#ugh now just imagining flushed cheeks and being in a happy warm daze

[bonvoyagenoona]

Recently started following you and have seen your thots. I love them 🤤 I was wondering what you thought the members would order for mix drinks? I feel like their drink order would say a lot about them.

Sex on the beach? Bonus points if they wink when they say it 😉

Pina colada?

Jack and coke?

Hmmm....

THOTS 🤣 oh HELL yes, why didn't we call them that ugh that's great. Thanks so much for following, and so glad you enjoy them! Always fun to play around with them, and this one was super fun! Hope you like!

Namjoon: Green Beast

A drink is an experience. Namjoon is reflective and intentional with every move he makes. He likes to distill things down to their essence. He likes to put his own stamp on things. He likes to connect with nature. And, most of all, he likes to expand his mind. That’s why he likes the absinthe-based Green Beast, a newer cocktail that’s unique, yet simple, and fresh. He likes that you haven’t heard of it. C’mon. Try it. You’ll be convinced of his trailblazer status as soon as you take a sip.

Jin: Sazerac

A drink is a statement. Anything going down that gorgeous gullet better be vetted. He'd prefer a no-nonsense whiskey neat, but if we're talking mixed drinks, he'll get a Sazerac, which is really just a quirkier Old Fashioned. Classy, and spicy, but without making a big deal about it all. Fine, cue the jokes about Jin being an old man. But with age comes wisdom, and Jin knows exactly what he's doing when he sends you that wink as he takes a sip.

Yoongi: Negroni or Black Russian

A drink is a mere moment. But a moment that needs to be enjoyed and relished, nonetheless. Yoongi is all about balance, but that doesn’t mean he’ll show all his cards. He appreciates the Negroni's balance of bitter and sweet, sophistication and zest. He likes that the Black Russian makes him seem mysterious, while giving him caffeine to fuel late-night work on his next secret track. Like him, classic, secure, respected, and don't need to impress (though they always do).

Hobi: Vodka Sprite or Lemon Drop

A drink is a refreshment. Hobi loves himself some Sprite, so it makes sense that his drinks will have that lemon/lime flavor profile. He'll get a vodka Sprite when he's at the club. He'll get a lemon drop when he's somewhere that isn't a club, and it's up to him to make it a club. He likes that he doesn't just pass out after drinking them. They feed his optimism, his fun, his shine. So what if lemon drops get a bad rap? Hobi has more than enough good raps (and those sweet dance moves) to change the conversation.

Jimin: Champagne cocktails

A drink is a performance. If anybody in the group wins the award for Most Likely to Order a Sex on the Beach, it's definitely Jimin. But have you seen him down champagne? His cocktail obviously has to have champagne. He likes that cocktails let him show off. The classic Champagne cocktail gives him a maraschino cherry to tongue while he locks onto your gaze. Obviously, he's Jimin-ing tomorrow, so at late brunch, he'll get a mimiosa, or even better, a bellini (love that peach!), or even better, a French 75. Fancy, sweet, and bubbly, just like our Mochi.

Taehyung: Whiskey Sour

A drink is... oof, a lot. Tae doesn't drink much, but Blood, Sweat, and Tears has the word "whiskey" in it, so he'll go with it. He can't drink it straight; his sensitive palate isn't refined enough yet, so this is probably as far as he'll go. He likes how people smile fondly and gush at him when he orders them. They always double-check his ID, too. Sometimes they even laugh and ask, "Aww, really? That's precious." How nice! He likes being precious.

Jungkook: Pina Colada

A drink is a treat! Sweet, creamy, cute, and fun. This drink describes Jungkook in a nutshell. (I'll let you decide what I mean by "creamy".) Not only does he enjoy this fruity favorite, but he'll rip the pineapple apart with his bare hands to make it.

He doesn't sweat the small stuff (like needing a knife to cut that pineapple), and he inspires smiles and joy in everything that he does. The golden maknae can enjoy this while watching that golden sunset at the end of the day.

More Important Questions

[sanders-sides-fics]

Fated Chapter 4

It’s a Christmas miracle that I finally finished this chapter!! Sorry for the long wait, there was a section in this that I struggled with. Thank you to my wonderful betas @wickedlybored and @why-should-i-tell-youu2  for helping me with this chapter!! <3

Warnings: Deceit mentions, Betrayal, Panic attacks, Paranoia, Drugging(sort of?), Abandonment, Kidnapping. Let me know if I missed anything!

AO3

Fated Masterlist

The two continued their journey, the clearing now far behind them. Virgil held onto Roman as they rode on, allowing his head to rest on Roman’s shoulder. The crown Roman crafted for him still sat on top of his dark brown hair.

Virgil couldn’t deny how he felt safer around Roman than he had upon their meeting the day before. When they met, Virgil’s intentions were to rob Roman and run off before Roman could recover. Now, Virgil might dare admit he wouldn’t run away the moment the string disappeared. Virgil couldn’t fully comprehend why but he didn’t want to leave.

The safety that came with their companionship played a part, Virgil was sure of it, but he knew there was more to it. Roman made Virgil feel good, in a way Virgil hadn’t in years. The last time he could recall feeling such a way was the last time he’d spent the afternoon curled into a leather chair, reading about a knight finding his happy ending. Shortly after that, Virgil was thrown into a world of meeting suitors and manner classes, ensuring he’d behave perfectly when his father shipped him off to wed.

Coincidentally, it was stories like that of the knight’s that made Virgil run away when faced with his unwanted fiancée. After years of trying to accept the future planned for him, Virgil couldn’t take his mind from the knight’s persistence to make his own future as captain of the guard rather than accept his role as the last son of an unimportant lord.

The story filled him with a hope that things would work out for him, that he too could reach happiness in his life. If Roman was able to make him feel this way as well . . . Virgil knew he needed to stay and find out why.

~

Virgil noticed something was off when they entered the woods. He’d spent a year living in an area like this and it was never this quiet. It could be nothing, but he couldn’t shake the strange feeling that settled over him. It was early afternoon, at this point in the day there should be squirrels scavenging for food and birds chirping, not silence.

There were many things this could mean. A storm was the first, though the sky was clear. After storms, the most likely thing was danger. Virgil shifted nervously and glanced around. There was nothing wrong at first glance. He knew it couldn’t be the fae, they dwelled farther away. Roman wouldn’t have taken them so close to the fae.

Still, the woods held more dangers than just the fae. Virgil needed to figure it out before whatever lurked found and attacked them.

What scared Virgil the most out of the possible dangers were trolls. He prayed to the gods that one wasn’t after them. Virgil never came across such a beast before but knew of their monstrous strength and unquenchable hunger.

Desmond was to thank for this knowledge. In their childhood, Desmond always told him about the trolls that lurked outside their castle walls, waiting for little princes to leave so the trolls could feast on them.

“Don’t worry, Virgil. You’re too little for it to take long.”

Virgil shivered at the memory. He now knew it wasn’t true, but it didn’t stop his fear of trolls. Whenever he left the castle as a child, he’d look around nervously for trolls. Even the night he fled, Virgil couldn’t shake the fear of a troll attacking him.

It was true that his brother told countless lies, to everyone except their father, but Virgil didn’t doubt trolls were dangerous. He couldn’t. Not after the time Desmond’s patrol squad returned with only half its men, and those that did return were battered and bloody, Desmond included. The scar marring half of his brother’s face proved how dangerous the trolls were.

If one was following Virgil now . . . he was going to die.

He didn’t want to die!

Virgil tightened his arms around Roman’s waist, craving comfort as his panic took over. Roman was there. It made him feel a bit safer until he realized what it meant. Roman would try to take on the troll to defend Virgil! Roman would die horribly at the troll’s hand for the sake of “true love”. Virgil closed his eyes and pressed his face into Roman’s back, trying to block out the image of Roman’s mutilated corpse from his head.

By the gods . . . It would be his fault.

Virgil felt sick. He didn’t want to see it. Virgil tried not to imagine Roman’s screams as the troll ripped him in two. Would it eat him, or just abandon his corpse to kill Virgil? His stomach leaped and he swallowed thickly.

“Are you alright?”

Roman. Roman was there. He was going to die. Virgil’s fault.

HIS FAULT! HIS FAULT! HIS FAULT!

“N-No,” Virgil forced out.

Roman stopped the horse and looked back.

He stopped.

They were going to die. A troll could find them at any moment. Virgil’s breathing heightened and his head snapped up, looking around for trouble. He couldn’t see anything yet, but it wouldn’t be long. Some horrible thing would come out and kill them. Virgil was sure.

He couldn’t breathe. Virgil pulled at his cloak to loosen it. To just – get it off! They needed to move, get away before the troll caught up. Virgil didn’t want to die! Tears blurred his vision.

A hand caressed his cheek, “I’m right here. We’re okay. We’re safe.”

The touch was grounding. The hand was callused and rough, yet gently held his face. Virgil met eyes with its owner. Roman offered a small smile and dropped his hand from Virgil’s cheek. It was then Virgil remembered Roman’s training. Roman was trained to fight dangerous beasts. He wouldn’t have gone out alone if he wasn’t capable of self-defense. They might be okay.

“Just breathe for me. In and out. In, now out.”

Virgil followed Roman’s guide as he breathed. Within a few repetitions, Virgil felt calmer and smiled up at Roman, grateful for the help.

“Do you feel better?” Roman asked. “If you need, we can take a break.”

Virgil’s face flushed with embarrassment as he shook his head. He got so worked up over nothing at all. There were no trolls around. The beasts were too loud to get close without being heard.

“I’m fine now,” Virgil assured.

He didn’t want to stop. The sooner they moved again, the sooner he could shake the feeling of unease that lingered once his panic subsided.

“If you’re sure. Do you want to talk about it?”

Virgil shook his head again. Roman nodded and turned, so they could continue their journey. Virgil leaned forward, resting his head on Roman’s back. He didn’t want to admit it, but his panic had left him feeling drained. He closed his eyes and allowed himself to drift off.

~

Virgil stirred as the horse came to a stop. He assumed they arrived at Roman’s castle and nuzzled further into Roman. Virgil didn’t want to get up yet. Roman was warm and Virgil felt strangely at ease. There was shouting, but it sounded distant. Virgil couldn’t make it out in his half-sleep daze, nor did he care too.

Arrival at Roman’s castle meant they were safe. He could afford to relax. No one would harm them. He just felt so tired, he was sure Roman was fine with him resting a while longer. Virgil could meet the Kings once he’d rested.

Virgil woke up as a harsh grip yanked him back, away from the warmth he’d been sleeping against. His stomach lurched and he felt strange. Wind whipped past him, chilling his thin frame and deafening his ears to all other sounds. He felt a pop in his left shoulder and a searing pain ripped through him. Virgil let out a cry and tried to curl around his injured arm. He couldn’t. Why did his arm feel like it was being pulled?

“Virgil!”

Said prince opened his eyes to discover he was dangling midair, a young man in a brown cloak gripping him by the arm. Virgil tried to pull away, but his arm wouldn’t move. His attempt only sent another wave of pain through him. He bit his lip to prevent himself from screaming.

“It wore out already?” the young man tsked. “Well, I’ll remedy that once I’ve dealt with him.”

The young man hefted Virgil onto his shoulder as they landed on a thick branch, high above the ground. Virgil kicked at the man to escape, without any success. The only response he got was an amused laugh. Virgil tried to hit the man but found himself still unable to move his left arm. Pain seared through his shoulder as he tried to move it again.

No no no no no!

“Roman!” Virgil screamed.

All Virgil could think of was falling. He’d die. It didn’t matter what the man’s intentions were, collecting a bounty for his capture, or mere robbery. Virgil was going to die. Tears swarmed Virgil’s vision with the realization. A troll wouldn’t kill him, but this man would.

“Ugh, seriously, you need to relax,” the man groaned.

The man flicked his wrist and the same strange sensation as before washed over Virgil. His eyes drooped and his limbs went slack. He felt relaxed, safe. There was something he was worried about, but he couldn’t recall it now. Virgil was sure he’d been sleeping before. He still felt tired, it couldn’t hurt to sleep again.

“Release him!”

Roman?

Virgil shook his head to fight off sleep. The sensation remained but faded enough for Virgil to focus. He spotted Roman on the ground, his eyes widening when he realized how far up he was. His captor had him too high off the ground for Virgil to safely jump and Virgil couldn’t climb down. He let out a whimper as he tried to move his arm again.

“I don’t think that’s wise, your highness,” Virgil’s captor spoke smugly. “Although, if you insist . . .”

Virgil’s eyes went wide as his captor grabbed him by his cloak and dangled him over the edge of the tree branch. The grip slowly began to loosen as Virgil swung in the wind. Virgil’s head whipped around and he stared at the man in fear, trying to force himself to speak. To beg. Whatever he needed to do to not be dropped to his death.

Roman shouted, “No! No, please!”

Virgil’s eyes met Roman’s as the latter pleaded with Virgil’s captor. Roman looked horrified as Virgil shook as another gust of wind passed. Virgil knew he had to look just as horrified.

“Well, since you asked so nicely,” Virgil’s captor brought him back onto the branch.

This time he held Virgil close to him, putting extra pressure on Virgil’s injured arm. Virgil let out a cry as his captor pressed down on his left shoulder. The pain was too much to process. His knees shook. The only thing preventing him from falling was his captor, a thought that didn’t help to ease Virgil’s panic.

Virgil forced himself to breathe. He needed to escape, but how?

“What do you want?” Virgil forced out through gritted teeth.

“Someone’s put a nice bounty on your head,” the captor explained. “And, hun, I intend on collecting it.”

Virgil paled. His captor intended to take him back to his father. Virgil’s body involuntarily shook at the thought of the older man.

“How much?” Roman inquired from his spot on the ground. “Whatever it is, my fathers will double it.”

Virgil’s captor laughed, “You’re cute, but that won’t work.”

His captor appeared distracted but kept a tight hold on Virgil, making the prince unable to escape if he tried to pull away. Whoever the young man was, he knew what he was doing. Virgil could only watch as Roman stared up from the ground.

Virgil looked to the fate string that connected him to Roman. The string hung limply in the air, informing Virgil that whatever the outcome of the situation, fate would force Roman and Virgil to make their own actions.

“Take him,” Roman called up to Virgil’s captor.

Virgil’s eyes widened as he processed Roman’s words. Roman, who promised to protect him, was allowing for this man to take him without putting up a fight. Virgil was right not to trust Roman before. Roman didn’t care about him. Roman wanted a perfect story with his Fated and Virgil couldn’t provide that. There was no reason for Roman to help him.

Virgil bit his lip to stifle back a sob as Roman turned away from the tree and began to return to his horse.

[that1normalkidd]

Monsters Don’t Need Hearts Chapter 6

Hi guys! It’s me again. .3. Here’s Chapter 6 of my little story. I won’t be able to upload for the next couple of days since I have work but I will upload chapter 7 as soon as I can! <3

----

I couldn't bring myself to look at him the same way I did a year ago.

Everything about him seemed to excite me, despite our less than friendly conversation which had taken place a week ago exactly.

His ever so sultry voice which had just the right hint of huskiness to its deep tone. 

The image of seeing his shirtless frame never ceased to give my mind any sort of momentary peace. He wasn't buff to the extent of his brother but it still excited me at the very thought. Those toned forearms paired with a slender torso engraved with faint abs. Thinking of it made an unsettling heat rush to my face, flushing my cheeks to a harsh pink.

The sound of construction quickly broke me free of my seemingly dazed state.

I let out a tired sigh as I looked for the sense of the racket which was most likely coming from outside.

It was strange how Earth was looking more and more like Asgard with every day that passed. With Loki successfully having settled on agreements with the 8 realms the rebuilding of New York along with the rest of the world had began. To keep the construction going steady he had installed worker groups all along the world, each worker being paid a sum which equaled the amount of work put forth. The money itself came from the 8 realms which in return were given imports which they were in short supply of.

In other words everything in the world was going as Loki had planned, with scouts on every corner of the globe they reported their findings using magic. This system kept him informed constantly of any sort of rebellion and which areas needed more funds being funneled to them.

People had seemed to become to fond of the mischief god, no longer harboring the fierce hate which they did when we were first 'enslaved'.  In actuality we were all more free than we ever were. When the laws Loki had installed were broken of course there were repercussions but most never felt obliged to do anything to violate them.

"Everyone looks so happy..." I whispered to myself, tracing the golden accents embroidered into the sleeves of an elegant emerald green dress Loki demanded I wear every day. The top with a plunging neckline which teased the looker with a infinitesimal taste of cleavage, leaving the rest of the mind to wonder what else was underneath. It could easily spark ones curiosity and imagination.

Though the only eyes I ever wanted give me a glance hadn't looked my way for the past week, leaving me to wonder what to do.

My chambers were one of the more spacious ones, the decorations and colors picked out by Loki himself. The walls were covered with a navy blue with a thick white line providing a border along the ceiling. A soft luscious carpet colored the white of a sheep's wool blanketed my feet with every step I took.

Exhausted from my daily duties of scrubbing the throne room and organizing the castle library I threw myself onto my bed, nearly succumbing to sleep.

He was still all I could think of. 

The possibility of feeling the tender touch of those slender fingers, gentle kisses grazing along my (S/C) skin.

"I would never have any sort of affection for... a weak human"

I wanted to believe I that I was anything but weak but compared to his kind and every other race which existed within the universe we were rather low on the spectrum. Even within our own I had no fighting skills nor did I have any other sort of 'special skill'. What beauty did I possess that the other young servants didn't?

"Ugh..I don't ever want to feel like this again." I muttered, forcing myself to sit up and glance around the various paintings which hung on the wall.

"My kitten."

This has to be some sort of spell...it has to be.

"I have to do something, maybe that'll get my mind off of him. Alex is asleep so hanging out with her is out of the picture."

I forced myself out of bed and headed towards the lavish door which sealed me away from the commotion taking place in the castle corridors. My eyes met with a woman who looked to be about a year or two younger than me.

She quickly withdrew her hand from the door and averted her gaze from my own. causing me to smile.

"K-King Loki wishes to speak with you in the throne room."

The softness of her voice was comforting though I could tell she wasn't used to talking to people.

I gave her a nod in response and rested my hand on her shoulder, assuring her that i meant no harm.

"Alright. No need to be nervous. Trust me, I'm one of the nicer ones."

The young girl smiled at me and nodded, taking her leave.

Once I found myself alone anxiety quickly took hold of me, making my walk to the throne room that much more difficult.

What was it that he wanted now?

He hadn't spoken to me since the banquet and even then it didn't end on the best terms.

The throne room was blocked off by 2 massive golden doors engraved with ancient Asgardian lore and stories, behind it was a spacious room which was accented by a grand throne adorned with curled horns. In it sat the god whom I had come to realize that I had feelings for.

He sat with his body resting on the right side of the arm rest, his right hand finding rest beneath his chin.

"Hello kitten."

That voice...

My knees threatened to buckle at the  sound of it but I held fast.

The doors shut themselves behind me as I took a few steps towards him, fiddling with my fingers to keep me calm.

"Yes? Why is it that you suddenly want to talk to me? You seemed pretty annoyed the last time we chatted."

I spat, trying to keep venom in each word I spoke.

But of course Loki saw right threw it.

Setting his scepter down against the throne's right side the raven haired beauty stood to his feet and walked towards me.

I tensed up in fear of being harmed but quickly relaxed as I watched him instead hold out his hand.

What?

"Dance with me kitten."

A double take was in order as my mind refused to actually believe he was saying any of this.

"Loki are you feeling ill?" Worried I strode up to him, placing the back of my right hand against his forehead. His skin was just as cold as I presumed it would be but, it wasn't unbearable. Rather with the usually warm atmosphere it felt wonderful.

He let out an amused chuckle and took my hand in his own, resting his ever thin lips upon it before meeting my gaze.

"I can assure you that I am well. I simply wish for you to dance with me."

A shimmer of green engulfed the room, transforming it into a grand ball room. An orchestra played on our left while elegant chandeliers swayed gently above, lightning up the room in it's entirety.

The beauty of it all took my breathe away though I knew it was all a simple illusion. Either way it gave my troubled mind a chance to rest, taking in the vivid colors and beautiful symphony which surrounded he and I.

"Well," I started, setting my fingers against the palm of his hand. " I suppose a dance wouldn't hurt."

His skin was cold to the touch, fitting his ever changing personality but it didn't turn me away it instead lured me in. I wished to feel more of him against me, to feel the beating of his cold heart provided the frost giant even had one.

Loki seemed more then pleased at my answer and so snaked one of his arms around my waist, the other taking hold of my only free hand. The coldness the metal embedded into his signature robe causing my nipples to harden ever so slightly beneath the thin fabric which covered me. 

Our fingers intertwined as we began to waltz to the music, everything else no longer seeming to matter. Not the diplomatic plans, not even saving my friends.

I'm such a terrible person.

This moment was beyond perfect, the only noise being the music and our feet tapping against the golden floor beneath us.

Looking into his eyes I saw a vulnerability that I had never seen before. Dozens of emotions dancing throughout those cold blue orbs. Pain, loss, even a sliver of happiness.

"Where did you learn to dance?" I asked, curiosity poking at me.

Loki gave me a spin before pulling me to his chest once more.

I could hear it, the faintness of his beating heart.

So he did have one. 

"I may not seem like it kitten but I know many things that would surprise you."

"Is that so?"

"It is."

Was I wrong for wanting this moment to never end? Was it selfish of me to pray for such a thing? Possibly.

It was his presence that brought me a sense of comfort and warmth. The feeling of us being so close and his breathe tickling the tip of my nose. I had dreamt of a moment such as this, knowing well that it would never happen again seeing as the trickster god rarely seemed to be so happy.

Loki was never one for apologizing, I had learned that from our last encounter. But maybe this was him saying sorry. His silence and embrace being the only way he ever knew how to do so.

We danced for what seemed like hours when I knew it was only a few minutes. Soon it came to an end leaving me staring into those eyes which I had come to be so drawn to. Our lips only inches from one another.

Kiss him.

I quickly shook the thought from my mind though it was more than tempting. 

A smirk formed on his lips, the grand scene fading away back into the throne room which Loki had called his own. I immediately missed the music and extravagant lights which were present only a few moments ago.

"Tonight before I sleep a servant will be sent to your chambers to request that you come read to me."

This again.

I couldn't bring myself to complain though. I longed to see him shirtless again. Was that wrong?

I smiled at his demand, slipping myself out of his embrace and making my escape for the door.

"Of course, my king."

----

That’s the end of Chapter 6! Once again there won’t be an upload for the next couple of days but I will upload the next chapter when I get the chance!

Bye lovelies! <3

[bouncyirwin]

Spilled Coffee || KakaSaku

This is a bit late @do-you-even-kakashi but here is your little gift. I hope you like it. Happy birthday 😚💖

————–

Sakura Haruno hummed quietly to herself as she waited in line for her coffee, foot tapping out a rhythm on the floor.

It was a good day, summer was coming to an end and the weather was a pleasant mix of sunny and cool. She finally was on a break from uni and being out in a crowd and seeing people was a nice change of scenery after being holed up in her apartment studying day and night for the past three months. The fact that she graduates after one more year was a bonus.

Of course, the good day couldn’t possibly last.

“Well if that isn’t Sakura!” The sound of her name made her look up, and oh boy, she wished she didn’t.

Walking her way was a couple she was all too familiar with. A dark haired man with black mysterious eyes and a lean strong build known as Sasuke Uchiha. Also known as her ex-boyfriend. He had his arm wrapped around a redhead’s waist. Karin Uzumaki, the name came to her without much struggle. The woman was a famous actress and a gorgeous one too.

She didn’t hate Karin, not really. It wasn’t her fault Sasuke was a cheating bastard. But she couldn’t help but resent her a little for ruining her perfect image of said man. Of course, that all was years ago, when they were still in high school.

Now, three years later, Sasuke was still with Karin. What was it that Sakura lacked, exactly? The rosette couldn’t help but wonder as she studied the approaching couple.

They were now within greeting distance and she steeled her nerves. It wouldn’t do to let him know he still had a small effect on her. “Oh, is that you Sasuke? Wow, it’s been so long!” Wish it’d been longer.

He smirked easily, guiding the redhead into line. “It has indeed. I haven’t seen you since graduation.”

Sakura hummed, mentally preparing herself for an emotionally exhausting conversation. She wondered iff she could somehow escape as soon as she got her coffee, and wished the workers would hurry up. “well, you know how life works. I’ve been busy.”

He nodded in agreement, with that same familiar smirk she once liked. Ugh, puke. “Hmm, I know. What are you studying?”

Sakura could help but smirk, she worked damn hard to get into a good university and she was proud of herself and her achievements, “medicine. Almost done with it… you?”

Sasuke shrugged nonchalantly, but there was a slight stiffening along his shoulder line, “finished law school and went back to playing football.”

Yikes, the last thing anyone wanted was for Sasuke to be a cop. That spoke of disaster.

“Yeah, maybe stick with football.” She agreed, moving to accept her drink with a barely concealed sigh of relief. “Well, I should get going, I have an appointment. Nice catching up with you.”

She was about to leave— scramble the hell out of there because his presence brought back really unpleasant memories of an insecure past-self she wished to banish— when Karin’s voice caught her attention, “go on. Invite her.”

Sakura reluctantly turned back to face the couple with a curious eyebrow raise, “invite me to what?”

“Our wedding. It’s next week.”

Sakura froze, and she had to make a conscious effort not to look like she walked into a solid brick wall. Wedding? …wedding!?

That little bastard— piece of fucking trash— asshole— little fucking— “oh. Oh, congratulations you guys!”

Her voice came out a little strained and she winced. Ugh, way to show him I’m over him.

“It would be lovely if you’d attend.” Karin said, smiling in that same pretty way she did on camera. Ugh…. “bring along a date too.”

“Um,” Sakura was a breath away from declining, claiming she needed to be on the other side of the country because she sure felt like it at that moment but then she caught sight of Sasuke’s challenging gaze and wow, fuck him, fuck that asshole, I’ll show him, “sure. I’ll be there. Just text me the details.”

She finally waved and hurried out of Starbucks. Once outside, she paused to take a deep breath and violently swear in her mind for agreeing. She was already regretting her decision— She didn’t even have a date! She’d rather die than show to his wedding with a dating. I’m a fuckin’ idiot.

“Hey, watch out!” She didn’t think this day could get worse but lo and behold, a man on a bicycle was hurtling towards her at insane speed and she barely had time to jump out of the way and avoid an early death.

Her coffee slipped out of her hold, splashing both her and nearby passerby’s pants and Sakura fell backwards, and it all seemed to happen in slow motion, much to her horror. She shut her eyes tightly, waiting for the shocking impact.

Firm arms however, caught her just in time and she and another person went crashing into the ground. Her back met something firm and warm, knocking the breath out of her and something sharp dragged across her palm causing her to she wince. She was only dimly aware of the feeling of a warm liquid trickling down her hand.

She looked down dazedly to see a piece of glass sticking out of her hand and gasped, a pained cry echoing from her throat.

“Hey— hey, are you okay?” A quiet voice rasped worriedly from behind her and she slowly turned to come face to face with…

She gasped again, and not in pain. The man holding her was Kakashi Hatake. One of her favorite authors of all time. Oh hell, apparently this day could get worse.

“I-I…” she stuttered, biting her lip to stop from letting out a pained sound. Her palm was pulsing and throbbing like there was no tomorrow and much to her displeasure, it was staining her clothes.

His dark irises slid to her palm then and they widened slightly, “damn,” he breathed reaching to carefully hold her palm up to inspect, “hey that looks pretty serious. Come on, you should go to the hospital.”

The pain had numbed her brain and she was barely aware of him lifting her up to her feet. “H-hospital?” His words suddenly registered in her mind. “W-wait, it’s fine. I'm— I’m a med student.”

He stared at her, somewhat surprised. “Med student?”

She nodded in confirmation, staggering out of his hold. She needed to get out of there, take care of her hand and hate Sasuke’s gut for the entirety of next week. And speaking of that bastard, the last thing she needed was for him to walk out and see her in her miserable state, hot coffee soaking her coat and blood dripping from her hand. “I’ll just go home.”

Kakashi eyed her disbelievingly for a few seconds before sighing in acceptance, “come on, I’ll drop you.”

She stared at him, speechless. He was even nicer than she expected, and he looked even better in reality. She’d only ever seen him on TV doing interviews about his new books. The scar running down his left eye looked even deeper face to face. She wondered how he could still use his eye… okay, she was drifting off topic here and he was now staring expectantly at her.

“Y-you don’t need to…” she stammered, embarrassed at having zoned out. “It’s a two block walk.”

He snorted and completely ignored her. He boldly wrapped and arm around her waist and began to guide her away, “don’t be silly, you’re leaking blood everywhere. I can’t leave you like this.”

Her mind was grumbling about how troublesome he was being but who was she even kidding, she definitely wanted this man’s company for a little while longer.

Kakashi walked her to his car, a shiny black thing that was rather enchantinh. She had no idea what kind it was, she really wasn’t into cars. But it looked nice, and the seats felt even nicer. She gave him the directions in a daze, her eyes roaming his side profile, mapping every detail.

His hair was darker than it looked on TV. In every interview she watched it was almost white, but looking at it now, it was a platinum shade that really complimented his pale complexion.

Faint freckles dotted his nose and cheeks and why wasn’t he a model, anyway?

Sakura stumbled her way out of the car when Kakashi parked outside her building and to her doorstep, aware of said man following her, looking ready to catch her if she fell.

They made it up the six flights of stairs and she fumbled for her keys until they unlocked her door, her fingers now shaking in pain.

She faintly remembered her manners and she turned to him as she hurried towards the kitchen, “make yourself at home!”

Once inside the familiar walls of her kitchen, she retrieved her first aid kit and got to work, grunting in pain as she extracted the glass shard from her skin.

He showed up just as she drenched her hand in antiseptic. They both winced.

The silver-haired man moved to inspect her work. “Will it need stitches?” He asked curiously, a hint of worry in his tone.

Sakura shook her head. “No, I just need to wrap it up.”

He nodded and watched her work. A few moments passed before he broke the silence, and sounded a little awed. “I didn’t imagine you were a doctor, what with the pink hair.”

She felt her cheeks flush slightly but didn’t look up from her injured hand as she wrapped it up, “it’s just pink hair, it doesn’t impair my ability to learn.”

He nodded absently. “Well it’s nice that you can take care of your injuries by yourself. I wish I could. I hate hospitals”

Her mouth quirked up and she comforted him, “I don’t do this often. I rarely get injured, but today’s just a bad day it seems.”

“Something happened?” He wondered, and when she raised her eyebrow, amended, “other than this I mean.”

Sakura sighed dejectedly and got into explaining her morning. “I ran into my cheating ex-boyfriend and his fiancé. He invited me to his wedding. And I don’t have a date. I really shouldn’t have accepted.”

“Then why did you?” Kakashi arched a questioning eyebrow and she was momentarily distracted by how attractive that simple action was.

“Because… I don’t want him to think I’m not over him or something.” She muttered embarrassedly and got up. “I’m going to change,” she announced, looking down at her coffee stained clothes. “There’s tea and coffee in the second cabinet, cups in the third, help yourself.”

As she hurried to her bedroom, it occurred to her that Kakashi was a stranger—an incredibly attractive one at that—and yjag it was unwise to have strangers go through your belongings unsupervised but somehow, she didn’t mind that much. Besides the fact that she desperately wanted to jump him, the man was a living breathing legend. His books were bestseller worldwide. She doubted anyone could call themselves a thriller fan and not know who Kakashi Hatake was.

His books were turned into movies, and he even acted in one of them. It was almost disorienting being in the presence of someone so great and successful.

She made a quick work of shedding her clothes and replacing them with a clean red dress that reached her knees.

When she made it back to the kitchen, she found him by the kettle heating some water, back facing her. The sight of his muscled shoulders was definitely distracting. She could almost see every detail, every dip and corner of his beautifully contoured body beneath his tight shirt.

He turned and smiled almost sheepishly at her when he noticed her there. Ridiculously, her stomach knotted.

He pointed at a blue book on top of her microwave as he stated. “You read my work.”

She wondered why he looked surprised. Most people read his work. “Yes. I love your work.”

He grinned in that way she was sure gave a few females a heart attack along the way. What with his sharp canines and dimple, “what’s your favorite?”

“Um,” she paused, going over her mental list of every book of his that she read. It really was hard to pick a favorite, “I really liked House of Crows… Will Of Fire too.”

“Ah,” he said, almost delighted, “my old work.”

“I like your recents too,” she assured, “especially Icha Icha, I didn’t think you’d ever write romance.”

“How badly did I fail?” He joked easily, turning to pour water in his tea cup.

“Oh hush,” she rolled her eyes. Silly man, it was a bestseller. “It’s awesome. I’m glad someone is continuing Jiraiya’s work. It was really unfortunate he quit.”

Kakashi shrugged and admitted, “he asked me to continue his work— his wife isn’t too fond of his more… lewd literature.”

Sakura snorted and moved to get herself a cup and a teabag, “too bad. But hey, you made them even better so I ain’t complaining.”

Kakashi smiled as he took a sip of his tea, “honestly I’m facing somewhat of a writer’s block lately. Everyone is demanding a new Icha Icha book but I’m not very inspired. I hate repetition. I want to write something different.”

Sakura poured herself tea and turned to regard the incredibly sexy man in her kitchen. How desperate is she that she almost entertained the thought of him having her on the table… “take your time. A good book is a well-thought out one.”

He hummed thoughtfully. He then started, “oh, wow, I didn’t get your name?”

Sakura couldn’t help but laugh, “right, it’s Sakura.”

“I’m Kakashi… as you already know.” He said with a slight awkwardness that was really funny coming from a man who’d written and published erotic novels.

He was slowly proving to her he wasn’t all what he showed in interviews. He always looked so self-assured and confident. And yet, here he was in her kitchen, smiling almost bashfully at her.

“Let’s make a deal.” He suddenly said, almost seeming like he’d gathered his thoughts. “If you let me… base my next character on you— forgive me but you’re just terribly intriguing— I’ll… accompany you to your ex’s wedding.”

Sakura nearly dropped her tea cup. Her mouth fell open and she stared at him in astonishment.

He hastily began to apologise, thinking he’d offended her but she quickly interrupted him, “you’d do that? You’d be my date if I just let you base your character on me?”

Kakashi paused, eyes wide in surprise, probably at her acceptance of the idea, “well, yeah… it’s a big deal to me. Just like your ex’s wedding is a big deal to you.”

“Nice.” She grinned and hopped onto the counter, excitedly, “please feel free to then. I expect a nice male protagonist.” Preferably you.

Kakashi threw his head back and laughed. “You got it.”

//

The next week blurred by, and Sakura saw Kakashi every day. A sudden bout of inspiration appeared to have hit him and he started spending more and more time with her, claiming that talking to her is keeping his inspiration running.

She really didn’t mind, he had a brilliant mind and she immensely enjoyed bantering with him. In that single week they seemed to have built something like a friendship with the undertones of sexual tension.

Sakura tried to convince herself that only she was aware of that tension because there was no question when it came to wanting to jump his bones but hey, you can’t blame her, he was a really attractive man. However, she could’ve sworn she’d sometimes catch him staring at her mouth like he might lunge over the table and kiss her. She surely wouldn’t have minded.

She held onto his arm as they walked into the reception. It was packed and overflowing with people dancing and drinking themselves into a stupor. Strangely, it didn’t feel as bad to be there anymore, especially with the company of someone like Kakashi.

She led him to where Sasuke and Karin were greeting people.

They both stared at the silver-haired man next to her, looking almost gobsmacked as she introduced him as her date. “Sasuke, Karin, this is Kakashi. Kakashi, these are Sasuke and Karin.”

Kakashi nodded politely, a small charming smile tilting the corner of his mouth, “congratulations. I wish you happiness in your marriage.”

They continued to stare until the silver-haired man quirked an amused eyebrow.

“A-ah, forgive me but… are you Kakashi Hatake?” Sasuke asked, eyes drifting between Sakura and the tall man holding her.

“The one and only.” Kakashi winked and Sakura had to admit he surely could charm about anyone. “I’ll see you two around, yeah? It was nice meeting you. Come on Sakura, I’ve been dying to try that strawberry tart.”

Sakura giggled, following him away. She gave him a thumbs up when out of the newly wedded couple’s view. “That was perfect. I can’t thank you enough.”

“You sure you don’t want to make out where they can see for the final touch?” He teased lightly, but something in his eyes told her he wasn’t entirely joking.

Her heart pounded. It was moments like this that convinced her the silver-haired man found her attractive, too. “That would make a terribly convenient Icha Icha scene wouldn’t it?” She raised a challenging eyebrow despite the heat pooling in her belly.

Kakashi paused and now they were at the edges of the room, next to a pillar and was it just her or was Kakashi backing her into a corner? “Hmm,” he hummed contemplatively. “It depends on whether I would have to drag you back to the car and peel this lovely dress off.”

His voice dropped to a smokey whisper and her breath hitched. She hadn’t realised how badly she wanted him until she could practically feel the heat radiating off his body. His hands landed on her hips and he gently pressed her against the wall, keeping her hidden from view.

“And then what?” Her voice wobbled slightly as she felt his hot breath on her face, electrifying her skin.

She felt his hand on the exposed skin of her thigh, where the slit of her dress extended all the way up to her hip. “And then,” he murmured, their noses almost brushing together. His thumb traced the waistband of her panties, “maybe find out if you taste as nice as you look.”

He swallowed her gasp as his mouth captured hers in a hungry kiss and she couldn’t help the embarrassingly needy moan that escaped her as his hot tongue traced her lower lip and slipped into her mouth to tangle with her own in a heated dance.

The sound of the wedding faded from her ears to be replaced by the sound of her heart pounding in her chest. His hand traced her sides, pinching her hips closer to him so that their bodies pressed together.

Sakura was about to completely lose herself to the raging fire in her body when Kakashi pulled away from her, lips kiss-swollen and eyes mischievous and dark with something that made her toes curl. “So… car?”

This man was going to be the death of her. “Definitely.”