#toned down the settings quite a bit and updated the driver

[rising-blood-moon]

I think the funniest thing that happened to me in the Monster Hunter wilds beta was that I killed the Chatacabra so hard that the game crashed on me

I'm too powerful with the dual blades

[hash-driveway]

Down With Me (Chapter Four)

I'M BAAAAACK Life happened right after i posted the last chapter, lol. I'm very happy to be updating this and I hope you all enjoy! The reception that this fic has been getting so far really means a lot to me. love y'all sm :*

Roxie’s lungs burned as she jogged along the dirt road of the trailer park.  She was just about to break the threshold of the part of the run where she felt like shit, and get into that feeling that people called “runner’s high.”  Just as she was about to do so, the sound of an engine idling nearby caught her attention. She looked up to see a black car creeping down the dirt path between trailers, with shitty music blasting from the blown-out speakers. The driver rolled down his window, and a tall, lean man with slicked-back hair leaned out, cigarette dangling from his fingers. He had a sharp, sly grin that made Roxie feel a bit uneasy, but he seemed friendly enough.

“Hey there,” he called out, his voice low and smooth, “Haven’t seen you around here before.”

She slowed to a stop, slightly irritated that he had interrupted her focus.

"Just heading home," she replied between gasps, eyeing him warily.

He chuckled, flicking ashes from his cigarette. "Ah, well, I don’t see many new faces around here. You from the park?"

She hesitated, not sure how much she should share, but figured there was no harm in being polite. "Yeah, sort of new here."

"Interesting. I’m Cyrus." He extended his hand out the window, as if expecting her to come closer to shake it.

“Roxie,” she replied, staying a couple of steps back. Something about him set her on edge, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

“Roxie, huh?” He said her name slowly, like he was tasting each syllable. “Nice to meet you. You look like you could use a little something to unwind.”

She froze, surprised at his perceptiveness. "What makes you say that?"

He shrugged, his smirk widening. “Just a hunch. And, you know, I happen to have a little green with me, if you’re interested.”

She blinked, considering his offer. It was tempting—she was tired of scrounging around for weed, and no one else seemed to be around. She glanced down the path, hoping to catch a glimpse of Ricky, but it was empty.

“Come on, just a little taste,” Cyrus pressed, his voice almost coaxing. “Special deal for the new girl.”

Roxie took a step closer to the car, peering inside. The seats were worn and the car smelled faintly of stale smoke and something sour, but Cyrus seemed relaxed, almost amused. She hesitated, feeling a flicker of unease but dismissing it as paranoia.

“Alright, I could use a little,” she said cautiously, slipping into the passenger seat.

Cyrus grinned, pulling a small bag from his glove compartment and handing it to her. "This’ll be enough to hold you over for a bit. But if you ever want more, you know where to find me."

She inspected the bag, nodding, as the engine rumbled to life. But instead of pulling over, he started driving forward, his eyes flickering with a strange intensity. "Let’s take a little spin, get to know each other better."

Her stomach twisted. “Uh, actually, I’m good. I’d rather just head back.”

Cyrus raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Relax, Roxie. I’m just taking a little drive. What’s the harm?"

Just as he turned the corner, the figure of Julian appeared in the rearview mirror, striding quickly toward them with a look of unmistakable anger on his face. He jogged up to the passenger side, motioning for Cyrus to stop.

“Pull over,” Julian commanded, his voice sharp and unyielding.

Cyrus let out an exasperated sigh, barely glancing at Julian as he continued inching forward. "What’s your problem, Julian? We’re just talking."

“Get out of the car, Roxie,” Julian said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

She shot a glance at Cyrus, who smirked, clearly unfazed. Reluctantly, she opened the door and climbed out, feeling Julian’s tense gaze on her the entire time. He took her arm, pulling her aside, his grip firm but careful.

“What the hell are you doing getting in his car?” Julian demanded, his voice laced with concern. Behind him, Ricky and Bubbles approached with urgency. Ricky was already shouting at Cyrus to "fuck off, Shitdick!"

Roxie folded her arms, bristling at his intensity. “I was just buying a little weed. You don’t have to freak out about it.”

Julian’s jaw tightened, his eyes flashing with barely contained frustration. "He’s not someone you want to mess with. Cyrus is bad news. Don’t ever get in his car again."

She scowled, irritated by his tone. "I can take care of myself, Julian. I don’t need you telling me who to hang out with."

“Fine,” he replied, his voice low and hard. “But don’t come running to me when he gets you mixed up in something you can’t handle.”

Cyrus leaned out of his window, his grin widening as he watched the exchange. "Julian, why don’t you calm down? Roxie here is smart enough to make her own decisions.”

Julian’s fists clenched, but he held back, his voice dangerously calm. “Stay out of this, Cyrus.”

Roxie couldn’t help but feel a strange thrill at Julian’s protectiveness. As annoying as it was to be treated like a damsel in distress, something about his intensity made her heart race. She shook her head, brushing him off as she took a step back. “You’re overreacting, Julian.”

The loud clang of Ricky hitting the roof of Cyrus' car with a taped-up hockey stick stole their attention for a moment.  Cyrus desperately tried to grab it through the window, but to no avail. On the other side of the car, Bubbles gesticulated wildly while berating Cyrus.

"Overreacting?" His gaze softened for a moment, but he was still visibly on edge. “I’m just trying to keep you safe. You barely know the people in this park, Roxie. Not everyone’s looking out for you.”

She swallowed, caught off guard by the sincerity in his voice. “I get it, okay? But you don’t need to babysit me.”

Julian exhaled, his frustration evident. “Just… promise me you won’t get in his car again.”

She glanced back at Cyrus, who watched them with a smug expression. His gaze flicked to her, and the way he looked at her made her skin crawl. Finally, she turned back to Julian, nodding. “Fine. I won’t.”

Julian relaxed, nodding once, though he still looked troubled. “Good.”

As Cyrus finally pulled away, she caught Julian’s eye, noticing the concern that lingered there. It struck her, the way he looked at her like he actually cared. A part of her felt flattered, warmed even, by his protectiveness.

“I’m sorry for snapping at you,” she said quietly. “I just… I’m not used to people looking out for me.”

Julian’s gaze softened further, his shoulders relaxing. “You don’t have to apologize. I just don’t want you to get hurt. Not here, not by someone like him.”

Roxie swallowed, feeling the weight of his words. She tried to keep her expression light, offering a small smile. “Thanks, Julian. I appreciate it.”

A warm silence fell between them as they walked the rest of the way back to her trailer, side by side. As they reached her door, she lingered for a moment, not quite ready to let him go. “Thanks for stepping in… even if it was a little intense.”

He chuckled softly, nodding. “Anytime.”

Before they could get too far, Ricky reappeared out of nowhere, jogging up to her with a sly grin on his face. Bubbles followed behind.

“Hey, uh, Roxie. Listen, after all that Cyrus bullshit, you might need somethin’ to take the edge off, huh?” He fished around in his pocket and pulled out a baggie of weed, holding it up like it was a prize.

Bubbles sighed, “You’re seriously pitching her weed right now?”

“Hey, I’m just sayin’,” Ricky replied with a shrug, “it’s top-quality. Better than anything that dick Cyrus is selling. And, uh, you know, since you’re new, I’ll give you the friends-and-family discount.”

She snorted, amused despite herself, “Friends and family, huh? Does that mean it’s free?”

Ricky looked genuinely horrified at the suggestion. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. I still gotta make a livin’, Roxie. But, like, ten bucks off or somethin’. Come on, don’t make me beg.”

Roxie rolled her eyes but couldn’t help smirking. “Fine. I could use it.”

As she handed over some cash and Ricky passed her the weed, the unmistakable sound of Mr. Lahey’s car sputtering up the dirt path reached their ears. Roxie groaned, stuffing the baggie into her pocket just as the rickety old vehicle rolled up beside them. Julian tensed up slightly, clearly stressed out.

The window rolled down, revealing Mr. Lahey’s flushed, overly intense face. Randy sat in the passenger seat, shirtless as usual, with his hands resting on his gut like it was a prized possession.

“Well, well, well,” Lahey began, pointing a shaky finger at Roxie. “Another innocent soul corrupted by the shitbirds.” He squinted dramatically, first at Ricky and then at Roxie. “You’d better stay away from these boys. They’ll drag you down into the shit abyss faster than you can say Sunnyvale.”

Roxie couldn’t help but laugh, her earlier tension melting away at the sheer absurdity of the scene. She tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Oh, so you’re Barb’s 'pathetic alcoholic husband', huh?”

Lahey’s face went redder than a ripe tomato. Before he could stammer out a response, Randy leaned halfway out the window, his gut almost knocking over the car’s side mirror. “Hey! I’d hit you if you weren’t so pretty!”

“Randy!” Lahey snapped, smacking him on the arm.

Randy sat back sheepishly, muttering, “Just saying…”

Lahey ignored him and leaned further out the window, narrowing his bloodshot eyes at Roxie. “You listen to me, young lady. The winds of shit are blowing. And when the shit storm hits, you’ll wish you never got mixed up with these two shit streaks.” He pointed dramatically at Ricky, who looked unimpressed.

Roxie raised an eyebrow, struggling to keep a straight face. “Wow. Profound stuff. You write that yourself?”

“Don’t mock me!” Lahey barked, jabbing a finger at her before putting the car in gear. “Mark my words, missy. You play with shit, you get shit on.”

With that, he peeled off down the road, kicking up a cloud of dust. Randy waved enthusiastically from the passenger seat as they disappeared around the corner.

Roxie stared after them for a moment, then burst out laughing. Ricky stood beside her, looking mildly irritated.

“Man, that guy’s always ruining my sales pitch,” he grumbled. “Anyway, enjoy the weed.”

“Thanks, Ricky,” Roxie said, still chuckling as she turned and walked back toward her trailer.

For all its chaos, Sunnyvale was shaping up to be way more entertaining than she’d anticipated.

“So, Roxie, how’s the dating pool been?” Sarah called out from the dining table, her voice laced with curiosity as she toyed with her beer bottle.

Roxie sat on a barstool in Lucy and Sarah’s kitchen, foils folded into her hair. Lucy was busy peeling one apart to check the progress of the bleach, her cigarette dangling lazily from her lips. The air was thick with the scent of smoke, hair dye, and air freshener.

“Ehh…” Roxie let out a small chuckle, shrugging. “I wouldn’t exactly call it ‘dating.’ More like… just trying to have a little fun, you know? Enjoying my freedom.”

Lucy raised an eyebrow, taking a long drag from her cigarette before exhaling a plume of smoke.  “You say that now, girl. But trust me, ‘a little fun’ can turn into a lot more real quick if you’re not careful.”

Lucy led Roxie to the kitchen sink and began pulling the foils from her hair. Roxie laughed, shaking her head, “Oh, I’m not looking for anything serious right now. After my last relationship… I need a break.”

Sarah cocked her head, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. “Yeah? What happened there? I mean, if you don’t mind sharing.”

Roxie hesitated, feeling the old familiar sting in her chest. It was still raw, even after all this time. But there was something about the two women that made her feel safe, like she could finally let her guard down a bit.

“Well…” Roxie took a deep breath. “He was controlling. Financially, mostly. He made way more money than I did, and he never let me forget it. He’d throw it in my face anytime we argued, always reminding me of everything he paid for.” Her voice dropped, the pain from those memories bleeding into her words. “Tried to mold me into some perfect little housewife, like I was his property.”

Lucy glanced at Sarah, her expression darkening, “He sounds like a real piece of work.”

“He was,” Roxie muttered. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to keep going. “It got worse after he found out I couldn’t have kids.”

Her mind flashed back to having to hide from him in the bathroom as he tried to break the door down.  The bloody nose he gave her once he got in.  The way he acted like he cared about her when he spoke to the nurses at the ER.

“Oh, Roxie, I’m so sorry,” Sarah said, her voice soft with sympathy. She reached across the table as if to touch Roxie’s hand but hesitated, unsure if the comfort would be welcome.

Roxie gave her a small, tight smile. “Thanks. But that wasn’t even the worst of it. He started getting distant, colder. I knew something was up. One day, I was using his computer, and he’d left his email open. I saw these emails to some woman from his job. They were sending pictures to each other, talking about meeting up…” Her voice trailed off, the bitter memory making her feel sick to her stomach.

Lucy’s eyes narrowed, her now-gloved fingers massaging dye into Roxie’s hair. “That fucking asshole. Did you confront him?”

Roxie nodded, letting out a humorless laugh. “Oh, I confronted him, alright. Caught him with her at a restaurant. I made a huge scene, threw his drink in his face, yelled at him in front of everyone.”

“Good,” Lucy said firmly. “He deserved that and more.”

“I even keyed his car on the way out,” Roxie added with a small grin, a hint of satisfaction in her voice.

Sarah let out a low whistle. “Damn. You went full scorched earth on his ass. Respect.”

Roxie nodded, staring at the countertop as the memories washed over her. “I thought that would be the end of it, but things got worse after that. He isolated me from everyone—my friends, my family. I had nowhere to turn. I’d never felt so alone.”

There was a beat of silence as the weight of Roxie’s words settled over the room. Lucy finished her work, wrapping a towel around Roxie’s wet hair.  She squeezed Roxie’s shoulder gently as she led her away from the sink, “You got out, though. That’s what matters. You got out, and you’re here now.”

Roxie nodded, her eyes stinging. “Yeah. I packed up and left without a word. Moved here, and honestly… I’m happier now. I feel like I can breathe again.”

“Fuck that guy,” Sarah said bluntly. “He’s not worth another second of your time.”

“Agreed,” Lucy added. “You’re better off without him.”

Roxie took a deep breath, feeling a little lighter after getting it off her chest. “Thanks, guys. It feels good to talk about it. Most people just look at me like I’m damaged when I bring it up.”

Lucy frowned. “Well, they’re idiots. You’re not damaged—you’re a survivor. And trust me, you’re in good company here. We’ve all got our shit.”

“Yeah,” Roxie said, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Yeah, we do.”

A comfortable silence fell upon their conversation as the hairdryer drowned out all remaining sounds. Lucy finished up with Roxie’s hair, turning her around to face the mirror. Roxie’s eyes widened at the sight of the red highlights woven into her dark brown hair, the vibrant color catching the light.

“Wow,” Roxie breathed, running her fingers through her hair. “Lucy, this looks amazing.”

Lucy grinned. “Glad you like it. You deserve a little pick-me-up.”

Roxie felt a swell of gratitude. She reached into her purse, pulling out her cigarette case. “I have a little something to repay you both.”

She pulled out a neatly rolled joint, offering it to Lucy and Sarah. Their eyes lit up with excitement as they followed her outside to the steps of the trailer. The cool night air was a welcome relief, carrying away the thick smoke and heavy emotions from inside.

“Ladies first,” Roxie said, passing the joint to Lucy. Lucy sparked it up and took a long drag, holding it for a moment before exhaling a cloud of smoke.

“You know,” Lucy said, passing it to Sarah, “I’m glad you’re here, Roxie. This park needed some new blood. And some good company.”

Sarah took a hit, nodding in agreement as she exhaled. “Yeah, for real. You fit right in with us.”

Roxie smiled, feeling a warmth that had nothing to do with the weed. “Thanks, guys. I really needed this.”

As the joint made its way back to her, Roxie took a deep drag, letting the smoke fill her lungs. The familiar burn was comforting, the buzz slowly creeping in to dull the edges of her anxiety. She leaned back against the steps, staring up at the stars.

The three of them sat there for a while, the joint passing between them. The night was quiet except for the faint hum of music from another trailer and the distant sounds of laughter and chatter from the other residents. Roxie felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. For the first time in a long time, she felt a sense of belonging.

“What happened after you caught him cheating?” Lucy asked gently, breaking the silence. “How did you leave?”

Roxie let out a long breath, staring down at the joint between her fingers. “It wasn’t easy. After I caught him at the restaurant, he tried to make me think I was crazy for accusing him. But I knew what I saw. He got angry, blamed me for snooping, said I drove him to it because I was ‘acting distant.’’” She scoffed, shaking her head. “I tried to leave that night, but he wouldn’t let me. It got ugly.”

Sarah’s face twisted with anger. “That’s so fucked up.”

“Yeah,” Roxie agreed, her voice hollow. “I felt like I was trapped. But, it was weird because I felt more free after finding out. The next morning, while he was at work, I packed up everything I could fit into my car and just… left. I didn’t tell anyone where I was going. Just drove until I ended up here.”

Lucy let out a low whistle. “That takes guts. Seriously, Roxie. I’m glad you made it out of there.”

Roxie nodded, blinking back the tears that pricked at her eyes. “Me too. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but… I’m finally starting to feel like myself again. Like I can rebuild.”

“You will,” Sarah said firmly. 

“Guess what his name was.” Roxie paused, “Bradley.” 

Lucy and Sarah groaned in disgust, “What a douchey name! So fitting.” 

Roxie laughed with them, “I know! At least he was consistent.”

“And if you ever need us to beat the shit out of some Brad-lookalike asshole, just say the word.”

Roxie smirked, “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The three of them laughed together, the sound carrying out into the night. As the joint burned down to a roach, they passed it one last time, savoring the final few puffs before stubbing it out on the concrete. The shared laughter, the easy friendship—it was a small but meaningful moment for Roxie, like a crack of light breaking through a long stretch of darkness.

Lucy stood up first, brushing ash from her jeans. "Alright, I think we all need some water after that," she said, playfully fanning her face. "My throat is feeling like a desert right now."

Roxie grinned, pushing herself up as well. "Yeah, I could use a drink. Thanks again for listening, guys. I haven’t had friends like this in a while. I almost forgot what it felt like."

Sarah slung an arm around Roxie's shoulders as they made their way back inside. "Well, you’ve got us now. And we’re not going anywhere."

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, fading light across the trailer park as Roxie made her way home from Lucy’s. She tugged her hood up over her head, feeling the chill of the summer evening set in. 

Her heart raced with a mix of nerves and anticipation for the party tomorrow. It wasn’t just about being the new girl in the park, though that was part of it. It was the first time she’d be around everyone all at once, and she couldn’t shake the worry of how she’d be perceived. Memories of standing awkwardly at Brad’s side at countless social gatherings flooded her mind—his sharp looks whenever she spoke too much or too little, his possessive hand on her lower back. 

As she recalled the bitter memories, that same spot on her back seemed to burn. Those parties had made her hate the spotlight, made her shrink into herself. Roxie shuddered, closing her eyes and taking a long, deep breath.  She forced herself to instead focus on the soft crunch of the road beneath her shoes, and the smell of freshly mowed grass.  She reminded herself that she was not trapped anymore– That she was safe. The tension in her shoulders released slightly, and her new sense of reality made her feel thankful for Lucy and Sarah being her friends, as well as being familiar with Bubbles, Ricky, and… 

She opened her eyes and glanced up to see Julian approaching, a casual smile on his face. The sunset behind him stretched his shadow along the road, with what remaining light that was present reflecting off of the ice in his drink.  For a moment, Roxie felt like her breath caught in her throat. 

"Hey, Roxie," Julian greeted, his voice smooth and warm. "You headed home?" 

She swallowed, suddenly aware of how dry her mouth felt and how stoned she was.  Her heart pounded at the mere sight of him.  She couldn’t deny her attraction to Julian, but there was something about being alone with him.  The light of the sunset cast shadows on his face that accentuated his features.

"Yeah," she replied, swallowing the dryness in her mouth. The weed from earlier had her feeling a little spacey, but she liked the slight haze—it made her feel less nervous, less on guard. "Just leaving Lucy’s."

"Got your hair done, huh?" He motioned to her hood with a grin. "Let’s see it."

Roxie hesitated, feeling an inexplicable flutter of nerves. It wasn’t just the fact that she was stoned; it was the intensity of his gaze, the way he looked at her like he was really seeing her. Slowly, she reached up and pulled the hood down, running her fingers through her freshly styled hair. The deep red highlights caught the remaining light, giving a shimmer against her dark brown strands.

Julian’s smile wavered for a moment as he took it in, making Roxie’s nerves hike again.  Before she could overanalyze any further, Julian’s smile returned. 

"Looks good," he said simply, his tone genuine. "Really suits you."

"Thanks," she murmured, tucking a piece behind her ear. His compliment made her cheeks flush.

A moment passed before she realized that she was staring right into his eyes.  He can definitely tell that I’m stoned , she thought to herself. She cleared her throat and averted her gaze in a failed attempt to dismiss her embarrassment. 

“You going to the party tomorrow?” he asked, sliding his hands into his pockets and leaning a little closer, as if he couldn’t help it.

"Of course," Roxie replied, trying to sound casual, even though her pulse was racing. "Wouldn’t miss it."

"Good," he said, nodding at her response as if taking a mental note. "It’ll be fun. I think everyone’s looking forward to having you there." He glanced away for a moment, then back at her, as if studying her reaction.

“I’m looking forward to it, too.” It was a half-truth, but true nonetheless. Roxie felt the tension ease a little, her nerves settling in the wake of his smile. "What about you?" she asked, arching a brow playfully. "Out on a night patrol?"

Julian chuckled, shaking his head. "Something like that. I like to walk around the park at night sometimes, make sure everything’s quiet. It helps me unwind, you know?"

She nodded, understanding more than she could put into words. It was like a shared need for solitude, a craving for the quiet moments where you could just breathe. "Well, thanks for making sure we’re all safe," she said lightly, though the sincerity was clear in her voice.

Julian looked at her, his gaze softening. "It’s just in my nature, I guess. I used to look after my mom and grandma. Learned early on that if you care about people, you do what you can to protect them."

Roxie felt a pang of empathy, mixed with admiration. "That’s really sweet," she said quietly. "You don’t see that often. Most people are just out for themselves."

"Maybe," he murmured, looking down briefly as if embarrassed by the compliment. "I don’t really think about it. I just… do what feels right. It’s what I have to do."

She laughed softly, a genuine smile breaking through her usual guarded expression. "You really don’t give yourself enough credit."

Before she could continue to compliment him further, he changed the subject, “I’ll walk you home, if you want.”

“I’d really like that,” The words slipped out before she could stop them, and she silently hoped that she didn’t seem too eager.  Julian’s smile remained, so she decided not to make herself worry about it. 

They walked in silence for a moment, side by side. The air was cooling quickly, carrying the scent of distant bonfires and pine. The trailer park prepared itself for the evening, with most people heading inside their homes to retire for the night.  Roxie stole a glance at Julian, noticing the way his eyes scanned their surroundings. It was like he was constantly on alert, always watching, always protecting. It made her feel oddly safe, like she could relax in his presence.  He exchanged nods and waves with some folks as they walked.  They waved at her as well, and she couldn’t help but return the polite gesture. 

"Hey, thanks for listening to me this morning," Roxie said after a beat, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don’t usually open up about… all that stuff. But with you, it felt different. Like I wasn’t just dumping my baggage, you know?"

Julian glanced at her, his expression serious. "No problem. You’ve gotta talk about that stuff. Sometimes you just need someone who understands." 

“I’ve never been part of a community like this before. Everyone looks out for each other,” she glanced away, “I’m not used to it.”

"This place, this park… it’s where people come to be themselves, without judgment. We’ve all got a past. But it doesn’t define you. Besides, you’re getting along great so far. You fit right in."

Roxie looked at him, a smile tugging at her lips. "You really are something else, Julian. Your mom and grandma raised a good one."

He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "They taught me to look after people, make sure they’re alright. I guess it stuck."

Roxie’s gaze softened, her admiration for him deepening. Before she got stuck staring at his soft, blue eyes again, she nudged him with her arm, “Just make sure that you take care of you , too."

He shook his head, his expression less stoic now.  He was embarrassed, "Yeah, yeah," he muttered, brushing it off even though she could see the faint blush creeping up his neck. "I don’t really deserve it."

"Yeah, you do," Roxie insisted, her voice gentle, “Keeping track of Ricky is a job in itself. You can afford to relax once in a while.”

She met his eyes, her heart doing a little flip at the look he gave her—something soft and unguarded, like she’d caught him off balance. She felt her cheeks warm, and she quickly turned her gaze back to the path ahead.

When they reached her trailer, they both slowed to a stop. The night was still around them, the sounds of the park distant and muffled. Roxie felt the words catch in her throat—an invitation, maybe, or just something to keep him there a little longer. But her nerves got the better of her, and she couldn’t quite bring herself to say it.

"Well," Julian said, looking at her with a warm, lingering smile. "I’ll see you at the party tomorrow?"

"Yeah," Roxie replied, nodding quickly, maybe a bit too quickly. "See you there."

Julian hesitated for a moment, as if he might say something else. His eyes locked with hers, and she felt a jolt of electricity pass between them, something unspoken but palpable. Then he nodded, giving her one last smile before turning away and heading back down her porch steps.

Roxie watched him go, her chest tightening as he continued walking down the road. She let out a long breath, her fingers curling into the fabric of her hoodie. The anticipation, the tension—it was almost too much. 

Shutting the door behind her, she leaned against it as she let out a long, shaky breath. Her heart was still thumping in her chest from the moment she shared with Julian on the porch. She could still feel the electricity in the air, lingering like a static charge that hadn’t quite dissipated. Pushing herself off the door, she walked to the small kitchen area, her hands busying themselves with the dishes piled in the sink.

The clinking of plates and the sound of running water filled the quiet space, grounding her racing thoughts. Her mind replayed the look in Julian’s eyes when he hesitated at the bottom of her steps—like he had something else to say but held back. She scrubbed a mug, her fingers running over the chipped rim, her thoughts drifting.

Roxie glanced out the front window, catching sight of the faint glow from Julian’s driveway. The park was mostly quiet now, the distant sounds of life fading into the night. She sighed, shaking her head at herself. 

Get a grip, Roxie, she thought. It wasn’t like she was some lovesick teenager. But still, the pull she felt toward Julian was undeniable, and it scared her how quickly it had taken root.

She finished the dishes and wiped her hands dry on a towel, glancing at the clock on the wall. It was late, but she didn’t feel like going to bed yet. Instead, she flicked on the TV in the living room, flipping through channels until she landed on a rerun of some old sitcom. The laugh track filled the room, a comforting background noise.

Even with the TV on, her eyes kept drifting back to the window, as if pulled by an invisible thread. She peered outside, scanning the road for any sign of Julian. Her gaze traveled over to his driveway, and  saw the dim shape of Ricky’s car parked there. One of Bubbles’ cats loafed on the roof, curiously observing the cloud of smoke drifting lazily out of the open window. 

Bubbles stood at the side of the car, his hands gesturing animatedly as he spoke to Ricky, who sat slouched in the driver’s seat.  She couldn’t hear what they were saying, but their conversation seemed lively, judging by Bubbles' expressive hand motions. 

Roxie’s eyes darted back to the road, and her breath caught when she saw Julian approaching. He walked with that easy, confident stride of his, a drink in one hand and the other at his side. Roxie froze, suddenly hyper-aware of how she must look—standing in her dimly lit trailer, staring out the window like some kind of voyeur.

As Julian got closer, she noticed Ricky glancing in her direction. His eyes crinkled with amusement as he nodded toward her trailer, gesturing with his thumb. Her eyes darted to Bubbles, whose magnified eyes stared directly at her.  Panic shot through her, and she quickly ducked behind the curtain, her pulse racing. She pressed her back against the wall, holding her breath as if that would make her invisible. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment, a dozen anxious thoughts racing through her mind. Fuck. They definitely think I’m spying on them.  

She stood there, hidden, trying to decide what to do. The sound of muffled voices reached her ears, but she couldn’t make out what they were saying. Her fingers clenched the fabric of her hoodie, and she cursed herself for being so obvious. The idea of Julian knowing she’d been watching made her feel exposed in a way she hadn’t expected.

Roxie stood, acting as if she needed a drink.  She walked as casually as possible to the kitchen, pouring herself a glass of water.  As she conveniently faced the window on her way back, she peered out just in time to see Julian turn his head toward her trailer. Her breath hitched and Julian raised his hand in a wave.  He gave her a warm, easy grin that sent a rush of conflicting emotions through her. It was like he was saying, Hey, it’s okay. I see you.

Ricky gave Julian a playful shove, clearly teasing him about something as he pointed back at her trailer. Bubbles laughed, clapping a hand on Ricky's shoulder. Roxie felt a mix of mortification and a strange fluttering in her chest. Were they talking about her? Was Julian saying something to them about her? The thought filled her with a mix of dread and excitement she couldn’t quite make sense of.

Before she could overthink it further, Julian turned back to his friends, saying something that made Ricky smirk and Bubbles chuckle. He gave one last glance at her trailer, a look she couldn’t quite interpret, before he headed up to his own. Roxie let the curtain drop, her face hot, her mind racing with a thousand possibilities.

Stumbled away from the window, running her hands through her hair as she tried to calm her pounding heart. What if they were talking about me? The thought sent a shiver down her spine. She couldn’t decide if that idea thrilled her or made her want to hide under the covers forever.

Turning off the TV, she made her way to her bathroom to get ready for bed. She looked at herself in the mirror as she brushed her teeth. The sight of her new hair led her mind back to Julian’s reaction to seeing it earlier. Part of her didn’t want to believe that he liked it that much. Her cheeks certainly were flushed, and she scoffed in a desperate attempt to brush her reaction off.  She washed her face, silently hoping that it would calm her nerves.   It didn't.

She made her way to her bedroom, taking a large swig of water before setting it on the bedside table. She slipped under the covers, pulling them up to her chin as she stared at the ceiling. Her mind kept drifting back to Julian’s smile, to the way he waved at her even after catching her watching. It wasn’t a mocking smile; it was warm, almost reassuring. It made her wonder— Did he like that she was watching him? Was he glad to see her looking at him?

She tossed and turned, trying to shake off the self-consciousness that lingered. Despite her embarrassment, a tiny spark of hope had ignited inside her. Maybe they were talking about her, and maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing. The idea of Julian thinking about her, even talking about her with his friends, made her heart skip a beat.

[jack-xoxo]

Jake

Also I've posted this in Ao3, I don't use tumblr but best things assured, I always update: The Devil's Knight

6:54 am

When will there ever be a time that Steven wasn’t so selfish these days and Marc being stiff as a straight line. Steven leaves the house often dirty and trashed like a teenager with a room, it was figured to be impossible and no matter the lectures and no matter the convincing, it will not leave the house clean. Marc is still never fully communicating with Marlene, despite being married, how can 2 of your personalities treat your wife better than you can and one of them has a kid with her, how does that work? Frenchie… never heard from him, although he seemed to be close with Marc, a bit too close for Marc to not notice… I kinda miss him, me and Steven think he has been helpful with everything, from the moment Jean-Paul greeted himself during the marines was everything… Hell Frenchie, where the hell are you?

Marc says he still hears the voices from the shouting the military and often hits his head and shouts whenever he gets an episode. He still has PTSD of that nazi grandfather of his who torturing people in the basement and Marc was almost one of those unfortunate souls, when marc was able to escape and tell what happened, no one believed the boy, looking at him confused and questioned him like he was going mad which was a hard slap to the face for someone so young. And from what happened in north america, the execution with spider-man in mexico, scarlet witch, bushman… all that, no man had to go through

As Jake was doing his regular job of a taxi driver, Steven and Marc fought again and it’s bad enough he can hear it, the passenger can possibly pick up that the driver is crazy. Jake looks through the rear-view and thankfully they’re on the phone… not shocking since everybody now is looking down instead of up but god-bless for what jake was going to say “Look, if you both can’t yourselves together, i'm pulling over and beating the hell out of you both, not even the bird-man himself will stop me” as if he had ever stopped them before. Somehow marc and steven both dragged him into their dilemma, soon a police siren with flashing lights, Jake groaned and as much he wanted to speed up and run away, risking a passengers life over a ticket wasn’t going to be worth it. License and registration…5 minutes…followed till he had dropped off the guy at a bookstore…20 minutes… then followed to the police station… fucking 10 minutes.

Seems like it wasn’t just for a speeding ticket but for a whole felony(?) charge for murder, kidnapping, assault, manslaughter and possibly more listed out than making up some big word for making a big ‘oopsie’ 

7:25 am

The room had a dense tone or setting to it, purposefully making it small so the tension can suffocate you if the detectives catches you in a lie. Black, white, gray with yellow tinted lights since what was so colorful about kidnapping and mentally torturing someone who was a known rat? Cuffed to the bar because why… why the hell not… Both men in a suit and slacks comes in with a folder and a buddy, the old and experienced who’s getting gray’s or balding from all that stress the workforce put these people through, could be both since the fatty had that going and the new and nervous, takes his job too seriously despite not giving it a month or so he has a heart for almost everyone, the stick has hair before the job takes it from him, he has some time before he possibly witness a scene too gruesome for the mind to wash clean from. “Hello Mr. Lockley, Murdock, I’m detective Saturnino and this is my partner Mr. Whiskton?” the bigger gentlemen presented, as the thinner one waved slightly and Jake waved back “do you know you’re pulled here for questioning?” 

“For the love of Christ and his Father…” He groaned in his head. Jake had to relax, his brow jumped and played dumb into the question “no sir, why am I here?” He asks.

“Well you have quite the history on your tail” Saturnino said, there we go, the big man sits in front of Jake and for the other one leans on the wall while trying to both intimidate the single fellow “You were charged and served for a hit and run in March of ‘24, 10 months later you are in conspiracy of first degree manslaughter in Egypt, fake passports, different aliases”

Jake listens, he panics but it doesn’t show while the list goes on and on, Jake is not there, he is dead, Jake is calm and configured, says something crazy, something… some- stupid… Jake’s eyes looking directly through the Saturnino’s pupils, uncanny and uncomfortable for the two “Officer… I was hit a lot as a kid, I don’t remember a lot but I do know, I was there for a good time… I heard the views were good, the food was even better… the ladies even…” Jake smirked, chalking up a laugh from two parties, that's a brownie point although he needs hundreds more for the pigs to be fed.

[paddymoonstruck]

DEAR READER | C.L 16 (TWO)

Pairing: Charles Leclerc X Female OC

Warnings: Physical injury (that’s it, i think)

NOTES: I’m on fire for updating so quickly !!!

If you want to be included on the tag list, please let me know!

PREVIOUS PART/S: ONE

NEXT PART: THREE

THE BRIGHTNESS OF HER phone burned her irises. Without regard, she swiped her thumb up the screen to read more of the incessant article Charles had shown her. Her forehead creased at the words written but the smirk pulling on her lips said otherwise. Ridicule from the public was nothing new to her. She had been experiencing it since she was caught driving one of Susie’s cars by a tourist in Monaco.

To Natalia’s outmost dismay, the photo spread like a virus. Next thing she knew, countless of rumors were surrounding the internet. It was indeed a difficult time for a collage student like her. Locking herself in her dorm room was not an exaggeration considering the whispers and looks she’d receive when she would walk down the hall.

For a solid 2 weeks, people saw her as, and she recalls this with a nauseating feeling; Toto Wolff’s side piece.

Ultimately it died down after she had given in to Toto’s demands to let him put out a statement. Since then, the issue had been resolved, much to her delight.

“Are you planning to cook your eyes?”

She waved her hand, signaling for him to keep his eyes on the road. The pitch black atmosphere with nothing but the headlights guiding their way reminded Natalia of a horror game. As if lanky creature were to appear in from of their vehicle and cause a deathly accident. Without the light of her device, her heart would probably be thumping loudly in her chest.

“Scramble them, actually . . .” She replied.

The driver ignored her sarcasm, opting to put on music.

“You can go to sleep, you know.” Charles looked at her, rolling his eyes as he saw the concentration on her face. “I knew I shouldn’t have shown you that. . .”

Natalia shook her head, a hand cupping her mouth as her shoulder rumble with mirth. “It’s just— It surprises me, how in the world is it possible to sound so idiotic each time?” Her voice was a bit isolated from the barrier of her hand, glancing at Charles. “They never miss, to be honest. . .”

He hummed, tucking his lips in behind his teeth, amusement also lifting up his energy.

“I mean, look at this, apparently you’re asking for Toto’s blessing to ask for my hand in marriage!” She fell into a series of hysterics, losing her chain of self control. Saying it out loud was far more ludicrous than she had thought.

Charles also seem to think the same as he allowed himself to laugh with her, mouth splitting into a wide grin. He had expected a reaction from the people. Natalia and him shared the burden of being constantly linked to the every opposite gendered person they interact with regardless of the settings and the other people present.

Natalia’s laughter about the article imminently faded, leaving the soft roars of the engine and the cold whispers of the air conditioning to fill the silence.

After a moment, Charles stole a glance at Natalia, eyes immediately returning forward as he found that he was already looking at him.

Natalia blocked the unattractive snort threatening to turn into laughter at Charles’ quick head turn. She could’ve sworn he had a whiplash.

“What?”

She raised her brows at his bothered tone, choosing to lean more into his side. “I’m just looking at you. What’s wrong with that?”

Charles’ fingers that gripped wheel tightened as her taunting tone filled his ears. “I didn’t say anything was wrong with it—”

“It sounded like you have a problem with it, though.” Natalia interjected, easing her temple on the headrest.

Besides her taunting attitude, the fact that she refused to quit staring at him brought a flaming annoyance to his mind.

Charles heaved a sigh, tapping his fingers on the leather cover of his wheel. His focused returned fully on the road, trying to block out the intense mahogany orbs that were intently seeking for his demise.

“Do you wanna play a game?”

No, Charles wanted earplugs. Or better yet, a gigantic headset that had the volume of a million megaphones.

But of course, a fight was not on his list of tonight. He bobbed his head, sending her the inquiry, “What are we playing?”

“20 questions, truth or dare . . .” Natalia pursed her lips in thought, shifting her gaze to the roof of the car as if she’d find more written there. “I was going to say I spy, but there’s nothing to see. So— you pick,”

Charles mulled over the usual car games before picking the one he think he’d get the most out of.

“20 questions, then.” He glared at Natalia as she snorted at his answer.

“Typical,”

“You made me choose—”

“Yeah— yeah, alright. Calm down, damn.” Natalia wheeled her eyes, pleating her arms together. “You go first, since you picked.”

“Alright,” Charles clicked his tongue, drumming his fingers on the shift stick. “Did you have a pet growing up?”

Natalia casted a sidelong glance at him, mouth parting a few times before she finally realized he was serious. “That’s so lame!” She laughed, whacking him in the shoulder.

The Monegasque’s head tilted in puzzlement to which Natalia replied, “Ask more personal questions. If I was gonna ask you what your favorite color was, I wouldn’t even bother.”

Charles face sagged at her statement, mocking her by making faces. “Okay—” He narrowed his eyes as he racked his brain for a satisfying question. After a moment, he finally found one.

“Do you plan on going back to the Philippines after you graduate?”

All the active expressions fell from her face at the question, a stiffening dread constricting her word as she tried to form a coherent response.

“I haven’t thought about it—” The coiling vice in her tongue gripped at her vocabulary. “Most likely. . . If my passport is uh. . . yeah, then I think. . .” She clamped her mouth shut, noticing her excessive babbling.

“A yes or no would’ve been fine,” Charles murmured.

Natalia scoffed, running her fingers through her hair, hoping to banish the tremors forming in her nerves. “It’s something I only think about when I’m drunk,”

Charles nodded, not expecting that but her tone was enough indication not to pry any further.

In spite of knowing Natalia for almost a year now, Charles had had realized how little they knew about each other. Not to say that he was actually keen on getting to know her. However as circumstances have shifted rapidly in the last few hours, they might have to expand their knowledge about one another.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════ ════ ⋆★⋆ ════

Crickets. Much like the ones cartoons put over the background to serve as a comedic effect to characters who had heard something that the other seem to find hilarious.

In real life, however, the crickets were not funny in any way as Natalia’s jaw nearly banged on the floor, contradictory to Fred Vasseur’s ever-delighted face. If only she had the bone to tell that sweet-looking man that she’d rather eat the concrete than—

“Excuse me,” She said, palms starting to sweat as she peered at Fred. “I thought this was for journalism. . . training? No?”

“Oh, yes! Certainly, but Toto told us you were also interested in social media management,” He looked at her expectantly.

Despite his unwavering smile, the gentle touch on Natalia’s arm scorched in overpowering puzzlement. Every single word had been silenced except the ones; Toto and social media management.

“Well yes, but— not Charles’. . .”

She cowered away as Fred raised a question brow at her direction but slowly modified into a comforting grin. “Not to worry, there would be someone guiding you through it,”

Fred landed soft taps on Natalia’s shoulder, which she thought were supposed to be a symbol of reassurance. It proved to have done little, as the electrifying anxiety continued excruciating hike at her sanity.

Disregarding the supposed heat of the sun raying on her skin, the circulation of the chilly axis running down her body seemed to overthrow the rising temperature of the Italian summer.

“With the break ending soon and the start of the Belgian race, we thought it would be wise to have a ‘Gen Z’ handle Charles social media image. . .”

Natalia whirled around at the presences of the new voice.

A dark haired man, sporting an outgrown buzz cut sauntered behind her. He had a blue stripped dress shirt neatly tucked into his black slacks. His shoes shone despite looking like he had been running around for most of the day.

“Hello,” He lengthened his arm towards Natalia, who received his hand in a friendly shake. “I’m Nicolas Todt, Charles’ Manager. Nice to meet you, Ms. Valle,”

Natalia screwed her face up mentally at the formal address of her name. “It’s nice to meet you too. Natalia’s fine,” she thinned her lips as he merely nodded at her.

Just perfect, she thought, as she mustered a small smile.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════ ════ ⋆★⋆ ════

According to Nicolas, due to the increasing number of young fans, it was best to market Charles’ presence to fit their crowd. Given that Natalia’s part of the tech-savy generation, she had ample knowledge of the newest trends and sensations.

While that was true, Natalia could not believe the enjoyment she was getting from this job. With just a week in, she had gotten to witness Charles take an obscene amount of pictures while she aided with the angles and poses that might interest his fans.

What’s not very enjoyable though, was directing a bunch of rowdy boys for a photo op on a yacht. Their voices subdued the authority in Natalia’s instructions, ultimately forcing her to stand on a stool to capture their attention.

Annoyance painted her face, putting her hands together near her mouth to create a louder echo.

“HEY!”

Effectively, their boisterous behavior came to a halt, heads collectively whirling around to where she was. Natalia glowered at them, pinching her eyebrows with her fingers.

“Did you even hear what I said?” Eyes narrowed, she glared at them.

Whipping their heads around as if they’d find the answer stuck on teh each others foreheads was enough for Natalia.

Charles sat back, watching as pure frustration consumed Natalia whole. He raised a hand to beckon his friends.

“Alright, that’s enough guys. Let’s take the picture. . .” He met Natalia’s pointed gaze as the lot of them obeyed his command to approach him. “Sorry, can you repeat that?”

As if I have a choice, her leering glare didn’t desolate, but her features softened at the quiet surroundings.

She took a deep breath, gesturing at the pontoon boat seat for them to take a seat. Once half of them were all aligned in a row, the other half stood behind the yacht seat. She tilted her head, shaking it in disapproval.

“You— and you—” She motioned at the two tallest men sat on the coach. “Please switch with them.” The men called out looked behind them to see who she was pointing at.

A satisfied grin drew on her lips as the men shuffled their places, gaining the perfect proportions Natalia had envisioned.

“Right, then!” Her voice blarred through the quiet atmosphere of Monaco, receiving amused glances from Charles and his friends at her change of mood. “You look like 1D’s frat boy era,”

The comment visibly went over their heads, gawking at her with confusion. Unwavering, Natalia simply waved them off, keeping the reference to herself.

It took her awhile to digest that American pop culture doesn’t transcend here in this country as much as it did in the Philippines. When she first came here, she was a bit sad that none of her four other college roommates were fans of Taylor Swift. Granted, not everyone has to be one. However, after scouting through the campus, the amount Swifties were barely a fourth of the school.

That being said, their unfamiliarity with her vocabulary was no longer a surprise. Also, they were men.

She watched as Antoine Truchet, Charles’ photographer, paced around the yacht, a camera clutched on his hand, searching for the best lighting. Her eyes then slid to the occupants of the sofa, automatically angling her head to get a better view of Charles. He sat at the center, thighs spread with a smug smirk toying at his lips.

Natalia felt a tug at her chest as a mirthful laugh escaped his lips at how Antoine was struggling at his now awkward position. The loud splash of the waves beside their boat was astronomically awakening, as though the cold grip of the waves had slapped her in the face.

She willed her unbelievably awful thoughts into something more appropriate, finding comfort at the part of her brain which appreciated the beauty of Monaco— not the Monegasque—

She gritted her teeth, wanting to combust into a tiny million particles. Biting her lips, she suppressed a scream as the urge to pull her hair out flooded her thoughts.

She was working, for god’s sake. Ogling at a sun-kissed, unruly haired man with a conventionally white shirt unbuttoned halfway was extremely unprofessional.

The camera loves that man’s face, that’s for sure.

There was nothing attractive by the way the last rays of the sun caressed his skin. Nothing special at the immaculate glow it created that made him look like a heaven-sent blessing— not even when he stares at her like that— he’s staring at her.

Panic engulfs her lungs, causing her shifting feet to slip on the matted steps of her stool. Her heart felt like it fell with her body, a clamorous bang resounding through the air the impact.

A agonized groan emitted from Natalia’s mouth as she landed on her arm. She heard a series of movements, coming closer to her. Soon, the brilliant view of the sky was replaces by different faces, worry sketched out in their features as she clutched her injured arm with her hand.

“Joris, appelle un médecin,” The calm voice amongst the chattering crowd tickled her ears, heart pounding at the same hands that slid themselves beneath her waist. She was carefully turned to the left, similar to a figurine that could shatter with one wrong move.

What was médecin, again? Medicine? Or is medic?

This was one of the times Natalia hates not being fluent in his native language. Withering in excruciating pain and having to rummage through her awful French lingo wasn’t a pleasant combination.

His eyes appeared in her vision, one flooding with an unexplainable expression. It was the first time she’d seen them this close. Resembling the calm of the ocean, gracefully soaring up to the skies, as if he took the ravishing sight of spring on claimed it as his own. His green eyes swam with a remarkable dose of electrifying energy, it’s almost appalling how much enchantment it held.

At her trace, his lips moved without sound until his calloused finger were introduced to the searing heat of her face. His digits gripped her cheeks, squeezing the supple skin to get her attention.

Charles released as sigh of relief as her unfocused eyes returned to normal. “It’s alright, just breath yes?” He whispered, getting ready to move her. “I’m going to put you on the coach, okay?”

The subtle nod was all he needed before he proceeded to lend strength to the arm under her, supporting her weight as he lifted her body onto the cushions of the seat.

Soft distressed ‘sorry’s’ escape his mouth as Natalia whimpered, shutting her eyes tightly at the sudden pressure on her side.

Another person took over Charles’ place on her side, who she believed to be the medical assistant they had summoned.

Maybe if it weren’t for the adrenaline coursing in her veins and the soothing touch of a certain someone, she would’ve been screaming from the pain.

As black spots started popping into her vision, the embarrassment what happened plagued her mind.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════ ════ ⋆★⋆ ════

In the yacht’s cabin, Natalia sat comfortably on a king sized bed, head leaning against the small window of the yacht with her legs crossed. She watched as the small waves did their repetitive dance, lulling the boat into a cadence sway.

Susie had called her as soon as she heard the news, scrambling to get as much details about her condition in a panicked state. Natalia instantly felt terrible for causing such trouble, quickly brushing away the apprehension in Susie’s mind and substituting it with consolation.

She seemed to calm down when Charles took the phone, explaining to her. “Yes, Mrs. Wolff. There is no problem—” From his back towards Natalia, he twisted his head to catch her gaze from where she was sat. The brunette girl fidgeted with the sleeve of her sweater, careful not to agitate the muscles in her arm.

Charles wasn’t at all religious by any means, but he found himself thanking Natalia’s angels for not allowing her to break a bone in her body. Thankfully, all she got was a minor sprain which would be cured by pain medication and bed rest.

“Yes, Ma’am. Will do,” He nodded at Susie’s list of requests, striding to his jittery company. He dipped his head, a an arm anchoring his weight as he placed himself beside her. His thumb brushing against Natalia’s cheek. Without thinking, he stroked his finger on the skin, lightly pressing, feeling a rushing comfort at the touch.

Natalia, however, was gawking at him, beginning to rack her brain as to what the hell was happening. But he couldn’t comprehend anything as she drowned beneath his intense gaze and the intoxicating contact of his narcotic hands.

She overlooked the fact that he had ended the call, until his face was inches from her own, breath fanning on her flushed skin. Blood rushed rapidly onto her veins at their ridiculously close proximity. She noticed that at this distance, his eyes looked more like a blown out galactic dream.

They were near enough that if one of them were to lean forward—

The creak of the door awkened them from the hypnotic depths of their minds, scrambling away from each other darting to the opposite sides of the room.

“How’s it—”

Jorris stopped, looking at Charles who had a hand on his neck, scratching an area that appeared to itch a lot. He moved his observance to Natalia. She was facing away from Charles, eyes raking down at the furniture at the right side of the room, seeming to find it rather interesting.

“Are you okay?” His accented voice, dropped the question.

The occupants of the cabin then, looked at him, like a pair of deers caught in headlights. They both blinked back at him, offering no helpful response.

He raised his hands in defeat, turning back to walk out. “Fine, no one wants to talk to Jorris . . .” He muttered, after exiting the realm of the gaping fishes.

When he left, Natalia and Charles kept glacing at each other before Natalia had the strength to let a word out.

“You should probably. . .” She imitated a shooing motion over the door.

Charles nodded, understanding her order. “If— If you need anything— I’ll be—” He used his thumb as a pointer, indicating the spot where he’ll be staying, stumbling upon his word.

“Go, Charles—” Natalia sighed, running a hand through her face to hide the betraying expression that threatened to expose her disturbing feelings.

“I am going. . .” He hastily zapped out of the room but not before turning back, only to be greeted by Natalia’s deadly stare. He took that as the last warning, slamming the door shut in the process.

At the wake of the silence, Natalia whacked her head on the wall, which was unfortunately covered with a cushioned headboard that protected her skull from shattering into a million pieces.

Reaching for the pillow in front of her, she drew it near her chin, digging her face on top of the soft surface before screaming her lungs out.

Her fingers clutched the covering of the pillow, shoving her face deeper, hoping it would drown out the noise that spilled out of her mouth as agitation devoured her entire being.

Outside her door, stood a figure with his arms crossed, slightly leaning on the door. A knowing smile weaved his lips at the entertaining series of events before walking away to join Charles and their mates.

════ ⋆★⋆ ════ ════ ⋆★⋆ ════

Tags: @charizznorizz @itsjustkhaos

[may-b-a-u-shewritestoo]

The Feeling Is Mutual | | Part 2 | | Spencer Reid x Fem!Reader

PART 1

Summary; You’re both profilers, analysing behaviour and making connections. So why is it so hard to read each other?

Includes; injury to main characters, talk of injury, talk of violence, talk of unsub and weapons, talk of being drugged, sickening amount of fluff, mutual masturbation, (MINORS DNI 18+)talk of sex, dirty talk, no dynamic!, and a bit more fluff :)

Word count; 3.6K

Plans had changed and you were not happy about it. The pattern in victimology had shown that the unsub targeted men who were uncomfortable in social settings. Vulnerable type. Derek, being the giant intimidating boulder of a man he was, wouldn’t have attracted the unsub.

So they were sending in Spencer. Everybody including you knew he would fit the description required for this unsub; but the thought of him being touched or hurt or flirted with by somebody that wasn’t you brought a nauseating heavy feeling in your stomach.

“What’s wrong? You’ve had a permanent frown on your face since we started this morning.”

Spencer could feel the mood thickening in the air of the hotel room as he turned to face you.

He was trying to straighten his tie, completely oblivious to the way you stared at him with a mix you could only describe as anger-lust-fear. You didn’t want to even think about how he would react to you telling him the real reason you were upset so you just sighed and shook your head.

“I just hate last minute changes. I thought we were gonna hang back, let Derek do his ‘thing’ and she’d walk out gripping his unnaturally large bicep.” You twiddled with your fingers as you mumbled an excuse to get Spencer off your back.

“What’s wrong with her walking out on my unnaturally small bicep?” he laughed, trying to lighten the mood. You rolled your eyes, forcing them away from staring at his arms and imagining yourself gripping them in a different situation.

*********************

It was nauseating. The way her fingernails slowly dragged along his forearm, and slipped a little underneath the rolled sleeve. Her stupid voice pitching higher to seem more cute and innocent. He really did fit the part, swallowing thickly and stumbling over his words when she leaned forward a little and exposed her chest a little more.

“Have you ever felt like your body was on fire?” she asked, face now mere inches away from his. Spencer looked over at the security camera that he knew could see them both.

“That’s it. That’s the line. Stand by Y/N, Morgan.” Hotch warned, watching the footage over the nervous shoulders of Garcia.

A young tech student from a local college had been extremely fortunate in escaping the unsub the early hours of this morning. He’d shakily mumbled about her saying about being on fire and then chugging back a pint of straight gin. He asked if she needed help and she’d told him her car was outside if he wouldn’t mind helping her get home.

But as he went to open the driver side door to get in, he noticed her giggling to herself and a gun sitting on her lap. So he ran.

Hotch was worried that his escape would either mess up the trap tonight, or completely change her M.O and she would devolve, leaving you all at another starting point. But luckily for you all, she only had one technique, and was set on using it; so here you all were.

As you stood with your back against the wall, you peeked your head ever so slightly around the bar doors; the small circular window showing the back of her head and Spencer in full view.

“God, she’s making me feel sick. Why is she so touchy? I thought she would’ve dragged him out of here by now.” Whispering with a malicious tone to your voice, Derek chucked quietly at your rage.

“Jealous? Pretty Boy’s getting some attention from a serial killer and you’re jealous?”

“I’m not jealous Morgan. I’m disgusted.” sighing, you rolled your eyes.

“Y/N you know it’s my job. I’m not stupid. Anyone can see you’re completely and utterly-“

“Shut up.”

“Y/N you can change the subject all you like, everybody kno-“

“Derek, they’re gone.”

You had no visual. You couldn’t see her, nor Spencer. Not even an inch of her hair flicking into a different direction, not even a corner of Spencer’s jacket.

“Hotch?” Morgan spoke with a warning inflection into his smart watch.

Scanning the footage for where they could’ve possibly gone, Hotch hurriedly put on his Kevlar and gun before jumping out to head round the back of the bar.

“Guys, I have a visual on Reid. He’s out cold up on the V.I.P balcony. I can’t seem to find-”

Peeking again through the bar window, you didn’t have time to register what Penelope was saying nor what was happening before you felt a dull pain throb through your face. Stumbling backwards and trying to keep your balance, you noticed a warm and fuzzy feeling buzzing across your body before everything went black.

***************

“Can you just shut up and pass me a spoon? I’m not kidding anymore.”

“Get it yourself. You don’t wanna listen to me, why should I listen to you?”

“You’re an asshole Derek. Just so you know. I’ve eaten Jello with a straw before, and I’ll do it again.”

“Boys, will you shut up, her eyes just moved.”

Muffled voices stirred you to consciousness as you struggled to open your eyes. Immediately sending a sharp pain to your head, the lights felt like lasers as you tried to make sense of where you were.

“Jesus H Christ, why are the lights so damn bright?”

“There she is. Good morning pretty girl.” The sweet sounds of Miss Garcia swam through your ears, and her perfume overwhelmed your senses as she leant down to kiss your cheek. “I bought you a cupcake, and I’ve made sure these two don’t touch it.”

Squinting at the two men sitting on the empty hospital bed next to yours, you laughed at the two of them. They were acting like children.

Derek had a plastic spoon in his hand, holding and waving it as far away from Spencer as he possibly could. Spencer sat cross legged, arms folded but with a sealed cup of orange jello in one hand; tutting at Derek with disappointment.

“Would anybody like to update and inform me on why on earth Penelope is babysitting us in a hospital ward?” you asked, attempting to sit up a little bit, and groaning out at how much your body ached.

Spencer almost stood up when you grimaced in pain, but stayed seated as not to look too bothered.

“We caught the unsub,” Derek began to explain, Penelope giggling when you did a silent ‘yay’ and mini jazz hands, “but she roofied Reid, which was new and discovered his badge in his jacket.” He looked over at Reid with a sarcastic look, to which he was met with shrugged shoulders and Spencer digging into his jello.

“As she came back down the stairs to make her escape, she noticed you and Derek arguing or whatever that was outside the bar doors, and snuck into the crowd to watch you. When you tried to find her, I just saw her coming towards the doors but she moved hella fast.” Penelope explained, sipping from a bright pink tumbler.

“She kicked the door that you were stood behind, and then basically jumped you until you were unconscious, but didn’t quite realise I was there. So I got her. Pretty Boy here woke up a few hours ago just hungry.”

Spencer looked up at Derek and smiled, letting everyone know he was too invested in the jello to retaliate to his sarcasm. He glimpsed over at you and smiled in a different way, which Penelope caught on to immediately.

“Anyway! The doctor said you have a lot of bruised ribs but other than that you are good to go home today! Did you want me to stay over at yours? I can bring more cupcakes?” She asked sweetly, passing you the sprinkle covered cupcake and unwrapping it for you.

She was the equivalent of a big sister and a mom to you; always looking out for you, making sure you’d eaten but also joining in on gossip and hosting alcoholic themed sleepovers. She knew about yours and Spencer’s hookups, after the one time you were accidentally too loud in the hotel room next to hers.

You’d been sat on a swivel chair in her office, begging and pleading and bribing with sweet treats and baked goods for her not to tell a soul and as far as you were aware, she stuck to her promise. With a dramatic mime of locking her lips shut, she had grabbed a croissant from your hands and turned back to her computer.

“I could - sorry - I could stay over if you’d prefer Y/N? I know we’ve got a few episodes of Black Mirror to catch up on?” Spencer jumped at the chance to interrupt, correcting himself as his volume came out louder than planned.

Nodding quickly with a huge beaming smile and a mouth full of cupcake, you could feel yourself internally healing already.

“I’d like that. If that’s okay Pen? I’ve tried to explain to him that you can’t ‘catch up’ on Black Mirror but he won’t have it.” You carried on enjoying the sugary treat, as Spencer carried on eating his; ignoring the blatant smirks being swapped between Derek and Penelope.

*****************

As far as you were concerned the past weekend had gone way too quickly. Coming home from hospital on Thursday evening, Spencer had stayed over and still hadn’t left.

It was just about Sunday morning, and you’d both passed out after playing cards until 3am. He’d kept you so busy and your brain occupied you’d barely had time to think about your body aching and healing. He made you laugh so hard at times you were tempted to call the emergency room back to see if they could check you in again.

You guys hadn’t kissed or barely touched except to cuddle on the couch; even then Spencer was hesitant because he was convinced he’d do more damage. But it wasn’t the aches and pains that was getting to you. It was the way you felt starved of touch and affection.

Usually you both would be particularly in the mood, would call one another up and you’d both satiate each other’s needs before maybe having a cuddle and leaving.

In all fairness, the last time you felt him was only yesterday morning when he came to give you some tea in bed. He’d sat beside you - very gently - drinking his own sugar and coffee; hand holding onto your thigh and stroking lightly. It was all too sweet. Sweeter than the concoction he made to drink every morning.

But now you’d woken up only a few hours after going to sleep, the room still a shade of blue and gray. Sunrise was on its way, but night was still present, no birdsong could be heard; but the soft hums of Spencer Reid sleeping filled the air.

You knew that Hotch had given the both of you time off, you had nowhere to be for 2 more days. You wanted oh so desperately to shake him awake, jump his bones and go several rounds until you were due in, but not only could your body not physically take it; your heart couldn’t either.

Something felt different. Unrecognised, the feeling of wanting something else flooded your thoughts. Did you want to be fucked? Did you want to lay in Spencer’s arms for the entire day and be held? Or did you want both?

The way he’d smiled over at you when you woke up in hospital made you feel like you’d driven over a speed bump, your tummy swirling around and doing backflips. How he’d stayed with you after, how he’d looked after you and listened to you this whole time.

Unbeknownst to you however, while you were deep in thought about whatever this weird feeling was; Spencer had blinked his eyes open, rested his head in one of his hands and was watching you.

“What’re you thinking about?”

You jumped, grimacing as you stretched out a rib that you definitely shouldn’t have stretched out. “I’m currently thinking about how much that hurt, how much I hate you and how much I’m going to regret being awake later.”

Spencer laughed, a slight husk from tiredness layered into it. He brought his opposite hand up and stroked up and down your spine, noticing how goosebumps formed underneath his fingertips.

“You cold?”

“No.”

“Come here.”

Slowly laying back down, you groaned out in a mixture of uncomfortableness and relief as you got back into the warm spot next to Reid. Looking over at him made you feel giddy, the way you would feel getting ready for a date or a big event. You were nervous. But why?

“What’s going on in that pretty head of yours Y/N?” he asked sweetly, fingers coming up to stroke your cheek. He quickly withdrew them and cleared his throat, laying back down completely parallel beside you.

“Spencer, are you tired right now?”

“No. Are you?” He shuffled onto his side again.

“No. Quite the opposite.” with slight struggle, you mirrored his position, laying on your side and looking into his eyes with a lazy smile.

“Y/N, I can’t, you’re struggling to even lay down let alone-“

“No Spencer, I’m not hinting at sex. Although the millisecond I can, I will.” you laughed out, edging slightly closer to him. His breath hitched, and he shuffled awkwardly.

“What do you want?”

“I want to feel good Spence,”

“I thought you just said-“

“I want to feel good. So, I’m going to make myself feel good.” Your voice dropped a little, hoping that Spencer would catch on to what you were implying. Sometimes he could catch your drift, other times you would have to spell it out for him. Luckily for you, it was the former.

He nodded, waiting for you to make the next move. Watching you with intent, he began taking in each tiny detail of you.

The way you kept your eyes on his but let your hand trail down your body. The sigh of relief and arousal as you shuffled a little closer to him again, before laying on your back slowly and getting ready and comfortable. You let out a deep exhale while trailing your other hand over your chest, squeezing ever so lightly.

“Fuck Y/N. You’re really gonna do it? What if you hurt, the doctor recommended not strain-“

“Spencer, stop. I know my limits. I also know that if I don’t make myself cum soon I might actually spontaneously combust.”

He chuckled at your silliness, before remembering something. “There’s actually been less than 150 cases of spontaneous combustion recorded in almost 2000 years, so I doubt that your heightened state of arousal could cause you-“

“Spencer Reid, if you don’t shut up and kiss me right now I will make sure I’m the 150th case.”

He giggled and leant down to your lips, holding your face with one hand and holding himself up with the other arm. Pressing gently against your lips as if you were made of glass, he smiled against you; letting out a small moan as you reached up and pulled him closer into the kiss.

Your fingers circling over your clit through your panties caused you to wind your hips up against your hand gently, remembering not to overdo it. Moaning out quietly as you applied more pressure, Spencer pulled back to watch you.

“You look so beautiful Y/N.” He whispered, eyes darting between your face concentrated with pleasure and your hands roaming around your body.

He could feel himself growing and stiffening underneath his pyjama pants when you whimpered in response, and he bucked instinctively as the material grew tighter.

“Do you wanna touch yourself too Spence?” you mumbled out, movements staying the same speed but your head turning to watch him,“Touch yourself with me, feel what I’m feeling.”

“Yes, please.” Spencer laid down beside you again, his arm touching yours. Gripping himself through his pants he hissed out at the sudden contact.

Leaning your head against his shoulder, you watched to see what his next move would be; waiting to mirror him. He caught on to you copying his movements as he slipped his hands underneath his pants, a mix of a chuckle and a moan falling from his lips as you did the same.

“God this is so sexy..” Spencer moaned out louder this time, as he grasped his cock fully in his palm. Mimicking his actions, you also became a little louder; the feeling of skin touching skin becoming more and more intense.

“Tell me something Spence.” you spoke breathily, fingers applying more pressure to your clit and switching to dip inside yourself.

Curling his wrist with every sharp tug and squeezing the head of his cock every time he reached the top, all he could do was try to take deep breaths where he held them for so long.

“I thought about you. When she flirted with me.”

You wanted to pause, wondering why he brought up an unsub in the middle of such an intimate moment. But his next words only brought you closer to your brink.

“When I looked over her shoulder and saw you watching, saw the anger in your eyes. You looked so fucking mad baby. I couldn’t figure out why, but I liked it. When she touched me, I wished it was your hands. I thought about you the whole time, fuck.” Spencer squeezed his eyes shut, trying to not look at you in order to keep calm and patient with his orgasm.

“Yeah? Wished it was me leaning over you like that?” You could barely string a sentence together with how good you felt, your thighs clenching together around your wrist, your hips bucking up as much as your body allowed them to.

“Mhmm. Thought about taking you home, bending you over my couch with your uniform still on.”

“Fuck Spence. She made me so jealous, I wanted to go in there and rip her off of you. Would’ve made you mine right there at the bar.”

He hissed and groaned out, speeding up even more, matching the pace you had set yourself; aiming to finish with you.

“Fuck. I’m all yours Y/N, this cock is all fucking yours.” He was so close, throbbing and thrusting into his fist, pulling his head back so he could watch your face.

Hearing him say he was yours dragged you to the edge of your orgasm, thighs beginning to shake a little. Your wrist was growing tired but you refused to stop, too caught up in the gradually increasing pleasure.

“I’m so close honey, please,” you pulled your gaze away from where he stroked himself to meet his eyes, wanting to watch his face as he toppled over the edge too, “please tell me I can come, I wanna come for you.”

You grew needy, ignoring the ache in your torso as you writhed against your fingers, your head falling back as you felt the waves coming. Spencer watched as you slowly began to fall and crash into it.

Tugging at himself with the same speed as you, he quickly moved onto his side a little to watch you better. Pressing his lips to your neck, he bit down gently before whispering the words you needed.

“Let it go for me Y/N, you can come. Come for me,” As you slipped under the waves and felt like you were drowning in the numb yet intense pulsation, Spencer coaxed you through it as he too got carried away by his own throbbing, “that’s it baby, fuck I’m coming, oh my go-, ah fuck it feels so good.”

Spencer became quickly overwhelmed by his orgasm, rolling onto his back again as he carried on spilling onto his stomach. Continuing to slowly rub yourself, you came down from your crescendo and watched as he worked himself through his.

“Fuck Spencer, there’s so much.” Leaving little kisses along his shoulder, you giggled sweetly as he tensed with the aftershocks and tried to catch his breath. He grinned with a post-orgasm smile and turned his head to nestle against the top of yours.

“Are you okay?” Spencer murmured into your hair, leaving a little kiss on the crown of your head. Simply nodding against his shoulder, you attempted to shuffle closer but forgot how tense your body had been in its peak.

“Fuck. Can you help me?” Giggling and wincing at the same time as an attempt to sit up. Spencer laughed at you sweetly, sitting himself up quickly and snaking an arm underneath your back.

Pulling you up smoothly, he left a light kiss against your temple before slipping his other arm underneath your legs and hoisting you up.

“Wait, where are we going?” You whined out, wrapping your arms around his neck and shoulders. He walked the two of you into the en-suite and set you down gently on the counter.

“I am going to get us cleaned up,” he smiled at you before getting a washcloth ready, “and then we’re going to talk about us.”

He began to wipe the washcloth across his chest and his stomach, looking up curiously when you asked, “Us?”

“Wait. What you said about- when you said that thing about making me yours? Did I completely misread that? Because I feel- I thought it was obvious that I felt-“ He stumbled, self consciousness creeping in slowly as he realised he may have taken it too far.

But you smiled softly, grabbing the cloth from his hands and pulling him to rest between your legs. At least he’d cleared the air for you. You didn’t feel remotely nervous anymore.

Cupping his face in your hands and stroking along his jaw with each thumb, you pulled him in for a delicate kiss. Grinning against his lips, he returned the motion and kissed you once more.

“The feeling is mutual, Spencer.”

[youarejesting]

Wash out.19

[Master List]

Banners: @purpleskies1999​ Pairings: Dolphintrainer!Taehyung x SharkDiver!Jin,  Mer!Jimin x Reader, Scientist!Namjoon x MerKing!Jungkook, Mer!Yoongi x Mer!Hoseok. Rating: 16+ Genre: Mystery, Romance, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, little bit of Action, Slice of life, Enemies2Lovers, Friends2lovers, Social media au, Fake Texts, Fake Subs.

Summary: Taehyung and his best friend Y/N are Dolphin trainers at Wash Out; Marine Wildlife and Theme Park. When the nerdy marine biologist and resident veterinarian Doctor Kim Namjoon goes missing; the two friends form a ragtag team with Taehyung’s rival Seokjin and a…. Fish?

[Prev] [Next]

The group got ready to move, shoes secured tightly and plans painstakingly drilled into their heads. “Okay, once you're in the drain the hard work is done.” Seokjin grunted, helping load Jimin into the back of his car. He didn’t want to admit it but he was nervous, scared for their lives. One wrong move and they were all going to prison, he had too pretty of a face to waste in a prison. It was raining quite heavily and the group was unsure if the weather would help or hinder their plan.

There was a nervous air surrounding all of them and Seokjin felt odd, normally he would feel nothing if he saw the dolphin trainers suffering. Normally he would gloat, but it was as if their suffering amplified his. When had he gotten attached.

The front seat felt cold and his body was tense making the ride a little rougher than usual. He heard a small sniff and looked into the rearview mirror meeting your eyes.

“Y/n, why are you leaking?” Jimin asked, his face and tone expressing his concern and curiosity, “Are you hurt?”

“It’s called crying,” Seokjin said, taking pity on the boy's unanswered questions. You were clearly unfit to answer without bursting into tears. He hadn’t realized the two of you had grown so close. It was obvious now, how could Seokjin have been so blind to your growing feelings for the young man. Just like Romeo and Juliet your love was doomed as you were a human and he was part fish.

“Human’s cry when they are sad,” Seokjin’s voice softened his eyes, blinking away the mist in his own eyes. It wasn’t good for a driver's vision to be impaired. 

“Why are you sad? I am going home,” Jimin smiled, touching your shoulder, Seokjin saw you turn away, squeezing your eyes shut as if to expel all your tears at once.

“You are going home, we are happy but it means we will never see you again, we will never be able to laugh, talk, play and eat food together,” Seokjin sighed, he glanced in the rearview mirror at the young man seeing him swallow and his smile fall. It seemed he didn’t realize what going home meant, “On top of that, I think You and Y/n have gotten quite close and losing someone you are close to hurts.”

“It’s okay, I am happy too,” You laughed wiping your eyes forcing a water smile, “I want you to be happy and being stuck in a bathtub or tank won’t do that for you.”

The group were getting closer, you had taken a range of side roads in hope of avoiding the check points. Seokjin saw the police and froze up, they asked him to pull over and he took a few panicked breaths. 

“Play it cool Jin,” Taehyung squeezed the older man's hand but it wasn’t registering. They had to get to that drain pipe and they had to get there now. With shaking hands Jin turned up the radio Loner by Outsider played the soft melody through the cabin of the car and Seokjin took off past the police rapping at top speed.

He took turns left and right through the suburban area and looked in the rearview nothing yet but he could hear the sirens, screeching the lyrics, his face red. He pulled up and the three of you scrambled out of his car as Seokjin took off down the road.

The group slipped into the drain quickly, the police hot on Seokjin’s tail. 

The water splashing up to their knees and clutching Jimin as best they could as they ran. The group kept moving as quickly and quietly as they could, the water was up to your hips, meaning you would need a way out and quickly. The rain was heavier and would fill up the drain quickly, so time was of the essence. 

Taehyung was running as fast as he could through the water. Emerging out the other side of the private beach by Namjoon’s home. Up by the house were the police and the men from the amusement park. Swearing the two of you ran straight for the beach, shouts echoing from behind. 

“Take him, I am slowing you down, I will hold them off.” You shouted at Taehyung, grabbing Jimin’s face and kissing him. Tears were falling softly down Jimin’s cheeks and he touched them confused, you pulled back running at the police trying to block them off. 

Taehyung dragged Jimin across the sand into the water, the two of them watching as you were tackled to the ground. Taehyung had gotten Jimin out far enough, CEO Schmidt had caught up not stopping for Y/n but heading straight for his prized possession. Jimin lashed out clawing the old man until he fell limp in the water.

“Get out of here and stay safe,” Taehyung smiled

“What about you guys?” Jimin said the tears were unable to stop, his face contorted in pain as he heard you crying in fear. The roar of an engine could be heard along with police sirens filling the air.

“We will be fine, we will-” Taehyung’s face froze in horror, Jimin took off not letting Taehyung finish, shocked by the sight unfolding before him like it was in slow motion.

Seokjin knew there was no way this would end well, he was running out of road so he headed for Namjoon’s holiday home, driving at top speed he tore across the grassy lawn mud flying everywhere in the rain and pressed the accelerator to the floor aiming for the cliff.

Eyes squeezed shut he hit the water with a jolt hard like an aggressive game of bumper cars, he didn’t know when it happened but the water filled the cabin, he undid his belt calmly and pushed open the door. He was a professional diver, he had his experiences with controlling and slowing his breathing.

He felt a hand on his and he was dragged across the ocean, Jimin encouraged him to take a breath, his voice muffled but just as sweet and melodic underwater. Following his instructions Seokjin felt himself able to breathe, taking shallow breaths and letting Jimin pull him along.

The police were shocked they had seen the two carrying a mermaid back to the water, they watched it kill the CEO and swim away. The whole situation was insane. 

“Excuse me, I think there has been a mistake, my name is Rory Davidson the leader of Management for Wash Out theme park. If you would like to listen to the full story I am happy to explain and show you evidence but these two have done nothing wrong.” Rory explained, Taehyung knew he was a good guy after he let them take Jimin in the first place. “They were falsely accused of stealing from the park when really they were returning the young Merman to the ocean. We are happy to answer all your questions, provide you with evidence and revoke any charges set on these two.”

The police were provided with all the evidence they needed and even though they were still confused they had to admit, there was no evidence they had done anything wrong. 

“I would like to give you back your jobs, we will release a public statement that it was a false accusation. I know this is hard right now with the loss of your friend but take your time, you will have paid leave and can come back when you are ready.” Rory explained, “I have been working my way up the chain of command in the park hoping one day to be able to become a more human place. Animals and people shouldn’t be locked up. I am sure you know that by now.”

With those last words the two of you were dropped out the front of Taehyung’s apartment where the two of you spent the night curled up crying in each other's arms.

[Prev] [Next]

Tags: @backinblack1967​ @miriamxsworld​ @moccahobi​ @simplymemyself​ @a-gayish-unicorn​

How can I save this to read later?

Follow and turn on notifications so you never miss an update

Add your name to a tag list [HERE]

Reblog this post with the hashtag #Washout

Or you can like this post (but good luck trying to find it a week later, we both know how many things you like a day, perhaps we will meet again in the future.)

[wandering-child-rp]

For the mini fic: what about number 7 things you said while driving for E/C 💖💖

“Thanks for the lift. You didn’t have to. I could have gotten the bus.” Christine forced a smile onto her nervous face as Erik gripped the steering wheel a little harder. It was painful for him but he didn’t like the idea of Christine alone on public transport late at night.

The lights of the highway would bathe the saloon car into bright light every so often and gave them both some shadows to hide in. Christine put the lead in her stomach down to nerves.

“I don’t mind driving you. I know you’d do the same for me if I needed a favour.”

“Except I don’t have a car and I cannot drive.” Christine laughed, it was a one-sided friendship. It was strange really. He didn’t seem to have many friends and it was always Christine chasing him. Unless it was after a lesson because then Erik always had a fantastic dinner for her, a great bottle of wine and he was good company. There had been a while when Christine had developed a crush on him but it was never reciprocated. She’d given him a thousand opportunities and lingering a little longer than needed at the door waiting for a kiss that never came.

Her hands stretched over her thighs with a huff of air.

“Nervous?” Erik asked but desperately he didn’t want to hear Christine pour out her feelings about her new boyfriend. He hated the constant buzzing of her phone when they sat together or the way she’d smile and laugh at whatever was on that stupid screen.

“Yeah... a little. I wish he could have come back instead of me flying out to him.” Erik’s large hand landed onto Christine’s with a comforting squeeze.

“I know. It’s sad your missing the season opener.” In his heart of hearts, he wanted Christine to be sat next to him in the box. He wanted to twist the playbill in his hands over and over trying to pluck up the courage to slide his hand into hers. Exactly like it was now. His hazel eyes went wide and he whipped away the warmth all too suddenly leaving Christine confused again and feeling like an imposition.

It would have been nice to go with Erik. He was a gentleman truly. Yes, he was a little older than her but he was sweet and respectful. Meg kept saying it was just a crush on an older man who had that mysterious thing but Christine wasn’t so sure. She laughed at his clever jokes and dumb ones and could listen for hours to him play or dissect a film scene by scene. He lent her books that he thought she needed to read and empowered her beyond belief. Only when she needed it though did he interfere.

</i>

“Your favourite book is ‘Pride and prejudice? Did Mr Darcy like Elizabeth more because she was outspoken and her own woman?” Christine only nodded. “Then stop pandering to these idiots. Yes, take their direction but not when it cuts you down. If it doesn’t stop I’ll bloody tell them.”

“They’re bossy; not romantic though.” She said trying to lighten the atmosphere and stop feeling like such a silly little girl. Erik only raised his eyebrows and bit his tongue trying to keep his attention solely on the tv in front of them. “No one has ever declared their undying love for me.”

“Maybe if you followed the advice.” </i>

Erik remembered that night. The air hung thick as Christine ran her finger around the rim of her glass and the silence rang. He knew he loved her then. It was sudden and all at once; like drowning. He fought it but couldn’t swim to the surface again. It was fine when it was just lessons and direction but then they met up. She didn’t look at the mask but at Erik’s eye. He held his temper and the time it was ragged, she simply laid her hand on his shoulder and then it took all his power not to declare his feelings. Erik wasn’t stupid; she was young, beautiful and smart. Out of his league. Then, she suddenly had a boyfriend on the scene after a connection with an old friend. It was dreadful to watch them. Erik was waiting at the stage door with flowers but they ended up in the trash can when he realised he’d been beaten to the punch.

The pair came to the airport all too quickly. Christine methodically checked off her list for the hundredth time.

“Passport? Yes. Money? Yes. Ticket? Yes. Phone? Yes. Makeup bag? Yep. So, I’m all set.” Christine looked beautiful in her thick sweater, the mass of curls blow dried out by the hairstylist this morning and her body bouncing nervous energy as she smiled widely at Erik with the harsh light reflecting off his mask. “Vienna, here I come! City of opera dreams and I’ll be back in a few weeks.”

Erik knew she wouldn’t come back. She had nothing in Paris anymore and her father was back in Sweden. He knew the allure of a new city and a new start but he’d miss her too much to admit. She was tense and clearly something was distracting her, as always, she just blurted it out after only a stern look from her mentor.

“He’s nice, right? He’s not texted much but now a driver is going to pick me up? That’s okay, isn’t it?” Erik wouldn’t dream of it. He would even let her take public transport alone and insisted she stayed in his guest room when he caved and shared a bottle of wine with her.

“Yes.” He replied monosyllabically before adding some care when he saw Christine's face drop a little. “Let me know when you get to his house at least. Goodbye, angel.”

‘Angel’ Christine melted just like when he’d coined the term back for her. She had not known his name when the first note had come or the loud shout across the stage from a fast-moving figure. Erik had told her to start an octave higher and, it had worked perfectly, she had hit the last note despite not knowing. Jokingly, she’d referred to him since as her ‘Angel of music’. It had become truthful as her broken heart had begun to mend itself.

“I can still call you, can’t I?” Erik noted she was picking at the handle of her bag and delaying for time. Nodding, Erik was about to splurge out everything but as he opened his mouth, some jackass behind him started to honk for the drop off space.

“Of course. Good luck with the audition. I’ll come to see you perform, I’m sure.”

He watched her walk away with the backpack that was his before, handbag and battered suitcase decorated with a floral print. It wasn’t medically possible but he was quite sure he could physically feel his heartbreaking. The tears clouded his vision so Erik gave up trying and pulled in for a drive-through coffee he’d normally baulk at. Red and white lights flashed overhead as planes carrying people off to their dreams, vacations and loved ones. The pain came in another crashing wave as he saw the coffee Christine got flash on the menu board; double-shot caramel latte. How was it possible for a coffee to cause a thousand stabs of ice to a heart. Erik reconciled himself to just wait out the hour and a half to watch her plane take off into the night sky. Then he’d go home and drink his body weight in liquor.

The whole plane groaned as the captain announced the delay. They’d sat on the tarmac for half an hour but it felt so much longer for someone as nervous as she was. Christine swore under her breath as she wrestled the backpack from the compartment. Why wasn’t Erik here? He never had to stand on his tiptoes to reach anything.

1 Voice Note from ‘Angel of Music 🎶 (ERIK DESTLER). 20 minutes ago. Christine held the phone to her ear as she jostled her way through disgruntled people and his velvet tones spilled into her ears.

‘So, I’m just at Starbucks and I can’t not say this anymore. I’m so sorry to do this, Christine, and like this. Look, just don’t listen past this but let me do it. We can pretend it never happened. I really want you to be happy and I don’t care if that’s not with me but... fuck... I don’t even know why I’m doing this but... here goes. I love you. A lot. Always have and always will. You can’t blame me because look at you and look at me. I know you won’t feel the same but I care for you so much, Christine. My wretched heart will always belong to you. The one who saw through the bullshit. Don’t think nothing or no one is missing you in Paris because I will be. Don’t dwell on it though. Go be happy... If you want to come home or something goes wrong, I’ll buy your ticket home and be waiting to collect you. Anytime, any day, just call me. You can always call me. No questions asked.’ There was a noise of a steering wheel being slapped and Erik squeezing his nose and clearing his throat before a new note started. ‘Anyway, just call me if you need and, best of luck. I know you’ll be perfect and don’t take any shit from anyone. I’ll get over all of this and I’m sorry. Unless you didn’t listen to that message in which case, erm, send me a postcard kid.’

Christine felt like the world had fallen out from under her and anything she thought was true wasn’t anymore. Throwing her handbag onto the seat, she paced around and listened to the message again. Surely she’d misheard him.

Erik perched himself on the wing of his car. His third cup of coffee in one hand a cigarette in the other as he blew smoke into the sky and watched a plane take off. Her flight was seven minutes late but he saw the green tail knew it was her flight as the flight app hadn’t updated with the last-minute delay.

“Fucking hell, Erik...” he mumbled to himself and threw the butt of the cigarette away after only taking three drags. “Stupid bastard...”

Never before had he felt so deflated but with freedom now. It was out into the world regardless of his regrets or lack of. The words where just like the smoke; impossible to catch or recall in the night sky. It was what it was, Erik thought as he sat back in the driver's seat and drummed the leather wheel defeated. He sat there spinning his phone on his thigh whilst the radio played the weather forecast monotonously. He had muted Christine and unmuted her twice just in case she needed him suddenly yet he hadn’t looked to see if she heard the message before boarding. The timing was meant to be that she’d already have shut off her phone before getting on the plane. It was nearly an hour ago since he’d practically bled the words out of his mouth and tonight, he’d go home and get very drunk before sleeping in tomorrow and he’d remain drunk until the opening night of the opera in four days. Then, he’d force himself back together and to face the world.

“Erik?” That voice. His head whipped around quickly and pulled a muscle. “My- my flight got delayed.”

His face visibly dropped but Christine held up her phone with the screen illuminating the picture of the artwork in Erik’s corridor that she adored. It was a perfect metaphor. Even when it wasn’t about him, Erik was never far from her thoughts.

“I got your message.” The young woman was nervous and simply flying on instinct as the moments turned into seconds and she was closing the gap between them and then her body hit his and their lips met in a breathless kiss full of fire and longing. Christine’s smile was large and her eyes crinkled when Erik looked shocked and confused. Slowly, his long arms wrapped around her waist and one knee shook weakly. She was here, in his arms and smiling at the thought of him. “I wish you’d told me before.”

“I didn’t want to cloud our friendship.”

“Friendship? Erik, it was never just a friendship with us. It doesn’t take me five minutes to unlock my door and say goodbye in the car and I wanted you. I thought you could see that-“

In response, his lips met hers again as one palm cradled her cheek. The mask was unforgiving but Christine knew what was underneath already from coming over early months ago. He’d freaked out and was embarrassed but she handled it without a moment of thought.

“Are you staying?” Erik whispered with a voice dripping with dark honey and his nose rubbed against hers as Christine cuddled him close in the chilly night with her arms around his neck.

Several hours later and Erik was kissing Christine’s nude shoulder as he cuddled behind her still unable to sleep despite their activities. Christine hummed in happily nuzzled softly in a bed that smelt of his cologne. She couldn’t stop thanking delayed flights and voice notes of deep thoughts in cars. She could have missed out on her love so easily but as Erik’s chest pressed against her back in his bed, Christine knew she was exactly where she was meant to be.

@sloanedestler

[twoidiotwriters1]

Written In The Stars CXXXIX (Harry Potter xF!Oc)

A/N: I’m scared to see how you guys will react to this one, hope you at least find it enjoyable despite my very self-indulgent plots -Danny 

P.S. Huge s/o to @bwbatta​ bc I decided to update my fic and now I have pretty dividers in all my books! Most of the ones I ended up using are her work so go check it out :)

Words: 4,641

Series’ Masterlist

Book V // Next Chapter

Listen to: ‘Need Your Love’ -by Joshua Wicker

Chapter One: Dumbledore's Mission.

"A galleon says Erick will crash the car —"

"Shut up!"

"Don't make him nervous," Emily scolded Harry. "If you continue this I won't teach you how to drive!"

"We don't need to learn," Mel snorted. "We'll apparate everywhere..."

"I thought you hated it," Her mother raised a brow.

"Yeah, but she's lazy," Harry smirked.

"Why is Harry here? He's not allowed to leave the house, is he?" Mel frowned.

"He's not allowed to be alone outside, there's a difference. We're babysitting two infants, unfortunately..." Erick taunted.

"What's the matter, Flint? You have stage-fright?" Harry replied.

"Oh please, he feeds on attention! Like a dementor but in a more annoying way..."

"Enough!" Emily looked over her seat. "Is that the kind of things you want to teach your brother?"

"I doubt he'll remember any of this!"

"We know he can do it, Em, we're just teasing," Harry said blithely.

"Yeah, he's the only adult here apart from you, mum. It's kind of his obligation to be good at driving."

The baby let out a squeal of agreement, he was three weeks old but had a good set of lungs that he was happy to use at any given time, especially while everyone was sleeping.

Harry leaned and checked that the baby's blankets. Mel beamed at the sight, the boy had pretty much adopted the boy as his own brother, which she thought made a lot of sense, not only because it was Sirius' son, but because he'd been part of her family for so long that anything else would've been silly.

They were well aware that bringing little Regulus to their driving lessons was a bit risky, but Emily wasn't as keen to leave Mel and Harry alone in the house as she used to, so she put a few safety spells on the chair once the baby was seated while Harry and Mel sat on both sides of it.

Erick turned out to be a good driver, but he still had a bit of trouble understanding how cars worked.

"I have to be pulling and pushing stuff all the time!" He complained as he activated the windshield on accident for the third time. "Why can't I just turn the key and press the pedal?"

"Cars don't work like that," Emily said patiently. "It's complicated, but you're good!"

"He's only gone up and down the street for half an hour, Leggie fell asleep already," The girl huffed.

Emily looked over the seat once again, she was frowning. "Erick, switch seats with Mel."

"You're joking... right?"

"Erick," The woman repeated.

"On it," He said happily. "C'mon Mel, are you scared?"

Ten minutes later, Erick was in the backseat and she was tightly holding onto the wheel.

"I'm doing it!" She said. "Is not that hard, is it?"

"A slug could move faster," Harry was looking at the roof of the car and dying of heat. "I thought you were going to be more... the reckless type of driver."

"Me too..." Erick agreed lazily, he was playing with one of Reggie's feet.

"I'm not going faster, my brother's in the car!" Mel scoffed.

"We're not asking you to! Just enough so we can feel like we're actually moving!"

"Bringing you three was a bad idea," Emily said over the boys' laughter.

"Fine!" Mel pressed down the pedal, the car immediately gaining speed. "I'm was just being careful!"

"Which makes me proud," Emily softly patted her shoulder. "It feels like it was yesterday when you were running around Remus' house in nothing but a diaper and now you're driving!"

"The other night I ran into her wearing no pants, so she's hasn't changed really," Erick murmured nonchalantly. "I stepped on Grey's tail thanks to that... maybe that's why he hates me so much."

"What?" Harry's head snapped to the side so fast he hurt himself.

"I forgot you live here now! Sometimes I sleep like that, s'not a crime!" She looked at Harry through the rearview mirror. "I've been an only child for sixteen years, sometimes I forget there are more than two people in my house..."

"I'm surprised her scream didn't wake up Leon," Erick sniggered.

"He's a heavy sleeper like his dad," Emily responded distractedly.

The conversation died instantly. It wasn't the woman's intention, of course, but it'd been only a few weeks since Sirius' passing, sometimes they would forget for a moment, just a brief second, then one of them would talk about Sirius and everything would start again...

It was painful, and it was weird. Mel had never endured something like this with anyone except Harry. Having a larger group of people sharing the same pain was strangely comforting.

Mel cleared her throat. "It's Harry's turn..."

"I'm okay," He said quickly. "I can learn another day..."

"Glasses, you and I have a tradition of experiencing things at the same time," The girl stopped the car and turned to look at him. "You're not going to ruin our streak. Besides, I need to know if I'm better than you."

Harry stared at her in amusement, then he looked at Erick.

"Is it fun, having her bossing you around all day?"

"I boss her around too," Erick smirked.

"They take turns," Her mother sighed.

"I'm sorry to hear that," Harry gave the woman a look of sympathy as he stepped out of the car.

"There are worse things than being stuck with two pushy teenagers..."

"Hey!"

"Sorry," Emily smirked. "A pushy teenager and a pushy adult."

"If it annoys you that much I'll move out," Mel offered humorously. "What d'you say, Prince? Should we try our luck outside our comfort zone?"

"You wouldn't last a day," Erick taunted.

"Fiddlesticks," Mel muttered, to which Harry laughed.

It was around three in the morning when someone knocked on her door. She'd been awake for a while now, so she stood up and opened it.

"Hi," She rubbed her eyes. "What's up?"

"Can't sleep," Erick mumbled. "Care if I stay a moment?"

"Go ahead..."

She went back to bed, Erick sat at the edge and stared at her for a moment. Grey let out a sleepy growl, curling further away from his reach. Erick pulled out his pocket watch, now hanging from a chain he'd found in Regulus Black's room back in Grimmauld Place. The reason why he'd taken it was unknown to Mel.

"What's up?" She mumbled, suppressing a yawn.

"I'm thinking."

"About?"

"How lucky I am."

Mel let out a puff of air without replying. He would do this often, say he was lucky to be there, that she'd saved his life... She just wanted him to shut up.

"I really don't want to punch you, Prince, I'd ruin your pretty nose."

He smiled, unbothered.

"You know, a few years ago you would've been pleased to hear me say that, you ungrateful git."

"Yeah well, a few years ago my biggest dream was to become a princess," She joked. "So you see my priorities were a bit messed up..."

"You'd make a cute princess."

"C'mon —"

"I mean it."

"Erick," Mel said in a tone of warning. "Stop."

He'd been acting like that for a whole week: flirting when no one was around, complimenting her... Mel had closed up so tightly around herself that she was barely capable of saying I love you to her mum. Erick had lived deprived of affection his whole life and was just getting out of that environment. At what point had she become the cold, distant one, and he the ray of sunshine?

She knew right away what he was trying to do, but she was so numb... Mel cared about him, but she was not there yet.

Erick leaned on the wall and tilted his head a bit so he could look at her.

"I'm sorry."

"Why?" She replied. "It's not your fault... I just — I need time."

He nodded shortly.

"We can talk later?"

He was wonderful, but she was in the middle of all that was wrong in their world, right next to Harry and the lifeline that she still hadn't decided whether she wanted to keep or not.

"We should go to bed," She murmured, still unable to make any real decisions for herself.

"Yeah," He stood up, carefully putting the blankets back in place and dropping them all over Grey on purpose. He put the watch back in his pocket as well. "Sweet dreams, Mely."

The Ministry of Magic

PROTECTING YOUR HOME AND FAMILY AGAINST DARK FORCES

The Wizarding community is currently under threat from an organization calling itself the Death Eaters. Observing the following simple security guidelines will help protect you, your family, and your home from attack.

"I have a better way to protect our house," Erick groaned, he was gently rubbing his temples. "Let Leon cry the whole night and not even Voldemort will try to enter... I myself am starting to consider living on the street just to get away from the noise."

"S'not that bad," She answered, the dark circles under her eyes giving her away. "It's hard to get used to being a human, you know?"

"Look at this," Emily unfolded the newspaper. "'Scrimgeour succeeds Fudge' — Well, haven't met him yet but I hope he's got a bit of brain, Tonks told me a few months back that he's certainly a bit brisker..."

The doorbell rang and Mel left to open the door.

The routine at that point was established even if it had been only two weeks since their arrival; Erick got used to life at Privet Drive quite easily, he spent two whole days examining every corner of the kitchen, and when Mel showed him what a movie was, he wasted a whole day in the drawing-room watching the movie adaptations of the books she'd lent to him.

Harry would go daily to check on"Reg". Once he'd stayed the night but refused to sleep in Mel's room, not that she'd tried to convince him otherwise.

"Goodmorning," She opened the door without paying attention, "you're a bit late for breakfast but I'll let it pass as soon as you —"

She stopped talking at the sight of her great-uncle, Dumbledore smiled at her and walked in.

"I can't stay for breakfast, but I dare say I regret it deeply."

"Professor... I — Is everything okay?"

"Certainly."

"To what do we owe the pleasure?"

Mel turned to see her mother standing near the stairs, gazing at Dumbledore coldly.

"Emily," Dumbledore said. "Good morning... I'm here to speak with Mr Flint."

"Is he in trouble?"

"Quite the contrary, I believe he's never been better."

"Professor," Erick's posture changed when he walked into the room, suddenly he looked more like a young man and less like a boy. "What can I do for you?"

"I have a mission for you... Mel as well, but only if she wishes to go."

"She's not of age," The woman replied quickly.

Mel was ready to accept whatever it was he wanted her to do, she needed to feel like she was doing something. Although she wasn't exactly happy to see him so soon after the end of their last term.

"As I said, only if she wishes to come. I assure you she'd be safe."

The girl looked at her mother and then at the men standing in front of her.

"Can I hear what this is about first?"

Emily crossed her arms without uttering a word, her uncle signalled towards the couch.

"A word, then?"

Erick nodded, making a beeline to the closest armchair. Emily turned to leave, but Dumbledore spoke again.

"You can stay."

The woman shared a look with her daughter, Mel couldn't hide her eagerness to hear what the old man had to say.

"I won't sit there and watch history repeat itself," Emily sighed.

The woman left before Mel could say anything. She would talk to her later, but first, she needed to talk to Dumbledore.

"I beg you not to interrupt me while I speak."

Both pupils silently agreed to his petition.

"Now, I find myself in need of a new Professor, but the man I'd been contemplating for the job has been on the run for almost a year — He's not guilty of any crimes," He added, noticing the way their faces grew worried. "He's just afraid like everyone else... I need you to track him down and point me to where he is so I can have a word with him."

"I'll do it," Erick responded instantly.

"Alone?" Mel frowned.

Dumbledore stared at her for a second too long.

"If I remember correctly today is your sixteenth birthday, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Mr Flint turned seventeen in January — You may know that's considered to be the start of our adulthood."

"Yes."

"Erick is allowed to do magic outside school... But you still have a year left."

"I don't see  —"

"You have Matthew's spirit when it comes to saving a friend, Mel. When you were eleven you left this house with Hagrid so you could look for Harry yourself... The time has come for me to finally be honest with you."

"What do you mean 'finally'?" The words were burning a hole in her brain. "You mean all the things you told me when I was in your office last month... that wasn't it?"

Erick stared at them with polite interest, even though she knew he was dying to ask. Mel hadn't told him a thing about that night out of respect for Harry's privacy.

"That was all I had to tell you regarding the Harry," Dumbledore replied. "There are plenty of things I haven't said, and I wish to talk about them with you."

"And if I agree to go with Erick on this mission... you'll tell me?" Mel raised a brow.

"I'll tell you whether you help me with this or not, but I believe there's nothing else I can teach you, Mel. All that's left for you is to start putting your knowledge to use; I recommend you to go on this mission."

"What about my animagus lessons?"

"Ah, yes," Dumbledore smiled. "I'll help you with that, but that'll be it. You've concluded your lessons with the highest marks, dear girl."

She would've been elated hadn't been because of the strange way her uncle was acting.

"Aren't you happy?" Erick nudged her arm gently. "You've worked hard for years, you should be proud!"

"I am proud," Mel replied shortly. "And I'd love to help, but I can't leave my family, it's not safe."

"They'd go to the burrow if you leave."

"What about Harry?"

"He'll go to the burrow too, but I have a few matters to attend with his family first."

"If Mel wants to stay that's alright, I can go on my own —"

"You can't."

Erick looked at her irritated.

"It's not like you can do magic outside school."

"It takes more than magic to survive out there — You don't know how to blend in with the muggles, do you?"

"You can discuss this throughout the day," Dumbledore grabbed a letter from his pocket. "In this, you'll find all about Horace Slughorn's last known whereabouts and a picture so you can identify him. If you do, don't approach, he'll know you're following him. As soon as you find him come back to Privet Drive and write to me."

"This is all just in case we decide to go, right?"

"I'm going," Erick scowled at her.

"We'll talk about this after dinner," She glared back.

Dumbledore stood up and they followed, Emily was at the entrance ready to let him out.

"I'll wait for your response, then," Her uncle stared at her for a moment. "You and Harry..."

"We haven't decided," She was quick to reply. "We need time."

"Very well."

"You're quiet."

"I have a lot to think about."

Her day had been slightly ruined by her great-uncle's visit. Although Lupin had been there for a couple of hours and stayed for dinner. Mel and Erick talked about the mission and she'd promised to tell Harry after the party was over, which was now.

The Slytherin was upstairs taking a shower and Emily was putting Reggie to bed. Mel and Harry were sitting on the grass, watching the stars above them. She'd fallen into contemplative silence, pondering what to do. She could go chase some stranger for Dumbledore's benefit, or she could stay and look after her family.

"This would be much easier if my mum had asked me to stay!" She pouted.

"I reckon she knows that," Harry responded, throwing small rocks over the fence.

"Won't you?"

"Hmm?"

"You won't ask me to stay?"

Harry stared at her.

"No."

He didn't explain his reasons, but he didn't need to. Mel had made up her mind even if she didn't want to admit it. That was exactly why she was so upset, she wanted to look after her family, but her responsibilities were keeping her apart. Three years of hard work had led to this, and although Mel was a big sister now, winning the war was more important than changing diapers.

Her mother was a whole different problem too. Around them she was always cheery, but Mel was sure she'd heard her cry when none of the boys was around to hear.

She believed it was about Sirius, but it could also be about her and Harry, that she was scared for them. Mel didn't have the heart to lie if her mother were to ask about the prophecy. It was, as they had agreed without even having to speak about it, too much weight to put on their loved one's shoulders. The idea of Emily, the closest thing to a mother Harry ever had, finding out there was a big chance one of them would die after having lost Sirius in such a brutal way...

"I don't think I'll be able to look at Dumbledore in the eye if I come back empty-handed..."

"You're one of the best witches I know," Harry shrugged. "You'll be fine, just try not to murder Flint while you're away."

"He's less annoying now," She grinned. "Ever since he left his parents' house, dunno, he's improved. Although I might murder him if he doesn't stop —"

She was going to say 'flirting', but for some reason, she didn't feel ready to talk about that with Harry. She wasn't ready for anything and yet the world was forcing her to keep moving, it was exhausting.

Mel got up and offered her hand to her friend.

"Do you remember when you were just Harry and I was just Mel, and we were the odd kids at school?" She fixed her gaze on her bedroom window. "Wish we could go back to that."

"When I didn't know I was a wizard?"

"Things were easier back then, don't you think?"

"Maybe," He retorted. "But they were never entirely good."

In Harry, Mel found another reason to stay.

They could have the summer to talk about the things they needed to. She would stare at his aged features and compare them to the ones of that young boy she used to call her best friend...

Their bond still had thousands of cracks that had to be fixed, Mel was having a hard time letting him in again and they needed to be okay in order to know if they wanted to keep the lifeline or not. It wasn't that she didn't want to like him, she wanted the comfort he used to provide, the warmth and security of having someone who understood.

He knew it, and he was trying his best to not mess it up, but Mel didn't want to love him again, cutting the lifeline was the best way to assure that... It was easier said than done, though.

Harry was confused. Sometimes it felt like nothing would ever happen, then an overwhelming affection would crush his chest whenever Mel laughed or touched him. He didn't want to put a name to it, he was terrified of saying it, even to himself. All he knew was that the connection was a way to make sure Mel would be safe, and he didn't want to give that up.

"I should go."

"Yeah..."

"Happy birthday," He said. "I have to be honest and tell you that your present was meant to be sent last Christmas, but..."

"I didn't give you a present either, it's okay... I'm a bit angry though, that was a missed opportunity, I could've won."

Harry laughed.

"You'll have a new chance this year, but I doubt you'll be able to beat me — I've already gotten yours..."

"It's July!"

"I know," His smile vanished suddenly, then he added. "Be careful out there, please."

"Erick'll make sure I don't do anything stupid," Mel smiled. "He's so obsessed with protecting me — as if he didn't know I can do it alone just fine!"

"Yeah, but now's different."

"Different how?"

"We need you alive," He told her. "You want to live long enough to become Headmistress, right?"

Mel froze, not knowing what to answer.

"What?" Harry tilted his head.

"I lied," She blurted out. "I never wanted to be Headmistress — I saw you that night, in the mirror... I saw..."

"What?" He asked again, this time softer.

"You kissed me. A real kiss... like the type we used to gawk at as children."

Harry cleared his throat. "Oh."

A tense silence surrounded them. The variations of colour in his eyes were remarkably easy to notice from where she was standing. She was tilting her head up now, perhaps they were too close.

"Be careful."

"You told me that already," Mel whispered, unable to look away. "Anything else you'd like to say?"

"Yes," He paused, his eyes took a quick glance to her lips. "But if I say it you'll get mad."

Harry kissed her, Mel responded by pulling him down.

It was hard to tell whether she was euphoric or scared, perhaps both, or perhaps neither. As soon as it happened Harry jumped away, and she was dropped back into reality.

"I can't do it — We haven't talked about  the lifeline — We won't make the right choice if we let our feelings —"

"You're right! Yes!" Mel said, acting just as agitated. "It's a terrible idea — I like you, but—"

"—it's confusing," He said anxiously. "Do you have feelings for me?"

"Do you have feelings for me?" Mel asked in a high-pitched voice.

"No!" He responded, but his voice trembled with a lack of confidence. "I care about you a lot —"

"— I care for you too —"

"— But just —"

"— as friends!"

They stared at each other with the same frightened expression.

"I'm sorry if I made things uncomfortable," He groaned, running a hand through his hair. "I... I don't want to lose you."

"We need to spend some time apart," She nodded, avoiding his eyes. "We can ignore this happened, right?"

"Absolutely," He agreed. "You're spending the summer at the burrow?"

"My mum and my brother will be there, so I kind of have to... is that okay?"

"It's okay," Harry looked around. "We... we should go."

"Did you ever regret falling for my dad?" Mel asked randomly. "I mean, you ever wonder how things would've turned out if you'd stayed as friends?"

Emily stopped folding her clothes.

"Something nagging that head of yours?"

"I think relationships are a waste of time. They all break and you always end up hurting..."

"What makes you think such nonsense?" Emily raised a brow, leaning back on the couch. "Who are you and what did you do to my daughter?"

"You don't think that way?" She asked doubtfully.

"Because I lost my partners that means I have to be bitter?"

"I didn't mean it like that," Mel replied quickly. "But... yeah."

Emily remained silent for a moment, gathering her thoughts.

"Solitude can do weird things to your heart, love. It can pull you towards bad or good places... People that make you feel a little less lonesome, someone who understands you. You should hold onto that for as long as you can, no matter how scary it is. You never know what wonderful things may bring you..."

"Sirius said something similar a year ago," Mel said quietly. "Something about finding my equal, that the earth's full of options and stuff..."

"I won't force you to find a partner if that's not what you want, but you're young and the world is big, you can't turn your back on every opportunity."

"It's not like I have lots of prospects right now..." She huffed.

"You don't need lots, just the right one."

Mel hesitated for a moment, then added:

"I know you used to have a crush on James Potter."

Emily looked up from the laundry again, she raised a brow. "Oh?"

"I know it was a long time ago," She shifted in her place awkwardly. "But do you ever wonder what would've happened if you two..?"

The woman sighed.

"Only once."

"When?"

"When I found out Voldemort was after his son," She folded the last shirt and handed it to Mel. "I asked myself if I had made the right choice by giving him up... When I look at you I know it was the right thing to do. What happened to James and Lily... it was horrible, but it wasn't my fault. I was happy with your father; maybe Matthew wasn't my first love, but when it comes to this, your first love rarely is the one that lasts."

"Mel?" Erick walked into the room. "If we're planning to drive around all day tomorrow, you should sleep," He nodded shortly at both of them and left the room, her mother chuckled.

"You know, Erick reminds me of your father... I know Sirius said he was like his brother, but Regulus made all the wrong choices... Erick's done all this for himself, to be better. Just like Matty."

Mel's gaze lingered on the doorway long after Erick had left.

"Thank you, for letting me go," She sighed, looking back at the woman. "I don't love following Dumbledore's orders but I... I want to make this world a better place."

"Love," Emily cupped her face adoringly. "I know why you're doing this. Just how I knew why you flew that car to save Harry, and why you went to the Ministry... but you're my daughter, and it's my job to worry about you anyway."

Erick and Mel took three changes of clothing and put them in the trunk, Emily gave them muggle money. Mel had a fake driver's license as well as Erick, and they would take turns driving. Harry was nowhere to be seen, but it was expected since it was five in the morning. She hadn't mentioned the kiss to either her mother or Erick, she was determined to keep it that way, much like the whole lifeline stuff and the prophecy.

'Just pile more secrets on top, why don't you,' She thought bitterly as she walked out of the house.

Emily hugged both and let them kiss Reggie goodbye, Mel promised they would see each other soon, and Erick vowed he'd make sure Mel would be safe (she snorted loudly at this). Once inside the car, her friend took a deep breath.

"Ready?"

"This isn't our first adventure, Prince."

"This one's the first we do with permission."

"You're an adult, you don't need anyone's approval."

"You know what I mean," He rolled his eyes.

"Sorry. I get defensive when I'm —"

"I know," He sighed. "I talk too much when I'm worried."

"I know," She put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed lightly. "I'm ready... We'll be okay."

Next Chapter —>

Taglist.

@dee123ksha @vampiregirl1797 @siriuslysirius1107 @stardusthigh @mikariell95 @vernon-dursley @thesuitelifeofafangirl @tomshollandz @wlwmaximoff @reverse-hxlland @hamiltonwc @omiwashere @t-rexs-world @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @21bruhs @i-am-scared-and-useless-bisexual @dielgonacoffee @thelastpyle

[breathing-and-writing]

Bugs Need To Be Warm During Winter

Happy Holidays @voiidfriend, I’m your back-up @mlsecretsanta! I’m sorry it took so long, but I hope you enjoy your gift!

Read on Ao3

January, the start of the new year, a month of new beginnings. The new year always brought the opportunity for setting resolutions and trying new things, but unfortunately for some students, it also meant the start of a new semester. Coming back to class in the middle of winter was not only hard for them but also concerning for a certain kwami, who knew that his other half had a hard time during the colder months, especially if she was alone.

The little god peeked his head out of his chosen’s bag to look at the classroom. He had probably never seen the class this bored before, the lack of energy from having to start school again so blatantly evident, he had to hold back the urge to cackle. The most important thing was that everyone was either looking directly at the board or trying really hard not to fall asleep, so he should be able to do what he wanted while staying undetected. Leaving the warmth of the bag he had been occupying behind, he kept under the desks as he inched towards a certain pink purse, going into it when he finally reached it.

“Plagg?” He had honestly been hoping for a more excited greeting.

“Hey, Sugar cube.” His words were accompanied by a smirk.

“You shouldn’t be here, what if someone had seen you?”

“Eh,” he made a nonchalant gesture with his hands, “you worry too much, everyone here is blind.”

“What are you doing here?” Apparently, she was going straight to the point.

“Oh, you know what I’m doing here.” He tried to appear indifferent, but he couldn’t help but gingerly avert his eyes.

“No, I don’t. Please enlighten me.” Now it was Tikki’s turn to appear smug.

“Bugs need to be warm during winter.” He said reluctantly.

“Oh, and you’re here because…?” Her eyes widened in what most would consider an innocent way, but Plagg knew better.

“Don’t make me say it.” He pleaded with a groan.

The wide blue eyes that stared back at him told him that she wanted him to say it.

“Because I don’t want you to be cold.” He grudgingly admitted.

“I’m fine.” If she hadn’t shivered at the exact same moment she replied, the other god probably would’ve believed her.

“Tikki, we’re two halves of a whole. No amount of scarves or blankets will keep you warm like me.”

She distracted herself by burrowing deeper into her scarf. “That doesn’t matter, you shouldn’t be away from Chat Noir.”

“You know it’s true. It’s not our fault they don’t know their identities yet.”

“But–”

“And you shouldn’t have to suffer because of it.” 

“Aw Plagg, you do care!”

“Whatever,” he dismissed her words, then quietly added, “you know I do.”

“I guess you being here for a little while won’t hurt anybody.”

“I knew you would listen to reason.” A grin started taking over his face.

“But as soon as the class is over you go back to Chat Noir, okay? An Akuma could attack at any moment.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He gestured for her to come closer as he opened his arms. “Now c’mere.”

┅┅┅┅┅

For the first day back at school after winter break, it sure had been a busy one. A whole day of classes mixed in with Alya explaining to her every single new update she had made to the Ladyblog and ending with the first student body meeting of the year. A meeting that lasted two hours longer than it should’ve, because half of the people hadn’t bothered to read the e-mail that had been sent a week ago, and the other half just kept disagreeing with everything proposed. It sure was enough to make a part-time superheroine long for a nap.

Marinette started making her way down the stairs towards the locker room, so she could gather her things and finally go home. She let out a dreamy sigh as she spotted her favorite fencer currently practicing in the courtyard. How did Adrien Agreste manage to be so good at everything he did?

The boy took a sudden pause in his match, lifting his mask and waving at the girl as he spotted her too. Somehow, she managed to bring her hand up to wave back, though she was more focused on keeping her blush to a minimum and not missing any steps like the last time she ended up falling down the stairs. 

The girl sighed as she finally reached the locker room, relaxing as she closed the door behind her. Remembering her kwami, she opened her purse she could address her.

“Hey, Tikki, I’m sorry the meeting took so long, it’s just–” Her voice failed her as she saw the inside of her purse.

Tikki was there alright, sleeping soundly while burrowed deep into her scarf like she was supposed to, but she wasn’t alone. Instead of using the fabric as a pillow, she was nestled in the arms of another sleeping kwami, a certain bad luck kwami that wasn’t supposed to be there.

As Marinette continued to stare, Tikki started to stir, sighing as she opened her eyes. She seemed to be in pure bliss until she looked up and their gazes met. The little god gulped as she shook her companion awake. Plagg started to complain as he stirred, but then he opened his eyes fully and realized their predicament. He wisely chose to stay quiet.

“Plagg?” The girl finally found her voice. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, you see, it’s actually quite a funny story–”

“Wait.” She cut him off abruptly.

Marinette paused to scan the room. Once she was sure they were alone, she moved to the hidden spot behind the lockers, so they would be out of sight of anyone that decided to come in.

“Okay. Okay, okay, okay.” She addressed the kwamis again. “What is going on? Why are you here? And why aren’t you with Chat Noir?”

“Relax, M.” Plagg said as he started floating up towards her eye level. “We were just taking a little nap.”

“What?!” 

“Sugar cube here needed some warmth, that’s all.”

“Do you have any idea how irresponsible and dangerous that was?!”

She looked accusingly at the kwamis, both of them now out of her purse, and started pacing to try and keep her words calm.

“What if someone had seen you? Or what if there had been an Akuma? You guys know we have to put Paris first, Chat Noir and I have always had to do that.”

She stopped at the mention of her partner, realizing yet another problem that came with their situation. If she wasn’t panicking a moment ago, she definitely was starting to now.

“Oh my god, does he know you’re here?” She whipped her head to look at Plagg, his averted gaze gave her all the answer she needed. “He doesn’t. He doesn’t! He must be panicking right now! Do you even know how to go back to him?” Her volume started rising in tandem with her panic. “Oh no, this is a complete disaster!”

“Uh, Marinette–”

“You know I’m not that type of person, but I’m the Guardian now! All of us are supposed to be working together to–”

“MARINETTE!”

The voice of her kwami managed to break through her rambling. 

“What?” She asked in exasperation.

Both kwamis stood there stiffly, nervously pointing to something behind her.

“Oh, don’t you think you’re going to be able to distract me from–” Her words died in her throat as she turned and saw what, or more precisely who, they were pointing to. Uh oh.

“Adrien! Hey!” She tried to appear casual as she shifted to try and hide the kwamis behind her body. “What are you doing here?” She failed.

Adrien seemed to break out of his trance at her words. He took a deep breath and tried to say something normal, but apparently, his filter had been left behind in the courtyard.

“Oh, you see, after class today I couldn’t find Plagg, so I thought I could ditch fencing a bit early today, so I could have time to look for him before my driver arrived, so that’s what I did and here he is, so I guess my plan worked.” Maybe he should’ve thought about what he was going to say before he opened his mouth.

“Oh, okay that makes sense.” A whole ten seconds of awkward silence went by, then his words sunk in, and she took a double-take. “Wait, what?”

“I mean, I found him, but now I’m just confused by the whole situation.” He tried to smile to convey that nothing was wrong, but it ended up looking more like a wince.

“Let me explain,” Plagg came forward as he cleared his throat, “I snuck into Mari’s bag during class, so I could help Tikki stay warm ‘cuz I care about her wellbeing or something, but we ended up falling asleep… haha.” Everyone was gaping at him, so he tried to defuse the tension by continuing his explanation. “Basically, kid… yeah, you were right about who you thought Ladybug was.”

“Plagg!” Tikki replied in outrage.

“I’m sorry Tikki, but we obviously can’t salvage this one.” He finalized with a shrug.

“Wait, wait, wait, wait a minute.” Marinette interrupted their exchange. “Does that mean you are…” She turned to look at Adrien, still in shock.

“Mhm,” he managed, “and you are…” The shocked expression left his face and was replaced by a dashing grin as he realized.

They were obnoxiously interrupted by the sound of the doors banging open and the chatter of students entering the locker room after their fencing practice. Their time was up.

“We’ll talk later tonight, okay?” He said in a gentle tone.

She only managed to nod back before he exited the room.

Once the last student left, and she was alone again, Marinette felt like she could finally breathe. She tried to process everything that had just happened calmly, in the hopes of preventing another freak-out, but then the last words Adrien had said to her registered in her mind: “We’ll talk later tonight, okay?” He had said that they were going to talk later tonight because they had patrol later tonight. Later tonight! That was very soon–too soon–how was she going to manage to put herself together in only a couple of hours?

┅┅┅┅┅

Transforming and leaving her room had been painless enough, she had even left for patrol a couple of minutes early like she always did. It was when she was almost at their meeting place that she decided she needed a moment alone, just to take a breather, it would be quick, and then she would arrive on time to patrol. Which is why she was now on a random secluded rooftop, nervously pacing its length, and taking "deep breaths" that sounded pretty similar to hyperventilating, almost half an hour past the time she was supposed to meet Chat Noir for patrol.

The knowledge that she was late just added to her internal turmoil, which she was so absorbed in that she didn’t hear a certain someone landing a couple of paces beside her. 

“You’re running a little late to patrol, aren’t you?”

She stopped on her tracks at the sound of her partner’s voice, avoiding his gaze as she started wringing her hands.

“Hmm… yeah.” She admitted in defeat. “How did you know?” She turned to look at him as she asked.

“You’re my best friend Ladybug, I know you too well.” He accompanied his words with a gentle smile.

“Yeah… you are.” She realized.

He started to slowly approach her, trying to read her current mood.

“What’s bothering that pretty little head of yours?”

“You know what it is.” She said in an apprehensive tone.

“Well, I also know there is something else besides the fact that we know each other's names now.”

“This was not supposed to happen.” Had it not been for Chat Noir’s enhanced hearing he wouldn’t have heard it.

“I… are you disappointed?” He felt an ugly weight in his stomach. “Is it because you don’t like Adrien?”

“What?!” Ladybug seemed to snap out of her trance. “No, no. It’s not that.”

“Then what is it?”

“I just… I feel like I failed.” She couldn’t stand to look him in the eyes.

“You know this was an accident, right?” He tried to comfort her.

“Yes! An accident that could’ve cost us everything! What if it hadn’t been you?” Her partner stood speechless. “I’m the Guardian because I messed up, and I haven’t stopped messing up ever since!” She groaned as frustration took over her. “I’m not ready to be the Guardian and I don’t know if I’ll ever be.” She turned around to avoid looking at her partner’s face.

“Maybe you weren’t ready, but I’ve always thought that things happen for a reason. It was meant to be.”

Her eyes got misty as she replied. “It’s just… I don’t want things to change, I never wanted things to change.”

“Well, I think things should change.” He closed the distance between them as he stood directly behind her. “Change can be for the better too, you know?” His touch was soft as he gently grasped her shoulders and spun her around, forcing her to look at him. “Bugaboo, we’re a team, remember? You don’t have to go through any of this alone, and you get to make your own rules now. You’re the Guardian after all.”

“Promise?” Her voice was small as she asked.

“Yeah, promise. It’s you and me against the world.” He stood at ease again when he saw some tension leave her shoulders. “You better now?”

The ghost of a smile touched her lips. “Yeah, thanks to you.” 

“I’m glad to hear that,” his voice took a sly lilt, “because we still need to talk about the other thing.”

“The other thing?”

Adrien had practiced this part of the conversation and knew exactly what he wanted to say, but now it seemed that words started to leave his mouth without guide or permission. “Yeah, look, I know on the other side of the masks we are not the closest of friends or anything–”

Oh, that other thing. Ladybug remembered, and the shock of the earlier reveal came crashing back into her.

“–I mean, I get it, my father can be very intimidating, and I don’t really have free time so, like, it’s not your fault at all that we aren’t closer–”

Oh my god, it has been Adrien all this time! And he thinks I don’t like him!–

“–and I hope this isn’t too sudden… Is it too sudden?–”

–but if he has been in love with Ladybug all this time… that’s me!–

“–but I’d really like to be closer to you, like, on both sides of the masks. I mean, I’ve always wanted too anyways because Marinette is so amazing–”

He is so cute when he’s rambling like that… Did he just say I’m amazing?

“–so could we, like, hang out sometime? Or just talk? I know you’re always super busy too, so–”

She decided to end his suffering by bringing a single finger up to his lips, effectively ending his rambling.

“Shutupshutupshutup.” She said in a hushed tone.

Ladybug’s mood continued to lift as he looked at her with confused kitten eyes.

“As adorable as it is to see you rambling, you really don’t have to do that.”

The confusion left his face at her words and was replaced by smugness. “You think I’m adorable?”

Now it was Marinette’s turn to be flustered as she realized what she had said. After all this time, THIS is how I confess?

“Ah–I–no, I mean, yes? I mean–” A blush started taking over her cheeks. “I’ve kind of always have?”

“Bugaboo…”

“I always thought of Adrien like that,” she averted her eyes, “and that’s the only reason I spent all that time trying to convince myself that Chat Noir wasn’t,” then as an afterthought she added, “but I definitely failed at that.”

“Oh…” understanding started to sink into him, “I always thought you stayed away from Adrien because I wasn’t as cool as you.”

“No… I was just nervous around you… all the time.”

“We really just were running around in circles all the time, huh?” He said with a breathy laugh.

“Yeah, I guess we were.”

“Can I?” He was hesitant as he opened his arms for a hug.

“Yes, Kitty, you can.”

He engulfed her in a hug, both of their hearts soaring.

“So, so, so,” he pulled back slightly to look her in the eyes, “if I like you,” he continued at her nod, “and you like me,” a grin started taking over his face, “does that mean we can–”

“Hold your thought right there Chaton.”

She stood on her tiptoes, bringing their faces inches from each other. She placed her lips right next to his ear, having to hold in a laugh at how tense he got.

“You have to beat me to the Eiffel Tower first.” She whispered.

Without wasting a second, Ladybug threw out her yo-yo, taking up from the rooftop in direction to the Eiffel Tower, only turning back to laugh at Chat Noir’s indignant expression.

“Hey! That’s cheating!”

[logical-little-lies]

Under The Stars- Little Vlogs (Chapter Ten)

A/N: Again, sorry that I only update this every month or so. I like to think that the chapters tend to be higher quality when I just wait for inspiration to strike for this, that's what seems to work best for this story. Just so you know, there's no little sides in this one, it's romance-centric. I think the next chapter will be agere centric, maybe with little vee since we haven't gotten that in a while?

anyways, this is also kinda the start of the end? I see this being fifteen chapters-ish overall, since there's only two actual plot points I have planned before I wrap it up, and I will be stuffing fillers and fluff between that. Thanks for sticking around so long! I can't wait to see what you guys think of this chapter! It about 3300 words without the authors note+summary.

--

Chapter Summary: Logan takes the other three on a date that will change their lives forever. He asks a very important question that could wind up putting a label on their four-way unofficial thing. Everyone was quite relieved to hear his words, if they were honest.

They've been waiting for it forever.

--

"Hey, nerd. You should totally kiss me right now."

Logan glanced up from his computer with an amused smirk, looking over at the tanner man across the couch. Roman tapped away on the screen of his phone. "Should I really?" he questioned, challenging him.

"Mhm," Roman nodded, placing his elbow on his knee and his chin it his palm, leaning forward. "You totally should."

"Why should I, princey? Convince me." Logan looked back down to his laptop as if he was uninterested, offending the man clad in his red t-shirt.

"Because I'm hot and want a kiss?" he raised his eyebrow hopefully.

"Solid argument. You definitely made a few great points," Logan said teasingly, closing the computer and leaning forward to set it on the coffee table. He got up, placing himself next to Roman on the couch. He softly pulled his arm from under his chin, using his fingers to lift his chin up. Roman had to turn a bit to face him. Logan pulled him into a soft, but firm kiss. "Was that good?" Logan asked, tilting his head softly.

Roman nodded, humming. "Yep, definitely." Logan chuckled, getting up to grab his laptop before sitting back next to Roman.

--

"Y'know, you get like, really giggly when someone flirts with you?" Virgil asked, teasing Patton, who he had his arm wrapped around. "And blushy," Virgil paused, reaching over and cupping the side of his face. "And cute." he pulled him closer.

He kissed him softly, and as he pulled away, he muttered out a whisper. "And absolutely beautiful. Though you're always like that."

When did Virgil get so flirty? He had definitely spent way to much time about Roman and Logan.

Patton giggled, blushing and looking down. He bit at his lip. He spoke after a moment of silence. "Vee, we've been on a lot of dates and stuff..and you and Roman practically live here. When do you think we'll officially become 'boyfriends'?" he asked.

Virgil faltered, not quite knowing how to reply to his curiosity. "I-i'm sorry to be so straightforward or whatever...but Logan was talking about it the other day and I just couldn't stop thinking about it-" Patton stumbled over his words, regretting bringing up the topic.

"No,no, no. You're okay. It's a valid question," Virgil assured, giving him a soft look. "It'll happen eventually, I think. Roman and I like you guys to much to pass up on the opportunity. But I couldn't tell you exactly when." He admitted.

"Oh..." Patton trailed off. "Hopefully it'll be soon."

"I hope so too." Virgil agreed, letting Patton lean into him.

Maybe, it'd be a lot sooner then they thought.

--

"Is another surprise playdate to get us to regress?" Roman questioned, messing with his hair as Logan adjusted his shirt in the mirror.

"Nope. It's just a surprise date. You'll see where we're going when we get there." Logan spoke simply, picking up his phone off of the bathroom counter. Roman dramatically sighed.

Logan gave him a look for the attitude, which immediately shut him up. Then, Roman pouted. "Hey! Stop doing the caregiver thing when I'm not little!" he whined.

"I'm not doing any 'caregiver thing'!" Logan defended. Roman rolled his eyes before jumping into an explanation.

"You give looks and have a specific voice that you use on us when we're little, and that there was one of them!"

"I do not have a caregiver voice..." Logan seemed confused, following Roman out of the bathroom.

"You so do." Roman stated as Logan flicked off the bathroom light behind them.

"Okay, whatever. Go get in the car," he ordered. Roman left without another word.

--

Just like when Logan had taken the boys to the park, everyone bugged him about where they were going, trying to figure out what he could possibly have planned. They managed to get nothing out of him until they were literally pulling up.

"Surprise!" Logan said, putting the car in park.

The other three looked around, trying to see where they were. Virgil's eyes landed on the sign of the place they had arrived to.

Logan had taken them back to the skating rink. The same one where they had their first date.

"Yay! I love skating!" Virgil cheered, rushing to unbuckle himself.

Patton and Roman seemed to realize where they were from the front seat, their faces breaking out into smiles as well. Logan always had a way of planning pleasant surprises for them. Ones that reminded them that he paid attention, that he knew what they liked and what made them happy.

They reminded him that he cared.

"I thought you'd like it," Logan smiled, unbuckling himself as well. "You all ready?" he asked.

After three quick nods, he cracked open his door and stepped out.

This was the start of a very important night.

--

They all had lots of fun at the rink. Virgil and Logan were improving their skating skills, too! Though, they still had to hold someone else's hand to ensure that they wouldn't fall over. By the end of their session, they had only fallen a handful of times collectively.

"I beat you!" Patton bragged, holding up his prize of a few pieces of candy. He could only get so much with his tickets from the arcade, but he cared more about the victory then the prize. Virgil rolled his eyes.

"Whatever, Pat. No need to brag," Virgil walked next to him as they crossed the parking lot.

"Someone's just mad that he losttt," Roman jumped in on their conversation, joining in on the 'let's tease Virgil' game. Virgil crossed his arms, shooting an annoyed glare to the other two. Somehow, it was absolutely adorable.

"Boys, stop teasing Virgil. You're going to upset him," Logan told them, causing Roman and Patton to shut up quickly as they approached the car.

"We were only playing!" Patton assured, opening the door and climbing in.

"Yeah, only playing!" Roman agreed.

"Still, it's not nice," Logan repeated, shutting the driver's side door once he was in the car. Virgil had taken the passengers seat, still seemingly grumpy about the teasing.

"You're using your daddy voice," Roman said, distracting him from the previous topic.

"I don't have a 'Daddy voice'." Logan scoffed. Virgil immediately dropped his pouting to give Logan a look that read 'you're wrong'. Patton and Roman held matching looks of disagreement.

Logan gasped, "I don't!" he defended.

"Sureeee," Virgil spoke in a very sarcastic tone, bucking himself up and leaning back in the seat. Logan rolled his eyes, going silent as he started the car and headed towards their next destination. After a while, Patton realized they weren't heading home.

"Where are we going?"

"Somewhere." Logan replied, making a turn.

"Very helpful, Freckle Face." Roman looked out the window, trying to mentally locate where they were at and where they could possibly be headed. He only vaguely recognized where they were, and he had no idea where they were going.

"It's 9 o'clock, what's open?" Virgil asked, turning in his seat to look back at the other two. Patton shrugged.

"We're not going to a store or restaurant. We're going to a location." Logan corrected.

"Like an outside thing? Logan, it's so dark out," Roman whined. It seemed like he was always complaining, but Logan always found a way to shut him up.

"I know. It's kinda needed for what we we're doing." Logan said, making a turn into a small, empty parking lot. There was a large circle of grass, surrounded by trees in most directions. The parking lot felt out of place in this natural area.

There were a few large rocks that you could climb and sit on, some of them stacking against each other to create tall platforms. It was hard to tell whether they were there naturally, or if the rocks were put there specifically to climb and lay on. Either way, you could tell that they've been there for ages.

"We're stargazing!" Virgil said, his eyes widening as he looked around.

"There's blankets and snacks in the trunk. I say we set up on the big rock," Logan said, pointing to the largest one. It was flat on the top, and the side was diagonal and jagged, creating a set of natural steps to the top. It was wide and long, and it looked sturdy, so the four of them could easily lay up there and watch the stars.

Most of the rocks sat near the circular tree line, so there was still a huge open space in the middle. "Virgil and Patton, help me with the stuff. Roman, see if you can climb up there."

Everyone nodded, jumping out of the car and following his orders. Just like usual.

Virgil and Patton stood on either side of Logan, letting him open the trunk before they grabbed an item. They went to run off, but Logan grabbed one of each of their hands, pulling them back.

"Did you need me to carry somethin- Oh!" Virgil's talking was interrupted when Logan pulled him close, kissing him. "Hi," Virgil giggled when he pulled away, looking up at him with a light blush.

"Thank you for helping me."

Virgil nodded, smiling. "Anytime."

"Do I get a thank you kiss?" Patton asked, causing Logan to avert his attention from Virgil to Patton.

"Why of course," Logan assured, before looking back to Virgil. "Go join Roman on the rock, we'll be there in a second." Virgil nodded, walking off.

Patton stepped closer, standing on his toes to peck Logan's lips. The kiss got deeper really quickly, but Logan cut it off. "I wanted to ask you something..." Logan began. Patton hummed, tilting his head.

Logan took a breath, taking the blankets in Patton's arms away and setting it in the trunk, before taking Patton's hands in his. "You're my boyfriend...and I care about you so much," Logan started.

Patton chuckled awkwardly, "You aren't breaking up with me on a date, are you?" he joked. Logan quickly shook his head, smiling.

"No, of course not. That'd be stupid of me, I love you...but I did wanna ask, how would you feel if I asked Virgil and Roman to be my boyfriends too? I can care about all three of you," he squeezed his hands is. Patton smiled widely, getting rid of any doubt in Logan's mind that he wouldn't be open to it.

"Is that why you brought us here? To ask them to officially date you?"

Logan nodded softly, confirming his thoughts. "I'm completely okay with that. I've been wanting us all to officially date forever, but no one seemed to want to start the conversations. You can ask them to be your boyfriends if I can ask them to be mine."

Logan nodded again, now smiling too. "Let's do this then." Patton stepped away from him, holding out his hand. They intertwined fingers, and Patton used his empty arm to grab the blankets before Logan closed the trunk. They walked around the car, heading towards the rock they saw Virgil and Roman holding hands on, wishing for the best possible outcome.

Hopefully, by the time they headed home, they'd have each other and  the two handsome men sitting atop the rock.

--

"Oh, are you scared?"

Roman spoke to Virgil softly, sitting on the top of the rock with his legs hanging off the edge. There was a lot of room on the surface, and he was sitting on the edge, where he could fall. He looked down to his emo boyfriend, who stood at the bottom of the side with the "stairs".

"A little," Virgil admitted, looking up. It was a pretty high structure. Virgil bit his lip, glancing up nervously at Roman.

"Okay, can you see all the steps?" Roman asked. Virgil looked up the angled side of the rock, nodding a bit. "I want you to shoulder the snack bag, and then when I count to five, I want you to place you hands on two steps and place your feet on the lowest ones."

Virgil followed his instructions, stepping on the lowest two steps, one at a time, once Roman finished counting down. He steadied himself using two slightly higher ones. "Now, take a deep breath, and when I finish counting down, take another step up. Don't look down."

Roman continued to guide him trough like this, making him stop to take deep breaths, reminding him that he was okay. Once he was high enough, he held out his hand and helped him finish climbing up. Virgil sat next to him, hesitantly dangling his feet over the edge and intertwining his fingers with Roman's, holding his hand.

Just as Virgil got up there, Logan and Patton appeared from behind the trunk of the car. Virgil only thought to wonder for a moment what took them so long, before brushing it off.

--

Patton seemed to have no problem with the height, standing on the rock without an issue as he laid out the blankets side by side. Virgil had an impulse thought continuously telling him to 'stay low', as if standing up would make him fall over the edge.

"What snacks did you bring?" Patton questioned, as Logan started going through the bag.

"A drink for each of us, some candy for each of us, and then some chips." Logan replied, going through the bag. He set a bag of dark chocolates farthest to the left, on top of the blanket.

He was using the candies to mark their spots. That one was Roman's. He set a box of Nerds next to it. Then a bag of sour gummy worms. Then some normal gummy bears. That was Roman, Logan, Virgil, and Patton, left to right.

No one fought the spots he picked for them, moving to sit on the bankets in front of their snacks. "Can you distribute the drinks while I grab the pillows?" Logan asked.

"That's a huge responsibility," Roman joked. Logan waited for an actual answer, crossing his arms. Roman laughed, "I'll do it."

After snack distribution, every one got settled, eating their candy and talking away. It was pretty dark already, and you could already see some stars just by looking up at the night sky. But it wasn't about the star gazing. It was about the moment, and the time they spent together.

They sat side by side, their legs hanging over the edge, all holding the hand of the person next to them. Roman held Logan's, Logan held Roman and Virgil's, and so on. "How do you find places like this?" Roman asked, popping a chocolate in his mouth.

"Pretty places?" Logan questioned, raising his eyebrow and looking to the man next to him. Roman nodded a bit. Virgil and Patton just watched their interaction. Logan sighed, before speaking in a voice that signaled some form of nostalgia. "Back in high school, I did photography for fun. I used to run around and find cool places like this, and just sit in silence for a while  Then, I'd take some cool pictures, before moving onto the next spot." he explained.

"Is that why you're so good with a camera?" Patton pondered. Logan shrugged.

"I did videography too," he told them, only confirming Patton's thoughts. Patton and Virgil reached into each other's bags on sync, taking a piece of the others candy without asking. They really didn't need too, it wasn't like they'd say no. Of course, they didn't mean to sync up like they did, crossing arms with each other.

They continued talking, swinging their legs over the sides of the rock. They shared stories, even personal ones. Nostalgia filled the air as they learned more and more about each other, talking for hours. Logan didn't know how he was gonna start the conversation. When he was gonna ask the big question.

Do you wanna be boyfriends?

At some point, they moved from the edge of the rock, to the blankets, all cuddling close as they looked up at the sky, having finished their snacks long ago. "I'm so glad I met you," Virgil told them. "All of you. I'm glad we ran into each other when I first started working at the mall," he started, lifting his head to look over at Roman.

"I'm glad that Patton led me to you," he smiled at Logan. "And I'm so glad I messed you on tumblr all those years ago. You all mean so much to me."

Virgil didn't just say stuff like that all the time. That was him openly displaying vulnerable emotions, and the others knew that that was sometimes difficult for him. "I'm glad I met you too, Vee. And you guys, too," Logan looked between the other three, smiling. All of them were pretty tired at this point, but also wide awake at the same time.

It was like they were sleepy, but the night felt to memorable to miss out on.

"I care about you guys a lot. And I was thinking..." he paused, taking a breath, looking up at the sky. Virgil squeezed his hand, not exactly knowing what was happening but figuring he needed the encouragement. It helped Logan a lot. "We've been sort of experimenting with the idea of 'us' for a while. All four of us together...and it feels amazing. Perfect, really, with you three. It just works, and I don't wanna miss out on that."

Logan never looked away from the stars above until he finished talking. "I want us to be official. Like, the four of us all together. What do you think?"

"As in, we're all boyfriends?" Roman asked, sitting up and pulling away from the cuddle pile. Logan nodded in affirmation.

"If you want," he replied, sitting up as well. He stretched, eyeing the other man with curiosity.

"I'm in if he is," Roman confirmed, looking over at Virgil, who held a loving look in his eyes. The purple-haired boy sat up, hugging Logan's side before speaking in a definite tone. A voice that assured that he was confident in what he was saying. You rarely heard that coming from Virgil.

"I've always been in. Like Logan said, we're too perfect together to pass on it."

The three looked to Patton, who quickly replied. "Are you expecting me to say no? Three hot boyfriends is too good of an offer to pass up."

His words caused everyone to laugh, the sounds of happiness mixing and flowing through the air, lifting the mood. "Who's the hottest out of us?" Roman pondered. "I vote Logan." he added, without hesitation.

"Logan, most definitely." Virgil agreed.

"I feel like as your original boyfriend I should be offended but...look at him," Roman motioned to the attractive nerd in question. "You're only stating the truth." he playfully sighed. Logan's cheeks were a bit red. It was fairly rare that they made Logan flustered. He always kept his cool, so making him blush was pretty hard.

"I have to agree," Patton shrugged. "Awe, your face is all red! If you're gonna have three boyfriends, you're gonna have to get used to compliments," Patton told him, speaking in a teasing voice.

"I may be the hottest, but who is the most adorable?" he settled on shifting the topic.

As a joke, Roman immediately exclaimed, "Me, obviously."

"Wrong, it's Virgil!" Patton said.

"Nope, it's you." Virgil replied.

The conversation dissolved into a playful fight about who was the cutest among them, full of compliments and flirty remarks to one another. It seemed like they all took a collective sigh of relief, because they had finally done it.

For a while, it was an uncertain waiting game to see who would be the first to bring up the idea of them all dating each other. But the waiting game was over.

They'd sort out the details later. Things that were okay, things that weren't. But for now, they just talked. They caught fireflies and cuddled in the moonlight. They shared kisses under the stars, and held hands in the loving moment.

It seemed so perfect for them to start their relationship like this. Through a beautifully planned date, amongst snacks and affection. It felt right.

When they were together, everything felt amazing. Because they loved each other. They wouldn't outright say it for a while, but it was true. It was from the moment they went on their first date, at the skating rink. Many would say that's where their love started.

But to them, they'd remember the day they made in official. Right here, surrounded by trees under the beautiful night sky.

They'd say that their love started under the stars.

--

Taglist: @stimmingsides @smollilsanderssides @novacloudcat @analogical-agere @fairyhuman2000 @aphandgflover@softastarlight @littlesapphygem @softflowerinmyheart @virgietheprincess @babeyalstar @b3an-spr0ut @babeyvoid @because-were-fam-ily @lonelysoul43-0 @lgbtqiaemo

[rightsockjin]

Day 1

Summary: You, Y/N, have just come off of the bachelor dejected and rejected. What’s a girl to do other than to go home and cry? Join paradise of course! This is a series and will be updated regularly. The more interaction it gets, the quicker chapters will be put out! Please like and reblog guys! Thank you!

Rating for chapter: K+

Genere: Romance, slight angst

Word count: 7,862

Warnings: Nothing for this chasers but will probably have warnings later. Quite obviously, this is fiction so don’t get your panties in a twist. It’s for fun.

-AdminKimmy

This wasn’t the ideal situation to be in. You weren’t the kind of girl to do something like this. You had never really wanted to be on one of these shows that seemed to glorify drama and sexuality yet here you were, in a car, on your way to something called Paradise. You were embarrassed to say the least. Or maybe it’s just that you felt like you should be. You really, actually felt a bit excited. For all you knew, you were well on your way to meeting the love of your life. He could be at this same place, at the same time, looking exactly for you.

You had your legs crossed and your hands on your knees. Your foot was bouncing nervously and you were biting your lip all the while trying to keep a slight smile on your face. The camera in front of you didn’t help to calm your nerves whatsoever. You briefly looked down at your chest to make sure that the multitude of buttons on your lilac dress remained secured and safe. You hadn’t worn this dress ever before and earlier this exact morning you had thought that it would have been a good idea to wear it. Now, it felt like maybe you should have worn something you were a little more comfortable in. Something a little more you. But it was too late for that, obviously. You were now stuck in the pretty dress that you had pulled on and you just had to be satisfied.

Still, you felt the worry tugging at the back of your mind. A curl fell over your eye and this was what prompted you to stop biting your lip so you could instead blow the hair out of your eyelashes. This was another choice you weren’t sure about. You had curled your hair. Would everyone think you were fake for fixing your hair arguably glamorously for the beach?

Your heart squeezed as the producer who had been assigned to you cleared his throat to get your attention. You jumped in your seat slightly, your head snapped up to meet his apologetic brown eyes which were shielded by a pair of thick, square glasses. They rested low on his relatively small nose and made him look a little like a nerd. You assumed that they seemed to fit him awkwardly mostly because of the black head set covering his ears, the mic was pulled slightly away from his admittedly full lips. He had a clipboard in his hands as well as a pen and since you had stepped in the car, he had been glancing anxiously at the papers in his lap. You couldn’t stop yourself from wondering if maybe he was new to all of this and that’s why he seemed so on edge, but you assumed that it would be a little rude to ask.

“Sorry,” he slurred looking down at his clipboard again and tapping the pen anxiously on his cheek, “I just have some questions to ask you before we arrive.”

“Oh,” you answered, dropping your hand from your heart and placing it back on your knee.

“Okay. Sure. Shoot.”

Mentally, you cringed at yourself. Would it be too much to ask of yourself to not say anything cringe worthy?

“Okay,” the producer said, a smile pulling at his lips at your answer still looking at the questions, “I’ll take a shot.”

Your heart skipped a beat. He was cute. You couldn’t lie to yourself about it. Since you had seen him at the airport a couple of days prior, you had noticed that he was attractive but you weren’t here to flirt with the staff. You were here to find a boyfriend and potentially a husband. So instead of dwelling on how cute he was, you chose instead to keep in mind who this man was. A glorified handler of sorts.

“So, why did you want to be in Bachelor in Paradise?”

You took a deep breath and looked at the producer but he shook his head and pointed down at the camera instead. You smiled and nodded, trying to keep your nerves at bay and your voice even.

“Well…after being on the bachelor for all of two seconds, I felt like maybe it wasn’t a good idea to have like sixty girls dating the same guy. I guess I don’t stand out much at first so I thought that narrowing down the dating pool and adding a couple more men would help my chances? Honestly, I just wanted a second chance at this whole reality show dating thing.”

The producer nodded, his eyes hooded slightly like you had maybe said something wrong. You thought back to your answer and realized that you had spoken a bit fast. It might be hard to edit it later on.

“Sorry,” you said, “I tend to ramble when I’m nervous.”

“It’s alright,” the producer said, adjusting his glasses and writing something down before he asked another question.

“Who do you hope is in Paradise if anyone and what do you hope will come out of it?”

A specific face popped in your mind. The hope that this person was going to be in Paradise as well was what had pushed you over the edge to apply.

“I hope that the last runner up is there,” you said with confidence, “Seokjin. I honestly can’t believe that he was rejected. That last girl was crazy. He’s so funny and good looking. I’d love to get to know him. Honestly though, I’m not expecting anything from this. I just want to see how things go. I just really hope that Jungkook isn’t here. After the last season…I just don’t want to see him. I didn’t have a lot of time on the show but he just felt so…disingenuous and shallow. He was nothing like what I thought he would be like.”

The producer snorted. You blinked up at him but he cleared his throat again and continued on as if he hadn’t just laughed at what you said. It rubbed you the wrong way.

“Is something funny?”

The producer looked up, a smile still sparkling in his eyes as he realized what it could have seemed like to you.

“Oh uh…no I’m so sorry, that was unprofessional. It won’t happen again Miss Y/N. I just have one more question for you if that’s alright, then we should be good.”

You crossed your arms and sat up straighter. You honestly felt a little judged. If this producer was going to be the one constantly questioning you, you weren’t sure if you were going to be able to be honest with his judgy ass.

“Right okay go on.”

        “What would be the worst case scenario for you coming out of this experience?”

You raised an eyebrow. Isn’t that obvious?

“Well obviously being single-”

“I’m sorry Miss Y/N, could you phrase your answer with ‘The worst case scenario would be’ for editing purposes?”

You held back an eye roll. After that chortle, your annoyance seemed to be on the surface of your skin.

“Sure,” you conceded, “The worst case scenario would be for me to come out of this single or looked over again. I feel like I’ve worked a lot on myself since the last time and I don’t want to be ignored again.”

The producer hissed but jotted something down. Suddenly, you remembered that the producers of this show were notorious for making people look a certain way and took things out of context for entertainment sake. Had you come across too harshly? You didn’t want to be the bitchy girl on the show.

“I’m sorry,” you said quickly as he began to turn back around in his seat, “did that come out too bitchy?”

The producer tilted his head slightly, “Uh, no. I don’t think so. I think it was just the right amount of bitchy to be honest.” He shrugged then turned fully to the front. Your heart sank.

“You’re not going to make me look like a crazy person are you?”

Again, you winced at your word choice. You had seen how they could twist this out of context. You should be much more careful with what you were saying.

“Mm… probably not.”

Probably? Probably not? The greenest trees you had ever seen suddenly took up the view from your seat. You were nearing the film sight. You could still see the car that was filming your car following behind, but where there were only streets and buildings before, there was now open blue skies and greenery so beautiful it almost took your breath away.

“That’s not very reassuring,” you said looking out of the window and placing a hand over your heart just to feel it beat. It grounded you.

“I don’t usually do the editing so I can’t say for sure, but there’s this other girl who arrived a little before you and she was super defensive so I feel like the title of bitchiest has probably gone to her already.”

You felt your shoulders relax a bit at that but a sliver of fear wormed his way into your body. You hoped that she wouldn’t actually be a bitch. You felt a little bad for her.

“How do you think they’ll make me look? The forgettable one?”

The producer didn’t answer right away. Instead, he picked up his phone and typed something out. He then held out his phone to you without turning.

You took the phone with uncertainty. You looked down and noticed that he had his notes open and what he’s been typing was directed at you.

If you don’t want to be shown in a bad lighting, I recommend you don’t say things like “did that sound too bitchy” or “I’m the forgettable one”. That is only giving them ideas as to what to brand you. Be positive.

Your heart sank. He was right. You had seen it many times before and you were making all the mistakes that you said you weren’t going to make. You decided to type back instead of answering out loud.

You’re probably right. I guess I’m just nervous. I’m scared. I’ll try to be positive.

You handed the phone back to him with a tap on his shoulder. He took the device without hesitation. He held it a bit away from his face then began to type frantically. You felt like you were buzzing. Maybe it was the cameras or the fact that you could now see the resort. You couldn’t be sure which.

“Namjoon,” said the driver with a chastising tone to his voice, “You know you shouldn’t be talking to her like that. Speak with your voice. The editors will complain that they don’t have any footage.”

Namjoon. Why did that name sound familiar?

“Right sorry Sejin ssi,” Namjoon answered looking down at his phone awkwardly then over his shoulder at you. He seemed to be debating whether to show you what he’d written or not now that he’d been chastised.  After a couple more seconds, he sighed and clicked his phone off. You frowned. You felt like what he was going to say was important.

You let yourself look out the window again just as the car turned left into the parking of the resort. Now you knew it was the fact that you were so close. The resort was enormous. It seemed to span for a good three miles. The walls were painted a vibrant yellow and the roof offset it with a deep warm brown. Small shells lined the front door and the driveway was littered with sand and kept shrubs. A plethora of flowers decorated the stairway leading to the entrance. Your heart skipped a beat. This was it.

You knew you weren’t the first person to arrive. There were already people at the resort waiting to meet you. If that wasn’t terrifying and exciting, then you didn’t know what was.

“Okay,” Namjoon said as the driver- Sejin- parked the car. You sat at attention, ready to do as he said.

“This is the villa but right now Chris is waiting for you at the entry to the beach access we have reserved for the show and we want to record that now since more people are on their way already. Sejin-ssi and I will take your bags to your room then I will meet up with you on the beach. Try not to talk to me directly too often unless there’s something urgent. At the end of the day,” he paused there for what may have been a bit too long, “you are here to meet the other people here, not me. Think of me as like a shadow for you, if that makes sense.”

You nodded. The reality of what you were doing had suddenly hit you square in the chest. Your body was on high alert. Every nerve in your body was ready to jump with the slightest thing. You were throwing yourself into the fray again.

Flashes of the last time you were on a show like this one crossed your mind’s eye. You tapped your chest as if you could stop the ache of last time from being present once again. You had gotten over that slight heart break. Jungkook hadn’t appreciated you and that wasn’t your fault. It was his for not seeing how amazing you were. You couldn’t let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game. This time would be different.

“Okay. Sounds good.”

“Great. Just walk through the right side of the villa and you should see the cameras and Chris. It’s hard to miss.”

“Okay.”

You opened the door  without a second thought and stepped out into the Mexican sun. The humidity was already prominent. You could almost feel your hair frizz. The sun was strong on your exposed shoulders. You should have put on sunscreen before arriving. Oh well. It would have to be something to keep in mind for the next time.

You heard the two other doors open and out walked Sejin and Namjoon. Both men were much taller than you, even in your beachy wedges. They both wore jean shorts and a black shirt. You could already see the men sweating in the summer heat. You weren’t surprised. It was almost unbearably hot but you had bigger things to worry about.

“Miss Y/N-“

“Please just call me Y/N. The whole Miss thing makes me feel old.”

You looked over your shoulder as Sejin opened the trunk that held your luggage. Namjoon was standing next to the taller man with a raised eyebrow and a slight smile on his lips.

“Okay sure. Y/N, go ahead and go to the beach access. I’ll be there shortly.”

A strained smile crossed your face as you nodded and took a deep breath. With all of the courage you could muster, you took a step in the direction of the shooting sight. Like a spell being broken, the nerves dissolved slightly. You pulled your shoulders back and adjusted your hair. You were beautiful. Confident. Interesting. Attractive. Bachelor in Paradise was going to be different for you. You could just feel it.

As you walked along the path that Producer Namjoon had suggested, you felt yourself begin to sweat. The sun and humidity were starting to get to you already. Oh how you wished that this season was taking place in the alps somewhere instead of in the middle of summer on a beach in Mexico.

From a distance, you could see Chris, the host of the show, speaking to a man who wore a similar uniform to that of Namjoon and Sejin. He had glasses as well and was a little on the bigger side. He seemed to be telling Chris something but as soon as they saw you approaching, the man walked away with a pat on his shoulder and a cue to the camera man.

Chris, the professional he was, turned on the charm instantly. He smiled brightly at you as if you were an old friend though you were pretty sure he barely remembered you. Regardless, you smiled at him and prepared yourself for an awkward hug.

You waved at him and he waved back enthusiastically, his blond hair shone in the sun like spun gold. You wondered how much he paid for it.

“Is that Y/N?”

Taken aback, you looked behind you as if you thought he was talking to someone else. When you saw no one behind you, you realized that he actually did remember you, or the director had told him who you were.

“Me? Oh uh yeah! I didn’t think you would remember who I was,” you said. Namjoon’s words came back to you in that instant. Here was yet another thing to twist. You really needed to think before you spoke.

“How could I not remember who you are!? You left our last bachelor literally speechless with your entrance.”

You cringed at the memory. You had dressed really old Hollywood and paid a fortune to have your hair done up and while Chris was right, Jungkook had been left speechless, it hadn’t amounted to much as he sent you home almost instantly.

“It didn’t really help though,” you laughed as you neared and he held his arms up as you had thought he would to give you a hug. You walked into it unceremoniously, careful not to smudge the lipstick you wore on his light blue shirt. After a second of back pats, he let you free and you chuckled awkwardly.

“Well it looks like you came here with a similar approach. Do you think it will help you out this time around?”

“Am I overdressed?”

“Oh no, you’re fine. I just wanted to gauge your thoughts on this season.”

You unconsciously bit your lip and looked up at the sky in thought. The clouds were so white and fluffy they almost made you wish you could touch them. In that moment, a cloud shaped like a heart floated above you and your excitement soared. You pointed up at it to get Chris to look which to his credit he did without hesitation.

“Look! A heart! That’s gotta be a good sign!”

“Uh,” Chris stuttered, “Yeah it must be. Do you think anyone is going to be excited to see you?”

You smiled at the cloud as it morphed into shapeless blobs before you looked back down at Chris to answer his question.

“I hope so. I hope someone will want to date me. I came here to find love after all.”

“Yes, well, it looks like you’re about to find out. Why don’t you go ahead and meet up with the rest of the contestants that have arrived?”

Chris gestured to the stone walls that served as the entrance to the back side of the villa and you felt your heart drop. This was it. You were about to see who else had made it to Paradise.

With a final hug and a nod, you pulled your dress up and descended the moss covered stairs. It was like walking into the twilight zone of sorts. Reality seemed to melt away as you traveled further into the beach access. Suddenly, the wall gave way to bushes and palm trees you had seen so many times on TV and you felt yourself light headed.

“Someone else is here,” you heard a male voice yell. You felt a shiver run up your spine. As you took the final steps into the clearing. You plastered a smile on your face so you wouldn’t look threatening and near the cabana you saw multitudes of people already sitting and waiting and talking to one another. You could see two girls sitting together as well as a single woman sitting away from the Cabana alone. You made a mental note to go talk to her later.

At the bar, were four guys all of which looked extremely close to each other and very handsome. When your eyes landed on the one farthest to the right, your heart stopped. There he was in all of his glory. The fabled Kim Seokjin. Even from this distance he was stunning. He had lips like pillows and skin like silk. He was in a salmon colored button up and some khaki cargo shorts. His hair was black now and kept long which you guessed made it hot since it was already kind of gross outside, but the slight glisten of his skin only made him seem less approachable.

You forced yourself to look at the other men and realized you recognized them all as well. None of these men had been the actual Bachelor but they had been on seasons of the bachelorette.

Kim Taehyung was the runner up on Yuri’s season which had shocked the world in its entirety. The man was a tall glass of water and on top of that he seemed to be extremely caring, so when the bachelorette of the time had rejected his marriage proposal, it was a shock to say the least. More so, it was a shock that he hadn’t been chosen to be the next bachelor. People had started the petition.

Next to him was an older man. He had black hair and a severe undercut. He was drinking what looked to be whisky with a heavily ringed finger. He was hunched over slightly and his oversized shirt hung off of him so you could see into it if you wanted to. He was pale. Nearly as white as his shirt but his stoney exterior was enough to keep you intrigued. Min Yoongi. He was rich. That much you knew. He was some sort of architecte who’d become a psychologist and after having finished his career, he realized he wanted to be in love and was convinced to go on the show by a friend of his that worked on it. Who that friend was, the world never knew, but he was on a particularly uninteresting season of the bachelorette. He was the only thing you remembered about that show.

Finally, next to him was someone you knew was much younger than most of the people there. Choi Soobin. He may have been younger, two years to be exact, but he was by far the tallest man in the house as of yet. He towered over Yoongi in the stool next to him. He had a tall fruity looking drink in his enormous hand and was taking sips from it every so often. He had been voted off his own season of the Bachelorette because Katie, the bachelorette, wasn’t into being a noona.

It was a mistake for her. Soobin had been the most good looking man on her season and she had ended up with no proposals. That must have hurt her ego. Then again, she was kind of a jerk if you remembered correctly from your own season of the bachelor. She had been one of the three finalists for Jungkook but he had gone with some girl that was clearly all wrong for him and they had broken off their engagement shortly after the show aired.

“Hi guys,” you heard your voice say. Already, the two girls who were seated together glared at you though you didn’t know who they were so you had no idea why they did this. The men on the other hand, looked chipper. They stood instantly and waited for you to arrive. You stepped into the Cabana and realized that even with heels, it was going to be a challenge to reach Soobin. He seemed to see this as well and stooped town to gently hug you. His smile reached his eyes which squinted prettily. He smelled a little like linens and cotton. It was refreshing and you wondered if it was his clothes, or his hair that gave off such a delightful scent.

“Hi, I’m Soobin,” he said after he had pulled away. His voice was deeper than you expected and you blinked up at him.

“Hi. Nice to meet you. My name is Y/N.”

Almost instantly, without waiting for Soobin to reply, another set of arms wrapped around you. Taken aback, you hugged the person back and felt his wide shoulders.

“I’m Seokjin but you can call me Jin! It’s nice to meet you!”

Your heart stopped. Here he was. The Kim Seokjin, hugging you! You tried to keep your nerves at bay so that you could make a good impression. You knew that later, you would have to talk to a camera about how you felt and you wanted to appear cool and collected.

“Wow Seokjin! So nice to meet you as well!”

He gave you an extra squeeze then let you breathe, though he was holding onto your shoulders examining you. You felt self continuous. Would he find a lot of flaws? Not all of the world could be nearly scientifically perfect like him.

“Wow you are just gorgeous! I can’t believe the kid kicked you out of the show so quickly! What a prick!”

Your eyes went wide. Had Seokjin watched your season? And he remembered you? Wow. It was almost worth not making it halfway through the show.

“Yeah I can’t believe Jungkook let her go,” said Taehyung from behind Jin. His eyes narrowed at the older man who only winked at him and stepped back.

“Oh well, lucky for us,” he said, opening his arms wide. He was weaning a blue and white striped shirt that was tucked into dark blue shorts. His dark brown hair was pushed back by a bandana that seemed to be matching Yoongi’s. You chuckled to yourself before stepping into the hug. His arms wrapped around your frame easily but he only held onto you for a second in fear of being disrespectful.

“My name is Taehyung.”

“Hey, yeah I know.” If you could hit yourself, this would be the time to. “I mean, I watched your season. My name is Y/N.”

“I know,” he reciprocated, “I watched yours too.”

You didn’t have time to react as Taehyung winked at you then moved aside to introduce you to the last man.

“This is Yoongi. He’s a little grumpy because it’s so early and he’s usually asleep at this time. Right hyung?”

Yoongi took a prolonged sip of his whisky before he spoke and glared at his...friend? He stood from the stool. This man was significantly shorter than the rest but his presence seemed to take up the whole room.

“I’m not usually asleep at three in the afternoon you little shit,” he whined pushing Taehyung lightly on the shoulder. His glare seemed misplaced on his cute face. He almost seemed like a baby when he was mad. It was the least threatening thing you had ever seen.

“He did get one thing right. I’m Yoongi,” he said, holding out a hand. He had been the only person not to hug you. You wondered if this meant that he was already not interested in you.

Sensing your unease, Taehyung stepped in once again, “Don’t worry about his lack of affection Y/N. Yoongi hyung is just a little awkward when it comes to women.”

“Taehyung,” Yoongi warned, his eyes blazing at the taller man.

“I’m just messing with you hyung!”

You took Yoongi’s hand and shook it carefully. You could feel that your hands were a little sweaty and you worried he’d find it gross. Yoongi showed no signs of disgust though. He smiled softly at you then offered you his seat at the bar. You smiled brightly at him and was ready to take the seat but then you remembered the girls and realized you should go introduce yourself to them as well. If they weren’t going to do the polite thing and introduce themselves then you would do it.

“I’d love to stay but I should go say hi to them as well,” you said, tilting your head towards the girls. Taehyung did nothing to hide his dejected feelings. His lips turned down in a frown. Yoongi elbowed him and he straightened out his expression instantly.

“Okay go ahead. Do you mind if we speak later though?” Taehyung asked hopefully and your heart raced. You may have shown up partially for Jin but you weren’t going to deny spending some time with the most handsome man in the world. That would be plain stupid.

“Of course! After I greet everyone, you’re the first on my list.”

Taehyung’s eyes lit up. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Jin’s face turn into an attractive scowl but he said nothing and you excused yourself.

You first walked over to the two girls who had been scowling at you this entire time. One of them had bleach blonde hair that was tied back into a long flowing ponytail. She had the prettiest blue eyes and her features reminded you of a doll. She was petite and beautiful. Too bad the scowl on her face was unflattering. Her friend was quite pretty as well. She had dark brown hair that was cut sharply at her shoulders. It was loose and flowing in the wind showing off her highlights. She had freckles all over her shoulders and some scattered on her nose. She seemed to be a bit taller than the blonde girl though, this evident by the way she hunched slightly in her seat to be at ear level.

You forced a smile on your face as you approached. They seemed to exchange a knowing look and shifted their expressions. Now, two perfectly white teeth smiles beamed up at you.

“Hi,” you said, waiting for them to stand, but they only sat and waited as if you were meant to do the same.

“Uh… My name is-”

“We know who you are,” said the blonde girl. Her voice was squeaky and high pitched. She reminded you very much of a barbie.

“Oh you do? I thought no one remembered me.”

“Are you kidding? No one could believe Jungkook sent you home so quickly,” said the brunette.

“Really?” This was hard to believe for you. You assumed you had been too boring and everyone could tell.

“Yeah. You’re super pretty,” Agreed her friend, but then something shifted in the air and their smiles seemed less friendly and more threatening. “Just so you know, Kim Taehyung and Kim SeokJin are taken.”

Your heart sank. And so the drama began.

“Oh really? They didn’t mention that they already-”

“Well they are. Stay away from them and we shouldn’t have any problems. ‘Kay?” The Blonde asked, her voice was deceivingly perky.

You weren’t in the mood to argue. It seemed to you like both Taehyung and Seokjin weren’t exactly set on anyone. If Taehyung’s invitation was anything to go by but you knew that indulging in shananigans such as this would only make your life much harder here.

“Got it. Thanks for the heads up.”

“Glad we understand each other, “ said the brunette, without warning or dismissal, they stood and walked over to the men. The blonde instantly threw her arms around Seokjin and the brunette bent down half way and stuck her admittedly nice ass out next to Taehyung. Both men seemed civil enough. You felt a slight pang at the sight but you pushed it aside. There were more men to come and you still had at least one more introduction to make. One of those two must be the girl that Namjoon had warned you about.

With slight hesitance, you walked over to the girl who was sitting by herself on a chair near the ocean. She seemed pretty relaxed. She was leaning back on her wrists. Her short legs were bare and her feet were encased in some cute brown sandals. She had a loose white knitted shirt over what looked to be a one piece blue swimsuit covered in flowers. It dipped low on her chest and showed off a little bit of cleavage. A pretty straw hat sat on her medium length wavy hair. She seemed totally unbothered by it all. For a second, you wondered if she even was a part of the show but the mic strapped to her back was a dead give away.

“Um hey,” you said uncertainty. You didn’t want to bother her after all but at the same time, you really did want to make at least one friend that wasn’t one of the men. It would be pretty lonely if you didn’t.

The girl slowly looked over at you. Her expression was polite. She didn’t exactly smile, though you swore you saw the corners of her lips tilt up.

“Hi,” her voice was soft which was a contrast to the initial coldness that she exuded. You smiled at her as if this would show that you weren’t there to harass her. She mirrored your smile.

“I’m sorry, I just wanted to introduce myself but if you want to be left alone I can go?”

The girl sat up straight instantly, “No it’s okay. My name is Alexandria but you can call me Alex.”

Relief swept through you at her friendly tone. You walked closer and sat slightly behind her on her lounge chair. She adjusted so that she was sitting parallel to you. She seemed a little nervous and you saw that in yourself. You could at least keep eachother company.

“Alex! Okay hi! My name is Y/N.”

“That’s a pretty name,” she complimented, “It’s nice to meet you. I know i must look weird being so far from everyone but those two girls kind of freaked me out and all the guys are really tall so I thought I’d take a second to breathe.”

“Yeah, those two were...something else,” you agreed, “And that Soobin guy has to be like seven feet tall!”

“He’s six two,” she corrected then quickly covered her mouth. A blush covered her cheeks and you chuckled.

“You like him then?”

Alexandria shook her head quickly, “I just always find out how tall people are before if I can. I’m really short so height is a big deal.”

Indeed, as you looked at her, you realized you were about a head taller than her. You yourself weren’t that tall so this girl must be-

“I’m four eleven.”

“Oh my God,” you said without thinking. This time you blushed.

“I’m so sorry that came out wrong. I’ve just never met someone so short! And these guys are…”

“Huge,” she finished.

“Completely.”

A gargle of noise drew your attention back to the bigger group. At some point, while you had been distracted, another girl had arrived. That made the total count four guys to five girls.

This girl was very different to the rest of the girls already here. She was wearing a loose pink romper and some circular sunglasses. Her hair was cut short at her jaw and it was dark brown and straight. She was very tan and curvy. Gladiator sandals adorned her muscular calves. It was no surprise that the men and now, the girls, were gawking at her. Romper cut low to her chest and ran nearly to her shorts. She exuded confidence.

“Looks like the competition is stiff,” Alexandria said. You nodded and stood to go greet her. You expected Alex to follow but she didn’t move.

“Don’t you wanna go say hi?”

“Mm.. maybe later. She can come to me if she wants.” You blinked at her.

“Okay well, I’ll talk to you later.”

“Yeah later.”

You didn’t know how to feel about her. She seemed nice enough but a little closed off. You guessed you had six weeks to find out.

You made your way carefully to the group which had migrated a bit to greet the new girl. The men each took turns hugging the girl and to no one’s surprise, Yoongi held out only a hand to shake. Taehyung rolled his eyes at his friend this time but said nothing. As you approached, the girl looked over at you. She was also shorter than you were but not nearly as much as Alex. The sea of men before her parted to let you through. A weird tension rested in the air.

“Hi,” she said, her voice like honey, “I’m Julie.”

“I’m Y/N.”

“I know,” she said unabashedly, hugging you.

“Wow you’re a really affectionate person huh?”

“You could say that,” she joked, “How is everyone doing so far?”

“Pretty good, “ said Seokjin, “It’s hard not to be when there're so many beautiful women arriving.”

The blonde chose that moment to wrap an arm around Seokjin’s bicep and giggle like her life depended on it. You fought yourself not to roll your eyes.

“That’s sweet of you to say,” Julie answered stepping up directly to Jin and taking his hand, “Would you be interested in telling me what I’ve missed out on?”

Seokjin’s eyes seemed to pop out of his head as he shook off the blonde and let Julie lead him away towards a canopy over a comfortable looking bed.

The look on her face was worth the slight jealousy you felt as Seokjin walked away entranced by the woman’s curves. Awkwardly, you looked at the rest of the group and noticed that the brunette was sulking somewhere behind. Taehyung must have shut her down or something.

“Hey Y/N.” You looked back to the group and realized that said man was speaking to you. His hair had curled a little at the ends with the humidity of the day. It was attractive.

“Could I talk to you now?”

You smiled at him. It was incredibly flattering to have him want to speak with you specifically.

“Yeah! Totally.”

A shock of electricity ran through your body as his long fingers entwined with yours. His hand dwarfed yours. If you were honest with yourself, Taehyung was everything you could possibly want in a man. He was tall, good looking, he seemed to be funny and even respectful. Things could have gone much worse if you were honest. He was a catch.

He led you a bit away from the noise of the Cabana and to the pool. No one was really there so you guys had the space to yourselves to really talk. You could still see the main section of the beach from here so if you were needed you would be able to tell. The bubbles of the jacuzzi were soothing to listen to. You could almost feel the jets on your back. Just the thought made your shoulders roll back and your head lull. You heard Taehyung chuckle but you didn’t mind. It didn’t feel like he was laughing at you.

“Sorry, I just love hot tubs. I can’t wait to get in,” you explained looking at Taehyung. He smiled brightly at you.

“We can get in if you want! I’ve been dying to get in the water.”

You giggled and shoved his chest lightly, “I’m not wearing a swimsuit under this and I didn’t put on any sunscreen. I also don’t want to mess up my hair just yet. It took a long time to get it like this.”

“We could just get in like this. I’m actually not wearing swim trunks either. I’m okay with getting a little wet if you are. As for your hair,” He said as I opened my mouth to protest, “I have a hair tie.”

He let go of your hand and stepped behind you, pulling your sleek hair off your shoulders. You could tell that you were already getting a little sunburned but his breath on your back made you completely forget about it.

He delicately pulled your hair up and tied it into a bun on the top of your head, a couple of strands escaped his hold and framed your face. He must have done people’s hair before because he was done quickly and he hadn’t pulled your hair once. He didn’t move away when he was done though. He placed his hands on your shoulder and leaned in close to your ear.

“Take off your shoes,” he whispered. Without question, you did what he said. You set your shoes by one of the chairs and as soon as you had straightened his hands were on your waist.

“Is this ok?”

Yes. Of course. Was he really asking that? Was he kidding? Had he looked in a mirror?

“Yeah, it’s okay,” you said. Suddenly, Taehyung picked you up off your feet by the waist and tossed you into the hot tub, dress and all. You screamed as the water splashed around you. Usually, something like this would make you furious but not too much after, Taehyung waddled in after you and sat down, the water at his shoulder. He smiled up at you as your dress soaked up the hot water and floated around you almost ethereally.

“Wow… how is it that you’re more beautiful now?”

The anger rushed out of you instantly and you waddled over to him. You placed your hands on his shoulders and his legs were open so you could stand between them. His hands fell to your hips again. He was laying it on thick. You knew that, but honestly, you didn’t mind. You were here to find love. What better way to do that than to throw yourself into it head first. The sun beat down on your skin but you knew that the warmth you felt wasn’t from the ray or the water but from the excitement that so quickly, someone had shown an interest in you.

Like a magnetic force, you felt yourself lean down. Taehyung was reaching up too, his wet hand was now at your neck. It was like a spell. You would never have done something like this before. You were always the kind of person to take things slow, but you had six weeks to fall in love and you realized that maybe you would have to speed up your regular process. Would you regret this later? Maybe. But in that moment, you couldn’t bring yourself to care.

“Y/N!”

The deep voice of Producer Namjoon made you both jump apart. A groan escaped Taehyung’s lips. Embarrassment flooded your body. What must he think of you? He’d left you alone for what couldn’t be more than a couple of hours and already you were going to kiss a complete stranger.

“Producer Namjoon?”

Namjoon furrowed his eyebrows in confusion at the name but he shook his head and moved past it. He gave Taehyung a weird look before he focused on you again.

“I’m sorry to interrupt whatever it was that was about to happen but I really have to talk to you.”

“Hey Joon hyung,” Taehyung interrupted. Hyung? Were they that close?

“Aren’t you supposed to not interrupt us?”

PD Namjoon rolled his eyes at the younger man, “Yes I know. I just need to talk to Y/N for a second-”

“Is it really that important, hyung? We really were kind of in the middle of something.”

“Taehyung. I need to speak with her. You guys can make out later.”

“We were not making out,” You interjected, flustered that Namjoon had kind of walked in on you.

“Whatever. I don’t care what you do with yourself. I just have to speak to you in private.”

PD Namjoon gave you a withering look. You looked at Taehyung who sighed and stood up. The shirt was stuck to his abs and the water glistened in the sunlight. He had some really pronounced arm muscles that you hadn’t noticed. He ran a hand through his hair. Drops of water ran through the strands. He looked like he was straight out of a commercial.

“I’ll talk to you later Y/N,” Taehyung said before stepping out of the hot tub. He trailed water as he walked back to the Cabana. From the distance, you could see that a couple more people had arrived. There were more men than women now. Julie was sitting at the bar with a couple of them. Alex seemed to have migrated a little closer and was talking to a man with what seemed to be blue hair and the two girls you had met earlier were speaking to one of the new guys and Soobin. There were three new girls that you hadn’t spoken to as well. It hadn’t felt like you had been gone for a long time but from the looks of it, your absence had been longer than imagined.

“Okay first thing’s first,” PD Namjoon said holding out a tube of 100 spf sunscreen. You were shocked. How had he known that you needed some?

“You’re mic,” he explained as you took the sunscreen and clicked it open, “I’m supposed to be listening in case you need anything.”

“Oh,” you said, “that’s...creepy.”

Namjoon rolled his eyes, “Yeah well, you’ll be really grateful if something really serious happens. Think of me as like an older brother or something like that. It’s my job to make sure you’re okay.”

“Okay,” you conceded, slightly disappointed that he seemed to have closed a door with that analogy, “I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks. Is that all?”

You squeezed a good amount of sunscreen onto the palm of your hand and rubbed it tenderly on your shoulders and around your chest. You pulled it up to your neck. You tried to reach on your back. With the tips of your fingers you barely reached. You scrunched up your nose. If you had just worn something with more cover, everything would have been fine.

“Come here,” Namjoon said. You raised your eyebrows at his tone.

“Please? I’m going to help you put it on your back.”

You waddled closer to the edge then handed him the tube, a bit suspicious. He was a stranger after all. You reminded yourself that he wasn’t on the show to try and seduce you. He was genuinely just being nice.

You felt his warm hands on you slightly sunburned back and you winced. Namjoon chuckled. This wasn’t like Taehyung. Instead, you felt like he really was making fun of you. You crossed your arms but let him massage the sunscreen onto your skin before he spoke again.

“Okay so secondly, I really thought I should warn you, especially after what you said in the car on the way here.”

“Warn me about what?” You turned back to look at him. His expression was uncomfortable and it reminded you of how he had looked when PD Sejin had told him to speak to you out loud instead of through a message.

“What is it?” A spike of fear shot through you.

“I’m not supposed to tell you and I need you to act like you don’t know but one of the people who is coming is-”

“Hey Y/N,” another voice cut across Namjoon. You turned towards it to see that most of the people who had been hanging out by the Cabana were now making their way towards you. Amongst them, was none other than Jeon Jungkook.

[daily-dose-of-imagines]

Hitmen AU! | Head Canons | 19+ [Haikyuu!!]

𝕹𝖊𝖐𝖔𝖒𝖆 [PART i] [PART ii] [PART iii]

Part 3 of the hitmen head canons for Nekoma~!! Next team to be set up will be Aoba Johsai~!

» » Admin Ko

»»————-　♔　————-««

S̷o̷ ̷I̷n̷u̷o̷k̷a̷

This precious baby-- oh my god practically Hinata’s equal in terms of energy and excitement

Like Tanaka and Taketora, the pair met on the streets except instead of brawling they had a rather--- exhilarating first meeting?

Let’s just say it ended with a broken store front and two very angry motherly figures from both respective teams

anywho, let’s get into the gritty bits. This boy, is deadass the all-rounder.

He may not be as noticed or remembered like the other members, but it definitely adds to his skill set as he’s able to easily and swiftly move throughout the field without any sort of issue. 

Once tried to teach Lev how to be sneaky and holy fuck he’s never gonna forget that day 

His main specialty is being the ‘1st Warning’ when payments are late after their services have been completed

is pretty good at holding a decent conversation with the buyers, but talks better with his fists when they become a little too... confident

A chorus of chuckles. The shaking of hands and leisure smiles were shared across the room as the 5 individuals greeted one another before seating themselves at the table. Some of them jesting at the youngest in the room as the figure could only let out a laugh before seating himself at the head of the table. 

“Greetings, I’m here as a representative for my business. I’ve been told by my senior that you all are looking to use our services?” 

The question fell quickly, as he wasn’t really here to sit and beat around the bush. That came for later, to test and see how the clients here ticked and who would be the first on his list for a visit. Of course the responses were initially normal, though as time ticked on and their demands were being placed on the table, tensions began to arise as a handful of them began to get cocky. 

Their statements running freely with no consideration to the sinister smile that began to form on the young man’s usually sweet face. Within a moment’s notice, one of the ruder clients found the ground to be their new best friend as they sputtered and choked against the heavy weight around their throat.

“Let this be a reminder to you all, that even if I am young...I know exactly what I’m doing.”

A toll baby oh my god

He has messy bedhead, but he usually styles it up since it’s easy and efficient 

Looks lanky from a distance, but is pretty well built for all that does 

he has one tattoo on his body and two basic studs

is very baby faced 

with his s/o, he honestly doesn’t show or indicate any signs of being a part of the more darker parts of the world

he’s very affectionate and cuddly with s/o too~! 

Whenever he gets into familiar territory while on a date with s/o he’ll quickly convince them to go a different route or to do something different for their date

T̴a̴m̴a̴h̴i̴k̴o̴ ̴T̴e̴s̴h̴i̴r̴o̴

Calm and collected like Kenma, he is Kenma’s student prodigy whatever you wanna call it

helps with the cyber end details and transactions as well as cyber attacks if any other organizations try to hack or expose their little corner

makes little mistakes here and there tbh, but Kenma fixes them quickly and shows him tips and tricks to counteract the problem

besides training with Kenma, he also works in the lab to make and develop more equipment for missions as well as products to sell to potential clients

doesn’t necessarily engage on the field, is usually back at base help from home

gives heads up and advice from information he sees on the dark web when handing off assignments

Skimming over the information once more. The young male couldn’t help but furrow his brows in confusion. It was odd. The coding, the message, the timing. All of it just told him that there was something more at play. That this purchase was hiding a much more bigger, sinister scheme. 

“...Odd.” Indeed it was, of course he’d run it by the older strategist when he went to collect the assignments to pass out. Yet he couldn’t help but once he brought it up a war would break out within their sanction.

He isn’t as tall as the others, nor is he the most buff but he does make up for what he lacks physically by helping create equipment and making sure his teammates will be safe on the field

definitely frequents sparring matches with the other rookies to keep in shape 

doesn’t have any tattoos but does have an industrial 

with his s/o he can be a little...secretive

he doesn’t want to expose them to the work he does nor possibly get them hurt so he can be pretty vague

like Kenma, any chance he can be with s/o he’ll do so most likely in doors and just chatting and catching up with a show in the bg

L̷e̷v̷ ̷H̷a̷i̷b̷a̷

god this child-- plz help this clutz

very mischievous and sly, when he holds conversations with anyone it always feels like he’s trying to pry something out of them. 

aspires to be an all round ace like Inoka is, but honestly is a big clutz

accidentally almost killed Inoka first day during shooting practice

Yaku deadass beat this tall boi’s ass to the ground 

he goes through the most training and the most skills 

definitely makes up for his mess on the field, despite still making mistakes here and there, he shows improvement every time he’s assigned a new mission.

Out of all the skills he’s learned, he definitely likes the skills of interrogation

he enjoys seeing their victims squirm and beg for forgiveness 

“Oh come now~. This isn’t so bad right? You just need to pay the money and let us know who your second supplier is~!” A gleeful voice echoed throughout the desolate chamber as the seated individual trembled in the metal chair. When no response was given, a sharp click of the tongue was heard as a cry of pain cut through the tense air. The clang of the metal chair hitting the concrete floor as a boot pressed the victim’s head tortuously slowly into the ground.

“I’m not here to keep playing this little game...I know you’ve been selling our information to a competitor...and honestly none of us like that. Though...it is good to say that you’re not the only one selling secrets~.” A wicked grin, and pearly whites were tattooed into the victim’s mind as the horror of their darkest deeds were being sold. Though this group wouldn’t do such a thing...right?

“I know what you’re thinking...and honestly, it’s not true~ We made quite the pretty penny~.”

the tollest boy in their group

his silver hair is usually slicked back to keep a more professional look, but tbh he has it down

has a large variety of tattoos over his body along with old and fresh battle scars and bruises

he’s more lean than bulky but incredibly toned from his intensive workouts

with his s/o he’s a big prankster and a tease

loves to hold things out of reach and steal kisses from them

is always wrapped around s/o and follows them like a lost puppy at times when he really wants affection

Y̴u̴k̴i̴ ̴S̴h̴i̴b̴a̴y̴a̴m̴a̴

The most quiet member and shyest member

rarely ever causes issues in the group tbh 

he’s yaku’s favorite since he’s the least problematic rookie

despite being the shyest member, he really wows his members by being the eyes and ears.

During recon or sniping missions he’ll be the eyes and ears for the members by updating them in real time of what the target is doing and what things they will need to notice for.

Is one of the better gun handlers in the rookie group

“Target is heading off course. Distracted by a guest in the common room.” Sharp and quick, the usually soft voice spoke confidently as brown eyes analyzed the situation and how to move on from there. An annoyed sigh left his lips as he skimmed over the live CCTV footage before updating the assassins on the field.

“High chance that enemy organizations have infiltrated the assignment. Proceed with caution. Odd amount of cars coming up.” 

Furrowing his brows, the male continued to debrief the team coordinating and helping them get through the mission with as little issue as possible before letting out a pleased sigh as the target laid dead. The assassins immediately retreating as the veteran driver grinned, starting their car and returning to base.

One of the smallest members 

isn’t too bulky or too lean but rather average in terms of build

has no piercings or tattoos, but does have a good chunk of scars and bruises from constant sparring and training to keep his stamina and defenses up

his hair is usually pulled back to keep out of his face whenever he skims over feed to relay to the others

he’s very sweet around his s/o 

taking the time to listen to them and spending as much time as he can with them

a bit more honest than the others where he’ll tell them a bit about their job

[sunlightdances]

take my hand (when you can’t see the light)

Pairing: Dean Winchester x Fem!Reader Rating: PG-13 for like, 2 swears. Summary: Dean plays the knight in shining armor when you meet him by chance. Turns out you’ll meet him several more times. Everything happens for a reason, right? Author’s Note: This was supposed to be posted on Valentine’s Day, but we all know how I am with deadlines. Have some fluffy Dean to make up for it. Last year’s Valentine’s fic is here, but is unrelated and you don’t need to read that to like this one! Please excuse any tense issues - I changed it back to second person after a read through, so there might be some errors. Please don’t repost my work on any other sites including Wattpad, AO3, or other archiving sites without my permission! I don’t own Dean, Supernatural, or any other related characters. I also don’t own “Forever on Your Side” by Needtobreathe, which I used for the title.

It’s freezing outside, and your car is running on fumes.

You curse yourself for not having the forethought to get gas a few states ago when it was relatively warmer, and it just adds to the irritation buzzing through your veins.

Pulling up next to the last available gas pump, you jump out of the car and swipe your card. The machine beeps, and tells you your card can’t be read. Your stomach drops when you try to think about how much money is left in your account. You swear you had enough to get through this trip.

You swipe again, and this time it says, please see the cashier. “Oh, fuck you,” you groan, and the person on the other side of the pump from you looks up, startled.

“Sorry, not you.” You mutter, and feel your face burning as you quickly turn away and head inside to figure out why your card isn’t working.

Inside, you give some sob story about driving across the country, but the teenager behind the counter clearly doesn’t care. You don’t blame him, but it doesn’t help your situation. That’s until a hand sneaks around you from behind and places a credit card on the counter.

“Put it on this one along with pump eight.” A deep voice says, and you stiffen when you feel a distinctly male presence at your back.

“You don’t have to do that--” You start to say, looking over your shoulder to see the man from outside behind you. He backs up a few steps and you feel like you can breathe again.

“It’s no big deal.” He shrugs.

“I have money,” you blurt, wincing when you realize how defensive and stupid you sound.

The corners of his mouth quirk up in an amused smile. “I’m sure you do. Just think of it as me paying it forward.”

The kid behind the counter has already run the stranger’s card through the machine for both of you, so you have no choice but to stand there awkwardly until he tells you you’re all set.

“Well… thanks.” You say, and turn to head out the door quickly, trying not to prolong this embarrassment more than you have to. You want to get back on the road and this is already a longer pitstop than you planned it being.

Once your car is filled up, you sit back in the driver’s seat and check your phone. Ten unread text messages that you delete without reading, five missed calls, and a notice from your bank that your card has been put on hold due to suspicious activity.

You groan - you never even thought to let the bank know you were taking a trip, you just hauled ass out of town the first minute you could. Didn’t even stop to think of the consequences. You can feel tears welling up in your eyes as you struggle to think what you can do - you have a small amount of cash but not enough to get you where you’re going. The bank is closed by now, so even if you call them you won’t get your card turned back on until the morning.

You have absolutely no idea what to do.

A gentle knock on your window brings you out of your daze, and your eyes meet a pair of bright green ones, twin pools of concern. He gestures for you to roll down the window, and you do, but only halfway. He’s a stranger, after all.

“Are you alright?”

You huff a laugh. “I’m the farthest thing from alright. But I’ll be okay. Thanks again for the gas, by the way.”

He smiles gently. “I know how that goes. And it was nothing, really. Here--” he holds out a to-go cup of coffee, “You look like you might need this more than I do.”

“Thanks…”

“Dean.”

“Thanks, Dean.” You take the coffee from him and when his fingers brush yours briefly, you feel it zip up your arm. So cliche. You sort of hate yourself for thinking about it. “I have to go,” you say quietly.

He clears his throat. “Sure, sure.” He looks down at his feet awkwardly. “Drive safe.”

You watch him go to the other side of the gas pump and get in a sleek, black car. You sigh to yourself before putting your car in drive and hitting the road.

You give kudos to yourself that you only look in your rearview once.

.

.

.

After Dean’s been on the road for a few hours, he realizes he’s following the same route the girl from the gas station is, and he feels like a creep.

You were cute, but he tells himself to stop thinking about you. You’re clearly going through something, and he’s never going to see you again.

Even so, he wonders what you were running from.

Physically shaking his head to stop himself from letting his mind wander, he calls his brother. “Any update?” He asks as soon as Sam gets on the phone.

“No change. How long until you’re here?”

“Six or seven hours if I don’t stop.”

Sam sighs. Dean can tell he’s tired, though he knows his brother will never admit it. “There’s no rush, Dean. We’re just-- waiting. Take a break, get some sleep.”

Dean rolls his eyes. “I’ll see you soon. Call me if anything changes.”

He tosses the phone in the passenger seat after he hangs up and pushes the image of Sam alone at a hospital out of his mind, and pushes it even farther away knowing it’s Jody they’re waiting on, Jody who didn’t even get hurt from a job, but was in a car accident.

Surgery went perfectly, but until she wakes up, they don’t know much else.

It’s a shitty way to spend Valentine’s Day.

He puts it out of his mind the best he can and concentrates on the road. That’s when he notices a familiar car on the side of the road, flashers on.

He frowns. He paid for your gas himself, so he knows you’re not out of gas. Unless something else is wrong with the car. Weighing it for a few seconds, he pulls over behind you, not too close, and tells himself to stop overthinking it before he gets out.

Her door is already open by the time he gets close, and he sends you a small smile when you notice him.

“I just want you to know I’m not following you,” he says, and then quickly continues, “and I know that’s exactly what someone following you would say.”

You laugh, but it’s a little watery. “You seem to show up right when I need help, though.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I-- the car is fine. I just needed to stop for a few minutes.”

He sees the tear tracks on your cheeks but doesn’t say anything, doesn’t want to do anything to make you more upset.

“Valentine’s Day really blows.” You say finally, and Dean laughs, your words echoing his own thoughts.

“Definitely.” Dean opens his mouth to keep talking but his phone rings, shattering the moment. “Sorry, hang on--” He digs his phone out of his pocket, seeing Sam’s name flashing on the screen. “Yeah?”

“She’s awake. Going to pull through.”

The relief Dean feels is physical. He lets out a sigh and the tension seeps off him. “Good. That’s-- kick ass, dude. Okay. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”

He hangs up and looks back to you, an apology on his face.

“I have to go. If you’re okay…”

“I’ll be fine, Dean. Thanks again.” You say, a little sad maybe, but the sorrow that was on your face when he first saw you on the side of the road isn’t there anymore. You tell him your name, “-- by the way, just in case we run into each other again,” and then with a wink, you’re back in your car.

Dean is a little awestruck, but with another laugh to himself shaking his head, he gets back in the Impala and continues on, finding himself wishing the passenger seat wasn’t empty.

.

.

.

You make it across the state again before you stop for food. Only a bit of cash left, you decide to go to the closest grocery store and get something from the ready-to-go section instead of going the fast food route.

You feel a little better. You’re still getting texts and ignoring calls from your now ex-boyfriend, but you’re finding it easier and easier to press the reject button every time. Your heart doesn’t hurt quite as much.

Digging through your wallet for cash as you walk through the doors of the store, you run right into a solid mass of a person, an oof leaving your mouth as you regain your balance.

A rough voice says your name, and panic rushes through you before you realize who it is.

“Dean?”

“Now who’s stalking who?” He asks, tone light, corners of his mouth twitching.

“This is getting a little weird, dude.”

“You’re telling me,” he agrees, and your eyes shift to the flowers in his hand.

For some reason you feel a little bitter about it. It’s Valentine’s Day. Of course he’s buying flowers for someone. A guy who looks like that? Who buys strangers coffee and gas? Definitely not single.

“Late gift pickup?” You ask, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.

He scratches the back of his neck with his free hand, “For a friend, yeah. She was in an accident. On my way to see her.”

“Oh,” you feel like a total jerk. “Sorry to hear that.”

“She’s going to be okay. But thank you.”

An awkward silence settles over the two of you, but this time it’s your phone that breaks the silence. “Oh, for fuck’s sake--” you say, pulling your phone out just to turn it off. You’re so tired of this.

“Someone special?” He asks, wry, and feels relieved when you laugh, even though it’s more distressed than anything else.

“Unfortunately.” You don’t know why, but you feel like telling him everything. You didn’t tell anyone before you left except your roommate, so she wouldn’t think you were murdered or something. “Came to my boyfriend’s to surprise him for Valentine’s. Turns out he found someone else to spend the day with.”

Dean winces. “What a dick.”

“I packed up pretty much everything I owned and just… left. I moved to that town because of him. I had my job because of him. I just had to get out of there.” You swallow hard, feeling like you’re going to cry again. “I have no idea where I’m going to go and my card got turned off. I’ve got a hundred dollars to my name.” You sigh, meeting his eyes. “Sorry - you have a friend literally in the hospital. I shouldn’t be complaining.”

Dean’s eyes are so intense as he takes in what you’ve told him. You wonder if he knows he’s got this effect on people.

“Come with me.” He says. He too, looks a little surprised.

“What?”

“You can stay with me. Since you don’t have anywhere else to go. I just have to stop at the hospital first, if you don’t mind going with me--” He shakes his head, “Sorry, I-- we don’t know each other. But I have a house, a big house, and there’s extra room if you need it. At least until you’ve got some cash again.”

You hesitate, of course - he’s a stranger. But-- something tells you that you can trust him, and you have no other options, really.

“Okay.”

Dean smiles. “Okay.”

.

.

.

This is probably, easily, one of the stupidest things Dean has ever done.

Sam is going to give him so much shit, but as he looks in his rearview to check that you’re still behind him, he can’t help but smile when you give him a little wave.

You pull into the parking space next to him at the hospital, and he gestures for you to follow him through the large double doors at the entrance.

Inside, he finds the room number Sam sent him, and knocks lightly on the door when he gets there.

“Dean,” Jody says quietly from the bed, her voice a little rough.

“Hi,” He says, grinning at her. “Glad to see you’re awake.”

“Sam said you drove all night to get here.”

“Was finishing up--” He stops, remembering your presence at his back, “-- a job. Otherwise I would have been here sooner.”

Sam clears his throat. “Got anything else you want to share?”

You snicker, and Dean bites back his smile. God, what is it about you that makes him feel lighter than he has in years?

“Hi,” you say softly, introducing yourself.

“She needs somewhere to stay for a few days.” Dean says, hoping his tone is firm enough that he’s not going to get shit about this from his brother.

After some small talk and a few pointed looks from Jody, she announces that she’s tired and that Sam and Dean should go get some rest. Dean turns to you.

“I’ll meet you in the parking lot,” you say, “too many hours on the road.”

Dean is the last one to lean in and give Jody a hug, and after a second’s hesitation, he grabs a single flower out of the bouquet he got her.

“Smart guy,” Jody whispers, and Dean rolls his eyes playfully.

.

.

.

You can’t believe this place.

This is where Dean lives. With his brother. This giant, amazing place.

You have a thousand questions, and Dean promised he’d answer a few, but more than anything you need to take a nap.

You do, and when you wake up, there’s a single red rose on the table by your bed.

Happy Valentine’s Day - DW

A giddy, schoolgirl-like feeling comes over you as you read the note, and you find yourself feeling excited and hopeful for the first time since you left your house in a heartbroken daze. It feels like years ago.

When you find your way to the kitchen and see Dean and his brother there waiting for you, near identical smiles on their faces, you start to think you could get used to this.

The unknown doesn’t feel as scary as it did yesterday.

[stefciastark]

MJ ~ Webpril Day 10

A/N: So this was an older work of mine from years ago that inspired me to rework and rewrite it to fit the prompt fill. It's quite different from anything else I've done in this collection thus far, in that it's set in an AU where it puts Peter quite OOC compared to his MCU persona. The Peter I've portrayed in this short one-shot is quite jaded and pessimistic in his adult life, having been hurt in love before and instead has become a sort of tortured artist. Peter also doesn't have powers, Harrington is now an arts professor, and Ned is inexplicably clairvoyant. Peter somehow knows he's seen the woman he's painting before, and maybe he has, in another lifetime. This story is a bit darker in sub-tone and doesn't contain any IronDad, but what's a compilation without a bit of variety :) This is a project I've considered making into a full fic, but we'll see what happens with it.

~Read on AO3

~Read on FFN

Paintbrush in hand, he let each colour blend together in a unique dance of raw emotion, letting each stroke convey a secret that resided deep inside him, and he found that the strokes directed themselves once he began. Her face, though only seen ever so briefly, embedded itself into his memory.

The image was beginning to take place on what was once a blank sheet of white, and now a woman with olive skin took over the surface, framed by long and dark hair cascading down the figure’s shoulders. Hazel eyes stared back out at the artist, and the dimming light from the busy city below surrounded the piece of art with a haunting yet dauntingly beautiful quality.

What really caught the eye of the artist, however, was the dark necklace that hung just below her collarbone. It was a black dahlia flower made of glass, some petals cracked, and some completely missing. The memory of it stood out so clearly in his mind, just as her face had when they fleetingly passed each other on the metro during that midsummer afternoon.

An angel must have been looking down upon him and had granted him the opportunity to find love once more, but he couldn’t tell if it was an opportunity that could be defined as cruel, or a golden chance to redeem his heart that had begun to blacken as he got older.

Startled from his reverie, Peter turned around, paintbrush still in hand, palette now empty and canvas now full. The door had creaked open ever so silently and tentatively that he would have nearly missed it if it weren’t for his overindulged paranoia.

“Didn’t anyone teach you to knock?” His tone was laced with annoyance, and it was poorly covered up. This of course didn’t go unnoticed by Ned, but his urgency far surpassed his need to grace Peter’s biting comment with a response.

“Peter, there’s been an accident on Queens Boulevard, and I think this woman you drew may have been involved.”

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

The sun had now completely set on New York as Peter turned right and onto where 71st Avenue met Queens Boulevard. Peter had come up to the scene first, the man he still called his best friend arriving moments later.

What met his eyes was an absolute catastrophe, and he wondered how anyone or anything could have survived what was the largest vehicle pileup he had ever seen in his twenty-eight years of existence.

A large semi-truck was keeled over sideways on top of a number of smaller cars. It was a mess that consisted of an assortment of wheels and metallic parts that once belonged to a whole. He could smell the acute tang of iron amongst the powerful odour of gasoline and burnt rubber. In a moment at the wrong place at the wrong time, the lives of ill-fated drivers and unfortunate bystanders alike had ended. Even if some had survived, there would be permanent scars, physical and mental, that would remain for the rest of their lives. It gave Peter a fleeting sense of sonder.

Quashing his initial surprise and his odd sense of apathy regarding what caused such an accident, he turned to Ned and frowned, indifference transforming into confusion and mild vexation. He sighed. “Why am I here, Ned?”

“So, you’re telling me that you’re not expressing an ounce of concern for these people? That’s cold, man.” Giving him a brief sidelong glance and pressing his lips together, Ned moved to be amongst the crowd and reached out to the first man he saw – a police officer – and swiftly made to gather all the information he could about the situation at hand.

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

The clock had ticked forward about thirty minutes since the two arrived at the scene of the accident. He returned around fifteen minutes later, having grown weary of (what was essentially) interrogating person after person. He shook his head slowly, communicating ‘nope, I got nothing’.

“Look, this is tragic and all, and I feel really bad, I do, but dude, did you really have to distract me from my artwork? I need to get this piece finished and handed in to Harrington by tomorrow, I don’t have time to be checking out depressing wreckages on the main road.” He paused, shifting his eyes away from the disaster zone and instead transferred his full attention to Ned. “Wait wait, why did you say the woman I drew might be here? And why did I believe you?”

“Because I’m usually right?”

Peter felt a small pang of unease dart across his mind despite himself. He trusted Ned’s intuition – it was rarely ever wrong. Most things that Ned had seen in his visions had come to pass, and Peter hoped that this mystery woman would be no different. He had to meet her, and not in a creepy way. He felt as if in another life or another timeline - should such a thing exist – they had been happy together. Unexpectedly, the image of himself giving the necklace to her featuring himself as a younger, less jaded version of himself, played through his mind. They were standing on a bridge in the night, in a place that was not their home yet was. He felt that anywhere she was became home. It was such an unexpected thought, and yet it was so strangely profound and vivid that it felt more like a memory.

He scanned the wreckage from afar once more, but most victims had long since been extricated from the pretzel made up of what was now just scrap metal. He knew who he was looking for. He was looking for that face he drew in his painting, the face that had been etched permanently into his mind for some time. Once more he recalled that figure silhouetted by long, dark curls that fell like a waterfall in the night. That necklace of a flower with a meaning he had yet to understand.

If she wasn’t there, he didn’t even know where to begin looking. New York was a massive city, full of seemingly infinite twists and turns he hadn’t discovered and probably never would.

He was taken aback by his own obsession with this strange girl. He’d never even truly met her.

His musings were broken by the sound of sirens echoing down the main boulevard, the final ambulances at last departing with the injured and deceased citizens of New York.

He wondered sadly if she was one of them.

A/N: SO, that was definitely different haha What'd you guys think? I enjoyed writing with a bit more of a 'serious' tone, but today's fill was a bit difficult for me, hence the shorter length as well. I also wanted to try something a bit different, so here we have it! See you back with another update tomorrow xx

[winterironspiderling]

For the prompt list: 99 and 85 are two I would love to see. 99 takes priority though. I love your writing btw! 😁❤️

Thank you for the compliment! I did 99 with WinterSpider, and I’ll do 85 with Starker in a separate post. :) Conveniently, 99 was requested twice!

“Would it help if I stayed?”

Rated Teen, Hurt/Comfort, mention of a car accident.

Peter had clocked the car going just a little bit too fast all the way from his perch on the rooftop. He swung down with practiced ease, flipping off the end of his web with a flourish and landing in front of the car right before it collided with the passing bus.

He took the impact of the crash, and set the car down on the road as gently as he could. A quick glance let him know there were three people in the car, including the driver.

The car’s front end was crumpled and would be totalled according to the insurance companies, but he’d stopped dozens of crashes like this before. He’d done all the calculations in his head and known that with the way the car was heading into the bus, the three in the car would’ve been dead, and one or two from the bus. Had he not intervened.

Peter rushed to check if everyone was okay, expecting not to have any issues, but something was wrong.

The woman behind the wheel was slumped forward. He could smell the blood before he saw it dripping from her nose.

Peter ripped off the door, and Karen was already calling for emergency services.

“No, no, no. I don’t understand,” Peter murmured.

The children in the backseat were crying.

“She’s still breathing,” Peter realized. “She’s still breathing!”

He had Karen run an analysis to make sure the lady was safe to move, and then he pulled her out of her seat.

There was only so much he could do, though. He was smart but didn’t have any medical training beyond CPR, but was that even what she needed? She was unconscious, not dead.

Peter panicked. He would’ve been willing to lift the mask to save her, but he didn’t know what saving her entailed.

“Karen, what do I do?” Peter cried.

“She is unconscious, Peter. Paramedics are on the way.”

“I know, but what do I do?” Peter put his hands up to his face. The crying from the kids in the backseat was drowning out all his other senses. Now, a crowd was gathering, watching him fail.

Finally, the paramedics arrived.

“I’m sorry,” Peter said. “I’m sorry. I stopped the crash,but I—I think she hit her head.”

“Would’ve been worse if they’d hit the bus,” the paramedic replied in a clipped tone.

Peter went to help the kids out of the backseat, but they recoiled from him, terrified.

“It’s okay, I’m Spider-Man. I’m here to help,” Peter tried. His voice came off as manic instead of reassuring.

Peter backed away. Obviously he was doing more harm than good here. He’d been patrolling for over three years, and he’d gotten into sticky situations, but he’d never lost anyone before. Was she going to be okay? Did he just orphan two kids?

He had to get out of there.

He cut patrol short and went back home to his apartment. Some days were harder than others, and this was a hard one.

His ears were ringing, even the sound dampeners in the suit hadn’t been enough to quell the sound of screaming kids and sirens. The chattering of the crowd watching him fail.

Peter took off the suit and threw it aside. He disappeared under his comforter and squeezed his eyes shut.

Peter couldn’t get his thoughts to calm down no matter what he tried. Was that woman okay? Thoughts of the ferry incident and Tony having to come and rescue him pervaded his mind. Was that all he was, even with the new suit? A screw up?

He didn’t fall asleep, but he hid in his bed for over an hour until the ringing in his ears quieted. A knock at the door was the last thing he wanted, but it was better than the ringing, so he decided not to ignore it.

Peter pushed his blankets away and walked to the door in his boxers . Probably May coming over to check on him

He unlocked the door and pulled it open only to be greeted by Bucky.

“Bucky. What are you doing here?”

He took in the man’s outfit. Much different from what he usually wore when they interacted. Peter had been on missions with him before and trained with him at the compound. They were friendly, but not house-call friendly.

“I was in the area.”

“Oh,” Peter said. “Uh. Come in I guess.”

“Thanks,” Bucky said politely.

The corner of Peter’s mouth lifted up a little bit at that. Bucky’s reputation was way darker than his actual personality.

Peter would’ve offered the guy a drink, or a snack, or something, but it occurred to him that he was almost naked.

“I, uh, I’ll go put something on.”

Bucky nodded. He stayed standing by the door to the apartment. Baseball cap, red henley, jeans, and all. Nothing like the murder costume he usually wore. Peter liked him like this, but still didn’t understand what the hell he was doing there, and why he’d chosen now of all times to visit.

Peter was tempted to put the Spidersuit back on so he could even the status quo of the impromptu encounter, but he didn’t want to look at it quite yet. He opted for his school sweatshirt and jogging pants.

He made is way back into the living room and plopped on the couch.

“You can sit,” Peter said. It was weird that Bucky didn’t do anything he wasn’t told to, but he was a polite person.

Bucky sat on the same couch, leaving a space between them.

“So, what brings you to Queens?” Peter asked.

“Wanted to see how you were doing.”

“I’m good,” Peter lied. “How’re you?”

Bucky ignored the question. “You don’t look so good.”

Peter frowned. “Thanks?”

Bucky sighed. “I saw what happened today.”

“How?” Peter wondered.

“The news.” Bucky shifted in his place.

“Okay.” What do you want?

“How are you doing?”

Peter looked away. Typical. He’d graduated from being under Tony’s watchful eye to being under Bucky’s. Did everyone watch the news to see him make mistakes?

“Shitty,” Peter admitted.

Bucky nodded like he approved of the honesty.

Peter let his expression change to reflect how he felt inside. Miserable.

“I did everything right.” Peter’s voice broke. “I don’t understand what happened. I don’t even know if the lady is okay…and the kids. I can still hear them crying.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” Bucky said. “I watched the clip. Ifyou hadn’t been there, it would’ve been worse.”

“That’s what the paramedic said, but I don’t know. I must’ve grabbed the car wrong. If I hadn’t flipped when I came down…I could’ve been a second earlier.” Peter shook his head.

“You’ve been Spider-Man for so long,” Bucky began. “I’m kinda surprised something like this hasn’t happened sooner.”

Peter frowned. “What kind of advice is that?”

Bucky shook his head. “I mean you can’t save everyone.”

“I’ve saved everyone so far,” Peter replied. “I’ve dealt with guns and knives, and bombs. You’ve seen it yourself. I never lose anyone.”

“Maybe you still haven’t,” Bucky said.

“I’m scared to find out what happened,” Peter said. “You didn’t see the look on those kids’ faces.”

“They would’ve looked worse if they’d crashed,” Bucky countered.

Peter shrugged.

“Anyway.” Peter waved. “Why did you come? No offense, but we’ve never really hung out before, and I know you weren’t just in the area.”

Bucky looked away for a moment. “I get alerts on my phone. I sort of keep tabs on everybody.”

Peter raised his eyebrows.

“I watched the clips, and I could tell that you were freaking out,” Bucky explained. “I’ve never seen you act like that before, so I don’t know. Thought I’d come by.”

“Oh.” That was actually really nice of him. If Bucky had noticed him acting like that, then how many others had? How embarrassing.

“It wasn’t obvious,” Bucky added. “I could just tell ‘cause I know you.”

“Right.”

Bucky nodded again. “I’ll check now to see if there are any updates on that lady, okay?”

Peter nodded. He was glad Bucky was there to do it. He didn’t know what he’d do if he checked the news just to find out that she’d died. It would be all his fault.

Peter held his breath.

“No news,” Bucky announced with a grimace. “She’s still under.”

Peter leaned forward and put his head in his hands. “This is all my fault. I really did it this time. I don’t deserve the suit.”

“Whoa, Pete,” Bucky said, voice surprised. “You can’t say that.”

“It’s true.” Peter spoke into his hands. “What if she dies, Bucky? Her kids are all alone and scared…I probably looked like a freak to them. The last thing they needed.”

“Hey.” Bucky sounded uneasy. “None of this is your fault. How many people would be dead if you weren’t there patrolling? I would probably be dead if you weren’t on the team watching my back. Remember last year?”

Peter really didn’t want to cry, not in front of Bucky. Bucky had been through more than anyone he knew, and he didn’t cry.

“My parents died in a car crash too.” Oh shit. Now he was dry heaving. He should’ve known not to bring that up. “What—what if I—”

Peter was really crying now. He registered Bucky moving closer to him and putting his arms around him uncertainly. Peter leaned into the man’s embrace. If Bucky had come to check on him, then he might as well make it worth his while.

“Do you need me to call anyone?” Bucky asked, voice full of concern. “Can I do anything?”

Peter clutched Bucky’s shirt. He’d have to get him a new one even if the snot and tears were washable. He was crying too hard to speak.

“Would it help if I stayed?”

“Y-yes,” Peter managed. “Please.”

“You got it, Pete. I’ll stay. As long as you want.”

Peter knew he and Bucky weren’t close enough for this to be appropriate, but the man was just so warm and inviting. Peter wanted to keep some semblance of dignity for himself, so he backed away as soon as his sobbing calmed down, wiping his face on his sleeve.

“I’m sorry.” Peter ducked his head. “I didn’t mean to.”

“No harm done,” Bucky said. “I came here to check on you, and I’m glad I did. I would hate to think of you being here all alone like this.”

“Still. It’s embarrassing,” Peter admitted. “I just…the heightened senses are sort of a package deal with heightened emotions, too.”

“Even if that wasn’t the case…you don’t have to apologize for crying.”

“Everyone already thinks of me as a little kid. Youngest one on the team. Nobody else cries like this over an accident.”

“Not that you see,” Bucky argued. “And I don’t think of you like that.”

“Yeah, but you came here to check on me. You wouldn’t have done that for anyone else.”

“You’d do it for me. You have.”

“That’s different,” Peter argued. “You got shot.”

“Seeing people hurt is like bullets to you.”

Peter frowned.

“Besides,” Bucky said. “Everyone else has people to check upon them. We don’t.”

“I guess.” Peter wiped his face on his sleeve again. “Thank you,” he added. “It does suck being here alone most of the time.”

“I know how you feel.” Bucky leaned forward and wiped a straggling tear from Peter’s cheek.

Peter nodded. It really was nice to have Bucky there with him. He was such a quiet and calm presence. Large but not overbearing. Just safe.

“I’ll get you some water,” Bucky said. “Then I’ll check the news again.”

“Okay,” Peter agreed.

He used the opportunity to blow his nose and make sure he didn’t look disgusting. Now that he’d taken the edge off with a good cry, the feeling of excitement that Bucky was in his apartment came to the forefront ofhis mind. Bucky cared about him.

Bucky came back with a smile on his face. “Look.”

Peter stared at the phone with wide eyes. A new viral video of the woman from the car wreck with her kids beside her in the hospital bed thanking him for what he’d done.

Peter almost cried again in relief.

Bucky didn’t say anything, but he looked pleased.

“Thank God,” Peter breathed. “I can’t believe it.”

“Well, pal, I guess I should go then since you got nothing to worry about.”

“What?” Peter asked. “You don’t…you don’t have to go. I mean, unless you want to. I—you can still stay.”

Bucky smiled. “Let’s get something to eat, then. I think you could use it.”

“Okay.” Peter leapt up off the couch, his mood vastly improved. He hadn’t killed anyone. That was as good of a reason as any to be happy. “I’ll get you a different shirt too since I sort of wrecked yours.”

Bucky followed him into the bedroom this time. He took his dirty shirt off. “You sure I’ll fit? You’re kinda tiny.”

“I wear my clothes baggy.” Peter turned around while he answered, his breath getting caught in his throat at the sight of Bucky, shirtless.In his room. “Um. Here you go.” He grabbed blindly in his closet and ended up selecting a shirt with a science pun that totally wasn’t Bucky’s style.

Bucky put it on with a grin.

 “Thanks again for coming,” Peter said once he was locking the door to his apartment with Bucky at his side.

“Thanks for letting me stay.”

Peter already had a crush, and this was not helping those feelings go away. He’d already embarrassed himself enough. Go big or go home,right? And he’d already locked the door, so…

He stood up on his tippy toes and kissed Bucky on the mouth.

“Sorry,” Peter offered. Was he really sorry, or just using that as a balm in case Bucky wasn’t happy about it? Both, probably.

“Don’t be,” Bucky said. His cheeks were rosy which Peter found to be the absolute cutest thing.

Bucky reached his hand out, and Peter took it. Somehow the worst day had turned into the best one.

[wendymmakeup]

Review & Comparison: Stila One Step Correct

In this review I am going to talk about all 3 of the Stila One Step Correct serums - the Correct (original), Correct Kitten, and Correct Eye. All three are correcting and brightening serums designed to help even out and correct skin tone.

I want to start by discussing the One Step Correct - the original formula, as I am almost done with my bottle and that is what led me to discover the new Kitten and Eye versions. Both of these are new purchases and I'll give my first impressions down below. But let's start at the beginning, shall we?

So a few things about my skin and the problems I'm trying to address. I have combination skin and pronounced under-eye bags (they are genetic but certainly not helped by age and lack of proper sleep). There is no way to fully cover them without wearing ungodly amounts of product, and especially as I get older, that tends to just look heavy and crepe-y on me. I've been learning a lot on how to find a good balance between brightening the area and avoiding having a cake and crepe shop open for business on my face. I also have some redness in my cheeks and some general unevenness in my skin tone.

I have tried color correcting palettes and was finding that most formulas were adding crepiness under my eyes and making my face ghostly where trying to correct for the red. Finding a good balance between coverage and heaviness was proving challenging. I discovered the original One Step Correct at Sephora and was intrigued by the formula. I will be honest, when I first started using it, I struggled to get good results.  It took some trial and error to learn the best application method to get effective corrective results while creating a good base for my foundation.  The trick for me is to take a pump onto the back of my hand and dab at the product to mix the colors, then apply to the face with my finger, focusing on the problem areas (under eyes, cheeks, etc.).  Then give the product several minutes to absorb, as the color correctors are suspended in serum and this needs some time to do its thing. A helpful note is that while it's good to have a moisturized face, because this is a serum-based product, you don't want to have a too "wet" base or it won't absorb and your foundation will slide around. I prefer a gel moisturizer that provides good hydration while not leaving me too slick. Then the serum formula can absorb nicely into my skin and leave the skin with a good base.

Once I figured out the way to get the results I want, I have made One Step Correct my go to primer. I avoid my nose area as it can get too oily, and prefer a grippier primer for the oilier parts of my face. This is a common issue for us combination skin folks and an approach a fully endorse. I don't think it speaks poorly to the product, just that it's best suited for the drier areas of my face without having to layer or set the serum prior to foundation.  If you are all over oily, I would recommend either layering a grippy primer on top or setting with spray before laying on foundation.

Out with the old, in with the new?

It's no surprise that I've almost run out of my current bottle of One Step Correct, since it's been my daily driver primer for awhile now. I went to order a fresh bottle and discovered that Stila had come out with two new products in this line: One Step Correct Eye and One Step Correct Kitten.  I ordered both via Stila’s website but they are also available at Ulta.

One Step Correct Eye

The One Step Correct Eye formula is a mix of two different peach-y tones in a mineral water base designed to brighten, hydrate, and correct the eye area. I've tried about a zillion brightening serums under my eyes and I do have to say, I get decent results.  I use an eye cream during my skin prep, but this gave a nice additional bump of moisture while deflecting light to help brighten up my circles and minimize my bags. Concealer sat nicely on top, without creasing, caking, or creping.

One Step Correct Kitten

The One Step Correct Kitten formula is almost identical to the One Step Correct formula except one key difference. The peach tone is a bit more pink-red than in the original formula, and contains a highlighting and brightening sheen. When I first tested the product on the back of my hand I was concerned, as products with too much sheen or sparkle can enhance my skin's texture instead of correcting or blurring it. On my hand it did brighten but also looked textured. I decided to give it a fair try and tested it out during my normal makeup routine. On my face it did brighten quite a bit more than the original while still doing the work to cover and even out my redness and dark spots. Under makeup it feels just like the original formula in now it interacts with foundation. I used a low to medium coverage foundation to see if the brightening effect could be seen and found that my skin had a nice glow without looking too shimmery, glittery, or textured. I was worried at first but find that I like it just fine as a replacement for the original.

To truly test the difference I plan to do a half-and-half comparison on face and will update this review with those results. 

Wrap-Up

Overall I continue to really like the One Step line and am very much enjoying these two new additions to my collection. I plan to use the rest of my original bottle to do some additional comparisons between the two face formulas and will add more photos here and on Instagram (@wendym.makeup) for those interested in some additional visuals.

One Step Correct and One Step Correct Kitten are both $36 for a full-size 1.8 ounce bottle and the One Step Correct Eye is $38 for 0.5 ounce bottle.