#trail boss of my heart let me buy you a house and some land I’m good for the money

[khazadspoon]

Just finished the end of season 4 and oh my lord that stings. It’s supposed to be amusing but……..wow it stings.

Gil didn’t get the ranch because of lost time, his plan to be with his kids again has been pushed back yet another year. That’s another off season to find work, another drive to struggle through, another year of pain and waiting and problems and drovers with chips on their shoulders. The dejection he shows when saying quietly that another drive will have him on it h u r t s. He just wants out.

And they close the episode with this image:

Gil walks through the little crowd (which poignantly includes Wishbone and Rowdy, really the two of the original outfit left he is closest to, and even then Rowdy is getting further away because of both their actions) with his hands in his pocket and his head down. There is no home away from home for him. There’s only his girls far away in Philadelphia and him stuck between them and Texas or Kansas. He knows he can’t keep doing it and it won’t be long before he’s just going through the motions and making mistakes he can’t recover from.

This was supposed to be a fun old-timey show about cowboys and their silly antics. There is a lot more here than the first couple of seasons let on and it’s starting to hurt more and more.

[joestarwhore]

Risotto Nero - A Price to Pay

{Being the only girl in the Bucci Gang has its perks. Your familia loved you, & were fiercely protective- but what’re they supposed to do when another Capo decides to have you to himself? He’s gotta have you.}

{one way or another.}

_____________________________________

“Bucciarati were almost to Napoli, should I head straight for the city or the safe house?”

Fugo’s sharp voice woke you from your nap. You & the team have been traveling for days tracking three stand users who’ve been smuggling contraband out of Passioné’s grasp. So far, the trail has led to Napoli- and to make it worse, no one knows what they look like. But luckily, you had the name of the man in charge of the operation.

“Go to the safe house. They’re not going to move anything in broad daylight, & we haven’t been able to stop for an actual break.” Bruno circled the location on Fugo’s map. “We can spare a few hours.”

You looked to your right to see Mista asleep against the window, drool slowly coming out of his mouth. You would’ve laughed if you had any right to, with the glimpse of yourself you caught in the rear view you were surprised no one woke you up with a camera flash.

You stretched your neck side to side, your movements slowly bringing your body back to life. You could hear Giorno, Abbachio, and Narancia gently start stirring to life as Bruno continued to talk about the location, not being able to keep in their loud ass yawns. Well, honestly, that was only Narancia’s problem.

Bruno swiveled the seat to face the back, his perfect black bob not moving an inch while he does it. “Now that we’re in Napoli, it’s time to be debriefed about our current situation. Would one of you please wake Mista?”

Abbachio wasted no time to slap Mista in the back of the head, causing Mista to lurch forward with a yelp. His hand immediately went to the back of his head as he whipped around towards Abbachio. “What the hell, you dumbass!! What was that for??”

“For debriefing you idiot, pay attention.”

You giggled, resulting in a hearty “Shut up!” from Mista. After Bruno’s scolding, he started to explain the facts.

“The intelligence we received stated that the man controlling the contraband operation is a Capo. His name is Risotto Nero, the leader of La Squandra. He’s been known to defy the Familia before, so it’d make sense that he would be the one running this show.”

Bruno’s face slowly grimmed as he continued, pausing after he spoke. “While he is a traitor to the Familia, he is also one of the most powerful Capo’s in the organization. Not just because of his title, but because of his stand.”

The tension grew substantially.

“What’s his stand, Boss? Does anyone have an idea?” Narancias question rung in the air like a bell.

“No. Because no ones lived to tell about it.”

The chill that ran down your spine was unnerving. No one knows what his stand is?? No one has even the slightest idea?? How can that be?

“Boss, how’re we supposed to find this cazzo when all we have to go on is a name?” you ask, “How’re we supposed to defend ourselves against a stand that no one has ever beat?”

“By keeping your stand close. Giorno’s Golden Wind can sense life, and Narancia can track anything that breathes. Abbachio’s Moody Jazz could very well be our ace in the hole, if we can simply find where he’s been- but that’s hard to do when you’re following a ghost.”

God, that wasn’t reassuring.

Soon, Fugo’s road rage landed you at the safe house, a 3 story cabin in the middle of the woods. Mista’s excitement blossomed as soon as he saw the giant flatscreen through the window, everyone else’s did when they finally got to leave the stuffy ass van.

Abbachio helped you out of the car, letting you hang on to his arm until you’ve cracked all the bones you needed to feel relief. “Thank you Abba, I’ve been needing to do that for a while now!”

Abbachio threw you a smirk. “Yeah yeah don’t get gross on me.” He could throw up any facade he wants- you see right through his badass tough guy wall. You gave him a grin back, & grabbed your duffel bag out from under your seat. You looked back to see that the other boys had already made it inside, Bruno & Giorno already setting up the radio & laptops to start working.

Bruno def wasn’t playing around when he was looking for a place to buy. This was the nicest cabin you had ever seen, pure dark wood walls with marble flooring, a grand staircase with a BEAUTIFUL bay window?? Capo DEFINITELY had perks.

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

[3:33 AM]

You bolted awake as thunder and lightning surrounded your bedroom. Your mind frantic as the open curtains revealed howling winds and light flashing through the skies.

You took some deep breaths and calmed yourself down. It’s only a storm, nothing to- why was your door open?

Adrenaline started to churn in your stomach as you swung your legs over your bed. You stepped carefully towards the hallway, peeking down to see that everyone else’s doors were open too. You tip toed down, peering into Bruno & Abbachio’s rooms, seeing them both empty; and upon further inspection, so were Giorno’s and Mista’s. Narancia and Fugo’s following suit.

Where the fuck is everyone, and why are you not with them?

You back tracked down the hall, your legs shaking as you slowly walked down the stairs.

Were you being attacked?

The lightning lit your path down the stairs as you kept your eyes peeled for anything out of place. As you came down to the first platform, the stench of blood overwhelmed your senses, making your eyes grown wide and your hand go over your mouth and nose. This cannot be real, why is blood in the air??

“You know when I first saw you, I thought you were an angel among the saints & sinners of Napoli.”

Your hand gripped the banister as you stood in defense, looking everywhere for the source of the deep voice. Who was that?? Where the fuck is your team??

“& Then I saw Ghiaccio getting in a fight with another Mafioso. I thought it was just one of Bucciaratis boys, but oh was i so close yet so wrong.”

You slowly made your way down stairs, “I guess your a big fan of mine then, quite a shame I can’t see where you are for such occasion.”

A deep chuckle resonated through the estate. “Our life together will be wonderful, I am very sure.”

“The fuck are you-“

Your stomach dropped.

The blood. The gashes. The gore.

All of the boys were hanging by their hands, bloody chains protruding from their wrists and connecting them to the ceiling. Blood oozed from Fugos mouth, while Narancias unconscious form clearly had a broken nose and extreme loss of blood. They all were simply.. hanging by a thread.

“Jesus fucking Christ.. you’re fuc-fucking kidding..”

Invisible hands hold onto your sides as your body freezes in shock, the pressure and heat of them telling you they were quite large. Your heart beater out of your chest as you felt a muscular set of abs press against your back, those hands weaving over your chest to hold down your arms.

“Do you see, Amore? Do you see how powerful I am compared to them?” Your eyes tore away from the bloodied boys, closing them as tightly as you could. “When I saw how powerful you were and how you carried yourself, I knew we were soul mates. I had to have you. I had to have your body, your mind,” His hand rubbed gently against your clothes crotch, shooting heated adrenaline to your core, “& your pretty little cunt just full of my kids.”

Your cheeks turned violently red as you staggered to breathe. “Who..are you..”

Lips pressed against your temple as a deep chuckle vibrated your body. “Darling, I’m the whole reason you’re out here.”

Your heart froze.

“Risotto?? It’s you?!”

Suddenly two black clothed muscular arms appeared around you, one of them tilting your chin back to reveal two black and red eyes staring straight at you. “Surprised, Cara?”

You started to panic, the danger of your situation settling in. Bruno, Giorno, all of the boys, were out of action. There was no help for you, and you couldn’t summon your stand like this. Was this simply the end? Was he just saving you for last for his sick fantasy??

“Please.. what do you even want from me??”

Risotto put your hands behind your back and tied them together. “What I’ve wanted since I saw you; a life. With just you & me.” He placed you on a chair, kneeling before you with his hands tracing you and your skin. Your breath hitched as he ran over certain spots, his eyes growing darker and darker the more you react. You had to do something, you couldn’t let your family be killed over someone’s obsession over you.

“I’m going with you whether I like it or not, right?”

Risotto chuckled a humorless laugh. “A smart one! Oh i like that, I like that. Maybe our kids will get that trait.”

Dread sunk in your stomach. There’s no escape, is there?

“If I go with you, willingly with no struggle- will you allow me to use my stand on them so they atleast don’t die of their injuries?”

Risotto stared at you, looking for any sign of betrayal, but he wasn’t gonna find anything. You knew there wasn’t a way out, and you knew you didn’t stand a chance in hell against him. Atleast if you can save the boys, there wouldn’t be any death.

“Fine. But one slip up, Amore, and I’ll make your condition worse than theirs.”

Risotto unbinded your arms, helping you stand up and get your balance again. You walked towards the boys until you were a few meters away from them. You could sense their shallow breathing from your powers, you knew if you were gonna do this you had to act fast.

“Iron Maiden.”

A steam punk victorian girl emerged behind you, wielding a glowing white scythe, its jet black hair flowing behind her.

“Scythes Blessing.”

Iron Maiden hovered to the front of you, your scythe glowing bright white as it swung a mass of energy towards them all. Their wounds mended together, the blood returning to their bodies. After the act was done, the boys passed out on the floor, surely to wake up in a few hours.

“Now, we start our life, my sweet angel.”

Tears silently went down your cheeks as you turned to the beautiful, evil man. His eyes showed a softness towards you as he extended his giant hand. Your dainty one took his, holding it as he led you to the door.

“Where are you taking me?”

Risotto swung open the huge doors to reveal the storm still actively raging, his matte black sports car in the circle drive. “Home, cara. Our home.”

You hurried to get in his front seat, Risotto closing your door and going to the drivers door. He got in, revving the car to life and pulled the car out of the drive way. Risotto placed his hand on your thigh as he took you away from the estate. Your heart hurt for your boys, but this was for the best, right? Atleast this way they’re safe. They’re safe.

“Say your goodbyes Cara. Your life starts over with me.”

“Only me.”

[hops-hunny]

Distance Makes the Heart Grow

CHAPTER 5

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Mafia Boss!Neville Longbottom x Reader

Pronouns: She/Her

Word Count: 2.3k

Summary: (Y/n) lives a normal life. But that’s the issue, it’s normal, it’s plain, and it’s growing boring. Everyday she wishes for something, anything to spice up her life. But, when her old school friend (and crush) shows up at her bakery with a new look (and what looks like a new life), what will it bring for her? Will their puppy love grow? Will his big secret lead to the end of them or will it spark a new beginning?

Warnings: Slightly suggestive flirting, fluff

A/N: This chapter is so cute omg I hope you guys like it <3

“Oh come on (Y/n)! It could be fun!” Twyla called after the girl, who she was currently chasing around the halls of the manors. The tall men in suits watched them but didn’t interact, not sure of what to do in the situation. The (h/c) haired girl ignored her, making lala noises with her fingers in her ear. “Real mature, babes, real mature!” When they got back to the girl’s room, Twyla closed the door, locking it so her friend couldn’t escape. She got on her knees, pleading and begging the girl.

“Twyla I can’t just pick up and go on a trip to Italy!” she shouted, forcing the girl to stand up. The tall girl grabbed her shoulders, shaking her shorter friend in her arms.

“Why nottt?” she whined out. (Y/n) smacked her hands from her shoulders growling some at her.

“A multitude of reasons, Twy! The main one being oh I don’t know, who’s gonna look after my damn bakery!” she hissed out the last part, throwing herself on the large bed, the blonde joining her shortly after. “I’ve got no one to watch the bakery, I don’t have any clothes nice enough to take and even if I did I’d have to travel by floo back home to get them! Also, who’s gonna water my plants? I love my plants, Twyla!” she ranted causing the girl to shush her.

“Relax, you worry too much and there’s a simple fix to all these so-called ‘problems��� you have.” she sat up, pulling the girl up with her. “Let’s start with problem one. You said you have to run the bakery, right?” (Y/n) nodded, curious of where the girl was going with this. “Easy, ask Tiana to run it for a while. She’s been looking to get more hours in since she just bought a house.”

“I can’t ask that of her! Plus, she can’t do all of that with the staff we have now, she’d be understaffed!” she said, watching the girl type away on her phone. She was always so amazed by Twyla’s ability to use muggle technology.

“Well lucky for you, you won’t have to ask her. I just did!” her boss gawked at her, going to tell her off but she continued speaking. “And plus, it’s summer. Do you know how many culinary art students are looking to get hands-on learning in an actual bakery? You don’t handle the application process anyways, Tiana does that. Remember, you stopped doing that because you’d cry any time you had to reject an application.” she made many valid points, slowly pulling her over to the side that wanted to go, wanting to be on a trip with Neville. “Also you’re the only owner who spends so much time working. Isn’t the point of owning a business to make people do shit for you?”

“That’s true.” she sighed, picking at the skin around her cuticles. “But what about my apartment? And my clothes?” 

“Don’t you still talk to that old couple that sold the bakery building to you? Ask them to watch your plants!” she retorted, smirking triumphantly. Slowly but surely her reasons for not being able to go were dwindling. (Y/n) sighed before shrugging.

“You know what? Screw it, I’ll go.” Twyla squealed, grabbing the girl’s hand as she dragged her out the door.

“Hey tall man, where’s Neville?” she asked the guard who was posted outside. He cleared his throat, adjusting his sunglasses.

“In his office. Downstairs and to the left, miss. He’s currently in a me-” without another word she grabbed the girl, dragging her downstairs. They reached the large wooden doors that had two large men standing there causing the shorter girl to cower in fear. Their glares were intense as they stood up straighter.

“Can we help you?” one of them asked, his rough voice booming. The other one nodded along, leaning down to her height as he gave her a strong glare, vein on his forehead popping out. 

“The boss is in a meeting so unless you’re someone special, get lost.” (Y/n) felt her lip quivering, tears welling up in her eyes. 

“Oh you’re fucked buddy, that’s the boss’s girl. Come on, I’ll let you guys in.” an unfamiliar voice said from behind her. Turning around she saw two identical men, quite lanky and tall in stature. She couldn’t help but notice how they favored another certain Ginger she knew.

The one on the left pressed on the small earpiece in his ear, clearing his throat. “Hey boss, your lady friend is out here crying. You should get more observant guards.” he said giggling as a shout could be heard from beyond the large door. The men visibly paled but kept their composure. The door swung open revealing Neville, who adorned a white button up and black trousers, a pair of suspenders connecting the two together. 

“I-I’m sorry boss, I didn’t know.” one of them stuttered out, sweat building up on his bald head. Neville gripped his shirt tightly pinning him to the wall causing the man’s feet to lift from the ground. (Y/n)’s eyes widened at the sight. The man he was lifting had a large, muscular build making her wonder just how strong Neville really was.

“If you think that’s something, you should've seen him last night.” Twyla whispered out the corner of her mouth, the twins nodding along in agreement.

“You better listen because I’m gonna say this once.” Neville said, a calm tone which was somehow scary if he was to yell. The man nodded along frantically, wide eyes trained on the man. “That girl right there? She’s my flower. Let it be known that if she sheds a tear caused by any of you, you’re dead and what I’ll do will be worse than anything the Weasley twins could do combined.” and with that he dropped him, walking over to the girl. Weasley twins? So they were related to Ron! She felt her face flush as Neville leaned down, brushing away the tears that had threatened to fall from her eyes. “You alright, love?”

“Yeah I was just coming to tell you that I’ve made a decision. I’ll be joining you in Italy.” she whispered, pressing a kiss to his cheek. He grinned at her lifting her up in a hug as he spun her around, laughing some. “B-but I don’t have any clothes so I still have to figure that out.” he sat her down, shrugging nonchalantly.

“Just buy new ones when we land.” he declared. She froze, scratching the back of her neck. That would be an easy solution if she hadn’t spent any extra savings she had on the night before.

“I don’t really have the money to do that..”she trailed off. Neville put something in her hands causing her to look down confused. In her hands was a black card, his name engraved in the front of it. “Is this...is this a black card?! I can’t take this. Plus what about you know, “ she cleared her throat, blood rushing to her cheeks and ears. “My undergarments. I don’t have any on me for before we go shopping.” Neville smirked at her words, feeling particularly confident from her flustered expression. She was so soft, so...pure. Anytime he neared her she’d get all warm in the face and anytime he kissed her that same look would double. Temptation was his flower and he was tempted. Hearing her inquire about something that had innocent intent behind it had him thinking about anything but.

“Nonsense, pretty girl. Take my card and for your undergarments..” he trailed off, leaning down next to her ear. He placed his hand around her neck, gently squeezing it as he chuckled. “Let me take care of that. Better yet, let me buy the ones for the trip as well.” he whispered, nibbling the shell of her ear. (Y/n) squeaked, looking at him with wide eyes. Was he doing this on purpose or was it a simple misunderstanding? Either way, she couldn’t stop the heat pooling between her legs. “I’m only messing with you cutie. However I wasn’t kidding, leave that to me.” with a final peck to her lips he stood up straight, adjusting his tie before heading back through the wooden doors, the twins following behind him.

“Nice meeting you (Y/n)!” they said in unison, offering her a smile before they closed the door after themselves.

“You know he totally wants to bang you, right?” Twyla said, causing the girl to glare at her. She held her hands up in defense, looking back at the girl as she began to walk off. “I’m just saying! It’s obvious. You should share a room with him when you go to Italy.”

“Do you..do you think he’d want that? I don’t wanna get in the way of-”

“Are you kidding me?! The man practically worships the very earth you walk on, why wouldn’t he?” Twyla exclaimed as the girl followed her blindly. (Y/n) gasped, looking up at where they were. Around them were large counters on the floor and ceiling. Marble countertops with a matching marble floor along with two large fridges and a state of the art oven. Ignoring Twyla’s rambling, she began to walk through the kitchen, inspecting and exploring every part of it. Her eyes landed on the pantry to which she opened, letting out another surprised noise. It was massive, food lining the walls, all organized to perfection. There was even a walk-in freezer and fridge down the hall!

“Twyla, I’ve gotta use this kitchen. If I don’t bake something in here I’m going to die.” she said, running out to the girl as she began to shake her back and forth. “Quick! Give me an excuse to so I don’t feel bad about messing things up!”

“Ooh! I love excuses! I mean, Neville’s having a meeting so you co-” before she could finish the girl put the kettle on before beginning to pull out various different bowls and ingredients.

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

“Well, do you have security plans?” Neville asked from the end of the table, quirking a brow at the italian man at the end of the table. He noticed even through the man’s fear that he probably didn’t understand what Neville had said fully. “Sorry, um, avete piani di sicurezza?” he asked, causing Blaise to quirk a brow at the man’s fluent italian. Neville rolled his eyes at him before turning his attention back to the man. He nodded, sliding back a file folder filled with papers. 

“How long are we going to be there for?” Seamus asked.

“Does it matter? Money is money. Plus it’s not like you have anything important going on in your life, Finnegan.” Draco retorted which resulted in the shorter man growling as he grew red in the face.

“Don’t you dare fucking start. If you’re going to act like fools I’ll replace you with two lower levels in a heartbeat.” Neville gritted, not even looking up from the plans. He looked at the other man next to the italian man. “And you, what’s the exhibit worth exactly? If there’s no high hitting items we can already consider this a dud.”

“U-um. It’s estimated that it’s worth over 1.5 million, sir.” he responded, gulping as he reached for the water they had given him with a shaky hand. However, Neville wasn’t satisfied with that answer.

“Listen, did I ask you what it’s estimated to be? I asked for the exact cost. If you only have estimates then how bout I est-” he was interrupted by light knocking on the door. “Who is it now?! J-just come in.” he said, huffing out. The door opened followed by a quiet set of footsteps causing the inner circle of men to smile, giggling some. Curiosity got him, causing him to turn around, his expression instantly softening. “Petal? What are you doing here, angel girl?” he asked, pulling her closer but being careful of the large tray in her hand.

“I thought you might want some snacks for your little meeting. I hope there’s enough for everyone.” she said, setting the tray down on the table. It was funny really, comical, the way the doily and flower covered tray contrasted with all the men in the room. On the tray was a large array of different foods. Scones, tea biscuits, even tea sandwiches. In the center was a beautiful antique floral teapot along with matching cups. 

“This looks amazing, princess!” he exclaimed, his stomach grumbling in agreement. She giggled at that, causing his ears to tint pink. “There’s most certainly enough. Go on fellas, don’t be-” before he could continue the men began to grab at the food, swooping in like vultures. 

“Oh my god, this is like heaven!” Seamus moaned out, bits of sandwich falling from his mouth. Ron nodded along in agreement, a bunch of unintelligible words leaving his mouth. Even Blaise was wide eyed as he sipped at the tea, taking a bite of his tea biscuit.

“Yeah, is there any more of this? What kind of tea is this? I don’t think I’ve had the pleasure of having it before.” he said, taking another sip. She looked at them sheepishly, leaning into Neville’s embrace.

“It’s butterfly pea tea infused with strawberry and honey. Also there’s more of everything! I kinda went overboard.” she responded. Neville smiled, grabbing her hand before placing a kiss on top of it.

“Well thank you, I really appreciate it. You’re so lovely.” he muttered, turning her hand to place a kiss on her palm before proceeding to do the same all up her arm. She giggled some at the action, looking away from him shyly.

“Well I better get going before Twyla buys more stupid things with Draco’s black card.” she turned once as she got to the door. “Good luck with your meeting!” 

Neville sighed happily before turning back around, looking at the men at the table before them. He grabbed whatever scraps the ravegers had left, eyeing everyone intensely. “What?” he spat out angrily.

“Mate you are so whipped!”

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[blackmissfrizzle]

The Barbershop (Miguel Edition)

Angel’s Edition

Characters: Miguel Galindo x black!reader

Summary: Miguel calls the reader to come trim his beard.

Warnings: Smut

A/N: This is my first time writing for Miguel! I hope y’all enjoy. Angel’s edition is linked above and y’all let me know if you want me to do more Mayans. I wanna spread my wings a bit.

The plane literally just landed when you got the call. There was nothing you wanted more than a hot shower and your bed, but when Miguel Galindo calls, you come. Anything for the king. At least you didn’t have to drive over there. Nestor was there at the airport waiting to take you to Miguel’s.

Thankfully, the ride was a little long, giving you enough time to rest and mentally prepare yourself to be around Miguel. There was an unspoken attraction between the two of you. Lingering gazes, blazing accidental touches, and little flirtatious remarks. None of which could be acted on because 1) he was married and 2) you didn’t date clients; it was bad for business (but you were more than willing to make an exception for Miguel.)

When you got to the house, Nestor took all your bags out the car. You told him it was unnecessary, but he just smiled and said, “Just in case.”

Miguel sat out by the pool, waiting for you. He enjoyed being out there because he loved how your skin glistened under the sun.

“Hola, Senor Galindo.” You greeted him tiredly. You wanted him to feel bad for making you come over right after your trip.

Miguel knew he should feel a bit of guilt, but he couldn’t as he watched you take off your jacket revealing how snug your tank top was and how it accentuated your curves. “Hermosa,” he got up from his seat to greet you properly. He wrapped you in his arms and had to resist the urge to bury his nose in your hair. It was so intoxicating that Miguel found himself buying the same hair products you used to comfort him during the lonely nights.

His arms around you were beginning to be a little too much, so you backed out of them and gently pushed him into his seat. “Couldn’t wait one more day, could you?”

Miguel unashamedly shrugged his shoulders. “One more day and I’ll look like a Duck Dynasty reject.”

“Aw, we couldn’t have that.” You teased, wrapping the apron around him.

The conversation with Miguel was kept light and amusing as you worked on his beard. For a busy cartel boss, he was surprisingly up to date with all the small town gossip. You probably had Dita to thank for that.

“How was Los Angeles? I got scared for a bit and thought you would get caught up in the glitz and glamour and not come back to Santo Padre.” Miguel was right, you were fascinated with LA, but only for a moment. Two days there and you were already homesick. It was crowded, there was too much traffic, and they didn’t even have real Mexican food.

“No, never. I love Santo Padre too much. But Chris Evans came dangerously close to making me change my mind.” The reason for your trip was because your work as a barber was getting more recognition. So much so that THE Christopher Jamal Evans dm’d you to shape up his hairline and beard. It was unbelievable. You cut hair of up and coming artists in surrounding areas, but you never thought you would cut hair for one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

“Is that so?” Miguel asked clearly bothered, but you didn’t notice because you were too busy rambling about Chris.

Chris smelled so good. Chris was so much bigger in person. You felt like Peggy when Steve stepped out the pod. Chris was the sweetest. Chris had the softest touch. Chris was so funny. Chris’ dog was the cutest. Chris, Chris, Chris. If Miguel heard about Chris anymore, he would lose his mind.

“Oh, and he took me to dinner with Sebastian Stan and Anthony Mackie! Can anybody say choo-choo?” You were laughing at your own joke until you felt fingers in your core. To keep your balance, you had to grab onto Miguel’s shoulders.

“Emily,” you mumbled the wife’s name of the client who currently had their fingers deep in your pussy.

“That wasn’t the name I was expecting. Sure, it wasn’t supposed to be mines? Or better yet Chris’?” Was that jealousy you heard? Did he even have the right to be jealous? He was a married man with a child.

“We can’t, you’re- Fuck!” His fingers massaging your walls made it difficult for you to form coherent sentences.

Miguel was enjoying this. With a touch he was making you fall apart. “Hmm, what was that?” He continued to finger you while he massaged your inner thigh with his free hand.

“We can’t do this, Miguel. You’re married!” In between whimpers you managed to get that out.

Taking his fingers out of you, he made a dramatic showing of licking his fingers clean. “Sabrosa. (Tasty).” Miguel pulled you onto his, thigh, his face gentle now as he held your chin in his hand. “I’m separated. I gave Emily the divorce papers the day you left.”

His words took a while to settle in, but when they did Miguel almost laughed at you shocked little face. “You better not be playing with me, Miguel Galindo!” You slapped him across the chest.

Miguel took the offending hand and pressed a kiss to it. “I promise. I’m giving her a couple of days to get over the shock and read over the papers. She’ll sign them, trust me.”

His reassurance was all you needed. Squealing, you wrapped your arms around Miguel’s neck and smashed your lips against his. It wasn’t long before Miguel slipped his tongue inside of your mouth, taking control of the kiss.

“Finish your job, mi cielo.” Miguel ordered. You tried to get up, but Miguel slammed you back down on his thigh, insisting you finish the job there. Miguel’s hands roaming all over your body made it hard to focus. You let him know that he wasn’t playing fair and his response was, “You’ll learn that I never play fair.”

Soon enough, you finished cleaning up his beard, but Miguel didn’t let you linger and admire your work. “I think I need some moisturizer for my beard.”

“What?! I just applied some.”

Miguel wrapped his arms around your waist and carried you to the couch. He laid down on it while he kept you on top of him. “Yeah, but you’re going to ride my face until your pussy juices soak my beard, mami.”

You still had you smock on with all of your tools in it. Miguel untied it but not before grabbing your blade and slicing your skirt and panties apart. “Such a pretty pussy and its all mine.” Miguel ran his fingers along your slit, making you shiver.

Gripping your hips, Miguel settled you over his lips. His tongue softly made love to your folds. You held onto his hair and called out his name. The devil had a silver tongue and knew how to use it. Instinctively, you rolled your hips against his mouth, riding him like he told you.

“There you go, sweetheart. Ride me just like that. Use me to get yourself off and ready for my cock.”

You followed his orders, but not without a little fun. Never being a selfish lover, you decided to dish out some pleasure of your own. Reaching behind you, you unbuckled Miguel’s belt and pants. His dick practically fumbled out his boxers. The way it slapped against his stomach, told you it was a monster. You got your confirmation when you placed your hand around it. How he would fit was beyond you, but y’all would make it work.

As you stroke him Miguel’s moans turned you on so much that you could see your juices dripping down his beard. Turns out your wetness was a good moisturizer after all. However, you didn’t allow yourself to appreciate it for long. Your attention was needed elsewhere.

Miguel was about to complain about his new favorite meal being taken away from him when he felt you lift up from his mouth.

“What? You’re the only one who can get a taste?” You asked mischievously, pressing a soft kiss to his engorged head.

Miguel smacked your ass. “Nobody likes a tease. Suck this dick, mami.” He thrusted his hips upwards and you welcomed his dick with an open warm mouth.

You prided yourself on being a good dick sucker, but with Miguel sucking on your clit and his fingers carving his name out in your pussy, you were beginning to doubt yourself. So many moans were coming out of your mouth that you barely sucked his dick. But when you did manage to get your mouth around it, you decided Miguel was the best thing you tasted. He was more addictive than the drugs he sold. And the smell of him…god he even smelled expensive down there.

You were so caught up in admiring his dick, that you didn’t notice your orgasm sneaking up on you, almost making you choke on his dick. “Imma have to train you how to properly take my cock, cariña. But that’ll have to wait til later.”

Miguel place you on the couch and took off the rest of his clothes. His eyes remained on you as you shed your top and bra. He couldn’t help but be amazed by your beauty. No matter how long he would be with you, he would never get over you.

“Querida, I promise to give you the world.”

“I’ll just settle for your heart.” Miguel’s soft smile warmed you throughout your body and you promised yourself you’ll do whatever you could to keep that smile on his face. “And your dick as well.” You began to stroke him again.

His growl and how quickly he jumped on you surprised you. “That’s why you deserve everything. You’re the sweetest, dirtiest little thing.”

Running your hands up and down Miguel’s chest and trailing kisses up his neck, you nipped at his ear. “Miguel, if you don’t put your dick in me right now, I swe- FUCK!”

Your cartel daddy filled you up to the brink, bringing a pinch of pain with overwhelming pleasure. Nothing could describe how good he was making you feel. All you knew was that Miguel ruined other men for you.

The moans and expletives coming out of your mouth was a boost to Miguel’s ego. Earlier he was scared that your feelings for him disappeared. Enclosing his hand around your throat, Miguel leaned down to just barely hover over your lips. “I bet Christopher Evans couldn’t have you creaming like this. Could he?”

“No, he couldn’t,” you whimpered. Miguel began to thrust into you harder causing your legs to shake uncontrollably.

“Then, I bet not ever hear another word about him or his little friends using you as a cumdump. You’re mine little cumdump and no one else. Entiendes?”

Tears were running down your face from how good Miguel was giving it to you. “Yes, I understand, daddy.”

“Good. Now cum all over this dick, mi reina.” Miguel kissed the edge of your mouth and intertwined his fingers with yours. The soft gesture had you falling over the edge. Miguel soon followed after you.

The two of you spent a few minutes in silence basking in each other’s glory. When Miguel noticed you drifiting off to sleep, he decided to carry you to his room for a more comfortable rest. The next morning when you woke up, you were grateful that Nestor brought your bags in after all.

Tags: @starrynite7114​ @ifoundmyhappythought​ @sadeyesgf​ @woahitslucyylu​ @marvelmaree​ @angrythingstarlight​ @teakturn​ @marvelmaree​ @thickemadame​ @dearsamcrobae​ @strawberrywritings​

[vemuabhi]

Kaku, Lucci and Jabra - First Meetings and Kiss

Annyong Haseyo!! This was requested by REDFRLegend (Wattpad)

This is my first time writing for these 3 members. I hope its not too OOC. I made these in Modern Universe.

I hope you like it!

Pairings :

Kaku X Reader

Lucci X Reader

Jabra X Reader

Word Count : 5.8K (I promised you, I will do justice for your request)

Warnings : Not Proof read, so please forgive me for any mistakes.

A/N : I absolutely enjoyed writing for these three. I thought I'd hardly be able to write 500 words but... when I first wrote Kaku I didn't even notice the word count in the beginning. But it reached 1K words and I was shocked. I thought I couldn't beat this count for Lucci and I was definitely sure that I wont be able to write that much for Jabra. But Lucci beat Kaku's word count and it was 1.9K words. I received another shock when Jabra's story word count surpassed these two's. Jabra's was  2.6K words. I was speechless when I noticed that. Now to think of it, I am now in love with these people. I didn't like them because of Robin chan arc. But now... these people stole my heart. Please help me. I can't...

Kaku - 1K

Warnings : None

A/N : The meeting of this was so weird but the rest of the story is not that weird. Please read it.

You were so excited to watch the new movie which you waited so long to watch. By avoiding many posts and people who spoil everything, you went to the theatre and took the ticket. You were alone and thought that you could spend some quality time with yourself. You wanted to check your makeup so, you went to the restroom. As soon as you walked into the washroom, you saw a man with a long nose staring at you. His eyes were open wide as well as his mouth and his cheeks were flushed pink after seeing you.

'What the!?', you thought as you took a few steps back and then another man came into the restroom. You saw him and then again you looked at the long nose man. Then your legs worked their magic and you ran away. You ran towards the girls restroom which was on the floor above without even caring who was looking at you. You were completely embarrassed to walk into the men's restroom like that.

You looked into the mirror and noticed that your cheeks were also red from the embarrassment. You placed your hands on your face and whined. 'It's okay. Just forget this and watch the movie', you thought and you looked at the mirror again.

After heading to the movie hall with your tickets and popcorn, you sat in your seat and tried to concentrate on the movie. You watched the movie as you ate your popcorn. The movie didn't even finish 30 minutes at least and you noticed how terrible it was. Completely different from the plot you imagined after watching the trailer. Everything about the movie was so bad. Your frown didn't fade away as the scenes kept going.

"Do you hate it too?", whispered the person beside you.

"Omg, its... its totally different from what I expected. I really don't like it", you whispered as you still kept looking at the screen and kept eating popcorn.

"I really had high expectations about this movie. I never thought the plot would go like this", you said and then looked to your side. Then you saw the same long nose person, who you saw in the men's restroom. You blushed and hung your head low as you looked at him. He noticed that you were still upset about it and said, "Its okay. Everyone makes mistakes like that once in a while", he said and you slowly looked at him. He cheeks turned red as you looked at him. He averted his gaze to the movie and said, "Its their fault for not constructing extra washrooms", you chuckled as you heard that. He gave you a side glance and smiled. After more 10 minutes of discussing how the movie was getting annoying you sighed in defeat. "All my money is wasted on this, and now even my time"

He gave you a side glance and asked, "So... if you also feel like that... wanna go and grab a bite?"

Your heart skipped a beat. You didn't expect this but... you really wanted to go. A faint blush was visible on his cheeks as you nodded yes. The two of you went and sat at the restaurant and talked about movies and music. It seemed like your tastes matched and you were really happy to have a new friend.

"I'm Kaku by the way. We kept talking and didn't introduce ourselves", he chuckled and you realised that he was right.

"OMG! I didn't realise that. I'm Y/N" you replied. As you both finished your food, you decided exchanged numbers before you left.

Every day you two kept talking about stuff you both liked and slowly, the conversations turned to daily routines and then meme war at each other. You didn't knew how time passed while you both talked. You both decided to meet again for another movie and this movie was good than the previous one. For some reason you didn't feel awkward with him at all. After the movie you both strolled in the park. You felt so happy beside him. With him the conversation was never dead.

After a few more movie meetings, you were talking to him on the phone as usual.

"So, yeah... I heard there was a new pet café opened and people are loving it. Wanna go on a... date with me?", he asked as your cheeks turned red. You said yes and then you both discussed on the time and place of your meeting. Your heart was beating faster and you couldn't stop this excitement for meeting him. Actually you were even happier for every time you met him. 'This time... it's different. It's a date', you thought as you placed your hands on your cheeks.

The day of your date, you wore the new clothes and applied some makeup then went to the café. He stood from his place as he saw you enter the café. You approached him and he still was still standing without moving an inch. You smiled at him and shook his shoulder. He then blinked and chuckled nervously. Your date was really cute with him blushing as you both played with the animals. After you decided to leave, he took you home as it was dark. He blushed as he linked his hand with yours and with the free hand he gently tugged a strand of hair behind your ear.

He looked into your eyes for permission. You just smiled back at him and nodded. He leaned down as you slowly closed your eyes. Your lips touched with his and you felt so happy at that moment. His hand slowly caressed your cheeks and the other trailed to your waist to pull you even closer. Your hands tugged the back of his shirt as you just tilted your face to deepen the kiss. You both parted for air and looked into each other's eyes. It felt right with him. You were truly happy to be with him and he was feeling the same. You two were falling in love.

XOXOXOXO

Lucci – 1.9K

Warnings : Mention of alcohol but mostly fluff

A/N : I really loved this story too. Yeah, its a bit awkward but trust me, you will get past it.

The week was completely trash. Not one good thing happened and as if your problems were not enough, your boss dumped so much more work on you and your weekend almost went to waste. As you were so determined to complete your work, you had some free time and went to the new bar. The bar looked so beautiful and neat. People were drinking and singing. You ordered a drink for yourself and were trying to forget the shit week you had.

‘I need to buy new shoes/heels. These are about to get ruined’, you thought as you sipped your drink looking at your shoes/heels. Then suddenly you saw your asshole ex enter into the bar with another person. ‘That Dick, he is already with someone new’, you thought. You really wanted to leave but you didn’t want to seem single if your ex sees you. Your gaze landed on the person beside you, who was minding his own business. He had interesting beard. He was actually cute. You saw that he paid for his drinks and got up.

You stood before him as you blocked his way. He looked confused at your actions. You gulped. He was pretty tall, had sharp eyes and was having a serious expression. You asked him, “Are you leaving?” to which he just gave you a weird look and nodded.

“Good! Let’s go together, please”, you said as you held his hand. If weird and confused could be one expression, he had that. As he was about to protest, you stopped him and said, “Please. Don’t ask anything. I’ll answer your questions. But please come with me”.

He stayed quiet for a couple of seconds to think and then sighed, giving his permission. You linked your arm with his and smiled happily as you made your way out of the bar and YES! Your ex saw you with a guy way too handsome than him. Your ego boost increased X100 with that expression on your ex’s face. You laughed as you walked. Suddenly you felt a tug on your arm and you then noticed that you were dragging that stranger for a while now. You face turned red because of embarrassment. You let go of him and said, “I’m sorry. I didn’t notice that I was dragging you along with me. I just wanted to get out of there because of my ex. And I got to leave with a handsome guy like you. You should’ve seen his face”, you said and laughed again thinking about that jerk ex. “So, thank you”, you ended as you looked at him.

He just nodded and left. ‘Huh… it… looked like he didn’t even care’, well to be honest you would’ve been happy if he was interested. ‘Well, its fine. My ex saw me with that handsome guy. It’s all I need’, you hummed to yourself and went to your house.

The next week, you had a new contract from a client and you had to visit the client at his office and talk about the project with your boss.

“So, Rob Lucci is our client and I hope you know that atleast… we should meet him now”, said your boss looking at you. You nodded quickly and followed him behind. Mr. Jabra was a strict man but, he was a good person.

Mr. Jabra led you into Mr. Lucci’s office and you both were waiting for him to come and meet you. Apparently that person Lucci was a very busy man and could only afford this day to talk about the project. As the door swung opened you and Mr. Jabra stood up. Your eyes widened as you looked at him. He was the same person who you met at the bar a few nights prior. He and Mr. Jabra shook hands and then you two sat in your chairs. He sat in front of you two and talked about the project. He seemed like, he didn’t even remember you. So you let that thought go away and started to listen to him. This was the first time you heard him speak. He had a deep voice and was really good. He was very particular and you noted them down just for future references. After the meeting you both thanked him and you followed your boss but as you were about to exit his cabin you fell on your face.

Your boss gasped and asked, “Y/N! are you okay?” with worry. Then you felt an arm on your shoulder. You looked at the owner of the arms, and it was Mr. Lucci. He was beside you. Your face turned red as you saw his handsome features so close. He helped you up and you thanked him. You then noticed that one of your shoe/heel was actually ruined. The client and also the boss noticed that.

“It’s ruined. Wait here. I’ll send my secretary”, Mr Lucci said. You looked at Mr. Jabra and he nodded. Then Mr. Lucci and Mr. Jabra went ahead. You didn’t know why he told you to wait there but you obliged. Then a beautiful lady came where you were waiting. She was wearing delicate specs and had silky blond hair. She had brown paper bag with her.

“Hello! You must be Y/N. I’m Kalifa. Mr. Lucci told me you were here”, she introduced herself and you nodded.

“So, if you don’t mind we only have these here. But, I’m sure you can wear them for temporarily”, she said as she handed me the brown paper bag she held. You looked inside and saw a new pair of shoes.

“Thank you so much!!”, you bowed to her and she left. You took the shoes out and wore them. Coincidentally, when you wore them, they were a perfect fit for you. ‘And then the prince and Cinderella stayed happily ever after’, the sentence suddenly popped into your brain and you chuckled. Then you noticed if someone was watching you. Luckily no one saw you laughing to yourself. You placed your ruined pair into the bag and headed towards the exit. There you saw your boss waiting for you. You quickly dumped your shoes bag in the trash can and headed towards Mr. Jabra.

He smiled widely as he looked at you. “Y/N!! You are here! Lets go”, he said and went towards his car as you followed him. Apparently, the the contract with the company was also made for another project if this was going to be successful. You also were happy that the company was getting more contracts.

As you and your team made the project, you and Mr. Lucci had to meet a few more times. His seriousness was really captivating to you. The passion towards work, really inspired you too. Slowly you found yourself reading about his company and his articles. You really started to like the man and your respect also grew.

After the project completion, luckily everyone liked it and it was a huge success. So, the client company held a party and invited your company too. You all were very happy for your work to be successful. The party was held on the terrace of the building. But there were security to take care of people, if they get too drunk.

You got yourself a second drink and leaned on the wall. Then you saw that Mr. Lucci was leaving the place. You followed him and now you saw that he was heading towards the elevator.

“Hey! Please wait!”, you said and sure he waited for you to come. “Thankyou”, you said as you also got in. He pressed the button for the ground floor.

“Sir, you can at least enjoy in these times. It’s ok to be carefree once in a while”, you said as he turned to look at you. You sipped your drink and continued, “Everyone is really happy and really admire you. If you join them they would be even more happy”, you said and he averted his gaze from you. If you weren’t drunk, you would’ve noticed his cheeks dusted pink.

“Yeah, but… not everyone likes me. Some people find me gloomy. So, I don’t want to let their sprits down”, for once, he talked about himself and not about work.

“NO WAY! Heck, even I too like you. You are so passionate and inspiring”, you being drunk said it casually but he stared at you with his eyes wide open and cheeks completely red. “You sure are serious about your work but you aren’t gloomy. You are really kind. I heard that you even take care and donate for the wildlife sanctuary. I really appreciate and admire that”, you smiled at him and exited the lift. He followed your steps and said, “How… are you going to go? You can’t drive in the state you are in”, he said as he looked at you.

“You looked back at him and replied, “I’ll call a cab”

‘Ofcourse, you’ll call a cab. Why did I even ask the most stupid question’, thought Lucci.

“I think you forgot but, we both met in a bar. I stopped you from leaving and tagged along with you”, you said.

“I remember”, he said making you stop in your tracks. You turned and looked at him. He came closer and stood before you.

“I never forgot you, or that time”, he said as you gulped.

“I thought you weren’t interested in me”, you said as you chuckled.

“I… wasn’t.”

“Ouch! That hurt”, you said as you placed your hands on your heart. He chuckled at your actions and it was the very first time you ever saw him laugh.

“Let me rephrase it, I wasn’t interested at that weird stranger who dragged me to an unknown location”, you were embarrassed at what he said. ‘Of course who would be interested in a person who did that’ your head hung low. But he continued, “But… I remembered the drunk person, who called me handsome. That clumsy person who fell down, the hardworking one, who made the project successful”, he said and he came closer and whispered, “I’m interested to know more about that person”, your face turned red at what he said. Now he was the one who walked first and you followed him. He stopped at his car and said, “Let me drop you”

You obliged and sat in the fancy car. He suddenly leaned closer to you and you closed your eyes. Then you heard a click. You opened what was that sound and saw that he placed your seatbelt. You got embarrassed and he chuckled.

After sometime you reached your house and again he leaned in closer to you. He removed the seatbelt but he stayed still looking into your eyes. You leaned towards him and captured his lips with yours. You placed your hands his raven hair and he placed one of his hand on the back of your neck and the other on your cheek. Your make out session with him lasted for a while then you smiled at him and looked at your lap. He smiled and pecked your cheek. You got out of the car and waved bye to him. He did the same but then he told you to come closer. As you were close to the window of his car, he again pulled you close and kissed you. After that he smiled and left the place. You went to your room and changed your clothes. You plopped on the bed and thought about the kiss you two had. It was so intense and passionate. Little did you know, a new beautiful story really was awaiting for you.

XOXOXOXOXO

Jabra – 2.6K

Warnings : Angst, hurt, comfort, TW! sexual harassment 

A/n: The story for writing him came to me and I was so in love. I hope you enjoy it.

You get ready as usual and get on the train to go for work. It was an everyday routine for you. You tended to go early to avoid rush hours. Anyhow, you couldn’t avoid the evening traffic and people, so you at least tried to be early. This was peaceful and quite with just you and a few other people on the train. You had your book in your hand to pass the time while you went to your stop. You then saw a new face get on the train. He was a tall man with different kind of beard.

He sat opposite of you and put on his headphones. He was quiet for a while but suddenly, he started to sing out the song he was listening to. You looked at him and saw that he was really immersed in the song and didn’t realise that he was singing out loudly.

You smiled to yourself at his actions. He wasn’t singing amazingly but, he was singing with his heart and you really admired that. He wasn’t horrible too. Just in between. After one song, he started to sing another song. You stopped reading and listened to him sing. You soon reached your stop and got down. He was still humming and singing. You went to work and started to work, but as you worked, the songs he sang were playing in your head. You shrugged it off and started to work, but the songs still played in your head.

The next day, you saw the same man enter the train. After a few minutes, he started to sing again. You listened to his songs till you reached your stop.

This became a routine to you every day and you never once, didn’t fail to stop listening to his songs. Eventually you started to like his singing and his voice. You didn’t finish that page of your book ever since he started to sing. You once noticed that he was singing the song that you liked too. You jammed to that song inside your head.

One day as he was giving you his free concert, another man got on the train and sat beside you. The new person, told the man before you to stop sing. That man got embarrassed and apologised. He didn’t even hum the entire ride. You came back to your book and noticed that you forgot what the story was so, you had to come back a few pages and read it again. To be honest, you felt bad for the singer. The entire ride was really quiet and… dull. You got down at your stop and looked at the man one last time and headed to your office.

The next day also the singer stayed silent and the new man sat beside you. You didn’t even hear the man hum. He was silent that day too… and the day after… and after… he stopped singing.

One day, you were on the same place as usual and the singing man sat opposite of you. The stranger sat beside you like always. You really didn’t mind but… then you felt his shoulder touching you. You noticed that he was sitting closer to you than before. You carefully moved a bit till your shoulders weren’t touching. But after a few minutes, your shoulders brushed again. You didn’t like how a person was touching you. You moved again and after few minutes you noticed the person touching you again! You gulped and you followed your instincts.

You sat beside the man opposite to you and he noticed you now. He didn’t mind you sitting there until he noticed that the other man also made his way towards you and sat real close to you. Now, you don’t have place to move. You frowned at how that jerk kept doing that. You were about to say something but then you saw that the singing man, stood abruptly and glared at the other man.

“Don’t you have shame? She doesn’t like it. Stop it or else do you want me to break your hand?”, that man clicked his tongue and left the train as soon as the doors opened. You smiled at the singer and said, “Thankyou so much”. To which he just smiled and took his spot.

Things were silent and then he said you, “I… I am sorry, I didn’t notice it first”.

“No, its not your fault”, you replied as you smiled at him. You continued, “I really don’t like the rush hours because of people like this. But I guess, for them, the time really doesn’t affect”.

“I’m sorry to hear that”, he said and you indicated no.

“You aren’t the one who did that. Don’t apologise”, you said as you got up and continued “Its my stop. I’ll go. bye”

He watched your form leave. Just like every day. You didn’t knew. But he also noticed you. But only when you left.

The next day, you sat in your spot and waited. The singer came and sat opposite to you. He smiled at you and you returned the same.

“You know”, you said and he looked at you as he listened carefully. “You sing well. Don’t let that person’s words get to you”

He gasped and his eyes opened wide. His cheeks turned red.

“So, you didn’t knew you were singing out this whole time? You sang from the first day you started to take this train”, you chuckled as you said that.

“Oh noo… I really didn’t knew I was singing every day. I’m sorry I did that. I must have disturbed you”, you whined as he held his head by his hands and placed his elbows on his knees.

“But… I did enjoy the free concert”, you said as he blushed even more.

"Oh god.... it so weird", he said looking at you.

"Why? How is it weird. Many people tend to sing like that", you closed your book and placed your elbows on your knees as you looked at him.

He covered his face and replied, "No... not that...", he sighed and replied, "you saying you liked my singing... its weird. Everyone says I suck at it. But... this is different"

"Owh! So rude... you aren't so bad. They just... need to listen to you more", you told him as you leaned back.

"Tha...thankyou. you are so kind", he said as he smiled. You asked about some of the songs that you liked while he sang and he answered everything to you. Then you got down at your stop and went to office.

The talking about music then changed to movies, then books. He wasn't much of a reader but he heard about the stories and stuff from his other friends and was really interested while you were talking about them.

After some days, you both sat beside each other while you both listened to music while you shared headphones.

You recommend him a few songs and he instantly got hooked on all of them. Exchanged phone numbers made you guys even closer and the meetings on the train while you went to jobs were becoming even more special.

One morning as usual you talked but... he seemed a bit restless.

"What happened? Are you okay?", you asked him as he just stayed silent. He looked down at his shoes and avoided to look at you.

"Jabra, if you wont tell me, I can't know. Tell me if something is bothering you", you said as he straightened his back and looked at you.

"I don't feel so good today... I feel like something bad is going to happen and I just... can't get rid of this feeling", he confessed.

"Oh no! Why? Don't worry. Nothing will happen to you. You'll stay safe. I'll pray", you assured him but he shook his head no.

"I'm not... talking about myself.... I'm talking about... you, Y/N", he looked deep into your eyes.

You chuckled and said, "Me? Don't worry. Nothing will happen. I'll be fine", you said assuring him.

He smiled weakly and said, "Yeah... maybe I'm over thinking"

You patted his shoulder and got up. You got out of the train and waved bye to him. But... even if you said you were going to be fine, Jabra just couldn't get the uncertain feeling out of his heart and mind.

That evening, as work piled up, you had to stay late and work a bit more. Jabra messaged you a few times and you replied saying you were fine.

That night at 11 pm you started to go towards the station alone. The streets were a bit too empty and you felt like the traffic would be much better than this. You then got an idea and opened your phone.

'CALL SINGER', Your phone displayed and you hit the green button. He almost immediately picked it up and asked you whether you were okay or not. You giggled and said you were fine.

"So... did you eat?", he asked

"Nope... i actually am leaving the office now-"

"WHAT! NOW! Y/N. I told you the area where you were working isn't safe after dark. Why didn't you listen?", he didn't let you finish and started to worry about you.

"Jabra, listen. My boss gave me work, while I was about to leave. So I had no choice. It's not like I didn't listen to you", you pout as he clicked his tongue.

"Tsk... I really want to talk to that stupid boss of yours. How could he make you stay so late"

"Just let it be... I... just wanted to talk to you", you said as you gulped hearing footsteps... getting closer to you.

"Y/N what happened?", he sensed your distress and asked you.

"I... it might be my imagination but... I thought I could hear... footsteps?", you whispered as you kept walking.

"Y/N... listen to me carefully. Don't turn back. Just keep walking and make use of your senses and don't turn off the phone. Keep it on even if you aren't talking to me", he said.

"I am not able to hear them anymore but... Jabra... I'm scared", you told him the truth.

"Y/N don't be. Don't cry. Put on a brave front. I'm coming", he said as you heard his door closing. He was really coming for you now and this time... you were sure you heard the footsteps again.

You reached the station and noticed that someone was definitely following you. You told jabra and he said to quicken your pace and get on the train. You did as he told you and you heard the footsteps running after you. You ran towards the train and just as you made it in then the doors closed. Then you saw the person who ran after you.

Your eyes widened as you saw his face. He was the same guy who harassed you on the train a few weeks ago.  He had a sinister looking grin on his face as he indicated an indecent hand gesture.

Tears slid down your cheeks as you kept eye contact with him and the train moved forward.

"Y/N! Y/N! Y/N! TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED? DID YOU GET ON THE TRAIN? Y/N PLEASE ANSWER! PLEASE", you noticed that you didn't answer Jabra and he was having a panic attack.

"Jabra... I got on the train but I ... I saw him", you said between sobs.

"Who was it?"

"That pervert from the other day. You also saw him. He looked so sinister Jabra... I can't even explain", you cried as you told him.

His didn't know how to feel. Was he supposed to be relieved that you escaped for now or was he supposed to feel sad that you were crying.

He knew one thing for sure... He was hella angry at that asshole for making you so scared and cry.

After travelling alone for a few minutes and crying on the phone, you then saw that Jabra was waiting on a stop for you. You ran out of the train and hugged him tight as he also held you close. He wasn't going to forgive himself for letting you experience that alone. He was mad at himself for not being there for you, when you needed him the most. He held you as if you were going to disappear if he let you go.

Jabra then dropped you at your home on his bike as you still hugged him. The adrenaline was still making your hands shiver even after you reached your house. You let him stay at your place for that night. But you couldn't sleep for a long time. That experience was terrifying. But as he soothingly caressed your hair, you fell asleep.

He didn’t had a small crush on you. It was already love for him. He wanted to take you out on dates and dinner. Wanted to see you smile. Wanted to come to your house and hug you while you slept… But he didn’t wanted that to happen like this. This was heart breaking for him.

The next day, you took the day off and curled in your blanket. Jabra already left, after leaving a note. You were alone in your house. Then you got a message from Jabra, with a link. You opened it and saw that, a killer and rapist was arrested and sent to jail. Tears rolled down your cheek as you saw that.

Then you pressed the call button and in a few rings, Jabra picked up.

“Y/N! I’m sorry, I had to leave but-”

“Thankyou! Thank you so much”, you didn’t let him finish his sentence and thanked him.

“Don’t cry my dear. It’s okay now. He is in jail and… he will never ever hurt you or anyone else again”, he said as you sniffed.

Actually, after you fell asleep, Jabra left the house and searched for that man. After finding him, he beat him up and handed him over to the police.

You called him over to your place and as he reached the door you wrapped your arms around his shoulders and squeezed him tight. He blushed hard at your sudden hug but still he embraced you. You pulled him into the house and closed the door.

You took his hand and said, “I love you”, his eyes widened at your words. “And don’t mistake it for gratitude or something else. I really liked you from a long time. But the way… you”, your tears returned to you as you continued, “Prioritize me and give importance to me is just… truly beautiful”, you got closer to him and added, “I… love you. Will you go out with me?”

“YES! YES! YES I love you too!” he also exclaimed and hugged you tight. Then you pulled back a bit to see his face then placed your hand on the back of his neck.

“Can I?” you asked him as he turned like a tomato and nodded. You brought him closer to you and kissed him gently. He wiped the tears on your cheek with one of his hand and the other stayed between your shoulder blades. You ran your fingers in his hair as the other caressed his back. Your actions sent shivers up and down his spine. You two broke the kiss for air and looked into each other’s eyes. You pressed your foreheads together and smiled as you pecked his cheek. This felt magical. With him, it was always different and beautiful. You thanked your stars for making him meet you.

XOXOXOXO

OMG!! I am so in love with them now. Please help me. I hope you enjoyed these One shots. Like I promised, they aren't just a few lines or scribbles.  Comment your favourite among these?

Please support me by giving me a Vote/Like, Comment, Reblog/Share. If you love my stories, please follow me!

Thankyou so much for reading!

[nsheetee]

mocha | jeno

pairing: basketball player!jeno x barista!reader genre: coffee shop au | fluff, slight angst summary: you tutor star basketball player jeno when you realize he’s spending late nights studying in the cafe you work at.

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this is a part of the moonlight cafe series — please read the preface before continuing reading

he walks as if he’s in a hurry, not minding the jingling bell on the door above him and sits down at a booth in the corner of the cafe

he has a baseball cap on, and a hoodie over that; you can’t recognize who he is at all

waiting a few moments, you glance over at his table again

he has several textbooks and his laptop out, promptly putting his airpods in his ears and beginning his homework

you just write him off as any other student that comes in here at night, the only difference with him is that he doesn’t order a coffee with an unhealthy amount of espresso shots in it

you don’t mind him, but it is a bit worrying when he spends the whole night switching between laying his head down on the table and softly thumping it against the wood, and staring blankly between his laptop and textbook

when he leaves that night at 3am, you send a silent wish after him that whatever he was studying for goes in his favor 

but surprisingly, he shows up the next night as well

it’s saturday night, the evening rush ended a while ago, and the mysterious guy is once again sitting in his spot at the back corner of the cafe

he looks even more frazzled than the night before, yet he doesn’t order anything and continues to diligently work throughout the whole night

this goes on for weeks, and you begin to worry for this poor boy’s sleep schedule

but even more so, you’re curious about who he is, since he never orders anything and always has a hood or a hat on

one night, your curiosity is quenched

“who’s that?” taeil asks you; he’s normally not at the store this late, but forgot to complete taking inventory this morning and came back tonight to finish it up

he nods his head towards your mystery guy, who has slumped over his textbooks and looks to be peacefully sleeping on the table

“not sure. he always comes in and studies for almost the whole night, never orders anything, though.” you shrug at your boss and he frowns

“go give him a mocha, or something. on the house- he looks like he needs to wake up.” taeil turns back to his clipboard and you nod

carrying over a hot mocha to the intriguing character in the corner of the cafe, your heart thumps in suspense

you’ll finally be able to learn who the mystery man is, something you’ve been wondering since day one

you set the mocha down on the table carefully and sit across from him, shaking his arm to wake him up

the guy jerks out of his sleep, a flashcard sticking to his face as he looks around the cafe with lidded eyes

“sorry!” you grimace, holding out your hands in front of you “I didn’t mean to scare you, I just wanted to wake you up. my boss told me to give you this mocha on the house, and to make sure you’re okay.” the guy unsticks the flashcard from his face, and your mouth drops when you realize who the mystery man is

“lee jeno?” you ask, and his sleepy eyes widen when you recognize him

“...no? I think you have me mistaken for someone else...” he clears his throat, looking around the cafe to see if anyone has their attention turned to you two

you would believe him, if he isn’t the most well known face on campus

he’s not only the college’s basketball star who has his face plastered on every basketball-related event at the school and is dating the head cheerleader, but also the guy who sits a few rows in front of you in your calculus class

“I'm 90% sure you’re lee jeno.” you state, and he seems too tired to argue with you about his identity

“okay, yes, that’s me. can you please not tell anyone that I'm here.”

“tell what? that you, a college student, studies?” you tilt your head and cross your arms as you wait for his response

“yeah,” he becomes shy, playing with his airpods that fell out of his ears during his nap, “to be honest, I'm in a calculus class this semester and I don’t understand one bit of it. that’s why I'm here every weekend night.” he explains, not meeting your gaze yet

all of a sudden, it hits you-

he doesn’t know who you are

although your calculus class has almost 100 people in it, you would think he would’ve at least seen you walking past him every monday, wednesday, and friday to your seat behind him

but you’re not surprised that he’s struggling or that he hasn’t noticed you, since you always see him talking with his basketball friends instead of paying attention 

“I can tutor you.” you shrug, and he raises his eyebrows, finally making eye contact, “I work every weekend night, and I took that class last semester.”

you don’t feel guilty about lying

if jeno doesn’t recognize you, then maybe it should stay that way

what he doesn't know won’t hurt thim

“wouldn’t that keep you away from your job...” 

“it calms down after midnight around here, and I usually get bored during that time. what do you say?”

he agrees, and pretty soon you’re tutoring basketball star lee jeno

you thought that keeping your identity secret when you walk into class would be difficult, but jeno is always too busy fooling around with his friends before class starts that it’s easy to sneak past him

jeno comes in after midnight on weekends, you tutor him for about an hour (or until he understands the homework) and then he leaves to get some precious sleep 

jeno might be forever thankful for you

the way you explain things makes sense to him, much more sense than any office hours or ta hours that he has been to

it’s a win-win situation for you both: you can count these hours every night as “volunteer work” and jeno soon comes back to the cafe with his midterm exam, a solid B+ labeled across the top

“good job,” you chime when you see his grade from his phone

a text message notification pops up, and although you don’t read it, you definitely saw the word “party”

“maybe we can skip the study session tonight? you’ve been doing much better lately, and it’s friday night. I bet you want to get out and go to a party, or something.” you suggest, giving jeno a perfect excuse to leave you for the night and join his friends

“nah,” jeno shrugs as he takes back his phone, “I'd much rather hang out with you.”

your heart thuds at his words and you try your hardest to control your facial expression- to somehow bite back the heat threatening to rise to your cheeks

it’s been like this for the past few weeks, ever since you saw this new side to jeno

before tutoring him, he was only the basketball player who loudly fooled around with his friends before class and seemed like he didn’t care about anything else other than basketball

but since you started to get to know him, it’s safe to say you severely misjudged him

he’s probably the most boyish guy you’ve ever met, who cracks jokes that most would cringe at but have you clutching your stomach and wheezing with laughter 

the more time he spent around you, the more comfortable he became, and the more he could tell you his feelings

like how nervous he was for the exam or how scared he was for last week’s game

or how he’s determined to drink the mocha you make him every time he comes to the cafe, as an apology for all the nights he hogged a table and didn’t buy anything

he snuck into your heart, through the spaces between your ribs and planted himself there, unwilling to leave

but you know your feelings aren’t acceptable

he has a girlfriend, a very pretty and popular one that you’re almost sure he won’t leave for little old you

“seriously,” jeno notices your change in tone, “you can go out. you don’t have to stay here.”

“I'm being serious, too. let’s start on the next chapter, since you took this class last semester you’ll know how to do the equations for the next part, right?” jeno is already pulling out his textbook and his papers, determined to start working

your heart races, now for a different reason

although you’re good at calculus, you’re not that good to understand the next chapter yet

“uh...” you trail off, trying to find an excuse, “why do you even want to do math homework right now?” you ask, and jeno suddenly gets quiet

“it’s not really about math anymore, it’s about the person who’s teaching it to me...” he mumbles, but you hear him clearly

your heart is in your throat and your hands clam up from nerves

this is wrong

he has a girlfriend

his life is very different and separate from yours

this is so wrong

“we can’t.” you shake your head, and jeno’s nervous glances at you turns into a heartsick and longing look, “I- I actually haven’t taken this class. I'm taking it... right now.” you admit, the weight on your shoulders being lifted

“what?” he frowns

he doesn’t look good with a frown, his round glasses move with his face

he looks more like a confused puppy than the killer basketball player everyone knows and loves

“I'm in your class, jeno. I sit three rows behind you. I walk past you everyday to my seat.” you roll your eyes lightly

jeno just keeps getting more and more confused with every sentence

“how? how did I not notice you-”

“because you’re too busy messing around with your bros.” you roll your eyes harder this time, but when your gaze lands back on jeno, you immediately start to regret the forcefulness of your words

he looks hurt, and now angry

“so, you lied to me?” jeno looks as if the gears in his brain are running at full capacity, “what did you want from me then? some tickets to the game, maybe my phone number to sell online?” he spits out, embarrassment from you not returning his feelings fueling his harsh words

“do I look like I would do that? you know I'm not that kind of person.”

“forget it. maybe I will go to that party...” he trails off as he packs up his bag

“you act different with your friends than you do with me. you’re just trying to fit into a mold. I called you out on it and you’re mad about it.”

“no. I act different with you because I like you. liked.” he corrects himself, standing up out of the booth

your heart pinches with hurt at his words

there’s nothing like the bitterness of being so close to what you wanted, and then taking 10 steps back because you weren’t aware of how close you were to getting it

“you forgot your drink.” you say bitterly, intent on having the last word

he tucks his airpods into his ears and fixes his hood, “I hate mochas.”

the next night, the basketball team loses their first game of the season

it’s hard not to hear about it, considering the basketball team (and lee jeno) are the pride of the college

but a few more nights pass, and the team loses another game

and then they lose again, keeping them from going to regionals 

even taeyong and taeil talk about it, and you couldn’t look away when they showed you the viral video of jeno’s cheerleader girlfriend breaking up with him in the middle of the court after the last game

although you haven’t talked to him since the fight, you still felt sorry for him

you felt bad, and a bit guilty

jeno hasn’t shown up to calculus since the loss, and his seat is eventually taken by one of his ex-friends 

within a month, jeno turned from the campus’ golden boy to a nobody

and it didn’t matter to you

you haven’t physically seen him since the fight, making you worried about him

is he okay? physically and mentally? is he eating or sleeping? 

part of you hates that you still have feelings for him, and the other part doesn’t care 

you just want to know if he’s okay

and then one very early saturday morning, he walks into the cafe for the very first time since you fought 

the jingle of the bells above him comfort him, they chime a good luck to him as he steps up to the counter where you’re ducked down into the pastry display case 

“I'll be with you in one moment.” you say, tired dripping from your tone, and jeno realizes you’re in the last hour of your shift

“it’s no problem.” your rustling stops at the familiar voice, and your head pops up from behind the counter

lee jeno stands in front of you, his hoodie and baseball hat on, round glasses perched on his nose and his fringe tickling his eyes

“jeno.” you say, as if making sure it’s actually him and that he’s really here

“no, I think you might’ve mistaken me for someone else.” you and jeno both can’t help but let out a small laugh as you unexpectedly reenact the first time you met

“what are you doing here?” you ask, fully standing up and meeting him at the cash register

“well, I was hoping to get a mocha.” 

“I thought you hate mochas.” jeno stares at you and you stare back, unwilling to move until he says something first

jeno reaches out over the cash register, his strong but gentle fingers grazing over your forehead to fix some hair that was out of place due to your movements during restocking

you subconsciously lean into his touch, and jeno brings his hand down into yours, pulling you away from the cash register and sitting down in a chair at the counter

his hands hold yours over the counter, and the fact that you haven’t pulled away gives him hope that he’s not too late

“I grew to love them because of you. I've been craving them for the past month,” he laughs sourly, “but no one makes them the way you do.”

your heart trembles at his words, and it takes everything in you to not forgive him in an instant

“I'll make you one.” you say, untangling your hands from his and moving to the espresso machine 

jeno watches as you make his new favorite drink, and then place it before him as you sit down in a chair next to him

“I’m sorry.” is the first thing he says after you face him once again, “you were right. I was trying to fit into the mold of what the people around me wanted. the only time I could actually be myself is when I'm around you.” 

“I'm sorry, too. this isn’t all your fault, I shouldn’t have lied to you.” jeno scoots closer, tiredness tying you together and the moonlight from outside allowing you to enjoy the company of each other

“my calculus grade is low again. I might need your big brain to help me.”

“okay, but I'll need payment this time.”

“how much?”

“one kiss.”

“one kiss for every correct problem on the final exam?”

“deal.”

jeno smiles softly, his eyes scrunching as smile lines crease his face like tangled bedsheets in the early morning

he leans in, and you kiss with only the moonlight as a witness

jeno loves the way your mouth tastes like the bitter espresso that keeps him awake, but your lips are as sweet as the mocha that he has grown to love

[russianredassassin]

Because I Was Worried - A Helena Bertinelli Imagine:

This was requested by Anonymous so thank you for the request and I hope you enjoy it :)  Also I am really really sorry this is so late

Warnings: Mentions of abuse and swear words, if that is triggering to you don't read. Also, I haven't really written about this before, so I’m sorry if it isn't accurate or anything but I still wanted to write it because it seemed important.

A/N: To the Anon who requested this I really hope you like it because it isn't edited because its very late and I'm too tired sorry. Also Italics mean someone's thoughts 

Summary: You have been Helena’s friend for a few years but after you start missing scheduled meetings she gets worried and finds out a heart breaking secret  

Word Count: 1575 

Helena’s POV

I have to admit I was starting to get worried about Y/N. Y/N has been a good friend of mine for a couple of years now and is one of the few people I can actually relax and feel like a normal person. Something I haven't felt in a long time. I first met her about 3 years ago when I was on the lead of some scumbag mob boss and was inches away from killing him when of course some lucked basted landed a shot on me and giving the boss the window he needed to slither away. Killing the thug that interrupted me and quickly hobbled away. I got a few miles when I collapse from blood loss. The last thing I saw was a blurry silhouette walking towards me. Then everything cut the black. The next thing I knew I was no longer in an ally bleeding out and was on a bed in someone's apartment. With my  wound now bandaged up and my clothes, crossbow and arrows layered out next to me. Safe to say, she pretty much saved me. 

Fast forward to now, I was getting very worried, We used to meet up and all the time. But slowly buy surly she started to just stop. The first time it happened I didn't think anything of it. I mean sure she had a life, and it wasn't like we had planned to do anything no. But I let it pass, nevertheless.

The second time it happened she made up an excuse about being far too busy with your work. Which I initially just shrugged off as I do know the tough stress of work (Not the same work mind you but work nevertheless) But I couldn't help but suspect something was going on and I wasn't sure what to do so I followed you to see if you were telling the truth. I kept telling myself that it wasn't that I didn't trust you or anything  I just wanted to know. To be sure. I kept on following until you entered a stranger’s house, but that didn't put any ease into my mind. So I found an open window and used that to sneak inside. Once inside found myself in what must be a spare room by the faded pink wallpaper now showing signs of peeling from the corners and a small bed in the corner, not even suitable for a baby. 

BANG!

I jumped and instinctively my hand landed on the grip of my crossbow and crept towards the sound. Making my way out of the room and down the hallway, two people muttering broke the silence with one sounding like Y/N and another person I didn't recognise. I just stood at the closed door waiting for another nose to be made. My hand now tightly grasping the crossbow grip. Ready.

3rd Person POV

Y/N and her new boyfriend was standing opposite each other in the kitchen, her boyfriend had his arms rested on the counter, accompanied with a slow but constant tapping of his fingers, and just staring at her. Tap. Tap. Tap. Y/N Meanwhile, doing anything to avoid looking at him. Tap. Tap. Tap. Fidgeting with the buttons on her shirt. Tap. Tap. Tap. Her eyes glancing at any and every spot in the kitchen. Tap. Tap. Tap. His fingers tapping still. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap. Then nothing.

The air so thick, you could cut it with a knife. Y/N’s breathing started getting louder, and heavier. Because her boyfriend spoke up. 

“You didn't answer me” he calmly said, almost too calm. All the while just staring at Y/N, not with hatred, or anger just an emotionless glare with Y/N still avoiding his gaze. Taking a slow, deep breath and slammed down onto the counter. 

“LOOK AT ME!” He said, and Y/N jumped back and hit her back in the counter, the fear clear in her eyes. “And answer me” Y/N opened her mouth but due to fear nothing came out of it and he grew visually tense and glared at her, his eyes widening. Breathing getting heavier and heavier. Y/N wanted to speak, to open her mouth and answer. Just to answer him and get him to stop. To relax. Just to please him. Just. Don’t. Get. Him. Mad

But she couldn't. Then a creek from what sounded like floorboards caused her to turn in the direction of the sound out of curiosity. He didn't like that though. As before Y/N even fully turned he grabbed her hair and threw her onto the cold kitchen floor like a ragdoll, hitting her head on the counter on the way down. On second he was towering over me, eyes practally burning with anger and rage, about to raise a fist to hit me again. And again. And again. But instead he just screamed in, was it pain? because he just fell to his knees. And behind him standing up strong holding her crossbow was my best friend. Helena Bertinelli. Why was she here? To help me? She just stood there, complete with her hood up and just glaring at him, was screaming from the pain of the arrow head lodged into his leg but just has he turns around to see Helena, she followed the first arrow with a second one in his other leg causing him to fall onto his side and continued screaming. Helens stepped with wide strides to his body, loaded up another arrow and aimed it at his head. She was going to kill him. I thought. 

2nd POV

“No, don’t” you said, practally whispering to Helena, who didn't hear it, or ignored it “Helena, please” she seemed to respond to this as stopped her attack and glanced over to me. 

“Don't?” Helena said in response with her eyes open wide and eyebrows bent out of shape. All making a clear expression of disbelief. Staring at her with tears already fallen and more on the way and holding up your hands in front Hel in an attempt to halt her. Why do I wanted her to stop? No idea. Helena just stared at you. Then at him. Before getting up and kicking him one last time before reaching out to grab your hand, taking it she wrapped her other hand around you and guiding me outside to leave his apartment. 

It was a silent ride back to Helena’s apartment, and when we got off the bike and followed her to into the building. Your head down and trailing behind Helena until we reached the door, she opened the door and stepped aside for you to walk inside. Imminently you went to the couch and stay down and just looked at the floor. The door closing making you jump slightly and started fidgeting with the buttons on your shirt again. 

“Are you ok?” Helena asked, standing in front of the closed door, just nodded in reply. Half of you were too shaken up to say or do anything and half was practally screaming for an answer as to why? Just why? 

“Why?” You said under your breath, surprised when Helena turned to look at you with her furrowed brows 

“Why what?” she asked in reply to your question “Why I just shot that piece of shit? or why I kicked him and brought you here?” In reply you just stared at her, now leaning into the back of the couch, looking out the corner of your eye once again and nodding. Helena took a deep breath and walked over slowly and sitting down on the couch opposite. “Because I was worried” she said looking at you in her eyes, Giving a warm, safe, and comfortable feeling. “Starting a few weeks ago you’ve been acting different, been a lot quieter and not been coming out as much” She readjusted herself on the couch and scooted a tiny bit closer before continuing “At first I didn't think anything of it, you know, because why would I. But the second time I just couldn't let it go so...so I followed you, saw you go into an apartment that I didn't recognise and snuck in through the window” 

“It was just to check up on you I swear and I was about to leave, but then I heard a bang and...then I just... just kind of went into automatic” At this point in the conversation Helena was looking down at her feet and refused to look you in the eyes. “...and if it helps, I’m...I’m sorry” A few minutes of silence passed. Both you and Helena’s heads point to the floor, not knowing what to say anymore. But Helena notices this and eventually speaks up 

“Would you like...I mean can I..I...” Helena said as she quickly stumbled over her words and forcefully exhaled “Do you mind at all if I gave you a hug?” Raising your head to meet Helena’s nervous gaze. you gave a small nod for conformation, she then proceeded to give you a hug. But she slowly guided her arms around yours then leaned in until she made contact with your body and rested her head on yours “I’m sorry, really I am” Helena whispers to you, still hugging like there's no tomorrow “I want you to know that no matter what I will always be here for you” Helena continued, and I heard sniffling in between words “I swear to you, I’ll be here always”   

[legolaslovely]

Surprises

A/N: Happy Fili Friday! I immensely enjoyed righting this. I hope you guys enjoy. For @patchworkideas Thank you for everything! <3 

Pairing: FiKi

Word Count: 6,100

Warnings/Tags: Modern AU, Cop!Fili, Artist!Kili, they are not related, angst, comfort, non explicit smut, fluff! 

Summary: For most of his life, Fíli didn’t like surprises and did his best to avoid them. Then he met someone who taught him to savor both giving and receiving anything unexpected.

Fíli never liked surprises. It’s not that he couldn’t handle any unexpected thing that was thrown at him with tact, it was just that he never enjoyed spectacles or too much effort or attention. His coworkers down at the station learned that about him the hard way when, after painstakingly planning and decorating a lovely surprise party for their newest and most dependable recruit, the birthday boy himself didn’t even show up for the celebration. It wasn’t until the next day they all learned Fíli had taken the day off from work to fish at the lake where the only birthday phone call he answered with more than a text was the one from his mother. 

For most of his life, Fíli didn’t like surprises and did his best to avoid them. Then he met someone who taught him to savor both giving and receiving anything unexpected.

***

September

Was he really this predictable? Fíli sat on his usual stool that was left open for him in the busy bar. Already there waiting for him was a cooled glass of the same lager he always ordered. He clearly had to change up his routine. After he drank his beer.

He took a sip, licked the foam from his mustache and as he went to set it on the ring already sunk into the coaster, his arm was jostled. The man who caused a splash quickly apologized.

“S’okay,” Fíli said.

It took him less than a minute to size the stranger up. Six feet, mid-twenties, broad shoulders, though not as broad as his own. The man waved to the bartender, lean yet strong muscle leaving a thick shadow over the bar. He was fit, probably a runner. Not a weightlifter like Fíli, who was in the gym every morning before his shift despite his hatred of getting out of bed any time before 10am. 

"Can I just get a...” the man trailed off as the bartender walked by, not even stopping to glance at the stranger in his bar. The man gave his head an entertained shake, freeing a stray curl that bounced over the center of his forehead, just above wide winged brows that were as dark as his eyes. Eyes that Fíli had barely gotten a glimpse of until they landed on him. They were glittering and not just with the old lights above the bar.

“Busy in here,” he said, running a hand through his hair that did nothing to restrain the leaping lock.

“Bartender takes care of his regulars first,” Fíli said with a shrug.

“Ah. Now that you say it, I think I read that in the handbook somewhere.”

He’s funny. Fíli shifted in his seat, turning to the side. Someone in this bar should welcome the stranger, why not him? Wasn’t it his duty? “Let me buy you a drink? I might have better luck with the bartender.”

Those dark brows shot up, uncovering a brighter, fresh looking face that had Fíli rethinking his age estimate. “Yeah. Sure,” the man said. He pointed over his shoulder. “I’m driving tonight so I’m just drinking soda. Uh, a Coke?”

“You’re a good friend,” Fíli said, hint of a smile peeking through his thick beard that he hoped hadn’t been soaked in beer foam. 

He pulled his eyes from the man and yelled for the bartender. “Dwalin! Can I get a Coke?”

“With what in it?” Dwalin yelled.

The stranger laughed, a higher pitch than Fíli thought would come out of him, but it was heart gripping all the same. “Uh, Ice?”

When the glass landed on the bar, Dwalin asked Fíli if he wanted another beer but Fíli shook his head.

“Why not? You’re off duty aren’t ya?”

“Of course I am,” Fíli said.

“Then I’ll getcha another.”

“No, no. Here,” he said, digging cash out of his wallet. 

Dwalin scooted away and snapped the towel from over his shoulder at Fíli’s hand. “Nah! Nah, nah. Save it, kid. On the house.”

Fíli slid the soda to the man by his side and waited until Dwalin was busy with another customer before shoving a twenty into the tip jar. 

“Thanks for the drink,” the man said .

“Fíli.”

“Yeah?” He scoffed. “Small world. My friends call me Kíli.”

The crowd seemed to settle and Dwalin’s Saturday night playlist easily descended to true background music as they talked, trading stories and small pieces of personal information. There was no prodding involved, it was just comfortable. Fíli couldn’t remember the last time he’d enjoyed a person’s presence more.

Kíli asked “off duty from what?” which launched the conversation of their individual careers. Fíli was waiting for the side eyed look he usually received when he let it out that he was a cop, but Kíli only smiled. He thanked him for his service. Fíli almost fell off his stool.

Kíli was an artist. When he mentioned he’d taught six classes at the college that day, Fíli stood, insisting Kíli take his chair. Only then had he noticed how crowded the bar had grown.

“No, please,” Kíli said. “I don’t want to take your seat.”

“You’re not taking anything. Sit.” But Fíli backtracked, leaving an escape path wide open. “If you want. Don’t let me keep you from your friends.” 

But Kíli sat. “I’m fine here.”

Even sitting, he was big. Fíli was not the kind to shrink from anyone or anything, but next to Kíli, his confidence and airs (an occupational hazard and necessity) deflated. Every coherent thought melted and simmered to god, he’s pretty. No one had ever affected Fíli this way and each time he straightened his shoulders or shifted on his feet and tried to expand, Kíli would smile and Fíli decided that maybe it was all right to be affected.

Kíli was chatty in an endearing and engaging manner. He had walked into the bar a stranger and now Fíli knew him better than some of the cops he’d met ten years ago. Kíli had recently moved from across the country. He had graduated from the college and fallen in love with the town, so when his parents passed away a few months ago, as a single child, he sold the house and moved back to his second home as he always wanted to. In an old but cozy house this time, instead of a dingy dorm. He started teaching painting lessons and in no time was hired as a professor in the arts department of the college. Dreams fulfilled.

He had an artist's hands. Thin but strong, calloused around the fingertips from brushes and tools and pencils. The veins and tendons popped as his hands waved, never sitting still as he spoke. He was mesmerizing, a moving painting that changed colors and concentrations as the night passed, customers left, and last call was announced. 

Someone behind them hollered Kíli’s name, but it was followed by shushing and giggling. Fíli turned around to see a tall red haired woman whispering loudly for all to hear. 

“He’s at the bar! Leave him alone, he’s with that hot guy.”

One of Kíli’s kinetic hands finally stilled over his eyes, rubbing his furrowed, unbelieving brow. Fíli knew his own cheeks were turning red, but he couldn’t give it another thought as Kíli looked up and grinned at him.

It was a thing of beauty really, reaching his eyes, smooshing them into glowing little slits with round cheeks and a heart shaped chin that curved his lips into the sweetest, smallest triangle.

“My friends...”

“Are having fun,” Fíli said. He sighed. The night had gone quicker than he’d wanted it to. “Will I see you here again?”

Kíli hopped off the stool. “Take my number and you can be sure of it.”

He watched Kíli type into his phone. Fíli had rules. He never kissed on a first date, he never kissed at the bar his boss frequented, he barely kissed in public at all, but this man made him want to change every rule he knew. Even the laws of gravity seemed to be changing because when Kíli gave his phone back and his hand lingered there, Fíli was sure he was floating. He wanted to kiss this man so badly his chest swelled with it, his mind swam in it, his fingers tingled with it, and then the decision was taken out of his hands. 

Kíli kissed his cheek. Just beside his lips. It was quick and unexpected but Fíli’s skin burned with Kíli’s touch long after he’d winked, said goodbye, and led his friends out of the bar. 

***

October

To say that Kíli was excited was an understatement. He was buzzing, trembling, vibrating in anticipation of Fíli’s arrival. He had only been in town for a little over a month when he met Fíli in Dwalin’s bar and it had taken longer than expected for Kíli to unpack from the big move and make his apartment suitable for visitors. Fíli often said, “I don’t care if it’s messy, I want to see your place,” with a very persuading kiss, but Kíli wanted everything to be perfect the first time Fíli came over for dinner.

Which is why Kíli had spent a good chunk of his week and paycheck preparing for this meal. Coaxing Fíli’s favorite recipes out of him- something that should have been sweet and easy and fun, turned into what Kíli imagined yanking hundred year old tree roots from winter turf would be like. And though he welcomed the chance to search through cookbooks and shop for the ripest, most delicious ingredients at the various markets, it all took time. But Kíli didn’t mind. This was important to him and he truly enjoyed pampering Fíli. The man wasn’t spoiled very often.

Kíli was sitting on the floor, staring into the clear oven window when his phone rang. 

“Fíli, it’s five of seven and I know you don’t talk on the phone while you’re driving which means you’re either on my doorstep or you haven’t left yet and it better be the former because if you’re late I will drink this entire bottle of wine without you.”

“I’m on my way, Kíli. I’m sorry, work... work held me up a bit. I’m getting in the car now. Do you need anything else from the store? Want me to stop for anything?”

“If you stop somewhere I’m going to drink both of these bottles by myself.”

“That would be entertaining.”

“Fíli.”

“I’m on my way. Ten minutes.”

Kíli slid his phone onto the counter and stirred the bubbling sauce, tasting it one more time to make sure it was perfect. He gathered a pinch of salt, held it over the pot, then flicked it all into the sink, unused.

“It’s fine,” he said to himself. “It’s fine.”

He heard the rumble of Fíli’s car a few minutes later and pulled the top few buttons of his favorite shirt open. Fíli would never say it out loud, but Kíli knew the black curls that traveled up his neck from his chest drove the man wild. Kíli decided Fíli deserved a little shameless torture and distraction for making him wait an extra eight minutes.

The doorbell rang as he was twisting a corkscrew into the first bottle of Merlot. “It’s open!” he yelled.

It didn’t take long for arms to wrap around his waist and a grumbling to sound in his ear. “Stop leaving your door unlocked,” Fíli growled.

“Yes sir,” Kíli said in time with the pop of the cork.

“Something smells good.”

“Wait until you taste it,” Kíli said. “I ate so much of this as I cooked it- for tasting reasons- and honestly, I don’t even think there’s enough here for you.” He turned around in Fíli’s arms and almost dropped the full glass in his hands. “Fíli.”

Fíli took the wine out of Kíli’s hand and put it on the counter out of reach. He let Kíli stare.

The bruise around his eye reached up over his brow and down to his cheekbone. It seemed to grow darker by the moment, as if every wince of pain and pity turned his blood black. One soft, blue, undeserving iris was surrounded by red clouds.

“What happened?”

“I’m all right. I got called in for a domestic and I took a hit while cuffing the guy.”

Kíli didn’t speak, only stared while his grip on Fíli tightened.

“I’m sorry I’m late, I had to do some paperwork.”

“Don’t apologize.”

Only then did Kíli realize Fíli was still in his uniform. He’d seen the dark blue before, cinching and gaping in all the right places, suiting Fíli beyond measure, but now Kíli despised every inch of it. 

“I’ll grab something for you to wear-”

“I brought clothes,” Fíli said. “I’ll go change.”

Kíli released him hesitantly. “First door on the right.” He clicked off the burners and the oven and shoved the cork back into the wine bottle. Instead, he carried two glasses of bourbon to the couch he’d brought from his parents’ house. Ice cubes clicked together as he laid the packed towel on the small table and sat, sinking into the well used cushion and resting his arm over the back of the couch. 

He chuckled when Fíli came down the hall in his dress shirt and pants. “I thought you were going to change into something more comfortable.”

“What, am I getting too handsome for you?” Fíli asked, smirk only reaching one side of his face.

“It’s close.”

Fíli made a show of unbuttoning the top of his shirt. 

“Getting closer,” Kíli said.

When Fíli sat, he scooted down into the couch until the old thing almost ate him whole. With his eyes closed, he couldn’t see Kíli watching him, but he could feel it. He sensed the routine emotions, the ones that come when you’re dating an officer. Constant concern that, like Kíli’s watercolors, mixed with splashes of ire and exasperation. Wonder was the crucial canvas that held it all together while remaining steady in the background. What went on in those squad cars? Would he always be safe? Always come home? Would Kíli want to stick around, stay in this budding relationship long enough to find out?

He jumped when he blindly felt Kíli’s fingers running through the ends of his hair. The towel had grown heavy and sopping from the melted ice and Kíli took it from him.

“Have I told you how great this apartment is?” Fíli asked, tilting his head to look at Kíli.

“No.” Kíli said, giving his best frown. “You came in, used my bathroom and ruined my best towel.”

Fíli laughed, soft, deep, and rumbling. Comforting. But it was brief. “Don’t forget I also ruined your dinner, our night, and everything we’ve been looking forward to.”

“Nonsense.”

“Kíli, I’m so sorry.”

Kíli scooted closer. “Don’t apologize.” He leaned down and kissed Fíli’s temple, caressing the sore spot with soft, warm lips that seemed to have their own healing powers. When he drew away, Fíli was watching him.

“You always surprise me,” he said, sitting up and wrapping his arms around Kíli who buried his face into the crook of Fíli’s neck. 

“I’m sick of being surprised,” he murmured against Fíli’s skin.

***

November

Kíli’s hand found Fíli’s as he drove home from the restaurant. The dinner had been nice- glowing candles, red wine, snobby yet over-polite waiters and dainty portions. It was clear they were both a bit out of their element in the dark, very quiet dining room. Even K��li seemed a bit shy, but slowly, his small smiles lit their corner of the room- a beacon for Fíli to fuel and admire.

Though their meal together had been enjoyable, it was the farthest thing from Fíli’s mind as Kíli’s fingers intertwined in his. Practiced digits danced, looped, caressed, tickled, until his first finger broke loose and slid up the inside of Fíli’s thigh. Kíli’s focus remained on the road, but the very corner of his lips tweaked upwards. Soft and ever pink, surrounded by a scratch of permanent black stubble, pulled and bent, letting Fíli know their minds were on the same subject. 

They’d been dating a few weeks now. They’d talked and planned, then those plans were ruined when Fíli took a black eye at work. It was the new arrangement that led to this night. Their night. Which is why Fíli held Kíli’s hand- every finger- far away from any part of his leg. His breath had already grown quick and heavy and he refused to ruin their plans once again by losing control and fucking Kíli right there in the front seat of his own car. He took a deep breath that broke and shook halfway through and rolled a thumb over Kíli’s knuckles, forcing himself to think of something else as they managed to stop at every single red light in the entire damn town. Kíli only chuckled. 

Fíli was a patient gentleman as he followed Kíli to the door and they stepped inside. However, he would never know if Kíli had planned nightcaps or coffee because as soon as the front door was locked behind them, Fíli kissed him. His fingers dove through black hair, circled the nape of Kíli’s neck, down his chest, around his waist and into his back pockets. Kíli moaned in his mouth and that was it.

He picked Kíli up and swallowed the deep growl it caused. (He’d think more about that later and revel in the fact that Kíli liked to be manhandled by him.) Kíli wrapped his limbs close around Fíli, coiling like a serpent, as if he couldn’t get close enough. As if he were trying to climb under Fíli’s own skin to share the same blood rushing heartbeat. In turn, Fíli clawed at him and balled the evil, offending shirt- the layer between them- into his fists, sucking in a sharp breath as Kíli’s already hard erection ground into his.

After mumbled directions, elbow slams and palm slaps against the walls, Fíli found the bedroom. Next step: the lamp. Fíli wanted to see. Every line, every crevice, every hair, smile, lip bite- everything that was finally allowed to be his, he wanted it. He was greedy. 

He laid Kíli on the bed, hovered over him, tore off his shirt, kissed, nipped, and traveled down the warm, gorgeous body below him. He lost himself in the swirling southern wind of desire, couldn’t cherish each precious moment as he’d dreamed of doing. It was all too fast but he rode the storm, unable to stop until he could feel and hear and see everything.

It was only Kíli’s gasped “Wait!” that had him sitting back on his knees thinking Please, please don’t change your mind about us. Please don’t ask me to leave. Please-

But his thoughts stopped completely as Kíli sat in his lap and held his face. “I want this to last,” he said. He smiled and Fíli was sure it was brighter than any light he’d seen. Kíli went on. “I’m excited too- more excited than I’ve ever been. I want to touch you and pleasure you.” Hands fell down Fíli’s chest and up his thighs. “But I want to take my time about it.”

In all the nights spent imagining sharing Kíli’s bed, Fili hadn’t ever thought of going slow. He could hear Kíli whining and screaming his name, begging for more and harder. He saw strangled bed sheets tear and felt nails leaving divots in his back as reminders of uncontrolled passion. Slow never crossed his mind, but now that it did, he couldn’t imagine it any other way. 

Kíli only smiled and kissed him. Slowly. Deeply. Pouring every ounce of devotion and admiration into Fíli’s body and mind with tender touch, soft lips, and warm caresses of his tongue.

“We do have all night, don’t we?” Fíli asked.

Kíli hummed against his lips. 

So they took their time. Each charted every breath, discovered tender corners, mapped wide plains and lapped at warm waters. They took all night and long into the morning before finally falling asleep after a well deserved breakfast of Fíli’s apparently famous pancakes. 

As Kíli curled into his arms and fell asleep against him, Fíli wondered if he had ever felt as loved as he did by Kíli. Kíli had watched him, eyes forever open, no matter what Fíli did. Kíli treasured every inch of his body, took him to soaring heights that left him trembling in long lean arms and reaching for soft, short kisses that never lacked emotion or affection. Had Fíli ever snorted with laughter while inside someone? Definitely not. But he wanted to do it again with Kíli. Always with Kíli.

***

April

It didn’t take long for Fíli to learn how much Kíli loved the unexpected. Their second date was Fíli’s plan and as soon as he casually said the location of their night was a surprise, Kíli erupted like pecans in a food processor. His wide eyes shone in the headlights from across the street as they took note of every street sign. Despite his best intentions, he asked nosy questions like “How long will it take to get there?” and “Will I need my jacket? Are we even going inside?” and when Fíli played the game and said, “I’m not telling you,” Kíli only grinned as if that in itself was a hint. That amount of fidgeting and finger tapping and ankle crossing may have been annoying to anyone else, but Fíli found it extremely endearing. And on the drive home, Fíli was already thinking of other things that would exercise Kíli’s excitement and curiosity.

This surprise, however, was a big one. It was a big step, a big decision. But the best part about it, the part that made Fíli push ahead with this plan in the first place, was that Kíli was completely unsuspecting. Completely.

“Isn’t your spring break coming up next month?” Fíli asked late one morning after pouring his third cup of coffee. “Do you have any plans?”

Kíli hummed while he thought. “Nnnno. Not really. I was going to clean up some paintings and frame them for the collection at the college at the end of the semester.”

“Landscapes?”

“Some of them,” Kíli said, distracted, not seeing Fíli’s point. 

“How would you feel about adding some beach landscapes to your selection?”

A slow, but wide grin- wider than any horizon Kíli had ever painted- stretched over his face. “I could do that.”

“Good.” Fíli turned, clicking off the coffee pot and pulling the mug to his lips to hide his smile. He wasn’t at all shocked when he felt Kíli’s arms wrap around his waist, as comfortable and snug as an old sweatshirt.

“Wouldn’t you rather a cabin in the woods?” Kíli asked, running his cool nose up the crook of Fíli’s shoulder to his ear. It was well mapped territory. “I could also paint landscapes of the lake.”

“You love the beach.”

Kíli hummed and Fíli could feel his chest reverberating against his back. He leaned into it. 

“But you love the quiet,” Kíli said. “Cool nights under cozy blankets…. Crisp mornings watching the fog lift from the lake…” His hands were wandering.

“I also love the beach when you are wearing nothing but a very small swimsuit.”

“Then I’ll go buy an even smaller one,” Kíli said, pushing and pulling and grabbing all the right places because he loved his surprises that much.

The new swimsuit Kíli bought for their vacation was indeed smaller than any he had ever owned and Fíli couldn’t decide if he appreciated how the other beach goers admired what was his or if he hated the jealousy it brought out in him. Either way, Kíli basked in Fíli’s gaze always and he made sure any feelings of envy were washed away with the tide.

Kíli truly catered to Fíli’s needs while they were away, meaning the only time he wore a shirt was when some kind of dress code mandated it. They didn’t spend a lot of time in restaurants for that reason. Instead, they went to the store, sandals clapping against the tile floor and Kíli wrapped up in Fíli’s warmest but also saltiest sweatshirt, shopping for sandwich supplies and cheesy pretzels, iced teas and beer. 

After the first day, Fíli bought a beach umbrella the size of their car because he didn’t care if Kíli only tanned and never burned, he wanted to enjoy Kíli’s semi nakedness without worrying about his health. He’d also purchased an untold number of sunscreen bottles to empty and massage into Kíli’s skin multiple times a day. It was hard work rubbing the white out of a dark chest pelt, up over muscled shoulders, down a tapered  waist, around a furry belly, and down thick legs. It was a burden only Fíli could bear. Kíli felt well taken care of and made sure Fíli never noticed the cans of spray sunblock at the store.

Their third day on the coast, Kíli managed to drag Fíli from the bed and out to the beach for the sunrise. The early hour benefits outweighed Fíli’s grumbling: they escaped the crowds, the parking passes, and the heat, able to simply cherish each other’s company as they sat with their toes in the surf and their arms around one another. As the morning went on, sleepiness transferred from one man to the other and Fíli was able to get his revenge on his morning loving lover. He pulled Kíli through the sand, diving into the frigid high tide, giggling, splashing, and shoving until Kíli’s cold fingers stroked Fíli’s beard and pulled them face to face. That was the moment Fíli decided he loved Kíli’s salty kisses the best.

The sun flew across the sky that day and clocked out early like it too was on vacation. Tourists left and there were still a few hours before the night beachcombers would arrive. Similar to that morning, Fíli and Kíli had the beach to themselves and they used the public privacy to curl into each other under their now unneeded umbrella. 

Fíli rolled over top of his love. White specks of sand made Kíli’s curls even thicker and the salt water left the tresses heavy between Fíli’s fingers. A soft, content hum escaped the one beneath him and his heart swelled. He tried to tell Kíli how much he loved him. I want to share every moment of life with only you. You’ve enriched my life from the moment we met in that bar and I’ve been drunk on you ever since. You turned a lonely and alone man into someone loved and cherished and worth your time. You are so important, you are everything.

“I love you so much,” was all that came out.

Kíli’s thumb rolled over his cheek and tried to dislodge the clear line of tears that seemed stuck in blue eyes that matched the day lit sky. Fíli always welled up from toe to crown when he tried to tell Kíli how much he loved him.

“I know,” Kíli said. “I love you too, Fíli.”

***

August

Fíli drove too fast to Kíli’s apartment. He’d texted, he’d called, and yet he’d heard nothing from Kíli all day. Usually Kíli would shoot back messages fairly quickly, writing something on the spot to make Fíli smile or laugh or even blush and shift in his chair enough for his partner to ask who he was talking to. Kíli would always answer when Fíli called, picking up on the second or third ring no matter what he was doing in case Fíli needed him. Today, every line of communication went unanswered. 

When Fíli pulled in the driveway he could see the low light from the lamp in the front room through the curtains that Fíli had helped Kíli pick out last year. Other than that square of yellow, the rest of the house was dark. He took the chance that Kíli was still awake and though he had a key to the house, he knocked on the door.

He listened. No tv, no music, but soon footsteps. Kíli answered the door, half full glass in hand and waving around. 

“Oh. Hey.” He walked back into the house, leaving Fíli in the doorway.

“Hey. You didn’t answer your phone all day so I wanted to make sure you were all right.” He locked the door behind him, but Kíli was still standing in the middle of the room with his back to Fíli as if he wasn’t there.

Fíli was fit to burst. The words were on the tip of his tongue: Why haven’t you answered my calls? You couldn’t have even said ‘talk to you later, I’m busy?’ Do you know how worried I was? I thought something was wrong!

But as Fíli watched Kíli, unmoving, fingers hooked around the top of the glass, shoulders hunched like he’d never seen them, it was clear that something was wrong. 

Fíli’s hand found the small of Kíli’s back, the little divot made just for that purpose, and Kíli turned and blinked sluggish and heavy lidded eyes. “Sorry,” he said. “You want something to drink? S’on the counter,” he said, waving his glass and spilling a splash on the floor. “Shit.”

“I got it,” Fíli said. “You wanna sit?”

He watched Kíli fall into the oversized easy chair in the corner of the room. It rocked and creaked, not used to being sat in. Whenever Fíli was over, the two would pile on the couch so they could tangle their limbs and fill each other’s space and share everything. Now Kíli sat alone in the chair and nothing could be shared. 

Fíli wiped up the liquid that almost burned the inside of his nose and threw the towel on the small table. By then, Kíli had leaned forward onto his thighs, holding his head in his hands. 

“This is a new spot for you,” Fíli said, settling on his knees below Kíli on the floor.

A grin spread across Kíli’s face that pushed his eyes closed. “Not for you though.” He pulled Fíli’s hands to his thighs and leaned down to kiss him. The half empty bottle on the counter was enough to tell Fíli his boyfriend was sloshed, but it was the taste of him that let Fíli know it hadn’t been the first bottle opened. He could get tipsy himself from just kissing Kíli. 

A word made its way between them and disrupted their embrace.

“Mee-mm- need a new couch.”

Fíli glanced at the perfectly good piece of furniture he’d spent plenty of time in. “You think so?”

“It’s too old. Doesn’t match any of the other furniture.”

“I can take you shopping this weekend.”

At the mention of actually following through with his plan, Kíli turned to the offending couch with a threatening glare. The plush cushions sat pitifully like a dog saved from the shelter who had peed on the floor and chewed the bed while left alone.

“I’m just sorry I spent all that money driving it across the country.”

“It’s still in good condition,” Fíli said. “You could sell it and make the money back. College students are always looking for good sofas.”

Fíli would talk about this fucking couch until Kíli finally came out with what was really bothering him. He knew every one of Kíli’s emotions even better than his own, and right now, he knew just because Kíli had a cover over his passion, didn’t mean the fire wasn’t still raging underneath. Fíli knew he only had to wait. He watched the deep brown eyes he’d fallen in love with grow laser focused, staring without seeing.

A thick thumb dragging over a knee was what blew the cover off the inferno and added gas.

“I fucked up, Fíli. I fucked it all up. I shouldn’t have sold the house. What kind of person sells their parents’ house a month after they die? But I couldn’t look at it anymore and now I can’t go see it even if I wanted to because someone else lives there now! And all I brought with me were some photo albums and this fucking couch! I want it gone! I wanna fucking burn it but I look at it and half of me sees my family, watching movies and eating dinner and talking about me coming here to go to school and the other half of me sees you and all the time we’ve spent here.”

All of Kíli’s strength and energy flew out on his words and he slumped to the floor, falling into Fíli’s arms that were ready to catch him. Fíli pulled him into his lap. As his lover’s chest heaved and hiccuped and his hot tears slid down into the hollows of Fíli’s neck, Fíli let his own tears fall. His job was to protect people, most importantly, to protect Kíli. He thought he’d been doing well, but he couldn’t exactly keep grief in custody.

“And I don’t want to be a teacher!” Kíli pulled his face from the crook of Fíli’s neck, revealing his pink cheeks and swollen eyes. He rubbed his nose on his sleeve. “I don’t want to be a fucking professor, I want to paint. I don’t want to teach five classes a day and have office hours and be too exhausted to come home and make something for myself. I want to go to classes and be as inspired as my students are-” His breath caught in his chest as more tears flew down his face. Fíli caught them with his thumbs, swiping them away- blending and shading as Kíli taught him as if he could turn Kíli’s pain into something more beautiful and comforting. It didn’t work.

“You’ll call tomorrow,” Fíli said. “Reduce the number of classes you’re teaching, have fewer office hours. It’s still summer, you have time to make these changes before the new semester starts. Hey,” he whispered, making Kíli look at him. “We’re in this together. We’ll fix everything that needs to be fixed.”

Kíli relaxed in his arms. The drink had been washed from his eyes and they once again focused in on Fíli. “You are all I have. I want you to move in here. With me.”

Fíli thought of the key he just had the hardware store make. He thought of the dinner reservations for this weekend when he was going to ask Kíli to move in with him. 

“My dream was to move back here and paint. But even when I have the time for my art, there’s still something missing. It’s you. I want you here with me. All the time, I want you to move in.”

Fíli nodded, running his fingers through black curls. “We can talk about this tomorrow.”

They did talk about it and Fíli found a guy from work who needed a place to stay and was glad to take over the remainder of Fíli’s lease. That weekend, he moved his stuff in, crowding his favorite books and old CDs into Kíli’s endless bookshelves, piling plates he’s had since college into the cabinets, figuring out which side of the closet belonged to whom and watching Kíli struggle to donate some of the shirts Fíli had never once seen him wear. When the bed was covered in boxes and bags, they made love on the floor, too impatient to move piles of clothes, but never too impatient to tease one another and make each other scream. Kíli said that the neighbors would have to get used to the more frequent noise.

Sunday afternoon, Fíli took Kíli furniture shopping, but they came back to their home empty handed. They weren’t able to find a couch that was as comfortable and perfectly worn in as the one they already had. No new sofa in the warehouse smelled of Kíli and the beer he’d spilled on his seventeenth birthday and the blanket Fíli brought from his apartment and the clean sweat that had managed to sink down deep into the cushion from many rounds of vigorous, furniture creaking, lube leaking sex. That was their couch and would be for a very long time.

***

After a year spent together, Kíli still surprised Fíli every day. Sometimes it was as small as making the perfect cup of coffee in the morning. But the one thing that never bewildered Fíli was how his ardent love for the painting stranger from the bar seemed to grow with every moment they shared together.

[soulangel]

Oneus Reaction to S/O Being Bullied at Work

Masterlist     Oneus Masterlist

“If you’re just going to talk about how much you miss where you used to live, why don’t you just go back to where you came from?!” Your coworker and the work bully shouted at you, finally having enough of your talk about your old home.

You stared at them in disbelief, horror starting to seep through as you continued to look at them. “I-I’m sorry?” You asked gently, hoping you didn’t hear what they’d said.

They scoffed and glared at you, walking right passed you without another word said in your direction. You knew what they said, in fact you heard them perfectly the first time though you tried your best to ignore the words. You ended up talking to your boss along with HR that same day to see if there was anything they could do to help you. All you got from them was a “we’ll look into it. Sorry you’re dealing with this.” speech.

So after your meeting, you barely made it to your car before you immediately rested your head on the steering wheel, trying your hardest to keep from crying in the parking lot. Finally after a few minutes of tiny breaths and a session of grounding yourself, you were able to drive yourself home.

RAVN

    He was excited to finally have the day off so he could spend some time with you. He’d even gone so far as to set up your apartment in a nice romantic atmosphere with soft music playing in the background and a happy tune to his own lips as he ordered some of your favorite and delicious takeout you almost always seem to buy whenever the two of you are together. “This should do it, right?” He asked himself just as the front door started turning, indicating you coming home.     You barely made it one step in the door when amazing food wafted into your senses and you noticed familiar shoes by the door. Even though you felt like breaking down in this particular second, you tried braving your feelings and put on a fake happy face for when you’d see him, but before you could even try, there he was staring at you with such a concerned expression, there was no way you could try and get yourself out of this talk. “I just-Please just don’t ask.” You whimpered, feeling the tears immediately falling from your eyes.     He rushed up to you without any hesitation and held you in his arms silently, stroking a hand through your hair while you cried into his chest. He then slowly brought you towards the couch where he sat you down and took off your shoes for you, putting your feet on the other side of the couch when he was done. You continued sniffling softly, until he was back in the room and sitting down next to you. “If-If they don’t do-do something I’m g-gonna quit.” You said gently, curling into a ball with Ravn only able to stroke your hair and quietly wait for you to calm down.     He grabbed his phone quickly and stood up to make a call after you’d managed to cry yourself to sleep. Because what good could his idol status be if he couldn’t use some of the power to help you out at work? Even if it was just an anonymous complaint about something a specific coworker has done to his attire.

SEOHO

    You’d managed to make it home before he did, and in your haste of wanting to hide yourself so he wouldn’t see your depressed state, you forgot to pretty much do everything you normally would. You left the door unlocked, threw your shoes against the wall, tossed your coat and purse on the floor and left a trail of excess clothing starting from the door and ending at the bedroom; over shirt, leggings, socks, regular shirt, shorts. By the time you made it to your bed you were just in a tanktop and underwear crawling under the sheets with teardrops hitting the comforter.      You heard the door open and a tiny curse come from the front, but were too afraid to get out of bed, let alone call out for him. What if your voice cracked? Or you started to really cry while telling him exactly where you were hiding? “Y/N! Please tell me you’re not doing this on purpose. You know I hate seeing such a mess everywhere. Are you mad at me? What’s-oh my god, Babe?” You heard him ramble until his voice got uncomfortably close to the bedroom doorframe.     You sat up in bed, hair a mess and tear tracks all down your face. “I-I just...I’m sorry!” You wailed, hiding your face in your knees.     He gasped at your outburst and rushed to you, immediately taking you into his arms and holding you tight to him. “No no Baby don’t cry. I’m sorry I should’ve known something was up. Can you talk about it?” He gently whispered, cradling your head against his chest while quietly shushing you to calm you down.     When you explained the situation at work and what you did to try and fix the situation, he held you tighter and laid down with you, letting you bury your face in his chest. “We’ll fix this, okay? You’re not going through this by yourself. They should never have said those things to you.” He mumbled softly, kissing the top of your head.

LEEDO

    Instead of wanting to cry the moment you got home, you got extremely frustrated. So while you wanted to lay on the bed and wallow in misery, you decided you were going to scrub the place to try and get the anger out. It took you maybe 30 minutes to deep clean unlike what you thought, you must’ve gotten rid of more than just anger? Yeesh. Ah well, at least the house is now cleaned. Unfortunately though, the moment you sat down was when the imagination started to roll. You were stewing in anger once more with nothing to help calm you down until he walked through the door, a small sigh on his lips as he noticed just how clean the home was. “Babe?” He called out for you.     “In here!” You called back, angrily ripping up pieces of paper and throwing them in the trash can you placed beside you so you wouldn’t get them all over the floor you’d just cleaned.     He stepped into the room and tilted his head, practically feeling the anger coming off you from where he stood. “Okay, what happened?” He asked with a sigh, dropping his bag beside the shoes so you wouldn’t yell at him.     You tossed the paper you were still ripping into the trash can and pointed at him. “This stupid bitch at work! I’ve had it up to here with her! I hope she gets FIRED I’m that mad right now. UGH!” You shouted, jumping to your feet to start pacing the room.     He chuckled and sat down on the couch to listen to your venting and angry kicks and punches to the air as you imagined the person in front of you.

KEONHEE

    He could hear the mumbling and the crying and even the yelling through the door. It had been about 10 minutes since he got to the door, and may have been a little terrified to step through the door in case you yelled at him for something completely random. He knew you didn’t mean it, and every time you got this way you always made sure he wasn’t around to see you like this so you wouldn’t accidentally hurt him; but this was how you coped with things, and today’s bad energy was something you were trying to get out of your system before he got home. “STUPID HOE!” You finally shouted, and then there was silence.     He tentatively stepped through the door and looked around, wondering if anything was thrown around or broken? Nope, okay good you didn’t break anything. Then again you never broke anything except your heart, or made your throat really sore. “Baby? I’m home!” He called out for you, hoping you were in the living room so he could hug you.     When he didn’t get an answer, he then started looking throughout the house to see where you could be at. He was about to check the bedroom when someone landed on his back and he crumpled to the ground like a sack of potatoes. “Ooof! What the-?!” He yelped before hearing your giggling from above him.     You kissed his cheek and then got off him so the both of you could stand up. After you brushed off the imaginary dust, you latched onto him in a hug. “I’m so glad you’re home. I missed you so much.” You sighed, nuzzling your face into his shoulder.     He couldn’t fight you with how adorable you were being in this moment in time. Maybe he’d talk to you about your yelling later.

HWANWOONG

    You were in the process of wiping your eyes when he stepped through the door, and stopped dead in his tracks. “Babe what’s wrong? Why are you crying?” He asked quickly, rushing to your side in barely any time at all.     You shook your head and sniffled a couple of times until you were able to speak without feeling like you were going to cry again. “J-Just some th-things at work today.....it’s nothing...” You whispered, wrapping your arms around yourself for security.     He watched you for a second before he took your arms away and pulled you into him, wrapping his own around your frame. “Do you want to talk about it?” He asked softly, pulling your both to the couch.     You sighed and started into an explanation of what happened today until you managed to get to the part about where you were in the moment. “Oh hell no they didn’t do that to you. I need to go have a talk to them right-oof.” “Don’t leave right now, please?”     You wrapped yourself around him and hid in his neck, holding onto him tight so he couldn’t go anywhere. “Please.” You whispered again, biting your lip.     He smiled and rested a hand on your head. “Alright, fine. But that person will definitely be hearing some nasty things coming soon if I have anything to say about it.” He grumbled out.

XION

    You went straight to him instead of home actually. In fact you drove so fast to the studio, you almost forgot to check that you weren’t speeding to get to him. The emotions running through you were so strong that when you went to talk to the receptionist, they immediately told you where he was with a frown and sent a call up to the manager to they knew to expect you. And when they saw you, boy did that try their best to let your boyfriend talk to you.     He ran up to you as soon as he saw you and cupped your face, looking to see into your eyes. But instead of looking at him, you just hugged him to you and sighed. “I just needed to see you, sorry if I’m interrupting something important.” You mumbled into his shirt.     He pet your head and wrapped his arms around you, silently asking the group to leave you alone for a few minutes. “Do you wanna talk about it? I can ask If I can leave early today. Please don’t shut down like this, you know it doesn’t help.” He sighed out, stroking your cheek gently with his finger.     You just sighed again and leaned into his hand. “Okay, can we go home? Please?” You asked quietly, looking to the ground when your eyes started tearing up.     He immediately hugged you and kissed your head with a quick, “let’s go.” given to you. He then dragged you out to wherever his manager went off to and explained the situation, asking for the rest of the day off so he could take you home. When he was given the okay, he took your keys from you and rushed you home as quick as he could where he sat with you the rest of the night as you cried and explained what happened at work.

[pinkbubbles-and-bigtroubles]

Colour Me In (Part 5)

Eliza gasped as a blue butterfly landed on her nose and giggled when she looked over at Calum. He had a yellow butterfly in his dark curls and his mouth was hanging open, eyes wide as he fed several others from his hand. He'd brought her to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

They'd started in the butterfly jungle and Eliza swooned at Calum trying to be extra careful with the tiny delicate creatures.

Next was the aviary where Eliza stared at the birds the zoo keeper brought out one by one following along with the script on Calum's phone. He seemed a little more skittish around the birds as they were brought up close, but he tried to play it off.  She marveled at the colors, and judging by the way Calum flinched when it opened its beak she guessed it was very loud.

Calum bought behind the scenes tickets so they learned about kangaroos for about an hour, even holding and feeding a baby roo. The park employees teased Calum about being a natural, being from Australia and all. Eliza noticed the side glances cast her way, some girls nodding at her and smiling in appreciation of the man she was on a date with. Other females shot her looks of pure envy and venom, but Eliza ignored them, she was too happy to care what anyone thought.

They grabbed a quick snack before Calum took her on a caravan safari through the Asian and African savannah. Calum had preloaded the guides script into his phone so Eliza could read along, but he kept poking her and pointing, signing “What's that?”

She'd sign back “lion, rhino, antelope,” and so on and the tour continued. A couple of kids sitting in front of them turned around to watch the impromptu lesson and were soon asking their own questions.

Calum grinned watching Eliza answer every one while still paying close attention to the animals they were there to see. He brushed a curl off her cheek tucking it behind her ear earning him a smile that made his heart catch in his throat. He took a video of her teaching the kids to sign “giraffe” and he couldn't help but think she'd be such a good mom someday. The thought unnerved him for a second, but he squeezed her knee and smiled back. The kids got distracted by their parents who felt bad intruding on what was obviously a date, and Eliza snuck in a quick kiss, pressing her lips to his briefly, just long enough to let Calum know he was already in too deep.

The safari was about two hours long with Eliza alternating between signing for Calum and the kids and holding his hand enjoying the scenery. Every now and then resting her head on his shoulder so her hair tickled his face, and he noticed it smelled like honeysuckle flowers and coconut. Cal couldn't remember the last time he'd taken a girl out on a date and he'd never done anything like this before.

By the time the tour was over they were both hungry and the parents of the two kids offered to treat them to lunch at the restaurant on that side of the park. They wandered back through the park deciding to try the zipline even though Eliza objected not wanting Calum to spend any more money. He overruled her objections and flying above the animals she was glad he'd insisted. He'd gone first so he was waiting when she landed. Eliza was so overwhelmed at the days experience, and this gorgeous man grinning at her with his arms out, she couldn't help but throw her arms around his neck and pull him in for a kiss. His hands tangled in her hair and his tongue parted her lips when they were asked to move along. Calum frowned as he pulled back, leading Eliza back down the trail.

They held hands as they made their way out of the park, stopping occasionally to look at an exhibit and even popping in to feed some colourful lorikeets. Eliza laughed when Calum seemed to finally be warming up to birds until one pooped right in his hand. He looked so embarrassed and grossed out, she felt bad for him but laughed harder as she handed him a wet wipe. They stopped at the petting kraal so Calum could brush a goat which Eliza just had to get video of.  

They made their way to Calum's car, and he acted like he was gonna reach around to open the passenger door for her. Instead his hands found her waist backing her against the car. Eliza stood on her toes tilting her head up as his mouth came crashing down on hers continuing where they'd been rudely interrupted. The kiss was deep and passionate, his hands running down her sides gripping her hips, her fingers pulling his curls as her teeth grazed his bottom lip. He started to dip down to kiss her neck and Eliza pushed him away, suddenly.

“I'm sorry I'm sorry” she signed, wide eyed and shaking her head. She grabbed her phone.

I can't have marks on my neck. Where my mom and boss could see them.

Calum backed up and nodded before leaning in and kissing her lips again.

If I ever leave marks, they'll be where no one can see them.

Eliza's jaw dropped and Calum burst out laughing. He opened the door for her, before walking around and getting in himself.

I'm still hungry, let me buy you dinner

That's not how this is supposed to work ya know

Calum was using voice to text so he could talk to her while driving.

Don't care, you just dropped several hundred dollars taking me out today, I can buy you a pizza.

Okay fine, but let's go back to the hotel and let me get a quick shower before we get dinner.

Shower? Where?

I got a room this morning because I figured I'd be too tired to drive back tonight after getting up that early to drive down

How much is this costing you?

Don't worry about it, I can afford it and it was worth it to come see you.

Eliza got freshened up in her room and changed into a yellow sundress with sneakers and a white denim jacket over the dress. Calum was at her door looking handsome as always in a black tank top with an unbuttoned red shirt over it. Ripped black jeans and boots with his hair still wet from his shower, Eliza had to fight the urge to forget about dinner.

The desk clerk was a fan and insisted they try her favorite restaurant about twenty minutes away. The menu was California cuisine with a Greek twist. Eliza skipped it and went straight for the kebab, the smell of the lamb meat already had her mouth watering. Calum followed her lead and it was a slow night so the owner was also running food. He stopped to chat them up and they had a laugh how international the table was, a Maori-Scottish man on a date with an Portuguese-Iranian woman at a Greek restaurant in a Mexican named city eating Turkish food.

He insisted they take a shot of Ouzo on the house, only relenting when Eliza explained she was Muslim, insisting Calum take two in her place.

Calum texted her can you drive a stick? Eliza nodded with a wink and he took the shots. He nursed a beer for the rest of the night not wanting to get silly around Eliza. The liquor got him feeling a bit loose and he couldn't stop touching her. He kept playing with her fingers, rubbing her shoulder, bumping her knee with his, Eliza wasn't drunk but felt intoxicated by the attention.

The food was amazing finally breaking the spell as they concentrated on their meal.

Afterwards they were absolutely stuffed but the owner insisted they take some of his wife's famous kourabiedes, Greek walnut sugar cookies, with them to go.

They got back and Calum walked her to her room. Eliza stopped and pulled out her phone

I want you to come in and hang out, but I don't want you to think this is an invitation to fool around

Okay but you're looking really pretty tonight so I can't promise I won't try and kiss you

I'll consider myself warned

They ended up sitting on the bed holding their phones to chat. Calum was sitting up with a pillow behind him with Eliza sitting between his legs, her back resting against his chest. They were both fully clothed although she'd changed into yoga pants and an oversized t shirt with a sports bra underneath and Rocket and Groot knee socks.

If you're trying to look unappealing, it's not working, but what's with the socks

Maggie is Rocket and I am Groot

He giggled and she looked back at him receiving a kiss before settling back against him.

They stayed that way until after 2am. Cuddling and texting eventually putting one phone one the charger while they passed the other back and forth. Calum talked about his two girlfriends in high school and how awful he'd been to them. He'd had sex for the first time at 15 and he was embarrassed to admit he honestly couldn't tell her how many girls he'd slept with. After that he told her about the girl who'd convinced him he was finally in love. She'd been a drummer and a tattoo artist about a year older than him. He'd become jaded when that fell apart piece by piece until they hated each other. He never missed them as a couple, but sometimes he still missed her.

Eliza nodded she told him about her first boyfriend, Miguel who'd been deaf like her. They'd met at school, as there was only two high schools in the district that had ASL interpreter. They'd dated from sophomore to senior year, and he'd been the one to take her virginity, convincing her they would marry after college and live happily ever after. She found out he was cheating a week before graduation. Her second serious boyfriend was Patrick who she met in literature class her first week of college. They'd been together a little over a year despite Maggie and Kevin never being fully happy with the relationship.

As far as sex was concerned she and Miguel had been kids, sneaking around, figuring things out together, and it had been enjoyable. Patrick had been boring in bed, she knew enough to know that. When she'd gotten the courage to suggest trying something different he'd turned it around on. Patrick had blamed her extra weight and her lack of experience for his poor performance. Their relationship crumbled quickly after that.

Eliza felt suddenly bashful explaining her limited sexual experience and prowess.

I hope if something ever happens you won't be disappointed

Eliza felt Calum's whole body tense up as he read that.

You could never disappoint me, don't ever think that.

He turned her head so she was looking at him and mouthed “Never” before pulling her into a kiss.

Soon they were tangled together in a flush of heavy breathing, roaming hands and passionate kisses. Calum stopped and pulled away watching her face. Eliza was still unsure if she was ready for this and Calum understood that. He got up of the bed and helped her up.

“Not yet” she signed.

“I understand” he signed back before kissing her forehead. “I should go get sleep.”

He kissed her goodnight and went to the desk to see if he could keep his room until Monday.

The next day Calum slept till 10 but Eliza was already up and ready with a bagel sandwich and a coffee for him. She'd decided that since Calum had planned yesterday, and it had been expensive, that today would be the opposite.

They went to Balboa Park to explore the gardens. She only expected to be there a couple hours but the place was huge and breathtakingly beautiful. They marveled at the stunning Spanish-Moorish fountains in Alcazar Park, took pictures at the lily pond in front of the Botanical Building and delighting at the rare orchids inside. They grabbed a light lunch before heading to the carousel.

It was a gorgeous historic menagerie carousel with many animals to choose from.  Calum picked a horse but Eliza wanted the dragon. She smiled the entire ride her eyes kept wandering around taking it all in. Calum's heart was in his throat, and he couldn't stop staring. Reputation be damned, he liked this girl, and he had to make sure she knew.

The rest of the short day was spent wandering hand in hand through the Memorial Rose Garden, Calum memorizing which flowers were her favorites. Then the Japanese Friendship garden where they enjoyed strolling through authentic buildings and reading the exhibits.  He stole kisses walking down the paths before standing behind her holding her and resting his chin on top of her head while they silently watched the koi ponds.

Calum stepped back and turned her around to face him and raised his eyebrows carefully signing “want girlfriend my will.”

It took Eliza half a second to realize what Calum just asked her.

“Of course” she signed back at him beaming before raising up on her toes to kiss him.\

@wildhearthood @kiiiimberlyriiiicker1995 @cal-puddies @biba3434 @babygirlcashton @angelbabylu @itstheholls @5sos-ficssmut @cal-pal-cuddles @calumh-excess @1dthewantedlove

[dong-hyucks]

I Dare You ; Jisung

Prompt: 15. “Look, all I’m asking is for a favour.” Characters: Yoon Jisung / Reader / ft. Hwang Minhyun and Kim Yongguk/Jin Longguo Genre: Slight fluff, Non-Idol!AU, + kind of angsty kissing ? Word Count: 4.3k+ Admin: Jade lowkey dedicated to @longquos

Masterlists || Ten Days to Christmas Prompt List || TDC/CNY Masterlist

when you went to visit your friend in the town over, the last place you expected to end up at was in a cramped closet with your ex-boyfriend.

so, the week before christmas one of your best friends, hwang minhyun, invited you over for the holidays

you agreed, but there was a minor setback

he lived in a town six hours away from yours and you didn’t have a car

“i’ll just take a bus,” you told him, not excited for the uncomfortable ride

you didn’t have enough money for a two-way airplane ticket nor were you willing to buy one and you wouldn’t accept minhyun’s offer to pay for the ticket

“i have a friend in your town who’s driving over; why don’t you just get a ride from him?”

at first, you were incredibly wary over the idea of driving with a total stranger

but in the end the person is minhyun’s friend and he just kept going on and on about how much of a nice person the man is

plus, you really didn’t want to ride a stuffy bus for six hours

so after almost an hour of coaxing, you finally agreed to catch a ride with this friend of minhyun’s

“great! i’ll text him; i’m sure he’ll be okay with driving you.”

a couple of minutes later, he left you a text saying that his friend agreed to drive you and that he’d be out your door on the morning of christmas eve.

of course, when christmas even came around you had no way of preparing for the shock that was to come.

there was a knock on your door, one that sounded the moment you pulled your winter boots on

you quickly opened the door, keeping your head down as you zipped up your jacket

“i’ll be right out,” you stated, assuming the person was minhyun’s friend

as you turned away to grab your luggage, you didn’t notice the wide-eyed expression the man wore

finally, you looked up.

...

“[Y/N]... it’s nice to see you again.”

you couldn’t even string together a sentence, your feet frozen to the spot

“... jisung.”

to your complete and utter disbelief, minhyun’s friend was a man you knew quite well.

or, you thought you did.

time seemed to slow as you and yoon jisung stared at one another in the eyes, a tense air filling the room

“how long has it been since...”

you just let out a breath, shaking your head as you moved to sit down

jisung stood in the doorway, awkwardly shuffling from side to side as his eyes drifted from you to your hardwood floor

pulling out your phone, you called minhyun, who happened to answer almost right away

“hello? has he picked you up?”

“minhyun. you didn’t tell me that your friend is jisung.”

“oh! yeah, sorry about that. do you know him?”

you looked over at jisung, sighing deeply.

“he’s my ex.”

there was a silence -- jisung turned away while minhyun went quiet

“oh.”

after a few seconds you let out a groan, slumping over your dining table

jisung looked over to you, looking concerned as you lazily landed your head atop your arms, your hand still holding onto your phone

“i’ll see you later, minhyun.”

with that, you hung up.

you couldn’t really be mad at minhyun-- after he moved he had no idea who you’ve dated and who you’ve broken up with. how could he know that jisung happened to apply to both of those?

“let’s go then,” you mumbled, walking back to grab your small suitcase

jisung just nodded, glancing at you before looking away with the bite of his lip

you followed him wordlessly, only speaking to thank him when he took your luggage and put it in the back of his car

“you moved,” jisung commented as he started the car, taking a short look over your house. “no wonder i didn’t recognize it.”

you just nodded, leaning back against the seat

you noted how he didn’t change a single thing, even though it’s been over a year since you were last in the vehicle.

he still had those dollar-store quality air fresheners hanging from the rear-view mirror, he still had a package of face wipes on the middle console, and the car in all was still quite clean.

you let your eyes close, exhaustion from moving about so much so early in the morning slowly hitting you

you wanted to rest, you really did, but something about falling asleep in the presence of jisung made you... uncomfortable, in a sense

you heard the car’s engine as it rolled away from the curb, but you paid no mind to it

“how’s life?” jisung tried after a few (more than a few) minutes of silence, his eyes leaving the road for only a second to rest on your still form

“still the same. the only difference is that my job’s gotten more hectic.”

“your boss still giving you trouble?”

as he stopped at a red light, he turned his attention onto you.

when you nodded, he frowned; “she’s still an ass, huh?”

“like you can talk.”

your cold tone and ever colder words made him flinch and his heart clenched

he felt incredibly guilty over the circumstances of your breakup, even after fifteen months.

“[Y/N], i’m so sorry about how we...”

when he trailed off, you finally opened your eyes and deadpanned

“you left me, jisung. not only that, you left me on our anniversary. in a different town. you broke up with me without even looking me in the eyes and you left.”

with every word that came from your mouth, jisung felt more and more horrible 

it was as if each word was a ten pound dumbbell, adding onto the weight of guilt on his shoulders.

at his silence, you scoffed

turning over, as much as you could under your seat belt, you closed your eyes, feeling your fingertips burn as your vexation slowly bubbled beneath the surface

without realizing, you began drifting off to sleep.

 when your breathing slowed and you grew quiet, jisung frowned

moving over, he turned down the radio, not wanting to wake you up.

“hey,” you greeted jisung happily, leaning over the counter to peck his lips

before you could pull away, jisung cupped your face, bringing you closer despite the large object in between you

“what’re you doing here?” you asked, placing the wet wash cloth onto the counter. “you said you were coming at eight -- it’s seven, sung.”

jisung chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck, “i wanted to see you, so i came early,” he sung, a playful air surrounding him

you merely laughed at his behaviour, shaking your head slightly as you continued to clean the countertops

jisung moved, leaving you to your business to sit at one of the bar stools not too far away

as you cleaned, stopping every once in a while to advise one of your newer coworkers how to properly fix up a drink, you didn’t notice jisung’s gaze

a small smile rested upon his lips, his chin resting in the palm of his hands as he looked on fondly

your coworker saw this and laughed to himself, nudging you and nodding in jisung’s direction

when you looked over, jisung kept staring unabashedly, his smile growing ever so slightly

you looked down, smiling just as he was, the tips of your ears growing hot

later, once your shift as a bartender was done, jisung was sitting in the same spot, slowly sipping on the margarita you gave him

“ready to go?” you asked, pulling on your jacket as you neared him

jisung nodded, smiling at you. “i’ve started the car, so go ahead, i’ll be right behind you.”

you didn’t ask why, too tired from a long day of work

pressing a kiss against his cheek, you made your way out to the parking lot

not more than five minutes later, jisung entered the vehicle, a bright smile on his face

“what’s made you so happy?” you asked, cocking a brow in amusement as you shoved your phone into your pocket

“it’s a surprise,” he grinned, driving away from the high class restaurant

you stared at him with raised brows, lowkey admiring the way the shitty streetlamps illuminated him beautifully

“hey,” jisung piped after a moment, “do me a favour, love?”

“what kind of favour?”

“nothing much. just... let me take you out.”

you looked over, curious “on a date?”

“on a road trip.”

“... what?”

he then went on, explaining how he wanted to surprise you since you had been stressed over school and over work, so he had pulled some strings and you were now free for the next three days

you stared at him in disbelief, before you finally cracked a smile.

“okay.”

//

you wished you never agreed.

you wished you never said ‘okay’.

you wished you never let him kiss you before you left.

maybe then, just maybe, you wouldn’t have a broken heart.

you remembered it vividly, as if it happened mere hours before -- left on the curb, tears streaming down your cheeks as you clutched your phone.

it was cold that night. goosebumps littered themselves atop your skin. 

after all, you had been without a jacket.

you woke up with a start, a strangled gasp coming from your throat as you hunched over

“are you alright?” jisung asked, frowning with worry, his eyes darting back and forth between you and the road. “nightmare?”

you didn’t answer right away, catching your breath as you pulled at the seat belt that held you against your seat

“yeah,” you choked, “nightmare.”

jisung moved, his arm reaching out to comfortingly rest a hand on your shoulder, before he froze

right. you wouldn’t be comfortable with that.

you saw his arm retreat back to his side, his hand curling into a fist

“we’re almost there. to busan.”

you just nodded, slowly leaning back against your chair again, at last slowing your hurried breathing

as the bare road slowly became civilized, with high rises and homes galore, you found yourself staring at jisung

even now, you couldn’t deny the fact that he looked quite attractive driving, with one hand on the wheel and the other resting atop the middle console 

then again, when wasn’t he attractive

when he looked at you, the red stop light blinking in your peripheral, you stilled

“are you sure you’re okay?” he asked with a gentle voice, his eyes eventually moving back to the road once the light turned green

without thinking, you shook your head

you thought he didn’t see, too focused on driving, but his brows knitted together, a feeling of concern almost drowning jisung as he made small glances to you

“do you want to talk about it?”

you didn’t answer right away, making him think you were saying ‘no’

he didn’t press you, welcoming the silence that came afterwards

after all, after what he did, the last thing he wanted to do was making you any more uncomfortable than you already were

then, after a plethora of minutes, you starting fidgeting, your fingers intertwining on your lap nervously

“jisung... why did you break up with me?”

not expecting the sudden question, his foot slammed down on the brake

you lurched forward, so did he, only to be saved by your seat belt

“jisung, what the fuck?” you asked, holding your chest in shock

when you looked over at him, wide eyed, he was staring at the steering wheel with a similar expression

luckily, he had turned to an empty street right before you asked, so neither of you had to worry about traffic

“s-sorry?” he stammered, hesitantly looking at you before dropping his gaze

you refrained yourself from rolling your eyes, repeating your question

jisung swallowed thickly before pulling over and stopping the car

“well?”

you could practically see his nervousness; his hands shook slightly, his eyes wouldn’t stay still, and he was constantly clearing his throat, running his hands through his hair

when minutes passed, you unbuckled your seat belt to turn to him completely

no matter how long it took him to answer, you would wait.

after 15 months, you think that you’re ready for a proper answer, something you didn’t have the luxury of getting before

“i thought you cheated on me.”

everything went still, quiet as a mouse.

out of every possibility you had ever thought of in the past 15 months, the past 467 days, cheating had never come up.

your eyebrows furrowed together in confusion, your mind racing as it tried to reach for reasoning, but to no avail.

“you what?”

jisung’s head bowed in shame, “you were taking a while, so i went in to buy some drinks...”

“can we stop here?” you asked, gesturing to the gas station that neared

it’s bright lights greatly contrasted the vast nothingness that surrounded it

“yeah, we need to fill up anyway.”

“great,” you said, “because i need to use the loo.”

jisung chuckled, nodding as he parked. “go ahead, i’ll just fill up the gas.”

as you leaned over the middle console, pecking jisung on the lips fondly, the familiar scent of his cologne mixed with the pine air freshener that hung from the mirror hit your nose; a subtle yet homey smell

jisung watched as you bounded inside the station, exiting the car himself moments after

even after he filled the gas, you still hadn’t returned.

jisung, being the slight worry-wort that he is, went inside

“we’ve run out of water,” he mumbled to himself, eyeing the empty bottles of water that had dropped by your feet

making sure he had his wallet, he headed straight to the refrigerators at the back

after grabbing a handful of bottles, he turned on his heel, ready to pay

only to freeze on the spot

he could see ‘you’ from where he stood, standing behind the counter

your arms were wrapped around someone who appeared to be a worker

“thanks for visiting me, babe,” the worker said, burying his face into ‘your’ neck

“it always gets boring here...”

jisung couldn’t listen to the rest, hot, stinging tears of betrayal filling his eyes

he clumsily dropped the bottles of water onto the nearest shelf and practically ran out of the station

it was as if his mind stopped working, his body moving on its own

before he knew it, he was back in the car, his hand turning on the ignition

his heart pounded loudly in his ears, and his hands tingled

‘... babe ...’

the man’s words kept echoing in his ears; you had never let him call you ‘babe’ saying it was far too generic of a pet name

so why had he...?

pulling out his phone he sent you a text

he typed a message, staring at the three words in disbelief

before he could even delete the message, his shaky finger had tapped against the ‘send’ button

realizing it was too late to take his words back, jisung threw his phone on the back seat, letting out a pained cry as sobs began to wrack his body

without thinking, he pulled out of the station and raced away, tears blurring his vision as he drove into the dark

when he finished his tale, he refused to look up at you

he slumped forward, his chest feeling heavy and constricted with guilt

“it was only when i got home,” he said, his voice shaky, “did i realize that it wasn’t you. the person, whoever they were, had their hair styled up in a way you didn’t.”

when you didn’t respond, jisung, frankly, felt like shit.

“i’m sorry,” he breathed out. “i wasn’t thinking right... i assumed and because of that i hurt you.” 

he peeked over at you, a pathetic excuse of a smile on his face. “you must hate me now, huh?”

you stared at him, your expression unreadable

after a while, you finally opened your mouth, almost shouting

“you idiot!”

jisung winced, but didn’t say anything.

he deserved it.

“you broke up with me,” you breathed out in utter disbelief, “you left me alone, all because you mistook someone else for me?”

it sounded even dumber when you said it out loud

“i can’t believe i still--” you stopped yourself, your hands knotting the fabric of your shirt tightly as you shook

“drive. we’re supposed to meet minhyun soon.’

your monotonous voice made him flinch, but he listened, too emotionally tired to speak

it felt like years, but in minutes you reached minhyun’s apartment.

the building was large and luxurious, not surprisingly -- minhyun did end up earning a lot of money after college.

when jisung tried to take your luggage out, you were faster and pulled it out of the trunk before he could even reach it

as you disappeared into the building, jisung sighed

‘i can’t believe i still --’

what were you going to say? you still... what?

shaking his head, he let go of his thoughts

that wasn’t his main concern right now.

taking out his own suitcase, he trudged behind you

when he walked in, his eyes were instantly drawn to you, as you spoke to someone -- probably minhyun -- on the phone

you were leaning against one of the pillars, looking casual as you talked

when you laughed quietly, jisung gulped

he was screwed.

that simple noise, those two seconds of laughter, were enough to make jisung warm up despite the cold

at that point, after hearing you laugh, he knew he still held feelings for you, his ex.

he hated that word.

he didn’t want to believe, not after all of the heartache that he put you through.

he didn’t think he deserved to even hold feelings toward you

a part of him wanted to push away his feelings -- if not for you for himself, but another part of him knew it’d be irrational to even try. futile, even.

he was always drawn to you. even now, his heart yearned for your love, for your touch, for you.

taking in a deep breath, he walked up to you, making sure to keep his distance.

“did you find out the apartment number?” he asked quietly once you hung up

you nodded, watching him carefully

your scrutinizing gaze was enough to make him look away

you frowned; even though you felt incredibly bitter amongst other things about jisung, it was strange for him to be so sheepish and dejected

the jisung you knew was always upbeat, always smiling and making others smile.

it was quiet rare, when you’d see such a sight.

“apartment 101,” you said, “on the top floor.”

jisung quietly followed you as you headed to the elevator

in the silence of the elevator, you kept glancing at jisung (of course not noticing his own glances)

you weren’t even blessed with the filler of bad elevator music

“are you upset?” you asked, instantly regretting even opening your mouth

jisung looked at you in shock, “shouldn’t i be asking you that?”

you sighed. “truthfully, yeah. i’m upset. i’m bitter. but what happened was over a year ago and now you know that i didn’t cheat, so...”

once you reached the tenth floor, where the 100 apartments were, it didn’t take long for you two to find 101.

right after you knocked, you looked at jisung.

“let’s just,” you bit your lip, “forget this happened. forget that we dated.”

jisung frowned, “i don’t want to for --”

before he could even finish his sentence, a smiling minhyun answered the door

“ah, you’re here!” he quickly let the two of you in

to your surprise, another man sat casually in minhyun’s living room

one you recognized

“... yongguk?”

the man, yongguk, looked up at you quizzically 

once he registered who you were, his stoic expression turned happy, the corners of his lips curling into a smile

“[Y/N]!” he said, a bright grin on his face as he bounded over to you

when he reached you, he pulled you into a hug, his chest muffling your little ‘oof’

“what’re you doing here?”

“i’m friends with minhyun,” he said, looking you over once, “small world, huh?”

as you socialized with yongguk, rather closely jisung noted, jisung slowly entered the apartment

“how was the ride?” minhyun asked, taking his suitcase. he looked over at you, “sorry about... practically shoving you two together. i had no idea you dated.”

jisung waved him off, forcing a smile. 

“it’s okay. you couldn’t have known.”

minhyun walked over to where you stood, jisung following behind

“how do you know each other?”

when you blushed, jisung’s frown deepened

“we used to date,” yongguk said happily, wrapping an arm over your shoulder

crack.

jisung felt his heart break

the night went on, with jisung being abnormally quiet

“hey man,” yongguk started as the clock tick-tocked closer to midnight “you’re jisung, right?”

he only nodded, his eyes drooping in exhaustion

“ah. so you’re the one [Y/N] dated before. we have something in common then.”

...

yongguk pressed on, leaning against the wall “i was thinking of taking them out again. maybe to the bar across the street,” throwing on a sleazy smile, “they were always fun when we dated.”

jisung glared at him, a sudden fury enveloping him tightly in its angry hold

“you wouldn’t dare,” he grumbled

“oh, but jisung, i would.”

yongguk’s informality began to annoy him -- it was like the jisung he knew was gone and in his place someone completely different

“you’re angry now,” yongguk commented in amusement, a smirk playing his lips like a fiddle, “why? still like them?”

when jisung didn’t answer, yongguk let out a chuckle

“thought so.” sighing, he ruffled his already messy hair, “hey-- how about this. if you can kiss [Y/N] and have them kiss back, i’ll back off.”

jisung’s jaw dropped at his suggestion. “what?”

“if you have the guts anyway,” yongguk continued, ignoring jisung’s flabbergasted expression, “otherwise i’ll...”

“fine. i’ll do it.”

yongguk arched a brow, tilting his head as if he was evaluating jisung. 

then, without a word, he disappeared down the hall and into his assigned room.

jisung, now in his somber lonesome, realized what he had just done. he was to kiss you.

that, or have yongguk...

he fumbled over to the couch, collapsing on it

while he berated himself for making such a deal, instead of talking it out like he normally would’ve done, he didn’t notice your light footsteps draw near

“jisung? what’re you doing?”

the aforementioned male jumped, his eyes widening in shock

“ah,” he sighed upon seeing you, clad in your pajamas, “it’s you.”

“you don’t sound very happy about that.”

he was quick to disagree, “it’s not that,” but his voice fell short under his stress

you saw this, seeing right through the smile he tried to show you, as if saying ‘i’m alright’, and sat next to him

“is everything okay?” you asked, your voice gentle -- unlike the tone you had used in the car -- “i saw yongguk coming from here. did he say something?”

yes. he did and i never want you to hear those words.

instead of voicing his thoughts, he stayed quiet.

he didn’t want to just kiss you upfront, wanting anything but your discomfort, but at the same time...

you moved closer, pressing a hand against his forehead

before you could utter another word, jisung gently took hold of your wrist, bringing your hand down to his lap where he held it tightly

“jisung...?”

“when minhyun told me to pick his friend up, i never expected for that friend to be you.”

he looked over at you, his pupils dilated

“i knew right away that you didn’t want to enter my car. but i’m not disappointed that it was you. when it comes to you,” he looking down at your intertwined hands, “i can never be disappointed.”

“jisung--”

“i’m sorry,” he apologized, his voice shaking with forced laughter, “it’s pathetic, really. but... i still love you. when i saw you with yongguk earlier, i...” his voice cracked near the end, and he couldn’t even finish his sentence

your eyes widened, your hand going limp in his

hearing those words coming from jisung was... nostalgic, in a way. it was bittersweet -- after all, the last time you heard it was over a year before

he looked into your eyes before diverting his gaze to your lips

“look... all i’m asking is for a favour.”

you unabashedly looked at his own, before looking up into his dark brown eyes. the amount of emotion swirling in them surprised you -- the desperation, the need.

“the last time you asked me for a favour,” you whispered, not pushing him away when he slowly leaned closer, “you left me stranded at a gas station and broke my heart.”

ignoring your words, he finally bore into your eyes

“kiss me.”

without hesitation, you leaned into him, kissing him almost desperately as you caressed his jaw

the feeling of you against him brought back memories, those memories bringing on an onslaught of need -- jisung’s hands pulling you closer from the small of your back

the kiss, no matter how desperate, how needy, wasn’t rough. he took his time, moving slowly against your lips even though his shaking hands said otherwise

jisung only pulled away when your cheeks became wet, tears slowly falling from your beautifully glossed over eyes

he kissed away the tears, leaving burning trails behind each peck

“i can’t believe i still love you after all this time.” you mumbled against his neck, your breath uneven

jisung tensed, euphoria washing over him as he hugged you tightly, burying his face in the crook of your neck

in the hallway, yongguk grinned at the sight of your embrace, happily hopping from foot to foot

minhyun looked over his shoulder, smiling

“i didn’t think your plan would work -- i’m impressed,” he confessed, looking at yongguk with a shocked look

yongguk chuckled, “i’ve worked the whole ‘playboy’ image before. works everytime.”

with a quiet laugh, minhyun pat his shoulder. “no wonder why you were the matchmaker in college.”

[yoongisbbydoll]

Ad Infinitum - A Tsundere Holiday

Ad Infinitum  ─  A collection of never-ending drabbles that explore the infinite universes.

Jeon Jeongguk 전정국  ─  A Christmas Special

Warnings  ─  Fluffy Christmas Stuff

Length  ─  1,925 Words

Listening to  ─  2 Days ; Marteen

December is the worst month of the year, you decide.

This is not only because everyone is running around like chickens without heads, trying to come up with gift ideas and buy them at the same time as the rest of the last minute shoppers. But it’s also when the cold starts to seep its way into your bones and it’s bitter freeze makes you a little bit snippier, a little tighter around the lips and a little moodier. Not only this, but it’s the time of year that your boss sends you to New York to go over the yearly statements at headquarters.

Most of the time, you’re left alone to do your work and drown in cups of coffee and Red Bull, but this year, they’ve sent along someone else to watch and confirm that you’re doing your work efficiently. You didn’t understand the need for a babysitter but it didn’t bother you, the poor kid just sat across the room and was paid to fall asleep and go on his phone, and he was paid to get you food from the convince store down the street whenever you realized it was time to eat.

“I can’t come in tomorrow,” are the first words he says to you. You didn’t care until he added, “Or the rest of the month.”

“You’re kidding.” You laugh, blowing on your ramen as you look through February’s bank statements.

He coughs and looks up at you over his coffee. “I’m sorry, my mom is in the hospital.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll be fine alone. Not like you help out anyways.” You grumble and flip onto the next page.

“If there’s anything I can do for you on my last day, let me know.”

You don’t ask him for anything, you don’t even ask for him to run and get you dinner when 6 o’clock rolls by. The last thing you say is goodbye three hours later when you think you’ve done enough work and earned a quiet few hours before work in the morning. He waves his hand and let’s you go.

The train is almost completely empty when you board, and you pick a seat close to the back and lean your head against the glass, your hot breath creating puffs of perspiration against the window. You tuck your headphones in and close your eyes, waiting for the rickety movement of the train taking off on its tracks, leading you closer to the motel you’re staying in.  

No once has the train ever been so busy that you’d been forced to share a seat, so you’re surprised when someone drops themselves carelessly down next to you, their bag landing on your arm. Your eyes snap open and your tongue curls in anticipation of taking off, but when you look and find a bright eyed, cherry cheeked man, you feel defeated. He smiles at you precariously, nodding his head and stretching out his hand, lips forming words you can’t hear over the music.

You pull out a single earbud and awkwardly grip his hand. “Hi?”

“I don’t like sitting alone.” He states, eyes still bright, black hair pushed off his forehead as if the wind had used it’s icy fingers to slick it back. “Jeongguk, I’m Jeongguk by the way.”

“Yeah, hi.” You turn back to the window, tucking your backpack closer to your chest, ready to put your headphones back in when he taps your shoulder. You snap your eyes back to him, “What?”

Jeongguk simply grins and shakes his head, tapping his fingers wildly against the arm rest, eyes dancing across the heads of other tired, workers making their way home on a lonely Tuesday night. Jeongguk hops off the train a stop ahead of you, waving as he leaves, a joyous smile on his face. You wonder how anyone can be so happy all the time and close your eyes once again.

The next morning, he spots you tucked away in the back on the 6:15 train into the city and walks over, only to find someone seated beside you. He falls into the closest spot and tries to get your attention, but you’re staring out the window, listening to your music, completely cut off from the world.

Once again, on the 9:15 train, he finds you with your crocheted hair pulled tightly over your hair, a small trail of white informing him that your headphones are in. When he sits next to you, he doesn’t expect you to say anything, and graciously accepts the nod of your head as an acknowledgement to his presence.

You’d never expected him to continue sitting next to you, but for two more weeks, he stuck by your side on the way home. You even found yourself putting your bag in the seat next to you so that it would be saved for when he arrived in the mornings. You couldn’t describe it, but his warm smile and positive attitude became a routine you thoroughly enjoyed having next to you, even if you didn’t talk.

But, on December the 18th, Jeongguk decided he no longer wanted to sit in your calm silence and made a move to get you to speak to him. You had been eyeing his nervous movements for about a minute or so when he reached out and almost had his hands around the cord of your earbud when you snap at him with the fires of hell in your eyes, tongue curling as you spit out, “If you pull out my earphones, I will pull out your lungs.”

He pulls his hands pack in surrender, smiling wildly as you sigh and pull out your earbuds yourself. “I just want to invite you over for a coffee.”

“How do I know you’re not inviting me over just to murder me.” You ask jokingly, leaning back against the rumbling side of the train, the back of your head rocking against the window pane.

Jeongguk lets out a snort, “You’ll never know unless you come with me. My stops coming up soon.”

You hesitate, the words no thanks on the tip of your tongue, an excuse forming in the back of your head. But it’s a Monday night, and the rest of the work week is ahead, and you have absolutely no reason not to get home a little later than usual. There’s also something in Jeongguk eyes, a twinkling hope and a quirk of his lips that makes you want to find out more about this mysterious boy who sits next to you every day on the way home.

When you agree, Jeongguk can’t look anymore happy. His mitten covered hands grab yours and he smiles at you like the sun shining down on a hot summer’s day. You can’t help but smile back. He leads you like a child off the train, holding on of your hands in his. You feel like a teenager again, sneaking out to go over a boys house when you’re supposed to be sleeping. Your heart thumps against your chest as Jeongguk drags you to his apartment a few blocks over.

He actually does brew coffee, but you don’t drink most of it as the two of you end up on the couch, legs intertwined, talking and joking for hours. It feels comfortable, like the conversation is going no where in particular but has a direct route from each topic to the next. He tells you about his job—as co-founder of a small tech company—and about how much he adores animals and his favorite artists, he informs you of his small quirks like accidentally winking at people when his eyes twitch, and how he has to constantly be moving so an engineering really keeps him busy, and how he’s really insecure of his singing voice but belts out to his favorite songs whenever he’s home alone. His least favorite holiday is Christmas but he loves the snow and decorating during the holiday season.

He was going on a spiel about how his brother accidentally shot their dog with a BB gun on Thanksgiving when they were kids as you felt your eyes become heavy. You had barely noticed the time as it passed by the two of you who has been cocooned in your own little universe. Your head lolled a few times before you completely fell asleep on Jeongguk’s cough.

He simply laughed softly and laid a blanket over you and turned off the light.

You awoke startled by your surroundings and for a moment, you thought you’d been kidnapped.

Half of your body was over the edge of the sofa and a blanket was almost choking you. There was humming from behind you in the kitchen, and that scared you enough to have you slipping fully onto the ground.

“My ass,” you groaned, looking into the kitchen to see Jeongguk eating cereal, watching you curiously.

“Get some good beauty sleep?”

“Fuck off. What time is it?”

“Around 6.”

You shot up, “I’m going to be late.”

The next time you saw Jeongguk was Christmas Eve, and you were more than miserable as you boarded the 9:15 train out of the city. But there he was, finally sitting before you, eyes searching the other stragglers trying to get home. When he spotted you, his face lit up and he waved intensely, as if you couldn’t see him—mind you, he was sporting a neon orange hat and matching gloves.

“Hey, stranger. Where have you been?” Jeongguk lets you slide into the window seat and you don’t bother putting on your headphones, they feel like a lost page in a book now.

Jeongguk shifts in his seat, “I’m sorry about that. Holiday season is really busy so I’ve been up even earlier and staying even later. I would have texted you but,” he paused, licking his lips and avoiding your eyes as if unsure, “I don’t have your number.”

“You should have asked,” you smile and hold out your hand.

As you put your number in his contacts, he thrums his fingers against his leg, gulps, and then asks, “Want to spend Christmas Eve together?”

It’s an awkward proposition, and once again you want to say no. But now it’s a Sunday, and you have the next day off and no where to be but in bed sleeping. You shrug, handing him his phone back, “Sure.”

When you step into Jeongguk’s apartment, it smells like candy canes, and there are twinkling fairy lights decorating the top corners of every room. The lights are dim and there are more decorations perches on every open surface. It feels like a winter wonderland, and you slip off your shoes and pull of your hat, admiring his handiwork.

“You like it?” Jeongguk smiles, walking to the kitchen.

You follow a few steps behind, “I love it.”

He makes hot chocolate and you settle onto the couch, this time, you’re pressed against his chest, and he turns on A Charlie Brown Christmas and lets the silence become a space of comfort. You feel as if you’re home in the sweet smelling and welcoming atmosphere of his living room, with his heart beating against your back, chin resting lightly on your head, hot chocolate burning your tongue.

You don’t have anything for him when the clock strikes 12 and Christmas welcomes the two of you in a quiet sing-song of his clock. Yet, you feel like this moment, with his arms around your waist and the feeling of the holidays ahead, is the gift itself.

more of : ad infinitum.

masterlist.

Note : I kind of just threw this together for the holidays. If i have time I will come back to edit this and I might reformat the way this looks because it’s my first actual drabble series so I’m not sure how to title it correctly. Anyways, thank you for reading!

[jojoreadwhat]

i've been thinking a lot about your mouth /honey & smoke - m.h. x OFC story

Lucy's POV.

Time was slipping through my fingers as I indulged my extra time into an easy read of by Jane Austen looking over at the red lit alarm clock on my night stand, reading a quarter to five. I sighed to myself, fickled with emotions about what to expect tonight.

Of course it would be fun, for being someone who enjoyed space, old TV series and over read books. I was a sucker for live performances. Every weekend back in New York, I'd find myself with good friends sneaking our ways to the city to night clubs with local bands. Just for the hell of being apart of the city life.

This time being different as it was going to be Matty and the boys of all people performing. Kinda turning the tables on him trying to get to know me so well and allow me to venture him now. Even though our escapades of walking me home was something I'd hold so close. I smiled just thinking about it.

I rose from my bed and retreated to the door that held different types of styles for different occasions and different days. I was becoming friends with my closet, never had I ever had so many outfit changes. I found myself in a spaghetti strap dark teal flowy top, my black high waisted jeans and my chucks. Complimenting it all with a green army jacket and tying my hair up into a little bun with my bangs hanging loose.

I decided to go an extra step, refreshing my playlist before grabbing my makeup bag out of drawer and sitting pretzel leg in front of my mirror. Nothing too much, just some liner, mascara, and a little shade to my prominent rouge lips. I sat there admiring, taken back on my sudden outbursts of deciding to go out, looking pretty and then soon going to be hanging out in a place that served possibilities among the drinks they poured.

It was also going to be a semi-date with a boy. Something that I hadn't been on in the past year. So I feel a little rusty from my past endeavors.

I found my eyes trailing back to the red numbers, reading 5:50pm indicating that time had too much energy on it's hands. Grabbing my bag and turning everything off,I headed down to the common ground where Abby was watching some silly reality show close to the Kardashians but a British version and Liz was concentrated on her school work.

"Lulu! How are you?" Abby greeted as I sat next to her on the pale green sofa. Unwinding in the little bits of time I had to kill. Abby always had an interest in my well-being as she was majoring in psychology. I didn't mind her pry, I found a comfort in it. Liz had joined in when I began talking my Woman Studies class and how she found Professor Mullen to be just as cool as I. Coming to conclusion that we all three had a successful week of first time classes.

I was in the middle of talking about the lame book I was going to take a flight into on Sunday when the doorbell had rang. Liz and Abby had looked at each other, trying to figure out if someone had invited company over. I stood up from the sofa,

"That's for me. If I'm not out too long. Pizza and The Office?" I smiled before walking towards the door and greeting Matty.

"Hey you." I smiled, my eyes automatically landing to his wild curled mane. His black leather jacket lounging over his frame, complimenting the light blue button down. Trailing down to his signature holy black jeans and a pair of black boots. His impeccable style beyond compared to the slight comfortable standards of mine.

"Ready?" He asked, before I shut the door behind me.

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

Matty's POV.

I rang the doorbell of the little green house on the block.

"Hey you." She greeted, closing the door behind her. Her little smile shining, and she looked good tonight.

Green was a color made for her, complimenting her hair, her eyes, everything. And what topped it all was the beat up chucks, a little punk rock princess in disguise.

"Ready?" I asked, she nodded and we headed down the walkway. Opening the door to my '88 BMW.

Our steady breathing filling in the spaces that were silent between us. Glancing at her as she glanced out the window, bobbing her head to the 80's tunes that I had burned onto a CD an hour before.

We had arrived at the pub, the boys were going to meet her for the first time. Making it official that she wasn't going anywhere yet. The place was pretty packed, Mickey was struggling with an overflow of ordered drinks as George was in the back getting ready for our gig.

With her hand in mine, I made our way to the backstage. Seeing Ross first, who was hitting a blunt. "Matty boy, where have you been?" He asked, before I brought Lucy into view.

"This is Lucy. Lucy, this is my mate Ross." Her pretty smile, so friendly as she put her hand out to shake his. Ross taken back that I was even introducing her, it was like a rare gem kind of event.

I then brought her into the dressing room the two others were, glued to their phones. Breaking entry as their heads shot up. George peering a smile because he was the only who knew that she was different for me from the rest.

She was just this intriguing puzzle piece placed into my drowned out life style. Right off the bat taking me by surprise that she hadn't slept with me yet. Taking me into a big hall of surprises when she got along with the boys, even laughing at jokes Ross told and we made him feel good about. I sat on the sofa, watching her at a close distance as she talked old tunes with George and cute dogs with Adam.

"On in five!" Celia, the barmaid had announced peering from the hall.

++

I walked back into the crowd of regulars with Lucy, buying her a drink and standing against stage, her eyes batting as she sipped and talked. Before I had jumped onto the stage, leaving her front and center. The boys joined me once they had gotten in gear near George's drum set. Agreeing on the first song of the night, the boys beginning the measures of Chocolate.

"Welcome to the party, we're The 1975" I yelled into the crowd.

The gig was a weekly ritual, we were the house band. Same people, different day. Familiar faces ranging and staggering the place.

"Hey now call it a split 'cause you know that you will Oh you bite your friends like chocolate!"

I couldn't help focusing on the sway from her, a sway that was ricocheting from the sounds of our band. As it progressed each song we played. Dancing away, with her cup in her hand.

++

My vision was becoming obviated from the bottle wine between the boys and I. Everything becoming a blur, the crowd still going and the night was coming down blissfully.

The boys, Lucy and I retreated to the bar. George's boss giving us drinks on the house and talking about whatever. My eyes were focused on Lucy who joined in most of the time, but her eyes danced around the room.

An idea had popped in my head, I had a little bit of money to spend, not that she was like that or anything. But it was far better than this, Lucy looked at me. Smiling shyly, blush erupting lightly against her cheeks.

I motioned my head to the door at her, curious if she was in. She nodded, before excusing herself to head to the ladies room. I sat waiting a few when a pair of arms wrapped around my neck.

"Matthew." Her devious voice greeted.

With a body so familiar that had laid upon my sheets till early morning risings. Her heart shaped tattoo on her hand. Her name was nowhere near my lips. Just the hazy memory of an encounter that went down the list with the others.

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

Lucy's POV.

Matty and the boys were so good tonight, especially Matty. He was so into the crowd, making sure all was good and that everyone was on their feet. Not a soul was sitting just a dance party all night long.

I had gotten really acquainted with the boys too, they were all so nice and humble. Explaining the reasons behind why Matty was friends with them in the first place. They never let you miss a moment, reeling you in even if you were a pass buyer.

But things were beginning to get calm and Matty wanted to embark on other plans. Excusing myself first to freshen up.

The poorly lit restroom had definitely lots of story held. The one florescent light flickering as I reapplied my lipstick that was washed from my rum and coke. My eyes trailing to the faded lettering against the mirror reading 'Rita was here.' with a big heart around it. As I held the rouge stick to my lips steadily. Smacking my lips together for coverage before throwing it back into my bag and taking one last look.

I stepped back into the crowd. Making my way through them till I reached bar and this immediate knot in my throat tightened like a noose.

The brunette was flirty, her finger twirling one of Matty's curls. As she stood tall enough where her laced white bra began playing peek-a-boo through the side of her shirt. I expected this, the first time I ever laid eyes on him he had girls clinging to him. Which I couldn't blame because I happened to be one from a distance.

Feeling baffled as she babbled on about whatever, as he just lightly smiled. His eyes trailing around from her to other things till they landed on me. They trailed back to her as his long fingers wrapped around her hand playing with his nest. Rising from the stool and excusing himself as she looked on to him till her eyes met the direction he was heading.

Heading towards me.

"Ready, Blue?" He asked before his hand was in mine as he pushed through the crowd until we had reached the brisk air of the night.

++

Matty took control, leading us on the outskirts of town to a liquor store nearby. One by one, walking down the aisle till Matty picked up a bottle of red wine. He led us to a little park shortly after covered in trees and greenery that was pair with a little lake. We sat on the grass, splitting the wine between us and just talking... about anything to everything.

Our laughs and giggles combining with the ruffle of the trees that towered. It was dark enough that we laid out underneath the stars, so many of them that I had trouble counting. The questions kept rolling, both answering them one after the other. Getting a better view of this boy that had helped me out of the pool.

I rested my head against his arm, just caught up in the moment. Caught up in everything happening.

"So, what about this one?" I pointed to the tattoo that was embedded on his chest. Playing peek-a-boo behind his button down. He trailed over at me, "It's for my Nana, Annie. She meant a lot to me." He replied, knowing the feeling all too well. Matty propped his head on his hand, peering down at me now. I was making an abstract piece of art in his eyes with his brown ones against mine. "What?" I asked, he always chuckled when I questioned why he stared so long.

"Why do you question why I stare?" He asked, the boy with the 100 questions.

"Why do you stare so much?" I retorted.

He just chuckled louder, looking away a second before coming back again. "I don't think you're going to make it easy."

I raised my eyebrow, "For?" I asked.

"To get to know you." He replied, "You're hard to read." I just smirked, "That's why I'm a writer.. Keep you on your toes." He just smiled, "Touché Blue, touché."

Matty looked everywhere from my eyes, to my blouse till his chestnut eyes met the curve of my lips. My eyes watching him as his eyes watched my lips part, his free hand landing on my cheek. His calloused thumb running over my bottom lip. Hesitant as he took his bottom lip between his teeth.

I had a feeling where this was going. I wanted it to go there. I wanted those lips to waltz against mine. But the girl at the bar lingered across my mind. How she practically fell to Matty's feet, like the rest of them from the party and wherever he stepped.

Was I one of those girls? Did I want to be one of those girls?

Matty was something else, honestly admitting and I couldn't blame anyone who found him intriguing like I. I knew he wasn't new to the game, the boy wore his experiences like the way he wore his leather jacket. I was just uneasy at becoming something he was used to instead of a new experience like he was for me.

A few curls began to fall into his face as he began to lower himself, inches away from my mouth. An abundance of thoughts running through my mind, all too familiar from moments before. Unsure if my reflex would act fast like those thoughts did. Beginning to feel his hot breath that almost warmed me from the autumn air. I slightly placed my hand to his lowering chest, his once closed eyes now a shade of dark brown. Asking for answers as they trailed my face, almost piercing it.

"I-I'm sorry." I felt my chest sinking, unsure if I made the right decision. If I had pushed him away before he got any closer. His eyes still trailing, "For?"

I sighed with the feeling of embarrassment rushing in, dreading the words about to spill from my oozing mouth. "I don't want to be one of them." Closing my eyes to hide from his reaction.

When I opened them back up, he was still propped on his hand, his lips curled into a soft smirk that graced his face.

"Trust me." He paused, "You're not one of them. Not in the slightest."

[strikxen-writing]

Hey remember when I shipped my D&D characters? Whoops cant help myself, here’s more.

(Is it any good? Maybe not. Did I write this completely indulgently? Perhaps... Will there be more....? I would like there to be, also don’t expect a damn thing to be ‘accurate’ cause fuck that)

Growing up, the pun that is Prili Slightstout’s last name was mostly lost on her; that was until she journeyed to Waterdeep to attend a cleric’s college and nearly each and every taller person in her boarding house pointed out that she was a gnome with a last name that meant short. She, however, always took these little jabs with a smile on her face. She felt that being sweet and kind above all else put that very same energy into the people around her, and all Prili ever wanted was for everyone to be happy and harmonious. 

This is what drew her to Mishikal in the first place--among other things--the loving and beautiful light surrounding her temples and great joy felt by those who are healed from the brink of death. She wanted to spread that joy to everyone else in the world. 

Her years in college did little to dampen her idealistic spirit, though not for lack of trying. When she was in her second year, she was assigned alone to take care of a young child who was in the late stages of consumption. This was intended to be a lesson from a jaded instructor on the futility of saving everyone. Prili, who couldn’t even competently cast a full healing spell yet, was given what the family could afford, a few medicinal herbs and a prayer. She didn’t sleep all night, convinced that through Mishikal’s light even the faintest soul can be brought back. When the boy died, Prili learned that, though Mishikal’s light is incredible and all powerful, the realities of society prevent everyone from receiving Her light. Instead of letting this darken her hope, however, Prili became doubly determined to bring Mishikal’s light to everyone who sought it, regardless of whether they could or could not pay. 

Graduating with her accolades in Religiosity, Medicine, and Devotion, however, left her as good as penniless in the greater city of Waterdeep. She needed a job, and quickly as she was no longer welcome in the college’s boarding houses and needed a room to stay in. 

This is what led Prili to being stuck in the same hospital at the heart of the dock ward, 5 years later. The Siren’s Boon and Balm was owned by Mr. Wenceslas Almas, a tiefling man who very much was jaded by the pains of the world and ran his hospital in a very particular way. If you can’t pay, walk it off. He had even gone as far as to paint it on a sign set right next to the check in desk, right where Prili sat eating her lunch that day.

Lunch was a small cup of rice and a few vegetables with her normal cup of tea. Modest and a little bland, but Prili was okay with that. Every copper saved up was a copper closer to her dream, and by eating boring meals this week, Prili had saved a whole gold piece. She hummed thinking about the jangling coins she had saved in the little jar next to her alter at home. She scooped the last scoop of rice and onion in her mouth when the bell on the front door jangled.

“Hello! Welcome to the Siren’s Boon and Balm, how can I help you today?” she said in her high pitched voice. 

The man who walked into the store had a dirty face with tear stains, though now his face was stern and set. He was a tall man who held his arm underneath a bloody sheet. Prili didn’t need to see anything else; she leapt from behind the counter and held back the curtain leading to the healing rooms.

“Right this way sir! Please, sit down here,” she insisted. 

In the back of her mind, she realized that she hadn’t asked for payment first, again, but she would rather risk the money being taken from her paycheck than to risk this man dying on the streets, and the moment she pulled back the sheet, she was glad of her decision. His arm was crushed just beneath the elbow. The man winced and bit down a scream when the open air touched the wound, and Prili couldn’t blame him.

“Oh my!” she exclaimed, “You poor thing! Don’t you worry… by Mishikal’s light all pains can be lifted.” 

She held her holy symbol, a sapphire infinity sign on a cord around her neck, and began to murmur her incantation. The symbol began to glow a cleansing light, a light which stuck to her hands like jelly before she pressed it gingerly into the ruined arm. 

The man winced at the pain he anticipated, but let out his breath smoothly when the wave of agony didn’t come. He looked up at Prili with watery, thankful eyes.

She smiled and finished the healing spell. When the light dissipated, she could see that he would be okay. The arm was still heavily bruised and probably very tender, but he was no longer at risk of losing his arm. She breathed a sigh of relief.

“Well, thankfully you got here before any infection could take hold!” Prili reassured, “You just need to rest for a few days and your arm will be good as new!”

“Thank you so much…” the man said.

“What’s your name, if I may ask?”

“Terrence, I’m… I’m a sailor. Our ship is in port for a few days, but as we were throwing down the anchor, my arm got caught in the rope and…” he trailed off, the painful memory still fresh.

Prili was glad that the man had been able to make it to her, and she quietly thanked Mishikal for the opportunity to save a man’s life. The happiness was short lived, because she heard the sounds of the back door opening and closing. Mr. Almas was back from his lunch and she had still not charged this man a single copper.

“Well, that’s all in the past, isn’t it? Now… ah… concerning payment.”

This was the worst part and Prili hated it with a passion. She never understood the exorbitant rates that Mr. Almas charged. By the way Terrrence visibly deflated, Prili knew that there would be an issue. The footsteps behind her told her that she was being watched and she took a deep breath.

“The standard fee for healing is 10 gold pieces,” she said.

“I….I can’t pay that much…” he said sheepishly, “All I have to my name is 2 gold and a handful of coppers…” 

She had expected as much, and tried to offer a reassuring smile. “I’ll take one of those gold pieces, that will be enough. Save the rest for food while you’re in town.”

The slamming door behind her told her that taking a tenth of the price was about to land her in hot water, but she couldn’t bring herself to care. Her patient was safe and that made her happy. Terrence let a small tear slip and nodded, placing a gold piece on the table next to him. Prili led him to the door and wished him well.

“Thank you, my lady….” he paused searching for her name.

“Prili,” she said brightly, “Prili Slightstout.”

---

A week had passed since Prili had lost her job. Her boss had kicked her out without even paying her her remaining paycheck. You’ve cost me more than you’ve made me! Now she was living off her paltry savings in search of work. Though her new found freedom had allowed her to wander the streets and offer healing free of charge to those who needed it. 

Prili pressed her forehead to the ground in front of her small statue of Mishikal. Her alter was small, but well loved. Prili attended to it every morning, sweeping up dust, replacing the offering flowers, and meditating over the candles to strengthen her connection with her loving deity. It was a simple routine that kept her grounded. The morning rays of light trickled in through the window, illuminating the eyes of her statue and filling Prili with rejuvenated hope. 

“Thank you for your guidance, my lady of light,” she prayed, “Please help me find more work so that I may administer your light to all I meet.”

Prili glanced over at the small jar she had been forced to dip into. Down to 10 gold pieces after she paid rent, and it would be tax day in a few days so she would need to set aside 2 extra gold for that, leaving her with 8 gold pieces to survive on until she found another source of income. She took a deep breath, all she needed to do was put her faith in Mishikal.  

Prili stood up, gave one last bow, and turned to eat breakfast. Her meals these days were simple, incredibly so. The stalest bread she could find at the baker and the very last egg she had from her trip to the market a week ago. Thankfully, if food ever became truly desperate, Prili knew how to conjure the most basic of rations thanks to Mishikal's good grace. 

After breakfast, Prili strolled out of her small home and began to wander the town. Without a job Prili found herself with so much time on her hands, it made her uneasy. Her job search was running into dead ends. Her search of all the other medical centers in Waterdeep yielded fruitless. It seemed that Mr. Almas had talked to them and warned them of Prili's tendency to give out free healing. None were willing to hire her on. Her search had then led her to the various other shops. Maybe she would be able to get a job selling food or potions or something of the like. Not being able to use the degree she earned was saddening, but it would just be a temporary thing until she could manage to save up enough money to open her own medical center and truly provide people with the help and care they need. These pursuits, too, ended up unsuccessful.

After hours of asking around for employment and a short break to buy a few coppers worth of lunch, Prili was starting to feel really disheartened. She sat on a bench idly chewing her bland loaf of bread when she overheard some chatter. A pair of teens were idling waiting for an unoccupied carriage to roll by.

“Yeah,” said the taller of the two, “You can make 100 gold in a night if you go down the Yawning Portal’s Well. It’s a bottomless pit of treasure and adventure! All you have to do is make sure you’ve got enough money to pay for the return trip back up, but finding 2 gold pieces isn’t that hard when you consider how much you’ll pull from the ancient rooms.”

“Okay… but a lot of people don’t come back. There’s probably a lot of bones down there..” his friend said.

“Bones-shmones”, the taller one said with a shrug, “They just weren’t strong enough. Unlike us.” With this his lips curled into a smirk. 

They continued their back and forth for a little while, discussing things like what they would do with the money, which pretty girls they would date when emerging victorious, and the like. Finally however, their carriage arrived and the boys were whisked away.

Prili thought about the boys’ conversation long after they had left. She didn't feel particularly comfortable with earning money through adventuring. It involved a lot of risking one's life for petty things like "glory" and "thrill". In the several years that Prili had been a healer, she had seen her fair share of what seeking glory and thrill leads to. However, being destitute wasn't a particularly attractive option either. She finished her crust of bread and stood up. Surely it wasn't a bad idea to check out the bar and see if it would be something she could consider.

---

The Yawning Portal was packed tight with all sorts of adventurers. For Prili it reminded her of her college years when adventurers would come in for cheap healing in exchange for being guinea pigs for aspiring clerics. The scent of spilled drinks and skipped bathing clung to the air and scrunched up Prili's nose. She wondered for a moment where the infamous well was, but through the legs of the packed patrons, she saw that it was actually smack dab in the center of the barroom. Prili prickled, her immediate thoughts concerning the dangers of having so many people packed around a bottomless well to the unknown. 

"C'mon! Let me down there!" someone said, "I want to be remembered!"

"Ha!" came a response, "As if you'd ever do anything worth remembering Geralt, back off, you went down a week ago and came back up sniveling!"

That started a heated argument, but opened up a few spaces at the bar. Prili climbed her way up one of the barstools and tiredly placed a copper piece on the bar. 

"Could I please get a light ale?" she asked.

The bartender wordlessly snatched up the copper piece and produced a small tankard of ale. Prili sipped the foam for just a moment before drinking deeply. Truth be told, she was really stressed out and feeling very alone in the world. Even her old boss couldn't stand her. If she could just afford to start her own hospital... 

The ale in her system emboldened her, and Prili sat up straighter in her seat.

"Excuse me!" she called once again to the barkeep, "Who do I inquire with to go down the well?"

The bartender took a few minutes to answer--it was quite busy--but finally he meandered his way over to where Prili was seated.

"That would be me, little lady," he said looking pointedly down at her, "and I don't let just anyone go down neither. Do you have a partner or group you could go down with?"

Prili deflated just a little, but still answered, "W-well no. I don't really have anyone. I-I heard there was just a small fee to come back up?"

"No single adventurers," the barman said with a huff, "I'm sick of people not coming back out. Come back when you've got someone to watch your back down in those catacombs."

Prili sighed and took another swig of her ale. So much for that hope. She would have to find a way to get money elsewhere. She started considering farm labor when she was interrupted by a voice.

"Excuse me, miss?" a gravelly voice said just behind her.

"Hmm?" Prili spun around and found the source of the noise. In front of her stood a very tall, very muscular orcish woman. She wore her hair cropped short and all along one arm were very intricate looking tattoos that seemed to move and shift depending on the angle you viewed it. She was at the same time intimidating as well as beautiful.

"Ah, I heard you were wanting to go down the Yawning Portal... but didn't have anyone to go with," she continued. 

Prili, always a fool and slow to pick up on subtle cues looked a little dejected.

"Yeah... I wasn't aware of the rule when I came in, but what can you do?"

The orc woman shifted around and looked down.

"Me too," she said, "I, ah, was wondering..." she trailed off a bit, trying to muster either courage or the proper phrasing.

It was at this moment that Prili finally realized what was going on, and her eyes lit up.

"Would you want to go down with me?" she asked with a hopeful smile. 

The woman nodded sheepishly, "If you would have me... I can carry my own, I just need someone so that Durnan will let me go down."

So that was his name. Prili glanced over at the barkeep and grinned. She finished off her ale and held a hand up.

"Excuse me! Mr. Durnan, sir!" she called, nearly forgetting her manners. 

"Ah, the small one again, I thought I said-"

"I know! I found a partner!" she said excitedly, gesturing towards her new orc friend. 

"Well, the beefy one from earlier," Durnan remarked, "Alright, fine. I'll go get the paperwork."

After he disappeared into the room behind the bar, Prili glanced over at her new friend.

"Paperwork?"

The woman nodded, "Durnan doesn't want liability should you not come back out. Wives and parents have come here with a vengeance before.."

Prili nodded, it made sense. She had to deal with her fair share of angry loved ones in the heartbreaking moments where someone could not be saved. 

The papers placed in front of them were covered in tiny printed letters, so small in some places Prili couldn't really read. 

"So," she said as she signed her name, "When we're ready to come back up..." 

Durnan nodded, "Put two gold in the bucket at the bottom and give it a yank, I'll take the gold and lower the bucket back down to lift you up."

Prili nodded, absently fingering the gold pieces that she had brought with her in her pockets. Once the papers were signed, Durnan announced their descent into the Yawning Portal and the tavern erupted in cheers. It was all so loud that Prili felt a little disoriented. The crowds parted to let Prili and her partner through. 

The orc woman put a foot in the bucket and held onto the rope, she reached out an arm to offer to Prili. Prili took it and was scooped effortlessly into the woman's arms. She felt her face flush, she hadn't been lifted like this in years, and then it was a result of the teasing in college. 

Durnan gave the two a nod and started lowering the rope into the well. Soon the cacophony of the tavern faded away and gave way to the quiet dripping of the well. Prili looked around, feeling like she had maybe acted too rashly. She glanced over at her partner and something occurred to her.

"I'm sorry..." she said, "I never asked your name... You can call me Prili if you like!"

The woman thought about it for a moment before answering, "Agga. My friends call me Agga."

[notsoguiltykpop]

Disposable pt 9

Being friends with benefits with Min Yoongi can be complicated (at best) by itself. But when you accidentally tell your family (and his boss) that the two of you are dating, things get messy.

Angst, fluff, slight smut at times.

Yoongi x Reader

Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Warning: This part has some suggestive themes

Yoongi had no idea how he found himself following his boss and his boss’s assistant around a grocery store, yet there he was, doing just that. Namjoon was looking at the shopping list Seokjin had made them, and the two of them were currently bickering over what the difference between a cucumber and a zucchini was. They weren’t getting anywhere.

Jimin was in town…somewhere. He ran off the second they parked the car, saying something about cookies and disappearing. Namjoon had then told Yoongi that Jimin had a crush on the girl who worked in the bakery down the street, and Yoongi almost wished he had followed Jimin. It would have been awkward, but less so than spending time with his fake girlfriends older brother who was also his boss.

Yoongi still couldn’t believe you had abandoned him. His choices were go to into town with Namjoon, or go wander around in the woods with Jungkook. Sure, there was a trail, and yeah you and Taehyung were also going, but the idea of being in the woods with the man who currently looked like he wanted to murder him wasn’t appealing.

Yoongi decided that you could deal with Jungkooks never-ending questions and insinuations, and he would go with the less suspicious brother. So maybe he had abandoned you, but Yoongi still wasn’t happy with the situation. Seokjin, on the other hand, was thrilled when he heard Yoongi was going, trusting him with the shopping list.

“Namjoon’s an idiot when it comes to food. Hoseok will just buy whatever he wants. I can pretty much guarantee that Jimin will vanish, so I’m counting on you, Yoongi.”

It was a long list, and more responsibility than Yoongi would have preferred. Seokjin said he would have gone if he didn’t have work to do—he had gotten an urgent phone call and apparently had some people to fire. In all honesty, it would have been faster for Namjoon and Hoseok to find somewhere to sit and let Yoongi do the shopping, but Yoongi couldn’t think of a nice way to phrase it.

“This is a zucchini. That is a squash.” Hoseok sighed, and Namjoon shook his head.

“No, I’m pretty sure this is a cucumber. I think what you’re holding is, too.”

“A zucchini is a type of squash.” Yoongi tried not to sound too irritated. He was starting to think that Seokjin had lied about why he wasn’t there, and just didn’t want to put up with these two. “Namjoon, you’re holding a zucchini. Hoseok, you’ve got a cucumber.” The both blinked at him for a second before exchanging looks.

“You’re in charge of shopping.” Namjoon said. “We’ll just… follow you.”

By the time they were done shopping, Namjoon was sitting in the cart with Hoseok pushing him around. They got several dirty looks from the employees which Yoongi pretended not to see.

“Jimin just texted me asking what pastries everyone wants.” Namjoon announced as the cashier glared at him. “And he wants us to call the others and ask them.”

“Yoongi, why don’t you do that while I pay?” Hoseok suggested. “You’ve been glancing at your phone every two minutes for the last hour, I know you want to talk to her.”

Actually, Yoongi was hoping that someone—anyone—would call him and give him an excuse to leave. It certainly had not been because he wanted to hear the sound of your voice, or because maybe he was a little bit worried that he hadn’t heard anything from you for so long. It also wasn’t because your picture was still set as his lock screen—that would have been ridiculous.

“Sure, I’ll be right outside then…” Yoongi said, dialing your number quickly. He may or may not have known your number by heart.

“The number you have dialed currently unavailable…”

Yoongi frowned, hanging up. Had he dialed the wrong number? He scrolled down to your contact—you had changed the name to “Love of my life” in case someone saw who was calling, and he had avoided it ever since. When he got the same message, he scrolled down to Jungkook.

“The number you have dialed…”

“God damn it.” Yoongi said, hanging up once again. He wasn’t sure why he was so bothered, really. So you were out of range, big deal. It didn’t mean anything had happened. People survived without cellphones for years, right? But his mind wasn’t paying attention to reason for the time being.

“You okay?” Namjoon asked as he approached, no longer in the shopping cart and holding three bags in each hand.

“Yeah, just… Their phones are out of range.” He said, trying to shrug it off.

“They’re fine, don’t worry.” Namjoon gave him a reassuring smile and tried to pat him on the back.

Had he looked worried? That wasn’t good. Yoongi tried to fix his face into one of indifference. “I know.” He said, trying to convince himself. It really wasn’t something to freak out over, he knew that. So why did he have such a horrible feeling?

Your feet hurt, you were covered in mud, and Jungkook had just picked up a frog off the top of your head.

The problem with going anywhere with Kim Taehyung was that he had animal raider—particularly if that animal was in trouble. It had started out fine, the three of you chatting (and Jungkook asking endless questions about Yoongi) as you walked when you reached the half-way marker. This was where the trail turned around, and really, you were ready to be back at the house where (hopefully) Seokjin would save you from some of Jungkooks questions.

This was when Taehyung had frozen, holding a hand up for you and Jungkook to stop talking. “Did you hear that?” He asked, and you shook your head.

“Hear what?”

But instead of answering, Taehyung took off into the woods, following a sound that apparently only he could hear.  

“Kim Taehyung, get back here!” Jungkook called, but it was too late. You had already started off after Taehyung, and Jungkook wasn’t far behind.

“Where are you going?” You asked, trying to keep up. Taehyung just shushed you, holding a finger up to his lips as he stopped to listen again.

“This way.” And he was off again.

Ten minutes later, he found the source of the noise he was following. There was a drop off that lead down to a small stream—you had no idea where the trail was anymore. At the bottom of the small ravine, a small cat was curled up.

“You have got to be kidding me.” Jungkook said as Taehyung started climbing down. “How did you even hear that?” Looking closer, you could tell that the cat’s paw was injured. Taehyung lost his footing in a matter of seconds, dropping into the muddy water, somehow keeping his upper half dry. He didn’t seem particularly bothered as he scrambled over to the injured animal.

“Taehyung!” You climbed down after him without even thinking.

“Not you too!” Jungkook complained, reaching for you even though it was too late. You were not as lucky as Taehyung, somehow landing flat on your back in the stream. You sat up spluttering, you could feel mud seeping into your shoes, and Jungkook was there in an instant helping you to your feet. Of course he hadn’t fallen in the water.

“Taehyung, are you okay?” You asked. The man in question was currently cuddling the strange cat, kissing its mud-covered head.

“He must have fallen down here, and couldn’t go far with his paw so messed up…” Taehyung said, ignoring your question.

“Taehyung, this is ridiculous. Come on, you’re both covered in mud, we’re going back to the house.” Jungkook snapped.

“Not without him, we’re not going anywhere.” Taehyung said indignantly, starting to his feet. He wobbled dangerously for a moment, and Jungkook caught him before he plunged back into the creek.

“Don’t yell.” Taehyung said seriously to Jungkook. “But I think I twisted my ankle.”

There was no climbing out of the ravine with Taehyungs ankle in the state that it was in. Your phone had fallen in the water, Jungkooks was out of range, and Taehyung had forgotten his, so you couldn’t even call the others. Jungkook offered to give you a leg up so you could get back to the house, but you didn’t even know what direction to start walking in.

“We could just follow the stream.” Taehyung said into the cat’s fur. It seemed to have taken a liking to him quickly. “Eventually we’ll get to the lake, but there should be somewhere easier to climb out of along the way.”

This was how Jungook ended up carrying Taehyung on his back, and you carrying the cat. The three of you had stopped for a rest, sitting on some convenient rocks when a frog hopped onto the top of your head.

“What time do you think it is?” You asked, looking up through the trees at the sky.

“I don’t know… Two? Three?” Jungkook stretched, and you could hear the bones crack from where you were sitting. “Late enough that Seokjin probably thinks we’re dead.”

It had been hours since anyone had heard from you, and Yoongi had started chewing his nails. It was a habit he had quit years ago, but came back whenever he was stressed. Seokjin was in worse shape than he was, though, wringing his hands and pacing. Everyone had tried calling, even though it was apparent that it wouldn’t do any good. They had found Taehyungs phone sitting on his bed, however.

“Quit it, both of you.” Hoseok snapped from his place on the couch. “You’re making me nervous.”

“We should go look for them.” Seokjin decided.

“No, we should give them more time.” Namjoon argued. “They’ll be back. They probably just a little lost. They’ll be back.”

“How would they get lost?” Hoseok asked. “It’s pretty direct.”

There was silence for a while, until Yoongi realized he had chewed his nails so short there wasn’t anything left to bite. He hadn’t done that since he thought he was going to fail calculus in college. Great. “We should go look for them.” He echoed Seokjins words. He stood, about to leave whether Namjoon liked it or not when the backdoor into the kitchen opened.

Yoongi didn’t think twice about it when he pulled you close, didn’t mind that his clothes were going to be covered in mud, and forgot that he wasn’t supposed to care so much. In that moment, all that mattered was that you were safe.

“Are you okay?” He asked, and he felt you nod against his shoulder.

“Yoongi?” You said, pulling away slightly.

“Yeah?” He looked you in the eyes and saw the confusion in them. Then he remembered. None of this was real, and there was no reason for him to feel so relieved to see you.

“I’m all muddy.” You pulled further away, and he could see that it was true. He watched you toe off your shoes, but it didn’t help much—your socks were almost as dirty.

“What happened?” Seokjin asked looking from Taehyung, to Jungkook (who was supporting Taehyung) and the cat that was draped around Taehyungs shoulders.

“We took a… Detour.” Jungkook said dryly, shooting a glare at the man he was mostly holding up.

“Can we explain after we’re all clean again?” Taehyung asked, and Seokjin crossed his arms.

“You’d better have a very good explanation.” Jimin said. “Seokjin and Yoongi were about to go out looking for you they were so worried.”

“You weren’t?” Taehyung raised an eyebrow, and Jimin shrugged.

“I know you, Taehyung. I figured you ran off chasing a butterfly and got lost.”

“I wouldn’t do that!” Taehyung said indignantly.

“He’s right.” Jungkook sighed. “But a cat is a different story.”

Yoongi found himself following you up the stairs to your shared room. Not only did he have questions for you, but he needed to change his now-muddy shirt.

“Are you really okay?” He asked, watching shuffled through drawers for clothes. Seokjin had gotten you all towels to wash off your feet so you didn’t track dirt through the house, and your clean feet looked out of place compared to the rest of you.

“Yeah, we just went on an adventure, that’s all.” You said, walking over to the bathroom.

“Couldn’t one of you have called?” He had tried to call your phone not thirty minutes ago, and had gotten the same message as before.

“My phone fell in the stream with me.” You said, holding it up as proof. “It hasn’t turned on since. We were out of range, and then Jungkooks battery died.”

Yoongi nodded, deciding to drop the subject for the moment. As the initial relief wore off, it was quickly being replaced by irritation--not just at you, but at himself for worrying so much.

You were starting to think your hair was never going to come clean when it finally did. You were by no means someone who was disgusted by dirt, but there could be too much of a good thing. Once you were dressed, you found most of the others in the living room, Taehyung and Jungkook explaining in great detail everything that had happened. You sat on the couch next to Yoongi, curling into his side. It felt a little bit strange still, but you were getting more used to the whole “couple” thing with Yoongi—even if it was fake.

Yoongi seemed to tense when you walked in, and you noticed the look he gave you when you sat down. He wasn’t happy, but you didn’t see how that was your fault.

“Something wrong, babe?” You asked, and he shrugged. Apparently he was giving you the silent treatment.

“He’s mad because you scared him.” Jimin said helpfully, and Yoongi rolled his eyes.

“Who says I was worried?” He muttered. The conversation started back up shortly, and you nudged Yoongi to get his attention.

“Can I see you in the kitchen for a minute?” You asked quietly, taking his silence as a yes.

He followed you somewhat reluctantly, and as soon as you were out of eyesight you returned his glare.

“What’s with you?” You demanded, and he shrugged, leaning against the granite countertop.

“Nothing.” He said dismissively.

“Something.” You corrected, glancing around the corner to make sure no one was listening. “Now what is it? We’re supposed to look like a loving couple, remember?”

Yoongi bristled at this. “Oh, I’m sorry. You left me to deal with your brother and his weird friends all day, how dare I not be thrilled with you right now?”

You narrowed your eyes. You had had way too long of a day to come back to Yoongi angry with you over something that wasn’t your fault. “You think I wanted to get lost in the woods?” You jabbed a finger at him. “I can’t believe you. I disappear for hours and you’re mad because you had to spend time with Namjoon?”

“I wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for you.” Yoongi’s voice was getting louder, and you glanced once again over his shoulder down the hall.

“Keep it down, would you?” You hissed, grabbing his arm and pulling him toward the pantry.

“What are you even doing?” Yoongi snarled, ripping his hand away as you shoved him inside, following him and pulling the door shut.

“Trying to keep us from getting caught.” You said. “If you start yelling, we’re both done for.”

You heard Yoongi huff in annoyance, and you thought you saw him shift slightly in the dark. “I don’t even remember the last time I was locked in a closet with a girl.” He grumbled. His earlier anger seemed to have died down at least.

“I’m sure it was under very different circumstances.” You said dryly. “Now look. I know you’re not happy with the current situation, but could you at least act like you don’t mind me for tonight?”

Yoongi was about to answer when you heard voices from the other side of the door.

“I swear I heard her say they were going to the kitchen, did they sneak by us and go back upstairs?” Taehyungs voice asked, and you could hear other muffled voices respond.

“As long as we find them before dinner’s ready, I don’t really care.” It was Seokjin’s voice this time, significantly closer.

“Shit.” You whispered, as the doorknob to the pantry began to turn.

Yoongi had you pressed against the wall in an instant, lifting your leg up to wrap around him and mumbling a quick “trust me” in your ear before kissing you deeply. You could feel his fingers digging into your thigh, but not enough to hurt. You gasped out of sheer surprise as the door was flung open.

“Oh my god.” Seokjin said, before slamming the door shut again.

Yoongi pulled away from you. “Sorry.” He said, his voice a little rough.

“No, that was a good idea.” You said, trying to get control of your heartbeat again.

Yoonig stepped out of the pantry slowly, you sticking slightly behind him.

“That’s where we keep our food.” Seokjin complained. “Don’t do that in there.”

“Sorry.” Yoongi said once again, an only barely guilty grin on his face.

Dinner was uncomfortable to put it lightly. You weren’t sure what Namjoon had heard you were doing in the closet with Yoongi, but he wouldn’t look directly at either of you. It didn’t help anything that Seokjin kept complaining about it.

“Yoongi, I trusted you. Now you’re not allowed in the kitchen either. At least not with her.”

You were pretty sure Yoongi still wasn’t happy with you, but he at kept it showing to a minimum. Just when you finally thought you were going to escape to the safety of your room, Hoseok called after you and Yoongi.

“I told you not to break the bed. I meant it.”

Your face still felt hot when you closed the door behind yourself. Yoongi didn’t seem as bothered, falling down sideways on the bed, which creaked dangerously.

“Don’t do that!” You snapped, and Yoongi raised his eyebrows.

“What?” He asked innocently. “This?” He bounced again, and you shot him a glare.

“Someone’s going to hear.” You said, and Yoongi rolled his eyes.

“Whatever.” He stood from the bed, grabbing some fresh clothes from his side of the dresser. “I’m going to shower. You don’t mind, do you?”

You shook your head, trying to ignore the memories from earlier. He always had known exactly how to make you melt. You could still feel the phantom sensation of his lips against your own. Some time separated from him might do you some good.

You had all but forgoten about him when he returned, too busy reading a book curled up in a chair to notice him at first. It was unreasonable how good he looked with his still slightly damp hair and plain tshirt, and you purposefully looked away again quickly.

He sat down on the bed just as harshly, making it creak once again.

“Quit that!” You snapped, slamming your book shut.

“Quit what?” He asked, bouncing again.

“Stop making noise! Do you know what that probably sounds like?”

A horrible grin spread across Yoongi’s face, and he climbed up onto his knees on the bed. “Actually, that would sound more like this.” And he started bouncing to a rhythm. He was definitely still mad at you.

“What are you—“ You started, and he shrugged, not missing a beat.

“You said to look like a loving couple. Wouldn’t loving couples do this?”

“You are unbelievable.” You gasped, standing from your seat.

“It’s missing something, isn’t it?” Yoongi pretended to think for a moment.

“You wouldn’t.”

It was too late, though. Yoongi moaned, but it wasn’t convincing at all. It was high pitched and whiny, and you realized that he was supposed to sound like you.

“Oh, god, yes…” He said, then laughed.

“I do not sound like that!” You said indignantly.

Yoongi tilted his head to the side as though he were thinking about it, pausing for a fraction of a second. “Uh, yeah. You do.” He grinned at you again, starting back up, louder this time. “Oh, Yoongi, please—“

It was obvious he was beyond reason. You had no idea what had gotten into Yoongi, but you couldn’t let him continue. You tackled him, knocking him over sideways, landing on top of him nose-to-nose. “I told you to stop.” You said as he stared at you in surprise. A second later, the bed creaked one final time before something snapped, the frame giving out. The bed hit the floor with a thud and you screamed in surprise.

“We broke the bed.” You said after a second, still laying on top of Yoongi.

“You broke the bed.” Yoongi corrected, and you raised an eyebrow at him.

“This was entirely your fault.” You objected, but there was a knock on the door before Yoongi answered.

“Are you two dead?” It was Hoseoks voice, and you winced. “Because if not, you’re going to be. That was antique!”

A/N Fun fact about me, every time I go into the woods I lose the path and end up lost for hours. I went on a date in Dec. and we went hiking, somehow we lost the path and ended up wandering around the woods for like four hours more than we meant to. An then there was the time I was staying with my great aunt and got so lost in her woods that I ended up following a cat back to her house. Anyway! This chapter was a lot longer than the usual ones, I hope you enjoyed it! If you would like to know Hoseok and Jungkooks view of when the bed was broken, you can read it here. It’s not officially part of the story, but it might give some insight to what Jungkook thinks (or it might already be obvious). As always, thank you for reading, and let me know your thoughts/feelings! I love hearing from you guys!! <3 <3 <3 

[canelainnyc]

“What does it feel like being back home for the first time since you moved across the country?”

It wasn’t until the second day that I realized I felt the same way I did when I would visit my grandma in Los Angeles. Long weekends or holidays were always spent at my grandma’s and going back to my Tia Nancy’s room, to grab something from my suitcase was a daily routine. I didn’t have a room or space to call my own but didn’t mind sharing a room with a relative. I always loved the feeling of a packed house and something always cooking on the stove. I’ve been living out of a suitcase the past seven days and sharing a room with my 6-year-old nephew. No complaints at all. If anything, I’ve enjoyed every single minute. From picking him up from school, making sure he does his homework, calling dibs on the bottom bunk, to dancing/dabbing to Ugly God’s “Water” more times than I should be allowed to let him listen to that song.  

My mom’s hospitality is the same as my grandma’s—she’s been making every meal known to man and my cheeks are proof. She started off with tacos a la parrilla, then sopes, albondigas, caldo de res, ceviche, and soon to come a big ol’ pot of pozole. On Tuesday morning, my mother drove to the store to buy cold medicine because I woke up with THE worst fever known to man–ladies and gents, I’m 31 years old. I didn’t have much time to reflect on what was happening then, but now that I’m at the tail end of this wretched/welcome home-cold I’ve realized how much she’s missed me. God, I love that woman.

My father too, he’s been the one driving to the store and buying all of the ingredients for every meal and then some. God, I love these two.

“Were you nervous coming into town for the first time since your big move to NYC?”

If crying on the plane right before landing is any indication of nerves, then yes. Deep down I was nervous of feeling as though I would want to move back to California after seeing my family. The answer is pretty simple, I don’t want to move back. At least not anytime soon. I’ve enjoyed every waking moment these last seven days (minus the cold and fever), and look forward to the next seven days I will get to spend in SF for my new job’s training and then a few more days in Salinas after that. But I am without a doubt also looking forward to starting my two new jobs in Manhattan and going back to my Brooklyn studio.

“What have you done so far during your visit?”

·      Hiked my favorite trails—Point Lobos in Carmel and Badger Hills in the outskirts of Salinas

·      Reunited with old coworkers and loved hearing all about their new beginnings (SO many exciting new adventures!)

·      Enjoyed evenings with old friends in old town Salinas; “I couldn’t help but admire you four ladies the past couple hours and see how much you all share the sweetest camaraderie. I felt the need to come up and tell you. It just made my heart smile.”–sweet stranger lady at sushi restaurant 

·      Picked up my nephew from school almost every day since I’ve been here  

·      Shared a bag of Hot Cheetos with my nephew while sitting on my parents’ big ol’ trampoline

·      Had lunch with one of the greatest jefas (bosses) I’ll ever have

·      Every morning I’ve had breakfast and coffee with my mom and dad

·      Savoring every beautiful new day because the weather in California right now is my favorite

I have definitely missed a lot of people I love dearly who live in California, but I don’t regret making the move. Brooklyn, I’m only getting started.

p.s. here is why I love Point Lobos SO much (all taken by yours truly):