#we’re not friends I don’t know you you don’t know me you don’t matter in my life I shouldn’t matter in yours

[ultralightpoe]

Sticky - Bucky Barnes

Authors Note: Yeah the fandom is EATING with this song and that trailer so I figured I might as well feed into my own obsessions. -Ultralight

Song Inspo - Sticky from Tyler The Creator

Word Count: 1851

Warnings: Fighting, reference to smexy times

Requests: OPEN [working on the first round now]

MAIN MASTER LIST

[Thank you for the gif @unearthlydust ]

Enjoy!

It’s the bitter laugh that no one wants to hear, that’s the moment when the realization begins setting in. The chill down his spine, locking in the fear as the cold sweat begins to form, knuckles tightening around his glass of whiskey. 

The room wasn’t cold, with the fire crackling just a few feet away, so there wasn’t really a reason for him to be shivering. But that cold embrace of fear was wrapping Declan Morarie like a blanket. He was a man coming to the realization he was about to die. 

It was Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, sat at the end of the long table she hadn’t been invited to, in a home she hadn’t been welcome in but still sat in nevertheless. In the beginning of Declans career he always wondered how people remembered her full name, but watching the women now he understood. She was completely untouchable. 

“Oh come on now,” She teases, clapping her hands together in excitement as that same bitter laugh passes her lips. “I’m excited for the show.” 

“You think this is funny?” He bites out.

“Well from my seat I think it’s pretty great. I, however, would never want to be the one getting hunted down by Bucky Barnes and his fucking wife.” She chuckles, pulling a piece of lint off her dress. 

“And how….” He has to take a breath in to compose himself, slamming the glass on the table before him. “How did they get to me?”

“You tortured her for years, your very own project….. Well her and 20 others. Honestly it was only a matter of time before they tracked you down.” She explains, standing up and walking herself to the bartop. 

“And you didn’t happen to put my name in their ear?”

“Barnes will be my problem….. On another day.” She nods, pouring herself a shot and turning to him to cheers before downing it. “But today, he’s yours.” 

She slams the glass down until it splatters across the entire floor, her heels crunching into it as she waltzes to grab her coat. “I do apologize old friend, and I am….. Hopeful? Yes, that seems like a decent word, I’m hopeful you will succeed surviving.”

“I will.” He sneers, but even the words fall flat.

“Oh I’m sure you will.” She laughs, her words dripping with sarcasm. “Though I do hear things get a bit sticky when those two decide they want someone dead.”

- 

“Who would have thought that this… hunting down the bad guys of the world could be soooo… hmmm.” You tilt your chin up in a quiet contemplation as your husband frets over your suit. He busies himself with checking all the safety measures you both had designed for the suits when you decided they would be worn again. 

“Tiring.”

“Cathartic,” You hum back, sliding your hands down to snatch onto his own and bring them up so he can stop fretting. “You’re grumpy.”

“I’m not grumpy.”

“You are.” You argue, kissing the knuckles of his metal hand before doing the same to his flesh hand. “You didn’t get much sleep and now you’re tired and grumpy. I don’t like when you do this grumpy.”

“No more with the word grumpy. You have overused it.” He huffs, leaning to kiss your forehead. 

“Fine, ill-tempered.”

“Hardly,”

“Testy.” 

“Not even close.”

“Crotchety.”

“Really? We’re going that far?”

“Hmmmm. Waspish. How about that?”

“I….. will allow it if it means we can just get this over with.” He kisses around your face, using his metal hand to tilt your face for easier access while you fight off a smile and push him back. 

“You know what to do.”

“Straight to business then.” And though he turns his back to you he keeps you close while using the tech pad to monitor the halls of the building you both were about to enter. 

“He doubled up on guards. Someone warned him.” He analyzes, shifting a bit to show you the footage. “Valentina.”

“Hmmm.” You choose not to actually respond, allowing your husband to work through his own anger and suspicion while you watch the guards to begin learning the patterns. 

“You don’t believe me.”

“I believe you.” You defend, passing the tech back. “But I don’t want you getting ahead of yourself. That is a hunt for another day.” 

“You ready?”

“Of course.” And it’s easy, the way you two fall to the plan so naturally, having worked together for years now. He lets you pass by him, his flesh hand catching a strand of your hair as you strut past, casting him one more glance before disappearing to find your entrance. 

Once you are at your mark you place the comm in, tapping it twice to make sure it works as you begin slicing the door with the silent laser. 

“Placed?” Bucky asks after a moment, meaning he had made it to his own mark. 

“You know it.” You mutter, pushing the door open in the small place you had cut before easily sliding in, your feet near silent on the ground as you watch the hall and begin trekking through. 

Moving like a shadow should never have been this easy, and yet it was, all thanks to the man you were here to kill. 

“будь в безопасности.” He mutters in your ear, his voice a soft caress in the first moment you hear steps approaching. ‘Be Safe’, his favorite thing to say since he knew you didn’t need luck. 

“être en sécurité,” You repeat his saying back to him, this time in french just to bother him since he could never speak it fluently. 

And then you finally meet the person walking closer, but before he can even prepare himself you are already sliding across the floor to kick out his legs before you swipe the overly large gun from his hip and knock him out with it, sliding on your knees to face forward with the stolen gun and raise yourself back to your feet. 

Each movement is a simple glide, one in front of the other as you trace the hall for movement. The plan was simple, meet in the middle and make your way up. You just had to shut down all the exits first. 

You started with the elevators, opening the first and shooting the controls until the light within it flickers and marking it useless and moving to the second one. When the doors slide open a guard moves to rush out, and you use his outstretched arm to heft him over your shoulder until you are throwing him to the floor and twisting until you hear a snap. 

“Sorry.” You whisper, kicking him away as you hear Bucky grunt within the comms as he finds his own issues. You mimic the movements you had used on the other elevator before rushing to the front entrance and using their own night time security gates against them. Locking anyone from leaving and keeping anyone from entering. 

And now that you were finished with that you began you started your way to meet your husband. 

It only took 15 minutes and by the time you do find him he’s leaning on the wall like nothing else mattered, tilting his metal hand under the light above him to admire the etching done for your wedding. 

“Fancy meeting you here.” You murmur, your tone seductive as you lean next to him. “What’s a place like this doing in a guy like you? …….Wait, don’t I have that backward?” 

“Keep looking at me like that and I’m sure we’ll find a lot of things backwards.”

“Oh,” You blink, staring at him. “I honestly can’t tell if that was sexual or a threat.”

“Then why can I practically hear your heart beating through your chest?”

“I never said I wouldn’t like it as either.” You huff, turning on your toes and signaling him to follow you. “You’re very beguiling.”

“Another big word. Should I be worried?”

“You got me the dictionary. Which I was slightly offended by.” You huff, twisting your body up the stairs as you see a figure in the corner of your vision, working with grace to pull him down and over the railing. “Stop flirting with me Barnes.”

“You stop flirting with me, Barnes.” He snaps back, making sure that guard stays down before using his gun and following you as back up. “Almost there.”

“Noted.” You murmur, shooting the tech pad to enter the door from the stairwell. The second the door swings open there are guards swarming you both, but it is lightwork when you both work together. 

The man that went to punch you met Bucky's metal fist before he could even make contact, the knife that almost hits Bucky’s mid section is easily lost the second you kick the wrist holding it. Like a bloody tango, every motion has a repercussion. 

“Любовь [love],” You huff, spinning to take out two men while facing Bucky. He reads your idea the second you make eye contact, allowing you to use his thigh as a stepping stool and throw one leg over his shoulder. 

He shoots the men in front of you both as he makes his way down the hall, you taking out the men coming up to flank you. 

By the time you reach the double doors holding the enemy within,  you swing off his shoulder with ease before an unknown figure rushes you both. 

You are thrown back, back meeting the floor as you slide while Bucky is thrown into the wall. 

“What the…..” He starts. 

“Fuck.” You finish, upon seeing who just hit you both. 

He was tall, with red eyes and a sneer on his face, yet another over drugged super soldier. 

Bucky is the first to regain himself, standing quickly and pushing himself into the soldier to knock the weight off and send him down. Only he pushes back, both men stuck in the hold, so you launch up. 

Your hands hit your husbands shoulders and you vault over him to lock your thighs around the neck of the soldier and twisting your body to send him flying back with you. 

Unlike you, however, he doesn’t manage to catch himself and falls on his back. Bucky is there, foot on his neck as you pull the gun and finish him off before moving to kick in the door and find Declan Morarie.

He doesn’t say anything, merely turning to the door with a bottle in hand as he staggers for balance. 

“Fuck.” 

“Fuck.” Bucky mocks, giving you a look before you both rush at him. 

-

“I think you need to go to bed.” You huff, watching your husband pull out the paperwork the second you both got home, after dropping your duffel bags by the doors. “No work.”

“I need to review her bills, she’s hiding something in plain sight-” His conspiracy theories about Valentina were interrupted by you slipping your shirt off and throwing it at him. 

“A hunt for another day then.” He amends, following you into the bedroom as quickly as he can.

[millyh23]

Fishy Business

Katie McCabe x Reader

word count:

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

Katie and Y/N had been living together for a few months now, and their cozy little apartment was beginning to feel a bit too quiet. The two had spent many nights discussing how to make their home feel more like a family, and one thought kept creeping up: getting a pet. They’d always joked about it, but now that the idea was on the table, it was time for some serious discussions.

“I’ve been thinking,” Katie began one afternoon, as she snuggled up to Y/N on the couch, “We should get a cat. They’re independent, clean, and they’re just… perfect.”

Y/N turned to her, raising an eyebrow. “A cat?” She grimaced slightly. “I’m not sure about that. Cats are… sneaky, and they don’t really care about you unless they want something.”

Katie’s face lit up, and she playfully nudged Y/N’s shoulder. “That’s what I love about them. They’re mysterious, and they’re so cute when they ignore you just enough to make you want their attention even more.”

Y/N rolled her eyes, but a small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Yeah, but I want a dog. A big one. Someone who’ll love me no matter what and follow me around the house like a shadow. A loyal companion.”

Katie crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed. “A dog? They’re so needy. Always jumping on you, licking your face, begging for attention.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow. “Sounds like you, babe,” she teased, and Katie scowled playfully.

“I’m not needy!” Katie shot back with a grin. “I’m just affectionate. But you’re right about one thing… I do want someone who’ll follow me around. That way, I’m never alone.”

“Exactly,” Y/N agreed, her tone softening. “A dog would do that. A cat would just stare at me like I’m the hired help.”

The two fell into an awkward silence for a moment, both of them clearly invested in their opinions but not sure how to move forward.

Finally, Y/N broke the silence. “Okay, fine. You want a cat. I want a dog. What do we do now?”

Katie looked thoughtful for a second before grinning mischievously. “What if we get both?”

Y/N blinked, taken aback. “Both? You want two pets?”

Katie shrugged. “Why not? We could get a cat for me and a dog for you, and they can have each other as company when we’re both out.”

“Uh-uh,” Y/N said, shaking her head. “I’m not having a cat and a dog tearing up the place. It’ll be chaos.”

Katie rolled her eyes. “Okay, okay. So we’ll have to compromise, right?”

The idea of compromise wasn’t one Y/N enjoyed, but she knew they needed to figure something out. After all, this was something important to both of them.

“What if we get a fish?” Y/N suggested hesitantly, a little unsure of how Katie would respond.

Katie paused, thinking. “A fish? Really?”

Y/N nodded. “It’s low-maintenance, no barking or meowing, and we can just watch it swim around. It’s like… the perfect middle ground.”

Katie sighed dramatically. “I wanted a furry little friend, not a fish that just floats around.���

“Well, I wanted a big dog who’ll run around the yard with me, but we’re not exactly in a house with a yard,” Y/N shot back, her tone teasing. “A fish will do just fine.”

Katie folded her arms, clearly not convinced. “Fine. We’ll get a fish. But I’m not going to be excited about it.”

Y/N grinned. “Well, at least we won’t have to deal with your cat fur all over the place.”

The two of them went to the pet store the next day, picking out a small aquarium, some plants, and a couple of colorful fish. They both looked at each other as they set up the tank, their eyes not exactly filled with excitement, but more with the realization that they’d just made a decision neither of them was truly happy about.

“I can’t believe we’re doing this,” Katie muttered, half-laughing as she filled the tank with water.

Y/N chuckled, glancing over at her. “I know. It’s not the dog or the cat we wanted, but it’s something.”

Katie gave a mock-sigh. “I was hoping for a cat that I could cuddle. Now I’m stuck with a fish that… I can’t even pet.”

“Well, we can’t exactly pet a dog when it’s on a walk, can we?” Y/N shot back. “At least a fish won’t bite you.”

The two of them stared at the fish, their eyes softening just a little. The fish swam gracefully, moving in and out of the plants in the tank.

“It’s kind of peaceful, though,” Y/N admitted quietly. “I like watching it swim.”

Katie nodded, her arms crossing as she leaned against the counter. “Yeah, it’s kind of… relaxing.”

“I guess it’s not so bad,” Y/N said, glancing at Katie with a small smile. “And hey, if we ever change our minds, we can always get a cat or a dog later.”

Katie rolled her eyes but smiled, reaching out to poke Y/N’s side. “We’re not getting another pet. This fish is our baby now.”

Y/N laughed. “Sure, babe. Our fish baby.”

Katie shrugged. “At least it’s not a hamster. We’d be arguing about the cage size all week.”

As they both stood there, looking at the small, quiet fish, they realized that sometimes compromise wasn’t about getting exactly what you wanted. It was about making things work, even if neither of you was entirely thrilled with the outcome. And in the end, that was enough.

After all, they had each other. And a fish.

It had been two days since Katie and Y/N brought home their fish. The tank had settled in nicely in the corner of their living room, and the little fish, a shimmering orange and white goldfish with delicate fins, had quickly become a peaceful, if somewhat unexpected, addition to their home.

However, there was still one pressing issue left: the fish needed a name.

“Okay, we’ve been avoiding this long enough,” Y/N said, sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of the tank. The fish swam around, blissfully unaware of the importance of the conversation at hand. “It’s time to name the fish.”

Katie, who was lounging on the couch with her feet propped up on the coffee table, looked over at Y/N with a dramatic sigh. “I know. But what do we name it? We’re just going to call it ‘the fish’ forever, aren’t we?”

Y/N shot her a playful look. “Don’t tell me you’re not getting attached already.”

Katie rolled her eyes, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. “I mean, I’m not attached, but it’s hard not to get a little fond of something that doesn’t argue back.”

Y/N grinned. “Exactly. So, let’s give it a name.”

Katie sat up, crossing her arms. “Alright, alright. What do you have in mind?”

Y/N squinted at the fish, watching it swim in slow, graceful circles. “What about… Fluff?”

Katie raised an eyebrow. “Fluff? It’s a fish. I don’t think it’s fluffy.”

“Okay, fine. Maybe not Fluff,” Y/N conceded, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “How about… Bubbles?”

Katie snorted. “Bubbles? You’re naming it after a childhood cartoon character?”

Y/N shrugged. “It’s cute. And it’s an easy go-to name for a fish. Plus, it suits this little guy.” She pointed at the fish, which was now hovering near the surface, its fins fluttering like delicate lace.

Katie scoffed dramatically. “That’s a bit too cliché, don’t you think?”

Y/N gave her a side-eye. “You’re one to talk. You suggested Sir Swims-a-lot.”

Katie blushed and smirked, clearly embarrassed but not willing to back down. “It’s a good name. He’s got a lot of energy. Could be an aristocrat of the fish world, ruling over all the other tank creatures.”

Y/N chuckled. “Oh, Sir Swims-a-lot. That’s rich. We might need a crown for him.”

Katie stuck her tongue out at her, but then paused, looking at the fish again. “Okay, okay. Let’s take this seriously for a second.” She shifted on the couch, resting her chin in her hand. “What about something more… regal? Like Neptune?”

Y/N shook her head. “That’s a bit too formal for a fish that’s just chilling in a tank.”

Katie frowned. “You know, you’re no fun sometimes.”

“Hey, I’m just thinking practically. We need a name that’s cute but also a little ridiculous, don’t you think?” Y/N said, smirking.

Katie raised a finger, as though struck by a sudden revelation. “What about… Fishy McFishface?”

Y/N blinked at her. “Oh no, you did not just go there.”

Katie grinned, leaning back with satisfaction. “I did. And I stand by it. It’s a classic.”

Y/N groaned, shaking her head. “I can’t believe you just referenced that. It’s too much of a meme.”

“But it’s perfect!” Katie argued. “It’s funny and it makes people smile. You love making people laugh.”

Y/N paused, considering. “You know, it does have a certain charm…”

“I knew you’d come around,” Katie said smugly, crossing her arms and leaning back on the couch.

Y/N shook her head, trying to hold back a grin. “I mean, it’s ridiculous, but it’s kind of our ridiculous. Fine, Fishy McFishface it is.”

Katie’s eyes lit up with triumph. “Yes! I knew you’d see the genius in it.”

As Y/N got up to grab a marker and label the tank with the new name, she paused and glanced back at Katie, who was now looking at the fish with a fond expression.

“You know,” Y/N said, her tone softer now, “even if it’s just a fish, I’m kind of glad we did this. It’s nice having something… alive in here that we get to look after together.”

Katie smiled, her eyes warm. “Yeah, me too. Maybe it’s not a dog or a cat, but it’s still part of the family.”

Y/N gave her a teasing look. “You’re not gonna start getting too attached, are you? I don’t need you calling it your ‘baby.’”

Katie stuck her tongue out playfully. “It’s my fish, and I’m going to spoil it rotten. It’s just as good as a dog, but without all the barking.”

Y/N rolled her eyes but smiled as she walked over to the tank. “Alright, Fishy McFishface, welcome to the family.”

The fish, as if responding to the name, swam in lazy circles, oblivious to the discussion that had just taken place.

Katie McCabe had always been a little too carefree about things. She loved her spontaneous adventures, her carelessness, and her ability to laugh at almost everything, even when it wasn’t entirely appropriate. But when it came to taking care of Fishy McFishface, she thought she had it all under control. After all, how hard could it be to care for a fish? Just feed it, change the water once in a while, and keep the tank clean. Right?

Wrong.

It had started out innocently enough. The tank had been sparkling clean, Fishy McFishface was happily swimming around, and Y/N was admiring the little fish from across the room. But Katie—busy with training, social media, and all the distractions that came with life—had let a few things slide. She’d forgotten to feed Fishy a couple of times, skipped cleaning the tank for a few days longer than she should have, and, most unfortunately, she had gotten a bit careless with the water temperature.

That’s when things went wrong.

Katie had come home one evening, after a particularly grueling practice session, to find Fishy McFishface floating lifeless at the top of the tank.

“Oh no. No, no, no…” Katie muttered, panic rising in her chest. She reached into the tank, scooping up the little fish with trembling hands. “Please don’t be dead…”

But there was no denying it. The fish was gone.

Katie quickly sprang into action. She drained the tank, cleaned everything out, and made a decision: she would replace Fishy McFishface. It was a small fish, after all. Y/N would never notice the difference, right? Katie was sure she could pull it off. She went out and bought a nearly identical goldfish, one that looked just like their beloved pet, only this one was a little more vibrant in color, as if it had been dipped in a bit too much gold.

When Y/N came home, she barely glanced at the tank, distracted by the bag of groceries in her hands.

“Hey, babe,” Y/N greeted her, setting the bags down. “How’s our fishy today?”

Katie, trying to act casual, nodded. “Oh, you know. Just swimming around. Same old.”

Y/N didn’t think much of it, but as she glanced at the tank, she could have sworn the fish had gotten brighter. "It looks different, doesn’t it? A bit more… golden?"

Katie laughed nervously. “Nah, I think it’s just the lighting. Maybe it’s been eating well.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow but shrugged. “Well, Fishy McFishface is looking good. I’ll take it.”

Katie breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe this would work. Maybe the new fish would slip under the radar.

The next day, however, the truth came crashing down.

Y/N had been in the kitchen, making some tea, when she casually glanced over at the tank. Something was off. The fish was definitely not the same one as yesterday. It was slightly larger, a little more sleek, and—now that she was really looking—its fin markings were wrong. The markings on the fins of the original Fishy McFishface had been a bit more spread out. This one had a more symmetrical pattern.

Y/N crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes, suspicious. She leaned closer to the tank, staring at the fish with increasing doubt. The colors were even brighter than before.

Wait a second…

“Katie!” Y/N called out sharply from the kitchen.

Katie froze in the living room. She had been doing some stretches, trying to keep her body loose, but the tone of Y/N’s voice made her stomach drop. “Uh, yeah?”

Y/N slowly walked over to the tank, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. She pointed at the fish, now darting around happily. “Katie, did… did Fishy McFishface just get a makeover overnight?”

Katie’s heart sank. She had been hoping this wouldn’t happen. How did she figure it out so fast?

“Well… uh…” Katie stammered, walking over nervously. “I, um… It’s just the lighting, right? Maybe you didn’t notice before, but—”

“Katie.” Y/N’s voice was calm, but the sternness in it sent a little chill down Katie’s spine. “This is not the same fish.”

Katie’s face went pale. “What? Of course it is! What are you talking about?”

Y/N’s eyes flickered with amusement, but she kept her face stoic. “You’ve replaced Fishy McFishface, haven’t you?”

Katie’s mouth went dry. “Okay, fine. I might’ve… replaced it. But it’s the same species! It’s practically the same fish, just… newer.”

Y/N raised an eyebrow. “Newer?”

Katie rubbed the back of her neck, looking sheepish. “I—uh, I might’ve accidentally… killed it. And, uh, panicked. So I got a new one. I didn’t think you’d notice.”

Y/N blinked a few times, processing this. She then crossed her arms and let out a dramatic sigh. “Katie McCabe, you killed our fish?!”

Katie looked absolutely horrified as she took a step toward Y/N. “Babe, I swear, I didn’t mean to! I messed up with the water temperature, and then I—” She trailed off, biting her lip. “Please don’t be mad. I’ve already replaced it, and it’s just as cute—”

Y/N interrupted her, a mischievous glint in her eye. “I can’t believe you would do that, Katie. First, you kill Fishy McFishface. Then you think you can just sneak a new fish in and act like nothing happened?” She placed a hand over her chest. “I’m deeply hurt, Katie. You’ve betrayed me.”

Katie’s face crumpled as she looked at Y/N with pleading eyes. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t know what else to do! Please don’t be upset. I—” She dropped to her knees in front of Y/N, clasping her hands together. “Please, Y/N, I’ll do anything to make it up to you. I’ll… I’ll clean the tank every week. I’ll feed it every single day. I’ll even get another fish if you want—just don’t be mad at me.”

Y/N looked down at Katie’s dramatic display, unable to keep up the act any longer. She burst into laughter, doubling over as the tension lifted from her body. “Oh my God, you’re ridiculous!”

Katie blinked up at her, still kneeling on the floor. “Wait… what?”

“I’m not actually mad at you!” Y/N gasped between giggles. “It’s just a fish, Katie. But you should’ve seen the look on your face when you thought I was upset!”

Katie’s expression shifted from panic to confusion, then to realization. “You were messing with me the whole time, weren’t you?”

Y/N nodded, still chuckling. “You should’ve seen yourself. You were ready to do anything to make it up to me.”

Katie stood up, rolling her eyes with a relieved sigh. “You’re cruel, Y/N. Absolutely cruel. I’m going to remember this.”

Y/N grinned, taking Katie’s hand. “Don’t worry, babe. I forgive you. And I’ll let you off the hook… this time.”

Katie pulled her in for a kiss. “You’re lucky I love you,” she muttered, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

“I know,” Y/N said with a grin. “But, uh, next time you ‘replace’ the fish, maybe just let me know beforehand?”

Katie laughed. “Deal. As long as you promise to pretend to be upset again. It was kind of fun.”

Y/N shook her head. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever.”

And so, Fishy McFishface lived in their hearts definitely still part of the family.

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

The End.

[swiftiethatlovesf1]

Back home p.12

Hii guyss, here's part 13 of the story. If you want to read more stories of mine here's my masterlist and if you missed part 12, here it is.

Your life in Monaco was idyllic, growing up alongside the Leclercs. But everything changes when you're forced to leave. Now, returning to the place you once called home, you're confronted with a dilemma: not one, but two Leclerc brothers vying for your heart. Old bonds and unresolved emotions collide-what will you do when the past and present merge in unexpected ways?

As the day goes on, the practice goes well, and Charles’s performance on the track is impressive as always. But no matter how much you try to focus on the action, your thoughts keep drifting back to Arthur’s words. You’re still stuck on the idea that maybe your growing crush on Charles was clouding your judgment. What if you were reading too much into things? What if everything you felt wasn’t as real as you hoped?

By the time practice ends, you’re still a little lost in your thoughts. Charles comes to find you, but before he can, you’re already making your way to meet up with Kika.

She spots you almost immediately, a huge grin spreading across her face as she waves you over. “Hey, girl! Over here!”

You wave back, relieved to see a friendly face. Kika introduces you to the other WAGs—who are just as vibrant and welcoming as Kika. They’re all incredibly kind and make you feel at ease, chatting about everything from their jobs and hobbies to their own experiences with their partners. It’s a nice distraction, but the thought of what Arthur said keeps lurking in the back of your mind.

Then, Kika leans in and lowers her voice. “I told them you’re Charles’s soon-to-be WAG,” she says, teasing you with a playful smile.

You freeze, heat creeping up your neck as you blush. “I-I’m not sure about that. We’re just childhood friends,” you say quickly, avoiding eye contact. “I don’t think anything is going to change anytime soon.”

Kika raises an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “Oh, honey, you should see the way Charles looks at you. It’s obvious.”

You frown, biting your lip. “Well, if that’s the case, he must like me and all the other girls he’s talking to.”

The group goes quiet, the other girls exchanging confused glances. Kika’s eyes widen in disbelief. “What do you mean? Charles is talking to other girls?”

You nod, feeling a mix of disappointment and bitterness rising in your chest. “Yeah. Arthur told me Charles has been talking to other girls on Instagram. He said I shouldn’t get my hopes up.”

Kika’s face goes pale, her eyes locked on yours in shock. “No, that’s not right,” she says, shaking her head. “Charles would never do that.”

You look at her, unsure. “Maybe he does. Maybe I’m just another girl to him.” The words feel hollow, but they’re all you can think of right now. You don’t want to be just one of the others—you're not sure you can handle being one of many.

Kika steps back, her face full of disbelief. “I don’t believe it,” she says softly. “Charles isn’t like that.”

You shrug, trying to push away the hurt. “Maybe he’s not. But I’m not about to stick around if I’m just going to be another girl in his rotation. I don’t want to get hurt.”

Kika crosses her arms, clearly uncomfortable with the idea. “Look, I don’t know what Arthur told you, but I really don’t believe Charles is playing around. He’s… he’s into you, Y/N. I can see it.”

Your heart twists with confusion. You want to believe Kika—really, you do. But a part of you is unsure now, and the doubt Arthur planted in your mind keeps gnawing at you.

Charles arrives to pick you up to go back to the hotel, and as soon as you step into the car, Kika waves goodbye, telling you she'll see you later for dinner.

The car ride back to the hotel feels completely different from the one earlier in the morning. The tension between you and Charles is palpable now, and the silence feels heavy. Every time he glances over at you, it stings a little more. You can’t help but feel like something is off, like you’ve crossed a line without meaning to.

When you finally arrive back at your room, Charles shuts the door with a soft thud, his eyes never leaving you. He watches you for a moment, a concerned look crossing his face.

"Hey," he says gently, reaching out to touch your arm. "What’s wrong?"

You hesitate, not wanting to burden him with the mess of thoughts in your head. "Nothing, really," you reply quickly, offering him a small smile. "Just something stupid."

Charles doesn’t look convinced. His gaze softens, and he takes a step closer. "It’s not stupid if it’s hurting you like this." His words hit deeper than you expect, making your heart race as his eyes lock onto yours, filled with sincerity.

For a moment, you can’t help but question everything Arthur told you. Was he lying? Could he be jealous or trying to protect you in his own twisted way? He’s your best friend, after all. But you push the doubt aside. Arthur wouldn’t lie to you.

"I’m fine, really," you finally say, forcing a small smile. "It must just be the jet lag."

Charles doesn't seem entirely convinced but nods. "Okay. Just… let me know if you ever need to talk, yeah?"

You nod and quickly change the subject, trying to push the awkwardness away as you head to dinner. When you arrive, you're introduced to more drivers and friends, all of whom seem nice, but you can’t shake the feeling of unease lingering in your chest.

As you take your seat next to Charles, Kika slides in beside you. She leans in, speaking quietly so no one else can hear.

“I spoke with Pierre,” she starts, her voice low and earnest. “He told me that Charles isn’t talking to anyone else. He really likes you, Y/N.”

The words hit you like a punch to the gut, and you blink in shock. "What?" you whisper, barely believing what you just heard.

Kika nods, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "He’s been into you for a long time, Y/N. Trust me. You’re not just one of the others.”

You feel your chest tighten as the words sink in. All the confusion, the uncertainty about Charles’s feelings, suddenly seems so much more complicated. You want to believe Kika, but everything Arthur told you is still ringing in your ears. Could both brothers really be telling you different things?

Tag list: @iamapersonwholikesunicorns, @janeh22, @victoriaholland, @abq654, @iamapersonwholikesunicorns, @anaferreira-4, @larastark3107, @itgirlofthecenturysposts, @boherahpsody, @iamkaku, @jz12, @boherahpsody, @urfavouritef1girly, @meglouise00, @charlesgirl16, @a-beaverhausen

[izzyy-stuff]

For your 300 follower bash, can I request a short story/drabble where the reader is either the sixth member of TXT or a member of a gg like maybe Le Sserafim or Aespa and is in a relationship with any member (I'm ot5 so it really doesn't matter who <3) I do kind of like the idea of Hyuka being the love interest and can totally picture the other members teasing him a lot, but again any member is fine <33

𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐋 - 𝐇𝐔𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐊𝐀𝐈

bf!blond!Kai x fem!reader

in which no matter how much his friends tease him about his girlfriend, he knows they love her just as much as he does.

wc 1.4k

warnings kissing, slightly suggestive

↪ izzy speaks... first fic for the 300 bash!! I am happy it's with huening too! I've been meaning to use these pictures for a while now.

event post | event masterlist

The smile on your face slowly fades away as you watch the three dots disappear, leaving you on ‘seen’. You raise an eyebrow in confusion, but you don’t get a chance to pay it any more attention as your best friend, Yunjin, wraps her arm around your shoulders, smirking.  

“Look who’s being all lovey-dovey again,” she teases, giggling as she snatches your phone. “You guys are so adorable it makes me sick.” Kazuha and Chaewon share a laugh with her, shaking their heads at the brunette. “Hey! Give it back! I’m in the middle of a conversation!” You try to take your phone back, but it only leads to more of Yujin’s laughing. 

Little did  you know that your dear boyfriend Kai is in the same situation as you, hiding his face in embarrassment as Beomgyu holds his phone. 

“Can’t wait to see you again,” Beomgyu reads out loud, running around the room. Usually, he wouldn’t dare to do something like this. It was Kai’s privacy, and there was no way he would cross the line, but a dare was a dare. 

“Just read it all! Get it over with,” Kai whines, his cheeks red as he stares down at his lap, listening just like everyone else. “Oh, god. I’m not reading that. That’s for sure,” Beomgyu frowns, catching Yeonjun’s attention. The youngest’s eyes widen as he realizes what chats one of his best friends has just stumbled upon. “No, no, no, don’t look through that! This far is enough. Give it back,” the blond looks up again, his eyes full of fear and awkwardness. 

But before Beomgyu can do as he asked for, Yeonjun is already up, stealing the phone from him. “Yeonjun!” Kai yells, his mind too clouded with thoughts to use honorifics. “Oh my god!” The eldest gasps. “How can our fans call you an angel?” He dramatizes. “You’re nasty.” 

“Just kill me,” Huening sighs, closing his eyes. Taehyun chuckles, patting his back. “It’s not the end of the world,” he reminds the blond, rolling his eyes when he notices Yeonjun taking pictures of the chats on his phone. Sometimes, he doubted if Jun was actually the eldest of them all. “It might be, though! She is going to kill me if she finds out you’ve read our chats.” 

“I won’t tell a soul,” Yeonjun proclaims, still laughing as he hands Kai his phone back. “But I’m glad you don’t act like a complete angel, at least with your girlfriend. Honestly, the whole innocent act has been freaking me out.” 

“I’m not even going to say anything to that,” Kai answers, gripping his phone tightly as if he were scared someone might take it away from him again. “Now, answer your girl. You don’t leave a girl waiting when she asks to hang out.” Hyuka rolls his eyes at him, opening his phone again, “I’m not stupid. I know what to do and what not.” 

“Right,” Beomgyu is the first to scoff, but it doesn’t move Kai a bit. Once his girlfriend had his attention, nothing bothered him anymore. 

♡⸝⸝  

You watch Sakura, Yujin and Kazuha go over the choreography repeatedly, mentally going over the steps along with them. You definitely couldn’t say you would excel the dance yet, but you’ve had enough for today. If you went through the choreography again, your legs might as well give up. 

“Okay, we’re clocking out now! Have fun!” Eunchae grins, swinging her bag over her shoulder while Chaewon stands beside her wearing the same annoying smirk. You catch Yujin rolling her eyes and have to laugh. “I am going to leave in a bit, too,” you say, and your best friend immediately turns to you. “What? I thought we were grabbing dinner together after practice!” She complains. 

You open your mouth to answer her, but all that leaves your lips is a shaky breath full of regret. You squeeze your eyes shut as you remember the plans you made, clapping your hands together and muttering a quiet “sorry” through them. Yujin sighs when she notices your eyes. She can’t even blame you. Not when you seem so genuine with your apology. “I kind of…forgot about it,” you admit. “And made plans with Kai instead.” 

“Alright then. You’re lucky I know Kai has been busy, and you haven’t seen him much lately,” she shakes her head, and you smile again, jumping up to hug her. “Thank you, thank you!” Yujin smiles as she wraps her hands around you. “We can have dinner tomorrow. What do you think?” You ask hopefully, and she chuckles, nodding. “Go hang out with your boyfriend now,” she says, pushing you toward the door with a laugh. 

“I’ll see you tonight! Bye!” You quickly wave at Sakura and Kazuha before the door closes behind you, and you stand in the hallway, beaming as you notice your boyfriend sitting on the side, scrolling on his phone. “Hey,” you greet him quietly, making him raise his head immediately. “You should have come in. No one would mind.” Kai grabs his bag from the bench, slightly shaking his head as he walks to you. “It’s fine,” he assures you before gently pressing his lips on yours, one of his hands wrapping around your waist while the other rests on your cheek. “Hi, pretty,” he mumbles his greeting against your lips, making you bite your bottom lip to constrain your smile. 

Hyuka holds your hand as you walk through the HYBE building, telling you about his practice and some of the stupid dares they did during their break – purposefully not mentioning the one involving his friends reading your chats – while you tell him about your practice and the main points of your new choreography, bragging about how fun they are. 

He only lets go of your hand when you get to the entrance, smiling as he lets you walk outside first, watching you walk to your car while he waits for a few minutes, just like he did many times before in order not to get anyone suspicious about your relationship with him. People don’t need to know that you’re on your way to his dorm. 

♡⸝⸝  

You chuckle at the familiar voices as you step inside the dorm room. You feel at home. Not only because of your boyfriend, but also his friends, who’ve never been anything but welcoming to you. 

“Don’t mind then. Beomgyu and Soobin got immersed in League again,” Yeonjun simply waves at you as he passes the front door on his way to his room. “Taehyun just finished making dinner, or you know where the snacks are,” he smiles. “Thank you,” you smile back, taking off your shoes. 

It doesn’t take much longer for Hyuka to arrive, too, pulling you in for a hug as soon as he gets to you. You giggle, wrapping your arms around him and relaxing. “Have they been bothering you a lot?” Your boyfriend asks softly, and you swear you could get lost in his eyes when they lock with yours. You shake your head, grabbing his hand. “You know that’s not possible.” You’re right. No matter how much his friends tease him about you whenever they get the chance, they love you just as much as Kai does. He has to smile, remembering all the times they had told him how happy they were for him. 

“Right,” Kai mumbles quietly, his eyes on your hand holding his as you take him to his room. 

No matter how much time he spends with you, every moment and touch will always be as important to him as when you first got together. “Get a room!” Beomgyu yells, making Hyuka snap out of his thoughts. “Shut up!” He yells back at him, hiding his flushed cheeks as he follows you. 

You never need to do much with Kai to have fun. Honestly, you prefer not to do anything when you’re with him. Being able to relax after a long day with some lazy kisses and back rubs sometimes means so much more than having big plans. And today is no different. 

Kai tugs your hair behind your ear and pulls you in for a kiss as soon as he sits on his bed. You get comfortable on his lap, grinning into the kiss as you close your eyes. “You’re so pretty,” he mumbles against your lips. “I haven’t been in the shower yet. I’m all stinky,” you laugh, cupping his cheek. “Still beautiful,” he assures you, not wasting any time and pressing his lips on yours again, unable to get enough. “I love you.” 

“I love you too,” you whisper back with a smile.

⋆✶ izzy's tags @beomiracles @seoulzie @adel222 @inkigayocamman @flowzel @love-be0m @virgo-and-libra @hwanghyunjinismybae @liaatiny @minaateez ✶⋆ Want to get notified? Join taglist here !

[34saveme34]

Single Wrong Step Away from It - a short smg34 fic

3 has a nightmare but not in the way you'd think. He feels awful about it either way.

Words, about 2.2k I think?

---

He walked down a dark corridor, knowing the sight that would greet him. This had been right underneath the crew’s nose and they were none the wiser. It was an all too familiar man with a television for head, looking at monitors. The room was as dark as his desires. And sinister as their plans, fake as the friendships made along the way, except this one.

“I’m so glad you saw my way, SMG3”

“Well, I oughta” 3 chuckled.

“Especially for the amazing amount of intel you could give me! With the information I possess about SMG4, all because of you, we should be able to take over his channel in no time!”

“And this time, for good, I hope at least”

“You got me this time and I assure you I know how to plan things right”

They shared a chuckle.

“I can almost imagine the face SMG4 will make when he realises that our friendship was anything but real!”

“Oh, you’re truly sinister, SMG3! If I knew earlier we could’ve worked together way way earlier”

“What matters is we’re doing this together now!”

They set out finally, together. They had a foolproof plan. SMG3 knew that SMG4 blindly trusted him at this point, and had him wrapped around his finger. The best possible prey. And 3 was getting ready to pounce.

They were walking in a forest together. Nothing but the sounds of the night with them.

“Hey, 4” 3 called out to 4. The fact that he was called 4 caught him off guard a bit, considering that 3 doesn’t use it for him a lot. It made him smile.

“Yea?”

“I was just thinking…” 3 started, a sort of anxiety making it hard to speak for him. Or at least that was what 4 believed.

“Yeah? I’ll listen, dude”

“I’ve just… I’ve known you for so many years… And you know… we have a lot of great memories together”

“Aaaand?” 4 asked with a smile he couldn’t rub off his face.

“I’ve just you know… realised that maybe… there could be more to it�� 3 played being flustered perfectly.

“More to it how?” 4 wasn’t giving it so easy.

“Oh, you’re gonna try and make me say it? Dummy” 3 chuckled.

“Well, would be great if you did… but I think you should know my answer” 4 grabbed 3’s hand.

They both laughed.

“Well… I guess I could say that there’s feelings for you in me that are not hatred or just friends… but something more”

4 giggled.

“Something more you say?”

“I’m not giving you any more hints”

“Don’t think I need anymore” 4 cupped 3’s cheeks.

“Go on then”

4 leaned in, finally giving 3 a kiss. It took one decade and while sweet and lowkey, it felt so earned, so…. So perfect. Such a powerful thing.

“I just wanna say one thing though” 3 said after 4 pulled away.

“Anything” 4 was so lovestruck.

“You should’ve been more careful” 3 smirked, but it wasn’t a nice smirk, it was sinister and  it confused and also scared 4.

“What do you mea-” but he couldn’t utter another word, being clapped together between the palms of an all too familiar TV head man. 3 heard the man’s dark laughter. First there was SMG4. Now there wasn’t. Just in a quick swoop, he was no more.

“Genius!” Puzzles applauded 3 “What a perfect setup to get the perfect rating! I approve of your dedication”

“Only the best from the best” 3 chuckled.

“Now to move on to the rest of them..”

~~~

3 woke up. The events in his mind slowly set in. He felt his chest sink. It didn’t actually happen. He wasn’t even the one being betrayed but somehow this felt worse. So much worse. He got out of bed, going to the bathroom to wash of his dream sins. He wished he never even thought about this. He wished he didn’t have such a stupid fear that would haunt him from time to time.

He looked at himself in the mirror.

“Am I truly good?” he asked himself, inspecting himself. Looking at everything wrong about him. There was a lot. He wondered what would happen if he suddenly ended up going that way… Fame was always something that could sway him. He looked deep in the mirror, deep in his eyes, the red in his eyes. He felt confused by it the deeper he looked. Wondering if there was something in him that could break out and he could ruin everything. Lose everything. Make years of friendship look like a joke. He shed a tear. He kept the rest back. He had an urge to cry but it was hard to get out. He wiped his eyes. 

He went back to bed and laid down, trying to sleep again. But all that would haunt him was 4 in his dream, looking so confused, not even given the right to process that he was betrayed by him. The look of horror on him that he swore he saw for half a second. It was scary.

He turned and turned, everything felt uncomfortable, along with his thoughts. He felt hot yet cold, his blanket felt strange and uncomfortable, his pillow was anything but welcoming and his bed felt like a trap to put him in a cycle. He sighed as he sat up.

He went up and made himself a nice, warm glass of milk. With a bit of sugar too. While warming it up, still all he could think about was the idea that he was really wasting his time and he could lose everything any moment. That he could easily snap back and ruin everything. 

The beeping of the microwave snapped him out of it.

He took it and sat by one of the table, sipping away at it quietly. He looked outside to at least somewhat distract himself. It looked so peaceful outside. After finishing his milk, which he really only made because that would sometimes make him feel better, he instead went outside. Midnight air just hits different…..And it did then as well. It felt refreshing, comfortable in a way. 3 could take in a big breath. Although in the end it wasn’t enough but at least he wasn’t suffocating on his thoughts helplessly.

He looked at the castle, knowing exactly where 4’s room was located. Knowing the layout of the room like the back of his hand, knowing, as he looked there where his bed would be located.

He shook his head. No, he couldn’t bother him then, that’d be so selfish.

“Besides, what would I say to him?” 3 thought out loud “Ooooh, SMG4, can you comfort me? I had a nightmare! I sound so stupid right now”

Just after he said that, he saw 4’s face pop up in his window. He froze. Did… Did 4 hear him? Oh god…

He saw 4 gesture him to come in. 3 sighed, he wasn’t escaping this now. He went around, not wanting to crawl through the window so he went through the main entrance then to his room’s door. 4 was already standing in the doorway, waiting with his arms crossed.

“So?” 4 asked as 3 stopped in front of him, not saying a word.

“C’mon dude” 4 asked again “I heard something was bothering you”

“Why are you even awake, it’s like 2 AM”

“Video grind. Regardless, I think you’re awake for worse reasons… Something about a nightmare? That I could, saying it with your words, comfort you about?” 4 said the last part with a small grin, obviously teasing 3.

3 slapped him.

“Shut up”

“Oww!”

“Serves you good”

“I’ll shut up if I can listen to you”

3 stared at 4 unamused before sighing the biggest of sighs known to men, feeling a bit flustered alongside it.

“I just had a stupid dream where I betrayed you with the help of Mr Puzzles and I’m scared it could happen in real life, are you happy? That’s what’s keeping me up”

4 looked at him concerned. 3 felt awful.

“I’m sorry, I probably shouldn’t have told you”

“No… No, it’s okay” 4 mustered a smile “It makes me happy when you’re more open with me”

3 chuckled.

“Rare occurrence, right?” 

“Yeah with how much of a tsundere you are”

“I’m NOT! Got it?? I’m anything but that”

4’s smile fell.

“Sure sure… I’ll believe you.”

“I thought you would freak out more”

“Huh? Why would I?”

“At the thought that I had a dream of betraying you”

“3… did you enjoy betraying me?”

3 thought back to the dream, the whole kiss part flustered him a bit.

“3?”

“Uh- Of course not! Why would I? I may be a villain but I’m not… not…” 

“You’re not what?”

“Not… abandoning you. Not after everything”

4 looked at 3.

“Wow, is that still you, SMG3? I never knew you could be so direct… or that you felt that way about me” 4 teased 3.

3 was almost about to tell him off again, but he stopped himself. He calmed himself down with a deep breath. He firmly but with love grabbed 4’s shoulders.

“Are you trying to make fun of the fact that I care about you this much? I never cared so much about anyone. And I’m scared, I’m really scared I could… hurt you again. Do you know how scary it is, feeling the looming possibility of me backstabbing you?” 3 teared up “It’s so scary. I don’t wanna lose you”

4 didn’t know how to respond. He felt a bit flustered by such an admission of care for him. He knew 3 cared about him but all these words coming out of him directly just put a sort of feeling in him that made it just a little harder to stand and a little harder to think.

“3…I know you wouldn’t…”

“But- but what if I have a weird change of heart? And become what I used to be? What if I go and kill you on purpose? Like I’ve wanted to in the past?”

3’s tears wouldn’t stop.

“I- Listen, 3… I get that you have quite the history but um…” 4 took a deep breath. It was his time to be honest. 

“You… honestly amaze me, 3. For all that you’ve gone through I’m… proud of you? In a way… Yes, you tried to kill me and I’m not happy that happened… I’m not happy about so much you’ve done but… to me, you’ve made up for it… If… if you changing isn’t real then- then is anything real?”

“Eheh, you’re exaggerating…”

“No, dude, I’m serious! At this point- At this point I can’t imagine a world you would betray me in… besides… Mr Psychiatrist degree, isn’t this dream of yours kind of OCD adjacent?”

“Well-” 3 thought for a bit “Hate how you’re making sense there…”

“If you… hate it so much, it just shows how much it’s not what you REALLY want… I’d trust that the last thing you’d ever want to do is hurt me”

3 looked down. He had to take a bit to take the words in. 

“3…?” 4 was concerned with the silence but he didn’t need to be concerned for long as he was pulled into a tight hug. 3 buried his face in 4’s neck, still crying a bit so he soaked 4’s shirt, not that he cared. 4 might have but he didn’t that’s for sure. 4 returned the hug, rubbing 3’s back. It wasn’t always the easiest with 3 but these kind of moments were the ones making it all worth it for 4. He would live through so many murder attempts if it meant he could get more of this kind of 3, a 3 that could be so honest. A 3 that could care so much, so much that he could tear the universe apart. He loved it. Especially because he felt similarly. Sometimes he would remember old times and wonder how they couldn’t have been friends earlier but then realising that what they have now… It’s perfect. He would never even think to wish for anything else.

And they didn’t pull away for a long while, it felt like a waste to do so. A question appeared in 3’s mind that wouldn’t leave him alone.

“Say… 4… mind if I… spend the night here…? It’s cool if you don’t want me to- It is… kind of weird for me to ask to anyways”

4 pulled out of the hug.

“I was actually thinking the same thing. Although I don’t have another bed prepared” 

Silence inserted itself between them as they were both looking at each other awkwardly.

“I knew you were gay” 3 said, quoting the legendary video.

“Alright, that’s it, you’re coming to bed with me”

“Ooooh nooooo, what will I ever doooo” 3 said sarcastically.

“Oh, you know. Sleep” 

As they both laid down it felt a bit too real. Sure, they first softened the tension of the idea with jokes but that didn’t mean it would be easy after.

3 looked at the ceiling then at 4. Then at his hand. Although this all felt weird and he didn’t like being so direct- he grabbed 4’s hand, firmly at that. 4 looked at him. They stared into each other’s eyes a bit before 4 smiled.

“I’m glad to have you in my life, 3”

“Ahem, I’m actually more glad to have YOU in MINE” 3 got competitive about it. They both laughed about it then finally fell asleep.

[dreamyyesenia]

Always Keep Simming - Colin making new acquaintances…

Colin couldn’t wait any longer. He decided to travel to the Realm of Magic in the middle of the night and follow the summoning.

As soon as he arrived in Glimmerbrook, he was stuck in a heated magical duel 🫠 Colin lost the duel but the witch let him go thankfully. Seemed like the rumours about him and his involvement with his grandmother were worse than he thought!

Colin tried to sneak around the magical Headquarters as quickly and as quietly as possible…

At the Gardens in the Realm of Magic, he met Deanna Colton, the new sage of practical magic. And, seemingly, his future wife.

⬇️ Full Story below

Colin Blackburn tossed and turned at night. It was the night before New Year’s Eve. He just couldn’t sleep, no matter what he did. He was restless. His grandmother Jenna Blackburn, the master sage of the Realm of Magic, had summoned him to meet her right away, along with the sage of practical magic. „If you come to me right now, I will not infiltrate your house. I will not touch your family. This is my peaceful attempt. I’m sorry for what I put you through. Call it an old crow’s educational methods. I just want the best for you, grandson. - Jenna Blackburn, your loving grandmother“ the note had sead. An owl had delivered it to his house shortly before midnight. Delilah had alarmed him but thankfully Aileen and the others had already been asked… Colin was conflicted. He didn’t trust his grandmother’s words one bit but he also wanted to prevent a fight at all costs. Though they had assembled quite a few people to help them, they hadn’t planned to act right now. But Colin was afraid of his grandmother would come to his house personally. The specters were guarding them, but they were powerless against a sage of magic. Colin felt like he had to go by himself rather than risking his family’s safety. Thus, he left a note for Aileen and took the jewelry she had crafted him out of their boxes. They made him feel safe, at least. He had let them charge under the moon for a few hours, so that their power was strongest. As quietly as he could, he left Willow Creek and used “Transportapalate” to get someplace near to Glimmerbrook. Then, he’d have to travel by broom.

However, upon arriving at the Glimmerbrook tavern, he was met with an angry witch. In fact, it was Raven’s mother! The spell hit Colin before his feet were properly on the ground and he had to shift to defence immediately.

“Madam Nerwada, I’m your son’s friend. You’re making a mist-“ He had to block another spell before he could finish explaining himself. The red haired witch was furious. She yelled “No son of mine would be seen with a disgrace such as you. Your parents would be so ashamed of you, boy!” Colin ducked and turned and tried to defend himself without harming her. “Please, you got it wrong. I’m on your side! I’m not-“ “The puppet of that crazy granny of yours? Hah, tell me, why did you come here? Who are you going to poison next? Stupid boy!”, she shouted and the next strike was so strong that Colin fell to the ground. The witch said, now in a more quiet but just as angry tone: “Go to the Headquarters and see for yourself what you’ve done. Murderer. We’re all doomed because of you.” “I’m going to beat her. She was holding me hostage. I’m gonna make everything right, I promise”, Colin reassured her, still lieing on the ground and breathing heavily. The witch shook her head and only said “Don’t expect me to believe anything that comes out of your mouth. The practical sage was our strongest weapon against her.” „I’m gonna make it right. Ask Raven, we’ve planned everything together!” Colin didn’t know what else to say to make her believe. Thankfully, the witch was called to the tavern at that moment. Would she call her friends to finish him together? She sighed loudly. “I’m gonna give you the benefit of the doubt. Don’t make me regret it.” She then turned around and vanished into the tabern without looking back.

Exhausted, Colin got up, panting. “That went well…”, he murmured to himself. Before anyone else could recognize him, he traveled to the Realm of Magic. It was the middle of the night, so no one was to be seen. Quietly, he tried to sneak around the Headquarters until he arrived at his destination.

“You came. Good”, a warm voice came from the trees. He turned around so rapidly that it caused his head to spin. A small chuckle came from the darkness. “Oh come ooon… and I thought the Blackburn heir was brave.”

Colin stepped closer until he could make out a figure standing in the shadows of the lemon trees.

“Hi”, he said, nodding. “I came. Where’s my grandmother?”

The figure stepped into the light. A beautiful young woman with dark hair and sparkling eyes came into view.

“She’s occupied. Let’s talk about what we’re going to do about her”, she replied.

Colin was confused. “What do you mean?”, he asked.

The sage smirked. “I propose, we blast that bitch apart. And then feed her to a cowplant.” She smiled wickedly.

Colin exhaled audibly, relieved. Was she on their side? He smiled back tentatively.

“Nice to meet you, new sage. I’m Colin, glad to know you’re on my side”, he introduced himself.

“I’m Deanna. Your fiancé, of course I’m on your side!”, she patted his shoulder and laughed when Colin grimaced.

“Relaax, you’re not my type anyway”, Deanna winked. “Now, let me teach you some powerful spells”, Deanna proposed and the two of them started a long night of training together.

[syoish-aot]

"I Found You (too)" - EREN/READER - REINCARNATION AU (chapter 6)

eren/reader

Rating: M

2020s reincarnation of marleyan nurse reader & undercover eren

4k words

also on Ao3

<- chapter 5

*A Warm Living Room*

Jean resented the word “babysitting”.

Connie said: “I mean that’s basically what it is though, right?”

And Sasha- well… actually Sasha didn’t really say much of anything. Her face was too full of french fries when Eren asked them to do it.

Regardless of their feelings on the matter, after Eren called them to cash in a favor they all end up there:

Alone. In your apartment. With only you because Eren was running out of excuses to give his boss and he was going to get his ass fired if he called in sick one more time.

“Don’t stress too much about it,” Armin had told him on the phone the night before. “If anything, getting back into your old routine might help her remember things.”

“Yeah but… I still feel weird leaving her alone. What if something happens?”

There was a muffled sound from the other side of the phone before Armin was back: “Jean said he could come over and keep an eye on her.”

Eren could barely make out Jean’s defiant: “I DID NOT!” from the other end of the phone.

“Oh, and he just told me Connie and Sasha could help too!” Armin added.

Jean awkwardly rubbed the back of his head. “I feel like a phone call would have worked fine…” he mumbled. Jean knew you were his friend, a version of you anyway, but that version was tucked away in your subconscious with the current version leaving a lot to be desired.

Especially with how you were staring at him.

“What?” Jean’s glare caused you to jump before looking back to your lap.

‘Good riddance,’ he thought as a proud smirk spread across his face.

“Play nice,” Sasha ordered, slapping him on the back of the head as she crawled over the back of the couch to join the two of you in the living room. “Soooooo…” she started.“What do you like to do for fun?”

“I like to read,” you answered.

Connie snorted. “Fuckin’ nerd,” he mumbled.

Your head tilted curiously to the side as you looked at him. Obvious confusion was plastered across your face.

Connie was only half paying attention to what was going on, slumped in the loveseat and more absorbed in his phone game than anything. At least, until he realized what he had said and his eyebrows rose. He immediately sat up straight, his phone falling to his lap. “Sorry! Normally you’d- uh call me a dumbass back or- um-...”

Your eyebrows tightened together. “Mr. Kruger said we were friends.”

“We are friends.”

“But… I’m mean to you?”

“That’s-... oh boy…” Connie sighed. “You really are different.”

You scowled into your lap. “...everyone keeps saying that…” 

“ ‘s not a bad thing that you’re normally different,” Jean mumbled. “The old you seems kinda...” he vaguely waved his hand as if you were supposed to know what he was saying.

And you supposed you did: “Marleyan?” you finished for him.

“Woah there!” Sasha quickly jumped in. “You being Marleyan doesn’t have anything to do with it! My fiancé is Marleyan and I’m Eldian or at least- we used to be. Technically Marley and Eldia don’t really exist here but-”

“You’re engaged to a Marleyan!?” you exclaimed, eyes widening in surprise.

“Uh-... yeah,” Sasha answered, “have been for a while. We’re doing that whole ‘long-term engagement’ thing.”

“And you tell people that?”

“I mean I do,” Sasha said. “Nico’s kinda embarrassed about the fact that the economy is in shambles and it’ll be a while before we can afford a wed-”

“No not about that!” you interrupted, “about… about you being in love!”

“Huh?” Sasha seemed confused. “Oh- yeah! Yeah, we tell everyone.”

“It’s kinda gross, actually,” Connie said.

“You’re just jealous,” Sasha stuck out her tongue.

“Ew gross! If anything I feel sorry for Niccolo having to kiss your burger breath all the time.”

“Hmm… bold of you to assume he doesn’t have a food kink.”

Connie threw his head back with a loud laugh. “Oh my god he totally has a food kink!” he clutched his stomach through his laughter, almost falling out of his chair as he did so. “Sash, you're nasty! Is he into that feeder thing too!?”

“Even if he was I-”

“Guys please shut up,” Jean cut them off. “You’re traumatizing her.”

Connie and Sasha looked over at you. You’d gotten quiet (which would have been weird under normal circumstances, but they were starting to realize that silence was pretty typical for your old self). 

“No I-” you stuttered, “sorry. I was just… thinking.”

“Thinking about what?” Sasha asked. 

“I-” your cheeks flushed pink. “Wh- Where I’m from an Eldian and Marlyan can’t-... a-and even if they did they would… well…”

“We know,” Jean told you. For the first time, there was an undertone of concern in his voice. Like a part of him cared about you. Or at least some version of you. 

Of course, that concern was quickly washed away as your eyes met his and he went back to scowling.

You looked back at Sasha and Connie (they were a lot nicer). “Well if you know that then maybe you also know that I-... I um…” Your cheeks turned a darker shade of pink. “I’ve never said it out loud before but-...”

You squirmed against your seat, suddenly unsure if you should keep your hands in your lap. No, the armrests! No wait next to you! No, that looked awkward!! 

“I think she’s gonna hurt herself,” Connie whispered to Sasha.

“Yeah, she looks like she’s about to have an aneurism,” Sasha mumbled back just in time for you to blurt it out:

“I-I’m in love with Mr. Kruger!!”

Your cheeks burned deep crimson as you clenched your hands in your lap, tightly gripping your skirt while your shoulders trembled. 

You couldn’t believe you had just admitted it! You’d said it, out loud, to someone that wasn’t him!! This place was so amazing, if you were allowed to admit that then you really, truly never wanted to leave!

Jean sighed. “Yeah everyone fucking knows that.”

Your heart leapt into your throat. “E-Even Mr. Kruger!?”

“Oh my god...” Jean rubbed his hands over his face with a loud groan. “Yes. Mr. Kruger,” he said in a mocking tone, “is very very aware that you’re hot for him.”

“A-And… how does he um-... how does he feel about… me?”

Jean groaned again as he leaned back in his chair.

You turned your attention to Sasha and Connie instead, eyes begging them for reassurance. 

Instead of offering you any, they both held back their laughter:

“...this is so fucking priceless...” Connie snickered.

“...wish I had this on camera…” Sasha agreed.

You scowled as you crossed your arms over your chest. “I don’t get what’s so funny about someone having feelings for another person! No one was laughing at you when you were talking about your- your- your feeder kink fiancé!!!”

Whatever that meant (and honestly you had no idea) it must have been pretty funny because Connie started laughing so hard that he fell out of his chair. Sasha clutched her stomach yelling “My abs! My abs stop! They hurt!!” Even Jean, who seemed to hate your guts, let out a loud bark of a laugh. 

You still weren’t sure what you said, but you knew their reactions.

Part of you did, anyway.

And that same part encouraged you to join in on their, strangely familiar, laughter.

So you did.

You laughed with them. You laughed with your friends over a joke you didn’t really understand.

You’d never laughed like that before.

*An Office Downtown*

Eren was pulled from his computer screen daze as Armin placed a coffee on his desk.

“You’ve been glaring at your computer all day,” his best friend pointed out.

“Sorry,” Eren sighed as he leaned back in his chair. “Just catching up on emails. Buncha bullshit piled up.”

“Then how about you actually take your lunch today and give yourself a break?” Armin asked. Eren was notorious for getting sucked into something and forgetting to eat, which is why he’d spent the entire morning in complete silence glued to his computer. Thankfully, working at the same company as his best friend meant that he normally had someone looking out for him.

Eren glanced back at his monitor and a half-written email stared back at him. Then he looked down at the coffee Armin had brought over.

He reached for it. “A break sounds good.”

They ended up circling the small park next to their office building, enjoying the sunshine while it lasted before sitting down by the fountain in the middle of the park where they usually ate lunch together (on the days Eren remembered to do so, of course). 

It didn’t take Armin long to get to the elephant in the room:

“Still no luck getting her to remember?” he asked.

Eren sighed, knowing that this question was coming. “Nothing,” he answered, immediately running his fingers through his hair. “It’s been a week and she hasn’t remembered a single thing. What if she never does? What do we do if she’s just stuck like this and-”

“Eren, don’t worry about it,” Armin cut him off, “sometimes it takes a little longer.”

“But a full week?”

“Yeah. That’s not unheard of,” Armin shrugged.

Eren let out a short sigh as he picked at the lid of his empty coffee cup. The past week had been… rough, to say the least.

He’d kept trying to maintain an air of normalcy, but that was growing increasingly more difficult every time you looked up at him in wide-eyed amazement over something in the modern world, or smiled at him like he’d hung the fucking moon, or every single time you called him Mr. Kruger.

It was never Eren.

Always Mr. Kruger.

And every time you said it, it felt like a punch in the gut.

“Eren?” Armin asked, sensing his best friend’s apprehension. 

“I just-” Eren dropped his hands with a sign. “I just miss her so fucking much,” he said, “she’s right next to me but it’s not her and I-...” he drifted off, unsure how to finish the sentence.

“I know, Eren. We all get it. It’s hard waiting for things to go back to the way they were.”

Eren scoffed. “It’s not going to though.”

“Of course it will.”

Eren didn’t reply. Instead, he stared down at his coffee cup and ran his thumb against the light brown stain on the white lid.

“This is how it always happens,” Armin said. “Every time someone wakes up it’s hard for a few days, but once their minds catch up with them things have a way of working out.”

“‘Working out’ and going ‘back to the way it was’ are two different things,” Eren pointed out.

“I-- yeah,” Armin sighed, “you’re right, but sometimes ‘working out’ is better. Don’t you think?” 

Eren’s hold on his cup tightened, causing the thin paper to crinkle as the lid almost popped off.

Armin continued: “Remembering everything that happened back then made all of us cherish this life so much more. All the bad stuff from the past doesn’t-”

“Don’t you dare tell me it doesn’t matter, Armin!” Eren exclaimed as the lid to his coffee popped off and fell to the pavement below them.

Armin remained silent at his friend’s outburst.

“I’m sorry but it just-- it can’t not matter,” Eren said. “Just because we’ve been given a chance to try again doesn’t mean that what we did before doesn’t count for anything!”

A silence hung over them again.

Eren stared down at his empty cup. He noted how light it felt, the way it crinkled against his hold. The way it felt to dig his nails into the white paper.

A paper cup with coffee stains.

A paper cup with three pills.The green one discreetly slipped into a pocket before anyone could notice.

Armin captured Eren’s attention with the soft calling of his name:

“Eren?”

Eren was scared to look up, so he didn't.

“Who was she?” Armin asked.

It was the question Eren had been avoiding. The same question he couldn’t answer. Not to the rest of his friends. Not to Armin.

Not to you.

“Whatever happened to the two of you in your first lives,” Armin told him, “no matter how- no matter how terrible it was, this is our chance to try again. Everyone who’s woken up understands that.” Armin reached out to place his hand on Eren’s, giving it a soft squeeze. “...and she will too.”

Eren pulled away. He tossed the coffee cup into the trash can and shoved his hands into his pockets.

He didn't want Armin to feel the way they trembled.

The way they shook.

The way his fingers twitched with nervous hesitation as Armin’s words repeated in his head.

But more importantly, he didn't want to look at them for himself.

At his hands.

Eren wanted to cut them clean off, even now that he couldn’t regenerate. Especially now that he couldn’t regenerate.

He wanted to cut them off and make them pay for their crimes.

*A Warm Living Room*

Pandemonium had broken out in the time Eren had been gone, and that fact became immediately obvious as he stepped back into his apartment.

“Connie if you don't fucking back me up here I'm going to chop your balls off in your sleep!!!” 

“Fuck you, Jean! What do you want me to do!? It's completely chance!”

“It is not chance!! It depends on when you push the button!”

“NO IT DOES FUCKING NOT!!”

“Okay then push it now! Push it right fucking now I dare you! You won't do it because it's not completely cha-”

“Oh look I won!” The third voice wasn't Connie, Jean, or even Sasha.

The third voice was you.

Everyone burst out into excited screams:

“HOLY SHIT!!! HOW DID THAT JUST HAPPEN!!” Sasha exclaimed. 

“IT'S NOT CHANCE I TOLD YOU IT'S NOT FUCKING CHANCE!!!” Jean shouted, immediately followed by Connie’s loud:

“FUCK MY ASS OFF DUDE HOW ARE YOU STILL THE MARIO PARTY CHAMPION!?!?”

Eren tucked his shoes into the closet and Bitcoin stumbled out of the living room. He hobbled over to his dad and rubbed against Eren's leg before he began loudly meowing for his dinner. Eren leaned down to pick him up and walked into the living room, towards the commotion.

“Guys we have neighbours you know,” he sighed, “can you please keep it down?”

Everyone looked over at him as he entered the room. 

Jean and Sasha were on the couch as Connie took up the loveseat. Despite how there was more than enough room for you to sit on the couch too, you were in front of the coffee table, much too close to the TV for it to be doing anything good to your eyes.

You clutched your GameCube controller in one hand as you smiled at him. “Look Mr. Kruger, I won!” You told him, pointing at the TV where Princess Daisy stood in front of the flashing lights and banner that declared:

You are the DREAM STAR!!

Apparently god given Mario Party 5 skills trumped even reincarnation.

Who knew?

Eren chuckled with a smile. “Good job ba-” he stopped himself before the pet name came out. “Good uh-” he cleared his throat, “good job.”

You smiled.

His stomach flipped, just like it always did.

*A Cozy Bedroom*

“Connie and Sasha told me something,” you told Mr. Kruger that night as you crawled into bed.

Mr. Kruger always came to make sure you were all set before falling asleep. He’d turn the lights off for you, check that the cats were comfortable (although the old brown one was the only one that would actually stay in the bedroom overnight) and then he’d tell you goodnight before leaving.

It was the exact opposite of the real world, but given the way everything else in this somewhere nice was the opposite, you figured it made sense. 

“What did they tell you?” Mr. Kruger asked, placing a glass of water on your bedside table, just like he did every night.

“They said um-...” You looked down at your hands, curling the blanket in your lap against your fingers. “They said that Eldians and Marleyans didn’t really exist here.”

“They don’t,” Mr. Kruger confirmed as he sat down on the end of the bed.

“Sasha also told me that she has a fiancé who’s Marleyan.”

“She does.”

Eren watched you stare down at your lap as you avoided his eyes. He noticed your cheeks turn pink in a way he’d never seen on this version of you. 

The old you.

The old you had two modes, and he’d gotten familiar with them after the months he spent with you in Liberio. You were either spaced out, completely gone as your body moved in robot mode to complete whatever task needed to be done, or you were fake.

Smiling.

Cheery.

Putting up a performance that, in the past, made his blood boil to watch.

Right now though- with your slightly flushed cheeks, the subtle smile that slowly spread across your face, and the way you eventually looked up at him- right now you looked like the version he was used to.

The version he met here. The version he fell in love with without any memory of what had happened in the past.

Who he’d been in the past.

“Is that allowed here then?” you asked, making Eren’s heart feel like it might beat right out of his chest.

Eren cleared his throat. “I--Is what allowed here?”

Your reply came out after a moment of hesitation. Softly, as if you were nervous about how he would answer: “Are an Eldian and Marleyan allowed to be together…?”

Suddenly, the two of you were in dangerous territory.

Suddenly the same feeling of impending doom washed over Eren, just like it had when Armin asked: ‘who was she?’

It was all he could see. It was all he could feel-

The grinding of stone. Fire. Screaming. The roar of his titan. The zipping of lines. And a body lifeless against the battered streets.

At some point, he’d sat down on the bed.

At some point, you’d leaned closer.

At some point, you’d looked back down at your lap. Down at your hands before you took a short breath.

Before your hand slid across the covers and hesitated, just a fraction of a centimetre from his.

It was all so familiar but so different at the same time.

The way you paused. The way the bed dipped between the two of you. The way Eren could feel the warmth radiating from your fingers, even though they weren’t touching his.

But the sheets below you were dark green, not white, and the walls were covered in framed photos, not completely bare.

So it was different, and he tried so hard to focus on how it was different but---

But it all felt so familiar. 

So familiar that he got lost in it for a moment. So familiar that when your hand finally moved closer to his, brushing so gently against his pinky finger- Eren jumped.

“Is…” you whispered, “...is this allowed?”

Your finger brushed against his, just your finger, so hesitantly that you could easily have pretended it hadn't happened if you wanted to.

But Eren didn’t want to pretend it hadn’t happened. The moment you touched him finally actually touched him, lit a fire in the pit of his stomach as his heart pounded.

“It’s-- It’s allowed…” he slowly answered, so softly that if there had been any other noise in the room at all you might have missed it.

His finger hooked against yours, body moving completely on its own as if it was instinct.

And it was.

At this point, it was instinct.

Eren could hear his heart beating in his ears at the simple sensation of your finger pressed against his. He’d touched you so many times (you’d been dating for six years, so obviously he had) but it had never felt like this.

It had never felt so intense…

He didn't know at what point your fingers had curled together.

He had no idea how long it took until he looked over at you.

And he surely couldn't recall when you'd looked back at him, but all of a sudden you had.

All of a sudden the two of you were sitting there in that bed with that wall and your hand in his.

And it was just like Liberio.

“Don't go tonight,” he'd said as his fingers curled, for the first time, around yours. You were touching him. Not to change a bandage, or give him his medicine, or check his heart rate. You were touching him all on your own for the first time.

“Why wouldn't I go to the festival?” You laughed with a smile. A smile so wide and genuine that Eren wanted to bottle it up and keep it forever. “It sounds fun.”

“Please,” Eren begged. Before he could stop himself, he'd lifted his hand to cup your cheek.

He was touching you. He was touching you and not because you were changing his shirt, or passing him a tart, or helping him hobble across his hospital room. He was touching you all on his own.

His thumb brushed against your cheek. Your warm cheek, as the image of your bloody body, discarded against the cobblestone, flashed through his mind.

No. No no no no no please no.

“Mr. Kruger I-”

You were just as close right now as you had been then. Looking up at him with the same eyes, the warmth of your palm against him in the same way.

Except it wasn't the same, right? It was different now.

He was different now. He was Eren, not Mr. Kruger.

In a different life under different circumstances with a different path in front of him.

You were safe here, finally, where there wasn’t fire or rubble or cobblestone. Here, where nothing bad could happen to you.

Eren's hand cupped your cheek and the two of you moved closer. It was warmer here. It was better.

He was better. He was Eren, not Mr. Kruger.

“Is… Is this allowed...” your breath ghosted across his lips as you asked it again.

Eren's eyes slid closed as he nodded. He leaned in, craving your kiss so badly that it almost hur-

“...Mr. Kruger?” 

Until you finished your sentence and Eren’s world completely shattered. 

Mr. Kruger.

Right.

That’s who he was to you right now. He wasn’t Eren, he was Mr. Kruger.

“She’ll do it.” “Oh good, your dog can do more than just fetch.”

“She's distracting you, Eren.” “No, she's not.”

“Then kill her.”

Eren’s palms grew damp with nervous sweat. His stomach turned. His heartbeat rang in his ears, this time for a different reason entirely.

Mr. Kruger Mr. Kruger Mr. Kruger

That’s who he was to you.

Mr. Kruger

Eren pulled away from you, trying not to watch your heartbroken expression as he pushed out of bed. “H-Have a good night,” he stuttered before he left the room.

He didn’t turn back to look at you. He couldn’t.

He was worried that if he did, all he’d see would be-

Fire and screaming. The roar of his titan. The zipping of lines. And a body-  your body -lifeless against the battered streets.

Eren didn’t want to look back because if he did, he’d remember who he was to you.

Mr. Kruger

The man who had manipulated you into loving him.

*Libero* 854

“Good morning Mr. Kruger!” Three days into his undercover mission and it had quickly become one of his least favourite sounds. 

Eren groaned as he sat up.

Headache. Pills. Wate-

“I snuck you an extra apple,” you told him with a wide smile, holding up the crisp red fruit just for him. He wanted to deny it and tell you he didn’t need your pity, but his rumbling stomach betrayed him and he reached for the apple anyway.

You laughed. “Don’t tell anyone or they’ll accuse me of picking favourites.”

Juice dribbled down his chin as he bit into the apple.

He looked over at you as he chewed.

It was a good apple.

Crisp. Fresh. Sweet.

It was a good apple.

And the way your eyes light up- with so much hope and joy, like a dog waiting to be praised- it was-

It was pathetic.

Pathetic how eager you were to please.

…he could use that…

TAG LIST: (like this post to be added or unlike it to be removed)

@xngelsau @f4irygard3n @vlsquuu @fvckingeetar @shmaptainbonky @maluvilela @gojojang @merrygo14 @ebubeu @janneeeexdxc @yn7877 @misshale21 @dracucil @venus1224idkpleaze @decadentprunepersonadragon @magictrump @kooromin @ilovemollyweasley @azulaenthusiast @dattebakay @suagxsugax @sky-full-of-magic @longestline @skoll1897 @hayleighloatx @datshittuebrat @br0ken-g1rl @tbzzluvr @jaeg3rb0mb @ratkidcalledallie @sieihebendh @lcve1yk3nz1e @marklover142717 @areenaa @luvs4kim @anything4yoongi @misavxz @dumdxm @pink-apples001

[legendary-69420]

Chapter 19: Déjà Vu

(Racing Hearts : VOLUME 2)

The final race of the season was fast approaching, but Charles couldn’t shake the growing pit of anxiety gnawing at him. Everywhere he looked, there were rumors—whispers that Mark wouldn’t be returning next year. He hadn't dared to ask Mark directly, and it was driving him to the edge. Carlos was already leaving to join Williams, and now it felt like he was about to lose Mark too. His friend, his closest ally, and… maybe something more.

Arthur and Lorenzo sat with him, trying to calm him down, but it wasn’t working. The room was filled with tension as Charles’ thoughts spiraled.

“You don’t get it!” Charles snapped, pacing in frustration. “You don’t know how much he means to me! This is all happening again, like last year… but this time it’s real! He might actually leave!”

Arthur looked up, confused. “What do you mean, ‘like last year’? Mark’s not confirmed to leave yet, right?”

Lorenzo nodded in agreement. “It’s all just rumors, Charles. Red bull hasn’t made an official announcement.”

But Charles shook his head, his voice filled with frustration. “That’s what you said last year when I thought I was losing him too, and look how that turned out! Last year, I wanted to tell him… I needed to, but I couldn’t, and I thought I’d never see him again.”

Arthur blinked, surprised by Charles’ sudden outburst. “Wait… you really care about him that much? Like—”

Before Arthur could finish, Charles cut him off. “You don’t get it! I LOVE HIM, OKAY?! I CAN’T LOSE HIM, NOT AGAIN!” His voice broke as the words slipped out, louder than he had ever intended.

A stunned silence filled the room. Charles stared ahead, his heart racing. He hadn’t even realized the weight of those words until now. Arthur and Lorenzo exchanged shocked glances.

“Wait… you love him?” Arthur asked, his voice quiet but filled with disbelief. “Charles, are you serious?”

Lorenzo’s eyes widened. “We’re talking about Mark here, right?”

Charles slumped back onto the couch, burying his face in his hands. “I… I don’t know, okay? I didn’t even mean to say that. I’m just… I’m scared of losing him.”

Later that evening, Charles found himself absentmindedly scrolling through Instagram, trying to take his mind off things. But then something stopped him cold. A post from F1’s official account caught his eye. His heart raced as he opened it:

Charles blinked in disbelief, his heart skipping a beat. Mark was staying?! He stared at his phone, trying to process the information. Was this real? Could it actually be happening?

Before he could think any further, his phone buzzed. It was Mark.

Charles hesitated for a moment before answering. “Mark?” His voice trembled, unsure of what to say.

“Hey, bunny boy,” Mark’s teasing voice came through the line. “Miss me?”

Charles blinked, still in shock. “I… are you really staying with Ferrari next season? I just saw the post, and I thought—”

Mark laughed, the sound light and playful. “Yep! Just signed the contract. Looks like you’re stuck with me for another season, mate.”

Relief flooded through Charles, a weight lifting off his chest. “Wait… seriously? You’re not leaving?”

“Nope,” Mark teased again. “Red Bull’s in my rearview now. It’s just you and me at Ferrari.”

Charles laughed, a wave of happiness washing over him. “I thought you were leaving. I was… I was losing my mind thinking about it.”

“Well, I’m not going anywhere,” Mark reassured him. “We’re teammates again. Get ready for another season together.”

Charles smiled, relief and excitement mixing inside him. But as much as he was thrilled that Mark was staying, a part of him couldn’t shake the deeper feelings he’d just confessed. He wasn’t ready to confront them yet, but knowing Mark wasn’t leaving gave him some time to figure it all out.

For now, all that mattered was that Mark was staying. That was enough.

---

[crossbackpoke-check]

re last answer: please don't stop, being very unhinged about these two pretty white boys is helping distract me from the sharks losing streak rn so bring it on

https://www.tumblr.com/bondedpairs/764566430180147200?source=share

(sideblog woes but there's the link for you) anyway in the vid they talk about going over to each other's houses to have dinner and things and while that is a delicious example of their codependence i love it bc through an rpf lens there is definitely some old man ******* going on. they can have the dilfs and each other.

(someone else mentioned kept boys which i could write an essay on but i fear being Perceived™️)

anyway if you have anything to add to this please do, if not ignore me and i will hide under a rock until the stress-related insanity has worn off and i am a functioning member of society once more 😂

- @bondedpairs

ty for the video!!! and please, WRITE THE KEPT BOYS ESSAYYYY i promise i will read it with my hands over my eyes if you don’t want to be perceived. do it scared!! do it anyway!! we’ll all love you for it!!!

[polyamorouspunk]

Getting messages on here that are like “wow I’m so disappointed in you.. I thought you were better than that” is SO funny like bestie who are you to me? This is tumblr.com! The place we celebrate blocking people for the bare minimum because none of it fucking matters and we’re all just little icons and usernames in each other’s phones. Like you don’t know me! I don’t care that I’ve disappointed you! It doesn’t matter! Unless you are kissing me with tongue I don’t give a shit <3

[trashbaget]

tell me your failed/embarrassing flirting stories to make me feel better, i’ll go first: today i said “get out of my way” forgot to say “i’m kidding” then immediately said “bye”

[void-tiger]

Actually…? No. Tell me the odds. I need the likelihood of success and got nothing else to lose might as well try even if extremely unlikely. Because I need help sustaining the hope that everything’s gonna be okay and motivation to get there that I just can’t do for myself without burning out almost completely.

[medusa-was-innocent]

They took waiting room off spotify

[feywildhoney]

I need new friends so badly lol

I also need to move out of the place I’m in haha but I have no money for that currently so I just want to make new friends but I have no money to go out to places and I don’t drive currently so I’m…. Stuck im so stuck :(

[insanechayne]

~ ~ ~

[binders-and-beanies]

If u tell a trans disabled person to call the cops or tell someone else to call the cops abt them u do not care abt that person’s safety