#what is wrong with her. does she expect me to shrug it off and ''celebrate'' this

[makerscockandballs]

my mother just told me its been 9 months since i came out to her and she celebrates that. like she didn't torment me for months after and said the most horrific shit to me and ruined my mental health so much i considered cutting her out of my life completely and cannot trust people anymore like i have before

[sincerelyneo]

omg hello! i missed you so much!!! 💖 would you consider reposting arcade again?? it was legit the best thing i’ve ever read omg i was so sad when i couldnt find it anymore

its fine if you cant tho!! im glad youre backkkk💖💖💖

ofc i can, i’m glad you liked it <3

arcade | p.js

“i’m out of control, full power up”

💿now playing: arcade by nct dream

❯ summary: Jisung’s been nothing but busy lately, so when you hear he got the weekend of your anniversary off, you can’t help but plan something to spend time with him. Expect, the only thing jisung wants after his busy month is you — and he’s not gonna let your silly arcade date get in the way of that.

❯ pairings: jisung x fem!reader

❯ genre: established relationship, smut, fluffish.

❯ words: 3.5k

❯ tags: 18+ minors dni!, smut, fingering, exhibitionism, reader uses she/her pronouns, use of the name baby, jisung takes pictures whilst fingering reader in a photobooth idk???

"You brought us to an arcade for our three year anniversary?"

You look over to Jisung standing by your side as the pair of you stood in front of the arcade entryway with the giant neon sign above your heads.

"Yeah, surprise - who doesn't love a date night with pizza and an arcade?" You grin, trying to hide the look of nervousness fighting to show once you notice his frown.

“Baby,” he groans, whiny, “I thought we were gonna go home after the pizza.��

You may have lied to him about that.

When you told Jisung about tonight’s date, he originally objected. He wanted to have a chilled night in with just the two of you — alone. Something he hadn’t had for the past four weeks he’d been strung up at work. Yet, you insisted that the two of you celebrated your three year anniversary just like you had done for your first and second.

So instead, the two of you came up with a compromise: head to your favourite pizza place, then come home and watch a movie snuggled together on the couch. In Jisung’s mind ‘watch a movie’ was code for letting his hands roam all over your body whilst he watched you whither and squirm, but he figured it was best to not discuss the minute details.

But don’t get him wrong. Just because he wanted to have a quiet night in didn't mean he hasn’t missed you — because oh he has. He’s only bothered the rest of the dreamies with his annual ‘I miss her’ speech every other hour.

And whilst typically Jisung loved to spend every passing minute of the day with you; right now, all he could think about was how much he wanted to be balls deep in the cunt he’d missed so much — not spending his time in some arcade.

"I haven't been inside one of these since I was a little kid," you tell him. “Please Sungie, just for an hour.” You begin tugging on his hands.

“I don’t know, Y/N. Aren’t we a bit too old to be playing in the arcade?” he rubs the back of his neck sheepishly.

“Pretty please!”

You hope the small flutter in your eyelashes is enough to win over the hesitant man. And you know it will because he’s told you several times not to give him those signature doe eyes, because he can’t ever bring himself to say no to them.

"Fine."

He grasps your hand, threading your fingers together as he starts to lead the two of you inside. You're instantly greeted with the loud electronic sound effects from the various games, along with the random music playing inside.

There's lights flashing everywhere, and you notice a bunch of people sitting at the bar and in booths near the front of the arcade, along with a bunch wandering around all of the games.

Jisung looks sideways before gesturing his head to the row of retro games, "what do you wanna play?" He asks.

“You can pick first, because I’m such a good girlfriend.”

He can’t help but smile at you — because he knows you're right.

“How about we play some pinball?

"I take it back," you say with a pointed look, "I’ve seen you play that with Chenle and I’m definitely gonna lose.”

“Too late, you’ve already given me the power,” he shrugs and pulls your arm over to where the game is situated.

“Ugh, Jisung. There’s no point, I already know I’m gonna lose,” you try to protest.

“Stop complaining,” he grasps your hips to turn you around to face the pinball machine then comes to stand behind you.

He takes your hands and places them on the buttons either side of the machine in front of you. You feel your cheeks flush when you feel Jisung’s chin rest on your shoulder, as he guides your fingers over the controls and silently coaches you through the game.

You don’t know how he always does it but even here, he's managing to create some form of sexual tension between the two of you at a pinball machine.

“Jisung..” you whisper as he places teasing kisses along your neck.

“Shhh, I’m just trying to help you out,” his lips brush against your neck as he continues hitting the buttons at a constant steady speed. “Besides, I think I’ve found my new favourite way to play pinball tonight."

Eventually, the ball shoots straight down between the two flippers, drawing the game to an end. He’d been doing so well that you wanted to turn around and kiss him but he pressed you harder against the machine, dipping into the crook of your neck to tease your ear.

"You've got no idea how badly I wish I could bend you over this and fuck you right here, right now."

It sent shivers down your whole body as you felt him grin against your skin when he noticed the sharp inhale of air you sucked in at his words.

Jisung knows you're shy, so he’s not surprised that you try to snake away from his grip at his crude remark.

"Look, we got a new high score," he says while he slips his hands from over yours and slides them up your arms. Pretending he didn't just whisper something that dirty. “We make a pretty good team.”

“Yeah ‘cause you did all the work,” you sulk.

You see the red digital writing flashing on the scoreboard, then his arms snake around to link across your lower stomach and pull you firmer against him. To anyone watching you look like a typical couple being affectionate, but the tension makes it feel the furthest thing from innocent.

"You know exactly what you're doing right now, Jisung Park," you huff, trying to control how flustered you feel, "We’re here to play games."

He presses a kiss to your cheek, before murmuring, "I am playing games. And so far I think I'm winning."

As he speaks he lets one of his hands slip down to graze over the front of your crotch, which he swears is an accident when you sternly say his name. But you can’t deny the way the touch made you jolt before he pulls away and steps back. You’d missed his touch — missed being with him like this.

But this was not the place. So you take his hand and turn the two of you to walk off like nothing happened.

The two of you continued to play a handful of arcade games. The classics, retro games, new games — Jisung had even managed to secure you a fluffy teddy bear from the claw game after you mentioned it being ‘impossible’.

You’d been taking it in turns to choose a game each, but when you mentioned the arcade photo booth, your boyfriend had started to get apprehensive.

After some of your amazing buttering up skills with puppy dog eyes, he agreed and he pulled the curtain back for you to get inside, then closes the door on the booth.

He sat down first on the small seat, and when you went to sit next to him he grabbed your waist and pulled you down onto his lap instead. He takes some coins from his pocket and starts putting them in the slot.

You try to get off his lap to sit beside him before the timer starts but he doesn’t let you.

“Just look at the camera and smile."

Once you hear the timer counting down the two of you start posing. But just before the last beep sounds, you get the idea to grab hold of Jisung’s face and let your lips mush against his cheek causing him to scrunch his nose up.

"That’s not fair," he says the second he hears the beeping start again.You stick your tongue out at him and his eyes narrow. “Fine, if that’s the game we’re playing.”

You both look back at the camera and offer smiles, kisses and peace signs. But at the last beep, Jisung gets the idea to move both of his hands to cup over your chest, groping your boobs.

Your mouth falls open as you gasp in shock while Jisung starts laughing.

You try to pull his hands away, "Okay fine, point taken mister grabby hands."

Jisung is practically giggling to himself, whilst you wait for the timer to start again.

“Alright alright, we'll take a serious one now.” He says, placing his chin on your shoulder, as you both look at the camera.

But once again, as the third beeping starts he quickly says, “Do you think people would notice if I made you cum while we're in here?"

Your body stiffens in shock as the picture is taken. Jisung is bursting with laughter and you're taken aback.

Jisung likes sex. He loves sex in fact — especially with you. But he never does this. Sure he teases you when you're out and about — how could he not when you’re so beautiful and perfect for him. But he’s never insinuated doing something so sexual in public like this before.

But here the two of you are. Waiting for the timer to start again, but this time you’re anticipating the shit he was going to pull when the final beep comes — and he does not disappoint. Because his hands slide up your legs, dipping into your inner thighs and squeezing them.

"Jisung," you warn him, "behave yourself."

The beeping starts again, but Jisung doesn't move his hands, and starts to massage his fingers higher.

When the last tick happens, he moves his face to press a kiss to your jaw, and you feel his breath hitting your skin from his nose.

He starts to inch your legs a bit further apart to let his thumbs graze over the crease where your thighs meet your pelvis.

“Ive missed you so fucking much baby,” he whines. “I need you so bad.”

“Jisung not here,” you sigh as his hands start working to warm up your skin.

“Why not? Wouldn’t you like the thought of me getting you off in here? Trying not to get caught?"

If his face wasn't so close to yours you wouldn't be able to hear him over the loud music in the arcade and how low his voice has gotten.

You give him a confused frown, thinking he surely can't be fucking serious but when you do he takes the opportunity to press his lips against you, kissing you while the camera snaps the last picture.

Your stomach is knotting along with your heart beating faster and you feel that familiar heat between your legs but you’d never tell him that — and he’d never tell you that he knows you keep it from him.

"Would you?" He asks again when he breaks the kiss.

You look at him like he's lost his mind. "You're joking right?" You can't be serious - Jisung people get their pictures taken in here, someone could walk in, you can't-"

He makes your words stop and your breath hitch in your throat as he moves his hand up under your skirt and cups his hand between your legs.

"That's not what I asked you," he says letting his eyes trace over your face, then leans closer, "Would you enjoy it?"

“Jisung, this is so unlike you, are you even hearing what you’re asking me?”

He moves his leg a bit and wedges his heel against the edge of the door so it can't be pulled open, "I know exactly what I’m asking you, so answer me."

"We’re supposed to be taking pictures, Sung,” you try changing the subject, and ignore the pressure of his hand pressed against you.

"Oh god we will," he says like it should be obvious.

And now you’re looking even more caught off guard.

“I'd fucking kill to have some pictures of you getting off. Have them to look at them whenever I’m needy and miss you.”

Jisung starts to massage the heel of his palm very slowly against you, adding more pressure over your underwear as you try to squeeze your legs closed but he holds them with his other hand to keep them apart.

"We can't-" it takes very fibre in your body to attempt to protest this, but you easily allow him to cut you off.

"Yes we fucking can," he has that sly look on his face, "But if you don't want to, we won't. It's up to you. Should I stop?"

You exhale a weak breath as he replaces the heel of his palm with his fingers dancing over your underwear, massaging slow circles that make your hips shift.

"Won’t people think it's weird if we're in here too long." you fumble over your words which makes Jisung smile while he bites on his lip.

"Don't worry I'll be quick," he says knowing you’re only making excuses instead of admitting what you really want.

Your eyes drift closed as you sigh, feeling his fingers move against you to create a friction that's only making the throb between your legs worsen. You have absolutely no common sense when it comes to this man and his fucking fingers.

"Should I stop?" He repeats in a low voice, moving his mouth to start to kiss along your jaw.

As usual with him, your functioning brain checks out while your subconscious takes over and you shake your head feeling your breathing start to go shallow.

"You want me to make you cum, yeah? Is that right baby?" His words are slightly muffled as he moves his free hand from your inner thigh and brushes your hair back over your shoulder so he can move his mouth to your neck, "I need words baby."

You should be rational and tell him to stop. But you don't. You wouldn’t dare. You didn’t want him to. So instead you say what you do want, and breathe out a quiet "yes."

Jisung’s own breathing is getting heavier, and the tension in this small enclosed space feels like it's compressing both of you closer together. When he hears your approval, his hand between your legs bunches up the front of your skirt. When he slips it up he snakes his hand over your stomach to push down into your underwear.

A faint groan echoes in Jisung’s throat the second his fingers feel your bare skin, exploring around your underwear to feel the slickness there.

"You’ve made a mess. Missed me this much, huh?” his voice is low, while he drags his warm lips up your neck.

You only manage to nod your head, your brain focused on squirming your hips to find some kind of friction again. He finally rests the pads of his fingers against your throbbing clit, starting to tease circles that force a quiet whimper out of you. Your eyes are still closed as excitement and neediness flood your nerves.

For doing something that should be wrong, it feels so damn right, and it's all you can think of. Feeling him is all you can think about.

"You sure I can take some pictures?" He checks, keeping his movements steady as your hips start to circle against his hand,

You don't respond at first—you can’t—too caught up in how this is feeling, and when he dips his fingers down to your pussy to collect more arousal on his fingers before moving back to your clit and applying more pressure, your head falls forward as you pant out a strained, "You - fuck, yes, you can."

He chuckles hearing how fucked out you are for him, and he’s only just started. But it’s when you hold onto the thigh he’s been using to pry your legs open that his eyes darken with need.

He keeps his fingers moving while he manages to get some coins he had in his pocket, reaching forward to put them into the coin slot, then pressing the button to start the timer.

When he relaxes back he applies a firmer pressure, and starts to massage your clit in quicker circles; making your mouth drop open with a gasped moan. You can barely hear the beep for the picture anymore, everything around you turning blurry, and all you can hear is your heart beat mixed your heavy breathing.

"That's it baby," he coos, with a gravel to his voice from the tension in it, "God I wish I could fuck you right now. I’ve been dying for it.”

Your skin is burning up, and all you can manage in response is the pants from your open mouth, desperately trying to keep yourself quiet.

You start to grind yourself against him as his fingers work, and feel the hard bulge forming in his pants underneath your ass.

He wasn't kidding when he said he'd be quick, he's already building the pressure in your lower belly, making your stomach muscles tighten, while he moves his fingers in the exact way he knows you love it.

That knot in your lower half tightens, and your legs start to tremble as a louder moan you can't stop comes out of your mouth.

"Fuck—Jisung," you whimper, with your chest starting to heave with rapid uneven breaths.

He only quickens his fingers driving with determination and speed, making sure to keep repeating the same movements that are getting the best reactions from you and when your head falls back as you moan again; his free hand comes up to cover your mouth.

"Shhhh—quiet, remember?" He hushes against your ear, groaning at the feeling of you grinding against him, "I know you wanna cum baby, but there’s no way I’m letting anyone else hear how you sound for me.”

All you can manage is a muffled "mhm" against his hand as your eyes squeeze tighter. That familiar sensation starts to ripple from your centre down your legs and into the rest of your limbs.

The orgasm is speeding towards you, faster than anticipated causing your back to arch up as your hips writhe. Your mind is foggy only able to make out quiet whispers of encouragement coming from Jisung.

As the release ripples through your body and your moans are muted against his hand, Jisung groans again, feeling you shake on top of him. He can’t help but snap his hand away to grasp at your jaw to turn your face and kiss you hard while you ride through your climax.

The kiss is mostly open lips grazing against each other, or trying to connect in messy motions with both of your laboured breathing mixing together. His fingers only pause when you try to pull yourself away from them.

Once your eyes drift open to see Jisung’s, the look in them makes you want to squeeze your legs together again if you could move them currently.

Jisung brings his hand up, and grazes his pointer and middle finger he just used to send your body into a frenzy against your lower lip as a silent request for you to open your mouth. You don’t deny it, taking them into your mouth to taste yourself.

“Fucking hell,” his eyes dart back and forth from your eyes to your mouth. His head rolls back against the wall behind you and he whines in the quiet, "God fucking help me."

Your body is still buzzing, floating down dazed from the high it was on, and you watch Jisung bite down on his lower lip as his brows knit tight together, as his hips shift beneath you.

"Everything okay, Sungie?" It’s the only thing your mushed brain can think of saying as you look down at his strained pants.

"Fuck no," he mumbles, looking like he's trying to compose himself, "But it’s my own fault. I suggested we do this. I’ll deal with myself later.”

"Later?" You ask.

Jisung lifts his head back up, leaning forward to press a kiss to your cheek as he rubs his palm up and down your thigh, "Yeah, later. When we get home and we watch that movie you promised me.”

He thinks you don’t know that he uses the movie thing as a code to fuck you — but you do know — and that’s why you’ve never protested when he puts on another one of those Harry Potter movies he loves.

"You sure you'll be able to wait that long?"

Jisung’s lips lift up at the corners, "I’ve waited weeks for this, I’m sure I can manage a couple more hours.”

He hugs you against him with his arms around your stomach, and back against his firm chest.

"But then again,” he begins “Now I have the memory of how fucking hot watching you get off in here was. That makes waiting like some kind of sick torture to me."

You let out a weak laugh, feeling your cheeks flush more than they already were, "I still can't believe we just did this."

"I can, and there's pictures to prove it," he smiles, pulling the strip of three black and white photos from the dispenser.

[pandorafairy]

Secret Cove (Part 3)

Neteyam x Metkayina (oldest daughter of Tonowari, the chief)

Neteyam is 18

Contains: new character & secrets, Neteyam fluff, Neteyam jealousy

I break the surface of the water with a fish flapping around in my net. The Sully children, all except Neteyam, study the way I hold it. Kiri frowns slightly, like she’s unhappy with the killing of the fish. I paddle up to the ledge where they all sit, their toes brushing against the waves. 

“It’s our dinner Kiri.” I smile at her and pull myself out of the water. A few villagers whisper from a nearby pod, their eyes following my movement. Rumors about Tonowari’s eldest getting in trouble have spread rapidly. I act like I don’t see their stares. 

“Yea, I know,” Kiri replies in annoyance. Tuk stares off into the horizon, lost in her own world. Lo’ak stares at Tsireya and she pretends not to notice. Everyone seems fine but lessons feel wrong without Neteyam here. Lo’ak had said their father took Neteyam out hunting with the other men. Aonung and Rotxo had looked at each other with shared jealousy. I hadn’t said anything but I know it’s more than just a hunting spree. Guess Jake and my father really do want us to stay apart. 

“That’s it for today,” Aonung says. Kiri immediately jumps up and skips off, Tuk hurrying behind her. Lo’ak pats Aonung on the back before following after his sisters. I sigh. I’m not sure when I’ll be able to see Neteyam again. What if he doesn’t return to our lessons? Should I sneak out again? Risk being caught?

“Sister?” Aonung asks. Rotxo peers curiously at me from beside him. “What’s bothering you?”

“Nothing, I’m fine.” I smile at him, it hurts my face to do it but I do. I haven’t told him anything that happened. I just said that our parents freaked out over nothing. That he had nothing to worry about. That I’m fine. I know he didn’t fully believe me but he knew better than to push me. 

Aonung shrugs before challenging Rotxo to a race. They dive in the water and disappear under the waves. I should return to my pod where my parents are expecting me. Eclipse is soon, and after the trouble I got in, I can’t risk being late. But my rebellious streak still burns through me. I keep hearing Neteyam’s voice in my head, We already broke two rules, what’s a few more?

I’m so lost in thought that I don’t realize someone’s walked up beside me until he speaks. 

“Hey.” I whip my head to the side to find Issak standing beside me. He’s tall with light blue skin and a spear in his hand. His black hair curls around his temples. Issak and I were friends as children. Always swimming after each other and exploring. Our parents used to say that we were destined for eachother. Before everything happened. Before– no. I can’t think about that. 

“Issak,” I say, surprise evident in my voice. “What is it?”

He laughs, the sound rumbles from within him. A familiar sound, one I’ve heard many times before. “I’m just saying hello. Can I not say hello?”

I don’t respond and he tilts his head at me. “How is training the forest kids?”

I roll my eyes and start walking towards my pod. That’s what he wants to talk about? A million memories flash through my mind, mostly of things I want to forget. His footsteps vibrate on the path behind me. 

“Wait,” he says as he places a hand on my arm. “I didn’t mean that. I just want to see how you’re doing.”

“You care now?”

“I’m sorry, I’ve been busy and I… well I heard something about you.”  Dread curls in my stomach. I already know what he’s about to say. He keeps his hand on my arm. His four webbed fingers feel so different from Neteyam’s five soft ones.

 “Did you steal the special alcohol? The ones we use for celebration?” 

The whole village really does know. I try not to groan. “No, I didn’t.” I move to push past him but he places his other hand on my shoulder, blocking me. 

“I’m not judging. We did things we shouldn’t have back when…” he shrugs. “Anyway, can you grab some alcohol for me? Who knows when the Tulkun will be back and we can have a celebration.” 

I freeze. Things we shouldn’t have. I can’t deal with Issak right now. I forcefully shove his hands off me. “I can’t and I wouldn’t,” I reply sharply.

He tries to grab me again. “Wait, that not why I wanted to–”

“Don’t touch me!”

Someone clears their throat behind me. Issak’s apologetic face turns into one of concern. Neytiri stands behind me, her eyes narrow on Issak. He gives her a curt nod before turning and leaving me. 

Neytiri watches his retreating back with distaste, as if she can sense his energy, before stepping toward me. Did she seek me out? My mouth goes dry. “Is Neteyam okay?”

Surprise flashes through her eyes. “He is fine. Out with his father.” 

Relief floods through me as Neytiri cocks her head to the side. “Are you alright?” 

I nod. It’s an easy lie– I’ve been telling everyone that I’m okay. That I’m not bothered by the clan spreading rumors and talking about me. And now Issak; is he going to bring up the past? On top of it all, is the deep ache in my heart, my longing to be with Neteyam. Just to speak with him and see his playful smile. Neytiri studies me, her intelligent eyes looking right into me. I’m convinced she can see my every thought. 

“I was looking for you,” she begins and drops her voice to a whisper. “Up on shore where the trees grow taller, three hours after eclipse. A good time for a ride.” 

What? I’m about to ask her a question but she walks away immediately, disappearing into the village as my people get ready for dinnertime. I look at the sky, eclipse has already begun, sending orange rays of light across the ocean. Three hours after? A ride? 

~~~

I feel stupid. I’ve walked further and higher than I ever have before; I went past the mangrove and palm trees until the ground began lifting up, towards the mountain. And there has been no sound other than my own footsteps. Maybe I misunderstood Neytiri. Maybe she was just sharing some random tidbit with me? I mean there is nothing up here to ride. 

Not that I would know, my people never come up here, everything we need is in the ocean and on the shore. I’m starting to get cold, the night sky glistening above me as I stare at the unfamiliar treetops. The ground feels strange between my toes. That’s it, I misunderstood, and I’m going home. 

I’m about to leave when the ground crunches behind me. I whip around, suddenly scared in this unknown territory. Neteyam stands in front of me and pushes a wooden woven headband onto his head.

“Neteyam,” I breathe, feeling the air rushes out of my lungs. He takes two steps towards me and I run at him, throwing my arms around his shoulders. He stumbles backwards at the force of my embrace but quickly recovers. His strong arms encircle me, warming my chilled skin. He buries his face in my neck and inhales. 

All my worries and anxieties disappear, they vanish right from me, as they always do when I’m with him. Neither of us speak, we simply enjoy the other’s presence. After a few moments, we pull out of our embrace. 

Neteyam grabs my hand. “I wasn’t sure she would do it.” 

“Do what?” 

“My mom. I implied that I didn’t want to be alone tonight but I wasn’t sure if she understood. Definitely wasn’t sure if she would tell you.” 

I squeeze his hand. “She told me. Guess there’s one person who supports us.” 

“She likes you.” 

I hold back my surprise. Neytiri, badass warrior, likes me? I laugh in disbelief. “I think she just wants you to be happy.” 

A playful smile grows on Neteyams lips and he nudges my side. “Oh, you think you make me happy, huh?”

“As a matter of fact,” I nudge him back, “I think I do.” 

He laughs, his shoulders jiggle with the motion. It’s a sweet sound, almost addicting, like a perfect melody you just want to capture and listen to over and over. His whole face changes when he laughs, he seems so relaxed. I’m staring at him, I know I am. He notices and smiles at me, no playfulness— just a genuine smile. 

“You make me very happy,” he whispers. I shrug and make a face that says, I knew it. He rolls his eyes and starts rubbing his fingers in small circles on my hand. “But, my mom does like you. She said you have a strong heart.” 

I’ve never heard that expression. “What does it mean?”

“It means…” He leans towards me and kisses me cheek. His soft lips brush my skin as his scent fills my nose; saltwater and something muskier, like the wood of a forest. “You are brave.” He pulls away and moves to my other cheek. “And kind.” He kisses me again, causing heat to rise to my face. He inches his face up to my forehead. “And full of life.” His lips brush my forehead and I lean into him. I close my eyes as his arms wrap around me. He puts his head down so his forehead meets mine. 

Our breath mixes together in front of us. I open my eyes to find him looking at me, drinking in every aspect of my face. “And beautiful. A beautiful soul.” 

My breath catches in my throat. No one has ever said anything like that to me. I stare back into his eyes, feeling my heartbeat ferociously in my chest. I can’t believe how amazing he is. My mind goes quiet when I’m around him, like it’s finally at peace. A million words stumble through my mind but all I can say is, “That’s not me. That’s you.” 

He shakes his head, his forehead rubbing against mine. “It’s us.” 

I grin, my first real smile in awhile. Neteyam’s pupils widen as he looks at me. He pulls his forehead away and tugs my hand. “I want to show you something,” he says before tightening his grip on my hand running deeper into the mountainside. 

We run for a little until we reach a cliff. Palm trees cover the side of it but in the center, is an ikran. I gasp at the sight of it. It’s colorful wings, a strong neck, and beady eyes. The ikran grasps the side of the cliff, its beak beckoning to Neteyam. The ocean glistens from below. 

Neteyam watches me absorb this sight, his hand never leaving mine. After a moment he says, “I want you to meet someone.” 

Neteyam walks up to the ikran and makes a sound. The ikran behinds their head, rubbing against Neteyam’s strong chest. He rubs the ikran’s head lovingly before motioning for me to join him. I walk slowly closer to him, nervousness spreading through my body. I’ve never been so close to an ikran before. 

Neteyam grabs his hair and connects it to his ikran, making tsaheylu. The ikran’s eyes focus on me as they bend their head, inviting me to pet. I reach my hand out steadily and stroke Neteyam’s ikran. His ikran looks at me curiously as I continue to run my hand down his scales. 

Neteyam smoothly jumps onto his ikran’s back, settling his foot into a grove on the side of his saddle. He sticks his hand out to me. “Come on.” 

“No, no,” I say unsurely. “I’ve never flown.”

“It’s amazing. The view is…” 

“You go, I’ll wait here.” 

Neteyam looks at me, a smirk growing on his lips. “Are you scared, ocean girl?” 

I stand up straight. “No, I’m not. I just prefer not to be way up in the sky.” 

He laughs and shakes his outreached hand. “Come with me. I won’t let anything happen to you.” 

I swallow, doubts swarming in my mind. What if someone saw us? Neteyam’s hand glows in the dark, that gorgeous blue. Screw it. I take his hand and he pulls me up onto his ikran with a triumphant gleam in his eyes. I settle in behind him, my legs straddling his hips. 

“Not too high, forest boy,” I begin as Neteyam shoots his ikran straight up into the air. A scream hurdles out of my mouth as I throw my arms around his waist and hold on as tightly as possible. The wind whips against my face, causing my eyes to water. My heart beats wildly. We are flying completely straight up. “Neteyam!” I yell in his ear. 

I think he’s laughing but I can’t hear him over the roar of the wind. His shoulders shake rhythmically, as if he’s really enjoying this. I squeeze my eyes shut. I shouldn’t have agreed to this. His ikran goes flat. It happens in an instant, one moment we are skyrocketing upwards and now we are smoothly flying in a straight line. 

Neteyam pats my thigh. “You can open your eyes,” he says softly. 

I open them slowly and observe the view. The ocean looks like a dark blanket from up here. I can see the surf like white glaze across the sand. Our village looks so small. The night sky seems so close and the glow from it seems to radiate into my soul. I breathe deeply, feeling the beauty and magic of Pandora. 

Then I notice Neteyam staring at me. I take my hand off his waist and smack him in the arm. “You skxawng!” I yell. “You could’ve killed me!” 

“You wouldn’t have died… maybe just fallen in mid-air for a little…”

I smack again causing him to laugh. “I said not too high!” 

“But then you wouldn’t see this,” he replies and motions to the beautiful view beneath us. “Besides, I would’ve caught you.”

“Mhm,” I mumble as I lean my head forward and relax it on his shoulder. He continues to fly his ikran. We circle high above the village, over the cliffs, and past the reefs. His body warms mine against the wind as I absorb the feelings of flying. It feels like true freedom. I’m glad he showed me this. 

“Hey,” I whisper to him. He turns his head over his shoulder and looks at me. “When the Tulkun come, I want to introduce you to my spirit sister.” 

His lips break apart into a wide smile. “I’d like that.” He places a kiss on my forehead. I wrap my arms tighter around him, enjoying the feeling of my body pressed against his. He places his hand on my leg, his fingers wrapping around my thigh. I wish I could stay just like this forever. 

~~~

I sit on my ilu, absorbing the daylight as the ocean water skims my legs. The Sully kids, my siblings, and me, all sit on our ilu’s in a circle. Our lessons had begun early today but I didn’t mind. Neteyam is here. I had a feeling Neytiri said something to Jake about letting him come. I owe her so many thanks.

He’s right next to me, his skin reflecting the light from the water. I try not to stare. We’ve been keeping us a secret, especially from our families. But it’s hard. I find myself always gravitating towards him. He always looks at me from the corner of his eye. Or he’ll playfully try and grab my tail when no one is looking. Except, Lo’ak and Tsireya saw him this morning and they shared a knowing look. 

“What should we do next?” Aonung asks the group as we float on the surface of the water, the village behind us. 

“Let’s keep diving!’ Tuk cries from her ilu next to Kiri. 

“Argh, not again Tuk,” Lo’ak says and rolls his eyes.

“You never want to do what I wanna do,” Tuk pouts. 

“You always want to do lame things. That’s why you always follow us around.” 

“No I don’t!” Tuk says angrily. 

“Lo’ak,” Neteyam’s stern voice comes out. “Don’t start.” 

Lo’ak grumbles something under his breath as the others begin talking about other things to do. I giggle softly. Neteyam’s voice is so much deeper when he is trying to be stern. He looks over at me, hearing my laugh. He narrows his eyes at me like he knows what I’m laughing about. 

His ilu swims into mine causing me to jerk forward. I gasp and look up at him. He shrugs with a look on his face that says, I didn’t do it. I accusingly shake my head at him before telling my ilu to swim into his. Just before our animals connect, he dodges away. 

“Too slow, ocean girl,” he says confidently, an arrogant grin sneaking onto his face.

Oh he’s gonna eat his words. I’m just about to tell my ilu to swim right into his when an all too familiar voice speaks. 

“Hello.” 

My stomach drops. I turn around to see Issak swimming right up to us. Aonung and Tsireya wave at him. If only they knew… 

Kiri and Tuk watch him curiously as he joins our circle in the waves. Lo’ak and Neteyam both assess him, trying to figure him out. Issak greets my siblings before turning his gaze to me. 

“Can I speak to you?” 

“I’m busy.”

He smiles at me, his charmer smile. “It will only be a moment.” Neteyam’s gaze sharpens at Issak’s expression. 

I nod. I can’t turn him down without getting questions from my siblings. Issak motions with his head for me to follow and turns from the group. Neteyam watches me, his eyes guarded. “I’ll be right back,” I say. 

As I swim out of the circle, Lo’ak’s voice floats after me, “Yo, he looks badass. Better watch out, bro.”

“Shut up,” Neteyam responds, an edge in voice. 

I shake my head. Issak is far from badass. He waits for me a little ways from the group, his head bowed down as he pats his ilu. Every nerve in my body is telling me to turn around. Issak is a reminder of too many things. Things I don’t want to remember. He looks up as I reach him, his blue eyes twinkling dangerously. 

“Two visits in one day,” I say flatly. 

“You’re a lucky girl,” he smirks. 

I roll my eyes and look back at the group. Neteyam is watching us. I can see the tension in his shoulders from here. He asks Aonung a question. Aonung turns and looks at Issak before beginning to respond to Neteyam. Great, who knows what he’s telling him. 

“Got a thing for the tree lover?” 

I snap my gaze back to Issak, anger brewing in my gut. “What do you want?” 

Issak sighs and looks at the sky. I bite my tongue to keep from saying something rude. I look back at the group, Aonung is still talking to Neteyam. Lo’ak inches closer to them, straining to hear their conversation. Tsireya watches me worriedly. Neteyam’s eyebrows clench together and his eyes never leave me. 

“I don’t have all day,” I snap at Issak. 

“I miss you.” 

My jaw drops open. Issak reaches his hand out and puts it on my shoulder. I’m completely frozen. I can’t believe the nerve of him. He starts to rub my shoulder, his webbed fingers feeling foreign on my skin. 

He swims closer to me on his ilu so his face is right next to mine. I don’t move. Too many thoughts swirl through my head. He leans forward and says, “There’s things I want to talk to you about. About the Sully’s and the sky people. They—”

“Hey,” a stern voice says. My head snaps up at the familiar sound. Neteyam. He straddles his ilu, leaning forward slightly with a certain sharpness to his features as he stares at Issak’s hand on me. “What’s going on?” 

Oh, no. I shove Issak’s hand off. “Nothing we were–”

“Just chatting about the past,” Issak cuts me off with a smirk. He slowly places his hand back in his lap. “Our history.” He looks at me and winks before saying, “I’ll see you around.”

He leaves, dipping beneath the surface of the water, before I get a chance to respond. Lo’ak and Aonung watch from a distance, surprise coating their faces. Neteyam swims in front of me, his ilu greets mine. He raises a faint eyebrow at me. “So, who’s that?”

“No one,” I reply, not wanting to talk about Issak. 

Neteyam looks at the empty space where Issak had sat. He turns his head towards me, his golden eyes a darker shade than usual. “I don’t like him.” 

I laugh. The sound escapes my lips before I have a chance to stop it. Neteyam’s eyebrows turn downwards. “I’m serious. He has bad energy, ocean girl.” 

“Jealous?” 

Neteyam scoffs before glancing at me shyly. “No.” 

I nudge his shoulder. “Mhm, so if I went to see him–”

“No.” Neyetam closes his eyes like he cannot fathom the thought. 

“You are jealous!” 

“I’m not! I just looked over and saw his hand on you and…” He trails off, a small blush creeping onto his cheeks. I find his hand from beneath the waves and slip my fingers through his. 

“And what?”

“And I wanted to rip his hand off.” 

“Neteyam!” 

He sighs and squeezes my hand. “You can do anything you want. I’m not jealous.” He stares at me, his golden eyes growing darker by the second. “But if he lays a hand on you again, I don’t care who I have to go through or what rules I break, I will make sure it’s the last thing he ever does.” 

My mind goes blank. Neyetam’s gaze is so intense, I know he isn’t kidding. Something flutters in my stomach and spreads throughout my whole body. 

I struggle to find my voice and my words come out in one breath, “Sounds intense.”

He leans into my ear and whispers, “You can’t even begin to imagine.” 

I’m breathless as I stare into his darkening gaze. I’m not even sure what he means but his husky voice repeats over and over in my mind. I want to kiss him, reach out and grab his shoulders. But we’re right in front of the village, anyone could see us. As if he read my thoughts, he says, “Tonight. Same spot, same time.” 

I immediately nod, causing a curly strand of hair to fall in front of my face. He reaches out slowly and twists the hair around his finger before tucking it gently behind my ear. I can’t help but smile softly at the gesture. His fingers slide across my skin longingly. He pulls away and smiles before swimming towards the village. 

I watch his retreating back, how his dark blue skin glistens in the daylight. He’s so beautiful it makes my heart ache and makes my mind go blank. My stomach flutters at the thought of seeing him again, of flying above the ocean, and kissing him. 

Later that night, we went flying. I sit on the back of his ikran and allow myself to get lost in the sky and in his arms. And after hours of flying, we settle into the sand and whisper to each other. We share kisses beneath the night sky. His body keeps me warm and protects me. I feel so safe with him. His shoulder relaxes and my favorite smile of his spreads across his face. It’s a lazy smile, his most relaxed expression. 

He tells me things he’s never told anyone before and I do the same. Our noses touch as we laugh at each other and with each other. I feel like I could let all my walls down. And I almost do. Each time he gives me that smile. Or our lips collide. I want to tell him everything. Even what happened back with Issak. All the things we found out. But each time I open my mouth, ready to spill, nothing ever comes out. 

Neteyam holds me on top of the sandy cliff as we lay on the ground, his ikran settling in beside us. Neteyam’s breathing begins to slow and his eyes drop shut. I watch his calm face, so serene in his sleep. Everything will be okay, I tell myself but each time I close my eyes– I see Issak’s face with a lethal look in his eyes.

Thank you for all the support!!

I tried some different things with this part so let me know what you think. I'm not sure how I feel about it

Part 4 there will be: Tulkun returning, a celebration, and secrets revealed.

Do you guys like fluff or more angsty type scenes with Neteyam? Let me know what you want to read!!!! Also let me know if you like new characters or not (be honest lol) Thanks again<3

[snowysosturn]

Speeding Car - Matt Sturniolo Part 7

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12 Part 13 Part 14 Part 15 Part 16 Part 17 Part 18 Part 19 Part 20 Part 21 Part 22 Part 23 Part 24 Part 25 Part 26 Part 27 Part 28 Part 29

Pairing : y/n x Matt Sturniolo

Summary : After six years with your boyfriend Alex, you start to mentally check out. At a UCLA party, Alex reconnects with his childhood friend Emily, who proposes a double date with her boyfriend Matt. Your attraction to Matt grows as he pays you the first real attention you've had in years, sparking a complicated emotional journey.

Warnings : MDNI, swearing, thoughts of cheating (i don’t condone), angst, sarcasm, competitive nature

I decided after an hour of crying to take myself to bed, I was exhausted after letting all my emotions out. I felt embarrassed that Matt had seen me how he did. We’ve only met a handful of times and in one of them, I’m emotional wrecked. I'm not too sure how I felt when he appeared here earlier, but knowing he was going out of his way to help Emily, twisted the knife in my chest again. I tried to shake the thoughts of embarrassment and tidied over the living area when I heard a knock on the front door.

“Is Alex back already? I don’t think he took a key with him earlier.. Maybe he felt bad for blowing me off and came home early” I thought to myself.

I waltzed to the front door, a hardened look on my face. I pulled the door open to see..

Matt.

Matt was standing at my door again.

My heart stopped. I wasn’t expecting him to come back, and for a moment, I thought something might be wrong.

“Matt? Did you forget something?” I asked, trying to hide the fact that I’d still been crying since he last showed up here.

“No,” he replied, a bit awkwardly, but his concern was clear. “I just… Look, you don’t have to, but I was wondering if you’d want to come over to my place? Play some Mario Kart with me and my brothers? Get your mind off things?”

I hesitated, unsure if I should go. Part of me wanted to stay curled up in bed, wallowing in my disappointment, but another part of me, perhaps the part that had been craving any form of kindness or attention, wanted to go with him. “I don’t know… I don’t want to intrude,” I said, still uncertain.

“You wouldn’t be,” he said earnestly. “It’s just a chill night. And honestly, I’d feel better knowing you weren’t here by yourself.”

His words struck a chord, and I found myself nodding. “Okay, sure. I could use the distraction.”

“Cool, I'll meet you in the car.” Matt said as he turned, showing me a smile.

The drive to Matt’s place was quiet at first, the silence hanging between us in a way that wasn’t uncomfortable, but was definitely heavy. I was grateful when he finally broke it.

“Speeding car..” Matt said abruptly as he turned to look at me, his left hand gripping the steering wheel.

I knew straight away I was going to be asked a follow up question where I couldn’t back out of giving an answer straight away.

“So, what’s going on with you and Alex? If you don’t mind me asking.”

His question made my stomach twist, how did he know that I was upset over Alex?

I answered honestly. “He cancelled our plans tonight. We were supposed to do something together, but now he’s out celebrating with his team. It just… sucks, I guess.”

“Yeah, that does suck,” Matt said, his voice soft but firm. “You deserve better than that.”

I shrugged, trying to brush it off. “It is what it is, it’s kinda been like that for a while now, I’ve just learned to get used to it.” I muttered, though the disappointment lingered.

Suddenly silence fell on our conversation.

Did I say too much? Maybe I should’ve kept the last part out..

Matt POV

I arrived outside y/n’s apartment and stood there for a minute.

Should I knock? What if she doesn’t answer and I feel like an idiot? What if she does answer and I look like an idiot.

I decided to knock lightly and hope for the best. I heard some muffling behind the door so I knew she was there. Shortly after she answered the door, surprise flickered across her face. “Matt? Did you forget something?”

“No,” I said, scratching the back of my neck awkwardly. Fuck, say something you idiot.

“I just… Look, you don’t have to, but I was wondering if you’d want to come over to my place? Play some Mario Kart with me and my brothers? Get your mind off things?”

She hesitated, her eyes slightly widening. Oh god she thinks I’m a creep.

“I don’t know… I don’t want to intrude.” She answered, softly.

“You wouldn’t be,” I assured her, almost cutting her off from her last sentence. “It’s just a chill night. And honestly, I’d feel better knowing you weren’t here by yourself.”

She gave a small smile, the first real one I’d seen from her all night. “Okay, sure. I could use the distraction.”

“Cool, i’ll meet you in the car.” I said turning, giving her a smile. I really hoped this would lift her spirits.

I sat in the car where y/n joined me 2 minutes later, after locking up her apartment. The drive to my place was quiet at first, the silence hanging between us in a way that wasn’t uncomfortable, but was definitely heavy. I had an opportunity to ask why she was feeling this way, or in other words, who was making her feel this way.

“Speeding car..” I blurted out, hoping she would remember this icebreaker from the first time we met double date.

She gave me a glance to continue on with my question, “So, what’s going on with you and Alex? If you don’t mind me asking.”

I knew what I was doing. I knew he had upset her.

“He cancelled our plans tonight. We were supposed to do something together, but now he’s out celebrating with his team. It just… sucks, I guess.”

“Yeah, that does suck,” I said, my voice soft so she knows I’m there for her but firm enough to make it stick. “You deserve better than that.”

To my surprise she seemed to shrug it off. “It is what it is, it’s kinda been like that for a while now, I’ve just learned to get used to it.” She muttered through disappointment.

Suddenly silence fell on our conversation. I got lost in my own thoughts of what she had just said and stupidly never responded.

Did he treat her this way all of the time? How long has she been feeling this way? Can she relate to me with my situation with Emily?

y/n POV

Matt’s place was warm and inviting, with the comforting smell of pizza and the sound of his brothers arguing over which characters to pick in Mario Kart, their humor filling the room with a lively energy that I hadn’t realized I’d been missing. I hadn’t planned on ending my night this way, but being here felt like a welcome escape from everything that had been weighing me down. We walked up the stairs and into the living area where I finally came face to face with Nick and Chris.

“Heyyy y/n!” they cheered in unison.

“Coconut Mall? Really?” I teased as I settled on the couch beside Matt, gripping the Wii remote.

He grinned, nudging my shoulder. “Ready to lose on Coconut Mall?”

“Oh, you wish,” I shot back, adjusting my grip on the remote. “I don’t mess around when it comes to Mario Kart, don’t think you realised what you’ve gotten yourself in for” I joked, selecting Princess Peach as my player while Matt chose Yoshi.

The race began, and the upbeat, catchy music from the game filled the room. I quickly got into the zone, maneuvering Princess Peach through the brightly lit mall, dodging escalators and weaving between other racers. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Matt leaning forward, his focus entirely on the game as he guided Yoshi through the course.

“Watch out for those escalators, they’ll get you every time,” Matt warned, eyes narrowing as he made a sharp turn.

“Already ahead of you, Matt,” I replied with a smirk. “You might want to speed up.”

On the screen, my character zoomed ahead of his, narrowly avoiding a cluster of banana peels left by Chris. I glanced at Matt, who was concentrating hard, his competitive side coming out in full force. I only had to get past Nick, who was leading in 1st place.

Matt let out a small laugh as he snagged a red shell from an item box. “Oh, you’re not getting away that easy.”

I saw the red shell homing in on me and tried to dodge, but it was too late. The shell hit Princess Peach, sending her spinning out. I groaned as my character lost momentum, giving Matt the chance to speed past me.

“Damn it, Matt!” I exclaimed, glaring at him playfully.

“Dirty move, but I’m not out yet,” I muttered under my breath as I tried to recover. Matt chuckled, clearly pleased with himself, but I was already planning my comeback.

I hit a new item box, a blue shell handed to me. Matt and Nick were neck and neck to eachother so I knew it would take them both out.

“Which one of you MOTHER FUCKERS BLUE SHELLED ME” Nick yells at the top of his voice. Matts jaw dropping as he realised he took impact too.

“See, this is what happens when you underestimate me.” I say laughing to myself.

“Alright, final lap,” Matt said, grinning as we both leaned forward, completely absorbed in the game.

The final lap was intense, with both of overtaking eachother every few seconds as we raced through the mall, dodging obstacles and collecting items. My heart was pounding in my chest, the tension between us replaced by the thrill of competition. I managed to go over a speed ramp just before the finish line, surging ahead of Matt at the last second.

“Yesssss! Princess Peach for the win!” I yelled victoriously, raising my arms in the air.

Matt slumped back on the couch, laughing. “Okay, okay, you got me. That was a solid race.”

I couldn’t help the grin that spread across my face as I looked at him. “Told you not to underestimate me.”

The screen displayed the final results, with Princess Peach in first place and Yoshi in second. The catchy music continued playing as the results screen faded to black. The earlier tension and heartache had been replaced by a sense of bonding, both of us feeling more relaxed.

“Matt, did you seriously let her beat you?” Nick’s voice rang out. “You’re losing your touch, bro!”

Matt and I both burst out laughing, the competitive tension dissolving into light-hearted fun.

“Guess you’re just going to have to live with the fact that I’m the reigning champion,” I teased, still grinning.

“Yeah, yeah,” Matt replied with a smirk. “Don’t get too comfortable on that throne, though. We’re going again for a rematch.”

As we continued to mess with each other, the warmth of the room and the laughter we shared made me forget, just for a little while, about the tears I’d shed earlier, and the disappointment that had been eating away at me. Being here, with Matt, felt right, like an escape.

“Teams this time, I actually want a chance of winning something. Y/n we can go together.” Matt said turning to me.

I looked at Matt, raising an eyebrow. “Teaming up against your brothers? Think we can take them?”

Matt flashed a confident smile. “Having you on my team? Absolutely.”

“Bold move” Chris teased, grabbing his Wii remote. “Nick and I are basically unbeatable. You sure you’re up for this?”

“Yeah you sure looked unbeatable in that last race” I said sarcastically, feeling a surge of competitive energy. Matt laughed at my response while Chris’ jaw hit the floor.

The game loaded up again, and we quickly selected our characters, Matt sticking with Yoshi, while I went for Princess Peach again. Nick and Chris opted for Mario and Luigi, naturally. As the countdown began, the tension in the room shifted l to competitive, everyone ready to prove their skills.

“Let’s show them how it’s done,” Matt said, leaning in closer to the screen.

The race started, and from the beginning, Matt and I were in sync. We communicated effortlessly, calling out upcoming hazards and planning our attacks. Everything was perfectly timed. We were a force to be reckoned with, and it felt amazing to be in this moment with him.

“Almost there, we’ve got this!” Matt said, his voice filled with excitement.

We crossed the finish line together, with Yoshi and Princess Peach claiming the top two spots. As soon as the results screen popped up, we both threw our arms in the air in celebration.

“Hell yeah!” Matt shouted, turning to high-five me.

I laughed, feeling a rush of adrenaline as our hands connected.

Nick and Chris groaned in unison, slumping back on the couch in defeat. “I don’t believe it,” Nick muttered, shaking his head. “You two are an unstoppable team.”

“Just admit it,” I teased, still riding the high of our win. “You guys didn’t stand a chance.”

Matt leaned back into the couch, a satisfied grin on his face. “Guess we make a pretty good team, huh?”

“Looks like it,” I agreed, catching his eye for just a moment longer than necessary. There was that spark again, but this time it felt different. It felt lighter, more playful, but still very real.

Nick sighed dramatically, breaking the moment once more. “Alright, alright. You two earned that one. I’m going to go watch some RuPaul’s Drag Race but after that we’re coming back for a rematch.” he said as he stood up, walking up the stairs to his room.

“I’m coming too, can I sleep in your room tonight Nick?” Chris said following behind Nick like a lost puppy.

The laughter died down, and as we both caught our breath, I found myself glancing around Matt’s living room, noticing details I hadn’t before. My eyes landed on a set of sleek, silver plaques hanging on the wall. The bold engraving on each read “The Sturniolo Triplets” followed by an impressive subscriber count.

“Wait, you’re on YouTube?” I asked, unable to hide my surprise. I knew Matt has some kind of following from his Instagram, but I didn’t know exactly what for.

Matt followed my gaze to the plaques and nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Yeah, my brothers and I have been doing it for a while now. It started out as just something fun to do, but it kind of blew up. We never expected it to turn into what it is now.”

“That's insane,” I said, leaning in a little, my curiosity piqued. “What’s it like? Would you be recognised a lot?”

He shrugged, his expression turning a bit more serious. “It’s.. complicated. Don’t get me wrong, I love what I do, and I’m really grateful for it. But there’s a lot of pressure, you know? So many people have these expectations of you, and it’s like you can never really turn it off. It gets lonely sometimes.”

The honesty in his voice tugged at something deep inside me. “Lonely?”

“Yeah,” he said softly, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat. “You start to wonder if people like you for who you really are, or if they just like the idea of you. It’s hard to tell who’s genuine and who just wants to be around you because of what you can give them.”

I nodded, the memory of Emily’s words at my apartment ran through my brain. She didn’t deserve him, but it’s not my place to say anything right now. “That must be really hard. I mean, it’s like you have to keep your guard up all the time.”

“Exactly,” he said, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “It’s why it’s so important to have good people in your life, people who see you for you. I really enjoyed spending time with you tonight, it felt easy.”

Our conversation slowed, the air around us thickening with a tension that hadn’t been there before. Matt’s gaze softened as he looked at me, and I could feel the connection between us growing stronger, almost palpable. It was like everything else faded away - the living room, the game, even the faint sounds from his brothers upstairs. There was just us, sitting so close, the space between us shrinking as our eyes locked.

My breath hitched, and I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if I leaned in just a little more. The thought of kissing him hung in the air, unspoken but unmistakable. I could tell he was thinking the same thing. The way his eyes flicked to my lips, the way he swallowed like he was trying to push the thought away, it all made my heart pound in my chest.

We were so close now, close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from him. My mind raced, torn between what I wanted and what I knew was right. We held eye contact an-

“Matt!!” Nick’s voice boomed from the doorway as he ran down the stairs, breaking the spell between us. “You guys gotta check your phones, like, right now!”

I jumped back slightly, the sudden interruption brought me back to reality. Matt blinked, the intense moment between us dissipating as he turned to look at his brother.

“What’s up, Nick?” Matt asked, his voice tinged with frustration as he reached for his phone.

“Emily has been blowing up your phone, she called me to see if I was with you.” Nick insisted, his tone serious for once.

“Somethings wrong with Alex.”

a/n : sorry this is later than I expected. this isn’t proof read lol, i haven’t started part 8 yet so hopefully in the next few days, what’s happened with Alex?????

taglist : @muwapsturniolo @anitahunt @sturnfannn @jayde510 @chrissfavhoe @babyalliah-777 @v33angel @urmom69lol @willowrites @ribread03 @2muchofaslvt @sturnsaver @sleepysturniolo @jcsturniolo11 @jessie-essie @immattsslut @mynbbys @sturniolopanini @mattsturnxoxo @delicatechrry @t77te @sturnsyaper69

[0cta9on]

Fluffy though of gidle miyeon being an older girlfriend and introducing her younger boyfriend to her members

Hello yoohyeons-puppy98! I took quite a few creative liberties with this, hope you don't mind :]

You examine the mirror a final time, unsure of what you see in the reflection. “I don’t know. Are you sure I look okay?”

“Of course you do,” Miyeon reassures you, planting a kiss on your cheek. “You look very handsome.”

“These glasses make me look like a nerd.”

“A handsome nerd.” She gathers her purse, heading towards the front door. “Now hurry up, hun, we’re gonna be late.”

You’re getting promoted to the manager of a bowling alley—hardly a means for celebration. Yet, Miyeon always makes a big deal out of these kinds of things, no matter how big or small. Despite your reluctance, she insisted on setting up a picnic with all of your friends to celebrate your new promotion.

Well, her friends at least. Social interaction never came easy to you like it does for Miyeon. Where you would prefer to keep to yourself, she’s the type to go out of her way to make friends with strangers. A sort of black cat and golden retriever dynamic, she never shies away from showering you with affection. It can be a bit troublesome at times, but at the very least, life is much, much more interesting having her as your girlfriend.

“...And then she had the audacity to just walk off like nothing happened!” Miyeon exclaims, complaining about an interaction she had earlier today while on the drive to the park. “Ugh, the nerve of some people!”

“That sucks, baby.” Judging by her story, it seems like she’s the one in the wrong here, but you would never admit that to her, especially when she’s like this.

“Yeah, I don’t wanna talk about it anymore, just thinking about it is pissing me off,” she sighs. The frown on her face instantly fades, replaced by her pretty smile as she turns to look at you. “God, I can’t believe you thought you looked ugly in those glasses. You look so cute.”

You chuckle softly. “You’re just saying that because you bought them for me.”

“I’m saying that because it’s true.” She waits until you stop in front of the red light before grabbing your chin and turning your head towards her. “I picked well though, didn’t I? You’re giving ‘sexy nerd’ vibes, like you’ll explain the Pythragoran theorem to me before taking me to the bedroom and f—”

“OKAY!” you exclaim, cutting her off before she goes into anymore detail. “First of all, it’s pronounced ‘Pythagorean’ theorem—”

“—So hot—”

“Second of all,” you stifle a chuckle at her overexaggerated lip bite, “Are your friends already at the park?”

“Yeah, I think so.” She leans back in her seat to check her phone, the sunlight through the window dancing on her flawless skin. “Yup, they’re all there. Just waiting for us.”

You breathe deeply, trying your best to calm your nerves. Miyeon, sensing something wrong, places a reassuring hand on your shoulder.

“Are you alright?” she asks.

“Y-yeah, I’m fine. Just a little nervous, I guess.”

With how often she talks about them, you basically know everything about Miyeon’s friends, maybe more than you should know. However, you’ve never actually met them in person. You know they’re good people (Miyeon wouldn’t constantly sing their praises otherwise), but the thought of making a good first impression still fills your mind with worry. 

“You have nothing to worry about, honey,” she says. “I talk about you so much, they basically like you already.”

“Oh really?” The corner of your lip lifts with curiosity. “What did you tell them about me?”

“Well…” That sly grin growing on her face tells you more than enough about the kind of ramblings that go on in her group chat.

“Christ, Miyeon!” you groan, heat rising to your cheeks. “I don’t need them knowing all about… that!”

She simply shrugs, chuckling at your reaction. “It’s a girl thing, I don’t expect you to understand. Besides, I tell them other things about you too, like how sweet and hardworking and attentive you are…” She leans in close until you can feel her breath tickling your earlobe. “...and how you like to call me ‘noona’ in bed—”

You come to a grinding halt pulling into a parking spot. Your entire face becomes enveloped in a burning heat, while Miyeon breaks down laughing in the passenger seat. If there weren’t so many people around, you would’ve already been pounding your face against the horn until your skin became one with the steering wheel.

“I’m just joking, honey!” she exclaims, clutching her stomach as she comes down from her hysterical high. 

Knowing Miyeon, the possibility that she did tell them is still non-zero. All you can do is hope that none of them mention this damning piece of information during the picnic, otherwise you fall victim to awkward future encounters at worst or a lifetime of teasing at best. In hindsight, maybe it would’ve been easier if you didn’t get the promotion in the first place.

______________________________________________________________

The golden sun hangs overhead, complimenting the aquamarine of the clear skies. A cooling breeze offsets the heat emitting from above to a perfect point. It’s a great day for a picnic, all things considered. Somehow, these kinds of things always work out when Miyeon plans them. Perhaps she’s secretly a goddess, bending the universe at her will whenever she wants, even for something as small and inconsequential as a picnic. Or perhaps you just don't pay enough attention to the weather app these days.

Miyeon skips ahead of you, the grass dancing in the wake of her every step as she makes her way towards the five girls sitting on the picnic blanket in the shade of a large tree. You purposefully slow down, making a small show of the cooler you’re dragging getting stuck on a rock, just so you can control your breathing before meeting them. It didn’t help that you’re still all hot and bothered from Miyeon’s previous teasing. The least you can do is not make a complete fool of yourself from the get go.

“Girls, this is my man, I’m sure you know all about him at this point.” Miyeon clings to your arm, shooting a sneaky wink that does little to calm your nerves.

“Hello,” you say, giving them a polite bow.

The rest of them exchange greetings with you, quickly putting you at ease as you fall into pleasant conversation. Most of your time is spent listening to another one of Miyeon’s rants (They all agree that she was in the wrong, but of course, you take her side anyways), but every once in a while, the others will tell stories about their own personal lives. 

You learn about Soyeon’s budding rap career and Shuhua’s inability to hold a stable job for more than a month at a time (You figure you could mention that your place is hiring, but quietly decide against it after hearing about her work ethic). Minnie tells you about her visit to Thailand last month to see her family, showing the group her many pictures of her adventures, while Soojin and Yuqi vent about the different kinds of customers they meet at the bar they work at. They’re such an eclectic group of interesting people, you almost feel embarrassed that they’re all assembled here to celebrate your promotion at a dingy bowling alley

“Congrats on your promotion!” Soyeon exclaims. “It must be fun working at a bowling alley.”

“Eh, it’s alright,” you say, scratching the back of your head. “Mainly just cleaning and general customer service, I would hardly call it interesting.”

“I think it’s pretty cool,” Miyeon chimes in. “Tell them about what happened last week, with the drunk guy and all that.”

The rest of the group lean in with intrigue, putting a spotlight on you. “Um, it wasn’t anything really—”

“C’mon, tell us!” Shuhua screams. “Don’t be a wuss!”

“Hey, don’t be rude.” Soojin slaps her on the shoulder, scolding her. “But yes, we would like to know what happened.”

“Alright, well…” You take a quick breath, trying to recount everything that happened. “There was this big group of guys that came in, I think it was for some guy’s birthday party or a bachelor party or something. They ordered a bunch of alcohol and started terrorizing the other lanes, just being really rowdy and stuff. My coworker told them to chill out, and one of them started getting physical with her, so I, uh…” You pause, suddenly feeling self conscious about all the attention you’re getting. Miyeon rubs your back, looking at them with a knowing smirk.

“...I slip—”

“He knocked him out!” She exclaims, finishing your sentence.

The girls erupt into a chorus of cheers, patting you on the back and singing your praises about how “cool” you are. In reality, you only knocked the guy out after slipping and accidentally headbutting him in the nose, but it’s already too late to correct them. So you settle for keeping quiet, letting them believe in the facade that Miyeon presented them.

“Wah, that’s so cool!” Yuqi cheers. “No wonder you got promoted to manager!”

“Remind me to hire you as my bodyguard the next time I visit home,” Minnie teases.

In the midst of all the commotion, Miyeon pulls you to the side, gently cupping your chin. “See, I told you they would like you,” she whispers, kissing your cheek.

“They like the lie that you told.”

“I didn’t lie, you did technically knock him out.”

“Yeah, on accident—”

Miyeon shuts you up with a peck to your lips, brief yet sweet enough to leave you wanting more. “I just want them to know how cool my boyfriend is, okay?”

You sigh, sinking your face deeper into her touch. “Okay. Thanks.” You lean in and return the favor, giving her a peck of your own. “Noona~”

Miyeon covers her face with her hands, a light pink hue peaking through the gaps of her fingers. The others exchange weird looks, unsure of what to make of her sudden reaction, but all you can do is shrug. For all the teasing she does, it’s a wonder how easy it is to make her topple.

[xuchiya]

"Dance with me" || park seonghwa || one-shot

| genre: non!idol ateez. fluff. slice of life | mentions: teasing. fainting. jewelry gift. | This is literally my high school delusions. My old school is literally an 'old school' school like no phones and computers, being in a relationship is not allowed, and big ass windows as our source of fans--- i mean we do have electric fans and ceiling fans but with the weather and a very old, close to dying, e-fans? We really have to depend on the wind from our windows. Anyways, this list is basically a true experience. My personal favorite? Song Mingi's.

To visualize the story, here: How I imagine

The festival had ended with a loud bang. It is a celebration of the schools’ founding anniversary. Old students came and celebrated—even shared some advice in looking for a university and how to pass their entrance exam or stories about how they made the head school minister angry because of them not attending the last day of practice in graduation. 

“Hey! Ms. Naduranta asks for you to be part of the cotillion, have you given them the permission slip?” You snapped out of your thoughts when Seonghwa spoke, not even looking up from his work, he was facing your desk instead of his. He was jotting down notes that he missed last monday and is in a hurry to finish it before the practice for the promenade happens and he doesn’t need to overwork himself to comply with his missing requirements.

You shake your head, sighing. You were over the moon to be part of the dance but you have no confidence at all. Placing your pen beside your notebook as Seonghwa continues to write down his notes, looking at him. “I’m a bad dancer and besides, my absence could be a chance for the others to join.”

This time, Seonghwa looks up from his work, scoffing, playfully tapping the pen on your forehead. You mouth a small ‘ow’ before rubbing it off, “You are one of the good dancers here. Ms. Naduranta is the one asking for you; it means she has a feeling that you will win the crown for the night.”

You scoff this time, leaning back on your chair. “I’m bad and there’s nothing stopping me.” Seonghwa eyes you in judgement before shrugging, continuing his work, “Whatever.”

Prom. It was the event every senior anticipated, and Park Seonghwa, being in charge of the sound system, was busier than ever. He darted in and out of the classroom, monitoring the songs and equipment, leaving you alone to complete your notes and requirements, which he would later borrow to catch up.

Despite the demands of the upcoming event, Seonghwa remained by your side. He knew about your social butterfly still inside its cocoon, no anytime of the day will it try to come out of it. Though, there were times you spoke about you not including his obligation in his daily life but he debunked your words and chose to stay with you. No matter what, he speaks highly of you, he mentions things about ‘that’s her favorite’ or ‘she does not like that’.

Everyone thought you were his girlfriend; well, you are his childhood friend. Don’t get yourself wrong on this because he is popular as the school’s heartthrob and you feared he might drift away into the spotlight, surrounded by admirers, but like mention he stayed with you. Still, the envious glares of others sometimes made you question how long it would last.

You walk inside the room, already expecting the class to be half full since all morning classes were cancelled to prepare for the prom, and you were selected to participate in the dance. 

Seonghwa saw you, sliding the door close of your classroom, before walking towards the direction of the auditorium. He smiles, his heart speeding at the sight of you, holding the box of chords and extensions for the sound system, “Goodmorning, where are you going?”

You look up, rubbing your arm, as the chilly morning nips on your skin, “Good morning Seonghwa, I’m on my way to the auditorium.” 

Nodding his head, hiding his excitement because Seonghwa knew you accepted the offer after 4 days of considering joining. He heard from Ms. Naduranta about your acceptance and now every day, if he only knew this is what he has to see every day, Seonghwa watched you practice with your partner, his jaw tightening with an unfamiliar feeling that gnawed at him. He couldn't shake the discomfort—the way your partner held your hand, how you smiled during the routine—it stirred something deep inside him. 

His heart pounded harder each time, the jealousy creeping up uninvited. It wasn’t just about the dance. Seonghwa felt a possessive pull, an intense need to keep you close, fearing that someone else might steal you away, even though he never doubted your loyalty as a friend.

He wouldn't have let you join but he re-considers it after seeing you all smiley and interactive with other students.

Finally, on the day when you were alone in the auditorium, waiting for the others to join practice, a quiet settled over the room. You wandered over to the table where the sound system was set up, but there was no sign of Seonghwa. Curiosity getting the better of you, you sat down on the table and picked up his MP3 player. As you scrolled through his playlist, you found several old songs—tracks you both used to listen to when you were younger. Nostalgia washed over you as you stopped at one song and pressed play. The soft melody echoed throughout the auditorium, filling the empty space.

‘You’re just too good to be true …’ Your ears were satisfied with the soft music. These past days you were having a headache and earache as the loud music blares, almost to the point you have to yell to the others.

“Feeling a bit nostalgic eh?” Seonghwa's voice interrupted your thoughts. He emerged from the sound system room. You looked up, giggling, "I thought you deleted this one!"

He scoffs, placing his hand inside his blazer, "Why would I delete that?"

You rose an eyebrow, "Because you said it's not your type of music?" But truth to be told, all your favorite music were inside the MP3 as well, he hears you playing them every weekend. Including the one playing currently. His hand extended toward you, "May I?"

You meet his gaze, and without hesitation, you placed your hand in his. He guided you into a dance, your hands gliding above your heads, arms brushing against one another before he took your hand and spun you around. The dance was graceful, almost effortless, as if you had rehearsed it a thousand times. With every step, your heartbeat quickened, but not from the dance—it was from being so close to him. The warmth of his hand in yours, the way his eyes never left your face, made you realize that your feelings for him had grown deeper than just childhood friendship. You had always known he was special to you.

As the song drew to a close, Seonghwa led you into the final move of the dance. With a smooth dip, he cradled you gently in his arms, your faces inches apart. His eyes searched yours, and in that moment, you saw the same affection reflected back at you.

“I like you; you know?” he whispered, his voice steady, filled with sincerity. Seeing you in the arms of your partner, just a minute, he might not like the words will come out and guarantee himself inside the principal's office. So, with a small courage, he had spoken those words that he hid for a long time.

Before you could respond, he pressed a soft kiss to your forehead, sealing the confession with a tender gesture.

The dance ended, but the moment lingered in the air, and you knew that despite everything—his popularity, the attention from others—his heart belonged to you, just as yours did to him.

Smiling softly, running your fingers on his jaw, tapping his forehead with your forefinger, "Took you long enough, Seonghwa."

[nat-20s]

mini-fic time!!!

(all of these r also posted on ao3 lol)

Donna and The Doctor share a discussion about Christmas

~*~

It’s during one of their many little late night chats that the subject comes up. It even happens organically, Donna noting the soft glow of the fairy lights pinned about that were, technically speaking, Christmas lights, and how the entire family had apparently conceded to this being a year round fixture. Of course, instead of focusing on the noble-temple-mott-doctor clan’s terrible consistency with interior decorating, the Doctor throws on a downright cheeky grin and asks, “So. You still hate Christmas?”

She knows the answer he’s expecting. After all, this year’s event was, perhaps, ‘lovely” and ‘joyful’ and ‘bringing tears to her eyes a few times, don’t mention it’. But. Still. Eh?She grimaces and sucks in a breath through her teeth, which is enough for The Doctor to throw the non-mug holding arm in the air and ask slightly too loud, “Seriously?”

Donna shrugs and hides her face behind her mug. “I mean…”

The Doctor blinks at her a few times, and as she has no desire to provide further details, he replies, “Huh. Really? Ialways sort of assumed that, well. You didn’t like Christmas because you had mostly bad ones?”

“What, no.I had loadsof happy Christmases. Hell, there was a good ten years where it was the only day me and mum were actually nice to each other. I just don’t really care for it. I mean, sure, there’s...parts I like, I guess. I like the lights, some of the songs are okayish, and don’t get me wrong, I have loads of fun getting to spoil Rose rotten each year but. I dunno, it’s all a bit, ugh,you know?”

When she gets a downright agog expression in exchange for her statement, she can’t help but snort. “Why the hell do you even care? I can’t imagine that Time Lords are all that arsed about Christianity, and, by the way, if you tell me that you were Christ, I’m gonna tell you fuck off, no you weren’t.”

“I wasn’t.”

“Obviously.”

“Was one of the disciples though.”

“Fuck off, no you weren’t.”

The Doctor stares at her very, very intensely, giving away nothing. For all of about 3 seconds, when his nose wrinkles up in amusement and he waves a hand. “No, I wasn’t. I’m not sure I even know all their names. Think I have some reindeer mixed up with them. On Dasher, on Dancer, on Donny, on Simon, or something like that.”

Donna manages to just roll her eyes rather than enjoy the goof, because he is derailing the conversation, again. “So my point stands. What’s your big thing about Christmas?”

After a hum and a shrug, The Doctor replies, “Oh, it’s not just Christmas. Purim, Holi, Lunar New Year, hell, I adore a good Arbor Day.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. It’s..”

The Doctor looks to the side for a second, in that non-targeted way that Donna knows means he’s trying to remember something. She takes a sip from her cocoa and practices some of her hard won patience.

With a soft hum, The Doctor finally comes back to the present and tells her, “It’s not that Gallifrey never had holidays, of sorts. But they were all very traditional and very serious and very dour. It was all ceremony and diligence and respect, not,” he nods towards the Christmas tree, “fairy lights and colored powders and silly costumes.”

Grinning now, he continues, “You know, in all the lifetimes I’ve lived and all the species I’ve met, humans are utterly unparalleled in their ability to have fun. For all your lots’ faults, of which there are many-”

“-yes, thank you-”

“-nobody celebrates like a human. Any excuse, even the basic, or, ah, often not so basic, act of survival, and you’ll start singing and eating and dancing. You have such a capacity for joy it will leak from you. Happy crying, who the hell does that?”

“Hold on, I’ve seen you do that. Three times in as many days when you first got here.”

Tilting his head in acknowledgment, he counters, “Ah, but that’s only because of the company I keep. Your laughter is infectious, literally, in the year 16,000 it gets classified as a dangerous contagion.I mean, honestly, you lot could make a Dalek snicker. It’s...it’s incredible. There’s genuinely like nothing else in the universe, and, well, I can’t help but be charmed by Christmas as a small sliver of all that relentless joy.”

After a half second pause, he adds, “Plus, yes, the lights are quite pretty.”

Donna can’t quite contain a smile, replying, “I suppose I could see the appeal of it. Through that lens.”

The Doctor grins back at her, and they let themselves sit in a companionable silence. After a minute of simply letting themselves be, and polishing off the last dregs of their cocoa, Donna tells him, “Still can’t fucking stand ‘Wonderful Christmastime’ though.”

Hearing the burst of laughter that comes from The Doctor, Donna can’t help but silently agree with him. She thinks it’s not so bad being infectious, when that infection is joy.

[amberrskiies]

Happy Birthday, Levi

Pairing: Leviathan && Amber

Status: Dating

Timeline: Post Nightbringer Lesson 40

Written in honor of Levi's Birthday! Happy Birthday Leviathan!! <333

"I... can't accept your gift..."

Amber was stunned when she heard the Third Born, Avatar of Envy say that to her when she held out the gift for him to take.

Both Amber and Levi were in the human realm at her apartment room. Diavolo thought it would be best if she had gone taken a vacation in her realm after she had been thrown into the past and had been stuck there for months on end.

The brothers would visit her from time to time whenever they had the chance to. Amber had told Levi to come visit her in the Human Realm for something important. That being wanting to celebrate his birthday with him here.

She thought he'd be happy to get a gift from her like he always does but he didn't expect him to reject her gift. Instead of being sad, she could sense something was wrong.

"Levi... Is there something wrong?" She asked him as he refused to make eye-contact with her.

This made her more worried as she set the gift aside as she took one of his hand in hers.

"Levi? Please tell me what's wrong. You're always happy to get a gift for me. Why not now?"

Levi remained silent for a moment before sighing.

"It just... doesn't seem fair." Amber heard him say as she tilted her head in confusion.

"What do you mean?" she asked to which Levi gently grasped her hand.

"I just don't find it fair to celebrate my birthday because... we weren't able to celebrate yours since you went missing." He inhaled and exhaled before continuing.

"I even planned ahead on the places i wanted to take you on your birthday and i even had a gift for you yet I couldn't give any of those to you..."

Amber heard him trail off as she slowly removed her hand from his to cup one side of his face to make him face her.

"Hey... It's okay. We can still go to those places anytime. We don't have to wait for my birthday and you can still give me my present when we go back to the Devildom."

Levi listened to her before he looked down and sighed, nodding.

"I know we can. I just..." he let out a shaky breath before slowly pulling Amber into a hug, burying his face on her shoulder.

"I missed you... so so much." He mumbled.

He held her tight as if afraid that he'll lose her if he didn't keep her close. Amber gave him a sad look before hugging him back.

"I missed you too. I'm sorry for disappearing out of nowhere... Just know that I'm not going to leave you anytime soon and besides it's hard to get rid of someone like me so easily so you're stuck with me for a long long time!"

That was enough to Levi to crack a smile as he chuckled, lifting his head away from her shoulder to look at her.

"You really know what to say." to which Amber shrugged.

"You could call it a specialty of mine." She giggled, leaning onto him slightly.

Levi's smile widened even more as he played with her hair while remaining in each other's embrace. After a while he spoke up.

"Can we stay like this for a little longer?" Amber heard him as she nodded.

"Of course! Oh and Levi?"

"Yeah?"

"Happy Birthday. I love you." She told him, hugging him once more.

This was enough to make Levi get rid of all his worries, smiling even more as he hugged her back.

"I love you too and thank you... for everything."

A/N - ainofieboeinetn this sounded way better in my head but i tried! So sorry it took so long but i got side tracked heavily!

Tagging: @yourboyhack @attic-club-sandwich @mikasha-9 @arklayraven @aspiringtrashpanda @ithseem @mcx7demonbros @112-darling @juvellianovo @amunetmagic @kitsune-oji

[auncyen]

riffing off the post-Healeaks banter between Hikari and Castti

“There is a cast to your face I have never seen before,” Hikari remarks. The determination in her eyes is familiar, but there are other things, too. A stronger sense of self-awareness, he thinks. …And a deep sadness. “…Your memories have returned.”

“At the very least, I’ve remembered what it is I need to do next,” she says.

“I…am happy for you,” Hikari says, second-guessing the words as soon as they leave his lips. He always expected recovering Castti’s memories would bring her some happiness, or at least peace, and neither seemed the case. A purpose is still something, though, so he forges on. “Know that I have no intention of prying into your past. Yet I would remind you that I am by your side here and now. You are my friend. Let us face the future together.”

He knows he has said something wrong by the way her gaze flickers. She looks at the harbor for a long moment, and when she turns back to him, her smile does not reach her weary eyes. “…Thank you. But… my journey is mostly done. This last part, I’ve decided, I’ll do by myself.”

The words take Hikari so aback his mouth falls open. He doesn’t immediately know what to say. All eight of them have always been free to take their leave when they so wished, and it makes sense that Castti’s time with them might end soon after she regained her memories. But while he doesn’t know what she remembered, it had obviously been distressing, and now she wanted to travel alone to—to do what? This suddenly? “Are you certain—“

“MA!” Ochette hollers, bounding over. “You’re leaving?!”

Her exclamation snags the attention of the entire group. “What’s this about?” Osvald asks as he walked over, and while Throné doesn’t say anything, her eyes are sharply focused on Castti, who looks flustered by the sudden attention. She takes a deep breath through the nose to compose herself.

“I’ve regained my memory. Enough of it, anyway. There’s no need for you all to worry, I’m simply—I’m going to visit family so they know I’m alive,” she says, “and take care of some other affairs. Nothing interesting, very boring, in fact, but I’ve been missing for several seasons so I’m sure there’s much that needs to be done.”

Her explanation is plausible. It makes perfect sense that someone who had suffered amnesia would have much to catch up on in in their life once they rediscovered what it had been. But the words do not seem to match the grim set on her face just before.

Why would she lie, though? To all of them?

“Castti,” Throné says, “What’s really going on? What happened in Healeaks?”

“Healeaks is where I lost my memory,” Castti says. “There was a disaster there, as I’m sure you could all tell.” She shrugs, glancing aside. “I don’t remember it well.”

“You’re lying—“

“Now, Throné, let’s not sour our so-longs,” Temenos says, gently placing a hand on the thief’s shoulder to pull her back. “This parting is sudden to me as well, but I’m sure Castti has her reasons. Besides! We should run into one another again soon enough, at the grand celebration.”

Castti has been more focused on Throné, but those last words cause her to glance at Temenos. “The…grand celebration?”

“Timberain’s coronation ceremony, of course.”

Castti’s eyes widen in what looks like horror before she controls herself, her gloved hands clenching tight. “Why would you go there? None of you have any business at the coronation ceremony.”

“On the contrary!” Temenos objects. “The church likes to keep abreast of current politics.”

“And as a future ruler, I should strive to do the same,” Hikari adds. It had not, in fact, been a priority for him with everything else he needed to do. But for once he can see the game Temenos is playing, and moreover he can see it working. Castti does not want them going to Timberain?

This one time, perhaps there is a need to pry.

“And it’d be fun to put on some dancing for people before the big event!” Agnea jumps in, catching on as well.

“And there’ll be loads of merchants to trade with,” Partitio muses.

“And nobles to steal from,” Throné says smugly.

Castti struggles to keep her expression even, lips pinched tight.

Temenos leans forward. “You asked about the coronation while you were still disoriented, and the manner in which you asked about it made it an easy enough guess that would be your first concern, not a family reunion. Now, I could make further guesses, but I’d rather ask: what do you think is going to happen at the Timberain coronation that you must push us away?”

“Castti, please,” Hikari urges when she still hesitates. “We are all friends here. Let us help you.”

The sea breeze whisks away the quiet sigh the apothecary lets out as she closes her eyes for a moment. When she reopens them, they look past everyone, still tired. She strips off her gloves and rolls her sleeves up, revealing more of the gnarled and twisted black scars that mark her forearms.

“This is what happened to me, and I am the one who survived. Everyone else in Healeaks died. We were poisoned… by a member of Eir’s Apothecaries who has completely lost his mind. He said he’d target the crowd the coronation will draw. The rain over Healeaks spread so far, its poison even came down here,” Castti says, gesturing at the harbor for emphasis. “My friend set me adrift in a boat because it was the only way to get me out of the range. Nowhere was safe. Nowhere in Timberain will be safe, either. If you follow me, and I fail to stop Trousseau, you will all die.”

“Then we don’t fail,” Osvald concludes.

“I don’t have a cure, Osvald.”

“You will. You’ve already decided to save the people of Timberain, correct?” Osvald waits for Castti’s response, his patient manner evoking the professor he once was. She nods, still looking frustrated. “Then you will figure out a cure, and we won’t be in danger simply by accompanying you. You’re overcomplicating things.”

Osvald is not the most tactful man. But they’re all long used to that, enough to hear how plainly You’re overcomplicating things means Stop doubting yourself. Castti seems to finally be focused on them, and not a far off memory. “…Thank you. As long as you’re all sure… The company will be appreciated.”

-

so the banter is verbatim up until the bit about Castti saying she'll do things by herself. I found it interesting that in canon with this banter they leave it kind of ambiguous if Castti actually explains to the group what happens in Healeaks even though it's...pretty much necessary to explain at least the BASIC situation of Healeaks to warn the group of Timberain which is really the only responsible route to take, she can't just bring them there and then be like "lol everyone's gonna die if we don't stop Trousseau and possibly even then". So I just wanted to play around with the banter and what she's thinking if she doesn't explain things to the group at first.

[blackjackkent]

Continuing to wander around the Temple of Ilmater - I thought we weren't going to be able to pursue the murder case that happened here, but heading into another of the main rooms, we find this creature:

Her name is Valeria, she's a Hollyphant, and apparently she's a detective. She's currently arguing with one of the acolytes, who believes she's wrong about the culprit she's identified for Father Lorgan's murder.

Let's go stick our noses back into the situation.

"Look, Investigator. Brilgor might have been a criminal, but he was no murderer. You're missing something. You have to be."

"Enough, Yannis! Listen to yourself. You are defending a man who ritually slaughtered your high priest. The evidence speaks for itself. Brilgor killed Father Lorgan, then be it out of shame or profane duty, offed himself with the same blade. Case *closed*, Sister Yannis."

Valeria then floats off, leaving Yannis scowling. "Shitey little elephant..." she mutters, then jumps as she realizes Hector has come up behind her.

"Oh, um. I apologize, stranger. Language like that hardly befits a rector of Ilmater."

Privately Hector doesn't really blame her. The investigator sounds like she is not doing anything resembling due diligence. "Sounded like you were having quite the disagreement," he says mildly.

"You could certainly say that," the rector says dryly. "Two people just died on temple grounds. Our high priest, Father Lorgan, and one of the new refugees, Brilgor. Investigator Valeria thinks it a murder, and is content to blame Brilgor. The politically convenient target."

Hector's jaw sets. He can already guess the answer even as he asks the question: "What makes Brilgor politically convenient."

"Brilgor was a refugee," Yannis answers. "No one sticks up for them at the best of times, and with Gortash in power..."

"They make a fine target for the real culprit, too," Jaheira puts in grimly. "Unlikely to be missed where they weren't wanted to begin with."

Yannis shrugs. "Well, I expect the Flaming Fist will ban refugee aid now one of them's blamed for murder."

Hector purses his lips thoughtfully. Nothing about this sounds good - the refugees here need more help, not less, and he didn't at all like the behavior of the investigator, who does not seem like she takes her duty seriously.

[CLERIC OF SELUNE] "Allow me to help you," he says earnestly. "My god would bid me aid a follower of Ilmater."

It's pretty clear Yannis doesn't think much of the possibility that this random man who just wandered in through the back door will have much to contribute, but she doesn't stop him. "Feel free to look around the temple," she says, "but fair warning. The Investigator won't change her mind without significant new evidence."

She also told us a couple more useful things - that the Investigator has probably headed off to Sharess's Caress to carouse and celebrate the 'closing' of the case, and that finding the murder weapon or anything that disproves the murder-suicide theory would be very useful.

We also had another dialogue option, picking up a questline that we picked up all the way back in Act 1.

"Can you tell me where to find Shirra Clarwen?"

(Shirra, we learned, was the granddaughter of the laughing monk spirit trapped in the amulet we found in Grymforge; the spirit asked us to return the amulet to her.)

"I can tell you where to find her, but she won't be very chatty, I'm afraid. Shirra passed away last year - peacefully, mind. We buried her in the crypt under the temple, if you wish to visit."

Well, that's a bummer. But we'll need to go back down anyway to look further into the case, so maybe we can leave the amulet there as well, if that suits the spirit inside.

[virtie333]

Here's another Christmas idea from me: Even though they were raised as Jews, Marc knows how much Steven loves Christmas, so Marc decides to be nice for once to Steven and gets him the biggest Christmas tree he can find in London even though it means he has to steal it. Later, Layla would tell Marc that the look of childlike joy on Steven's face and eyes said it all when he saw the Christmas tree and then Layla will show Marc the video she made when Steven saw the Christmas tree.

Sorry this took so long! I had such ideas, but I decided to make it simple.

When the door to the flat opened, Layla expected Marc. But what entered was a tree.

Layla stood from where she had been sitting at the table working on her laptop and stared as the evergreen tree, all wrapped up nice and neat in a net, came sideways through the door. Eventually, she saw Marc as he peeked over the top, his eyebrows up and a delighted expression on his face.

"Marc, what is this?

"It's a Christmas tree," he replied. "What does it look like?"

He carried it over to the corner by the back window and set it upright, leaning it against the wall.

Layla frowned. "I know I shouldn't have to say this, but you're Jewish."

Marc snorted and looked at her. "Yeah, I know." He put his hands on his hips. "But you're not." He glanced at the tree, then back at her. "And besides, Steven has always been fascinated with Christmas trees, but he's never thought he should have one. That's one thing his memory of our mother is similar to mine. She refused to have anything Christmasy in the house."

"But you don't mind?"

He shrugged. "There's nothing wrong with a simple holiday tree, something to celebrate the coming New Year." He moved toward her. "I have the stand for it and some decorations and stuff downstairs. Come help me get them up."

Layla helped Marc haul several boxes back up to the flat, feeling an excitement she hadn't felt since she was a child flow through her. She hadn't had a Christmas tree since her mother died. Christmas hadn't been forgotten, but it become a very simple affair after Nashwa died. It didn't hurt that she hadn't seen Marc this excited about something in a long time. He actually looked... happy.

She held the tree while Marc put it in the holder, then he cut the wrapping off and together they fluffed out the branches. "Should we leave it so Steven can help you decorate?" he asked. "Or should we get started and surprise him?"

She smiled. "Let's at least put the lights and garland on," she told him. While she was anxious to see Steven's expression when he saw the tree, she wanted to share a bit of it with Marc, too.

He readily agreed, and they laughed and talked as they wrapped two strings of colored LED lights and red and blue strings of glittery garland around the tree. Layla opened the boxes of ornaments and smiled as she looked them over. There were simple glass balls in various colors and typical ornaments of reindeer and snowmen, but there were also a handful of Jewish decorations. Knowing she would be happily spending the rest of her life with Marc and his alters, an interfaith December would become the norm. Their respect for each other's faith would lead them to share each other's traditions without violating each other's beliefs.

"Should we let Steven help you finish?" Marc asked. "I can feel him 'knocking at the door.' He's wondering why I'm blocking him."

Layla nodded. "Should I get a camera and catch his expression?"

Marc laughed. "No. I'll see it in the mirror." He glanced off to the side to one of the many mirrors situated around the flat.

"Okay," she said. "Wait!"

Marc looked at her expectantly.

She gently cupped his face in her hands and kissed him softly on the lips. "Thank you, Habibi."

He smiled softly at her. "Bahibik."

She released him and backed up a bit, then watched as his face changed. Suddenly, the man in front of her looked confused. He focused on her.

"What's going on, love?"

She smiled and looked at the tree. Steven also looked. His eyes widened and his mouth opened in shock. "Oh, my stars!" he gasped. He looked back at Layla. "Did you do this?"

"No," she shook her head. "Marc did."

Steven's smile was huge as he turned back to the tree.

Layla moved over to the ornament boxes. "Come on, Steven. Let's decorate it!"

Still looking giddy, Steven practically skipped over to her. "Let's!"

[dammitadolfnomorecake]

Rage Fire Institution

Accelerating. 30.

“Look at him, walking back in as if he didn’t abandon us all yesterday. And where do you think you were?”

Placing down his lunch tray, Maki smiled at his friends. Fleur, Li, and Silva, all sitting together waiting for him. The feeling was warm

“Hey, guys. I promise I had a good reason”

Grabbing Silva by the shoulder, Li shook him

“Silva, he’s smiling. Maki’s smiling. I’m not imagining this right?”

Silva pretended to put a stern face on, voice betraying nothing

“I do believe you are correct. Our scowling friend does appear to be wearing a smile”

“Do we think he got laid? Is that what we think happened?”

Silva stroked his imaginary beard

“There may be a chance. He does seem in a particularly good mood for a man who skipped a day of classes”

Rolling his eyes, Maki sat. His friend’s were idiots and wildly off the mark. But they were his friends. He’d held back telling Li because he wanted to tell his best friend face to face, yet thanks to their teasing, he wanted to draw it out now

“You’re wrong. I can smile, you know”

Li hummed

“Okay, not sexy times. Oh! Did you get asked out?! Dude! Who is she? Do I know her?”

Maki gave a shrug

“Who says it’s a girl?”

Li shot up, slamming him hands down on the table. He would have yelled something silly if Fleur hadn’t pulled him back down

“Stop that. People are staring”

Li cast a look around, changing tactic as he reached out and took Maki’s hands in his

“His name? Tell me his name!?”

Maki couldn’t help but chuckle. Li was so excited for him that he nearly felt bad

“I admit I did spend a day with someone. And something did happen… I mean, it was going to happen, it was the next logical step… I was exhausted by the end of it, but it was amazing…”

Li’s eyes couldn’t go wider

“OhMyGosh! You have to tell me everything! Look at you go, you alpha stud! That’s my best friend! Who is… OhMyGod, did you hook up with the Professor?!”

Maki choked on air. Him and the Professor? He’d pay to see how Li’s mind had come to that conclusion. Li slumping back in his chair with wide eyes and shock on his face. Fleur, on the other hand, frowned heavily

“Really? You and him? I mean, he was babysitter… I didn’t think you were that kinky”

Silva didn’t help

“They have been spending most of their time together. He’s always talking about him”

Fleur nodded

“If I’m honest, I got a little horny when the babysitter was talking about that mech”

This was too much. Maki blinking. Fleur being horny was none of their business and he didn’t need to think about it, plus Tatsumi would be sad that his lecture had only been received by a class of horny pilots

“Okay. Don’t talk about him that way, he’s my friend. And secondly, I did spend the day with him. With Tatsumi. I finally got to pilot my Erebus for the first time”

Maki felt so damn proud of himself all over again. When Li didn’t say anything, Silva waved his hand in front of their friend’s face

“I think you broke him”

Maki’s happiness was fading. He expected Li to be yelling over it

“Li?”

Li blinked half a dozen times, pulling himself together, his words slow

“You piloted your Erebus?”

“Yes”

Li repeated his words just as slowly

“You piloted your Erebus?”

“Yes”

Maki’s happiness came surging back, Li finally yelling

“You piloted your Erebus and you’re only telling us now?! Maki!”

Laughing at his friend, Li’s happiness was everything Maki had hoped. He wanted to gush about it, but he didn’t want to completely break his best friend

“Yes. It was so hard. I felt like I’d run the track all day by the end of it, but it was a successful boot”

“We have to celebrate, right guys”

Li looked to Silva and Fleur, both nodding quickly, Silva agreeing

“This is definitely cause for celebration. Why didn’t you call us last night? We would have had a party”

“Because Tatsumi took me back to his and made dinner. We didn’t get back until late”

When all three of his friends stared hard at him, he realised what he’d said. Maki nervously bringing his hand up to scratch the back of his head

“Not like that. It was a congratulatory dinner with his mother. He sprung it on me”

Li crossed his arms and slouched back, gesturing with his hand

“Look at him, he pilots an Erebus and suddenly he gets a home cooked meal. He’s too good for us now”

Maki took it the wrong way. He felt guilty about not having Li there last night as it was

“Wait…”

“Why would we wait? You’re leaving us behind. You and Tatsumi don’t need us holding you back”

This… this wasn’t how it was meant to go

“No. You’ve got the wrong idea…”

Li cut him off

“Did you see his bedroom? How big was his bed? What did he cook you for dinner?”

“C-cola chicken… and so what? I didn’t know he’d make me dinner, he said he had someone he wanted me to meet with”

“He’s bringing you home to meet his mother. Must be serious”

“He’s a friend. You know he’s helping me out. Why are you being like this? I didn’t do anything wrong!”

Li’s expression changed. Maki was furious. He didn’t get why he was being attacked over spending time with Tatsumi. He was Li’s friend too. Tatsumi wasn’t there to defend himself either. They’d done nothing and even if they had, that was between them

“Man, chill. I’m messing with you for not telling us right away. And for having a celebration party without us”

So it was all a big joke to Li? The young alpha felt wounded. Li normally wasn’t the type to bring someone down, nor did he get why the idea of him and Tatsumi hanging out together was a joke. Tatsumi was flawed as anyone else, and he didn’t deserve to be turned into a joke for the amusement of their friends

“That’s because it was Tatsumi’s idea. At least he didn’t make jokes about it. I was so excited to tell you in person I made myself wait until I could tell you what it was like in person. Forget it, I’m heading to my next class”

Grabbing his bag, Maki strode off. Li tried calling out after him, but Maki ignored him. He wasn’t trying to leave his best friend behind. It wasn’t his fault Tatsumi chose him. It felt like the universe was laughing at him for being so proud of himself and wanting to boast about it.

***

Having stormed off to wait for his next class, Li found him standing in front to bio-engineering classroom. Maki turning his back as his friend approached. He didn’t want to fight with Li.

“Maki? Come on, man. I’m sorry. I went too far”

Frosting out his best friend, Maki opened his comms. Li trying again

“Come on, you know I was joking. I didn’t mean any of it. Tell me what it was like to pilot an Erebus, please? I was only kidding about you and Tatsumi…”

Tatsumi would be in their class and he’d know straight away that the pair of them had fought. For Tatsumi’s sake, Maki supposed he had to make up with Li. Turning to face his friend, Li kind of looked genuinely sorry

“Maki? Why won’t you say something?”

“Because I’m thinking of how to say it. I was so excited to tell you”

Li sighed

“And I ruined it”

“Yeah… Tatsumi’s not even here to defend himself. I know you’re mad at me, but that doesn’t give you the right to go after him too. He’s got a lot going on”

Li hung his head

“It’s just… I wanted to tease you because you’re spending so much time with him. It kind of hurt you didn’t tell me straight away”

“I told you I wanted to do it in person”

“You could have found me before school”

The alpha sighed at his best friend. Before school wouldn’t have been any good. Li always took his time to look his best, and Maki liked to leave for class at the last possible moment to avoid everyone else

“I wanted time to answer all your questions without worrying about the bell”

“You could have messaged me”

“I could have, but I wanted to tell my best friend in person. I was really excited about it. I felt bad you weren’t there last night… you’re my best friend. I know I’m busier but I still want you to know when something good happens”

Li combed his hair back with his fingers, before raising his head and giving Maki a thumbs up

“You recognised how lonely you are without Li here. I will give you a pass”

“Thank you. Still, no more about Tatsumi. Like seriously, I don’t know how you got to thinking we’d be like that. He’s only training me”

“It’s not my fault. Everyone’s talking about him and you, and you two are so tight that it’d make sense”

“I’m not seeing it”

“He took you to his home. He showed you his bedroom… you were all smiles”

Li’s logic was deeply flawed, Maki correcting him

“Idiot, I was smiling because I knew you’d be excited. I thought you’d get all excited and demand to know everything. That’s why I was smiling like that”

Li came at him, Maki unable to escape before being hugged

“Aw, bring it in, big guy. I’m sorry I went too far. It’s boring without you”

Awkwardly hugging Li back, Maki patted his back

“There, there. You still have Yon”

His best friend went rigid in his arms. Maki confused

“Li, you still have Yon, don’t you?”

Releasing him, Li looked down to the floor, Maki releasing his friend so it didn’t look weird if they were caught

“She dumped me. She wanted me to come to this party at some club but I said I can’t sneak out. It’s not like I didn’t want to, but I didn’t want to sneak out on my own”

“You could have asked me”

“I thought about it, then I thought to myself if she is going to dump me over it then maybe Kang Li is too good for her. I’m not going to start skipping school and that to make her happy… and if I gave in once then she’d think that I will all the time. I’m so hot that I won’t be single for long”

Li gave Maki a wobbly smile. Maki seriously impressed his friend stood up for himself and put himself first

“You did the right thing. You’re already a good person and if she can’t see that then that’s her loss”

“I know… but it still sucks”

Li fell in love too easy. Maki had never been in love and didn’t recognise the signs or symptoms when people weren’t as obvious about it as Li was

“I think I know how to help. What do you say we change this green hair of yours? Any colour you want, we’ll do it”

“Aren’t you busy?”

“I’m going to be even busier soon, but I’m never too busy for my best friend. This is a limited time offer…”

“No! No, I’m in! I’m so in! What colour should I go? I don’t think I’m a green person”

“You’re not, but it could be worse. I’ll buy the dye after class”

“It’s my hair, I’ll pay”

“It was my idea, I’m paying. Besides, it’s faster if I go”

“But won’t you get in trouble?”

“Who’s getting in trouble?”

Both Maki and Li jumped as Tatsumi’s voice came from behind them. Tatsumi standing there with a frown on his face. Li jumping to his defence

“Me, I want to change my hair colour and I don’t want Maki getting in trouble if he helps”

“Ah, do you guys want to use a lab room? As long as you don’t make a mess it’s not a big deal”

After how Li acted, Maki decided not to join in the conversation. He didn’t like being mad at Li, but Tatsumi was so clueless over it all. Li nodding

“That’d be great. Hey, Professor, is it true Maki piloted an Erebus?”

“He sure did. He was excited as anything over it too. I’m glad he told you, I think he wanted to straight away”

It was painful watching the way Li’s shoulders slumped. Maki wavering slightly before scolding himself. Li’s joke had been wrong and should have been left unsaid, but he had come to apologise straight away and he had broken up with Yon

“Tatsumi’s right, I did. I wish you’d been at dinner”

Tatsumi smiled, Maki not expecting to be teased

“There’s always next time. Did he tell you how good he was in my bed? And he totally charmed my mother”

Li’s eyes widened, Maki elbowing Tatsumi, hissing

“You don’t have to say it that way”

“I know, but it’s true. I left him for a moment and he totally passed out”

Li sidestepped Maki, latching onto Tatsumi’s arm. His friend fluttering his eyelashes as he looked up to Tatsumi

“You have to tell me everything. I was joking about it before and made him mad, but now I neeeeeed to know”

“There’s not a lot to tell… You know what Maki’s like, oblivious”

“He is, isn’t he! You like him, don’t you, Professor?”

Tatsumi pretended to think as he hummed then clicked his fingers. Gracefully he reach up, cupping Li’s cheek before smiling as he slid his hand up to tuck hair behind Li’s right ear

“I do. A whole lot. And I like you a whole lot too. You’re really quite handsome, Mister Kang. Your eyes sparkle under this light”

Li seemed taken back, elated, then clicked, all in a single moment. Maki covering his smile with his hand

“You’re messing with me, aren’t you?”

“Yep, it’s no fun is it? Let’s leave rumours to those less educated. We’re all friends here”

Li slumped as Tatsumi removed his hand

“I understand, Professor. I won’t get caught up in daydreams again”

“Good. It’s a little early but I’ve got the key, let’s head in”

***

Tatsumi uninvited himself to the dying of Li’s hair. Li inviting him during their class together, and Tatsumi uninviting himself once class was over and he’d cleared use of a room with Poaw. He didn’t know what happened, yet Maki and Li needed to work it out together.

Working on his own homework, Tatsumi was half keep an eye on his classmates. He could have used the research wing in privacy, but the library was nicer. Sure, it made it harder to stay focused as he wondered what was going through the minds of so many educated people around him, yet he also didn’t want to be alone. He’d hid it well from Maki, but their foot race had worn him out. He’d woken feeling drained and with a heaviness in his body that wouldn’t leave. Piloting may be not come as easy as it had before, though that didn’t mean he was ready to give up, and it frustrated him that he’d be so weakened after one damn race.

“Hikaru?”

Jolting slightly at his name, Tatsumi looked up and then looked down, he’d spilled his coffee without realising it. His left arm had felt especially weak, and he couldn’t remember reaching for his drink

“Ah, shit”

His classmate snorted. An older beta who was doing her thesis in pilot fatigue within the education system. Tatsumi remembered being interviewed by at some point yet her name escaped him. Reaching into her back, she fished out a handful of napkins. Tatsumi took them gratefully

“Here, they always give me too many”

“Thank you. I normally grab some but today would be the day I seem to have forgotten”

“You have seemed off with your focus”

As the omega wiped up his coffee, he realised a couple more of his classmates were paying attention. Releasing a returned pilot with no public history didn’t always go well, yet he’d always been friendly towards his classmates. He had to choose his words or risk being further gossip. Most already knew in someway he was sickly from his tinted glasses

“There simply aren’t as many hours in a day as there needs to be, and these student projects are more than enough to keep a man’s mind preoccupied”

The beta gave a strained smile, it wasn’t the answer she seemed to hope to illicit from him

“I’m sure this comes as no surprise, but we are told to rest for a reason”

Ah. She was prying for another angle from him for her research. He should have known from the start that her prying into his coffee came from her analysis of his study method

“I’ll rest once my work is done for the day. A few hours missed sleep affects everyone differently”

“So you’d say you feel the rest time provided would be seen as an inadequate rest time?”

“The rest time provided would be adequate provided there weren’t external factors affecting it. In this case, it’s the completion of work load versus the preparation of a whole school team. Individual pride would dictate self priorities come first, yet with age comes the knowledge of placing a groups need over one’s self. In this case it is better to focus on improvements one may offer to the group as the school reputation triumphs one man’s need for sleep”

The beta looked annoyed. Tatsumi didn’t see why when she’d started it. He’d merely offered his opinion. He wouldn’t decrease his work load simply due to his health when he had promises to keep to himself and to his team. Gathering the mess he’d made, he piled it together for easy disposal then turned his attention back to his data pad to signal that the show was over. His workload varied, as did everyone else’s, a few months of hard work would all be worth it to see Maki on the competition field in a mech made by their group.

Tatsumi knew where his priorities lay, which couldn’t be said for those with enough time on their hands to waste it watching him. In just a few more days their mods would ready for fitting and testing. If he could get all his word done before then, then he’d have the time he wanted to take for Maki’s training… and he really needed to make more time for Stella and Anthony. Exiting his work, Tatsumi opened up his calendar, all thoughts of work and promises driven from his mind as he noticed the approaching date.

[softdrabbles]

"we may have just met but the way carmen speaks about you and hearing how much ash loves you, i don't see you as a stranger, you're family, even if ash no longer considers me as such," daxton shrugged sadly, hurting at their own words, knowing that they just might not get their twin back. "they have no idea how hard things were for me back then, still even now." daxton had kept so much from both ashton and carmen when they were younger, finding it hard to process and express how they were feeling. they didn't know how she came to the conclusion she had but svea wasn't wrong.

dax truly had no idea how to deal with such big emotions for such a little person, something that only snowballed as they got older. "i mean yeah, all my emotions just got too much. i always felt like i was some ticking time bomb and i had no idea how to stop it or when it would go off. every year i got new teachers and they would try and help, reach out to my parents but they gave up after a while too, put me in the too hard basket, just like my parents." daxton shook their head, trying to forget how it made them feel, everything still felt so raw. "they saw what was happening to me and they chose to ignore it, that really fucks you up and the pain never goes away. parents are suppose to protect their kids, right? you're a mom, you'd understand better than anyone."

there wasn't much daxton could expect from ash and the woman's words didn't surprise them. ashton had always been someone of their word, that wasn't new information. they were one of the most loyal people dax knew, even when carmen broke things off, ashton stayed. for both of them. "i guess the only thing i can give them is time, prove to them that the person that did all those things to them isn't who i am. between you and carm, something has to give with them."

whether svea considered herself a stranger or not, the compliment of their achievement lifted their spirits. it had been hard and unfortunately for daxton, it wasn't going to get any easier. they sat up just a little straighter as they felt a sense of pride in what they had done and having it recognised. "thank you. i just can't find it in me to celebrate anything without ashton, for them to see how far i've come, i want them to be proud of me too." daxton's eyes fell to the woman picking up the polaroid picture as she inspected it, "i carry that with me all the time, everywhere i go." they took a breath, deciding whether or not to say what was on their mind, "i was planning to propose to her, the ring is pretty much the only thing i didn't sell for money. she doesn't know that though and neither does ash, if you could keep that quiet."

at svea's words, daxton nodded, "i know and believe me, i know just how lucky i am for that. i never stopped loving her and i will never stop loving her, ever. i've never felt anything like the constant pull i feel to be near her in my life." of course they knew ashton was protective of her and for good reason too, considering how much pain they had put her through. "i'm glad she has someone who is protective of her, she deserves that, even if i'm on the receiving end." daxton's eyes fell to the picture as svea placed it down, "i was never good enough for her and i'm still not. she is so far out of my league, she always has been. i'm so proud of her and i hate that i couldn't watch her dreams become reality. i'm not screwing this up again." the following words had daxton feeling all sorts of emotions, hearing carmen would give her life for them. without even thinking they spoke up, "i would die for her a million times over and i mean that with every fibre of my being. everything that has ever been good in my life, i owe to her."

a small smile crossed daxton's features, thinking about carmen defending them, just like she always had. just when they couldn't be more in love with her, there was another reason. they chanced another glance at her now restocking the dessert cabinet, their features immediately went soft, "that would be no easy feat either. she's always stood up for what she believes in, stood up for me. i know it wouldn't be easier for her, i know how much she loves ashton and the last thing i want is to come between them." daxton shook their head, "i don't know if i would be even able to say the words aloud to them. as a twin, i feel as if it would cut that much deeper. it's something i think about every day. i was so close to losing all of this forever. no reset. no do-overs. gone and for what? a temporary high to take away all the hurt and pain. i wouldn't have been able to meet the person that captured my womb-mate's heart and i'm really happy for you both. i'm sure they act like everything is fine and that they have to be this protector but i know ashton, they'll distract you from how they're really feeling. please, look after them, be their carmen." as the woman's name fell from dax's mouth, they looked over at her again, in complete awe of her, catching her eye and offering her a reassuring wave. "i appreciate everything you've done in helping to get ash on board to seeing me again. what i've told you is only the tip of the iceberg, i'm sure you'll hear so much more if ashton comes to the table."

" i get it. it's not easy being confronted by a stranger and not knowing their intentions." svea dealt with a lot of kids at her work where talking to new people or venting to someone they didn't know was hard. it's not to say that daxton needed to be treated like a kid, they just had a similar experience and knew how to approach it. " you know, it's funny how you say it was all about ashton." after what ashton had told them, it was a different story. " ashton felt the same way about you. they had thought that everything was about you and that you were acting out to seek out attention." she told them. " i don't think you're a monster, dax. i just think you weren't given the proper guidance to release all that energy and anger you had within you. when all that gets pent up, you burst. that's what happened, wasn't it? this definitely isn't to excuse your actions but i can see why it had happened." the femme hummed softly at daxton's question. " it's hard to say. usually when ash keeps their word they mean it. however, i have been talking to them, or at least trying to, get them to move on. forgive you even. having all this grudge inside of you is not healthy. sometimes people really have to be in a deep fuckin' hole to realize that they had messed up and it's gonna be a long time to climb out that hole." seeing the items daxton had placed on the table warmed her heart. mostly the picture of them and carmen. they were so young in it. carmen really was not lying when she had said her and dax were real young when they got together. the sobriety chip was just solid proof that they were trying. she picked up the chip and ran her thumb over it, smiling at daxton. " i know im just a stranger to you, but im proud of you daxton. this is something to be celebrated." she placed down the chip to pick up the polaroid to look at it. " im glad you have carmen to look after you and be there by your side. she really loves you, you know? and you can imagine how ash feels protective over her." she placed the polaroid down to give daxton her full attention. " but carm, she would die for you. she has been defending you to ash. carm and i both want the same thing and that is for ash to talk to you." there was a pang in her stomach upon hearing daxton almost overdosed. knowing what she knew about ash when it came to their twin, ash would have been devastated, especially with not speaking to them in so long. " i think...you should be the one to tell them that. " svea suggested. she looked over at carmen again then back at dax. there was a glimmer of happiness in daxton's eyes. there was love, passion, and warmth. " i can't make any promises but i will try my best with ashton. hearing what you had to say made a difference."

[written-in-flowers]

Hi! I really love your Otto-writings

Just imagine…

You (female reader) wake up in the night and someone (daemon / Otto / aegon / aemond) is sitting by your bed... drunk and sleepless…

AN/: oooh I liked this one. I almost made the nsfw route with this one, but I've been feeling soft lately, so I made it fluffy. I hope you like it!

Pairing: Aegon Targaryen x Targ!Reader (sister-wife, so incest)

***

The Night Before The Rest of Our Lives

It began with a feeling. Your subconscious mind tapped your shoulder to wake you from a dreamless sleep. You knew the hour was late by the pitch blackness outside, and the stillness of the world around you. Yet, even with your eyes shut, you knew something was wrong. Your body instinctively curled into a fetal position as the strange sensation crept over you. Through blurry eyes, you caught a faint orange-yellow glow of a lantern casted on the wall across from you. Your maids doused the fireplace hours ago, and you’d personally put out the candles. Either someone came back and accidentally left it, or someone broke into your room. But, then you remembered the feast, and you knew who it was. Your body suddenly relaxed, and a smile crept on your face. 

“Shouldn’t you be sleeping, Brother?”

You rolled over to see Aegon sitting at the table slouched in the chair. He wore a vest with the lacings loosened, a long shirt, brown breeches and boots still. You could tell by the pitcher and wine cup, he’d continued drinking long after the celebration feast ended. Hours ago, you and him sat in the grand hall of the Red Keep the eve of your wedding day. You danced, sang, drank and ate together. You both were the young, happy couple everyone toasted and congratulated. For once, people celebrated a happy union, instead of a political one. You’d gone to bed when the feast ended, but it appeared Aegon kept it going on his own. Aegon sitting slumped in a chair with a wine cup in his hand wasn’t unusual to you. In fact, you expected it of him. 

“Couldn’t sleep,” he muttered. “Mother was talking to me…something about marriage and duty and honor…”

“Marriage, duty and honor?”

“I don’t know,” he shrugged, looking into his wine cup, “I tuned her out halfway through. I don’t see what the fuss is all about. We’ll be married tomorrow.” He frowned when he realized his cup was empty. You watched him feel around for the pitcher handle, and focus on pouring into his cup. You heard him groan disappointedly. “You have any wine left in here?”

“No,” you answered, trying not to laugh at him. “I drank it all.”

“What? Without me? Your older brother and your betrothed? Shame!” He let the empty cup fall to the floor and sat back in the chair again. “This time next week, you’re going to have two reasons to respect me.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, I’ll be your husband as well as your older brother,” he nodded sagely. He looked around your table to see another wine cup. He reached for it and frowned when he upturned the empty cup. “And as your brother-husband, my first demand is that we have at least two jugs of the best wine in our bedroom. That way, we can get drunk together and then have long, passionate, ravenous sex all night.” 

You laughed at his statement, “So, you’re telling me you’ll only lie with me when you’re drunk?” you pouted and batted your eyes. 

“Well,” he thought for a moment, “Maybe not entirely drunk…Reasonably drunk…A drink-or-two-or-three drunk, if you will.” He gave up his quest for wine, and remained in the chair. “But, we’ll definitely still have wine in our room. Perhaps we can spill it on each other and lick it off.”

This is how you knew he was drunk: he’d speak very plainly about the obscene, lewd acts he wanted to do with you. You sat up in your bed, knees drawn up to your chest, “Why are you in here, Aegon? Mother’s sleeping in the next room, and she’ll be furious if she finds you in here.”

“Psh,” he scoffed, “As if I care. You’re going to be my wife in…about nine hours or so… Why does it matter if I sleep in your room with you?”

“She doesn’t want you ‘impregnating’ me.”

“If I wanted to ‘impregnate’ you, Sister, I’ve had plenty of opportunities before now,” he said. “Like when we went to Lady Laena’s funeral on Driftmark and you let me put my hand up your dress, or the time you caught me knocking one out in my room and decided to give me an extra hand…In truth, Y/N, it’s you she should be worried about. Not me.”

“I’m afraid she does worry for me.”

Your mother, Queen Alicent, made it clear on many occasions that your actions did not befit a Princess. You liked gambling, fighting, and drinking. You snuck out at night with Aegon to brothels, taverns, pot-shops, markets, and cock-fighting pits. You liked living. You hated the stuffy, silent, reflective life your mother wanted you to live; constantly praying to The Seven and living by the moral codes of pious men in scratchy robes. You and Aegon must always be upstanding, respectable, perfect images to comply with the family image your mother spent years curating for the realm. Any time you and Aegon were caught together anywhere, she scolded you both. Princesses are not supposed to get drunk and dance half naked in a brothel. They’re not supposed to let their betrothed fondle their breasts, or stick her hand in his pants as he did so. You did everything she asked of you. You loved her, and you did your best to please her. You went to her lessons, learned the right skills, and played the princess role perfectly. Aegon made it difficult for her, because he’s much more stubborn than you, so you tried being more compliant than him. 

“She purposefully moved into the chambers next to mine to spy on me,” you said. Judging by the night sky, your mother is most likely fast asleep and won’t hear either of you. “She’s been sending that nosey bitch Talia in here to ‘check on me’,” you rolled your eyes. 

Aegon smirked, “I don’t think Talia’s going to be coming in here…”

“Why?” you eyed him curiously. 

He dug into his pocket and withdrew a key hanging from a white ribbon. You both stared at each other and then laughed. “Your deviance never ceases to amaze me, Aegon,” you said, shaking your head and giggling. “How’d you get it?”

“I bumped into her while walking down the stairs, and picked it from her pocket unawares,” he said, twirling the key between his fingers. “They all think I’m a drunken idiot. I used to hate it, but I realize it comes with lots of benefits.” He turned his head towards the door nearby, then back to you, “They all look down on me.”

“They can’t look down on you. You’re a prince. They’re servants.”

“They do anyways. They all act like they’re better than me. I see how they look at me when I come back from the city; how they try hiding their disgusted eyes and whisper behind their hands. I know they whisper about me. They talk about how I’m not worthy enough to be Father’s heir, how I bring shame to our family, and why does Mother even bother with me?” you saw the despondency in his eyes as he studied the key. You watched him slide the ribbon between his fingers, threading it through the hole at the top. “They act as if they’ve never gotten drunk or fucked a whore in their lives.”

“I’m quite sure at least some of them haven’t,” you said. 

“Then they should try it. Perhaps they won’t be so judgemental then.” He continued playing with the key, “It’s why I love being with you. You don’t look down on me. Everyone in our family acts like I’m a nuisance…everyone but you.” He looked back at you, “I can be myself with you.” He hesitated, eyes gazing over your face before he said, “I hope you feel the same?”

“Of course I do, you idiot,” you smiled. “What could make you think I don’t?”

“Aemond.”

“Aemond?”

“And that he’s a better match for you than I am,” he explained. “He’s always reading and training. He rides Vhagar. He…He wants to be king. You should be with someone who’ll be a good king; not a drunk like me.” 

You slid off your bed and walked over to him. Aegon let you sit in his lap to hug him around his neck. “Aemond might be tall, smart, and strong, but he’s also a complete twat. He’s not as fun as you.” You looked down at him, pecking his lips softly, “You’re not the only one they look their noses down at. I’m a princess. I’m supposed to be graceful and virtuous like Mother and Helaena. I learned all the skills Mother wanted me to have: I can play the harp and pipe. I can speak three different languages. I can recite religious texts backwards and forwards, and still, it isn’t enough. I know what they say behind my back,” you twirled one of the strings of his vest idly. “They call me a…” 

‘Whore’. You’ve never touched another man besides Aegon in your life, yet those little rats in the kitchens called you that. Aegon saw the embarrassment in your eyes, and Aegon cupped your chin. 

“You’re not a whore,” he said softly. “You’re a lady…You just like having a bit of fun from time to time. It’s nothing different to what they’d do if given the chance.” 

He put his hand around the nape of your neck to pull you close and kiss you. Aegon’s kisses, while full of wine or ale, sent a comforting warmth through you. Suddenly, only Aegon existed in the world. Your hand went through his silver blond locks, fisting some of it to keep his head in place while you kissed. His lips caressed yours open, and his tongue slid between them. 

“Can I see them?”

“What?” you laughed, your cheeks heated up. “No, Aegon. Someone might walk in here any minute.” It’ll be harder for Talia to prove anything if you’re both still dressed. 

“She won’t. I locked the door behind me when I broke in,” he insisted. His hand left your neck for the neckline of your chemise, “Come on,” he teased, giving it a small tug, “Just a peek? I miss them so much.”

“You’ll see ‘them’ tomorrow.”

“That’s too long,” he whined, peppering kisses on your throat. You giggled at the rough hairs tickling your skin. “Come on, be reasonable,” he continued whining, “I have not touched or come after you for a fortnight. Do I not deserve a reward for my restraint?” 

“Restraint? Mother caught you looking through my keyhole a few nights ago!”

“And I could have walked in and finished you off, but I didn’t, did I?” he reasoned. His expression changed back to flirtation, “Not that you would’ve minded. I knew what you were doing in here, you naughty little girl.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” you replied innocently. “I was in here reading like any normal princess would be after a long celebration.”

“Oh yes, ‘reading’. You were reading that book you bought from the Lysene girl, and touching that sweet,” he licked his lips, “Warm cunt of yours.” He slid a hand on your thigh, your dress riding up with it. “I saw you looking at one of the pages, your legs spread and your hand between your thighs. I couldn’t see much, but Gods, I could hear you.” You shuddered, feeling his bare hand on your thigh, trailing up and down it while he kissed the other side of your neck. “I wanted to walk right in here and give my beautiful wife a hand.”

“But then Mother came.”

“But then Mother came,” he repeated irritably. “Please, Y/N, let me see them. I promise it'll only be a peek."

"Don't you want to make tomorrow special?" You suggested playfully, enjoying his pleading. "It will have been a full fortnight that you haven't touched me. Wouldn't it be more rewarding?" You brushed your lips over his before kissing him. 

"It's already tomorrow," he whined in your kiss. 

"Then you only need to wait a few more hours."

Realizing he wouldn't be getting his way, Aegon left his hand on your thigh and rested his head on your shoulder. He'd drunk his weight in wine, rendering him incapable of arousal to begin with, yet the idea of making him wait longer amused you. It was nice dangling yourself over him, watching him drool for you. He occasionally kissed your neck or gripped your thigh, but he knew you'd never give in. 

"I can't wait until you're mine," he slurred, sloppy kisses down your chest. "Then, I can have you whenever I wish."

"Oh? Whenever you wish, eh?"

"Yes," he said, lips on your breast, "I'd be your lord husband, and as my wife, it'd be your duty to let me have you as I please."

You laughed, "And what about me?"

"What about you, hm?"

"What if I," you pulled his chin up to look at you, "Want to have you as I wish?"

"There'd be no complaints from me, I assure you, sweet Sister," he gave a lopsided smile and kissed you. "However you like," he continued, "Anywhere you like."

"Aegon…"

"I'll be as rough or as gentle as my lady wife wishes," he said. He cupped your breast through your dress, smiling at your soft gasp. 

You shut your eyes as his lips went further down your chest. He hadn't shaved, so the rough hairs on his chin scratched your skin. You liked it. You felt warmth surging between your thighs at the touch of his hand on your thigh. His hot mouth kissed right over your nipple, his teeth grazing it through the fabric. The gentle touches almost broke your resolve, but you withstood it. 

"No, Aegon," you forced him to stop. "Is it even getting hard?"

"Not really," he huffed, resting his head on your shoulder. "It must be the wine…my least favorite thing about it…" he nuzzled your neck, smiling when it made you giggle. "Mother said she's surprised we even waited."

"She must've believed I'd be with child by now. I suspect she worried we'd end up in some sort of scandal that would rock the very foundations of this castle. Imagine it, Aegon," you whispered, "A princess who mothered bastards."

He smirked at your meaning. "That would be absolutely scandalous," he agreed, "So much so that our father will cut out the tongue of anyone who dares to speak the truth, even when it sits in his face, white with dark curly hair instead of dark with silver hair."

Your older sister, Rhaenyra, was your father's favorite child. Allowed to skip about and do what she pleased, nobody was surprised when her three sons turned out to have none of the typical Targaryen features. Even though their father and mother both had silver hair and violet eyes. Everyone knew. People are not blind. You only needed to look at Jaceryes, Luceryes, and Joffrey to see the truth. Yet, despite her obvious treason, your father turned a blind eye to her activities. 

Though, he certainly never ignored yours. 

"Did you see them tonight?" You asked. 

Rhaenyra and her sons, like so many other lords and ladies of the kingdom, were invited to celebrate you and Aegon's wedding. A week-long event of feasts and tourneys leading up to the big day, which would end with a banquet of dishes, wine and cake at the end. She'd arrived from Dragonstone with her sons and second husband, Daemon Targaryen. You recalled how happy your father seemed when she approached, smiling and kissing her cheeks. He doted on her sons, who'd grown so much since you last saw them. Your heart couldn't help breaking. He never looked at you that way. Whenever your father addressed you, it was to scold or enforce a matter on you. He'd simply said, "You look lovely, dear," when asked if he thought his daughter looked beautiful. The sting hurts no matter how many times you pretend otherwise. 

"Don't," Aegon's voice broke you from your thoughts. He took the hand playing with the lace, and said, "Don't. He's a rotting bag of flesh and bones who doesn't even know what day it is. Don't let him get in there," he prodded your temple until you laughed. "You were beautiful tonight. Everyone said so when you walked into the hall." He gave your hand a soft squeeze, "And you'll be all anyone talks about tomorrow…I think…I wouldn't know. You won't let me see your gown."

"I want it to be a surprise," you insisted. You pressed your lips to his again, "Come sleep with me."

"Oh, I'd love to," he smirked, "If only we’re both naked."

"You can be nude, if you like," you sneered back, standing from his lap, "But I'm feeling a bit of a chill. I might keep my dress on."

"You're a cruel woman, Y/N."

You returned to your bed and delighted in watching a drunk Aegon clumsily remove his clothes before you decided to help. While he made several attempts to undress you as well, you managed to navigate his lustful advances and plopped him into the bed. You’d never ever tell him that seeing him naked did bring back that familiar tingle; he’d never let it go if you did. Finally undressed, Aegon slipped underneath your covers and wrapped you in his arms. The coldness of the bed disappeared in his presence, and the emptiness of the room vanished. As the lantern slowly died out, you listened to Aegon gradually drift to sleep beside you. Tomorrow, you’d be in this bed as man and wife. Tomorrow, Aegon won’t be your silly fool of a brother, but your husband as well. One day, if the Gods are cruel, he’ll become king and you’ll become queen. 

What a mess that would be.

[erodasfishtacos]

~ MLB Curious Gazes ~

prompt: four different situations where people have run into or hung out with MLB!H - told from their perspective.

word: 6k +

warnings: language, mentions of sexual content

If you enjoyed this please - reblog, like, recommend, comment, and inbox me to chat about it!

please consider donating to my kofi - my work is FREE and it is a great way to show support!

enjoy!

-=-=-=-=-=-

The Doctor’s Office

Aubrey couldn’t believe her eyes as she sat in her uncomfortable, too small chair in the empty waiting room at the OBGYN office in the early hours of the morning. 

She was sitting alone with her baby boy sitting in his carrier on the floor - it was his nine month checkup and it was taking forever to be seen.

The woman was sitting, scrolling on her phone when out of her peripheral she saw an extremely - like extremely handsome man step into the area with a carrier.

Aubrey was a married woman but holy shit this guy was hot- without even trying is the thing. 

He had on a New York Yankees Nike hoodie and a pair of Nike athletic shorts with some calf length Blake Nike socks and trainers.

In the carrier was a fresh little baby, couldn’t be older than three months who was bundled up with a sunflower headband on.

The man was multitasking with a curly haired toddler on his other hip as he finds a seat a little bit down from Aubrey on the opposite side.

His wife was standing up at the check-in and of course it made sense that she was absolutely beautiful as well even though Aubrey could relate to how tired she looked.

The woman still had a small bit of her pregnancy bump left signifying that the baby was indeed very very new to the world.

She keeps glancing over at the man, he looks so familiar but she would remember if she had even met someone that handsome.

Then the context clues hit her, his hoodie, his toddler son was also in a little Yankees hoodie that matched his fathers and Aubrey googled quickly.

Her eyes flitted throughout the recent articles.

Styles’ Alleged $65 Million Dollar Bonus

Hot Head Harry Styles - how he managed to start three bench clearing brawls in one game!

Breaking Records and Bats - Styles manages to break his own record in the same season followed by breaking a bat in celebration

Holy shit.

She could help but watch them - this was much more interesting than reading a magazine.

Aubrey didn’t follow baseball but Harry had turned celebrity status and was this well known cocky dickhead to the media - women and men loved and drooled over him for his looks and his skills.

Right now, he sat down with his two babies - the boy looked exactly like Harry, it was quite unbelievable from the curly locks to mossy green eyes that was copy and paste.

Harry was currently tucking an applesauce pouch between his lips and guiding the boy's small hands to hold it for himself.

“Good job,  ,” He murmurs in the dead quiet waiting room as he tucks him further into the crook of his arm.

Harry looks up to his wife who joins them, she is a bit in awe when Aubrey sees him palm a bit at her bloated belly and whisper, “Y’look gorgeous today, mama.”

Aubrey couldn’t help but frown, she wished her husband did that.

YN sits down, leaning her head on his shoulder - Aubrey didn’t know her but she seems tired - of course she was a new mother.

The silence is broken when a nurse comes out and with an apologetic face says, “I’m sorry, we are running really behind today. It might be another thirty minutes,” before shutting the door again.

Harry kisses his wife’s forehead before wrapping his unoccupied arm around her shoulder, a flashing gold band on his ring finger.

Aubrey zones off for a little when her son wakes up, rocking the carrier a few times before he settles again.

She’s brought back to the couple when she hears a sniffle comes from Harry’s wife and his face turned towards hers, hand rubbing her shoulder reassuringly.

“Mama, she’s so healthy. There’s nothin’ to worry about, did a perfect job growing her in y’belly. I know these check-ups make you anxious but nothin’ is gonna be wrong,” He soothes, a near whisper because of how quiet the room is and he didn’t want to disrupt.

“I just don’t know if she’s been getting enough milk, it’s so hard to tell,” YN replies sadly, like she’s disappointed in herself.

“Y’kidding me? She’s our chunkiest baby - look at those little rolls. She’s on y’tits more than any of the boys including me,” He jokes softly, obviously trying to make her feel better.

It seems to work a little bit because she lets out a light giggle with a roll of her eyes, “No one is on them more than you.”

Harry shrugs unashamed before replying seriously, “Everything will be okay. She’s perfect and healthy.”

The curly haired little boy gets a bit squirmy with the wait after he finished his pouch, asking to be set down which his father does.

Harry is watching him carefully, his nervous but still adventurous little two and a half year old, as he toddles around the waiting room.

When he spots Aubrey and her carrier, he wanders over looking up her with wide curious eyes, he points at her son and squeaks, “Baby?”

Ever the diligent father, Harry is up and next to his son, Aubrey is a bit starstruck if she’s honest when he talks to her.

“M’sorry, he’s a curious little one,” Harry smiles at her, going to pick Ezra back up to guide him away from bothering her.

Aubrey waves her hand though, lifting the visor to show the sleeping baby, “Yeah, he’s a baby. That’s Dominic.”

The boy gazes at the baby before lisping, “Bry!”

Aubrey isn’t sure what he means but his father clarifies, “You’re right, Dominic is a baby just like your little sister Briar.”

“Okay,” Ezra shrugs and goes back to his mom to inform him of what he just discovered before crawling up and cuddling into her chest.

Harry nods, “Thanks for indulging him.”

“No pro-problem,” She stutters like an idiot and Harry smiles a bit like he knows but doesn’t say anything else before going back to his family.

A few minutes later when a high-pitched cry resounds through the room, Harry is carefully cradling his daughter who Aubrey notes looks nothing like him but like her mother even though her features were still so little.

“Shush, darlin’,” Harry coos with a soft drawl, leaning in to kiss at the newborn’s button nose.

Briar roots at her father’s chest, smacking her plump lips, and squeaking in frustration when she doesn’t find a nipple. It makes Harry chuckle before he glances at his wife and his smile falters a bit, “Sweetheart, did y’bring a bottle?”

Aubrey watches his wife shake her head, she is facing away from her so she can’t see her expression but gauging Harry’s it seems that she may be upset, “No, I completely forgot. I didn’t bring my nursing blanket either - I’m going to have to go the bathroom. M’being such a bad mom.”

The observer feels a pang in her chest, she can definitely relate to not always feeling like she is a good mother because of little mistakes she makes like forgetting diapers, buying the wrong formula, forgetting to bring a pacifier.

“Hey,” Harry’s voice is firm, “Y’not going to talk like that when s’the farthest thing from the truth. S’okay, we have four babies, we’re both goin’ t’forget things sometimes, okay? Here, let me help you.”

Aubrey wishes she had a husband who was as empowering, supportive of his wife.

He hands the whimpering baby over to his wife, he’s then tugging off his hoodie. Aubrey tries but fails to divert her eyes when his shirt rides up revealing  a glimpse of his taut abdomen and a light dusting of hair leading into his shorts, obscene tattoos covering his hipbones .

Harry maneuvers the hoodie over his wife’s shoulder, helping her tug down her loose shirt and nursing bra, and guiding his newborn to his wife’s breast until she latches and starts suckling hungrily.

“There y’go mama,” He whispers encouragingly before tugging Ezra back onto his lap to rock him a bit as he’s getting whiny - ready for a nap soon and not liking being in an unfamiliar place for too long.

-

Aubrey is buckling Dominic into his carseat when she spots the other family exiting the office. 

Harry’s wife looks much more relaxed, a smile on her face, and her arm tucked around her husband’s narrow hip, they’re parked close to each other, and Aubrey climbs into her small sedan - blasting the aircon.

She watches the parents strapp their kids into a massive, tinted and brand new cadillac escalade that was no doubt over a hundred thousand dollar car but who could expect them to be driving around a mid-level minivan?

After the kids are secured and they close the doors, Harry presses his wife up against it with his arm resting over her shoulder against the window. He is whispering to her, their mouths close before he ducks down to connect their lips.

His hand comes back to her deflating baby bump like he did in the doctor’s office, hand massaging the skin with adoration that was visible even to Aubrey as she sat in her car watching them.

Later on in the week, as she sits on her couch, a video pops up on her timeline. It’s a sports report she was about to skip until the name caught her attention. 

The sports reporter stated, “Harry Styles was fined an alleged sixty thousand dollars at last night’s game after getting into a verbal altercation when the second base man purposely tripped him.”

It flashes to the man she just saw in the doctor’s office in a form-fitting Yankee’s blue and white striped uniform with a helmet on as he ran at an impressive speed from first to second, stumbling when the baseman put out his foot.

Harry recovers quickly enough to touch the base to be considered safe. 

After that though, he’s pushing himself up and brushing off the dirt, then he’s charging towards the man who fucked up the play. 

He has no fear as he gets in the man’s face, veins on his neck standing out as he shouts. They don’t play the audio but you could tell Harry was cussing this man up and down.

It flashed back to the reporter speaking to another, “Nearly every team in the league reports that Styles is an absolute nightmare to play against from his skill to his downright arrogant and cocky attitude. He’s not someone I’d find myself wanting to hang around.”

“I agree with you there, Tucker. He has a right to be proud with all of his broken records and achievements but being a bit humble would do this man so good. I feel sorry for his wife and kids. He probably just spends all day bragging about himself.”

Aubrey clicks off the video, if only everyone in the world just saw the Harry Styles she saw just a few days ago - well they’d all change their minds on what kind of person he is. Especially what kind of husband and father.

--

The Charity Event

It was a charity event at Madison Square Garden in Time Square. 

It was for all Major League Baseball teams who had qualified for the playoffs and of course, The New York Yankees were there.

There were tables filling the whole stadium, extravagant in white linen tablecloths, multiple bars, and it was black tie dress code. 

It was a private event and it was not open to the public but after the dinner there would be awards given out and that would be broadcasted.

Nicole was there with her husband, Trent, the left outfielder with an average batting score. He wasn’t the most popular on the team by far - well everyone got outshined by Styles. 

She couldn’t help but be a little bitter that Harry had gotten a $60 million dollar bonus (the biggest bonus ever gifted but also the Yankees were not taking any chances at losing their star and their ultimate money-maker). Trent got a measly bonus of $100,000 which was nothing in baseball terms. 

The wives and girlfriends of the Yankees players did not like YN one bit. It really wasn’t fair because she was always lovely, kind, and friendly. It didn’t matter because they were all spurred on by jealousy of what she had.

Nicole couldn’t help by gaze at Harry as they sat at the same circle table towards the podium where the awards would be presented after dinner. He was in a sharp all black suit with a small team logo pin of the lapel.

She couldn’t deny how stunning YN looked in an absolutely stunning dress. It was a one-shoulder with sparkling black stripes against a tan background, it fit like a glove and accentuated her stunning legs with a high slit. ***

It blew Nicole’s basic black Gucci dress out of the water which made her even more infuriated at the woman. She knew she was being irrational and if she hated her so much, why couldn’t see stop staring at the couple?

Nicole could get away with it by looking past them at other tables but to be quite honest, the two were much too wrapped up in each other to be aware of any of their surroundings or people watching them.

Trent was off bullshitting with all the other players while the Styles’ sat at the table and Harry waited for people to approach him - like the cocky asshole that he was. He would give them a minute of his time before becoming visibly bored and returning his attention back to his wife.

As the appetizers arrived, Trent finally sat down with a grunt, giving his wife literally no attention as he dug into the salad like a slob. 

Across the table, Harry looked down at his plate, picked out all the tomatoes and stabbed them with his fork. He then brought his hand over to his wife who giggled and let him feed her the three little tomatoes for his salad.

“Don’t like tomatoes, Styles?” Henry, third-baseman, jokes as he watches him feed his wife without any shame.

“I love ‘em, m’missus just really like the little grape ones,” Harry shrugs casually - like that didn’t just sound like the most whipped thing that he could say.

Trent probably couldn’t even guess Nicole’s favorite color - let alone know something so minuscule like YN like the little tomatoes that come on house salads. 

Throughout the whole dinner, it was quite disgusting how infatuated these two were with each other - Harry had at least one hand on her body at one time - her thigh, shoulder, even cupping her neck in a way that was almost too intimate for the setting.

At one point, Harry notices that YN is a bit quiet - sipping on her glass of water and he pulls back from the conversation, murmuring, “Y’alright, mama?”

Nicole bites her lip hard at the cute pet name, feeling even more dislike towards YN - why couldn’t she have had someone like Harry?

“D’you think the babies are okay? Ezra’s been so anxious lately,” YN replies quietly, there were no phones allowed at the event and had to be left at home or at the door.

Harry kisses her temple, “Y’know Ezzie is good with m’mum, doesn’t get as anxious as he used to at sleepovers. Y’know East and Cash are probably on a sugar high.”

YN nods, agreeing and Harry jumps right back into the conversation but she notices that he keeps looking over at his wife to check on her.

Trent accidentally knocks her elbow hard and just grunts out a bland, “Sorry.”

The topic changed to traveling for games. Ellie, another wife of a player who was nice to YN were chatting about how stressful it is.

“I know, loading all three boys up is rough when we do decide to travel to games with H,” YN says to Ellie, a small smile on her face.

“Ugh, I know. Lily and Parker are the worst flyers! They usually end up throwing up or not being able to nap at all,” Ellie groans about her two little ones she has back at home.

YN let’s out a laugh that just irked Nicole to not end.

“It's going to be even harder when we have more kids,” YN laments like she’s bothered.

“Oh? More kids?” Ellie squeaks with excitement, clapping her hands together.

Nicole reaches a breaking point, jumping into the chat,“Really? More kids? Don’t you think you should focus on the ones you have? Or do you think because your husband makes an unfair amount of money, you can just have as many as you want? Hire nannies and act like you take care of them?”

Before YN frowns, about to respond when Harry interjects with a booming, displeased voice, “First off, why don’t y’mind your own fuckin’ business. My wife and I can ‘ave any many kids as we want, last time I checked.”

He continues with tense posture, all of his previous calmness disappears, “Second off, don’t take it out on my wife tha’ your husband got a shit bonus, we all know tha’ why y’pissy. And don’t act like y’dont have a nanny for your one kid while we don’t nor ever will have one.”

Nicole sneers, “You’re a cocky bastard.”

Harry smiles in faux charm, “Of course I am, dear. I’ve got a fucking beautiful wife, three healthy babies, the most records broken in history, and the fattest bank account in this room.”

“Alright, alright,” Trent interrupts and it doesn’t go unnoticed that he doesn’t defend his wife. Instead he shoots Harry an apologetic look for his wife’s behaviors.

Harry just scoffs at the couple, rudely rolling his eyes, and tugging his wife in for a kiss that’s a bit too intense but he can’t help himself, smiles against her lips when his wife pinches his thigh playfully.

He says (not quietly at all), “All these women are jealous of you, hm? S’cause you’re so beautiful and such a fuckin’ catch.”

Nicole feel a sharp pang in her chest at the indirect comment - fucking asshole.

Deep down, Nicole is unfavorably realizing that somehow YN has it all - a loving husband, who is seemingly head over heels four her, three well-behaved children, and everything she could ever want - sitting on Harry’s $600 million dollar net worth, on top of being gorgeous.

She didn’t have that. Trent and her were on the rocks constantly, has definitely cheated on her, their kid is a literal nightmare, and they’re both so reckless with money they have no savings.

It made her jealous to see Harry whispering in YN ear to make her giggle- lips brushing her ear, his hand splayed across her bumcheek while they waited for drinks at the bar, she even hears them murmur ‘I love yous’ at least twice.

Then the lights dim, spotlight on a podium in the front of the room, an older man in a crisp navy suit taking the stage.

“It is an honor for me to announce ‘Player of the Year.’ The decision by the board of Major League Baseball wasn’t a hard one. The statistics and records broke continuously by the man has led us to only one option.”

Everyone watches all the other players in room deflate a bit because they realize the award is going to Harry yet again.

 “He is again breaking a record tonight, he is the first player to earn this achievement four years in a row. The duality of this man when it comes to pitching a curveball or hitting a homer is truly remarkable.”

It makes all the players even more irritated than they already are when they look over at Harry who’s sitting back, manspreading, hand on the back of his wife’s neck gently, and a cocky, unbothered grin.

Like this award wasn’t the biggest accomplishment he could earn.

One of the players from an opposing team at a different table mutters to one of his teammates, “Fucking arrogant asshole. The only thing this award does is feed his gigantic ego.” 

“Such a douchebag,” The other agrees, jealousy tinges his voice.

“I’ve most likely made it obvious who the the recipient is this year. The New York Yankees pitcher with the most strikeouts to date and top-scoring hitter - Mr. Harry Styles!”

The crowd erupts in applause, whistles, and a standing ovation because despite his unsavory demeanor - no one could deny he was a legend.

Before he gets up, Nicole watches as he cups his wife’s cheek - locking her lips in a kiss before she has to give him a playful shove when he tries to slip some tongue.

When Harry gets up to the stage, he shakes the hand of the announcer and takes the award from him, setting it on the podium.

“Fourth year in a row has a nice ring to it,” Harry gives the crowd a dazzling white smile that have his dimples digging into his cheek.

The crowd whistles and coos.

Nicole notices YN getting teary-eyed as she watches her husband accept the award.

“I want t’thank a few people tonight. I want t’thank m’wife and the mama of my babies - YN. She’s supported me from when I was in college with no other career path but baseball, unsure of if I’d fail or not, she stuck through it.”

She can sense everyone’s eyes dart over to YN who is still staring up at her husband - who is giving her a gleaming smile right back.

“We’ve been through some really hard obstacles in our first years as a couple but she’s the reason for all this - the fact that she always believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

The audience is respectful, quiet as he publicly tells a story of his deep love for his wife.

“I want t’thank m’three babies. Easton, Cash, and Ezra. They inspire me to be a better better man and a good role model - even though I think y’all agree they won’t be if they watch too much how I play when I’m out in the field.”

The crowd erupts in laughter at Harry poking fun at his own antics that he’s most famous for. He goes on to thank the team, coaches, Nike, everyone on the professional side of career.

When he’s done, everyone stands back up to congratulate him, patting him on the back as he returns to his seat.

Nicole watches as Harry sits back down, chuckling as he swipes a tear off his wife’s cheek, “Why y’crying, mama?”  

“I’m just so proud of you. Everything you do for me and our babies. The best husband, best daddy. My heart is just full,” She murmurs, clearly not meant for others to hear but Nicole was eavesdropping.

Harry’s eyes darken with something Nicole can’t identify but does notice his hand creeping a bit further up her thigh.

He leans into whisper something into her ear before she sees his lightly nip at her lobe before pulling back to join into the conversation.

-

After the lights come back up, Trent abandons her to go shoot the shit with other guys.

When she trails off to the bathroom, down a long hallway from the main area - she hears a rustling from behind a door labeled with a plaque that says ‘executive meeting room’.

Nicole pauses confused, all these offices and other rooms were strictly off limits during events obviously. She was confused to hear someone in a room that was not supposed to be in use.

Then she realizes it’s not just someone - it’s two people.

“S’good, sweetheart. Give it t’me so good.”

And she knows right then and there all she needs to know about who’s in that conference room and what they were doing.

“Be quiet, you’re being too loud,” YN scolds back, the walls were clearly thin because she could hear the exchange.

“Make y’cunt not feel like heaven then,” He remarks back, his voice slower and more soft than it would be in front of people.

God, Trent and her haven’t slept together in ages - let alone has spontaneous hookups or dirty talk like that ever.

When they all end up back at the table before the closing speech for the night, Nicole spots a nicely sized mark under Harry’s jaw that he’s wearing with pride.

YN had her lipstick wiped off and was much more clingy as the night rolled on which Harry seemed to thrive on.

As she and Trent are on their way home, Nicole speaks into their silence, “I don’t think our relationship is working.”

Not after she saw love and happiness at that event table tonight - she wanted that kind of love not settling for some cheating asshole.

-

The Little League Game

It was a cool autumn evening, it was an important game - if you could call it that for the little league team that Kayla had her son on.

The goal was to determine which team would move onto the playoffs, even though most of this was all in good fun because it was for eight-year-olds and it wasn’t serious.

Kayla couldn’t lie and say that she didn’t spend some of the time curiously gazing at the New York Yankees player who would come to watch his son play.

He wasn’t at every game due to his schedule but it seemed like he came to whatever ones he could with his wife and other three kids.

They had taken the bench on the bleachers right below her so she had an up close and personal view of the family when they’ve never sat this close before.

As the kids warmed up, Harry had his youngest son who looked to be about four sit next to him, squished between his dad and mom happily.

Their middle son was next to his mom on the other side, looking to be about six, and he was wriggling impatiently in his seat - eager to join the other kids in the jungle gym.

The baby girl who looked about a year and a half old didn’t look anything like her brothers - it was obvious that she was a spitting image of her mother (who was stunning).

She was curled up in her mom’s lap, asleep with her face squished against her mother’s chest - a pacifier suckling fiercely between her puffy lips.

“Mama, please,” The curly haired boy begs with greedy puppy dog eyes as he keeps glancing back to look at the other kids.

“You stay right where daddy and I can see you, yes?” YN murmurs, brushing back his unruly curls that where getting long, “And what are our rules?”

“Stay where you can see, don’t talk to strangers, and be nice to others,” He recites perfectly, Kayla was a bit blown away by his manners.

She watches baseball. It was hard to believe their children were so mild mannered when their father was the exact opposite - at least on the field.

Harry was rustling in the diaper bag for something as his son looked at him with wide, concerned eyes, “My baby, daddy.”

“I know, Ezzie. M’lookin’ f’your baby,” His father replies softly, the polar extreme of his normal brash, crude language that had a nasty tone like he couldn’t bother giving people the time of day.

“Daddy, please,” The youngest whines, his little hand grasping at his father’s tattooed wrist as he gets to his knees to help his dad look.

“Left inner pocket,” YN murmurs offhandedly as she makes sure Cash gets to the playground safely with his friends.

“Say ‘thanks mama’,” Harry coos to his son as he manages to tug out the baby doll and hand it to the awaiting little boy.

“Thanks mama,” He replies instantly with a gapped smile as he nuzzles right back into his father’s side as if he can’t get close enough.

“How are you feeling, Ezra?” His mother leans over to ask, keeping the baby close to her chest.

“M’happy, mama,” Ezra replies simply before starting to babble to himself as he plays with the babydoll.

Kayla watches Harry and YN swap a fond look at their son but she couldn’t help but wonder why they asked him that? He seemed fine so why did they feel the need to do that?

The game is going okay, Harry stands up to cheer and whistle when Easton hits a two-base hit but YN smacks his thigh and motions to their sleeping baby.

He looks at her sheepishly before sitting back down, kissing her cheek in apology, and peeking down into the fleece blanket to watch his daughter sleep for a moment.

Then it seems like Easton starts to lose momentum after he pitches two home-runs, his face pinched in disappointment as the other team scores but Harry is attempting to keep him motivated with encouraging shouts.

Easton struggles from then on, he strikes out for his final three turns, doesn’t catch two pop-ups, and his pitches start to get a little shaky. It’s obvious in his facial expression he’s getting upset because he’s breathing heavier like he’s trying not to cry.

Kayla feels a sense of dread for the little boy, his father who’s the best baseball player in modern day history is watching his son not do well during an important game.

 Because of what she knows of him from his temper and attitude on the field - she worries that he’s one of those father’s who will hound their kid for doing poorly.

“Oh, c’mon East,” Harry murmurs softly when his son stumbles over a ground ball before another kid picks it up and throws it in - their son smacking his glove down against the ground in frustration.

“He’s getting himself worked up,” YN notes as she watches her oldest kick his cleats in the dirt with a quivering bottom lip.

“I know,” Harry replies to his wife, “Wish he wouldn’t, he’s gettin’ upset out there, I can tell.”

“Sad?” Ezra squeaks, clambering onto his father’s lap and stating, “Hold me, daddy.”

Harry obliges easily, gathering up his small son before his attention is directed back onto the game - it was down to the last few minutes and unfortunately Easton pitched a ball that resulted in a home run for the other team.

“Fuck,” Harry mutters, running a hand through his messy locks before he’s setting Ezra back down on the bleachers, “I’m going to go talk to him. Do you want to meet back home?”

YN nods, leaning down to tuck the baby into the double stroller before buckling Ezra in as well, “I’m going to go get Cash and head out. Why don’t you take him out for some ice cream? I love you.”

“I love you too, mama,” He replies, kissing her softly before kissing both of his kids foreheads and stepping down the bleachers - ignoring all the adults who are staring at him with a starstruck expression as he heads to the dugout.

It cleared out fast, nobody sticking around after the loss that ended with them not continuing on to the championship, and Easton was sat on the bench - he was stoic and there was a hard, angry expression on his face that reminded Kayla of what she saw Harry look like when he played.

As she gathers up her son and makes sure he’s got all of his equipment, Kayla stands and chats to a few of the moms before she’s heading to her car - which happened to be parked next to a sleek Masserati crossover, who would let their muddy kid go in there? Rich people, she guesses.***

Kayla pops the trunk to her van with her key as they get closer, she notices that Harry also has his up and Easton is sitting on the tailgate with his eyes looking down at the pavement. She tries not to appear as nosey or eavesdropping as she tucks her items into the back.

“Sweetheart, s’okay. Y’did so so good tonight,” Harry assures his pouty son, he squats down to start to untie his son’s nike cleats but continues to make eye contact with him. 

“No, I didn’t, Daddy!” Easton whines, tears finally starting to bubble over the surface as he begins to sob with a shuddering chest, “I gave up home runs and then I missed ground balls!”

“Whoa, bubby,” Harry simpers after he tugs off the shoes and throws them carelessly into the back before standing up, “Y’did amazing, are you kiddin’? You did three innings of strikeouts, hit two of y’own homeruns. Y’played like a professional, way better than daddy.”

Kayla’s heart aches a bit when she sees Harry sit down next to him before hugging him harshly into his side, thumbing at the tears that are running down his son’s sweaty cheeks with soft reassurances.

“Daddy, are you mad I didn’t win?” Easton asks shakily, keeping his head buried into his father’s side and his small hand clutching into the fabric of his hoodie.

Harry chuckles lowly, “Daddy would never be mad at you f’anythin’, definitely not a baseball game. Remember what mama and I said? If at any point y’want to stop playin’, just let us know and we can find something else, yeah? Just like how Ezzie does art classes.”

Easton seems to calm down after a few moments of Harry rocking him and reassuring him of what an amazing son he is.

As Kayla drove away that night, her perspective on the all-star baseball player definitely changed. It was refreshing to see someone to not hold their child to an unreasonable expectation just like she thought Harry would.

--

The Campfire

Austin was the shortstop on the baseball team, he’d brought along his girlfriend, Chelsea, to the frat party to celebrate another win.

Everyone was in whispers that Harry was bringing his new girlfriend but nobody knew who she actually was because it was just a rumor.

It was surprising because Harry wasn’t a relationship kind-of man. He wasn’t into hookups much - always said he needed to focus on baseball.

Many of his teammates were envious of how many girls were constantly coming up to Harry at parties to flirt and try to get a dance in but he had always rejected them.

Harry had never showed interest in any of these girls at the parties, never seen him disappear upstairs with one or really entertain a conversation over a beer like they’d expect.

Chelsea pokes his shoulder and nods towards the entrance when Harry walks in with his arm around YN’s shoulder.

Most were in a little shock because they seemed like such an unlikely couple - YN had written some scathing articles about him and it was no secret he hadn’t been a fan of her.

“Holy shit, Harry’s dating YN?” Chelsea whispers to Austin as the group of party-goers cheer and whistle at the allstars appearance.

“Guess so,” Austin replies with a shrug, tugging Chelsea into the kitchen for a drink.

Later on that night, there’s a bonfire on one side of the backyard and a volleyball net on the other where a group was gathering to play.

Austin and Chelsea are on the opposing team of Harry and YN - she can’t help but watch them with curiosity because of what a surprise it is that they’re dating.

Even Austin has been watching because Harry’s acting in a way that he’s never seen throughout his time on the team with him.

Harry is just all over YN which was confusing how he went from not being remotely interested in the college girls to being a lovestruck puppy.

When she throws the ball up to serve, Harry reaches over and pinches her bum which makes her squeak and accidentally drop the ball which has him cackling as she glares at him.

As they change positions, he crowds up behind her, and massages her hips, leaning down to murmuring something in her ear.

She blushes wildly before smacking him off which has him laughing hard and kissing the back of her head before taking his position.

After Harry jumps and spikes the ball hard, earning them the winning point, YN turns around and wraps her arms around him to hug him tightly.

Harry wraps his arms around her shoulders, returning the hug before pulling back to kiss her lips in a soft peck.

Chelsea elbows Austin, “Who’s that and what did they do with Harry?”

Austin shakes his head, “I really don’t fucking know.”

The group migrates over to the fire as they might become cooler and the stars are high up in the sky, the fire flickering orange and yellow crackles of sparks.

Harry plops into a chair, pulling YN right onto his lap, and she wriggles until she’s comfortable. Chelsea notices him tap her thigh as if telling her to cut it out, too much motion right on his crotch.

Jake, one of his teammates, says in a teasing tone, “YN, I’m surprised to see you around these parts . I clearly remember a strongly worded article about how stupid frat parties are.”

YN takes it in stride, smiling as she replies, “And this party just proves my point.”

The group laughs easily, they enjoy YN’s sharp wit and comebacks as they get to know her. Austin can’t help but to notice how quiet Harry is.

Normally, he’s the life of the party, loud and making his presence known to everyone but not tonight. He has his chin propped on her shoulder and she’s cuddled back into his chest.

Austin can’t make out what Harry is saying but he’s constantly whispering in her ear and accentuating each time with a squeeze to her thighs.

“Are you guys official?” One of the teammates asked bluntly, a few beers deep by this point in the night.

Harry replies instantly, a possessive squeeze, “She’s mine and off the market, s’don’t even think about it.”

“Well I don’t think it matters because she’s turned down the whole baseball team by this point. I think everyone tried to ask her out at least once,” Steve jokes as the others agree.

“Tha’s m’girl,” Harry murmurs to her before teasing his friends,“Who’d want to go out with any you? You’re all dickheads.”

Everyone continues to joke around, it’s nearing midnight and that’s right about when Harry gets in his prime - like the party just started.

But not tonight.

YN’s eyes start to flutter shut as everyone banters and drinks around the fire, obviously not used to these late night parties.

“I better get this one t’bed,” Harry states after a few minutes, thumbing at YN’s cheekbone as she tries to stay awake.

“I’m okay,” She mumbles weakly, head still heavy against his shoulder.

“You’re coming back though, right?” Kyle asks expectantly, brows furrowed.

Harry shakes his head, “Nah, m’in for the night when she is.”

All the players look at him with a bit of a dumbfounded look, Steve shooting out, “Who knew you’d be so pussy whipped, Styles?”

Chelsea’s eyebrows raise at the crude comment, waiting with bated breath as Harry’s jaw clenches as it seems like he’s biting his tongue.

“Goodnight,” Harry says in a tone Austin has never heard before - agitated and almost…offended.

When Austin and Chelsea are sneaking up to his room for a late night hook-up, she overhears Harry and YN in his bedroom.

At first, she thinks they’re in an actual argument but as she listens to them - it’s not the kind of arguement she thought it was.

“You’re always the little spoon,” YN groans from behind the closed door.

Harry squawks, affronted before huffing back at her, “S’my favorite, please spoon me, darling?”

“You’re so fucking spoiled,” YN giggles as Chelsea assumes they move into a position where Harry’s the little spoon.

“Mm, I like feelin’ y’tits against my back, s’nice,” Harry hums with a boyish tone.

Chelsea doesn’t even realize she’s smiling until Austin drags her from her stupor. 

All she knew was that Harry Styles really really fancied that school reporter.

-=-=-=-=-=-

If you enjoyed this please - reblog, like, recommend, comment, and inbox me to chat about it!

if you’ve ask to be on my taglist and you’re not here - please check your settings because i’ve tried to add you and it didn’t work.

taglist babies (thank you): @dioc4ne @hazgoldenstyles @harrysdimple05 @wonwooen @ficnarry @leeroysdancer @harrysloveheart @harryscherrysugar @pradastardust @rish-haz @wildcstdrexms @evanstylestan @wisetoadbonkbiscuit @meredithhuntt @tpwkvictoria @lovely-him @haymix @eiffelmezarry @pilgrim-harry @soullessbabee @afterglowstyles @tulsasjesus @elenagilbert01 @meh–mood @pretty-pop-princess-hs @msolbesg @localfalsegodstan @evanjh @i-just-like-fanfics @harrys-hs-gf @lightsupdoyouknowwhoyouare @afterglcwswift @harrystyles-tpwk @amyvandijk @godilovetheenglishx @harrys-cherrry @theprofessionalfanby @your–sweetest–downfall @la-cey @bdbtchdir @killerqueencapstan @elizabeth23567 @camflowervol6 @its-a-finee-line @rish-haz @solonelytobe @nav1234 @harrynamjoon @hopefullimaginer123 @westallenhes @awesomebooklover17 @will-be-a-fineline @vasilikir5 @your–sweetest–downfall @pretty-pop-princess-hs @harrynamjoon @harrypinks @ivyirenehoax @harryspink @sunsetcurve-h @goldenstylesh @mouthfulloftoothpastehs @hello-34583 @prettylovley @nicolecarsley @lamariettes @imavirginhoe @unknown7549 @mellamolayla @kiwitsayedsugar @hopefullimaginer123 @harrysmatcha @weaslettesstuff @saintsmotels @hi-yekaterina @aubreyfineline @harrysgoldenbum @ebstylesx @goldeng1rl8 @tnqueen @percysaidnever @bebecalpal @virtuallybaby @rbforsmileycal @televisionboy @evanjh @lolzskye @haroldpotterson @pandxthings @leeroysdancer @summersylesxplr @cherriesrae 

[quellmythirst]

Autumn B&B

Summary: It's the busiest weekend of the year at your Bed & Breakfast. You almost of die of shock when someone you had only met once before shows up in your sleepy town.

Pairs: reader x Billy Russo

Words: 2.4k

Warnings: SMUT 18+ ONLY. Kissing, one night stands, strangers to lovers, choking, cream pie, Oral, pet names.

The world seems to be moving a million miles at second, the foyer is crammed full of guests, Ruby and Chole are trying to direct all the waiting guests into the lounge. But they all seem to want to speak to you. Unfortunately you’re only one person and can only get one couple checked in at a time. You expected it to be busy this weekend with the annual Halloween celebrations bringing all kinds of folks to your picturesque small town. They came for the trees, the pumpkins and most importantly the ball your Mayor threw in the old town hall on Halloween night. 

It’s your biggest money maker of the year and you need the money. The foot traffic through your tiny B&B on Wattle Lake had been slow for the last year and you know that you’ll need to make up for the loss over the weekend. So every room is booked and apparently everyone had all come into town on the same bus. You really should have hired one more person, just another body, anybody. You didn’t though- “Ruby, babes!” you call from behind the desk, “Can you please take these gentlemen to Room 3A,”

“Yeah, Boss.” Ruby nods, “Off we go mates. You guys right for stairs?” she asks, leading them down the hall to the large staircase.

The day seems to last forever. The guests finally manage to dissipate as the sun crests in the sky and you seriously consider giving everyone their own checkout times for Monday so this doesn't happen again. “Coffee?” Noah asks, his overalls and boots tracking dirt all over your new rug. You can’t really find it within yourself to care, he does do such a good job keeping the gardens tidy and the guests out of your daisies. 

“Please,” he nods in acknowledgment and takes off in the direction of the kitchen. You manage to flag down Hannah as she rushes by with a broom, “Han, honey. Can you please do me a massive favour?”

“I was just going to clean up all this dirt,” she shrugs, leaning the broom against the wall, “What do you need?”

“Can you start going over the bookings and make sure everyone's checked in, please.” she comes around next to you, shoving you out from behind the desk, “Thank you,” you bolt to the downstairs bathroom. After hours of sitting in the same place you really needed to go. 

“Did you see the guy checking in?” Ruby asks you as she spots you in coming out of the bathroom, “How come you’re not checking him in? Hannah seems like she's about to start drooling,”

“What? I know she’s thirsty, but it can’t be-” you stop dead in your tracks. Hannah did indeed look like she had little hearts in her eyes, her dark hair twirling around her fingers while she leans into whatever this man was saying to her. You can’t see his face, only the back of him. His dark hair is slicked back, the leather jacket clinging to his broad shoulders and a motorcycle helmet tucked under his arm. 

“Hannah,” you laugh, “You alright there honey?” you step a bit closer. Your heart nearly bursts from your chest when the man turns to face you, his expression of shock mirroring yours. Except that he has that slick smile you remember, on his soft lips. “Fuck,” you mutter, immediately turning and walking back down the hall. 

“Fuck, fuck, fuck,” you grab a bottle of wine as you step through the ktichen and onto the porch that overlooks the lake, “What the fuck is he doing here?”

“Hey! You ok?” Noah says, sitting down beside you, “Saw you coming running out here. What’s wrong?”

“Well, you remember when we went to New York?”

“Yes, for Ruby’s birthday last year. What about it?”

“And you know how I came in with coffee, just as everyone was waking up?”

“Yes”

“I was actually just getting in and I-”

“Is he the guy? THAT guy?”

“How do you kno- Ruby told you didn’t she.”

“Yes, she told me about the mystery man. Best night of your life man. The man whose name you didn't even get.”

“What is he doing here?”

“Probably a coincidence,” Noah shrugs, “Don’t read too much into it ok? Will you be fine out here with your wine while I go start the fire?”

“Yeah, thanks. Can you make sure they get him checked in?” 

“I can, don’t get wasted. You don’t want to be hungover for the market tomorrow,”

The market, how could you forget. You never really bought anything there, but you did offer to tour your guests around every year so they didn’t get lost and so you could steer them a bit closer to your friends' stalls and help them make a few more sales than those who came from out of town just to capitalise on the event. 

Taking one last swig of your wine, you decide to head to your cabin, normally you’d stay in the house. But all the rooms had been booked, even yours. While annoying, it was the biggest in the house and you could charge the most for it. You're about halfway there when you hear someone call your name and you recognize the voice immediately. You start to walk faster, maybe he would think you hadn't heard and would leave. But he calls out again, you hear his feet pound on the soft grass. He’s running to catch up with you. 

He catches you just as you hit the trail that leads to your cabin. “Hi,” he says with puffed breaths, smoothing his hair from his face. “I’ve been looking for you everywhere,”

“Is there anything I can help you with sir?” you ask, planting on your best customer service smile, “I’m afraid I’m off the clock at the moment, but if you need anything Cody is just inside and he’ll be happy to help you,” you step back as he steps forward, “I should- ah.” you take another step back, bumping into a tree and tripping. 

“I don’t remember you being this shy the last time we met,” the man smiles, stepping closer, “Not shy at all,” he says as he corners you against a tree, his arm reaching over your head to lean over you. 

You stand frozen as his fingers glide along your jawline, stopping to rest at the base of your neck. He leans in closer, his nose nudging yours, his lips only a breath away. “I missed you,” his minty breath fanning over you. 

“I-” you words seem to be stuck in your throat. Those beautiful eyes of his staring into yours, flicking down to your lips. Is this magic? It feels like it when the glow of the sunset drapes you both in its soft orange glow. The noises of the forest behind you and you see the fireflies start to stir in the corner of your eye. 

“I'm going to kiss you now,” he whispers, “If that's ok,” he adds, waiting. He’s waiting for you to tell him to stop. But you don’t, can’t. Too wrapped up in whatever was happening right now. After moments that last lifetimes, he kisses you. It’s soft, careful, but his hand on the back of your neck is firm, holding you in place. His tongue slips into your mouth, his kiss becomes harsher, more possessive and controlling. A strong hand slips under your thigh, pulling it up beside his leg and digging his fingers into your ass.

You hop on your other foot and he catches you. One hand on your ass, your legs wrapped around his waist and his hand still holding your face close enough to kiss. “My cabin-”

“Where?” he breaths into your mouth.

“Down the path, to the left.” was this a bad idea? Definitely yes. Was there any way of stopping this? Maybe? Are you going to? Not a chance in hell. 

The man carries you to your cabin. Not even putting you down to let you grab the key from your pocket. Instead he fishes his hand into your coat and grabs it out himself. “Cosy,” he murmurs, turning on the dim lights and closing the door behind you. 

“Fuck,” you moan as he turns, pressing you into the door, his teeth nipping into your neck. 

“That's the plan,” hiss fingers tear at your dress, pulling it over your head and throwing it away, “Fucking hell,” he smiles, his hands feeling up and down your torso. You slip your hands into his jacket, pushing it off his shoulders, while his mouth explores your clavicle, your breasts. 

He steps back, running immediately into the bed that was pushed against the wall. It’s not a big space, the bed taking up almost all of the room. He drops you both onto it, kicking his shoes off and unbuttoning his pants as his mouth continues its exploration of your body. 

Your hands fist the sheets and his mouth goes lower and lower down your stomach, his tongue flicking out to lick along your panty line. “You smell even sweeter than I remember,” his hands slide up the insides of your thighs and spread them apart.

His tongue darts out, licking over your panties as a low groan escapes the back of this throat. “Please,” you beg, arching your back and trying to get him closer to your pussy. Your hand moving to grip his hair. 

“Hands to yourself, Kitten,” he commands, staring up at you from between your legs and holding your hands in this one, “Keep them on your tits for me,” he reaches up, licking his way back up to your breasts while he deposits your hands on top on them, “Play with those sexy tits for me, while I lick you,”

“Fuckin-” you moan, feeling those sharp teeth sink into the soft skin of your thighs, his fingers just grazing through your soaking pussy. “Please, please” 

“What is it?” he smirks, “This what you want?” his long fingers pull your panties to the side, swiping over you. “This what you need?” his tongue darting out to taste you and moaning into you at the taste. “Tell me Kitten, have you been thinking about this all year?” He kisses your pussy. 

“Yes,” you moan, pinching at your nipples. 

“Think about me when you touch yourself at night?” his fingers thrust into you, his tongue circles your clit, his eyes still focused on your face. 

“Yes,”

“Did you think about me when you fucked someone else?”

“I-” he stops at your hesitation, peering up at you over your tummy. His fingers are still deep in your pussy. 

“Tell the truth now, did you?” he pulls his fingers out when you don't answer, slapping down on your sensitive clit. Smiling to himself when you begin to squirm underneath him. He slaps you again. He moves, bending to whisper in your ear, “Do you think about me with someone else's cock buried inside you?”

“Yes,” your voice is almost breathless.

“Good girl,” he kisses just below your ear, “It doesn't compare to the real thing though, does it?”

“Fuck me,”

“Beg,”

“Please, please fuck me.” 

He stands pulling his pants down, taking his cock in his hand, slowly pumping in his hand. “More,”

“I need it, need you. Need to be fucked.” you shimmy out of your panties, lifting your ass to show him just how dripping wet you are for him. You grind back, stretching yourself open and lifting your knees. 

“So good, so fucking sexy,” he kneels Infront, lining himself up with you. “You just want the head Kitten?” you feel his swollen cockhead stretches you, he moves slightly pulling out before pushing the head back in. 

“More,”

“You want more of my cock?” his hand holds your neck, forcing your lolling head to look at him. You nod, attempting to thrust up, but his other hand holds your hips down. “It was the best you ever had wasn't it?”

“Best,” he thrusts in a bit deeper, holding you still as his cock slowly slides inside. You want nothing more than to move, for him to move. For him to fuck you like he did that night, like a man possessed and desperate for more of you. This pace was tortuous and for some reason it was making your brain foggy and your legs shake. 

“So fuckin wet, kitten,” he withraws, before thrusting in harder and harder, “Been dreaming about this pussy for a while year. Don't want to cum too soon,” he picks up your leg, throwing it over his shoulder and trusting deeper into you. 

Harder and deeper, he fucks you. His hand never leaving your throat, his cock never coming all the way out of you and and those fucking eyes watching you like your the movie of the year. Your panting and hoarse breaths fill the tiny cabin. “You’re so close Kitten,” his says, moving the hand from your leg down to your clit, “I'm close too,” he pants, “Cum, cum on me. I waited so long for this, I need you to Cu-” his voice cuts out as he lets out a scream, your body violently shaking and seizing as your cum, your pussy squeezing down on his cock. 

You're so out of it you barely notice when he collapses next to you, both of you out of breath. The cabin seems stifling and as you sit to try and open a window to let in some air he grabs you by the arm and pulls you back to him.

“This is going to sound kind of rude,” you whisper, not sure why you didn't ask before right now, but.. Better late than never?

“Can't wait to hear this, you going to kick me out?” He says like he doesn't believe it. 

“I ah- I can't remember your name,”

“Oh, that's because I didn't tell you or actually, you didn't ask when you basically jumped me at the club,”

“I did not jump you,”

“You did, a bit.”

“Fine. So, do I get to know your name or what?”

“Ask nicer,” 

Reaching up you kiss along his neck, your nose grazing his jawline as your tongue darts out to follow its path, When you reach his ear you lower your voice, “Can you tell me your name so I know what to scream,”

“Much better,” he takes your face in his hands, kissing you deeply, “Billy, Billy Russo. You ready to start screaming my name, kitten?”

“Yes,”

Taglist:

@imagine-a-fictional-boyfriend @wheresthesunshinesblogthesunshines @sweetheart-im-the-boss

@noortsshift @blackbirddaredevil23 @restingbitchsblog @misstimeless @nyctophiliiiiaaa