#though i suppose she is being offered hugs and that's not working out

[softenedsunbeams]

doodle of @petalkitshadow petalshade for shading practice. GIRL you are KILLING IT! GIRL i don't think it's MOVING ANYMORE. GIRL you can STOP BITING

[scarluna]

Thoughts of You

Y/N starts work as a client agent at a big corporate company. There, she meets Jungkook, a man who confuses the hell out of her.

Pairing: Jungkook x Fem!Reader

Genre/Tags: plus sized reader, fuckboy jungkook, insecurities, smoking

Chapter available: 1 | 2 | 3 | 5

Chapters: 4 / 5

Chapter Warnings: mature language, a little sexual tension

A/N: SIKE I DECIDED TO FINISH IT. Thank you to everyone who stayed and enjoyed my little diary.

The evening air was soft, not quite cold, but enough to make Y/N hug her arms as she stepped outside. Her cigarette lit with a lazy flick, and as she took a long drag, she heard the door creak behind her.

Of course, it was Jungkook.

“Yo,” he greeted casually, flipping his lighter between his fingers as he joined her by the railing. “You ghosted me on the last break.”

Y/N smirked slightly. “Sorry. Had to pretend I care about this job for once.”

He chuckled, leaning against the wall beside her. “Fake it till you make it, queen.”

They stood in silence for a few beats, smoke curling between them, the sky fading into a dull gray.

Then, without fully planning to, Y/N spoke.

“Can I vent for a second?”

Jungkook blinked. “Always.”

She glanced down, watching the ash crumble off her cigarette. “I’m just so tired, Jungkook. Not physically. Emotionally. Of men.”

He made a low, thoughtful sound but didn’t interrupt.

“They act like they want something real,” she continued. “Like they’re ready. Like they’re grown. But it’s all talk. And then they either flake, freeze up, or end up emotionally constipated.”

Jungkook laughed at that. “Emotionally constipated? Damn.”

“I’m serious,” she said, though her lips twitched. “One minute they’re all deep and vulnerable and telling me they want a mature relationship, and the next, they’re ghosting me and reposting gym selfies with Drake captions.”

Jungkook snorted, nearly choking on his smoke. “Yo, not the Drake captions.”

“I’m just saying!” Y/N huffed, half-laughing now. “I’m not even asking for that much. Just… someone who knows what the hell they want. Who doesn’t treat me like a placeholder until something better walks by.”

He turned to look at her then, something unreadable flashing in his expression.

But instead of offering some grand insight, he just grinned and said, “Damn. I feel attacked.”

Y/N laughed, grateful for the way he could still make her exhale the weight of it all. “If the emotionally unavailable shoe fits…”

He held up his hands in surrender. “I’m reformed now, okay? I’ve been in therapy.”

She rolled her eyes. “You still flirt like a Gemini.”

“Hey,” he grinned. “That’s a hate crime.”

Their laughter faded into comfortable silence, and for a moment, things felt good again. Familiar.

Until the next few days began.

-

It started small.

Jungkook didn’t sit near her during the morning briefing. He always had before, slouching in the seat behind hers, whispering snide comments that made her bite back laughter. But now?

He chose the other side of the room.

Then, he started bringing his personal laptop to the office. No more lingering at his desk, no more casually watching videos with her or dragging her into memes she didn’t care about until she did.

Now he sat in the break room, headphones in, laughing with the guys over something on his screen. Y/N passed by once, hoping maybe he’d wave her over like he usually did — a smirk, a head tilt, a “Come see this shit” — but all she got was a distracted glance and a polite nod.

It was enough to make her stop mid-step.

She didn’t want to overthink it.

Maybe he was just busy.

Maybe she was just being weird.

But then came the group lunch, and he didn’t walk beside her. Didn’t save her a seat. He sat between two of the guys, cracking jokes, his attention miles away.

And Y/N… just sat there. Fork pushing food she didn’t want around her plate. Smiling when she was supposed to. Nodding like she was present.

But in her chest, something uneasy twisted tighter.

Had she said too much that night? Did venting about men push him away? Did he think she was talking about him?

She replayed every word, every expression, every laugh that maybe wasn’t really a laugh.

She wondered if her honesty had made her heavy.

If she’d ruined something by expecting too much.

And the worst part?

She didn’t even know how to ask.

Because how do you bring up distance to someone who was never officially yours to begin with?

-

Y/N stood near the edge of the group, taking slow drags from her cigarette, half-listening to the ongoing banter between Mina and one of the guys from tech, Taehyun. She hadn’t expected Jungkook to show up this early—he’d been unpredictable all week, floating in and out of conversations, always orbiting but never really landing.

But then she heard it.

“Eyo, get off my girlfriend.”

The words cut through the group like a record scratch.

Y/N’s eyes snapped up just in time to see Jungkook stroll into the group like he owned the morning, coffee in one hand, cigarette in the other, his grin smug as hell.

He was looking right at Taehyun.

Taehyun, who’d just been leaning a little too close while showing Y/N a video on his phone.

Everyone froze for a second.

Y/N blinked. “What?”

Taehyun burst out laughing. “Damn, bro, jealous much?”

Jungkook shrugged, unfazed. “I’m just saying. She’s mine. Back off.”

He said it so casually, like it was an inside joke. Like he hadn’t been ignoring her all week.

The group erupted into laughter, Mina nearly choking on her drink.

Y/N, caught between confusion and that weird flutter in her chest, managed to roll her eyes dramatically. “Ugh. Don’t fight over me, please.”

More laughter.

Someone whistled. “Alright, alright, damn. Y/N’s got men lining up now.”

Y/N snorted, flicking her ash and doing her best to play it cool. “One of you fights, the other buys me breakfast. Your choice.”

Jungkook smirked, eyes meeting hers for half a second—just long enough to make her chest feel too tight.

“Bet,” he said, tipping his head at her with a wink.

And just like that, the moment passed. The conversation shifted. Everyone went back to teasing each other and complaining about the early call time.

But Y/N?

She stood a little quieter, a little warmer, wondering what the hell that had just been.

Because maybe it was a joke.

But maybe it wasn’t.

-

The office smelled like lavender and old books, and the soft hum of the air purifier filled the space between them. Y/N sat curled into the corner of the couch, arms around her knees, sipping slowly from the bottle of water her therapist had offered.

Her voice was a little hoarse when she finally spoke.

“I think I like him.”

Dr. Haneul didn’t flinch, didn’t blink. Just nodded, calm and expectant.

Y/N gave a small, breathy laugh. “I know. Shocker, right?”

Dr. Haneul folded her hands on her lap. “Tell me what makes you think that.”

Y/N hesitated, staring at her knees. “I mean… he makes me feel seen. And not in that dramatic, romantic way. Just… noticed. Heard. Like when I talk, he actually listens. And yeah, he flirts a lot — but sometimes, it feels like it’s not just flirting. Like it’s real.”

Dr. Haneul nodded again. “And what’s stopping you from telling him?”

“I don’t know. Fear? Rejection? I keep thinking I’m just reading into things. Like I’m not the kind of girl someone like him falls for. I’m not that girl.”

Silence.

Then—

“What if you are?”

Y/N blinked.

“What if you are that girl — for him? What if you’re more than enough, exactly as you are?”

Y/N swallowed hard, eyes burning, but she didn’t cry.

“You’ll never know unless you let yourself try,” Dr. Haneul added gently. “And maybe it works out. Maybe it doesn’t. But either way, you will know. And that’s powerful.”

Y/N nodded, voice quiet. “Okay. I’ll do it. I’ll tell him. Monday.”

Dr. Haneul smiled. “Good. You deserve clarity, not chaos.”

-

Y/N came in ten minutes early, heart hammering in her chest. She wore soft pink lip gloss, the blouse she always felt confident in, and had even straightened her hair — not for him, she told herself.

But also a little for him.

She rehearsed it in her head. “Hey, can I talk to you?” Simple. Direct. No games.

He was by the coffee machine when she found him, dressed down in his usual black tee and silver chain, talking to one of the guys with that easy grin she always secretly watched too long.

She waited until his coworker peeled off, then took a slow breath.

But before she could step forward, Jungkook turned to her, eyes lighting up.

“Yo! I have to tell you something.”

Y/N froze. “What’s up?”

Jungkook leaned casually against the counter, sipping his coffee like it wasn’t about to change her entire week. “I finally got a girlfriend.”

The words didn’t register at first.

“You… what?”

He smiled, scratching the back of his neck like it was still fresh in his mind. “Yeah. Crazy, right? I knew this girl for a while — like we’d see each other at mutual stuff but never actually talked? Anyway, we ran into each other on Saturday and ended up spending like seven hours together. Just… clicked. Talked about everything. Made out. Now we’re official.”

His grin widened. “Feels good, honestly. Like I wasn’t even looking, but she gets me.”

Y/N blinked once. Twice.

Her body moved before her brain could catch up.

“Wow,” she said, voice light, fake-smiling. “That’s… that’s great, Jungkook.”

He beamed, completely unaware of the way her world had just quietly collapsed.

“I knew you’d be chill about it,” he said, nudging her shoulder. “You’re always cool.”

Y/N laughed—short and sharp, like something inside her cracked. “Yeah, of course. Super chill. Ice queen, that’s me.”

He grinned. “You’re the best.”

And then he walked off, still sipping his coffee, already calling out to someone across the office.

Y/N stood there, her smile frozen on her lips, the taste of her own breath suddenly metallic.

She had tried.

She was ready.

And now?

Now she had to sit through eight hours of pretending she wasn’t heartbroken.

-

The bus ride home was a blur.

Y/N sat near the back, headphones in but no music playing, her fingers resting limply in her lap. She kept her gaze on the window, watching the world smear past in muted colors. Her reflection stared back at her — tired eyes, pink gloss long faded, hope wiped clean.

She hadn’t spoken much the rest of the day.

Had smiled when she needed to, nodded when spoken to, even made a half-hearted joke when Mina asked her if she was okay.

But now the sun had dipped, and the world was quiet, and there was nothing left to distract her.

Her chest ached. Her throat burned. And somewhere between the last stop and hers, it hit.

Hard.

The first tear slipped down without warning. Then another. And another.

By the time she stepped off the bus, she was clutching her phone in her hand like it could somehow hold her together.

She made it to her building in autopilot, let herself in, dropped her bag by the door like always.

And then—

She collapsed onto the floor, back pressed against the wall, legs folded beneath her, and finally—

She sobbed.

Not the quiet kind.

Not the cinematic single tear.

The kind that sounded like something breaking loose.

“He wasn’t even mine,” she whispered through gritted teeth, her voice shaking. “He wasn’t even mine and it still hurts this much.”

Her shoulders trembled as she pressed her palms into her face, trying to smother the ugly sobs that poured out of her.

“Why did I let myself think… why did I believe…”

She couldn’t finish the sentence.

Because there were too many endings and none of them were kind.

She curled tighter into herself, heart pounding with self-loathing and shame.

“I should’ve known,” she choked out. “Of course someone like him… of course he wouldn’t want someone like me.”

It all came rushing back — the way she second-guessed every laugh they’d shared, every glance he gave her, every casual brush of his hand near hers.

It had all meant something to her.

And nothing to him.

“I’m such an idiot,” she whispered. “I thought… I actually thought…”

She trailed off again, her voice barely audible over the sound of her crying.

And beneath all the heartbreak, beneath the rejection, a cruel thought rooted itself deep:

It’s because of how I look.

It’s always that.

Too big. Too plain. Too invisible. Too easy to overlook.

She hated herself for thinking it — hated herself for believing it — but in that moment, it felt like the only answer.

Because how else could she explain why she wasn’t enough?

Why no one ever stayed?

Why even when she let someone in — someone she trusted — it still ended with her being left behind?

Y/N didn’t know how long she sat there, crying into the silence of her apartment.

But when her dog padded over and curled against her leg, she buried her face into its fur and let herself fall apart a little longer.

Because tonight, she didn’t have to pretend.

Tonight, it was okay to break.

-

Y/N arrived earlier than usual.

She sat at her desk with her earbuds in, a neutral playlist playing softly — nothing too emotional, just ambient noise. Enough to keep her from thinking too hard.

When Jungkook walked in, she didn’t look up.

But she felt it — the shift in the air, the subtle drop in the noise of the office as he passed by, eyes lingering on her.

She didn’t turn around.

Didn’t smile.

Didn’t acknowledge him.

She was calm. Measured. Walls firmly back up.

Because if there was one thing she knew how to do, it was make herself disappear.

-

She chose to sit with a different group today — people she didn’t normally engage with, quieter coworkers who kept to themselves and mostly talked about client calls and weekend errands.

It was peaceful.

Safe.

But halfway through her sandwich, Jungkook appeared behind her.

“Hey,” he said, voice low but casual. “Haven’t seen you all day.”

Y/N didn’t flinch. She finished chewing, dabbed at her mouth with a napkin, and then turned her head slightly toward him. “Yeah. Been busy.”

He blinked. “Ah. Right.”

A pause.

“Mind if I sit?”

She shrugged. “It’s a free country.”

Her tone was polite. Not rude. But cold — the kind of cold that didn’t come with anger, just distance. The kind that made it clear: you don’t have access to me anymore.

Jungkook sat slowly beside her, clearly picking up on the shift.

“You good?” he asked after a moment.

She nodded, not meeting his eyes. “I’m fine.”

“You’ve been quiet lately.”

“I guess I don’t have much to say.”

He stared at her for a few seconds, trying to read her.

Y/N looked up, finally meeting his gaze. Her eyes were steady — not angry, not bitter.

Just tired.

“I figured I should give you space,” she said simply. “You have a girlfriend now. It wouldn’t feel right… hanging out the way we used to.”

Jungkook’s brows furrowed slightly. “We weren’t doing anything wrong.”

She gave a small, closed-mouth smile — almost pitying.

“I know you think that. But you weren’t the one falling.”

He blinked, caught off guard. She stood up, grabbing her tray.

“I should get back. Deadlines.”

And with that, she walked away.

No dramatics. No tears.

Just quiet, brutal honesty — and a silence that followed her all the way back to her desk.

-

Y/N was curled up in bed, blanket over her legs, her phone screen glowing in the dim light of her room. She was doing what she shouldn’t have been doing — scrolling Instagram while pretending she didn’t care.

Mina had tagged a few coworkers at a bar, and she tapped through absentmindedly, muted laughter and blurry drinks passing by.

Then she landed on his story.

Jungkook’s.

She hesitated. Her finger hovered — but curiosity was cruel.

She tapped.

The video started with music playing faintly in the background — some soft indie track. It was shaky, handheld, like someone laughing behind the camera.

And then — there it was.

A girl’s perfectly manicured hands holding a large bouquet of white tulips, fingers dainty against the soft petals. The camera panned up briefly to reveal the side of her face — smiley, radiant, glowing. The kind of glow that comes from being wanted.

She had tagged him.

@jungkook97 🤍✨

Y/N’s screen blurred instantly as tears swelled, her lungs tightening.

But it wasn’t just the image.

It was the memory that slammed into her seconds later, vicious and uninvited.

Flashback – Two Weeks Ago

They were sitting outside after lunch, the two of them alone on the bench near the smoking area.

Jungkook had been leaning back, arms spread across the backrest lazily, looking at the clouds like they owed him something.

“You should just marry me,” he said suddenly, voice light.

Y/N had rolled her eyes. “God, shut up.”

“No, seriously. You’d be a fun wife,” he grinned. “We’d just chill all day, smoke, talk shit. I’d never get bored.”

She’d laughed — awkward, disbelieving. “And where’s my ring, huh? My bouquet? My effort, Jungkook?”

He’d tilted his head, smirking. “You want flowers?”

“Yeah,” she’d replied, more serious than she meant to be. “You tell a girl to marry you, at least bring her a damn bouquet.”

He had laughed. That loud, boyish laugh. “Alright, alright. I’ll get you a flower from 7-Eleven next time. A real fancy one.”

And she had smiled through it — tried to match his energy — even though, deep down, it stung.

Because something about the way he said it made her believe he might have meant a piece of it.

Back to Now

Y/N shut off her phone.

Her chest heaved once. Then again. And then the tears came — hot, fast, and furious.

She wasn’t just sad now.

She was angry.

Angry at him — for playing with her heart like it was a toy he never planned to keep.

Angry at herself — for letting those jokes slide, for reading into things that were never meant to be read.

For letting herself hope.

For letting herself want.

“How stupid am I?” she whispered aloud, her voice trembling.

All those little things — the teasing, the flirtation, the “you’d be my wife” jokes — they weren’t affection.

They were just jokes.

And now some other girl got the real version. The soft music. The flowers. The story tag. The seven-hour conversation.

The genuine thing.

Y/N wiped her face, her jaw clenched tight.

No more tears. Not tonight.

She was done romanticizing someone who never meant a damn thing he said.

[minarisplaything]

Tour Break ft. Lisa and Jennie

pairings: Jennie Kim/M!OC, Lisa/M!OC rating: Explicit word count: 3.7k summary: A few months have passed since your last encounter with Jennie. When a tour stop brings the girls near your university, they decide to pay you a visit. PART ONE HERE. tags: size kink, semi-public sex, stomach bulge, rough sex, footjob A/N: may have gotten a bit carried away. hope yall enjoy!

After that night with Jennie, the following weeks leading up to their tour changed for you completely. Instead of preparing to go off to university, you began spending more time with your sister and her friends. It was an effective way to lose that embarrassed little sibling complex. Mostly though, it was because being around them offered more chances for Jennie and you to sneak off and fool around.

And boy did you two fool around. You had to have easily been the luckiest person in the country during that time. Eventually, though, it came to a close as they went back on tour and you went off to university.

You kept in touch through texts and sneaking in the occasional FaceTime when possible, but it wasn't until the end of your spring term that you got to see them again. It wasn't even a personal visit; it just so happened they were playing at the local stadium near your university.

You had received a text from Jisoo that you were to meet them for lunch later in the day. As happy as you were to see your sister, you found yourself anxious to see Jennie. It had been more than a few months now. Would she still be interested in your arrangement? Would she still be interested in you, or had the thrill disappeared? You supposed there was only one way to find out.

You walked through the front doors of the restaurant you were to meet them at, and the hostess led you to the table where they were waiting. Immediately, you were greeted with high-pitched voices and limbs swallowing you into hugs.

Okay, maybe you hadn’t completely gotten rid of the little sibling complex.

"You look so different with all that scruff!" Rosie exclaimed, running a hand over your chin, her fingers brushing against your stubble. “I bet all the girls on campus fall for this.”

“I do alright for myself,” you joked.

Some light-hearted laughter echoed in the restaurant and you found yourself scratching the back of your neck as you stole a look at Jennie. As everyone took their seats you placed yourself next to Jisoo and across from Jennie. You stole another glance at her but, to your disappointment, she seemed to be acting completely normal.

Of course she was, you silently chastised yourself, Did you expect her to suck your dick right in front of Jisoo?

“I want to hear all about it. How has your first year been?” Jisoo questioned, placing her chin on her hands.

"Really? You guys have been traveling the world and you want to hear about how school has been?" you asked.

"Duh! And make sure you leave in all the dirty details," Lisa chimed in, a smirk on her features.

"I think we can do without that part," Jisoo said, her face scrunching up.

"Speak for yourself!" Lisa retorted.

Her words earned laughter from everyone except Jisoo, and you felt yourself slowly beginning to relax. Among her many talents, you found that Lisa was an expert at lightening the mood in any given situation.

"Where do I begin..."

You proceeded to recount the events that had occurred in your first semesters at university. The parties - which Lisa seemed particularly interested in hearing about - the friends, your classes, and even the few girls you had what could loosely be called relationships with. Though admittedly, you might have intentionally overplayed those stories. Judging by the way Jennie’s expression subtly shifted when you told the stories, it had worked. Or, you hoped it had.

Christ, you were getting bold. Playing games with one of the most desired women on the planet?

"Wow, I can’t believe my baby brother is sounding like an adult," Jisoo said, placing a hand on yours as you finished. "You’re practically a man now."

You scoffed before pulling your hand away teasingly. "God, when did you get so sentimental?"

She laughed, hitting your arm playfully before turning back to the group.

"To be fair, I think he’s been a man for a while now," Jennie spoke up for the first time, her gaze zeroing in on yours.

You played it off with a laugh, but you could feel your face heating up. Beneath that, there was a tinge of fear. Was this payback for provoking her? It had to have been. Of course, Jennie had always been flirty, however where it had been innocent in the past, you now had a history. If it could be called that. And you weren’t exactly sure how Jisoo would react to that history. But you had prodded her, now you had to deal with whatever came next.

You took a sip of your drink, recovering your composure before changing the direction of the conversation. "So, how is the tour going? You guys are on the last leg right?"

There was a collective nod before Jisoo spoke, "It’s been wonderful. I really wish mom and dad would have let us take you to some of these places."

"Why do you say – THAT!?"

The last word came out almost as a high-pitched yelp and you immediately went into a coughing fit to try and mask it. Jisoo looked concerned, as did Rosie, while Lisa bore a smirk and Jennie seemed almost indifferent.

"Sorry, I must have gotten something stuck in my throat, go on," you coughed.

Jisoo patted you on the back to make sure you were okay before continuing her answer. You, however, were no longer listening. That was because there was currently a foot pressed against your inner thigh unbeknownst to anyone else. When you looked across the table, you had no doubt about who the culprit was.

Truth be told it was exhilarating and terrifying all at the same time. Jennie stared back at you, the slightest hint of a smirk on her lips. Her eyes, meanwhile, were practically daring you to react and say something. When you didn’t, you swore her smirk grew more bold, her foot pushing higher against your thigh.

"…Well, we did New York in December, it looks amazing…" Jisoo continued on.

You nodded your head, trying to remain focused as Jennie’s foot rubbed up your leg until she reached the height she wanted. Her toes curled slowly as she moved to press against your crotch. At this point, you were already starting to get hard and had to move your chair in more so Jisoo or Rosie wouldn’t see.

"How was the crowd overseas? Good?" you asked, trying to keep the conversation and any attention away from what was happening underneath the table.

"Oh, they were amazing," Jennie spoke. When you turned your attention to her, she was simply smiling as normal, despite that the sole of her foot was now rubbing your erect cock through your jeans. "There was so much excitement and energy. I literally felt like the crowd was just going to explode."

While the other girls just nodded in agreement, you closed your eyes briefly. Lisa began speaking but at this point, you were barely registering what any of them were saying. Jennie’s foot continued to jerk you off over your clothing, rubbing you as furiously as possible without being noticed. At one point, her toes pressed against your zipper and you wondered if she just might free your cock from its constraints. That would be terrible. So why did you want it to happen so badly?

“Are you okay?” Rosie asked, giving you a glance.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, you're fine. You just need a drink," you said, trying to give your best smile before sipping your water slightly. You could see Jennie smirking out of the corner of your eye. You still didn’t know what she was playing at but you also weren’t sure you cared at this point either.

Rosie gave you a concerned look but they soon carried on with telling their tour stories. Your mind, however, was focused somewhere else. Jennie’s toes had worked down the zipper of your pants and had slid inside just enough to allow more contact with your hard cock, her sole rubbing against the stiff length as she jerked you off.

You tried to keep yourself together. You really did. But eventually, it got to be too much and you leaned back in your chair. You tried to disguise it as simply stretching but judging by the look Jennie was giving you, you doubted that was how she took it. You felt the pre-cum dripping onto her feet as she continued her assault. Fuck, you were going to cum. There was no way you would be able to hold out much longer.

"Hey, are you okay?" Jisoo asked, turning to face me. "You look like you're burning up."

"Y-yeah, I'm fine. Maybe just a little hungry. Are the appetizers here yet?" you said, hoping your excuse would work.

"Actually, that's a good idea. I could go for some food too," Rosie chimed in.

"I'll check on the status," Jennie spoke up. "I need to use the ladies room anyway."

You let out a sigh of relief when Jennie's foot left your lap. But the relief was short-lived as you watched her stand up and make her way around the table. You held your breath, wondering if she would say anything but, instead, she placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed it before walking away.

The contact was brief, and it could have meant nothing but you knew better. You were certain of it. She was just making sure that the message was sent.

"I'm going to head to the bathroom as well," you said, standing as you held your napkin over your lap awkwardly.

You quickly scurried away, following after Jennie, catching up to her before she made her way to the bathroom. "What the hell was that?"

Jennie looked at me with her eyebrows raised, an innocent expression on her features. Her words, however, were anything but, "What? Did none of your little campus sluts do that for you?"

"So you were jealous then?" you asked.

"Do I have something to be jealous about?" she said simply before making her way towards the ladies' room.

Maybe it was indignation, maybe it was anger; hell maybe it was just because you were still horny. Whatever the reason you found yourself following Jennie into the bathroom. As the door swung closed behind you, you grabbed her by the arm and spun her to face you. Your lips pressed hard against hers in a heated kiss.

Christ. It had been so long that you almost forgot how soft her lips were.

Almost.

You pulled her tightly against you, pressing your body hard into hers. Your tongue invaded her mouth, dominating her as the kiss intensified. Your hand traveled down her body, slipping under her skirt and grabbing a hold of her firm ass. You could feel that she wasn't wearing any panties.

"Hoping this would happen were you?" you muttered against her lips.

“Baby, I’ve been going commando for months now,” she whispered. Her breath was hot against your ear causing your cock to twitch from the sensation.

“God I’ve missed you” you muttered.

Not wanting to wait anymore, you got rid of your own pants, sliding them down past your knees. Jennie positioned herself up, using the sink as a counter and spread her legs for you; her wet, glistening pussy looking up at you in the eye.

You gripped the base of your cock, positioning yourself at her entrance and thrust yourself inside her.

"Fuck~!"

Jennie was still just as tight as you remembered and your hands immediately went to her hips. You started pumping her hard and fast, your hips snapping back and forth as her legs wrapped around your waist.

"Oh my God~" she groaned, wrapping her arms around your neck and pulling you into a deep kiss.

Her tongue slipped into your mouth, exploring the familiar territory.

Your lips locked in a frenzy as you both tried to express months of pent up sexual frustration. Jennie's pussy gripped you tight, squeezing and milking your cock as you fucked her.

“You thought you were cute with your little act earlier didn’t you?” you grunted as you pulled out and slammed back into her with more force than before causing her to squeal in surprise, and pleasure.

“You…liked it…didn’t you,” she shot back, her words coming out in short pants. Your sudden change in roughness caused her to move one hand to the sink, gripping tightly as her body shook each time you entered her.

Rather than answer immediately one of your hands moved to her throat, choking her lightly as you continued to fuck her, "It was embarrassing."

There was a brief moment of surprise on Jennie's expression before a devilish smile crept across her lips. "Someone's gotten into a few new kinks while I was away." Her hand rose to cover over the top of yours, imploring you to squeeze tighter as her fingers curled against your hand.

Not bothering to respond, you focused on the task at hand as you quickened your thrusts. This was different from your usual dynamic with Jennie but you didn't hate it. Far from it in fact. And clearly you weren't alone in that sentiment. You could feel her pussy clenching around you. Her breathing became heavier, her chest rising and falling, breasts heaving, and her skin flushed. It was an expression you hadn't seen in a while.

"You're enjoying this aren't you?"

Jennie nodded eagerly, biting down on her lip, stifling a moan as her orgasm was building.

You could tell she was close by the way her pussy tightened around your cock and the look on her face.

"Go on then, cum for me, Jennie" you grunted, releasing her throat and leaning down to kiss her once more.

As soon as you released her she gasped for air, her head rolling back against the mirror as she let out a loud cry, her body convulsing around you as she came hard. Her juices spilled down your shaft as you kept pounding her through her orgasm.

It was the sexiest thing you had witnessed since, well, the last time you had fucked Jennie. Finally she relaxed and elicited small moans as you continued to slide in and out of her, chasing your own release, knowing it wasn’t far now.

“I thought I’d find you two in here.”

Your mind registered the presence of a third voice, but your body was too far gone. Thrusting into the singer’s sweet pussy a few more times you felt your balls tighten. Grabbing Jennie’s slim waist you pulled her close against you before you erupted into her. Your hips jerked erratically a few more times as your seed shot to her womb.

“Christ…you weren’t lying about how much he cums, Jen,” the third voice said.

Unbeknownst to you, her eyes were fixated on your fluids currently leaking out of Jennie. It took another moment but finally your brain began to function properly again. You tore your gaze away from Jennie, to see Lisa standing there, hands on her hips and her tongue licking her lips.

“Lisa! Shit!” You might’ve jumped backwards were it not for Jennie’s legs still being hooked around your waist. “It’s not what it looks like.”

“You mean you’re not balls deep inside one of your sister’s best friends?” Lisa asked, manicured eyebrows raised.

You hesitated for a moment, “Okay…Maybe it is exactly what it looks like.”

Jennie, who had finally started to recover as well, brushed aside her sweat soaked bangs, “Relax. You don’t have to worry about Lisa.”

“You told her?”

“I came to my own conclusions,” Lisa answered. “We were both there on that dance floor, remember? Jen just got to you first.”

There was something undeniably hot about that. That two of the most desired women on the planet had wanted you, going so far to outmaneuver one another to get to you first. Briefly you wondered what it might’ve been like if that night had ended with the two of them. Boldly, you wondered if you might be about to find out.

“First come, first serve, Lili,” Jennie grinned. She pushed you back so she could slide from atop the sink, your release dripping down her thigh.

“You’re not jealous?” you asked, remembering her earlier reaction when you mentioned seeing other girls.

Jennie rolled her eyes. Her hand reached down, fingers curling around your cock as she slowly stroked you to cut down on your refractory period, “Are you comparing Lisa to one of these campus sluts?”

“N-no, not necessarily,” you moaned.

“Good,” Jennie kissed your cheek. “Then bend her over this sink and fuck her like a good boy before your sister starts asking questions.”

Yep. That did it alright. You were back to full mast from those words alone. You turned your gaze to see that in the time you had been talking to Jennie, Lisa had stripped out of her clothes. Your cock gave a twitch at the sight. Jennie was hardly the only one of Jisoo’s friends you had fantasized about. It was all three if you were being honest with yourself. Now here you were staring at Lisa’s toned, perfectly fit body.

Lisa bit her lip, smiling and giddy with excitement as she stepped towards you. She turned, wiggling her tight ass against your crotch as she looked over her shoulder at you, biting her bottom lip, "Don't be shy, stud. Jennie's told me plenty of stories."

That made you curious. It also made you not want to disappoint her. There was no sense of pressure, maybe because you just had your balls drained and any nerves along with it. Instead what you felt was an excitement and eagerness to get to it. “Are you sure you can handle it?” you asked, feeling confident.

Lisa merely winked at you and gave another shake of her tight ass, “Why don't you find out.”

You briefly spotted Jennie out of the corner of your eye, her eyes practically glowing with anticipation at what would come next. One hand grabbed Lisa's slender waist while the other pushed against her back, bending Lisa over the sink. She giggled as she gripped the white porcelain for balance, moaning when she felt your cock start to probe her entrance.

You found her already dripping from her sex, running your cock along her folds before roughly sliding into her. "Shit" you moaned, the feeling of her tight sex enveloping you from the start. Your thick cock was splitting her in half and you could hear Lisa moan as her head fell forward.

"Are you okay?"

"Don't you dare stop," she told you. "Give me all of it, stud."

You didn't need any further instruction. You kept working your cock into her until you finally bottomed out inside of her, your balls pressed flush against her rear. It was heavenly. How many people around the world wanted to do this? Yet you were the one fucking the Thai princess in a restaurants bathroom.

You reached forward, one hand wrapping around Lisa's neatly done ponytail and pulled back her head raising. Her eyes locked with yours as you began to slowly withdraw your cock before slamming back into her.

"That's so fucking hot," you heard Jennie say.

Had your attention not been solely focused on fucking Lisa you might've spared her a glance. As it was, you were entranced by the talented dancer; your rhythm steadily increasing as she propped herself up against the sink. Fucking Lisa’s lithe, fit body was a whole different experience. Each time you moved inside of her, you felt like you might break her. Like your cock might punch through her cervix and bulge against her stomach. And yet Lisa took every inch like a goddess.

“Shit. Shit. Shit” she chanted, her body shaking with each thrusts, her head still pulled back, “You’re going to fucking break me. Is that what you want, stud? You want me to walk on stage with a limp from being fucked so good, huh?”

Your cock swelled inside of her at the thought. The filthy words driving your passion. You watched your reflection in the mirror, pounding the global starlit from behind. Truth be told you almost didn’t recognize yourself. In the span of a few months you had gone from drooling over your sisters friends and nearly coming yourself just from some provocative dancing to taking charge and fucking Jennie and now Lisa.

It made you realize her words were exactly what you wanted to do.

"That's exactly what I want to do," you grunted in response. One hand moved to slip around her throat, squeezing lightly as the other still held her ponytail, "I want my cum dripping down your leg when Money plays and you're dancing on stage."

Lisa moaned, struggling to maintain a state of coherence let alone form a proper response to your words. Fortunately, Jennie was more than willing to provide commentary as her fingers played with her own clit.

"Yeah? Are you going to sit in the front row to make sure?" she asked.

"That's right," you grunted.

You didn't know if you'd ever be able to look at Lisa the same again after this. Let alone when she was on stage performing an array of provocative moves. But logic no longer mattered. You were completely lost in the moment, saying anything and everything as long as it heightened the moment.

Too much. It was too fucking good. It was —

“Oh f-fuck,” Lisa let out, her eyes rolling back.

Her body tightened, her walls squeezing your length as her orgasm hit like an ocean wave on a stormy night. You weren't far behind, in fact as she shuddered against you you continued to thrust into her tight pussy. You buried yourself deep inside of her when your own release finally hit, painting her insides with your seed.

By the end of it you were utterly spent. And you weren't the only one either. Lisa slumped against the sink, letting it support her weight.

"I think I...I need a few minutes," she babbled.

Jennie licked her fingers, cleaning them of her own release. "Don't worry, stud. I'll take it from here. You go back before Jisoo really starts to ask questions."

You could only nod dumbly as your cock slipped out of Lisa, your cum seeping out of her hole. Needless to say, this had been one hell of a reunion.

[stoopakoopa]

Day 8 - Reunion

Drew out a little snippet from my partner's fic for @mesdelostrescaballeros2024!!

Part of a larger continuity being uploaded on ao3! Read it below ⬇️

Donald pulled up outside the apartment where Panchito was staying and took a deep, fortifying breath. Of course he was excited to see his friend again! Of course he was excited for The Three Caballeros to be once more reunited, even if only for a day. There was just that one catch—he felt bad even calling it a catch, like it was somehow a bad thing that he and Zé had finally professed their love for one another—but it would always be awkward telling Panchito. Surely, the duck thought with an internal groan, things would unavoidably change within the trio.

To make it all worse, José had been away on flight shifts when Panchito arrived in town, and Donald had agreed to only break the news when his new boyfriend had returned. He was a terrible liar about this kind of thing: his tongue got all tied up and his beak chattered when he spoke. How in the hell was he supposed to—?

The Donald Duck Pity Party was cut short as sharp, energetic chatter caught his ear from the street: Panchito was being seen off and heading straight for the car. Donald flung himself toward the back seat, toward the gift José had planned to hand over today, and hastily threw a spare blanket over it. The thick, scratchy wool did a decent job of concealing the obvious shape of a brand new guitar, at least if you didn't pay it mind. They'd give it to him when they were all together. That's how they were supposed to do things. Together.

Panchito appeared, waving goodbye to someone before bounding out of the apartment complex. His face lit up when he saw Donald, and before Donald could even get a word out, Panchito had leapt into the front seat, pulling him into a bear hug. His wide sombrero wobbled dangerously, but he didn't seem to care.

"¡Ay caramba, amigo! What took you so long to get here?" Panchito exclaimed, yanking Donald into his arms despite protest from his seatbelt, all to kiss Donald's cheek with his usual enthusiasm.

"'Ey, Pancho! How you doin' amigo?" The duck choked out, finding it a little easier to act natural amid the strangulation.

Panchito released Donald to pinch his cheek playfully. "Better with you here! I've been working on that new song I told you about last night! What about you? What have you been up to all day?"

"I'm doin' swell! And nothing much! Been taking 'er easy today." He lied, and not well—he was already talking too much. "Excited, though! Not every day I get to hang out with my two best pals!" Donald pulled away from Panchito's hold in order to return his attention to driving, feeling too awkward to linger in the warm hold, however much he usually would.

The charro clicked the seatbelt into place and leaned back in his seat, apparently unfazed by the duck's haste. "Ay güey, I'm just hyped that we are finally getting together again for a change. So, what are we doing this time? Are we gonna hit up the club so hard we get kicked out again? Or maybe reopen the Magical Mythical Monster Petting Zoo from Scrooge's secret vault? Or how about we raid the Anvilania embassy and get the ambassador drunk again? You know she still calls me." 

Donald nodded, absolutely not absorbing anything the rooster was clucking about in favor of focusing on the road. He was happy, of course; his friend's exuberance was infectious to say the least. It had indeed been too long since they got to hang out like this as a group… but a part of him still felt tense. He chanced another glance at the vaquero—oblivious, humming merrily, a long leg resting against the door as he propped up his foot on his knee and took up what little space his seat offered. He wished he could feel so carefree.

When they arrived at the little airport, Panchito's excitement was hard to miss. Before the car could even finish pulling up to the 15-minute zone, he'd unbuckled and bolted out of the car window, running ahead towards the tarmac and calling out for Zé at the top of his lungs.

"Yeah, don't wait up or nothing!" Donald called after him with a roll of his eyes. Crazy bird, he hadn't even put the car into park yet!  The lighthearted atmosphere Panchito had cultivated was at war with the impulse to complain bubbling inside him because he wanted see Zé first, to get a chance to hold his boyfriend first before they had to act respectably platonic in front of their none the wiser companion. It wasn't jealousy, not exactly, just…

One hug, one second to let the weight of the week melt off was all he wanted. But that wasn't happening. Not yet. Instead, he'd have to wait and keep playing the part.

"Great," he muttered, jerking on the car's parking brake. "Just act natural. Simple."

The airport, while always abuzz with people from all walks of life and from every corner of the globe, was relatively less hectic on a weekday like this, and José was all the more grateful for it. Deplaning the small jet from Panama was fairly routine and done quickly, leaving Zé with a little free time before he met up with his friends. He brought with him his single suitcase, loaded with more clothes than his usual amount, plus some souvenirs from Brazil and the several other countries he had stopped in during the work week. There were things for the kids back at the manor, plus a homemade gaúcho style poncho pala made by his vovó for Della (whom the old bird had assumed was still freezing from her time on the Moon).  Strapped to the outside of the suitcase (because it could not fit) and wrapped in cloth was José's gift to Donald, a new hammock for his houseboat. He hoped he would like it.

Walking to the exit, Zé attempted to steal himself for the reunion to come. Not so much for seeing Donald, though his blood ran quick with excitement for him to be sure. But Panchito, whom he had not seen since they met for that ill-fated holiday to Bahia that never came to fruition. They had kept in constant contact even after their break up, though it caused pain on both sides. They had been determined to preserve their eternal friendship even in the face of romantic disappointment. And though it took some years for Zé to be able to look the rooster in the face without the unbearable ache in his chest urging him to take it all back and try again, he never wanted to lose sight of what drew him and the other two Caballeros together in the first place. They were his family, no matter what happened.

Even when I act like a stupid teenager and run crying to my ex-boyfriend about my hopeless crush, which turned out to be not so hopeless after all because we're together now and— Merda!

Zé closed his eyes and inhaled slowly. It was very good that he had this spare moment to compose himself as he entered the airport proper.

The distant sound of a familiar crow cut through the din of the crowd, stopping Zé in his tracks. That voice—there was no mistaking it. And like the call to sunrise, it made his heart want to leap into the sky. Spotting a tall flash of red, and a hat that he insisted was too big for his head, standing tall amongst the crowd, Zé dropped his suitcase and his umbrella and ran forward like his tail was on fire. Before he even had time to think about it, he was launching himself into Panchito's arms. The rooster caught him instantly, just like old times.

"¡¡AAAAAAJAJAJAJAJA!!" Panchito's triumphant grito echoed across the terminal. His grip was tight, almost desperate, and his wide grin spoke volumes. Zé could feel the emotion radiating from him—Panchito had missed him more than words could ever say, that much was clear. His whole body seemed to hum with excitement. 

"José!! Mi cielo!" Panchito crowed, his voice overflowing with affection as he slowly, reluctantly, released the green parrot. 

Zé smiled warmly, returning the sentiment. "It is so good to see you, docinho!" His tone was as light and affectionate as ever. "It has been too long!"

"No manches, pendejo, it's only been a few months!" Panchito guffawed, his eyes sparkling with unfiltered happiness. His grin stretched wide as he shook his head in disbelief, the warmth in his expression unmistakable. The man was an open book, his emotions always worn on his sleeve.

The malandro chuckled softly, adjusting his hat. "Well, yes, but it has been twice as long since the three of us have been—" He stopped, scanning the area. "Espere, onde está o Donald?" 

Panchito's expression shifted briefly—a flicker of realization, maybe impatience. He glanced back toward the car, where Zé knew Donald must still be catching up. The vaquero's elation had clearly driven him to rush ahead, leaving their other friend behind. Zé could almost feel the mixture of emotions brewing under Panchito's playful exterior, a familiar tug of longing buried in the joy of reunion.

But Zé knew better than to bring that up. He simply smiled again, his voice calm, teasing. "Always in a rush, eh  mano?" 

"Life is too short to sit still," the rooster replied assuredly, and his hand which still rested on his waist in a half hug pulled him in for just an instant, a punctuation to the point. 

"Hey, ya found 'im! Over here, guys!!!!" a distinctive voice cut through the busy hum of the arrival hall and Zé immediately turned towards the sound, his heart immediately catapulting into the stratosphere.

"DONAL'!" he and Panchito shouted in unison, their voices echoing across the platform. The moment the malandro caught sight of Donald looking flustered and determined as ever as he weaved through the crowd, all the excitement, the nerves, the longing came rushing back to him. He broke from Panchito's hold to sprint to him with ever increasing urgency, his heart pounding not from exertion but from sheer jubilation.

Quickly he closed the distance between them, throwing his arms around the sailor and pulling him into a tight embrace. He fit into his arms perfectly, and for a moment he didn't want to let go. Donald absorbed the impact with ease and let Zé down safely, the rest of the world seeming to melt away in an instant. Zé quickly buried his face into Donald's shoulder, feeling the comforting weight of his lover's arms around him. There was relief, adoration, and an overwhelming sense of peace. Even for just a fleeting moment, everything felt right—like he was where he belonged.

"Meu querido..." Zé whispered softly, just for Donald, though he didn't linger on the words. He knew this interlude was fleeting.

Sure enough, as if sensing their private moment was up, Donald's voice broke through their quiet intimacy. "Panchito...?" Donald called, one arm still wrapped around Zé as he extended the other towards their rambunctious rooster to include him.

Zé was too distracted with cuddling up to his sailor's side to register the gleam in Panchito's eye, at first. As it was, it was only the loud, triumphant yell that signaled their impending doom, and the parrot felt he had little choice but to make sure he didn't endure it alone, his arm holding his duck in place.

"No, wait—!" Donald started, but it was too late.

Panchito came down hard from where he had launched himself into the air like a luchador delivering his finishing move. Elbow extended, he crashed into the two of them with the energy of a firecracker bursting on impact. Donald let out a choked WAK! of surprise, his arms flailing as he was knocked clean off balance. Zé, caught in the middle of it all, simply accepted his fate with a laugh, not even trying to brace for the collision.

They tumbled down in a heap of feathers, beaks, and limbs, Zé wedged between his two best friends, both of them piled on top of Donald, who lay sprawled at the bottom. He could feel Donald wheezing beneath him, dazed from the sudden assault, while Panchito—of course—was perched victoriously at the top of the pile, leaning on one elbow like he owned the world.

"Órale! ¿Que te pasa? You were supposed to catch me!" Panchito chortled, looking entirely too pleased with himself as he flashed a wide, playful grin down at the both of them. "I could have gotten hurt!" 

"God forbid…" Donald rasped weakly.

Zé couldn't help but chuckle, even as he lay squashed in the middle. Completely unconcerned by the chaos, he wiggled into a more comfortable position between them, his head resting against Donald's back. He could feel the frantic beat of his partner's heart beneath his cheek, could hear the shallow breaths as Donald tried to recover. There was no tension, no frustration. Just pure, unbridled affection. Even in moments like this—especially in moments like this—Zé felt nothing but love for the both of them.

This was how it had always been with the three of them. Chaos and laughter, roughhousing and tenderness, all tangled together in one messy, beautiful friendship.

"Well, caras," Zé sighed contentedly, "it is good to be back where I belong."

"Where, with all of ya on top of me?" the sailor beneath him groaned, barely able to get out a full breath with all the pressure bearing down on him.

Don't tempt me, the malandro thought before immediately shelving it for later.

[obeymeluv]

I'm Not a Zigvolt but I Bite [Sebek x Reader]

Sebek's sister gets kidnapped by a crazy fae hunter and you go save her without telling anyone

-- Not proofread. Will review on my next day off and fix as needed.--

Sebek may not be the most openly lovey-dovey partner but he cares in his own way. His own stubborn, 'twist my arm' kind of way. He's better about it in private but the more time you spent with his family, the more you understood. All three Zigvolt children deferred to their mother and it was a big surprise to see them rub noses as they entered the house, accepting the hug. They hissed and gurgled in their father's general direction but he didn't seem to be offended.

Quite the opposite in fact.

You felt a little silly standing there, wondering if you should stretch on tip-toes and rub noses with her. She seemed to read your mind; Sebek's mom raised a hand and you did the same, expecting a handshake. You squeaked when she scooped you up effortlessly, swinging you back and forth. "They're so cute, Becky!"

"Your nickname is Becky?" you turn your head to Sebek, his cheeks burning a fierce pink. He turns away from you but you can see red on the back of his ears.

You yelp as Sebek's mother swings you violently towards his father. "Look, honey! Cute, right?"

"Of course, dear!" he toasts you with a cup of something. "But maybe don't swing so hard. I think Lilia said they're fully human?"

"True. Sorry, I forget my own strength when I'm excited!" she laughs, her smile a bright and beautiful testament to the fact that Sebek's father is a dentist.

"Human? Totally human?" his brother and sister are upon you now, towering over you like Sebek does. His mother plunked you down in front of them; you do your best to calm your nerves and not swallow too thickly because they sense fear (literally).

"Don't be rude!" Sebek slides in between you and his brother as his sister squeezes your arm experimentally, flipping your wrist over and taking it in her hand. His brother stops sniffing you, a controlled bellow rolling in his closed mouth. Sebek's brow pinches as he gives a similar noise, puffing his chest out and bumping it against his brother's.

His sister is nice enough to pull you away seconds before they start snarling and clicking their jaws at each other. You hear Sebek growl as his brother sinks his teeth into his arm; they turn into a blur of limbs.

"Welcome to the family!" Sebek's father laughs as you take refuge with the only other human.

"Squishy, but I think you'll do okay," his sister decides. She teethes your wrist curiously and you jerk your hand away on instinct. There's a faint red scratch from her teeth.

"Don't bite the guests!" his mother admonishes.

"Grandpa told me to do it as a test! You have to see how strong their bones are! If their bones are week, so is the rest of them!" she defended. Sebek's dad snorts into his mug.

The first meeting was a little chaotic but you'd slowly endeared yourself to the Zigvolts. You'd been to see them six or seven times but didn't meet Baur Zigvolt until the third. Lilia said he was nicer than he looked but he still reeked of intimidation; you could tell he was putting on his best 'soft' face even though he looked indifferent. He was like a cat; he wouldn't run if you sat in his space but he didn't come to you. You were lucky to get a blink of acknowledgement.

Lilia managed to unearth a 'they're an adequate partner for my grandson, I suppose. They make him happy.' which is practically a blessing. It explained why he gave you an enchanted dagger on the fourth visit. The handle was made from shed scales and Baur swore it could get you out of any net. He said he'd used it several times in the war and he hadn't seen something it couldn't cut through.

You really felt welcomed into the family when Sebek's dad offered to check your dental work on the down-low. Sebek's mom may or may not have threatened Crowley with 'being plucked and nutless' if he didn't raise your allowance to something a little more comfortable. After her visit he miraculously found extra money in the budget.

You felt like you could breathe for the first time since coming to Twisted Wonderland. A future seemed possible instead of grim and questionable.

That future was shattered when you opened the mailbox at gate leading to Ramshackle. There was a note addressed to Sebek Zigvolt. He wasn't here and Ramshackle wasn't his address. Your red flags were waving at full speed; you decided to open the letter and apologize later.

You didn't recognize the stamp at the end but the message was clear: his sister had been kidnapped. Letter clenched in your fist, you took off to Diasomnia. Sebek had cautioned you against recent visits despite invites; you vaguely remembered something about his sister trying to date someone and Baur putting his foot down. Though Baur would never hurt his granddaughter, the fights were constant. Apparently he'd reached out to his network of fae friends and requested an investigation on her human.

Allegedly he had ties to modern anti-fae groups.

That allegation was looking very true. Out of breath, you barged into Diasomnia. A few Diasomnia members tried to stop you from entering the room--the crashes and shouts were audible--but you pushed them away and shouldered the door open. Sebek was distraught; his face was pink with frustration and the vein across his temple was prominent.

His yellow-green eyes were wet with tears.

"We got one too," Lilia murmured, closing the door and cutting off the curious, worried views into the trashed room. You didn't think a piece of furniture survived. Pillow feathers littered the floor; his sheets were ripped to shreds but you couldn't tell if it was by claw or tooth.

Clearly the guy knew enough but didn't know everything. You wondered how many letters had been sent as you compared the two. It was the first time you'd actually read it and couldn't believe there was an actual address on the back! Lilia and Silver started picking up the room, Sebek and Malleus in the middle of phone calls. As much as you wanted to comfort your boyfriend, your feet took you in another direction.

Your thoughts were rattling off as fast as your heartbeat, lungs pushed to their limit. This guy was expecting a fae to save another fae. Not a human. He'd be practically defenseless if a HUMAN came, right? All of his tricks were for fae!

Lucky for you, you had tricks of your own. Tricks that might require Sam and the tweels, but tricks all the same. You ran back to Ramshackle to grab the dagger just in case. Having something enchanted couldn't hurt, right? You snatch up one of Sam's enchanted bags and head to the shop.

The shadows were happy to see you, darting around the aisles and circling your feet. "Sam!" you breathe, slapping your hands down on the counter, "I need you to make me a really important deal?"

"I'm all ears, Little Imp!" he smiles, leaning on the counter.

"Let me take what I need and I'll bring back whatever I don't use! If I use it, I'll bring money for it!"

He'd certainly never heard such a thing. You've never asked for this kind of deal before. His brow began to furrow suspiciously, eyes reading yours. It wasn't the type of urgency he saw with kids trying to buy last minute 'focus chews', but something deeper. He could tell by the way the shadows fluttered that it was serious.

"Just this once." He pointed at you.

You took off down the aisles and he wondered what you were preparing for. The first thing you thought of were the living sticky notes; you'd seen Floyd make them into paper airplanes and send them around the classroom when he was bored. That'd be a good distraction! There was a screwdriver that ate screws as you worked so you didn't lose them; this guy probably had iron traps to disable.

If this guy really was anti-fae, who knew what condition Sebek's sister was in? You grabbed some snacks and drinks just to be safe. A can of hairspray caught your eye and you paused; it wasn't the brand Vil used but he said it was comparable and worked in a pinch. You'd heard him say it could really hold hair (and Jamil confirmed bugs couldn't FUCKING move if it touched them). There wasn't time to debate anything else; you heard Sebek's unmistakable voice echoing at the front of the store.

Sam motions for you to head out the back and you do, set on hitting Octavinelle before catching a bus into town. You don't realize a shadow slipped into your bag and you're none the wiser as you negotiate a couple syringes of the Tweels' blood from the three of them. They'd made one too many jokes about their blood being poisonous to humans before you saw the effects in person; Azul had to find a heavy-handed way to make a point without using detectable magic on his more 'difficult' clients and the Tweels were the answer. If you hadn't forgotten your only coat at the lounge, you never would've seen what happened to the poor guy.

Azul attempted to negotiate something but the Tweels were too interested in what you were going to do. The most you ever asked for was more hours or to take an 'accident' meal home. They shushed him; the blood came from them so they could give it away! "I feel like it will be an interesting story," Jade smiles and it's the first time you see Floyd in him, "be sure to come back and tell us."

You don't know how you managed to avoid the Diasomnia crew but you made it onto the bus and into the city. The address led to a processing factory and your instinct was to scoff because it smelled like a movie setup from your world. Instead of an ice factory or meat plant, however, it was a pharmaceutical center. That made the hairs on your neck stand up.

Were they using fae for pharmaceuticals? What could you possibly make out of a crocodile fae?

On second thought, I don't want to know, you purse your lips as you look at the building. It didn't look as modern as the others on the block but the gate was upgraded. Were they trying to make it look abandoned? Less suspicious? Did these people not know property records could be checked for activity?

It was more surprising to you that they didn't have cameras. Maybe it's because fae couldn't be caught on camera easily? The scent of iron hits you, heavy enough to leave a tang in your mouth. You grab the fence and shimmy your way up, glad you had to learn how to climb and repair Ramshackle's roof during your time in Twisted Wonderland. You land clumsily on the other side of the fence, hissing at your knees.

The grass looked unkept but it hid a smattering of daisies and primrose. You rip up as many as you can find on your way to the building. You may not remember everything Lilia's told you about fae-plant knowledge, but you know these are deterrents and protective measures against them.

Did this guy have a group or was he working on his own? You didn't even know. Deeming the yard clear enough, you hide on the side of the building and start folding little airplanes. They buzz and poke like a pocket full of hornets but don't hurt. The doorway is lined with salt and you scoff, scrubbing it away with your foot.

The door swings shut behind you and you find yourself in a large, dimly-lit space. It's cold here; you can feel goosebumps on your arms. A bright light explodes and you wince against it, putting up your hand.

"Where's the rest of you?"

"I don't need them," you bluff.

"Why aren't you shrinking away, creature?! Light's supposed to hurt you!"

"Not all of us." you roll your eyes. "Someone didn't do their homework."

You can't see for shit but he doesn't have to know that. Maybe he'll come to you. The guys who think they can't be touch and have planned for everything usually do stupid stuff like that. Conveyor belts and large machines take shape in your vision as the light leaves but you don't have time to register them before a sucker punch knocks you to the ground.

"How'd you get past the defenses?" he surprises you with a right hook, other hand coming to your throat. For a minute it catches you off guard and you squeak. His eyes narrow, cold and dark as he sneers above you. "Why are you so easy to hit? So weak?" he squeezes your throat experimentally and you cough.

"I'm," you suck in a breath as your brain scrambles through the moves Lilia has taught you. His grip is tightening. You think back on the playfights you've had with Silver, Sebek, and his siblings. The sting of them being easy on you hits now, bites harder than ever, and you resort to Lilia's age-old advice of 'there is no fair in a fight'. "I'm a human!" you yell, kicking him in the balls as he wheezes and rolls off of you.

It certainly won't be enough to keep him down but it's a start. You gasp for breath, reaching blindly into your bag. The hairspray is pushed into your hand and your eyes widen as the shadow slinks out of the bag, melting into the floor. The "boyfriend" starts to push off the floor and you aim the can at him, spraying it directly into his eyes. He shuts them on instinct, as anyone would, and you think they've actually sealed together!

You catch your breath, impressed with yourself. You stand above the blinded man as the situation hits you. Somehow this is more confusing than dealing with the overblots. He feels blindly for you and you step back, barely keeping your ankle out of his grasp. A moment of cruelty overtakes you and you let the sticky notes out of your pocket.

They don't hurt him but they're annoying. It buys you time to look around for anything you can hit him with. There's big vats and tumblers but nothing small or convenient. The places reeks of metal and would probably make fae nervous about what would hurt them, though.

"Why are you doing this?" he yells, turning in a circle on his hands and knees as he swats at the sticky notes.

"Because that's my boyfriend's sister, asshole!" you jump on his back, beating him with the can of hairspray. You try to choke him out like you did Sebek's brother (on accident) and it almost works. He gets a handful of your hair and starts trying to drag you from behind him. One hand full of your hair and one gripping you by the pants, you panic as he stands and holds you above his head.

This is definitely something that happens right before a person's tossed onto their head or snaps their neck! You give a few panicked kicks before your bag slides down and smacks him in the face. It's hard to reach your bag since he's locked his arms; he didn't expect something to hit him in the face and you feel his grip loosen. Swinging your legs, you lock them around his neck as you fish for the syringes of blood.

His neck is thick so you can't choke him out.

You pull the cap off of one and stab it into the meat of his arm. He writhes in pain, flinging you off of shoulders. You hit the ground with a grunt, sucking in a breath. He trips over you, slipping on your ankle and kneeing you in the stomach on the way down. Halfway out from under him, you grab another syringe and stab him in the arm that wouldn't let go of your legs.

Getting him in both arms was enough, right? The symptoms varied, according to Jade and Floyd. It could be as innocent as the stomach bug or as serious as paralysis. Numbness wasn't uncommon, though. Sweating and cramps was pretty normal, though.

He looked like he was starting to sweat already. You wondered if that would undo the hairspray. You scramble to your feet, last syringe pointed out like a knife. Lungs heaving, one eye threatening to swell shut, you jam it into his ankle just to be on the safe side.

You take off.

The adrenaline is fading and it dawns on you why he chose somewhere cold. Much like Malleus, Sebek and his family didn't do well in the cold. It made them sleepy and less active. You start looking around for an area big enough to stash a human when something grabs your foot. "A shadow?" you watch it wind around your leg, wispy hand grabbing your shoulder as it settles behind you.

"Any chance you can help me find Sebek's sister?"

It squeaks and you follow it. You look back in the direction you came from, sure you can hear vomiting. The shadow leads you to a walk-in freezer and you pull it open. There, in a large net, is Sebek's sister. She's still and pale and your heart is in your throat.

You grab the net, poking her through the diamond pattern. She doesn't move. The net is weirdly sharp and you hiss as it cuts your fingers. Was this a net made out of metal or something?! It's stupid to do but you don't see any other option; you grit your teeth and drag the net to the open door so that psycho can't lock you both in there.

The shadow may not be able to help you if you get stuck. There's places even shadows don't like to go!

Dragging her is a slow process; she's heavy and the net is cutting into you. It doesn't help that you readjust and try to grab in different spots so she's easier to pull. You're halfway to the door when you get the idea to roll her onto her back, pick up her feet, and push her to the door. She's probably sliding easier because of all your bloody handprints but you don't think about that. Safely out of the freezer, you drop her feet and slowly cut away the net with her grandpa's dagger.

It's hard trying but you finally get her out. You'd apologize about the tears in her outfit later. Sighing as you mentally prepare yourself to lift her dead weight, you pull her across your back as best you can. Her dead weight makes you bend like an old person; she drags more than you like but you can walk under her if you don't think about it too much. Your next step is into a puddle of wispy shadow and you stumble as you reemerge near the door.

She falls off your back and you wince.

Her 'boyfriend' is sweaty, surrounded by puke, and looks like he's convulsing.

Not your problem.

"You couldn't do that earlier?" you shake your head at the shadow. It gives a squeak and flares up enough so it has shoulders to shrug.

You drop the net over him out of spite, searching the area for the syringes. Don't want the Tweels to be implicated in anything. You'd just collected the last one when the doorway clogs with people.

Is Baur...electrified right now?

"Everything's fine! All clear." you wave.

"My baby!" Sebek's mother scoops her up like she's nothing. Lilia appears at her side, handing her a fluffy black blanket you've seen before.

"Everything is most certainly not fine!" Lilia assess you, "come, beastie."

Sebek practically pounces on you, knocking Lilia aside as he yells things like 'HOW COULD YOU?' and 'WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?'

"I was thinking that he'd already caught one fae and he'd hurt the ones who came to help them." you say calmly, staring at him with the one eye you can still see out of. "He wouldn't know what to do with a human."

Sebek grips you by the shoulders. Hard. "You're infuriating." he shakes you. "And I love you."

"I love you too." you smile at him. He brings you into a crushing hug and you wince. There's a lot of sore stuff and you're not sure if anything is broken.

"The hunter, Queen Maleficia," Baur drops the boyfriend from his shoulders.

The tall, elegant woman nods at you and Baur. The black spots made her kind of hard to see. You start to say something but the words don't make it to your lips. The sound dies in your ears like someone pulling the plug on a TV.

You wake up in a hospital bed--the school infirmary?--and give a hum of delight when you can see out of both eyes. Your vision clears and Sebek becomes obvious, closest to your bed. His hand is holding yours. Malleus rises from his chair in the corner, offering it to Silver as Lilia makes a beeline for you and rummages in a bag. "Snack, beastie? You need to eat up and get your strength back!" he offers you some chips.

"In recognition of said strength, I have a gift for you, human." Queen Maleficia sweeps in softly, stepping to your bed with purpose. You find yourself wondering if she'd been waiting around for you or if she'd been summoned. She holds out two small velvet boxes and opens them to reveal a shiny onyx scale and a glimmering green one. "You have proven yourself courageous and devoted to the fae in your act of service to the Zigvolts and I, Queen Maleficia, seek to bestow you with the fae lineage of your choosing."

You stare blankly at the boxes, stunned. Fae can just..do that? Just make someone a fae just like that? Well, maybe she could. She's the queen and all. She's speaking to Lilia out of the side of her mouth, bent over, when your brain kicks in.

"What are they? Like...is one from a bug fae? I don't want to be a bug, you know? N-Not that bug fae are bad, of course!"

She lets out a lilting, rich laugh that makes you relax. "You may choose to be crocodilian, like the Zigvolts, or of draconic lineage like my grandson and I."

"Dragon!" you blurt immediately, eyes lighting up. Being part dragon sounded cool! The fact that the green scale could've come from Sebek's family, or Sebek himself, was an afterthought. Queen Maleficia nods and the whole box glows; the scale dissolves into a twinkling mist that drifts into your mouth.

"I'll take my leave," she fixes her dress, tucking the boxes away in a hidden pocket. "I have a meeting about that revolting hunter."

She disappears in the doorway and Baur takes her place, a band-aid on his cheek. He arches a brow curiously at his weeping grandson, only able to make out 'dragon' and 'great Malleus'. It's clear he doesn't hear you asking not to squeeze so tight and to let go.'

"They've chosen to be a dragon fae," Lilia laughs into his hand.

"I look forward to that great-grandchild." Baur snorts, leaning against the wall.

[ryoshiwaah]

⸝ ⸝The Love List ୭ ˚.

ʚ🌷Warnings: swear words, slight angst, spelling mistakes bc I wrote this in different days, misunderstandings, making out? idk what i wrote, established relationship.

ʚ💌Genre: fluff, childhood friends to lovers!

ʚ Pairing: non-idol!Haerin x fem!reader

ʚ Synopsis: Haerin made a list of dates ideas after thinking you were bored of her.

ʚ🎀Starring: Bbangsaz as your gay friends & Banggeul (Haerin's dog)

ʚ w.c: 6.4k

ʚ tags: @chokili, @jaikoyaki

ʚ🧺a/n: This was supposed to be a Valentine's special but I got too caught up in the idea and didn't make it in time, plus, I made it for choki (and jai). It's rushed at the end so pretend to be blind!!

Haerin didn’t like going out, unlike you, her day was peacefully spent studying, watching a movie or eating junk food. Since she started dating you her life changed for the better – you were a breath of fresh air: spontaneous, energetic and determined to try something new at least once a month.

Keeping up with your life was not easy for her, but Haerin put a lot of effort into being a good and supportive girlfriend. Though, she still felt like something was off, especially during your dates.

Even a blind person could see that lounging on the couch wasn’t your favorite thing in the world – Haerin noticed your sighs or how your eyes would slowly close during a movie night. if at first she thought you were just tired, the constant yawning and silence from your part didn’t sit right with her.

The situation had to end, so she spent a whole day to fulfill one of your biggest dreams.

You mentioned it a few months prior while taking a walk with her and Banggeul (her dog), it was something along the lines of – “I want to write a bucket list about dates ideas, but in alphabetical order.”

Sure, your suggestion was just… well, a suggestion. A little test to get a reaction out of your girlfriend – “If you want to…”

Which resulted in failure.

To you, because your girlfriend’s cat brain started running and after hours of thinking and screaming internally and regretting every life decision, she finally made the list.

“Here.” Weeks later she offered you a little envelope, it was pink and had some heart stickers on it. You furrowed your eyebrows in confusion, firstly looking at your girlfriend, who was avoiding eye contact, her ears red, and then at the piece of paper.

Careful not to rip it, you opened the letter and found a folded piece of striped paper, it looked like a bucket list from what you could see; your doubts became a happy reality when you unfolded the paper to reveal the list Haerin wrote.

“Babe, this is…” 

Your voice died in your throat from the surprise. She remembered? – You felt your cheeks growing hotter, a red tint spreading across your entire face. 

“You don’t like it?” – “I used the glitter pen you like for the hearts, I tho-”

To interrupt her worried rant was your hug, that she quickly returned, a somewhat pleased smile making its way on her lips “I take this as a yes then.”

“I love it!” You exclaimed with an enthusiastic expression – “But did you write… where is it- Oh! here.”

You turned the paper towards her, pointing to the letter W, in response she tilted her head. 

“Whalemart?” She asked in confusion as if you were the one who wrote the letter.

“Did you misspell Walmart?” You laughed, quickly taking a picture of the mistake, Haerin, noticing your action, tried to snatch your phone but you pulled away just in time.

“Ha! You wished you could be as fast as me, Kang Haerin.”

She gave you a glare that she kept for 5 seconds before bursting into laughter — “You’re so childish.”

◻ A - Arcade

It was a Sunday afternoon when your girlfriend dragged you out of the house and into the car, she didn’t give you a chance to go back inside and change so your fate was sealed: you got out of the house with the most childish shoes you’ve ever worn, a pair of bright yellow crocs that made a cartoon-like sound after every step.

Begging didn’t work, Haerin was firm on taking you out – “You look cute.” She said, eyes on the road as she drove to the nearest arcade.

“I look like a duck.” You retorted with a grumble, crossing your arms while staring at the reason for your shame. “Why are they so bright!!” You whined, hitting your feet on the car mat, making your girlfriend giggle.

“A cute duck throwing a tantrum, that’s new.”

“You’re lucky we’ve arrived–” 

“It’s going to be fine, nobody will notice your adorable shoes, ducky.”

Your head snapped to the side as you gave Haerin a death glare, daring her to repeat what she just said.

“Is there something on my face?” She asked innocently, almost too much. You felt mocked but before you could speak, your girlfriend gave you a peck on the lips; soon enough, the anger died down while you melted into a puddle.

“Idiot.” You muttered before getting out of the car and basically running towards the arcade.

——👾 

The bright neon colours made your eyes squint for a few seconds, you interlocked your fingers with Haerin’s after she finally caught up to you.

“You’re fast.” she panted, already feeling tired after the small run — “And you’re not athletic at all.”

“We’re not here for that, come on.” she ignored the comment, tugging on your hand to lead you inside.

The atmosphere of the arcade was something you’ve never seen before, for example, hanging from the ceilings were little ghosts from the Pac-Man game making you smile as you pointed at a green and pink near each other.

“Babe look! That’s us as pixel ghosts!” 

Your infectious smile and overall your joyous tone, made a few head turns. 

“I’m the green one?” She asked now looking up at the silly decorations too.

“Of course, you love green.” 

“Yeah but-” She started, a mischievous glint making its way in her eyes — “today you look more like Pac-Man.” Haerin smirked, pointing to your bright yellow shoes.

You stood there for a moment, conflicted, as you considered two things: laughing at your girlfriend’s mean joke or wiping away that stupid and adorable expression with a punch.

You opted for none of the two because Haerin kissed your cheek, mumbling an apology — she also bought you a pack of candy shortly after.

——👾

“Please please please!” 

You were currently clinging to Haerin’s arm, pulling her towards one of the claw machines she refused to play to since they were a “money stealing technique”.

All your attempts at convincing her weren’t working, bringing her food, kisses, compliments – Nothing. So you decided to use your last ace up your sleeve: attention.

“Don’t raise your voice, people will look.” Her tone was serious, an underlying hint of worry in it.

Bingo. 

“Then win me something at the claw machine.”

She stared at you, watching as your puppy eyes grew more and more adorable, it was infuriating how she could be weakened by them.

After she exhaled a deep sigh, you knew you won her acceptance and basically sprinted towards the machine, your shoes making funny sounds in the process.

Did Haerin regret bringing you to the arcade? Absolutely not. 

She was loving every second of it, not missing for a second the way your eyes lit up after she won you that cat plushie you were eyeing moments before, or how you went silent the moment you started focusing on the pac-man game, sticking out your tongue and then groaning as you lost after the second round.

That day you tried every game at the arcade, winning tickets over tickets just to take home a little fish tank that seemed empty. You like the aesthetic and Haerin like seeing you happy with it.

A win is a win.

You discovered hours later that the tank was actually not so empty, a little goldfish lived there. He was named Ducky, the same nickname your girlfriend had given you earlier.

◻  B - Breakfast in bed

Since the last date went smoother than oil, Haerin decided to keep following the list and bring you breakfast in bed.

First thing first, to complete her mission she had to silently wake up. Easy. She was naturally quiet. Though, her dog wasn’t. 

Haerin was more worried about waking up Banggeul than you, but once she reached the safe zone, also known as the kitchen, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She leaned against the counter to search for breakfast inspiration on the internet, but when it was clear that all the dishes were too complicated, she opted for a classic: pancakes.

She took out the few ingredients needed and started to do the batter, careful not to make too much noise – Her heart almost stopped when she knocked over a cup, but thank god it fell on the carpet that silenced any further sound.

Haerin hummed a tune while waiting for the food to cook, she looked at you from outside the bedroom, sprawled on the bed, snoring and mumbling something under your breath. 

‘I love her…’ Haerin thought, smiling to herself.

The oven turning off brought her back to reality and she forced herself to look away.

——🥞

Twenty minutes later, you opened your eyes to the smell of pancakes and the sound of your girlfriend’s soft voice. “Sleepyhead wake up, I brought you breakfast.”

You rubbed your eyes, groggily sitting up – “Hm… What?” your voice was low as you recovered from your sleepy state. 

“I said I brought you breakfast in bed.” 

A small sigh left your lips as you looked at your girlfriend with a fond, thankful smile.

“Rinnie… I love you so much, thank you.”

The trail was placed on your lap, while Haerin kissed your forehead, mumbling something about you being cute. When you saw her walking out of the room, you called her – “Babe! Are you leaving me to eat these all alone?”

Okay, she didn't think about herself at all. Shit.

“Those are your pancakes.” She muttered, fidgeting with the strings of her hoodie.

“And you’re my girlfriend, so get your ass over here and eat with me.”

Haerin did, she practically jumped on the bed and snuggled up to your side demanding to be fed, which you did. 

Nonetheless, the next day you cooked breakfast for her and almost burned down the apartment.

◻  C - (Cat) Café date☕️

Having two pets wasn’t enough, you wanted a cat, a real one. Despite Haerin being against it (for obvious reasons), she followed you to the cat café you had chosen to adopt a kitty.

As you entered, the smell of cookies and fluffiness became noticeable in your nostrils, making you feel cozy and more excited to see your future son or daughter.

Haerin’s eyes wandered around the place catching a glimpse of the kitties that roamed around the little café: they looked so tiny, almost like little balls of fur. She would be lying if she said she didn’t want to adopt them all.

One of the cuties went near Haerin’s foot, trying to climb on her shoe — she noticed him once the little guy meowed, it was more like a soft sound than anything but yeah, he was complaining.

His yellow eyes and black fur weren’t what captivated the girl’s and other customer’s eyes, but a small patch of white hair that made him look like an adorable work of art. It was like a painter dragged his brush on the kitten’s back, drawing what looked like a heart.

The girl crouched down gently lifting him up, holding the fur ball in her hands. At that very moment, you finished ordering your coffee and cookies so the cashier turned to Haerin, smiling when she saw your girlfriend holding the kitten.

“And for you miss?” The worker, a lady in her twenties, asked with a soothing tone.

Haerin stared at the woman for a few seconds, then looked down at the kitty and then back at her. 

“I want this one.” 

——☕️

Meow, that’s how your girlfriend decided to name the kitty, spent the rest of the date with the two of you, mostly on Haerin’s lap, purring and getting cuddles.

He was the total opposite of the puppy waiting for you at home.

Concentrating was hard mostly because you couldn’t stop admiring the beauty in front of you — often, Haerin would look up to find your gaze already on her.

“Focus.” She then proceeded to mutter, writing in her notebook numbers that didn’t make sense anymore.

“I’m focused.” Your eyes were still on her.

“I mean on the homework, dummy.”

Again with the nicknames, this girl called you anything except Y/n. She seemed to have grown bolder day by day.

You took a sip of your coffee, which by the way was delicious, and returned to write in your own notebook. “Hey, what’s the answer for number six?” — “x= 5/3.”

A huff left your lips as you slouched back on the chair, head tilting back to look as dramatic as possible; Haerin remained unfazed by the familiar display.

“I got it wrong again.” 

Your girlfriend finally looked up at you and suddenly had an idea: she took Meow in her arms and stood up to place the kitten on your lap.

“He can help you focus.”

She sat back down with a proud smirk playing on her face. Haerin got like that every time she felt like a great partner — how she loved knowing her actions made you feel better or simplified your situation.

“Thanks, I can already feel the motivation coming back.”

You joked, letting the kitten for the first time that day. “He’s really soft.” Your eyes were wide in surprise, your voice a little too loud for the poor Meow who let out another complaining noise.

“Ah- sorry buddy…” You patted his head “…go back to sleep.”

——☕️

Once the three of you came back home, Banggeul started sniffing your legs like crazy, sometimes barking as if demanding explanations.

Like, why would you two go to a place full of cats? Millions of animals in the world and you chose cats. Traitors.

Haerin had to calm him down while you reassured her, as best as you could, that Meow would be safe if she just gave both cat and dog time to get used to living with each other.

In fact, you were right.

During the first week Banggeul and Meow slept in the same spot at the end of your bed and played together without any problems — except when they knocked over a vase, or when the doggo stole the kitten’s food or again, when Meow tripped in Ducky’s tank.

Those were hard times.

“I never imagined we’d be having a family like this.” You whispered one night while being snuggled up against your girlfriend, one of her hands playing with your hair — “I did, many times.” She admitted, burying her face into your soft locks. “That’s how much I love you…and maybe even more.”

◻  D - Double dates 

“Hanni and Minji are already there, hurry up!”

Haerin’s voice rang in the bedroom from the depths of the other side of your apartment startling not only you, but also the puppy, who started to bark and run around uncontrollably.

He was way too energetic, even at times, when he got 5 minutes of sleep — unlike Haerin, his social battery was constantly full and needed little to no recharges.

“Here we go again…” You muttered, returning to fix your smudged lipstick, mentally smirking at the sight you would be soon witnessing.

“Ugh! Please Banggeul stop-” 

Of course Haerin didn’t want to deal with yet another noise complaint so she gave up in trying to calm him down and gave the puppy a dog treat — they made his breath smell like he had just eaten a corpse, but at least they did the job she was failing at: making him quiet down.

“Are you ready?”

Your girlfriend’s head popped out from the doorframe, her right hand covering her eyes just in case you were naked or something — it was adorable how she was still so shy even after being together for almost a year.

“Yes, yes love.”

She stayed there, her hand glued to her eyes until you moved it away, causing a squeal to escape from Haerin’s lips. “You can look, I’m all dressed up.” — her eyes briefly looked at you before she completely turned red.

“Hm hm I know.” An awkward laugh resonating in the small space left between the two of you — “Pretty…” You muttered, towering over her, heels were indeed a good choice.

With the height by your side it was easy to steal a kiss from Haerin, but if one wasn’t enough, two were too much from you to keep your lips away from hers — You were already late, so who cares?

Minji and Hanni, they cared. So much that your phone started buzzing a few moments after your third? maybe fourth kiss — Annoyed, you grabbed the device, backed up from Haerin and answered the call.

“What?” Your tone reflected your annoyance, but at that moment it wasn’t important — “Yah don’t get all pissy with me, Y/n. Hurry up or we’re ordering.”

Hanni’s naturally high voice made you roll your eyes, but to calm you down was your girlfriend, who took the phone and talked.

“We’re going to be there in five, Han.” She quickly retorted before hanging up.

Her face was a mix of embarrassment and frustration. Being interrupted was the last thing she desired that night, the first one you can imagine.

——🔗

In the end you managed to arrive at the fancy restaurant and eat the food the other couple had previously ordered since they were starving, Hanni blamed you and your detailed make-up, while Minji just winked at Haerin, making her want to sink to the floor and never get out.

The date was going smoothly, raising Haerin’s initial mood about the hangout: being the shy girl she is made it difficult for her to enter in the conversation without resulting awkward or weird — even with her own friends.

But your presence made it all better. 

Haerin held your hand under the wooden table, her thumb caressing the back of your hand; she gently squeezed your fingers in her palm from time to time, making sure you were still there, by her side.

Whenever it was your turn to talk she would stare at you through her lashes, her eyes trying to memorise every little movement your facial muscles did — ‘She’s so gorgeous.’ Her brain could only process compliments that she silently concentrated into her love struck gaze.

‘She’s whipped.’

Minji mentally said, looking at Haerin with a teasing but fond smile. It was rare seeing Haerin so invested in a conversation, so she kept silent and rested her head on Hanni’s shoulder, listening to whatever you two were ranting about.

——🔗

Coming back to a dark apartment were you and Haerin right after the double date. 

When you finished eating, Minji suggested grabbing a drink or two at a bar near the restaurant. The place opened 3 weeks before and many said customer service was great, so why not?

If only Haerin knew she’d be carrying your drunk ass into the house, the heels you previously wore, in her hands, she would’ve refused. 

“Haerinnie! You’re so strong~” 

The slurred, flirty words, brought a strong feeling of embarrassment to your girlfriend; she ignored them and you, switching the lights on with her elbow, almost dropping you in the process.

Scared, your arms wrapped around her, eyes shutting instantly – “Am I alive?!”

“Yes, scaredy cat. The drinks are really messing with your brain if you thought I’d let you fall.”

You giggled, tilting your head up to kiss her soft cheek – Your thumb caressed the spot you had just kissed, or better, marked with your red lipstick. The movement only smudged it more, but instead of stopping, you made sure Haerin’s cheek became more red.

“You’re impossible.” 

Half exhausted and half amused by your childish behaviour, she managed to get you to bed. Her plan was to change into something more comfortable and then cuddle you to sleep, but alcohol blurred your train of thoughts — next thing she knew, you pulled Haerin down on the bed.

“Goodnight!” 

Haerin squirms in your arms, trying to free herself, but your grip is too tight – it gets worse when your legs wrap around her body like a snake that had caught its prey.

Your girlfriend eventually gives up at the first snore that comes out of your mouth, her body finally relaxing and basking in the comfort and warmth of your embrace.

“Goodnight, love.” She whispered, eyes closed as she drifted off to sleep.

◻  E - Escape Room

“I found it!” 

“Finally–” 

“Shut up, I told you it was under the damned rug.”

You held a blue key, the one you had searched for during the past 10 minutes, in your hand like it was the most expensive treasure ever. You suddenly raised the object in the air, causing a ‘swoosh’ sound to add coolness to your action.

“This key will give me the power to open that door!” 

Your voice was loud and your tone demonstrated how determined you were about this whole thing, a finger pointing dramatically at the white, wooden door in the middle of one of the four walls.

Haerin could only do a side eye, laughing softly when you cringed at yourself.

“Cool, open the door then.”

“Don’t look at me like that! I’m trying to be cool.”

“You’re as cool as a duck with sunglasses, darling.”

“Weirdo. But thank you, I appreciate the compliment. Ducks with sunglasses are dope.”

The funny banter between you and your girlfriend was making each member of the staff laugh like an idiot. If you thought of something, Haerin did the opposite – If you were right, she was also right. 

Confusing, yes, just like the puzzle that presented itself to you two once you managed to open the door and find yet another one of those walls with nothing on it.

“Again?!”

You yelled in frustration while Haerin cursed under her breath, sitting down on one of the chairs in the room.

You looked around trying to find a combination, an alleged missing piece or a gear— anything that would be useful.

“Last time it was a lever, remember? You pulled it down and the wall lowered.”

“I don’t see a lever anywhere.” The seated girl answered, her gaze focusing on nothing in particular.

She sneaked a peak or two at you, only to look back when she remembered she had to help too. 

The escape room was lasting way too long for her liking, she was hungry and her brain was way too tired to let her be smart. Then, like a surge of intelligence, she squinted her eyes while looking at a painting on top of the geared door.

Getting up, she walked to it, staring at the red, blinking dot. She glanced at you, who was moving furniture around, searching for a clue to unlock the door — Turning back to the painting, she decided to move it away from the wall.

Haerin eyes locked with the camera hidden behind the framed art, she remained indifferent at the sight since the staff made it clear: surveillance cameras would be scattered across the rooms to make sure no one got hurt or forgotten.

Bored, she decided to mess with the staff who were probably watching. Her face got so close to the lens that her lashes touched the curved glass. She blinked before intensely stare at it — “Hello…” Haerin whispered.

“My girlfriend wants to go to the other room. Lower the wall.”

No response came from the other side, she glanced at the concrete blocking the way but it didn’t budge, not even a little bit.

“Hmm.” 

her gaze shifted back to the camera but this time she stayed like that for more than just a few seconds – Her eyes were almost unblinking like a demon or something outworldly, enough to put pressure on the staff watching.

“We should comply, this girl might curse us.” One said, not daring to even glance at the monitor where Haerin’s face was the main topic.

“The point of an escape room is to escape, Dylan. Don’t be a pussy, she’ll go away.” The other replied, not admitting that the sight on the top left monitor was disturbing – Haerin remained there, making you wonder if she had gone crazy or if she was trying to help.

“She’s not moving, bro.”

“...”

“What if she’s actually going to curse us?”

“Dylan, we’re in a fucking surveillance room, and it’s not like the camera has our names on it. She can’t hear or see us either so calm do–”

“I lowered the wall.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake!”

—— 🗝️

The wall lowering and letting you pass wasn’t part of the game and you were aware of it. Haerin did something for sure, and it had to do with whatever she was looking at moments prior.

You followed her on the other side of the opened door, clutching her sleeve when the bright lights turned off due to the lightbulb falling to the ground right in front of you.

“Huh? Is this part of the game?”

The question hung in the air, Haerin reached for her phone and turned on the flashlight – “I think so, the terms talked about falling objects, but I didn’t think they were referring to glass ob–”

She interrupted herself, pointing the bright light firstly to your face, then down to your body. “The glass didn’t reach you, right?” A protective hand caressed your face before moving it left and right, Haerin was still making sure you weren’t hurt – “Haerin I’m fine, the glass was two kilometers away.” Even though she didn’t appreciate the sarcastic tone, your girlfriend nodded and muttered a small “Alright.”

For the next 23 minutes you searched for clues in the dimly lit room, bumping into each other so many times that you lost count. 

To snap you back from your little world made of keys and clues, was Haerin and her hand on your shoulder, which also scared you and caused you to hit her hand with your phone.

“Ow! It’s me-” – “Get the fuck away!!” You screamed in terror at the alleged monster.

Your right arm, the one with the phone, swung in front of you like crazy – “Y/n it’s me.”

And just like they started, the screaming stopped and you finally looked up, pointing the flashlight to none other than your girlfriend.

“Yeah, I- I know…” You stood up from your crouched position, sweeping the dust away from your shoulder.

“I found a button.” Haerin explained, leading you there by taking your hand. “I think it’s the last room, so let’s press it together.”

God, this girl was so sweet you might get cavities, she thought about everything, even the smallest thing. Haerin made you feel seen and taken care of — that reminded you of why you were here.

The list she had made for you to make sure you were having fun while hanging out with her.

That was the moment you realised how much Haerin really changed from the first time you two met: a casual encounter at the park, you were in kindergarten and yet she was the only one to do everything alone.

Each one of your classmates were either freaked out or forgot about her presence, and since the teacher was too occupied with her work to deal with the situation, she ignored it.

After being left out by every person she encountered, Haerin was skeptical when you asked her to be friends. In fact, her first words she ever said to you were, “No. Leave me alone.”

You didn’t give up! 

Thanks to your bribing techniques you were able to conquer Haerin’s trust and love — buying her avocado ice cream for 2 weeks straight paid off.

Since then, you swore to never leave her side and this far, you two stuck together like glue.

But how did Haerin change? Well, she started trying. The thing is, she was scared of doing many things, even asking you out on a date, that’s why she opted to stay in and binge watch a series on Netflix.

Her shyness and social anxiety, in other people’s eyes, often resulted in lack of trying, but deep down she wanted to try, so hard. And then you understood the real meaning behind the list: Haerin didn’t want to lose you.

—— 🗝️

In the end, she pressed the button making one of the libraries in the room move to the side, revealing an open passage. The lights turned on again, they were artificial ones and had a white aura, like the ones at hospitals.

Without a second thought, both you and your girlfriend made your way there, ending the escape room once and for all.

Of course you were polite enough to wave and thank all the staff members, even though two of them were looking at Haerin as if she was crazy – The usual.

After you were out of the building, walking down the busy streets of Seoul, you guys decided on two things: first, never go back to an escape room, second, go get some ice cream.

“I want…” Haerin begun – “Avocado ice cream?” You continued, like you’ve already heard it before which you did.

“Yeah, avocado ice cream.”

◻  F - Flower crown

In a field of flowers colored in every shade of pink, white and red were two girls laying next to each other. Those girls were you and Haerin.

You have to admit that the possibility of coming across a bee or two scared you, but your girlfriend swore to protect you at all costs and so you accepted.

The place was silent except for the birds that randomly flew by, the flapping of their wings made some feathers slowly fall to the ground – same with the tree you guys were under, its green leaves following a path down the branches to the grass.

Haerin was leaning against the tree enjoying the activity of today’s date: making flower crowns for each other.

Before arriving at the secluded spot you took a walk in the colorful field, taking pictures and smelling the beautiful plants grown over the past years – or decades.

Your love for nature was one of the few things you and your girlfriend had in common, it was able to fuse calmness and wildness. That’s why you’d always opted for a picnic whenever you had the chance to choose.

Technology was the last thing you cared about, in fact, your phones were previously confiscated by the owner of the field, Haerin’s grandpa, and stored inside a box. You trusted him not to lose them.

Without the devices, your walk had begun, sometimes you would hold hands, while others, staying next to each other was enough. 

You felt the grass under your shoes as you walked by, the soft texture made it all better – your girlfriend walked on the path made of those big dark grey rocks, the smooth surface was stable and perfect for Haerin’s liking.

You were always so different but so similar.

During the walk, you came across a low brick wall so you glanced at her, catching her eyes already looking at you.

Haerin held your hand while you climbed on the new plaything you had found; she didn’t let go until you had your feet back down on the grass, hopping off the ‘obstacle’ with a huff.

“I can’t wait to put flowers in your hair.” 

You happily announced, making your intentions clear in case Haerin wanted to back down. Of course that wasn’t happening, she wouldn’t purposely choose to stay away from you. Her girlfriend. Her lover. Her everything.

“Which ones?” 

Her fingers interlocked with yours, now sure you won’t climb on anything else – “I was thinking about daisies, but there are some pink flowers that would suit you too.”

“You can always do the flower crown with the pink ones and put daisies in my hair.”

The words were spoken with so much nonchalance you had to double check if that was really your Haerin.

“Really?” – “What if your hair gets tangled?” 

“Then I’ll use a brush.” 

A gentle, reassuring squeeze of her hand and your ‘what ifs’ stopped overwhelming you, leaving your mind at peace. 

Since when was she so compliant? Usually she would make a fuss about her hair, not wanting them to be touched by anyone or anything. 

But there she was, telling you that you can put flowers in it. 

Your heart swelled with affection… no, it was different. 

You were quite sure the intense feeling that was making your heart beat faster, was in fact, the L word. 

Lesbianism? Nope, love. 

——🌺

Back to the present, your hands were picking pink flowers from the basket next to you, sorting them by color, or better, shade. 

The petals leave a pinkish hue on the end of your fingers, almost as if you had dipped them in paint. 

Haerin was doing the same thing but with multiple flowers, some were pink, others yellow and red. 

You pointed out how she had chosen only primary colors, she smiled, saying it was because you were the primary reason for her happiness. 

Smooth bastard. 

The lack of words spoken, made the activity continue in silence. A comfortable one that none of you dared to break. 

Minutes passed with the two of you sitting together, weaving stems of flowers on top of each other and enjoying the peaceful date.

It wasn’t until minutes later, maybe an hour, that something was placed on your head, it was delicate, you barely felt the weight of it – “I’m done, love.” Haerin said in a soft tone, adjusting the flower crown on your head. 

“Let me see-” You took out your phone, opening the front camera and staring at yourself. 

One, then two minutes passed with your wide eyes and surprised expression. Your girlfriend smiled and rested her chin on your shoulder while her arms wrapped around your waist, gently stroking your sides – “You look like a goddess.”

The phone nearly fell from your hand at the words, so you just lowered your arms and let out an embarrassed whine, hiding yourself against Haerin’s body – She let you have your exaggerated reaction, holding the flower crown just in case: if it fell apart, it meant she wouldn’t be able to see you like that again.

She soothed you, leaving kisses at the top of your head until you calmed down – “Too much?” Her tone was teasing – she knew it was too much, the praise, the moment and her gentleness oh God- 

“No, no… I’m okay.” 

You took a deep breath through your nose and then exhaled from your mouth. 

The flower crown was placed back on your head, Haerin smiled again. “Where’s mine?” She inquired, looking down at the scattered petals next to your legs. 

“About that…” Your expression became apologetic – “I kind of messed up the flowers.”

As your body moved to the side, letting her see the display, she widened her eyes: the red and white polka blanket looked more like a cemetery of flowers; the petals she saw before seemed to have duplicated, laying on the fabric, some were still attached to the almost naked stems.

“They fell apart in my hand, I’m sorry–”

Sadness and shame was obvious in the way you talked and lowered your head, but Haerin didn’t mind the mess at all. If anything, she found it cute and on theme with the whole earthy atmosphere.

“It’s alright, they’re flowers. You still have the daisies to put in my hair.”

Her words brightened the mood and you quickly reached for the basket where you stored flowers. Your head was still adorned by the crown so it was fair to have hers decorated too.

——🌺

Your walk back to the house began once the sun started to set, the lights from the little lanterns placed on the path made it easy not to get lost – As if you and your girlfriend didn’t know the place like the back of your hand already.

Haerin stopped all of a sudden, scribbling something on a piece of paper: the list.

And right then and there, while she had the pen cap in her mouth, you took your chance and snatched the notebook from her hands causing the pen to ruin the paper a little, a long red line drew in the center of the page – “Y/N!”

The loud voice of the usually quiet girl echoed in the woods before silence fell.

“Why– What the-”

She was actually speechless, words didn’t come out even if she wanted to yell, she just couldn’t.

“Sorry, but if you want to follow a list to make me happy, then I won’t let you. Hae, I love you and I love spending time with you, even if it’s a movie night on your couch.” 

Her eyes softened at the words, but her gaze was still upset, guilty. She was feeling stupid for trying too hard.

“I–”

“Wait, let me finish.” – “I know you think I don’t have fun with you, that we’re different and all that – but that’s the reason why this relationship is so important to me, romantically and–”

“I don’t want to lose you. I- Every sigh, every huff you made during our hangouts, they felt like a dagger to my heart. We used to have fun together, I love hearing you laugh and… I… I just– Sorry.”

During her rant, Haerin didn’t realize how closer you got so she actually jumped once your hands touched her cheeks.

“Hae, I liked our stationary and ‘boring’ dates. I feel so relaxed around you that I can’t help but fall asleep. At the same time, we can choose to do something else… baking cookies, playing games. It doesn’t have to do with going out, I don’t want to force you to do things just because you want to make me happy.”

“Okay, I get it… I’ll try, I promise.”

Still feeling the tension between the two of you, and the guilt in Haerin’s tone, you smiled and leaned in to kiss her on the lips. it was soft and pure, but when you pulled back, your girlfriend had a visible red tint on her cheeks.

“I know, but the bare minimum is enough. You’re enough for me, so don’t stress too much.”

After another gentle and loving kiss, you two started to walk back towards the house. Haerin’s head was lost in your previous words – She was enough. 

A new sensation started to flood her heart. For the first time in her life Haerin knew she was free, free to be herself without any expectations; free to be uncomfortable about going out without fearing any judgment; free to love you at her own pace, because you would stay there, waiting.

the two versions of the list (before and after)

🗂️NJZ masterlist

[helluvapoison]

Sing, Little Songbird

The Vees x Singer!Reader

ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʕ•̫͡•ʔ•̫͡•ʔ

˚✧₊⁎ Valentino ⁎⁺˳✧༚

• Since it’s not something he can exploit in his line of work, Val lets himself simply enjoy your gift

• His eyes may not be great but his hearing is impeccable

• A day won’t go by without him cupping your chin and asking for a song

• “Sweet pájaro,” He purrs, “Sing for me, won’t you?”

• Jokes about putting you in a golden birdcage or having you be his alarm clock

• He likes to put a hand on your throat while you hum or sing, seemingly entranced until you stop

• Valentino will take your hands mid song and begin to dance with you

• “Keep singing,” He says firmly yet soft, as if not trying to interrupt you entirely

• He’ll tell you to learn a song for him every now and then

• Randomly, Val will have Kitty get you tea with lemon. It’s not optional, you’re drinking it

˚✧₊⁎ Velvette ⁎⁺˳✧༚

• Acts offended when she catches you singing in the shower. Perched on the counter when you pulled the curtain, she has her arms crossed and a rather peeved expression on her face

• “Why didn’t I know you could do this?”

• She scares the everloving crap out of you, you almost break your neck, “Have you been sitting there this whole time!?”

• Velvette has creative business partners, sure, but a gifted sweetheart is just another leg up in the world

• She wants to collaborate immediately. Incorporate your singing into her shows and be the “it” couple she knows the two of you can be

• Take this as a major compliment because she doesn��t like sharing credit

• —And she isn’t handing this out just because you’re dating, either! She knows talent when she sees it!

• Whether or not you take her up on her offer, Velvette loves to hear you sing

• She made a playlist of songs that remind her of your relationship, she gets giggly when she hears you singing one of them

• “I could make you famous in two minutes flat, you know.” Velvette praises when you’re finished

• “How would I get to hold you if I was always on a stage, hm? Would you be my groupie?”

• Cackling, she rolls her eyes, “As if! You’d get my autograph across your chest and dedicate every single song to me!”

• “Good thing I’m happy doing that right here,” You grin, hugging her close

˚✧₊⁎ Vox ⁎⁺˳✧༚

• Is it bad the first time he heard you singing he thought of no less than a thousand ways to put that voice to use?

• (Don’t answer that)

• Vox asked you a handful of times if you’d be the voice of Voxtech but you declined, worried it might ruin the activity entirely

• The possibility never occurred to him

• “Forget I asked! Your voice is priceless to me, anyways.”

• It doesn’t stop though! When you sing, Vox gets a plethora of ideas! Ringtones, jingles, commercials, you name it and he’s already thought of it!

• He’ll grab your shoulders, cutting off your song, lift you up for a kiss to the cheek and disappear!

• “Birdy, you’re the fucking greatest! Imagine the numbers we’d be seeing if you let me use you instead of that wannabe Mayday cunt.”

• It’s a compliment to you more than an insult to the singer (er, supposed to be anyways)

• “What happened to being priceless?” You faux pout

• “I can’t help it! You know I’m your biggest fan,” Vox purrs, coming up behind you and holding your hips, “How bout a private concert?”

• “You’re on a work high, aren’t you? Feening for some more inspiration, Voxxy?”

• “…Maybe.”

[fashionteahouse]

out of your league - paul x reader

AN: thanks so much for loving twenty seven parts of this series ! this means a whole lot and you all have special places in my heart ❤️ enjoy <<prev >>next

It was as if the president had touched down in La Push soil. Word got around fast that Rachel Black had came back, even though it was temporary. So it was said.

“You already know Bella.” Jacob says to her.

She nods as she looked at the girl who stole her brother's heart.

"How you been?" she asked Bella.

"Good." Bella responded shyly.

“And this is Y/N.”

She only nods a hello.

You silently give her a quick wave.

“So, my baby brother has a kid and nobody told me?”

Jacob laughs as he continued to hold your child, “No. This is Y/N’s baby.”

“Oh.” she says as she relaxes, “Cute.”

The pack comes in and they rush to her, all saying, “Rachel!”

She’s smiling, pushing some of them away so she could breathe from the crushed hugs. Questions bubble around her. Quil of course, trying his best to test his flirting skills.

Billy soaked it all in as he sat in his chair smiling softly at the interactions.

Leah even came over with Harry and Sue, Leah was smiling at Rachel who came. One could easily figure out that they were very close friends before Rachel had left La Push.

They fell into conversation, asking each other how each other have been. Rachel made Leah smile large as she exclaimed she loved her haircut.

The other elders were scattered around the other parts of the home as they ate and talked. The pack and imprints sat with Rachel at the table as they threw questions about her new life.

“What were you studying?” Kim asks her.

“Computer engineering.” she says proudly. Lots of “wow”s circled the table.

You did notice, she barely spoke to you and Bella, for whatever reason. You didn’t think too much of it. You and Bella just simply made private conversation of your own since you both were sitting with each other.

You told her about your trip to Italy soon. You ask if she wants to come.

“That’s great! I wish I could come, but I will be too busy with online classes. I won’t be able to enjoy it.” she says.

“That’s a bummer.” you say.

“As if you’re going anyway. That’s out of the country Bells. That would kill me.” Jacob says as he picked up what she said. She playfully waved him off.

“What’s out of the country?” Rachel asks as she looked between them two.

“Italy.” Bella answers quietly.

“What would you do all the way in Italy? Spring break?”

“No. Y/N’s going there for work.”

“What do you do?” she asks you.

“Art.” You answer.

Her dead expression matched the eyebrows that lifted only a bit as she asked, “That’s it?”

“Why did you say it like that?” Jacob says with roll of his eyes at his older sister.

Scattered snorts from her unexpected statement were heard and you lean back in your chair.

“What?” she smiles, “Okay. Let me rewind. I meant it as, that’s it, as in you’re just going there to do art?”

“I suppose.” you mumbled.

“Okay and what art school did you go to?”

“I didn’t go to college.”

“At all?”

You sigh, “No.”

“Oh. Mmmkay.” she says boredly and shifts her attention to the rest of the table.

“So. Did I tell you guys about the internship I just did? Four whole years of being on the dean’s list too.” she boasted subtly.

More ah’s and proud oh’s we’re back in her attention.

“So, how long is Rachel staying?” Bella asks as you both sat in Jacob’s room. She had your baby in her lap. Jacob walked around a bit.

“She didn’t really tell us. Dad doesn’t want to ask. He’s just happy she’s here.” Coming out, Jacob calls for you to bring him a soda too after you offer to get one for Bella. You cut him off by shutting his door.

Chatters and laughs surround the home as you manoeuvre to the kitchen.

"Oh, my god! That was yours and I drunk out of it!"

"Chill out. I don't have diseases." you hear Paul's voice in response.

You see the sight as Rachel and Paul were holding soda cans. You watch as they traded their cans with jovial chuckles.

Opening the fridge, you pull out three cans.

You were heading back to Jacob's room but Paul encouraged you to join the conversion.

"If I don't give these to Jake and Bella, they'll have a fit." you say to him. He wrapped an arm around your shoulders anyway.

It felt pointless. Memories were brought up and you couldn't relate. They both knew some of the same people that you didn't, even though there was a four year difference. It felt like you couldn't really add anything to the conversation as they talked about how certain people were doing.

You eventually slipped out from his arm as Rachel didn't make an effort to ask anything about you, but you heard all about what she did in college. More like hearing her tell Paul about all what she did in college.

You close Jacob’s door back and hand Bella a can.

"Jesus, you take forever."

"I will shake up your can." you threaten to Jacob and Bella laughs.

The Joy of Painting softly played as your baby lied on their back gripping a toy. Even going as far as putting it in their gummy mouth.

Your hand was occupied with charcoal as you cover your sketchbook sheet.

“Let’s get crazy here.” you hear from the television and a burp makes you look up. Paul sets the empty glass on the coffee table and bends down to carry the baby, kissing their chubby cheeks. The baby smiles and coos as Paul smiled heartily at the baby.

“What a nice greeting.” you say with a grin as you resume your sketch.

Your head moved in response to the kiss that was planted on your temple.

“What am I going to do for two whole weeks?” he says as he sits down next to you.

”Just sneak.” you whisper.

”Sam was pissed when I snuck to LA. Leaving the damn country is another story.” he says somberly.

“Just please? I’ll take care of you.” You say as you caress his knee. Paul seemed deeply conflicted as he looked at your hand. A small smile graced his lips, “I would love that…”

Your face burns as he has something else in mind and he chuckles a bit.

“This isn’t fair.” you say.

“I don’t even know what to promise you.”

“When can you stop phasing?”

“When there’s less threats. When I can have way better control of phasing.”

“You have good control.”

“It looks like I do especially when I’m around you but..Sometimes my wolf just wants to come out. I do want to learn to have better control.”

“Yeah…I want to travel with you. Maybe…We can leave..Together and really just enjoy life for what it's worth.”

“But that would also mean leaving family behind.”

“This is my family.” you gesture to the current setting.

“I know….It just hits different now that me and my dad have somewhat of a good relationship now. The whole main reason of me wanting to leave was so I could get away from him when he wasn't shit.”

“We have some time to think about it.”

“We do.” he smiled.

While Jacob was off on patrol, Bella invited you over. You lounged and let her flip through your sketchbook as Billy held and cooed to your baby.

Rachel came in, said a quick hello to Bella before giving her dad a kiss on the forehead.

"Wow. All I see is Paul in that cute little face." she states with a grin as she looked fondly at the baby. Billy produced a creased smile.

“Let’s hope this one takes Y/N’s calm personality.” He replies with a chuckle.

"Dad, if you could, would you ever have another kid?"

"Oh, no. Your sister and brother already gave me a run for my money." he says.

They share a heartfelt laugh.

It was as if they talked Jacob up, he came and so did Paul.

"Rach, I know that your mother taught you how to make it but can you please make some fry bread?" Billy suggests with a smile.

Both Jacob and Paul's eyes lit up and Rachel laughs a bit, "Fine. Fine."

You follow Paul as he wandered into the kitchen as the treat cooked. Jacob stayed in the living room as Bella snuggled with him on the loveseat. Rachel kept an eye on the fried substance on the stove as she had a hand on her hip.

“You’re too young to be a father, Paul.”

He shrugs, “I love it.”

“You do look good as a dad, not going to lie..But…You’re still young. Young enough to still have fun and play the field a little more.”

He rests an arm on the back of your chair.

She turns from the stove. Giving him a plate.

“Oh my god, this is good. I haven’t had this in years.” Paul says. He offers you a bite as he chews, you politely decline.

“Years?! How are you in La Push and don’t eat this frequently?”

He shrugged.

“Y/N, you gotta make this for me. Please.” he says to you in excitement.

You shrug.

“Y/N, you never made this for Paul?” Rachel speaks up.

“No."

“How come? Your folks really haven’t taught you?”

“I just don’t make it.” you say impatiently.

“I don’t see why not.”

“You don’t have to see.” you replied in a low but sassy tone.

Paul subtly nudged you, “Chill out.” he thought to you. You ignore him. You were irritated.

"Do you cook at all? Paul looks like he can eat you out of house and home. Gotta keep up with that."

"I do. He has many favourite dishes. Is fry bread the only thing you can cook?" you counter.

Rachel only chuckles before talking to Paul again.

“What the hell happened to the water after I left? You boys, you little snot-nosed boys grew up to be these bulky men.” she says as she sits at the table.

“What did you think would happen when you’re gone for a million years? We evolve.” He says to her.

“A million..” she says as she chews, “That’s a new number.” she then looks to you with a dead expression, “You’re not going to try some?”

“Nope.” you say firmly as you lock eyes with her. She was nonchalant as she shrugged a bit.

“Oh, well. More for me and Paul.” she smiles at him. He shook his head a bit as you watch carefully how a soft smile slowly graced his lips.

You blink at the low lit bedroom ceiling as Paul held a bottle for the baby to drink. The small throat bobbed as their eyes slowly come to a close.

“Don’t be mean, Y/N. You're too pretty for that.” he whispered.

“I’m not being mean.” you say, dripping in frustration.

“See?”

You sigh and turn over, “I just don’t fuck with how she acts sometimes.”

“How? She’s was only being nice. You’re the one who rejected what she made. I even think you two could become friends if you just let down your walls.”

“Nice? To who? To you or me? If you don’t know, I’m more than happy to give you the answer.”

"Just give her a chance."

"Play the field a little more?… And then you didn't even say anything." you say as you rolled your eyes.

"She doesn't know about imprinting. She still thinks the legends are just legends and nothing more. The elders doesn’t want her to know that they’re real."

"Why didn't you tell her that we're married?"

"She knows that already, Y/N. She even acknowledged you as my wife whenever we had talked. You have nothing to worry about."

The following day was nice enough to go out, some of the pack who weren’t on patrol were able to come to a park. A binky was snug in your child’s mouth as you and Paul point and show them the ducks that floated in the nearby lake. They stared as the ducks quacked and pieces of bread was thrown by other citizens.

Setting them in their stroller, you push them to a bench and sit down as Paul went with the others to join a ball game that was being thrown. With them being shirtless, eyes were on them as expected.

The wind was soft. You're sat on the bench as you looked about the spacious park in Forks. Your baby gurgled as you smiled at them. You push them back and forth softly as they sat in their stroller.

In the distance, you hear laughing. You look up, Paul with three others. Smiles were on all of their faces. Each gives Paul a hearty hug and you only watch with great curiosity.

You stop watching as his arm is around one of the women, holding what it appears to be a small digital camera. He waves someone from the pack over and it was Jared. Jared jogs over with a look of recognition and it was clear that they knew the women well.

Jealousy was only one word to put how you were feeling. You instead focus on the child in front of you. You didn’t want to hurt your own feelings.

You peak back up after some time, the three women are looking at you. Paul points a bit and then beckons.

You look back down and decide to not look back up.

You lounged in your lounge clothes as your child was sound asleep. Paul who was dressed, explains the interaction at the park in the bedroom you two shared.

“They were friends from way back. Me and Jared knew them since middle school.”

“That’s nice.” you smile genuinely.

“I tried to get your attention so you could meet them. They’re having a little get together. We can go together.” he says eagerly.

“Mmm….I’ll pass to be honest.” you say and his face falls a little but you hurriedly say, “But, you go. I’ll stay back with the baby.”

“We can drop them off at my dad’s. He’s not working tonight.”

“I’m okay.” you say quietly.

“Y/N..When was the last time we have done something fun? With just us two?” He says with a soft smile as he crouched in front of you.

“If I had more energy, I would come. I promise I would. But, I would fall asleep on dance the floor.”

He sighs a bit, "Are you sure? Im not going if you aren't-"

"No, Paul. Its okay. Just go. Have fun. I always have my fun and you barely do since you're always busy. Have fun for the both of us.”

He hesitated before kissing you goodbye.

You stayed up for him as long as you could before slumber claimed you.

He didn’t answer the phone. It was already the afternoon that was rolling into the evening. You add another sent text to the logs of texts you had already sent. He never came home.

You text Jared, wondering if he was there. He didn't go as he told you that he stayed home with Kim. You thank him after he hoped for the best.

“Has Paul called you?”

“Nope.” his father says as he helps you load the baby in your car.

“Damn.” you whisper to yourself.

“Why? Something wrong?”

“No. He just hasn’t returned home last night. He’s probably with one of the guys.”

His father had a short look of concern.

Keeping your mind occupied by tidying up the already clean house, you knew deep down that he wasn’t hurt.

The buzz of your phone made you rush to the phone call but it was unknown. Not trying to miss any chances, you answer.

Listening closely to the automated message, you slowly sit down, thankful that your baby was on the play mat.

Your heart thudded as you answered, “I accept.”

It took some time for the line to connect and when it did, emotions were high.

“Y/N.” he calls. “What. Happened?”

“It’s a lot to say on the phone. I want to tell you in person.”

“Tell me now.”

“Y/N.” He sighed.

“I want to know!” you grit out.

“I just told you, I don’t want to speak it over the phone. You know what? Fuck it. I’ll call my dad.” he says impatiently.

“Are you serious? I’m really coming to get you.” you say as you couldn’t believe his attitude.

“I will tell you. I don’t want to talk on the phone and I will tell you why.”

“Fine.”

Angela agreed to keep an eye on the child, wishing you well that things go okay and to take your time. Embry was gone so she was open to babysitting.

You looked confused after you tell the person the name you are trying to bail out.

“Wait, what?”

“Yeah. He’s already been bailed out.”

“Do you know by who?” you ask slowly.

“Unfortunately, that information is confidential ma'am..I'm sorry.”

“Thanks.” you mutter and walk away.

You scoff at the caller id.

“Now, you want to call.” you say under your breath as you walk to the car. You yank open the car door.

“Hello.” you speak firmly.

“I just wanted to let you know I’m over Jake’s. I didn’t want you to waste a trip.”

“It’s too late. They already told me someone bailed you out…Who was it?”

He took a moment to answer.

“Hello?” you say as you roughly work the steering wheel. You were frustrated.

“It was Rachel.”

“Alright.” you hang up and just toss the phone in the passenger seat.

Angela had the baby in her lap and you stretch your arms out to pick them up.

“Thanks again.” you say.

“No problem.” she says with a soft smile.

She helps you strap the baby in the car.

“Where is Paul?”

“Over Jake’s. Rachel bailed him out.” you mutter.

“Rachel?” she asks. You nod. She had a small look of surprise.

"I'll call you later." you tell her. She nods.

You slowly enter the living room. You didn't see Jacob or Bella. Jared was there and so was Kim. A video game was vivid on the television as Quil and Paul battled it out through the controller, Jared throwing commentary on their gameplay. Kim and Rachel talked as they sat close, it was as if they knew each other for years.

You waited until Paul had finished his smack talking to Quil, due to winning against him.

“Come on..” you say to him as you touch his arm. He didn't move but looked up at you. The baby squirmed in your arms and Paul took them out of your hands. He sits back down on the sofa.

“I don’t really feel like going home right now. Let's just chill here.”

“Paul. I barely slept. Let’s just go home.”

His face is covered in subtle disappointment. You watch carefully as he turns his head to the people in the living room.

“Alright...I gotta go. I’ll see you guys later.” he announced.

“Boooo…See you when you’re allowed to come back outside.” Rachel tells him. Chuckles came out of the mouths that were also in the living room.

He patted her head while walking past as she blinked with a soft grin. He said goodbye to the rest of the guys. The guys said goodbye to you.

At home, your arms were crossed tight as he leaned against the kitchen counter, downing a can of soda.

“So, you called her?”

“No.”

“Then, how did she even know that you were in jail?” you ask in confusion.

“She was there.”

You raise your eyebrows a bit as you took a minute.

“Why was she there?”

“I don’t know. I don’t control where she chooses to go.” He shrugged.

“Out of all places, she’s where you are.”

He shrugged. You roll your eyes.

“You’re mad over nothing. She felt bad, she saw how those cops roughed me up. She came and she bailed me out. Be happy you didn’t have to spend any money.”

“You have some fucking nerve to tell me I’m mad over nothing.”

“I’m not arguing about this, alright?”

“Good. Because, you’re so full of shit, your eyes are brown.” you point in his face.

“I am?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay.”

"Why didn't you want to talk on the phone?"

"The phone calls are recorded."

"What did you even do?"

"Got into a stupid little fight. It was nothing. The guy didn't even press charges but the cops felt I should spend the night in jail." he said.

"Why did you get into a fight?"

He crushed the can and took his time to throw it away. An impatient sigh escaped from your lips before he began to speak.

"Rachel was dancing with me instead of him. Now, before you get all pissy about that, she didn't feel like being bothered with him and felt uncomfortable. He was being forceful so I had to sit him down on his ass when things got out of hand."

You walk away, not wanting to see his face anymore.

It was a shame in your opinion. It felt like you were constantly in competition with this chick. With Paul thinking its no big deal, was adding onto your frustrations.

Spring was trying to make its debut but the Washington weather was being stubborn. People were happy that the wind didn’t make their teeth chatter on this particular day, so a bonfire happened at the beach.

Billy Black called the attention of everyone and the music was turned down.

"As you all know, my little girl has finally visited her old man for once."

Rachel only laughed a bit as happy responses circled around.

"She gave me the most amazing news. She's going to live here for some time. She misses home. She even told me she's going to work from home and put her degree to great use!"

Happiness burst through the people around you. You were also happy at the fact that Billy was able to at least have two out of the three of his children with him.

The music really cranked up and happiness was more visible.

Food was being eaten.

As you were throwing your plate away, you heard Rachel and Kim speaking. Both backs were turned to you as they looked over the food, trying to see what they wanted. They didn't pick up on your presence.

"Who made this?"

"Y/N, I think. It smells pretty good.” Kim answers.

"No. That looks gross."

"Rachel." Kim says to her, trying to stifle her laughter but Rachel wasn't having it as she shook her head with a grimace.

Walking away, you pushed the interaction that you witnessed, deep down.

Leah came into your view and took your hands with a grin.

''Let's walk by the waves." she says persuasively.

You smile, happy for the distraction.

"Do you think Im overreacting?" you ask Leah as you pass the joint to her.

"I don't. But, she was at the party and I can see why she felt bad enough to bail him out."

"It's not just that. It's the slick remarks. It feels like Im in a "who could make Paul smile faster" competition."

"Rachel just has a deadpanned sense of humor. She knows how to make friends with everyone so that’s why she’s also extroverted but if you feel that way, Im sure Paul will understand."

"He thinks Im giving her a hard time, being mean."

Leah chuckled a bit, "At the end of the day, you're who he decided to marry. You're the one who won in the end."

You two change conversation and walk back as the joint turned into a roach. Leah throws it into the ocean as you two were buzzed.

Laughing, you both made plans to dance, even singing some of the lyrics of the song as you two got closer.

Leah pulls you to a dessert lineup. As she eats and helps herself, you turn your head. You freeze as you watch the sight.

Two people were dancing as if they owned the night. The way that they moved, was like they choreographed it. Rachel and Paul were good dancers, they were really good as they danced together. Laughs and smiles graced their lips. It felt like you were in the shadows.

Squaring your shoulders, you pretend like it didn't bother you. Paul felt the subtle uncomforted feeling in your soul. He tried to talk to you alone but you would duck him. You would avoid him through the rest of the time.

As soon as you two got home, you went straight to your drawer, pulling out folded pants. Paul watched a bit before he asked an important question.

“What are you doing?”

“I decided I’m leaving early.” you say quietly as you reach underneath the bed to slide out your suitcase.

"Y/N."

You don't answer.

"Are you fucking serious?" he boldly asks you and you continue to not say anything as you then go into the bathroom to collect your hygiene products.

He sighs tiredly, throwing his arms up a bit.

“You know what? Do what you want.” he says, “So fucking childish, it’s unreal.”

You scoff and roll your eyes.

“Childish…But, but, you were just crying not too long ago because of some guy I interacted with on a business level. That’s childish.”

You go pack the diaper bag and start to take things that your child would need while you were away.

“No. Keep them here. I’ll drop them off at my dad's whenever I have to leave.”

You don’t listen.

“Y/N. I said no.” he says firmly. You hated it. It was the tone that ordered you to stop. Tears well up, you had no choice but to listen because of the mark. You shove the bag down on the changing table.

The baby was oblivious to what was happening. Happy babbles come out their mouth as they look to you and Paul from their crib.

“We need a break from each other. We’re clearly stepping on each other’s toes.” you choke out quietly.

“You want a break.” he corrected, “And that’s fine. Just say it."

You walk out and he follows you as you walked in the hallway. You go into the bedroom.

"I’m sick and tired of arguing over stupid ass shit."

“You’re putting it all on me, when it’s you too. Don’t act like you don’t start shit.” You say.

“I at least finish shit. You like to run for the hills every single time shit gets tough. Like a coward. Since the beginning. It's like you want an excuse to leave this relationship. I shouldn't have to feel like I'm begging to be with you. You didn't even know what you wanted then and you don't even know what you want now.”

“Don’t get me started.” you warn.

“What? It’s true. Tell me, when was the last time we had sex? Not in a while. Especially since Rachel came….You’re leaving early all for nothing. You put up a hissy fit when I question you about the guys who actually get on you. But it’s okay to accuse me? You're fucking mad over some dancing? I didn't even have my hands on her!”

“It’s not the same and you know it. No guy has ever got on me because I don’t give them the room to. Every time I'm out and about with you, a girl tries to sneak in her number, or pretend that I don't even exist, and I'm tired of it all. You're out there dancing with that chick and it was like you two were in the relationship. Not us. I bet it felt so nice to let your hair down.” you hiss.

You leave out of the room, you grab your jacket. You put it on, you stuck your hands in your pocket, not feeling your lighter. Your hands come out.

Paul bends down holding up something when he enters where you are. His sharp eye examined it as he asks in a hard and careful tone, “What is this?”

Paul knew. He’s been around people who weren't shy about their certain activities. He wanted you to say it out of your mouth as he held the small pill in his fingers.

You honestly forgot you had it. A large hand was firm on the nape of your neck. He puts the pill in his fingers, close to your face.

“What. Is. This?”

“I wasn’t going to take it. I forgot it was in my pocket.” you softly defend.

“That’s not what I asked. I asked what was it. Not if you were going to take it.”

One press, it was like fine, grind powder in his hands. He narrowed his eyes at you, his eyes were dark as his face is closer. It made you look away, baring your neck a bit in submission.

“So, it really is drugs. So, what…You’re a junky now?” his voice made a chill lick down your spine. You felt like you were in deep trouble.

“Fuck off.” you whisper.

“That’s why you’re all over the place. You really need to get your shit together.”

You look up to him as he stared down at you. Disapproval wasn’t even the primary word that could describe the look on his face.

“Do you fucking smell that shit in me? No. You don’t. Maybe you should take it….It will help you focus more on the fact that you’re too stupid to even notice when someone clearly wants you to entertain them. It’s like the lights are on and nobody’s home.”

You move around him throw the last bit of essentials in your suitcase.

"I just can't with this anymore. At least not right now. The fighting, the girls, the unsureness of it all... I want peace, not whatever...This is...I'll let you and Rachel have whatever you two got going on. I feel like I'm an intruder in my own marriage. So, I'll leave and focus on the work I have to do. You two can do whatever the fuck you want. Go ahead and fuck her for all I care." you emotionally say and you mean it. You were tired of this setting and you felt trapped. Suffocated. You were emotionally detached and his wolf felt it. It frightened both the man and wolf to know that your mind was set.

You just wanted to submerse yourself into something that made you happy without a fail. Your work had never let you down. Paul’s shoulders subtly slumped. You didn’t notice.

“Paranoid as hell.”

“Sure.” you chuckle dryly with a shrug.

You zip the suitcase shut.

“I’ll see you in two weeks.” you whisper in an eerily calm tone.

“Whatever.” he says bitterly and turns, walking off as you could’ve sworn you saw light steam rise from his body.

Wrinkled hands cradled your face and a kiss on each cheek was pressed as the big fashion designer was pleased to see you. Especially a few days earlier than when you were supposed to come.

A second villa that he owned, was extended to you for you to stay in for your duration. He was that happy to have you apart of this project and even more happy that you joined him early. In his actual home, he drank a glass of wine as you drew up and showed him rough drafts of the ideas that spilled out of his mouth.

Calm and melodic conversation was held and for a moment, your problems back home seemed to cease as your mind wasn't focused on that. It was focused on how you could make people's jaws drop with colors and designs.

After filling your stomach tight with Italian cuisine, you both then fight over who's going to pay the bill.

He wins and you let him know your disapproval as he laughs while the waitress processed his payment.

The night surrounded you as you pull out the set of keys.

Your footsteps were quiet as you slowly pushed the front door open with a groaning squeak. It was open but without force. You immediately look at the camera that aimed at the front entry.

Not seeing anything around you, you move further. Nothing was behind the front door as you were in the front part of the villa. The window was open.

You pull out your phone but it flies out of your hands and across the room.

It was fast. You gasp as you’re lying on the ground. Shaking. A knee was pressed hard on your chest as a cold sharp blade was pressed just under your chin. One hand tightly holds both wrists above your head. A nasty expression was on the person’s face.

“You scream. I cut you.” they speak carefully but lowly.

You nod eagerly as your breaths are rapid. Nothing was said for a while.

“I-I have money.” you whisper.

“Of course you do, living like this…” he states, “Where?” he asks firmly.

“I-in m-my bag but…I d-don’t have cash though.” you whisper with your eyes squeezed shut and they didn’t like the sound of that.

“What the fuck am I gonna to do with that? Huh?” he says and press the blade further. It doesn’t break the skin yet. You pant in fear and try to control your breathing.

“You got jewelry?” he asks.

“Y-Yes.” you say. You saw another figure enter right behind this scary person’s body, moving so predatorily slow. Their dark eyes were so intense and menacing.

"Give me the ring." they demand to you as they look at your hands.

Your heart pounded as you blinked rapidly.

“Please, don’t kill me…” you whisper to keep the person hovering over you, occupied.

“Shut up. Don’t say another fucking word.”

“S-sorry.” you whisper.

He scrunched his face, the blade was now pressed on your face. Your breath hitched.

“You keep talking, I really should disfigure-“

His body was knocked off of you, the blade clattered as you saw that he was now lying on his back with a knee on his chest. He tried his best to push the strong knee off of his chest but he started to feel the effects of the knee pressing down.

He gasped out that he couldn’t breathe and you heard a loud pop. You hear a gurgle come out of his mouth. Panting out, tears were thick in your eyes as you pulled on your rescuer’s shirt. He didn’t budge as his eyes were dissociated with rage.

“Y-you’re going to k-kill him.” you choke out.

He wasn’t listening until you forcefully shout his name and that’s when he listened. He rose slowly to a stand as you were still on the ground but propped up with your elbow.

He pulled you up easily to your feet, furrowing his eyebrows. It was as if he wanted to say something but went against it. A soft caress of your cheek was made from his cool touch. You were too stunned to move or speak. He turns from you and walks to the body that was on the floor of the villa.

You focus on breathing normal again but it was hard. The intruder wasn’t moving. You stare at the intruder, hoping that his chest would move to let you know that he’s breathing.

The last thing you needed was a murder charge. You could kiss everything goodbye.

“I-Is he dead?” you whisper out. A shake of his head let you know that the person who meant to harm you, was only passed out. The intruder would just wake up to excruciating pain.

Using his foot to turn the body over onto their stomach, Edward gripped the back of his shirt to lift him as if he was a sack of potato’s. The same arm that was ripped clean off from his fight from Paul, was attached and normal as if a fight never happened. You stare as it operated without fail. Still containing full strength.

You follow him as he carried the intruder out to the back door.

He was moving fast.

“Wait…Wait!” you call out.

He continued walking without looking back. The slide door clicked closed behind him and the guy he carried out like a rag doll. One blink, they both were gone. Your hand gripped the doorframe before you went back into the kitchen.

Glasses of water was chugged as your mouth felt dry. Drops of water spilled off of the sides of your mouth, onto your shirt and the edge of the sink as your hands still shook a bit.

There was no way you could go to sleep.

The room where it happened, the blade was still there. You slowly bend to pick it up and inspect it. You inspect the very thing that would wipe you away from this world.

The buzz of the phone scared you and you jumped and dropped the blade with a clatter. You shakily pick up the vibrating phone.

“H-hi.” you speak.

“What’s going on? Are you okay?” Paul rasped out.

“I’m fine..I’m fine..” you whisper as you keep the heel of your hand to your eye. Your heart was still racing in your ears.

He heard a sniffle through the other line. You couldn’t hold it together. Your breathing was shaky and heavy as you continued to try to silently wipe the tears that streamed down your face.

“What’s wrong?” He sounded pained.

“I got scared...I thought it was real..I thought I was going to die…I’m still shaking.” you hiccuped.

“It’s just a dream, right?…” he whispered tiredly.

“Can-Can you stay on the phone with me?”

“Yeah.”

Paul stayed on the phone until the morning, when he had to leave for patrol. You both didn’t say much. You both chose silence, listening to each other breathing and both parties were fine with that. He told you he would call you back when he comes back.

The sunlight didn’t make things less scary. The daylight only showed why you were targeted as the opulent villa decor surrounded you.

You felt like a little kid who snuck and watched an R-rated scary movie. Moving the bathroom door quickly to check behind it. Staring behind yourself in the mirror as you brushed your teeth. Scared to close your eyes to wash your face, to the point the cleanser almost got into your eyes.

You agreed to lunch with the big fashion house creative director with their acquaintances.

You sip and grimace at the alcohol that touched your lips. Something you started to do often. It numbed the pain that was ignited in your chest. It helped. If you wanted to commit to being an alcoholic.

“So, there’s that St. Marcus festival in Volterra.” they start off the conversation with a cheek full of food.

“Oh my god. That ridiculous holiday.” a woman with a thick Italian accent laughs with a glass of white wine.

“It’s ridiculous but you can’t go wrong with free entertainment.” one points out.

“Ugh, they wear those tacky red cloaks. It’s ridiculous.” one person pipes in.

“And then don’t forget the stupid stunts that are obviously fake when the clock strikes noon. I’m only going to find a naive tourist to make my bed warm.” the woman says. They all laugh heartily.

“Y/N? Are you coming?”

“Uh…I don’t know.” you answer, keeping an eye on your plate.

“Come on, it’s happening on a weekend. You can’t even blame work.” one says.

“Sure…Why not.” you say dryly and tilted the glass to bring the last bit of liquid to your mouth. They’re pleased as they fall into other conversation.

You just didn’t want to be alone.

The festival was indeed a bit ridiculous and crowded but the people in Volterra really enjoyed it and went hard for it. A lot of people did wear the red cloaks.

Walking around, letting yourself get lost, with the faded cinnamon brown buildings that darkened the street with their shade.

A wide, square fountain set into the center of the plaza, was where you idled. A deep, booming chime echoed through the square, the stones underneath your feet has throbbed. The sounds of children covering their ears and crying to the loud noise, was muffled.

The Palazzo de Priori starts to chime again loudly.

You saw a girl giggling, gesturing towards the shadows in the alleyway impatiently, as she tugged at her mother.

Curious, you look since the mother was too busy with a smaller child who had their hands clamped over their ears.

You saw a faint shimmer. Turning your head, you look to see what it is. You blink as you squint a bit. You gasp. Legs slowly walk forward from out of the shadows of the alleyway, hands pull open his buttoned shirt.

Just a few feet from the mouth of the alleyway, you saw a figure whose eyes were closed with deep purple rings underneath them. His arms were relaxed at his sides, palms turned forward. Oddly, his expression was peaceful as if he was dreaming something pleasant.

Shirt wide open, the marble skin of his chest was bare. The lobby reflection from the pavement of the square gleamed dimly from his skin.

You slowly stand up from your sitting position on the stone fountain with a deep wave of confusion. A large stride toward the light made you speed walk faster. You call his name in confusion and he only smiled very slightly in response. He raised his foot to take a step that would put him directly in the path of the sun.

Making your way closer, you flung yourself on him. You don’t know why you did it. The only thought was you remembering the main reason why they couldn’t be in the sun. He then walked backwards slowly. Arms were wrapped around you tight as you stare at him, trying to understand.

His dark hooded eyes find yours and he freezes his movements as the clock rolled again. His shirt was almost fallen from his shoulders. It was as if he saw a ghost. As if he couldn’t believe that you were really in front of him. His hands blindly felt your face as he whispered in a rasp that was full of warmth, “Beautiful, angel.”

“Edward….Edward.” you whispered, “What are you doing?”

“Carlisle was right.” He whispered with a smile. His large hands touched your cheeks, your nose, and finally, your lips as if it was a rare gem.

“E-Edward….I thought you couldn’t show your skin in the sunlight. People will see…People will know. You have to move.” You stammer out. He only lifts you against him in his arms as your hands are on his shoulders.

“My execution was quick….They’re good…If this is hell..I’ll take it.” he murmured with a peaceful sigh.

Your heart pounded, “You’re not dead. What are you talking about?”

It was as if he snapped back into reality. Instead of you protecting him from the people, he went back into the deep shadows and trapped you against the stone wall with his arms spread wide, protectively in front of you. Your feet is back on the ground. His eyes closed a bit as you both were in the shadows. He blinked them open.

“You really shouldn’t be here.” he finally whispered firmly with widened eyes.

“Why?” you whispered back, “What the hell were you trying to do?”

“Y/N. Leave.” he says softly but in desperation.

“Why do you look like that?…I know that you’re dead but…You look dead. More dead than I remember.”

You furrow your eyebrows to look at his fragile state. Alice rushed in and tugged on your arm from Edward’s grasp but you hear a small but reedy voice, “It’s rude to stop past without saying hello.”

It makes them both freeze and they give each other a glance.

“We were just leaving, Jane. Tell your masters, services aren’t needed.” Edward says.

“That’s a bummer. I’m sure Aro would be displeased at the fact that the Cullens brought a guest and he didn’t get to meet them.” the small girl says.

“Silly human from the festival didn’t know where she was going…” Alice says.

“My eyes prove otherwise that she knew right where to go.” she says she with a straight face, “We shouldn’t keep Aro waiting.” Her red eyes were bold.

With a turn, she walks.

Alice sighs a bit as she looked at you with cautious eyes.

“Just stay close to me, Y/N. Don’t say anything-“

“Alice.” Edward growled.

“Edward, I can’t see the outcome well. I’m going off of pure instincts right now.”

“Why isn’t anyone moving yet?” the wide eyed face asks.

Edward held your arm as you both walked. As you all walked further, his arm found your waist.

Conversationally, he speaks to his sister, “Well, Alice, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised to see you here.”

“Seeing Y/N here is the biggest surprise.” she speaks back in the same tone.

“Hm.” he said curtly.

You all stopped at a drain in the street that sunk into the lowest point of the paving. The grate was halfway pushed aside and the hole was small and black.

Alice slid down the open hole with easy grace.

You must’ve taken too long because Alice says, “I can catch you, Y/N.”

You take breath as you swung your legs into the narrow gap.

Through the tunnel, the pace was hurried. At the end was a grate with iron bars that were rusting.

The long hallway was walked until you all stopped at an elevator.

Stepping in, you anticipate what was to come as you all were going down.

You felt a hand rubbing against your arm, only looking to see Edward who wasn’t taking his eyes off of Jane.

The short elevator ride was done as you all walked through the posh office reception area. There were no windows and brightly lit paintings of the Tuscan countryside hung everywhere as replacements.

A plain wooden door that wasn’t locked, was held open.

“Thanks, Alec.” Jane says to him, he gives a quick nod.

There were no artificial lights. The natural sunlight beamed from the impressive infrastructure. Massive wooden chairs, like thrones, were the only furniture in the room. The room wasn’t empty.

A handful of people were in a relaxed conversation. A murmur of low, smooth voices was a gentle hum in the air. Exquisite faces turned toward the direction you all entered from.

A man wore a long robe. Pitch black and it brushed against the floor. His long, jet-black hair looked like the hood of his cloak.

“Jane, dear one, you’ve came back without an empty hand.” he said in evident delight.

He drifted forward and his movement flowed with such surreal grace, it seemed unreal.

His face showed his skin that was translucency white with red eyes that was clouded and milky.

“Yes, Master.” Jane smiled like an angelic child.

He smiled too as he turned his misty eyes towards you and the others and became ecstatic.

“This is a happy surprise! Wonderful!” he rejoiced.

He turned to the hulking man who stood tall, “Felix, tell my brothers about our company. They wouldn’t want to miss this.”

“Yes, Master.” Felix nodded and disappeared out of the way you all had come.

“You see, Edward? What did I tell you? Aren’t you glad that I didn’t give you what you wanted yesterday?”

Edward swallowed before he says quietly as he tightened an arm around you, “I am.”

He turned to Alice with a happy sigh, “Alice..We haven’t been introduced properly. It’s just that I feel like I know you already and tend to get ahead of myself. Your brother introduced us yesterday in a peculiar way. I share some of your brother’s talent, only I am limited in a way that he is not.” he says with his tone, envious.

She gives him a polite but dazzling smile. You look closely to see her small fists bawled at her sides.

Edward looked at Alice as he swiftly explained, “Aro needs physical contact to hear your thoughts, but he heard much more than I do. I can only hear what’s passing through your head in the moment. Aro hears every thought your mind has ever had.”

Alice raised her delicate eyebrows and Edward inclined his head. It was like a secret conversation.

“But to be able to hear from a distance…That would be so convenient.” Aro sighed as he gestured toward the two of them.

Both black robed men floated in the room. Both looking like Aro with one having the same flowing black hair. The other had a head of snow white hair. Their faces had identical, paper thin skin.

Your head tilted a bit, you felt like you were in a museum. The trio from Carlisle’s painting was complete and unchanged by the last three hundred years since it was painted.

“Marcus, Caius, look! Isn’t it wonderful?” Aro crooned.

Neither of the two looked as if wonderful would be their first choice of words.

The dark haired man seemed utterly bored as if it was a permanent expression. The other’s face was sour under the snowy hair.

Even though their enthusiasm was lacking, it didn’t curb Aro’s enthusiasm.

The white haired ancient vampire glided toward one of the wooden thrones. The other paused beside Aro and he reached his hand out and touched Aro’s palm briefly. Aro raised one black brow.

“Thank you, Marcus. That’s quite interesting.” Aro said.

Two of the women in the room stood next to the seats of the vampires in the thrones.

Alice’s expression was frustrated and Edward turned to her and explained in a swift, low voice, “Marcus sees relationships.”

“So convenient.” Aro repeated, “It takes quite a bit to surprise Marcus, I can assure you.”

“It’s just so difficult to understand, even now.” Aro mused, staring at Edward who had his arm around your shoulders, “A human, Edward, that you can’t even enjoy..What a waste!”

“I look at it more as a price.” Edward answered calmly.

Aro says, “A very high price.”

“Opportunity cost.” Edward speaks back.

Aro laughs a bit, “Ah, how I miss my friend Carlisle! You remind me of him. Only he was not so angry.

“Carlisle outshines me in many other ways.”

“Self control of all things is something I certainly never thought to see Carlisle be bested for. You put him to shame.”

“Hardly.” Edward says impatiently.

“I am so curious about one thing in particular. May I?” he asked eagerly, lifting one hand. He eyes you with bright interest.

“Ask her.” Edward said flatly.

“Y/N….I was wondering if you would be so kind as to allow me to try to see if you are an exception to my gift?” he speaks directly to you.

Looking around the room, crimson eyes stared at you as the room was still and silent. You were in the spotlight.

“U-uh…Um…” you stammer in deep nervousness and look at Edward sheepishly.

Edward’s eyes softened. You two stared at each other for a moment and he clutched you tighter.

An ancient voice with a rasp breaks the silence.

“Star crossed…The human isn’t completely devoted to Edward…I can’t say the same for Edward..It can be changed to not end so tragic…The human needs an encouraging push.”

A push? You were confused. Deeply.

“A vampire devoted to a human. Is that right, Marcus?” Aro speaks in an incredulous manner.

“Seems to be.”

“Interesting…” a woman speaks at Aro’s side. She kept her rose colored eyes on you. They sparkled with something dangerous.

You look down and focus on breathing.

“If you’re worried about her not keeping our kind a secret, she will keep it. She’s very familiar with the supernatural. I didn’t even have to tell her what I was. She figured it out all on her own.” Edward defends.

“Has she? I would really like to see.” Aro says with an impressed smile.

Edward had resistance but Alice was the one who stepped forward. Aro held her hand and hummed in contentment. It was as if he was watching a movie in his head.

Aro only gives Alice a bright smile but he wasn’t satisfied, “Alice, I’ll see it from Y/N.”

You slowly step forward and Edward keeps a grip on you. You look back at him. His eyes were silently pleading.

Pulling your hand out of his tight grasp, he looked desperate as he watched you meet Aro’s excited eyes.

“I won’t tell anyone..I have my own secret…I have an option to be able to live an immortal life as well. Exposing you, would only also expose me.” you promise carefully to the mature vampire who was waiting for your hand. He drunk in every word.

Your mark however was covered with makeup and you just weren’t sure if their sharp eyes would be able to see it.

“You’re not one of us…..” he says softly, keeping a cool hand to your cheek, you blink. “You’re warm, dear. You’re a human with rich blood flowing through your veins…But, yet…I cannot smell it for the everlasting life of me.”

You look down as his hand takes yours. He held it and you didn't know what to expect.

It didn’t take him as long as the others, he laughs a light laugh and you hold your breath.

“You’re right. There shouldn’t be a problem, then…Such a talented one.” Aro says as he stared at you with a slow smile. You blink.

“I’m afraid I haven’t seen such talent since Solimena. I must say that you surpass him greatly. So greatly, I say you put him to great shame. All I see is the wonderful, colors swirling and originating in that wonderful brain of yours.” He says in awe, “No wonder Edward has such a taken to you…Quite magnificent…A human who doesn’t even make me thirsty.”

He calmly called Jane’s name once with a tilt of his head as he continued to look at you and before you knew it, before you could blink, Edward had lifted you to place you behind him as he used his body to hide your frame. He hid your body from their view.

“No.” Edward said in a tone that raised goosebumps.

Jane smiled, “Yes, master?”

Edward ripped a low snarl as he glared at Aro.

“I was wondering, my dear one, if Y/N will have a reaction to you.” Aro says.

As Edward made his way to launch at the girl, Alice screeched a “Edward, don’t !”

But it was too late.

He gasped and withered in pain as you watched wide eyed at the sight of him. He was shaking as he slowly went to his knees, you couldn’t bear to see. Nobody was touching him but his pain was evident as he was on the stone floor writhing in agony. No sound escaped from his lips.

“What’s happening?“ You ask out in horror.

He cringed against the stone floor.

“Shit..This is bad. This is really bad.” You whisper to his anguished face. You then kneel, as you hold the back of his head. He’s in pain from protecting you. He still continued to shudder in pain as his body locked, “Stop! He didn’t even do anything!” You beg the standing figures.

“Jane.” Aro called in a tranquil voice.

She looked up quickly with questioning eyes but with a pleasurable smile. Edward was still and his pain ceased. You breathe out very softly in relief.

Aro inclined his head toward you.

You suddenly crumble into a fall and lay next to Edward in a gasp, your jaw clenched. The pain choked you. You felt it from the crown of your head to the balls of your feet. Your mouth was silent as the pain took your breath away.

You didn’t want to be in pain. You squeezed your eyes shut and curled into a ball. The pain was still there but lessened as you pant lightly with tense limbs.

You felt yourself be lifted into the arms that belonged to Edward. His lips were on the shell of your ear, “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. I’m so selfish.”

“Jane.” you hear a voice be called. You didn’t feel anything anymore. You’re able to stand on your feet.

“I’m sorry. I should’ve listened.” You whisper to Edward and you look to the standing figures watching you both. You then rest your forehead to his chest as you felt his hand on your back.

Aro chortled a bit, “Both of you. Very brave to endure such pain in silence..” He says in admiration.

Edward glared at him with disgust.

“So what do we do with you, now?” Aro sighed.

It was strange. You then felt a shift. It felt like a flutter of pressure that brushed against you. It almost made you lightheaded. It was as if something almost knocked you off of your feet if it weren’t for Edward holding you.

Not knowing what was happening, you leaned and clutched even closer to Edward. It was like it was the right thing to do. The perfect thing to do.

Edward speaks out in a panicked voice, which made you both worried and confused, “Chelsea, she’s married to someone else.”

The woman was smug.

“Aro. You have to do something.” Edward speaks out.

Aro only sighs lightly without effort after briefly touching Chelsea’s palm, “There isn’t much I can do.”

Edward made a distasteful noise.

“Walls shouldn’t be held up. Loyalty is very important and the feeling of certainty should be strong. Plus, things will be more secure this way.” Chelsea says smugly. She was proud of something.

“But, not like this.” Edward shook his head.

“Not like what?” you ask.

“Did Marcus’s words go unnoticed? One small push shouldn’t harm anyone. Edward, you even saved Y/N’s life, yes?” Aro speaks up.

Edward nodded woodenly.

"I picked up on how badly you wanted to kill…How badly you wanted to hurt the person who wanted to harm Y/N…You almost sacrificed your diet for hurting her.. Y/N, then saved you from our execution. From exposing our secret. You two have spent some time together in the past, yes. I saw for myself from Alice that marriage was even a possibility for you two. Both willing to protect each other….I think it’s quite nice." Aro speaks out.

Marriage?

“What does this mean? What does he mean, Edward?” you ask rapidly.

Edward swallows before speaking in a tone of defeat, “Chelsea can manipulate relationships.”

Your stomach dropped. Abruptly coming out of Edward’s arms, you step back from him and his apologetic eyes.

You plead with your eyes at Chelsea.

“B-but wait! I can’t be loyal to Edward! I-I-I can’t! I’m devoted to someone else. Reverse it…Change it back…Do something.” you choke out.

“Y/N, do you think you would still be here right now, if Edward hadn’t come at the right time?” Aro asks.

You look at Edward tearfully, who was looking down.

“No…” you say in a small voice as you look at him, “I’m…Thankful that he did…I was so scared…”

“See? Now, what’s the matter, Edward?” Aro asks, “Yesterday, you wished to put an end to your life due to your heartbreak. Look how Y/N is here, who can now can heal such heartbreak. She’s not just an average human either! A pick, indeed.”

“Seems to me, a bond has already been formed…Someone who didn’t care for another, wouldn’t have protect like either of you did.” Marcus rasps with certainty.

“No.” You whimpered above a whisper.

“I love happy endings. They’re quite rare.” Aro says enthused.

A single tear fell, “I have a baby at home…I can’t just abandon them.”

“No one is asking you to abandon them, dear…We’re not suggesting that at all…” Aro reassured.

“I only helped enforced what was there in the first place. This relationship was quite easy to fix. I didn’t have to work hard at all.” Chelsea says.

Your heart pounded in your ears as your mouth went dry. You felt faint.

“I don’t suppose there’s any chance that you’ve changed your mind, Edward? Your talent would be an excellent addition to our little company.” Aro asks Edward.

“I’d…Rather not.” Edward weighed.

“Alice?” Aro asks hopeful.

“No, thank you.” Alice said.

Aro raised his eyebrows, “And you, Y/N?”

You felt sick.

Edward hissed as the white haired Caius broke the silence, “What?” he demanded of Aro.

“Caius, surely you see the potential. Such promising and prospective talent. Can you imagine the possibilities if she were to become one of us?” Aro chided him affectionately, he stepped forward facing you, “What do you say, Y/N.”

If Alice and Edward turned it down, you would too.

“No, thank you.” You said with a shaken voice.

Aro sighed with disappointment, “That’s unfortunate. Such a waste.”

“Are we done, here? Are we free to leave now?” Edward asks in an even voice.

“Yes…But please visit again. It’s been absolutely enthralling!” Aro answered pleasantly.

“We shall visit you, in the near future.” Caius says. Edward nods once with his jaw tight.

“Heidi will be here any moment. Patience ,” you see Aro speak to the vampire who groaned, Felix. He then spoke to you three again, “Please wait below after dark.”

“Of course.” Edward agreed, “Let’s go.” He then says urgently to you.

“Goodbye, young friends.” Aro said with his eyes bright.

Demetri, another guard, guided you all to the exit.

“Not fast enough.” Alice muttered as you all walked in the cold hallway.

Edward pulled you swiftly along beside him and Alice was by your other side, her face was hard and focused.

You then heard voices as you all walked the long hallway.

They all praised the infrastructure and the mystery of what is to come. A crowd was coming through the little door. With Demetri’s gesture for you three to make room, you all press back against the wall as they passed.

“Welcome guests! Welcome to Volterra!” Aro’s voice was heard from the turret.

It had to be at least forty people. But, you will never forget the woman who had a rosary around her neck. She gripped the cross tightly in one hand, walking slow as she asked questions in a language no one seemed to understand. Her voice grew panicked.

A woman who was behind them, guiding them into the room, was breathtakingly beautiful.

“Welcome home, Heidi.” Demetri greeted with a smile.

She smiled absently. She walked before stopping and flashing him a smile.

“Aren’t you coming?” She asked him.

“In a minute. Save a few for me, if you don’t mind.” Demetri answered. She nodded, gave you a curious look before ducking through the door.

You had to run to keep up as your hand was gripped tightly in Edward’s, you still heard the horrid screaming that followed. You were just happy to be the one to be able to run from the horror.

You all were led by Demetri to the reception. The harmless music was bouncing out of the hidden speakers. A woman behind the reception desk was a human.

“Don’t leave until after dark.” Demetri reminded.

Edward nods and Demetri hurries away. You guessed to get to his dinner.

With wobbly legs, you flop down in one of the chairs. You didn’t say anything. You pull your hand out of Edward’s and keep your hands to your eyes. A shake of your body allowed silent sobs.

All you could think about those people. How they must’ve been so scared. Staring at death right in the eye and they couldn’t do a thing.

You heard the low hisses of Edward and Alice’s conversation. They spoke so fast and low that you couldn’t keep up.

“Edward. Hunt.” Alice ordered. You all were in the living room of the villa. The window showed the night sky. Your shoulders were slumped as you slouched on the sofa, staring at your hands in your lap.

You were at a loss.

He looked pained. His shirt was back buttoned.

“Is that why you look like that?” You ask him quietly.

He looked at you with a nod.

“She’s right, then. You should eat….You look physically weak.” You tell him barely in a whisper.

“I’m okay.” He murmured.

“You’re not. I know you’re not.” You say as he looked casket ready.

“We need to talk.”

“We’ll talk.” You nod.

“….Can..I take you to dinner when I get back?”

“Umm…” you say timidly and you look at him, “S-sure. But, it’s not a date.”

He nods with hopeful optimism. He then takes the initiative to leave.

Alice couldn’t begin to start a statement.

“I’m sorry…If only your future came to me more clearer…” she says sadly.

You stand on wobbly knees.

“It’s….Alright.” you say in a daze. You felt a type of way, you were starting to feel the intense weight of Edward’s absence.

You sit on the closed lid toilet in the bathroom with the door closed. The phone trilled as you held it to your ear. No answer.

You try again.

“Hello?”

“H-hey.”

Nothing was said before you speak again.

“What…What are you doing?”

“Came back from my dad’s from seeing my child.”

Emphasis on the “my”.

“Paul, don’t be like that.” You whisper. Listening ears were in the other direction and you wanted the conversation to be smooth.

“Like what? I’m telling you what I did.”

“Yeah, but…Never mind…I miss you both.”

“I don’t get how you do. You didn’t even have to leave home early..”

Tears well up in your eyes with subtle frustration, “Well, I do…”

“I feel…A disconnect Y/N…Your heart is veering off somewhere…How much fun are you having? You met someone..Didn’t you?”

His voice was rough and prickly hard.

“Paul, not this again… I’m here to work. I’m not looking for anyone else-”

“Did. You. Meet. Someone?”

“No! See? Here you go, but I can’t say anything about Rachel? I’m paranoid when I bring her up?”

Adrenaline was up, you didn’t care anymore.

“Rachel isn’t a valid concern…I don’t know if I can trust you, Y/N. It seems like you leave and shit just…Always falls apart. It felt like I was being stabbed all over, earlier. What the fuck were you even doing?”

“I won’t let us fall apart.” You whisper in a broken voice, “You can trust me. It’s like I can’t trust you and you won’t even see where I’m coming from. You dismiss it. My concerns should be valid. Yours is but mine isn’t?”

“You think every girl is out to get me. That’s not trust.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t know every girl in the world.” You try to joke to lighten things up but the tense moment was still heavy. He didn’t bite.

He tells you he has to go. You both hang up with each other.

As you walked the streets next to Edward with arms tightly crossed, your phone buzzed in your pocket.

Texts from the people you went to the festival with, were making sure that you were okay, was thrown in your direction. You forgot that you even came with them. They didn’t know what lurked below the streets.

“Im okay. Im having dinner now. We will talk tomorrow :) ”

You press send and lay the phone face down on the cloth covered table.

“What drinks can I get you both?”

“Um…Vesper for me.” you whisper to the waiter. He asks Edward again for his choice in drink.

“Water.” he only answers as he stared at you. His eyes weren’t dark. He looked back to normal with liquid golden irises.

As soon as the waiter leaves off, you couldn’t help but put both folded arms on the table.

“Did you try to….What were you even trying to do?”

“…Remember when I showed you Carlisle’s painting?”

You nod, "The patriots of the arts."

He nods, you felt a surge of happiness from him that you remember. It felt warm and fuzzy as goosebumps raised on your body.

“They would’ve had a hand in easing my pain.”

You let out a breath as you try to collect yourself. Your heart dropped.

“W-why? Why would you do something like that?” you whisper.

“The reason is quite pathetic, I’m afraid.” he shakes his head a bit with a sheepish expression.

“Still, tell me. Aro mentioned heartbreak.”

The waiter sets down your drinks and you tell them you need more time with the menu. They agree to come back. Edward’s eyes flicker to the glass that was about to reach your lips.

“You drink now?”

“Edward.” you hiss quietly at him trying to change the subject.

He takes in a breath through his nose, you patiently wait until he speaks again.

“I never thought I would see you again….You hate me.” he says sadly.

“I don’t hate you….I hate no one.” you say quietly. Hate was too strong of a word. You didn’t even hate Kim. A strong dislike could describe how you felt about her. You didn't even hate Rachel. You just disliked her passive aggressive attitude that she was talented in hiding.

“I know I messed up…I so badly wish I could visit the past and do things differently. Instead, I tarnished whatever alliance we could’ve had…Im not talking romantically because I know that you’re with Paul and I respect it, but you’re so pleasant to be around and…” he stops himself from rambling and a beat settles between you two.

“….I kept Alice from looking in your future.” he then says.

“She wouldn’t have seen anything anyways. I’ve been around Paul. A lot.”

He nods and look down, keeping his eye on your ring.

“She says it’s spotty now….Could it be because of..That?” he points a bit to your neck.

You nod as you adjust your jacket. You didn’t bother to take it off.

“Did they notice? I had covered it before I came to the festival.”

He shook his head, “I think it’s good that no attention went on that. It only would’ve asked more questions and raise more concerns.” He then shifts a bit before continuing.

“Alice was right. You aren’t as fragile as before. It’s like your body is more solid…Not as strong as a vampire or a shifter’s but…It doesn’t feel like I can break your bones with one touch.” he speaks softly as he knitted his eyebrows.

“What about…What about my…Smell? Before, you couldn’t smell my blood. Do I really smell that much like Paul?” you ask as you lean forward a bit.

He swallowed a bit before he speaks, “A tad bit. I don’t know if it’s because of what Chelsea did but you still smell like you to me…A touch of a shifter, yes, because of the mark but even then, it’s faint. Your scent is still identifiable to me. Its nice. I smell the natural you.. Not your blood.”

You nod a bit as the waiter sets another wave of drinks down and you blindly order something to eat. Edward of course doesn’t want anything to eat and the waiter walks off to put the order to the kitchen.

“Alice told me how you were depressed.” You stare at him. His shirt was ragged but still looked majestic against him. You recognized that it was the same shirt from when you told him to stay away. He never took it off.

“I didn’t even bother to eat…”

“You starved. You tried to cause a scene so you could be punished by death.” You state with a slight frown. He nods and his eyes trail to your covered neck.

“Does it hurt?”

You didn’t want to answer but your head shook as he visibly relaxed.

“He wouldn’t hurt me.”

“Y/N, it’s a bite. I was only asking a question.”

“No…It was pleasurable.” you try to confidently say but you still shyly say it.

“Is it true? You can live forever?” he asked. A hint of hope was something he tried to hide but you still picked up on it.

“As long as Paul shifts. It seems like vampires are always in the area. Plus, he has to learn to control his wolf. Until then…How you see me, is how I stay…Once he stops phasing, we can age at a normal rate again You on the other hand, don’t have much of a choice to live forever.”

“When you live forever, what do you even live for?”

“Still….You have your family.” you whisper.

“They all have their other half.”

“Did you at least look?”

“Of course I did….No one came as close to you. It felt like a piece of me was missing.” he murmured.

“Edward…I’m married now.” you stress.

“I know, I know….I’m happy for you-“

“And a child.”

You saw a small bit of light ignite in his eyes before he swallowed, “Congratulations.” It was almost breathless.

You look down and it was a mixture of a scoff and a nervous chuckle.

“What?” he asks softly.

“I-I don’t know why I thought you were going to be angry…Upset.” you say quietly.

“Or why I would even care…” you thought to yourself.

His expression caught you off guard again as he were shocked that you would think so.

“How could I ever be mad at you for creating a life? An innocent soul has been placed on this Earth thanks to you. It’s the most beautiful thing a human could ever do.”

You blink and look down.

“Alice misses you….They all do.”

“Not Rosalie.” you correct.

He smiles a bit.

“I send them all the kindest regards.” you say. You remember the drink and take a moment to let it slide down your throat with a slight grimace.

“You haven’t drank before…Why now?”

“Why do you ask?”

“You’re drinking as if you’re numbing something.”

You sit back and cross your arms.

“So…You know me now all of a sudden? Not too long ago, I stood before vampire royalty.”

“I know….What it’s like…To try to bury something within you. I know it all too well. I can recognize behavior that is familiar to me.”

You experienced a feeling of being caught as you could only look at him, with no words to say back.

“Be careful it’s hot.” the waiter says as he suddenly appeared with your plate. You thank him and he leaves off after Edward tells him that he's sure that he doesn’t want anything, you make sure he gets you another drink. A Long Island Iced Tea.

You ate slowly, chewing each bite slowly. You study your plate as if it was a fossil.

“Im really sorry for everything. With us being apart, I really was able to sit and soak in the consequences of my actions. Just knowing you saw an ugly and disastrous side of me is something I have to live with.”

“You just…Snapped.” you say as you remember the way he went toe to toe with Paul.

“And I’m sorry for that. Hurting him meant hurting you and I was too selfish and immature to realize that.”

“Yeah.” you say quietly.

The drink has been sat down and you immediately drink and drink. You push the empty glass away.

“I won’t overstep my boundaries. You say you’re happy with Paul, I believe you….I would like to just be your friend.”

You look up at him and down, slurring out, “I don’t know if that’s a good idea to be honest.”

“Can I ask why?” he asked in a perplexed voice.

“That’s…” you shake your head a bit, “Pretend that it’s the other way around.”

He had no problem with this as he looked intently at you.

“Paul was sitting here, wanting to be my friend….After everything that’s happened….What’s your response?”

He stuck his lips out a bit as he shrugged nonchalantly, “If that were to make you happy and you genuinely wanted to be his friend back, I would have no problem with that.”

You narrow your eyes at him before looking at the view.

“You still want to be around me…I’m marked by him, I’m married to him, and we even have a child together.”

“Okay?”

“It goes against all of that…It’s wrong.” you whisper.

“What are we doing wrong, exactly? We’re simply sitting here and we’re talking….We can’t have an innocent conversation?”

“I'm entertaining you. I shouldn’t do that.” you say quietly.

“You’re not. We’re not on date, just as you suggested. You’re not flirting with me or anything. You're only being yourself.” he says with a soft grin.

You sigh a bit and he continues, “You’re traveling again for work. Anything could happen.”

“I was just in New York…Nothing happened.”

“Alice was there.”

You roll your eyes a bit, “Why do you have an answer for everything?”

“How useful would I be if I didn’t?” you hear him say and you could hear the smile in his voice.

You turn and gaze at him and he looks back.

“It’ll never happen.” you say a bit slurred.

“I’m fully aware.” he says nonchalantly, “But I’m curious.”

You nod a bit to encourage him on.

“What does it feel like on your end?”

“It’s….I would say strange but it seems like the wrong word….Paul completes me and makes me happy but….It’s like….You add onto my happiness….I feel safe…I wouldn’t want to lose your…Trust or….Loyalty.” you choke out in a whisper. You tried to stop your words but it was like you couldn’t lie. The words fell like a broken faucet.

“It doesn’t feel like you’re not in control?”

“It does feels like I’m in control….I have my bond with Paul and then….” your voice drops to a murmur. “Me and you….Have our own separate bond…It feels….Natural…..As easy as breathing..It scares me how it feels.” you say as you fidget a bit.

He blinked.

“Is this for life?” you ask as you put your hands under your thighs.

“I don’t know…With Alice not getting a clear visual of your future, it’s even hard to tell…”

You whimper quietly under your breath as you look at your surroundings. Italian natives speaking softly in their native tongues, oblivious to the situation that you were currently submerged in underground.

“What I feel for you is true. You heard what Marcus said. She can’t change what’s already been. If you had stayed and never went back home, we would’ve fell for each other..Naturally.” he murmured.

“So..You did the vampire version of imprinting on me?” You ask tearfully.

“Ive fallen in love with you…Alice helped me recognized the feeling because I never felt it before. I have intense feelings for you….I couldn’t let you go even if I wanted..I can’t change how I feel about you..Which is why I believed that death would make things easier. You were consistently in my thoughts. It killed me to not see you….To not talk to you..Or to even hear your voice.” It was as if he’s waited for this moment to tell you this.

“So, what will happen when I have to go home? I can’t duck off and sneak to see you. What if I cheat on Paul?”

“We can go our separate ways still if you’d like.”

You didn’t notice the glare on your face until Edward backtracked cautiously in a stammer, “O-Or…We figure out something else.”

You put your hands to your face.

“It’s not like that. It’s frightening how it feels like….” you shake your head and the waiter asks if you would like to replace your empty glass.

“Limoncello Martini, please.”

“Wait….You should slow down.”

You wave him off and give the waiter the green light to get the drink. They walk off.

“Here.” Edward whispered and pushed the glass of untouched water in your direction.

“Why can’t I have this?” you say to him.

“Only trying to help with responsibility.”

You nurse the water. The fresh alcoholic beverage sat untouched as the waiter walks away. You speak again.

“You ignored me…That night.”

He studies the table.

“Edward?”

“I thought I would kill him…”

“Why didn’t you answer me when I called? I only wanted to thank you.”

“I didn’t know…I just couldn’t bear to hear you to tell me to stay away from you, one more time.”

“I was also going to ask….How did you know what was happening? You came just in time.”

“…I came here...Traveling through to get to Volterra, I admit..I then smelled your scent.. It was familiar and I couldn't stop myself from following it and that’s when I spotted him...I read his mind..He was planning to squat in that villa because it's been vacant and it wasn't his first time there. I couldn't just let you get hurt, Y/N."

You eye the villa that was the topic of conversation and being afraid was an understatement.

"I don’t think I will be able to sleep.” You say with keys in your hand.

“You might have nightmares.” He says with his hands in his pockets.

“Thanks.” You mutter. You still didn’t move to unlock it and go inside.

“Do you want to talk more? We can talk until you get tired and fall asleep.” He offered.

You stare at the ground as you thought about it. You thought about saying no but you really didn’t want to be alone and he would be the one who could protect you.

You nod.

Night clothes were on your body and a blanket was clenched in your hands as you lay on the couch. He sat at the other end.

“Did you read my letter?”

You nod, “I did.”

“You didn’t tell Larry to get rid of the piece I bought.”

“I didn’t see the point….” You say as you wave it off.

“I still have this.” He says and pulled out a folded piece of paper out of his pocket.

You sit up and slowly unfold it and it was the picture of you that he drew. Not a wrinkle in sight.

“I can’t believe you still have this.” You say with a slight smile.

“I carry it with me everywhere….”

You fold it back before handing it back to him.

“You were going to die with it.” You whisper.

“I didn’t expect you to be there at the festival…I saw you and felt you….I really thought I had made it to the other side…It didn’t dawn on me that you hadn’t even died in the first place.”

You remember what he said when you tried to move him out of the way.

“Why me?….You’ve met some extraordinary people around the world in your lengthy journey of life. You’re fixated on a regular person from La Push who just lucked up to make a living out of art.”

“It’s just that…You’re way more than that…I knew it when I first saw you….You don’t see what I see..”

“Paul sees.”

“Who’s Rachel?”

You groan as you knew Alice was the culprit.

“Seriously?” You grumble.

“You don’t have to tell me. I was only poking around.”

“It’s a sore topic.”

“I’m sorry.” He whispered.

You reach for the remote. That’s what you focused on until your eyes started to droop.

After getting dressed in the morning, you down some Aspirin for your headache. You call Paul, no answer.

You decide to call Jacob.

“How’s things?”

He lets out a tired breath, “We’re trying to make it through these couple days. Paul is always on ten.”

“What’s happening? Any plans?”

“Rach’s birthday. She wants a get together and I need some normalcy.”

“Oh..” you say and you hear a deep voice in the background.

“Welp, that’s Sam. He said hi. I gotta go.”

“Tell him hey and alright, Jake. Stay safe.”

“Always am.”

The scarf was resting in your hands as you thought about wearing it. You look in the mirror and turn a bit.

Edward stood motionless in the doorway. He didn’t know what to expect as you walked slowly towards him.

“Hm.” you halfheartedly wrap a scarf around him. You both look in the mirror.

“Magneta looks good on you.” you say in an almost a shocked voice.

“You mean magenta.” he chuckles, clearly getting a kick out of it as he corrects you.

“Tomato tom-ato.”

“Yeah, not quite.”

“Anyway..” you say a bit more raised in volume as you hold a hand up, “The color suits you.”

He slides it off and wrapped it around you instead, tugging it a little to make you take some steps forward, “Thanks, but no thanks. It looks better on you anyways.”

You grow silent as you then look down, “Because of my mark.” you state in a whisper.

“That’s-That’s not what I meant.”

You step back a bit, “No it’s…It’s okay.”

Raising your hand, you slide the scarf off of your neck and clutch it with both hands.

“Does it look…Bad or something?” You whisper.

He looked at the bite on your neck. He held back a wince, it looked painful against your skin but he whispered, “No.”

You could have a thousand bites and he would still believe you’re above top.

“You ever thought about having kids of your own?” You say as you dab makeup to cover it. He watches closely as slowly but surely, it was hidden.

“It’s not known for us to reproduce so…I never gave it any thought.”

“Right…” you look down, “What about adoption at least?”

“Dangerous in my opinion…I personally wouldn’t do it. The kid grows up and asks the right amount of questions…It’s not going to end well.”

“Father, why don’t you eat?”

He smiles a bit, “Exactly. Could you imagine? Them running off and telling their friends that their father doesn���t have to eat anything at all.”

You smile a bit as you sit back in your chair of the vanity, “They’ll ask what you did for fun as a kid…How will you tell them all you did was skip rocks?”

“They won’t even have a clue what that is.” he says with a slight shake of his head as he laughed a bit.

“At all.” you say with a grin.

“Plus, no baby or kid would ever feel at ease with me. If I frighten animals, who knows how a baby would feel.”

“I wouldn’t count it out. Especially if you hadn’t held a baby before…”

You had spent the day, painting on the set where the fashion show is going to take place. Your mind was occupied but your mind kept wandering to back home. In that moment, you hoped Rachel’s birthday party would at least let everybody have a good time.

At home, you drank and drank. Partially because you didn’t want to think about the vampire civilization underground. Another part, you wondered if Paul was thinking about the options that were available to him.

You speak into the phone.

“Are you going to her party?”

“Yeah.”

There was no hesitation.

“Hope you have fun.”

“Mhm.”

You held your breath before turning the conversation around.

“Guess what?”

“What?”

“I haven’t smoked since I’ve been here.”

“Because you don’t want to? Or because you can’t find a plug there?”

Your feelings got hurt, “Just be glad I’m trying.”

“You’re doing something else…What is it?”

“I’ve had alcohol.”

“Mhm, right.”

“Never satisfied.” You mutter.

“Yeah, I’m so satisfied that you started drinking instead of facing your reality head on. Yeah, I’m real satisfied about that one.” He speaks sarcastically.

A hand swiped your face, “I love you and I’ll talk to you later.”

“If you really love me, you’ll do the right thing.”

You both hang up from each other.

The early morning let the birds chirp and fly. You both stop at a petrol station.

Pushing the sunglasses on your face, your head leans back in the cushion of the seat in the car.

You groan lowly, “I’m this close to a no show.”

“You’ve been warned.”

Turning your head to the side to peak at Edward, you shake your head a bit, “Don’t piss me off.”

He surprised you as he laughs a bit, not taking offense at all. It was as if you had dropped a clever joke. He was the one who persuaded you to go back to the villa instead of having “one last drink”.

Edward went to pay and you had plans to get a coffee to help you through the sluggish morning. You were instead stopped.

“Could you please hold my baby? I really have to use the restroom, I will be so quick, I promise.” the woman says to you in an urgent manner. She was still polite.

You stick your hands out and the baby didn’t budge their facial expression as you held them on your hip.

You watch as she entered the gas station that Edward came out of.

He tilted his head a bit with a slight grin.

“Who’s…Baby?”

“That woman’s.”

“Oh..” he says as he sticks the gas pump into the car.

He sticks his hands on his pockets as the number fleeted.

The baby was big enough to babble small words, but they played with the necklace you had decided to wear that day, in their hands.

“This might sound crazy but….Should we test our theory?” you murmured. He reaches out eagerly but you shake your head and say, “Hand sanitizer.”

He takes in a breath and you stay still, he gives a right nod as he stared at the child. After rubbing the sanitizer on his hands, you lean the child to him.

The child only furrowed their eyebrows in wonder as they stared at Edward. They blinked. You waited for the wobble of the bottom lip but nothing came. It was as if they were trying their best to figure him out. You even stopped breathing.

“Oh! Thank you so much!” the woman says and takes her baby back as she smiled at Edward.

Once she was at her own pump, you lean against the car as he took out the gas pump.

“So..What do you think?” You ask. You both get in the car and he has his hands on the steering wheel. “It makes me sad….”

A hand goes on his shoulder as you give him a look of sympathy. You slowly retract your hand as you realize you’ve been caressing it.

Dropped off, you don’t speak to anyone and just get to work.

It seemed to set the tone because people took care of business all around like an orchestra.

You paint, you shake the can of spray paint as headphones were covering your ears. Music drowned out your thoughts.

By the time you came back to take a shower, you didn’t want to eat. You were that tired but it still felt like the best feeling in the world.

With a groan, you’re shaken awake by Edward. You’re lifted out of bed and sat at the table to eat food that was cooked. If you weren’t so tired, you would’ve complimented.

Heavy eyed, you ate in a safe hurry so that you could go back to sleep. Before your head hit the pillow, slumber succumbed you.

“I don’t know how to play.” you say as you saw the jumble of numbers.

“It’s quite simple.”

He smiled a bit at the look you gave him and holds a wooden pencil. His delicate hands were in your focalization. It waved a bit like a wand as he talked in a soothing murmur.

"It's played by a 9x9 grid. The goal is to put the numbers one through nine in every column, every row, and in everyone one of these mini grids without repeating numbers."

You stare, "Okay."

"Every little one of these mini grids has to have the numbers one through nine once. I like to start with the number one. Look, this mini grid is missing a one."

You nod in understanding.

"See this one here, has two empty spaces that could have the number one."

You point and tap to the empty middle space.

"We scan the other numbers in this column and in this row. Do you see any other ones?"

You scan the row, you do find a one that's already in that row.

"Yeah. That one." you say and show him.

"Right, so that means the one can't appear in this space. So, because it already appears here, that means it has to appear in this empty space to follow the rules of Sudoku."

You watch as he then fills in the one.

"There's now one empty space left in this mini grid and because the numbers one through nine can only appear once, you can count and see what number is missing."

You count the numbers and say the number that isn't there. He hands you the pencil, you don't flinch when fingers touch. He stared as you fill in the number. You count and see that the mini grid is complete.

You smile softly at him, "Okay, it was pretty simple."

"I told you so." he smiled back.

You hold the little booklet, "But...It could've just been the way you worded it."

"I’m a good teacher?”

“Perhaps.” You say softly and the other mini grid is completed on your own and you show him.

A loving rub with a large hand on the skin of your shoulder was made. The easy breeze from the open window with the warm sun beaming, made you relax as it felt like a version of utopia. Not a worry in the world.

Faces were feet apart as the sweet smell that made one drool, wafted through your nose as he allowed the flutter of your easy breaths to be blown in his face.

The dream felt real. Very real. But the feeling of hurt also leaked into reality.

It was like a deep pit in your stomach when you woke up. You couldn’t even go back to sleep. An unwanted thought was gnawing at the back of your brain.

Something deep inside of you told you to call Paul.

Paul picked up after not answering the first time.

“Hey.”

“Hey yourself.” he speaks.

“Are..Are you okay?” you rasp out.

He doesn’t answer right away. Concern etched on your face.

“Paul.”

“Yeah?”

“Did you hear what I said?…..Are you alright?”

He sighs a bit, “I’m alright…How are you?”

“I’m good. I got so much done….I miss you.”

It wasn’t instant. This made you clench your jaw.

“I miss you too.”

“What’s wrong?” you ask.

“Nothing, Y/N. I told you that I’m okay.”

“Have fun at Rachel’s party? I’m not trying to pick on you.”

He didn’t speak for a moment.

“….Yeah….” It sounded like he was far away.

It was like pulling teeth. You ask where the baby is.

“Jacob offered to watch them….So they’re both over Billy’s.”

You’re silent for a bit before you ask curiously, “Why? What are you doing?”

“About to go to sleep. What are you doing?”

“About to start my day.” you say carefully with narrowed eyes.

“Well..I won’t hold you.”

“…Why are you lying to me?”

“Oh my god.” he whispered to himself on the line.

“I’m sorry, am I bothering you?” you ask sarcastically.

“I don’t want to argue, alright. We do enough of that shit and my mood does not need to be tainted right now. You think I'm lying... I’m just going to sleep…. Do you want me to fucking video tape my entire sleeping session for you?”

You stare at the phone with a slight grimace.

“Hello?” he asks.

The finger that was attached to your hand, hung up the phone. So badly, you wish that you were at home so you could see him in person. Just seeing him would let you know all that you needed to know. His tone was pissing you off. It was as if he was talking to someone in the pack, not someone that was the mother of his child.

Yeah, he was about to go to sleep. That wasn’t the issue because there was truth to it. But, you knew that it was only half of the truth. There was just something that he simply wasn’t telling you.

You didn’t care that it wasn’t the afternoon yet. Liquor touched your lips as you stood in the kitchen with the bottle in your hand, downing your cup without a break.

You pant a bit through your nose after the ice slid back into the bottom of the cup from you holding the glass upright.

Another glass was down your throat. Before you could stop yourself, you looked at a wall. You shift as you try to stand straight but you couldn’t in your state. The bottle was slammed down on the island countertop.

A breathy chuckle escaped your lips before you release a sharp sigh.

Clenching your jaw, you throw the glass cup at the wall with all of your might. You watch numbly as the glass sparked into a shatter against the wall before the pieces fell to the ground, partnering with the pile of ice.

[littlemissstel]

Manager!Shiu x Idol!Reader

That's it. That's the ask.

Now this is what dreams are made of, I shed a tear.

divider by @saradika-graphics

As a trainee you were terrified of Shiu. The stern, stoic man who held a big part of your dreams in his hands...yeah, you didn't want to disappoint him. You and your group, consisting of three other members, worked yourself to the bone daily- rising early and going to bed late, skipping even more sleep to practice, sticking to intense workout routines, the program was all consuming and sometimes you honestly couldn't help but wonder if it was worth it. It was a feeling you all shared but could never say out loud and in turn brought you closer together. Being so far away from home it was important to find a new support system, a family, and while you wish much of your bonding hadn't been through shed tears, none of you would change it for the world.

Unfortunately, sometimes a hug couldn't quite do the trick. It was a long day, one of those days where you wake up knowing it's going to be a long day but have no choice but to get on with it. You tried to do everything as normal but from the coffee maker breaking, running late after misplacing your security key and tripping up the stairs in a rush, you were already over it before the clock hit twelve. Your last straw though was during dance practice. Normally, you only train with the groups specified choreographer but since filming was coming up of an unreleased teaser, Shiu decided to spectate. Just to make sure things were up to scratch.

Maybe it was his presence, or the glaring light that seemed brighter than usual, or the way the music blasted but you just couldn't focus. Being the one to make movements 10 seconds ahead or completely forgetting where you're supposed to be, you just couldn't get it right and with the frustration of your errors -especially with a guest in the room- your once lovely choreographer turned into an unrestrained attacker.

"NO! For the last time (y/n)! You're supposed to be in the centre-"

"I don't know why you're suddenly incapable-"

"Does that even make sense to you? Are you even trying?"

"You know what? maybe you should just sit out."

And sit out you did, the embarrassment and shame of it following you out of the studio and into your dorm where you got a head start on cleaning up before vocal practice. Never done. It just never quits. You stayed in the shower for far longer than necessary, sitting on the small ledge watching as the water filtered down into the drain with the forgotten about loofa tossed to the other side. You were wrestling with yourself, trying to find excuses as to why you weren't going to be able to make the rest of the days appointments but you knew any attempt would be futile and eventually got up, preparing yourself to once again interact with any other being.

Sitting on the bed, you were brought out of your daze by a soft knock and the prolonged creaking of the opening door to your shared room.

"Hey...can I come in?"

Utahime Iori, a beautiful and elegant girl, a little older than you peeked her head through the gap with soft eyes that made you want to turn away and hide. She was the best and worst person to see right now. You knew she was endlessly reliable and kind, always offering an non-judgmental ear but the pitiful intonation of her voice only reminded you of what felt like your worst fault yet.

"yeah, of course."

"Are you okay?" She started, calmly making her way over to you and sitting on the edge of the bed, just close enough to feel the warmth coming off her.

"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine just- having a rough day."

"Is there anything I can do?"

"Ahah," you chuckle blandly, "no, but thank you Iori, I appreciate it"

She copies the small smile on your face and plays with her fingers.

"Well, you know we've all had those days, it's really not as bad as it seems in the moment." She hesitates for a second before quirking up again with a carefully calm voice. "And I don't want you to freak out, but Mr Kong wants to meet with you in his office before we head out."

Great. Just great. You were going to be fired. He's going to tell his boss. Dropped from the group just like that before you even got the chance to film your debut, maybe some other lucky girl will transfer to fill your place-- if they even bother to rearrange with another group. And your reputation, God, would you even be able to live it down? Maybe people will forget about you. The promising new girl group that's now turned to three. You tried to steady yourself but to no avail as you approach Shiu's office, lifting your hand to deliver a feeble knock in hopes he wouldn't hear and you could move swiftly on. Unfortunately fate wasn't so kind, and you were met with a deep voice instructing you to come in.

Shius office was of decent size. Filled with organised and stacked papers, an air diffuser, plant, coffee machine and one of those cups that come in an easter egg box, with the windows open and a half filled ash-tray you were sure was against the rules. You made your way to the seat opposite him, moving slowly and tensing when he looked up at you with an expression you couldn't decipher between sympathy or judgement. Probably the latter.

He laid back with a large exhale, planting his arms on the sides on his chair and eyes boring into yours.

"What's wrong?"

And that's when the floodgates flew open. You're not quite sure how it started, or if your red-faced apologies were halfway intelligible but all the months worth of built up stress and fraying determination were released at once, sloppily, in front of the very man you were sure already held very little courage in you.

"Oh- uh, hey, hey-" he stutters, leaning forward over the desk to grab a box of tissues and pushing it towards you.

You try again to apologies but now even you know it sounds absolutely ridiculous and blow your nose comically into the tissue, before rubbing your eyes furiously only to be stopped with a gentle hand pulling yours away. It takes a few blinks before you can see Shiu kneeling next to you, on the floor with one hand still on your wrist and the other rubbing your arm with such a softness you didn't know how to respond to, only staring at him like a caught deer.

"Look, it's okay, okay? You gotta tell me when things are wrong, it's my job to know."

"Mr Kong-"

"Shiu."

"...Shiu," you hiccup, "I'm just- I'm really tired, there's," --sniffle--" so much to do. Today was such a bad day and after the...I was overwhelmed. That's it."

"Right, well..." he starts, shifting to stand up and lean on the desk (you're sure you heard a crack from his knee) "maybe we can start with missing your final workout session today, gives you more time for yourself, relax a bit."

You respond with a small nod.

"I've already spoken to your instructor about how she talked to you today, turns out she's just as stressed as you but it won't happen again."

You nod again.

"And it was pre-planned anyway, but this weekend is one of the last you'll have before you really get busy. I can take you and the girls out to the bowling alley arcade or arrange for you to go with supervision-- either way you'll get the chance to enjoy yourselves for a bit before things get more intense." He finishes with an attentive look, watching for some sign of your approval.

Standing up and collecting yourself with one last wipe of your eyes a small laugh escapes from your upturned lips as you look up at him which he tries to naturally return.

"Thank you, Shiu. Thank you so much. Really."

"Don't worry about it. Just spend the rest of the day preparing for tomorrow. We've got a meeting to confirm progress with the big boss."

"Right." Watching as he walks back around to lay in the chair. You take this as a sign to thank him again and make your exit, stopping with your hand on the handle at the sound of his voice.

"(y/n)."

"Yes?"

"Please come to me with any worries in the future."

...

"Yes, of course"

And after that things really did seem to get better. Well, certainly not easier, but definitely bearable. It turned out the man who you thought was your biggest critic is truly only there for your wellbeing...amongst other technical things. Over the following two years the groups relationship with your manager became stronger, learning to work and compromise with each other only brought you closer and you each were able to make your own personal friendships with the man who still at times seemed incredibly reserved.

You made a particular effort to get to know Shiu. At first it was some kind of way to pay back his thoughtfulness in your time of need but after a while you became drawn to him and his stoic persona. Inviting him to join you for lunch became expected daily meetings held without prior communication and there you found the time to indulge in each other, forming a connection a little too deep for anyone to call professional. You figured he didn't mind though, not when you found a small polaroid of you too laying hidden in one of his draws.

Your fans seemed to notice your unexpected friendship with him too, making compilations of all the times he appeared completed done with the groups antics or the rare times he smiled. He ended up having a little fan base of his own, something he only acknowledged once by saying, "I guess it's only natural."

In all that, there was still some negativity. People believing there was favoritism within the group, over-analyzing interactions and counting assigned song lyrics. You seemed to be a main target of this and you couldn't help but laugh. They couldn't see all the times Shiu sneaked your favourite sweets despite your diet or the times he'd wordlessly give you a stiff hug after sensing your low mood. They didn't see the banners and balloons he secretly strung the night of your birthday for you to wake up to or know your staple bracelet they loved oh-so-much was a gift from your 'neglectful' manager. Oh! And they certainly wouldn't believe that the first time you found out about rumours of a dating scandal with a male friend from another group, you were huddled up in Shiu's bed. But you guess you could play the victim a little while longer, if it meant they wouldn't question your sly touches too much.

There definitely was favoritism within the group. But you weren't complaining one bit.

This was actually so fun, I LOOVVEE your ideas!!! Was tempted to make this a 'Back Street Girls: Gokudols' feature (heavily rec if you haven't watched, it has the same random slice of life vibes as Saiki K)

[munsonsmixtapes]

Hi, I’ve been reading some of your work lately and I love it 💕💕💕💕💕💕. I was wondering if you could do some more virgin!Eddie x experienced!reader if that’s ok. Maybe someone gets jealous and it leads to a bit of angry sex bur ends up being soft idk 🫣

Aww, thank you so much! And I love this request! I always eat up anything having to do with jealousy. It’s a little different than what you asked for, but I hope that’s okay!

virgin!Eddie x experienced!reader

cw: MDNI (18+) unprotected sex (please don’t do this) hurt/comfort

After months of Eddie and you only spending time with each other, he had invited you to accompany him to his friend Nancy’s party. You had been hesitant because you didn’t really do well in social settings, but Eddie seemed so excited to introduce you to his friends, so you reluctantly agreed.

He had assured you that there was no pressure and that you didn’t have to go if you didn’t want to, but you felt like you had owed him that. He had been so nice and besides, that was what friends did, right? If you could even call yourselves that. Maybe friends with benefits. Even though you wanted to be more than that.

You felt so fucking stupid since you were sure that Eddie didn’t feel the same way. And how could he? He definitely wasn’t stupid enough to catch feelings for someone he was sleeping with like you did.

You and Eddie pulled up to Nancy’s house and you took a deep breath before unbuckling your seatbelt. Eddie rounded the front of the van and opened the door for you before offering you his hand and you took it, hopping out of the truck.

The two of you headed to the front door hand in hands and Eddie knocked on the door before turning to you with a bright smile. He then turned back when the door opened, a woman on the other side. She had short, curly brown hair and pretty blue eyes and you had to admit that she was really pretty.

“Hey!” She greeted and ushered the two of you inside. “Come on in! And you,” she turned to you. “Must be y/n.” She pulled you into a hug and you reluctantly accepted, awkwardly patting her back before she pulled away.

“That’s me,” you chuckled, feeling uncomfortable by the sudden attention. There was definitely a reason why you never went to parties. There was a much easier way to blend in at a club or bar. There, you were with the life of the party so there was no way you were ever going to be able to hide.

“Well, it’s so lovely to meet you. I’m Nancy. Now, feel free to grab a drink and mingle.” She patted both you and Eddie on the shoulder then disappeared into the kitchen, leaving you both alone by the door.

Eddie pulled you further into the house and you felt yourself clam up, feeling like you didn’t belong. And you didn’t. Not in your eyes. Those were Eddie’s friends and you didn’t think you belonged in his world. What was going on between you two was only supposed to be physical. You weren’t supposed to go to parties together or hang out outside of that, but you guessed it was too late to make those rules.

“You want a drink?” Of course you wanted a drink. You were going to need multiple to get through the night and having to be by Eddie’s side.

“Yes.” You didn’t mean for the words to come out so desperate, but they did. Eddie just nodded and headed to the kitchen while you watched him go, wondering how you were going to be able to fuck him again without wanting to lay all the cards on the table and tell him how you felt.

You felt someone tapped your shoulder and you turned around to see a man around your age. The first thing you noticed was his hair and how nice it was, the way it was just the right amount of messy and perfect. You next noticed his big brown eyes and how expressive they seemed to be just when he was smiling.

“So, you and Munson, huh?” He gave you a knowing smirk and without even knowing who he was, you knew that he was up to no good.

“Yeah,” you replied dreamily, looking back at the man who was still getting your drink, laughing with Nancy. Seeing them together pissed you off in a way you had never felt before. You then snapped out of your daze, turning your head back to the stranger. “No. We’re not.”

“That’s too bad,” he shrugged before taking a sip from his drink. “You two would make a cute couple. I’m Steve by the way.” You thought so too, but apparently Eddie didn’t feel the same.

“Y/n.”

“No introduction needed,” he winked. “Eddie never shuts up about you. I think he really likes you.”

“Then why is he with Nancy?” You turned back to them and felt your blood boil once again. You couldn’t stand it. You couldn’t be there any longer.

“They’ve gotten really close. But not as close as you, obviously.” He nudged your shoulder. Clearly that wasn’t true or he would have been there with you right then.

You felt bile climb up your throat as you looked back one more time and watched Nancy touch his arm, laughing even harder than she had been. You needed to get out of there and you needed to get out of there right then.

“I’m so sorry, would you excuse me? I really need to use the restroom…where is it?”

“Oh, yeah, just go up the stairs,” he pointed to the stairs behind you. “And make a left. Second door on your right.”

“Thanks.”

“No problem.”

You followed Steve’s instructions and practically ran up the stairs with tears forming in your eyes. You felt so fucking stupid for being upset. Not only were they just laughing, but also, Eddie wasn’t yours. You had no claim on him so you had no actual right to be jealous. But you were. So jealous that it made your heart hurt.

You got to the bathroom and locked the door before taking a deep breath. You then found yourself on the floor, letting the tears fall as you brought your knees to your chest. Why did you have to develop feelings for Eddie? Everything was so much more simple when feelings weren’t involved.

There was a knock on the door and you ignored it, letting your sobs drown it out. Whoever it was could just use the other bathroom. You were clearly busy. But the knocking persisted and you heard a muffled voice on the other side of the door.

“Y/n, it’s me. I just wanted to make sure that you were okay.” Eddie’s voice traveled through the door and you wiped away your tears before standing up, fixing your shirt before opening the door.

Eddie’s smile quickly fell when he caught sight of your face, his eyebrows pinching together. He figured you were hiding because you didn’t want to socialize, not because you were crying. Whoever had made you feel that way was going to get it, even though he most definitely couldn’t throw a punch to save his life.

“Hey,” he said softly, stepping closer to you. He took your face in his hands gently and wiped away the tears that had just fallen. “What’s going on? What happened?”

“Nothing, Eddie,” you shook your head, trying to get out of his grasp and he let go, letting his hands fall back to his side.

“Nothing? You’re in the Wheeler’s bathroom crying. Doesn’t seem like nothing to me.” Eddie didn’t want to pry, but he felt an ache in his chest seeing you cry and he wanted to do whatever he could to stop it.

“You don’t need to worry about me. Why don’t you just go back to Nancy?” Nancy? What did she have to do with any of that? He was just trying to get advice on how to ask you out.

“But I’m here with you.” He reached for you, but you just stepped back, your back hitting the counter.

“Right, well, it didn’t look like it with how you were laughing with her.” Oh, now he could see what was going on. You were jealous. Jealous of Nancy, who Eddie didn’t have an attraction to whatsoever.

“Do you think I’m with Nancy or something? Because I’m not.” You were the only woman he had eyes for and he wanted to make that clear to you no matter how much it scared him.

“Right, whatever,” you grumbled. “I just feel like such an idiot. I mean, how stupid was I to think that you could reciprocate my feelings? And how stupid was I to develop feelings for you when we had such a good thing going?”

Eddie’s eyes widened at your confession. For once, someone had felt the same way. For once, he wasn’t going to be absolutely humiliated after admitting his feelings. He tried to choke them down, but he just couldn’t. Especially not when you were always so beautiful and said the sweetest things he had ever heard. You were just too perfect not to fall in love with.

“Hold on, can we rewind a second? You have feelings for me?” You didn’t mean to tell him, but you couldn’t exactly take the words back.

“So what if I do? It’s not like it matters anyway, right?” Of course it mattered! That wasn’t something that could just be brushed under the rug. It needed to be addressed.

“Why wouldn’t it matter?” He was starting to get angry at the thought of you actually thinking that he didn’t love you right back.

“Because you don’t feel the same way.” Eddie just laughed at that. He thought he had been nothing but obvious about his feelings for you, but apparently, you hadn’t gotten the hint at all.

“Are you fucking kidding me right now, y/n?” Eddie stepped forward, his hands grabbing onto yours, giving them a squeeze.

“Eddie-”

“No, it’s my turn to talk,” he cut you off. “I have loved you since the moment we locked eyes. I mean, how could I not? Look at you. I cant believe that you didn’t think that I did. I thought I was obvious. I do love you. So much that it fucking hurts.”

You felt your eyes tear up again at his words. You had never been anyone’s first choice. You were always just something that they settled for until a better option came along. That was just how your life was. You were always the one before “the one”, the one that people meet right before they found the love of their life, but never actually the love of their life.

“I love you too.” As soon as the words left your mouth, Eddie crashed his lips to yours in a heated kiss, struggling to deepen it because the two of you were smiling so big.

Eventually you figured it out and Eddie’s hands moved to your cheeks, holding them as gently as possible which juxtaposed the rough way he was kissing you. Your hands gripped his waist as he licked into your mouth, his tongue scraping against yours.

He helped you up onto the counter as you both removed your shirts, not even sure where they had ended up on the floor. Eddie’s lips were back on yours in a flash, pressing open mouthed kisses to your cheek, all the way down to your neck. He gave it a rough suck and a whimper escaped your lips, causing Eddie to chuckle against your skin.

“Gonna mark you up, okay?” He asked and you nodded furiously. “Gotta let everyone know you’re mine now.”

“Please do.” Eddie sucked and licked at your skin and your hands moved down his back, grasping at any skin you could sink your nails into. His teeth grazed your skin and you couldn’t hold back your noises anymore.

“Oh,” you moaned, and Eddie took that as an invitation to continue. He fully bit down and you’d have been lying if you said you didn’t like it. He then got rid the pain as quickly as possible by diffusing the sting with his tongue.

He then went back to sucking on the spot, his hands moving up to the clasp of your bra as he did so. He slowly unclasped it and let it fall to the floor. You reached into his pocket for a condom, which he always kept there, but came up with nothing. You then tried to other side and that was empty too.

“Eddie,” you said and he pulled away from your neck reluctantly.

“Hm?” His nose moved along your jaw as he hummed in contentment, completely unaware of the little problem you were having.

“You don’t have a condom.” He pulled away from you in a flash and reached into all four of his pockets to find nothing.

“Guess I don’t.” You thought for a moment. You understood the importance of a condom, but you were also on birth control so you thought it would be okay just this once.

“Well, I am on birth control and I’m clean.”

“I’m clean too.” Eddie was actually getting kind of excited to actually feel his dick inside your pussy with no barrier. Out of all of the times the two of you had hooked up, he had never failed to use a condom.

“I don’t mind if you don’t.” He didn’t mind one single bit. In fact, he couldn’t wait to be inside you.

“Oh, honey, I don’t mind at all.”

You unbuttoned his jeans and pushed them down his legs as much as you could before he pulled them off the rest of the way, tossing them aside into the pile of your other clothes. Eddie unbuttoned your pants and pulled them off, throwing them behind him and the two of you took off your own underwear at the same time.

He took no time to get inside you and you both made noises at the odd sensation of his bare cock inside your cunt. He grabbed hold of your waist and pumped in and out of you slowly, wanting the first time you hooked up without a condom to be soft and sweet, especially since the two of had finally gotten together.

“Oh, Eddie,” you moaned and he never got tired of hearing it, loving the way his name sounded falling from your lips.

“Look at you, honey, already taking me so well.” He continued to move slowly, wanting to take his time to enjoy the moment with you. For once, he didn’t feel rushed, like he could go as slow as he wanted and you didn’t mind.

As Eddie thrusted in and out of you, you were beginning to think that maybe you liked it soft and sweet. Or maybe that was just because it was Eddie doing it. If it was anyone else, you might have not thought the same.

You both let out moan after moan as he continued to pump into you, still soft and sweet. If you were being honest, it was probably some of the best sex you had ever had. But maybe that was just because you were already so happy after finding out that Eddie loved you.

After spending multiple rounds going at it in the Wheeler’s bathroom, you both decided that you should head home and Eddie drove the two of you back to your place where you snuggled up in each other’s arms in your bed. You whispered “I love you’s” until you both eventually fell asleep, both of you dreaming about your lives together.

You really had lucked out. Eddie was just such a gentleman. The sweetest man you had ever come across and now he was yours. For once, you had someone who treated you like you deserved. After dating all of those losers, you had finally come across a keeper. And maybe if things played out right, you’d be able to take his last name as the two of you vowed to love each other in sickness and in health until death did you part.

[sciencebecameouraddiction]

title: no, you’re the monster

author: sciencebecameouraddiction

fandom: hazbin hotel

rating: G

genre: angst. like super angst.

pairing: alastor x reader

summary: As the hotel has gained notoriety in Heaven, after more souls are redeemed, an idea of allowing those at the hotel to talk to their Heavenly family is put in place. The only thing is Alastor has never even once, tried to use it to talk to his mom. What’s the worse that can happen when he does use it as you offer the idea up to him?

As the hotel gained notoriety and after a few more souls had been redeemed, Heaven started to finally collaborate with Charlie on redeeming sinners. One of these ways was for sinners to have a weekly call via a special portal to talk with their loved ones up in heaven. Which Angel and Alastor likened to prison. Charlie didn’t care though because it was “progress”.

The idea though, was to create a connection in heaven that sinners would want to work towards. Most of the hotel patrons and staff used their calls weekly. You remember Angel’s first call talking to Molly as he cried realizing she was up there and hearing her sobbing, thanking him for protecting her in life. Encouraging him to do better so that she could hug him. Needless to say, after that call Angel gave up just about everything and really set forward on a path to redemption.

The only person in the whole hotel who hadn’t used these portals were yourself and Alastor. Your whole family had been awful to you save for your sister and she was still alive. You had checked. Alastor on the other hand, you had heard him mention his mom. He talked about her fondly and made her special jumbalaya on occasion. You figured that he would use the portals to talk to her, but he never did. So, one night when sleep was evading you again, you found a chance to ask as you were sitting in the lounge reading and everyone had gone to bed.

“Another late night where sleep’s tender hold evades you my dear?” Alastor said, appearing on the couch across from you. You jump a bit and chuckle.

“You know me too well Al.” You say and put your book down. “How was your day?” You ask him, as he materializes a book to read. You remember the first time you asked him how his day was, he asked you why you wanted to know. You had to explain you were being nice and it was something friends did. He questioned you on your use of the term friends but let it slide.

“It was well enough. I took a trip over to Cannibal Town. Rosie says hello.” He chuckled. He had introduced you to Rosie after you wouldn’t stop begging him to come with to Cannibal Town. You wanted to see more of the Pride Ring but it was scary, up until traveling to the hotel, you stayed in your apartment mostly. Except for work down the street. So, why wouldn’t you want to go to Cannibal town when you had scary dog privileges with Alastor?

“Awww, really? I love that. I’ll have to come with you over there soon, if you don’t mind of course.” You say, dog earring your book page so you don’t loose it. Alastor scoffs seeing you do that.

“Why you choose to ruin books is beyond me.” He mutters. “And of course you may, Rosie may have my head if I didn’t say yes.” You nod.

“How else am I supposed to save my place Alastor?” You ask him.

“With a bookmark.” He explains, conjuring one up and it floats over to you, his magic opens your book, smooths out the dog ear and then places the book mark near the spine. You roll your eyes.

“With how you treat books I am sure you are devastated to know that the library of Alexandria was burned to the ground.” You say, your voice monotone, closing the book.

“Absolutely devastated.” Alastor grins and then goes to reading his book. You sigh, and ready yourself to ask him the question you’ve been wanting to for a while.

“Hey Al?” You ask quietly.

“Hmm?” He murmurs not looking up from his book.

“Can I ask you a question, and you promise not to get mad at me?” You say. He looks up at you, his eyes scrutinizing you as he motions for you to continue.

“So, today was portal day for everyone. And I’ve seen everyone use the portal to talk to loved ones in Heaven, but I’ve never seen you use it. And the way you talk about your mom… Don’t you want to talk to her?” You ask, looking up and your eyes widening as a darkness falls on his face. “I’m sorry, I was just curious. I can leave you alone as I think I’ve overstepped.” You say starting to get up.

“Sit.” Alastor says, a tentacle appearing and pushing you back down. “You’re… fine. I just don’t think my darling mother wants to see her darling son… like this.” He says motioning to himself.

“But if she loved you and you her-“ You start, being cut off by Alastor.

“She was the only one to love me in life.” He whispered.

“Exactly.” You say and gently cross over to his couch sitting next to him. “Wouldn’t you think she’d want to see you again, regardless?” You say earnestly.

“Well, I suppose…” Alastor starts.

“And would it not help you to have a conversation with her?” You go on.

“I’m not being redeemed dear.” He chuckled and rolled his eyes.

“No, I know your sentiments on that. But wouldn’t it be good to talk to her. Not to encourage redemption, but just to catch up?” You say. “If it were my sister, I would love that. I know when she dies I’ll be doing that, I don’t plan on being redeemed, because I want to stay here and help with the hotel. But I’d still want to hear her voice again.” Alastor sighs and looks off, you can see his jaw tighten.

“I apologize if I’ve prodded too much. I can go if you’d like.” Wanting to remind him you could give him space but a small part of you realizing this was good progress as he hadn’t freaked out on you yet. You celebrated the small victory.

“Maybe I will put my name down for next week my dear.” Alastor acquiesced.

“If you wanted to do it now while everyone is sleeping you can.” You smile and hold up the portal key. “The portals stay open until midnight. They started doing that because Charlie and Emily talk a lot.”

Alastor looked at you, his eyes wide. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to. I can even leave the room if you’d like me to. Or we can wait it’s up to you.” Alastor breathes and it’s like watching a war be fought on someone’s face with the emotions running through his eyes.

“Would you stay with me?” He asks, sitting up and fixing his suit jacket and ears, taking a breath.

“Always.” You whisper and his eyes widen. He nods at you.

“You sure about this?” You ask one more time. “You can say no and I’ll forget we ever had this conversation.”

“No, go ahead.” Alastor breathes. You stand up and look forward. You place the key in the air turning it and hearing a click. As the portal opens, a directory is pulled up.

“What was your mom’s name?” You ask, waiting.

“E-Evangeline. Altruist.” Alastor says almost breathless. You find her and look back at Alastor.

“One more time, I’m making sure, you want to do this?” You ask holding your hand to him. He takes it and stands up.

“I wouldn’t have accepted if I wasn’t sure.” Alastor says shortly. Giving off his confident air but his eyes were unsure.

“Okay. I can pull the plug at anytime too. Just let me know.” You press the name and the screen brightens and then Evangeline comes into view. Alastor gasps, his eyes wide and his hand squeezes yours.

“Evangeline Altruist?” You ask as she looks down at you. The portal must have appeared on a table.

“Yes, who is this?” she asks confused. You explain what your name is and that this portal allows those in Hell to communicate with loved ones in heaven. You explain that there is someone who would like to talk to her and does she accept the call. She does and you step out of the way and motion for Alastor to step in frame. He breathes and slowly does so, seeing his mother for the first time in who knows how long. There’s a gasp from his mother as she murmurs out his name.

“Hi Mama.” He whispers. The radio effect gone and a southern sounding accent in his voice as he talks to her.

“Alastor, is that you? You’re in hell? Truly?” His mother cries.

“I-Yes I am. I do miss you dearly.” He says, looking almost ashamed, his ears pin back on his head.

“I had heard the rumors… But I never thought my boy… What have you done Alastor?” She asks, her face twisting. “I don’t even recognize you from the man you were. The man I knew.”

“Mama, please, I-“ Alastor starts his eyes desperate, as he flits over to you and back to his mom. Your own heart shattering. You hold out your hand and he grabs it like a life line.

“No. You are no son of mine. I do not recognize you.” Her voice turns cold, your eyes widen and Alastor’s eye brim with unshed tears. “After everything… this is what you become? A monster?” The disgust in her voice is unbearable as Alastor bows his head and tears fall silently down his cheeks. You on the other hand see red.

“Now, just a damn minute here.” You say stepping back into view and shielding Alastor, still holding his hand.

“This is none of your business, girl.” Alastor’s mother exclaims, anger in her eyes.

“It became my business when you decided to unleash your bullshit on your son with me here. This was my idea, having him come talk to you, because out of everyone here at the hotel, he hadn’t made any contact with the woman who he holds in such high regard. So i figured, you held him in the same regard.” You start and get cut off.

“I loved my son, in life and in death but what he has become is worst than Lucifer himself.” Evangeline continued on. You felt your hand shaking with the strength of Alastor’s quiet sobs.

“No. Nope. That’s where you are wrong. Alastor has worked at this hotel night and day to help people be redeemed. He protects this hotel from those that wish it harm, he protects the patrons and Lucifer’s daughter Charlie. He is genuine, and while he has made a numerous amount of wild missteps in life and in death, he is trying to be better. I see it, the staff at the hotel sees it, his friends see it. And if you choose not to know him or you care not to get to know him, that is entirely your loss. He is not the monster, you are.” You say as you pull out the key, and start to end the portal. “Don’t call for him either. If he decides he wants to actually talk to you again, it will be his choice.” You say as the portal closes and the last words you can hear are ‘I’m sorry.’

“A little too fucking late for that.” You murmur pocketing the key. You turn and your heart breaks seeing Alastor’s tears paired with a smile.

“You don’t have to smile with me you know that right? Nothing I know about you would I ever use as a weapon against you.” You say as you cross over to him slowly, looking for any signs that he didn’t want comfort. Even though you felt like the last person who should be allowed to do so as this was your idea. You reach up and caress his cheek, wiping away tears that continued to spill.

“Alastor, I am so so sorry.” You say, tears coming to your own eyes. “I should have never suggested… I am so sorry.” You say again, bringing him down as he willingly folds into your arms.

“Can you take us to your room?” You ask, knowing he would never let any show of real emotion happen out here. He nods and suddenly you’re in the middle of his bed that has been moved into the forest he added in his room. You gather him to you and he sobs, his head in the crook of your shoulder and neck, as he grips onto you for dear life. There’s something even more heart wrenching as all walls fall and you can hear his natural accent, no radio effect at all, through broken words of ‘I’m sorry’, ‘She hates me’ and ‘I’m a monster’. His shadows darkening the space and the one shadow that always followed him looking so distressed.

“Alastor, if she can’t see the good in you then that is her own blindness. Darling, I can see it. Charlie sees it. You have changed from when you first got here. Hurt people, hurt people. And I think you’ve been hurt for a long while. It’ll take time, but I ain’t going anywhere. You’re not a monster to me.” You assure him as his sobs somehow become even worse hearing you. You gently rock him back and forth, and look up at the sky he produced for the forest. A perfect replica of the night sky on Earth.

“When I was back on earth in my 20’s, my sister would get upset and would go out to the roof. Anytime I found her there, I’d hold her and tell her stories of the stars. Do you want me to do that?” You ask. Wanting to take Alastor’s mind off of everything. You feel him nod and you smile slightly, pressing a kiss to his head, feeling him stiffen at the affection and hug him tighter.

“So there’s this group of stars that makes up a virgin maiden that they named Virgo. Many people say that Virgo’s constellation represents Persephone, the daughter of the Greek Goddess Demeter. Persephone in some stories was kidnapped by Hades, Lord of the Underworld. Demeter’s grief at loosing her daughter, abandoned her post as Earth Goddess, which caused crops to wither and the earth to grow cold.” You recounted one of your sisters favorite tales. Feeling Alastor’s cries fade and his body relax. “Because of this Zeus ordered Persephone to be put back on Earth, but along her travels she mustn’t eat anything.” You continue, gently wiping the tears off Alastor’s face with your oversized shirt. He doesn’t protest and just looks up at you, his eyes rimmed red but the self hatred you saw before not as prominent. You smile at him while you finish. “That’s why Hades gave her six pomegranate seeds, which she ate. Meaning that she would spend six months of the year with Hades and six months with her mother.” You feel Alastor sigh, and you think this is when he will get up and pretend none of this happened, fortifying those walls again. That doesn’t happen. He draws you closer to him, his body laid over yours and his head resting on the left side of your chest where your heart was.

“Tell me another.” He requests, not looking up at you but looking out into the forest. You smile and glide your fingers through his hair, stopping to pet his ears every now and again as you begin telling the story of the Big Dipper and the Little Dipper, astronomy stories being whispered well into the night until you both were fast asleep with a blanket Alastor had pulled up over you both.

[patscorner]

Key To My Heart

Summary: Matt grapples with death

wc: 1,625

Contain: crying, death of a loved one, no happy ending

a/n: i know i said I wouldn't be writing for them anymore, but i decided to remake this for the triplets, so... happy birthday! This is the saddest thing I've ever written...

______________________________

It's only been a week, and Matt still couldn't believe it. Just a week ago, you were cuddled up next to him. Just a week ago, the two of you were laughing well into the night, shushing each other through the giggles. Just a week ago, he was driving to your house every weekend. Just a week ago, you were driving home with him after picking him up from his house.

Just a week ago, his hand was on your thigh, singing terribly at the top of her lungs while you laughed at him. Just a week ago, he watched as the headlights didn't stop growing brighter, even as the light turned red. Just a week ago, he awoke on a stretcher, not being able to feel his arms. Just a week ago, he fought the pain and begged to know your wellbeing.

Just a week ago, he watched as the EMT’s gave you chest compression after chest compression, desperately fighting for your life. Just a week ago, he shoved the police, injured and all, to let him go with you. Just a week ago, he watched them roll you into emergency surgery. Just a week ago, he broke down in the middle of the lobby when the doctor told him they did all they could. Just a week ago, you were alive and well.

Until you weren’t.

__________

Now he stood in the mirror, tears in his eyes as he made sure he looked presentable. The week had been a blur. He was there, but he really wasn't. He was lost in his own mind trying to grapple with the fact that you were, in fact, gone and it wasn't some terrible dream.

Matt wasn't sure what the plans were, even when he was present when they were made. He knew he was supposed to give a speech on the podium, and he knew he wrote one down. Or attempted to. He's fairly certain his mom and brother wrote the words down.

It can't be real. He can’t have lost you. But he did. He was there when they told her you were gone. He was there.

A knock on his door breaks him free from his thoughts. He can't bring himself to answer, and he allows the person behind it to walk in. “Hey, sweetie, you almost ready?”

Matt doesn't look away from the mirror, but he can tell by the voice that it's his mom. He stares at himself, hands running over the suit she's wearing. It's the same one you'd spotted in the mall over a year ago, and you'd dragged him into the store to try it on, rambling about how sexy he looked. And while he desperately wanted to go home and lay down, he couldn't deny that you were right. He did look good. He didn't buy it then, though. You'd surprised him with it on his birthday, and he complained about you spending money on him. He hadn't worn it yet. The two of you were waiting for that one special moment. And while you weren't here to share it with him, he thought it was fitting. He knew he'd never have the guts to wear it anywhere else. So dead or alive, he still shared the moment with you.

“Mhm.” Is all he says, taking one last look before turning around to look at his mom.

His mom smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes. “You look handsome, honey. she would've loved it.” she said, approaching the brunette, fixing the collar once more. Matt closed his eyes to avoid the tears from falling, but it doesn't work as tears break through his eyelids.

Marylou wordlessly engulfed Matt in a hug, listening as her little boy broke all over again. Flashbacks of that night at the hospital flash through Marylou's mind as she attempts to stay strong for Matt.

Eventually, Matt pulls away, eyes softening as he wipes his mom's tears. “Let's go.” he whispers.

Marylou nods, grabbing Matt's hand and leading him out of the room.

_________

Matt had zoned out for most of the speeches. A lot of them were from people who didn't know you and were just offering their pity condolences, just so that they could say they were there.

He snaps out of it when his name is called to the stand. He looks at his mom, who pats his thigh encouragingly. He smiles as he clears his throat and walks to the stand.

“Uh-” he clears his throat again, staring at the notes in his hand. “I'm sure most of you know me, but for those of you who don't, my name is Matthew Sturniolo, and I'm Y/N's boyfriend.” He pauses. “Or-or was.” he clears his throat again.

“Any-anyway. Uh-” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, just like you'd always tell him to do. It didn't work as well as when you did it, but it helped him enough for him to continue. He looked down at the cards.

“You all know the type of person Y/N was. She was the type where you could tell her anything, and she'd support you, even if it was the dumbest decision on earth. If you were set on the decision, then so was she. She'd give you her advice and opinion if you asked for it, and then she'd leave it to you. Then, if you faced the consequences, she'd give you a look, but she'd never say anything. She'd hold you and wouldn't let you go until you felt better.” He looked up from the cards and glanced around the room.

“That's what she did when I moved to LA. She was there the whole time, holding my hand, never letting go, unless it was to hand me a tissue.” He laughed a little, but it was getting harder to keep his composure. Fuck it. He ditches his cards, and decides to speak from his heart. That's what he was the best at.

“It's a Sunday. Y/N always loved Sundays. She'd always get all dressed up, even though it was just for church. Today, I would've slept in, grappling with the fact that I don't get to see her or hold her anymore. For the first time, God was the last thing on my mind.”

“She was there for everybody. Even if wronged her, if you asked her for anything, she'd give it to you. She believed in second chances, even for people who didn't deserve them. She of all people should've gotten a second chance. But that was taken from her, by somebody who she'd probably give one to.” Tears have fallen now, and there was no stopping them.

“The day I asked her to be my girlfriend, she asked me if I trusted her with my heart. If I trusted, she'd take it and keep it safe forever. She kept that promise. She took it, and she kept it, and she locked it in a box. She kept it safe. Unfortunately, she held onto that key when she left.” He reaches for a tissue. “And that I'm forever grateful. I can't think of anybody better than her to have that key.”

“I just hope she uses it to unlock the box when I see her again. She was a beloved sister, daughter, friend, roommate, and girlfriend. She lives in our memory forever. So to Y/N.

I miss you more than life. There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do to hear that little laugh you do. There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do to hold your hand again. There's nothing in this world I wouldn't do to say one more ‘I love you.’ I wish I could take it back. I wish I'd seen the car. I wish I had seen anything. Sometimes I wish it was me who went, but then I remember that then, it would be you up here in tears, and I don't know if I could be happy knowing that you're not.”

“It's only been a week. It's been the longest week of my life. I'll tell you about when I see you again. For now, I'll settle for knowing that you're in a better place, that you're safe and out of harm's way. Don't worry, I'll save your voice in my head. You promised never to leave me. You just left too soon.”

“So to the best girlfriend in the world, we'll save you a seat. You've always got a place at the table, even if you're watching with the angels. I promise never to let you go. I promise to always make you proud. I promise to make it for you. Every milestone. Every tear that falls, every subscriber that's gained. It's for you.”

“Because even though you're gone, you're still in our hearts. My heart. Even if we can't see you, or talk to you, or hold you, the memories are enough to keep us going. You gave me the best memories, I just never thought that you'd become one yourself.”

“Goodbyes are hard for me. They always have been. I don't want to say goodbye because this one would mean forever. So instead, this is a ‘see you later’.”

“I love you.”

“And to you all, never take family for granted. Because grief is the price we pay for love. So say that ‘I love you’. Because you'll never know when it will be your last one.”

___________

The triplets play a video in honor of you. They all get tattoos in honor of you. They work for you. They get 10 million subscribers in honor of you.

Because even after all this time, you still have the key to his heart.

______________________________

taglist: @kqyslyho3 @sstvrnioloo @mattsturniololoverr @theyluvkaitii-blog @chrattstromboli @Sillysillygyal @elliesturniolo1 @coochiedestroyer1 @Freshlovah0e @starsturns234 @g-lazyy @strnlsblog @ecliphttlunar-deactivated202407 @sturnioloblogs @y0urm4m @thenickgirl @muwapsturniolo @breeloveschris-deactivated20240 @worldlxvlys @freshloveforthefit @miloisdone1 @vanteguccir @annamcdonalds67-deactivated2024 @freshsturns @rootbeerworshiper-deactivated20 @matty-bear @orangelala-deactivated20240425 @imwetforyourmom @stunnaagirllsworld @lanixsturniolo @blackhorses-posts @junnniiieee07 @pepsiboyy @deadxrx @ribread03 @ariieeesworld @venusxsturnio @mattslovelygf @Spencereidismybitch @ablanstar333 @jjmaybankshousekeeping @larnieboox88 @Preppy234 @endereies @eurphoric-rush @whosthislyssbitch @jetaimevous @h3arts4harry @bernardsbendystraws

[sweet-s0rr0w]

Day 1 of @hprecfest - First fic you read/first fic you remember reading

I started reading in the early 2000s, before HBP was published, so this is a tricky one to start off with! I vividly remember reading along to Cassandra Clare's Draco Trilogy and Maya's Underwater Light - both WIPs at the time, and neither freely available now 💀 if anyone else was around then, though, I have compiled a reclist of Vintage Drarry Fics (2001-2006, including such classics as Irresistible Poison, Beautiful World, Seamus is Seamus, and Love Under Will).

The fic I've chosen to rec today is the one that brought me back into fandom after a decade out; indirectly I suppose it's the reason I'm here at all, and so perhaps the lesson for any creators reading this is that you'll truly never know the impact your works have, even decades down the line!

Transfigurations, by Resonant : E, 71k, 2003 (MCD warning, but not for Drarry)

Summary: Five years after Voldemort's defeat, Harry returns to England to help re-open Hogwarts.

Excerpt:

"You're going to have to talk about it sooner or later, Harry," she said. "I know it's hard for you, but --"

"Hermione --" He looked over her shoulder, searching for something that would distract her.

He succeeded a little better than he would have liked. First he caught a flash of pale hair in the shadows behind the top table. Then the shape came clear. An expensively tailored robe, an expensively bejewelled hand, an expensively barbered head, an expensively curled lip --

Was he never going to be free of Draco Malfoy?

Hermione followed Harry's eyes, and then she straightened up suddenly, crying, "Draco!" and ran to clasp Malfoy. Harry stared dumbly after her. "Mother sent a book for you, and some biscuits, they're in here somewhere --"

"Never mind that," Malfoy said, hugging her roughly. Harry felt a pang of fury. Since when was Hermione so cozy with Malfoy? "What I want to know is, did Mrs. Spenser ever find Bratleigh's tooth?"

"Oh, yes, it turned out to be in his little brother's forearm -- but how are you getting on without mechanical pencils?"

"Musgrove's Magic Pencils are nearly as good, though not quite so satisfying to click ..." Harry watched their two heads bent together, the dark and the fair. They were exactly the same height, like a matched set of figurines. Something extremely strange must have happened while he was in Florida.

Malfoy was still affecting the look of a wizard-bard from a storybook, Harry thought scornfully: pale hair falling to his shoulders, deep-plum robe heavily embroidered in the same color around the collar, narrow hands heavy with silver rings. Harry hadn't remembered his mouth being quite so red.

He looked up and caught Harry looking, and something crossed his face that wasn't quite the expected sneer. Hermione was tugging him over by the arm. "Harry just got in today from America, Draco, he didn't tell anybody he was coming, I think he forgot how to write a letter --"

"He's forgotten a lot of things, I imagine," Malfoy drawled, but he offered a hand. "Potter. Welcome back."

Damn it, even his languid, lingering handshake felt as though there was an insult behind it.

Where to start with this fic? The premise is that following the war, Harry left for Florida, settling down with a group of Indigenous wixen as they worked to set up a new school of wizardry. He returns, five years later, to a Hogwarts in trouble, rife with traps and curses laid by Death Eaters long gone, and to his old friends, whose letters he'd mostly ignored during his time abroad. Many of the old faces are familiar, but the addition of Malfoy, now, inexplicably, best friends with Hermione and Professor of Muggle Studies, irritates Harry beyond belief. Worst of all, when it comes to Cursebreaking, Harry and Malfoy's magic works best in sync, so to their horror they find themselves paired together as they work to make the school safe on its reopening.

There are so very many things to love about this fic. The narrative tone feels very true to canon, as does Harry's voice; possibly a result of its being published while the books were still coming out, but unlike many of the other fics written back then, it has a very adult feel. It's set entirely in Hogwarts, and with a huge cast of supporting characters, including a sneering, dramatic statue of the deceased Professor Snape, sexy handyman Ron, COMC Professor Charlie Weasley, and some wonderfully endearing OCs. The writing's lovely and clean, sparing, but still very visual, and full of worldbuilding details so unique and rich you'll be thinking about them years later (trust me). And the relationship development is truly second to none; we come to love this Malfoy reluctantly, but so so deeply, along with Harry. Also, this fic has, to me, the original rushed sex in a bathroom stall scene, and one of the sexiest undressing scenes you'll ever read. I absolutely adore it, can quote huge chunks, and every single time I read it it brings back everything I love about the world of Harry Potter. Go and add it to your MFL, and you can thank me later <3

If you read it, and if especially you love it, please do let me know! And as always, please do take the time to leave the author a kudos/comment <3

[imaginesandbandfiction]

Second Chances

Pairing: Cassian x Reader

Masterlist

A/N: This is part 2 of Second Choices! Part 3 will be a shamelessly smutty epilogue so click here to be added to the taglist to be notified when that's live!

Warnings: Drinking, little bit of angst/alludes to a history of abuse

Rhysand returned from Windhaven just in time for dinner, rested and refreshed after a long weekend holed up in his mother’s cottage with the male he’d been casually seeing for the past few months. In addition to being pretty, Austris had a wicked tongue that kept Rhys thoroughly distracted. 

It was three days of pure bliss; of forgetting about his duties and giving into every whim and desire that struck him without thought. While he dreaded returning to work and his responsibilities, the thought of spending the evening catching up with his family put a little bounce in his step as he landed outside the House of Wind. 

The outdoor dining table was set, silver trays piled high with juicy, slow-cooked meats, a rainbow of roasted vegetables, and potatoes whose garlic-and-rosemary glaze wafted in the early evening breeze. Fae lights floated above, illuminating the feast in a soft glow. Behind it all, he saw his family sprawled out on the lounge chairs. Judging by the scattered bottles littering the ground around them, he had lots of catching up to do.  

He took one step and then Mor jumped up, waving her wine glass towards him. 

“Rhys is back!” She exclaimed, nearly tripping over her own feet as she rushed towards him. “Time to eat!” Her voice was suspiciously loud, though he supposed that happened when one drank too much on an empty stomach. 

He chuckled and accepted the one-armed hug she offered. 

“Good to see you too, cousin,” he said, guiding her towards the table. “You must be really hungry.” 

Amren stalked past, face pinched in a scowl. 

“You have no idea,” she grumbled as she plopped down in a chair. She reached for an unopened bottle of red wine and uncorked it with her teeth, filling her goblet to the brim. 

Rhys’ eyebrows skyrocketed towards his hairline, turning to throw a questioning look at Az and Cas as they made their way to the table. The Shadowsinger’s face was impenetrable, as usual, but in three centuries of friendship Rhys had never seen Cassian look so pitiful. His wings drooped dangerously close to brushing against the ground, and his hair was a loose, tangled mess that hung over his face. Beneath it, shadows lined bloodshot eyes that were cast downward, lacking their usual spark of mischief.  

Azriel shook his head as he passed; the movement was barely more than a twitch but Rhys got the meaning loud and clear. He took his seat and poured himself a hefty glass of wine; he had a feeling he was going to need it. 

Everyone settled at the table, refilling drinks and piling food onto their plates, yet there was a gaping hole between Mor and Cas where you should have been. 

“Where’s Y/N?” He asked, not thinking much of your absence although he was disappointed that he wouldn’t get to catch up with you before it was back to business as usual the next morning. 

Suddenly, everyone stilled with their forks and goblets held aloft. It was too quiet. Panic jolted his heart into a sprint as he took in the frozen faces of his Inner Circle looking like children caught sneaking sweets before supper. 

Finally, Amren spoke, glaring at Cas as she spat, “Ask Cassian.” 

The Lord of Bloodshed glared at her and pushed away from the table, chair clattering to the ground behind him. 

“I’m eating in my room,” he snarled, stabbing the fattest, rarest steak with his fork and plopping it on top of the vegetables piled on his plate. 

“Cauldron boil me, I leave you alone for three days,” Rhys muttered, downing his wine in one long gulp. 

—

Earlier that day, Amren had stopped by your room and offered to skip dinner with you, but you were looking forward to a quiet evening in the library. Alone. After storming out on Cassian, your two best (female) friends had spent the night in your room with you, drinking straight from the bottle of Illyrian moonshine you’d pilfered from Rhys’ secret stash until you passed out in a tangled mess of limbs and hair somewhere between midnight and dawn. 

They’d only agreed to leave when you threatened to show Rhys the memory of them breaking into his room using only a hairpin the night before. And even then, every two hours or so you’d get a knock and a quiet “Just checking in!” from one or the other. You suspected they drew up a schedule, and though you were grateful to have such caring friends, what you really needed was peace and quiet. 

It was hard to wrap your head around just how much things had changed within a span of twenty-four hours. But curled up amongst the stacks of old books in a plush armchair tucked away in a little alcove, you finally managed to admit to yourself that you could have handled things better. After all, you were the one that made this mess for yourself—you should have known better than to shit-talk Cassian’s girlfriend—and instead of apologizing, you’d fucked things up even further. 

With a sigh, you cracked open the stiff leather cover of your journal and flipped to a blank page, letting your pencil hover above it. Not one to pay too much attention to emotions and feelings, the little book hadn’t gotten much use in the nearly two centuries since Rhysand had gifted it to you. 

But when your brain was twisted into too many knots that not even a night of drinking with your friends could untangle, the only thing that seemed to help was spilling your guts onto paper. Seeing your thoughts laid out in graphite helped you make sense of them, so you pressed down the tip of your pencil and forced your hand to move. 

Cassian is my mate. He’s my mate and I fucked everything up and he probably wants nothing to do with me. 

I’ve been trying to ignore it, to push down these stupid feelings. I thought it was just the bond trying to force me into something more with someone who was supposed to be my best friend. Just a friend. 

But if I’m being completely honest, I think I’ve always been a little bit in love with him. After all, you don’t sleep with someone on and off for half a century if there isn’t at least some baseline of attraction. 

I don’t know, I guess I just always assumed that since my father didn’t want me and my mother only wanted me for the child support check, well, no one would ever want me. Not forever; not as a wife and definitely not as a mate. 

I’m too damaged for anyone. 

Too damaged for Cassian. 

Having him as a friend forever was more important than trying for more. It was too big of a risk, and I couldn’t lose him. Couldn’t lose my family, not when I finally got one that stuck around. 

I could sleep with him, though. It was transactional; a mutual itch-scratching made purposefully hazy by Mirthroot and alcohol. In those stolen moments, I could pretend I was someone else. Someone worth keeping. 

Mor thinks I’m insane for keeping the bond to myself for so long, but we were fucking regularly enough to take the edge off and, well. I learned to grit my teeth and take it on the chin before I got my first cycle. 

I’m good at pushing things down, at pretending to be okay. Even if he does want me, I don’t know if I can handle it. That deep, emotional intimacy without anywhere to hide. 

Your hand flew across the page as words poured out of the deepest, darkest parts of you. The things you kept hidden from everyone, including yourself. Tears swelled in the corners of your eyes which stung from the effort it took to keep them from falling. 

And then you felt a gentle knock against your mental shields. Rhys must be back. You peel them back just enough to let his voice in. 

Y/N? Can I come down and say hi to my favorite sister? 

I’m your only sister, motherfucker. I better be your favorite. 

He waited, a soft breath of a presence within your mind, swirling winds of calm smoothing out the edges of the turbulent waves crashing around in there. 

Even though, normally, you’d rather die than let anyone see you like this, you agreed. 

Fine. But only because I missed you, you stupid bat. 

Love you too, sis. 

You closed the journal and tucked it beneath one thigh, adjusting the blanket you’d brought down with you so it’s fully covering the little book. It didn’t take long before you heard his light footsteps descending the stairs. Using the back of your hand, you wiped away the lingering moisture in your eyes and then straightened in your seat. 

“Skipping my welcome home dinner?” He asked as he approached your little reading nook, a lazy grin and raised eyebrows painted on his face. 

You scoffed, careful to keep your journal hidden as you stood up to throw yourself into his open, waiting arms. His wings closed around the two of you and you’re grateful for the extra pressure against your back. 

“I missed you too,” he muttered into your hair, pulling your face tight to his chest. 

The two of you stood there for a long time; Rhys could always sense when you needed something steady to hold onto. He claims it started before he even knew he had a sister, that sometimes late at night he could hear muffled sobs echoing in the back of his mind. That a gaunt little girl trapped under the mountain haunted his dreams for years before he was allowed to visit.

His father made sure he stayed away. 

But as Rhys settled into his powers and got full control of them, he was able to establish a stable connection. It took a while before you trusted him; after all, you grew up with your mother telling you that the High Lord and his heir despised you. 

Your sire, as Mother called him, had thrown her under the Mountain as soon as he found out she was pregnant. Set her up with a place to stay and not much else; you had a new stepfather every few years, and each one was worse than the last. The Black Widow, they called her, as her husbands had a habit of dying in unfortunate accidents. 

As adults, you and Rhys were closer than most siblings, even those that grew up together. Unfortunately, that meant you had no choice but to get your shit together because running away was not an option. 

“Wanna tell me why my General looks like a kicked puppy?” Rhys murmured into your hair. You felt the bond clench, tugging on your heart, and groan against your brother’s chest. 

He ran a comforting hand up and down your back and you signed, knowing that you wouldn’t be able to keep what happened a secret for much longer, what with all the meddling busybodies you surrounded yourself with.

“We fought,” you muttered. “I’ve been avoiding him ever since.” 

“And what, pray tell, did you fight about?” 

You lifted your head, eyes glistening in the low candlelight as you blinked up at your brother. Heaving a sigh, you tell him everything that happened while he was gone. As soon as you opened your mouth, the words spilled out of you like they’d been waiting for the opportunity to escape. 

Rhys had to stifle a chuckle when you finished your story because he loved you, but Mother above, you could be so stupid sometimes. 

“Oh, Y/N,” he sighed, tugging you closer. He rested his chin on the top of your head and tugged on the ends of your hair with one hand. 

You batted it away, groaning again. 

“Listen, I’m not going to tell you what to do because I know you hate that,” he started, negating your protests before they had a chance to form. “But I think you need to talk to him. Unless you plan on avoiding him for the rest of your life, you’re going to need to work things out one way or another.” 

“I could defect to another Court, I hear Summer’s wonderful this time of year.” Rhys shoved you towards the front of the library, ruffling your hair. 

“Talk to him, you insufferable brat.” 

—

It was surprisingly easy to find Cassian. He nearly knocked you over with the force of his pacing as you rounded the corner into the hallway leading to the kitchen and dining room. 

“Oh, Y/N, hi,” he said, one arm bending to scratch the back of his neck. You could just barely make out a hint of red on the apples of his cheeks, though his tanned skin does a good job of trying to hide it. 

“Hey, Cassie,” you said. His name came out breathier than you intended. “I, uh, wanted to apologize.” Cas was quiet, clearly ready to let you say what you needed to say. He leaned against the wall, nodding at you to keep going. After a deep breath, you did. “I’m sorry for being so rude and dramatic. The bond snapped for me a while ago, and I let the pent-up jealousy and bitterness get to me. That wasn’t fair to you, and I’ll try to be better about keeping my thoughts to myself in the future. Just because we’re bonded doesn’t mean you’re obligated to be with me. Whatever you choose, I’ll respect your decision, I promise.” 

He smirked, pushed away from the wall, and disappeared into the kitchen, leaving you standing there alone and confused. 

A minute later, he was back with a giant cookie clutched in one hand; your favorite. It was a little burnt around the edges, but smells perfect. He closed the distance between the two of you in three long strides, wrapping his free arm around your waist. 

“It’s you, it’s always been you, Y/N,” he breathed, leaning in until his lips hovered over yours for a few long, deliciously agonizing seconds before he pushed forward and captured them in a searing kiss.  

You respond, startled but thrilled, and get lost in each other. He pulls away and holds the cookie to your lips, and you almost bite into it before remembering where you are then take a step back with your cheeks oozing heat, pushing his hand down to his ease the temptation rising from your core, into your chest, and up your throat. After four years of lying dormant, the bond threatened to take control of your body. 

“We should probably go somewhere a bit more.. private,” you say, wrinkling your nose at the thought of someone, Mother forbid your brother, interrupting the frenzy. 

Cassian growled. Going to the cottage, he said to Rhys, melting his mental shields down just enough to let the message flow between their minds. 

Does this mean..? Rhys’s response is hesitant but hopeful.  

Yes, Cassian’s response is gruff. Keep everyone away. I reserve the right to tear any intruders limb from limb. 

He shut the connection, cutting Rhys off mid-cackle. His threat was genuine. Even just the idea of the frenzy has him boiling through his skin. 

Cas scooped you into his arms and took off running down the hallway. As soon as you burst through the back door, he pushed off and then you were soaring through the sky towards Windhaven. 

Towards your future with your mate.

Taglist: @esahintzkanen @loving-and-dreaming @lisanna2000 @jollyflowerkitty @graciepies @evergreenlark @Maewritez @aurorab99 @pescipiccanti @elissanatok @vanserrasimp @mich0731 @juniperberriesaries @sandramalikstyles @ivy-34 @thecraziestcrayon @pey2618

[cherrysnip]

You were supposed to go to your hometown for the weekends. Unfortunately, there was a storm coming in the area so your mother, being the worrywart that she is, strictly told you to just stay in your apartment because it'll be dangerous if you push through with your travel.

And you did.

However, as early as ten in the morning, you were already bored as hell. You've tried taking a nap since the weather was perfect for it but it wasn't working, so you just stayed up and decided to review for your exams even though they are still a month away.

Moments later, you were already so immersed in reading when your phone suddenly rang. You absentmindedly answered it without even bothering to check who it was.

"Hello?"

"Did you just woke up?" You heard a familiar voice on the other line. It only took you half a second for you to recognize that it was Seokmin.

"Nope. Been awake since four. What's up?"

"Nothing. Just checking up on you. Your mom said you didn't go home?"

"Yes, I didn't. Storm's a bitch," you automatically groaned when you remember how disappointed you were earlier. You leaned back on your chair, "Why would she tell you though?"

"Well, she said her daughter might be crying because she's alone in her apartment right now."

"Stop it, Seok. I know she didn't say that. And besides, I'm already an adult. I can handle myself," you confidently defended yourself which made him chuckle.

"I'm sure you can. Looks like I have nothing to worry about then. I'll hang up now."

"Okay," you waited for him to hang up before you could go back to what you were doing seconds have passed but he still didn't drop the call. "I thought you're hanging up."

"I can't."

"I knew it," It was now your turn to laugh. You know he'd be saying a cheesy line any minute now, like he always does. You already told him that it makes you cringe but he still says them for you anyway. Because he knows that no matter how much you deny it, it still makes your heart flutter like crazy. "I bet you'll say something like you love hearing my voice, won't you?"

"You got me. I can listen to your voice the whole day."

"Well, Mister. You can't just hear it for free, I'm sorry. Your trial period is over. I'll be hanging up right now," you opted to teasing him, because you were too shy to admit you also feel the same way for him.

"Then how does hamburger and pizza sound for a payment?"

Your mouth automatically went agape when you heard his offer. You haven't eaten any breakfast because you were so lazy to get out and buy something. Plus, it's also near lunch time now and your stomach is already growling in hunger. Talk about perfect timing!

"Okay! Deal! I'll wait for it!"

"You're so quick when it comes to food, aren't you?"

"You know I live for it."

"Then is it me or hamburgers?"

"Don't be cruel. I never once made you choose between ramyeon and me."

"Okay," he chuckled. "Fair point."

"Did you already order it?"

"It's already on its way, Madam."

"I'm sorry. You know how impatient am I when I'm starving--" you weren't able to finish what you were saying when you were interrupted by a sudden knocking . "Wait, someone's at my door. I'll just check who it is."

You hurriedly went out of your room and it wasn't long before you arrived at your front door. When you finally opened it, there he was...

A guy wearing a black hoodie, holding two boxes of pizza and hamburgers in his left hand with his phone on his right hand, smiling shyly at you.

"Hi, love."

You let out a chortle and pulled him into a hug. It obviously surprised him but he still hugged you back eventually and then kissed the top of your head.

It was definitely Seokmin, your cheesy sweet boyfriend.

—♡—

[magics-neptunes-things]

Prom

Hello!

This one is from a request, I hope it will please you as much as the others. I'd like to really thank all of you for your kindness it really mean very much to me. My life isn't really easy for now and writing help me a lot. I'm glad I can have someone to read my work here ♥

It's only fluff in here :)

______________________________________________________________

You just can't help it. You just can’t fight the force of attraction that constantly clings your eyes to Ona’s silhouette. This girl was a great player, charismatic, very kind and smiling. But she also had the gift of being both particularly cute while being frightfully sexy. You fell for her the second your eyes landed on her. She came to your school early this year for a school exchange. She’s supposed to finish school here and was recommended to be on your high school soccer team. Enough to say that she quickly demonstrated her qualities, so much so that the coach decided to appoint her captain. A nomination that could have attracted problems with other girls, but they were all quickly aware of Ona’s qualities.

You, on the other side, you were the captain of the cheerleaders, so you have the chance to be able to watch her play every game. Since you frequent the same places, you were quickly brought to discuss together. And you found yourself falling even harder.

Your sexual orientation doesn't question anybody, you have long demonstrated your interest for girls only. You don’t know for Ona though. She has never been in a relationship since she arrived here and she seems not to be interested in all those who have tried their luck. Always with her eternal sweet smile, she dismisses them kindly before shifting her attention to football.

You had an incredible chance anyway, because of your catastrophic results in Spanish, your teacher offered to ask Ona to give you private lessons. You agreed and so did Ona, but it didn’t help you get close to her because in the way you wanted because you find yourself blushing and feeling particulary stupide every time.

But eventually your work payed off and it’s with a big smile that you find the Spanish girl in the corridors of the school, shaking a paper in front of her face.

"What is it?" she asks with a smile, her voice making strange things in your belly everytime, before grapping the piece of paper. "Madre mia Y/N a A-?"

You don’t answer, just nod with a big smile. You’ve never scored as high as this one and you owe it to the brunette.

"Felicitaciones!"

She jumps happily before hugging you and kissing your cheek. And here you are again, blushing red like a damn tomato.

"Muchas gracias" you smile, hopping Ona didn't realise your blush. "But I still need your help though. I have a writing for next week, would you mind?"

"Of course not. I have training this afternoon but can I come tomorrow?"

**********

Tomorrow being friday night, you propose to Ona to come for diner and work on your essay afterwards. Your parents aren’t here like pretty much every Friday night, both of them being part of a club with all of her friends. Well it's literally an excuse to meet them and have drinks, but you pretend not to realize it. Your older sister is out too with her boyfriend, like every Friday night too.

"How was practice?" you ask Ona, erasing a deleted sentence on your page.

"Good, good" the other girl answer absent-mindedly.

She was standing behind you in your room, looking at the pictures and the posters hung on the wall. You can’t see it and look over your shoulder. She turns her back on you and is admiring the one with your best friend, dating from this summer. You and she had managed to get her parents to take you with them, and this was probably the best vacation of your life.

Realizing that your gaze lingers a little too long on her arms and her butt, you suddenly shift your attention to your writing, cheeks burning.

"I think I’m done" you mumble a few minutes later, scratching your head.

"Let me see"

Ona answers you softly and comes back to sit next to you. You don’t move when you feel her knee leaning against your thigh, trying to ignore the heat wave that seizes your entire body. The attraction you feel for her becomes ridiculous, especially when a look in her direction tells you that she does not even seem to have realized.

"It's pretty great actually. You just made one or two grammar mistakes, but otherwise it’s fine. Your progress is really impressive"

"I have a very good teacher"

Ona looks at the sheet that she is correcting to send you a smirk and you almost faint. Jesus Christ this woman.

"Done!" she says soon after with another smile.

You thanks her again and a glance at your phone inform you that it's pretty early. Even if you would appreciate more than ever to spend extra time with Ona, you do not know under what pretext to propose her to stay. But she doesn’t get up from your chair though, leaning on the backrest and gently turning it from side to side.

"So, what’s on tonight?" she asks and you shrug.

"Nothing really. I have to stay to watch the house"

"Alone?"

"Yeah? Sometimes Hannah comes too, but tonight she was busy"

You see Ona’s look for a few seconds on the photo she was looking at earlier, representing you with your best friend on the beach. And she turns her attention back to you.

"You both seems very close"

"Yes, I mean I know her since we are five but it’s like she’s always been part of my life."

"Are you together?"

A few seconds pass during which you look at Ona, digesting the surprise of her question. Then you end up laughing a little before shaking your head.

"Like together, together? Nah, she's like my sister. Plus she's straight as a die."

Ona nod and you put the mess on your desk together, now that you’re done studying.

"So if I ask you to go to the prom with me next week, it might not hurt anyone?"

Holly mother of god. You gather feverishly the papers you dropped under emotion and you have to clear your throat to chase the feverish in your voice.

"No one will be hurt if you ask me" you mumble shyly before adding "Except maybe all your pretenders who are rushing to the gate."

Ona rolls her eyes.

"Would you? Come to prom with me?"

You raise your eyes on her face to make sure she’s not joking. But that doesn’t seem to be the case and you even manage to see hope in her eyes. As if it were possible for you to hesitate for a second.

"I'd love to"

**********

Maybe it’s a little cliché the captain of cheerleaders going to the prom with the captain of the soccer team. But honestly, you don’t care. You don’t know how the rest of the school could have known so quickly about Ona's request, but it seems like by Monday most of the others students were already aware.

You may have seen different reactions from your friends, most of were happy for you. You didn’t expect, however, that some would show jealousy by asking aloud what had pushed Ona to ask you to accompany her. You haven’t been able to speak so much to the Spanish during this week, both of your training sessions require special attention given the advanced championship.

But you have to admit that these hallway gossips and these kinds of remarks altered your confidence so much that you ended up writing to Ona in the middle of the week to make sure that she still want to go with you.

You - Hi Ona. Sorry to bother you. I just was wondering if you still want to go together at the prom?

Ona - Hola! Of course, why? Ona - Have you change your mind?

You - Not at all, just asking. You - What will you wearing?

Feeling the questioning of the other girl, you quickly changed the subject under the pretext of being able to coordinate your outfits. You didn’t want her to realize the insecurities you can have sometimes. You are the cheerleaders captain, you know perfectly well that if you let the slightest thing appear, it can quickly turn against you.

Ona told you that she will pick you at 8, and here you are, looking at yourself on the mirror of your bathroom. The more you look, the more you feel that the outfit you have chosen is not the right one. But you don't have time to think about it any longer, because soon the bell rings and you hurry to the entrance. Your parents and your sister are home and you don’t necessarily want them to bother Ona today.

You scream a goodbye and slam the door, making your way to Ona's car. She’s waiting for you and her vision takes your breath away. She’s perfect, whether it’s her outfit, her haircut, her makeup. So perfect that you want to cry. You will never be in her league. Yet she slowly approaches you with a big smile.

"You are beautiful" she tells you while extending her hand to go with her towards the passenger door.

" You’re the on to talk" you answer, biting the inside of your lip.

You almost make a comment about how many will be jeslous of you when the will see you to her arm, but you hold back. You already hinted that last week when she invited you and you don’t want to be too annoying.

A comfortable silence settles between you and you smile as you hear her humming the song passing on the radio. It's only a few minutes later that Ona breaks the silence.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course"

"How did you end up captain of the cheerleaders?" asked Ona, glancing at you. "No offense, but you don’t have the same characteristics as your teammates. You are not superficial, you are not selfish, you have respect for everyone… It doesn't fit so much in the usual codes, you know?"

You look at her for some seconds, thinking about her question. You already know the answer, but you're thinking about the way you can say the things.

"My sister was in the team, my mother was in the team... I guess I just wanted to show them that I can make it too."

You shrugs, before looking at the window. You didn't mean to say that your mother or your sister are superficial and all, but you don't really have the same vision of things.

"Do you even like it?"

"Somehow. It has some advantages. You can met interesting people"

You glance at her and she intercedes, your answer seems to make her smile. It makes you smile back despite the slight heat that once again invades your cheeks.

You arrive a few minutes later and once Ona has parked, she hurries around the car to open your door. You thank her with a smile and look mechanically around you. You notice glances at both of you, but your attention is quickly diverted by Ona’s hand which gently settles in the hollow of your back to train towards the entrance. As light as a butterfly, her hand on the fabric of your dress is pleasant and you refrain from leaning against it.

The evening passed at the speed of light and you had an incredible time. You still don’t explain yourself how you just didn't ignite on the spot. You and Ona danced during the evening, her hands on your waist giving you the impression that your legs turned into jelly. Every touch, every glance or smile brought you a little more to fall under the spell of the Spanish. It’s been a long time now that the stage of crush seems to be over, you are completely crazy about her.

Ona was closer to you physically than ever and you allowed yourself to look at her a little more strongly. You got lost in her eyes and yours landed several times on her lips.

But you are now going back home, in the same comfortable silence as before. The only difference is that this time your hands are intertwined on your leg and you play mechanically with the fingers of the young woman. You arrive a little too quickly to your liking and you shift your attention to the latina when she turns off the engine.

"Thank you for inviting me. I had a great evening" you smile softly, reluctantly leaving Ona to recover her hand.

"Me too" answers Ona smiling before undoing her belt. "I take you home."

Coming out of the car, you slowly follow her to your front door. The lights are off on the ground floor, but the one on the floor tells you that your parents are not sleeping yet.

"It went too fast" Ona pout, gently putting a strand of hair behind your ear.

Quick, air needed please. You focus all your concentration to listen to the words she says to you and not faint.

"It’s true" you mumble without really realizing what you’re saying.

Ona answers nothing, her gaze in yours. Your heart beats too fast, so fast that you have the impression that Ona can hear it. Hypnotized by her, you notice that she came forward only when her face is only a few centimeters from yours. From there you can see the depth of her gaze, every single one of her freckles.

And then, she kissed you. Slowly, letting you the time to stop her if you don’t want to.

But you want to, obviously. You would be unable to describe how you feel during this kiss, but your heart rushing against your thorax cage might speak for you.

"My heart will explode" you whisper against her lips without fully taking them off.

"I’ve wanted to do this for ages, you have no idea how much"

The answer of the latina makes you open your eyes and you find yourself immersed in her chocolate eyes, so warm and pleasant.

"I’m glad you did"

She offers you a new smile and takes you completely against her for a new kiss. A little more harder this one, but still light, made to discover you both. Her hands caress your face while yours are in the hollow of her back.

You feel like you could spend hours there, but you realize you have to go home if you don’t want to get your parents' attention.

"Will you writing to tell me that you have arrived well?" you ask her gently, your hands caressing her arms.

"Promise" she answers you before stealing a new kiss. "Sleep well"

Then it’s your turn to steal one from her, before she goes back to her car. Waiting for her to leave to enter your home, you can’t erase the big smile on your face when you go up to your room. You go directly in it, starting to undress and remove your makeup. You just putted on your pajamas when your phone vibrates, indicating the reception of a new message.

Ona - I came home well. I hope to wake up tomorrow without realizing that it was all a dream. Sleep well Princess ♥

You - Sleep well too, Hermosa. I look forward to seeing you again ♥