#uh... listen I sat down and started at like 9pm and it's now midnight and I'm a quarter of the way through

[quiescentdestiny]

decided to finally start on my pile of paperbacks that I've bought over the last 6 months and haven't touched in favor of rereading aftg and fanfic :)))

anyways, reading Carry On first because idk it seemed easy to read even though I haven't read anything in first person in over 15 years probably.

[rhyrhy462]

Sleepover (G.D.)

Pairing: grayson dolan x best friend!reader

Warnings: bad writing, pining, one swear word, semi-sappines, self-indulgent because of the big mouth thing and the snacks

gif by @pinof

Everyone knew that Grayson Dolan went to bed early. It never failed that he was turning his phone off and putting it on his nightstand at midnight.

His best friend, Y/N, was a night owl. She went to bed at 3 in the morning most of the time.

Grayson and Y/N tried to squeeze in sleepovers whenever they could. These usually happened on Friday nights and consisted of, in no particular order, eating dinner, watching a movie, begging Grayson to take you to a grocery store to buy snacks, listening to music, begging Grayson to get you ice cream, and sleeping.

So just like all the other Friday nights, Y/N knocked on Grayson and Ethan’s door at exactly 6:53pm. She knows it’s a very specific time, but Grayson always has dinner ready by 7:05. So if she gets there at the perfect time, dinner will be ready and Grayson can’t yell at her for getting there too early when she complains about being hungry.

“It’s open, Y/N” Grayson yelled through the door, right as she was turning the knob and pushing the door in.

“I don’t even get a hello? I brought you homemade almond butter and everything!” If there was one thing Grayson loved in this world, it was Y/N’s homemade almond butter. He knew she just got the recipe online, but every time he tried to make it, it just didn’t turn out the right way.

“I’m sorry babe. Come give me a hug” Y/N felt her heart flutter when he called her ‘babe.’ Yeah, they called each other pet names all the time, but he said it so casually, almost as if she was his girl-

“Come gimme a hug.” Grayson pressed again, just as she started walking towards him.

She wrapped her arms around him, just as he wrapped one arm around her, still pushing around vegetables in a pan. “I missed you.”

Y/N and Grayson hadn’t had a sleepover in about a month and a half. They had both been busy. Whenever they did get to see each other, it’d be for an hour or so, but they never got to have fun with each other. “Missed you more.” Grayson replied, right as he was dumping the vegan stir-fry onto their plates.

“Looks good.” She said, as she started putting dishes in the dishwasher. If Y/N hated anything, it was having to do the dishes after she’s gotten comfortable. Lucky for her, Grayson had listened to her and started putting dishes in the dishwasher as he went along instead of having 30 dishes in the sink. She put the five dishes that had been left in the dishwasher, picked up her plate, and looked at Grayson questioningly. She was silently asking him if he was ready to go eat in his room.

“Let’s go.” Was all Grayson had to say to have her following him to his room.

Once they made it to Grayson’s room, Y/N plopped down onto his bed as he picked up the remote from his desk and tossed it to her. Every sleepover they alternated who got to choose what they watched. This time, it was Y/N’s turn. She turned his tv on and went straight to Netflix. Grayson had a feeling he knew what she was gonna pick. She threatened him with it all the time, but she did actually want to rewatch the show.

Grayson groaned as soon as he saw that she was hovering on Big Mouth. “What’s wrong with Big Mouth?” She genuinely wanted to know his answer.

“You’ve seen it at least ten times and you quote the whole show.” Grayson complained. He wasn’t wrong though. Y/N knew Big Mouth like the back of her hand. The reason why she watched it so many times was so she could directly quote the show. She already knew most of the iconic lines, but there were some she was still trying to learn.

“It’s my night to choose, babes. I hate to break it to ya, but I choose Big Mouth.” She said, just as she clicked on Season 1, Episode 2 ‘Everybody Bleeds.’ It was one of her favorite episodes because it was funny, but also because she knew the quotes. It was also the first episode Ladybug appeared in. If Y/N was honest, Ladybug was probably her favorite character. Ladybug was also the only character that she could completely quote.

With food in hand, she got as close to Grayson as humanly possible, just as he was draping a blanket over both of their legs. They ate while they exchanged jokes and talked about how’d they’d been, all while Y/N still managed to quote the best lines from Big Mouth.

They had finished eating a while ago. Now it was 9pm and Y/N wanted snacks. From their cuddled up position, she looked up at him, to see him looking at the screen. She smiled to herself because as much as he hated to admit it, Grayson thought Big Mouth was hilarious. “Gray?” She questioned, because yes, they had had dinner two hours ago, but she was ready for snacks.

He didn’t even have to look at her to know what she wanted. The first thing he did was look at his watch to confirm what time it was. It never failed. Around 9 o’clock, Y/N always wanted snacks. So he untangled himself from her and sat up, rubbing a hand over his face. His eyes darting around the room trying to find something that Y/N is completely unaware of. “Grayson? What are you looking for? Where are you going?” She asked, rubbing her eyes.

“I’m looking for two hoodies. You want to go get snacks don’t you?” Grayson said, realizing that none of his hoodies were anywhere in his room and he’d have to go into his closet.

“You know me so well.” She said, grinning when Grayson came out of his closet, two hoodies in hand, and tossed one to her.

Right after she slipped it on, on top of her shirt, Grayson was asking her, “Ready?”

He didn’t even wait for her response, just started walking towards his bedroom door, to which she followed right behind him, all the way to the Porsche. After they got in the car, he turned to look at her and asked, “Where we goin’?”

“Target.” She responded, as he started backing out of the driveway. Y/N always, always, let Grayson choose the music. Grayson always said the driver got to choose the music, but she never put up a fight with anything he chose. Which is why when Grayson asked her to shuffle his Young Thug playlist, she did it. No questions asked, bobbing her head to the music, even rapping some of it, on their way to Target.

When they got there, Grayson parked in the closest parking space he could find. There were a few cars in the parking lot, but not too many. Even if Grayson hadn’t seen Y/N in a while, he always kept three masks in his car. One for himself, one for Ethan, and one for Y/N. They both put their masks on and started walking toward the entrance.

When they got inside, Y/N was grabbing Grayson’s hand and dragging him all the way to the snacks section. The first thing she grabbed was pretzels, one of her all time favorite snacks, but sometimes she forgets how much she likes them. She went on a search to find Nutella, which in the process, Grayson made a smart comment about it not being vegan. Then she grabbed two bags of Doritos, cool ranch and nacho cheese.

Immediately after she grabbed the Doritos, she thought about ice cream. Grayson was on this stupid health kick getting ready for this match with Logan, that doesn’t even have a date. Because of that, it had become 200 times harder to convince Grayson to get ice cream. He knew that if he was around Y/N when she was eating ice cream, he’d cave. Which is why right now, when he saw that look in Y/N’s eyes, he knew exactly what she wanted.

He didn’t even let her get it out, “No.”

“But I didn’t even-“

“Absolutely not. I’m trying to eat healthy.”

“You don’t have to have any. Just let me get some.” She pleaded.

“Y/N, no. Are you done?”

“Grayson, please?” She begged, giving him that look that she knew would make him say yes.

“Fuckin’ fine. Let’s go” Grayson said, giving in.

So they walked to the ice cream section. Y/N already knew what she was going to get. She picked up two jars of Talenti. She made sure to choose vegan flavors, so she chose Alphonso Mango and Roman Raspberry. Grayson groaned when he realized she chose vegan ice cream. “You want me to have some that bad?”

She just nodded and told him, “I’m ready to check out.”

They walked to self-checkout and put everything down. Grayson always let Y/N scan because it was one of her favorite things to do. She didn’t know why, it just made her happy. When she had scanned everything, she went to pull out her card. “Uh-uh.” This was a conversation they had all the time. Y/N could afford to buy her own snacks, but Grayson just wouldn’t allow it.

“Grayson, at most it’s 25 dollars. It’s not that big of a deal.”

“I invited you over, so I should pay for it.”

“I asked for snacks, so I should pay for it.”

“Let me pay for it this time and then you can pay me back later.” Grayson only suggested that because he knew she never carried cash and he didn’t have cash app.

“Fine, but I get to buy them next time.”

“Ok, fine.” Grayson just shrugged his shoulders.

“Promise.” Y/N said, holding out her pinky.

“I promise.” Grayson said, as he linked their pinkies together rolling his eyes.

The ride back to Grayson’s house was smooth, but it felt long. So long, that Y/N tilted her head back and closed her eyes for what felt like 2 minutes. It actually ended up being a little under 30 because when she was opening her eyes, they were pulling into his driveway.

Grayson didn’t say anything about her falling asleep. Every chance he got, he’d glance over at the sleeping girl beside him. Right now, though, he was running over to open the car door for her and help her out. Every time she fell asleep in the car she was always disoriented for a few minutes after.

When they got back to his bedroom, spoons in hand because they stopped at the kitchen to get napkins and spoons, Grayson dropped the bag in the middle of the bed while Y/N crawled right back in his bed. As Grayson was climbing into bed, Y/N realized that it was a little after 11pm. She knew once Grayson had some ice cream, he’d be out like a light and she’d be up all alone, but she just wanted to live in the moment. Turning Big Mouth back on, they snuggled, both holding ice cream and a blanket thrown over them because Grayson knew Y/N got cold when she ate ice cream, but refused to admit it.

It was closing in on 12am and she saw Grayson trying to keep his eyes open and converse with her about any and everything. “Go to sleep, babe. I can stay up on my own.” She murmured to him as she went to reach for the remote to turn the tv off, so Grayson could sleep well.

Grayson grabbed the remote before she could and sat up a little bit straighter, “Don’t be silly. I want to stay up with you.”

“Babyyyy.” She said, absolutely oblivious to the fact that he was in love with her and would stay up all night with her if it meant getting to hang out with her.

“I love you, Y/N.” And he meant it with everything he had.

“I love you more, bub.” She responded, as Grayson pulled her even further into his chest.

tagging: @blindedbythelightt​ @333dolans​ @foxglovedolan​

A/N: hi! if you read it, thank you!! this had no business being 2k words, but it’s my longest fic thus far. if you have feedback let me know. if you wanna be tagged, which idk why you would, but if you do lmk. this literally took like 3 hours to write becuase writers block 😭😭😭😭 anyway, this is so self-indulgent i- anyway, love you sm. peace ✌️

[angellbarnes]

To Love a Soldier (1/3)

summary: When a date night gone wrong ends up going right, it turns out to be the beginning of something you never could’ve imagined. 

pairing: 40s Bucky x reader

word count: 3k

warnings: None. Just fluff and a sad lil bit at the end

A/N: This is the first part of a mini series I’m writing. I’ve had this idea for a while now and so I thought I’d make a lil series out of it. There will be roughly 3 parts I think. Agh this might be complete trash but I hope you like it and please let me know what you think! 🤍

part II

You propped your elbow up on the bar and leant your head in your hand. Staring at the almost finished drink sat in front of you, you let out a defeated sigh. Yet another failed date. Though this gave the man from a table behind you a perfect opportunity.

“Hey, pretty lady, whatcha doin’ here all by yourself?” He slurred his words as he rested on the bar beside you. Your face grimaced slightly as you politely told him to go and sit back down.

“Oh come on, let me show a beautiful dame like you a good time.” He winked and leant in further, sliding his hand down your back. Before he could get too low you stood from the barstool and kneed him in the crotch.

“How’s that for a good time, huh?” You scoffed. He groaned in pain and made his way back to his table in shame, hobbling on the way. You sat back down and quickly downed the rest of your drink.

“Wouldn’t wanna get on your bad side.” You turned to face a man a couple seats down along the bar. His voice showed amusement and he had a smirk painted nicely on his handsome face, though handsome was an understatement. A feeling arose inside you that you’ve never quite felt before. It was something of a need to know this man, know who he was, and it was pulling you towards him. Your whole body was suddenly warmer, feeling like you’d just laid your eyes on an angel.

“Unless you want what he got then no, you don’t.” You smirked back, drinking in more of his appearance. His hair was a rich, chocolate brown and looked so smooth you just wanted to walk over and run your fingers through it. He had a sharp jaw and defined cheekbones, accompanied by captivating blue eyes and an army uniform that you could only assume was hiding a perfectly toned body. Your daydreaming was paused by his, equally as dreamy, voice.

“I think I’ll pass on that.” He flashed a wide grin before scooting down to sit beside you. “So, why are you here by yourself, if you don’t mind me asking?” You took a breath and looked down to fiddle with your nails.

“Seems my date has stood me up.” You faltered a smile and shrugged. “I’ve always been good at picking the jerks around here. Never had much luck.” You joked. He gave a sincere smile, looking deep into your eyes.

“Well how about I buy you a drink instead?” He offered, raising an eyebrow and grinning a stupid, flirty grin as he leant his elbow on the bar. You narrowed your eyes and pursed your lips in hesitation.

“That depends, are you another jerk?” You question, mimicking his actions.

“I guess you’ll have to find out.”

After another drink you learned a lot more about the mysterious and handsome stranger: his name was James Barnes, though everyone called him Bucky, and he was a Sergeant in the 107th, on his week off from the war. He had a best friend named Steve who’s little and skinny but with more might in him than a hundred men.

You could’ve sat and listened to this man all night. Conversations flowed and you shared childhood stories, along with hopes for the future and any random things your minds came up with. It’s like you’d known each other for years.

As you finished your sentence, giggling like and idiot and him doing the same, you dared to look back into his eyes. They were already on you. A comfortable silence fell between you and you subconsciously bit down on your lower lip, flashing a slight smile. His expression was soft, calm and his lips slightly parted, lifting at the corners. He slowly stepped down from his stool to stand in front of you, extending his hand.

“Care to dance, m’lady?” He asked with a crooked smile. You felt yourself blushing and slid your right hand in his left. He brought it to his lips and placed a lingering kiss on the top of your hand, then pulled you down from the stool and walked you into the middle of the room.

A few people were already dancing to the wonderful music being played by the pianist. A chuckle left your lips as Bucky held your hand up and pulled you close to place his right on your lower back. It wasn’t like when the other man had done it, no, this was tender, sweet and a gesture that made your breath hitch. Your left hand went to his shoulder and you both started to move perfectly in sync. You gazed up at him as he did down at you and, somehow, you knew this man was someone you were meant to meet.

As the music played and your bodies moved to the rhythm, it felt as though you two were the only ones there, the only ones in the world.

After the magical evening, Bucky kindly walked you back to your apartment, through the dimly lit streets of New York. You had both lost track of time until you realised it was midnight. You stood in your doorway, facing him with a stupid grin and him the same.

“I had a lot of fun tonight Bucky, thank you.” You gleam.

“Me too,” he shifted his gaze downwards, looking almost nervous, “I uh, was hopin’ I could maybe see you again? Tomorrow, maybe?” He questions sheepishly. You smile and tilt your head at his demeanour.

“Are you asking me on a date, Sergeant?” Your grin grew bigger as his did. He scratched the back of his neck.

“Well are you going to accept?” He questioned back. You pretended to think for a few seconds, giggling after not too long.

“I think I just might.”

“Then yes, it is a date.” He beams, “I’ll pick you up, here, tomorrow at seven. Sound good?”

“Sounds perfect.” And with that you stretched up to give him a kiss on the cheek, turned on your heel and disappeared into your apartment.

~~~

As you stood in front of your mirror, patting down the front of your navy blue dress and making sure your makeup and hair looked alright, your nerves started to sink in. A small flush of worry made you wonder if Bucky would show, or if he’d change his mind once he saw you, or if he-

A soft knock at the door pulled you from your thoughts. You grabbed your purse and made your way over. You slowly opened the door and noticed Bucky’s eyes widen and jaw slack a bit. A smile crept onto your face and all your worries were pushed aside as the man in front of you admired you wholly.

“Wow, doll, you look... incredible.” He was mesmerised by you and you couldn’t help the giggle that escaped your lips, blushing at the nickname.

“You don’t look so bad yourself.” You added and he held out his left arm.

“You ready?” You linked your arm with his and beamed up at him.

“Definitely.”

You found a nice diner to have some food at and conversation, as it had done before, flowed effortlessly and you laughed and smiled, and talked and talked. You would find him staring at you in awe, making you blush, and you felt so happy in his company. He paid for the food and you both carried on walking the streets. It was around 9pm by then and, since it was summer, the sun was just starting to go down.

“Where to now, soldier?” You looked up at him as you clung to his arm, sliding your right hand down to intertwine your fingers. You didn’t notice but his cheeks tinted slightly red at the gesture.

“Wherever your heart desires, doll.” He smiled down at you and you looked back down the street. You suddenly gasped and ran ahead, pulling him with you, causing a laugh to spill from his lips as you ran along like an excited child.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” You exclaimed in awe. You had taken him to a bridge where the sunset was visible between buildings, and somewhere slightly more secluded, and he gazed out for a second before turning back to you. Your hands were still linked and he relished in the feeling of your skin on his. His left hand felt like it was holding the most precious thing on earth as his eyes never left your face.

“Like you wouldn’t believe.” His eyes scanned over every feature on your face and he smiled softly at how ethereal you looked captured within the sun’s last rays. Your eyes glowed and your awestruck expression as you watched the pinks and oranges stain the sky tugged at Bucky’s heart. The butterflies in his stomach were beyond control but he didn’t mind. He just wanted to stare at you for eternity, hold you for eternity, be with you for eternity and he’d never felt more sure about anything in his life.

You turned to look up at him only to see his gorgeous blue eyes on you. A smile crept over your lips and you tilted your head slightly. “Bucky, you’re not even looking.”

“All I wanna look at is right here next to me, darlin’.” Your words became lost at his comment. Just in the short time of knowing him it felt like you had forever and you wanted it to stay like that, with him. It’s nothing you could explain but it was something you were sure about.

You twisted your whole body towards him and he followed suit. Linking his other hand in yours you switched your gaze between his eyes and his lips, and he did the same. Subconsciously you both started leaning in, you let your eyes flutter shut and you started to feel his breath fan over your lips. Soon enough the gap between you was closed and you both captured each other in a kiss that could only be described as perfect. You melted into it and your hands left his to hold both of his cheeks, his falling to your waist, pulling you closer against his body.

You pulled away briefly, resting your forehead on his and giggled, biting your lower lip. Your thumbs ran soothingly over his cheekbones and you leaned in again.

The second kiss was deeper and more passionate. It had a meaning behind it, like it was something that the universe had been waiting for. Tongues passed through lips and you hummed at the sensation, revelling in his taste and he did the same at you. You both parted for air and continued to relish within each other’s hold.

You smiled and turned back around at the now deep blue sky, saying “Quite the kiss, soldier.” with a smirk, so you didn’t get to see the huge grin that grew on Bucky’s face. You didn’t see when he looked at you like you were the most precious and beautiful thing in the world. You couldn’t hear when he was thinking to himself wow, this woman is incredible and how he so badly wanted to kiss you again. You missed when he was looking around, in case anyone was there to see how hard he was falling for you, and as far as he could see, you were the only girl for him.

~~~

The next few days were spent together; he even stayed at yours for the night once. The two of you cherished the limited time that you had together before he would be sent back to fight, unsure of his return. The thought always made your stomach wrench.

He took you to new places, on new adventures around the city, you went to the movies, you stayed out late, you danced, laughed, even kissed in the rain one evening and he was always such a gentleman. Though that didn’t stop the cheeky, mischievous side that he would show when he would whisper some not-so-innocent things into your ear or steal some flowers for you, only to grab your hand and whisk you away so he could give them to you without being caught. They were always the same, though: red roses.

“The prettiest flowers for the prettiest girl.” He would say.

There were so many little things that you adored about him. Small details in the way he said or did things, little gestures like kissing the top of your hand or smoothing circles on your waist as he held you close. Or the way his eyes would deepen with lust as he stared at you, making you feel like the luckiest and most beautiful girl in the world.

You thought about these things as you sat beside him on a park bench the day before he was to leave. You had your head resting on his left shoulder, with both your hands around his on his lap. He ran his finger over your knuckles and you made sure to make every last second you spent with him count.

“I got you something, doll.” He broke the silence, which caused you to face him. He smiled contently and brought a hand up to caress your puzzled face before reaching for his pocket. He brought out a silver chain and let it dangle before you. You gasped and took it in your hands as you noticed the small pendant attached. It was in the shape of a rose. You looked back up at him as your eyes began to water. He took the necklace and you turned to he could fasten it around your neck.

“Since I won’t be able to give you any roses for a while, I thought this way at least you’d always have one with you.” You turned back around and saw his smile hid sadness within it, as did yours. You couldn’t help but let a tear escape, your mind wandering over every possible scenario to happen after tomorrow.

“Shh, doll, ‘m gonna be back before you know it.” He swiped your tear away with his thumb and you leaned into his touch, letting your eyes softly shut. “I would never leave my best girl. I’ll make sure to give you a rose for every day I’m away when I get home, and we can carry on with this, with us.” He continued and his own eyes became watery as he spoke, both hands now firmly holding yours, reassuring you that you would see him again. No matter how hard you tried, though, your doubts were always clouding your thoughts. You forced a smile and gave him a lingering kiss before looking down and fiddling with the small rose that rested on your chest.

“It’s beautiful, Buck. I love it. I love y-“ Your eyes went wide and your hand quickly shot up to cover your mouth. There was a moment of silence between you and you mentally kicked yourself for doing that. It’s too soon, there’s no way he feels the same way.

“Hey,” he pulled your hand from your lips, “I love you too.” He smiled. A huge weight suddenly lifted from you and your lips parted in shock.

“You- you do?” You stuttered and he nodded. You grinned so widely you thought your face might split as you pulled him to your lips. You got lost in the kiss but briefly pulled away to whisper one thing, “I love you, soldier.”

~~~

It was the morning that Bucky was heading back off to war, the morning you’d been dreading. You had to say goodbye to the man you’d somehow managed to fall in love with in the space of a week.

You headed out your front door with a heavy heart and an aching soul. You hadn’t even seen him or spoken to him yet and you were already tearing up. A short drive to the train station and many deep breaths later, there you were, on the platform, watching your very own soldier boy stride towards you, looking handsome as always in his uniform. A sad smile overtook your face and your eyes glossed over as he reached you, silently pulling you into a hug. Your arms wrapped around his neck and you never wanted to let him go. You wanted him to keep hold of you, to say he was staying and always would, with you.

But that couldn’t happen.

The platform was bustling with sadness and worries that day. Sobs echoed through the air, bouncing off every corner whilst even the breeze that swept past was melancholy. Mothers were saying goodbye to their sons, children saying goodbye to their fathers, wives, sisters, girlfriends, all with the same fear in their hearts. You were just one of many who were dreading the day you would find out they were never coming back, coming home, no matter how much you were reassured by them that they would be fine.

He pulled back, keeping his arms tight around your waist, as if he thought you were about to run away. Your hand came up to his cheek while the other rested on his shoulder and he leaned into your touch, letting his eyes close, basking in these final moments of being in your embrace. You couldn’t help but let your tears win as he captured your lips with his, kissing you softly, yet with so much passion that it was tearing through your heart. You pulled away and a strained laugh escaped your lips.

“You better come back to me, soldier. It’s rude to keep a lady waiting.” It was his turn to let out a small chuckle.

“I will, doll. I promise I will.” His eyes were pricked with tears now. “You’ll be on my mind every second I’m away. I love you, Y/n, too much for my own good.” And with that you pulled him into a tight embrace, burying your face in the crook of his neck and pressing chaste kisses where you could, all whilst whispering that you love him too. You reluctantly let go and said your last goodbyes as tears were falling freely down your flushed cheeks. You were sobbing, yet smiling, as you watched him walk towards the train that waited to carry him and the other soldiers to whatever fate lay ahead of them.

[kpophours]

One Love || part VI

➵ SF9: Youngbin x fem. reader / series, werewolf AU / fluff

➵ warnings: none

➵ word count: 2.9k

previous. | next.

Driving home that night, Youngbin knew he would have to talk to Inseong - the time had finally come. 

The first date with you had been absolutely perfect, everything was just so... easy when it came to you. You seemed to just accept him, with all his flaws and antics and sometimes probably strange behaviors. He was still in complete disbelief over the fact that he had actually told you about Mina - and on your first date, at that. 

You were truly just perfect, at least in his eyes.

And your first kiss…

Youngbin couldn’t help but smile, his lips tingling with the mere memory. The wolf inside him was purring too, happy and content after spending an entire evening in your sole company. 

The alpha sighed deeply, getting out of his car and walking towards the farmhouse. Some of the windows were still brightly illuminated, which wasn’t really surprising even though it was already long after midnight. Youngbin was sure that most of his brothers had stayed awake just to immediately ask him about his night. It wasn’t unusual for Youngbin to spend some nights away from home - mostly at his repair shop -, but all his pack members had somehow known that tonight was different. Even the most oblivious and indifferent member of his pack - aka Chani - had silently observed his alpha getting ready earlier this night, his expression questioning and almost suspicious. Youngbin couldn’t blame any of them as he himself wasn’t even sure when he had last worn such nice clothes - and perfume. 

So, he had basically known from the very beginning that the others would ask him about his night as soon as he would return home. Which meant that right now, he readied himself to be interviewed - or more like, bombarded with questions - as soon as he would enter the house. 

… And he was proven right. Immediately after opening the front door and stepping into the hallway, Dawon practically pounced on him, grabbing his arm and pretty much dragging his alpha into the living room where everyone else was already assembled, sprawled on the floor or sofas. 

Youngbin sighed inwardly and looked at his pack members, who were all gazing back at him with round, curious eyes. Inseong was the only one not looking at him right now; he simply stared down at his lap where he was fiddling with his hands. His expression wasn’t giving anything away - which was a rather alarming sign as Inseong’s face was usually an open book.

“Where were you?”, Chani finally asked, and Youngbin’s lip twitched. Of course the others would make their youngest ask him about his night; everyone knew he had a very soft spot for Chani. 

“I was out.”, Youngbin answered, crossing both arms in front of his chest and leaning against the wall, pressing his lips together in an attempt to keep himself from smiling. “The details! I’m stunned.”, Dawon immediately huffed in a rather annoyed voice, “Care to tell where exactly you were?”

“Or why you smell of Y/N?”, Jaeyoon added, a smirk on his lips. 

Youngbin felt his jaw tick at the mention of your name. “I want to talk to Inseong first. Alone.”, he finally replied, curtly shaking his head when he saw Rowoon opening his mouth in protest, “And that’s not debatable.” 

The pack just sat there, frozen for a few seconds, before everyone got up, muttering a few curses and glaring at their alpha until even the last one had finally filtered out of the room. 

“And no eavesdropping!”, Youngbin yelled after them, making Hwiyoung roll his eyes at him before he finally closed the door. 

The alpha sighed again and turned around to face Inseong who was still sitting on the couch, not having moved a single muscle. But now, his gaze was trained on his alpha, eyes dark and face unmoving. “I-”, Youngbin began, but the older man interrupted him immediately: “So, Y/N is your mate.”

Youngbin closed his mouth again, taking a deep breath before finally nodding slowly.

Inseong just sighed, tiredly rubbing his face before getting up and walking towards his alpha. “That’s what I thought. I… I wish you all the best, I truly do. This is the Universe’s will, after all.”, he then said, gently patting the smaller man’s shoulder, “But you could have told me about this from the very beginning, you know? I know that… well, what happened with Mina wasn’t your fault. And it was unfair of me to blame you for it and… and to treat you the way I did. I want you to know that we will always be a pack and that you will always be my - our alpha. But you’re also my friend, and that will never change. I’ll always have your back, I promise.” After finishing his little speech, Inseong began to smile, and Youngbin returned it immediately, relieved, giving him a slightly awkward yet tight hug. “Thank you, Inseong. This truly means a lot.”, Youngbin said when he pulled back again, and the other man just grinned and shrugged. “I had to get this off my chest. And now go and tell the rest that you’ve finally found your match - uh, I mean, mate, of course.” His dark eyes glinted mischievously, reminding Youngbin once more of a cunning fox rather than a wolf. He just nodded at his older brother. “Pray for me.” 

But Inseong just laughed before he opened the door - making all his younger brother topple over themselves and into the room, obviously having pressed their ears against the door to listen in on their older brothers’ conversation. 

Youngbin just sighed very deeply, raising one eyebrow. “Well, it seems like I don’t need to repeat myself after all.”, he said, half amused, half exasperated. 

Dawon just gave him the thumbs up, while the others at least had the decency to look slightly apologetic - or, in Chani’s case, sleepy. 

The next few weeks seemed to pass in a blur. 

You and Inseong had begun to work tirelessly on your research project and were actually making good progress - you were even invited to present your results at a conference which would be held in a few months. On top of that, you were also finally able to focus on finding a research topic for your doctor’s thesis, reading piles of books and often staying up until midnight or even later.

Besides work, you also spent a lot of time with Youngbin - your relationship developed rather quickly, which was almost a bit scary to you. It truly felt like you had known him for months or years already, not just a few weeks. Everything was just so… easy with him, and he just understood you so well and on such a different and deep level - none of your past partners had ever managed this before. 

Your favorite dates with Youngbin were your weekly movie nights, sometimes with, sometimes without the others. You also tried to visit him at the repair shop as often as you could, helping where you could (well, or distracting him). At least once a week, Youngbin stopped by your office and had lunch with you and Inseong; their relationship seemed to get better with every passing day as well, which made you very happy. The little restaurant where Youngbin had taken you on your first ever date had quickly become one of your favorites, and all the staff members knew both your names by now. 

You also began to spend a lot of time with Dawon and Jaeyoon, who were slowly becoming your closest friends. A few weeks into getting to know everyone, you also finally met their girlfriends and both immediately invited you over at their place to spend some girl time with them. Ava and you instantly clicked as you shared the same taste in music and books, and Kate was also very sweet - and rather quiet, which seemed to balance Jaeyoon’s loud and slightly eccentric personality quite well. 

All in all… life was pretty much perfect, and you hadn’t been that happy in a long time. 

“You’ll be here at around 9pm, right?”, your boyfriend asked you once again, making you giggle and roll your eyes in a playful manner. “Yes, Youngbin. Don’t tell me you’re already getting forgetful, how old are you again?”, you replied teasingly, mindlessly doodling something on the notepad in front of you. Youngbin at the other end on the line huffed, and you laughed again. “I’m just teasing you, old man. And I have to hang up now, our meeting is going to start soon.”, you said, and he sighed sadly. “Okay, I should get back to the cars as well. I’ll see you later, my love.” 

As always, your heart skipped a beat at his nickname for you, and you couldn’t help but smile. “See you later, Binnie.”, you answered softly and disconnected the call. 

Inseong, sitting opposite you, cleared his throat, a small smile playing on his lips while he lifted one eyebrow in a teasing manner. “Don’t you dare say anything.”, you just mumbled, quickly hiding behind a book, and making him chuckle. “I wasn’t going to.”, he answered lightly, and you huffed. “Mhm, sure.” You could almost feel his smirk.

To be honest, it had been a bit… awkward and weird at first; to go out with your bosses’ roommate and friend - especially after you had walked in on Inseong showering once. Your ears were still ringing with the mere memory of his ear-splitting scream - you were actually quite impressed by the high note he was able to hit. After a few days of avoiding each other, you had finally established a few rules: 

a) from now on, Inseong would always lock the door whenever he was in the bathroom, 

b) relationship talk inside the office was strictly forbidden, 

c) whatever happen between Youngbin and you was not allowed to impact your relationship with Inseong in any way, 

d) no unnecessary office talk while you were at the farmhouse. 

After agreeing on those four rules, life had definitely gotten easier and less awkward for you both.

“Come on, let’s go or we’ll be late for the meeting.”, Inseong finally said, interrupting your thoughts, and getting up from his desk. You just nodded and quickly followed him out of your shared office space. You really hoped the meeting wouldn’t take too long - because you could hardly wait to see Youngbin tonight.

Sadly, the meeting had been ridiculously long, unnecessarily so, some might say. On top of that, all the talk about calculations, numbers and new projects had given you a slight headache, so all in all, it had been a very long and tiring day. You wanted nothing more than to just sink into Youngbin’s warm embrace, eat something delicious and continue to watch your new murder mystery series - you and Youngbin were quite obsessed with it and you had practically threatened him with a slow and painful death should he ever dare and continue to watch it without you. 

It was already pitch black outside when you finally parked in front of the giant farmhouse - now more of a second home to you -, its illuminated windows making it look very homey and inviting. You smiled at the sight and quickly got out of your car, hurrying towards the front door and letting yourself in; Youngbin had given you a key soon after you had become his “official” girlfriend. The memory of him handing you the key together with your favorite flowers always managed to cheer you up and make you smile. He truly was the perfect boyfriend, at least for you. 

“Binnie?”, you asked upon stepping into the dimly lit hallway, and before you were able to kick off your shoes, your boyfriend was already skidding around the corner, quickly pulling you in his arms. He playfully nuzzled his face into your neck, leaving small kisses all over your sensitive skin. You giggled and squirmed under his gentle ministrations, until he finally lifted his head, pressing his lips to yours. You hummed appreciatively, wrapping both arms around his neck and deepening the kiss. When you finally broke apart again, your boyfriend smiled at you, dark eyes forming little crescents. “Hello, my love.”, he murmured and nudged your nose with his, making you break into a bright smile as well. “Hi.”, you whispered back, gently brushing some of his hair back and out of his face, making him almost purr at the sensation, both eyes closing. 

He suddenly snapped out of it, startling you, and took a step back, burying both hands in the pockets of his dark jeans. You immediately missed the warmth of his embrace and actually shivered a bit, wrapping both arms around your body and tilting your head to one side, a questioning expression on your face. Youngbin was gnawing on his lower lip, rubbing his face in a slightly exasperated manner. “Uhm… We- I…”, he stuttered, sighing deeply, “I need to talk to you about something rather important.” 

You took a small step back, worry washing over you. “O-okay?”, you replied in a small voice, ducking your head - dark, anxious thoughts immediately beginning to fill your head. 

Was he alright? Was he sick? Or was he... was he maybe going to break up with you?

When Youngbin saw your worried expression, he quickly took a step towards you again, gently taking your clammy hands in his warm ones. “It’s nothing bad, I promise. No need to look like someone died.”, he reassured you playfully, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear and cupping your cheek, “Okay?” 

You took a deep breath and gave him a weak smile, nodding once. 

“Well, let’s go for a quick walk then.”, he finally said, grabbing his shoes and jacket and opening the front door. You quickly followed him into the night again.

It was bitterly cold outside and you were already beginning to shiver a bit. Youngbin walked a few steps ahead of you, strolling towards the line of dark trees surrounding the farmhouse. You bit your lip, gaze darting from left to right, Youngbin’s reassuring words not having done much to help calm your nerves.

Where was he going? What did he want in the forest - almost in the middle of the night?

There were only a few clouds obscuring the night sky tonight, so plenty of stars were twinkling down at you, and the full moon was bright enough to illuminate your path - well, that was until you stepped in between the first row of trees. You hurried to catch up with Youngbin, almost stumbling over some overgrown roots in the darkness. Still, Youngbin didn’t stop, not even looking over his shoulder to check on you. You saw the tightness in his shoulders and the way he was ducking his head; he was obviously completely lost in thought right now, making you even more anxious. 

You finally seemed to have reached your destination - a clearing in the forest, parts of it illuminated by silvery moonlight while others were still hidden in the shadows of the trees. Youngbin stopped in the middle of it, finally turning around to face you again. He gently beckoned you towards him, and you carefully followed his demand, coming to a halt in front of him. He gently took your face between his hands and kissed you sweetly. When he pulled back again, his eyes seemed to glow gold for a second, and you startled, almost taking a step back. 

“There is something important I have not told you so far.”, he finally began to explain, taking a few steps back without breaking eye contact with you, “And it’s… It’s a rather big part of myself - and well, my life in general.”

You opened your mouth to say something, but your boyfriend raised one hand, a silent request. “Please let me finish. I just... have to say this. All of it.” 

You closed your mouth again and nodded. He gave you a small smile before taking in a deep breath. “There is more to this world than most people know - a secret, hidden world within the real one.”

You drew your eyebrows together, beginning to gnaw on your lip. 

What… what was going on?

“I want you to keep an open mind, okay? What I’m going to show you now… Just know that you’re safe. Nothing will happen to you, I would never- nothing will ever hurt you, not with me around, okay?” 

Goosebumps rose all over your body, and you wrapped both arms tightly around yourself - but you nodded, giving Youngbin the signal to continue. 

He inhaled shakily and began to rid himself of his clothes, making you gape. “W-what are you doing?!”, you squealed, quickly closing your eyes and feeling a slight blush creep on your cheeks. 

“It will only take a second, I promise.”, Youngbin answered, tone of voice slightly amused now. You pressed your lips into a tight line, keeping your eyes closed and resisting the urge to steal a glance at your boyfriend. 

Suddenly, you felt rather than heard someone - or something - come to a halt directly in front of you.

Open your eyes, Y/N.

It was Youngbin’s voice but… it - it sounded differently... like it was - inside your head…?

Without knowing why, you suddenly began to tremble - but finally gathered enough courage to open your eyes again.

And then, you screamed. 

[next chapter] | [all chapters]

[louigender]

When I Was Older- Chapter 1

Bucky Barnes x Holmes! Reader (eventually) Avengers x Sherlock

Summary: John Watson is one of Reader’s friends. Her other is a cat whom she found in the alley between two flats. Reader is a Holmes and a high functioning sociopath. The Avengers need the readers help as Moriarty has teamed up with Hydra. Takes place between season 3 and 4 (my favorite season) of Sherlock. Infinity War and Endgame never happened.

Series Warnings: blood, violence, angst, fluff, is Moriarty a warning?, death

A/N: Happy Memorial Day, mis amigos! Here’s chapter one of When I Was Older. This series was inspired by the song by Billie Eilish (love her) and I just rlly love Sherlock. Your feedback of the prologue warmed mi pequeño corazón! Without further ado, here’s the first chapter.

(A/N: i also changed the moodboard)

The quinjet rocked slightly as it flew through the air. Bucky sat, along with the other Avengers, strapped and in his uniform. Clint sat in the pilot seat, navigating. Steve and Tony were talking in hushed whispers, discussing the mission at hand.

They had gotten word of a Hydra base off the shore of England, Sutherland to be exact, and had suited up almost immediately. It was 9pm when they boarded the jet. Now it was close to midnight. Bucky had been riddled with nightmares the past week and was eager to finally get a good’s night rest.

“ETA: five minutes,” barked Clint.

Tony and Steve strapped themselves in their own seats, as Clint flipped switches preparing to land. The quinjet successfully made its descent and the team stood. Steve clipped the shield on his back and walked out. Bucky checked the ammo of his guns before walking down the ramp.

Rolling green hills, light golden colored sand and the salty aroma of sea water, along with the twinkling stars, almost calmed him. Almost. He quickly remembered why they were here and turned the safety off his guns. The team walked in a group, taking in their surroundings and watching out for danger. As they walked through a forest of trees,signs exclaimed ‘danger!’ and some with skulls and crossbones on them.

“F.R.I.D.A.Y, scan the area,” ordered Tony.

“There seems to be seven active mines. I am recalculating the route to avoid them,” spike the AI.

A map of the forest with dots,Tony assumed as mines, and a path highlighted.

“Alright follow me.”

The team followed after him a single file line. The hairs on the back of their necks stood on end. Suddenly an explosion rang out, causing them all to flinch. They quickly looked at each other, making sure the other was safe, when they realized they didn’t set off the mine. Someone else did. Tony, Rhodey and Sam took off and flew above the trees to see what had caused the explosion.

“Jesus,” muttered Rhodes as he saw what was in front of him.

The Hydra based was gone, blown to bits. Bodies littered the ground, blood and limbs scattered as well. The tress surrounding the base were burnt and had parts of them blown away. A mine didn’t do this.

“You guys are gonna wanna see this.”

The rest of them quickly made their way to the base and stopped in their tracks. The odor of smoke and burnt flesh hung in the air. They scrunched their noses and walked through the rubble. Bucky looked at the scene in front of him. The mess of dead bodies and concrete made his stomach churn. As he took in what he saw, something caught his eye. Turning to the side he saw the only remaining wall, even thought half of it had been blown away.

“Um guys,” he spoke through the com, “I found something.”

The team quickly found him and Wanda gasped at what she saw. They stood in shock and horror. A man was hanging off the side of the wall by a metal pole in his chest. Written in blood and pieces of flesh was a message.

‘Get Holmes

-M’

Bucky sure wasn’t getting any sleep tonight.

***

“You have been busy, haven’t you,” remarked Mycroft, behind his newspaper, with a little laugh. “Quite the busy little bee.” He put his paper down.

“Moriarty’s network, it took me two years to dismantle it,” You replied back as a man stood behind you, cutting your hair.

“You’re confident that you have?”

There goes brother Mycroft, doubting you again.

“The Serbian side was the last piece of the puzzle.”

“Yes. You got yourself in deep there with Baron Maupertius. Quite a scheme,” Mycroft joked.

“Colossal,” You muttered.

“Anyway. You’re safe now. A small ‘thank you’ wouldn’t go amiss.”

“What for?” You mindlessly asked.

“For wading in. In case you’ve forgotten, field work is not my natural milieu.”

Your brows furrowed. You raised a hand to the barber to tell him to stop and sat forward in the chair with a grunt. The Serbian man had done a number on you. “Wading in? You sat there and watched me being beaten to a pulp,” You pointed out.

“I got you out,” defended Mycroft.

“No, I got me out.” You argued back. “Why didn’t you intervene sooner?”

“I couldn’t risk giving myself away, could I?” Mycroft said it like it was the most reasonable thing in the world. “It would’ve ruined everything.”

“You were enjoying it,” You accused.

“Nonsense.”

“Definitely enjoying it.”

“Listen, do you have any idea what it was like,” began Mycroft, “(Y/N), going undercover? Smuggling my way into their ranks like that?”

You rolled your eyes.

“The noise, the people!”

You sat back in the chair with another grunt and allowed the barber to finish his work.

“I didn’t know you spoke Serbian,” You questioned.

“I didn’t. But the language has a Slavic root. Frequent Turkish and German loan- words. Took me a couple of hours,” shrugged Mycroft.

“Hmm, you’re slipping.”

An bitter smile crawled its way up Mycroft’s lips. “Middle age, sister mine. Comes to us all.”

The door opened and Anthea stepped through with your clothes in hand.

***

John stepped through 221B Baker Street with timid steps. He watched as dust hovered off the furniture and drifted through the air. You never liked it when people dusted. Memories of your adventures flooded his mind. He drew a breath in to compose himself. Mrs. Hudson came in and turned on the lights.

“I couldn’t face letting in out,” she said. Breaking John’s train of thought.

She walked over and drew the curtains, grimacing at the dirt. “She never liked me dusting.”

“No, I know,” he replied, thinking of the moment when you had a screaming match with Mrs. Hudson about her cleaning.

“Where’s Alyx?” John had also taking a liking to the cat. She reminded him of you.

“Oh, um, she ran away one night and never came back. I leave food out, but she never shows. So why now? What changed your mind?”

“Well, I’ve got some news,” John started.

“Oh god, is it serious,” asked Mrs. Hudson.

“What? No, no I’m not ill. I’ve, uh well, I’m...moving on.”

“You’re emigrating?”

“Nope. Uh, no, I’ve uh, I have met someone,” he explained.

“Oh! Ah, lovely,” gushed the elderly woman.

“Yeah. We’re getting married. Well, I’m going to ask, anyway.” The excitement was evident in his voice.

“So soon after (Y/N)?”

“Hm, well, yes.”

A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. They turned around to see Tony Stark and Steve Rogers in the door way. Mrs. Hudson let out a surprised gasp and John’s eyebrows shot up.

“We hope we’re not intruding, but we, uh, need some help,” Steve shyly said.

“Is (Y/N) Holmes here by any chance?” Asked Tony.

The mention of your name mad them tense. Sadness creeped into their hearts.

“No, she’s not,” John told them.

“Do you know when she’ll be back?”

“She’s gone. As in, uh, dead,” croaked Mrs. Hudson.

This seemed to surprise the two super heroes. “Oh, we’re sorry. We didn’t know,” Steve apologized.

“We’ll be on our way. Sorry again,” Tony nodded his condolences and ushered him and Steve out the flat.

They stepped into the cab that had been waiting.

“So, what now?”

“I have no idea.”

***

“I need you to give this matter your full attention, (Y/N), is that quite clear?” Instructed your brother.

“What do you think of this shirt,” you asked you tucked the shirt in your dress pants.

“(Y/N)!”

“I will find your underground terror cell, Mycroft. Just put me back in London. I need to get to know the place again, breathe it in. Feel every quiver of its beating heart.”

“One of our men died getting this information,” Anthea explained. “All the chatter, all the traffic concurs, there’s going to be a terrorist strike on London, a big one.”

“And what about John Watson,” you asked as you shrugged on your suit jacket.

Mycroft and Anthea shared a look.

“John?”

“Hmm. Have you seen him?”

“Oh yes, we meet up every Friday for fish and chips,” Mycroft said sarcastically.

You gave him a look before shifting your gaze to the mirror, buttoning your jacket.

“I’ve kept a weather eye on him, of course.”

Anthea handed you a file. You opened it. A slew of pictures, along with a few papers were inside.

“We haven’t been in touch at all to prepare him,” explained Mycroft.

You noticed a recent photo of John. He looked the same except he had a mustache on his upper lip. It certainly did not suit him.

“Well, we’ll have to get rid of that,” You said.

“We?”

“He looks ancient. I can’t be seen wandering around with an old man.” You set the file on Mycroft’s desk.

You sighed deeply, putting on the last touches on your outfit. You ran your hands through your hair. You always like it when it fell just past your shoulders. It felt good to be in your familiar clothes after being on the run for the past two years. “I think I’ll surprise John. He’ll be delighted.”

“You think so,” Mycroft doubted with a amused smile on face.

“Hmm, pop off to Baker Street, who knows, jump out of a cake,” you quipped.

“Baker Street? He isn’t there anymore.”

You turned to him, having an incredulous look on your face.

“Why would he be? It’s been two years. He’s got on with his life,” Mycroft explained.

“What life? I’ve been away,” You added.

Mycroft rolled his eyes.

“Where’s he going to be tonight.”

“How should I know?”

“You always know,” you said with confidence.

“He has a dinner reservation in the Marylebone Road. Nice little spot. They have a few bottles of the 2000 St. Emilion, though I prefer the 2001,” told Mycroft.

“I think maybe I’ll just drop by. “

“You know, it is just possible that you won he welcomed,” Mycroft tried to reason to you.

You scoffed. “No, it isn’t. Now, where is it?”

“Where’s what?”

“You know what.”

Anthea came in, your infamous coat in hand and collar popped. You smiled at the sight of your trusty coat. She helped putting it on and you stepped into your iconic black heels.

“Welcome back, Misses Holmes,” voiced Anthea.

“Thank you,” You fixed your newly cut hair and ran your hands down the coat.

You turned to Mycroft. “Blood.”

You walked out and for the first time in two years, you felt alive.

A/N: that’s it for the first chapter! It was actually longer than this but it was too long, so I broke it up into two chapters. I’ll be posting again later this week, so don’t worry.

Taglist:

@izzyisavengersupernaturaltrash

@rootcrop

[queenevaine]

A ‘Entity-Never-Happened’ AU of my OC @zeka-dbd​ and @sociophobicsaboteur​ ‘s Jake!  I’m a sucker for these two.  

Zeka listened to the car’s radio as she followed the directions on her GPS.  She knew of the place she was heading to; a typically rich and prestigious family needing specific fixes and being uncaring about time or convenience.  

That was how Zeka found herself driving out with her bag of tools, albeit being well paid for her time.  The metal gates were closed, making her double check the time.  She was still early, set to arrive at 8:30 while being there at 8pm.  She looked out of the window at the gates, noting the engraving on either side stating ‘Park Manor’.  

She took a deep breath, parking her car on the side of the road, getting out and testing the gates.  They were well locked, and she debated climbing over the fence.  With her bag over her shoulder, she looked for any sort of bell or buzzer.  She nearly jumped when the gate was unlocked before her, and a man in a suit opened the gate.  

“Miss.. ‘Zeka’, yes?”

She nodded, adjusting the bag on her shoulders.  

“Yes, Zeka Kline.”  

The man nodded, gesturing her to follow.  She followed without another word, walking up the well kept pathway.  She was impressed by its appearance, nearly bumping into the man when he stopped to open a grand wooden door.  She walked in after him, suddenly extremely conscious about tracking in mud.  

“Please be sure to wipe your shoes well.”

A different man spoke up, and Zeka recognized the owner of the voice as the senior Park, standing in a suit next to his wife.  He seemed almost in disbelief, intently staring her down.  

“Am I to believe you are the one to be fixing the issues we are having with our computers?”

Oh boy.  

“Yes, I am.  Is there anything wrong?”

She couldn’t help the tilt of her head as she challenged him.  No one disrespected her like that.  

“Are you sure you’re qualified to fix this problem?  You hardly look professional.”

Zeka adopted a sickeningly sweet smile.  

“I’m very sure, sir.  I can have this problem fixed before midnight.”  

He still seemed skeptical, but instead walked to the door.  

“Very well.  I’ll be out to dinner, and when I return I expect everything to be perfect.”

Zeka nodded, watching the couple walk out the door.  She sighed, taking plastic coverings from her bag and slipping them over her shoes.  She looked to the man who guided her inside.  

“Where is the main computer and modem?”  

“Right this way.”  

She quietly followed behind, marveling at the extravagance of the home’s interior.  She was lead upstairs to a pristine office, a very expensive computer sitting on a fancy desk.  

“If you need anything, you need only ask.”

“I think I’ll be okay, thank you.”

The man nodded and left the room, leaving Zeka to herself.  She took her laptop out and got to work.  

Jake sat in the bathroom, staring down at the small, bloody edge of the blade he pressed against his skin.  Blood poured from his arms, giving some indication that he was still human.  He took shaky breaths as he sat on the tiled floor, head leaning against the wall.  He closed his eyes, fighting back emotions.  

Jake gripped the blade’s handle tightly, freezing when he heard faint singing.  He knew his parents had gone out, there shouldn’t be anyone home that would bother him.  His parents didn’t get home until past 11, and it was still 10:15.  Whoever this person was, their singing voice was beautiful.  

He realized now they were getting closer.  He stood with a jolt, frantically looking around for bandages.  He hissed when he tightly wrapped the bandages from the medicine cabinet, and the fabric made contact with the open cuts.  The voice got clearer, and he could tell now it was a higher pitch voice, and likely a woman.  

“~I will never understand the power you were holding ohh-ho-ver me~!”  

He heard the door swing open, then a loud yelp.  He turned to see a young woman turned away with her face in her hands.  She eventually lowered her heads to cover her cheeks.  

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t think there was anyone else here.”  

She turned to face him, and he immediately was taken aback by her beauty.  He stood like a deer in headlights, clearly stunned as she started to take several steps backwards.  

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude, I-I can find a different bathroom.”  

“No, it’s fine.  I had no idea there was someone else here.”

She smiled nervously, rubbing the back of her neck.  

“I thought I was pretty obvious singing to myself for the past hour.  And, I kinda thought I was here alone and was just going to use the bathroom before leaving.  But really, it’s okay!  Technically I should be going now since my job here is done.”  

Jake’s attention briefly darted to the blood on the floor, then back to her.  

“Your job?”

She nodded, adjusting a bag he now noticed over her shoulder.  She held onto the bag’s strap tightly.  

“Yeah, I came out here to fix some computer issues.  I just finished up.  But uhm, my name is Zeka.”  

“Jake Park.”  

She smiled, reaching out to shake his hand.  He hesitated, looking around to try and find some gloves to slip on.  

“Sorry, I know handshakes aren’t everyone’s thing.  I should get going now, so uh, see you!”  

She quickly turned to leave, leaving Jake dumbfounded.  He shook his head, moving to clean up the blood off the floor.  

Zeka groaned when she got into her car, pressing her forehead against the steering wheel.  God, I’m so fucking dumb.  She leaned back in the seat, rubbing her eyes.  She took a deep breath before recollecting herself and driving home, doing everything she could to avoid thinking about her embarrassment.  

She was relieved to finally be home when she pulled into the driveway, even with the return to her life as Alicia.  She sighed, letting herself in with her keys.  She knew she would have to practice singing for the masquerade party her mother would not stop talking about.  She herself had her outfit already planned out; a slim, golden dress that reached just past the center of her thighs.  Her shoes were a matching gold, high heeled boots that were comprised more accurately of thin straps.  

She hadn’t tried it on before and would have liked it more if she wasn’t being forced to go and perform.  The mask was glittery and stunning with feathers trailing off one side.  The edges were adorned with obviously fake, but still shiny and new gemstones.  It fit with the songbird motif planned for her performance.  She sighed again, putting her things aside and changing for bed.  Her thoughts spun, before settling down after easing her awkward memory of the day.  

Most of Zeka’s days were uneventful up until the day of the party.  It was online classes and work as normal, then practicing at home with her mother.  She kept her range flexible, knowing the songs she might have to sing could change.  It was hardly anything official, no set program of songs, but Zeka knew she’d be expected to sing.  Her mother was a singer professionally (when she wasn’t taking on the role of housewife) and far too good at it for her daughter to go unnoticed.

She sat still in the chair, quiet as her mother brushed her hair and removing curlers one by one.  She was making sure her hair was properly styled.  

“Excited, Ali sweetheart?”

Zeka gave a small smile, hands in her lap.  

“Nervous, mostly.”  

Her mother ran her hand over the soft, curled hair.  

“You have nothing to be scared of, babygirl.  You’re going to be wonderful.  And you are going to look stunning.”  

Zeka smiled again, letting her thoughts wander as her mother continued to style and brush her hair.  

Jake hated wearing a suit.  It was far too stuffy and uncomfortable, worn for the sake of a family that didn’t care about him.  He adjusted the star-patterned mask on his face.  With a deep breath, he walked out of his bedroom and made sure every part of his suit was pristine.  The clock on the wall read 8:30, just half an hour before the main party was to start.  He walked downstairs, silently getting into the limo he knew his parents owned.  He stared out the window at the night sky during the drive to the party.  He didn’t realize they arrived until he heard the door abruptly open.  He quietly followed his parents into the city building repurposed for the night of masquerade.  He already plotted several ways to get out of this event.  

Even with the mask, the intricate details of his suit made his identity obvious as a son of the Park family.  Defeats the purpose of masquerade.  He took the silver bird pin from his pocket and set it over the embroidery when he got inside.  It was already as he expected, and it was just barely past 9pm.  He gave polite smiles to people who walked up to talk to him, more likely because of the clear marks of a rich background.  

He kept catching glimpses of gold, always unable to see who exactly it was.  Each time, he felt his heart skip a beat.  Who was this person?  

He was thankful for the pause of music and tapping of a microphone, saving him from his thoughts and another identical conversation with a different person in a different outfit.  

“I hate to interrupt the festivities, but we have a very special guest today!  The young Alicia Kline is going to grace us with a performance.  I’m sure many of you have heard of her mother, Liana Kline, and only good marks of her daughter’s skill.  Without further ado, miss Alicia Kline!”  

Jake watched the stunning form of Alicia walk up to the microphone on stage in the same golden outfit he kept seeing.  It didn’t take him long to realize she was incredibly uncomfortable.  He also quickly noticed just how beautiful she was under the spotlights, the outfit reminded him of a canary.  She waved to the man on the piano, who started playing in a slow, gradual crescendo.  When she started singing, Jake swore his heart stopped.  

“~Fear not this night, you will not go, astray~!”

I know her voice.  The same voice he had heard weeks ago, by pure accident.  She had introduced herself as Zeka, and for those weeks he wasn’t able to get her out of his mind.  He watched in a stunned daze, the words of her singing piercing through his heart.  

“~And you, can always be strong!  Lift your voice!  With the first light, of dawn~!”  

It was as if behind that golden mask were the omnipotent eyes of a goddess; one that knew every facet of his life up until tonight, and appeared in the form of a mortal to grace him with her presence.  

He fought back tears in his eyes, grateful for the mask he was able to hide behind.  The only sounds he heard were the piano and Zeka’s voice.

“~And, though the night sky’s, filled with black-ness, Fear not, Rise up!  Call out and take my hand~!”  

She reached her hand out to the crowd, but Jake still felt like she was singing to him in particular.  Did everyone feel that way?

“~Dawn’s, just a heartbeat, away~!  Hope’s, just a sunrise, away~!”  

She took a step back, giving a small smile and bow as the piano and orchestra trailed off.  The uproar of applause drowned everything out.  He watched her be delicately lead off the stage, and near instantly be surrounded by endlessly chattering men in suits.  

Zeka wasn’t averse to the attention she was getting, but their closeness to her was starting to get uncomfortable.  She was too polite to decline offers to dance or to walk away from the crowd.  In dances, she let the other lead, as she was terribly inexperienced.  

Jake had to shoulder past several crowds of people to even get close to Zeka.  A defensive surged filled him when he saw a man tightly holding her hand, even as she tried to pull herself away.  

“My dear, won’t you at least humor me with a date?”  

Absolutely not.  

Jake edged his way between them, giving the other man a clear, venomous glare.  ‘Walk away, now’, it warned.  Zeka let out a quiet sigh of relief when he turned to leave without another moment’s hesitation.  

“Thank you so much for that.”  

Tension seemed to ease from her shoulders.  He couldn’t help but smile at her small grin, and at how relaxed and comfortable she sounded in an instant.  

“You don’t need to thank me, Zeka.”  

She blinked in surprise, gasping when she caught sight of the unique color of his eye and realized who was behind the mask.

“Jake?  Is that really you?”

He nodded once, tilting his head slightly in confusion when she laughed.  

“I had no idea, oh my God.  That’s twice now, isn’t it?  But, my name is actually Alicia, though.  Zeka’s just… a nickname I go by sometimes.”  

The hesitation in her voice felt like a knife being twisted into his heart.  

“But you prefer being called Zeka, right?”

She gave a small nod.

“I do, but-”

“Then you’re Zeka, at least to me.”

She grinned with a quick, sweet chuckle.  Jake smiled widely, suddenly entirely unsure when her comfort and happiness had become so important to him.  Just as suddenly, he had an idea.  

“Can I show you something?”

He held his hand out to her, which she took with barely a second of hesitation.  

“Of course.  What are you showing me?”

“That’s a surprise.  Just follow me.”

He led her through the crowd, taking the silver pin off to fully display the embroidered P on his chest.  Security guards simply nodded once to him when he passed and guided Zeka to the grand balcony that proudly granted a view of the night sky, music from the main hall echoing to them.  

Jake gladly watched her expressions of pure joy,  staring in awe at the rare view. 

“This is so amazing.. I’ve never seen the stars so bright.”  

He couldn’t tear his gaze from her as she stared at the sky with wonder.  

“It’s more beautiful than I can even describe.”  

She laughed, tracing patterns between stars with her eyes.  Jake watched, barely nodding.  If only I had the courage to say that to you.  He slowly turned his attention to the sky.  

“Tonight’s one of the best nights for stargazing.”  

She looked over with a wide grin, one that Jake had the sudden desire to protect and ensure she would always smile like that.  When had he fallen so hard for a woman he barely knew?  

“I’ve never really stargazed much.  I’m pretty much a shut-in if I have the choice.  I’m not a huge party person either, but here I am.”  

She shrugged casally, laughing at her own statement.  

“Neither am I.  I never enjoy wearing suits like this.”

She turned her attention back to him quickly.  

“They’re terrible.  I’ll take my robots any day, but.. I don’t have a choice tonight.”

Jake couldn’t help a laugh.  

“I didn’t have a choice either, but..  It’s not so bad.”

Because you’re here.  

She nodded as she looked around.  

“It’s not, but..God, I didn’t think there’d be so many people wanting to talk to me.  It’s exhausting.  I should head back eventually, though..”

Even the slightest hint of distress from her was too much for him.  

“You don’t have to if you don’t want to.  I’d.. be happy to stay here with you.”  

Zeka looked to the door.  

“Would that be okay?  I mean, I didn’t even think we were allowed up here.”  

She’s still so concerned about intruding.  He shook his head.  

“No one else should come up here, and I promise it’s fine.”  

She nodded, letting out a breath of relief.  

“Okay, good.  I didn’t wanna trespass by accident.”  

He admired the way she held her hands together.  After a moment’s hesitation, he held a pure white, gloved hand to her.  

“Would you like to dance with me?”  

Zeka turned in surprise, heat rising in her cheeks.  

“I’d love to!  But, I’m not actually that great of a dancer.  I don’t know how to at all.”  

“I can teach you, just follow my lead.”  

He delicately held her hands and guided her steps, enjoying the rare peace of the echoing music and slowly dancing under the bright stars of the night, all the while praying tonight never ended.