#this was only supposed to be 2 chapters with some rescuing fluff and smut

[turtletaubwrites]

A Good Catch ~ Part 1

✨600 Followers Fic Celebration!✨

I am so grateful for all of you! This has been such a wonderful time, and having all of you around to nerd out with, and to share my writing with is the best! Shanks won the poll for the next x Reader fic, and I hope you enjoy it!

Pairings: Shanks x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 4367

Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 (End)

Ao3 Link

Summary: You are an unlucky fisherwoman having a bad day, until a red haired pirate captain offers to help you out. You're pretty sure he only makes it worse.

Rating/Warnings: 18+ ONLY, MDNI, AFAB!Reader, She/Her Pronouns for Reader, Reader-Insert, Eventual Smut, Fluff, Angst, Teasing, Flirting, I feel like there's some romance tropes I could tag, but I usually just write smut, so please let me know what silly tropes I have in here 😅

A/N: I am having so much fun with this one! I'm doing my best to keep it to 3 parts, so wish me luck 😅 Please enjoy this fluffy first chapter!

| masterlist | about me | rules | ao3 | ko-fi |

“Now I’m gonna get murdered by pirates,” you grumbled to yourself as the ship crept ever closer. “Just fucking perfect.”

The windless sea was no challenge for the massive pirate ship. All you could do was sit with your pile of fish, jealous of the huge oars guiding the threat to you. 

Dread loomed as that jolly roger closed the distance, like an animal baring its fangs before it strikes. Crossed blades, and a sinister skull with red stripes over its left eye socket. 

You didn’t pay enough attention to the gossip and wanted posters to remember who was headed your way. 

Not that it matters. They’re pirates. 

It was too much to hope that they’d pass you by. 

A few voices carried over from the deck, until a tall man leaned over the side. His bright, red hair hung still against this stupidly windless sky. 

“Hey, friend,” he called, the sun at your back giving you a glimpse of his wide smile, even from so high above you. 

“We’re not friends,” you countered, crossing your arms to keep him from noticing your shaky hands. 

“I suppose not. You seem like you’re in a spot of trouble though, and we’re happy to help.”

His deep voice sounded so friendly. Genuine. Charming. 

He’s just trying to lure me into his trap. Who knows what they’d do to me on that ship…

“The sun’s getting pretty low for a small boat to be all the way out here,” he judged, trying to block the glare as he looked down at you. “I don’t think we’ll be getting much more wind today.”

“Thank you, I’ll be fine.”

His pause made your skin itch, wishing he would stop looking at you. 

“We can bring your boat with us. I’m assuming you’re from that village a ways to the west?”

It must have been a trick of your eyes, it couldn’t happen so quickly. But you swore the day inched closer to night faster with every second. You watched the light grow golden as it lit up the red haired man, and his pirate ship.

Fuck.

“I refuse to be rescued,” you choked out, nails digging into your arms. 

“Okay,” he said in an annoyingly teasing tone, “if you insi–”

“I’ll pay you for the service! I had a great haul before…”

“Sounds good to me,” he laughed, deep and hearty. As if he were truly happy. 

You had thought pirates would seem scarier. Maybe this is worse.

You barely heard his shouts  as men started to lower ropes down, prepping to save you. 

“You should know I’m armed,” you yelled up at the back of his head, continuing when he faced you again. “Anyone touches me, and they’ll lose a hand.”

“I’ll be on my guard then. I’ve been running out of those.”

You didn’t understand, or appreciate his teasing while you waited. 

~

“Welcome aboard!”

Pirates echoed the red haired man’s welcome, and you assumed he was the captain as the rest busied themselves about. He sat on deck, calm as if he hadn’t a care in the world. Now that you were so close, you couldn’t help but notice the rippled muscles of his chest and stomach between his mostly open shirt. 

Besides the cloak over his shoulders, he didn’t seem to wear anything that could mark him as captain. Unless his red hair, and three scars over his left eye… 

“Oh.”

“Oh,” he asked, moving to stand beside you. 

“The jolly roger,” you pointed to the menacing skull. “You must be the captain.”

“Good eye,” he leaned in with a smile. 

His smile should have a completely different word. The sight from your boat was nothing compared to seeing the way this man's lips curled slowly, the left side starting first as it grew, as if he was enjoying the act of smiling itself. And his eyes…

His eyes were way too close to you. 

“Are you alright?”

Concern broke that smile, and he called for someone to bring water. 

Your face flushed, hot to the tips of your ears. You realized that you hadn’t heard what the pirate had said because you were too busy swooning over his pretty eyes. 

The water was welcome, and you gulped half of it down, suddenly embarrassed about how fucking fishy you must smell with your day’s catch beside you. 

“Is there anything else you need, miss…”

Trying to catch your eyes, the pirate leaned toward you. He reached for your shoulder, and you jumped back, spilling water down your chest.

“I’m so sorry, love. I forgot about your warning.”

His soothing voice felt real as he went to a knee in front of you. 

“I do hope you will spare me my fate, I swear that no one on this boat will forget it again.”

He’s really too charming. He’s either the sweetest person in the world, or some sort of demon with powers of seduction. 

You nodded. It wasn’t like you could truly defend yourself anyway. The fear of being at their mercy kept you hyper aware of all the moving bodies around you.

“How long until we’re at the village?”

The sun was almost gone from the sky now, and you just wanted to be home. To scrub this stupid day away, and pass out. 

“It should be about three days from now.”

“Three,” you choked out, dropping the now empty mug of water, which he caught without taking his eyes off of yours.

“We’ve got some business on the other side of the island. We'll be stopping by the village to restock supplies before we head out.”

“You didn’t tell me that,” you snapped, voice louder than you meant it.

He just smirked, tilting his head.

“Sorry, love. Would you like us to toss you overboard? I don’t think you had many rescuers lined up.”

For some reason, you couldn’t get your mouth to remember that these men could kill you as you growled back at him.

“You didn’t rescue me. I paid you for a trip back to the village.”

His lips quirked as if he was fighting not to smile again. He looked down at your haul, fish still flapping in the net. 

“That is a really nice haul, miss. Afraid it’s not enough for a direct trip, though.”

Pirates came to take your fish away, and it broke the spell his irritating eyes had on you.

“Please, save this one! You can have it, just… Make sure you cook it well.”

The two men with the net followed your gesture to that fish, assuring you they would obey before taking it away.

“Why’s that one special?”

The weight of this long ass day hit you, a heavy sigh leaving your lips before you looked back at that pretty captain. 

“It was a good catch.”

He huffed a laugh, the clear amusement he got from your words making you simultaneously annoyed, and pleased. You were mentally smacking yourself for that. 

Don’t be attracted to pirates, dumbass. 

“I’m Shanks. I don’t know if you heard me before, but…”

Your skin flushed again, and he seemed to notice, a warm, evil smile slowly forming on his lips.

“What’s your name?”

“You don’t need to know it.”

He gave a real laugh then, loud, and infectious. You had to remind yourself that he was laughing at you.

“What would you like us to call you then, huh? “Fish Girl?” Maybe “Fail Boat?” Or how about “Damsel in Distress?” I think I like that–”

You ripped your hand back as soon as you’d realized what you’d done.

But it was too late.

Your idiotic, suicidal hand had shot out and smacked him, hard, right in the center of that gorgeous chest of his.

The deck roared with laughter while you shook with horror. Shanks had looked down at his chest, and when he lifted his face to yours he looked stunned. If you hadn’t just signed your own death warrant, you might have thought his face comical, brows raised high, with his mouth and eyes wide. 

“Go easy on the girl, captain,” teased a tall man with gray hair, shaking his head at Shanks.

“Yeah, come on, captain! What kinda hospitality are you giving, insulting our guest like that?”

A whole group of pirates crowded around him, reprimanding him, and giving him a few gentle punches and shoves. 

Your mouth hung open. The sight of these pirates being so playfully disrespectful toward their captain didn’t fit in your brain. None of this made sense with what pirates were supposed to be like. 

“Fine. Fine! I’m sorry, miss…”

He’d broken away from his men, leaning toward you with that question. 

“Y/N.”

He hit you with a new grin to outshine all the others, making your breath hitch.

“What a beautiful name for a damsel in distress.”

You didn’t need to hit him this time, as pirates did the job for you, even throwing things at him from across the deck. 

Maybe it was the overwhelm, the fatigue. Maybe you’d gone insane.

But laughter built in your stomach, growing through your body, until you were shaking with it. You had your hands on your knees as it took you over, and the pirates around you joined in. 

How can pirates be laughing and smiling like this with me? How can it be genuine? 

Amidst the continued roars of his men, Shanks shook his head, gesturing for you to follow him. 

“Where are we going?”

“I’ll show you.”

Frowning at the back of his head, you followed through the wooden halls until he opened a large door, gesturing for you to go inside.

He rolled his eyes when you hesitated, before going in first. 

The large room was tiled, with lockers and showers, and there he stood in the center, grinning like a creep.

“I’ll pass,” you deadpanned, backing out the door.

“Come on, fish girl,” he taunted, “you stink, and I think you’ll be easier to clean than the blankets you’ll sleep in tonight.”

Blood rushing to your face again, your mouth opened and closed as anger and embarrassment fought to take over.

Shanks laughed again, but tried to stifle it. 

“Sorry, you’re just,” he motioned to his lips, mimicking your movements. “You’re a fish girl.”

“Shut up,” you seethed, leaning toward him. “I’m not taking a shower on a pirate ship when anyone can–”

“I’ll guard the door for you, okay,” he assured, finally seeming to take something seriously. “I’ll make sure no one comes in.”

Now his stupid smile was soft, small, and sweet. You hated it.

“Oh right,” you scoffed, “like I'd trust a pirate captain. Who’s gonna stop you from coming in?”

“What makes you think this pirate captain would even want to come in here, huh?”

“Fuck you,” you breathed, turning to leave.

He was so fast. You jumped back as he blocked the door. He saw your wide eyes, and moved out of the doorway so he wouldn’t block your exit, but he still leaned close.

“I’m sorry, Y/N. Really, okay? I promise I will sit right outside this door, and not let a single person come inside until you’re done. There’s fresh clothes for you over there too. Whatever you need.”

A very fine trembling worked its way around your body as you studied him. It seemed like such a bad idea to trust him. 

But you were exhausted. 

“You’ll sit in front of the door?”

He straightened up, a look of relief brightening that serious face.

“I will.”

“Will you wear a blindfold?”

“If that’s what it takes,” he agreed with a smirk.

“And let me tie your hands behind your back?”

Shanks sucked his teeth as he leaned back. You had a second of fear as he started taking his clothes off.

But all he removed was his heavy cloak, revealing that he was missing his left arm. 

Guilt hit you, apologies about to pour out, but he held his palm out. 

“Afraid I can’t do that, but I promise I’ll do the rest. Is that alright, Y/N?”

~

This is really nice soap.

Still on edge, your body started to relax a bit with the delicious smelling soap on your skin. 

But every time you felt a moment of relaxation, you’d remember the pirate on the other side of the door. 

“You’ve gotta make it tighter, sweetie. Otherwise it won’t work.”

That fucking sentence kept tearing through your brain. The way he’d run his fingers across yours while you adjusted the cloth to blindfold him. The way his hair and skin had felt and smelled as you moved it into place. The way he’d rasped those words while he grabbed your wrist to guide you, giving it a gentle squeeze before letting his fingers trail down your skin. 

The way you had let him touch you without arguing. His fingers had taken advantage of the moment, but it had felt almost electric to let him.

“Fuck,” you muttered to yourself.

“Y/N, is everything alright?”

“Uh, yeah. Thank you.”

How did he hear that over the shower?

~

“What the hell is this?”

“Sorry, love, I'm afraid I can't see what you– ow, hold on!”

You definitely had a few red hairs between your fingers after ripping his blindfold off. 

The pirate captain got to his feet to meet your eyes, and fucking snorted.

“What is wrong with you,” you fumed, tossing the blindfold at his face.

The fact that he caught it before it hit him only pissed you off more.

“There has to be something else I can wear,” you demanded, pulling at the frilly lavender dress he stuck you with. You looked like some creepy porcelain doll.

His face was going as red as his hair as he tried not to laugh.

“I’m sorry, no one’s– we don’t have anyone your size,” he choked out, clearing his throat before continuing. “We have a few more dresses like this, though. They were supposed to be a gift for a princess, so you should feel honored!”

“Fuck you.”

His lips were fucking quivering as he fought his laughter. His eyes flicked down to your clenched fists, and he relented.

“Right, sorry, okay! You can have some of my clothes, you’ll just have to roll them up, alright?”

Very judgmentally looking him up and down, you raised your brows at him.

“Do you have any shirts that actually button up all the way? Or do you expect me to let my tits hang out like yours.”

Shanks cackled then, catching himself on the wall, his eyes even tearing up a little. 

You kicked yourself for saying something so sexual in front of a fucking pirate.

“You’re a funny one, fish girl,” he teased between hiccupped laughs, “but you definitely look like a damsel in that dress.”

You kicked the pirate for being such a dick. 

“Fuck, sorry,” he huffed, wincing as he rubbed his shin where you’d kicked it. 

“Follow me. I definitely wanna get you outta that dress– I mean into different clothes,” he almost yelled, warding off a slap with his arm. “So you stop hurting me!”

Practically boiling with a mix of anger, embarrassment, and fear, you let yourself be guided along. The lantern lit halls were roomier than you would have expected, and you could hear the distant voices of the crew. 

“Here we go,” he said gently, opening another large door. He went in first again, and you entered what had to be his quarters.

Of course. We’re getting his clothes. 

It was full of rich, dark woods, red blankets, a desk that seemed to have more bottles of alcohol than anything work related on it, and a delightful, almost spicy scent filling the air. 

The room was a bit messy, and you felt out of place standing there in that frilly dress while he dug through his wardrobe, tossing clothes to the ground as he searched.

“Here, love, how about these?”

“Do you have a belt?”

~

Managing to roll, buckle, and tuck at his clothes, you were mostly satisfied as you checked the mirror.

Even with all the buttons done up, you still had to tie his shirt to keep your chest from popping out like his does. 

“You almost finished? The party’s star…”

Those pretty eyes brightened when you opened the door. His little smirk made you frown, and he held his hand up.

“You were right, Y/N. This definitely suits you better.”

He offered that hand to you, and even in the warm glow of the lanterns, you could see scars, callouses, and thick veins that made your breath hitch for a moment. 

Your hand had almost reached his when he pulled away.

“Almost forgot,” he teased, his voice somehow lower than normal as he stepped out of the doorway for you. “I’ll lose my only hand if I touch you, right?”

“I…”

“Well, I definitely won’t risk that.”

He stepped further back, letting you follow him into the hallway. 

Your brain seemed to stutter, unable to join the moment as it flew through conflicting emotions. 

Like why it upset you that he wouldn’t risk it. 

Shanks moved in close, his spicy scent filling your lungs as you looked up at him. 

“Just let me know if that ever changes.”

He turned away after a subtle wink that made your brain short circuit. 

“You comin’? I’m hungry.”

Still barefoot without your fishy shoes, you chased that red hair down the hallway.

He really is some sort of seduction demon.

~

“Hey, girly. Is this jackass treating you alright?”

“This is how you talk about your captain?”

The older man with long, gray hair ignored Shanks’ protests as he looked you over.

“You should be more worried about him,” you grumbled, narrowing your eyes at the captain.

“Ha, I’m sure you’re right.”

He grinned down at you, before motioning toward the fire. 

“Come on, the food’s almost done.”

The crew had found a remote beach, and set up camp. Their camp supplies seemed to be mostly alcohol. 

Shanks had said they had business here, and that they’d go to the village in about three days.

What kind of business are pirates getting up to on my island?

The thought was pushed aside as Shanks called for you. Most of the pirates were holding their plates, or using boulders or crates while they ate. Captain Shanks had a dingy little table by the fire, and was waving you over. 

“Come on, love. Let’s eat, and find out why that fish of yours is so special.”

The day's events hit you again, but you joined him in a mismatched chair, and grabbed a fork. 

It smelled good.

“Here,” Shanks demanded, shoving a mug of some kind of alcohol into your hand, before standing and lifting his own to address the crew. “Here’s to our luck! We found an unlucky fisherwoman, and now we’ve got good eats. To Y/N!”

The sheer volume of their enthusiasm made your eyes go wide as you faked a sip.

“So tell me, fish girl,” he leaned toward you, the small table not leaving much space between you. “Why is this fish so special?”

Ignoring him, you focused on your plate. The way it looked and smelled was perfect, but you had to know.

He watched your movements, following along as you pierced into the flesh, bringing the first bite to your lips. 

It was perfect. Whoever had cooked it had treated it right. The tender meat and the subtle flavor were given just the amount of spice to balance it out.

It would have sold well. After all it took to get it, you were grateful that it didn’t go to waste, and tasting it yourself was wonderful.

Even if you were sharing it with a pirate.

“This is incredible, Y/N. You really are a fish girl.”

Letting out a sigh, you dug in, trying to enjoy the meal that had put you in this situation. The night was filled with the sounds of music, laughter, and endless calls for cheers, the clanging of metal mugs like the shifting heartbeat of this joyful crew.

“So, I had someone take a look at your boat, in case we could help fix it.”

“There’s nothing wrong with my boat,” you spat out, wishing you could have enjoyed your meal in peace. Without this too fucking handsome and annoying pirate captain.

Shanks tapped his fingers on the table, a smirk playing at his lips. 

“That was the report,” he said softly, the teasing tone building slowly in his voice. “They did say that one of the oars is missing.”

“Thanks for the report,” you grumbled, watching the fire now.

“Come on, just tell me what happened. How’d you get stranded out there?”

“It’s none of your business.”

Your face felt hot, the fire not close enough for the burning in your skin. 

“Consider it payment then. For my clothes, and for my company,” he taunted, his voice dipping low. 

“I could do without the latter.”

“You wound me, sweet damsel.”

He put his hand to his heart, chuckling at your frown before chugging whatever was in his mug.

“It was a really good catch,” you mumbled, giving in. He scooted even closer to you, excitement in those lovely eyes, mixing with the light of the fire.

Shanks kept that beautiful mouth shut, just tilting his head toward yours as he waited.

“My grandma used to talk about her best catch. That was it,” you said flatly, gesturing to your empty plate. “She made me promise that if I ever caught a fish like that, I had to eat it myself, eat it with friends.”

“Don’t waste a fish like that on berry, sugar. It’s a gift.”

He raised his mug as you mimicked your grandma’s voice, and you brought yours up with a sigh, still just pretending to drink.

“I’m honored, then. Your grandma was right, that fish was amazing.”

Memories of her seemed to join you at the table, bittersweet, and heavier than you’d like. 

“Sorry, Y/N. You, uh… You doing okay?”

“I’m fine,” you coughed, a hint of anger back in your voice as you fought against the prickling in your eyes.

“Well,” he drawled out, extending the word for way too long, “you still didn’t tell me how you got stranded out there with nothing but the perfect fish.”

Groaning, you put your forehead on the dingy table and blurted it out, as if you could make it not true if you said it fast enough. 

“I caught the fish. I saw what it was. It started to slip through my hands. I knew it’d sell well, so I didn’t want to lose it. I ended up tripping over one of the oars. I should have let it go, I could have grabbed the oar if I’d seen it slipping. But I was greedy. I wanted to sell that stupid fish instead of eating it, and now grandma’s probably cussing at me from the afterlife.”

Shanks at least had the decency to shove his knuckles between his teeth before he started laughing. 

“Oh, fuck you,” you huffed, standing to leave the captain’s dingy table.

“Wait, please,” he called, catching your fingers in his, and pulling you back toward him. Only to drop your hand as if he’d been burned when you met his eyes.

“Fuck, I’m sorry, Y/N. I didn’t mean–”

Whatever you might have said was lost in a wave of too many things at once. Humiliation over the whole thing, fear that these pirates could still hurt you, especially if you fell asleep, and the burning in your stupid cheeks because this gorgeous asshole held your hand. 

What the fuck is wrong with me today?

The moon was mostly full, so there was plenty of light on the sand as you walked away from the camp. They were so fucking noisy, but the ocean beckoned for you to sit, gentle waves like your grandmother’s sweet voice. 

When she wasn’t giving me shit, you thought with a laugh, digging your toes in the sand. 

“The ocean makes me feel better too.”

His deep voice annoyed you more than it startled you. 

Shanks sat beside you, but not too close.

Ignoring him did not make him go away. 

“What do you want?”

“I wanna make your shitty day better. How can I do that?”

“Take me home.”

“Three days on that one, love. Anything more immediate?”

Your plan to stay up all night was already failing, exhaustion dragging you down.

His eyes were so soft under the moon, the hint of a smile brightening his face.

“I don’t want to sleep out in the open with everyone. Is there somewhere… safe where I can sleep?”

Shanks nodded, looking down as he cleared his throat. 

“Of course, let me take you now.”

The ship itself seemed to be sleeping, so quiet with only a handful of crew watching it as the rest camped on the island. 

Red hair under lantern light guided you through those wood paneled halls again, until he led you to the guest quarters. 

“Here’s the key, and you’re welcome to shove this chair under the door knob as well. Breakfast will be at the beach in the morning,” he laughed, running his fingers through his hair. “It’ll probably be the afternoon depending on the hangovers, but you– Are you alright?”

He knelt at your feet, looking you over as you slumped onto the bed.

“How long were you out there today? Have you been drinking water? Are you…”

This charming pirate stopped himself from touching your forehead, and some insane, fatigued part of you reached out, grabbing his hand with both of yours. 

“I lied,” you confessed, voice quiet and close, his pretty eyes on your lips. “I can’t cut your hand off. I’m not armed.”

The slow smile he gave you now was your favorite, somehow making the light in his eyes shine brighter. Your hands reluctantly let go of him as he shifted, but instead of moving away, Shanks touched his calloused fingers to your cheek. 

“Your secret’s safe with me, sweetheart.”

Likes and reblogs bring me much ✨dopamine✨ thank you so much!

a/n: I am obsessed with these two now. What the heck. I need Shanks to make fun of me like that 😅

Tag List: @shewrites02

Part 2

| masterlist | about me | rules | ao3 | ko-fi |

[torialefay]

☀️ Everyday Idol 🌙 (Chapter 3)

✨ head on over to my masterlist if you haven’t read chapters 1 & 2!

✨possible bangchan x reader (f), possible jungkook x reader (f)

✨wc: 4.3k

✨ friends to lovers? possible love triangle? future angst and smut??? definitely fluff.

✨ summary: JYP Entertainment launches a new show and y/n somehow gets recruited. Even though she doesn’t particularly care about the outcome of the show, she does particularly care about one of the artists she met: Chris from Stray Kids. Does Chris feel the same or will a potential relationship with one of his friends overcome what y/n feels for him?

✨ author’s notes: pls pls pls let me know if you’d prefer shorter, more frequent chapters like this one, OR longer chapters posted about once per week. i’m heavily debating lol

✨ warnings: cursing from time to time.

Previous Chapter Recap:

Dang, another instagram notification. Maybe Jungkook WAS really into you. You tapped to open the chat again.

gnabnahc: Hey! I know this is random, but if you have any time tomorrow, could you meet me in my studio? I’ll be around in the morning and at lunch after hair & makeup. If you have time of course, I understand if not. I just wanted to talk to you about something.

‘Good fucking God,’ your heart dropped. “Anna… I need you. NOW!” you screamed.

——————————————————————————————————

Y/n’s POV:

Anna quickly bolted into the bathroom, thinking you’d accidentally cut yourself shaving or something. She was determined not to let you bleed out. Med student to the rescue!

When she arrived, she was surprised to see you totally fine, but also totally naked, sitting on the lid of the toilet.

“Okay… WHY?” She looked down at you, eyebrows raised.

“Just come here,” you motioned for her with your arm. You extended your phone out for her to grab it.

“This is some Hollywood movie shit,” she laughed, handing the phone back to you.

“This isn’t funny!” you exclaimed. “What in the hell am I supposed to do?”

“Well do you want to see him?”

“Duh.”

“Then you’re going to find a way to see him. Just tell him you can’t in the morning and that you can late into lunch.”

“Yeah, only one problem. I’m supposed to be meeting Jungkook for lunch,” you rolled your eyes, now wondering if she had paid attention at all to your prior conversation.

“Okay, so tell Jungkook beforehand that you don’t have much time because of your schedule, and then go meet Chan. Who says you can’t have it all?” she grinned, raising one eyebrow.

‘Okay, good plan. Solid plan,’ you thought. ‘Unless…’

“Okay but I don’t know how close Chan & JK are. What if JK is telling him that we’re getting lunch together? Then I just look like a two-timing bitch.”

“Alright, and how do you know that JK hasn’t already told him and Chan is going behind his back?” ‘Ain’t no way he’d do that,’ you thought. “I’m just saying, in all of your time with Chan, he never once mentioned JK. In all of our time with Changbin and Felix, they never brought him up either. I honestly don’t think they’re that close. Both of their fandoms would have figured it out by now if they are.”

‘Alright, let’s look,’ you thought, pulling your phone in front of your face again. You went to “X” (you still couldn’t get used to calling it that instead of Twitter) and typed in “jungkook bangchan”. Surely the detectives on here would know a thing or two. You scrolled and scrolled. A few tweets about the same thing- the 97 liners grabbing dinner together, but it was more than just the two of them. Not a single picture of them together otherwise. Not a story about seeing them together either. Maybe Anna had a point.

“Fuck it, I’m gonna do it,” you said, not knowing where your newfound confidence came from. Anna started giggling and took a quick seat beside you on the edge of the hotel’s bathtub.

Your fingers began to type quickly, not allowing yourself time to think. Or rather, overthink.

Hey Chris! I could stop by late after lunch? I’m not sure of a specific time yet, but I can text you later when I find out?

Send.

“Okay, it’s done,” you breathed out… You sat there for a moment, absorbing all of the feelings and trying to get the nerves out.

“Pinch me,” you said to Anna with a huff coming out from your bottom lip.

She reached over, laughing, nipping you in the arm. “I’m so happy for you I could cry,” she continued, keeping that same big smile on her face. “Butttt,” she leaned in closer and began to whisper, “whoever you don’t take, just remember I’m single.” She winked and you started to laugh, pushing her away.

“Whatever,” you said jokingly. “BUT I have to shower. Now I have two guys to impress.”

——————————————

Chan’s POV:

‘It’s alright Chris, don’t be nervous,’ he thought to himself, still planted in his studio chair. ‘The worst she can say is no. Well I guess she could laugh at it and tell all of her friends that you’re whipped. In which case, you’re fucked. But she wouldn’t do that, right?’

Chan’s mind got the best of him and he decided to start pacing. He needed to get his mind on something else… but what? His new song! Yes, his new song. He had been working on a hook and just couldn’t figure out where he wanted to go with it. ‘I need Jisung,’ he thought. He sent a quick text his way to see if he was busy. He couldn’t help but to re-read the message he had sent you. He clicked on your profile to view all of the pictures. Your dogs, your friends, your birthday party. He pictured what he would look like included in each photo. He let his mind wonder, looking at one photo in particular. You had been at the beach. He didn’t stick to that photo because of anything you were wearing. You were fully clothed. There was just something about it. The way your smile was lit up like you had not a worry in the world. The way the sun cast a golden color all over your beautiful face. The fact that the beach was Chan’s favorite. He thought about what it would be like to be there with you. Walking along the shore, getting to know you better. What was your family like? How did you like your eggs cooked? Where was your favorite place in the world? He let himself get lost in the scenario.

*BUZZ*

Your instagram username flashed across the top of his screen. He clicked as soon as he possibly could.

Y/n’s Instagram username:

Hey Chris! I could stop by late after lunch? I’m not sure of a specific time yet, but I can text you later when I find out?

‘Yes Chris, Yes! See, it was just a rumor. A dumb rumor. I mean JK would have told you since you were the reason they had met. He couldn’t possibly be that into her after meeting her for 2 minutes. You worried for no reason.’ He was elated. Ecstatic even. He looked down to his phone, stupid grin on his face.

‘Felix, you’re fucking dead for giving me a heart attack like that,’ he thought.

The little shit quit responding. ‘He’s got about 4 hours to text back before I get home and jump him.’ Chan thought. He sunk down into his chair. All of his excitement was now replaced with confusion. This was gonna be a longggg night in the studio.

——————————————————————

Felix’s POV:

“SUCK ON THAT!” Felix screamed sarcastically. He had spent the last 2 hours plopped on the couch next to Changbin. They made it a point to get together once a week, no matter how busy, to play a few video games together. Today’s choice: League. Felix lowkey kinda sucked, and he knew that. But he didn’t care because Binnie sucked even more.

“No, you suck on this,” Changbin yelled back, putting Felix in a headlock and giving him a noogie.

“Ah! Ah! Ahhhhh!” Felix screamed for help, trying not to die laughing. “Someone help me!” he yelled, while grabbing at Changbin’s arms to rip him off. It was no use. No matter how much Felix flailed his body and thrashed left and right, Changbin’s hold was even tighter. Eventually, he ran out of energy and decided to just lie there. Changbin released him right after.

“So you admit defeat,” Changbin raised his eyebrow. Felix had a dazed look on his face, hair fluffed up from Bin’s relentless hand movements. He was just grappling for his breath back at this point.

“I’ll take that as a yes! Yay, next round!” Changbin said enthusiastically, turning back around to the tv.

‘Brain need oxygen. Can’t form word,’ Felix thought to himself. ‘Lol I can’t believe I just thought that. Felix you so silly.’ He smiled and focused his attention on the tv now too. Well, for a split second. Until Chan came barging in.

“Felix!” he called, like he was a tornado coming through the front door. He walked a few paces before setting foot into the living room. Felix just looked up with a puzzled expression on his face.

“Mate! Why did you do that?!” He walked over and snatched Felix’s controller from his hand.

“Damn, if you wanted to play, you just had to ask!” Felix said back seriously. You could see the annoyance growing louder on Chan’s face.

“Oh my gosh Felix. Your text, cunt!”

“My… OHHH my text,” he smirked while (horribly) trying to look inconspicuous.

“You better tell me what you know right now,” Chan threw his fist down. He was trying to “act” mad, but honestly he was really bad at acting. He actually was mad.

“I don’t know anything,” Felix smirked again. “I swearrrr. Don’t you trust me?” He smiled, squinting his eyes up at Chan with a suggestive look on his face.

“No I don’t, you little shit! Now tell me what you know!”

“Never!” Felix pouted.

“Tell me!”

“NO!”

“Tell me!”

“NOOO!”

“I will break this controller, don’t try me!”

“No you won’t.”

“Yes I will.”

“No you won’ttttt.”

“Yes I will.”

“Bet, do it then.”

Chan lifted the controller in the air and huffed out... “You’re right, I won’t.” He reached it back down to Felix.

Felix, now satisfied, took the controller and happily bobbed his head from side to side. “Thanks Channie-hyung!” he teased.

“Fuck off,” Chan retorted. ‘I hate being a father,’ Chan thought as he turned around to storm out. Once he was out the door, Changbin turned his body around to Felix.

“What don’t you know anything about?” Chanbin laughed.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Felix said with a flirty smile. “All I’m saying is it involved your mentee. That’s all, can’t talk about it anymore! New game, let’s go!” Felix avoided Changbin’s stares at all cost, fixating on the tv. Eventually Bin turned around to face it too, continuing on like nothing ever happened.

‘Fuck, that was close. Felix baby, you’ve gotta stop being so messy… Lmao who am I kidding, I love this shit.’

———————————————————————————————

Y/n’s POV: The next day

You arrived to the JYP building 10 minutes early to your professionalism training. You knew you would be able to see the finalized schedule first thing when you got there. All you knew so far was professionalism training at 9, hair and makeup, lunch, and begin shooting intros for the show. You had no clue how long each would take though.

You ran up in front of the big bulletin board posted outside of the conference room. You saw the agenda:

• 9:00 AM- Professionalism Training; Level 5 conference room

• 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM- Hair and Makeup; Level 7 shooting room; See list below for names and scheduled times

• 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM- Lunch break

• 2:00 PM- Shooting program material with mentors; Level 10 shooting rooms #1-5

• 8:00 PM- Dinner and drinks at Nine Mile Restaurant (see email for location and directions)

You quickly scrolled through the list of names below to see when you’d be scheduled for hair & makeup:

• Y/l/n, y/f/n: 11:00 AM

‘Fuck yeah,’ you thought. ‘Getting hair and makeup done first. It shouldn’t take over an hour, right? Surely not. They have new people scheduled for 12 and 1, so yeah, you’re good. No more than an hour.’ You quickly took your phone out to send a message to the 2 boys waiting to hear back from you.

To: abcdefghi__lmnopqrstuvwxyz

Hey, I should be good to go around noon today. Do you still want to meet me outside the JYP building?

SEND.

To: gnabnahc

I could meet you around 1-1:30 today? Does that work for you?

You let out a hot breath and headed into the conference room. There, you found Anna who had already walked in while you told her you’d check for both your names on the bulletin board. You saw a couple of other girls you had met as well through the night with Stray Kids. They were Seungmin and Han’s mentees. You had all instantly connected that night and you were excited to spend more time with them.

Once you were settled in, you gave into the gossip that everyone was discussing.

“Yeah, I heard her dad works for JYPE high up in marketing and that’s how she got in,” Sunnie whispered to the group.

“OMG I heard that too!” Anna bounced up and down. “I’m not even sure where I heard it from.”

“Literally same. I also heard that one of the new cast members was,” Kara leaned down low, “hooking up with Jungkook,” she giggled. You had to physically stop yourself from your jaw dropping on the floor. You were not SLEEPING with Jungkook. You hadn’t even had fucking lunch with him yet!

“OMG who?!” Sunnie questioned.

“I don’t know, it’s just what I heard some of the other girls saying. I don’t think anyone knows,” Kara added. “Which meanssss, we’re gonna have to keep an eye out for Jeon Jungkook ladies. See who the culprit is,” she laughed.

You and Anna looked at each other, trying to fake a laugh right along with them. You were sure she could see the panic in your eyes.

Suddenly, you heard a voice come over the speakers and the lights began to dim. ‘Let’s get this training over with.’

———— 3 hours later ————

Abcdefghi__lmnopqrstuvwxyz: Out front waiting on you :) I’ve got on a black mask and baseball cap in case you don’t recognize me. That’s kind of the point haha

y/n: On my way down!

Your nerves were starting to get to you, but you tied them down. This was just two people getting lunch after all. That’s literally it. Plus, why would you be nervous anyway? You were the one that made a great first impression anyway. He was the one who had something to prove.

Plus, not to brag, but you looked damn good. The hair and and makeup department definitely knows what they’re doing.

*DING*

You arrived at the ground floor and quickly made your way out of the main exit. You scanned your head first to the right, looking for a black cap, then to the left. The problem was… There were like 10 of them.

‘Fucking hell, why does everyone have to dress the same?’ you thought. You wondered off to the left, seeing if you could get a better look. Suddenly, a black figure appeared next to you. You turned to see a bright-eyed Jungkook, mask covering the lower half of his face, stood straight and proud with the most beautiful bouquet you’d ever seen. Pinks, purples, blues, greens. All of your favorite colors incorporated into one. Was this a sign?

“Y/n! Hi! I brought these for you,” you couldn’t see his mouth, but by how scrunched up his eyes got, you assumed he was smiling.

“Oh my goodness, they’re beautiful! You didn’t have to do that!” You smiled up at him and went in for a side hug. Surprisingly, it wasn’t even awkward. Jungkook just gave off such a charming, confident vibe.

“I wanted to. I saw them and automatically thought of you.” You blushed down into the bouquet you were now holding.

“You’re too sweet,” you flashed the biggest grin. ‘Okay, so maybe he’s better than I thought.’ “Where do you want to go?”

“How do you feel about bibimbap?”

“I love it!” You’d only had it once, but you assumed you’d still love it. “But just so you know, I really don’t have that much time today. I need to try to be back in an hour or so.”

“I completely understand. I’m just happy you could pencil some time in for me,” his hand grazed the side of yours, sending a shock up your arm. “I was gonna say that my favorite bibimbap place is right around the corner and I’d love to take you there.”

“Sounds good to me! Let’s go!”

He had a smile painted across his face looking down at you with the pretty flowers in your hand. You were just as beautiful as he remembered. “Follow me. And hold on to me if you need to. Wouldn’t want you getting lost in this crowd,” he chuckled, giving you a wink.

Your heart fluttered. Why was it fluttering?

Jungkook turned to lead you around the street. It was pretty packed, but what else would you expect in the middle of Seoul at lunch time. You could tell that JK was looking down slightly, making sure he didn’t get recognized. You ended up actually reaching to hold onto the back of his coat to make sure you didn’t get separated. You weren’t about to fight your way through the crowd to get a view of every Korean man currently wearing a black coat, hat, and mask. It would take all day.

You both made your way down the busy street, finally able to squeeze next to each other and talk about how your day was going so far. You know, all the basic boring stuff that you had to get out of the way. You soon reached a set of narrow, tall stairs almost hidden away.

“This way,” Jungkook said, taking the first step up. You looked down to see how tall the stairs were and mannnn you thought you were going to have to catapult yourself up.

Jungkook saw the hesitancy in your eyes and quickly leaned the upper half of his body down, holding one hand out for you to grab onto. You graciously took it, as he slowly ascended, making sure you followed him every step of the way. Once you reached the top, you finally jumped up onto the platform of the restaurant, now pressed right up to JK. He still had your hand in his.

“Nice job for a first timer,” he joked, squeezing your hand before he gently put it down and let it go. It was one of the most tender things you’d ever felt. He was handling you with such care.

You followed him as he walked a few steps to the door. He opened it for you and let you step inside first. Your eyes took a moment to focus as you acclimated to the new atmosphere. ‘It’s dark…’ you thought to yourself, eyes now tuning in. ‘And damn, it’s NICE.’ You looked around the the swanky bar to the left, wall topped off with liquors you kne you’d never afford in your lifetime- even on a doctor’s salary. Black tablecloths covered each table, with booths being tucked away into walls. Candles were the main source of the lighting and made for a seductive atmosphere.

“Hello, I had a reservation for Jeon Jungkook,” JK told the host at the stand on the right. She was beautiful, in formal all black attire and long, black hair.

“Of course. Right this way,” she stepped out from behind her podium and led you both to a booth at the far back of the restaurant. It was tucked out of the way, no other tables reaching beyond it. No one would have a reason to walk this way unless delivering food to the table directly.

“Will this do?” she looked to Jungkook.

“It’s perfect, thank you,” he smiled as she left.

“Here, let me help you,” he reached out to you, gently taking your flowers and setting them on the far side of one of the booth’s benches. He walked behind you to grab onto one arm of your coat, allowing you to slip out easily. He held onto the coat and placed it next to the flowers.

“Watch out, it’s a step up,” he said, reaching for your hand. What is up with all these steps?

You looked into his eyes, silently thanking him for the thoughtfulness, while taking his hand. He led you over the two steps to the table and held tightly as you took the step up and over. Once you were settled in, he looked satisfied and took his place on the opposite side.

The rest of the meal was a whirlwind. You learned so many things about him. First, that he is an absolute devourer of bibimbap. Second, that he was actually really funny and down to earth… Charming too, but were you really going to admit that? Third, he actually had a super cute, bunny-like smile that popped up every time he caught you staring at him for too long.

You actually got along very well. ‘What a pleasant surprise,’ you thought. Conversation was just so easy with him. Maybe you didn’t get into the deep stuff with him like you did with Chan, but so what? This was only lunch. What did you expect him to do, give you his entire life story? He oozed confidence and playfulness, something you were envious of. Maybe, after more time with him, you thought you could learn to have those qualities as well.

You were both laughing over a story of how you accidentally cursed at someone in Korean on your second day here when all of a sudden, your phone lit up. 1:02 PM. Dang, it went by that fast?

“I think I’m running out of time,” you looked down with puppy dog eyes, motioning him to look at your phone.

“Awww, it’s alright. We better get you back on time though. The last thing I need is someone from JYP on my ass,” he laughed.

A small laugh left your mouth too as you both moved to exit the booth. He helped you put your coat back on and placed the flowers back into your hands. He grabbed 3 bills of 50,000 won out of his wallet, and placed it on top of the bill on the table. ‘Damn, this man’s a good tipper.’

“Here,” you scrambled to grab your own wallet out of your coat pocket. “At least let me pay half,” you started to take some money out.

“No, no y/n,” he grasped onto your forearm for a short moment. “Put your money up. Please. It’s on me.”

“Are you sure? I promise I don’t mind one bit to pay. Let me just-“ you stopped talking as you watched his eyebrows lift and his eyes get wide, small grin on his face as if saying “watch yourself now.” He was still holding tightly to your arm, not letting you lift it.

“Okay, okay,” you smiled, putting your wallet away. “But I owe you!”

He smiled at that. “Come on, let’s get you back.”

——————————————————

Chan’s POV:

He had been a nervous wreck thinking about seeing you. Thinking about what he should say in order for you to be interested in him. He knew through your messages to him that you’d be there closer to 1:15, so he made sure he’d get back in time.

He tried to calm his nerves by going out to grab an iced tea really quickly at a local shop. He couldn’t stomach any food- not right now. Once he finally got the chilly beverage in his hands, he walked his way back out into the cold. Only a couple minute walk from the company building.

‘Alright Chris, pull yourself together. Whatever you say, she’s gonna understand. She’s great, so of course she’s gonna understand. She may even be just as nervous as you, you never know.’ He let his mind wonder. He started to picture a scenario. One of you seated next to him in his studio. He had finally worked up the courage to ask you on a date- a proper date. Maybe he jumbled up the words a little bit, but you found it endearing. You nodded your head excitedly, saying how you’d love to go on a date with him. He would take you somewhere nice, somewhere you would get dressed up for him. You’d drink red wine and talk about anything and everything- what you loved and what your passions were. Your eyes would have a certain sparkle that only happened when you looked at him. By the end of the date, you’d be asking when you could see him again. He’d hold your hand, your warm little hand, as you left to say your goodbyes.

As wonderful as the daydream was, Chan suddenly snapped out of it. He froze, standing rigid, then almost tumbling back. There’s no way.

There you stood in front of him. With all the beauty that you were. But you were with someone. A man. Chan squinted to see what he could make out. Jungkook? Fuck, that was definitely Jungkook.

You were smiling up at him and clung onto him for a long hug. He gave in, leaning his head down to plant a small kiss on the top of your forehead. You giggled, waved goodbye, then ran inside the company building.

With that, Chan felt his heart shatter for the very first time.

Through the building’s glass walls, he watched as you made your way a little further, then stopped to bring your phone out. 10 seconds later, he felt a buzz from his phone

From: y/n’s instagram

Hey, I’m here :) Should I head on up to you?

He wanted to cry.

------------------------------------------------

✨ Continue to ➡️ Chapter 4

✨if you enjoyed, please consider liking, commenting, or re-blogging <3

[makethiscanon]

The Bathhouse: Baji x Fem!Reader x Kazutora [Part 2]

Word Count: 3.6k Rating: Mature (16+) Chapter Tags: Domestic fluff with a stranger(?), acts of service, crude pet-names, slow-burn, strangers/enemies to lovers, canon-divergent [Bloody Halloween didn’t happen], aged-up/future setting, Baji being Baji. Warnings: Nudity [non-smut], vulgar language, crude humour.

Please be aware this is a mature story with some suggestive themes because of the setting, but there is no smut.

Read Part 1: [HERE]

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“M-mnh…?”

You woke sometime later, feeling dazed and disorientated. You were indoors. You didn’t know where you were at first – it was a room bathed in nothing but moonlight – but when you spotted a mark on the ceiling that you recognised, you realised you were lying on the canteen table in the staffroom.

Your mind worked slowly, putting two and two together, jarring itself as it attempted to recreate the path that had led you here. Your throat was dry. Your eyes were sore. Your hair felt matted and messy. Then you heard a noise, like glasses clinking together, and it pulled your attention. 

Then you saw the missing piece of the puzzle. 

The guy from the patio was on the other side of the room, searching through the staff cupboards in nothing but a pair of ugly harem-pants that you knew all too well from the Lost and Found box.

“What are you doing?” You asked, then coughed to clear your croaky voice. You were too weak to sit up, so had no other option but to watch him rummaging through your co-workers belongings like a feral animal. But your words caught his attention. He stopped what he was up to. 

Without acknowledging you, he wandered over to the fridge then retrieved something from it, before coming to stand beside you. He had your bottle of milk. He hovered it over you. You reached out, but he pulled it back, telling you,

“Say it with me and you can have the drink: I’m a fucking idiot.”

He looked at you expectantly. You frowned. 

That wasn’t enough of a response to make him change his mind.

“I’m… a fucking idiot.” You grumbled, willing to swallow any scraps left of your pride if it meant he would hand over the bottle.

“Yes, you fucking are,” he agreed.

You frowned harder as you tried to sit up but struggled, then felt his hand slip beneath your back to help when you tried again. Once you were upright, he kept the hand there for support then handed over the drink.

“Thank you,” you said before downing the contents, and now that you realised he had no intention of harming you, you meant it. Whoever he was, he was going out of his way to look out for you. Although he had invaded the bathhouse with his horrifying gang mates, you supposed after this you could call it even.

As you lifted your arm to pour the last of the milk into your mouth, you felt something slip from around your middle. The guy grunted agitatedly.

“I swear to god, if I see your tits one more time tonight…”

You choked on your drink, realising that the thing around your middle was a towel that had just slipped off you. Equally as alarming, you noticed that the guy didn’t miss a beat before hoisting it back around you before tucking it in to stop it dropping again. 

You coughed and spluttered, not sure which was worse: the sudden realisation that he had seen you very, very naked after rescuing you from the baths, or that he was completely unfazed by your chest. You knew now wasn’t the time, nor should you care, but you wanted to know if your boobs were too small for his liking, as a matter of pride.

But you let it drop. He was, once again, helping you.

“Thank you,” you said, feeling flustered and aware that you couldn’t hide your reddened face even in this darkness. “I’ll stop causing problems for you now. You’re welcome to go. Thank you again for rescuing me, but I can look after myself from here.”

You might have been convincing were it not for the flapping in your voice that said you were only pushing him away out of embarrassment.

He shrugged, backing off with a nonchalant look on his face. It was a far cry from the anger you had seen before.

“Alright, Tits. I’m sticking around for my friend to show up, but you do your thing. Don’t let me stop you.”

He gestured to the door. Your embarrassment faded when you realised you were the only one making a big deal of it, then frowned instead. Talk about making himself at home.

“Don’t call me that.” You said as you shimmied yourself off the table. “And you can’t stay here. Go wait out front.”

He cocked an eyebrow.

“You always this ungrateful to your saviours?”

“Only the ones who save me from the messes they cause.”

He clicked his tongue.

“Touché.”

You passed him a smug look before hopping off the table, though your legs weren’t ready to take the weight. With an ungraceful crash you hit the deck then wondered why a certain someone had simply watched the spectacle with his arms crossed.

“Don’t look at me like that, missus. You said you could look after yourself. Or are you going to stop being a prideful bitch now and accept my help?”

You pouted. In the darkness, you almost thought you saw him smile. He offered you his hand. You looked at it. There were calluses and scars etched into his skin. He was a danger different from anyone you had met.

But he was offering you his help so you took it.

In one swift movement, he pulled you up and into his chest to stop you wobbling anywhere, then wrapped an arm across your shoulders to hold you still. You squeaked. He was so unbelievably warm, like his body could induce another bout of hyperthermia on you, but you did not try to pull away. There was something oddly delightful about pressing against him, something you couldn’t quite explain. He was dangerous and unknown, yet in his strong embrace as he took your weight, you felt protected.

“Now what?” He asked gruffly, and his breath fanned across your skin. You held in a shiver. He was so close. You couldn’t think. You tried to construct a plan to distract yourself:

As far as the rest of the night went, you needed to rinse off, get back into your normal clothes, clean up whatever mess the thugs had made of the men’s changing rooms, then get yourself home. And never speak of this again.

“Fine. Okay.” He grumbled. “Where were you going before you fell over?”

“The changing rooms.” The words were out of your mouth before you could stop them.

“Got it.”

His inability to be fazed by things that made you flustered was shocking. Shifting so that he had a tighter grip on you, he took a step forwards and expected you to keep up. But you didn’t move. “Y’know. You don’t need to be a constant pain in the ass when I’m trying to help. Do you want to go or not?”

“You can’t come in with me.” You tried to demand, though clung to his neck like a lifeline when you stepped forwards only for your legs to say no. He clicked his tongue.

“You can’t seriously be assed about me seeing your tits at this point, right? We’re past that. The sooner you get out of here the better, so stop being a baby. Come on.”

He said it casually enough, but you caught a hint of urgency in the way he tried to pull you along.

“You make it sound like I’m still in danger. I’m… safe? Right?”

You weren’t sure you wanted to know the answer.

“With me, yes. If anyone from Valhalla comes back, probably not. If Kazutora shows up, who the fuck knows. So move.”

In a flash, he had bent over and scooped you up in his arms, lifting you up like his bride. You squeaked and clung harder to his neck, not having to worry that the towel would slip when he was pressing you so close to his body that the garment was squashed flat into place. He was done waiting for you.

As he carried you through to the changing rooms, you took a moment to realise that everything was totally dark. The lights were set to automatically switch on whenever there was movement.

“Did you do something to the lights?” You asked, wondering if you would have to pay for any busted lightbulbs.

“Too fucking right I did.” He nudged his head towards the entrance-doors as you passed through the reception. “Didn’t want anyone else thinking this place is open. The door’s still unlocked so Kazutora can get in.”

You pursed your lips, thinking it would be much easier and safer just to lock the door and keep the lights on. You knew the bathhouse well enough, but the tiled floors were still wet. One misstep and both you and your new acquaintance could be on your backs, and it certainly wouldn’t be a soft landing.

That, and your acquaintance had just admitted you might not be totally safe if Kazutora returned. Locking him out sounded like a wonderful idea to you, and if not him, certainly any stray gang members who wanted another shot in the baths.

“So, umm…” you began, distracting yourself by looking at the defined line of the guy’s jaw and the fang that poked out over his under-bite. “Valhalla. That’s the name of your gang, right? Heaven for the strongest and bravest warriors. Does that mean you’ve been in many fights?”

He chuckled. The sound was deep and smooth, and it sent butterflies to your stomach.

“I live and breathe to fight.”

“Yup, I believe you.” You said, catching the twinkle in his eye as he thought of violence. He twisted his head to look at you, cocking a curious eyebrow.

“Oh?”

“I thought I was going to die when you called me out before. You’ve got this… big boss energy. I wouldn’t want to get on your bad side, let’s put it that way.”

He puffed out his chest.

“Then be glad I took pity on you. Not many people get to say they had Baji Keisuke looking out for them. Take it as an honour.”

You chuckled.

“Thank you, oh lord and saviour Baji.”

“Say that as many times as you want, Tits. Sounds good.”

You elected to ignore his pet-name, adding, to knock him down a peg, “though if anyone asks, I’m going to tell them the great Baji is a secret big ol’ softie who can’t say no to a damsel in distress.”

He clenched his jaw, side eyeing you.

“Oh, you think that’s a fucking insult? Maybe to Valhalla but I think that’s pretty cool. Say it all you want, bitch.”

He looked at you with a grin that dared you to bring it. You couldn’t help but laugh at his challenge to call him a nice guy. Perhaps he didn’t get that often, but if he thought kind guys were cool then he might actually be one himself. His niceness just happened to be heavily buried under a layer of aggression, violence and one heck of an intimidating first impression.

Baji took you into the women’s changing rooms but didn’t stop to put you down when you pointed at your locker. Instead, he carried you straight through to the washroom and set you down on the cold, stone tiles, then began untying the cord on his pants. Much to your protest.

“You can’t be serious?”

“What?”

You gestured to his still-loosening pants, shielding your eyes when you realised he had no intention of stopping.

“You can’t do that in here.”

“Hah? Oh, cute. You’ve never seen a dick before?” You could hear his amusement. You scowled. Whether you had or not was irrelevant. This night was taking some very peculiar turns.

“If you want to rinse off, go to the guys’ washroom.”

He tutted.

“Oh right, and then get accused of GBH because I left you unattended, you fell over, cracked your skull and went into a coma. Thanks but no.”

You dropped your hand just so you could land him with an expression that asked if he was an idiot.

“That’s some imagination you have.”

“Call it what you want. Now, tell me where you’ve stashed your cleaning crap and I’ll get it.”

He didn’t seem to have any intention of leaving you alone. You sighed. The sooner the two of you were out of here, the better. You both wanted the same thing so you decided to go along with it.

“Over there.” You said, pointing to a wooden bowl tucked in by one of the shower stations.

As he went to collect it, you shuffled across the tiles on your rear, deciding not to tempt fate by standing up, then hopped up onto the closest stool to rinse off. Normally you wouldn’t do this, as the bath waters were full of healthy and invigorating minerals, but considering how long you had been in the pool, you felt rather oversaturated with goodness and needed to wash it off. That, and you had clearly face-planted the water after falling unconscious. You hair needed a good rinse.

You began to peel the towel off your body, chanting in your head that you had no need to be nervous. Baji had already seen everything. He wasn’t bothered. You could wash faster if you were naked. Plus, you didn’t have to worry about drying a sodden towel afterwards.

You bit your lip as you threw the towel aside, then put your hands over your eyes to hide your embarrassment.

“I might have to name them at this point.” You heard Baji say as he came to stand beside you, sounding disinterested. You peaked past your fingers to see him holding a bottle of shampoo down towards you, and realised from where his eyes were looking that he was referring to your breasts.

“For someone who doesn’t give a rat’s ass about my chest, you can’t seem to stop talking about it.”

With a dark blush on your cheeks, you swiped the bottle from him then folded your arms and hunched over to cover yourself, which also kept you from staring at his naked form as he stood beside you. Certain things were at eye level.

“Who says I’m not interested?” He said it matter-of-factly, forcing you to bury your head in your knees as your whole head went hot with embarrassment.

In the time it took you to get over yourself, Baji reached past you for the shower-nozzle and turned on the stream of water. You popped your head up to see what he was doing.

“Get your own. That’s mine.” You grumbled, wondering if he was choosing to stick around purely to torment you.

Without so much as a warning, he turned the stream against your back. You yelped and lurched forwards, almost coming straight off the stool before Baji clamped a hand on your waist to stop you falling. Your brain stopped dead and your survival instinct took over, yanking his hand off you just as he redirected the shower-head onto your hair.

“Sit still.” He growled, as if you were the one in the wrong here. Your hand was still clamped around his much larger one, holding it away from your body so he could not touch you inappropriately.

“You’re being too touchy-feely.”

“Am I fuck. I’m being careful.” He said indignantly, swiping his hand away from you so he could replace it onto your head to rub the water through your hair. You wanted to tell him you could do all of this yourself and he needed to back off, but he started scrubbing, and it was all you could do to hold your head still so you didn’t get dizzy.

“Be gentle.” You whined, once more feeling like a child with a strict parent as he ignored your complaints and continued to wash your hair. It was a relief when he finally stopped.

“Here.” He said, handing you the shower-head. “Stay warm.”

He thrust the device into your hand with water still pouring from the head, then reached for the bottle of shampoo. Turning the stream onto yourself, you realised that arguing with Baji was pointless. He was stubborn, and since you couldn’t guarantee you could make it back into the changing rooms and into your clothes without tripping or collapsing by yourself, you begrudgingly handed yourself over to Baji’s rough hair washing.

“Fine, you win. Shampoo me.”

The words were barely out of your mouth before the cold, unmistakable goo dripped onto your head in great globules.

“Too much. That’s too much,” you hissed, feeling it trickling down your forehead and over the tops of your ears.

“Do you ever stop complaining?” Baji asked, tossing the bottle aside once the entire top of your head was covered in sweetly-scented gelatinous goo.

You braced yourself for another round of scrubbing, but surprisingly, when he touched your head this time around, now that he was using both hands, his fingers were gentle. He scooped the runaway shampoo from your forehead then lathered it atop your scalp, massaging your head until it was covered in a thick layer of bubbles, then did the same with the length of your hair. He stayed quiet the whole time, and having been thrust into such a weirdly intimate and calm moment yourself, you didn’t want to break the silence in case it invited ol’ scrubby-rough-hands back.

Once your hair was suitably covered in soap, Baji reached over you to take the shower-head. You bit your lip to hold in a squeak as his naked chest pressed against your back. Since he had no qualms rubbing up against a complete stranger, you didn’t want to give him any more reasons to assume you were an inexperienced virgin, because the taunts were getting annoying.

Time passed by in silence.

You actually let yourself enjoy the feeling of Baji running his fingers over your scalp. You were sorely lacking in the intimacy- or even romance-department. You were in your twenties; if you had to get the experience from a bad-but-not-that-bad bad-guy yakuza member, then so be it. Beggars couldn’t be choosers.

Your eyes closed as his hand trailed down the back of your neck, his fingers dancing gently over your skin as he washed away the bubbles. You shivered whenever he touched your bare skin, his fingers slipping through the gaps in your hair.

But just as you got used to his inadvertent caresses, he stopped, and took the stream of warm water with him. You waited a second in case he planned to come back, but pushed the wet hair from your face and turned to look when he did not.

He was sat with his back to you. His head was bowed low with the shower head turned on himself while he washed his hair. The water droplets cascaded down his body, drawing your eyes to the muscles in his back when they used the crevice between his shoulder-blades like a valley. He had so many scars; his skin was a tapestry that told the struggles and triumphs of a lifetime. You could only wonder, as your gaze trailed over the contours of his back, if he could recall where each and every one came from. Some looked painful. Some seemed so old. But they were almost beautiful, like badges of honour.

“You done staring yet, Tits? You’re giving me fucking goosebumps.”

Baji side-eyed you as he dowsed his hair with water. It didn’t help when you realised your mouth was limp from gawking.

Perhaps it was in your delirious state from fainting, or perhaps it was a misguided attempt to change the subject, but you caught yourself asking too late,

“Want me to wash your hair for you?”

You cursed when Baji grinned, like he knew you hadn’t meant to say that, and when he told you to grab the shampoo bottle you almost wanted to die.

“I mean, I don’t have to—don’t feel obliged—”

“Calm down, Tits. It’s only hair. Stop acting like you asked to suck my dick.”

Heat soared to your face. You snatched the shampoo bottle, indignantly ignoring Baji’s cocky smirk -- like he was revelling in your embarrassment and finding any way to torment you – then dumped the contents onto his head before he was ready.

“Payback,” you said, but when it actually came to lathering the soap, you were gentle. And he didn’t resist. He sat patiently, straightening his back like one of those old samurai knights. You ran your fingers through his hair, feeling how soft it was even after matting in the outdoor bath. You almost told him so, but decided against it when it was sure to be met with more taunts.

You rinsed his hair next, feeling strangely relaxed in the quiet. Without Baji running his mouth, you could appreciate the moment. It was perhaps the closest thing to a sensual encounter you’d ever had. Okay, not all the circumstances were perfect, but it was certainly something you were going to remember in your late, spinster years.

“Done.” You said after a moment, backing off and taking the shower head with you. You sat down as quickly as you could, huddled your knees to your chest before Baji had time to turn around. But he noticed your recklessness.

Then he picked up your towel and handed it over.

“I swear to god, Tits. If you fall over again I’m leaving you there.”

For some reason, you couldn't help but smile.

You kept your gaze to the floor as Baji stood up and began drying off, wondering your chances should you try to reach for your towel, some ten feet away.

Better not risk it, you supposed.

But once Baji was dry, he slipped on those same, ugly harem pants from before then shut off the water.

“Let’s go.”

------

[Part 3]: Coming soon.

[WRITING MASTERLIST]

[khalixascorner]

Debt Paid in Soul Part 5

Summary: Tony fully intends to go to the Parker residence simply to claim his latest acquisition, one Peter Parker. When he finds out Peter is in fact his soul mate, things change in ways Tony couldn't have planned or expected. Not that he's complaining. Instead of just another worker for his clubs, he found a smart sexy omega that he's going to keep for the rest of their lives. This is an omegaverse hybrid mob au with a different bingo prompt per chapter.

Tags: Mafia AU, Mob Boss Tony Stark, Soul Bond, Soulmates, Soulmate-Identifying Marks, Hybrid AU, Serval Peter, Black Tiger Tony, Dub-con first time, Soulbonds made them do it, Lots of spice and smut, Some fluff too, Dark Tony Stark, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Intersex Omegas, Tony is not a nice person, except to Peter, mention of sex work, Human Trafficking, In that tony makes people pay off debt while working for him, and some of those people work in sex clubs, Size Difference, Tiny Peter, Large Tony, Mild milk kink, Breeding Kink, Dom/sub Undertones, stuffing kink, Size Kink, Tony loves how huge his cock is and making Peter take it, Nipple Play, I don't know, theres lots of omegaverse typical sex tropes, eventual kidnapping and rescue,mild angst but always with a happy ending

Read on AO3 Here Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

View Art Here And here And here

Peter took longer to verify that he was pregnant for sure, but given how pleased and protective Tony was being, he had sort of guessed it was the case. On one hand, he was ecstatic, because he had always wanted a bigger family and being an omega came with the expectations of kits. On the other, he was worried that he was too young and that people would talk. Worse, how would he tell May that he had bound his life closer to Tony’s when she barely tolerated his presence to begin with.

“Something bothering you, kid?” Bucky, one of Tony’s men, asked. The alpha had been assigned as his guard after Peter had gotten the official pregnancy test back with a positive. It had only been a few weeks, but he had already grown to like the alpha, even if he was a bit surly on the outside.

“You can already smell it, can’t you?” Peter asked, a hand going to rest on his belly even as his ears flattened. “I’m supposed to have my dinner with May and I just– I don’t know how to tell her. She’s still so mad about our mating and I want to share this with her but I’m scared of how she’ll react.”

The last was said with a whisper, and Peter wondered if he really should even be telling Bucky, because Tony had assured him when Bucky was assigned that the alpha would remove any threats. Tony had meant it in a positive way, but what if Bucky saw May as a threat?

“Yeah, kid, the scent is noticeable but we can use a neutralizer as long as you don’t stay much past dinner,” Bucky said, his voice careful like he was worried about spooking a stray cat. “You can probably buy yourself another week or two before it becomes obvious. More if you say something came up with school and you miss a dinner or two.”

“I’m gonna lose her, aren’t I?” Peter sobbed. Bucky was quick to gather him up, trying to soothe him even as the tears came faster. Peter tried to get in under control, but the harder he fought to not cry, the worse it got.

Distantly, he heard Bucky calling out, but it was like he was underwater, and everything was garbled and muted. He wanted his kits and his mate, but he wanted his aunt too and to be able to go to school without people whispering about him.

He wasn’t sure how long he cried for, only that when he finally calmed down, it wasn’t Bucky holding him anymore.

--------------------

“There’s my kitten,” Tony murmured as Peter looked up at him with watery eyes. “What’s got my omega so upset?”

“Everything,” Peter replied with a sniffle, and Tony wondered if part of it wasn’t just hormones too. The little omega had been so fragile since his heat, worried about everything and anxious.

“It’ll be alright, ‘mega,” Tony promised, nuzzling at their bond mark. “You know I’ll take care of everything.”

“But you can’t make May stay or people not stare,” Peter retorted, ears flicking in irritation. Tony bit back a chuckle at the glare that accompanied it. His poor omega tried to be fierce but ended up looking more adorable than anything else.

“It’s true, you’ve expressly forbidden me from interfering with your relationship with your aunt, though I think you’d find that I could create common ground if you let me,” Tony said gently. “But I definitely can keep people from staring. I’d just need to make an example of a few of them and no one would dare.”

“I don’t want people hurt because of me,” Peter practically hissed. Then the younger man sagged in his lap. “I just want to have our family. Why is that a bad thing?”

For just a fleeting moment, Tony regretted the path life had put him on. In another time or another universe, maybe his mate would have just been the happy soul mate of a tech mogul or whatever job position Tony would have been. Hell, he was handy around cars, maybe he’d have been a mechanic. If he had, the things haunting his mate wouldn’t have been an issue.

And yet, Tony couldn’t truly regret it because it had brought them together. It had given Tony the resources to provide for his mate in every way and to ensure that his mate was safe from anyone that would try to harm him.

“It’s not a bad thing at all, kitten,” Tony said firmly. “And anyone that can’t accept that doesn’t deserve to be a part of your life. You’re an omega, mated to your soul mate. This is the natural course of things.”

“I know you’re right,” Peter said, leaning his head against Tony’s chest, ear pressed right over Tony’s heart. “I just wish it wasn’t going to come to this.”

Tony gathered Peter in even closer, his tail wrapping around the boy’s waist as he did.

“I love you, sweet omega, and I would go to great lengths to keep you happy,” Tony said, nuzzling the top of Peter’s head. “So tell me how I can help? How can I make this better?”

“Will you come with me? To dinner tonight?” Peter asked. “I’m- I’m scared to tell her by myself.”

“Of course,” Tony said, already pulling out his phone to make arrangements. “And regarding the rest, have you considered doing a home bound learning during your pregnancy. There’s widely documented situations of Omegas preferring to be closer to home to reduce anxiety. I’m sure Columbia would be willing to let you finish the semester at home and then take a leave of absence until the kits are born.”

“You’re sure they will because it’s in their policies or because you’ll make them?” Peter asked wryly.

“Does it matter?” Tony asked, an eyebrow raised. Peter just huffed in response, and closed his eyes as he relaxed into Tony’s arms. Tony let it drop, instead focusing on the work Pepper had sent to him.

--------------------

“Go ahead and arrange it,” Peter said suddenly a few minutes later. “Leaving our den makes me feel sick and anxious anyway.”

Tony nodded and also made a note about getting Peter to see Cho. It couldn’t be good for an omega to be that stressed so early in the pregnancy.

“As you wish, kitten.”

--------------------

They cuddled the rest of the day, waiting until the last minute to get ready and head to May’s. Peter didn’t call ahead to let her know he was bringing Tony, but he figured they could always just give her the news first if she objected to his presence that much.

Climbing the steps to her apartment felt odd despite having done it for so many years. Already, it didn’t feel like home, and instead put him on edge. He fought to keep his ears from going flat, as the last thing he wanted was either her or Tony interpreting it wrong. Especially since Bucky was trailing behind Tony while watching Peter closely.

Tony had said he was just bringing him in case Peter wanted to stay without Tony there, but Peter couldn’t help but think it was something more. Still, he tried to put it out of his mind as they finally reached the door. He knocked and then waited patiently for May to call out if it was unlocked or if he should use his key. It didn’t feel right just walking in anymore either.

May’s voice called out from the other side of the door so Peter pushed it open and stepped in, expecting to find May in the kitchen waiting for him.

He didn’t expect to see a bunch of alphas in dark suits sitting around the living room. For a moment, he was thrown back to the day he met Tony, and he stumbled back into his alpha as panic caused him to freeze.

-----------------------

Tony growled as he saw the waiting alphas, and Bucky was quick to slip past them and put himself between the strangers and Peter.

“What is going on here?” May demanded as she came out of the kitchen. She froze briefly when she saw Bucky placed not so discreetly in front of a shaking Peter and a furious Tony.

“That’s what I’d like to know as well, Mrs. Parker,” Tony bit out as calmly as he could. The pheromones pouring off of Peter were making it hard to stay civil, but he doubted his mate would appreciate him lashing out in his aunt’s apartment.

“If I may, Mrs. Parker?” One of the alphas, a canine of some sort, said as he stood. “This actually works in our favor. Mr. Stark, you are being charged with the kidnapping and rape of an omega. There are clear concerns of abuse and until the courts have determined you are not a danger to the boy, we will be taking him into protective custody and putting him in with a foster family.”

For a moment, Tony’s brain froze at the sheer absurdity of the situation.

“I’m sorry what?” he asked, tail twitching behind him. “Buck, did I just hear right? They’re accusing me of kidnapping, raping, and otherwise abusing my mate? And they think they’re going to be allowed to take him away and put him in foster care?”

“That is what they said, Boss,” Bucky replied with feigned disinterest.

“Mr. Stark, I would appreciate if you would respect the charges you face,” the canine started, only to stop when Bucky took a threatening step forward. “Mrs. Parker is suing for custody of her nephew.”

“Peter is literally of age and my soul mate. We bonded and mated on his 18th birthday, and all of the appropriate paperwork was filed to support this,” Tony bit out. “Per federal and New York state laws, that means there is no custody to issue to debate as he is old enough to consent.”

“Mr. Parker is clearly underdeveloped given his size, and any court could see how unhealthy your relationship clearly is when he immediately panics just because he meets a new alpha,” the canine argued and Tony didn’t bother to bite back the growl.

“I’m not afraid of Tony,” Peter declared, lifting his face from Tony’s chest. “He protects me. And I’m not underdeveloped either, I’m just a serval breed. We’re small by nature.”

“You don’t have to defend him honey,” May said, stepping closer only to freeze when Bucky turned his hard gaze to her. “I’ve seen how upset you’ve been these last few weeks. These alphas can help.”

“I’ve been upset because I’m pregnant and I didn’t know how to tell you because this is how you treat my alpha,” Peter shouted, stepping out of Tony’s protective arms. “I’ve been trying so hard since we bonded to get you to give him a chance and you’ve already decided he’s a villain. He’s my soul mate, May. Don’t you understand that? He isn’t just my alpha or my mate, but literally a part of me.”

“You’re- pregnant?” May asked faintly. “Why would you- with him?”

“Because I love him,” Peter said quietly. “He makes me feel safe and he takes care of me. I know you don’t approve of him but that’s how I feel.”

“Baby, you can’t- if you do that, I can’t get you back,” May said, her voice tight.

“What do you mean get me back?” Peter asked, voice suddenly flat.

“I was just trying to do what’s best for you, protect you,” May tried to explain. “There’s laws where you can take legal custody of an Omega to save them from a bad mate.”

“How could you?” Peter asked, his heart breaking. “I, we came here today to tell you about the kits, and to try to mend things between you and Tony. Because I wanted you to still be part of our lives. But this whole time you’ve been going behind my back to try to take me away from my mate.”

May started to speak but Peter just shook his head and put up a hand to stop her.

“I’m sorry, I just, I can’t do this anymore. I thought maybe you’d come around but I can see now that you’re never going to,” Peter said, tears filling his eyes. “This isn’t healthy and I have to think of my kits now.”

“I know you don’t want to hear it but he’s not good for you and you can’t keep those kits or I won’t be able to say you,” May said desperately.

“If you’re talking about the mated marriage laws, then you already can’t,” one of the suited alphas said, voice resigned. “If he’s pregnant and they really are soul mates, the courts will never award you custody Mrs. Parker. They won’t take an omega and it’s kits from the husband if the omega is unwilling to leave.”

“Husband?” Peter asked, his voice trembling as he turned to Tony. “What are they talking about?”

“Legally it’s like a common law marriage,” Tony said carefully. “It’s meant to protect the legal interests of the children and make sure alpha’s can’t just knock anyone up and then not take responsibility for them.”

“So you knew?” Peter asked, his voice small and hurt. Tony sighed and reached into his jacket pocket instead.

“Yeah I knew the law but I was hoping to ask you properly before it mattered,” Tony said, handing Peter the small ring box. “You had mentioned you wanted a proper wedding after all, and our mating was unconventional so I figured I could at least give you this.”

Peter broke down in tears again, and Tony drew him in close, trying to offer comfort to his distressed mate.

“I want to go home, Tony,” Peter said through the sobs.

“Alright kitten, we’ll go,” Tony said, motioning to Bucky. “You go with Buck and wait for me in the car.”

“Want you,” Peter whined, and Tony gave him a gentle kiss.

“I know, ‘mega mine, but I need to make sure we’re in the clear with the suits over there,” Tony murmured. “I’ll be down before you know it.”

It took a few more kisses and nuzzles before Peter allowed Bucky to pull him away, picking up the small omega in a princess carry. Tony gave a short nod to Bucky then turned back to the others in the room.

“I take it there won’t be any further issues gentlemen?” Tony asked pointedly, and the other alphas shook their heads and quickly excused themselves. Once they were gone, Tony turned to May.

“Bravo,” he said, giving a small clap. “I couldn’t have engineered this better if I had planned it all myself. You know, you do the loving parent bit so well, that even I didn’t expect the crazy kidnapping plot. But I know better now.”

“I was just trying to protect him from you, you monster,” the woman hissed, tail fluffing and ears going flat.

“I may be a monster, Mrs. Parker,” Tony said, his eyes hard and cold. “But I love Peter. He’s the other half of my soul and there are no lengths I wouldn’t go to in the name of protecting him and keeping him happy. You’d do well to keep that in mind.”

“Is that a threat, Stark?” May asked with a low growl.

“Just a friendly reminder. Because know this Mrs. Parker. I haven’t done a single thing to drive Peter from you,” Tony said. “I’ve let the kid make his own decisions and handle your how he wanted because he’s my mate and I want him happy. But now you’ve endangered him and our kits. So now, I will be stepping in. And it will be a long time before you see him again.”

“You can’t do that,” May argued.

“Oh but I can,” Tony practically purred as he stalked towards her, tail flicking away as he did. “You were so worried about me taking him away when in reality all I had to do was sit by and let you dig the hole deeper and deeper as I played kind understanding mate.”

“You bastard, I’ll get him back,” May spit, but Tony just grinned wider.

“And how are you going to do that?” Tony asked. “You’ve endangered him, tried to kidnap him from his mate. No one would side with you now. You’ve lost, Mrs. Parker. And you’d do well to accept that.”

“You can’t just-just replace me,” May sputtered. “I raised him.”

“And now he’s going to be raising his own family, as is the way of things,” Tony agreed. “He doesn’t need you anymore, and after today, he doesn’t want you either.”

May looked like she’d been slapped and Tony stepped back, satisfied.

“I see you finally get it. Enjoy the rest of your life.”

With that, Tony turned and didn’t look back. Bucky was waiting for him at the car, and Peter climbed into his lap sleepily for the ride home.

“Wha’ took you so l’ng?” Peter mumbled as Happy drove.

“Just had to make sure everyone was on the same page,” Tony said. “Now rest kitten.”

“M’kay, love you T’ny,” Peter murmured happily.

“Love you too,” Tony replied with a soft smile and a gentle kiss to his curls. Love you enough to do whatever it takes to protect you, even if you wouldn’t like it, Tony added to himself. One day, Peter would understand.

[reddeadmort]

Arthur Morgan x f! Reader | “Silvery Threads” | Part 4

AO3 LINK

Words: 2.4k

The man in black isn't someone you can escape from easily. Especially not now you've pissed him off......

Notes:

Warnings: one brief mention of being groped, no description.

This is turning out a lot longer than expected! Next chapter may take a while, I'm not too sure where this is going.....

-------------------

“I said, run!” Arthur tried to push you off, succeeding only in causing himself more pain. 

“No!” You desperately tried to tie the knot in the cloth, hands so wet from the blood the material kept slipping through your fingers. 

“Bloody woman” Arthur grunted, reaching down to his holster to grab his pistol. “Get ready to fight then.” 

He had barely finished his sentence when a bullet whistled past your head, slamming into the ground a few metres away. Arthur immediately raised his gun, pointing behind you, and tried to lift his head to get a better view. 

You stiffened as you felt the cold metal press into the back of your skull, felt the click as the hammer was pulled back. 

“Ah reckon ya might want to drop that weapon there Morgan.” The contempt was palpable in the man’s voice. Arthur placed the pistol carefully on the floor as you raised your hands up.

“Ah no missy, nice try” the man sneered as he stepped away slightly, removing your opportunity to attempt to grab the weapon. Gun still trained at your head, he slowly walked around and kicked Arthur’s pistol out of reach. 

“Good work there Patrick.” You tried not to react to the cold, deep voice as the man in black stepped into view. 

“S’no problem sir. Excellent shooting.”

“Hmm, not quite. He’s still alive.” The barrel of the rifle was less than a foot from Arthur’s head as the man moved his finger to the trigger. “This….oaf interrupted my game. Before I could even get paid.”  

“Don’t ya worry sir, someone’ll pay for him.” The tall man turned to face his accomplice, one eyebrow raised in a questioning expression. “That’s Arthur Morgan. One of the Van der Linde gang. And from the way she was gripping his thigh, I’d guess that this is his little bitch.” Patrick spat at you, catching you in the face; you saw Arthur’s arms tense out of the corner of your eye, but he knew better than to move. 

“Interesting…..” the man murmured, rifle slowly lowering. “You’ll have to excuse my ignorance, but I don’t tend to involve myself in gangs. They make too much noise, too many loose ends. Exactly who will pay for this brute?” 

“Law, pinkertons, probably O’Driscolls. Dutch van der linde maybe.”

“Hmm…. can’t say I’m too interested in the money, but something to make up for today’s inconvenience would be appreciated.” The man cocked his head to one side, weighing up the options. “On second thought, it’ll make things too difficult.” 

As his rifle swung upwards, you launched yourself forwards on top of Arthur, blocking his head and chest from the weapon. You wrapped your arms around his head, gripping tightly as the accomplice tried to yank you back by the hair. 

“Don’t touch her!” The man in black snarled, pushing the other away. “Her suffering is mine to control.” Beneath you, you felt Arthur’s arm slowly move upwards, the movement blocked from view by your body. You stayed perfectly still as he slipped his sheathed hunting knife under the waistline of your trousers, down the side of your thigh. 

“Speaking of suffering, I wonder if she’ll enjoy being watched by her…beloved..as I turn her into my next art piece”. You finally lifted your head as the barrel of the rifle was wedged under your face, pushing you back up off Arthur. 

“Tie them both. Before you stick him on the back of that horse however, make sure to dig that bullet out of his leg. We don’t want him dying…. Not yet anyway.” You stared up into the dark eyes, the flecks of gold seeming to flash as the man revelled in the fear you were struggling to hide.

As the horse you were strapped to, hogtied, was led away, you tried to block out Arthur’s muffled scream and groans. 

—--

Dutch, Charles and Bill had thundered into Valentine only to discover chaos. The bodies of the sheriff and the deputy had been dragged onto the porch of the office. As they rode through town, they caught snippets of conversations; there had been a gunfight, multiple people on horses had fled the town. Dutch slid off his mount to chat to the locals, while Charles made his way up the street, around the back of the office. It was no good; far too many trails and footprints. He sighed, hoping that you two had sensibly gone to find somewhere to lie low for a time. As he spurred his horse round to return to the others, a scrap of fabric caught his eye. The bloodied bit of cloth on the ground, half trodden into the path, matched your shirt. He called out to the others and started to trot out of town.

—---

The cellar underneath the shack was cold and damp, the only light coming from a small window near the ceiling. Once again, your wrists were bound and strapped above your head to a post. You stayed staring at the floor, refusing to look up at Arthur, bound to a chair in front of you. You hoped he didn’t see the way your face twisted in pain as the bucket of salt water splashed over the fresh wounds. 

“Got to make sure you don’t die too fast my dear.” the man cooed at you, face so close to yours you could almost taste the scent of mint and tobacco. “You’ve been a good girl so far.” You held back a shudder as his tongue languidly brushed up your cheek. “Tell her how good she’s being.” This last part was directed towards Arthur, a kick to the leg making him groan. 

Arthur stayed silent, staring intently at the man. Even after hours of this, his rage had not quelled; you could see the muscles in his arms flex as he pulled against his bindings. His silence did not please the man, who moved to stand next to him. 

“I said, tell her.” He drove the handle of the whip down hard into Arthur’s leg wound, causing him to slam his head back and let out a strained moan. The whip was pulled away and Arthur looked back down, panting. Through gritted teeth, he spoke. 

“You’re doin’ good girl”. 

The tall man laughed, satisfied with his little victory. “Time for a little rest I think. I’d rather you not bleed all over me for the next part.” He strode away up the stairs, towards the door, silver tipped boots clattering on the stones. You heard the click of a lock and the slide of a bar as the door was shut behind him. 

As soon as you were certain he was gone, you let out the half-groan, half-whimper you had desperately been trying to hold in. Arthur was slumped forwards in his seat, not looking at you. 

“Darlin’, I’m so sorry” he muttered, repeating the last few words as he sighed. As he spoke, you pulled down on your left wrist, hard, ignoring the pain in your thumb as your hand slipped through the hole you’d managed to spend the last few hours widening. 

“I shouldn’t have barrelled on in to rescue you myself. Should've got some help. I’m just too dumb.”

Your left hand now free, you reached down inside your trousers and pulled out the knife, before swiftly slicing the rope that held your other arm above your head. Thank god the idiot accomplice had been more focused on groping you than actually searching for any weapons when removing your gun belt. 

“I’ll….I’ll get you out of here, I promise.” There was a slight tremble in his voice, betraying the lack of conviction in what he said. He looked up with a start as he heard you whisper in his ear.

“Sure thing, cowboy”. The knife sliced through the rope with ease and Arthur brought his hands to his lap, rubbing at the wrists, trying to find some relief. They were rubbed raw, cracked and bleeding. As he moved to stand, you quickly took your place at his side, offering support. Resting his arm on your shoulders, he took one step forward before instantly groaning and slamming back into the chair. You both froze, waiting to see if the noise had alerted someone. Upon hearing no movement upstairs, you once again tried to hoist Arthur up out of the chair, but he pushed your hands away. 

“Darlin’, you know we ain’t both gettin’ out of here. I can’t walk, and as much as you might like to think you can do everything, you can’t lift me.” Ignoring him, you tugged at his forearm, trying to pull him up.

“Shut up, you know I can’t just leave you like this.” One large hand enveloped yours, pinning it in place against him.

“I have to insist. You’re bein’ stupid.” 

“No! You wouldn’t abandon me, and I’m not leaving you here to suffer.” 

“Oh, but I did.” With this, he prised your fingers off his arm, forcefully pushing you away once more.

“Arthur, avoiding me around camp is not the same as me leaving you here to die!” You were growing more and more frustrated with the man. Why wouldn’t he help you? You needed to hurry, you had no idea how long it would take your captor to return.

“I ain’t talking about camp. I’m talkin’ about the woods. I’m talkin’ about that girl in tattered clothing, begging a man on a horse to take her. Take her anywhere than the hell she was facing.” Arthur’s voice was unusually flat, none of its usual warmness present.  

“Don’t lie Arthur. I know the girls told you the story. No matter what you say, I ain’t leaving you.” You moved to grab at him again, but his hand instead gripped your wrist, uncomfortably tightly. 

“That little gold ring weren’t worth much ya know. Barely even got a dollar from the fence.” 

You froze. How - how could he know that? You’d left that out of the sanistised tale you told the girls. You barely even let yourself admit it. It made you feel better, persuading yourself that the man on the horse had just been scared, that’s why he didn’t help. 

“Did feel a bit bad for snatching it out your hands as you offered it up. And for leavin’ ya standin’ there.” Arthur continued. “Faded when I got next to nothin’ for it though.” 

“Arthur no…please stop.” You were in shock, staring down into his blue eyes. They seemed so cold, his expression so hard. 

“Pretty sure I heard ya scream, but didn’t even slow. Needed to get me a drink.” You could swear you saw the hint of a sneer cross his face.

“Stop!” You gasped, pulling yourself away, almost falling backwards as Arthur released his grip. 

“See, Y/N, I ain’t a good man. I ain’t worth savin’. I deliberately left you to suffer, and you need to do the same to me.” 

“No… that’s not you. You’re…you’re different now. You didn’t have a choice….” You went to step forwards, but hesitated, and instead moved backwards. 

-----

Arthur could barely get the words out. He couldn't stand talking to you like this, seeing the look of betrayal starting to appear on your gorgeous face. You'd never forgive him. Against all instinct, fighting the urge to pull into his lap and hold you close, he pushed forwards with his plan. Anything to get you safe.....

-----

“Oh I had a choice.” Arthur’s voice dropped to a growl. “Still do. Still choose to beat poor men up in front of their starving families, force them to repay a debt that we tricked them into owing in the first place.” 

“But… you’re kind. You help your friends.” You were still struggling to process what he had said, what he was trying to do. It can’t have been him. You’d seen this man bring picture books back to camp for Jack, write down donations in the ledger against other people’s names. He’d blasted into that office with no fear for his own safety, shielding your body from harm. You felt safe with him. Tears started to stream from your eyes as you tried to choke out more of a response. “Arthur….”

“A few moments of kindness don’t make a good person. They just make ‘em harder to leave.” 

A loud scraping noise at the door alerted you to the fact that you were very quickly about to have company. Arthur swiftly moved his hands behind his back once again, as you lurched towards the wall nearest the stairs, the cold stone bringing slight relief to your still stinging back as you pressed yourself into it.  

“Go, Y/N. Save yourself. Get Dutch, the others, or don’t. It don’t matter as long as you leave.”  

As the boots strode down the stairs, Arthur called out, trying to maintain the man’s attention. 

“Ahh, Patrick! My favourite parasite. Come to have a closer look at a real man?” 

“Shuddup Morgan. I ain’t the one tied up like a prize hog.” He was so enraged by the Arthur’s taunting he didn’t notice the lack of your body hanging from the ceiling, or your quiet footsteps treading up the stairs behind him. You almost stopped at the loud thump, followed by spitting, but pushed forwards up and out of the cellar door. 

—---- 

That punch hurt. Blood filled Arthur’s mouth as he spat out a tooth. 

“Still prettier than you boy” he laughed in the furious man’s face. The second punch landed square on his nose, forcing Arthur’s head back and his eyes to shut.

“Yep, that’ll do it.” Arthur half-chuckled as he tried to wriggle his nose. Yep, definitely broken. His fists bunched behind his back, but he refused to move his arms. He had to make sure you were clear of the cellar, keep the man’s attention on him. 

The third punch to the gut made him gasp, but allowed him to lean forward enough to see up the stairs. His heart jumped slightly as he saw no sign of you. He knew he wasn’t going to be able to drag himself up those stairs after you; in the dark you hadn’t been able to see that the bloody patch on his leg had grown much larger. He just prayed that he had sufficient energy left to give you enough time to escape. 

“Fucking van der linde. Always actin’ like yer so much more righteous than the rest of us. Yer a fool for fallin’ for that …charisma.” 

Arthur let the man talk as he fiddled behind the chair, re-positioning his grip on the handle of the knife.

[wishesunderthestars]

Eunoia // Ch. 19

eunoia (noun): beautiful thinking, the possession of a well-balanced mind, which exhibits goodwill and kindness

Pairings: Hybrid! BTS x reader

Summary: You are a world famous director and you have dedicated your life to your job.You have everything you could ever dream of; wealth, recognision, talent, your friends and family. But loneliness ins’t cured by success. So what happens when you somehow rescue seven hybrids? Can they fill the void?

Genre: Angst, fluff, hurt/comfort, eventual smut

Word Count: 7.5k+

Warnings: past abuse, past sexual abuse, cursing

Masterlist

Chapter 1, Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 chapter 18

The taglist is now closed

One thing you hadn’t considered before going undercover for the police was the sneaking around to reach your hotel room. A tiger hybrid that hadn’t been there for the rest of your stay was returning with you and John’s jacket was the only garment that was covering anything. You had to take the back door to avoid being seen by any too curious eyes and bribe someone from the hotel staff to let you use the staff’s elevator. As an excuse, you told him you were afraid someone was following you, paparazzi or some stalker. John and Taehyung stayed hidden until the staff member left after asking you at least three times if you wanted him to accompany you to your room.

You were lucky the corridors of the top floor were empty and the three of you made it to your room undetected. The reason you were staying at that specific hotel was that it was advertised as valuing their guests’ privacy and you had been trying to avoid the press. Now, you were thankful for that choice because there were no cameras in the hallways. If videos of you returning to the hotel with a mostly naked hybrid got out, your career would be over.

The door to your hotel room closed behind you and your shoulders sagged. The silk dress stifled you, pushing your chest more and more until there was nothing left but the impression of all the air you couldn’t take.

You collapsed on the couch and undid the straps on your high heels. When your feet were bare you felt lighter. The first piece of your costume was off.

“I have to go change,” John said. “I feel like the suit is going to eat me up.”

You rolled your neck, hearing tiny cracks. “Believe me, I get it.”

“I’ll be back in a few minutes, I need to change into something more comfortable,” John said, opening the door. “You should do the same. It’ll be a long night.”

Yujin was supposed to call you to update you after the raid. You would have to go back to the police station and officially recount all the events that took place at the auction and point out the ones who organized it. They would need your testimony to strengthen the case and guarantee Hyungjoon wouldn’t escape a prison sentence.

It was two hours past midnight and your flight was leaving Seoul at eight in the morning.

You cleared your head of police protocol and eleven-hour-long flights. Taehyung had stopped by the coffee table in front of the couch, John’s jacket draped over his shoulders. His expression was carefully blank, a statue sculpted to be still and perfect for the viewer’s enjoyment. Some statues displayed more life than he did.

“It’s late,” you said. “You should go to the bedroom and get some rest. Would you like that?”

He nodded and headed to your room without question. He deserved to sleep in a comfortable bed. He deserved everything the world had to offer after being through that monstrous night. And you didn’t know anything else about how it had been before or how many years he had been treated like a slave. Trained.

You took off the gold necklace and your earrings. You couldn’t look at your dress without getting the urge to rip it to pieces, listen to the green silk being torn apart. It was a reminder of a night you already wanted to forget, of a role you never wanted to play again. It was scary. Because you saw people you knew in the faces of those enjoying the show of hybrids being auctioned off. You saw your parents parading around wearing the most famous of designers in large ballrooms. You saw a version of yourself that didn’t exist but could have. And could haves were dangerous.

John returned. He had gotten rid of the suit and he was sporting gray sweatpants and a white t-shirt tight around his biceps.

“Are you going to stay in that?” he asked, looking pointedly at your dress.

“God, no,” you said. “I can’t wait to throw it in the trash.”

John sat down in an armchair facing you. “Are you going to throw a dress worth twenty thousand dollars in the trash?”

“I want to,” you said stubbornly. You weren’t going to throw it in the trash, as tempting as it was. You would donate it somewhere and they could sell it. You would be satisfied if you never saw it again. “You don’t have to be here, you know. You can go to your room and sleep. I will wake you up when Yujin calls.”

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“Taehyung isn’t going to hurt me. Did you see how thin he is?” you asked. “Besides, I don’t think he would try.”

“He wouldn’t,” John said. Both of you were aware that he was probably too scared to do anything but obey you. “But it isn’t Taehyung that I’m worried about. Speaking of Taehyung, where is he?”

You laid back against the arm of the couch and rubbed the sore muscles of your feet. “I sent him to sleep in my room, he must be exhausted. And terrified. I don’t know what else to do.”

“You should sleep too. It will be a few hours until Yujin calls. Breaking up the auction and arresting everyone will take some time. Then they have to take everyone to the station and do whatever work they have to do there before she can call you.”

Yujin had promised to call you as soon as she could. She had been confident about wrapping up everything long before your flight. But John was right, you could fall asleep for a few hours.

“I’m not sure I can sleep,” you said honestly.

The orange bottle was hidden inside a pocket in your suitcase, you packed it for every trip out of habit. During demanding schedules, you had no choice but to swallow one of the pills and fall into a heavy dreamless sleep. You couldn’t afford to be sleepwalking at interviews and red carpets.

“You can try,” John said. “I will be right here.”

He made himself comfortable on the chair, crossing his arms and stretching his legs.

“I could fall asleep like this.”

You chuckled quietly. “Go ahead. Your back will be killing you tomorrow.”

His face scrunched up in distaste. “For the sake of my back, I’m not going to. I’ll be waiting for Yujin’s call. You should go change into your pajamas. The couch looks much more comfortable than my armchair.”

The couch was very comfortable and a few hours of sleeping on it wouldn’t be too bad. It had plenty of space to roll around and you could grab one of the pillows from the bedroom. As far as nightly accommodations went, it could be worse.

“I can try,” you said. “But I have another call to make before that.”

John offered you a bemused smile. “I’m surprised you waited so long. I thought you would have called them the moment we came back.”

You fiddled with your dress. “I was going to. But there was Taehyung… I can’t bear to look at him like that. He’s so… lifeless. Like a robot programmed to execute orders. Is that what they turned them into? Shells of themselves?”

“Their goal was a perfect servant. A well-mannered pet. This is exactly what they were aiming for.”

Hate was a strong word, to be used sparingly. When you were younger you used to throw the word around without meaning or rhyme. You hated your parents and you hated your aunt and you hated your friend who pushed you into the sand once. It was all quickly forgotten. Because it was never hate. Growing older you realized that throwing the word around diminished its meaning. You reserved it for the ones who would make your skin crawl and your blood boil.

And after years you found those people. Jimin and Yoongi’s past owner, the organizers of the hybrid fighting ring. Hyungjoon was the only one with both a face and a name. You hated them all.

“How can people be so cruel to them?” you asked bitterly. “They are breaking their souls. And for what? There were children in there. Do they have no conscience? Can they not see that hybrids are the same as us? All of them, every single one of them is sick.”

“They are,” John agreed. He glanced at the door leading to the bedroom. “You will need to wake him up when Yujin calls. They will probably take him in for questioning before returning him to a hybrid center.”

Being in a hybrid center wouldn’t help Taehyung. You couldn’t imagine him getting better there. He needed love and someone to care for him. He should have the freedom he had been denied all these years and anything else he would ever want. But who would adopt a broken hybrid? Because that’s what they would label him as at the adoption center. Not fit to play the happy and cute part. The people who would want to adopt him would have all the wrong reasons.

They couldn’t return him to the adoption center like this. But you could see that there weren’t any other options. Where else would he go?

“It doesn’t feel right,” you said. “He won’t ever be adopted. Not by someone who doesn’t want a slave. He will either spend all his life between adoption centers and shelters or with someone who won’t treat him any better than those people at the auction.”

“But that’s where our job ends. We did everything we could. There is nothing more we can do, we can’t micro-manage who each hybrid will be adopted by. You already saved him. Taehyung isn’t your responsibility.”

“Isn’t he?”

The plan had been clear since the beginning. You were supposed to get a hybrid, the second or third that would be auctioned off and make it believable that you genuinely wanted them. And then when the police had arrested everyone you would give them back to the police and they would attempt to hack the auctions servers and get all the money back, including yours. How could you have predicted that you would grow strangely attached to the hybrid?

John leaned forward, resting his forearms on his legs and clasping his hands together. “You can’t always play savior. Taehyung needs a lot of help and you’re right, as it is he won’t get it at an adoption center. But you are entitled to making a few demands of the police like asking them to offer counseling to the hybrids. You helped enough already.”

Resigned, you wrapped your arms around your legs, laying your cheek on your knees. “You’re right. I just can’t help but feel like I should be doing more for him.”

“What more do you want to do?” John asked in a way that showed he was willing to listen to you. To discuss the matter with you instead of dismissing it. You remained silent. “Are you thinking of adopting him?”

You opened your mouth to reply but closed it again. Were you? There was something tugging at the back of your mind but you hadn’t looked deeper into it. You were avoiding looking deeper into it.

“I shouldn’t be.”

“The police will ask to take him back,” John stated.

Taehyung was part of the case, you couldn’t grab him and leave before it closed. And you couldn’t make the decision by yourself. There were six hybrids back home waiting for you. Things were finally looking up. Yoongi was getting used to the other hybrids, he stopped hiding away and he was talking more. The pack was getting used to having two more hybrids in the house. You couldn’t throw another one at them.

“You should call them,” John interrupted your thoughts. He looked at your discarded purse on the coffee table. “They must be worried sick.”

You reached for your bag and pulled out your phone. John was right, it was about time you called them. You should have called the moment you arrived at the hotel. You blamed the adrenaline of the night and the anxiety that hadn’t yet dissipated. You went to your favorite contacts -the list of your contacts was too long to scroll through- and pressed on Namjoon’s icon.

It was a photo you had taken of him in Virginia. Namjoon was sitting on the grass out in the garden reading a book bound in red leather. He had discovered it in a thrift store on one of your trips to the city, his eyes lighting up at the little treasure. It was an old classic and it once belonged to someone who loved it dearly, evident by the little notes in the margins on every page. Namjoon adored it, keeping it in his room and carefully wrapping it in cloth before packing it for your trip back to Los Angeles.

The phone rang exactly once before he picked up.

“Hey.”

You were greeted by shouts of your name and questions about your well-being. All the hybrids must be gathered around Namjoon’s phone. You realized they had been waiting for you to call and you felt more guilty for not calling them sooner.

“I’m okay, I’m okay,” you reassured them. “John and I are back at the hotel.”

You heard mutters and sighs of relief.

“Thank god,” Namjoon said. “Don’t ever do something like that again. I nearly lost my mind.”

You giggled quietly. “Never. I’m not putting myself through that again.”

You went on to tell them everything from when you arrived at the hotel to the car ride back. It was the exact same story you had told Yujin but now you didn’t focus on the details but the feelings. On the anxiety about revealing yourself and your disgust at the event as a whole. You summarized your experience as best as you could. It was for the best if they didn’t have to live it even if it was through a retelling. You would have refrained from telling them anything if they hadn’t pleaded.

After some hesitation, you mentioned Taehyung. You hadn’t shared with them the police’s plan, it had been too late to call them by then.

“Where is he now?” Jimin asked in a small voice.

“In the bedroom. Sleeping.” You glanced at the door. You couldn’t hear any sounds coming from inside. “I’m not sure he speaks English. He can mostly understand what I’m saying but… He doesn’t speak, keeps his eyes on the floor. I haven’t heard him utter a single word.”

“Maybe he only knows specific words,” Hoseok offered. “They must have taught him what he needed to know to understand commands.”

Whatever training they had put him through served one purpose; to make him a slave that would do anything for his owners. They had predicted that a lot of the potential buyers would be foreigners since the auction itself had been in English.

Yoongi surprised you by speaking up. “What will happen to him now?”

“I’ll take him to the police station with me, they need to ask him questions about the auction. But I don’t know if he will be of any help to them.”

“After that?” Yoongi asked.

“An adoption center or a shelter,” you said. The wrong feeling hadn’t left you, abandoning Taehyung at an adoption center made you feel unreasonably guilty. “They will take care of him.”

Yoongi made a scornful sound. “Right.”

You rose from the couch, your bare feet touching the cool tiles and your dress sweeping the floor. You shivered. In one hand, you gathered your dress to avoid stepping on it and falling on your face—its length was designed to be worn with high heels. John lifted his head from his phone.

“I don’t want him to be thrown at an adoption center either. Where else are they supposed to take him? I will make sure he will have access to therapy and anything else he needs. I’ll talk to Yujin, she can do something.”

Yoongi didn’t reply. You looked through the glass wall at the city’s millions of multicolored lights, the tall buildings, and the few cars speeding through the streets. Above, the sky was pitch black, the moon invisible and not a star in sight. You missed the clear night sky in Virginia, away from the pollution and the artificial lights. The moon and the stars were bright enough to lead your way.

“Will you come home today?” Jungkook asked timidly.

Your heart swelled at the bunny’s hesitancy. “I will. I’m not missing my flight. Yujin promised I will have more than enough time after giving my statement to go to the airport. We’ll be flying back on the private jet the company rented, they will wait for me if I’m late by a few minutes.”

“You better be here today,” Seokjin said shakily. “You’ve been gone long enough.”

New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Seoul. Private jets and red carpets and camera flashes. It was two weeks you were gone now and as much as you used to adore traveling you couldn’t wait to go home.

“I will be there, I promise.”

Your finger traced the largest building in your view as you said goodbye. The call ended and you placed your hand on the glass dividing you from the outside. An invisible barrier like the lines you couldn’t see anymore. You turned around and laid your back against the glass.

“You should go to sleep,” John said. “I will wake you up when Yujin calls.”

“Okay,” you said, too tired to argue.

You stayed there for a minute before pushing yourself forward and heading to your room. You would take your pajamas from your suitcase and go to the bathroom to put them on. You had to be quiet to not wake up Taehyung and alarm him. You hadn’t even thought to offer him some pajamas before sending him to sleep. Before you went to the police station you would have to give him some clothes to wear. The silks could be evidence so you would have to put them in your bag and hand them over.

You eased the door open and slipped inside through the crack. Your monster of a suitcase was laying on the floor next to the closet. You hadn’t opened the closet once, there was no reason when you were staying for only two days. You looked to the side to make sure Taehyung hadn’t roused and you almost screamed when your eyes fell on him.

Taehyung was kneeling on the bed, head lowered and hands behind his back. The light of the lamps on the nightstand cast shadows on his bare golden skin, his collarbones, and his ribs. You slapped your hand over your eyes so hard it stung and turned your back to him. The image burned itself behind your eyelids, pulsing in an incandescent glow.

For the umpteenth time that night, your stomach churned aggressively in disgust. This was what they had trained him for. You had known but it was much more horrifying seeing it up close. If you hadn’t been there that balding man would have been in your place. Hands touching his golden skin, trailing lower and lower- You clenched your hands into fists at the revolting images your mind conjured up.

You stayed frozen with your back to him, asking yourself what you should do. It was all proving to be too hard and you were lacking severely. You should say something, anything, but Taehyung might not understand you. He hadn’t understood when you asked him to rest, there was no guarantee that he would understand now.

In every hotel, there were spare sheets and blankets in the closet. You pulled out a white blanket that was more fitted for winter than summer and keeping your eyes down, you threw it over Taehyung. Bundling him up in it, you sat down on the bed keeping some distance between you.

His lips parted in surprise, the first sign of anything other than passiveness on his face.

“Sleep now,” you said, connecting your palms and laying your cheek on your hands, using body language to show him what you meant. He didn’t move, his grip tight on the blanket. “Look at me.” He raised his head, his yellow eyes staring at you under his long lashes. “Lay down and sleep. I won’t touch you.”

You held up your hands, palms open. He glanced at the bed confused, looking almost cute. You patted the bed to encourage him. Cautiously, looking between you and the pillows he lowered his body to the bed.

“Close your eyes now. Sleep,” you said.

He did but he remained tense. Like he was waiting for you to do something. You were progressively getting angrier and angrier. At Hyunjoon and the bastards working at the auction, the ones attending, the ones wgo knew about it and did nothing. The world.

You got up from the bed and although Taehyung kept his eyes closed his eyebrows jumped in surprise. You went to your suitcase and opened it, your pajamas were folded on top of the mess that was the rest of your clothes. They were a peach-colored silk set with branches of orange blossoms all over them, a sleeveless top and pants by an Italian brand.

After you changed and came back into the room, Taehyung was in the same position you had left him in. What you had told him could have been interpreted as an order he was obeying. Or he was still waiting for something that wouldn’t come.

Leaving, you made sure to close the door behind you.

♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩

The ringing of your phone pulled you out of your slumber. In your blurry vision, you saw John picking it up from the coffee table. Yawning, you rubbed your eyes. You hadn’t gotten a restful sleep. The dream you couldn’t remember had filled you with anxiety and your body was so heavy you couldn’t move.

You pushed through the invisible mist, blinking quickly.

John ended the call before you could ask to take it. “It was Yujin.”

“What did she say?” you croaked, your voice scratchy.

A satisfied smile appeared on his face. “They caught them and they believe they found all the hybrids.”

Your shoulders slumped in relief, your whole body lighter than it had been in days. “That might be the best thing I’ve heard in my life.”

“Right after ‘the Oscar goes to…’?”

“Right after ‘the hybrid fighting ring has been dismantled’,” you corrected him.

“Fair,” John said.

In the past few months, your life had turned upside down. Once you had considered the Oscar ceremonies the most important nights of your life. That had changed without you taking notice. They were nothing more than a red carpet, expensive dresses, and little statues.

John slid his phone in his back pocket and reached for his shoes. “Yujin is waiting for us at the police station. She said they will ask you to identify the organizer.”

You rolled your neck, it was stiff from sleeping on the couch without a proper pillow. “That’s easy. I can’t wait for that bastard to be locked up behind bars. And to think that I believed he was nice two days ago. If I had any less composure I would have punched him in the face while he talked about how well-trained their hybrids are.”

“Be glad you didn’t,” John said. “You wouldn’t get to see him behind bars.”

“You’re right. That’s much more satisfying.”

“And way less dangerous,” John added pointedly. "Go wake Taehyung up. The earlier we go the earlier we can leave. We have a flight to catch in four hours and although it’s a private jet they won’t wait long for us.”

Your back cracked as you got to your feet and by John’s wide-eyed stare the loud sounds were mildly concerning. You told yourself that after this was over you would keep your head down and stick to less dangerous activities. You would take fighting with the producers and filming the same scenes over and over again any time over risking your life.

You knocked on the door leading to your room, determined to do this right. There was no response. You knocked again, waited, and pushed the door open.

Taehyung was sitting on the bed wrapped up in the blanket you had thrown over him. His eyeliner was smudged and the golden chains had fallen down his chest and tangled around his waist and arms. Sleep muddled his eyes.

“Did you sleep well?” you asked him, going to your suitcase to pick out an outfit that would be fit for both the police station and the airport.

Taehyung nodded slowly.

“I’m sorry I didn’t let you sleep for long but we have to go to the police station.” You didn’t know how much he could understand—most likely not a lot—but chattering away was your way of making the atmosphere lighter. “I have to find some clothes for you as well. Let’s see if I have anything that fits you.”

You rummaged through your suitcase for anything he could wear. Your clothes were already messed up, messing them up more wasn’t an issue. But it did make your task rather more troublesome.

“There!” You pulled out a white hoodie you had packed for the airport in London. It was one of the most comfortable articles of clothing you owned and it would be just about the right size for Taehyung. “Now for pants…”

That was going to be much harder. You could ask John but his pants would be way too large on him.

“These will do,” you said holding a pair of black sweatpants. If they didn’t fit, you would try something else. You got up —there were a couple of cracks from your legs— and laid the clothes out on the bed. You gestured to the clothes and then to him. “Put these on.”

You went back to your suitcase to find some clothes for yourself. Taehyung inched towards the clothes and let the blanket fall from his shoulders. He got up from the bed and pulled off the first chain.

You cleared your throat. “You can go to the bathroom.”

Taehyung tilted his head.

You turned your back to him and continued your search. The silks fell to the floor with a whisper. You picked up a pair of black jeans and the first shirt you came across.

Leaving the hotel undetected was easier than slipping inside because of the late hour—so late it was bordering on early. John had the keys to one of the SUVs the production company had rented for the schedules. You would be back before anyone noticed it was missing.

The lights were all on in the police station. A man with tired eyes led you to the second floor. Music was playing through the speakers, the kind that played in elevators. Officers wearing dark bags under their eyes were moving around the rooms, carrying folders and flipping through papers. Phones were ringing and doors buzzing. The bright lights were making you dizzy.

Yujin was talking to two officers when you walked inside a large office that smelled like sweat and old coffee. It was loud in the room, keyboards clinking and people talking into earpieces and walkie-talkies and to each other.

“There you are,” Yujin said with a smile. She told the officers something in Korean and they left with nods in your direction. “Everything went according to plan. I believe Mr. Mallory already told you our operation was completely successful.”

“He did. Some of the best news I’ve woken up to.” Yujin’s gaze fell somewhere behind you. John was standing almost protectively in front of Taehyung, the hybrid’s hair hiding his face. “That’s Taehyung.”

Yujin spoke to him in Korean but got no reaction. Taehyung remained perfectly still other than his tiger ear twitching.

“He hasn’t spoken yet,” you said. “I thought it was because he didn’t understand English but… He can understand orders.” You cringed at the word. “They were speaking English at the auction.”

“There were a lot of foreigners. Mostly foreigners,” Yujin said. “Everyone was taken to the station but have no worries, none of them will see you here. I just need you to give a statement and identify the organizer. He won’t be able to see you, we will be standing behind a two-way mirror.”

You were aware of the process. You had been through it once before with Hoseok, standing next to him while he pointed at the people that forced them to fight like animals.

“Okay, let’s get it over with.” A yawn escaped you, it was sudden and you couldn’t stop it. “Excuse me, I’m running on two hours of sleep.”

Yujin offered you a sympathetic look, one that said she had been in the same position many times. “I completely understand. We are grateful for everything you have done for the case. I know I have asked a lot of you.” Her expression changed, turning serious with a hint of what could have been guilt. “There’s something you must know.”

You braced yourself. Whatever started with that phrase wasn’t about to be good.

“We believe there are a couple of people involved in the auction who escaped.”

“Escaped? How?” you asked, cold sweat gathering at your forehead.

An officer appeared and spoke to Yujin in quick Korean. Meanwhile, you shoved your hands in your pockets.

During one of the interrogations, someone had cracked and told them that two people working at the auction had been on another floor while the police had ambushed them. They had their descriptions and would give them to airports and train stations and they would be found soon. But that didn’t change the fact that there were two people out there who could learn of your work with the police and inform others in their network.

John placed a hand on your shoulder, the solid weight anchoring something inside you.

Taehyung was taken away by a man in his mid-forties. He didn’t go with him until you gave him your permission or more accurately told him to follow him and do what he asked. You hated that part, ordering him to do something knowing he will do it without question. But you did what you had to do.

You gave your statement and pointed at Hyungjoon in a lineup of men, most of which you could recognize from the auction. Subconsciously you had memorized much more than just the way in and the way out. The police offered to give you back the money you had spent at the auction when they found a way to take over the auction’s accounts. You declined, asking them to give the money to organizations protecting hybrid rights.

After everything was said and done, Yujin asked to speak to you alone in her office. Puzzled, you told John to stay in the waiting room and you would be back shortly. In his face, you saw the split second he thought of protesting, of asking to come with you. He didn’t, only telling you he would be there if you needed anything.

“Take a seat,” Yujin said gesturing to the chairs in front of her desk.

You did, keeping your back straight. The posture of an A-list celebrity. “May I ask what you wanted to talk about?”

“Of course.” She took off her jacket and hung it over the back of her leather chair. “I don’t want to take up more of your time. But there is an important matter I wanted to discuss with you.” You nodded for her to go ahead. “It’s about Taehyung.”

Your body went stiff. You hadn’t stopped thinking about him since he had been taken away.

“Taehyung? Is there something wrong?”

“No, not exactly,” she said. “It’s about you as much as it is about Taehyung. That’s why I called you here. Two people escaped from the auction, who know you were there and they will expect to see you with Taehyung. You are one of the only four guests who left the auction before we got inside, they could be keeping an eye on you.”

A spike of ice pierced your stomach, it had been built piece by piece since you first heard they hadn’t caught everyone. Gathering until frost was spreading all around your body.

“We aren’t sure, it’s nothing but a speculation,” Yujin rushed to add but it didn’t make it any better. “The most possible scenario is that they are rushing to leave the country not caring about what happens to any of you. But we have to take into account every possibility. And the fact remains that they will expect to see you with the hybrid you paid millions of dollars to get. Not only them but also the ones who attended the auction and will be released later. We should have considered it before but we grabbed a lead and ran with it. We didn’t have enough time for proper planning.”

Someone was shouting outside. You rubbed your bare arms. The temperature was low in the offices.

“What am I supposed to do then?” you asked.

Yujin sighed. “I won’t force you to do anything. It’s your decision but- It would be better if Taehyung stayed with you for a while. A few months at most. Then you can take him to an adoption center and if anyone asks you can say you got bored of him, that he wasn’t what you had wanted.”

“That will be beyond traumatizing for him,” you said sharply. “Giving him a home only to take it away from him. You saw how he is. He doesn’t talk, doesn’t look anyone in the eye unless he is told to. He-” You almost told her of how you had walked into your room to find him kneeling on the bed naked, ready to do whatever was asked of him. You didn’t. Even thinking of it made you nauseous. “I can’t do that to him.”

You couldn’t welcome someone into your home, into your life, and kick them out after a few months. You had seen the show many times. You wouldn’t turn someone away, you could only let them go.

“He needs love and care. He has been through hell and back. I won’t do anything that will cause him harm.”

Yujin pinned you with a stare. “He isn’t going to receive any of that at an adoption center and that’s where he’s going if you don’t take him with you. I understand if you don’t want to. You already have six hybrids to take care of as well as a very hectic career. Regardless, I have to inform you of any dangers that you may face and any way to prevent them that we can come up with.”

You sank into the chair. “Are there no other ways?”

She shook her head. “Not any we have found.”

“I’m leaving for Los Angeles in a few hours. I can’t take him with me, all his papers are forged.”

“They had thought of that before auctioning them off. They have managed to trick the system. You will be free to travel with him anywhere you want. He is already registered under your name. Hyungjoon had lawyers and people in hybrid centers working with him, we have a few of their names. They have ensured that none of the buyers would face any problems that could be traced back to them.”

You scoffed. “For such a well-organized business, they went down quickly.”

“All thanks to you,” Yujin reminded you.

You checked the time on your phone. You had to make a decision and make it fast. You weren’t prepared to adopt another hybrid. Shouldn’t adopt another hybrid. But Taehyung was haunting your every thought. You felt responsible for him, you couldn’t deny it.

You sent a quick message to Namjoon hoping he had his phone close. The text bubble appeared, he was writing back. The first bubble appeared. And another.

“I have to book another flight.”

♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩

Amelia was a god-sent gift. You called her and the first thing you told her was; “Amelia, I don’t care how many strings you pull or how much it costs. I want a private jet to take me to Los Angeles this morning.” In twenty minutes, she had a private jet ready for you and every person in the crew signing an NDA.

John had frowned.

“Are you going to smuggle him out of the country?”

“I’m not smuggling him out of the country!”

You had explained to him what Yujin had told you, that the papers they had given you at the auction were enough to travel to Los Angeles without anyone asking questions. There, you would have to go to Amelia to tweak a few parts and make some changes. For now, they were good enough. He didn’t try to change your mind, you could tell that he had been thinking over the situation and how it would affect you long before Amelia had called you to her office.

Yujin had left after calling someone to bring the tiger hybrid to you. The case wasn’t closed yet and there was a myriad of things left to do. An officer accompanied Taehyung into the waiting area outside her office. There was a slight tremor in Taehyung’s hands.

Before the man could leave, you asked, “Do you speak English?”

He shifted from foot to foot, unprepared. “A little.”

“Could you translate a few things for me? I don’t think he understands English very well.”

The officer seemed nervous but he nodded. The hardest part about a foreign language was speaking it, understanding it came easier.

You turned to Taehyung, bending so you could look at his face. He looked as beautiful as he had when you had first seen him but the night had taken a toll on him. His makeup was melting, leaving his skin oily and shiny, and his hair was disheveled despite the products they must have used to style it before the auction.

You hoped they had explained everything to him, that you weren’t like the people who had held him captive.

“I’ll be leaving for Los Angeles soon. That’s where I live, where my house is.” You spoke slowly and waited for the officer to translate before you continued. “I would like it very much if you would come with me. But it’s your choice. If you don’t want to, you can go to a hybrid center. They will take care of you there.”

The man translated. Silence spread and you were almost sure Taehyung wouldn’t answer. He did. His low voice sent a shiver down your back.

“He said you are his owner and he will come with you,” the man said in a thick accent.

“If he doesn’t want to, he doesn’t have to. I won't be mad. It's his decision.”

The officer stared at you for a few seconds before repeating your words in Korean. “He said he’ll come with you.”

“Oh. Okay. Uhmm, thanks for translating.”

The officer bowed his head and left.

Taehyung was officially in your care. As official as it could be taking into account the forged documents. But you had the okay from the police and that had to count for something.

You went back to the hotel to pick up your suitcases and check out. You sent a message to the showrunner of Paper Hearts to let her know that something had come up and you wouldn’t be flying back with them. On the way to the airport, you stopped at a bakery and bought some breakfast for the flight. It had become a tradition to get takeout before a flight despite the fact that they offered food on the plane.

You asked Taehyung what he wanted but all he said was; “What you want, mistress”.

“You can call me by my name,” you said, uncomfortable with the title. “I would prefer that.”

He looked at you like it was a test. You were too tired and the language barrier was too hard to navigate so you let it go.

You were terrified you had made a mistake. Taehyung was in a vulnerable position and you had taken advantage of that to cover yourself. He was following you because he believed he should be serving you. However, it wouldn’t be much better for him at an adoption center where he would be gawked at by people looking to get hybrids or locked away in his room because they couldn’t sell him.

The private jet was a little larger than what you were used to, definitely larger than what you needed. You guessed it was the only jet Amelia could rent and get ready for a flight last minute. A long black leather couch stretched on one side with a table in front of it looking ahead at a plasma TV. A vase full of white roses was decorating the table. There were also two leather armchairs on either side of the couch that could spin around. Six more seats were ahead, two on one side and four on the other leaving an empty aisle between them. They were facing each other with two tables between them

This trip would cost you a pretty penny. Normally, you wouldn’t entertain the idea of spending that much money on a flight but given the special circumstances, you weren’t regretting it.

The flight attendant welcomed you, informing you that the jet would be taking off soon. You collapsed on the seat by the window in the group of four, John taking the seat facing yours. You crossed your arms on the table and buried your face in them.

“Finally,” you said. “This trip was endless.”

“Tell me about it,” John agreed.

Promotional tours could range from a couple of weeks to a couple of months so you were on the short end. It still felt endless. Being away from home was getting harder and harder.

You surfaced from your self-made pillow and you noticed that Taehyung wasn’t sitting.

“Take a seat,” you told him realizing he was waiting for you to tell him what to do. You would have to work on that. “You can sit down.”

Wordlessly, Taehyung took the seat next to yours.

“Do you want to sleep?” you asked. Taehyung looked up at you. You guessed the faint expression on his face was confusion. “Wait, I should call Hobi. Maybe he doesn’t know what sleep means.”

You pulled your phone out of your bag but paused.

“What?” John asked. “What are you overthinking about?”

You grimaced. “I’m not…” You couldn’t bring yourself to lie, not after a whole night of lying. Not to John. “I should have called them at the police station. I texted Namjoon but… He must have told them by now. What if they are angry?”

“I don’t think they will be,” John said honestly. “It’s for your safety. They won’t hold this against you, they want you to be safe. And it isn’t like it’s the first time you’re showing up with spontaneously acquired hybrids.”

“It’s the first time for Hoseok and Yoongi.”

“May I remind you that Hoseok and Yoongi used to be those acquired hybrids?”

The day Jimin had run after Yoongi felt like ages away but also like it was last week. A lot had happened since then, many things had changed. Some things you hadn’t noticed at first. Yoongi and Hoseok were a part of your family now, it didn’t matter if the panther hybrid wasn’t ready to admit it yet.

It wasn’t so long ago you had run out in the middle of the night before the crack of dawn and Yoongi had disappeared leaving no traces behind. Two months. How little that seemed. How long it could be. Lives could change in two months.

“They are still adjusting. And Yoongi,” you trailed off. “I don’t think I can handle his anger now. Things have been going so well and this could ruin that.”

Through the speakers the captain announced that you would be soon taking off, asking you to fasten your seatbelts. You helped Taehyung with his, you guessed it was his first time wearing one.

“Yoongi may surprise you,” John said when the captain stopped speaking.

“There are many kinds of surprises.”

“You have to learn how to think positively instead of always expecting the worst.”

The jet ran smoothly down the runway, taking off without a hitch. If you hadn’t been looking out of the window, you wouldn’t have noticed that you had left the ground.

“Ten hours to Los Angeles,” John said.

“Ten hours to home.”

Please comment and reblog it motivates me to keep writing

[guardianofrivendell]

Masterlist - Dwarves

🌸 - Fluff with no additional warnings

⚡️ - Angst, possible triggers 😄 - Humor, not to be taken all too seriously 💦 - NSFW content (as soon as there’s more than a kiss, I’m using this) 🐢 - Gender neutral fic ❤️ - Personal favourite

BACK TO MAIN MASTERLIST

The Company reacting to you having asthma 🌸⚡️ The Company not realizing you understand Khuzdul 🌸😄 How the Company reacts to a sick modern!reader 🌸😄

The Love Poem 🌸😄 - Ori, Fíli and Kíli 

Knight in Shining Armor 🌸⚡️ - After your breakup, Fíli is there to pick up the pieces. And maybe he feels the need to tell your ex just what he thought about it all.

I’ve Got You 🌸⚡️❤️ - Sometimes Fíli needs a little nudge from his wingmen when it comes to you. When you get injured and Fíli decides to step in, they see their chance.

Tea and Lockscreens 🌸 - Your date night takes a different turn than expected when Fíli sees something he wasn’t supposed to see.

Broken Promises ⚡️⚡️ - Fíli gets under the influence of dragon sickness - ft OC Tullaina

Slippery When Wet 🌸🌸 - Fíli and Tullaina go bathe together while on the quest - ft OC Tullaina

The Lower Fields  🌸🌸 - Teen Fíli, Kíli and Tullaina - ft OC Tullaina

Midamîn ⚡️🌸 - Fíli finally realizes he’s in love with Tullaina - ft OC Tullaina

When in Mirkwood part 1 ⚡️🌸 - Fíli and Tullaina finally get together, with some unexpected ‘help’ - ft OC Tullaina

One Morning in Laketown 😄💦 - A morning mishap while on the quest - ft OC Tullaina

Drunk in Love 🌸🌸 - Fíli is drunk and his wife!reader tries to get him to bed

Guarding Your Heart ⚡️⚡️🌸💦❤️ - Collab with @laurfilijames​​ - Modern Fíli Bodyguard AU series - 8 chapters

Someone Like You 🌸🌸💦- Collab with @laurfilijames​​ - Fake Dating Fíli AU - still in progress

Trade - Fíli gif request 🌸🐢

Preparing for battle - Fíli gif request 🌸🐢

Always Yours - Fíli drabble request 🌸

The Company reacting to you and Fíli being married 🌸😄

Stalker ⚡️🌸 - When you go on a late night walk, you feel as if someone is following you.

Stranger Danger ⚡️🌸 - Kíli comes to your rescue when there’s an unwanted guest in your apartment.

The Odd Ones Out 🌸🌸 - The story of how two young dwarves start a lifelong friendship. With my OC Tullaina.

Ibrizinlêkhê - Kíli  🌸🐢 - Kíli waited until the last minute to tell you some bad news.

Hostage part 1 - part 2  ⚡️🌸 - “I won’t get caught”, you said. Fate decided differently and it’s up to Kíli to come and rescue you. 

Power Outage - Modern!Kíli  ⚡️🌸 - You don’t like horror movies. At all. Kíli does, and when there’s a power outage, it’s a horror movie that finally brings you together

A snowday with Kíli would include 🌸🌸

Almond Cinnamon Pie - Kíli drabble 🌸🌸🐢

Dwarves Always Knock Thrice 🌸🌸⚡️ Modern AU - Fíli and Kíli find themselves in the modern world

Perfect 🌸🌸 A comfort fic - You had to deal with a few Dwarrowdams who weren’t very nice to you, making you doubt yourself. Fíli and Kíli are there to comfort you.

Pub Crush - Kíli and Fíli 🌸

The Way to a Hobbit’s Heart - Thorin x Bilbo 🌸🌸 - When Bilbo returns after a nice walk, he smells something foul. And it’s coming out of his house...

A Royal Tease 💦💦💦 - SMUT! Minors DNI - Thorin’s wife likes to tease him...

An Unexpected Adventure - 🌸 - When Thorin wakes up in his room in a local inn, the last thing he expected to see was a Dwarrowdam

The Crown 😄 - drabble

Happy 🌸 - Thorin gif request

And there was only one bed...  🌸🌸 - drabble 

If you want to be added to a character’s taglist or the permanent taglist, you can always send me an ask or pm! 

[the-bi-space-ace]

I’m Ace 🪐

To start with the basics: my pronouns are she/they, & I’m an adult. Writing is a relaxing and fun hobby for me and I love talking about headcanons and fictional characters.

I have an interest in a lot of fandoms but right now my current favorite fandoms are The Bad Batch and The Clone Wars animated series. I play a lot of video games, watch a lot of shows, read a ton of fanfic, and just generally love fandom spaces.

I write a wide variety of fic from fluff to whump to smut.

Headcanons & ramblings: #space chatter

Follows & likes from thebispaceace

If you want to DM me do it here: thebispaceace.tumblr.com

My Fics Below!

The Calling Me Home Series

You’re Calling Me Home Like A Ship That Got Wrecked After a short break on Coruscant the Batch moves onto their next mission. Tensions run high as things go south quickly and old ghosts come back to haunt them. Can they pull together and make it out alive? Part 1

Keep These Shadows Out In the aftermath of Echo's capture and rescue from the Separatists a suspicious incident drives the team to abandon their leave and take up arms again. They'll be pushed to their limits while they try to protect not only each other but the Republic as a whole. Part 2

The World Tumbles Down The team must unravel the mystery of who is responsible for the corruption in the senate once and for all - no matter the cost. Part 3 (Ongoing)

There's Always A Place For You & I Cody & Obi-Wan have been falling in love in the background of the Calling Me Home series. This story follows them in the empty spaces. Part 4 (Ongoing)

Multi-Chapter

A Matter of Trust How the batch came to trust Echo and want him to join their squad.

Alive Artemy is dead. Artemy is not supposed to be dead. Daniil is going to bring him back. (NSFW)

The Spy Who Shagged Me Echo & Quinlan are tasked with going undercover in a night club to catch an infamous crime lord. Turns out they were an even better match than anyone could've imagined.

For The Republic's Use When Echo is invited to a senate ball he expects to grit his teeth and get through the night. He never anticipated Quinlan Vos.

Blind Trust When a storm strands Echo and a badly injured Crosshair they have to learn to depend on each other in order to survive. (Whump)

The Clones Celebrate Halloween

The Importance of Tradition Cody’s annual haunted cruiser takes a surprising turn (Order 66 fix it)

His Light is Diminishing Hunter pretending to be the girl from the ring to mess with his brothers

Golden After helping save a small planet from a Separatist occupation the local people invite the 212th and 501st to join in on their Harvest Celebration.

Trick or Trooper the padawans at the Jedi temple really love the clones and Rex and Cody get some time off

Game Over The Batch plays a spooky video game together

Cody & Obi-Wan

Write On Me Rex accidentally reveals Cody’s crush on Obi Wan

Cologne Cody thinks about Obi-Wan alone in his quarters (NSFW)

Be My Valentine Cody & Obi-Wan teach a group of Padawans what Valentine's Day is.

Later Cody & Obi-Wan get together & it is spicy (NSFW)

He's So Beautiful The spicy scene from 'Later' from Obi-Wan's perspective (NSFW)

Anatomically Correct While on a video call with his brothers Cody learns a thing or two about Valentine's Day and decides to plan a Valentine's date for Obi-Wan.

One Shots

Oh, Shut Up Crosshair helps Echo through a nightmare

In Their Own Ways someone hurts Echo and Crosshair gets angry

We’re All You’ve Got Hunter gets a migraine and gets taken care of

I’m Right Here Echo has a nightmare about the Rishi Outpost. Fives is there to make it better.

Liability Tech is insecure about his place in the squad. The batch make sure he knows he’s wanted.

The Stages of Grief: The Bad Batch Loses Their Favorite Restaurant The Batch is hangry

4 Times Wrecker Carried His Brothers & 1 Time They Carried Him the title says it all lol

Hold On & Don’t Let Go the batch sets Tech’s broken femur

Distractions The Batch are little shits while Echo practices scomping in

Valentine's Day on the Marauder Echo doesn’t do a great job at explaining what Valentine’s Day is traditionally. Wrecker decides to throw them the best Valentine’s Day ever.

Whatever It Takes The Techno Union places a bounty on Echo. The Bad Batch and the 501st race to get it removed.

Name Day Echo is floored when he learns that his new squad doesn't celebrate their name days. He sets out to rectify that problem.

again & again & again While rescuing Crosshair from Dr. Hemlock Echo finds himself reminded of his own stay in the clutches of Wat Tambor.

Proud Rex sees the twins in their ARC armor for the first time and remembers just how important they are to him.

On Stage & Off Key the bad batch goes to a karaoke bar

Just The Right Amount of Joy Fives & Echo make their older brothers dance bc they are being grumps

Softie Rex might have been having a little too much fun gossiping with Obi-Wan and Cody overhears it. Fluff follows.

A Promise Kept Hunter makes a promise. Echo holds him to his word. (Major Character Death Heavy Whump)

Maintenance Crosshair internalizes a comment a Kaminoan scientist says to him during a physical exam. It spirals faster than anyone could have expected. (Whump TW Disordered Eating)

Forget Me Not Fives and Echo give each other flowers over the years.

Happy Lula Day When an older cadet makes Wrecker feel unlovable the rest of clone force 99 takes the matter into their own hands by giving Wrecker his first ever Valentine's Day present.

Your Intel Was Good Crosshair & Echo have a heart-to-heart after the mission on Barton IV. Maybe things aren’t as different between them as Crosshair had feared.

Dead Weight When Crosshair is kidnapped by the Haxion brood and forced to fight in the ring he makes an unlikely ally.

Lesson Learned Hunter & Echo goof off and silly stuff ensues.

Strategic Insight and Superior Intellect The 212th and 501st have a long standing tradition. Whoever holds the pauldron gets bragging rights and hosts a get together to celebrate, often resulting in the pauldron getting stolen back. When clone force 99 is invited to this party shenanigans ensue and a new competitor is added to the ring.

The 212th's Sunshine Cal Kestis is with the 212th when Obi-Wan is hurt in battle. He finds comfort from an unlikely source.

Surprise Inspection The batch is at a loss when Echo goes silent on them after a tough day so they call in the only reinforcement they know might be able to snap him out of it: Rex.

Modern AU

You Better Watch Out Wolffe is tasked with distracting the two young twins - Fives & Echo - while Rex, Cody, and Fox wrap their Christmas presents. Wolffe chooses to tell them a story to keep them busy.

Stargate SG-1

Grow Where You Are Planted Episodic slow burn following Jack O’Neill and Daniel Jackson

Trick-or-Treat The Stargate team takes Cassie on her first night of Trick-or-Treating!

Thanks for stopping by ❤️

[fragilevixenfic]

My AO3 Fanfiction Links (Current)

“I’ve never really thought about making a “Master List” of my own work but I figured, now is the time to do so. If any of the links are incorrect just let me know. I fix. 

Adding in a “keep reading” tab because the list is starting to get long and intense.

Each fic is categorized and easily referenced. I’ll update as I go.

X Files

Series

Into The Shadows

XII (COMPLETE): A serial killer targets victims and leaves behind symbols of his affection -- but who is his intended target and what will it take to discover the truth? (This has a lot of trigger warnings)

Dance In The Dark (ONGOING Chapters 12/? Posted **UPDATED):  With the continuing murder trial of Miles, Mulder, Scully, and Max are confronted by the VCU with a case that seems to be mimicking the pattern by their, now infamous, psychopath on trial.

Echoes and Whispers

Parallel (COMPLETE):  The aftermath of the three little words that Mulder says to Scully in his hospital bed after being rescued from the Queen Anne as it re-appeared in the Bermuda Triangle...and the strange connection that Scully starts to feel to a memory that Scully couldn't possibly have.

Only The Night (ONGOING):  Mulder and Scully begin their undercover assignment as an engaged couple with the assistance of Skinner at the University of Maryland to catch a serial rapist, putting their newly formed physical bond to the test in this sequel to “Parallel”.

Casefics

Falling Away (COMPLETE):  Kersh’s assignment partially splits the team as Scully goes undercover under the watchful eye of Mulder as they both assist on an operation with SWAT and FBI personnel. (A gift for Greta)

Veritas se revēlet (COMPLETE):  (The title is roughly translated to let the truth be revealed in Latin) An impromptu wild goose chase leads Mulder and Scully to the drifts of a winter-locked Tonopah, Nevada—where a little more than the embodiment of Mulder’s imagination takes shape between the walls of the Mizpah Hotel in the dead of winter. (A gift for @monikafilefan)

She Walks at Night (COMPLETE):  Mulder’s knack for getting himself and Scully into sticky situations leads them to the heart of NOLA at the tail end of Hurricane season after barely surviving a Floridian storm—to investigate a rumor of a notable Voodoo Queen and missing girls trying to bring her back. (A gift for @starbuck09256)

Intrigues in the Dark (COMPLETE):   A string of suicides leads Mulder and Scully to a sleepy, coastal town in Oregon for the second time—on their return to The X File—as tensions run high and nothing is as it seems. (A gift for @admiralty-xfd)

By Light, Unseen (COMPLETE):   A series of re-opened cold case murders with one link…they’d been drained of every drop of blood and wore the same, haunting stare toward the sky with their lips aghast as if they were still screaming. (A gift for @serahsanguine)

Post-Series

A House is Not a Home (COMPLETE):  The mere thought of raising a newborn in a world full of horrors has every part of Scully’s emotional irrationality over firing on a chilly, winter evening. Mulder wants nothing more than to show her that not everything is gray and grim. (for @danceswithcybermen)

Remember the Reason (COMPLETE):  Post Series (Part 1 of the “Little Redhead Series”). Mulder and Scully already knew that life with a newborn would be difficult but the first Christmas with their two-month-old daughter throws every curveball…some worse than others, some more humorous. (For @underworldobsessed)

Confectioners Sugar & Snow Drifts (COMPLETE):  Post Series (Part 2 of the “Little Redhead Series”). Mulder spends the morning bonding with Eliana by having a Christmas baking session while Scully is out shopping for gifts. Messes, mayhem, and a healthy dose of laughter ensue. No moment is ever dull as the snow falls outside.

The Easter Bunny was a Fox (COMPLETE):  Post Series (Part 3 of the “Little Redhead” Series). Scully has to pick up Bill, Tara, and a couple of surprise family from the airport, leaving Mulder alone with their 6-year-old daughter, Eliana, on Easter Morning. All she has for him are curiosities as Easter’s non-Christian ideology unfolds before her eyes…creating the most unique bonding opportunity for a father and his daughter. (For Flicked_Switch)

Angst/UST/RST

Caught in the Rain (COMPLETE):  A dark, rainy night leads Mulder and Scully to a hole in the wall bar where glasses of Scotch and unresolved tension is re-visited.

Or We Can Burn (COMPLETE):  Post Never Again - expansion and continuation of the aftermath surrounding what Scully has been hiding from Mulder.

It Lingers (COMPLETE):  The aftermath of trauma and the lingering effects of Mulder’s risky attempt to recover the truth about Samantha’s abduction leads to a revelation from Scully about her own coping mechanisms and flashes into a past she doesn’t fully remember...and the path to which they lead thereafter. (For @red2007)

Fluff/Humor

Nervous Laughter (COMPLETE):  It’s been two full days since their tender, albeit brief, moment at the stroke of midnight and Mulder decides to be brave and methodical by inviting Scully over for a little movie and popcorn night for a film that has stayed locked in his mind as her favorite—The Exorcist. (This is a gift for @rationalcashew)

Lamplight & Shooting Stars (COMPLETE):  It’s Spring-time in DC and spontaneous, mutually taken vacation time has become a personal mission of Mulder��s to surprise Scully with so much more than an escape from their norm—and the unseasonable, uncomfortable city heat. (For @underworldobsessed)

Into the Nightlife (ONGOING):  A little paid vacation time never hurt anyone, right? (Not giving anything away this time)

Smut

Insomniac (COMPLETE):  Another lonely, sleepless night, another dingy motel, and another town that isn’t home for Mulder…but, something changed, with the last gasp of the air conditioner as his partner, and best friend, chooses to walk through the adjoining door. (Expanded writing exercise)

Vultus in Speculo (COMPLETE):  The last of the paperwork on the Strickland case has been finalized and filed and Scully goes off for a drink at a known FBI watering hole. Mulder is invited but doesn’t show up until after Scully is halfway through a drink—giving him an opening to inquire about a whole lot more than her flirtations with the Sheriff in the booth of a rooftop bar. (written for @msrheadcanon

Phosphorescence (COMPLETE):  Still reeling from their experience in North Carolina, Mulder and Scully take a much-needed excursion to the coast of Oregon, where a flicker of light becomes more than a curiosity in the middle of the night. (Written for @anniexami)

The Darker Side of Love (COMPLETE): Mulder does not want to talk but he does not want Scully to leave, either. (This is for the MSR fanzine vol 3)

Ficlets/Drabbles/Short Prompt Collection

Affirmations and Protestations: “Fluff and Angst” Prompts (ONGOING):  

 Chapter 1 - "You Weren't Supposed to Hear That" - prompt #5, 61, 77

Chapter 2 - "Shout!" - prompt #19, 61 (From Valerie)

Chapter 3 - "Litost" - prompt #1, 85, 97 (From Monika)

Chapter 4 - "Ad Infinitum" - prompt #42 (From Minuete)

Chapter 5 - "Brick" - prompt - After Scully calls Mulder in the ep Emily, she asks him to bring her some things from home. Her journal falls to the floor and Mulder sees some things written about him that she has never allowed him to know. (from Monika)

Chapter 6 - "I'd rather be oblivious" - prompt #46 (from Annie)

Criminal Minds

Angst/UST/RST

Dulce Periculum (COMPLETE):  Maxine and Spencer have continued seeing each other, in spite of the interference brought to the surface by Cat Adams. Spencer continues to work closely with the BAU after it nearly dismantled, with signature members scattering to the winds, leaving behind only a few, including himself, to keep working on their caseload. After a long, intense case, Spencer returns home to a little more than a can of worms. (A gift for an anonymous prompter)

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Angst/UST/RST

Chasing your Silhouette (COMPLETE):  They’d learned each other’s quirks and intricacies on the job—but when did it become over the line? When did physicality become a detriment to them once they’ve taken off their shields? When did they realize the line in the sand no longer existed? (This is meant to take place a couple weeks after “Zebras” – had to assume a timeline, I don’t remember actual dates)

Paternity Redux - Time Just Stopped (COMPLETE):  Her strength has always been immeasurable—but sometimes, something has to give and a string breaks. Nothing will ever be the same.“I’m trying my best, that is enough.” - UnknownThis is part of a challenge, to right a series of wrongs in an episode that has perpetrated many a discussion of “What Could Have Been”. WriterKC, Liv.Einziger, JustAnotherBookWorm78, MrsWellRested, EORocks, AlexisDawn, ChriskaPeach, and I have stepped up to the plate to do just that.

Oblivion (ONGOING 9/? Chapters posted ***UPDATED***):   The undercover operation in Oregon takes an unexpected, unpleasant turn for Olivia Benson as an injury turns her life, and career, upside-down leaving her with pieces of her memory scattered in the wind.

Humor

Unlock the Door (TENTATIVELY COMPLETE 2/2):   Olivia returns home from a celebratory series of shots with Kim Greylek and lets Elliot Stabler hear a little more than she ever intended to in the aftermath.

Series

Polaroids and Promises (COMPLETE):   The Special Victims Unit has undergone an enormous amount of changes in the past six months, to the point that they are drastically undermanned—until a transfer from the 13th precinct brings new life, and a little chaos, to the team. Will her addition prove to be a permanent shift or a flash in the pan?

Discarded Dignity (COMPLETE):   Elora continues to gain much-needed confidence as a member of the Special Victims Unit but an arrival booked for trespassing, assaulting an officer, and disorderly throws her progress into chaos as her past jumps to the surface. Will she be able to look beyond the misstep to solve one of the most convoluted cases she’s faced? 

Contract Corruption (ONGOING 10/?):   Dickie Stabler and Justin Andrisani are in over their heads--and the members of SVU and the Organized Crime task force must come together in order to set things right.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit/Organized Crime Crossover

Series

Words of love, words of lies, words of loss

Age of Regret (COMPLETE):  Elliot Stabler has never been good with words but ten years and a double on the rocks in a lonely room will make a man pour his heart out…in any way that he can.

Infidelis (COMPLETE): Elliot had been haunted by too many ghosts; expectations, fantasies, and a promise that he knew should never be kept. It was time to lay them all to rest. “I do not regret you…I regret what you did to me.” - Unknown

[millytempesta]

Save me.

Chapter 2, chapter 3, chapter 4.

Paring: Asahi Azumane x reader

Rating: Fluff, love at first sight (?).

Summary: Asahi is a marine biologist, who is in charge of taking care of the strange creature that they found.But what happens when he discovers that other biologists are experimenting on his precious sea treasure, leaving it a shaky, scared mess?He'll need all the help from his friends to rescue the little fish and take it back to his blue house.

Warnings: This story will contain SMUT, MENTION OF DARK THEMES (Y/n past), MAY BE TRIGGERING TO SOMEONE.

A/n: Hiii, I tried my best, this was the story of a comic that I wanted to draw from a long time, but because I can't find myself taking the pen in hand, I decided to try and write it down.I hope you'll like it.English is not my first language, and I don't usually write, so I'm sorry if there is any spell or grammar error.

The sea has always been a place of peace for Asahi, a place where he could submerge and forget, even for a little, all the anxiety that the surface was full of.

When he put his diving suit on, and his mask, it was like he was back into the court, full of energy and excitement, but instead of judging eyes, screams and fakes rumors around him, there were calm, silent and colourful fishes who happily swam through the blue water.

Here he could be himself, showing all his love for the sea creatures, and saving those who were sick or hurt.

Thanks to his natural talent, the Seto Marine Biological Laboratory, offered him one of the most important tasks in his entire career.

Saying he was excited was a euphemism, they discovered a new species, who could apparently communicate in some sort of way with humans, and they chose Asahi as the only person who would be in tight contact with it, taking care of the creature.

What they asked was easy, feeding it, playing with it, stimulating it to see its reactions to the various situations and objects and finally finding a way to let it share its knowledge of the sea with him.

The fact that he was the one chosen for this job made him feel proud of his hard work until now, by what really got him, was that he would have been one of the first people to interact with a new entire species.

They didn’t give him much explanation of it, saying that it was best if no one, excluded the chosen one for this job, knew about it existed before they could understand better its origin and its role in the big blue mass.

Turning the small key under the red button, the colour green appeared in the last level of the elevator, allowing him to push it. After mere seconds -that seemed like hours for the poor brunette- the door finally opened, showing a long corridor full of cameras.

Gulping he started making his way through the dark walls, coming to a stop in front of a metal door. Sliding  his personal magnet card, , the door of the most restricted area of the lab opened for him.

With a new wave of excitement he moved fast to the final door, adorned with a shining targ saying “Doctor Azumane Asahi Office”.

Opening it thanks to his magnetic card, he stood shocked on his track.

The room was big, on his left was a huge bookcase that took up the whole wall, in front of it there was a big desk, with a computer, a laptop and a modern desk lamp. 

On his right there was a whiteboard and a big table filled with lab equipment that he could use during his research.

In the middle of the room were two armchairs facing what left Asahi shocked;

All the front wall was missing, letting space to a window that faced the huge aquarium that lighted the room of a light blue colour.

The aquarium was deeper than his eyes could see, not letting the light reach the bottom of it, he supposed that the huge tank was the house of the unknown creature… Talking about the creature…

He tried to search for it, but he arrived at the conclusion that it was hiding in the bottom of it.

A ‘bib’ sound was what woke him up from his trance like state. Turning to the door, the head of the project was now standing in front of him.

“Good morning Doctor Asahi, I hope you didn’t have problems finding the office”.

Doctor Furukawa has been one of the kindest people in the lab, always believing in Asahi’s potential, taking him in his lab the day after his graduation.

Bowing respectfully, a shaky smile formed in the brunette's smile.

“Good morning Doctor Furukawa, the walk was fine, I found the office pretty easily, the targ helped a lot thank you”.

Chuckling, he patted his back “Good! Now, I bet you are dying to see it, should we go upstairs?”.

A sparkle of excitement passed through his eyes, nodding eagerly in response.

Laughing at his response, Furukawa pointed to a door situated on the right wall, next to the whiteboard.

“That door will take you directly upstairs to the top of the tank. Is your special entry to the more open side of the aquarium. Other operators in the project will have a separated entry, that will land them in a more closed area, where they won’t be able to be in a more than necessary contact with the creature. We want for it to get used to you, we know how stressful it is for a wild creature to be put in a restricted place, we don’t want to put even more stress on it with lots of new faces every day.”

Walking in the water room, a light music was playing in the background, making Asahi’s nerves relax. 

The Doctor reached for a bucket full of fish.

“Apparently it likes music, that’s how we first find it”.

Furukawa passed the buck to the younger Doctor.

“I was with the rescue team near the relit, a poor dolphin got stuck in one of the fish nets on the bottom of the boat.”

Throwing the fish from the buck into the water, both men stilled, waiting for the creature to emerge.

“To celebrate we put some music on, and that’s when it appeared, like a curious child.”

Bubbles picked on the surface, indicating the arrival of something.

“We were, to say the least, shocked.”

Asahi froze.

‘What…’

Colour drained from his face.

He fell on his knees to the ground, staring at the creature.

A very human head picked from under the water, watching with curious eyes the man, making the older man next to him chuckle.

“We thought we were hallucinating.”

A webbed hand emerged, taking hold of a fish. (E/c) eyes studied the dead animal, bringing it near what seemed to be a nouse, as to test its safety.

With a happy hum, the creature opens its mouth revealing sharp pointed teeth, who cut the fish in half so easily, that make it look like butter.

Finishing the fish in only two mouths full, the creature moved quickly to another fish, startling Asahi.

Turning to the Doctor, a shaky finger pointed to the human head in the water.

“I-it’s… It’s… What is it?”

A hum leaves the old man’s lips.

“We don’t know, the bottom half seems to be (Favourite fish -I personally really like the betta fish), but the top half… Well it’s very human like.”

Gulping down, the brunette tried to gather his courage, slowly making his way back up.

The creature looked up at him, moving slightly closer to the edge.

Taken by surprise, Asahi stepped back, making the half fish’s head tilt slightly sideways, curiously looking at him.

Looking around itself, it quickly spotted an untouched fish.

Cautiously it moved again slowly to the edge, purging the fish to the young man, making him confused.

With a light nudge of his elbow, the doctor motioned for him to get closer.

Holding his breath, he lowered to the ground,extending a shaky hand toward the creature.

At the movement in the water, he shut his eyes. 

‘OH GOD IT’S GOING TO EAT ME! I WON’T EVEN HAVE TIME TO REACT, WITH THOSE SHARP TEETH, IT’S GOING TO EAT ME IN TWO MOUTH FULL, JUST LIKE THOSE FISHES! Oh Suga, Daichi… You’ve been the best friend ever, I’m sorry I won’t have time to say goodby one last time… And Noa! I still have to give back the film that he gave to me… And I also need to give him back those 500 ¥… I’m such a horrible friend, I deserve to be eaten by an unknown creature who is putting something on my hand- Wait…’

Cracking an eye open, he peeked at his hand.

A fish was now placed on his hand.

Confused he looked at the creature, who was looking back at him with what seemed to be an excited expression.

Sensing his confusion, it took hold of another fish, quickly taking a bite from it and showing it to him.

Looking down at his hand he slowly looked back at the half human, still confused.

Throwing the last piece of fish in its mouth, he cautiously moved closer to Asahi, giving him time to move away if wanted.

When the man didn’t move, a cold webbed hand made its way over his warm one, nudging it  toward his face.

“W-What do you want me to do?”

The other hand made its way from under the water, pointing a finger to the fish.

Following its movement, he quickly understood the fact that it was trying to communicate.

Looking back to its pointing hand he stated “The fish…?”

The hand moved again, now pointing at its mouth, showing off its teeth.

“...Oh! Eat?”

With a final swing the finger was now pointing directly at him.

“Me? You want me to eat it?”

A huge grin spread through the creature’s face, who nudged again his hand, motioning again to its mouth.

Feeling even more confused, he looked at its eyes.

“But why?”

Pointing at him, it made a shocked face, faking to faint, falling under the blue liquid.

Coming back from under the water it pointed at him, then the fish, to finally point to its face who was showing a big smile.

The creature watched patiently at Asahi, who tried to connect all its movement.

Like a light who turned on in his head, he quickly looked back at it.

“You want me to eat it because you saw me shocked and you want me to feel better?”

A loud happy chirp escapes the half human, who was now swimming happily in a circle around the pool.

Feeling like every fear washed away, Asahi finally let out the breath that was holding in his body, letting his shoulders relax and moving even closer to the water.

With a sweet smile he left the fish fall in the water, pointing with his finger to him.

“I can’t eat it”, pointing his finger to his tummy, faking to feel bad. “It will make me feel sick”.

He then started searching in his lab coat’s pocket for the small snack he always carried with him.

Showing it to the creature, he then pointed at his tummy and then to his smile “This is good, I can eat it.”

The creature quickly understood, taking the fish and throwing it far away from Asahi.

Turning back, it beamed up at him.

Without any fear left in his body, he gives time to his eyes to study the creature more closely.

Its tail was long, swinging into the water absently, reminding him of the absent swinging of the legs that people do when bored or when thinking.

It was covered in shining (F/c) scales, who covered most of its body melting with the (s/c),.more humanlike, skin under its belly bottom.

The upper part was recognized as a woman-like shape.

Her breast was covered by an intersection of sea shells and pearls, holded together by some seaweed.

Her (h/c) hair was neatly pulled up in a sideways ponytail, graced by pearls and shells, like her top.

He noticed just now, how gorgeous the creature really was.

With a blush he looked away, making her curious.

Putting her hands on the edge of the pull, she leaned her head over them, staring inquisived at him.

“It seems it likes you.”

A small yelp escapes Asahi’s mouth, who forgot the presence of the older male behind him.

With an apologetic expression he turned to look at him.

“I-I… Do you think?”

Crossing his arms over his chest, he proudly looked at him.

“It never got this close to anyone on its own initiative. It looks like you two have now a bond.”

Looking down at her eyes, he let out a relaxed hum. 

Slowly he moved his hand to her face, not wanting to scare her.

When he reached her head, he waited for her to get closer, responding to her inquisitive stare with a warm smile.

She slowly closed the space, testing the warm feeling on her cold skin.

A purr escapes her, nuzzling closer into his hand.

“It’s a she…”

Looking back up at him, a smile brighter than the sun appeared on her features.

Responding with a just as warm smile, he finally stated “And her name is (y/n)”.

Hope you did like it,

Leave a kudos if you did!

Leave a comment if you didn't, telling me what was wrong, so that I can get better!

Leave also a comment if you did like it, your opinion is very important to me.

[quillyfied]

Mega Good Omens Fic Rec Post 5

What up, it’s back!

77 carefully-curated titles for your perusal today! As always, the fics are broken into the following categories: Jaunts through History/Canon, South Downs, Post-Apocalypse, Bus Ride/The Night Before/Heaven and Hell, AU/UA, Just Soft, Touch-Starved/Body Worship/Wings, Bonus, and H/C /Whump/BAMF. I don’t read smut fics but sometimes there are sexual elements to the stories and sometimes you get invested and then suddenly the author drops a smut chapter, so warnings where applicable.

Mega GOmens Fic Rec Post MASTER

LET ME KNOW IF A LINK IS BROKEN OR MISATTRIBUTED AND I WILL FIX IT RIGHT AWAY.

JAUNTS THROUGH HISTORY/CANON

1.     Get Thee To A Nunnery – Owenjones (T, the one where Aziraphale is put in a nunnery and needs a bit of a rescue. More or less Ineffable Wives time, but warnings for Aziraphale being forced into a female corporation against his will, that’s pretty icky (three guesses for who the offending Archangel is). Crowley is posing as a little lady known as Julie D’Aubigny, which, if that rings no bells, you should Google her immediately and then go into this fic cackling like I did. Very sweet, a fun little adventure!)

2.    Bibliophilia – @wingedspirit (G, the one where Aziraphale has a book nemesis and Crowley always seems to have the perfect book as a gift, what a coincidence. This is so funny, you guys, seriously. We stan ONE (1) oblivious angel in this house. And when Aziraphale finally catches on, it’s so cute, I can’t even. I cannot EVEN. Go read it right now immediately.)

3.    The Heart Goes To Heaven, The Head Goes To Hell – Dekkles (T, the one where Crowley has intentions of making an angel Fall and it kinda…backfires. Guys fair warning, this one’s version of Hell is really gross, if you’re squeamish tread very carefully bc WOW it can get a bit graphic. Y’know what’s also gross? The PINING (obviously not gross in the same way but the pining is awfully feelsy and part of it does happen in Hell). Watching this Crawly go from an honestly nauseating portrayal of Hell to watching Aziraphale and kinda awkwardly twitching in his light is so delightful and I hope for more in the future (though maybe less visions of Hell, I will be so glad if and when the fic leaves that place because yikes).)

4.    i like this place (it feels spooky) – @asideofourown (G, the one where Warlock manages to convince Nanny and Brother Francis to take him to a haunted house and it’s so cute. You guys. It’s SO cute. You really get a feel for little Warlock’s personality and how he sees things (and he sees ALL). Just a really cute “family” outing, really, and someone gets spooked at the end and it’s not who you think!)

5.    Doubt the Stars are Fire – LilithReisender (T, the one where Aziraphale bails Crowley out of prison and they spend time together in an Italian villa. This one has cool history bits, really fun banter, and Crowley actively on the job while trying to pretend he isn’t on the job. It’s a delight, and it’s just getting started! Jump on this bandwagon, folks, it’s great!)

6.    The Hellfire Club – @amarguerite (NR, the one where greater measures are taken to make sure Aziraphale isn’t promoted back upstairs. This one is so hilarious, you guys, I can’t even tell you which bit is my favorite. And the cherry on top? Wing grooming! (I can also tell you that something highly unpleasant happens to Sandalphon, if that sweetens the pot for anyone.) If you have a Thing for Crowley and Aziraphale being melodramatic and overacting, then stay put, friends. Also continue reading this list, there’s a few more that’ll catch your eye later on.)

7.     The Immortal Look – MickyRC (G, the one where Crowley puts Aziraphale in some kohl and it’s awesome. A written entry for the Prince of Omens DTIYS, and even independent from Prince of Omens this fic is a winner, in my book. Crowley going dewy-eyed over Aziraphale’s looks in any capacity is always My Jam and this fic really goes for it.)

8.    Merry & Bright – @peppervl (G, the one where Aziraphale and Crowley go undercover as a married couple in the Regency. You like fem!Aziraphale but don’t see it often enough? SIT DOWN, FRIENDO. Not only does this have a lovely Miss Fell for us to fawn over, but it’s a Miss Fell in possession of a fortune and surely in want of a husband, according to prim-and-proper London, and who better to help her out than one Mr. Crowley who happens to need some help on a temptation? Fun, romantic, and with a cute little twist at the end I shan’t spoil but you should really stick around for.)

9.    Putting the Endearment in Dear – @joyandotherstories (G, the one where Aziraphale starts calling everyone “dear” just so he can also call Crowley by endearments. This one is sweet and a little sad and has the softest possible ending, y’all don’t even know. Read it, the point in time where Aziraphale doesn’t have to hold back his mountain of endearments anymore is a sight to behold.)

10. Between the Lines – cyankelpie (G, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale’s feelings are known but not spoken, at least not directly. This one is a historical jaunt where they have a lot of double-meaning conversations (and Crowley is very rightly lost through a lot of it, poor dear), and it aches, you guys, it just hurts. Not finished yet as of this review but WHEN IT’S DONE—I’m sure it’ll be worth it. Hot dang.)

11.  No Matter How the Stars Align (They Make Me Think of You) – silentsonata (G, the one that covers stars that Crowley and Aziraphale have met under. Every once in a while there’ll come along a fic that shakes the ground as it walks. I understand the Big Bang events usually churn these out, and there are quite a few on this list, but this fic here? A masterpiece. Pitch-perfect in every way, just a stunner. I want to tell y’all to pay special attention to certain chapters but they all took my breath utterly away and it would be unfair to single any out over the rest, the whole work is a monument. Just beautiful.)

12.  Too Wise to Woo Peaceably – purewanderlust (T, the one that’s five times they see “Much Ado About Nothing” throughout history. I love me some “Much Ado,” personally, and this fic knows what it’s on about. Wonderfully romantic and ends with the single most perfect conversation, I swear 2 someone. Hits right in the feels.)

13.  Just Another Sword Fight – DemonicGeek (NR, the one that’s a 5+1 about Crowley swordfighting. If you’re here because Aziraphale taking on the role of the swooning maiden to Crowley’s dashing hero makes you, in fact, be the one swooning, say hello to your new best friend. If you like to follow all that up with Aziraphale taking charge when needed, I might suggest building a home here, because ABSOLUTELY that’s what you’re getting.)

14.  A Few More Rescues – @poetic----nonsense (T, the one with, predictably, a few more rescues. If the previous fic had you reeling and begging for more, welcome to the buffet, children. These are some really fun rescues by Crowley on behalf of Aziraphale, and they’re unconventional and historical AF (especially the bit with the dragon) (you bet your sweet keister there’s a bit with a dragon). This fic is so much fun and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.)

15.  Floriography – Frenchmeister (T, the one where Crowley doesn’t get flower language. The premise is, Crowley slept through a large chunk of the Victorian era, so he doesn’t know what Aziraphale keeps trying to say as they work at the Dowlings’ estate raising Warlock. He does know that the philodendron is a menace, no matter what it’s supposed to mean. Funny and nerve-wracking and so, so sweet.)

16.  The Interplay of Illusion and Magic – SoulJelly (T, the one where Aziraphale tries to join a magicians’ society. This one has some delightful history and Aziraphale trying to perform sleight of hand magic to get in a secret magicians club and a surprising twist near the middle, all told; it’s a lot more exciting than I initially thought it was going to be (I was just expecting some fluff and that was not all I got; it’s always a good day when Crowley has to come to the rescue).)

SOUTH DOWNS

17.  There goes the neighborhood – @bestoftheseekwill (G, the one where Crowley’s retirement peace is threatened by construction. If you’re here for Crowley wiles, anti-capitalism, and flashes of protective Aziraphale, get ready to take a load off because this is primo.)

18. Teatime Revelations – Cardinal_Daughter (T, the one where God invites Herself over for tea. This one is strained and it’s emotional and it’s all the softer for it. Aziraphale being quiet and protective while Crowley has a come-apart in the face of God is iconic, tbh; pretty sure this fic inspired a lot of my own portrayals of the GOmens God, looking back on it. A wonderful and light-hearted take.)

POST-APOCALYPSE

19.  Lose a Kraken, Gain an Angel – MistressKat (T, the one where Hastur has an expected friendship. This fic has everything—Hastur being a sympathetic character, the Kraken, Crowley pining after Aziraphale, the Antichrist, and is hilarious from start to finish. A fun and tonally accurate diversion, please read.)

20. Something Old, Something New – shippityshipship (G, the series where Crowley and Aziraphale are involved in weddings. Short and hasn’t updated in a while but still excellent reading, I find; great characterization, some fun OCs, lovely atmosphere, oblivious pining while everyone else thinks they’re dating, it’s amazing.)

21.  The difficulty with disposable demons – @areyougonnabe (T, the one where Eric the disposable demon shows up and it’s a madhouse in Crowley’s apartment. This is a really funny take on what happens to the disposable demons and why they are the way they are, and with the added bonus of driving Crowley up the wall and some mild miscommunications with Aziraphale that are all sorted out in the end.)

22. Care and Keeping – @arcafira (M, T, the series where Crowley is shedding and Aziraphale tries to help. Not rated M for anything violent or sexual, really more of a T than an M but there is a bath scene and a lot of self-loathing. There’s a lot of convincing Crowley to let Aziraphale care for him and a lot of working through Fall-related issues, but it leaves off in a wonderfully hopeful place.)

23. The Clockwork Days – redwinehouse (T, the one where the world’s ending again. There are many fics that have tackled possible sequels to Good Omens and this is one of the more tonally accurate ones, I feel; it’s very tongue-in-cheek and matter-of-fact, and the little twist at the end was a genuine surprise to me. Whack in plenty of mutual pining and a Bentley that has had it up to HERE with these idiots and you’ve got a recipe for a good little story.)

24. don’t leave me here alone – Elvendork (T, the one where Crowley asks for holy water again. This one is a tense argument, right up until it isn’t, and absolutely delectable, really. If you’re a fan of Aziraphale bringing up hellfire to go toe to toe with Crowley on the issue, BUCKLE UP BUTTERCUP, this one is dunking itself into Soft Town with that accelerant to really drive it home.)

25. The Next Time We Wed – seashadows (T, the one where a mix-up leads to marriage. If drunken mistakes and their aftermath is what you’re after, welcome to the party, folks, because this one’s a whopper. Can people pine while being married to each other? The answer is yes. Can it have a soft ending? Also yes. Can it include the mothers of such characters as Anathema and Newt being wonderful characters in their own right? The answer, incredibly, is yes.)

26. You Can’t Un-See A Dog – @holycatsandrabbits (T, the one where Crowley is summoned and there’s shenanigans afoot. I won’t talk too much about the plot of this one bc I don’t want to spoil it but suffice it to say that this one is hilarious and has some especially gratifying Ineffable Husband silent communication at play. If your entire reason for existence, like Crowley’s, is seeing Bastard!Aziraphale at work, then bunk down here, friendos, you’ve arrived.)

BUS RIDE/NIGHT BEFORE/HEAVEN AND HELL

27. Crowley, Big Bad Demon, Can Keep His Cool Around His Crush – @edennovik (T, the one where Crowley…well, see title, and then immediately disregard. Crowley cannot, in fact, keep his cool around his crush. Crowley is doing the opposite of keeping his cool around his crush. Crowley is a ball of anxiety and screaming pining gooey mess and Aziraphale might just like him anyway.)

AU/UA

28. If Not Now, When – @ineffablefool (T, the one where trans café worker Crowley strikes up a conversation with fat pretty Aziraphale. Listen. Y’all know ineffablefool. Y’all know he is a force that cannot be stopped or reckoned with, when it comes to Soft Fat-Postive Asexual Romance. So I do not say this lightly when I say that this is possibly his masterwork. There is a lot of good, good content in his catalogue but the emotional work put into this makes the whole thing stand straight up and resonate. It’s tender and respectful and handles conflicts of gender and sexuality with grace and gentleness and oh no I’m tearing up pls send help I’m DROWNING—).

29. Trip the Light – @summerofspock (M, the one where Aziraphale falls in love first. M for a sex scene near the end of the fic, second half of Chapter 17, so keep an eye out for that if you’re sensitive to it. Oh, y’all. This one goes through canon and a few scenes outside of it and the recontextualizing of those scenes as Aziraphale hopelessly in love and Crowley as oblivious is amazing. Even more amazing: once Crowley finally catches on and then it becomes Aziraphale once again in his role of holding back. Guys. Y’all. My DUDES. I am in the throes of agony. It’s so good.)

30. one love (only for you) – @weatheredlaw (M, the one that’s a vague Snow White AU. It’s truly unfair how poetic and romantic this one is, how lovely. It has fantasy elements and ridiculous vengeful brothers and soft, soft boys in love. A sweet little way to spend an afternoon, tbh.)

31.  in the house we remain – @commodorecliche (M, the one where Crowley’s a ghost in the house Aziraphale has bought. M for masturbation, weird ghost sex, and a harrowing backstory for Crowley; if you’re squeamish about sexual things and not good at gauging how to skip them, or if you can’t stand abuse stories, I would pass this one up. Y’all. Y’ALL. So thoroughly upsetting, this one; the horror elements are real but so is the romance and it’s a beautiful balance of the two. What’s wild is how believable it is; it could easily have been a story about Aziraphale just becoming obsessed with and romanticizing a dead person who used to live in his house but it feels like an actual love story, with Crowley learning how to trust Aziraphale, as well, despite their planar incompatibility. The ending is so unbelievably sweet. And there’s art now! There wasn’t, when I first added it to the list! Huzzah!)

32. pop! goes my heart – @areyougonnabe (E, the one that’s a Music and Lyrics AU. E for a sex scene near the end of Chapter 6 that’s a bit difficult to skip, since there’s a couple of relevant paragraphs after it that set up the next chapter, but if you’re up for the challenge, godspeed. First things first: this fic has ORIGINAL MUSIC RECORDED BY THE AUTHOR AND IT’S AMAZING. Music and Lyrics is one of my personal favorite romcoms, and what’s been done with it is not only accurate to the actual music industry, but accurate to the characters, as well. It’s such a fun story, adapted well, and the writing style is just charming. Fantastic!)

33. For the First Time in Forever – @nicnacsnonsense (T, the one that’s a Frozen AU. I am excited for this one, y’all. The adaptation is already so much fun and it’s only going to get funner. Aziraphale as Elsa and Crowley in an Anna-adjacent role (but not actually bc no incest) is amazing, the Olaf stand-in outshines the original, and the emotional toll is already pretty high. Absolutely worth a read.)

34. Sailor’s Omens – NeverNooitNiet (G, the one where Crowley’s a pirate and Aziraphale is his prisoner. There’s a touch of historical homophobia but that doesn’t matter much out at sea, really. If the boys being clever and bickering and also one-upping beloved series antagonists is something you enjoy, welcome to the party, friends. It’s a good old-fashioned piracy romp that’s sure to satisfy.)

35. Pomegranate Seeds – @nicnacsnonsense (G, the one that’s a Persephone and Hades AU with Aziraphale as Hades and Crowley as Persephone. This one has a unique tone and is also romantic as all get-out; throw in genderfluid Crowley, love at first sight, and Aziraphale being a sweetie, it’s a story well worth its salt, imo.)

36. Laws of Gravity – @brightwanderer (T, the one where Aziraphale invents pining for Raphael. Listen. I think we all know at this point that brightwanderer, or Atalan on ao3, has earned her clout as a GOmens fanfic heavyweight. She didn’t NEED to write an awkward and earnest Raphael trying to go incognito as Crowley into the Garden of Eden. She didn’t NEED to write about how incredibly awkward Aziraphale is while heels over halo in love. She didn’t NEED to have an engaging plot and a wonderful twist on the Temptation of Eve and also the most awkward and obvious besotted angels in the universe. But she did. And we are blessed. So go partake.)

37. Incubus!Crowley – GenericUsername01 (G, T, the series where Crowley is a sex demon and we get to see what that means. This fic threads the very specific needle I personally enjoy where sex is an element of the story and has bearing on it, but the story doesn’t have any actual sex scenes in it. I love this writer’s style and where they take Crowley and Aziraphale’s relationship; I love the view of Hell in the first bit; I love all of it, really. A+++.)

38. Everyone But You – @summerofspock (M, the one where Crowley is hired to seduce an angel. M for some saucy makeouts and some post-coital afterglow but nothing explicit. If y’all like stories where a conman is hired to do a job and starts to have complicated feelings about it, especially if those feelings are falling in love with his mark, then here you go. It’s amazing as all heck and hilarious to boot; Crowley learning what falling in love is like is always a treat but omg. Poor Aziraphale. And the most DELIGHTFUL resolution, my goodness.)

39. In Mixed Company, or the Corporate Retreat of Heaven and Hell – @theoldaquarian (M, the one where Heaven and Hell have a joint corporate retreat every so often and Crowley and Aziraphale are doomed. M for some adult themes but nothing explicit. Y’all. TheOldAquarian must be stopped. They cannot continue to be so funny and engaging. They cannot continue to have the most corporate and hilariously mundane depiction of Heaven and Hell. They are a MENACE who, in the space of one fic, has packed all the pining of the ages in so tightly that when it finally bursts free, my shoulders physically relaxed and my spine uncoiled. This fic in particular is too much and too wonderful. I really must protest.)

40. Loosely Ballroom – marginalia_device, @mortifyingideal (T, the one where Aziraphale is a professional dancer and Crowley is a contestant on a show with him (for American viewers, think Dancing With the Stars). This fic is so good and so funny and so achingly in-character. I love Crowley as the washed-up old star trying to kick his career back up, I love Aziraphale as the put-upon dancer on his last legs, and I love that they’re both the victim of a studio gimmick and then decide that malicious compliance is their best bet. It’s still early in the fic (…at over 40k words wow it’s gonna be a monster and I’m ready), but it’s going to be so good already, I can just tell. There’s already some art for it floating around by naniiebimworks for the interested.)

JUST SOFT

41.  Repeat the Sounding Joy – @allonsy-gabriel (G, the one where they decorate a Christmas tree. This is a short and sweet look at what the holidays are like for an angel and a demon post-apocalypse and it’s so adorable, you guys. Crowley having FEELINGS and Aziraphale being fussy about his decorating, it’s just a treat.)

42. The Nesting Habits of Angelus Principalum – @obaewankenope (NR, the one where Aziraphale nests and is gently protective. This fic is quiet and understated and so unbelievably romantic without being over the top about it; it’s a quiet coming together that creeps up on you, much like how the realization of Aziraphale’s nesting habits creeps up on Crowley. A lovely little thing.)

43. we’ll get there fast and then we’ll take it slow – @tonyhawksmovingcastle (E, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale wind up faking a relationship on a couple’s cruise. E for Chapter 7, which is completely skippable without ruining any plot. This one gets a double whammy for both engaging plot and wonderful OCs that add to rather than distract from the story. Fake dating is fun enough but when you’re fake dating and also being wingmanned by well-meaning possibly supernatural sapphics, while also having fun in the tropics, it’s a recipe for a good time all around (at least for the audience). So lovely and sweet and that moment when Crowley and Aziraphale finally get together is magic.)

44. Road Trip Games and Love – rgfalso (T, the one where Crowley and Aziraphale go on a road trip together. This one almost takes place in real time, and has the most intense and emotional back-and-forth while these poor saps try to work out the Thing between them without actually talking about it for as long as inhumanly possible. Of course there are lots of road trip games, and of course those road trip games are a vehicle of conveyance for what they’re actually trying to say, and cue all the misunderstandings in the world. It’s frustrating and cathartic and amazing and the end especially is so, so sweet.)

45. The Most Stylish Wedding of AZ Fell and AJ Crowley – @leapoffaith1489 (T, the one where Aziraphale is determined to discard tartan for the wedding. Y’all. Omg. If relatively low-stakes cute wedding shenanigans are your thing, welcome home. If Aziraphale being pleasantly surprised is your thing, welcome home. If Aziraphale working through minor insecurities is your thing, welcome, truly, home. Featuring a lovely cast of side characters and a soft-as-butter plot.)

46. The Newlywed Game (Not What You’d Think) – @heavenslittlehellion (NR, the one where a game of drunken truth-telling goes a little farther than anticipated. Hello, welcome to the emotional gut-punch fic, you’ve arrived. The only thing that saves this from dunking into the last category on this list with the other h/c and whump fics is how low-stakes it is and how soft it is when they get past the unpleasant bit. People who love theories on what the Fall felt like, welcome to the table.)

47. On the Road to Love – Mizmak (G, the one where Crowley enters a motor rally race with the Bentley, with Aziraphale as navigator. While there’s great fun in Crowley and Aziraphale needling each other, there’s greater joy in their friendship and tenderness towards the other (and asexual bed-sharing fans, rejoice). It’s a fun concept all around and definitely worth the read.)

48. Mr. Fell’s Bookshop ficlets – @holycatsandrabbits (G, T, the series where Mr. Fell has regular customers and they love the place as much as they love its weird and eldritch owner. For folks who love seeing the Ineffable Duo through others’ eyes, this is a fun series to scratch that particular itch, and has spawned a number of spin-off fics, unless I’m mistaken. It’s a relatively low-stakes series, for people wanting something like that these days, too.)

49. Quiet Reflection – @shinyopals (T, the one where they have to duck into a church to avoid demons. If the phrase “spicy Jesus crackers” holds any appeal whatsoever, go read this fic immediately. It’s heartfelt and hilarious and really that’s all you can ask for in a good fluff fic. Also Crowley being held. Really, that’s all any of us want from life.)

50. Deck the Halls – forthegreatergood (G, the one where mistletoe should really not be this hard to get a hold of. Y’all you simply MUST stick around for the hijinks in this one. They are manifold and hilarious. Does it end in makeouts? Possibly. You’ll just have to read it, won’t you?)

51.  The Secret Dress – GlitterSkullFairy (G, the one where Crowley has a secret wedding dress. This one is very dramatic and sad…and then Aziraphale pops in. Like with all things concerning these two, it immediately takes a turn from there. If putting Crowley in pretty dresses is a thing you enjoy, have a seat and enjoy the show, it’s a softy.)

52. Well…That’s New – @almaasi (G, the one where Crowley doesn’t realize he’s in love. If oblivious Crowley is more to your taste, this is the one for you. Takes the concept “what if Crowley was in love but didn’t realize it” and runs with it for all it’s worth. Hilarious and sweet and wonderful.)

53. serpent, serpent-bearer – @elsajeni (G, the one that’s about horoscopes. I realize the Soft section of the rec list is for things that are Soft but hhnnngkk you guys. This one is so cute. My heart can’t take it. They’re so gosh darned precious, with their newspaper and their horoscopes and their welcome invasion of each other’s personal space.)

54. If Only You Were Mine – @somethingscarlet13 (G, the one where Crowley gets so drunk he can’t remember who Aziraphale’s husband is, just that he’s married. This is a little sugar shot for your day, folks—short, sweet, silly, and did I mention sweet? It is so worth having a giggle at drunk Crowley’s expense, please do read it.)

55. Cupboard Love – @copperplatebeech (T, the one where Crowley is a cranky snek. I would also highly recommend this for folks who enjoy Madam Tracy, especially Madam Tracy being utterly unaffected by being face-to-face with the supernatural and cooing over things like the wonderful lady she is. Fun and a little silly and a lot adorable.)

56. affirmation, appreciation – pearlwaldorf (G, the one where Aziraphale helps someone in need a little differently than expected. This one has Aziraphale taking on the persona of an interested male party looking to pick up the spirits of a woman on the tail end of a messy divorce and Crowley understanding but still getting a little jealous. It’s so sweet and so lovely, both what Aziraphale and Crowley do for this poor woman and how Aziraphale reassures Crowley afterwards. Top notch.)

57. Forget-Me-Not – @dietraumerei (T, the one where Crowley gets amnesia. Not as dramatic as others, he just loses 200 years and it’s temporary, but it’s ever so sweet, watching Crowley fall back in love with the modern world and be gobsmacked that he and Aziraphale are finally together. There’s a lot of reassurance and tender sweet nothings thrown about and I’m pretty sure I developed a heart condition just from reading this, it’s too good.)

58. They Shake The Mountains When They Dance – @copperbadge (T, the one where Crowley finds Aziraphale’s scar. Operating on the theory that Aziraphale was injured in the War in Heaven and that’s why he clutches his leg and limps when he’s discorporated, this is the sappiest, sweetest rumination on the subject I have ever read. Crowley gets so protective and defensive, and Aziraphale is so gentle in talking him down. On the whole, it’s just wonderful and so, so cute. Omg.)

59. Familiar Care – ginger_mosaic (G, the one where the Ineffable Dads have to take their snabies in for medical help. This comes from the Wiggleverse, which on the whole I cannot strongly recommend enough, but this fic in particular centers around the most delightful OC veterinarian who handles Crowley and Aziraphale’s strange family very well. There’s also a fun twist at the end, so absolutely keep reading to find out what that is. And also, immerse yourself in adorable snake baby shenanigans, because they are the best sort.)

TOUCH-STARVED/BODY WORSHIP/WINGS

60. Rituals (or the Seven Layer Bean Dip Approach to Sex) – SleepySelfLoathing (T, the one where no seriously metaphysical angel/demon sex is super weird. Fans of truly esoteric ethereal/occult mating rituals rejoice, for this is your new home. It’s abstract but no less beautiful for it, I think; the imagery and emotional accompaniment are all lovely, even if they don’t meet conventional human romance standards. You can really tell that it means a lot to Crowley and Aziraphale, the ways they show how much they love each other. A weird and delectable little dish, by all accounts.)

61.  Under Pressure – @copperplatebeech (M, the one where Crowley steals kisses. M for sensuality and body worship but nothing too explicit; also could be construed as dubcon kissing, for those of you sensitive to that. Hhhgkk y’all. Crowley thinks he’s being sly getting away with smooching Aziraphale throughout history while they’re both drunk off their rockers but does not count on Aziraphale actually remembering, and then once the Apocalypse is done with and they’re On Their Own Side and Can Aknowledge These Things…well. They do. Crowley is a mess and Aziraphale is a mess and they love each other so much. The writing is so tender and I’m CRYING.)

62. London Calling – forthegreatergood (G, the one with slow-burn wing grooming. There’s so much crammed into this bad boy and it balances it admirably—Crowley’s relationship with Aziraphale, Crowley’s relationship with Hell, Crowley thinking about retirement, Crowley getting preemptively banned from a certain European country for being a pest outside of its consulate, Crowley losing his cool over getting to touch Aziraphale’s wings. Humor, aching tenderness, the kind of longing that feels like a high, quavering violin note, tension and release. A beautiful piece.)

63. Elmie’s Ineffable Fireplace Fics – @almaasi (G, M, M, the series that is completely unrelated except for the physical and also figurative appearances of warm fireplaces. M for sensuality but nothing explicit. The first two are mainly short fluff; the third is a long Regency-esque AU with some gender and sexuality shenanigans on top of Real Danger and Intrigue. True to the writer’s promise, all three fics are pretty comfortable and warm, even if the third has some action and tension. They’re absolutely lovely, imo.)

64. The Hands Applauded (And This Was No Sin) – @ticketybye (G, the one where Crowley as a preoccupation with Aziraphale’s hands. Deals with both touch-starvation and touch-aversity in the same fic and weirdly enough it works. The fic is heartbreaking but it has a good resolution and that’s important.)

65. Moult – @sameoldsorceress (T, the one where Aziraphale molts and Crowley doesn’t. This is typical wing-grooming fare…right up until it isn’t. I won’t spoil the twist but rest assured that there is absolutely a twist. Other than that, it’s supportive and sweet and lovely and lord knows we all could use some of that right now.)

66. never get to heaven on a night like this – RestlessWanderings (G, the series where the Ineffable Wives are touch-starved and pining. The only reason this fic goes here instead of in Jaunts Through History is because especially in Crowley’s side of the story, the touch starvation is so horrifically visceral I very nearly bought myself a weighted blanket out of sympathy stress. They are both so afraid and so desperate for a bit of connection, the pining is absolutely ridiculous. And it helps that there’s worldbuilding there that’s both thematically appropriate and interesting to read. Engendered by lesbianism and catholic guilt, I believe the author said, and in this case what a delicious combination with an absolutely amazing ending.)

67. Strength in Modesty – flandersmare (T, the one where Aziraphale has a secret wardrobe. Y’all. I have a special love-hate relationship with clothes and my body and this fic somehow felt very soothing on both of those fronts. Corsetry is front and center, and it’s all very well-researched and well-presented. The story is so quiet and understated and is really told through excellent sensory details. The ending about broke my heart for tenderness. It’s a double love letter to Aziraphale and to fashion throughout history and I love it.)

BONUS

68. Tales of the Them – @lyricwritesprose (G, the series where Crowley and Aziraphale are the Them’s godparents, too. This is such a fun series, with a lot of stories that are not just funny in bits, but also meaningful. For fans of the Them and people who like stories about children that aren’t dumbed-down or grimdark.)

69. Stans in High Places – @doomed-spectacles (G, the one where there’s someone in the Earth Observation department keeping an eye on Crowley and Aziraphale. Another take on the angel(s) in charge of Earth Observation, this time featuring a singular angel called Grigori, and boy is he a cutie. His friendship with fellow angel Pravuil is also blossoming and sweet throughout, and the amount of innocent cuteness throughout is just spectacular. What an adorable story.)

70. Anthony J Crowley, Retired Demon and AirBnB Superhost – @theoldaquarian (G, the one where Crowley turns his flat into an AirBnB. Told as if reading a comment section, it is hilarious and paints a horrid picture of what interacting with Crowley—and Aziraphale!—is like for normal humans. I can’t give you any more details than that, you are just going to have to read it and laugh your head off about it like I did.)

71.  A Guide to Fame for the Enterprising Demon – @asideofourown (T, the one where Crowley writes a book and accidentally becomes a queer icon. This is…so funny. And so sweet. And like most fics where human bystanders try to piece together what’s happening and come away with completely wrong conclusions, it’s utterly charming. You almost start rooting for the internet conspiracy theorists trying to unearth what exactly Crowley is from his (presumably) evasive or strange answers to interview questions.)

72. Hell Of An Angel – WaitingToBeBroken (T, the one where everyone thinks Crowley is a mafia family. This one is funny in a dramatic irony way; the way that every narrator in this is CONVINCED that Crowley is A. a family of redheads that all look eerily similar, and B. extremely dangerous, is entertaining all on its own. It helps that the writing is smooth and the characters are all fairly engaging, too. A fun little diversion for your day.)

H/C /WHUMP/BAMF

73. the only one i want – @qorktrees (T,  the one where Crowley needs some convincing. The hurt in this one is real, folks. But so is the comfort. At last steps are taken to assure Crowley of how much he is wanted, of how much his love is cherished and his touch desired. If you cry while reading this, congrats and welcome to the club, we are all miserable touch-starved fools here.)

74. Always One More Time – boughofawillowtree (T, the one where Aziraphale has remaining psychological scars from Heaven. This one is tough, y’all, real tough. Aziraphale has a couple of abusive flashbacks and intrusive thoughts and his anxiety flaring up is a constant, so people sensitive to that should take heed. That said, this is a very healing fic, with a lot of underlying hurt that floats to the surface. But throughout Crowley does his best to be patient and understanding and even with a disagreement, it remains gentle and loving throughout.)

75. Smote and smitten – @nohaijiachi (G, the one where Aziraphale is a badass and we are ALL here for it. Screaming Hastur, briefly-sentient flaming swords, Aziraphale being amazing, and starry-eyed Crowley are all the ingredients chosen to make a wonderful little fic, and we are all grateful for it. What a guy, that Aziraphale.)

76. Nearly Romeo and Juliet – bisexual_dumbass (T, the one where Crowley’s hiding his panic attacks. This one hurts, friends. This one has miscommunications and fear and boundary communication, all while being so tense even the gentlest touch will snap something. It’s got learning to take care of yourself and value yourself and live FOR yourself. It is very important and I hope a lot of you read it because gosh dang.)

77.  Pigeon Girlfriends With A Long Preamble – SleepySelfLoathing (T, the one that’s exactly what it says on the tin. This fic has it all: humor! Torture! Terrible humans! Wrathful Aziraphale! Pain and suffering! Tenderness and care! Pigeon girlfriends! The Hurt and the Comfort are present in about equal measure, but fair warning that what Crowley is made to do just before his rescue is more than a little disturbing, both to readers and especially to Crowley.)

[wishesunderthestars]

Eunoia // Ch. 14

eunoia (noun): beautiful thinking, the possession of a well-balanced mind, which exhibits goodwill and kindness

Pairings: Hybrid! BTS x reader

Summary: You are a world famous director and you have dedicated your life to your job.You have everything you could ever dream of; wealth, recognition, talent, your friends and family. But loneliness ins’t cured by success. So what happens when you somehow rescue seven hybrids? Can they fill the void?

Genre: Angst, fluff, hurt/comfort, eventual smut

Word Count: 15k+

Warnings: Abuse and violence, past sexual abuse, derogetory language, sexual harassment

Masterlist

Chapter 1, Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13

It has been a long time, I know. Thanks for being patient with me. This was supposed to be the last chapter of Yoongi and Hoseok’s part but I just couldn’t fit everything that needed to happen inside or it would turn into a 30k chapter and be even more late, so I divided it into two.

The taglist is now closed.

Four days felt like a much smaller amount of time than when you had first been informed of your break.  When you heard the alarm the morning you had to go back to work, you were tempted to ignore it and cover your head with the sheets. This was strange for two reasons. You always woke up before your alarm and it was impossible for you to fall asleep again after waking up, even when you were exhausted. But your eyes were heavy and sleep was clinging to your bones.

You reached for your phone and turned off the alarm. The hybrids were waiting for you in the kitchen, breakfast already served. You thanked Seokjin, who looked the most awake. Jimin and Jungkook were leaning against each other with their eyes half closed, small yawns escaping them every few minutes. It was a little earlier than the time you usually left but you had to do some work in the company building before you could go to the studios. Hoseok's injuries were much better, you didn't need to check on them twice a day anymore so you avoided going to their room and waking them up.

The fox hybrid had been opening up more and he looked more at ease with his surroundings. After eating dinner with you on the first night of your break, he had timidly asked if they could join you again. His whole face lit up when you told him they would always be welcome. Dinners had turned into lunches too, claiming that way you didn't have to carry the trays to their room every day.

You weren't surprised at how well he got along with Jimin. His heart-shaped smile had even charmed Namjoon. He was fascinated with every little thing and you made use of your break to show him around the house. It could be a little overwhelming, so you stuck to the basics at first. The kitchen, the upstairs living room, the library (where at least one of you could be found most times) and the cinema room. He looked at everything in wonder, his red tail wagging behind him. Yoongi trailed after you, the bored expression on his face slipping at how happy and excited Hoseok was.

The second day of your break Jimin announced that you would all be watching a movie. He would accept no complaints, not that there were any. You made enough popcorn for a whole movie theater while Seokjin and Jungkook made pizza. You strictly forbade them from putting on one of your movies. You were so deeply involved and connected with them you had trouble watching them without overthinking every scene, line and camera angle. Jimin pouted, joined by Jungkook and a more subtle Hoseok. But you didn’t budge. Jimin huffed and selected a comedy with an actor Seokjin liked.

It was the third day of your break and Jimin had dragged you with him to the guest suite, saying he needed his daily cuddles. You were laying together in his bed as you played with his blond strands. His hair was growing longer and he was complaining that it was falling in his eyes but you loved running your hands through it, your fingers getting lost inside. Jimin snuggled into your side, his tail wrapped around your waist.

“You are very affectionate today,” you said. Jimin let out an unsatisfied noise when you stopped massaging his scalp, so you moved your hand upwards, scratching behind his cat ears, eliciting a small moan from him.

“I am always affectionate,” he said, nuzzling against your collarbones. “You’re just not here and you’re tired when you come back.”

You placed a kiss on the crown of his head. “Sorry.” It was your job. You shouldn’t feel guilty. And yet…

Jimin raised his head, your hand falling from his hair to rest on his cheek. “Don’t be. I just wish you were here more. With us. But your job is important.”

“I guess,” you said caressing his cheek, the cat hybrid leaning into your touch. “I’ll try to get some more time off when I go back to work.” It would be difficult but not impossible. There were often breaks for a couple of days in the filming schedule but you usually spent those revising scripts or reviewing the work of the various departments or attending meetings. Many of those things weren’t actually your responsibilities, they weren’t in your contract, you did them because you wanted everything to be perfect. You could take a step back for once and make up for it later.

Jimin leaned against you, purring happily at the prospect of spending more time with you. He had been clinging to you in the past days after your week-long absence. The first night after making up with Jungkook he had slept with him in their room and you’d thought he would sleep there from now on. But the next night you had come out of the shower to find him laying in your bed.

A talk show was playing on the TV, filling the comfortable silence of the room. Jimin whispering your name had you looking away from the screen. “Hoseok is doing better, right?”

“He is. He’s recovering fast. Why are you asking?” you asked, worried that he had noticed something you hadn’t. Hybrids had much more developed senses than humans that could have detected something you had missed.

“He’s nice,” he said, playing with the fake buttons of your shirt. “He looks so happy all the time and he’s so energetic.”

“He is. See? He’s really getting better.” That didn’t seem to satisfy Jimin.

“What if they want to leave now that he’s better?”

You cooed at him, pulling him closer. “Is that what’s brought this on? If they want to leave we can’t stop them. The door is always open if they don’t want to be here anymore. They only came here because Hoseok was injured and he couldn’t go to the hospital.”

“But can they stay?” His eyes were shining as he looked up at you. “Please.”

“They can stay for as long as they want. But I can’t force them to stay.”

Jimin didn’t say anything more, hiding into your side. Last night at dinner, Jimin had been quiet and withdrawn, glancing at Yoongi every few minutes. There was history between them, one that ran deep and cut just as hard. From little clues and pieces and what Jimin himself had told you, you had pieced together an image of Jimin’s past but you had trouble finding where exactly Yoongi fit.

You hadn’t forgotten Jimin’s words in your office the day you had invited the two hybrids in your house. Yoongi once belonged to the same man Jimin did. They had done something to him and Jimin had been left to the adoption center he had escaped from. Yoongi had been left somewhere else, you guessed a less savory place. But you couldn’t figure out what they could have done to be kicked out. Something Jimin still felt guilty about. Betrayal was a strong and sticky word and it was hard to associate it with sweet Jimin, even when that man deserved that and more.

Yoongi was a mystery surrounded by several brick walls. Only a wrecking ball could break them down. You were the kind of person to knock on a wall and wait for it to crumble by itself when it came to people. At work, if the only way to get through an obstacle was a wrecking ball, you would bring a wrecking ball.

Surprises weren’t uncommon for you (see: Virginia earthquake), you had learnt to face them head on and control the consequences. But that hadn’t prepared you for the string of surprises during your break and the days after that.

The first surprise came with how well Hoseok was getting along with the other hybrids. His endearing excitement about anything and everything didn’t fail to amuse them. He would curl up on the grass, bathing in sunlight, often joined by Jimin who had developed the same habit when spring first arrived. He was curious about everything, asking question after question with his red fluffy tail wagging behind him like an overexcited puppy. All of you couldn’t help but humor him and try to answer his questions to the best of your abilities.

The second surprise shocked you more than the first. It was the third night the two hybrids were eating dinner with you in the backyard. Yoongi usually didn’t talk, opting to focus on his food while observing the progression of the meal. Thus when he spoke, everyone fell silent. He didn’t say much, it only took him a couple of seconds to compliment Jin’s cooking then become quiet again. Jin stuttered through his thanks, flustered at the unexpected compliment. The panther hybrid didn’t talk again for the rest of the meal.

The third surprise was seeing Yoongi and Jimin sitting next to each other, sometimes in silence and sometimes talking. Being pulled to each other like a moth to the flame. It made Hoseok all too happy to spend time with both of them.

The fourth surprise came in the form of a text from a contact you hadn’t interacted with since Christmas. You laid back on your bed, staring at the paragraphs-long text and forgetting about anything else. You stared and stared as if the letters would rearrange themselves, or better yet disappear if you stared long enough.

You didn’t notice how much time you had spent there unmoving until there was a knock on the door.

“Open,” you called.

The door was pushed open and Namjoon walked into the room, his gray hair falling in his face. In the mornings he looked younger. “Breakfast is ready.”

“Yeah,” you said, not moving. They never had to call you for breakfast. Your schedules had become so in sync you arrived for breakfast the moment it was ready or a few minutes early.

“What happened?” Namjoon asked. He approached, sitting down next to you on the bed.

“Nothing happened, I guess. It’s an invitation.” The text had been sent late last night but you had missed it, leaving your phone to charge upon coming back home and not looking at it again. “It’s from my parents. For a gala.”

“Your parents?” The surprise was evident in his face. You didn’t talk much about your parents, those were conversations you didn’t tend to enjoy. Your parents were a topic you weren’t well-versed in and your lack of confidence was irritating.

You looked at the text again, black letters surrounded by gray. “They invited me to a fashion gala. They would really appreciate it if I could attend.” Reading the text again, you wondered if your mother had asked someone else to write it before deeming it persuasive enough to send. “It’s held in Beverly Hills.”

“When?” Namjoon asked.

“Saturday. In less than a week.” It was Tuesday.

Namjoon glanced at your phone. “Do you want to go?”

The answer was more complicated than you would have liked. You didn’t feel like buying a new gown (god forbid if you wore a dress you had worn before at such an event), having your makeup and hair done and plastering a smile on your face while exchanging pleasantries with people you didn’t know for the whole night. But it wasn’t that easy. You hadn’t attended the Christmas event your mother had organized, using work as an excuse, not feeling like showing up at an event in the mindset you had fallen into. Although she didn’t show it, your mother had been offended.

You couldn’t skip another event.

You threw an arm over your eyes, groaning. “I can’t not go. My mother organized the gala, it will look bad if I’m not there.”

“I could come with you,” Namjoon offered.

It would be nice having someone there with you. Namjoon had a way of calming you down and settling your worries but actually remembering those galas made you change your mind. The rich and mighty loved showing off their wealth and power and hybrids were part of that allure. You wouldn’t subject Namjoon to that. You weren’t sure how he would react. You didn’t want to subject him to your parents’ scrutiny either.

“It would be better if I went alone,” you said. Namjoon threaded his fingers with yours in understanding. He pulled on your hand until you were sitting up on the bed, facing him.

“If you don’t want to go, you shouldn’t.”

Only that it wasn’t so simple. Or it was just your human nature making this overcomplicated.

“My mother will be really disappointed if I don’t go. I didn’t go to her last event, either. It will look bad if I don’t go to this one too.” Namjoon squeezed your hand, urging you to continue. “I’m just tired of them. Galas, events, they are all the same and not in a good way. Sure, there are some people worth talking too. I’ve had some great conversations there, but those are far and few in between. Most people are just trying to outshine the one next to them. And my mother only wants me there to complete the picture.”

The powerful and influential couple with their successful daughter. It was an image that haunted you. Most times you tried to ignore it because it wasn’t fair of you to judge your parents like that. They never made you attend those events, they didn’t get angry when you couldn’t make it. But it left a sour taste in your mouth when those events were the only times you saw them anymore.

“You don’t have to be alone there.” Namjoon brought your hand to his lips, placing a soft kiss in the middle of your palm. “I’m always here if you change your mind. It would feel better if you weren’t alone.”

“It isn’t that I don’t want you there. I do,” you said. “But that isn’t a world you want to be a part of, it isn’t really my world either. There, hybrids are just expensive accessories and I don’t want people to look at you like that. Like you are something to be had.”

Namjoon’s eyes were soft on you as he cupped your cheek with the hand that wasn’t holding yours. “That’s how most people look at us. It isn’t something new. You don’t have to worry about me, I’m used to it.”

“But it isn’t right.” You sounded like a five-year-old complaining that the world wasn’t fair because her parents didn’t buy her ice cream but you couldn’t help it. “And it isn’t just the other people, the guests. I’m not sure about my parents either. They don’t know I’ve adopted you. Actually, they don’t know about anything that has happened in my life this year.”

“I understand if you don’t want them to know about us.”

“It isn’t that,” you said. “Not exactly. I don’t want them involved in my business and judging my choices. They- They are my parents and I guess they care about me in their own way but I won’t be able to stay calm if they look at you like they are estimating your price tag.”

Namjoon leaned closer, bringing your foreheads together. You closed your eyes, surrounded by his warmth. “All I care about is for you to feel comfortable and if my presence there will make things worse then I won’t come with you. But if you change your mind, I’ll be right here. Whatever you want, I’m here.”

You tilted your head, waiting for his lips to touch yours. You shared a sweet kiss before there was another knock at the door.

“Namjoon! Did you wake her up?” Seokjin shouted from the other side of the door. “The breakfast is getting cold! I woke up at the crack of dawn to make it!”

You giggled as you separated.

“Let’s go before he decides we don’t deserve food,” Namjoon said.

♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩

 You had to readjust your schedule for the gala. There were many things you had to do in the five days leading up to it. Your mother was so pleased you accepted the invitation she called you the very next day to tell you how happy she was you would be attending. She hadn’t organized a fashion gala in years and it meant a lot that you would be there to support her. The gala was all about the importance of fashion and the unique interpretations of old and new big names in the industry. It would be one of the grandest events of the year, even if your mother was as clueless about fashion as she was about your life. She enjoyed watching the glorious parts and giving compliments, but rarely got more involved than that.

She had arranged for you to meet with one of the designers featured at the event. You could choose a dress from his collection that would be showcased at the gala. Your mother reassured you that they would do everything so your dress would be fitted to your exact measurements and ready for you to wear on time. You didn’t complain. It would be otherwise impossible to find a dress of the caliber your mother expected in such a short time.

The designer came to your house himself with his assistants. He was a nice young man with a tilted accent revealing that he wasn’t originally from the United States. You made small talk about the different kinds of art characterizing your jobs. They took your measurements and presented you with a few options the designer had selected for you. Some were more eccentric than others but all of them were beautiful.

After discussing with him and listening to his opinions, you selected a piece with gold and red embroidery and a flowy skirt. He was very pleased with your choice, going on and on about how good it would look on you. You felt fluttered at how excited he was for you to wear his design.

You had to meet him again a few days later for the first fitting. He offered to come to your house again but it would be easier for the alterations to be at his studio, where all of his tools were.

Jimin had seen the opportunity to spend more time with you and put on his most convincing puppy eyes asking you to take him with you to the fashion studio. You had no reason to refuse, you wanted to spend more time with him too. Somehow Jimin roped Seokjin into coming with you as well. They waited for you outside until the alterations were done. You couldn’t resist spoiling them while you were out so you took them for waffles. From Seokjin’s stuffed face it was safe to say he enjoyed them.

You had to go back to work after the fitting but Jimin was clinging to you not letting you go, which was how you ended up with the two of them at the final table-reading for the first episode of the Raven Cycle. They both quietly watched the actors delivering their lines. Jimin leaned forward in his seat as he got more and more invested in the scenes, snapping out of it whenever one scene ended and you discussed corrections and suggestions.

The atmosphere was light and friendly. You were professionals and you believed in maintaining a healthy environment of communication and mutual respect that left space for jokes and friendships to develop. The chemistry between the actors was important and you found that when they were friends and had a bond in real life too, it showed.

“Okay, that was great. I liked Ronan’s extra lines, we should keep that in.” The writer next to you wrote it down. “It’s getting late so let’s take a small break for a few minutes and move on to scene fifteen and sixteen and we’re completely done with episode one.” Everyone agreed with you and soon chatter was filling the room. You stretched your arms behind you, your body was complaining after sitting for too many hours.

The snacks and refreshments on the table against the wall were dwindling as the table-reading went on. All the important people in the project were there; the executive producers, the writers, the heads of the various departments and of course all the main actors of the first episode. The room with the large table and the many couches and chairs was large enough for everyone.

Three more days of table reading, which was mainly for revisions, and you would be done, leaving around a week before filming was scheduled to start. Just on time. Despite unfortunate surprises and earthquakes, you were on time. Next week you would be back in the studios standing behind the cameras watching years of work and planning coming to life. The first moments of filming in every movie or TV show whispered to you in silver and gold lines that you couldn’t describe as anything else than magic.

You picked up a bottle of water and a sandwich from the snack table, getting caught up in a short conversation with one of the producers. Your scalp was beginning to hurt from the tight ponytail your hair was trapped in. With a pat on your shoulder, the producer left to find the head of the costume department.

Jimin and Jin were sitting on the smallest couch, away from the table in the middle of the room. Jimin’s ears twitched as you settled on the armrest. You handed him the sandwich.

“For me?”

“You have been looking at it as much as you have been looking at the actors.”

Jimin still didn’t take a bite. “I already ate two.”

“And now you will eat one more.” You nudged the sandwich closer to his face. “They are quite small. I think Will has eaten seven since we started.” You glanced at your assistant, he was talking with two of the actors.

Jimin smiled at you like you were sharing a secret before diving into his sandwich. You opened your water bottle and gulped down half of it in seconds.

“Are you sure you don’t want to go? It’s past eight and it will take at least one more hour to finish the last two scenes and wrap everything up.” You had asked them if they wanted to leave three times since you’d arrived and the answer had been the same each time.

“It’s eight?” Jin asked, pulling out his phone from his pocket. You leaned over Jimin to peek at the screen seeing a few texts from Namjoon and Jungkook and notifications from the various apps Jin used. You had texted Namjoon earlier so he wouldn’t worry that Jin and Jimin hadn’t returned home.

“And it will be at least nine by the time I’m done,” you said.

“We’ve been here for three hours. We can wait for you one more.” Jin opened the messages app reading the texts, a smile appearing on his face.

Jimin had eaten more than half of the sandwich, crumbs sticking at the sides of his mouth. “I want to see what happens at the end. Pretty please?”

“We will wait for you,” Jin said. “We don’t have anything better to do,” he added, to which Jimin agreed enthusiastically. You scratched the cat hybrid's ears while he devoured the rest of the sandwich.

What you hadn’t considered before taking them with you was that the table reading would give away many spoilers for the show. Spoilers were the bane of your existence. Not everyone minded them but you disliked them with passion. You had almost strangled Zayn when he had told you a spoiler he had seen on Twitter for the ending of Avengers: Infinity War,  minutes before the movie started. Zayn had been very lucky the lights hadn’t gone out yet. The suspense was one of your favorite parts and that was ruined for you when you knew what would happen.

At least it was the first episode but there was a lot of discussion on how certain parts or pieces of dialogue would connect with later episodes. The fact that it was an adaptation also changed things. You had been adamant about staying true to the original story and keeping in as many scenes from the book as you could. Your additions revolved around character development, the relationships between the characters, and some conflicts that hadn’t been in the book but you had discussed in length with Maggie. In this case, you didn’t know exactly how to define spoilers.

As expected, you finished the table reading twenty minutes past nine. Gathering all your folders from the table, the scripts, and various notes from the writers and producers, you hid them all away in your backpack. Henrietta and the magical forest were coming to life from their voices alone. You could already imagine how captivating it would be on screen.

Jimin was laying his head on Jin’s shoulder with his arm wrapped around the older’s waist. It had taken some time for them to relax in the room full of strangers, some of who hadn’t been subtle about staring. One look from you and their gazes had darted away. It still wasn’t common to have a hybrid, much less three, but you didn’t care how curious they were if they were making Jimin and Jin uncomfortable.

During the first break, early at the table reading, you had been roped into a debate about a possible change in one of the scenes. The two hybrids had kept to themselves, staying quiet and watching. The actress playing Blue had walked up to them with a wide smile and introduced herself. The remaining tension in them was released when she struck up a conversation with them.

“Time to get going,” you said. Jimin looked up at you, blinking drowsily. “Should I tell John to carry you to the car?”

“We’re leaving?” he asked, rubbing at his eyes.

“Thankfully yes so you need to get up.” You had wrapped everything up, saying goodbye to everyone and you were ready to go.

Jin kissed Jimin’s blond curls. “Let’s go and get you into an actual bed.” He got up and pulled Jimin with him, the younger hybrid was clinging to his back like a koala from the hallway where you met up with John to the parking lot.

In the car, you looked at them through the rear-view mirror. Jimin’s eyes were closed, laying his head on Jin’s shoulder.

“Hard day?” John asked, moving the gear shift to the left and then up.

“I’m a little afraid that my scenario might be a little boring,” you said glancing behind you. “It’s too early for him to be falling asleep.”

The car started moving, leaving the dimly lit parking lot behind. “He’s not used to being out for that long,” Jin said smoothing down Jimin’s hair with care. Jin cared for you with everything he had, you tried to do the same but it was close to impossible with how busy you were.

“If it’s my scenario though, I need to rewrite that thing from beginning to end.”

John chuckled. “Good luck telling that to the writers and the producers. They’ll love it.”

They’d love it as much as cats loved swimming.

 ♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩

 You took the day of the gala off. If you went to the gala tired after work, you wouldn’t be able to put a smile on your face and keep it there. It wasn’t so much that the galas were awful but that you felt out of place in them. Your mother had many connections and she would invite the “best” of her world. Some faces had become familiar, a steady fixture in your mother’s guest lists. Some faces you should be able to recognize but you didn’t, resulting in interactions based on pretending.

At the after-parties of award shows and premieres, you were more at ease. The designer dresses and suits were the same, worn by rich and influential people, but it was people you knew and respected. Your skin wasn’t prickling at the tension, lost somewhere between remembering a name or a company and ignoring the jabs at other guests or the rumors spreading like vines.

The last event you had attended was in New York last September, it had been the event of the year according to your mother. Jacob had accompanied you, hugging your mother and shaking hands with your father. He had stayed next to you from the moment you stepped into the place to the moment you got into the car to leave. You had to somewhat agree with your mother. A lot of interesting people were in attendance, famous writers and journalists, and you succeeded in ignoring the less favorable situations.

Your parents had changed a lot, or maybe it was just the circumstances that had changed and the different perspective you had as an adult. You used to cast them as the absentee parents, an overused trope you didn't find much merit in. It was too simple, too straightforward. They didn't disappear from one day to the next, cutting all contact with you. It was more like the times they were there grew fewer and fewer until they had moved permanently to New York by the time you were eight. Your father had been offered a position he couldn't refuse and your mother loved him too much to leave him alone there. She tried, she tried to stay for you but she had been trying to find a reason to leave your hometown since she was a teenager. The penthouses and neat offices fit her far better than the beaches and town squares ever did.

It started as a few weeks at first. Your father would be staying in the city for some meetings and your mother wanted to join him. His job involved a lot of traveling and in most of your memories, he was holding a suitcase. A few weeks turned into a month the next time, then into a few months you had to stay with your aunt and your cousins. After you turned eight, they were coming back only for a few weeks every year.

When you were ten you stopped answering their calls and refused to talk to them. Your mother still tried, even traveled back to be with you. Instead of staying at your house with her, you stayed with your aunt. Your mother left defeated. It took a year for you to speak to them again. Childish, but you couldn't blame your past self. The cracks in your relationship with your parents were still there. As an attempt to prevent them from widening and growing, you at least tried to attend the events your mother invited you to.

Another one to add to the list.

"Does the duck look ready to you?" you asked Jin. Roasted duck wasn't a dish you had experience with but that wasn't the only reason you called for Jin. Being home for the day you had offered to help Jin cook lunch. Cooking helped take your mind off, focusing on the recipe and chatting with Jin.

Jin left the lettuce he was washing in the bowl and dried his hands in a towel. His steps were careful and measured, one of his hands holding on the counter.

"It looks good," he said. "You can take it out."

You opened the oven, pulling back last minute so the heat wouldn't burn your face. "It smells incredible! I think I got ten times hungrier just smelling this."

Jin chuckled but it was strained. "I'm too good at this." He was still holding onto the counter.

"You won't catch me complaining."

He went back to the lettuce in the sink, his bangs falling into his face and covering his eyes. You wrapped the chicken breasts in foil and let them rest for a few minutes. The figs were caramelized and the potatoes fried until golden. That was about it for the main dish.

Jin was cutting the lettuce so you occupied yourself with making the salad dressing. You worked in silence. It wasn't for the lack of anything to say but a flinch from Jin earlier, while you had been talking, had you lowering your voice and then closing your mouth when you were finished with that sentence. It was only for a moment before he turned away, but it was enough for you to notice. You had asked him if he was alright twice and both times the answer had been the same. After that, it was clear he wouldn't tell you anything else regardless of how many times you asked.

A thud echoed in the room followed, not a second after, by the sound of metal clattering on wood. The spoon you used to mix the ingredients of the salad dressing stilled in your hand. Jin had fallen to his knees on the floor, holding the counted with one hand and his head with the other. The knife laid abandoned on the cutting board next to the lettuce.

For a moment your surroundings blurred from the surprise before coming into crystal clear focus. You rushed to Jin's side, who was trying to pull himself back up to his feet.

"I'm alright. I slipped," he said.

"You slipped? Seriously?" You had one arm around his waist and it stayed there as he leaned back against the counter. "What's wrong?"

"I'm just a little dizzy," Jin muttered. That close to him, only a breath away, you could see how pale he was, the dark circles under his eyes standing out against the white of his skin.

"You haven't been alright since we started cooking. You aren't just a little dizzy, that's not how someone is when they're a little dizzy."

Jin turned his head to the side, avoiding your gaze. "Let it go, please. Only the salad is left. I'll rest after we eat."

"Jin, that's not..." Clueless about how to continue, you pressed your palm to his forehead. In winter your hands were always freezing cold, it didn't matter if the temperature wasn't that low they would turn into popsicles mere seconds after going outside. Only that it wasn’t winter but spring and your hands were as warm as they could be, that’s why it was that much more concerning that his forehead was warmer than it should be under your touch. “You’re burning up. How are you still standing?”

“It isn’t that bad,” Jin said. He wasn’t looking at you.

“It isn’t that bad?” you repeated in disbelief. “Forget about the salad, I’m taking you to your room.”

You were about to turn around when Jin gripped your elbow weakly. “You don’t need to, really, I can finish up here, it isn’t the first time. I can do it.” The sweat that was gathering on his forehead and his tired eyes told a different story.

“You have been cooking while feeling sick?” you asked. Being out of the house almost all day it wouldn’t have been hard to miss and when you came back at night you weren’t that aware of your surroundings, but the other hybrids would have been able to see past Jin’s pretenses.

“Not here,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

That’s something you should have expected. You had never met his previous owners but you couldn’t stop yourself from hating them for what they had done to him. Hate was too strong of a word but you didn’t have any other name for the burning in your chest whenever you witnessed how insecure and self-conscious Jin had become of them.

You cupped his cheek in your palm turning his head to face you and you rested your forehead against his, your noses bumping. At the touch his shoulders slumped, his back muscles unraveling under your hand. Jin joked that it was weird that his scent glands weren’t in the same places as other hybrids’ but in strange places like his forehead. You couldn’t agree with him because standing there with your foreheads touching it was just as intimate.

The walk to his room was silent. You opened the door for him and watched him hide under the covers, between the countless pillows and stuffed animals. Before leaving, you placed a kiss on his forehead your lips warming up because of his fever. You wanted to stay there with him and with the way he was holding your hand he wanted the same but the lettuce was waiting for you back in the kitchen and there were five hybrids you had to feed.

Finishing up the meal was a matter of minutes. The dressing for the salad had been made and you only had to finish cutting the lettuce and a few fresh tomatoes before mixing everything in a large bowl. You unwrapped the foil from around the duck breasts and arranged them in plates, adding the figs with the pan juices and the fried potatoes. It looked like something you would order at a five-star restaurant, most of Jin’s cooking did.

The mouth-watering aroma must have drifted downstairs because as you were putting the last touches on the plates two sets of feet were running up the staircase. Jimin looked like he had been lured into the kitchen by some magical force, transfixed on the plates on the counter. He sniffed, making tiny happy noises.

“This smells so good. I’m hungry!” he whined.

Jungkook followed behind, taking a look at the plates and turning to you with pleading eyes. “When are we eating?”

You shook your head at their antics. “I just finished up, you can take them down if you want so stop looking at me like that.”

Jimin pouted, his shoulders raising. “Looking at you like what?”

“Stop that, I know what you’re doing.”

Jimin continued on, batting his eyelashes at you. “What am I doing? Am I not doing good?”

You pinched his cheek, making him giggle. “I thought you were hungry but apparently you aren’t hungry enough if you’re still here instead of taking the food down.” At that Jungkook was quick to take out the large trays and fill them with the plates and bowls.

Jimin went to help before pausing. “Where is Jinnie?”

Jin was always in the kitchen before meals, helping the two youngest carry the trays to the backyard. You didn’t want to worry Jimin, he was very sensitive to how others were feeling. His emotional walls were so thin that your blues and grays bled into his yellow. “He’s in his room resting, he’s feeling a little under the weather today.”

“But…How didn’t we notice anything?” Jimin asked.

You patted his shoulder. “I didn’t either until we were cooking lunch. He just needs to rest and he will be better in no time.” Jimin gazed at the food like it could give him the answers he was looking for, you continued. “The duck is his recipe, he only went to his room after the food was ready.” You didn’t mention how he had collapsed while cutting the lettuce, a knife in his hand and way too many grievous possibilities.

Jungkook picked up the nicest plate, you had made it last and having used the previous six ones as practice it had come out looking the best. “Can I take it to him?” It was well-known that he had a soft spot for Jin, sneaking into his room the nights he was running away chased by guilt. Jin had been the only one he had let in then. But again, they all had a soft spot for each other, it may translate differently into actions but it was the same at the core.

You pulled out a smaller bowl from the cupboard. Let me put some salad in this first.” This was one of the only salads everyone liked, even Jimin who was firmly against eating most greens (Namjoon didn’t like them much either but at least he was trying). You filled a glass with water as well and placed it on the smaller tray Jungkook had prepared. “Don’t wake him up if he’s sleeping, he looked really tired.”

“I’ll be quiet,” Jungkook promised picking up the tray and leaving for Jin’s room.

Jimin went back to arranging the plates on the trays. “He’ll be alright soon, right?”

“Of course he will,” you reassured him. “In no time he will be shouting at Jungkook for eating his ingredients and having fights with any insects that find their way to the garden. Now, let’s take these down because having the food right in front of me and not eating it is killing me.”

♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩

 Jin had a terrible headache, that’s where everything had started. He had woken up and instantly wanted to roll to his other side and fall asleep again covering his head with the blanket. His eyes refused to stay open and everything around him was like he was in a fog. His body wasn’t his own, it was like watching someone else execute each move he commanded, like he had lost parts of his senses. Everything was duller.

Powering through, he got up and made his bed, throwing the blankets over it with less precision than usual and arranging his stuffed animals against the pillows. It was your day off because of the gala and he had to make breakfast for you and the other hybrids.

It was enough that he got a few more hours of sleep as a result of the lack of your morning schedule. He could deal with the world being a little blurry at the edges and his body not cooperating every few minutes.

He made an easy breakfast for the day, which was a little disappointing when you were able to sit and enjoy it for once, but he was physically unable to do anything more. Sitting down would help. After breakfast, he would lay down on the couch and he would be better in no time.

Breakfast came and went and in a few hours, he had to start making lunch. Your offer to help was a godsend with his feet feeling like jelly. He thought he had it under control, that he could get through lunch then go to his room and hide under the covers where no one could see him. Until his legs gave up on him.

The knife slipped out of his hand and he watched its slow descent to the cutting board. In a blink he was on his knees, he blinked again and you were next to him helping him up. Hybrids weren’t supposed to get sick, scientists had engineered their whole being down to the color of their hair and eyes, they could strengthen their immune system as well. His past owners used to say that it was in his head because he was living with humans, that if he got sick the center must have given them a problematic hybrid and that couldn’t be true. He had paid a lot for Jin.

The door opened just enough for you to poke your head in. “Jin?” you whispered, quiet enough to not wake him up if he had been sleeping but loud enough for his hearing to pick up while awake. He lowered the blankets from his face. “Hey, did you finish with your food?”

“Yeah, it’s…” He pointed to the tray on the nightstand, he didn’t have enough strength to take it to the desk. You didn’t comment on the food that was left on the plates.

“Are you feeling any better?” you asked. His head still hurt and the heaviness of his body didn’t subside, but it was much better than when he had been standing so he nodded. “Do you need anything else? I brought some medicine if you want, I read that it’s alright for hybrids to take.” Despite the pain and the weariness of his body, he smiled at you and your research. The way you cared about them was endearing. You pulled out a packet from your back pocket.

“I think I’ll take one.” The constant drumming behind his temples and the back of his head was getting too much. It was so bad it wouldn’t let him sleep.

“I’ll go get some water for you.” You left the packet on the nightstand and picked up the tray with the leftovers.

Jin rolled to his back staring at the ceiling. He didn’t get sick often and he hated how his body was betraying him. You returned with a glass filled with water in one hand and a jug in the other.

“There you go,” you said handing him the glass. You opened the medicine packet and pressed a white tablet out. It was light in his palm, almost as if it wasn’t there. He put it in his mouth and washed it down with water. “You’ll feel better in no time.” You stroked his hair and he had to hold himself back from purring. Being sick he craved affection more than ever before.

“Don’t come too close, you’ll get sick too.”

You didn’t pull back. “Then I’ll have a reason to stay at home. It doesn’t sound so bad.” You tugged at the blanket. “Fancy some company?” Jin scooted to the side, letting you slip in next to him. Something inside him rejoiced at having you in his nest with him. It was ridiculous, having the need to nest was ridiculous, but he couldn’t suppress it. You turned around to face him, your head on a light blue pillow you had picked up from the pile. “Do you mind if I stay here for a bit?”

In the absence of words, he nodded his head. You took a deep breath and closed your eyes. You weren’t wearing makeup today in anticipation of the heavy makeup you would have to wear for the gala. The shadows under your eyes, concealed any other day, were threatening to spill over the rest of your face. The late nights had been many in the past few days, making up for the breaks you were taking. More and more he came to realize that work was your life and you were like a fish escaping water pushing it back.

You didn’t speak, basking in the silent company of each other. Jin let his worries go and, thanks to the medicine, his headache got duller until he couldn’t feel it. He didn’t notice when he fell asleep, waking up to voices.

“…feeling better, the medicine must have kicked in. His temperature has gone back to normal too,” you whispered.

“Okay, that’s good. Our Jinnie is strong,” the other voice said and heat traveled up to the top of Jin’s ears. The voice was unmistakably Namjoon’s and it was so warm Jin wanted to wrap it around himself and never let go. “I think we woke him up.”

“Oh no,” you complained, still whispering. “Jin?”

He opened his eyes, abandoning the comfort of the familiar darkness. You leaning on your forearm peering at him. His heart was beating faster.

“We woke you up, didn’t we?” you asked, looking guilty.

“It’s alright.” He could hear how rough his voice was from sleep. “What time is it?”

“Five,” you said.

He had been sleeping for more than three hours.

Namjoon took a step forward from the door. “I brought you some tea and biscuits,” he said, placing the tray on the now-empty nightstand.

Jin sat up on the bed with his back against the headboard. “Thank you. Can you…?” You picked up the steaming mug and handed it to him, holding it carefully so he wouldn’t burn himself. The plate of biscuits was placed on his lap over the blankets. It was a warm day but the air-conditioning was on in Jin’s room, the weight of the blankets over him promised safety and he didn’t want to be sweating from the heat.

“I’ll be going then,” Namjoon said with a small smile, the two of you exchanging a look.

“Wait.” Namjoon stopped in his tracks. Jin blamed his impulsiveness on the part of him that was controlled by the sugar-glider’s nature. Namjoon shouldn’t be leaving. Namjoon was pack and he should be with him when he wasn’t well, he should be taking care of Jin. One followed the other and it didn’t listen to logic. But he was tired and although the headache was gone, his head was still hazy, so he gave in. “Can you stay?”

The soft smile on Namjoon’s face was enough to wipe away any of his lingering doubts. “Of course I can.” Jin pulled up the blankets inviting him in. Namjoon pulled him closer bringing his forehead to his. The mug shook in Jin’s hold, you covered his hand with yours steading it. Jin realized it wasn’t only his hands shaking as Namjoon scented him tenderly. He felt so weak between the two of you.

 ♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩

  The makeup artist asked you to close your eyes again to finish your eyeliner. Your makeup had to compliment your dress, like you were a model on the runway and your purpose was to sell the design. You had to admit that it looked beautiful so far, the gold eyeshadow and the dramatic eyeliner. She completed the look with a matte red lipstick while the hairstylist was releasing the last loose curl from the curling wand. You looked like someone out of a movie and tonight you would have to own that.

They helped you put on the dress like you were incapable of doing it on your own. In these cases, everything had to be perfect, including the most mundane of things. The jewelry was modest as not to take the attention away from the dress but enhance the look. A golden necklace with a ruby surrounded by tiny diamonds to decorate the skin the plunging neckline left bare, small diamond earrings, and golden bracelets.

Half an hour left before the gala and you were ready. The charm was arriving a little late so you had to wait before leaving. The stylists took their leave but you stayed at the fitting room/styling section of the closet, which was right under the actual master closet.

The dress fit you like a glove, bringing attention to all the right areas and burying any imperfections. It was the kind of Cinderella transformation the protagonists in older movies used to go through before getting the guy, but it happened all the time to you. A spy in an action movie, a confident heroine knowing how to use her looks, a girl going to a party to have fun and get drunk, that’s more along the lines of the characters you liked to imagine yourself as. You were far from being any of those characters but it was fun to daydream sometimes.

One last look in the mirror and you climbed up the spiral staircase to your closet, turning off the lights behind you. The designer you had met had been pleasant and your conversations hadn’t been awkward. If the rest of the guests, or at least the majority, were like him then the night could be fun.

The hybrids were all in the living room, even Hoseok and Yoongi. Yoongi wasn’t sitting far from them, in a separate sphere, but next to Jimin who was pointing at something in a book. They all looked at you when you came in, the back of the dress sweeping the floor behind you.

“How does it look?” you asked, doing a twirl. The response was delayed by a few moments.

Namjoon snapped out of it first, coming closer to you and taking your hand. “You look beautiful.” He leaned in for your neck before his face scrunched up in displeasure.

“What?” you asked.

He sniffed at the air. “You…”

“Oh, oh,” you said in realization. “It’s the perfume, it’s quite strong, isn’t it? It’s a Christmas gift from my mother, she said she really liked it so I thought I would wear it for her.”

Namjoon tamed his expression but the frown didn’t disappear. “It’s a little overwhelming. It overpowers everything else.” The perfume was too much for you too, it wasn’t surprising that it was too much for the keen noses of the hybrids. The perfume you wore day to day in spring was a lot lighter and you didn’t put on a lot. You had never stopped to think about how perfumes would affect the hybrids.

“I’ll be sure to not wear it again then,” you said, giving his hand a squeeze.

“That isn’t what I meant.” Namjoon scratched the back of his neck. “You can wear it if you like it. It’s just a little much.”

“Well,” you looked at him and the other hybrids conspiratorially, “it isn’t my favorite, either, and if it affects you like that why would I keep wearing it?” Namjoon’s face smoothed out and you noticed Hoseok looking at you with amazement.

You opened the leather clutch and put in your phone and your keys. Your lipstick and powder were already inside along with a pack of tissues. It didn’t fit any more things.

“I’ll be going now. I’m fashionably late enough.” Before going, Jungkook and Jimin kissed you on each cheek careful not to ruin your makeup. Jin had fallen asleep again and none of you were willing to wake him up.

The night could become difficult so you ignored Yoongi’s eyes on you. You didn’t need any more people judging you.

A limousine was waiting for you outside, limousines were practically part of the dress code in these events. John wasn’t with you this time, you had given him the night off. These kinds of events starred in his nightmares, standing in the corner all night not saying a word. That’s how they kept up the illusion. Regardless of how many times you told him you didn’t care about it, he would follow what was expected of him.

The bright lights blinded you when you arrived. Everyone seemed to want to take a look at you. Your heels sunk into the red carpet at the entrance hall, large paintings in golden frames hanging from the walls. You were led up a grand staircase to the hall the gala was taking place. And so the night began…

You listened through speeches about fashion and the vision of the fashion industry and each individual designer. A few parts were quite interesting, but most of them failed to do anything more than repeat the same old ideas again and again. However, the champagne did make everything a little more tolerable. Your mother had been very happy to see you there and she had told you at least three times how beautiful you were. Your father smiled at you, a smile that looked way too political to be for his daughter, the same smile he would put on when greeting the president.

After the speeches were finished, your mother linked your elbows. It was time for the introductions. You put on your camera smile and shook more hands than you ever did at work. The compliments on your work were many, which ones were genuine was a mystery. But it did feel good when the daughter of one of your father’s associates told you how much she loved the finale of season 4 of Paper Hearts and asked you about Six of Crows.

You said goodbye to an older couple and your mother led you to the buffet. A sculpture of a man pinning fabrics on a mannequin stood proudly in the middle, surrounded by plates of food so perfect that it looked more fake than the decorative food pieces you used on set.

Your mother took another flute of champagne from a waiter. “Mr. Jones will be retiring soon but his son doesn’t want to take over the company. It causes a lot of family drama. I heard they only exchange a few words when they meet but Mr. Jones isn’t backing down.” You had no idea what company they had or who their son was but you nodded. “Ah, I wanted to ask you. You didn’t say anything about adopting hybrids.”

Your hand stilled before you could taste the hors d' oeuvres that looked like a sandwich but was too fancy to call it that. “Hybrids?” you repeated.

“I didn’t know you were interested in them,” your mother continued, unaware of how tense you had become. “Certainly not interested enough to adopt four. Are you making a collection?” She laughed at her joke but you only felt ill.

“No, I wouldn’t say that.” You took a bite of the food, trying to swallow it down. You had lost your appetite.

Your mother sipped on her champagne. “That would be a unique one, it could be showcased.” The churning in your stomach got worse. You left the piece that looked like a sandwich aside.

“How did you learn of it?”

“Don’t you read any magazines? It was front-page news.” You had expected that the information would be published sooner or later, you hadn’t been exactly hiding it, but sooner or later was in the future not now. “You should have told me, I would have looked for some high-quality places to buy them from. There are some very beautiful exotic pieces I have seen. Mrs. Anderson, do you remember her? She couldn’t make it this time but she was at the charity event last September.” You didn’t remember her but you nodded again. “She has such a cute chinchilla hybrid and he’s so well-trained too. I hope yours were trained well, I heard it’s difficult to train them yourself. Where did you adopt them from?”

You swallowed down the lump in your throat. “An adoption center in Los Angeles,” you lied easily. Spending hours and hours every day with actors, instructing them about how each scene would seem more natural, you had picked up a few tricks. “I just really liked them and they were already a pack, I didn’t want to break them up.”

Your mother arched a single perfectly-drawn eyebrow, a skill you had sadly not inherited. “A pack? Does that actually exist? Dear, the center must have been trying to give you four hybrids instead of one. Pack,” she tried out the word and she didn’t particularly like the results. “That certainly sounds like some kind of con. What are they? Are all of them wolves?”

“No, they aren’t all wolves. And it was three hybrids, I adopted the other one later from Tennessee with Taylor.”

Taylor’s name brought a spark to your mother. “Oh, how is Taylor? Such a sweet girl, I should have invited her. I will next time.” Your mother had met Taylor exactly once during one of the few of your movie premieres she had actually attended. “Which one did you adopt from there?”

You gritted your teeth, debating how much information was wise to give your mother. “Jin, he’s a sugar glider hybrid.”

That seemed to please her. “Sugar glider? That sounds fancy. I would like to see him up close.” Like you would ever allow that to happen. “He must be a rare breed.”

“He is.”

“Of course, I should have expected that my daughter would decide on a rare breed,” she said as if she was congratulating herself. “I insist you bring him to the next event. I was never that interested in hybrids, too much work, but one would look good in photos.”

“Yeah, I guess he would.” You took a deep breath, it wasn’t the time to throw a tantrum like you were five years old again or puke all over your expensive dress and shoes.

The expression on your mother’s face grew somber. “But four hybrids are a lot, I don’t think I know anyone who owns that many.” She twirled the flute in her hand, waves of the golden liquor hitting the glass and bubbles rising to the surface. “After what happened with Jacob I understand you have been feeling lonely, but hybrids aren’t good substitutes for human company, dear. You can’t rely on them as you relied on him or another man.”

A waiter offered you a glass of champagne from a golden tray. You couldn’t drink too much and risk your tongue loosening but you could allow yourself one more glass to get through this. “I’m not trying to replace him. They aren’t some kind of rebound.”

By her pinched expression, she didn’t believe you. “It’s alright to look for company somewhere else when you feel lonely. I don’t want you to think I’m judging your choices, you are an adult and free to make your own decisions but I’m your mother and I’m worried. You and Jacob were together for so long, we were sure he was the one for you. He was so nice and he took care of you. Your father and I were so happy for you.”

“Not all good relationships last. People change, they grow apart.”

“That’s true. It’s difficult getting out of a relationship after being together for so many years and getting back to your feet. That’s why I understand. I understand that you don’t want to be alone right now but don’t put all of your energy into hybrids. It just isn’t the same. Whatever some people like to say, hybrids are hybrids. They are different from us, they are on a different level. You can’t have the same connection with someone you own.”

Her words continued ringing in your mind for the rest of the night. Your father soon called you to introduce you to one of his colleagues, a successful businessman and politician you had never heard of. The glass of champagne was replaced by another one. You promised yourself it was the last. The owner of a luxurious brand talked with your mother about his plan to expand to more countries and the rehearsed and repeated vision to connect the world through fashion.

You peered at the other guests, all mingling, talking, and laughing. A man only a few feet away from you slapped a girl’s ass. You couldn’t believe your eyes, stuff like that didn’t happen at an event like this. You expected a scene, shouting and screaming and everything in between. Nothing happened. The man that had his arm around her waist only laughed. That’s when you noticed the black fluffy ears on top of her head, they were the same color as her hair and easy to miss. She didn’t have a tail. A silver collar with blue stones the same shade as her dress was secured around her neck. Her shoulders were tense and her head lowered.

In any other situation, any other time, you would have done something. You would have walked up to them and said something, anything you could think of on the spot, even talked to her, made a few minutes more tolerable. You did none of those things. Your parents were there and you had avoided embarrassing them all your life.

The guilt was eating you up, wrapping around all your organs and squeezing, hissing, and calling for your attention, not letting you forget. You had done nothing. If someone had touched your hybrids like that you would have cut their hands off. But that hadn’t been your hybrid, it hadn’t been your place. It hadn’t been your place like it hadn’t been your place to adopt Jin and go against his owner, like it hadn’t been your place to get involved with Namjoon’s pack or Yoongi and Hoseok for that matter. Maybe you had been tricking yourself all along, hiding your selfishness and fear behind the pretense of “not my place”.

Your mother was wrong, you hadn’t been looking for company when you and Jacob broke up. On the contrary, you disregarded everything except work, distancing yourself from all of your friends. It was easy with how busy you were at the time. You would have continued hiding in the Castle and spent your break alone if you hadn’t asked John to stop the car that night. They were what you didn’t know you needed. You had to stop being alone first to realize how lonely you had been.

You couldn’t go back to living like that, waking up and returning to an empty house, having no warm meal and warmer hugs waiting for you. That’s what your life had been like for the longest time and you wondered how you used to live like that. The hybrids were so tangled up in your life you couldn’t find where each thread ended or started. They merged and divided, connecting you all in ways you couldn’t describe.

Taylor had asked you about any crushes when you had been in Virginia, everyone was expecting you to find a new boyfriend after six months or at least start dating but you couldn’t bring yourself to do that. No one had piqued your interest and it wasn’t for lack of meeting new people. It would feel wrong going on a date with someone when the hybrids were waiting for you back home. And that’s where the problem was; it shouldn’t feel wrong. Many people who had hybrids went on dates, couples adopted hybrids together and it should be like that for you. But it wasn’t.

Overthinking was one of your talents and you had avoided like you were being chased by wild dogs. You weren’t one to simply go with the flow but Namjoon’s lips on your own had changed your mind. You were too afraid of losing that that you hadn’t allowed yourself to analyze what you were doing, what that meant for you. Namjoon was your hybrid, you may not act like it or think of him like that but you were his owner in the papers. And it wasn’t only Namjoon, the way you cared about the hybrids was different from the way you felt about anyone else. It was all-consuming and too bright. You felt more for them than you had ever felt about Jacob and that was dangerous.

You excused yourself from the event as soon as it was proper for you to do so. Tomorrow morning you had to wake up early for work and you couldn’t stay late into the night. It was true but not the reason you left. Your mother hugged you and thanked you for coming, inviting you once again to their house in New York. She had been inviting you every time you met and you hadn’t once been to their house.

The window of the limousine was cold against your cheek, your foundation staining the glass. Maybe your mother wasn’t that wrong. You didn’t dare put a name to your feelings but you couldn’t deny that they were there. Were you really that lonely that your mind was playing tricks on you? Groaning, you knocked your head against the glass, hard enough to hear a small thud. You shouldn’t be thinking of them like that, it was wrong, so wrong.

Was it the way the world viewed hybrids messing with you, bleeding into your subconscious? They were presented as the answer to any and all desires, transformed into wet dreams. The media had the power to influence behaviors and thoughts little by little without the person noticing. You had thought you were too clever to fall victim to their molded reality. You knocked your head against the glass again, the driver must have been thinking you were crazy.

The limousine parked in front of the Castle. On other nights the lights would have been turned off by now but tonight they were all shinning, welcoming you home. You fished your keys out of your bag and unlocked the door. The lights were on in the living room in the lowest setting.

“Welcome.” You jumped, almost tumbling to the floor at being startled while taking off your heels.

“Every. Single. Time.” Namjoon laughed quietly. “How do you do this every single time?”

“I was already here, I couldn’t make any more noise.” He got up from the couch, extending a hand to you. You took it and he guided you to the couch. “Did you have a good time?”

The dress wrinkled as you pulled one foot under you but you couldn’t care less. “It was… bearable. I didn’t-” You let your head fall on the back of the couch. Seeing Namjoon up close after the night you had, looking at you with soft eyes like you held the sky in the palm of your hand, everything was coming back. What were you doing here? Your heart shouldn’t be racing like that when you were thinking about the wolf hybrid, your hands shouldn’t be itching to touch him.

“You’re here now, you can relax,” he said trailing his hand from your arm to your shoulder and up your neck. Goosebumps raised on your bare skin. “You’re home.” His breath tickled your face, his lips were so close and you wanted, you wanted… You pushed him back.

“I should go take off my makeup. I’m exhausted.”

Namjoon frowned but he didn’t question you. “Okay,” he said softly. “Your bed must be calling your name.”

“It is,” you said slipping away from him. The absence of his touch left a void inside you. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.”

You went to your room with a heavy heart, leaving Namjoon alone in the living room.

♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩ ♩♪♩♬♬♩♪♩

 You found the offending magazine in a store close to the studios. Copies of it filled a whole stand. The cover was a photo of you with Jin and Jimin in front of the waffle place the day you had taken them with you to the table-reading. It really was front-page news.

In A Stunning Display of Power And Wealth Y/N Y/L/N Adopts Four Hybrids

Straight to the point, every word chosen precisely to attract attention. A display of power and wealth. Of course, that’s what sold copies. That’s what people wanted to read; how one of the richest and most famous directors of your generation was showing off their wealth and power. Hybrids continued to be a sign of money. To adopt four hybrids meant you were crazy rich, but people already knew that when similar headlines had swept all tabloids just a year ago, brought on by the outrageous purchase of the Castle.

Four pages were dedicated to you and your hybrids, completed with more photos of the same day and quotes from “insider sources”. You closed the magazine and went to the counter. The cashier scanned it without glancing at your face, which saved you some trouble. You almost thought you would have to re-enact the comedic scene of the cashier looking at the magazine, then at you, then back at the magazine, then back at you like a robot that had stopped working. You shoved the magazine in your bag, self-conscious of anyone seeing it on you, and went back to the studios.

Filming would begin very soon, which meant you were swamped with work. Everything had to be perfect because that’s the kind of director you were. A perfectionist. If it also gave you an excuse not to think about the hybrids and all of the implications of the flutter of your heart when you were with them, you weren’t complaining. And if you were a little more distant, that could easily be attributed to your work too.

Sleepless nights became too common, your head was too loud and Jimin laying next to you only made it louder.

Filming started and your schedule changed. Most days you still woke up early and returned late at night, but because each scene required a specific time of the day there were nights you came back hours after midnight. You had promised the hybrids you would take them with you on set but every morning you got in the car alone.

Fourth day of filming and unexpected rain forced you to cancel the outside shooting. You only had outside filming that day. You rushed to make adjustments and switch to scenes that could be filmed inside the studios. The crew would need time to prepare everything for the filming so you had been left with the morning off.

You unlocked the door, hiding inside the house from the rain. It hadn’t rained like that in a long time. The heavens had opened up and the rain refused to stop coming down like it was determined to turn Los Angeles into a gigantic lake. Your shoes left puddles wherever you stepped, you would have to mop the floors later. You took them off and placed them by the door. They had suffered the most, the rest of yourself was relatively dry with the exception of the lower part of your pants.

No one was attacking you with hugs as you closed the umbrella someone from the staff had handed you, the hybrids mustn’t have heard you coming in. If they had heard you, you would have had an armful of Jimin and Jungkook by now.

“Oh, hey Yoongi,” you greeted the panther hybrid coming out of the kitchen. Your tactic with Yoongi was to act like you were talking to someone who didn’t strongly dislike you. The scowls and the sneers had decreased turning into a plastic sort of indifference and that’s what made you pause. His scowl could cut you like a knife. “Are you alright?”

Yoongi stalked past you. “What are doing back?” he asked harshly.

You were taken aback for a moment. He hadn’t spoken like that to you since before you had left for Virginia. “I have the morning off because of the rain. Did something happen here?”

“Why do you care?” Yoongi stood by the staircase, his black tail unmoving behind him.

“Why would I not care?” you shot back. The rain had already ruined your plans for the day and caused you enough stress to last you for a few more, you didn’t have enough energy to deal with Yoongi. “Seriously, what happened? Is Hoseok alright?”

A low growl vibrated through the room, you almost took a step back at the threatening sound. “Don’t you speak his name. Was caring for him another way to make you feel powerful? Is this some kind of sick way for you to gain power over someone?”

You were too tired to handle this delicately as you should, you recognized that and proceeded to ignore it. “What the hell is this about? I just came back from work.”

Yoongi scoffed, it was an ugly sound. “Because you have brainwashed everyone else, don’t think I don’t see you for who you are. Have you sold our story yet? About how you saved Hoseok and nursed him back to health? I am sure that will sell many magazines. Show them all how all-powerful you are.”

Through the haze of the day, the words started to click. “You found the magazine.”

“You didn’t try to hide it.” You couldn’t remember where you had left it, it had probably ended up in the stack of magazines under the living room table. “I knew no one would take four hybrids in out of the goodness of their hearts. Did it work? Was it worth it or are you already getting bored? Maybe you should adopt a couple more. Make more headlines.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” you gritted out.

“That’s what you’d like to think,” Yoongi sneered. “All of you are the same. Hiding in your mansions and looking for the next chance to brandish your name. It’s a constant chase of power and standing, isn’t it? And you’ll use anyone you’ll find in your way to climb higher. I know how it is. You can’t fool me. I’ve been dealing with people like you for years!”

Your pants and your wet socks were sticking uncomfortably to your skin. Your head was buzzing. It hurt because that’s everything you had been trying to avoid. Everything you had promised yourself not to become. Everything you had criticized your parents and their circle for. You weren’t like them. You had never been like them.

“You don’t know me, don’t pretend you do,” you said forcefully. “Do you really think that’s how magazines work? I just call them and tell them I want them to write about me? Put me on the front cover? That’s not it. Even if it was, why would I do that? I couldn’t care less about the power-plays you’re talking about. I’m a director and my work speaks for itself. I don’t need magazines to brandish my name because my movies and my shows are more than enough. The paparazzi saw the chance and they took it. Their goal is to sell and their headlines showcase exactly that; what people would buy. I never hid the fact that I adopted hybrids but I wasn’t flaunting it to the media either.”

“Why should I believe you?” Yoongi growled.

You sighed, a sound full of frustration. “Frankly, I don’t see what else I could do to make you believe me! I tended to Hoseok. I didn’t ask any questions. I tried hard not to cross any boundaries and to make you feel welcome. What more do you want me to do?”

“Nothing,” Yoongi said simply. “Nothing you do can change my mind.”

It was like a stone dropped in the pit of your stomach. You shouldn’t have expected anything else. Yoongi had been through a lot, that much was clear, but it was unfair that he was taking out everything on you. You were paying for the scars other humans had inflicted on him.

“I’m not who you think I am.”

“You don’t know what I think.”

“It’s pretty clear,” you muttered. “Alright, I can’t change your mind, I won’t even try. I know how to pick my battles. But if you really despise me so much then why bother? Nothing you say will change anything. Are you trying to uncover some hidden truth about me and how evil I am? Then what?”

The fur on Yoongi’s tail and ears stood on end. “I don’t care. I don’t care about you, about what you have done and what you will do as long as we’re gone from here. I don’t care for your charity or your pity. Did it ever occur to you that I never wanted to be here in the first place?”

You swallowed, willing your heart rate to calm down. “Then tell Hoseok and Jimin yourself. The keys are by the door.”

You didn’t wait for Yoongi to say anything else, turning around and locking yourself in your room. You laid down on your bed, your hands gripping your hair. The exhaustion this time was beyond physical, beyond mental. Your hands retreated from your hair, sliding down your cheeks. Your fingers were wet.

Later when Jimin and Jungkook knocked on the door, you had to open the door or risk worrying them. They jumped on the bed and snuggled close to you. You held your phone waiting for the call to go to the studios.

You didn’t face any new problems with filming. The actors were all incredible, seemingly one with their characters. You did a lot of filming at 300 Fox Way, the psychic’s house with its mystic aura and weirdly compelling assortment of objects. You instructed the actors, talked with the crew, and analyzed the script down to each comma. Focusing on anything other than Yoongi’s words and your hybrids had turned into an art form.

The sleepless nights didn’t cease, you and the moonlight had become good friends. Jimin’s visits to your room thinned out. He had noticed you pulling away. You didn’t hug him anymore or kissed his forehead before falling asleep, you couldn’t come to terms with doing that after everything that had happened. You had thought that maybe you would sleep better alone but that had been proved false soon after.

You got out of bed for the fourth night in a row. Every position was uncomfortable. Keeping your steps light you left the room. The large house was eerie at night, the living room area with its glass walls looked endless, combining the actual living room, the dining room, and what the real estate agents had called the family room that was really just another living room.

You couldn’t stay in your room on nights like these, it was too contained. The night air on your skin sent shivers down your frame as you walked out on the balcony. It was two days before the full moon and its glow illuminated the world.

What had you gotten yourself into? You wished you could go back to that morning and decline your mother’s invitation to the gala. Maybe, just maybe, then you would be able to sleep, your head wouldn’t be fighting you at every turn, at every chance.

Little pieces of moonlight shimmered and danced on the lake. The calmness of the world was a stark contrast to the mess in your head. You remembered how Jungkook had looked at the lake in awe that very first night, you had noticed then that he looked at Jimin the same way. You wondered how you looked at them and if anyone had noticed.

The moon had no answers for you.

Two golden eyes were looking up at you from the garden, they shone like the fires that had been extinguished earlier. Namjoon tilted his head, inviting you down. A weird sense of deja vu took over. You had lived something very similar before, a night that had changed so much.

You shouldn’t go. You should stay where you were, alone and safe, away from fluttering heartbeats and dangerous warmth. But the night had its way of calling out the risky nature of people. The thrill was so much more enticing when darkness ruled.

Climbing down the stairs, you kept your steps quiet. You never knew which sound would wake up the hybrids. Namjoon was standing by the flower bushes close to the curtain of vines that lead into the forest. He was wearing a dark blue pair of pajama pants and a simple black T-shirt.

“What are you doing awake so late?” you whispered, like everything around you had ears.

“I could ask you the same thing.”

You shook your head. “I have trouble sleeping, remember?”

Namjoon had caught you a few times wandering the house at night, he was the only one who knew that a lot of nights sleep didn’t come to you willingly. His own nightly adventures were more complicated.

“Why are you awake?” you asked him again. “Please don’t tell me you smelled distress or something again or I’ll freak.”

Namjoon chuckled, you had missed it. Keeping your distance meant you only saw them for barely two hours every day. They all tried to not make too much noise with you in the constant mood of ‘tired and gloomy’.

“No, that’s not it.” He looked up, over the trees. “It’s the full moon.”

“You have to be kidding me. Do you turn into a wolf too?”

Namjoon raised his hands in surrender, his dimples on full display. “I’m joking, I’m joking. I couldn’t sleep either and I like being outside at night like this. It’s peaceful.”

You couldn’t disagree with that. There was something alluring about the quiet of the night. You would describe yourself more as a morning person than a night owl but both of them were true, waking up early for work then staying up late for it too.

“Are you alright?” The smile had fallen from his lips.

You squirmed under the intensity of his gaze. “I’m just tired, that’s all. Filming takes a lot out of me.”

Namjoon sighed. “Are you sure that’s all there is? You have been acting differently, did you think we wouldn’t notice?”

You knew they would notice but you had hoped they would think it was because of your work. Work did take a lot out of you but it also used to be the reason you were so much happier returning home.

“It has been going on for too long. You don’t spend any time outside your room or your office if it isn’t to eat. You are avoiding us. Jimin and Jungkook stopped scenting you because they think they’re making you uncomfortable.”

“It isn’t- They aren’t making me uncomfortable. I’m just tired from work and I don’t-” you tried to deny it but you fell short of excuses.

“You were working before too, but it wasn’t like this,” he pointed out. “You were tired then too. Some nights you came back and I could smell the exhaustion around you like a disease. But you smiled when Jimin and Jungkook ran up to you and didn’t let you go, you laughed at Jin laughing at his own jokes. You came to me when it got too loud here.” He pointed to your head.

“We weren’t filming then.” It was a weak attempt but you had to make it.

Namjoon regarded you carefully. Beams of moonlight got tangled in his gray hair turning it silver. He looked at home right there at that moment, close to the trees with the moon shining on him. He was every bit of magic you had ever witnessed.

“This started before filming did. I knew there was something wrong when you came back from the gala. Something happened there,” Namjoon concluded. “I should have come with you.”

You shook your head vigorously. Imagining him next to you while your mother spoke about hybrids like that was torture. “No, you shouldn’t. You shouldn’t have been with me.” You paused to compose yourself. “It wasn’t good, it was really bad actually. It wasn’t the gala itself, there some interesting people and… My mother…” You took a deep breath. “I don’t think I like my parents very much,” you admitted.

It was hard to say after years of half-hearted attempts at mending your relationship with them. All those years apart you had become very different people. You had trouble remembering what they were like before they left you in your aunt’s care. You couldn’t see any traces of them in yourself, you didn’t enjoy what they enjoyed, your interests and priorities, the way you viewed the world were very different.

In the past few days, you had grown to hate your mother’s voice in your head but you had a feeling that it had been much longer than that. The only difference was that before, you had been able to ignore it.

Namjoon came closer, his hand touching your palm waiting for you to make the first move. You took his hand in yours, laying your head on his chest. “That’s alright. You don’t have to like them, no one is forcing you to.”

“But they are my parents.”

He stroked your back gently. “It doesn’t matter, that isn’t enough of a reason.”

“They aren’t bad people.”

“They don’t need to be bad people for you to dislike them.”

You stayed like that for a few moments, taking in his presence. You had missed being in his arms so much, like an ache that couldn’t go away.

He stopped stroking your back, cupping your cheek and pulling back so you were facing each other. “I’m always here for you. I don’t care about anything else but seeing you happy. I’m here.”

“I missed you,” you admitted like it was a secret.

Namjoon smiled softly. “I missed you too.” His thumb caressed your lower lip. There was a tingling sensation all over your skin. “Can I?” he asked just like the very first time.

You let out a shuddering breath. “Should we be doing this?”

“Do you want to?” he asked carefully.

You bit your lip before nodding. He leaned down connecting your lips. It was soft and careful, all the longing and hurt of the past days poured into the kiss. You pulled him closer and he came willingly. You could hear your heartbeat in your ears.

An awful laugh cut through the night. You pulled away from Namjoon like you had been burnt. Yoongi was one with the night, dark like a shadow.

“So this is it? Is this why you adopted them all? So you can have your pick when you’re in the mood?” The expression on his face was cruel, twisted up in disgust.

Namjoon growled, his sharp canines shinning in the moonlight. In that moment, Namjoon looked more dangerous than ever before. “Shut your mouth.”

“I see she has turned you into her dog. How long did it take to tame you?”

You held Namjoon back before he could lunge at the panther. You were afraid that if you let him go, there would blood on their clothes. “Don’t.”

Yoongi took a tense step forward. “That’s right, listen to your owner. Is that what she has turned all of you into? Her toys? Just for a roof over your head and food?”

“Shut the fuck up,” Namjoon growled. “Don’t you dare talk about her like that. You have no fucking idea what you’re talking about.”

Yoongi clenched his fists. There was anger and something else you couldn’t see in the night amidst your panic. “I knew it. I knew no one did what you did without any kind of agenda. Seems like the magazine was right, at least in part. You can’t fool me, even if you managed to fool everyone else.”

With that he was gone, like he was never there.

You couldn’t breathe. Your hand was still wrapped around Namjoon’s wrist and you couldn’t breathe. You counted in your head. One, two, three…

When Namjoon tried to touch your shoulder, you pulled away. “I’m going back to my room,” you said. Your voice sounded shaky to your own ears. Namjoon called out to you but you didn’t stop. He didn’t try to touch you again.

Please comment and reblog it motivates me to keep writing

[jay-and-dean]

I don’t need you  Chapter 1 : Damsel in distress.

Dean x reader

Summary : She’s a warrior, she’s a loner. Nothing can stop her, nothing ever had. She doesn’t need Dean, does she ?

This is a request by @magssteenkamp​ that I decided to turn to a serie :

“Okay, how about a Dean x Reader that is a tomboy badass Hunter think Selene from Underworld without being a vampire. That has Dean off his game because she’s not someone he can save she’s not the damsel in distress. She could have become a hunter because vampires, killed her family and now she gets a little scary when she’s up against them fluttering Dean and turning him on… Of course, smut must be in this story you write it so well. Now, go make Dean sweat, every time he sees her drinking whiskey neat like it’s nothing. Can’t wait to see what you come up with.” 

Serie Warnings : Swearing (duh). Mention of death. Smut, probably all kind from rough to fluffy, I’ll precise in the chapters if there are specific warnings. Fluff. Angst of course.

Words : 3.2k

Note :  I have no idea how many chapters it will be yet because I have 2 possible endings in mind. One version is like 3 chapters, the other is like 10 chapters, haha. I guess it depends if you guys like it. 

I’ll try to stick to the 3k rule, like for Rescue You

If everything goes as planned, you’ll get one chapter every wednesday. 

***Want to read more ? => MASTERLIST***

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Dean’s Pov

City isn’t my favorite playground. I’m used to shitty little motels in shitty little towns. I’m used to silence and forests, at least for hunts.

And above all, I’m used to night being night. Those lights are killing me and I can’t get rest.

My hand on my stomach, watching the ceiling, I try to ignore the woman screaming lame pornographic sounds in the room above us. Judging by how much she fakes it, I think the guy with her is really not good.

Will those sirens stop at some point ?

Even if we hunted in big cities before, we rarely had to stay in the center of it for long. I miss the bunker, I miss home, and I miss baby. Parking her here is nearly impossible, and pretty dangerous for her, so we left her alone and we take the damn bus.

I hate the bus. Obviously.

This hunt is a mess. And as everything in this city, it’s too big. For four weeks now, we have been following a lead and it just feels like it’s never ending.

Is it possible that vampires are organized in an authentic mafia here ?

How Sam and I are supposed to fight it ? Those fuckers recruit and abduct young people… Two hundred and sixty eight teens have been declared missing in what, three or four months ? Even Sam is out of his depth.

The woman stops screaming and I close my eyes in relief. I try to think of the last time I had fun with a woman, a few weeks ago… Now it feels like ages.

Sam is sleeping and I just wish I could do the same, but this stupid window has no curtain, and it’s bright like the middle of the afternoon out there.

We found a hunter bar, finally, and asked for help. We need someone who knows this place. But the bar was mostly empty, and that doesn’t look good. I remember the barman’s face when we asked for some name, a phone number, anything… for someone that could help us. He chuckled, and sais he knew someone, the best ; he said we could find that hunter at some subway station tomorrow night.

So we wait.

*******

           Freaking subway. Dark and smelly. Sam is leaning on the tiles, waiting for someone to show. I don’t even dare touching those walls, hands in the pockets of my jeans, I look at the steam coming out of my mouth, my head low in my shoulders, trying to ignore the cold.

“This is stupid” I sigh. “We don’t even have a name, a description, anything.”

“The barman said we’ll know Dean, be patient” my brother mumbles, looking at every person passing by like a weirdo.

“Patient ! One hour, Sammy ! And this music !”

A group of young people are listening to very shitty music there, laughing like hyenas, and I am about to lose it.

           Suddenly, their behavior change, and they start to whistle, pointing at a young lady coming down the stairs. She’s wearing a long coat with a large hood on her head, hiding most of her face, and she’s looking for something in her purse, cursing and hurrying, clearly late to go somewhere.

           When she barely watch where she goes and almost miss the last step, my back straightens. She looks clumsy and really not careful, I’m afraid the little morons will bother her.

“Hey kitten !” they call her. “Kitty kitty kitty…”

I look at Sam and he gets ready to fight.

Fucking city.

“Hey ! Leave her alone !” I say and the boys laugh at me, grabbing the woman by the arm.

           We were here for vampires, but a damsel in distress needs us, so Sam and I start to walk toward the young people. The music is loud, some electro shit, and I can’t wait to break their speaker.

           When the boys who had grabbed the woman’s arm tugs at it, she suddenly turns on herself in one smooth but swift movement, leaving him with just the coat in his hand.

           This goes so fast I’m barely registering what’s happening. The lady is wearing clothes that makes my brain go blank for a second : very skinny jeans with freaking thigh holsters holding guns, and a tight black corset.

           Who is that woman ?

           Grabbing her coat with snake speed, she throws it at the boy’s head and hit his knee so hard it bends in the wrong way.

           Sam stops walking, frozen in place. And I bet he’s like me… asking himself who needs help after all.

           She grabs a gun at her thigh and shoots one of the boys right in the head, the silencer barely preventing the echo making us all jump in surprise.

“Wh-…” I start but the young men shows their teeth and I realize they have been the vampire all along.

One of them manage to hit her face, and before Sam or I can move, she hits him back, making him stumble back. He has no time to move before she reaches the thin machete she was hiding in her back and makes his head roll on the floor, falling on the railroad.

           With a few more quick an expert movements, she kills all of them, except a coward, who tries running for his life in our direction, the exit direction.

           I stop him with my fist in his stomach and he falls on the floor.

“Wait !” the woman says. “Leave him alive.”

She walks toward us, her hips swaying and blood all over her perfect cleavage. I’m fascinated, and I must admit to myself, even if I wouldn’t say it out loud, even to Sam : a little horny… What the fuck is happening here ?

She squats and grabs his dirty hair to make him look up at her.

“I will need to talk to your boss” she says.

“He will tear you to pieces, bitch !”

She punches him.

“We’ll see, bitch” she answers and the boy starts to whine, now looking mostly pathetic.

“Please, don’t kill me, I can give you money, I… I can give you eternal life… Or drugs ? You want drugs ?”

She sighs.

“Let be clear, Jimmy…” she says and his eyes widen.

“How do you know my name !”

“I know everything about you little shit, and about your nest… About Holloway. Now where can I find him ?” she states, hitting the vampire’s head on the floor.

“If I tell you…” he answers in a pitiful whine. “He will find me, he will kill me.”

She points the bloody machete on his neck, and starts to dig it slowly in his skin, making him cry out in pain.

“The club !” he screams. “The H club ! I-it is his club, but you won’t be able to enter ! Only vampires can enter !”

“Only vampires ?” she smirks, making my blood run both cold and boiling at how fierce she looks. “Good, Jimmy, you just earn a day of life. Get up, little shit. You follow me without saying a word, and you might live a little more.”

She gets up and harshly tie his arms behind his back.

“Winchesters ?” she asks, and it takes a few seconds before Sam and I answer, still stunned by how impressive she is.

“Y-yeah…” I stammer.

“Winchesters… Seriously…” the vampire sighs, but we all ignore him.

“Joe said you were looking for me” she looks behind her at the mess of corpses and blood. “You still want to help with this ?”

Sam nods, I’m too caught up in her aura.

“Okay, hold this fucker while I burn this mess.”

           And she does ! With a flask from her purse, she stands before the bodies and say some incantation before she puts a few drops of that weird golden liquid on the corpses. The second she does, body after body –or body parts-, they turn to ashes suddenly, leaving no sign of the slaughter that happened here.

           She grabs her heavy coat and dusts it.

“Y-you sure know how to get rid of a body !” Sam says, his eyes widened.

We totally need that.

“Yeah, so don’t piss me off” she gives us a corner, grabbing Jimmy by the arm to walk to the exit, putting her coat back on.

           Sam and I look at each other in disbelief, before we follow her like puppies, reaching the street. We jog to join her and I search her face before I speak.

“We never told the barman who we were, how do you know ?” I ask following her quick steps.

“I’m not reckless, Dean” she says. “And I’m not stupid. When he described the two men looking for me, I thought most hunters would have given up, so with the grumpy, flannel, big guys especially the one with longer hair description, I checked the city cameras for a 67 Impala, and I was right.”

“You’re good” Sam states, impressed.

“I heard you’re too” she chuckles, her smile knocking my heart out.

Reader’s Pov

           “Taxi !” I call with my free hand in the air and the car stops.

“You’re going to take the… vampire… in a cab ?” Sam worries, his voice low, like someone was paying attention to us, but no one is.

“Well, I have to bring him home” I just say.

What can I had, honestly, walking the streets with monsters at my arm has become a habit of mine.

           When we sit on the backseat, I get my gun and dig it in Jimmy’s ribs through my coat, until I hear him whine in pain. I keep my eyes on him, threatening eyes.

           Jimmy Jimmy… I looked for you everywhere for a few months. And I’m not disappointed in you. Son of a middle class dentist, afraid of death since childhood, seen a shrink for four years because of that, hypochondriac, anxious… Turned into a vampire at seventeen in 1984, the perfect cure of this fear of dying : immortality.

I knew how bad you wanted to live little shit, I knew I could get you to talk. Anything but dying right ? Because, as you  told Dr Stenvens in 1980 : “Dying is forever.”

*******

           “Welcome to my place” I say, opening the creaking door of my apartment.

I know they will probably pity me, I heard they live in a gorgeous military base or whatever, but I love my home.

           I had to kill to get this big apartment, literally kill. Monsters of course, but still. It’s a little dilapidated and the lights go off each time the train passes near, but I have big windows, and almost no rats.

           I push the empty bottle of whiskey with my feet and grab the chair to put Jimmy on it, and tie him tight.

           The hunter brothers enter and I must say I’m a little impressed to have them here, even if I will never admit it.

“Beer ?” I offer and they nod, looking at my psycho walls, as I call them : covered in photos and notes, pieces of journals and red lines of felt pen everywhere on it.

Of course I have everything in my laptop, but this helps to think. And as no one but Joe comes to my place, I don’t really care how creepy it looks.

“You’re a psycho !” Jimmy says and I chuckle.

Yeah… Like I said, psycho walls.

“You’re… organized” Sam says and I turn to look at him. Jesus, that man is tall !

“So you were working the young vampires nest case ?” I ask, handing them the bottles, but they don’t move, frowning in Jimmy’s direction. “You can sit, the little shit isn’t going anywhere, this creaky wooden chair is warded.”

“Ward-… Okay” Dean stammers, sitting on the couch.

           It’s really weird, meeting people you know somehow. Those guys are legends, and there are even books about them, books I each read a few times, learning a lot about hunting, but mostly learning about them. About Dean’s fear of failing his family, about Sam’s need to fail them to survive.

           There was a time I used to cling to those books at night, trying to imagine they were real, and they could protect me… Until I found out they were but I was the only one that was going to take care of me.

I can’t deny I used to have a teen crush on Dean, when those silly things still interested me. He was the big-hearted bad boy my 14 years old self needed to survive the street.

Then nothing. The books stopped, I was worried the story just ended like that. And I had to move on from it, someone stealing my all stuffs, including the books, made it quicker than I thought.

Of course, I heard the stories later… Things about Purgatory, about Dean being a Demon, then not, about their mother being back at all… But it’s not the same, and I always wondered what my childhood heroes had become, What they looked like now….

“Who are you ?” Dean finally says with a voice so low I can’t help but bite my cheek a little, to avoid smiling like teen-me would have.

I’m not a teen anymore, and I don’t need heroes to help me through the night.

“Y/n” I say. “I’m on this case too.”

“You’re a hunter ?” Sam asks and I search his face, looking for the hint of hope you can find on a rebel’s eyes, but it’s gone. What happened to you ?

“I’m hungry !” Jimmy whines and I ignore him.

“Not really…” I sigh, sipping at my beer. “I mean, yes, but, I have only been working one case, so…”

“This case” Dean states, nodding for himself with a glance at the walls.

“Yeah… This case. Holloway is not easy to get, and the more I get close, the more he widens his army, so the… the missing, they’re a little on me.”

“No, no they’re not” Sam says right away with those kind eyes, just like I always imagined it.

But he won’t get this idea out of my head easily. Joe says it too, that it’s not on me. And, I know, I mean, I know that the killings are not originally on me… But this has become a war, and wars makes victims.

“Anyway, I can’t stop now” I sigh, getting up to wash my hands, I just noticed how bloody they were.

           The truth is, I never could stop. From day one. The day those vamps tracked us after school, and took Amy and Beth, the day I managed to escape and talked to my parents. My friends were found a few days later, beaten, drained of blood, in a ditch somewhere. We were only thirteen, they were my best friends, and we had so much plans for the future…

           I gave too much information, on the boys’ look, on what they were saying, wearing, and my parents supported me when cops wanted to close the file. I know now that this network have some cops with them.

           So they killed them, my parents. That one night, they killed everybody and tried to kill me too, but Holloway wanted me for himself. That’s his big move : killing little girls, pretty teens, I can’t even imagine what he does to them…

But on the way to my death, I escaped again. At this instant was already too late, I far too far gone in Hell… Too late for normal, too late for letting go.

“What is your plan ?” Sam asks a little lower, like he was afraid of what Jimmy could hear.

“I go to this club” I state, coming back to sit opposite of them.

“Hellooo ! I’m still hungry !” the little shit whines making all three of us roll our eyes without answering.

“They only let vampires in” Dean frowns, sitting on the verge of the couch to search my face.

I didn’t imagined him exactly like that when I read the books. His hair are darker, his jaw is sharper, his eyes are not this ridiculous mint green, but a profound summer forest color. He must be what ? Forty now ?  

“I’ll be one” I shrug.

“What !” the brothers gasp in sync.

“Not forever, don’t worry. I have the cure, and we will need the blood of the vampire that turned me, good thing he’s tied up in my apartment” I give them a corner smile.

“No way !” Dean grunts. “That’s insane.”

“Well, Winchester, I’ll do it with or without you…”

Dean’s Pov

           This woman has lost her mind. A sharp mind, yes, but she lost it. I stare at her and can’t find an ounce of fear on her pretty bloody face.

“I have been there, sweetheart, it’s really not a sinecure !”

The second I say it, I regret using this nickname. She will crush me for sure.

           But she doesn’t. She smiles a little again, that confident corner smile of hers, the only thing that keeps my mind away from that freaking corset, and the blood stains on her cleavage.

           I have never met a girl like her, Hell, I have never met somebody like her, man or woman ! And behind those fierce eyes, I guess she must have suffered all kinds of Hell to be so strong today.

“Let’s say you let the vampire turn you” Sam whispers, glancing at Jimmy. “What makes you think you won’t feed on blood ? It’s a thirst you may not be able to resist. A-and… Once in the club, what then ?”

She looks down, resting her elbows on her knees.

“Then I find Holloway, kill him, and burn them all to the ground” she states absent-mindedly, putting her hand on her purse next to her.

           That’s when I understand. This is not just a case, this could be a suicide mission, she doesn’t really care.

I do. I have no idea why I care so much, but I do.

“Please listen…” the vampire-douche starts but we all answer in sync.

“Shut up Jimmy !”

She chuckles lightly at our perfectly synchronized annoyance.

I’m mesmerized, a need burning my veins from the inside, something new. This is not desire like I have felt with pretty women before, this is not curiosity or interest… This is fascination. I want everything : to know her, see her, unravel her, touch her, hear her, taste her…

“Let us help” I say a little too seriously and too low, making her search my eyes with a frown.

“If you want to help, help” she finally states. “But this is my case, my rules, my way. If you intend to give me orders or talk me out of it, just go back to Kansas. I don’t need you.”

______________________

***FEEDBACK IS GOLD***

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[jettingtothemoon]

Save You; chapter 2

➳ pairing: hector x witch|reader ➳ genre: fantasy, angst, fluff ➳ warnings: violence, swearing, smut, mentions of rape, past slavery, spoilers for seasons 1 thorough 3. ➳ word count: 2404 ➳ rating: 18+ ➳ summary: In which y/n and Hector continue to flee from the council of sisters, finding refuge among an unlikely acquaintance with fresh scars and a cold personality. ➳ Part two of, ’Rescue You’. ➳ a/n: daughter of the spirits is gonna be late this week so i decided to upload this early :)

Chapters: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09,

Guilty Feelings

By the morning, you were being gently shaken awake by small hands. Your eyes peeled open and you reached out for Hector, letting out a sigh of relief to find that he was still beside you. Then, you sat up as the forgemaster yawned and stretched his limbs.

"What's wrong?" you questioned upon turning your attention back to the boy who had silently made his way into your room and up to your bed.

The child seemed quieter than usual and you couldn't read his expression as he softly held onto your arm. When Hector sat up beside you, tilting his head to the side as he too tried to figure out what the child wanted, there was a tiny little grumble in the room.

"You're hungry?" you asked as you began to climb out of the bed.

The boy nodded and his stomach growled again.

"We shouldn't wander around the castle alone. We should just wait for Alucard," hector protested as you slipped into your boots and took the boy's hand in your own.

"We're just going to go downstairs. For all we know, Alucard is already up, and if not we will just have to wait for him. I'd go look for him but I don't know which room is his."

Hector hummed, seeing that there was no real danger in going downstairs. As long as you didn't wander it should be fine.

The three of you then transcended back down the stairs and to the kitchen.

Walking through the castle again was an unusual feeling for both you and Hector. They were rooms you knew so well and yet, everything seemed so different. There was still a darkness looming over the castle but it was somewhat brighter than before. You assumed it was even brighter before whatever had happened here since Alucard moved back in.

Not only was the atmosphere different but the decor had changed somewhat, whether that was because most of it was destroyed during the fight or simply because of Alucard's own personal preference, you were unsure. He had done a good job at cleaning things up, so much so that there were little remnants of the minor battle that took place here the day you fled with Cezar. Then again, you supposed Alucard didn't have much else to do to keep himself occupied now that he was here alone.

He didn't return alone. There were a speaker magician and a Belmont with him the day Dracula was killed. You couldn't help but wonder what had happened to them or where they were now. You only hoped that they were not the corpses that had been left to rot outside.

"Ah, you're awake," Alucard announced.

The silent boy quickly latched onto Hector's hand once again, still clearly somewhat unsure about the half-vampire but no longer entirely afraid of him.

"You're up already?" you enquired, knowing that it was even still rather early for you or Hector and that the two of you would still be asleep if it wasn't for the child.

Alucard sighed as though he was uninterested in the conversation but answered anyway, "I don't sleep much these days. I made some breakfast for you though, I thought you might be hungry."

He had indeed made breakfast for all of you. It seemed as though he had even waited for you before touching his own.

"Thank you, it smells delicious," hector commented, trying to make some kind of polite conversation with your host.

Alucard simply nodded his head and beckoned for you all to come and sit down, and so, you did.

It was silent as you ate, almost awkwardly so, until Alucard spoke again, "Oh, I didn't have time to prepare them last night but there will be clean nightgowns for all of you from now on. They will be much more comfortable than wearing your clothes to bed. You all need to bathe today too, you're still covered in dirt."

Although his words should have sounded at least somewhat kind, the only tone within his voice was flat and tired. It was clear that he was unhappy with the three of you being there but, for whatever reason, he hadn't turned you away when you asked to stay.

He seemed somewhat on guard around the two of you, Hector, in particular, but other than that he seemed as though he didn't care much about you being in his castle. It was almost as if some part of him wanted you there, or at least, wanted some company.

Alucard had always been somewhat lonely when you knew him before but back then he didn't seem to care much for it anyway. He had his mother and his father hadn't spiralled into madness but now he was truly alone. His parents were dead, one by his hand, and the only friends he ever knew seemed to have gone far from here. That is if they were ever his friends in the first place.

Whatever the Belmont and speaker were to him, they were people he would have grown used to seeing and now they were gone, that much you knew. Alucard had had a taste of what it was like not to be alone only to end up back in this castle, isolated from the rest of the world and, although you and Hector were the last people he would want company from, it seemed that some small part of him didn't want to send you away.

After breakfast, Alucard took the child with him to search for some clean clothes. Before doing so, however, he had directed you and Hector to the bathroom so that the two of you could bathe and dress in some clean clothes.

As it turned out, some of Hector's old belongings were left behind after the attack so he had clothes to wear at least. You, however, were stuck with whatever Alucard could find lying around that would fit you. Alucard had also told you and Hector that you could use his old room from now on if you wished but Hector seemed somewhat reluctant to go back there, although you were unsure why.

"Want some help? Or maybe just some company?" you offered as Hector headed towards the bathroom.

He stopped, turning his head towards you with furrowed brows.

"What? It's not like I haven't seen it all before," you admitted with a chuckle.

Hector blushed slightly but still seemed somewhat uncomfortable. "I- It's just that- Well, it isn't the same as before... before that.... before you were locked up and..."

"Hey," you spoke gently, cupping his face in your hands to draw his shakey gaze to you, "It's okay if you don't want me to. I can stay out here and wait for you. Just know that nothing that has happened between then and now has changed anything. I still love you, Hector."

His eyes searched yours as if he was looking for his own answer in them and, once he found that answer, he slipped his hand into yours.

"I- I suppose I could use some help washing my hair."

You smiled sweetly and followed him into the bathroom, making sure that the water in the tub wasn't too hot for him before politely turning your back for him to remove his clothes and climb in.

You had indeed seen him naked before, more than once, but not since everything went wrong back in Styria. Whatever happened to him, whatever Lenore did to him or made him do, even if it was no worse than what it had been before you first arrived, it had knocked him down.

Lenore put him in his place, that you were certain of. She broke him down piece by piece knowing that he was helpless to do anything to stop her. That was her punishment for him and his only crime was loving you.

Once the water stopped swishing and you were certain Hector was quietly seated in the tub, you turned toward him again. With a gentle smile, you reached your hands up, soon running your fingers through his tangled hair. He groaned slightly at the tug but closed his eyes as you carefully combed the silver locks until the knots and tangles were mostly gone.

While you were doing this, Hector had reached for a sponge and begun to scrub the dirt from his body. He leaned into your touch when you placed your hand over his, softly taking the sponge before soaking it in more of the warm water and wiping it over his shoulders.

Every movement was slow as you scrubbed the dirt away, slowly dragging the sponge across his tanned skin. He sat forwards and you continued to rub down his back with one hand, using the other to soothe the tension from his shoulders. Hector let out a long sigh and ran his own wet fingers through his hair. When you were done cleaning his back, he leaned back and allowed you to use an adjacent jug to soak his wavy hair.

The dirt began to wash out as you massaged his head and went back to combing your fingers through his hair to prevent it from knotting. You handled each and every part of him with care, you were gentle with him even when he occasionally tensed under your touch. It was easy to tell what he was thinking and feeling at this moment. You knew that you were the first person to ever treat him like something cherished, like someone worth caring about, worth loving.

When you were finished with his hair, he leaned his head back against the tub and looked up to your smiling face with another of those sighs, "I don't deserve you."

You reached out, running your fingers over his face, tracing the outlines of his features as you softly spoke, "You deserve the world."

"I don't," he hung his head down low, "I- I hurt people. I helped Dracula commit genocide. People died because of me, because of my night creatures. Families, women, children... They were innocent. I took my bad experiences with humans out on them, all of them. I was wrong and I don't know if I can stop the guilt consuming me whole. Not all humans are bad, you're not bad. I was just unlucky and met the wrong ones." As he spoke, he closed his eyes as if he were trying to hold in the tears that he didn't believe he had any right to cry. He truly believed that he was just as bad as those who had harmed him but you knew otherwise.

You leaned over him, pressing a tender kiss to his lips. "I hurt people too, Hector. I killed people for Dracula, I helped his soldiers slaughter countless innocent people. Human's do bad things when they're scared, angry and confused. You're human too you know, you did horrible things but you're not a bad person, not at heart. You never wanted them to suffer, you always wished for a quick and painless death even after everything they had done to you."

His eyes opened and, for a moment, it broke your heart. They looked so shattered, so broken. Not only from what happened with Lenore but from the weight of that guilt. You never knew it burdened him that much but you should have for it burdened you too. It was suffocating knowing that you had done such things out of fear. Hector was no different except you feared Dracula whereas he simply feared humans.

"I killed my own parents, y/n. They were my parents and I killed them."

"They beat you, they hurt you. If you hadn't killed them they would have probably ended up killing you," you defended his actions once again but he didn't seem convinced.

He sat up out of the water and leaned away from you. "They beat me because I raised animals from the dead. I'm not normal, I've never been normal. If I was they would still be alive, they would have loved me. Instead, they feared me. They beat me because they were scared of me. Does that make what they did any different from what I've done?"

You reached out a hand, placing it lightly on his shoulder and again he leaned into your touch as if it was the only thing keeping him sane.

"No child should go through that, normal or not. It's okay to feel guilty and sad, Hector, but you have to learn to forgive yourself. What's done is done. It's in the past. You're a different person now, you realised your mistakes and you won't make them again. Neither of us will."

"Thank you. This... helped. A little at least."

With a saddened smile, you carefully pulled him back down and rested your chin atop of his head, stretching your arms out until your hands settled on his chest. He let out another sigh, this time sounding somewhat relieved, and reached up to place his hands over your own.

He lifted the back of your hand to his mouth and kissed it affectionately before closing his eyes with a smile. "I really do love you."

Once Hector finished bathing, he left to change. You asked him to stay but, as much as he wanted nothing more than to stay with you, right now he couldn't. He couldn't because he knew that he wouldn't be able to hold back and he wasn't sure if he was ready to take that step with you yet. He wasn't sure if you were ready to take that step with him either. It had been long since you fled the castle but he was still trying to figure things out.

He was sure about one thing and that was you. He knew that he never wanted to leave your side, he knew that all he wanted was to go on more walks with you; to keep practising his magic with you; to wake up by your side every day until the day he died. All he could think about was how he wanted you to touch him, to reclaim the places she had touched with your own tender kisses. He just didn't want you to be stuck with the body of a broken man, a body that had already been claimed time and time again.

Chapters: 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09,

[buckybarnesbingo]

BBB Flash Roundup Weeks 2 and 3

We’ve got some AMAZING Bucky content for you, so go give it some love!

Don’t forget, signups for Round Three are open, and you can signup here.

We will be having a Flash Party THIS WEEKEND, on Saturday all over the world!  There will also be a BADGE for those that attend, made by the fantastic @feignedsobriquet​!

Speaking of badges, don’t forget to claim your badge if you finished a flash bingo card.  They will go out the first week of March.

Have you made a bingo fill that you don’t see on this roundup?  That’s because you did not fill out the form.  This is a new BBB requirement to make it easier on the mods’ lives, and it will be a permanent thing.

Title: End of the Line Collaborator: rebelmeg Card Number: 3 Link: Tumblr Square Filled: Memories Ship: Bucky & Steve Rating: Gen Major Tags: moodboard (sorta), angst, not very steve friendly, kinda poem-y Summary: "To the end of the line" was a lot shorter than Bucky expected it to be.

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Title: Why Do I Remember Collaborator: MagicaDraconia16 Card Number: 5 Link: AO3 Squares Filled: Chapter 1 - Angst Chapter 2 - Azzano  Chapter 3 - Flashback Chapter4 - Image of Bucky in Romania Ship: WinterIron Rating: Teen Major Tags: Angst, flashbacks, Azzano, implied/referenced torture, post-CA:TWS, pre-CA:CW Summary: Left behind in an old Hydra base when the rest of the team go chasing after the Winter Soldier, Tony Stark discovers he isn't the only person there. Although the Soldier doesn't know why he remembers the place. Tony can help with that. Word Count: 3705

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Title: Stray on the Doorstep Collaborator: caiti-creative-corner Card Number: 7 Link: AO3 Square Filled: Trauma Ship: James Barnes/Darcy Lewis/Clint Barton Rating: Teen Major Tags: Alternate Universe - Fantasy Summary: Sam couldn't quite figured out how he ended up in this situation, but he figured he could blame it on the cat. Word Count: 2915

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Title: Winter's Lessons -- Chapter 2 Trip Collaborator: shield-agent78 Card Number: 1 Link: Tumblr Square Filled: Blue Ship: Bucky x Reader Rating: Mature Major Tags: language, mentions of sex, anguish, fluff, children with disabilities, mentions of autism, a little sass, cocky Bucky, playful teasing, dirty talk, eventually smut, slow burn Summary: You’re a school teacher for students with special needs who is passionate about her job but has neglected taking time out for herself. He is handsome, cocky and an Avenger. What happens when a newfound relationship just might turn out to be exactly what you both need? Word Count: 1241

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Title: Can You See My Scars Moodboard Collaborator: shield-agent78 Card Number: 1 Link: Tumblr Square Filled: Scars Ship: none Rating: Gen Major Tags: bucky scars, moodboard Summary: Physical and Mental Scars

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Title: Dance Dance Collaborator: Samari1 Card Number: 3 Link: AO3 Square Filled: Red Ship: WinterHawk Rating: Teen Major Tags: Clint Barton/Bucky Barnes, swing dancing, team as family Summary: Natasha and Clint sneak out to Swing (dance that is). Bucky is intrigued. Word Count: 2805

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Title: Soulmates moodboard Collaborator: shield-agent78 Card Number: 1 Link: Tumblr Square Filled: Soulmates Ship: Bucky x Soulmate Rating: gen Major Tags: moodboard, Bucky Barnes and soulmate, fluff Summary: Soulmates to Bucky Barnes

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Title: Wakanda Peace Moodboard Collaborator: shield-agent78 Card Number: 1 Link: Tumblr Square Filled: Wakanda Ship: none Rating: Gen Major Tags: moodboard, Bucky recovering, Wakanda Summary: Bucky’s Life in Wakanda

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Title: Red Is... Collaborator: rebelmeg Card Number: 3 Link: Tumblr Square Filled: Red Ship: Bucky & Natasha Rating: Teen Major Tags: drabble, Bucky angst, memories, mentions of Red Room and Hydra Summary: All the things that red is to Bucky. Word Count: 100

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Title: Sergeant Barnes I Presume moodboard Collaborator: shield-agent78 Card Number: 1 Link: Tumblr Square Filled: Image - 1940’s Bucky Barnes Ship: None Rating: Gen Major Tags: moodboard, 1940’s Bucky Summary: WW2 Bucky Barnes

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Title: Mr. & Mrs. Smith - The Marvel Version Collaborator: caiti-creative-corner Card Number: 7 Link: Tumblr Square Filled: Metal Arm Ship: BuckyNat Rating: Gen Major Tags: Mood board, no fic Summary: Two assassins get new assignments - they're supposed to kill each other. One catch - they're married to each other.

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Title: That One Question We Both Fear Collaborator: IndigoNight Card Number: 5 Link: AO3 Square Filled: Flashback Ship: Bucky Barnes & Howling Commandos (Gen) Rating: Gen Major Tags: PTSD, Angst, Grief/Mourning, References to canon character death Summary: In the past, Bucky Barnes had a team, a group of friends willing to kill for him. In the present, the Winter Soldier sits alone in the dark and tries not to remember. Some other me, how'd we end up here? Word Count: 2591

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Title: Black Collaborator: Inktastic1711 Card Number: 4 Link: AO3 Square Filled: Black Ship: none Rating: Gen Major Tags: darkness, inprisonment, minor injury, rescue Summary: Bucky came to in blackness. Word Count: 831

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Title: On the Job Collaborator: caiti-creative-corner Card Number: 7 Link: AO3 Square Filled: picture of Winter Soldier with knife Ship: Eventual Bucky/Natasha/Clint/Darcy Rating: Teen Major Tags: Diary/Journal style, Mood board Summary: Darcy's thoughts on the team on the job. Word Count: 478

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Title: The Notebooks Collaborator: Samari1 Card Number: 5 Link: AO3 Square Filled: Chapter 1 - Bucharest Chapter 2 - Plums Chapter 3 - image: Bucky in Bucharest Chapter 4 - Wakanda Ship: WinterHawk Rating: Teen Major Tags: PTSD, Suicidal thoughts (minor mention), insecurity, The Chair Summary: James is recovering and finds that writing things down helps him so very much. Word Count: 16425

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Title: Unsteady Collaborator: Samari1 Card Number: 5  Link: AO3 Square Filled: Angst Ship: WinterHawk Rating: Teen Major Tags: Character death- not Clint or Bucky Summary: News reaches Clint that Natasha has died. He isn't quite sure he believes it. Thankfully, he has someone that understands and is willing to be there for him. Word Count: 2177

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Title: Maybe With Steve (Bucharest) Collaborator: buckybarnesdeservestobehappy Card Number: 3 Link: AO3 Square Filled: Bucharest Ship: Stucky Rating: Teen Major Tags: Winter Soldier, Memory Loss, Recovery, Bucky Barnes in Bucharest, Captain America: Winter Soldier compliant, canon-compliant descriptions of violence (not graphic) Summary: The Asset doesn’t remember much, but he finds himself in Bucharest and makes a home for himself there. When his childhood friend finds him there, Bucky wonders if he can find a new place where he’s accepted. Word Count: 871

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Title: Sunset Realizations Collaborator: caiti-creative-corner Card Number: 7 Link: AO3 Square Filled: Leather Ship: Eventual James Barnes/Natasha Romanoff/Clint Barton/Darcy Lewis Rating: Teen Major Tags: Eventual James Barnes/Natasha Romanoff/Clint Barton/Darcy Lewis Summary: Darcy notices a change in the group dynamics Word Count: 536

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Title: All the Strays Collaborator: caiti-creative-corner Card Number: 3 Link: Tumblr Square Filled: Alpine Ship: Eventual James Barnes/Natasha Romanoff/Clint Barton/Darcy Lews Rating: Teen Major Tags: Diary/Journal style Summary: People are bringing home strays Word Count: 504

[justthehiddleswrites]

Career Change | Adam x OFC (Charlie Bock) | Chapter 2

Pairing: Adam x OFC (Charlie Bock)

Summary:  It has been three months since Adam rescued Charlie. Simone thinks it is time for Charlie to get back to some normalcy. Adam resist the change and Charlie has to break out the legal pad again.

Warnings: Eventual Smut, Fluff, Humor, mentions of past trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Therapy, Panic Attacks

-

Three Weeks Later

Charlie stared over at Adam from her perch on the couch and wonder if a #2 pencil had a sufficient amount of wood to kill a vampire or would the graphite core counteract that. Her nails dug into the wood as yet another moody rock song came on over the speakers.

“What do you think of this one, darling?” Adam inquired, either oblivious or indifferent to Charlie’s murderous intentions.

“It’s fine.” She commented quickly before returning her attention to her handwritten notes from class and her textbook.

Adam’s shoulders slumped. “Just fine?”

“Yup.” She popped the “p”, typing some notes on her laptop.

“Anything else?” Adam grew irritated. Charlie gave more detailed insights to his compositions when he plays them for her.

“Nope.” She didn’t even look up this time. The dissonant tones of Adam’s composition grated on her nerves and set her teeth on edge right now.

“Do you think it could use bass or maybe a different instrument?” Adam paced in thought. “Some drums… That’s it! Drums!” Adam snapped his fingers and headed towards his drum set in the corner. Charlie’s eyes widened as Adam spun a drumstick between his fingers and he sat down.

“You are not seriously going to do that now?” Charlie glared at him from over the high back of the sofa.

“Why not?” Adam drummed out a quick rhythm.

“I am trying to study. I have my first test tomorrow.” Charlie hissed. “Can’t this wait, darling, until I’m done?” Or when I am not here, Charlie thought to herself.

Adam made studying unbearable. If it wasn’t him playing music, it was him using various techniques to remove Charlie’s clothes and fuck her against whatever piece of furniture she happened to be sitting on. She started staying later at her school to complete her work either in the library or a nearby coffee shop. Her absence did not go unnoticed on those days, when Adam either brooded in bed or attacked her at the door.

“Inspiration does not work on schedule, Charlie.”

“Fine.” She packed up her books and laptop and headed into the spare bedroom as Adam put on his headphones and drummed out whatever melody was stuck in his brain.

-

“Tell me about the episode in the school hallway.”

Charlie took a deep breath. “So I was walking along when my friend came around behind me and hugged me. I didn’t know he broke his arm a few days ago ice skating and his cast came across my neck and I panicked.” She didn’t sob, but Simone could see the tears welling in her eyes.

“It’s okay to cry, Charlie. You are not even six months out from all this. You thought of Jason.”

Charlie nodded and allowed a couple of big tears to drop onto her jeans. “Yes.”

“How did you react?”

“I dropped my coffee and knees buckled.”

“Did you run away?”

“Not this time.”

“Good.”

“But I cried. People stared.”

“It’s okay, Charlie. They weren’t judging you. Did you talk to your friend?”

“Yes.” Charlie sniffled. “I told him I didn’t like being hugged from behind.”

“Did you tell him why?”

“Not yet.”

“That’s fine. We don’t have to tell people everything. Did your friend take it well?”

“He did. And he apologized and bought me a fresh coffee.”

“Excellent.”

“Why do I not panic when Adam hugs me?” Charlie questioned, her emotions leveling out.

“That’s an excellent question. Why do you think you don’t panic when Adam hugs you from behind?”

Charlie chewed on her lip as she thought about it.

“Well, I’m at home.”

“Anything else?”

“I recognize it’s him behind me.”

“How?”

Charlie closed her eyes and thought back. “I can hear his dressing gown swish and I smell him.”

“That’s right. Which is why we are working on situational awareness so you can tell when something is a threat or not?” Simone added and Charlie smiled. “How is Adam taking to all this?”

Charlie huffed, running her fingers through her hair, twirling the ends.

“Charlie, what’s wrong?” Simone asked.

“Nothing. It’s fine.” Charlie pushed her hair back and settled herself.

“Charlie, what’s the rule?”

“No use of ‘fine’ or ‘okay’ when asked a question. Sorry.”

Simone let the apology slide. “Let’s try again… What’s wrong?”

“Adam is driving me crazy!” Charlie groaned. “He won’t leave me alone.”

“He’s used to have you to himself and not sharing you with the world, Charlie. Vampires don’t take change well. Particularly an obstinate vampire like Adam.”

“How do I get him to understand this is important to me?”

“What makes you think he doesn’t already know?”

“He seems to be sabotaging my study attempts.”

“And how is he doing that?”

“Playing his music, pulling out his drums, asking nonstop questions, sex. Take your pick.”

“Sex?” Simone raised an eyebrow.

“All the time. Are vampires part rabbit? I need to know.”

“No. But I can say certain appetites increase significantly once a vampire turns.”

Charlie rolled her eyes, and Simone suppressed a chuckle. “And I got involved with a sex fiend from a former life.”

“He is a musician. You knew this. And I haven’t heard you complain about your sex life before.” Simone countered.

“I am not complaining.” Charlie blushed. “I just… I need to get the work done and do well. This is important to me.”

“I know this is going to sound like a radical idea but have you tried talking to him?”

“Yes.” Charlie replied in a small voice.

“Charlie, have you really tried?”

“Not really.”

“Sit him down in a neutral place. I would suggest the kitchen. And explain why this is important and how his behavior is hindering you. Set some ground rules. You like rules.”

Charlie nodded. “I do.”

“Can you sit down with him this week and set up some ground rules for this time that you are in this course?”

“I can.”

Simone smiled. “Good luck.”

-

Charlie hoped her pleading with Adam would stop the teasing and distractions. She was wrong. If anything, her apparent disinterest in having sex whenever and wherever with Adam only seemed to stoke his libido. A few days later, Adam wandered into the kitchen after waking up to find Charlie sitting at the table.

“Please sit down, Adam.” Charlie gestured to the seat across from her.

Adam narrowed his eyes as he moved to the chair. As he spun the chair around to straddle it backwards, he spied the legal pad underneath Charlie’s neatly folded hands.

“No.” He started to stand up.

“Sit down, Adam.” Charlie hissed through gritted teeth. Her eyes flashed at him with such intensity Adam stopped midway before spinning the chair back the right way and flopping back down and rolling his eyes.

“We need some rules.” Charlie clicked her pen.

“No.” Adam repeated. “We don’t.”

Charlie exhaled in exasperation. “Let me rephrase. We will have some rules because I can’t continue on like this. I can’t get any studying done and I refuse to fail this course because you can’t keep it in your pants.”

“I have self-control.” Adam lied.

Charlie narrowed her eyes at him. “I think the record is clear on your self- control. Shall I go into detail?”

Adam squirmed under his glare. “No.” he resigned. “Do I get any say in these rules?”

“Yes, but they have to work for me too. This is important to me, Adam and I want to do well. Do you understand?”

Adam glanced over the table at Charlie. He realized he was sabotaging her efforts and he couldn’t even tell you why. He gave a distracted nod.

“I need to hear the words Adam.” He overheard the tapping of her finger on the table.

“Yes.” he groaned.

Charlie smiled and danced in her seat. She clicked her pen a few more times and started writing.

“Hey!” he complained. “I didn’t agree to anything yet!” He crossed his arms.

Charlie smirked. “We can negotiate.”

She slid the paper over. Adam read 1. No fucking.

“Absolutely not!!” Adam shoved the legal pad. “That rule never works!”

Charlie giggled. “I was only joking. Like I need to tempt fate a second time.”

“I don’t know about that.” He shot a lurid glare across the table. “Seems to have worked out in your favor.”

Charlie smirked, ripping the page off and crumpling it into a ball. She tossed it into the trashcan in one shot. She chewed on the pen cap for a moment before scribbling. Adam leaned over to spy but Charlie wrapped her arm around the pad.

“No peeking. I don’t want any commentary.”

Adam huffed back in the chair.

Charlie smiled in satisfaction as she stopped writing. “There. Look.”

Adam glanced over the rules, his lips pursed.

RULES APPLY FOR TIME WHEN CHARLIE IS ACTIVELY STUDYING ONLY!!

1. No touching Charlie unless she has explicitly asked you to do so. This means no massages or foot rubs or teasing.

2. Adam is not allowed to use his body as a distraction. This is including but not limited to:

- Adam walking around in tight pants.

- Adam walking around naked.

- Adam touching his body in a manner that is distracting (before you ask, yes I mean that).

3. Adam may not use his voice as a weapon. No whispering in Charlie’s ear. No dirty talking.

He realized it was for the best but damn if it would not be hard to adhere to Charlie’s rules.

“What am I supposed to do with myself?” Adam asked.

“Read a book. Compose. Play music. I am sure you can find a way to occupy yourself.”

“They appear to be reasonable.” he grumbled. “But I don’t like it.”

“Sign please.” Charlie hummed. Adam rolled his eyes before affixing his serial killer worthy signature to the page, sliding it back at Charlie. She signed in big loopy cursive and ripped the page off the pad.

“Where are you going with that?” Adam asked as Charlie rummaged through a drawer, holding the paper in her mouth.

“Putting it somewhere where you can see it.” Charlie pulled out a Boston magnet and slapped the paper onto the old fridge. “As a reminder.”

Adam rose and wrapped his arms around her waist to stare at the rules over her shoulder. His nose nuzzled into her curls, inhaling the scent of bay rum. “I would think you don’t trust me.”

Charlie spun around to wrap her arms around his neck. “Who broke the rules the first time?”

Adam nipped at her lower lip. “Who wrote shitty rules with loopholes?” His hands wandered down to cup her ass.

“No comment.” She kissed him.

“Do you need to study right now?”

“No. I’m caught up for the time being.”

“Good.” Adam lifted her up and sat her down on the counter. He hooked his thumbs into the waistband of her pajama bottoms and yanked them to the floor.

“Adam…” Charlie warned as he undid his robe, stepping between her knees.

“Not breaking the rules.” Adam hissed into her ear. “Can’t believe I am saying this. Again.”

“You love it.” Charlie dragged her fingers along his shaft.

“Fuck.” Adam sucked hard onto Charlie’s neck as he scooted her to the edge of the counter. He buried himself inside of her in one stroke.

Charlie’s nails dug into his shoulders. Adam chuckled and hooked her legs around his waist.

“Hold on, my love.” he warned with a smirk before snapping against her.

Adam twisted his hips as he rutted against her. He grunted with each thrusts.

“Adam, please…” Charlie breathed. “I’m close.”

“Then come, my love. Soak me.”

Charlie’s head fell back against the cabinet as her orgasm washed over her. She hooked around Adam’s thighs and pulled him as close as she could.

“That’s it my love.” Adam purred, thrusting twice more, before spilling into Charlie.

Adam pressed his forehead against Charlie’s. Her chest heaving as his breath blew her curls around.

“That was…” Charlie stuttered over the words.

“… what you will be missing while studying.” He kissed her nose before easing her back to the ground and walking away with a devious smile.

-

Three Weeks Later

Charlie chewed on the end of her pencil, rewriting her notes for the third time. She flipped through her textbook for something. Adam flopped down on the couch.

“Yes?” Charlie asked, sensing Adam’s poor mood from the other side of the couch. She didn’t even bother looking up from her book.

“How long are you going to be studying?”

“My midterm is on Monday.”

Adam groaned. “You have been studying for three days straight.”

“And your point is?” Adam reached out for her ankle which Charlie tucked underneath her. She jabbed her pencil in the general direction of the kitchen. “Rules.”

“Fuck the rules.” Adam whispered.

“What did you say?” Charlie glared over at him.

“I said fuck the rules, Charlie. I need you. Do you know how hard it is to see you sitting there in that fucking sweater?” Charlie glanced down at her purple sweater with the deep vee. “I swear you are doing it on purpose.”

“I am not. Now if you don’t mind, I am memorizing the names and locations of all the veins in the arm.”

“I know a lot about the veins in the arm.” Adam’s hand crawled towards her again.

“I’ll stick with my textbook thank you very much. Please find some other way to occupy yourself.”

Adam grumbled as he settled back against the high back of the green velveteen sofa. He glanced over at Charlie who leaned over to write in her notebook, giving him the perfect view down her sweater. His cock twitched. Without thought, he undid his pants, allowing it to pop free. With a languid motion, he stroked himself, imaging all the deliciously depraved things he wished Charlie was doing to him.

Adam’s soft grunt from the other side of the sofa pulled Charlie’s focus away. She spied as Adam sat there, mouth half open fisting his cock.

“What the fuck are you doing? That is breaking Rule #3!” she exclaimed.

“I am imagining you straddling my hips. The cock buried deep inside you. Your delicious cunt gripping against me. Your tits bouncing in my face as you ride me.” Adam’s voice deep like the rich tone of a cello or upright bass.

Charlie’s skin tingled, and her nipples hardened at Adam’s words.

“It’s too bad you are studying. Because if you weren’t, I would fuck you over the arm of this sofa, until you begged for me to let you cum, my love.”

“Well I guess, I could…” She set down her computer and crawled towards Adam when she caught herself. “NO! Stop that Adam, you’re breaking the rules.”

“No. the rules are stupid, Charlie. Just take a break.”

Charlie grabbed her notes, laptop, and textbook and headed towards the interior stairs.

“Where are you going?” Adam questioned, when he noticed Charlie storming off.

“Upstairs. I still have my futon up there.”

“But you belong here with me.” Adam moved with unnatural speed to cut her off. “Just take a break.” He reached for her but Charlie ducked away.

“No, Adam. This is important to me and it should be important to you.” Her lip wavered. “But you can’t even follow three simple rules for me. I’m going upstairs. And if you follow me, I am ripping the blackout curtains down.”

Adam stood there, staring at her speechless.

“Move, Adam.” She demanded, cooly.

He stepped aside. “Charlie, I’m—”

“I don’t want to hear it, Adam. Don’t wait up for me.”

She let the door click behind her before walking up the stairs. Adam leaned against the door, feeling like a right ass.

-

Adam paced the length of the apartment. He didn’t expect Charlie to react with such anger. So cold. He had seen her mad before but not like this. Not shut down. No tears, no yelling. He realized that for the second time in their short but intense relationship he had truly fucked up.

He ripped the rules off the fridge and pressed it into a tight ball. Adam tossed the ball towards the garbage can, missing it. With a huff, he stomped to the trashcan to throw it away. His eyes caught a stack of baking sheets Charlie bought a week ago but still need to put away.

“Scathingly brilliant idea, Adam.” he commented to himself, using a phrase he picked up from Charlie.

-

“Adam was right.” Charlie muttered as she shifted in a vain effort to find a comfortable spot on her old futon.

She hated to admit in this moment that Adam’s antique couch downstairs was far more comfortable than her secondhand futon. But she refused to admit defeat.

“Come on, Charlie. Just a few more hours and then you knock off for the night.” She steeled herself to push through this last bit. The reward of the cool sheets of their bed downstairs spurred her to return to her notes.

About an hour later, Charlie sniffed the air. Something acrid filled the air, like burnt toast or a wood fireplace running. She chalked it up a neighbor having a late winter or early spring fire.

BEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPP! The smoke detectors in the entire apartment went off. Charlie threw her notes off her lap and bolted down the stairs to the basement apartment.

“Adam! Are you…” She turned to find Adam hovering over the stove in the kitchen fanning a blackened cookie sheet. Black acrid smoke pouring off the sheet and some coming off the stove itself. “… okay?”

“Yes.” Adam grumbled.

Charlie chuckled a bit at the absurdity of Adam standing there, wearing her Wonder Woman apron, waving a kitchen towel over something that was now reduced to ash.

“What were you doing?” Charlie’s lips twitching at the corners.

“Baking cookies.”

“Those were cookies?” She gestured at the tiny hockey pucks on the cookie sheet.

“Yes.”

“Why would you be baking cookies? You don’t eat—Oh!” Charlie walked over by Adam and laced her fingers with his, staring at her ruined cookies. “Those were for me, weren’t they?”

“Yes. As an apology.” He squeezed her hand. “I’m sorry for acting like a jackass. It is important to me you succeed. I am not good at sharing you.”

“I know. This is only temporary, Adam. I am halfway through.” She squeezed back.

“Are you still mad at me?” He turned to face you.

“Yes, but the cookies helped. How in the hell did you burn them so bad?”

“Forgot to set the timer and then dozed off on the sofa.”

Charlie nodded. “That will do it. Now…” She wrapped her arms. “… since you have disrupted my studying without breaking the rules—”

“Sorry about that.”

“I was wrapping soon, anyway. Now what was this about me riding you?” She raised an eyebrow.

Adam’s eyes widened. “I don’t want to take—”

“Take me to bed, Adam.” She whispered in his ear.

“Are you sure? You can come back downstairs. I will go into the other room.” Adam pecked her lips. “I love you and I don’t want to be a distraction.”

“I love you too. And sometimes distractions are a good thing. Clears the mind. Now are you going to take me to bed or not?”

“Well, if you insist.” Adam grabbed Charlie at the waist and heaved her onto his shoulder.

“Adam! Put me down!!”

“No.” he chuckled. “You’re mine. And I have plans.”

“Do I get to know these plans?” Charlie huffed, resigning herself to being carried to the bedroom over Adam’s shoulder.

“I started with removing all your clothes and I will go from there.”

“I like the sound of that.” Charlie giggled as Adam dropped her onto the bed. Adam crawled up onto the bed next to her.

-

The Next Week

Charlie bounded into the bedroom after class that day and pounced onto Adam’s chest. His face obscured by a pillow.

“Adam…” She nibbled that spot on his neck behind his ear. “… wake up. I have something to show you.”

Adam groaned and peeked at Charlie from underneath the pillow. “What?”

Charlie shoved a piece of paper into his face. “I got an A on my midterm!” she squealed. “Only three people in the entire class got an A.”

Adam removed the pillow from his face and smiled at Charlie, who was beaming up at him. “Congratulations, darling. You worked hard for that.” He kissed her nose. “I’m proud of it.”

“Thank you, Adam. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

Adam’s hands slid down to cup Charlie’s ass. “I think your hard work deserves a reward.”

“More cookies?” Charlie giggled. A week later and the house still smelled of burnt cookies.

“No.” Adam rolled his eyes. “But it definitely involves eating.”

“Go on.” Charlie teased, wiggling on top of him.