this way made her heart flutter.

she kept pumping in and out, quickening up the pace in one second, and then stopping abruptly the other second, just to see you hit her shoulder lightly and tell her to speed up while you moved your hips around her shaft, then suddenly speeding up again, catching you off guard and making you yelp.

she continues to rock hard and fast, giving you no time to think for yourself. your stomach plummets feeling like you were about to explode “fu.. fuck. jimin, i- i feel like i’m gonna cum” any other words after sounded like a bunch of garbled nonsense, the words ‘close’ being repeated a few times. to bring you closer to the edge, jimin took her fingers, put them softly into your mouth for you to suck them obediently, took them out and rubbed your clit slow circles. you moaned loud in response, her fingers skilfully playing with your clit as her thrusts grew harsher and consistent.

“ah… me too, god i’m so close-“ jimin kept going, her harsh thrust weakened her arms, forcing her to press her body against yours. she couldn’t take it much longer, her cock twitching and her tip overly sensitive “gonna.. i’m gonna cum, fuck” her hips jolted, her face nuzzling in between your neck as she attempts to hide a long moan. not so long after, you followed in suit, feeling her warm semen filling the insides of your pussy made you lose it. you gripped jimin’s bicep as you threw your head onto the soft pillow, legs twitching in response to jimin’s fingers still rubbing your clit.

a few seconds of relishing in ecstasy go by, you and your lover breathing heavily, catching your breath while you caress jimin’s hair lovingly. you tapped her shoulder “you okay baby?” she got up from between your neck, her baby hairs sticking to her forehead,

“merry christmas babe” smiling sweetly as she kisses your forehead, “i’m okay, it felt too good i almost blacked out” she pulled out, watching you again as you frowned subtly. jimin held back a giggle, you were just too cute “come on babe, let's get up. i’ll run a bath for the both of us”

“you’re so sweet jimin, i love you so much”

“i love you too y/n, merry christmas you cutie”

[aliendes]

One More Day (S.Coups)

a/n: SURPRISE! posting a day early cause ill be out of town tomorrow. here is 64 pages or 33k words of a cheol Christmas fic! reminders to HEAD THE WARNINGS, there is some deep stuff in this one. MDNI as always, esp since there is an added smut scene at the end. alsooooo remember this is a rewrite to a fic i did in 2020, so if it feels familiar, that is why. there are lots of addedd things and scenes, tho so hopefully it feels different enough. i only proofread this once cause its a doozy so if you see mistakes or I need to update tags PLS let me know. anywayyyyys, here's my behemoth of a fic. enjoy! warnings under the cut

w/c: 33.3k~ whoooooooooa!

banners & images made by me!

warnings: NSFW, smut MDNI, minor character deaths, talks of car accidents, su*cide attempt, talks of past attempts, reader is depressed af, drinking, eating, reader smokes cigarettes (its a plot point ok), cheol maybe ooc?, kissing, cursing, fingering, oral fem receiving, soft sex, messy dirty sex but make it loving, breeding kink KIND OF, p in v sex, no protection reader is on birth control, blonde seungcheol (yes that's a warning) and joshua is an asshole for the first half of the fic don't worry it gets better. let me know if I missed anything

You stood on the deck of your parents cabin, staring out at the frozen over lake, shrouded in darkness. You couldn’t remember what time it was, or really even what day it was, just that you needed to get away for awhile. Your breath was turning into white clouds around your face, and then drifting up into the atmosphere. It was calming in a way. Freezing, but calming. 

It was the middle of December, nearly Christmas, what used to be your favorite time of year. You and your mom, dad, and older brother Joshua would come up to this cabin and spend two weeks at the end of every year. Your dad and brother would always find the tallest tree for the living room of the cabin, with it’s high vaulted ceilings. You and your mom would spend hours decorating the tree, always turning out like a Better Homes & Garden magazine cover. Your mom loved to decorate, and she was damn good at it. You and Joshua would bake cookies together, despite your mom’s protests over Joshua being in the kitchen. He was always a disaster waiting to happen when you were younger, though that has changed with age. You can still taste the gingerbread like it was yesterday. You smiled slightly, remembering what Christmas used to be like. Now, Christmas was a shitty reminder of what used to be.

It’s been 7 years since the last time you were all together at this cabin. Nearly 6 years since your parents death, and 3 years since you last saw or spoke to your brother. You knew he was doing well, living it up in the big city of Seoul. He was a big-shot writer, and you would hear about him and his accomplishments through friends of friends or your neighborhood aunties. You were proud of him. Not that he would ever believe that, and it’s not like you would ever have the chance to tell him.

For the last few years, you had been coming up to the cabin alone. You always took two weeks off work and spent that time trying to keep your parents spirits alive in the form of Christmas cookies and movies. It was your own way of coping with their absence. Joshua found his ways of coping by blocking the memories out, you found yours in a glass of wine and a couple cigarettes out on this deck. Speaking of which, you should probably light one up now, you’ve been standing here for a while now.

Just as you were reaching in your pocket for your lighter, you heard a snapping sound from the left of the deck, startling you in your place, cigarette still hanging from your chapped lips. You turned your head towards the noise, face scrunched in confusion, almost giving yourself whiplash. No one should be out here at this time, you thought to yourself. You pocketed your lighter and took the cigarette between your fingers, slowly walking towards the edge of the deck. Sue you, you had a curious mind. Joshua always used to tell you it would get you killed one day. Not like you cared much anymore. 

“Holy shit!” you gasped, nearly throwing your cigarette, when you saw a figure walk out from between the trees lining your property and the one next to it. It was a man you didn’t recognize. You squint your eyes slightly to try and see better in the dark. He stepped closer to your with both hands raised in front of him as a way to placate you.

“Sorry! I’m sorry! I -” he started, but trailed off almost like he forgot what he was going to say. You raised a brow at him, still unsure of the stranger. “I’m Choi Seungcheol, I live next door. I promise I’m not a creep or anything, I just noticed you standing out here for a while and wanted to make sure you weren’t locked out or something, I - I, yeah that sounded creepy. I’m sorry.” He rushed out the last words, looking almost sheepish. 

Cute.

You stood there for a second too long, and Seungcheol, as you now knew him, looked almost like he was about to bolt back in the direction he came. “I - I’m sorry, I’ll g-”

“No, it’s ok.” You let out a deep sigh and chuckled darkly, no humor to be found. “You just startled me, is all.” You said with what you hoped was a small smile. It wasn’t, Seungcheol noted, but he didn’t care, just glad you were responding at all.

Another beat passes, “... so are you alright - did you need help?” He drawled, unsure of where the conversation was headed. 

“No, no. This is my par- mine- my house. Well, not my permanent house, but you probably already knew that.” You stuttered. He must’ve realized the house next door to him was vacant 11 months out of the year, right?

 “Ah yeah, I kind of figured that out.” he took a hesitant step forward. When he saw you weren’t running for the hills, he slowly made his way into the illumination provided by the floodlights on the back porch. You took in his features now that you could see them better. He had bleach blonde hair that looked a little fried, but that suited him nicely, large, doe-like brown eyes, and plump, cherry-like lips that were more than a little distracting. Had you not been in a crippling depression, you may have thought he was pretty handsome, you may have shot your shot with this pretty neighbor. He ran his hand through his yellow  locks, “This house is usually empty, I only notice it occupied around this time of year. I’m assuming it’s your vacation house? You said it’s your parents place, right?” He took hesitant steps up to the deck.

So he caught that. Damn. “Was.” You stated simply. “It was my parents place. It’s mine now, I come here alone.” Seungcheol knew that. He’s lived next door for 8 years now, on and off. Every Christmas for the last few years, you’d been alone. He wasn’t a creeper, but he did notice you smoking those nasty cigarettes out on this very deck, alone, every single year. He remembers you used to come here with someone. A boyfriend maybe? It wasn’t his place to ask. 

He’s at the bottom of the steps that lead up to your deck, looking up at you with an unreadable expression. Pity? No, there’s no way he knows what’s going on in your mind. He hesitates a moment before - “Are you ok?” 

The question catches you off guard. Were you ok? You knew the answer was a big, fat no. But was that something you should share with him? A near stranger? Aside from the obvious questions you had, when was the last time someone asked you that? You couldn’t remember anyone caring enough about you in the last few years to even utter those words to you. The only people you interacted with were your coworkers, who didn’t give a shit about your personal life. All your boss cared about was that you got the job done, not about your emotions. You almost wanted to trust this man, share with him how you’re feeling, God knows you need it. You’ve been staring at him for too long, he must think you’re crazy now. You shake your head slightly to rid yourself of the thought. “Yeah. Yeah I’m good.” You mutter, looking anywhere but his eyes. 

He pauses for a moment before speaking slowly. “Look, it’s not really my place to pry, but you’ve been standing out here in the freezing cold for over an hour.” Had it really been that long? Now that you think about it your hands and face were pretty freezing. “Do you want to maybe go inside?”

“With you?” you asked, slightly startled at his proposition. 

His eyes widen to the size of dinner plates, and you had a distant thought that he looked oddly adorable like that. “No! No, no. I mean unless you want to come to my house?” He half asked, slightly confused, eyes narrowing at his own question, shaking his head. “I just meant, you aren’t really dressed for the 3 degree weather, don’t you think you should maybe head back inside?” 

Oh. He was just being nice. You weren’t used to this. Leave it to you to jump to weird conclusions. You cocked your head to the side, looking at him with a dumb look. “Yeah…” you trailed off. “I was actually just about to smoke a cigarette, then I’ll head inside.” He gave you another unreadable look, and slowly started to nod.

“O- ok then.” He seemed like he wanted to say more, but stopped himself.

“Do you smoke?”

“Oh no, I don’t. Thank you though.” He said, rubbing the back of his neck and looking anywhere but at you, like he didn’t want to offend you.

“I’m not offended you know, I know most people think it’s a nasty habit.” You took the lighter back out of your front pocket and put the cigarette to your now very cold, very dry lips. “Want to sit with me?” You asked after you took your first drag of the cigarette.

Seungcheol looked back towards his house, and then back at you. “Yeah, let me go grab a coat and I’ll be right back.” he stuttered out. You hadn’t even noticed he was only wearing jeans and a flannel. Poor guy, you’ve been staring stupidly at him for at least 15 minutes, he must be freezing by now. 

“Take your time.” You waved him off as he jogged briskly past the trees and shrubs. You watched him enter his back porch and saw a few lights flicker on, then off again. Taking another drag from your cigarette, you looked back out over the lake. Leaning your elbows on the deck railing, you realized you were, in fact, freezing in nothing but a long sleeve t-shirt and pajama pants. You didn’t intend to be out here this long, only meaning to smoke one cigarette and head back inside, only to lose track of time.

“Want to sit down?” Seungcheol’s voice snapped you out of your reverie, slightly startling you. “Sorry - didn’t mean to scare you again” he laughed dryly. He pulled a couple of the deck chairs closer to the railing and sat down. It was then that you noticed he was now wearing a thick winter coat, and in his hands he held another coat, and what looked suspiciously like a blanket. You raised an eyebrow at him, but slowly walked towards the chair, holding your cigarette away from Seungcheol, respectful of others' distaste for the smell.

As you sat down in the chair to Seungcheol’s right, he dully shook the coat he was holding in your direction with a raised brow. A silent offering. “Thanks.” You muttered lamely, taking the coat from him. It was thick, and smelled citrus-y. Oranges? With maybe a hint of cloves. It smelled manly, it smelled nice, wrapping you in his scent when you threw it over your shoulders. 

“No problem” he gruffed out. His deep voice was soothing your cold soul at the moment, a feeling you haven’t had in a long time. “I- I brought a blanket” he hesitates, slowly unfolding the blanket, watching your face to make sure what he was about to do was alright, “is this ok?” he asks as he set the unfolded blanket over yours and his legs. You nod at him, taking another drag from your cigarette. Once the blanket is situated, he grabs one of the legs of your chair and pulls it closer to his in a quick show of strength, so the blanket drapes all the way over you. You offer him a small smile, and then turn your head to blow the smoke in the other direction. “I don’t mind the smoke, you know. My older brother smokes like a train, I’m used to it.” 

You smirk at him. “Are you implying I smoke like a train?”

“N-no! No, of course not - that’s not, that isn’t” he starts to stutter, shaking his head, thick eyebrows scrunching cutely.

“Relax, Seungcheol. I was kidding.” You let out as you exhale your last bit of smoke, putting your cigarette out on the deck floor. You should probably bring an ashtray up here with you next time you visit, which was becoming more and more infrequent as time went on. You used to come up here in the summer with Joshua, too, but those days were long gone. 

He ducked his head slightly, the flood light illuminating the side of his face from behin. He really was beautiful, you noticed. A strong, slanted nose, with cute puffy cheeks, a defined jawline and those plump lips. They were a little red from being out in the cold, but cute nonetheless. They kind of reminded you of cherries. 

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that..” he starts to trail off, realizing he doesn’t know your name.

“YN. Sorry - my name is YN.” You stutter out, embarrassed at not having had the manners to introduce yourself before.

“YN.” He tries it out on his tongue. He likes the way it sounds. “Pretty.” He noted, face heating after he realized what he said. You smiled at him, the first genuine smile he’s seen all night and he realizes he likes it, and wants to see more of it, preferably in the near future. He gives you a bright smile in return. “What brings you out here, at -” he quickly pulls his phone from his pocket and glances at the time, “- nearly midnight?”

“Oh you know, just dealing with life.” You glance out into the distance, back at that damned lake. Seungcheol must have sensed your distress, because he is quickly switching the subject.

“It’s really pretty out here this time of year.” He states, lamely, looking out at the lake with you. “The lake freezes over in November, makes for some really beautiful scenery.” 

“Yeah… I know. I’ve been coming here with my family since I was 8.” You didn’t take your focus away from the lake as you spoke. 

“What… happened? If you don’t mind me asking.” Seungcheol quickly read the expression on your face and added, “You totally don’t have to answer that, I’m sorry, that was a dumb question.”

“No, it’s ok actually. I haven’t really talked about it in a while.” You chanced a glance at Seungcheol, his expression serious, focused completely on you. You were taken aback for a brief moment, wondering what was making you trust this man, before you went on, “My parents died almost 6 years ago. We used to come out here as a family every Christmas for the last two weeks of the year. I still make the trip every year to keep their memory, alive? I guess. That sounds kind of stupid saying it out loud.”

“No it doesn’t,” Seungcheol stated simply, “That makes perfect sense. You feel closer to them when you’re here, right?” You slowly nodded, still staring into his deep brown orbs. “Look, at the risk of making myself seem like a peeping Tom, I noticed you used to come here with a man, but I haven’t seen him in a while. Is everything ok with…?” His question trailed off. So he has noticed you before.

“Joshua,” you said, turning your head away, “my brother.” 

Your brother. He didn’t expect that at all. From what little glimpses he saw of the two of you, you always seemed like a bickering couple, and you didn’t look all that similar either, at least from what he can remember. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.” 

“No it’s fine, you’re very observant, you know. How long have you lived there, exactly?” You asked, turning back to look at the sweet man beside you, gesturing towards his home.

“Almost 8 years. Inherited the place from my grandmother. The first few years I was only here on and off, still living mostly in Daegu. Fully moved in about 5 years ago.” His expression changed, looking like he was reminiscing on the past.

“So you must’ve seen me and Shua coming together before. He hasn’t come up here with me in three years. We don’t - we’re not really on good terms. He lives a couple hours away.” You left it at that, not really wanting to indulge in the reason why you weren’t on good terms. That was a conversation for another day. Your stomach dropped at the thought of talking to Joshua again. You were lost in the feeling for a moment before Seungcheol was speaking.

“I get that. Me and my brother barely speak either. I can’t even remember the last time I saw him to be honest.” He gives you a sad smile, which you return. You’re unsure why you feel like you’ve known Seungcheol longer than an hour, but he makes you feel warm in the middle of the harsh winter. You noticed his cheeks were becoming increasingly red and cursed yourself for being so inconsiderate.

“Do you, uh, do you want to go inside? I can make hot chocolate, or something…” you trail off dumbly. 

“Uh, y-yeah that sounds nice”, he faltered, grabbing the blanket draped over you, folding it neatly before ascending from his chair. You get up quickly to follow after him, moving towards the back door of your cabin. You didn’t realize just how cold you were until you opened the sliding glass door and a wall of heat hit you in the face. 

“Wow, I must have been out there a while. I’m freezing.” You chirped as you slid the door closed after Seungcheol stepped inside the threshold. 

Seungcheol pegged you with a questioning look, and at first you thought he must think you’re insane, before he said, “If you want, you can show me where you keep the hot chocolate and you can go take a hot shower, or something?” he faltered before adding, “I mean, if that’s ok with you, I know you barely know me-”

You cut him off before he could start babbling again, though it was adorable, giving him a soft smile. “That would be really nice actually,” you said, leading him to the kitchen. “I’m not sure what all I have stocked up here, but you should find everything you need in the tea cabinet, above the stove,” you pointed to the stove, “and the mugs are in the cabinet next to the fridge. Feel free to make whatever you’d like. I’ll be down the hall, second door on the right if you need me.” You smiled at him again, causing him to internally melt at the sight, “Thank you, Seungcheol.” The sincerity in your tone hurt him. He could tell by the way you looked at him that you haven’t been thankful for anyone or anything in a while and he didn’t like that. 

“Of course,” he croaked, I’d do anything to make you smile, he wanted to add, but didn’t. He just watched you trudge off to what he presumed was the bathroom. He mentally slapped himself. Why was he acting like an idiot in front of this girl he hardly knew? He knew it was because he has seen your sad eyes staring out at the lake for the past three days now, and years before that. Watched you stand, emotionless, wondering what was going through your mind. He’s perceptive, you told him that earlier, and it was true. Though he never had the guts before tonight to approach you. Now that he has, and now that he’s seen what a smile looks like on your face, he never wants it to disappear again. He’s too empathetic, a trait he inherited from his mother, sometimes to a fault. But he didn’t care right now. Right now, he just wanted to make you happy, even if it was just for tonight. 

You let the hot water fall over your face, reveling in the way the steam was making your muscles feel. Even though your body was relaxing, your mind was starting to real. You think it’s December 21st, just a few days before Christmas, though you aren’t entirely sure. You’d sort of let time slip away from you. You’d arrived at the cabin three days prior, and would remain here for another week and a half. Usually, when you came to the cabin alone, you spent those two weeks wallowing in self pity, drinking yourself to near death. This was the first time you’ve had any interaction at the cabin in three years. Thinking back to three years ago, you recall your lowest moment at the cabin. The reason for the downfall of yours and Joshua’s relationship.

It was Christmas Eve, and you had just finished off a bottle of your favorite wine. The fireplace was going, and some sappy Lifetime movie was playing in the background. Not that you were paying attention in the least. You and Shua had just fought over staying an extra day. You wanted to stay, spend some time together since you didn’t get to see him often since he moved, but he wanted to go back to Seoul to his girlfriend, Yuna. You never really liked her, but that’s beside the point. He was in his room, probably on the phone with her if the soft whispers were anything to go by, while you were on the couch in the living room. You had just poured yourself another glass of wine and were staring out the large bay windows that had a beautiful view of the lake. You used to love that lake when you were a kid. You and Shua would swing on the tire swing attached to the tree that was partially submerged in the lake when your parents would take you up here in the summers. In the winter, you and Shua would walk along the edge of the frozen water, admiring the beauty of it, listening to nature. Joshua always did love all the little animals he would find down there, and the insects that he would find and chase you with. But now, as you looked out at the dark abyss of a lake, it only haunted you with memories of your parents.

You had contemplated it before, but was never brave enough to act. At that moment, though, you really didn’t think there was anything left to live for. Everything had fallen apart. Your parents were gone, your brother hated you, and you isolated yourself from all your friends so long ago, you really didn’t have anyone left. All you could think about, as tears streamed down your face, was how Shua wouldn’t care if you were gone, too. Your parents weren’t there anymore to care. You would be doing him a favor, right? He didn’t want to be around you, so if you weren’t here, he wouldn’t have to worry about your nagging anymore. 

It really wouldn’t be that hard, would it? If Joshua really did leave and head back to Seoul, he wouldn’t even know. He called you, what, maybe twice a year? He wouldn’t be able to stop you, he probably wouldn’t even find out for a while. He could continue living his perfect city life with his perfect city girlfriend for another few weeks, months even, before he realized you were gone.

It’s a thought that would linger in your mind every single winter following the last one you spent with your brother at the lake house. 

Shaking your head, you’re brought back into the present. Were there tears streaming down your face, or was it the water from the shower? The choked up feeling in your throat pointed towards the former. Great. Could Seungcheol hear you? You hoped not. God, you hoped not. He seemed like such a sweet guy, kind and soft. You didn’t want to bring him down in your spiral and potentially scare away the only human interaction you’ve had in a while. He really didn’t need to see how down in the dumps you really were, you didn’t need to ruin this poor guy’s Christmas.

Little did you know, Seungcheol did you hear you. He had finished making hot chocolate a few minutes before he heard soft whimpers coming from the hallway. He immediately made his way towards the noise, realising that once he reached the bathroom door, he could hear you quietly sniffling in the shower. His heart sank at the sound. He didn’t knock, he knew he shouldn't. Knew he should give you privacy. But God, did he want to. Wanted to pull you into his arms, tell you that everything was going to be ok, and see that gorgeous smile again. But it wasn’t his place, and he knew that. So he walked back to the kitchen, solemn expression on his face, and waited patiently for you to calm yourself, wishing that he could be the one to do it for you. 

Seungcheol was unsure why he felt the need to comfort you. He hardly knew you, apart from what he’s seen of you over the years. Still, those glimpses weren’t really telling of what kind of person you were. You seemed kind, warm-hearted. You let him into your home, or your parent’s home, he guessed, when you saw that he was cold. You trusted him enough to dawdle about in your kitchen while you showered. That had to take some real trust, what if he was some psycho stalker? He wasn’t, of course. But you didn’t know that. He could be a serial axe-murderer!

The trust you put in him told him one of two things - you we’re either a very trusting person, or you had no fear, nothing to lose if he was in fact, an axe-murderer. The latter made him feel sick to his stomach. He figured you were going through a lot, but it’s been years since your parents death, you should be feeling somewhat better, right? No, he knew that wasn’t true. The pain of losing someone you love never goes away, he knew that better than anyone, and he didn’t even know the circumstances surrounding their death, or the fallout between you and your brother. Another thing he had intimate knowledge of. Either way, when he looked in your eyes, he saw a sad, broken girl. He’s been that sad, broken person before, and he wanted to help you through it.

Maybe his empathy wasn’t such a bad thing afterall. Maybe he could offer you something, anything, even just companionship, to help get through the holidays. So, he waited at your kitchen island, rewarming your mug of hot chocolate every five or so minutes, until you finally felt ready to come out of the bathroom. 

As you slowly towel dried your hair, you stared at your reddened eyes in the bathroom mirror. You knew Seungcheol was probably waiting in the kitchen for you, with long cold drinks, but you didn’t want to embarrass yourself in front of this handsome stranger with your tears. You splashed some cool water on your face and applied some moisturizer from you travel kit to attempt to even out the redness of your face.

After you were satisfied with the puffiness, you threw on your pajama shorts and t-shirt you had brought with you from your room, and left your hair wrapped up in a towel. Who were you trying to impress, really? You barely knew Seungcheol, despite the fact that you felt safe around him. He could be some psycho for all you knew. What you did know is at the end of these two weeks you would go your separate ways and probably not speak again until next Christmas, if you even made it to next Christmas. The thought didn’t make you shudder like it used to, and while it should’ve been concerning, it wasn’t. Not anymore. 

Taking one last look in the mirror, you hesitantly made your way out of the bathroom and down the hallway, where you could hear the clinking of glasses coming from the kitchen. Curious, you sped up a little, until you reached the open floor plan kitchen of your cabin, shooting Seungcheol a questioning look.

“Oh! Sorry - I just saw that you have some dishes in the sink, I just wanted to help. Sorry.” He looked sheepish, and you thought it was rather cute how much he apologized for things. 

“Thanks, but you really don’t have to,” you offered shyly, feeling slightly embarrassed he saw your mess, and sat at one of the barstools in front of the kitchen island, “Did you find the drinks ok?” 

“Oh yeah - they cooled down a bit, so I warmed it up in the microwave.”

You smiled at his thoughtfulness, taking the warm mug from him. Seungcheol knew that you had been crying, could see the puffiness in your eyes, but seeing you smile, even slightly, made his boba colored eyes light up. He watched as you rose from your seat, mug in hand, and made your way around the kitchen island. For a second, he thought you were going to approach him, but you walked right past him towards the fridge. You reached your short arms up and grabbed at a bottle sitting on top of the refrigerator, pulling it down and setting it on the counter. He watched on curiously as you opened the, almost empty, bottle of rum and poured some into your mug. You turned around, raising an eyebrow at his questioning look, “want some?” 

“Oh, uh, no thank you. It’s really late”, he advised hesitantly, sneaking a glance at the microwave clock. He didn’t want to upset you, didn’t want to overstep bounds as you were an adult after all, but he was also questioning your current state of mind. He figured staying sober would probably be the smart thing to do.

“I’m sorry if this makes you uncomfortable, if any of this makes you feel uncomfortable, you can leave. I’m trying my best to keep my head above water right now, both figuratively and literally.” You don’t know why you just said that to your neighbor, but you did and there was no taking it back. Realizing the weight of your words, you swallow loudly and paused. You removed your gaze from Seungcheol’s, slowly walking towards your living room to have a seat on the plush couch, ignoring the look he was giving your back. You never got around to redecorating the place after your parents death. It was almost like taking a step back into the past when you came up here. 

Seungcheol’s eyes widened a fraction before he schooled his expression, following behind you, almost forgetting his drink but grabbing it at the last second. “YN, do you want to talk about it? I know we just met, but I want you to know, I’m here for you. Or, I can be. Whatever you need. Someone to listen, make you hot chocolate, whatever you need.” He gave you a sad smile and sat across from you on the loveseat, setting his mug down on the coffee table. 

You took another sip of your spiked hot chocolate, reveling in the burn at the back of your throat, before following Seungcheol’s lead and setting it on the coffee table. “Why are you so nice to me? You barely know me,” you questioned him, pinning him with a serious look. 

“I’m sorry if I’m overstepping right now, but I know what it’s like to be depressed,” he looked up from his feet, resting his hands on his knees as he spoke, “I lost my mother when I was 15. I’m not saying by any means that I know what you’re going through, but when I lost my mom I felt like I had no one to talk to. I don’t know you, at least, not really. But if you give me the chance, I would like to try? We are neighbors after all.” His momentary burst of confidence falters as he plays with his fingers and looks down at the carpet. 

Your gaze softened at the absolute sincerity in his tone. Was this real life? You almost wanted to pinch yourself to make sure you didn’t pass out drunk on the deck and dreamt up some hot stranger to ease your muddled mind. You let out a breathy laugh, absent of any humor. You thought for a second, did you really want to unload this baggage on Seungcheol? No, really. It’s better to keep things vague, that way there is no one to hurt when you’re gone. “Seungcheol,” you started, causing his head to snap up to meet your gaze, teeth worrying his bottom lip, “You seem like a really nice guy,” Seungcheol winced, he could sense a ‘but’ coming, preparing himself for rejection. It’s not like he isn’t used to it, being the shy guy in a small town he never really had the chance to talk to many people. “But I can’t promise you that I’ll even be around in a week. I don’t want to get attached to someone, it’ll just be harder in the end.”

That was not what Seungcheol was expecting. His heart dropped down to the floor. He felt his stomach flip. Did you really just imply what he thinks you did? It didn’t matter if he barely knew you, you needed to know that someone cared for you. But he knew he needed to tread lightly here. He slowly got up from his spot on the loveseat and made his way over to you, crouching down so he could meet your downcast eyes. His hands were clasped together, but the moment you lifted your gaze to meet his, he unclasped both hands and held them out to you, wanting you to make the first move, conscious you might still feel uncomfortable with him. Hesitantly, you reached out one hand, which he grasped in both of his much larger ones. His warmth instantly soothing your cold bones.

“YN,” he whispered, barely audible, but you heard him, “I don’t know what your life is like back, wherever you’re from, but you’re here right now. I’m here for you, and I would really, really, like to get to know you better. If you can’t promise me a week, can you at least promise me tomorrow?” He didn’t want to scare you away, dreading what might happen if he does. He saw unshed tears glistening in your doe eyes before continuing, “I’ll come over, every day, and we can spend Christmas together. You don’t have to be alone this year YN.”

The thought of not having to spend Christmas alone was enticing. The last time you spent Christmas with someone and was coherent enough to remember it, was four years ago, when you and Shua came up here. The last time you were up here before that dreaded Christmas Eve three years ago. You wanted, really wanted, to take Seungcheol up on his offer. But you felt like you owed it to him to explain why you were like this. Why you weren’t able to get close to anyone, why you felt like this was a bad idea. You thought, if you tell him what happened, about your demons in your closet, maybe it would scare him away and save him any future pain. With that in mind, you spoke, ““That fucking lake. It’s caused me so much pain, and now it’s like a sick metaphor of my life,” it was barely a whisper that left your lips. Seungcheol could tell whatever you were about to say was heavy. He waited patiently, holding your sad gaze, silently letting you know he was listening. “They died in that lake. It was raining, my dad didn’t see the deer in front of them on the bridge leading into town. They had come up here for a weekend getaway without me and my brother, which they rarely ever fucking did. We found out two days later when they didn’t show up for work.” 

Seungcheol instantly remembered exactly what you were talking about. How could he not have put two and two together? About six years ago, he was commuting back and forth from the cabin to Daegu for work. He was on his way up here for the weekend when the roads were blocked off at the bridge, he saw the overturned car in the embankment of the lake. Everyone in this small town talked about the couple who drowned in the lake for years after the accident. He even heard about how their child had tried to drown themselves in the same lake a few years ago…. Oh. Oh God.

“YN.”

“It’s ok Seungcheol. I don’t want sympathies, I don’t want anymore ‘I’m sorry”’s. You offered to listen, so I’m getting it all out.” You looked down, becoming hyper focused on your hand clasped in Seungcheol’s. “After they died, me and Joshua would come up here for Christmas, attempting to feel more like a family. It never did, we would just fight when we were up here, nonsensical arguments that drove a wedge between us. We kept trying though, until three years ago.” You heaved a heavy sigh. He remembers that, too. He would always see you and that guy, Joshua, arguing on the deck, or you crying out by the tree swing near the lake. You stopped, unsure if you should continue. You chanced a glance at Seungcheol, his dark eyes watching you with - it wasn’t pity - compassion? His gaze made you want to continue, worrying your bottom lip with your teeth. “I tried to drown myself three Christmas’ ago. In that damn lake.” You voice was low, rough as you spoke through your teeth.

Seungcheol sucked in a breath, and he hoped beyond hope you didn’t notice. He wasn’t even sure why he was shocked, he connected the dots a few moments ago. He knew it was you. “YN. I - I,” he faltered. 

Not quite meeting his gaze yet, you muttered, “It’s fine Seungcheol. Now that lake is like this stupid fucking metaphor for my life. I ebb and flow, just like the waters in that lake throughout the year. I have my ups and downs. Then, every Christmas, the lake freezes over. It’s always hard for me to get through this time of year, especially without Shua.” You felt a single tear roll down your already puffy cheeks. You sniffled slightly, rubbing your nose on the sleeve of your shirt with your free arm.

Seungcheol stood up from his crouching position slowly, his grip on your hand still tight, your head shot up to look at him, suddenly afraid he was about to bolt. But he hesitantly took a seat next to you, holding your hand in his lap.  He could tell you were trying to scare him away, make him realise you were too broken to be fixed. He was determined to keep you talking, get all your baggage laid out on the table so he could assure you none of it mattered to him. “YN, what happened with Joshua?” He whispered, close to your face. He didn’t want to risk you building that wall back up, even if he didn’t exactly want to hear the answer.

“He found me in the lake. Freezing, nearly dead.” Tears were rolling down your face now as you sniffled, and you felt Seungcheol’s soft fingers rubbing soothing circles on your wrist. You looked up, gaze focused on the wall behind Seungcheol. “Brought me to the hospital, checked me in, and left. I didn’t hear from him for a few months after that. When I finally did he texted me and told me that he didn’t think he could handle my ‘destructive behavior’, and offered to pay for my treatment”, you murmured that last part, voice faltering as you sucked in a shaky breath. “I haven’t seen him since that night.” At this, you finally looked into Seungcheol’s eyes, your own crinkled in pain, tears freely falling down your face, and Seungcheol’s heart broke. No. It shattered into a million tiny pieces. He barely knew you, but he wanted to do everything in his power to make you feel loved, wanted to show you that someone cared about you. You weren’t going to scare him away with your demons, no matter how hard you tried. He had his own, he knew what it was like to want to chase everyone away with them. 

Seungcheol scooted a little closer to you on the couch, releasing your hand in the process, and gathered your shrunken form into his arms and hugged you close. A beat passed before you hugged back, uncertain if you should. But his warmth had you melting into him, your chest heaving with pitiful sobs. The hug was a little awkward, with you both sitting on the couch, so Seungcheol brought his leg up and slotted it behind you, between you and the couch back, moving even closer to you. Seungcheol’s ambiguous nature long gone as he rubbed a large hand up and down your back, pushing his face into your hair, shushing you. You sat there, in his embrace, for what felt like hours, but was realistically probably only 5 minutes. When your sobs started to slow down, Seungcheol pulled back slightly, arms still wrapped firmly around you, looking you in the eye, “YN-” he started, but you cut him off before he could finish. 

With a small sniffle and watery eyes, you whispered, “I’m broken Seungcheol. You shouldn’t be here, you shouldn’t want to be here. I only cause others pain.”

He seemed confused by your statement at first. His dark eyes searching your own for a second before he whispered, “I see you here, year after year. I can tell YN, I can see it. You’re broken by what happened, but you are not a broken person. You’re so beautiful honey, and from what I’ve seen of you tonight, you’re kind and worthy. Worthy of love, worthy of life, and worthy of happiness.” Your eyes started to well up with tears again and Seungcheol gave you a sad smile, thumb reaching up and caressing your cheek to wipe them away. “I didn’t come up to your deck tonight because I thought you locked yourself out of your house.” He admitted with a slightly sheepish look. “I came over because I’ve seen the torment in your eyes, and I’ve been there before. I don’t want you to feel like you have to go through this alone. I wanted to be here for you, regardless of how well I know you. Maybe I can get to know you in the process, b-but I want you to be ok, YN.” He softly whispered the last part softly, dark eyes starting to well with his own unshed tears.

“You barely know me Seungcheol. Your words are sweet, but I’m not worthy. I’ve been drowning myself in liquor, killing myself with these cigarettes, and pushing everyone in my life away for the last seven years. I’m a shit human.” You look down, hand reaching up to gently grasp Seungcheol’s wrist, slowly pulling his hand from your face. The hurt in his eyes was hard to miss. 

“I barely know you, but yet I want to know more. Doesn’t that say something? You think you’re not worthy, but I’m right here, telling you I think you’re interesting, lovable, and funny, if you give me the chance. I want to get to know you.” He pulled his hand, ever so gently, away from your grasp, placing it on your shoulder to pull you against his chest again. “You matter YN.”

You let out another quiet sob into Seungcheol’s flannel shirt, inhaling his soft citrus-y scent that has been a calming presence to you all night. “Promise me tomorrow, YN. Promise me you’ll stay tomorrow, talk to me, get to know me a little more,” he mumbled into your hair, “all I’m asking for is tomorrow.”

You thought to yourself for a moment. You could do that. You could promise one more day. Even if you had to suffer through it, at least Seungcheol would be there with you. Inhaling a shaky breath, you gasped out an, “ok.”

Seungcheol smiled to himself, a sad, small smile. He was happy you were going to give yourself a chance, even if it was under the guise of giving him a chance. He was determined to make you see life was worth living.

You woke up with a splitting headache. Was it from the copious amounts of alcohol you consumed yesterday, or from all the crying you did? You didn’t know. All you knew was the sunlight streaming in from your bedroom window was going to be the death of you if you had to endure it any longer. You let out a weak groan as you rolled over, pulling the soft duvet cover over your head. You didn’t want to get out of bed, but you knew you needed to get some water, or your headache was only going to get worse.

Throwing the covers off yourself, you slowly sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from your eyes. You grabbed your phone from your bedside table, noting that it was December 22. Meaning you were right in your assumption last night. Three more days until Christmas. As you looked at your phone, you noticed your arms were covered by a thick, wool like fabric. This wasn’t your pajama shirt, what were you wearing? You stood up and walked over to the floor length mirror on the back of your bedroom door, still littered with stickers from that time you and your friend Jeongyeon visited the cabin when you were 14. 

As you gazed at yourself in the mirror, the events of last night came rushing back to you. Seungcheol. You were wearing his coat that he so kindly brought over to you last night while you were out on your deck. Seungcheol sat with you while you cried into his shirt for an hour after you had spilled your life story to him, letting all your monsters out to play. You could see the remnants of your sobbing on your face, puffy eyes and tear stained cheeks. After you calmed down a bit, Seungcheol wrapped you in his jacket and carried you to your bed, shaky and cold. He laid you down gently, pulling the covers over your sleepy form and whispered, “Tomorrow. I’ll be back tomorrow, and we’re going to get to know each other better. You promised.” before he left. Too tired to speak, you rolled over and fell asleep. 

Your face heated with embarrassment. A man you hardly knew took care of you last night, carried you to your bed. This wasn’t like you. He hugged you last night! You haven’t had any human contact in nearly three years. The last person you hugged was your therapist at the rehab facility, and even that was awkward and a little forced. You hadn’t even hugged your own biological brother in over four years. At the thought of Seungcheol hugging you, you felt butterflies erupt in your stomach, remembering how you melted into his warm chest last night. You didn’t realize just how touch starved you’d become in the last few years, but the evidence was right there. Shaking off your humiliation, you shrugged off Seungcheol’s jacket and rummaged through your suitcase for some clothes. Surely, you’d feel better after a shower and some breakfast. Right?

After rinsing the previous night from your skin, you dressed in some sweats and a t-shirt, not really bothering to do your hair. You didn’t plan on leaving the cabin today, at most you would sit out on the deck again. Heading back into your room, you hear a soft knock coming from your living room. At first you thought you were hearing things, until another knock, slightly louder, sounded through the cabin. 

As you made your way down the hallway and into the living room, you saw a smiling Seungcheol through the sliding glass door standing on your back deck. His arms were full, with… Bags? You rushed forward past the couches and unlocked and slid the door open.

“Good morning - er, I guess afternoon now?” Seungcheol stuttered a little awkwardly, albeit friendly. He stumbled through your back door and made his way over to the kitchen island. You watched wordlessly as he set down a couple of bags and a blanket on the marble countertop. You tilted your head at him as he turned around to face you. “I, um, I thought we could spend the day together if - if that’s ok with you?” he lilted his words at the end. 

You remember the promise you made to Seungcheol last night as you stared at him, mouth agape. One more day. You promised him today. You were slightly surprised that Seungcheol made good on it, half expecting him to bolt last night and never speak to you again after everything you unloaded on him, yet here he was, bright eyed and bushy tailed at…. Two in the afternoon, damn you really did knock out.

“What’s in the bags?” You questioned as you moved towards the kitchen, blinking dumbly at Seungcheol and pointing at the reusable grocery bags he brought with him. 

“Well… I noticed last night that you didn’t have much food in your fridge, mostly just liquor and soda,” your cheeks heated as he called you on your bad habits, “so I brought over some groceries. I thought we could make lunch and since it’s a little too cold outside, we could set up a picnic in your living room.” he offered, gesturing to the blanket sitting on your countertop. “If that’s ok with you, of course.” He sounded a little abashed, having not gotten your number last night, he wasn’t able to see if you were ok with all of this beforehand. He was taking a leap of faith here, hoping that you would take him up on his offer. It was the only thing he could think of that didn’t involve going outside in the snow.

You smiled shyly at him, “That actually sounds really nice, Seungcheol, thank you.” Not having a drop of alcohol in your system was making your normal, shy self emerge from the mask of indifference you usually wear, shrouded behind a layer of soju. 

Seungcheol offered you a bright smile, showing off his perfect teeth. His smile was warm, inviting, much like his scent. You were slowly realizing that you quite enjoyed his company. Maybe a little more than you should have.

You and Seungcheol had spent the afternoon cooking and chatting in your kitchen, making a kimchi stew from a recipe Seungcheol had in one of his grandmother’s old cookbooks. You discovered that he was a natural in the kitchen, moving through the recipes with ease. He told you stories about how he used to come out here to visit his grandma and she would always cook with him in the very cabin he lived in now. He told you about how he inherited it from her 8 years ago when she passed away, and how he quit his office job in Daegu to move out here and become a freelance writer for an online journal. You admired his bravery, being able to leave his life behind and take a risk moving out here. Part of you wished you were able to take that jump, you truly loved this cabin, and most of the memories that came with it. But alas, you were tied to your stupid corporate job in your stupid coastal city. It’s part of the reason you were always so jealous of Joshua, being able to make that move without you.

Now, you and Seungcheol were sitting on his soft blanket, in front of your fireplace, eating the stew the two of you made together. “So where are you from, YN?” Seungcheol asked as he finished off his bowl, setting it down on the hardwood floor. 

“Busan,” you stated simply. “I still live there. I usually only make the trip out here for Christmas now. Though I used to come up during the summers, too, but haven’t in a while.”

“And what do you do, in Busan?” he asked, stretching his legs out and leaning back on his elbows, full focus on you.

“I work at an animal shelter. Nothing fancy. I actually work in the office, but I get to hang out with the cats and dogs, too. I tend to prefer the company of animals, rather than humans,” you offered somewhat abashedly. You were telling the truth. You had always wanted to become a veterinarian, ever since you could talk, really. But you just didn’t have the time, or the money to go to school, so you found the next best option.

“I definitely get that,” Seungcheol agreed, “I have a cat at home. It gets lonely up here sometimes, and he helps keep me sane.” He smiled thinking about the furball he adopted a couple years ago, probably resting peacefully in his favorite sunbathing spot in his living room.

Your eyes lit up at the mention of a cat and Seungcheol filed that away for later. “Really? What’s his name?”

Seungcheol was more than happy to indulge in your sudden curiosity, happy he found something you’re actually interested in. “Bear. He’s a Maine coon. I found him at the local shelter in town a couple years back. He’s the sweetest thing.”

Your conversation continued throughout the afternoon much the same. You told Seungcheol about your dreams to become a vet that would probably never come to fruition, and in turn he told you about his previous job in Daegu as a marketing analyst. You shared with each other your big (and small) dreams and aspirations, discussed TV shows you both liked, and talked about different recipes you enjoy. You discovered that Seungcheol used to be a horrible cook, but ever since moving to the cabin and having to cook for himself, he turned out to be a decent home chef.

You were actually enjoying spending time with Seungcheol, something you really didn’t expect to happen when you were on the drive up here a few days ago. You haven’t really had a friend to talk to for a long time, your only close friend Jeongyeon having moved to the United States six years ago, you never really made the effort to make any new ones. Seungcheol was nice, you thought to yourself as he talked more about his cat, you wouldn’t mind being friends with him. 

By dinner time you were both starting to get hungry again, so you suggested ordering take out while you both cleaned up the mess in the kitchen from earlier.  You called the chicken place you knew of in town, while Seungcheol started loading the dishwasher. “Hey YN?” you heard from the kitchen.

“Yes?” You half shouted back, walking down the hallway towards Seungcheol. 

“Where are your dish- oh nevermind, found them!” He shouted back as you walked into the kitchen. He stood up straight after shutting the dishwasher, sighing and wiping his hands down the front of his jeans. “Dishes are done, food is ordered. What do you say we watch some Christmas movies?” You smiled at the look on Seungcheol’s face, he seemed so excited to be doing something as domestic as cleaning and relaxing, it made your heart soften just a bit.

For the rest of the night, you and Seungcheol sat in front of the TV, watching sappy Lifetime movies, eating chicken and drinking beer. It was probably the most fun you’ve had in quite a few years, and you were really thankful for his company. At the end of the night, you and Seungcheol exchanged phone numbers with a promise that you would give Seungcheol one more day, at least, to get to know you better. You agreed, and Seungcheol left with one final bright smile and wave of his hand. 

You sighed, rubbing your hand down the front of your face. Having Seungcheol here was a great distraction, but now that he’s gone and you can hear the faint sound of Christmas music playing on the credits of some crappy movie, reality was starting to sink in. After these two weeks were over, you’d return to Busan, Seungcheol-less, and have to resume your normal life again. A life you weren’t satisfied with. A life you knew you didn’t want to continue living. Being here made you feel like that life didn’t exist anymore, like you were almost, happy? But you knew that it would all be over soon and everything would hurt again. You didn’t want to let yourself get wrapped up in Seungcheol because only bad things could come of it, but he was making it really, really hard. You could see yourself falling for Seungcheol, allowing him to make you happy, being with him, domestic and blissful, in another life. But not this one, not the current life the universe had dealt you. You had way too much baggage, you would never be the happy go-lucky girl you were in your teens again. You would always live with this depression, with these demons. Despite years of therapy and a stint in rehab, there was nothing that was going to fix you.

As you changed into your pajamas, you stared at yourself in the bathroom mirror. Your eyes were sunken in, your skin was pale, and your hair had seen better days. You knew you hadn’t been taking great care of yourself, but you didn’t think it had gotten this bad. What did Seungcheol see in you anyways? Your life was a wreck and you looked like it, too. You sighed to yourself, running a brush through your hair. You promised Seungcheol one more day, so you were going to make it through tomorrow, at least.

December 23rd. Two more days until Christmas. 

You woke up feeling a little lighter this morning after having spent yesterday with Seungcheol, but you also had a weird feeling in the pit of your stomach. You’ve never really been one to believe in superstitions, but for some reason, you had a strong feeling something bad was going to happen soon. You tried to shake off the feeling. You had woken up early this morning, just before sunrise and decided to take a steaming hot shower.

After your shower, you got dressed in comfy clothes and decided to sit out on the deck and smoke for a bit. It was still early in the morning, the sun still on the horizon. It really was beautiful out here. You had the perfect view of the lake from your deck. It faced towards the east, giving you a gorgeous view of the sunrise just above the frozen lake. The colors of the sky were so pretty this time of day, oranges mixing with pretty pinks, you nearly felt like you were on set for a romance drama. 

There was a low fog rolling onto the embankment from the lake. It almost looked like dry ice, white billows of smoke swirling in the slight morning breeze. Admiring the landscape, you took a cigarette out of your pack, and slid your lighter out of your pocket. The sun was just barely starting to pass over the mountains in the east. You shivered a little as you lit up your cigarette, taking a deep inhale of smoke. You instantly felt at ease, the weird feeling from earlier dissipating with the sharp exhale of smoke. 

Seungcheol hadn’t gone to sleep yet, and was typing on his laptop, Bear in his lap, on his sofa. He spent a majority of the day over at your cabin yesterday and spent all night trying to get caught up with work. As a freelance writer, he made his own hours, but he wanted to make sure he was going to meet his next deadline, coming up in a few weeks. 

He gently closed his laptop and stretched his arms up into the air, cracking a few joints in the process. The noise startled Bear and he shot up out of Seungcheol’s lap, across the kitchen floor. “Sorry, buddy,” Seungcheol mumbled, sleep thick in his voice. He watched as Bear slid across the linoleum and jumped up onto the window sill above the sink. Seungcheol looked out of the window curiously, eyes catching on a figure. He stood up from his spot on the sofa slowly, making his way towards the window, mindful of Bear this time.

From his kitchen window, Seungcheol had a perfect view of you standing on your deck smoking a cigarette. He watched as you took a deep inhale every couple of minutes and exhaled white swirls of smoke through your nose. The sun was just beginning to rise and the light was catching beautifully on the planes of your face. Seungcheol took a moment to admire you, since he hasn’t really had the chance before. You were always intently watching him, waiting for his next move, almost like you were afraid he would leave, never quite giving in to his friendship.

The light shone over your features beautifully, highlighting your sharp cheekbones and sunken in eyes. Seungcheol noticed you looked a little thin, he wasn’t sure if that had to do with heredity or your mental state, but he tried not to dwell on it. Long eyelashes flutter over your cheeks everytime you close your eyes, basking in the sunlight. Your fingers, long and slender, held the cigarette so delicately. You seemed so fragile, so ethereal, he wonders why the world had to be so cruel to you. What did you do to deserve the foul things that have happened to you? Nothing, you didn’t do anything, he reminded himself. You were just delt a bad hand at life. 

He watched as your long hair fluttered around your face in the breeze. It looks like you just washed it, he thought, you must be cold in the crisp morning air. With one last exhale of smoke, you put your cigarette out on the railing of your deck. Seungcheol smirked to himself when he saw the small pout form on your lips. How could someone be so beautiful, yet so broken? Seungcheol wasn’t sure why he felt this strong urge to protect you, to prevent any further harm from coming to you, but he knew that he would do everything in his power to make sure you felt cared for. He was drawn to you, in a way he has never been drawn to another person. It both scared and excited him and sent butterflies fluttering through his stomach and ribcage. He took one last glance at you through the window and decided it would be best if he got some rest before trekking back over to your cabin later. 

As Seungcheol fell asleep, all thoughts were on his pretty neighbor and the haunting look in your eyes as you stared out at the lake.

The rest of your morning went by relatively smoothly, having made breakfast after coming inside from your morning smoke. You cooked yourself some eggs and toast and then decided to check some emails on your laptop you brought with you. You saw a couple of emails from your boss, asking about adoption paperwork that he couldn’t find on your desk. You emailed him back quickly with the forms you had stored in your files, before powering off your computer, done with work for now. You moved the laptop from the top of your thighs to the nightstand next to your bed and leaned back against the headboard. You folded your arms behind your head and glanced around the room, taking in your childhood surroundings. 

The walls of your bedroom were still a pastel pink color with sponged on white clouds reaching up to the ceiling. You had a vivid memory of helping your mom paint the clouds when you were 8 years old. She would laugh at you everytime you would pout because the cloud didn’t come out exactly how you wanted it to. You smiled at the memory of your sweet mother’s laugh.

Across from your full size bed, was a white dresser with claw feet that still contained some old summer clothes from when you would visit during your breaks from high school, probably a few sizes too small now. Along the side of the dresser and the white full length mirror on the back of your door, were stickers from your favorite boy groups when you were a teenager. You and Jeongyeon had collected them throughout the school year and would stick them on when you arrived for the summer. You smiled at the memories this room brought back. This was the reason you kept returning here every year, you tell yourself. To remember the times when you were happy and loved life. 

You let out a deep sigh and sunk back onto your mattress further, eyes feeling droopy. When your head hit the soft pillow, you stared up at the ceiling, still white because your mom said painting the ceiling pink would have made the room feel claustrophobic. There were still little pieces of sticky tape stuck to it from when you had plastered glow in the dark stars and planets all over the ceiling, long since gone now, though the remnants remained. You were always fascinated by space. You remember when you begged your mom to get those planets for the cabin after putting them up in your childhood bedroom back home in Busan.

You never updated anything in the house, really, bought new furniture, or moved anything around. It would feel wrong, you thought. It wouldn’t feel like home anymore if you made changes. 

You hadn’t even entered the master bedroom, where your parents slept, since they passed. You know that Joshua has, having gone through some of their belongings in the years since their death, but you never could bring yourself to do it. Shua had also gone through his childhood things in his room, just across the hall from you, taking what he cared for back to Seoul with him. You wondered what was left in there, too tired to actually get up and check. As you reminisced on your cabin, your childhood, sleep began to take over, and eventually you fell asleep to the slow hum of the heater for a much needed nap.

-

You sat up straight in bed, clutching your shirt, breathing heavy. What was that noise? Ding ding. You let out a breath of relief. It’s just the doorbell. You swung your legs over the edge of the bed, briefly glancing at the clock on your side table. 4:03 pm. Damn. How long did you sleep?

As you got up to answer the door you caught your reflection in the mirror, straightening your bed head out a little. As you made your way to the front of the house, you heard soft knocking on the door. “Coming, coming!” you yelled out to whoever was on the other side. When you arrived at the front door, you looked out the glass pane next the door, finding Seungcheol standing there on your front porch. He was holding a - duffle bag? You squint your eyes in confusion, but open the door anyways. 

“Hi, YN!” Seungcheol starts, before taking in your appearance. You were wearing what looked to be pajama shorts and an oversized white t-shirt. “I’m sorry, did I wake you up?” He looked a little sheepish, despite the late hour, running his hair through his blonde locks.

“A-ah, yeah, but it’s ok! I really shouldn’t have slept this long anyway,” you trailed off, opening the door a little wider and motioning for Seungcheol to come in. “What’s that?” You asked, pointing at the black bag clutched in his hand.

“Oh, well…” he starts, coming all the way through the entryway and toeing his shoes off next to yours, he assumed. “Since the forecast says it’s supposed to snow, I brought some board games and some movies,” he seemed a little unsure, wary that you were going to tell him you didn’t want to hang out, or something. You smiled at him to ease his worries.

“I love board games,” you began, walking off towards your kitchen, Seungcheol trailing behind you. “I haven’t really played any in years though,” you falter, “I’m not sure I’ll be any good.”

Seungcheol gave you the gentlest smile you think you’ve ever seen from a man, making you melt a little more. What was this guy doing to you?

“Don’t worry, I’m not the competitive type anyways.” He gave you a little wink, making you think that was an absolute lie. Seungcheol’s eyes shot up to yours, a bright smile spreading across his handsome face. The tinkling sound of your laugh made his insides heat up. He absolutely adored the sound. 

The two of you ended up ordering take out again, Seungcheol insisting on paying this time, and sat on your couches with games and snacks spread out on the coffee table. You guys had already played a couple rounds of Scrabble, and one round of Scattergories and now you were leaning back enjoying the pizza Seungcheol had ordered. Just like Seungcheol had predicted, it started snowing around 6 o’clock and has been for the last hour or so. 

“You’re telling me you lived your whole life never having a pet?!” You laughed, hand covering your mouth still full of pizza.

“Nope. My parents never let me have a pet growing up and when I was old enough to move out I was just too busy to take care of one. A few years ago when I was feeling lonely, I decided to give it a go.”

You couldn’t imagine a life without pets. Growing up your family always had dogs or cats around, one time even adopting a pet hamster. You haven’t had pets in a few years, but you’re around them all the time due to work. 

“I love Bear, though. I couldn’t imagine my life without him in it now.” He smiled fondly, talking about his beloved cat. “What about you, any pets back home?”

“Ah, no. I don’t have the time anymore. But it’s ok because I spend most of my time with them at work.” As much as you hated the people you worked with, you absolutely adored the animals. You didn’t think you could ever work in a profession that didn’t allow you to work with animals, it just wouldn’t make sense to you. 

Seungcheol smiled at you, damn that smile was making you seriously weak. “I’d love to introduce you to Bear while you’re here, if you’d like.” 

You grinned brightly at the man seated across from you, “I would love that.”

“Would you like to come over for dinner tomorrow? It’ll be Christmas Eve, I can cook something for us, and you can hangout with Bear. I’m sure he’d love the company, I’m usually pretty boring.” He laughed. 

“I -” you hesitated. Why were you hesitating? You really liked Seungcheol. You liked him so much that you even forgot about your promise to him about ‘one more day’. You were enjoying the time you spent with him so much that thoughts about your parents, Joshua, and your demons were at the back of your mind when you were with him. You mean, you’ve literally only smoked two cigarettes today, that has to be some sort of record for you. So why were you hesitating? 

You knew why, you didn’t want Seungcheol to get too attached. It’s been at the forefront of your mind since you met the guy. Who were you kidding, you didn’t want to get too attached. You’d be leaving soon and it would only hurt you more in the long run. Seungcheol was staring at you, a hopeful look in his eyes. “I’m not sure that’s a great idea, Seungcheol.”

The crestfallen look on Seungcheol’s face made you want to immediately take back your words, but he beat you to it. “Can I ask you why you think that?” He was much bolder than when you met a couple of days ago, you noted. 

You wrung your hands together in your lap, having finished your slice of pizza a few minutes ago, the greasy remnants only slightly bothersome. “I just don’t want to make this harder than it’s already going to be,” you trailed off quietly, eyes fixated on a loose thread on the rug beneath the coffee table, “I have to go back home in a week, and like I told you a couple of days ago, I’m not sure if I even want to live that life anymore.” You whispered the last part, biting on the inside of your cheek. 

Seungcheol’s eyes softened. He realized it wasn’t about him, but about you and how you didn’t want to hurt him, once again. He knew you were too kind for your own good, but he really needed you to realize that. “YN. It’s just dinner. And who says we can’t still be friends when you do go back home?” he added extra emphasis to the word do, making sure to not use an ‘if’ in that sentence. He’s going to make sure you make it back home in one piece if it’s the last thing he does. 

You knew what Seungcheol was trying to do, and you really did appreciate it. You also really enjoyed his company, so you thought, why not, fuck it. “Ok.” you whispered out softly, finally meeting Seungcheol’s eyes. 

“Ok? Does that mean you’ll have dinner with me tomorrow night?”

“Yes. I’ll have dinner with you. On one condition,” you acquiesced, a soft smirk on your face.

Seungcheol’s eyebrows shot up, disappearing under his blonde fringe. “Anything,” he breathed out, a little too quickly for his liking.

“I get to cuddle with your cat all night. I really miss the animals.” A melancholic look took over your features as you remember the shelter animals.

Seungcheol tried, and failed, to hide a huge grin. “Deal.”

-

Last night, after you agreed to have dinner with Seungcheol, you played a few more board games, kicking his ass in Monopoly a couple of times, before you said your goodbyes. Seungcheol left the board games at your house, reasoning that he would definitely be back over to avenge himself in Monopoly. You giggled at him as you waved goodbye with the promise of dinner the next night.

It was now 1 o’clock in the afternoon on Christmas Eve, and you were starting to panic. Christmas Eve was a hard day for you to get through normally, considering the memories you have of this day. Not only that, but you still couldn’t shake that odd feeling that you had when you woke up yesterday. However, today is even more panic-inducing because you are about to have dinner with your cute neighbor, who you may or may not have a slight (read: huge) crush on. Something you realized late last night as you lay awake in your bed.

You spent a majority of your morning sulking around your cabin, taking more than a few smoke breaks on the deck, and cleaning the kitchen and living room up in your anxiety driven state. Even though you were eating at your neighbor’s house tonight, your own was looking spotless with all your stress cleaning. Now, with nothing left to tidy up, you decide to start getting ready for dinner. 

After taking a long, hot shower, you dried and styled your hair, put just enough makeup on to cover your dark bags and sallow skin, and ventured to your room to rummage through your suitcase in order to find something appropriate to wear. You didn’t bring much with you on this trip besides sweatpants and pajamas. It’s not like you would’ve gone anywhere other than the corner store for more cigarettes had you not met Seungcheol. 

You eventually decide on a dark pair of jeans that you luckily decided to throw in your suitcase last minute, and an old band t-shirt. You honestly didn’t have much else, and you were hoping Seungcheol understood (he did) you didn’t really plan on seeing anyone these couple of weeks. 

A little after four in the afternoon, your anxiety started to build up even more. You were anxiously awaiting Seungcheol’s text to head over to his place, and decided that it was a great time for a smoke. You grabbed Seungcheol’s coat that was draped over your vanity chair, your pack of cigarettes, and your lighter, and headed out towards the deck. You had been so wrapped up in making yourself look presentable, that you had mostly forgotten what day it was, and the dread you usually felt about it. It was nice in a way, but now, sitting out here on your deck, staring out at that damned lake, you couldn’t help but remember why it was you started smoking these stupid cigarettes in the first place. 

“YN?” you heard someone call, distant, yet still close? You were confused, you couldn’t open your eyes. Why couldn’t you open your eyes? “YN, can you hear me?” Joshua? Joshua! You thought to yourself. Why couldn’t he hear you!?

For a moment, your eyes fluttered open. You saw Joshua, hovering above you. But there was someone else next to him. They were wearing a uniform. A cop? No. They were wearing latex gloves and holding what looked like an IV bag.  “YN!” You heard Joshua yell again, he sounded scared. You desperately wanted to answer him, but your voice wouldn’t come through. You blinked a few times, before everything faded to black again. That was the last memory you had of your brother. 

Your cell phone dinged in your pocket, startling you back into the present. You looked at the cigarette in your hand, nearly burned to the butt and you haven’t taken a single drag. Quickly, you brought it up to your lips and inhaled before pulling your phone out of Seungcheol’s coat. 

From Seungcheol [4:33 pm]: dinner will be ready in 20, want to head over?

You glanced over to Seungcheol’s house, briefly looking through the only window that didn’t have the curtains drawn. You didn’t see any movement. Had he seen you out here smoking again? You looked back at your phone, taking another drag from the cigarette, before typing out your reply. 

From You [4:35 pm]: ya, be right over

You pocketed your phone and put your cigarette out, tossing the butt into the trash can on your way back inside. You locked the sliding glass door before heading to your room to spray some perfume. You didn’t want to go over to Seungcheol’s smelling like smoke, knowing he probably didn’t like the smell regardless of what he said. Before you left, you grabbed your keys, double checked the doors were locked, and walked the short distance between the two houses. 

Before you knocked, you took in the state of Seungcheol’s home. It was quaint, smaller than your parent’s cabin, but only slightly, painted white with forest green window sills and roof tiles. You noticed there were planter boxes under his front windows, but no plants to be found in the frigid winter. Hung on his front door was a cute Christmas wreath, plain with pretty burgundy poinsettias on it. You smiled to yourself, happy to see some form of Christmas decorations, not having put any of your own out. You’ve really forgotten how much you used to love Christmas. You loved the decorations, the food, the movies, but you’ve really forgotten what it was like to feel that holiday cheer. Having Seungcheol in your life, even for these few days, has really helped you see what you’ve been missing out on.

Before you could even lift your hand to knock on the dark green door, it was opening to reveal a giddy looking Seungcheol. You took a moment to drink him in, in all his glory. He was wearing some dark jeans, much like you, and a tucked in plain black t-shirt, his muscular biceps on display. You idly wondered if he didn’t dress up on purpose to spare you the embarrassment of not having nice clothes, but the thought disappeared as quickly as it came. His blonde hair, usually a disheveled mess, was combed out and surprisingly shiny, despite what looked like excessive bleaching to reach his desired tone. The moment he saw that you were wearing his coat, a huge bright grin took over his face, causing his doe-like eyes to scrunch in happiness. The look on his face made butterflies erupt in your stomach, as you mirrored his grin.

“Hi,” he said shyly, still smiling.

“Hi yourself,” you breathed, “thank you for having me over.”

He waved away your thanks, moving aside and gesturing for you to come in. “Don’t mention it, really. The pleasure is all mine.” You don’t know the weight those words hold, but he means it, you can tell. 

As you walked through the entryway of his home, you pulled off your shoes, setting them on the neatly organized shoe rack next to his front door. Moving through to his living room, you noticed how well organized his entire house was. There was a pristine looking cover over his sofa which also housed a couple of blankets and throw pillows. On his coffee table were a few books and what looked like photo albums. As you took in your surroundings, Seungcheol watched you curiously, one eyebrow cocked. You didn’t know what you were expecting, but you weren’t expecting him to be so… clean? Organized? Your guy friends growing up were never this neat.

“I like to keep things organized, sometimes it can be a bad habit of mine,” he trailed off, reading your mind, looking around his neat space, “dinner is almost done. Do you want something to drink?”

“Yes, please.” You sighed in relief. You were pacified at the thought of having a glass of something to help lessen your nerves. You only knew Seungcheol for the past three days, but for some reason, this almost felt like a first date, despite him never labeling it as such. God, when was the last time you went on a date? It had to have been at least 5 years ago. The thought alone made your anxiety flare up tenfold. It’s not a date. It’s just neighbors having dinner on Christmas Eve because they’re both lonely. Right? 

“I have both white and red wine, soda and different types of tea…” you were still standing awkwardly, hands clasped in front of you looking almost like you were afraid to move further into his house. Seungcheol walked up to you, gently taking your hand in his, causing your eyes to snap up, meeting his own. “Hey, it’s ok,” he smiled gently at you, “come on, I’ll get us some drinks.” 

He led you into his kitchen which had his dining room attached, a small four person wooden table sitting near a bay window. It was cozy, you thought, somewhere you would like to retire to. Now, that wasn’t a thought you’d had in a long time. You never pondered about growing old anymore, surprise you even made it this far into your life. The thought made you pause for a moment, licking your lips and shaking your head slightly.

Seungcheol let go of your hand to reach into a cabinet by his sink. “Wine ok?” he asked, sensing the tension in your body. 

“Y-yes. Red, please.” You weren’t sure why you were being so shy and awkward, you’ve spent the last couple of days getting to know Seungcheol, pretty well you might add. You’ve talked about all kinds of topics, including incredibly deep ones. You think it’s partly to do with what day it is, as Christmas Eve always puts you a little more on edge, and a little more flighty. Seungcheol quietly pours two glasses of red wine, passing one to you politely. You murmur a thank you before taking a sip.

Seungcheol watches you as you sip your wine, looking around his kitchen curiously. He could sense your anxiety, it was rolling off of you in waves. He didn’t want this to be awkward, he wanted to make sure you had a good night, and wanted to take your mind off of things for a while. He figured Christmas Eve was difficult for you, and if your nerves were anything to go by, he was correct in his assumption. “Want to meet Bear?” he asked, hopeful it would help shift your mood a little. 

Your eyes lit up at the mention of the cat, and were quickly nodding your head. Seungcheol walked away down the hallway, returning moments later with a fluffy dark brown cat in his arms. “He’s a little shy, but if you give him some time, he’ll warm up to you,” Seungcheol smiled at you, his cheeks puffing up cutely, leading you over to his couch, sitting down with Bear in his lap. Slowly, you sat down too, not wanting to scare the creature, and sat your wine glass on a wooden coaster on the coffee table. 

Immediately upon sitting, Bear hopped off Seungcheol’s lap and right into yours. You let out a small, shocked gasp as the cat started kneading into your thighs, making himself comfortable. Seungcheol’s eyes widened as they met you. “H-he never does that. It usually takes him a while to warm up to people. In fact, the first time my friend Mingyu came over, he nearly lost an eye to him.” He chuckled lowly at the memory. 

“Animals usually like me,” you said softly, bringing your hand up to run through Bear’s fur. It was long, and extremely fluffy, “I think they know how much I adore them.” Seungcheol watched on as you smiled down at his now purring cat in your lap. For a brief moment, he wondered what it would be like to adopt another cat with you, or maybe even a dog, before lightly shaking his head to rid himself of such thoughts and rising from the couch. 

“I’m gonna check on dinner, it should be done soon. You’ll probably be… occupied, until then.” Seungcheol gave you a soft smile, which you returned, before walking off into the kitchen. You leaned back into the soft fabric of the couch, absentmindedly running your hand over Bear. 

You could hear the clinking of dishes coming from the kitchen as you loved on Bear. Whatever Seungcheol was cooking smelled absolutely delicious and was making your mouth water. You had only eaten breakfast today, and were on the verge of starving at this point. On top of that, you haven’t had a Christmas meal in ages. You were actually starting to get excited about having dinner with Seungcheol, and you had this purring love bug in your lap, and your glass of wine, to thank. Maybe accepting his invite hadn’t been such a bad thing after all.

“It’s ready!” Seungcheol called from the kitchen, scaring the sleeping cat, causing him to jump up and run off towards the kitchen. “Oh you scaredy cat,” Seungcheol grumbled as Bear slid past him on the floor. You chuckled as you got up from the couch and headed towards the dining table. Upon seeing what Seungcheol had laid out on the table, your eyes widened and you let out a breathy gasp. 

“You made all of this?!” You questioned incredulously. 

“U-uh, yeah? I told you, I used to cook with my grandma. We always made Christmas dinners together,” he ran his hand through his, now messy, locks, “I still try and cook as much as I can, I actually enjoy it. My friend Mingyu has given me lot’s of pointers, too.” He looked away, blush rising to his cheeks.

You looked at all the different assortments of food Seungcheol had prepared. There was a large skillet that contained beef bulgogi, and smaller dishes that housed kimchi, steamed eggs, japchae, and steamed rice. There were also two bowls of some kind of stew that made your mouth water, “It looks amazing, Seungcheol!” You exclaimed, a genuine smile on your face. 

“Well let’s not stare at it all night. Let’s eat!”

You and Seungcheol ate your meal, laughing at each other’s odd Christmas stories from your childhoods. You learned more about his life in Daegu and you told him stories of Jeongyeon and the trouble the two of you got up to in middle school. 

You both had another glass of wine with dinner, feeling looser as the night went on. Bear sat close to his owner, tail flicking idly, waiting for scraps of food to be accidentally flung from chopsticks during conversation. According to Seungcheol, the cat loved eggs, a trait he found both odd and endearing. You were so enthralled in conversation with Seungcheol, you barely registered that the food was nearly gone, two glasses of wine downed, and it was nearing midnight already. Sparing a glance at the oven clock, you realized just how late it was getting.  “Do you mind…” you started, before hesitating, unsure if you wanted to ask. 

“What is it, YN?” Seungcheol encouraged you. He was so kind, always observant, sensing when you needed a little push.

“Would you mind if I went out back to smoke?” You looked away, rubbing your hand up and down your arm, embarrassed that you were about to bring your conversation to and end just because you needed to smoke. Nasty habit, you knew you should quit, but it was hard.

“Oh, of course! Sorry, I didn’t realize it was getting so late,” he started, looking at the clock, getting up from his seat and grabbing dishes, “want me to join you? I can deal with this mess later.”

You grabbed your own plate, following him to the sink and setting it down gently. You hesitated for only a moment before you whispered, “Yeah, I think I’d like that.” You smile at Seungcheol, happy for the company for once.

Seungcheol didn’t have a deck like you, but he had a nice yard with a cute picket fence lining one side. Right off his dining room was a sliding glass door that led to a small concrete patio that was furnished with a couple patio chairs and a fire pit. His land went straight back, down to the lake, just like yours. The only thing separating your properties was a line of shrubs and trees. Seungcheol was busying himself with the fire pit as you sat in one of the chairs. You opened your pack of cigarettes, noticing you only had one left, mentally noting you’d have to run down to the store to grab more tomorrow morning. 

As you lit your cigarette, Seungcheol was lighting a small fire with the wood he kept by the backdoor. You idly wondered if he chopped it himself. With how muscular he was it wouldn’t surprise you. It was a small fire he lit, but it was enough to keep you warm in the freezing weather. Instead of sitting down in the chair across from you, like you expected him to, Seungcheol stood in front of you and held his hand out. For a moment, you were confused, until you realized he wanted you to take his outstretched hand. You complied, placing your free hand in his, turning your head to blow out your previous inhale of smoke. 

Seungcheol gave you a gentle tug, indicating he wanted you to stand up. As you stood, Seungcheol maneuvered himself behind you, so you were standing directly in front of the fire, as he shakily wrapped his arms around your middle. The feeling of his large hands on your waist was doing things to you in your alcohol hazed state. 

“Is this ok?” he asked quietly, lips close to your ear and he set his chin on your shoulder. You nodded slightly, feeling almost dizzy from whatever this feeling was that Seungcheol was causing. You could feel his warm breath on your neck as you took another drag from your cigarette. 

“Does the smoke not bother you?” you asked, a little forced, holding the smoke in your lungs. 

“I just want to be close to you,” he whispers, pausing for a moment, “YN, I like you.” 

You giggled at his comment, releasing the smoke from your chest. “I like you too, Seungcheol.”

“No, YN, I mean I really, really like you.” He was emboldened by the alcohol in his system, not wanting to hold back any longer.

To say you were surprised by his sudden confession would be an understatement. You took a sharp inhale of breath, nearly choking on the cold air, and not because of your cigarette, before Seungcheol began again, “I’m sorry if it’s sudden, or if it’s not what you want to hear right now, but I really need you to know that I enjoy spending time with you, and would love the opportunity to get to know you better, if you’ll allow me.” You tossed the butt of your cigarette into the fire pit, blowing out the final bit of smoke, and hesitantly turned around in Seungcheol’s arms. 

Your arms snaked around his shoulder, criss-crossing behind his neck. “You wouldn’t be saying that if you knew the things that go on in my head.” The wine was making you bold too, making you want to tell Seungcheol exactly how you felt. “I’m afraid if you get to know me, you wont like what you find.” Your voice was low, but being so close to you, he had no problem hearing your words.

Seungcheol sighed, looking deep into your eyes that have long since lost their sparkle. “I can’t promise you much, YN. I’m a freelance writer who lives in the middle of nowhere. But what I can promise you, is that whatever I find in you, wont send me running. I know what I’ve already found in you - you’re a sweet, compassionate girl, who in just three days has me falling head over heels,” he breathed, inches away from your face, “I’ve never met anyone like you, YN.” Seungcheol brought his hand from your waist up to your face, the chill making you shudder slightly, ever so gently gracing the back of his fingers against your sharp cheekbone. 

You leaned into his touch, not remembering what it was like to be cared for in such a gentle manner. “Seungcheol, I-” you weren’t sure what you wanted to say. You wanted so badly to give in to his sweet words, to let him in and break down your walls for him. You were scared, terrified even, of what that meant. He would learn all about your dark past, your demons, the monsters that threatened to take you down even still. A silent tear trailed down your cheek because of your internal battle. 

Seungcheol was quick to swipe it away with his thumb. “You don’t have to say anything back, YN,” his voice barely a whisper, like if he spoke too loud you’d blow away in the cold breeze, “Just promise me one thing?” You made a sound of confirmation, “One more day.”

At that, you broke down in Seungcheol’s strong arms. Your face pushed into his firm chest, tears flowing freely. Sobs wracked your chest and Seungcheol held you, rubbing a hand up and down your back. You weren’t sure, but you think you feel Seungcheol’s chest rising and falling in a rhythm that made it seem like he was crying with you. You didn’t want to chance a look at him, worried it would break you further. You stood there for what felt like an eternity before you calmed enough to pull back from Seungcheol, hands unclasping from behind his back and coming around to fist in the front of his shirt. “Thank you, Seungcheol. Thank you.” You let out a couple more weak sobs, before hugging him as tightly as you could. You didn’t need to explain, Seungcheol understood.

You and Seungcheol stayed wrapped up in each other's arms for the better part of the night, having moved inside to the couch, before you were getting too tired to keep your eyes open. Seungcheol was laying against the back of the couch, you slotted in front of him with his arms around your chest, holding you tightly to him. You let out a small yawn, making Seungcheol smile to himself. “Tired, love?” The nickname made your insides heat, despite how tired you were feeling.

You let out another yawn, bringing your hand up to rub your eyes. “Yeah,” you sighed, “I should probably get going.” You really didn’t want to leave, but you knew you should. You would feel a lot better in the morning if you slept in your own bed, not on this too small couch. 

“I’ll walk you home,” Seungcheol offered, standing up from the couch, pulling you with him. You moved to take off his coat before he stopped you with a gentle hand on your shoulder, “Keep it. It looks better on you anyway.” He smiled down at you, running his hand from your shoulder, down your arm, taking your hand in his. 

You smiled up at the slightly taller man, blushing profusely. You followed Seungcheol through his home, toeing on your shoes at the front door, hands still intertwined. As promised, Seungcheol walked you to your front porch, waiting until you had entered your house and locked the door before walking back to his own home. Once inside, you leaned your back against the door, head tilting until it hit the glass window pane in the middle of it. You sighed to yourself, feeling lighter than you have in years. You weren’t used to this feeling, and on Christmas Eve of all days. Well… You guessed it was probably Christmas now, with how long you spent laying on Seungcheol’s couch. With that thought in mind, you pulled your phone out from Seungcheol’s coat pocket to check the time. Before you could even register the time, you were stopping in your tracks as what greeted you on your phone screen. When was the last time you checked your phone? You’d been so wrapped up in Seungcheol you don’t recall looking at it all night.

On your lock screen, you saw a missed call. Several, actually. From Joshua. 

Your heart stuttered in your chest. Why was he calling you? You haven’t spoken to him in nearly three years. There was no reason for him to be calling you, unless there was some kind of emergency, right? Panicking, you walked further into the cabin, not bothering to take off the coat or your shoes. You sped walked right into your bedroom, eyes glued to your phone the entire time. Should you call him back? You weren’t sure if you wanted to speak to him right now, especially after the wonderful night you had with Seungcheol. But - what if he was calling to apologize, to make things right? Or what if something terrible happened to him? You had to find out.

As you unlocked your phone, you saw the notification for a new voicemail. Hesitantly, you opened your calls app, and clicked on the message from Joshua. You saw it was only about a minute long. Curiosity getting the best of you, you played the message instead of immediately calling him back:

“Y-YN? YN! W-what are you doing baby sister?” you could tell he was drunk from the way he was slurring his words, panic immediately rising in your chest. “Are you at mom and dad’s cabin? Yo-you always did love it there, didn’t you? Loved it so much you even tried ending your own life there!” A sharp laugh came from the phone, causing you to pull it away from your ear for a second. “You know YN, I wish you- you did. I wish I never pulled you out of th-that fucking lake. Then m-maybe I wouldn’t have to relive that God damn nigh-nightmare every fucking n-night YN,” you didn’t want to listen to this anymore, but your morbid curiosity made you keep the phone to your ear, you shut your eyes tight, hot tears welling up behind your eyelids, “G-go be with mom and dad, it’s what you want right?! I just-” the line cut off, ending the voicemail. You stumbled backwards, back hitting your bedroom door and mirror, making a loud clanging sound. You couldn’t see, lights still off, not having bothered with them when you burst in the room. Stunned, you still had the phone to your ear, other hand coming up to push at your eyes, willing the tears to stop forming. You slid down the back of your bedroom door, finally letting go of your phone, causing it to clatter down to the wood floor. Your breathing was ragged, eyes still glued shut in pain and panic. You were panicking. You haven’t had a panic attack in a couple of years, but you knew the signs. You hugged your knees to your chest and fell over on your side, sobbing into your forearms. 

Is that how Joshua, your own brother, really felt all these years? He wished he never saved your life? It shouldn’t be surprising to you, the last memory you have of him is in the back of an ambulance, grief written all over his face. That was the last time you saw him, until he texted you months later after countless missed calls, texts, and emails from you. He told you that you needed help, and that he needed to distance himself from you. Did your actions take such a huge toll on his life, that he wished you were no longer on this planet? In your muddled mind it made sense. He said he’s been reliving the nightmare, pulling you out of that lake must have haunted him. Of course he wanted it to end, why else would he have cut off all contact with you for this long?

You aren’t sure how long you laid on your bedroom floor, sobbing, but it must have been hours. By the time you finally pulled yourself up, you could see the beginnings of morning shining through your window. 

You needed to smoke, or drink, or do something to ease this pain. You remembered briefly that you were out of cigarettes, not willing to drive yourself to the store this early in the morning to buy more. Drinking seemed like it would only worsen your pain right now, so you pulled yourself over to your suitcase, tossing it open on your bed. After a few moments of rifling through your things, you found what you were looking for, before heading off into your bathroom.

It was Christmas day. Seungcheol hasn’t been this excited for Christmas since he was a teenager, and his mother was still around to make the holidays special. He hasn’t done much for Christmas since he moved out here. Every once in a while, Mingyu would invite him over for Christmas dinner with his wife a couple towns over, but she was pregnant this year and Seungcheol didn’t want to intrude. Mingyu told him he really didn’t mind, but he insisted it was fine, he could spend this year alone. Except, he wouldn’t be alone now.

Seungcheol was actually excited for Christmas today. Sure, he didn’t have a tree, or presents to give, but he had someone to spend it with. Someone special, which was saying a lot for a recluse like him. Wait until he told Mingyu about this, he would tease him to no end.

It was early, an ungodly hour according to Seungcheol on a normal day, but today was different. As he got out of bed, he startled Bear who shot across the floor, out his bedroom door. He smiled to himself and shook his head lightly. Such a scaredy cat, he thought to himself. Seungcheol planned on making some Christmas cookies, or maybe some rice cakes for today (Mingyu’s recipe, of course), before heading over to your house to spend the day with you. After his late night confession yesterday, Seungcheol was feeling bolder than ever when it came to you, and decided to shoot you a quick text to let you know he was thinking about you.

To YN [7:37 am]: good morning, love

To YN [7:37 am]: I hope it’s ok if I come over in a bit

To YN [7:38 am]: I want to let you sleep in a little longer, but I can’t wait to see you

He pocketed his phone, satisfied with his texts, for now. He assumed you were still sleeping since you were at his last night until well after midnight. 

As the morning went on, Seungcheol whipped up traditional rice cakes. By the time he was done, it was nearing nine in the morning, and he was starting to worry slightly that you haven't texted him back. He usually saw you out on your deck having a morning smoke by now, and he had definitely been sneaking glances out his kitchen window to try and catch a glimpse of you. He didn’t see you all morning, which was causing a slight panic to arise in his chest. 

By 9:15, Seungcheol couldn’t contain his panic anymore. Something was wrong. He could feel it. You should be awake by now. You always came out for a cigarette by now. Pulling on a coat, Seungcheol put on his slippers, rice cakes long forgotten, as he trudged over to your front door.

He knocked gently at first, not wanting to startle you if you indeed were just sleeping in. No response. This time, Seungcheol knocked on the door a little harder, making enough noise to wake you up without a doubt. He waited a couple of minutes before the feeling in his chest dropped to his stomach. He felt sick. This isn’t right. 

Seungcheol walked around the front of your house to peer into your bedroom window. He vaguely remembered the location of it from when he carried you in there the first night you met. He put his hands up to the glass and attached his face to his fingers, looking into your room. He didn’t see you, but what he did see worried him even more. Your bedroom door was wide open and your suitcase was open on your bed. He glanced at the driveway to confirm your car was indeed still there before he ran around to your back deck. Seungcheol was in full panic mode now, seconds away from breaking a window. He sincerely hoped he was overreacting, but after everything you’ve shared with him the past few days, he was suspecting the worse. When he got to your sliding glass door, he attempted to open it, and to his surprise it slid right open. He would have to give you a lecture about locking your doors after he made sure you were ok.

“YN?” he called out, slightly louder than he meant to, panic overtaking him, “YN? Love? Are you in here?” Seungcheol walked through your living room hesitantly, almost scared of what he might find. He didn’t see any sign of you, so he trudged down the hallway leading to your bedroom. “YN!?” His voice was starting to become panicked the longer he couldn’t find you. “YN please,” he sighed out, realizing wherever you were you probably weren’t hearing him. He peeked into your room one more time to make sure you really weren’t in there. He didn’t find you, but what he did find was your cellphone, laying on the floor with a cracked screen. Seungcheol tilted his head as he knelt down to pick the phone up. It lit up with the movement, showing him the missed texts from himself, and missed calls from… Joshua? Oh no. “No. No, no, no” Seungcheol whispered to himself. This couldn't be good. He pocketed your phone, making his way further down the hallway. He saw light coming from underneath one of the closed doors and immediately started banging on it. “YN!? YN are you in there? Please love, open the door!” Seungcheol tried turning the door handle, unsurprised when he found it locked. “YN I will break this door down!” He threatened, terrified beyond belief at what he would find when he did.

With one sharp inhale of air, Seungcheol grabbed onto the door handle and shoved his shoulder into the door. Once, twice, and on the third hit it popped open, breaking the doorframe in the process. Seungcheol ignored the stinging pain in his shoulder as soon as he saw your prone form on the bathroom floor, empty pill bottle in the sink. The air left Seungcheol’s lungs as he knelt down next to your head, gently cradling your head in his hands, setting it in his lap. “YN?! No, no! YN!” He was frantically trying to get his phone out of his pocket and unlocked. “YN, honey, please. Please wake up, please. YN you promised. You promised me YN!” his cries were frantic, tears streaming down his face, “You promised me! Please YN!” he begged you to wake up, to be alive, terrified he would never see your eyes light up or your beautiful smile again. Hot tears streamed onto his phone as he dialed for emergency services.

-

Seungcheol sat in the waiting area of the emergency room, speaking quietly into the phone, fingers playing with a frayed edge of his t-shirt. “I don’t know, Mingyu, they won't tell me anything.” He hadn’t stopped crying since he found you on your bathroom floor, now just letting silent tears roll down his cheeks as he waited for any news.

“You’re telling me, you met some girl four days ago, have been spending all your time with her, and you find her, half alive on her bathroom floor? What kind of mess are you getting yourself into Seungcheol? You’ve never been the type to take an interest in girls, much less ones you barely know!” Mingyu half-yelled through the phone. Seungcheol understood why Mingyu was worried, he really did, but he was just looking for some kind of anchor right now to keep him grounded.

“Gyu, please,” Seungcheol barely whimpered into the phone, lip trembling, “I l- I don’t want to lose her.” He wasn’t ready to say the words yet, not when he wasn’t sure if you were even going to make it. 

Mingyu heaved a heavy sigh, obviously frustrated with the situation. “I’m really sorry, hyung. I wish I could tell you she was going to be alright, she’s - what was her name again?”

“YN.” 

“Right, YN. From what you’ve told me, it seems like you got to her before it was too late, right? I’m sure everything will be fine. You said they’re pumping her stomach now, I’m sure it won't be much longer before you have more answers,” Mingyu sounded like he wanted to add on to that, but thought better of it, “Do you need me to come by? Eunha is at her parents house right now, I hung back to talk to you, I don’t mind-”

“Mingyu, no. It’s fucking Christmas. I’m sorry for taking you away-” he sniffled harder, “away from your family.” The dam is broken now, Seungcheol was unable to stop the tears from flowing, sobs wracking his small frame. 

Mingyu’s heart broke at the sound of his oldest friend’s tears. He didn’t mind leaving his wife for a few hours, he knew she was safe with her parents, probably about to start working on dinner for tonight. “I’ll be there as soon as I can, hyung. Hang in there.”

Seungcheol let out a shaky sigh, looking down at his now black phone screen. He felt like he was underwater, like his heart was beating in his ears. He could vaguely hear the chatter of the nurses and people in the waiting room, but his sole focus was on the pounding in his chest and the sinking feeling in his gut. All he could think about was you; what drove you to this? What could he have done differently last night to ensure your safety? Why was your brother calling you insistently throughout the morning? Most importantly, were you going to be ok? He didn’t want to think about that right now, couldn’t think about that right now, unless he wanted the hospital to have to admit him, too. 

Before Seungcheol could spiral any further, he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. He looked up to see his younger friend, dressed in gray sweats and a loose black pullover. Mingyu had a sad look in his eyes, not pity, but heartache at the pain his friend was feeling. Mingyu squatted down in front of Seungcheol, his tall stature making them eye level, hand still on his shoulder, “Hey man. Any news?” He asked, solemnly. 

Seungcheol shook his head slightly, trying to collect himself enough to utter a few words. “No. Nothing.” Seungcheol squeezed his eyes shut, willing the tears to stop, just for a moment. His effort was all in vain, as Mingyu took hold of Seungcheol’s hand, pulling him up into the taller man’s chest, embracing him. Seungcheol’s smaller frame seemed tiny in this moment, shoulders shrunk in on themselves, as Mingyu hugged the broken man.

“Why don’t you tell me about her?” Mingyu whispered to Seungcheol, rubbing a hand up and down his back comfortingly. “We can grab some coffee and you can tell me all about her.” Mingyu wanted to get Seungcheol away from this waiting room full of curious eyes, and wanted him to relax a little. He knew he was going to want to see you as soon as you were in the clear, and he wanted to make sure he was in a good enough state to do so. He could feel Seungcheol nod against his chest, pulling away but still keeping one arm around the shorter man’s shoulders. 

Seungcheol and Mingyu sat at a quiet table in the corner of the hospital cafeteria, nursing two black coffees. Seungcheol was staring out of the window to his right, not really paying attention to what Mingyu was saying.

“Seungcheol, do you want to talk about it? How did you guys even meet?”

Seungcheol gave a small shrug, “She’s been visiting every year since I moved into my grandma’s house. I just now finally built up the courage to say hi. She seemed sad.” had a permanent frown in his brow. 

“So you wanted to say hello because she seemed sad?” Mingyu seemed unconvinced, still confused at his hyung’s actions, being so out of the ordinary for Seungcheol.

“Yes, Gyu, what more do you want from me?” Seungcheol shot the younger man a glare from where he sat across from him.

Mingyu leaned back slightly, holding his hands up in a pacifying manner. “Hey, hey, man. I just want to hear about her, want you to tell me about her. That’s all.” He said in a hushed tone.

Seungcheol looked down at his coffee, focusing on the small billows of steam rising from it. “I’m sorry - I just -” he looked up at Mingyu, unshed tears threatening to fall again, “She’s perfect, you know? She doesn’t deserve any of this pain. She’s lost her parents, her brother, basically everyone who cared about her. I just wanted to- to be someone she could lean on,” he blinked rapidly, trying to rid the tears before adding on, “I think I love her, Gyu.”

Mingyu’s eyes widened a fraction before he schooled his expression, nodding his head. “I support you Seungcheol, you know that. I always will.” Seungcheol nodded at this. He knew it, would never forget it. Him and Mingyu had been through so much together, that’s why he was the first person Seungcheol called when he got to the hospital this morning. “What do you think happened that caused her to do this?”

Seungcheol bit his lip, remembering he had your phone tucked away in his pocket still. He slid it out, setting it on the tabletop between him and Mingyu. “I’m not sure… but I think it has something to do with her brother calling her.” As if he was summoned, Joshua’s name appeared on the small screen, phone vibrating so violently it moved a little across the table, the sound loud in the silence of the room. He’d been calling all morning, and from what Seungcheol could gather from your lock screen, all night, too. It wasn’t his place to go through your phone, or to answer the calls from your brother, especially if him calling had anything to do with your current condition.

“Are you going to answer him?” Mingyu hesitantly asked, looking from the phone, to Seungcheol, and back again as the vibrating faded out. 

Seungcheol shook his head quickly, causing a sharp pain to shoot through his temple. He really needed to stop crying, he thought. “No. What if he’s the reason she’s here in the first place?”

“He’s her brother right? Her family?” Mingyu started, seeing Seungcheol nod in confirmation he continued, “don’t you think he should know his sister is in the hospital for attempted suicide?”

Seungcheol scoffed. He was bitter, but part of him knew Mingyu was right. He’s still her family, after all. Would it be the right thing to do, to tell him you’re here? Would he even want to see you? From what you’ve told Seungcheol about your brother, he doesn’t think so. “He left her the last time it happened, hasn’t spoken to her since,” Seungcheol mumbled, almost too quietly for Mingyu to hear, “I’m not sure he would even care.”

Mingyu pursed his lips. He doesn’t know you, nor is he going to pretend to know what it’s like to be in your shoes. Seungcheol knew you better than he did, so he was going to take Seungcheol’s word for it. “Want to head back up? See if there’s any news?” Seungcheol nodded, looking down at the floor. The both grabbed their to-go cups and headed towards the elevators. 

-

Pain. Seething hot pain in your throat, that’s all you mind was focusing on right now. Your vision was black, and no matter how hard you tried to make a sound, nothing would come out. It felt like a thousand hot knives were forcing themselves down your esophagus, blocking any air flow. You were suffocating, this must be what it feels like to die, right? Because the last thing you remember was laying down on the cool tile floor of your bathroom after you swallowed your entire bottle of antidepressants. The pain in your throat must be from the excessive amount of pills you downed, right? Nothing else could explain this excruciating pain. You were obviously being punished for taking fate into your own hands. That was the only reasonable explanation you could come up with in your current state of mind.

“She’s waking up!” 

Wait. Why can you hear people? If there were people around, were you alive? 

“Administer more Propofol, she needs to be unconscious for this.”

No. No, no, no, no. This wasn’t supposed to happen. You were supposed to be gone. You wanted to be gone, but right now all you could think about now was making this pain stop. You silently prayed that whoever was helping you would make this pain go away as quickly as possible. 

-

Seungcheol was leaning on Mingyu’s firm shoulder, both sitting on ugly plastic green chairs in the hospital waiting room. A nurse had informed Seungcheol that you were out of the operating room, and were moved to a more private ward of the hospital to recover. He wasn’t allowed in yet, as they wanted to monitor you a little while longer to make sure you were out of the woods. They explained to him that the first few hours after an overdose were the most crucial if there was any hope of the brain recovering if there was any damage. 

Seungcheol was distraught, to say the least. Torn between calling Joshua and waiting. He knew you didn’t have your parents anymore, knew that you and your brother didn’t speak, despite the 100 plus missed calls on your phone that said otherwise. He wasn’t sure if you had any friends back home in Busan, but from what you’ve told him, he guessed you didn’t. He remembers you telling him about Jeongyeon and how she moved to the States, so he figured she was out of the question as well. He was worried that you wouldn’t remember what happened when you woke up, and you would be confused and scared, alone in the hospital. He thought about calling your brother, just so you’d have a familiar face to wake up to, but the devil on his shoulder wouldn’t let him make the call. He had a sinking feeling in his stomach that if you did, in fact, remember what happened, the last person you’d want to see is Joshua. 

Mingyu was deathly silent, texting his wife and family updates about you and Seungcheol. Despite not knowing Seungcheol well, or you at all, Mingyu and his entire extended family took an interest in your well-being. Mingyu told them how you had no family, and they completely understood why he was missing Christmas dinner, being the kind and caring people Seungcheol knew them to be. Especially Eunha, he was honored to be able to call her a sister, just as he was to call Mingyu his chose brother. Seungcheol felt bad for keeping him, but Mingyu reassured him over and over again, this is where he wants to be right now. 

“Mr. Choi?” a mouse-like voice called from the circular desk at the center of the waiting area. 

Seungcheol shot ramrod straight in his seat, eyes searching for the voice. A short, dark-haired woman who looked to be around Seungcheol’s age, was making her way towards him. She had a sweet smile on her face, which only minutely lessened Seungcheol’s worries.

“Mr. Choi?” She asked again, hesitantly. She waited for Seungcheol’s grunt in confirmation before continuing, “I don’t have anyone listed as Miss Y/LN’s next of kin, so since you were the one who brought her here, would you like an update on her status?” He voice was kind and soft, respectful of the environment they were currently in.

Seungcheol cleared his throat lightly, “Ye-yes, of course. Yes.” He stuttered out, standing up and moving towards the kind nurse. He glanced over his shoulder at Mingyu, who gave him a small smile, encouraging him to go with the lady.

“I’ll be fine, do what you need to do,” Mingyu waved him off.

The young nurse nodded and turned around, walking back towards the desk. Seungcheol trailed after her like a lost puppy, waiting for answers. “Mr. Choi, we’re going to be keeping Miss Y/LN here at the hospital for a few days. She’s been put under suicide watch for 72 hours, as is protocol with cases like these,” Seungcheol nodded solemnly, understanding the severity of the situation, “I see you listed on her intake paperwork that this wasn’t her first attempt. Is that right?”

Seungcheol nodded his head. He didn’t like sharing your personal stories with this stranger, but he understood it was going to help them better care for you, which is all he wanted. “Yes. She had attempted… yeah. Three years ago.” 

The woman nodded her head, writing something on the clipboard she now held in her hands. “Thank you, Mr. Choi. We’re going to continue to monitor her, but her vitals are looking good, and there are no outward signs of brain damage right now. This could change however, as once she’s awake and alert, her doctor will want to do another brain scan.”

Seungcheol nodded, just glad you were alive and breathing. 

“She’s not awake yet, the sedatives are still wearing off, but they’ve removed intubation and she’s resting,” Seungcheol winced at this fact, “would you like to see her?”

Seungcheol’s eyes finally met the small nurses after staring daggers into the hospital linoleum. “I can see her?”

The woman gave a short nod and a gentle smile. “Of course. I can tell you care a lot about her. She’s very lucky to have you, sir.”

Seungcheol nodded, looking down again. He didn’t feel very lucky, and didn’t think you would either right about now. But he accepted the compliment anyway.

“Follow me.” 

Seungcheol followed the lady back through two industrial looking double doors, past sterile smelling hospital rooms and nurses and doctors moving rapidly up and down the corridors. Seungcheol always hated hospitals, they reminded him of when his mother and his grandmother passed away. He was so hyper focused on walking, he barely heard her when the nurse spoke again. “Before you go in, it’s best to take a moment to prepare yourself for what you’re going to see. It can be really hard to see a loved one in this state, so I’m here to answer any questions you may have,” she advised kindly as she came to a stop outside your room. Seungcheol’s stomach fluttered at the mention of you being his ‘loved one’ and he mentally scolded himself. This nurse had no idea about the strange dynamic that is your relationship, if you could even call it that. 

Seungcheol shook his head lightly, indicating he didn’t have any questions, at least, not for her. She gave one nod of her head, before clutching her clipboard to her chest. “My name is Mina, I’m the hospital’s care coordinator, please let me know if you need anything. I wish you the best, Mr. Choi.” She said as she walked away. 

Seungcheol took a deep breath through his mouth, exhaling slowly through his nose. He wasn’t prepared to see you in a hospital bed, but his excitement at seeing you alive was overtaking his senses right now. He slowly pushed the door to your room open, taking two hesitant steps through the threshold. His eyes immediately scanned the room, falling over your fragile, but breathing, body. As Seungcheol quietly shut the door behind him, tears automatically started falling down his cheeks, silent sobs wracking his chest. He swiftly closed the gap between him and your bed, lip trembling, and took your cold, limp hand in his. He didn’t even bother pulling one of those uncomfortable plastic chairs with him, he just knelt on the floors, kneecaps be damned. He wasn’t sure how he was going to react when he saw you, he knew he would feel relief at knowing you were alive, but he didn’t expect to be quite so overcome with emotion. He definitely didn’t expect to feel intense happiness at the fact that he could hold you again. You had no idea the effect you had on him, and in only four short days. 

You laid on the hospital bed, dressed in one of those white, scratchy hospital gowns. Your eyes were even more sunken in than Seungcheol remembers, skin sallow and taking on an almost sickly green color. Your hair was a mess, and Seungcheol inwardly cursed the nurses for not at least brushing through it for you. Your arm was bruised purple and green at the crease of your elbow where your IV now sat. Your bottom half was covered by a thick blue blanket that looked a little itchy. Seungcheol grabbed the top of the blanket with his free hand, moving it up farther on your body, tucking it lightly at your far side. Even in this state, you looked beautiful to him. Despite what has taken place over the last 12 or so hours, he was still enraptured by you and your beauty. 

Seungcheol brought your bony hand up to his face, placing a soft, lingering kiss on the back of your knuckles. He vaguely registered that it was your first ‘kiss’. He would need to make up for that later, once you were home and safe. His head hurt, his eyes hurt, and his heart hurt. He didn’t have any more tears to cry, just silent sobs as he laid his forehead on your cold hand. 

Eventually Mingyu made his way up to your room, after being informed by Mina that Seungcheol was up there with you. He knocked softly on the door twice before opening it and entering. Seungcheol was still knelt on the floor by your bed. Mingyu sighed and knelt down next to him

“She’s gonna be ok hyung,” Mingyu started, placing his hand on Seungcheol’s back, “you should rest before she wakes up.”

Seungcheol nodded, allowing Mingyu to pull a chair over for him before sitting down in it, never letting go of your hand. Mingyu sat in a chair a little bit behind Seungcheol, making sure the older man knew he was there for support. They sat in silence like that for a while before Seungcheol started to feel drowsy, eyes falling shut and drifting into a fitful sleep, forehead pressed to your bed. 

-

You slowly blinked your eyes open, squinting from the bright lights above you. An intense smell of bleach hit your nose causing your throat to constrict and burn. The burn. It was still there, but dulled from last time you remember. You closed your eyes again, squeezing them shut in pain as you tried to swallow, causing a small, yet hoarse, whimper to emit from your throat. 

Immediately, Seungcheol’s head shot up at the sound of you. He started rubbing soothing circles onto the back of your hand, still clutched in his. “YN,” he whispered, standing from his seated position, moving even closer to your body.

You blinked your eyes a few times before looking up at Seungcheol. He could see the pain in your eyes with the way they were scrunched up cutely at the sides. You brought your hand to your throat subconsciously and Seungcheol knew what you meant. He grabbed the pitcher of water from your bedside table and poured you a cup, passing it to you. You silently thanked him with a nod of your head and started gulping down the water. Seungcheol sat back down and watched you carefully. He heard Mingyu stand from behind him, dimmed the lights, having watched how you were squinting your eyes, and quietly left the room to give you both some privacy. Seungcheol reminded himself to thank him profusely later for the man’s foresight, but right now his focus was on you.

You finished the cup of water and Seungcheol took it from your hand and set it back on the side table. “YN,” he whispered again, bringing his hand up to brush against your cheek, “you’re ok.” He smiled at you, genuinely smiled for the first time since last night. He was so beyond happy to see you, alive and well in front of him. 

You had a million thoughts running through your mind right now, and Seungcheol could tell by the panic stricken look flashing in your eyes. He soothingly rubbed his hand up and down your arm that was free of any tubes. “It’s ok, love,” he comforted, “I’m here to listen if you want to talk, or if you don’t I’ll sit here with you in silence. You don’t need to explain yourself. I’m just happy you’re ok.” He smiled at you, and even though you could feel the love radiating off of him, you felt sick to your stomach.

How could Seungcheol still want to be by your side after what you had done? How could he still want to comfort you when you were like this? You broke your promise to him. You had a lot of questions, but there was one at the forefront of your mind. “Did you find me?” Your voice was rough from the intubation tube, which you guessed was the reason for your throat burning before. You looked away from Seungcheol when you asked, not being brave enough to meet his eye, in fear of what you might find. 

He sighed lightly, almost inaudibly. “Yes.” You could tell without even looking at him that he was choking up, on the verge of tears. At the sound of his voice, you let your own hot tears roll down your cheeks, not bothering to wipe them away, eyes still not meeting his. A large hand immediately came up to wipe them away. “Hey, don’t cry, love,” he whispered, “I’m not mad, I’m not upset. These are happy tears, I promise.”

“I’m not happy,” you sniffled, “I’m sorry, Seungcheol, that you had to see me like that.” You brought your own hand up to your face to wipe at your nose. 

“YN, I don’t care about that. I swear to you, all that matters to me now is you. I want to keep you safe, want to help you fight this battle so you don’t have to do it alone. You have me, all of me.” His words were so sincere, so loving, you spared a glance at him, and the moment your eyes met, you knew he meant everything that he said. Even in your current state, he sent butterflies erupting throughout your stomach. You took in his face for a moment, red and puffy, tear stained cheeks, but his eyes were happy. You felt safe with him. You knew you’d have to talk about what all this means later, explain to him why you did what you did, but for now, you just wanted to be in his presence. 

-

Seungcheol sat with you for the next few hours, texting Mingyu to head home to his family, apologizing profusely for keeping him away on Christmas. You didn’t talk much, just offering sweet smiles when Seungcheol would check to make sure you were doing ok. Like the nurse told Seungcheol earlier, your doctor came in to take you for a brain scan and to run some other tests. Seungcheol waited patiently in your room while you were being tested. 

When you returned, the doctor checked your vitals again, before letting you both know that he would be back in the morning to run some more tests, and give you the results of the brain scan. You both thanked him quietly before he wished you a merry Christmas, and took his leave.

Alone again with Seungcheol, you felt his calm aura wash over you. “Thank you,” you whispered quietly into the dim room, “I’m sorry I ruined your Christmas,” you said with a slight frown.

“You didn’t ruin anything,” Seungcheol assured, walking over to your bed and sitting next to you, “There is no place I’d rather be than by your side.”

Just as Seungcheol finished his sentence, a violent buzzing resounded through the room. Seungcheol’s eyes went wide as dinner plates as he realized your phone was still in his pocket. Hesitantly, he brought it out of the back of his jeans and showed you what was on the screen.

You flinched when you saw your cell phone. You knew you’d have to confront Joshua and Seungcheol about what happened sooner or later, but you were really hoping it would be the latter. You reached out for your phone, pushing the red decline button. Seungcheol looked at you with an unreadable expression as you let the phone fall to your side onto the bed.

You sighed, looking at Seungcheol, lips pursed. “Go ahead, you can ask me,” you offered, rubbing a hand down the front of your face.

Seungcheol looked sheepishly at you. Of course he wanted to know what happened, but he didn’t want to push you to tell him or to relive whatever it was that pushed you that far in the first place. His curiosity got the better of him as he chewed his lip raw. “What happened?” His voice was barely a whisper, the beeping of the equipment in the hospital room almost enough to mask it. 

“Joshua was calling me, I guess, while we were having dinner last night,” you wrung your hands together, trying to warm them up in the frigid temperature in your room, “I didn’t think to check my phone until after you walked me home.” Seungcheol reached over to stop your ministrations, cupping both your hands in his and blowing warm breath between them. You smiled slightly at his thoughtful actions before continuing, “He was drunk, I think. I don’t know if he even realized what he said, but - but he left me a voicemail,” your voice was getting quieter the further into your story you got, “he said he wished I had succeeded three years ago, that he wished he never saved me.” Your words shocked Seungcheol, hell they shocked you. You still couldn’t believe that Joshua said those things. The mere thought almost sending you into another panic attack.

Seungcheol was seething. He had his suspicions that this was your brother’s doing, but he didn’t expect those words to fall from your mouth. He gripped your hands just a little bit together as he brought the back of them to his lips, forcing his emotions down. Seungcheol bit down hard on his tongue to stop him from saying exactly what he wanted to say about your idiot brother, but he knew that you were still hurting, still recovering, and didn’t want to upset you or hurt you even further.

“YN - I’m sure he was just drunk,” he starts, before he realizes that the man who calls himself your brother has no excuse for what he said to you, “that does not, and I mean does not, give him an excuse to treat you like that, but you literally haven’t heard from him in what? Three years?” You nodded your head, worrying your bottom lip between your teeth. Seungcheol gently reached up and thumbed at your bottom lip, pulling it away from the assault of your teeth before continuing, “He’s called you over a hundred times since last night. I haven’t answered, he doesn’t know you’re here, as far as I know. If you don’t want to tell him, don’t want to talk to him, I will support you, but I also think it would be good for you to get closure from him. Even if that means cutting him out of your life.” 

You nodded slowly, taking in Seungcheol’s words. You knew he was right. You didn’t want to go through life wondering if Joshua really meant what he said, if he was sorry, if he still thinks about you. You decided to table the conversation for now. It’s not doing anyone any good stressing yourself out about it. First, you needed to have a serious conversation with Seungcheol about what exactly was happening between the two of you. You didn’t want there to be any questions when you went home from the hospital, wanted to feel secure in the choices you were about to make.

“Seungcheol?”

“Yes, darling.” Seungcheol said cooly, still holding onto your hands. He was doing that a lot today and you definitely weren’t complaining. 

“What is this?” You pulled one of your hands gently from Seungcheol’s grasp and gestured half-assedly between you both. 

Seungcheol’s brow furrowed momentarily before smoothing out and giving you a soft look and grabbing your escaped hand again. “YN - I - I don’t know what you’re expecting,” here it goes, you thought, he’s going to reject you. He’s going to say that this was all too much and he’s only here because he feels guilty. “I really didn’t want to do this here, while you’re lying in a hospital bed,” he scoffs lightly, shaking his head. Your heart drops. Is he really going to leave like this? You bite both your lips between your teeth, looking away to brace yourself for what he’s about to say. “YN, I think I’m in love with you.”

Your head shoots up so quickly you think you might have whiplash. Seungcheol giggles quietly at your reaction, bright smile on display for a moment. “W-what?” Is the dignified answer you sputter out. 

This time, Seungcheol is looking you directly in the eyes when he says, “I love you, YN. I know it’s only been a few days since we met, but I already can’t imagine my life without you in it. I don’t care what hurdles we have to get past, I don’t care about all your baggage that you seem to think will scare me away, and I definitely don’t care that you seem to think you aren’t worth it. I know you’re worth it, you’re worth all of it.” Before you could form a response, Seungcheol is standing up from his chair, wrapping both arms around your small frame and bending a little awkwardly to pull you up slightly to a sitting position. A beat passes before you realize he’s trying to hug you, and you quickly wrap your arms around his neck the best you can while  attached to all the wires and tubes. Seungcheol nuzzles into your hair, which you think is probably a horrid mess right now, and whispered close to your ear, “They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, right? I thought I lost you forever, that’s the biggest absence I could’ve felt from you. It made me realize I never want to let you go again.” He pulls back slightly, placing the softest kiss to your cheek before placing his forehead against yours.

You looked up at him through your now wet lashes, and you don’t even have to think about your next words, “I love you too, Seungcheol. You make me feel safe. Something I haven’t felt in a really, really long time.” You choked out the last couple of words, tears making their way down your cheeks now. “I’m so sorry I put you through this, I’m so sorry I broke my promise.” You were sobbing again. 

“Shh,” he shushes you quietly against your hair, “It’s okay, love. You’re here now, and that’s all that matters. Whatever we need to work through, we will. Together.”

“Thank you Seungcheol, I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but thank you.”

“Don’t thank me, YN. I just want to see you continue living your life.”

You sniffled, pulling back from Seungcheol to give him a smile. “Merry Christmas, Seungcheol.”

“Merry Christmas, my love.”

You were stuck in the hospital for the mandatory three days after Christmas, something you were unfortunately familiar with. During that time they ran multiple tests to make sure you didn’t have any lasting damage and you met with two different therapists. Sadly, you knew and understood these procedures, as this wasn’t the first time you went through them. The second therapist you met with suggested putting you on a different antidepressant from the ones you had before, along with an anti-anxiety medication for at least the next few weeks to get you through the holidays. 

Seungcheol stayed with you almost the entire time (aside from going home to check on Bear and to shower), sleeping on two chairs pushed together, despite you inviting him up on your bed multiple times. He refused on the grounds of ‘I don’t want my first time in bed with you to be at the hospital’, to which you rolled your eyes at. He brought back Uno to play with you at the hospital and even picked up some chicken from the restaurant you like instead of the hospital food you complaied about every night. Seungcheol had really lightened your mood over the last few days, mixed with the new medications, you were almost feeling back to your ‘normal’ self, or at least as normal as you could be. 

You and Seungcheol had decided that it would be best if you took at least one more week off work to recover after the new year, and Seungcheol was quick to offer to stay with you at your cabin, or have you come stay with him at his, enticing you with Bear cuddles. Eventually you decided on alternating between the two houses to give you a little reprieve from the memories your cabin will inevitably bring back. Neither of you were dim, you both knew being at the hospital was like a vacation away from your demons. When you stepped foot back in that house, you would likely struggle, at least a little bit more than you are here. The second therapist you saw not so gently indicated to Seungcheol that you shouldn’t be left alone, to which he cooly agreed without making you feel too embarrassed. 

Being on bed rest for a few days, on top of having your stomach pumped, really did a number on your muscles. You were consistently sore, and were almost too weak to walk on your own. Seungcheol was quite the gentleman, massaging your calves when they hurt and walking you to the bathroom when you needed it. You felt lucky to be loved by him. You wanted to be able to show him just how much you could love him in return, and made a mental note to do just that once you recovered. 

On your second night in the hospital, a man by the name of Mingyu came by to check on you and Seungcheol. He introduced himself as Seungcheol’s best friend and you learned he was married with a baby due in just a few weeks. He was kind and handsome, just like Seungcheol. You also found out that he had stayed with Seungcheol at the hospital, on Christmas, while you were unconscious. You vehementaly apologized to the man, getting into a bowing battle while you were sitting on the edge of your bed, while he refused your apologies. You decided you really liked Mingyu and his dorky and aloof personality and were glad Seungcheol had such a great friend to be there for him. 

You were finally being released on December 28th into Seungcheol’s care, something he wasn’t going to take lightly. The hospital made him sign paperwork saying he would keep an eye on you, ensuring someone was always with you for the next two weeks. While it made you feel slightly like a teenager again, you couldn’t deny that you probably needed it, and were just thankful it was Seungcheol who would be the one watching over you and not your idiot brother. 

It was nearing seven in the evening, well past sunset, when Seungcheol rolled your wheelchair, another accommodation you tried to fight, out to his car. He helped you into the front seat, making sure you were comfortable before strapping you in with the seatbelt, closing the door, and jogging to the driver’s side. 

Seungcheol clapped his hands together and rubbed them furiously together for a moment. “It’s freezing! Let’s get you home, baby!” He flashed you a bright smile before starting the engine. 

You giggled at his antics and felt your cheeks heat at the pet name, covering your mouth with your hand. You were feeling pretty good on the drive home, Seungcheol looking over at you every couple of minutes to make sure you were alright and the heater was warm enough. You had lost a bit more weight in the hospital and your limbs were exceptionally cold. You were curled up in the passenger seat watching the trees zoom past the window. Sometime during the drive, Seungcheol reached over across the center console and placed his large hand over your knee, the warmth seeping through the leggings you were wearing. You glanced over at him, softly smiling at eachother, and placed your much smaller hand over his, intertwining your fingers together. 

The drive wasn’t long back to your cabin, maybe twenty minutes, but in those twenty minutes, you grew excited. Excited to spend time with Seungcheol tonight, to lay with each other in your bed, excited for the future for what felt like the first time since your parents passed. You pictured your parents for a moment, a fleeting thought, what would they think of Seungcheol? You wish they could’ve met him. You’re sure your mom would have loved his kind nature and his ability to cook. Your dad would have liked that he had good manners and was always a gentleman. You turned your head to look out the window, smiling sadly to yourself. You were sad they were gone, of course, but you were also happy in this moment and you didn’t want your memories to subtract from that. 

“Almost home, love.” Seungcheol said, squeezing your knee. You didn’t realize you had just about dozed off, head leaning on the window. You pulled your hand away from Seungcheol’s to rub at your eyes briefly. “Uh, YN?” You looked up at Seungcheol in confusion, his tone almost panicked. “Whose car is that?”

Your eyes immediately found the car in question, a sleek, black sports car, parked behind your crappy silver sedan in the cabin’s driveway. It only took you a moment to realize by the custom license plate ‘1230’ that it was your brother’s. 

You swallowed the lump in your throat as Seungcheol turned into his own driveway. He could tell by your reaction, you didn’t want to see the owner of that car. 

“My brother.”

-

It took you a good thirty minutes of pacing Seungcheol’s kitchen and countless encouragements from the man himself to build up the courage to go over to your cabin. You had so many questions; why was Joshua here? How long had he been there? How did he get in? You know you had the locks changed in the last three years since the incident. What confused you the most though, is the fact that his calls completely stopped after Christmas day. You had assumed that he had given up trying to contact you and went on with his life, but apparently he had different plans. Had he been here the entire time? Why had the calls stopped? You had more questions than answers as you paced around.

“Are you ready baby?” Seungcheol asked you from the kitchen, standing up from pouring food into Bear’s bowl.

“I really don’t know, Seungcheol,” you twisted your wrist in your other hand, a nervous habit, “What if he’s here to yell at me again?” You stomach was doing flips thinking of all the things Joshua might have to say to you. Of all the things you had to say to him.

“YN, I really don’t think he blew your phone up for a day and then drove all the way out here to yell at you,” Seungcheol started softly, rubbing his hands up and down your arms, “and besides, if he is here to yell at you, I’ll be right by your side the entire time. You know I wouldn’t let anything bad happen to you, right?” His voice and his deep brown eyes were so sincere that your brain couldn’t help but cave.

You nodded, letting out a deep sigh. Seungcheol smiled at you and pinched your chin between his thumb and his forefinger, brought your face up to meet his gently, and placed a kiss on your forehead. Your eyes fell shut and you felt all the tension in your body flow out of you at once. This man really did have an immense effect on you, and you were thankful for that in this moment. “It’s now or never, I guess.”

You and Seungcheol walked hand in hand over to your cabin, standing at your front door, you hesitated before unlocking it. Seungcheol squeezed your hand as a silent gesture to let you know he was with you. You took a few cautious steps into the house, silently looking around the open living room. No sign of Shua yet.

As you stepped around the corner, you could hear faint rustling coming from one of the rooms. “Shua?” You called gently, probably not quite loud enough for anyone to hear. “Joshua?” You called a little louder. The rustling stopped. Now you heard quick footsteps, loud clumsy footsteps that you could never mistake having lived with them for a majority of your life, heading in your direction. You stood half in front of Seungcheol, your hand still intertwined with his behind your back waiting for your brother to appear. 

Joshua stumbled out of his old bedroom, looking not at all what you expected him to look like. He was wearing an old pair of black sweatpants and a faded t-shirt that you think once had your father’s college alumni printed on it. His light ash brown hair, that’s new, was disheveled and sticking out in every direction, looking like he had run his hand through it at least a thousand times. But what shocked you the most, was the pure panic in his eyes. As soon as his eyes met yours, the panic seemed to dissipate, though it didn’t completely disappear. He rushed over to you, placing both his large hands on the tops of your shoulders, startling you and causing you to bump into Seungcheol behind you.

“YN - Oh my god, YN,” Joshua started to sob, head dropping down onto your shoulder. You felt Seungcheol let go of your hand and placed both of his hands on your waist, holding you steady against his chest. “Thank God you’re ok! Where the hell have you been!?” Joshua was full on crying into your shoulder now, tears staining Seungcheol’s sweatshirt he had let you wear home from the hospital. You were still pretty weak on your legs from the bedrest, so you started to wobble a bit from the pressure Joshua was putting on you.

You started to bring your hand up to lightly push back from Joshua to maintain your balance, bracing yourself against Seungcheol. Joshua looked at you with confusion in his eyes, before he glanced up seemingly noticing the blonde man behind you for the first time.

“Who the hell are you?” Joshua demanded, though he didn’t sound very threatening with tears flowing down his face. 

“I-” Seungcheol started, but you cut him off, feeling suddenly defensive of the man behind you. You knew your brother’s anger, you were intimately familiar with it and Seungcheol deserved none of it. 

“My boyfriend,” you started, causing Seungcheol’s eyes to widen slightly. It’s not that he didn’t like the new title, he was just shocked, hearing it come from you. “Why are you here, Shua?”

“Boy- boyfriend? YN what is going on? Is that where you’ve been? Sleeping around with him?” You furrowed your brow, mouth dropping open. Was he drunk again? 

“Are you fucking drunk again, Joshua?!” You started to raise your voice, attempting to pull away from Seungcheol, but he wasn’t letting you move any further, worried for both you and your brother at this point. He’s never heard you raise your voice, and if he’s being honest, it’s rather intimidating.

“Yeah YN, I am! I drove 3 hours down to this God forsaken cabin last night to find my baby sister missing, nowhere to be found with the front door wide open and an empty bottle of pills in the bathroom. How the fuck do you think I was supposed to deal with this?!” He was near screaming at this point. Well, the door explains how Joshua got into the house. 

You raised your finger up and pointed it right at Joshua’s chest, “Oh, I don’t know Shua, maybe you could have actually gone out and looked for me instead of sitting on your ass and drinking yourself to death!” Seungcheol had a tight grip on your upper arms at this point, making sure you didn’t get physical. He was pretty sure your brother wouldn’t hurt you, he hoped, but he couldn’t say the same for you. 

Joshua scoffed at you, taking a small step forward so your finger pushed into his firm chest. “I thought you were dead YN! I was fucking terrified I was going to find you out in that God damned lake, frozen to death. I- I-” he stuttered out, fresh tears building up at his lashes and anger dissipating in a mere instant, “I was scared. I didn’t want to find you out there again.”

Though Joshua’s anger seemed to be gone, yours was only building. “Scared? You were scared!? Why!? Because if you found me out there, you knew it would have been your fault?” You spit the last words at your brother, jabbing your finger harder into his chest, you knew it was low, but he literally said it himself in his voicemail, what did you owe him in this moment?

You watched as Joshua let the tears fall down his cheeks, biting at his trembling lower lip. “I’m so - so sorry, YN,” he whimpered, actually whimpered. You don’t think you’ve ever heard your older brother whimper. “You have to under- understand that I didn’t mean what I said the other night. I listened to the voicemail a few hours after I left it and I- I was so worried when you weren’t answering your phone. I wanted to apologize, take it back, but I was scared it was too late. I even called the police the day after to ask if they- th-” he didn’t need to finish that sentence, you knew what he meant. If they found your body. You heard Seungcheol inhale a sharp breath behind you, obviously affected by what Joshua was trying to say. You nearly forgot he has been a witness to this whole scene, he’s been so patient and quiet. “They said they didn’t find… anyone. I tried to let it go, tried to let you ignore me, but I couldn’t. I had to come down here and see for myself.”

“Well, here I am. You can leave. Now,” you spat, turning around and walking towards your kitchen. “C’mon Seungcheol,” you mumbled, taking Seungcheol’s hand in yours. 

“YN - wait,” it wasn’t your brother’s voice that heard say those words, but Seungcheol’s. You stopped and turned around, staring at him like he grew two heads. He took a step closer to you, placing his hands atop your shoulders, “You need closure, YN,” he whispered softly down at you. Your eyes softened at his ability to stay so calm and level headed throughout this entire ordeal. You blinked up at him a few times before nodding your head. 

Seungcheol didn’t want to put you in a position you were uncomfortable with and he knew you didn’t want to look at your brother right now. Hell, he wanted to beat the shit out of Joshua himself, his anger only growing throughout your conversation with him, but he knew you needed this. He knew this would be the first step in your healing. 

You took a few steps past Seungcheol, stopping a few feet in front of your brother. Joshua, who had previously been staring a hole through the carpet, met your eyes with his glistening ones. Yes, he said horrible things to you. Yes, he has treated you as if you don’t exist for the past three years. But, he’s still your brother, right? He’s quite literally the only family you have left in this world. With both your parents gone, grandparents long dead, and no other siblings, Shua was really all you had. Even though he may not deserve your forgiveness, don’t you owe it to yourself to try and patch up your relationship? Even the thoughts sounded weak in your brain, after all he’s made you feel, but he really was all you had left. If you were going to move on from this, Seungcheol was right, you needed closure one way or another.

“Shua…” you trailed off, looking up at the ceiling attempting to stop the rush of tears stinging the backs of your eyes. You weren’t sure if you should tell him what happened over the last few days, since you last heard his voice. He was the reason you were in the hospital in the first place, but did you really want to make him feel the guilt for putting you there? You weren’t so sure. Your caring nature yelling at you internally to lie, to sugar coat things to spare your brother the pain. Before you could fight your internal battle, it was Joshua who spoke first. 

“Can we talk about this, a little more privately maybe?” He questioned, his sour tone catching Seungcheol’s attention. Seungcheol has tried to stay quiet through all of this, hoping to let you hash it out on your own. It wasn’t his place, after all. He didn’t know your brother, and he believed you could handle yourself. But he wasn’t about to leave you alone with Joshua, and he needed to make sure the other man knew that.

“I’m not going anywhere,” Seungcheol started, brow furrowed menacingly, folding his arms across his chest, “She is in my care, after all.” He really didn’t want to play that card, unsure of how you would feel about it, but he really, really, needed Joshua to know that he wasn’t going to budge. 

“What the hell do you mean she’s in ‘your care’?” Joshua narrowed his eyes, shooting a questioning glare your way.

You let out a heavy sigh, briefly turning your body to give Seungcheol an apologetic look. “I’ve been in the hospital, Shua. They only released me on the condition he stays with me, or vice versa.” Fuck it, maybe he deserved to feel guilty. 

“Wh-what do you mean you were in the hospital?” His previous distraught look coming back, “Why didn’t you call me? I’m your family I should be the one-”

You cut him off before he could finish that statement, “Taking care of me? Joshua, you left me at a hospital three years ago and haven’t so much as said ‘hello’ to me since then. What makes you think you have any right to even assume I would want you to care for me?” Joshua at least had the decency to look ashamed of himself for the first time tonight, gaze shifting down to the floor again.

“YN, I- I called that night, on Christmas Eve, to apologize,” he looked behind you at a glaring Seungcheol before looking back at your equally enraged face, “I know, I know! I definitely didn’t do that in the voicemail that I left, ok I know,” he put his hand up as if to pacify you, “I had been drinking and I was thinking about you - in fact I - I think about you all the time. I’ve just been a terrified asshole who was too afraid you’d reject my apology after so long. I had the courage that night and tried calling you a few times. When you didn’t answer I figured you hated me, and it set me off with how drunk I was. I- I’m s-so sorry YN, I never, ever meant to hurt you like this. I was so scared of losing you, I tried to distance myself from you, so if I did l-lose you, it wouldn’t hurt as bad as when we lost mom and dad.” Joshua was full on sobbing at this point.

Your eyes softened minutely at his words, the fire in your eyes fleeting, but still there. “You’re fucking right you’ve been an asshole Shua,” you scoffed, “did you ever think about what I needed? How I felt? You distancing yourself from me was like having my entire family ripped away from me. You were all I had left. You are all I have left.” Your last words were whispered, but your brother heard them loud and clear. 

Joshua's long legs only needed two steps in your direction before you were chest to chest with him, his strong arms wrapping around your shoulders. To say you were shocked was an understatement. Regardless of how much you wanted to hate your brother right now, you couldn’t deny that it felt nice to be in his familiar arms again. He hasn’t hugged you in years, not since your parents death, and you’re feeling lightheaded from all the physical contact you’ve had in the last week. It took you a moment to respond to his hug, slowly wrapping your weak arms around his middle. He could feel the way your too small frame was beginning to shake, presuming you were weak from being in the hospital, though he could feel how thin you were. It took him a second to realize you were sobbing in his arms, too.

Joshua nuzzled his face into the side of your head, having to bend a little to account for the height difference, and croaked, “I’m sorry YN. I’m so, so sorry. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but please, please let me be here for you. Let me be your shoulder to cry on, be the one you confide in again.” He sniffled, rubbing his cheek against the top of your head. “I’ll stay by your side, I won't leave you, I promise.”

“I’ve missed you so much,” you blubbered out, soaking Joshua’s shirt with your tears. He ran a hand soothingly up and down your back as he let his own silent tears fall. 

“I’ve missed you too, baby sister.”

Seungcheol had been a silent observer, staying back, allowing you both to have the space you needed to sort this out. At this point, he wore a small smile, arms still crossed over one another. He decided it was time for him to leave you both alone for a moment to catch up and talk things through a little further. He quietly slipped out of the living room with a plan to make some hot tea for you, briefly meeting Joshua’s eyes which were silently thanking the older man. Seungcheol gave a quick nod and turned to walk away. 

-

You and your brother spent the next few hours talking about everything on your living room couches. He stayed close, but not too close, to give you your own space, which you appreciated. Seungcheol came back after a little while, hot tea in mugs in tow. He sat by your side, offering you silent support with a hand on your knee or shoulder. You were thankful for his presence. Even though you and Joshua had talked some things out, you still felt a little awkward with him here. It had been over three years since you’d seen him, to be fair.

You told Joshua about your job and how you haven’t left it yet, despite hating your boss for so long. You talked about your life in Busan and how you moved into a new apartment a couple years back. He told you about his firm in Seoul and how he’s been working on a new book. He was hopeful that one of his previous books was up for some kind of award. You expressed how proud you were of him, finally having the chance to tell him. He told you about how he and Yuna broke up last year, a mutual thing, to which you expressed your not quite sympathy. Most importantly, you talked about your brief stay at the rehab facility three years ago and your most recent stay in the hospital here. You both cried when you talked about your second attempt at your life. You hugged each other and Joshua apologized profusely to you, which you graciously accepted.

After you had spilled all your collective tears and put everything out on the table, Joshua turned his attention to the other man in the room, who up until this point, had been relatively quiet, only chiming in when asked a question. “Seungcheol?”

Seungcheol was taken by surprise at the sound of his name coming from Joshua’s mouth. Eyebrows raised, he looked at the ashy haired man sitting across from him, “Hmm?” 

“I wanted to thank you,” Joshua said apologetically, “I don’t know you, but you saved my sister. She also seems to trust you,” he gave you a quick smile, “so I guess I should, too. But really, man, thank you. I don’t know what I would do if I lost her, too.” His gaze fell to his hands that were clasped in his lap.

Seungcheol sat up a little straighter on the couch before answering, “You don’t have to thank me. I share the sentiment, I don’t know what I would do without her.” He smiled down at you, wrapping his arm around your shoulders, making you give him a small smile in return. “I really love her,” he said lovingly. He was talking to Joshua, but he was staring into your eyes, getting lost in them for a moment. Joshua noticed this, and couldn’t hide the smile that was spreading across his own face. That’s when he knew you were in good hands. He trusted Seungcheol.

The next hour passed by quickly, sharing more stories amongst the three of you. Eventually Joshua told you he had to get going, needing to be back in Seoul for a meeting tomorrow morning. He offered to cancel and stay the night, but you and Seungcheol both told him he should go, and not to worry about you. If Seungcheol wasn’t here, Joshua would have definitely canceled, but he felt good about leaving you with him after the talks you’d had these past few hours. 

You wrapped your arms around your brother's neck, reaching up on your tiptoes. Joshuas arms wrapped around your middle, lifting you up slightly as he whispered in your ear, “I love you baby sister, please don’t forget that. I never stopped loving you.”

“I love you too Shua, don’t be a stranger.” You smiled up at your older brother. 

“I won't, trust me,” he let out a short laugh, devoid of any humor before setting you back down on your feet. He turned to look at Seungcheol, before reaching out to shake his hand. Seungcheol walked the short distance to grab his hand, only to be pulled into Joshua’s frame for a hug. “Thank you again, Seungcheol. I wish I could stay longer to get to know you a little better, but it was really nice to meet you.”

“I’m sure there will be more opportunities for us to meet,” Seungcheol said, with an almost demanding tone. Joshua took the warning for what it was, leaving you a little oblivious next to them. “Drive safe.”

Joshua pulled away, giving you one final smile, before turning around to take his leave. You stood in the doorway, watching your brother start his car and pull out of the driveway. You knew you had plenty more unresolved issues and a lot more to discuss, but for now, your chest felt lighter at the aspect of having your brother back in your life. You were a little sad that he had to leave so quickly, when you felt like you just got him back, but were hopeful you would see him soon. 

Seungcheol could feel your mood shift slightly, moving to wrap his arms around you from behind in a comforting back hug. You closed and locked the front door before turning around in his grasp. “I’m sorry,” you murmured into his chest. You didn’t see it, but Seungcheol looked down at you in confusion.

“Why are you sorry, love?” He inquired, rubbing a hand up and down your spine.

“I’m sorry you had to sit here all night and listen to me cry,” you began, “I’m also sorry you had to meet my brother under these circumstances.”

“Don’t be sorry, YN. I’m so happy you were able to see Joshua again and talk about things. I know it can be hard to talk about these things, and I know it must be hard to let him back into your life so suddenly, but I know it will be helpful to you in the long run. I only want you to be happy, love.”

You look up at Seungcheol in complete awe. How was this man in love with you? A broken shell of a person, with her weights worth of baggage. What did you do to deserve him? The literal epitome of perfection. A walking green flag. 

“Don’t thank me,” Seungcheol lightly scolded, a smile on his face. “I can practically hear your thoughts right now.”

You scoffed, mock offended, putting your hands on his chest to playfully pull away. He wasn’t having it though, and pulled you back into him, rocking you both back and forth gently. “Oh no you don’t, you’re mine tonight,” you know he meant it in a playful way, but it did things to you that you didn’t want to admit to yourself right now, “I told you I wanted to lay with you properly and I’ve been waiting way too long to finally do that.”

“Let’s go to bed then,” you began, taking Seungcheol’s hand in your, walking down the hallway towards your bedroom. 

“Sounds like a great plan,” Seungcheol smiled, following after you obediently. 

-

After you and Seungcheol both got changed (Seungcheol having to run home to grab some things, and also grab a very unamused cat), you kneeled in the corner of your room playing with Bear, who lay in his cat bed that Seungcheol also brought over. 

Seungcheol was laying back on your pink sheets, arms crossed behind his head, watching you in amusement. “He really likes you, you know.”

You looked over your shoulder with a toothy smile on your face. Seungcheol very nearly melted into your mattress at the sight. “You think so?” Seungcheol nodded as you turned back around to face the fur ball in front of you. “Well, I really like him too,” you cooed at the cat in question as he arched his back into your pets. After you had your fill of cuddles, you slowly stood up from your crouching position, causing Bear to mewl.

Seungcheol let out a loud laugh from his spot on your bed. “Yeah, I would say he definitely likes you.”

You laughed along with Seungcheol while turning the lamp on your side table off. Seungcheol scooted over on the bed to make room for you, pulling the pink and white comforter back. You gladly took your spot on the bed, rolling on your side to face Seungcheol. To say you were nervous was a big understatement. “I’m gonna miss him when I go back to Busan,” you whispered sadly, only slightly teasing. 

“I’m glad my cat made such a big impact on you,” Seungcheol said dryly, deadpanning in your direction.

You giggled quietly and shushed him. “Of course I’m gonna miss you too, Seungcheol. I thought that was a given.”

“I mean, it’s still nice to hear,” he gently smiled down at you before draping one arm over your side, placing his warm hand on your lower back. He nudged your back a little, signaling you to move closer, to which you obliged. “You know, you don’t have to go back,” Seungcheol whispered, hopefully. 

“Cheollie, I have to,” Seungcheol smiled his brightest smile at the nickname making you stifle a laugh, “my job is there, I have an apartment there. I can’t just leave.”

“Is this cabin paid off?” Seungcheol asked abruptly, before you could continue making excuses.

“Yes…” you trailed off hesitantly. 

“Then you could break your lease in Busan, and move to the cabin. I know you love your job, but there is an animal shelter here. It’s where I got Bear from,” the cat meowed softly in the corner, making you smile again, “I could put in a good word for you.”

Seungcheol was so thoughtful. I definitely don’t deserve this man, you thought to yourself. Seungcheol chuckled and raised his hand to brush a strand of hair over your shoulder. “Did I just say that outloud?” You asked, mortified for Seungcheol’s answer.

He just nodded, still giggling. “YN, you deserve the world, and I will work every day to make sure you believe that.” 

Your cheeks were hot, but your heart was full at his words. This beautiful man in front of you wanted to give you the world, wanted to make sure you never wanted for more in your life. Who were you to turn down such an offer? What did you have to lose anyways? A shitty paycheck and an even shitter apartment. That’s what.

“Okay.” You state simply.

“Okay?” Seungcheol perked up, lifting his head a bit to stare at you. It was dark, but there was enough moonlight shining through your window that you could see the way his eyes lit up at your words. You smiled a bright smile at him, nodding your head aggressively. “Do you mean that?” Now he was sporting a smile to match your own.

“Yes, Seungcheol. I’ll do it. I want to do it. I’m ready.” You smiled, because you were. You don’t think you’ve ever spoken truer words. You were ready. Ready to put Busan behind you, ready to start a new life with Seungcheol, with Bear, and finally make a home out of this cabin that your parents left you. 

“I love you, YN,” Seungcheol said seriously, searching your eyes for any bit of hesitance, to which he found none, “I mean it, love.” He looked down to your pink lips, and back up at your eyes. 

Your breath caught in your throat, the feeling of butterflies suffocating your lungs was a good one for once. You nibbled on your bottom lip and exhaled shakily. Seungcheol grunted, a sound you realized you found incredibly sexy and wanted to commit to memory for a rainy day. He was staring at you intensely, silently asking for permission, which you granted with a quick nod of your head.

Seungcheol’s lips crashed onto yours with an intensity you’ve never felt before. The flutter in your chest only increased as his soft, plump lips moved against yours. All you could feel, taste, smell, was Seungcheol. You inhaled his citrus-y scent, letting it surround you and he brought his free hand up to your burning cheek while his other caressed your side gently. He tasted better than you could have ever imagined, a little minty, and you were immediately hooked. His kiss was like the nicotine you craved from your cigarettes, maybe he was your new addiction. Your lips moved together synchronously for a few minutes before both of your lungs burned for oxygen and you reluctantly pulled away. 

Seungcheol held your face in his hands like fragile China, reveling in this moment here with you, your face illuminated by the moon shining through your window. He saw galaxies in your lust filled eyes, the most beautiful sight he’s ever seen.

Quickly, he dipped his head back down to capture your lips with his again. This time he moved a bit more frantically, hand moving from your cheek to your neck and down your shoulder and arm. He kissed you like it was giving him life, exploring your body with his large hands. 

You kissed Seungcheol back just as fervently, lips parting to allow his soft tongue to explore your mouth. It was hot, more teeth than tongue, both of you far too excited at the prospect of finally getting to kiss one another after days of build up. 

Parting from your lips slightly, Seungcheol pulled back to speak, “Is this ok? I do-don’t want to take things too fast…” he trailed off, pecking your lips sweetly a few times while he waited for your answer. 

You shook your head slightly, kissing him back, “It’s not too fast, Cheol. I want you.”

That was all your boyfriend needed to hear before he was pushing you gently onto your back and rolling over to hover just slightly above you. Gently, ever so gently, he leaned down to kiss you passionately. You wrapped your arms around his neck and allowed his hands to explore under your sleep shirt. A soft moan escaped your lips when his warm hand grazed your breast, and Seungcheol took advantage of it to slip his tongue back into your mouth. 

Seungcheol gently caressed your breast in his hand, fingers flicking over your nipple every few seconds to make it peak. You soft breaths and noises emboldening him to dip down and nibble at your collarbones and throat. 

“Ch-Cheol,” you pant, getting lost in the sensation of his lips and hands all over you, “Please.”

“Please, what, love?” He murmured against your clavicle before pulling back and looking into your eyes again. “What is it, baby?” His voice was rough and it was turning you on even more. 

“Please touch me more, please,” You softly plead with him, arching your back into his touch when his hand trailed down your stomach, “please.”

Seungcheol smiled at you before pulling away a bit to pull your shirt up and over your head. As he tossed the fabric somewhere in your room he took a moment to admire your beautiful body in the moonlight shining through your window. “You’re so pretty, love.” His voice was barely above a whisper, but you heard him loud and clear, making you let out a soft whimper.

Your boyfriend chuckled at your reaction before dipping down to take one of your breasts into his warm mouth. Your hand flies up to his head, grasping the bleached strands as you arch into his touch. “Cheol!”

“Mm, let me hear you baby,” he grunts, pulling off you for a second before attacking your other breast with the same ministrations, his hand dipping lower to pull at your sleep shorts, making his intentions clear. You nod your head quickly, making him pull back again to look up at your blissed out face. “Is this ok?”

“Yes, yes, please, Cheol,” you all but moaned at this point, the thought of waiting any longer for the man above you to start touching you driving you insane. “Please, hurry, Cheollie.”

Seungcheol sat up on his knees, adjusting himself in his pajama pants, making you bite your lip to suppress a moan at just how big his bulge looked. He chuckled darkly at your reaction before grabbing onto your sleep shorts and removing them and your panties in one swift motion.

Once he tossed the shorts off to the side, he couldn’t help but admire your wet pussy on full display for him for the first time. You were completely bare beneath him and he was thanking every God he knew the name of in his head for allowing him this moment. You were absolutely breathtaking and he let you know just that. “You’re so fucking gorgeous, YN. I am so fucking lucky.”

Before you could respond, Seungcheol bent down and started kissing up your thighs until he reached the place you needed him most. Sighing in contentment, he placed a few sweet kisses to your mound before dipping his warm tongue between your folds. You both moan at the contact, you from the feeling of his wet tongue on your clit, and him from your taste. You tasted absolutely divine. He closed his eyes as he explored your folds with his tongue, lapping at your entrance before stiffening his tongue to play with your engorged clit. You were so turned on you couldn’t help the noises falling from your mouth. It was almost embarrassing how vocal you were being.

It’s been quite a while since you were in bed with anyone. In fact it’s been years. You had the wherewithal to let Seungcheol know that before you were completely lost in the pleasure of his mouth on your cunt.

“Cheol-Cheollie-” you panted out, tugging at his blonde locks to get him to look at you. “I- I haven’t been with anyone in… in a long time.” His eye soften a bit as he looks at you, intensely scanning your features for any kind of reluctance for what you two were doing. After finding none he places a few more kisses to your clit, making you moan softly, before hauling himself up and hovering over you. 

“We don’t have to go any farther tonight if you don’t want to. Just say the word. I’ll be happy to eat you out all night, make you cum on my face. Or we can stop here. You tell me what you’re comfortable with, love.” Seungcheol kisses your lips, allowing you to taste yourself on him before pulling away, awaiting your answer.

“I - I want this, I want you. I’m just… nervous I guess?” You laugh lightly, trying to mask your shyness.

Seungcheol doesn’t allow it, smiling down at you and pecking your forehead, then your nose. “I’ll make you feel good, I promise, baby. Don’t be nervous. I’m not expecting anything, just let me make you feel good, please?”

How could you deny this man anything when he was so perfect to you?

You nod your head briefly before leaning up and capturing his lips in a sweet kiss. It only lasts a moment before he’s breaking away and crawling back down your bed. 

“I’ll be gentle, ok?” Seungcheol says before diving back in and lapping at your wet folds. You moan at the feeling again, getting lost in the sensation of him basically making out with your pussy. Before you can lose youreself to the pleasure, Seungcheol brings a finger up to your entrance, tracing it lightly before dipping just the tip inside you, testing the waters. You moan out loudly at the sensation, hips bucking up slightly for more friction. He just chuckles against you before slipping his entire finger in, your warm walls clamping down on the intrusion. It’s been so long since you had something inside you, but the feeling was so intense, mixed with Seungcheol’s hot tongue on your clit, your orgasm washed over you suddenly before you could warn him.

Not that he needed the warning. He felt your body tense, so he kept his tongue right where it was, allowing you to ride out your orgasm. When you finally came down from it, he slipped his finger out, sticking it in his mouth as sucking your juices off it as he came back up to lay next to you.

As he did, Seungcheol trailed his hand back down your body, two fingers slipping inside you while you were still relaxed. You gasp at the sudden intrusion, his other hand coming up to rub soothing circles on your hip, “Shh, baby. Just let me make you feel good.” You moan at his words as he slowly, gently starts pumping his fingers inside of you. The motion feels so good, your previous orgasm making for and easy slide in and out. 

“Cheol!” You whine as his fingers curl and touch that spot inside you, making your toes curl.

“Mm, baby, that’s it. Just feel it, ok? Just relax.” His words were like a soothing balm, but you needed to anchor yourself, reaching out to grab hold of his shoulders. He takes it in stride, leaning slightly over you, his free hand still rubbing circles into your side as he stretches you out. 

“Cheol, Cheol, I’m gonna-” You pant out, not even able to finish your thought before your second orgasm is washing over you. Seungcheol just keeps pumping his fingers in and out of you, his fingertips gently prodding your walls each time. He never falters in his movements, letting you come down from the high before you’re weakly pushing at his arm in sensitivity. “S-sensitive, Cheollie,” you mumble, making Seungcheol laugh quietly.

“I know, baby. You did so well for me.” He gently kisses your lips again, smiling against them. You look up at him when he pulls away with so much love in your eyes he nearly melts. “Feel good, love?” You nod, words escaping you from the pure ecstasy you feel in that moment. “Good.”

With one last kiss, Seungcheol makes a move to get up, but you stop him, tugging on his hand. He looks back at you with a furrowed brow, confusion written all over his face like he didn’t have a raging boner in his pants.

“I want you, Cheol. Please?” You ask him in a tiny voice. He looks at you for a moment, taking in your blissed out face, before starting to shake his head. The crestfallen look on your face has him stopping, though.

“I want you too, YN. I really, really do,” as if to prove a point he takes your hand and moves it to his crotch, letting you feel his hardness. “Trust me, baby. But you just got out of the hospital, are you sure you’re up for it?”

You think about it for a moment. Seungcheol is right, you did just get out of the hospital. You also have had a very emotional few days, weeks even. But you couldn’t deny how safe you felt in this moment with Seungcheol. Wasn’t sex just another way to feel closer to him? To solidify this bond that you two were building? Hell, you just agreed to quit your job and move here to be closer to him. You loved this man, more than you were willing to admit right now.

“Please. You’ll be gentle, right?” You whispered into the stillness of your childhood bedroom.

Seungcheol smiled sweetly at you with so much love in his eyes it made you want to cry. “Of course, YN,” he whispered back. “I’ll always be gentle with you, you mean the world to me.”

With that, Seungcheol leaned back down, shucking his shirt off in the process and pressing his warm chest to yours. No more words were shared as you lazily made out, both your guys’ hands exploring the others’ body. Slowly, you slipped Seungcheol’s pajama pants and boxer briefs off, letting them fall somewhere on the floor, and allowed your hands to explore even lower. 

Your hand found his length, slowly pumping him as he moaned into your mouth. He froze for a moment, forehead dropping to your collarbones as he sucked in a sharp breath, “I’m gonna cum quick if you do that.” You smiled, but slowed your ministrations, not wanting this to be over yet. He let out a shaky breath before looking down at you again, “Condoms?”

Your mind blanks for a second before shaking your head nervously. “I’m actually on birth control… and I haven’t been with anyone in over five years.” You said the last part quietly, almost embarrassed at your lack of experience. 

Seungcheol just smiled at you before kissing you slowly. When he pulled back he swallowed thickly before whispering, “I haven’t been with anyone in over three… please don’t worry, YN.”

Hearing him say that did actually soothe your worries a bit. It’s been a while since either of you had any practice in the bedroom, so maybe this didn’t have to be so scary. “Then…” you started, trailing off while looking into your boyfriend’s deep brown eyes, “we don’t need a condom.” Your whispered words made Seungcheol’s knees weak as he captured your lips with his again.

“Fuck, I don’t know how long I’m gonna last inside you,” he admitted bashfully, “where should I…?”

“Inside me. Please, Cheol, I want it. Want to feel close to you.”

Seungcheol closed his eyes as he sucked in another breath. “Fuck,” he said shakily, “I need to be inside you like right now.”

You chuckle and nod your head quickly, “Please.”

Seungcheol complies and grabs his length, stroking himself a few times before gathering your wetness on his tip. You both groan at the contact, your hips bucking up slightly, chasing the feeling. Without anymore words, Seungcheol pushes his tip against your entrance, slowly, so slowly, pushing in until he’s fully seated inside you, cock throbbing at the feeling of your tight walls.

“You’re so tight, baby. Does it hurt?” The genuine concern in his voice makes your heart flutter. You moan at the feeling of him adjusting himself on the bed. 

“N-no, not really. Just.. a lot. You-you’re big.” You moan again as he chuckles softly, the motion pushing his cock against your walls. 

“I’m not gonna move yet. Just get used to the feeling, ok baby?” You nod, eyes closing as you do just that. You focus on the feeling of his cock filling you up, your walls squeezing him slightly, making him groan each time. As you start to get used to the feeling of being full again, he slowly brings his fingers down to toy with your clit, your wetness making the slip feel heavenly.

Seungcheol is slowly, every so slowly, moving his fingertip over your puffy clit, distracting you from the pain of his cock splitting you open. It feels so good, and almost completely makes you forget about the pain. 

“Do you think you can come on my cock?” He asks quietly, fingers still moving slowly over you, “It might make it easier. I know it’ll feel good, love.” His face is right next to your ear and his low, raspy voice is bringing you close to the edge.

“Yes, yes, Cheol, please” you’re begging at this point, loving the feeling of his cock and his fingers bringing you to climax for the third time tonight.

“Let go, sweet girl, cum on my cock.” He whispers directly into your ear and that’s all you need to completely let go. Seungcheol keeps rubbing his fingers lightly over your clit as your body arches and convulses, clamping down on his dick, whispering soothing words into your ear until you finally come down from your high. Seungcheol pulls his fingers away to moment your orgasm slows, kissing you sweetly. “There you go, baby.” He’s starting to sound affected, like he is having a hard time holding back, so you circle your hips a bit to give him some much needed friction, making you both moan in pleasure. “Mm, baby, don’t do that.. I don’t know how much longer I can stay still.”

“Please move Cheollie,” you whisper, rolling your hips again, “fuck me.”

Seungcheol lets out a breath he didn’t even realize he was holding before slowing pulling back until just his tip is inside you, before rolling his hips back down and sinking his length into you again. There are tears of pleasure rolling down your cheeks as he continues to fuck you in a steady rythym, hitting spots deep inside you that you didn’t even know existed. 

“Fuck, fuck baby, I’m gonna cum soon,” Seungcheol moans into your ear, lips sucking and kissing you neck and shoulder as he fucks you. “Gonna let me fill you up, baby?”

“Yes, yes, Cheol!” You can’t help the sounds that are coming out of your mouth at this point, lost in the pleasure Seungcheol is bringing you.

Seungcheol’s hips stutter for a moment, stilling against you as he cums harder than he thinks he ever has in his life. He’s essentially been edging himself since you two started this almost an hour ago, and finally getting to cum in your tight pussy has him releasing everything he’s go into you. He thrusts his hips once, twice, three more times before stilling and letting the last of his seed spurt inside you.

You’re both panting and sweating at this point, but neither of you care, sharing wet kisses as you both come down from the intense highs. Once you’re both settled a bit, Seungcheol slowly pulls back, softening cock slipping from your entrance. He watches his cum drip out of you for a moment before bringing two fingers up to push it back inside you, accidentally brushing your sensitive clit in the process and making you jolt. 

“Shh, sorry, sorry baby. It’s just so fucking hot seeing you like this,” He mumbles, fingering you gently, watching your face for any sign of discomfort. When he finds none, and instead sees you close your eyes in pleasure again, he keeps going, slowly, gently, pumping two fingers inside you, searching for that spot again. You’re moaning lowly, getting lost in the feeling of his hot cum inside you, “You like that, baby?” He practically growls, watching his creamy cum be forced out of you as he massages his fingertips on your g-spot. 

You can’t form a coherent sentences, just moaning and writhing on the bed. Seungcheol continues to abuse your walls until you cum for the fourth time tonight, mouth open in a silent scream as he watches you lose yourself to the pleasure. As you slowly come down, he pulls his finger from you finally, grabbing his discarded pants to wipe his hand on.

“You ok, love?” He asked quietly as you slowly come back to yourself. 

“Yes, yeah. I’m good.” You pant out, making Seungcheol smile to himself.

“Let me grab something to clean you up, ok?” You nod as he leaves the bedroom, only to come back a few moments later with a warm wash cloth. He slowly and gently cleans you up, making sure to avoid your swollen clit this time. When he’s done he places a gentle kiss to your folds, making you giggle. 

“YN,” he says quietly when he finally climbs back up the bed, pulling you into his strong arms.

You look up at him, humming in confirmation for him to continue. Your sleepy eyes starting to close as you stare at him.

“Thank you, YN,” Seungcheol whispered breathlessly, mere centimeters from your lips.

“For what?” You asked, just as breathless.

“For giving me one more day.”

a/n: if you made it to the end, thank you thank you thank you for reading my fic, it means so much to me. pls reblog, comment, and like if you enjoyed reading and let me know what you would like to see next. i enjoy writing, but seeing how much YOU enjoy it is an even better feeling!

copyright aliendes 2024

[auroracalisto]

day #10: gingerbread house

tangerine x gn!reader, platonic!lemon x gn!reader, 825 words a/n: i don't even know what the fuck this is good luck. possibly out of character, possibly not. you be the judge, pookie.

You took the sugary icing from Tangerine, carefully lining the edge of the gingerbread roof—tongue poking out in concentration. Tangerine snorted softly at the sight, eating yet another gumdrop from the decor for your gingerbread house.

"I swear to god, if you eat another one, I'm going to break the damn house," you said, not looking up from your meticulous work. As excited as you were for this gingerbread house, you wouldn't be afraid to wreck all the hard work from the both of you.

"Oh?" Tangerine asked, wiggling his eyebrows as he grabbed a red gumdrop. "Sounds devastating, love. Whatever shall I do?"

You looked up at him, icing bag squeezed in your hands. A gob of the icing fell on the edge of the roof, souring the meticulous outline you had.

"You are being dramatic," Tangerine chided.

"Me? Dramatic? I would never," you scoffed, rolling your eyes.

He watched you closely as he put the gumdrop between his teeth, a wicked grin on his face.

"Oh, you bitch," you said. "You've done nothing but be a pain this entire time!"

"Me? Love, where's your manners? All I'm doing is helping out. What more can I do?"

You narrowed your eyes. "You know what you can do?" you asked. "You can eat my icing."

He snorted at your words. "What?"

Before he even realized what you were doing, because who in their right mind would even do this, you were pointing the piping bag of icing right at him and squeezing it. It didn't really get very far, falling from the bag and plopping down on his trousers, but it was enough for him to glare at you.

"You're fuckin' jokin', now, ain't you love? What the fuck was that?"

"Payback," you simply said. You go back to your gingerbread roof, carefully scraping the already drying icing off. You cursed under your breath. "This is gonna suck, because of you!"

"Because of me?"

"Yes, because of you, you—"

You hadn't a chance to finish before a gumdrop was launched at your face. You paused and looked up at him, wiping the sugary excess from your cheek.

"You wanna play that game?"

"Not a game, mate," he said, grabbing a handful of sprinkles. "Don't do anythin' you'll live to regret."

You quickly stand and grab a handful of sprinkles as well, ready to throw it at him, when his brother walked into the kitchen, seeing the two of you ready to launch red, white, and green sugary specs at each other.

Lemon blinked slowly seeing as the two of you had paused, glancing back at him.

"What in the hell are you two doing?" he blurted. "Fuckin' right mess, you've made. Who the fuck's gonna clean it all up?"

One glance was shared between the two of you. That's all it took for you to both throw the handfuls of sprinkles at Lemon, practically chasing him out of the kitchen, yelling about how he was not gonna be the one to clean up the fuckin' gingerbread trash house they made.

Of course, it wasn't the only bit of sprinkle thrown.

Tangerine grabbed another handful and grabbed you by the bicep, pulling you into his chest. The hand of sprinkles hovered precariously over your head.

"Don't. You. Dare."

Tangerine's eyes flashed with wicked glee. "What'll you do, Y/n? Ice me to death?"

"Tangerine, stop it!"

He let a few of the sprinkles spill from his hand and onto your head. He leaned forward and captured your lips in a kiss before he did the unthinkable—he let his hand down the front of your shirt and dropped the sprinkles from his hand.

You shrieked, and rightfully so, grabbing the icing from the table and pointing it at all, all the while sprinkles falling from the top you wore.

"You are so annoying!" you nearly yelled, squeezing the piping back so hard that it popped at the top. You began swatting him with the plastic, only to be laughed at by your assassin boyfriend.

He grabbed you by the hip, other hand grabbing your wrist that held the piping back.

"I am annoying? Who started this fuckin' thing?"

"You did!"

"I did, hm? You better watch your pretty little mouth, love," he said, eyes narrowing playfully.

You scoffed and let the piping back drop to the floor, still feeling sprinkles in your shirt. You watched him closely, slowly catching your breath.

"Why the fuck did you put them down my shirt?"

"I saw the chance, I took it," he said. "Was hopin' you would've taken it off by now," he cheekily grinned, capturing your lips with his once more.

By the kitchen entrance, Lemon passes, muttering under his breath: "Fucking gingerbread houses." Of course, it wasn't the only thing he said, but it was the only thing you heard as Tangerine pushed you against the table, ignoring the multitudes of gingerbread walls and candy decorations.

[little-wicked10]

Soldier Boy and Butcher being Dads🩵

Summary: Little glimpse into the beginning of The Boys going domestic.

Warnings: fluffy fluff, cursing, Ben’s outdated way of thinking.

Notes: This blurb kinda came out of an idea of Ben reacting to Butcher’s daughter pushing his son. Butcher as a girl dad feels right😍, and Ben being an over involved boy dad feels right up his alley.

//

“Oi! Oi! Welcome, Welcome!” Butcher called out from the living room.

A delightful giggle of a little girl followed the Brit’s booming voice.

“Hey! Where should we set the beer?” She called out.

Ben held up two cases of 24-packs as he walked in behind his girl and son, setting them on the counter once they reached the kitchen. Butcher and his lady invited the Boys over for a BBQ. Something surprisingly domestic for the group, but that’s what happens when kids come into the picture. It would have been surprising that Butcher was the first to be expecting a child if the team hadn’t been witness to the child’s conception.

A few months later, Soldier Boy found out he was going to be a father. His happiness only grew when a few weeks later he found out they were having a boy. Like any real man, Ben couldn’t contain his excitement in the doctor’s office. Shadow boxing and acting like he just went 10 and 0 with Muhammad Ali. Ben couldn’t help but rub it in a little that he was having a boy and Butcher was expecting a girl. Ben was a proud father, and the team let him gloat.

“Go hang out with the boys, baby. I’m gonna catch up with Annie. I haven’t seen her in forever,” She pecked Ben’s lips before handing over their son.

Ben took his son in his arms and walked into the living room. Butcher, Frenchie, MM, and Hughie sat around the large living room. Butcher’s little girl, Amelia, was playing in the middle of the floor, controlling the atmosphere around her. The little toddler was playing at her dad’s feet, decorating his boots and bottom of his jeans with stickers and little toys as he drank a beer and chatted away. Upon inspection, Amelia was making her way around the room as Frenchie and Hughie already had some pretty bedazzled sneakers.

“There ‘e is! ‘ow’s father’ood treatin’ ya, guv?” Butcher asked.

“Good since I’m not being bossed around by a two year old in a princess dress,” Ben huffed as he sat on the couch.

Ben set his son, Connor, on the ground and gave him a couple little army guys to play with. It was obvious that Ben didn’t want his kid playing with Amelia’s toys, or any girl toys, because he’d be damned if his son ended up a pussy. While his better half has tried to tell him that’s not how it works, he still held on to that belief.

“Dada!” Amelia grinned widely.

Butcher leaned forward and looked down at his boots, “Well, looky ‘ere! That’s beautiful, princess! Even got me favorite color an’ everythin’. Why don’t ya see if Uncle MM wants some stickas. Ay?”

He gave her a big bear growl and hug as he kissed her chubby little cheek and squeezed her. Amelia squealed and giggled as she held onto the man’s face, his facial hair tickling wherever he kissed. Once she was free, she gathered up her many sticker books and little backpack full of toys and scooted over to MM.

“Make sure to use a lot of purple. Unc M loves purple,” MM leant over to look at the many options the toddler laid out.

“Why do ya let her do that? All that glitter seems like a pain in the ass,” Ben arched a brow.

“Ass,” Amelia repeated.

They all tried to stifle a laugh at her little voice saying a cuss word.

“No cussin’, mate. Melia’s been repeatin’ everythin’ and me Missus don’ find it as funny as I do,” Butcher explained.

Connor toddled his way over to Amelia on the rug. She was flipping through butterfly stickers when the little boy sat next to her, tracing a finger over a super glittery one that caught his eye. “What’s Connor saying these days?” Hughie asked.

“Dada is his favorite right now,” Ben’s chest swelled with pride.

“Bet that drives ya lady up the wall,” Butcher chuckled as he watched his daughter.

Ben glanced down to see his little boy looking at Amelia’s toy bag, “Connor, buddy, play with your own toys.

Before the supe could chastise his son any more, a beer appeared in front of his face with a soft hand on his shoulder. He looked up at his lady with a smile and a sweet peck as he took the cold drink. Her eyes flicked over her little boy to make sure they were fine before giving her man a warning glance, “He’s fine, babe. He can play with her stuff. I’m sure Amelia won’t mind. You should let them spruce up your crocs.”

She ran her fingers through Ben’s hair before heading back into the kitchen. Ben scoffed as he sipped his beer and continued talking to the group. “How do you have the audacity to talk any kind of smack when you’re wearin’ crocs, man?” MM asked.

“I’m hanging out with you assholes not the Queen of fuckin’ England. Don’t need to break out the top and tails,” Ben rolled his eyes.

“Fuckin’,” Amelia repeated in a loud accent that sounded just like Butcher.

Butcher couldn’t keep in the loud bark of laughter.

Amelia’s eyes lit up with glee when she made her father laugh, “Fuckin’!”

Her face was even happier as the living room burst into laughter.

“William Butcher!”

“Fuckin’!” Amelia yelled.

Butcher winced at his full name but still wiped the tears away from his eyes, “Amelia! Baby, don’…don’ say that!”

When the toddler yelled it again, they all lost their minds and fell over on the couch. Butcher called for his daughter who happily went over to her laughing dad. Through his fit, he tried to tell her not to say that, it was a bad, all that stuff, but the look in her eyes said she didn’t care. It was locked in her mind that, that word made her daddy laugh.

“She’s just like you! Why did I have children with you?!?” The cussing toddler’s mom screeched.

“Can’ answer that in front of the kiddies, love,” he snickered.

An annoyed groan came from the women in the kitchen. Amelia had run back to her toys, helping Connor rummage through her little bag for something else to do. Ben would have said something, but he stopped himself when Connor picked up some of his army guys scattered around to start placing on MM’s shoes. He couldn’t help the little bit of relief he felt. After all the shit he’s seen of this new world, the last thing he wanted was for Connor to grow up to be some long haired pussy.

A while later, the ladies joined their men in the living room, watching tv, chatting, and letting the kids play. Terror had made himself at home on the floor and was now getting all the attention the bulldog craved. Connor lined up his toys along the outside of the dog’s body while Amelia was still going sticker crazy. Terror was content to be an active participant in their play time, checking every sticker Amelia picked out for him with a sniff and staying stock-still as to not knock over any of Connor’s toy wall.

“That’s one good dog,” Annie admired.

“Ain’t he though?” Butcher grinned.

“Terror was a a cry baby when he realized all the stuff we got for Amelia wasn’t for him. I caught him so many times in that baby swing,” Butcher’s lady laughed, “Now he’s like one of those nanny dogs.”

“I keep saying we should get a dog. Look how much Connor loves it,” Ben pointed out.

“I can barely get you to change diapers. I’m not dealing with a baby and a puppy,” she was quick to cut him off making the group laugh.

They didn’t know when it happened, but at some point, the toddlers decided to play chase. They screamed and squealed joyfully as they ran around into circles with Terror chasing them around and barking. It was a little grinding on the ear drums but as long as no one was crying, the adults were happy. Hysterical laughter would ring through every time Frenchie and Kimiko pretended to grab at them when they would pass by.

A few years ago, this happy family portrait would have been a laughable fever dream to all of them. They still had their wild and crazy moments when duty called or they needed to let off some steam.

Connor decided he was done running and wanted to look in the toy bag again. He once again waddled over to the bag and rummaged around before finding a little toy horse. Amelia stopped running when she noticed Connor had been touching her things without her supervision. The sass radiating off that child as she B-lined towards the boy wasn’t to be trifled with. In one swift motion, she yanked the toy from Connor’s hands and pushed him with an angry whine. Connor fell on his butt and instantly started to cry.

“Amelia Butcher!”

“Hey!” Ben snapped.

The little girl jumped in fear as her mother and Uncle Ben snapped at her. If it had just been her mother, she wouldn’t have given a second thought to sassing her, but Ben’s voice was much scarier. Fat tears welled in her eyes, and she flopped on the ground to start crying as well.

“Oi! Don’ yell at my kid!” Butcher suddenly stood up off the couch to scoop up his daughter.

“Ben, it’s okay. You don’t need to yell,” she tried to calm her man, “I’m sorry.”

Ben stood up and picked up his son, irritation evident on the man’s face as he tried to console the upset boy. The look on the supe’s face said his pride was hurt by what happened. Ben was so proud that his first kid was a boy, and anything that came close to threatening his “master” plan of raising a strong man upset him. The problem is he can’t tell an almost two year old to be a man, so she catches him micromanaging things like making sure he plays with boy toys. The love that comes with fatherhood was slowly changing his mindset, but there were days when he slipped back into old habits.

Amelia was latched on to her daddy like a koala as fat tears rolled down her cheeks. It was one thing for parents to yell, but another adult? An adult that was supposed to be the fun adult? Bring on the waterworks. Butcher pet and kissed her head of dark hair as he carried her into the kitchen to get a little treat. Her mother rolled her eyes with a small smile as she watched him spoil their daughter instead of punish her for being naughty. The second Amelia turned on the tears, Butcher would have to fight for his life to not crumble.

When Ben saw the look on her face, he knew he was in for an earful. He sighed in defeat as he followed her to the next room. Within the privacy of a guest bedroom, she let him have it, “Just because your son gets pushed over by a little girl, doesn’t give you the right to yell at her!”

“But why didn’t he like…push her back?” Ben asked irritated, “Why’d she have to push him?”

She groaned, “They’re babies, Ben! Babies! Barely two! Playing with stickers and dolls is not gonna turn him into a pussy, and certainly losing one little toddler tantrum won’t make him one either.”

Connor absentmindedly played with his own hair in one hand and Ben’s in the other, like he was comparing them while his parents were arguing about him. Ben cast his eyes down to the floor, tiny bit of guilt creeping in. He didn’t mean to make Amelia cry, but it was hard to reign himself in when it came to Connor.

“I know all of this is because you want to be a good father,” she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around his waist, making him look at her, “You are a wonderful father…when you get out of your head.”

Ben slowly nodded, “Just want him to be the best. I don’t want him to be affected by all this…shit.”

“Raising children has changed, big guy. While we’re both figuring out parenthood, you gotta trust me when I tell you stuff is done differently,” she explained, “And you can’t yell at someone else’s kid like that. Especially not our friends’ kids. Ya gotta let them parent their child and step in when ours is involved somehow.

Ben nodded, “I know…just lost my cool. I didn’t mean to scare Amelia. I kinda feel bad now.”

“You should. Soldier Boy shouldn’t make babies cry,” she teased, “Now go apologize for real.”

Ben sarcastically groaned before smirking, “Alright. Anythin’ for you, doll.”

The couple kissed before exiting the bedroom to re-enter the living room. Ben handed Connor to his mother, and he walked over to Butcher standing in front of Amelia who sat on the kitchen counter with a little spoon trying to dip into a container of ice cream.

“Hey, Butcher, ‘m sorry. Lost my cool and I shouldn’t have,” Ben stood up straight like a man and owned up to his mistake, “They’re babies and uh…gotta remember that.”

“S’alright, mate,” Butcher accepted, “We’re all learnin’. Just don’ let it happen again.”

The supe nodded. That was that.

Ben looked to Amelia who shrunk away from him and grabbed for her daddy. Butcher wrapped an arm around his little girl as she stood on the counter and tangled her arms around his neck, her little face buried in his neck.

“Melly Belly,” Ben cocked his head as he saw her peak up at the nickname, “‘M sorry, sweetheart. Uncle Ben didn’t mean to scare ya.”

She rubbed her face back into Butcher’s neck who chuckled, “I wonda’ if my Melly has some stickas she might wanna give ‘er Uncle Ben.”

She poked an eye out.

Ben swallowed his frown, this was all part of being a dad/uncle and he could take it, “Ya think ya got some blue ones?”

Amelia swiveled her head to reveal her face and nodded.

Ben shot the group daggers as he was hunched over being led back into the living room by the little girl.

“She’s a bossy little thing,” Ben groaned as he sat down on the couch.

“Gets it from ‘er mum, she does,” Butcher joked before being hit by his better half.

Across the room, Connor became fussy in his mom’s arms to be put down to join the play. The little boy rushed over into his dad’s waiting hands and giggled as he was picked up and set in Ben’s lap, “There’s my lil’ man!”

Connor pushed his hands on Ben’s face to make him make funny faces. Ben scrunched his features and made funny expressions. He was fully aware of the eyes on him. Soldier Boy dropping the macho act and acting like a real dad.

“Wanna help Melly with dada’s shoes?” Ben asked.

“Ye-th!” Connor said through his fingers in his mouth.

As Connor was set on the floor, she came and sat next to Ben to snuggle into his side. The tone changed back to a happy gathering. Friends talking and joking as they drank and entertained the little ones running around. Life was good. Life was full of life. For a team that banded together over death, they had found an ending full of life.

//

If anyone has any ideas, message me!

[thinkingthougths]

-Ghost x female reader

1595 words

Warnings- none in this chapter.

The haunting of a Ghost

Chapter 2

“Aren’t you supposed to be in bed, soldier.”

The sudden sound coming from behind you made you drop the empty glass in the sink as you let out a foul curse in surprise.

Beneath the kitchens archway stood sergeant Kyle Garrick with his arms crossed and an amused smirk on his dirty face.

“Fucking hell Gaz, you almost gave me a damn heart attack.” You hissed at him, holding a hand over your heart that’s about to jump out of your rib cage.

The nasty words you wanted to throw at him for sneaking up on you and giving you a fright simmered out when you took notice of the smudges of dirt decorating his face and camouflage uniform.

“It’s already been a week?” Your eyes took in his wearisome face as you mumbled out the question that mostly was to yourself.

You remember the night before he and a few others shipped out for a week long mission somewhere you weren’t ranked high enough to know. It was the night. The one where Ghost chose to begin haunting your every waking moment after he burned his hooded eyes into your soul.

Gaz shoved himself off of the wall he had put his weight on and sauntered over to one of the round dining tables near you. With a weary sigh, he plopped down onto a chair and scratched his week old scruff.

“A long ass week. Successful and no major injuries on the team, though.” There’s a croaky undertone in his voice, hinting that he hasn’t slept well enough for probably the entire week.

During the time you’ve spent on this base, you’ve only ever had one mission together with the sergeant, about a year ago or so. Vividly recollecting the cool demeanor he adapted the second your feet touched ground out from the helicopter. Gone was the lax and easygoing Gaz, instead an exceptional soldier revealed himself. It was an amazing thing to witness, only ever heard tales and buzz before of the adept super soldier he transformed into.

Outside of the war zone, you and Gaz became solid friends. Even though he ranked higher than you, he never treated you as inferior. Which was otherwise quite common with these macho soldiers.

Chewing on the inside of your cheeks, you wavered on whether you should bite the bullet and confess the thoughts that’s been with you since his small departing party. If his teammate and close friend had some sort of feelings towards you. May it be infatuation or downright disgust. The mere knowing would vehemently calm your nerves and perhaps make it a bit easier to be around Ghost again.

The clock ticks on the wall. It’s the witching hour, a time when supernatural beings are believed to be the strongest. You already have a ghost haunting you, all hours of the day.

Hastily fetching the glass and filling it up to the brim with water, you chug down half of it to moisten your throat that has now become not only dry from the earlier sweating but now also from trepidation from spilling what’s been nagging you for seven days.

Your voice fails you as a strangled squeal leaves your lips instead of actual words. Gaz, lost in his own post mission musings, takes no notice and instead determinedly slams a hand on the table, making it rattle from the unintentional force.

“I need a shower before I bloody croak from exhaustion.” He declares, forcing his battered muscles to rise from the wobbly chair. “And you, need to get back to your bed, young lady.” Nodding his chin towards you, waving a weak goodbye as he leaves the kitchen.

And that was it. He went back to his barrack and left you standing with your jaw slack.

You did pity him, recognizing the toll an intense mission takes on one’s mind and body. But you also resent him, just a tad, for not noticing the awkward behavior you clearly and unwillingly were presenting. You really wanted to get some goddamn answers and when the opportunity showed itself, you messed up and choked on water.

It seems you can’t catch a break this week, you discontentedly thought to yourself as you marched back to the barracks where your sweat drenched poor excuse of a bed awaits you.

-

At noon, much to your chagrin, training was scheduled, hand to hand combat taught by some skilled superior. There’s been talks of a new instructor that will train you, no name had been given so it’s going to be a complete surprise.

Stood outside the gyms door, murky light made its way through the frosted glass and blurred out everything for you except for dancing shadows of people moving around in there.

It was an unusually cold day for mid autumn. Frosty tendrils of winds grazed your reddened cheeks as you contemplated today.

You reached for the metal doorhandle and was met with tiny sparks of pain as the sharp cold metal seeped into your skin. Retracting your hand instantly, checking your palm as if you had been burned with ice.

A crow flew over you, cawing its screech and looking like the textbook sign of a bad omen.

It certainly felt like it, being warned by something otherworldly to heed the signs and not enter the gym. Instead run away as far as you can and save yourself from whatever horrible destiny may lay inside these trepidatious doors.

If only participation wasn’t needed.

Voices coming from behind the corner of the building pushed you into finally opening the heavy door with anxiety cursing through your warm blood vessels.

While inside, beelining it to the women’s locker room, you sweep your eyes along the people on the workout machines and training mats. Scanning each person inside to find out if he’s here.

The insane physique the behemoth of a man has doesn’t just magically appear. No, Ghost spend many hours in here, priming his mighty body and growing those thick muscles. His calamitous body and towering height is part of the reason he scares you, if he wishes he can easily crush your skull, pop it like a melon between his bulging biceps.

Nausea finds its way up your throat. To daydream about the countless way the lieutenant can end your life isn’t the smartest thing to do. Not when you’re about to experience sparring and similar holds Ghost can use to blow out your light.

An idea lights itself inside your brain. What if you shift the attention to another version of him. The second, and most unlikely, guess on why he acts differently with you.

That he fancies you. The outcome would at least leave you alive in the end, right? Actually, there’s a big chance you might not survive him in that scenario either.

You imagine what kind of immoral and depraved stuff Ghost must be into. There’s simply no way he prefer to be vanilla under the covers after the things he’s experienced in his somber life. A traumatic up-growing (heard once by a gossiping group passing by you) and a career as a cold blooded mercenary. No sane man survives such a chronicle of ungodly tribulations and comes out normal.

So, in a crestfallen conclusion, you’re dead meat either way.

Chatter from the girls in the locker room concludes you’re not the only one overstrung about today’s practice. One of them had apparently overhead a higher ranking and very experienced soldier is to be today’s instructor and that he’s going to absolutely break everyone’s spirit. Just great, it’s exactly what you needed, having your soul crushed by man screaming how shitty you are.

Persistence to surviving the military life you signed yourself off to a couple years back, when life was meaningless and you needed a firm hand to guide you, makes you a bit gutsy though. And that’s very much needed right now.

Proceeding to change into a black fitted T-shirt and matching gym leggings, you determinately march your way past the machines and land next to the other people here for the training. All standing in a neat row adjacent to the square training mat, patiently awaiting your instructor.

You’re pending between taking the opportunity of having all your frustrations let out by pretend fighting with the others or to tell a small white lie that you pulled a muscle during your last workout and are going to have to sit this one out.

The unusually high anxiety that’s been eating you up is putting you on edge, you can feel a phantom pair of dark eyes burning in the back of your head, it has you chewing on your nails and fidgety scanning the vast area. No one’s paying you any attention, no one’s even looking at you. It’s all in your head, you keep saying to yourself trying to make the queasiness disappear.

Some unnoticeable breathing exercises and you think your heart rate has gone down again. The thrum of the heartbeats is no longer clogging up your hearing.

You release a haggard sigh and unclench your tense fingers.

Just as you finally find some peace, you hear the door to the gym open up and all the former lively voices fades and machines slows down into a strained silence.

You don’t have to turn around and see who it was that just entered the building.

The raised hair on your arms and the rank smell of fear from the others reveals the persons identity. Not many can silence an entire room by just entering.

Ghost.

[meiliarotten]

Team Fortress 2 Kinktober Time

Day 4: Vocal (Voice Kink)

🔞MINORS DNI🔞

Pairings: Sniper x Fem!Reader

Summary: Yet another one with no summary. This was the first Sniper fic I ever wrote

Tags: Voice kink, begging

Word Count: 1.6k

The Masterlist

There were many things that you loved about Sniper. There was the professionalism with which he handled his job, and his drop dead accuracy on the battlefield, both of which had initially attracted you to him. Eventually you learned to love more intimate aspects of him, the scars that decorated his body, the way he growled low in his throat when he was on top of you, the gentle touch of calloused hands as the two of you basked in the afterglow while he soothed you with soft spoken praise in that deep, whispery tone.

If you had to pick a favorite thing about Sniper, it would probably be that; his voice. There was no denying that Sniper’s voice was, to put it bluntly, very attractive. God knows how many difficult situations he had managed to charm his way out of with words alone. You imagined the number was pretty high. It wasn’t even just the accent. It was the confidence, the volume, the words he chose- it all came together to create something incredibly erotic.

But there was one other aspect of that voice. One that only you were privy to, and as such, it was the one you valued most of all.

That was what you were after tonight, with the two of you safe in the privacy of Sniper’s van. You stroked his cock nice and slow, teasing him by refusing to pick up the pace. He whined before catching himself, clenching his jaw tightly to keep his noises at bay, but you still noticed.

“Does it feel good?” You asked with a chuckle, hoping to hear more lewd sounds from that alluring voice.

“Damn, love. I know what you’re trying to do to me,” he said through clenched teeth, determined not to give you the satisfaction of hearing him moan.

“Can you blame me? I love hearing those noises you make. After all, I’m the only one who gets to hear them,” you whispered as you leaned in to press a kiss to his cheek, letting out a small laugh as his stubble tickled your face.

Sniper looked as if he was about to retort, but cut himself off with a sudden moan as you ran your thumb over the head of his cock. Before he could clamp his mouth shut again, you sped up your strokes. The torrent of groans and soft curses was music to your ears.

“Yeah, just like that,” you sighed, admiring the sight. You stopped, receiving a frustrated groan and a sour expression in response. That look didn’t last long, quickly shifting to one of eagerness as you moved downward, licking your lips as you took in the sight of Sniper’s cock, precum beading at the tip and threatening to spill down his length.

You grinned, knowing that this was bound to draw some good sounds from him. You began by running your tongue along the underside before taking him fully into your warm mouth. Your hands rested on his thighs, and you felt him tremble with the effort it took not to thrust into your throat.

That pattern of trembling and moaning continued, increasing in intensity until you felt Sniper’s hand weave through your hair, tugging it softly. You got the message, immediately pulling back and looking up at him in confusion.

“Darling, stop. I don’t want to come yet,” he said, breathing hard as he tried to regain his composure. You pouted at him in mock disappointment.

“But you sound so damn good when you do,” you groaned, moving up to press a quick kiss to his lips. You saw the flush in his cheeks as you did so and grinned, knowing that it was in response to what you had just said.

You continued to press your lips against his, and it wasn’t long before the kisses turned rough. For a few moments, everything was a blur. The passage of time had escaped you, and at some point Sniper had managed to pin you beneath him, taking advantage of your gasps to slip his tongue into your mouth. You finally pulled away with a moan when you felt him slip a hand into your pants, the tips of his fingers teasing you below.

“See that, doll? You make some wonderful sounds yourself,” he said, the smirk he displayed making you feel weak, but not in a bad way. With a blush, you pushed your pants and undergarments down, getting them out of the way and allowing him full access to you.

Sniper hummed in appreciation and began to tease your entrance, rubbing circles around it and getting you nice and wet before finally pushing a finger in. You moaned as he thrust the single digit into you, and it wasn’t long before you were ready for a second. His fingers were long and he reached your g-spot with relative ease. You nearly screamed as he pressed more firmly, pulsing his fingers against the sensitive area repeatedly.

“You’re so bloody gorgeous, riding on my fingers like that,” Sniper growled, making a point to move close to your ear before speaking. You moaned at the dominant tone and the way he began to nip at your neck, decorating the skin with small bruises as he laid claim to you.

“You don’t just love hearing me moan and whine, do you love? You like hearing my praise too. I see the way you shudder and whimper when you hear it,” he said, continuing to read you like an open book and making you feel deliciously vulnerable as he did so.

You didn’t even get a chance to respond. Your attention was brought elsewhere when Sniper suddenly removed his fingers, earning a whine which quickly turned into a startled gasp when he flipped you over onto your stomach. You practically felt him looming over you, leaning in close to your ear.

“And I know you love it when I whisper in your ear like this, feeling my breath against your neck,” he said, running his fingers down your back. You felt a shiver run through your whole body.

You brought yourself up onto your hands and knees, feeling Sniper’s cock press up against your ass, still just as hard as before. Arousal continued to build between your legs as you thought about how needy he must still be.

“Please,” you whispered, moving your ass against his crotch to entice him further. “Fuck me!”

“Ah, there’s another sound I love to hear from you,” Sniper said. You could practically hear the self-confident smirk in his voice. “The sound of you begging for me .”

He entered you quickly. You were aroused enough that there was no discomfort. He wasted no time, immediately pounding into you at a rapid speed. He leaned over you, fucking you like an animal while he whispered sweet nothings into your ear. The experience sent your head spinning.

“God, you feel so bloody good,” Sniper groaned, practically leaning on you as he tried to maintain his breakneck pace. “You’re so gorgeous under me like this, taking my cock so well.”

You bucked back to meet his thrusts, feeling your orgasm approaching surprisingly quick as you listened to him heap praise onto you. His moans began to dip into that familiar half growl that you loved. It made the whole ordeal seem more feral and much more intense.

“Sniper, I’m close,” you said, your hands balling into fists as you felt yourself losing control. That was until Sniper’s pace slowed.

“Beg.”

“What?” You asked with a whine, trying to crane your neck to look back at Sniper, but it was no use when he was topping you from behind like this. You couldn’t see his expression, and it made his commands all the more intimidating.

“You heard me, doll. Beg,” he growled, sounding somewhat annoyed at having to repeat himself. “ I want to hear that pretty voice of yours plead for release.”

You shivered. To think, at the beginning of this whole ordeal, it was Sniper who was being teased, whining and moaning at your hands and tongue. You couldn’t help but admire the versatility it must take to go from that to this perfect picture of a rough, demanding lover.

“Fuck, Sniper-” A hard thrust to your g-spot made you stammer incoherently for a moment until you finally got your bearings again. “Mundy, please! Please let me come!”

“God, you’re irresistible. Such a good girl, fuck yes-” Sniper’s words trailed off into unintelligible curses and moans, his hips moving unevenly as he felt his own climax threatening to overtake him. “I’m close too, love. Go on and come. I want to hear you scream for me.”

You did just that, moaning shakily as you let your orgasm finally overwhelm you, riding it out to the sound of Sniper growling in your ear. He continued to moan in an almost feral manner as he finished as well. You listened intently, taking in every sound he made as he came.

It wasn’t long before the adrenaline began to wear off, and you found yourself trembling beneath Sniper as you began to lose strength. The two of you were left exhausted, and you collapsed atop of each other. The two of you laid there, entwined with each other, a tangle of limbs, chests rising and falling with labored breaths. Sniper had practically fallen on top of you but you were too spent to care. The weight was actually comforting in a way. It made you feel safe. Your eyes were just beginning to drift shut when you heard Sniper speak.

“Don’t go falling asleep on me, sheila. In a few minutes I’ll be up and ready to go again.”

“Oh really?” You said, tired, but also interested. You forced yourself to open your eyes, seeing his sly, grinning face looking down at you.

“I ain’t done yet, not by a long shot” he whispered, leaning down to press his lips against your ear, taking full advantage of how much you loved that voice of his.

[brights-place]

Hi!

I saw your Barb x wife post (very cute), could you do a Riff x husband reader?

(I promise this will be the last time I ask for Riff stuff, probably)

Riff X Husband! S/O

Pairings: Riff X Reader

Warnings: Fluff, mild cursing, THE GAYS ARE GAYING YAYYY!

A/N: I got so happy with this request and wrote this down so fast since I was checking my inbox!

Barb introduced you two to each other 7 in an half years and you and riff had been together for longer about 9 years running he proposed to you 3 years ago. You knew how Riff wad awkward sometimes and how he does little drum stick tricks to impress you or would play drum versions of your favorite songs and ask you to guess the beat. When he was gonna propose to you he played the 'here comes the bride' but in drums and you didn't guess what it was but said it was cool yet you didn't know what it was at all. You two were at the rooftop staring out at the night sky as the candle is warm light shined where you both laid as Riff got up and stold you t turn around which he did and you gasped seeing him on an knee with an Silver engagement ring with your birth gemstone on it which made you smiled as Riff spoke in an shaky voice "Okay I know we have been dating for so long but... I've been planning on how to do this and it's very hard!" riff said chuckling hiding deeper into his beanie "(name) You have been by my side through the toughest of storms, shining like a beacon in the darkest night. You have shown me that true beauty lies beyond the stars, and I want to share that with you for all eternity. Will you spend every night gazing into my eyes for as long as we shall live? Will you stay with me as we journey through the unknown with a never ending spark of love? (Name)" Riff took an sharp inhale as you teared up slightly "Will you marry me and be my husband (name)?" Riff said looking away as you smiled nodding quickly tackling him to the floor and kissing him deeply

You pulled away as he held you close tearing up “Knarly dude…” You giggled “damn right” You said kissing riffs face as he blushed. Once you two came back inside you were met by King Thrash and barb ho were smirking and congratulating you two for getting engaged and soon planned together an wedding sitting side by side as you two talked about different things for the weddings.

Currently you two where wondering where exactly it would be hosted “It could be hosted on where we first met?” Riff suggested as you hummed thinking to yourself “We met at an pub plus I wanted to invite our friends from outside of volcano rock city our temperature here is much different were use to it but they might not be” “Oh good idea!” you giggled cupping riffs face taking off his beanie which made his hetochromia eyes stare at you lovingly as kiss you back as he pulled away "I Love you" "Love you too"

The day of your wedding you were freaking out fanning your face as you were in the dressing room wearing your suit. It was a black leather jacket with a white shirt and black tie featuring silver embroidered roses, lightning bolts, and music notes. The jacket has a few rips and tears, revealing a layer of white lining beneat it. The shoulders were padded with cotton foam, filling it out slightly. The suit itself is somewhat worn, the edges darkened with shadows and dirt. The pants are made of black leather, with a few creases lining the seams. The shoes are black leather, but scuffed around the heels. You were panicking as Barb slapped your back making you yelp as she laughs "Don't worry Riff is also scared since its the first time he will be showing his eyes infront of an crowd and well He's marrying you" Barb laughed when you blushed "Your right!" After barb eft you checked yourself in the mirror before heading to the Altar. The wedding ceremony was a perfect mesh of elegance and rock 'n roll theme. The rock 'n roll themed wedding was a perfect mix of elegance and rock 'n roll vibes.

It decorated with edgy yet classy rock 'n roll accents. The venue was decorated with dramatic black walls, featuring white accents and gold details. The venue was completely transformed into a vibrant and fun rock 'n roll theme, featuring colorful stage lighting, edgy punk rock decorations, and musical elements such as vintage rock instruments and neon lights. The tables were adorned with dramatic black table cloths and edgy black tablescape decorations, making for a perfect venue for rock 'n roll lovers.

An altar had an mix of your favourite flowers and riffs favourite wilted flowers together as you stood at the altar while Riff stood at the other end staring down the aisle with a nervous look. You saw riffs suit The suit was a dark and faded black in coloring, as the fabric had been dyed to achieve that specific faded look. It was fitted snugly to the man's body, revealing his fit and toned physique that looked as if it had been sculpted by the gods themselves. The collars was high and round, reminiscent of an old, punk-rock style that had been done before. A few buttons were left undone, revealing his slightly ripped shirt. While his beanie had an black ripped veil in front of it as he walked to the Alter “Your beautiful” you two say in sync before giggling at each other as the pastor spoke telling the basics as as always before motioning for You to start with Your vows as you gulped and spoke nervously "Riff, as I stand here, with my heart overflowing with love, I am reminded of the beauty and uniqueness of our journey together. From this moment forward I promise you this..." You took an sharp inhale before staring at Riff You couldn't help but smile and look to teh crowd and back to Riff "I promise to love you in a way that is as unique and beautiful as the love we've built together. Our love is a master piece in my eyes unlike your drums." Riff gasped dramatically jokingly as you two laughed "but yes our love is a master piece in my eyes painted with the brushstrokes of our laughter. our shared dreams and the countless moments that have brought us here. I vow to be your wavering support and your safe harbor. In your presence I've found the courage to be the best version of myself and I will forever be the wind beneath your wings propelling you to reach new heights. With you, I've found a love that is both unique and beautiful, a love that is intricately woven into the fabric of my soul. I choose you, not just as my partner, but as my muse, my best friend, and the one who makes my world rocking! I Today and forever I give you my heart and my soul, and the promise of a unique and beautiful love story that will continue to unfold chapter by chapter I love you, in ways that word can only begin to describe is amazing" Riff smiled at you as you smiled back as Riff spoke up “Well damn it’s just like when I propose to you I’m so nervous… I can’t even believe I’m saying it out loud cause I know I’m gonna be made fun of by Barb” Barb shouted from the front row seat "FUCK YEAH I AM! GET SOME RIFF!" Riff sighed softly "(name) I promise to always be there for you, to listen and understand you, and to love and accept you as you are. I commit myself to our relationship and to growing and building a strong foundation together, with trust, respect and communication. I vow to honor your wishes and strive to meet your needs, and to always support and respect you. We will face challenges together as a team, and work to always overcome them, hand in hand... even though you annoy the shit out of me aswell I love you" You both soon started to tear up “How do straight people do this without crying?!” You complained as Riff laughed in agreement. The pastor smiled handing you two your drumsticks and your rings which you traded and gave eachother

You both were wearing a skeleton ring with you having a Obsidian that was cracked and contained inside your birth stone and and Riff having an obsidian that was cracked and inside held ruby as the pastor soon spoke “You may now kiss the groom!” You may or may not have grabbed riff by the waist dipping him to the floor and kissing him happily with an large smirk as others cheered while rock n roll trolls screamed doing the rock symbol with you and riff doing the same while kissing each other happily as riff eyes opened showing his hetochromica eyes that stared at you lovingly "I Love you" "Love you too" you both say smiling

reblogs + comments are appreciated ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

©brights-place 2023 — do not repost on another platform, copy, translate or edit my works! if you fit my DNI list please don't interact

[ennawrite]

wrote a *small* snippet for my future Elain x Emerie fic :)

(includes a sapphic relationship, obviously)

tags: @illbdamned 🤎

Premise for A Court of Cinnamon and Violets:

Elain and Emerie quickly find themselves to be good friends when they both have a difficult time falling asleep at the House of Wind. They confide in the other about what keeps them awake at night, and Emerie introduces Elain to the beautiful world of romance novels.

A few days later, Elain pays a visit to Emerie in Illyria to return her book, and finds the lack of color (and flowers) in the camp to be appalling. Emerie and Elain strike up a deal, and Elain finds herself in charge of decorating Emerie’s store.

As the weeks go by, Elain realizes that flowers aren’t the only thing blossoming in the shop and that maybe, there’s a bit more to her friendship with the Valkyrie. Elain finds herself grappling with her (still unaccepted) mating bond, her feelings for Emerie and the heaviness that comes with choosing in a world designed to pick for you.

🪶Continue reading to read the snippet!🪶

“Do you…” Elain’s voice trailed off, and she diverted her gaze from the female’s eyes, shaking her head quickly. “It’s stupid, never mind.” 

“Do I what, Elain?” She asked earnestly, placing a warm hand on Elain’s bare forearm. Goosebumps trailed across Elain’s entire body at the simple, friendly touch. 

Elain shakily brought the cup of tea to her lips and took a small sip of the warm, spiced tea before placing it back on the table. She cleared her throat, staring at the swirls of cinnamon and milk in the dark brown liquid. The color so similar to the eyes she could not bear looking into as she continued, “Do you think these romance stories only work with me—males,” She quickly corrected herself. Men no longer existed in this world, only males. Always a damn male. “As the love interest? Or could there be…something else?” 

“Elain…,” Emerie said softly. Elain could practically hear the pity in her voice and she sunk deeper into her chair when Emerie removed her hand. Emerie stood and walked away. Elain silently cursed herself for being so openly stupid with her thoughts. 

She listened as Emerie rummaged around with something. Elain did not have the courage to look up and see what she was doing. Instead, she stared at her tightly gripped hands in her lap. Perhaps a better female would have bolted out of the door by now, or laugh her question off as some joke. But Elain stayed frozen, as she often did when it felt like the world was crashing down on her. Her heart was beating rapidly, her vision turning blurry. Oh, gods, she could not cry now. That would be—

“The beautiful thing about romance,” Emerie spoke into the heavy silence, interrupting Elain’s thoughts. Elain sucked in a breath as the female set a stack of books on the table. “Is that anyone can be the love interest. Male or no.” 

Elain drew her eyes up to the Valkyrie’s face, mouth agape. She knew she probably looked stupid, with the confusion so plainly written across her face. But Emerie just grinned widely at her, her dark brown eyes twinkling in the dying sunlight. Elain’s heart skipped a beat at the sight. 

“I do not often share these books with other people, not even Gwyn and Nesta. There are…things that not everyone will understand. Especially not in Illyria,” Emerie said, smiling sadly. “But I trust you, Elain. And I think you will find what you’re searching for in these books.” 

[jooillusion]

I was watching a drunk scene in a movie, and my brain went to you being at a friend's apartment party with Seungmin.

Both of you are way too drunk and decide it would be a good idea to try to soober up in the bathroom. After almost flooding the place, you both end up sitting on the ground with your faces way too close to each other and many hands.

Everything that might happen next will be blamed on the alcohol when the topic of why the bathroom was locked comes up the following morning ✋️

( I'm sorry if this is too specific, I've been thinking about this since I saw the movie, and tipsy seungmin seems to be funny )

drunkfessions with seungmin <3

warnings: alcohol consumption, an unholy amount of cursing, making out, suggestive(?) kinda

pairings: o.de x reader ft. jungsu

don’t be sorry if it was too specific, it helps me think better love :) also what movie was it because now I’m curious!

“dude, trust me I saw it on the internet.” seungmin slurs over his words, the seriousness in his eyes comical. he holds up a shot of sink water way too close to your mouth. your face scrunches up in disgust, pushing away the tiny cup. “cmon, I already took my shot.” he’s pouting now. his voice is loud, booming over the music that plays outside of the door. you don’t even know why you let him drag you to the bathroom, ignoring your instinct to run after he closed the door behind you. he saw you sitting on the couch, head in hands as the headache started to develop in your head. he told you to follow him out of the kindness of his drunk heart.

when your neighbor jungsu invited you to his party, you thought it would only have a few people due to the size of his apartment. oh boy were you wrong. the apartment was crowded with people. you knew he would’ve invited seungmin, which is one of the reasons why you came.

however you were familiar with seungmin but not drunk seungmin. he was sweet, honest, and overall chill. but you should’ve known not to follow him inside of the bathroom judging by the way he downed almost half a bottle of alcohol by himself, his sloppy dance moves that you had to witness due to a sudden dance circle surrounding him, and the way his voice shouted damn near every three minutes to get the party hype. but you can’t turn back the times now that you’re here.

“okay well there’s another method I read.” he says, pushing the pop up drain down to stop further water from entering the drainage underneath. he watches as the water slowly fills up the sink.

“where are you even getting this information from?” you cross your arms and raise an eyebrow.

“you ever heard of reddit?” his attention leaves the running water to turn towards you laughing your ass off. he doesn’t care though, only trying to defend his case. “if you put your head under cold water it help! seriously!”

“you actually believe that shit?” tears of laughter start to prickle at the corners of your eyes. he shoots an offended glare towards you, watching you wipe your tears.

“you’re fucking telling me slenderman didn’t have you shitting your pants when you were at least ten?” though he’s drunk, he’s terrifyingly serious, only making the situation more amusing.

“and who the fuck is that?”

seungmin sighs, his hand pinching the bridge of his nose as he sighs. he explains the ridiculous character that sounds made up from his first sentence. you’re biting your lip to keep yourself from laughing, especially when he says that he had to sleep with his mom for days after he found out.

“dude I’m serious! he could still be out here creeping outside this house and we’ll never know…” he puts his arms around his biceps, shivering dramatically. you roll your eyes at his shenanigans, finding him obnoxious but cute at the same time. he’s about to explain another story, but the sound of water dripping onto the floor catches both of yours attention—well yours as seungmin pays it no mind, still trying to get his point across. you’re reacting fast out of panic, grabbing the decorative towels that sit on the counter, pushing seungmin out of the way.

“what the fuck- oh…” his eyes widen at the filled sink and he’s following right behind you quickly. you turn the sink off, trying to clean up the water from the counters so you wouldn’t have to face the guilt destroying somebody else’s belongings. seungmin is trying to be kind enough to help, but the alcohol in his system doesn’t help his situation at all, only making him slip and fall on the small pool of water on the floor. the panic hits harder watching him land on the floor.

“holy shit! are you alright-” and you’re slipping right after him. you try to catch yourself, flailing your arms but it’s no use, bracing yourself for the impact of the hard floor and the embarrassment that’ll definitely creep up when you leave the bathroom.

the floor isn’t what you land on though. a groan is forced out of sengmin’s mouth as your body lands on top of his. and he saw it coming, his arms wrapping around your body in an attempt to catch you, the impact of it all coming down harder than he expected. you’re laying onto his chest, your cheeks burning in embarrassment especially since his arms aren’t unwrapping you. you hear his heartbeat speed up, your head lifting up to meet his eyes. he’s just as affected.

his eyes are too busy admiring you up close, his eyes trailing down to your lips, parted trying to steady your breath. reality hits him when he realizes he’s been staring for too long, almost pushing you off of him when he sits up. you catch your body from being rolled over, sitting up looking at seungmin. you’re unable to tell if the blush on his cheeks are from the alcohol or the moment you two just accidentally shared. the silence in the air is as thick as the tension, seungmin clearing his throat to kill it.

“hey um…I’m sorry if I made y-you uncomfortable,” he awkwardly scratches the back of his head, his eyes meeting yours. “I didn’t want you to hurt yourself y’know?” you’re just watching him speak and he’s waiting from a response from you.

“I was just trying to help you out. If you don’t want to be around me I understan-” you’re cutting him off, finally listening to your instincts to shut him up with a kiss. he’s almost immediately reacting, as if he was waiting for you to shut him up, his hand coming up to your cheek to stroke the soft flesh. the alcohol in your system only encourages you to be bolder, straddling his hips.

“you talk too damn much.” you say between kisses. his lips curve into a smile, his hands pulling the jacket off of his shoulders and tossing it next to him. he pulls away once the air starts to give out. you reach up behind him to twist the lock on the door, placing your index fingers between your lips and signaling him to be quiet.

he nods and immediately dives back into your lips. you’re getting bolder by the second, tongue sliding between his lips and licking inside of his mouth. seungmin is not complaining at all though, being just as hungry as you as the kiss turns sloppy, his warm hands running underneath your shirt to massage your hips. you’re both too far gone and too busy with each others lips, the party long forgotten.

the sound of knocks on your door pull you away from your sleep. you figured that you’d ignore it, but it becomes too annoying when the person seems to not give up until you answered. you sigh out of frustration, walking to the door and being greeted by jungsu with an equally sleepy seungmin next to him.

“the fuck do you want?”

“well good morning to you too, sleeping beauty.” jungsu laughs, his grip on seungmin’s arm signals that he dragged him here out of his sleep. “care to explain why you two disappeared for a while,”

your eyes suddenly widen. seungmin looks at you with the same look. the thoughts of yesterday slowly started to make their way back into your mind. you both look like your hands were caught in the cookie jar and you’re eyeing jungsu, your mouth ready to come up with an excuse but his mouth speaks faster than yours.

“and why my bathroom door was fucking locked for almost an hour? and I know it wasn’t because of reddit.”

I’m not sure if I did this correctly but I wrote this within two hours before work so sorry if this feels rushed </3

please remember that this is a pure work of fiction.

[questionableratatouille00]

𝙳𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖 𝚘𝚏 𝙼𝚎

Pairing: Tony Stark x Fem!Reader

Summary: Your husband's lack of sleep finally seems to be getting to him, and it's up to you to save him from his stress.

Note: This is my submission for day two of @ailesswhumptober! (overworked/insomnia/exhaustion).

Warnings: Nightmares, talk of death, mentions of insomnia and anxiety, cursing.

---------------------------------------------

You grumbled bitterly as you stalked down the hallways of the Compound, trying to find where the damn lab was. The only light in the hallways was the light blue line that guided you, as directed by F.R.I.D.A.Y. 

It went at your pace, lighting up where you were and only where you were. Your husband of four years was off messing with some machine in the middle of the night, and it was up to you to get him to actually sleep for once. 

Often, Tony Stark could run solely on four cups of coffee and a cheeseburger, and you had even resorted to hiding the coffee pot a few times, just to keep him from getting another cup.

“Anthony Edward Stark.” You called into the large lab, storming past machines and tools as you searched for your husband.

“Y/n Stark.” Tony gulped, knowing that he was caught. 

“Do you know what time it is?” 

“Show time?” You fumed as he quoted a fucking musical.

“It is one-fucking-thirty in the morning.”

“One thirty in the morning.” He said, nodding over-enthusiastically. 

“Why the fuck are you not in bed?” 

“I have..work. I have work to do.” He settled on his answer, and you stared at him blankly, unfooled by his nonsense. “You’re holding the wrench upside-down.” You pointed out. His gaze flicked to his hand, where he was, in fact, holding the wrench upside-down.

“That was intentional.” 

You began to circle his ‘project’ which, to you, looked like a…car? Half of a washing machine? You couldn’t exactly tell. “Right. And what the hell is this, anyway?”

“It’s the start of a..something.” 

You glanced at him, finally taking in his appearance. His eye bags were dark, his hair a mess and his shirt stained with sweat and other liquids that belonged in a lab. 

“Tony. Your eye bags are darker than Bucky’s jokes.”

“They’re Gucci.” He commented.

“And your hair’s a mess. You need sleep, love. You’re exhausted.” You took a step closer to him, cupping his cheek with your hand. “What’s keeping you awake?” 

“I don’t know.” He sighed, his hands resting on your hips. “I just..can’t. It’s either nightmares or anxiety. I try, but it just doesn’t..stick. So I come down here.”

“Tony.” You breathed out, frowning. “Why didn’t you say anything?”

"What am I supposed to say? 'Hey, I'm a grown man and I can't sleep because of a couple of bad dreams'?"

“Tony—being grown or a man has nothing to do with that, and you know it. If they get bad, you can tell me. If the insomnia gets bad, you can tell me. I want to help you, because I love you.”

He says nothing, letting his arm drop to his side. He stares down at his hand, still fiddling with the wrench. “What am I gonna do if I can’t protect you?” He whispered, never looking up at you.

“Is that what’s going on? Babe, I’m safe. You’re safe. We’re all perfectly safe, living in literally the safest place in America. You can rest. Nothing dramatic or drastic is going to happen for the next few hours.” You assured him, rubbing his bicep a few times to comfort him. “I swear.”

“That’s what we thought last time. Then they sent a missile to New York.”

“There will be no missiles. None. You..you don’t even have to sleep all night. It’s already almost 2:00 AM. If you really can’t sleep, you can come right back down. But you need to at least try. Please.”

He took a deep breath, before nodding. “Fine.”

——————————

Tony let himself crawl into your arms, laying his head on your chest as you wrapped your arm around him.

The faint glow of the arc reactor through his shirt was the only light in your spacious bedroom, decorated with picture frames on the walls and bookshelves filled with books and other trinkets.

“Good night, Tony.” You murmured into his hair, and he made a small noise in response.

He let his eyes close, and he didn’t fight the warm embrace of sleep.

In his sleep, the same familiar nightmare played out. The streets of New York were filled with screaming people. Tony always stood in the middle of the street. He'd look up to find a portal in the sky. More and more of the Chitauri forces flew out of it, crashing into buildings.

Up on the balcony of Stark Tower was you and Loki. You cried out and pleaded for help, for rescue. Loki had his scepter's sharp edge pressed to the back of your head.

In front of Tony was all of the Avengers. His friends, his family. They all laid in a large pile, broken and battered and undeniably dead. Steve's shield lay next to his mangled corpse, broken in two. Natasha was next to him, her body bent at an odd angle. Bruce, or rather, the Hulk, was at the bottom of the pile, a large sword thing planted in his chest, pinning him to the ground below like a dart to a dartboard.

Tony had no armor. No armor, no friends, and no way to solve this. He knew that this was his fault. He had his chance to protect everything and everyone he loved--to put a suit of armor around the world. And he didn't take it.

And now the whole world was paying for his mistake. You, his whole world, were paying for his mistake.

——————————

"Tony. Tony!" You called his name, and he woke up from his nightmare.

"Jesus fuck." He gasped. He clutched at his arc reactor, tapping it a few times.

"Hey. Just a dream. Just a dream." You soothed. "Just a dream, sweetheart. Promise."

He nodded, exhaling loudly. "Fuck this."

"Yeah." You nodded, tipping your head slightly. "I know. C'mere. It's four in the morning. You should try and fall back asleep." You scooted closer to him, and you could see him get ready to protest. "None of that. You need rest."

"Fine. Fine." He caved, taking you in his arms. You didn't protest. In your mind, if he felt better holding you like this, than that's what you'd let him do.

"Goodnight, Tony."

You were answered with soft, gentle snoring.

[victoria-vd]

OFFSCREEN POST

Bittersweet Sobriquet

There was nothing Victoria enjoyed more than a quiet Saturday evening in her dorm. The sparsely-decorated room was dim, only illuminated by the faint glow of the extravagant lanterns that decorated her dorm. Atop one of the shelves, an ornate cluster of amethyst crystals glistened in the gentle light of the flickering lamps. Luxury Balls and battle trophies rested neatly atop red velvet cushions inside a display case. And with her canopy bed pushed into a dark corner of the room, Victoria had crafted the perfect living space for herself: a space of dim, quiet isolation from the overwhelming everything that was the rest of this wretched academy.

“– and another thing!” Esper threw her arms up into the air and leaned back in her chair. “I hate how she keeps assuming that I’m not paying attention!”

And yet Victoria had allowed Esper to enter it nonetheless.

The girl continued her rant with a wave of her pencil, “Like, sure, yeah it’s pretty damn early in the morning and I may not seem the most awake but I am! I am paying very close attention! I wouldn’t be in the bloomin’ class if I wasn’t!”

Victoria let out a small huff of amusement at Esper’s complaints. Make no mistake, the incessant mindless chatter cutting through her peaceful silence made her want to claw her own ears out—

(Despite the distance between her and the Hatterene standing across the room, she could practically feel the shadow of Barcelona looming over her. Watching her intently.)

—but at the very least, the girl was funny enough to make it bearable.

Without looking up from her laptop, she addressed the girl in a haughty tone reminiscent of the teacher of their ire. “Ah, Esper, glad to see you’ve joined the rest of the class now. Let’s see if you’ve been paying attention: approximately how many years ago was it that the Paldean Empire began to rule this region?”

The other girl let out a dramatic groan as she slumped in her chair, “Roughly two thousand years ago.”

With a raise of her chin, Victoria clicked her tongue in mock-disapproval and shook her head. “Wrong. Had you been listening, you would have heard me say that the Paldean Empire began two-thousand one-hundred thirty-seven years ago, on the first Sunday of August at exactly the 14th hour and 28th minute of the day. Do better next time, Esper.”

“Arrrccccc…” Esper whined before soon pushing herself back up into a proper sitting position. “She would. She fucking would. She’s– She’s like the most annoying teacher I’ve ever actually had.”

“There are few things that Señora Raifort enjoys more than ancient history,” Victoria hummed and turned her head to look at Esper, “But being needlessly difficult is one of those things.”

“Mhmhmhmhmhmhm,” she nodded, rocking back and forth in her seat as she looked at Victoria, “Y’know what I think–?”

“I tend to know, yes,” Victoria interjected with a quirk of her lips.

“Okay–” Esper rolled her eyes with a snort, “As I was saying. I think she’s haunted. There’s no way she isn’t cursed by some sort of spirits, her vibes say it all.”

“I see. As someone as experienced with hauntings as yourself, I suppose I cannot argue with your claim.”

Victoria’s pupil let out an indignant squawk before wildly gesturing with her hand, “My dorm may have not been actually haunted but I swear my old flat building was! There is no other way to explain–” Esper was interrupted as her cardigan sleeve caught on a lone water bottle sitting on the desk. The bottle rocked for a moment before teetering over the edge and falling off of the desk.

But (un)surprisingly, it never hit the ground. It simply hovered in place halfway between the table’s edge and the hardwood floor. The bottle slowly rose back to its proper place atop the desk beside Esper’s arm.

“Oh!” Esper took a moment before beaming at the other girl with a friendly smile, “Thank you, Tori!”

Victoria froze.

(Barcelona’s head snapped to attention, her eyes locked onto her trainer.)

…Tori?

The mere utterance of the name evoked something nostalgic and bittersweet, like a box of memories collecting dust on a shelf. Left aside and long forgotten. Cobwebs hung between each letter and the ink faded from every stroke. The name was crude and juvenile like a child’s finger painting. But what would one expect when the artist was but a child herself?

(The Hatterene snaked a tendril of hair to her side as she stalked her way towards the girls at the desk.)

A single syllable had pried open a myriad of memories best left forgotten for Victoria’s sake.

(Locks of hair in the shape of a hand reached up to Victoria’s shoulder.)

It’s funny, really.

In some ways, she was a lot like Esper, wasn’t she?

(Her hat cast a deep shadow over the girl as she loomed over her.)

Victoria closed her eyes and drew in a long breath.

(Suppress yourself.)

Breathe in.

(Breathe out.)

…

Twirling her pen in her fingers, Victoria simply hummed in response to her friend. “Think nothing of it, Esp.”

Esper let out the breath she had been holding. She let herself relax a bit in her chair before blinking in surprise, Victoria's words having registered in her mind, “Pardon?”

“Think nothing of it,” she repeated, leaning back in her chair as well. “But next time—“ she huffed in amusement, flicking her friend lightly in the forehead, “—you’ll be picking it up, Esp. You need the practice anyways.”

The other girl brought her hand up and gently rubbed the spot Victoria had flicked, letting out a quiet giggle, “Alright, Tori.”

There was nothing Victoria enjoyed more than a quiet Saturday evening in her dorm.

That is, except for sharing it with a friend.

Scene End.

[Esper belongs to @espers-n-espurrs]

[deceptive-daydreams]

Thinking about smoke signals Eddie and how maybe he’s finally getting a Christmas where that flicker of holiday magic blooms in him chest. He’s got something -someone- that makes him feel hopeful and worth it. Every night he looks forward to the next day with anticipation instead of dread - the way a kid counts down the days to Christmas morning. He knows he’s nearing something special and magical even if he can’t fully put that into words yet.

I’m thinking too much

i woke up to this with the biggest smile on my face cause my mindset has been "no one cares about smoke signals anymore cause you take too long to update" so just know that you have me kicking my feet and giggling over here rn

OKAY BUT THIS IS THE VIBE... Eddie's always "hated" the holidays or maybe the holidays just don't agree with him and never offer him mercy. Something always happens around that time of year without fail. Since moving to Knife's Edge he's only spent them with Wayne when he visits but it's usually very simple and they don't really decorate or anything, just hang out and have dinner and some beers every night until Wayne has to go back to Indiana. So it's not like anything bad has happened over the holidays for a few years but in typical Eddie fashion, he's always waiting for the other shoe to drop.

To be fair he's had enough trauma to last him lifetimes and one Christmas that really ruined it for him was when he was little and his dad came home drunk and Eddie thought he was Santa. Instead of Santa he's met with his dad stumbling around their tiny living room, knocking over their small tree with a majority of homemade ornamets he and his mom crafted together. At first it was an accident but as his dad got tangled up in some of the lights he started to get annoyed, slurring curses at the tree before finally shoving it over declaring it a "usless fuckin' thing". Shortly after, Eddie's mom had rushed out, tucking little Eddie behind her as she addressed her drunken husband. They started to argue, dad always starting it without fail. His mom tried so hard to keep the peace but when he started to raise his voice she had no choice but to try and appear bigger. She was never scared of him, or so she lead on. His dad would start knocking furniture over and rampage until he passed out on the kitchen floor after accidentally hitting his face against the counter, blood spilling from his nose.

There were several Christmases Eddie and his mom would go over to Wayne's because of his dad. Eddie would still protest, stating that he hates the trailer park, that he wanted to stay home and that maybe dad will be better this morning. That was never the case but little Eddie didn't really know any better, his dad always charming his way out of situations, always convincing Eddie that he was some kind of hero at the end of the day, even after being such a deadbeat. It got worse as he got older, his mom passed when he was six and from there Christmas never felt quite the same. Wayne would insist that Eddie come over and spend the holiday with him, he knew his dad would either not come home at all or would turn up too late, Eddie sulking in that damn house all alone while he waited for his dad to show up. Needless to say, it took a while for Eddie to realize just how fucked up it was that his dad would have him wrapped around his finger for his own convenience. Christmas had never been a happy time. He was always thankful for all that his mom and Wayne would do for him, to keep him distracted from his dad's shenanigans. But it never erased that void in his heart and it never kept him from chasing after something he could never have.

His first holiday season around reader...completely shifts everything and it scares the shit out of him at first. He starts feeling that so called "joy" that everyone swears they feel around this time of year. He feels like the fucking grinch when his heart grows three sizes every time she's around. He doesn't mind the little decorations she scatters around the bar, the image of snowflakes and Christmas ornaments only start reminding him of her and not his past. Let's just say that his inner child starts to heal...

I HAVE SOME CHRISTMASY STUFF PLANNED FOR THEM AND I CAN'T WAIT TO WRITE IT WHEN IM ABLE TO. THERE WILL BE A LIL ANGST BUT I PROMISE IT'S NOTHING SCARY

[whump-me-all-night-long]

Bleeding Leads

AI-less Whumptober Day 5: Kidnapped

Masterlist

TW: minor character death, threatening of minors (brief and not detailed at all), implied/descriptions of torture, damn this makes it sound way worse than it is, I promise this is just more of Devin making Poor Life Choices(TM)

---

Friday rolled around faster than Devin had expected. All day, they had sat at their desk, tapping their foot nervously or twirling a pencil between their fingers or typing, deleting, and retyping the same sentence over and over. 

As soon as the clock hit 5pm, Devin was out of the door, a surge of anticipation following them like a cloud. 

Getting ready was a blurry haze. One moment, Devin was walking into their cramped apartment, and the next, they were in a cab that idled in front of enormous wrought iron gates with decorative Ws interlocking.

Trembling slightly, Devin paid the driver and got out, waiting until it drove off before heading over to the little intercom box. A buzz sounded as they pressed the button. Fiddling nervously with the straps of their shoulder bag, Devin tried to take some calming breaths and-

“Yes?” A gruff male voice.

“Oh, um, hi. I was invited here. I have an invitation.” Devin waved the card in front of the intercom, unable to tell if it had a camera or not.

There was no reply, just another buzz, but slowly the gates creaked open and Devin, with one look back over their shoulder, headed towards the giant mansion in front of them. Despite the extravagance of the property around them, the driveway, thankfully, was not too long, but still, by the time Devin reached the front door, they were cursing themself for wearing the heeled shoes they had chosen instead of their roughed up Converse. 

Devin reached out and knocked on the door with a surprisingly heavy iron knocker shaped like a bear’s head. Waiting anxiously, they tugged at the bottom of their blazer, hoping it was appropriate attire for the evening. They had worn a dove gray pantsuit with a black top underneath (really, it was just a clean tank top, but looked professional enough with the blazer atop) that still fit them relatively well, considering the outfit was from high school.

Jumping slightly at the sound of the door opening, Devin straightened themself, with a neutral smile. The man answering the door was tall, very tall, with tanned skin, dark brown hair, and scary, narrowed eyes. “Can I help you?”

Swallowing, Devin held out the invitation, silently cursing at the way the card revealed the tremors running through their body. “I, um, I have an invitation.”

The man took the invitation wordlessly, studying it intently for several long moments, before stepping aside and opening the door further. 

Devin took a cautious step inside, their heel tapping against the shining wooden floor, unable to stop themself from gawking just a little. Directly in front of them were a pair of double doors that seemed to lead into a formal lounge area. Outside of the doors was a sweeping marble staircase that met at the top. Devin couldn’t help but be astonished at the nonchalant display of wealth. Noticing what appeared to be solid gold door handles, Devin’s eyes grew impossibly wider. A single one of those could pay my rent for months!

The man closed the door behind them, the handle clicking shut ominously. Turning away from them, he began down a side hallway.

“Follow me,” the man rasped. “Please.” He seemed almost pained after noticing Devin’s inattention. 

Snapping to, Devin followed carefully behind, cheeks burning slightly in embarrassment. They were led down a series of seemingly identical hallways, up a couple flights of stairs and then down a couple flights, until Devin couldn’t possibly have said where they were. 

Finally, after a few more minutes of walking in awkward silence, they stopped in front of  a thick wooden door, made of shining mahogany. The man rapped out a series of knocks that seemed to be a specific pattern.

Moments later, Devin heard the sound of a lock turning, before a face appeared in the crack of the doorway.

Glancing at Devin for half a second, the man they recognized as Erik Wildre looked to the man that had led them here. 

“This is them?” he confirmed quietly, and, at the man’s dip of his chin, a smile broke out on his face, revealing straight white teeth. “Fantastic.”

Turning to Devin, he stuck a hand out, making sure to keep the door fairly closed around him. Devin just caught a glimpse of darkness with flickering shadows as they cautiously accepted the handshake.

Glancing at his watch, Mr. Wildre said, “Well, you appear to be a few minutes early but that’s no problem at all! In fact, why don’t you come on in? I’m just finishing one last thing and then I’m all yours. In fact, I believe what I’m working on may interest your employer.” Turning around, he opened the door wider behind him.

Feeling the heavy gaze of the muscled man behind them, Devin ignored every single instinct in their body and followed inside, barely biting back their gasp as they took in the scene before them.

A man, probably in his late forties or early fifties, hung from his wrists, a pair of manacles hung from a hook in the ceiling. His feet barely brushed against the floor, and one of his shoulders was oddly stretched out, Devin could only assume it was dislocated. Aside from a ripped pair of pants that must have cost a pretty penny originally, the man was naked and nearly every single inch of his skin was covered in markings of some kind. Cuts, burns, bruises. Devin thought they even caught a glimpse of what looked like a brand on the man’s back. 

The room around them was dimly lit, with a raging fireplace along the middle of the back wall. Aside from that, there was the concrete flooring that Devin tried to not look too hard at. The walls were covered in instruments of all sorts, some of which Devin couldn’t even begin to guess the purpose of. 

Swallowing, Devin glanced behind themself, only to see their guide stepping in behind them and closing the door, cutting off the bright hallway lights. Devin’s heart pounded faster as they heard the sound of a lock clicking closed before the man slipped a small iron key into some interior pocket of his.

Devin jumped slightly as Mr. Wildre addressed them, already staring at the bloodied man with cold eyes. “Mx. Corvin, if you wouldn’t mind stepping aside. I shouldn’t be more than a few more minutes.”

Not needing to be told twice, Devin shuffled backwards until they hit the brick wall behind them, the only one without the terrifying devices hanging along it. They definitely didn’t need to be told to not object to being called the wrong name. Maybe it was a simple lapse in memory?

Devin could only watch, speechless, as Mr. Wildre picked up a bloodied knife, pressing it to the side of the man’s beer belly. Smiling slightly at the man’s resulting flinch and soft whimpering, he spoke, emotionless. “I can do this all evening, Edmund. You know this. But-” he pressed in until a single bead of blood rolled down the man- Edmund’s skin- “you know I can be merciful and end this right now.”

The man, openly sobbing, shook his head weakly. “Wildre!” he gasped, breathless. “You know me! I didn’t do it! I don’t know what happened! It was an ambush, it wasn’t-”

“Shhh,” Mr. Wildre cooed softly, moving the knife up to the man’s chest, digging the tip in right over where Devin was pretty sure the heart was located. “You know how much I hate excuses, Edmund. You were the last one with the drugs and the money. Now, thanks to you, whether through betrayal or stupidity, both are gone and I’ve got the Mordens calling for my blood, crying double-cross.”

The man continued blubbering. “I- I swear, it wasn’t me! It was a trap, I tried to stop, please-”

Mr. Wildre hummed softly under his breath, considering the man before him. “Swear it,” he said finally. “Swear it on your daughters’ lives. On Evelyn and Sophia’s lives.”

The man paused, eyes flashing with fear, and that hesitation was seemingly enough to confirm whatever Mr. Wildre’s beliefs were.

He pressed on, unwavering. “How old are they now? Ten? Eleven?”

“They- they turn thirteen in a few days,” Edmund said hoarsely. “Please, they’re innocent! They have nothing- nothing to, to do with any of this!”

Mr. Wildre blinked, face unchanging. “But, you claim to be innocent, too, don't you, Edmund? So why are you so terrified of swearing it on your daughters’ lives? You said it yourself-” he leaned closer to the terrified man- “you know me, and you know that I always find out the truth in the end.” He tilted his head slightly, going for the killing blow. “So why do you not want me to find out the truth? Is it because you actually did fuck up this badly on accident, or did you accept that bribe that one Leo Pendelton offered you?”

Devin could actually see the blood draining from Edmund’s face as he opened and closed his mouth, gaping like a fish. Finally, letting out a soft sob, he hung his head in defeat. “Please,” he begged. “My girls, they’re innocent, they don’t know anything, please, just don’t hurt them-”

Mr. Wildre scoffed, cutting him off. “What do you think I am? A monster? I don’t kill children.” Disgust dripped from his words as his lip curled condescendingly. Then, before Devin truly had time to register the movement, the knife was flashing upward, slicing deep into Edmund’s neck.

Unable to help themself, Devin leapt backwards, a small scream slipping out of their mouth as they stared in horror at the man hanging before them who was slowly choking to death on his own blood. His body shuddered and red droplets sprayed from his cracked lips. Unable to tear their eyes away from the morbid sight, Devin could only watch as the jerky movements slowly weakened before finally stilling and, with a single glance at his eyes, Devin knew he was dead.

Blinking hard to keep back tears, Devin turned to face Mr. Wildre, who was watching their reaction with a critical eye. Carelessly wiping the bloodied blade on his pants leg, he offered Devin a smile. “Sorry that it got so nasty, Mx. Corvin. Now, you’re here on official business, are you not?”

Devin had to open their mouth several times before they were able to form words. “Yes, apologies. I, um, wasn’t expecting to interrupt… other business tonight. We, ah, we can always reschedule if you would prefer that.” Devin slowly backed up, inching towards the door as inconspicuous as possible, their mind racing too fast for them to process and the only thought they could truly form was getting the hell out of there as fast as possible. Then, Devin bumped into the door sooner than they expected, and the door was oddly warm, and not smooth, and-

Fuck my life.

Slowly turning their head, Devin saw the muscled man standing in front of the door, blocking it easily with his large frame. 

“Going somewhere?” Mr. Wildre’s dry voice asked.

Trying to remain breathing, Devin slowly turned to look back at him. “Apologies. I, um, my employer didn’t necessarily pre-prepare me for this.” They waved a shaking hand at the corpse, still hanging just feet away.

“Hmm,” Mr. Wildre said noncommittally. “And your employer is…?”

Shit. Shit, shit, shit.

Giving a weak smile, Devin held their hands up in a non threatening gesture. “Listen, I think there might have been an accidental miscommunication here. I think I might have gotten the, the time or, um, the address wrong. So I think, I’m just going to head out, and call it a night. My, um, my lips are sealed.” Devin gulped, glancing between the two men bracketing them in.

“I’m only going to ask this one time, love,” Mr. Wildre said softly, almost tenderly, if Devin didn’t know any better. “Who the fuck are you?”

---

Taglist: @ailesswhumptober @panic-whump @cupcakes-and-pain @lonesome--hunter @latenightcupsofcoffee @badluck990

[swampstew]

What's the Magic Word?

Chapter 29: Here Comes the Fight

Eustass Kid had heard that there was a stretch of ocean in the New World where the water was so clear you could see a mile under the sea. The water reflected the sky perfectly, and it was said that sunsets and sunrises were so vivid, sailors felt like the sun was swallowing them up or sinking them whole with how the world changed colors both above and below.

It was also, allegedly, one of the most romantic spots in the world.

At least, that was what he’d overheard some vendors say as he and the crew had picked up sheets of glass and other building materials. Their hideout was nearly complete – structurally. The inside still needed some fixing up, the windows needed to be installed, and that wasn’t even mentioning the decorating and fixtures they still had to get and also install themselves. Constructing the perfect base wasn’t easy work but it was going to be damned worth it.

The Kid Pirates spent months going to and from their base to other islands in search of supplies, furniture, and anything they could think of in order to create their hideout. They were short journeys as Kid insisted Rowena stay behind to guard the base, and then he’d rush to get back home to her each time.

On this supply run, the Witch rejoined the crew in their travels at Kid’s suggestion. Claiming he needed her help potentially bewitching a crabby merchant the redhead had squabbled with one too many times. Rather than kill him, Kid wanted to do some light manipulation so he didn’t lose a good supplier over dumb shit he instigated.

They took the long route to get to the merchant because Kid wanted to explore the so called ‘Perfect Pool of Peace.’ If it ended up looking cool or fancy, he’d take credit for Rowena’s excitement and happiness. If it didn’t yield shit, well what’s a few more days sailing with his crew and lady? Win-win situation all around.

Killer and Kid looked over the maps to determine their heading, unsure if they were lost or not as they’d not seen the world wonder yet.

“Master Kid! Look to port!” Heat screeched from door of the helms room.

On the horizon, ships. Marine ships. A shit ton of Marines. Kid cursed and stomped to the top of the dinosaur skull to get a better grasp of the situation.

It wasn’t looking good.

17 ships and 3 battleships.

“Great fucking timing,” Kid grunted sarcastically. “PIRATES! GET READY AND MAN YOUR STATIONS!”

“ARE YOU SERIOUS?!” Killer yelled from the main deck. “ROWENA TALK SOME SENSE INTO HIM!”

“ME?! YOU’RE HIS FIRST MATE!”

“YOU WANT TO FIGHT AGAINST THAT?!?!” the blonde hoisted the Witch over the railing.

“Of course not! But he gave an order, he’s not going to listen to me!” she exclaimed, fidgeting to be put down. Killer was too agitated to notice and did not loosen his grip, pacing the deck with the Witch in his arms like a rag doll.

“Kid that’s a fucking fleet!! They’ll catch up to us in less than three hours!” Killer argued. “We should have Rowena use Titanic Push to get us the hell out of here. You can do your thing LATER!”

“Boss, I’m with Killer on this one!” Wire’s normally aloof eyes looked alarmed. “Let’s just outrun them with the wind. Victoria can sail faster than those ships.”

Heat grabbed Rowena from Killer and set her down, “Can you do anything else to get us out of here faster? I’ve heard of wind knots, are those a thing?”

“Yeah they are, they’re tricky to use though – if you overdo it too quickly it’ll turn the weather. Titanic Push would be the better option.”

Kid stomped down to the deck, “We’re not running away! Kid Pirates DO NOT turn their backs on the enemy!”

“Rowena, I’m willing to take ANYTHING you can give us,” Wire pleaded.

Killer nodded, “ANYTHING. But prioritize our survival.”

The Witch looked to the crews’ faces – a mixture of uneasiness, fierceness, determination, even some questionable excitement. Kid’s face was the easiest to read: never give up, never surrender. She admired his tenacity. Loved his crazy ass to pieces.

“I can maybe slow them down,” Rowena finally spoke up. All eyes turned to her and she stood in silent shock for a moment, not used to being considered a real voice at the Kid Pirate ‘table’ as it were.

“I uhm,” her suddenly anxious eyes met Kid’s and he gave her an encouraging head nod. “Witches knot it is. I can generate enough wind power to have Victoria give them a run for their berri. But it will create a storm. Can get as bad as a typhoon. It would impact all of us but we have the advantage of me being able to manipulate the waves around us while it beats down on them. Should buy us time to escape or attack.”

Kid’s smirk grew into a sinister smile, “Can you handle that while in the midst of battle?”

“Dunno, never done it before. Can you sail through a storm that bad?”

“Kiiiid, I have a bad feeling about this,” Killer whined.

“Tsk, ok can you give us a tropical cyclone instead? Enough to fuck with the Marines but not enough to take away your attention from the fight. You’re gonna go all out – every technique you’ve learned and honed while on my ship. Consider it a test. It’s assessing your magical and fighting abilities in one glorious battle!”

“…I’ll try.”

“You’ll succeed, I know you will,” Kid said softly.

Rowena blushed. “Oh you can see into the future now, can you? Before we do ANYTHING, I need everyone to drink my tonics. I’ll be damned if any of you try and fight without some enhancements,” she dipped her hands deep inside her waist bag until her armpits were at the zipper entrance, yanking out glass bottles and ingredients.

“Errrmmmm, Wire! I need you to bring my cauldron from Kid’s room here and toss these in the bowl but don’t mix them. I’ll whip up the wind and come back to brew them. Ahhhhh Bubblegum, remember when we made that purple corn juice??? Bring me the dispenser Kid made for it and fill it with a liter of water.”

With Kid, Killer, and Heat on her heels, Rowena ran to the quarterdeck while tying three knots on a short rope. Using his power, Kid created a metal platform with adjustable straps that he helped secure the Witch on. Raising it into the sky so the Witch could reach the mizzenmast, she held the thrice knotted rope in front of her, prepared to begin.

“Once the ship’s speeds up you’ll have to make sure this platform keeps up or I’ll get left behind,” she called down to Kid.

“I got you baby!”

With a measured breath, Rowena unraveled all three knots at once.

The sky darkened immediately as thunder rolled and echoed in the sky. Lightning arced across the sky while multiple branches struck down into the water causing the sea to glow. The water slapped aggressively against the hull of the ship, the sails flapped and whipped loudly as the wind picked up thrice as fast as before. Kid swiftly brought the platform down and helped Rowena off, the wind whipped her thick hair against his body and it lightly stung his skin like a thousand tiny lashes striking him all at once.

Then the rain started. Fat droplets hammered the deck and partly blinded the crew as the wind viciously picked up even more aggressively.

“Kid! Hold me so I don’t stumble!” Rowena cried.

He grabbed the small Witch and held her firmly in his hands, using his tall figure to sort of shield her from the rain.

“Thanks!” she said as she grabbed her wand and firmly planted her feet on the ground. She tipped her want to the sky and began chanting in a foreign language so rapidly Kid couldn’t hope to make out a single syllable she said. The effect was immediate.

The dark gray cloud pattern had begun to churn, creating a massive circular disk in the blackened sky. The wind whipped rapidly to create a massive vortex over the water, causing the sea to get pulled into the swirling storm. With another wave of her wand, Rowena began chanting louder and she directed her wand towards the Marine ships. The storm followed her direction and began moving in the direction of the oncoming fleet.

While the Marines tried to take evasive maneuvers, the sudden and intense storm overwhelmed them immediately. As they were battered with devastating winds, waves, and hail, the Kid Pirates focused on sailing away from the strengthening cyclone. Brought to the helms room, Rowena worked furiously to create tonics that would enhance the crews’ agility, give them a boost of energy, and heighten their senses.

It gave them a few hours head start but the Marines were persistent. Rowena did as much as she could to both temper the storm from battering the Victoria Punk too much and also made healing potions that it took a toll on the small Witch. Kid made her pause to regain her strength, making her ingest her own tonics as well.

The soldiers were tactical enough to not shoot their canons right away, fully aware of Kid’s abilities and reputation for taking personal glee in exploding vessels on his own. Instead they used the strong winds and current to close the gap – ships pulled up on either side of the punk-themed ship and the battle began. Bold colors and printed fabrics clashed against monotone uniforms as pirates and soldiers fought a grizzly fight to the death. Between the sounds of clashing weapons, thunder and lightning from the weakening cyclone, screaming, and ocean swells threatening to swallow them all – time didn’t seem to exist. Everyone fought with every fiber of their being with each swing of sword and fist. No one dared to show exhaustion or weakness to the enemy.

“AUGH THATS FUCKING IT!!” Kid roared in fury, launching his metal arm across the main deck and punched a row of marines clean off the ship. The severe wind sprayed sea water on his face, he brought his flesh arm up to shield himself, searching for Rowena.

She was by the bow of the ship, fighting alongside Killer as they slaughtered the marines swarming them with their blades. Kid ran to them, attracting his metal arm back and repelling the cannon balls that shot from the battleships that had finally surrounded them. Rowena’s cyclone had done a great job of bottle necking the Marine’s attack but now they were pulling through again, their numbers dwindled to half.

“The battleships need serious attention but we need to cut through these small fries now!” Kid yelled over the chaos of battle.

The crew battered by weather and adrenaline regained new life, casting deadly glares at the new wave of marines coming through the sheets of water splashing over the decks and railings. Kid began attracting metal from all the ships. While he focused on using his devil fruit, the crew fought around him to keep him from being harmed.

Rowena had moved to the dinosaur skull, doing her intricate, fluid motions to manipulate the ocean once more. Completely drenched in sweat and sea water, her chest heaved as she followed the movements with her entire being. Intuitively connecting with the sea at a molecular level, her body moved to maintain the harmony of the connective flow. To guide it for what she needed it to do.

She threw her arms up and funnels of water ripped up from the depths of the ocean in sync with her movements. Smashing her arms together in a similar fashion to Franky’s Super Battle Cry, the two water funnels slammed together to combine a singular, massive – and still growing – sea entity.

A smile curled on her face as she got creative with her power.

“HEEEYYYYY KIIIIIID!!!!” She yelled at the top of her lungs, wanting him to see her in action.

Captain Kid turned his head and saw the massive water vortex twist and take form. It stood tall at 20 feet with a thick, spinosaurid body build. His eyes were as large as dinner plates as he watched the head and hands of the massive water beast freeze over. The hands now possessed razor sharp ice daggers and the head wore what Kid could only describe as an icy battle helmet that looked metal as hell.

“HOLY FUCK THAT’S SO COOL BABE!!!!!!!!”

“KID PAY ATTENTION!” Killer screamed, cutting down the soldier who tried to attack the Captain at the knees.

“Thanks, its hydrokinesis magic with a bit of flair!” she shouted back, whipping her arm to make a wall of ocean water rise up and freeze, blocking incoming canon fire. Yanking her wand from its sheath once more, the Witch used her left hand to connect with the ocean monster, holding her wand in her right hand to point straight at it. The crystal gem began to glow brightly.

“Defende navem meam – dele inimicos nostros!” she repeatedly chanted in a steady tone as a glowing light swelled within the eye socket of the ice helmet.

The behemoth turned its head down to the small Witch before it turned to look at the nearest Marine ship. It then let out a terrifying screech that made the Victoria Punk quiver, the high-pitched wailing reverberated through the air making everyone pause their battles to cover their ears.

It turned its body towards the closest ship, dipping several feet into the water before shooting up and slashing its icy claws down at the wooden vessel. The ship immediately began to take in water, Marines shot at the beast in vain quickly abandoned their guns to clumsily jump into their lifeboats. The ocean beast slashed at the ship several times, parts of the broken ship flew towards the Victoria Punk from the force of impact.

Rowena jumped off the bow to the raised deck above the helms room. Taking a running leap towards the main deck, she flipped horizontally in the air and spun rapidly to manipulate the wind into massive air whips to block the flying debris from hitting the crew below.

Kid’s Punk Gibson cleared the area for Rowena. She stumbled on the landing but Kid swiftly grabbed and clutched her to his chest.

“Can I name the beast?!” his voice was heavy with excitement. The Witch nodded with an ecstatic smile.

“PUNK FROST GOJIRA!!!” He roared while in the background the beast bashed its ice helmet forcefully into the ruined Marine ship, effectively destroying and sinking it. The ice horn on the right side of its head cracked from the impact; rearing its head, it moved on to the next ship.

“That’ll be effective for five minutes or less, let’s make it count!” Rowena yelled.

“Rowena!” Kid held her by her shoulders, his eyes twinkling amidst the chaos. The malice and hatred that had darkened his features with the Marine’s arrival completely lifted.

“MARRY ME!”

She blinked, “What right now?!”

“YEAH!”

“WE’RE IN THE MIDDLE OF SOMETHING!”

“KILLER!!!!” Kid bellowed, not realizing Killer was already behind him. “Did you get the license and shit!?!?!”

The masked man nodded furiously, “Back in Dressrosa but now isn’t the best time you numbskull!!!”

“Now is the perfect time!” Kid scowled, still gripping Rowena. The crew created a barrier around them as the Marines prepared their next offensive wave.

“I’ve been trying to do this but every time it keeps getting fucked up! I’m not letting anything else get in our way. Not Dressrosa’s army, not the Big Mom pirates, not a missing hand that can’t wear a wedding band, and definitely not these fucking assholes. And if for any insane gods damned reason we perish in this fight, than I wanna die with you as my wife!”

“Kid!” Rowena’s eyes became glassy, “If we die immediately than it’ll be the shortest marriage in history!”

Kid’s eyes had a spark of mischief that blended well with his insanity, “Then we better make sure it doesn’t get cut short! Fight and vows, let’s fucking go!”

Heat let out a wide berth of flames to keep the assaulting solders at bay. He wiped the outer corners of his eyes, “I never knew Master Kid could be so romantic.”

“That’s our Boss, head over heels!” Wire boomed, striking his trident into uniformed bodies.

Punk Frost Gojira crashed through another two ships, moving on to a third and absorbing all attacks launched at it. The Victoria Punk bobbed violently in the sea from turbulent waves while two Marine ships had gained enough proximity to start boarding her again. The battle cries of men clashed with the lightning blasting in the skies. Another caterwaul from the oceanic beast ripped through the air as the Kid Pirates fought back.

Killer frantically rushed through the declarations of intent while dodging swords trying to hack him down, slashing his Punishers around him as efficiently as possible. An opening in the crew’s barrier was breached – Kid’s massive mechanical arms were already built and Rowena unsheathed her blades again.

Fighting side by side and back-to-back, Kid and Rowena hacked down, crushed, sliced, smashed, and gutted Marines. All the while maneuvering around each other in balanced synchronization. Protecting each other.

“SAY YOUR VOWS!” Killer screeched, finally able to hyperfocus on his prey. He took a running leap into the air to intercept some rope swinging bastards. Cutting their lines, they flew into the tumultuous sea.

Heat managed to get himself on one of the enemy ships. Taking advantage of its wooden structure, he started streaming fire to the sails and lines and quickly changed targets when he realized it was all too soaked to catch. Running towards the guns station, he burned that up instead. Giving one final blast, he hauled his ass back to the Victoria Punk. Leaping over the railing and landed safely on deck as the Marine’s gun powders and explosives combusted from the fire.

Laughing maniacally, Kid forced apart the massive mechanical arm from his flesh arm for scrap. “Genocide Raid!” he screamed, purple sparks emitted from his fingers and danced around all metal and steel items on the ships. The magnetization propelled weapons and other items to whip around in the air; he directed the magnetic pull towards the soldiers while simultaneously yelling, “PIRATES HIT THE DECK!”

The Kid Pirates all dropped to the wooden floor and flattened themselves as much as possible. Kid grabbed Rowena and dove to the floor, covering her body with his own as the metals battered anyone left standing. Bloodied bodies began to hit the floor while Kid cradled her face as he looked down at her.

“Rowena, I love you so fucking much. Everything I said the night of my birthday still stands true. I don’t deserve you but I want you all the same. I want to be bonded with you forever and I want the whole fucking world to know it. You’re mine Ro’. For better or worse, in sickness and health, till death do us part. Do you take me as your husband?”

“I do!” she gasped, tears leaked sideways into her hair. His face flushed deeply as he smiled at her, eyes almost closing from how wide his smile was.

Kid’s genuinely happy smile was broken as he leapt up from the floor. He tucked under the attack and hooked the fairly large Marine over his shoulders, sending him through the air and into the sea.

Rowena leapt up too, gasping at the new ship that had pulled up port side. The Marines were already boarding, the crew scrambling up from the floor too slowly, in immediate danger. More canons went off from the battleships around them.

“Pirates run to starboard! Kid handle those cannon balls!!!” the Witch yelled, not waiting for a response.

Watching a massive wave crash over both ship prow’s, the water crested over the deck and gave her the perfect opportunity. She flipped her hands flat, palms facing the heavens and the wave crest paused in the air. Bringing her hands downward and flexing her fingers into claws, the water began to swirl in circular motion above the marine ship, its diameter spanning over both ship decks as it hovered 15 feet from the wooden flooring. She manipulated its reach to cover where most of the marines stood.

“Icicle volley!”

Rowena snapped her wrists down, her fingers curled slightly as she followed through the motion with her arms. Striking her hands and arms down, 3-foot-long icicle spikes began shooting down from the swirling watery disc that was still hovering in the sky. Raining down and impaling Marines indiscriminately.

Spinning on her heel, the Witch ran to Kid who was already reaching for her. Gripping each other tightly, she pressed into his frame.

“Kid, I know you resent not being the one who freed me from Thriller Bark. But you’ve saved me so many times since in your own right. Starting from the day you granted me sanctuary on your ship. I’m as strong as I am now because of you. I fucking love you, Red. You’re mine as I’m yours. For better or worse, in sickness and health, till death do us part. Do you take me to be your wife?”

A face splitting grin on his face, “Fuck yeah I do!”

“Great! By the power vested in me as the officiant, best friend, best man, and maid of honor, you’re fucking married!! You can now—” Killer was cut off.

Punk Frost Gojira let out another wail, though it was not as fierce as the previous ones. The pirates snapped their heads in the direction of the ocean beast where it stood at half its height. Raking fractured ice daggers into the steel of the battleship, it was going down swinging. The watery beast sank into the ocean and pulled back several feet. As it rose, its body was struggling to stay cohesive.

With a final plunge, Punk Frost Gojira bashed its fractured ice helmet into the side of the steel battleship. The ship made a groaning sound as it was lifted from the impact and began to tilt on its side. Punk Frost Gojira’s form fell apart and thousands of gallons of ocean water surged down on the Marine ship, forcing it to a watery grave.

The Kid Pirates started cheering at the destruction the animated behemoth wreaked. There were only two battleships and three standard Marine vessels left. The survivors of Rowena’s ice attack had regrouped with reinforcements.

The pirates and marines were opposing waves that crashed against each other. Kid kept Rowena by his side as he relieved the Marines of their weapons once more and his crew overpowered them. All except one. A Captain.

A bold-faced bastard struck his hands out and let out a high-pressure jet stream of water right at the couple. The water hit Kid’s giant metal arm at a high force, breaking between the scrap pieces holding the metal form together. Rowena ducked under Kid’s attempts to shield her and with a huff, redirected the stream of water upwards and away from them.

“So you’re a fruit user or something?” Kid growled out.

“That’s right! I ate the Mizu Mizu No Mi Fruit and became a water human! While most people average 60% of water in their bodies, I am 100% water! My logia capabilities will overpower you all and the Kid Pirates will be nothing but a forgotten memory!!”

“You hear that Kid? He’s a water man,” Rowena grinned wickedly.

“Ooohh you’re fucked idiot. Get him babe!”

The Marine Captain’s face was visibly shocked. Beady eyes darting between Kid and Rowena, trying to ascertain what her attack would be.

“I’ll make it quick, you’re interrupting our shot gun wedding!” she growled. Stomping her foot on the floor, she thrust both hands out and curled her fingertips inwardly. The air grew cold rapidly, frosty whisps flowing in a vortex like pattern over the enemy Captain. His feet began to turn blue.

He couldn’t get a word out. His hyperventilating whimpers intermixed with his hypothermic convulsive whimpers as his entire body turned blue. Rowena released her fingers to extend fully and the sound of crackling and a humming vibration overpowered the sounds of fighting. In an instant, the Marine Captain’s entire body expanded and froze over, icicle daggers jutting from around his frame.

“Now he’s an ice man,” Rowena clicked her tongue. “Wanna break him open?”

Kid grinned, “I’d love to.”

Reforming his metal fist, he pulled his right arm back and jutted it out in a fierce punch with a roar. The Marine Captain exploded from the impact, icy chunks littered the deck and flew over the rails.

“I haven’t met a logia type I’ve liked so far,” she sneered her lip at the bloody and frosted remains.

“Paramencia types are better,” Kid winked at her.

“They sure are,” she waved and bobbed her arms, calling forth ocean waves to rinse the deck clean. Wiping all trace of the Marine Captain to the sea.

“You can now ki—oh come on!” Killer wailed, dodging another blow. He was gone in a flash to cut down the new wave of Marines off the battleship.

“Fucking bugs!” Kid groaned, repelling his arm.

Kid and Rowena jumped into their respective fights. Rowena began using her magic to defend and attack, blocking blows with massive ice fists and returning sword thrusts by melting her ice fists and reforming them into icicle spears. Using wind gusts from the dying cyclone to push back the rabid Marines to give herself and the crew some berth.

“You can kiss—” Killer was cut off again as he evaded weapons repelled by Kid. “WATCH WHERE YOU’RE THROWING SHIT!”

Heat slashed his way towards the battleship and began breathing fire again to force soldiers back, pushing his limits to shoot the flames as far as he could. Wire, Pomp, Rekt, Bubblegum, veteran and new crew members fought across the deck. Rowena could see the battle was taking a toll on them. Before she could do anything about it—

She slid on her knees to avoid the weapons lunging at her. Pulling her blades from her back, she parried with the Marine and gutted him. Three more took his place. Blades crashed against each other as she fought one against three. Walking backwards, she lost her focus for a moment when she thought she saw Pomp go down.

One of the Marines managed to knock a blade out of her hand. She kicked him in the crotch before he could step back and she hacked him down. Thrusting her free hand out, she forced a gale of wind to push back the two advancing Marines out of the way and subsequently, moved Pomp out of harm’s way from the Marine who tried to cut him down.

The two Marines were back on her with ferocity. Rowena kept them at bay, swinging her sword and letting out screams of exasperation. Trying to call forth more wind to push them back or trip them up but they were on her ass, not giving her any room or time to magic her way out of the duel. Making a wild swing that sent both Marines into defensive poses, Rowena pulled back and unceremoniously ran to Kid for safety.

“JUST KISS!” Killer screamed out in frustration, blonde hair soaked in blood as was the rest of his clothes and mask. Slashing and kicking down another Marine in a long line of men to be executed, hoping to stop their impending doom by putting up a fight.

Kid turned to face Rowena, his arm stopping in midair as he went from trying to embrace her to defend her. Purple sparks flashed chaotically between his fingers as all the metals around him began to rise and rush forward. Guns firing at random, swords and daggers stabbing the air indiscriminately. Not watching his back, Kid didn’t register the marines that had pulled themselves from over the railing.

Rowena noticed them as she was rushing to Kid’s embrace and then out of his direct path to avoid the onslaught of weapons. She sprinted and slid to a stop just beside him, a whip of water skirted into the air from her boots skimming the drenched floor. It was enough. Curling her palms inward, she thrust them out and the short wave of water became small ice pikes that shot forth. Impaling the Marines and sending their bodies tumbling to the sea.

Weapons whipping wildly in response to Kid’s power, she dodged and blocked scraps before having enough of it.

Squatting down on one knee with her arms held out in arcs, she swiftly shot up to stand and twirled into tight spins, arms curved and generating wind as did the ends of her long-slit dress. She came to a stop facing the Marines as was Kid, she pushed her body forward with palms together and a vortex of wind shot out. Marines and weapons were swept away from the gusts as the Witch aimed at every angle around Kid.

“C’mere, wife!” Kid called out, grabbing Rowena’s shoulders.

At the disruption of her vortex, metal and harsh gales swirled around them battering the others; not falling on or disrupting the newlyweds, as if there was an invisible barrier to shield them.

However, in that moment neither pirate was using their power.

Magic and Devil Fruit far forgotten as Rowena leapt into Kid’s arms. He clutched her body to his as if he was trying to meld them into one, putting his entire heart into their first kiss as husband and wife. Lips fastened to each other’s as if their lives depended on it. Pressing into each other as deeply possible as if afraid they may be ripped apart at any moment. Rowena’s hand found purchase on Kid’s neck, rubbing a lock of his hair between her fingers as she poured her soul into their kiss.

From the moment their lips touched, they both felt it.

Permanence.

Exactly where they wanted to be. Together, and so fucking in love with each other.

The sheer heat between them as their lips molded against each other’s made Rowena gasp and shudder. Kid supported her body in his arms with the dedication to support her for the rest of his life; tongue slipping past her lips and thrusting fervently with need. She welcomed him with a moan as fire spread through her body. The flames of his passionate heart stoking her own internal fire. Wanting to light up in sparkles and crackles of fire from the way she felt so happy.

Rowena responded with equal hunger, burrowing her right hand into his hair to anchor herself, to hold him tenderly and firmly. Each press of her lips against Kid’s was a gentle promise: that he would always find home, safety, and love with her. Like she imparted a piece of her soul inside of him or saved his own soul from damnation; whatever the hell it meant when kissing felt like it was both drowning and baptizing him. It made him want to melt, freeze up and combust into tiny pieces, flying freely through the air like dandelion seeds.

“OI! IT’S A KISS NOT A MAKEOUT!” Killer hollered from across the deck.

Not that it mattered anymore. The last remaining battleship had taken the opportunity to flee, leaving behind the smoldering wreckage of their comrades.

With great reluctance the couple pulled apart, a thin strand of saliva snapped, breaking their connection. Kid whistled at the number of bodies piled all over his ship, again when he noticed the number of survivors left behind.

For once in his pirating career, Eustass Kid did not feel the hunger for abhorrent cruelty.

Seeing the prisoners, all he felt was weariness at the thought of having to slaughter them in terribly creative ways to prove a point and then also dump their bodies. Not when there were more important matters to attend to.

“I’m not much in the mood for playing with our hostages. Grant them quick deaths and deal with the mess. I’m going to clean all this blood off me and my wife. Be quick about it, I want to party tonight!”

The reaction was a mixture of excitement and exhaustion. They Kid Pirates loved murdering Marines like any other pirates but they were all on the brink of collapse.

“Wait!” One Marine called out from the group of hostages.

Kid cocked an eyebrow at him.

“Wait. We told them it was bad idea to confront you but those Captains! They just wanted fame and glory and didn’t give a shit about how many of us had to die. And for what? All to go running back to HQ with one ship left, tail between their legs and not even attempting to save their fallen comrades?! WHAT KIND OF BULLSHIT IS THAT?!!!”

Kid sneered at the Marine, “That’s called being on the wrong side of history. That’s what happens when you follow the World Government like mindless sheep and not question the fucking crap they sing and swing.”

“You’re right. I never once questioned it, and when I did I didn’t do enough to question or push back against the hypocrisy. Then this is what I deserve. If I could do it again, I sure as fuck wouldn’t choose to be a Marine again.”

Barking with laughter, “We got a talkative one, boys! Hey, how many of you assholes feel the same as this asshole?”

Of the 50 or so Marines, about half nodded affirmatively. Kid was kind of shocked. He always saw regret on some of these douchebag’s faces when they met their ends by him. But he had never seen, what he could at least perceive to be, authentic disgust on a measly ant’s face for his role in the hive.

“And let me guess, with your sudden shift in perspective of the Marine’s version of Justice, you want to what, be a pirate now?”

The Kid Pirates laughed and mocked the prisoners.

“I don’t know about them but all I want is freedom. The freedom to not die because some legacy Marine brat decided he could take on what others couldn’t do.”

Well, this was new indeed. Kid thought in contemplative silence for a few minutes, wrapping his flesh arm around Rowena while he mulled his thoughts.

“You should have them dispose of their fallen comrade’s bodies and clean the deck under supervision so the rest of your crew can rest,” Rowena whispered to him. His puzzled amber eyes locked to hers.

“Have them kill the other prisoners who refuse the order. If they can do all that, I think they are more likely to not to mutiny the ship.”

“Ro’ that sounds like the exact kind of motivation they would need to kill us all in our sleep.”

“That one is being genuine I can feel it. Just a nobody who didn’t know better used as a pawn, and he’s aware of that now. I understand your hesitance but…I think there’s an opportunity here.”

Killer, Heat and Wire huddled around the married couple to hear Rowena better.

“You’ve said before you want a fleet instead of making alliances. What better place to start then with a bunch of defected Marines? Obviously trust is built slowly, I’m not saying let them out of their prison cells immediately. But they might have useful inside knowledge they can impart, they have the skills for sailing and there’s a perfectly good ship that needs some work done, right over there,” pointing to the last remaining Marine ship that was dead in the water with torn sails and holes littered on the deck. “At the very least, extra bodies at your disposal.”

“Rowena what are you talking about? We can’t do that!”

“Who says you can’t? And more importantly, when do you ever listen when someone says you can’t or shouldn’t do something?”

Before Kid could respond or do something stupid like agree, Killer spoke up, “Just because Kid can do something doesn’t always mean he should…”

“Losing less of our main crew isn’t necessarily a downside,” Wire muttered.

“I don’t love the idea of showing mercy to Marines but at the same time, using them as meat shields has merit,” Heat weighed in.

Kid’s scowl was set on his face, “If there was a way we could trust them implicitly and immediately I would consider your arrangement. We don’t have the stamina right now to babysit and I don’t really want to make the effort to win their loyalty over.”

“I can hex them,” Rowena offered.

All eyes turned to her: shock, and fear {Heat} reflected in them.

“I can create a binding spell and if the bounded party breaks the terms of the contract, they’re cursed to be dragged to hell.”

“Like metaphorically or—” Killer asked.

“No literally. A burst of flames will engulf them and they’ll be dragged down by the hounds of hell.”

“Done!” Kid picked Rowena up in a hug and broke the meeting circle apart. “Please do it quickly.”

Kid gave the prisoners a choice – swear loyalty to his crew or die. They all immediately choose to swear loyalty. He was suspicious of that but he decided to trust Rowena entirely. The Witch had the Kid Pirates work in groups of 20, lining up in front of the shackled prisoners to hasten the process. One pirate to grasp arms with a prisoner to swear fealty and her magic would do the rest.

“Just so everyone is aware of the limitations of this spell, under no circumstances will you be able to harm anyone on the crew. Doing so will result in immediate and painful damnation. You won’t be able to touch any of them, you won’t be able to think a single thought of harm or mutiny on the crew without the curse taking into effect. This is your last chance – do you swear undying loyalty to Eustass ‘Captain’ Kid and the Kid Pirate Fleet?”

Kid’s eyes narrowed as he clasped the arm of the ex-Marine who had spoken up for the others, watching the column of his throat struggle as the man swallowed in fear.

“I swear it,” the prisoners vowed.

Taking a firm grip on Kid’s right forearm, Rowena pointed the tip of her sheathed wand down the line of arms grasped together.

“Notetur quod isti animas huic pacto juraverunt. Nullius mali aut mali inten- tio accidet his qui fidelitatem jurant ne in eternum damnentur,” Rowena chanted.

A thick red rope cord sprouted from the tip and quickly wrapped itself around each set of clasped arms. When it reached the last set of arms, the rope seemingly tightened against all their skin and sunk below the surface of muscle. It didn’t feel like there was anything physically touching them but pirates and prisoners alike gasped in shock as they felt heat shoot inside their veins momentarily as the rope disappeared.

The sound of menacing howls broke the anticipatory silence.

“LIARS!” Rowena hissed, eyes flashing sharply at the last 10 prisoners down the line. The sound of barking and snapping surrounded them all, thundering echoes of a pack running under the ship had them all whipping their heads looking for the stampede that was coming for them.

Flames shot up from the wooden deck, engulfing the liars who intended to break their vows. Though their arms were still clasped with the Kid Pirates, only the prisoners felt the pain of the fire that consumed their bodies. Their screams becoming higher and more deranged when the jaws of hell hounds snapped over their legs.

Massive sharp, slobbering maws clamped down on the prisoners, teeth sharply sinking into flesh as the men wailed in pain and fear. Just as quickly as they arrived, the hell hounds yanked down the offenders clean through the floors. The rope that bound them to the crew unraveled as they were dragged down and Rowena quickly sliced the cord with her unsheathed wand.

The howling did not end and a single, massive black scaled hell hound wormed its way through a closing portal of hell fire. It stalked the deck of the Victoria Punk, snapping its jaws and watching the prisoners intently.

“Uhhhhhh Rowena???” Killer’s voice had an edge in it.

“That’s the big bastard in charge,” Rowena said softly, watching it intently. “I think it senses that there are more liars amongst the prisoners. Let this be a warning to you all.”

The crew repeated the process several more times, losing another eight prisoners to the hex. Kid never stopped watching the hell hound as it stood beside Rowena, seemingly howling in command every time a prisoner broke the vow once it was completed, heralding its subordinates to drag another stupid son of a whore down to hell.

During the final set of prisoners, there was only one betrayer left and the massive hell hound personally chomped over the lying bastard’s head and dragged him to hell, closing the portal of fire as they cleared the surface. The howling that had echoed in the air was gone. Kid let out a final whistle as the remaining prisoners all let out a collective sigh of relief.

“Not gonna lie, thought they would all turn and we’d have a full-blown inferno on our hands,” Kid crowed. “Killer get the fucked-up ship tied to ours. Have small squads rotate to watch over this lot and cleanup. Everyone else rest up. Let’s save the party for tomorrow. No self-respecting husband should have to touch that many men before touching his new wife.”

With a wave of his mechanical hand, Kid scooped Rowena into his arms and walked them inside the ship. Pressing his forehead to hers, he whispered, “You’re the coolest fucking wife in the entire world.”

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