#which is better than vanilla and slightly less than red velvet

[wings-of-sapphire]

Forgot I was in the Arcane fandom for a bit…

Anyways, you gonna help me up, cupcake?

[kyoonqs]

iluso amor ; first part.

↬ summary: Cora has always considered herself elusive, easy to bore and adventurous to the last fiber of her body. One day for no apparent reason, she appears in front of the manager of a globetrotting circus passing through the city where she is temporarily staying to fill her life with magic. Baekhyun, as serious as he is handsome, has no intention of playing a role other than on the main canvas of the circus. He decides to separate Cora from her life of fantasies created by her travels and sets out to show her reality as raw and cruel as he knows it. Or so he believes.

Will time run out too quickly before love and passion devour him and he decides to risk everything for a love that lasts… Forever?

↬ pairing: baekhyun x cora fem!reader.

↬ circus!au ; illusionist!baek x hitchhiker!oc ; strangers to lovers au!

↬ genre: fluff ; romance ; angst ; drama.

↬ length: 2.8 k words.

↬ tag list: @changshapatrol @spacebyuns @fluffyhunnie @soos-goddess @hoho-cham @shadoukiti @sunbyun21​ @mangobaek​ @suhotly​ @pororodks​ @bbhbae​ 

If you’d like to be tagged for future chapters, please let me know! 

↬ masterlist.

↬ author’s note: this is my first time writing a series, hope you enjoy it and any feedback will be appreciated. thanks for reading! ♡

Vanilla, caramel and butter scents invaded her nostrils the moment she stepped on the re-centering and she reminded herself that from now on she should get used to the smell due to her timely madness. Beyond her view, occasionally blocked by some old trucks, a red and yellowish-white circus tent loomed along with several smaller tents and a host of caravans. The largest tent, dotted with gold stars, had a large, deep blue sign bearing the name of the circus and its owner. In addition to a few tethered horses, Cora saw a number of huge cages with animals and all kinds of unsavory people, including some pretty dirty men, most of them encrusted with mud and rust.

She was beginning to regret the moment when she had ripped the worn out brochure from the lamppost and the idea of joining the circus scene rose out of boredom. Yes, that was the case, curiosity had killed the cat and she could not contain herself that late afternoon when she had driven her bicycle past the front of the tents and the multicolored costumes of the artists had simultaneously caught her eye. But now it was not like that, the moment she advanced towards the train car where she was to present herself for the position, everyone stopped what they were doing and fixed their eyes on her. Without thinking too much, she stepped forward steadily as her sneakers sank into the sandy ground and she staggering as she stared at the ticket booth where the same brochure she was carrying was presented.

Away from the scrutinizing stares that once haunted her, she took the steps of the carriage two at a time and froze when she saw him inside. He had hair as dark as molten chocolate and chiseled features that would make his face look too beautiful if it weren't for the firm jaw and menacing frown. Men who possessed that brutal appeal had always attracted her but at that moment she would have chosen someone less intimidating to interview her. She tried to calm herself by reminding herself that she would not have to spend more than a couple of hours with him and that it would all be over as soon as she explained clearly why she was applying for the job, which she was still completely unaware of.

She cleared her throat and began with her introduction, first name, last name, place of birth, previous jobs and reason why she was there - from the latter she omitted boredom as a possible factor. The man in question did not give her a single glance and, of course, did not speak a word. She stared straight ahead, the unyielding lines of that hard profile making her skin tingle.

–“I, I want to learn about the trade...” She swallowed.

–“I'm really interested in the job, whatever it is...” She swallowed again.

–“Bastard.”

Until the man in front of her turned his head and looked at her, she didn't realize what she had said. He arched a dark brow with mild curiosity, as if he wasn't sure he had heard correctly. Her impulsiveness took control and she felt her lips tremble, for it was clear that they didn't share her problems in restraining her inappropriate thoughts.

The metal legs of the chair where he was sitting screeched against the hard floor of the wagon. He stood up, ironed the wrinkles of his pants with his hands and looking into her eyes for the first time, he said in a stern and inflexible voice:

–“You are hired. Meet me after the last show behind the main tent.” And without further ado, he passed her by without giving any other explanation.

She could barely suppress a sigh. She directed a furtive glance at the boy, still nameless and wondered what she had gotten into but an irrelevant part of her was dying for new adventures and without a doubt, he would be the greatest from that precise moment.

–“Ladies and gentlemen, the show is about to begin! Come closer everyone!”

The man who made the announcement was the same man who was encouraging people to buy tickets the day the circus had arrived in town, although now he was wearing a red master of ceremonies jacket. At that moment Cora appeared before the young man in the carriage, leading a black horse by the reins with one hand. It was then that she realized that he was not only the manager of the circus but also one of its performers.

He was dressed in a velvet jacket, a velvet vest with nothing underneath and black trousers tucked into high leather boots that snuggled over his calves. A jewel-encrusted band of all colors surrounded his torso accompanied by fine iridescent chains and some ribbons of razo that fell from his pocket. He also carried a rolled whip hanging from one shoulder. Curious about the skills he would display in the arena –she had gotten one of the dancers to tell her when they would leave and to her surprise it would be the next morning– she followed the man with his eyes. At that moment he saw her. The decision she had made had been too recent to seek a way out and she still did not feel comfortable talking to him. Cora tucked her hair nervously behind her ear and refuse to take her gaze from the horse following him when he began to walk towards her.

–“There are unsavory people hanging around the circus. Until you know how everything goes, stay where the rest of the audience is, always” he told her as he adjusted some rings on his slender fingers.

–“Understood.” She responded, since she had just promised herself that she was going to put forth her best effort and not get carried away by first impressions that day. 

 –“Come in and take a look at the show.” His tone was firm, despite the fact that she was already heading back to where she was previously. 

 –“Wait! What is your name!?” She asked hastily, not realizing that perhaps she had sounded somewhat desperate.

He glanced at her over his shoulder with the corner of his mouth slightly curved. “Baekhyun!” He said, chuckling, and with that he returned to his place in line with the rest of the artists.

She was still feeling hot as she circled the crowd and entered the tent through the back entrance. She found a free spot in the stands. They were weathered white-painted planks of wood, hard and narrow, with nowhere else to rest one’s feet but on the seat of the spectators in the row below. But she quickly set aside her feelins of discomfort the awkwardness when the lights dimmed, a drum roll crescendoed and a spotlight illuminated the emcee on center court.

–“Welcome to the happiest circus in Valencia, welcome to Gran Fele Circus!”

The music exploded, played by a band consisting of two musicians with drums, a synthesizer, and a consola. A lively version of New York, New York began to play and a white horse entered in the arena with a girl who carried a flag with the name of the circus. The other artists followed, carrying colorful banners, smiling and waving to the crowd.

It was the troupe of acrobats that caught Cora's attention; three handsome men and a beautiful woman –whom she identified as the dancer who had helped her earlier– named Laia, dressed in gold sequins, shiny leggings and thick makeup. They were followed by a group of horsemen, clowns, jugglers, and trained dogs.

Baekhyun entered the arena alone, riding his fierce horse, and unlike the other artists, he didn’t wave his hands or smile. As he circled the track, he seemed such a distant and mysterious being. He was no stranger to the presence of the people, but somehow he remained isolated and gave a strange dignity to the colorful display. 

As the show progressed, Cora was amazed at such talent. 

Suddenly, the lights went out and the music died away. A blue spotlight illuminated the master of ceremonies, the only one occupying the dark center court. His voice turned dramatically low and a haunting, folk melody began to play in the background.

–“How many times have we wondered if we were crazy? How many times did someone make us doubt our actions? How many times has someone come before us with the idea of changing our thinking? Sanity makes us useless, many times it is better to be crazy. Life is made for taking risks and if you don't think so, let the next person convince you otherwise...before time runs out.”

The lights began to gradually increase in intensity, the music resounded and Baekhyun entered the middle of a path that seemed illuminated by small streetlights, thin beams of light that danced around him and that were reflected in the small sequins of his suit. With indisputable ease, he untangled the whip dangling from a waistband and sliced through the air in all directions with it. Small particles, like glitter, floated in the air suspended around him. He performed a series of skillfully executed feats that were both daring and dramatic. They had brought a few accessories onto the floor during the emcee's presentation: ribbon targets, fluorescent balloons, chandeliers, and more. Circling the runway, he popped the balloons one by one, and a bright red explosion, like drops of blood, shot through the air with each snap of the whip.

The lights dimmed until only he was illuminated by the spotlight, and he grabbed a second whip and made them pop and dance in all directions with such masculine grace, Cora gasped. The dance was increasing, with faster and faster movements and, as if by magic, the two whips became one. With a powerful twist of his arm, Baekhyun lifted him above his head to set him off in flames. The audience gasped, the lights went out, and the flaming whip danced wildly through the darkness. When the lights came on again, he had vanished.

–“What are you doing here? Hasn't anyone taken you to the motorhome yet?”

Cora roused herself, her eyes snapping open. Looking up, she saw the same deep brown eyes plaguing since afternoon that day. For a moment, she couldn't remember where she was but then everything came to mind: the circus, the manager, the show, his whip.

She suddenly became aware of Baekhyun's hands on her shoulders, it was the only thing that had kept her from falling off the old stool that she had been seated on while waiting for him. She had decided to wait there since it was the most illuminated area around the tent, next to government mandated public toilets where there was still a queue to pass them.

She shifted uneasily under his hands and tried to regain her balance with the idea that he would release her.

–“Could you tell me what time it is? I've lost track of it waiting here for you.”

–“It's about 30 minutes to midnight,” Baekhyun put his hands in the pockets of his coat. Instead of the suit he donned for the show, he wore jeans ripped at the knees and a white t-shirt printed with the word ‘Supreme’ in terms of design. Despite the casual attire he didn’t look any less intimidating.

–“Look dulzura, you will have to get used to my presence, since I will be your guide and housemate from now on”. It wasn’t as if Cora hadn’t tried to do it before, in fact she had been attracted to him the moment she met him, only his personality –and now a whip– had slowed her down. He, at her lack of response, muttered something under his breath and after a sigh, spoke again.

–“Come on dulzura, I'll show you where you'll sleep for the next few months.” He turned and left at a fast pace to where the group of caravans were together, paying little attention to the fact that she had luggage that weighed a ton, the consequence of her idea to buy a memorable garment from each city she had visited until now.

–“Wait!” Her scream had an edge of hysteria, but he seemed not to hear it as he continued walking toward the line of caravans. She rubbed the sole of her sneakers across the ruff, gathering some on the toe of it as she dragged her foot. With a gasp, Cora started walking again. Baekhyun approached two vehicles that were parked next to each other. The closest one was a modern white caravan, it looked spacious inside and on its roof you could see a satellite dish. Next to it was another caravan, dented and rusty that appeared to have been silver previously. She begged to herself that it was the space caravan and not the other.

He stood in front of the ugly rusty trailer, opened the door, and disappeared inside. Cora grunted but conceded since she had stayed in worse places. Perhaps the inside wasn’t as hideous as it looked on the outside. Baekhyun reappeared at the door a moment later and watched as she approached fighting with her backpack towards him. When she finally reached the metal step, he offered her a cynical smile.

–“Home, sweet home, dulzura. Come in and settle”.

Cora had always found the Spanish language something to delight in but this was the third time the nickname had come out of his mouth directed at her and she could swear that the way the word rolled on his tongue and briefly hissed before pronouncing the syllable "zu", surely it was close to the song of the angels that received you when you entered paradise.

She sniffed and climbed the four steps that separated her and...the interior was much worse than the outside. Narrow, messy, it smelled musty and old, with a hint of  mothball. In front of her was a miniature kitchen, the countertop metal, it had spots with peeling paint. To the right of the kitchen, the faded upholstery of the small sofa was barely visible under a pile of books, newspapers, and men's clothing. In addition, she saw an old, medium-sized refrigerator, wooden cabinets, and a bed with rumpled sheets.

Baekhyun stared at her blankly, genuinely doubting whether she had noticed. 

–“It is a small caravan as you can see, but it is comfortable and cozy in the cold. It's all there is and all I have.” 

The bed took up most of the back of the caravan, nothing separated it from the rest of the "rooms", the only thing that seemed to be secluded was the bathroom –which she would make sure to explore as soon as she had the chance. On the sheets there were tangled clothes, a towel, and something she couldn't make out from where she was standing.

–“I think I'll sleep on the couch, it would be better…”

He gazed absently at the tip of his foot, then looked up. She stared into those dark eyes –which depending on the light could be paler or even more blackened– and she felt a chill run down her spine, followed by another strange sensation that she did not want to examine further. 

He slowly raised his hand, adjusting a lock of hair that had been tousled while she was struggling with her backpack, Cora froze and pursed her lips as she felt the softness of his thumb brush the hollow under her ear with something that it seemed like a caress.

–“Do whatever you want, dulzura. I have to go, I still have things to do.” 

Cora gasped when she realized she should have felt danger but her skin had taken the brush of his thumb with pleasure. She felt Baekhyun's insolent hand move away from her hair as he pulled away from her, even though he had left something light on the trailing of her ear. The trailer door swung on its hinges. Baekhyun looked at her and stepped out of it, dropping his gaze from her face to a nonexistent point. Once he was out of sight, she reached for the object that was barely tickling her cheekbone and held the geranium between her fingers with a furtive smile on her face.

↬ This is all for this chapter, I promise to try to write more in the following parts. I will try to update every Saturday. Honorable mention: Oliv (@changshapatrol​) without her this story would be nothing, thank you for your patience and trust in me. I love you, a lots ♡   

[amphtaminedreams]

Sitting Front Row at...(On a Budget Obvs): Lookbook no.15

Hey to anyone reading!

And welcome to my fave lookbook I’ve done in a longggg ass time! Yes, that’s partially because it involved making collages and doing the low effort work of scouring Vogue Runway for “research purposes”, but I promise, that statement wasn’t made out of COMPLETE laziness-I am super happy with it too. It’s been a good use of pre-part-lockdown-lift time in the interim between that brief period of Christmas celebrations and eateries finally fucking opening again because let’s be honest, I always knew I was gonna get distracted by oat milk vanilla lattes and veggie all day breakfasts once I could actually sit down with them at my fave local cafe. You could say I was very much operating on a self-imposed deadline.

The “what I would wear to sit front row at...[insert designer here]” TikTok/Instagram reel trend was something I wanted to get on board with ever since I first saw one and whilst the option of doing my own live action take-I really cannot bear the thought of having to edit footage of myself awkwardly attempting to sit nonchalantly in front of a camera for hours on end-was off the cards considering my complete lack of screen presence, I decided a Tumblr text post would work just as well, and if not even better in a way. Given the absence of the time limitations you face when you’re making a reel or a TikTok I thought it’d be cool to present the looks as part of a mini moodboard for each designer which adds a bit of context to each look even if you aren’t familiar with their past collections and establishes the general vibe of the brand I’m attempting to replicate. Not to sound snotty or as if I am the font of all knowledge on anything high fashion related but even with my amateur knowledge I noticed that as the video trend took off and was adopted by big name influencers, it became less about the average person putting their own personal spin on the aesthetic of the labels we can’t ordinarily afford and more about them building outfits that only vaguely resemble the general public perception of the brand around the real corresponding (and often gifted and thus inaccessible to someone who doesn’t makes thousands for a sponsored post) pieces they own SO I thought I’d take the trend back to its roots and get a bit resourceful. All that being said, in no particular order, here are the outfits I would wear to sit front row at Gucci, Vera Wang, Miu-Miu, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana, Brock Collection, Alexander McQueen, Etro, Burberry aaaand Saint Laurent based on their past collections and guess what? They didn’t cost a shit tonne of money :-)

-disclaimer: will include an asterisk before any new purchases if from a high street store though to be honest, I don’t think there are any, we shall see! I do include where I got old purchases from in case anyone wants to search anything on Depop/Ebay-

1. Saint Laurent (formerly Yves Saint Laurent)

-blazer from identityparty on Depop, pleather trousers from Zara, jewellery from Dolls Kill-

I know technically abbreviating Saint Laurent to YSL doesn’t really make much sense anymore given the brand’s name change in 2012, but I’ll always think of it as that in the same way I’ll always associate it with the slightly dishevelled yet simultaneously glitzy rock n’ roll aesthetic. The thing is, whilst YSL hasn’t done anything wildly out of the box for a long time, it’s rare they put a look on the runway that I wouldn’t wear; they never end up being a fashion week standout but the Parisienne take on grunge we’ve seen Anthony Vaccarello establish as his go-to will always have a place in my heart. 

2. Alexander McQueen

-embroidered leather jacket from Ebay (originally Topshop), harness from Amazon, dress from ASOS, boots from Koi Vegan Footwear-

Alexander McQueen is a brand that is pretty much universally liked, from the historically extravagant and groundbreaking shows the man himself put together to Sarah Burton’s more toned down but still beautiful collections. Obviously I didn’t attempt to do justice to the former, so I tried my hand at putting together a look inspired by Sarah’s blend of delicate femininity and nomadic edge, and it went...okay? Like it’s definitely not my favourite of all the looks because it does give off slightly cheap copycat vibes buuut outside of the context of this lookbook it’s cute.

3. Brock Collection

-boater hat from Ebay, midi skirt from morganogle on Depop, corset top from ownmode_, heels from amybeckett1, bag from Primark-

Brock isn’t as well known a brand as most of the others in this list but I adore everything Laura Vassar Brock does and I couldn’t pass up an opportunity to try and channel the vision of one of the OG pioneers of the cottagecore vibe through my own wardrobe. I mean fr, this woman’s work as a steady provider of meadow photoshoot worthy dresses and corsets and skirts is v slept on and I will not stand for it. I will sit in front of a camera and then write a paragraph in my blog post begging anybody who reads to give LVB (an abbreviation I acknowledge is unlikely to catch on because Lisa Vanderpump anybody?) some form of acknowledgement for her services to period romance novel inspired moodboards everywhere.

4. Marc Jacobs

-coat from House of Sunny, white shirt from Retro World Camden, co-ord from Sugar Thrillz, bag from Poppy Lissiman-

If there’s one thing Marc Jacobs always does, it’s COMMITS. TO. HIS. THEME. I just KNOW he has a secret Pinterest with separate boards for every fashion era of the 20th century and he is putting those boards to good use providing us with collections that are as immersive as they are eclectic year in year out. 

5. Miu Miu

-beret from H&M, hair clips from H&M, jewellery from Primark, coat from mollyyemmaa on Depop, shirt from YesStyle, sweater vest from YesStyle, skirt from Depop, diamanté belt from Brandy Melville, shoes from Koi Vegan Footwear-

We all like to talk about Bratz dolls and Monster High dolls and Barbies as fashion inspo but can we all focus on Cabbage Patch dolls for two secs so as to acknowledge the fact that a Miu Miu collection is basically all their fits grown up? And made boujie as fuck? If I want my fix of Wes Anderson meets Scream Queens (what a combo) inspired outfits, if I want prissy and girlish but also glam, if I want to look like a bratty rich girl whose one redeeming quality is her eye for vintage clothes, I know where to look and that is the Miu Miu section of Vogue Runway. 

6. Vera Wang

-blazer as in no.1, velvet bralet from catdegaris on Depop, harness from Amazon, skirt from Ebay, knee high socks from Ebay, lace up boots from Ebay-

Vera Wang’s RTW aesthetic, a blend of the ethereal, ultra-feminine bridal designs she’s known for and British style punk rock influences, is something I feel has only become firmly established in recent years but it is everything I ever wanted and more. I always find myself trying to balance the part of me that loves everything girly and delicate and pretty and the part of me that would love to be in a biker gang and Vera’s collections are always an inspirational reminder of just how well it can be done.

7. Burberry

-coat from charity shop, suit from emmafisher3 on Depop, top from simranindia, shirt underneath from Zara, jewellery from ASOS-

Now I’m not gonna lie, I’m not the biggest fan of Burberry but there have been a few looks over the past few years I’ve really liked and as someone who owns numerous trench coats, high necks and way too much plaid, I thought it’d be an easy one to replicate. Plus, if you can count on Riccardo Tisci for nothing else you at least can rely on him giving you some layering inspo which is very much needed in a country where it literally just snowed in April and where my plans for today have just been cancelled because the iPhone weather app did a Karen Smith and didn’t predict rain for today right up until it started raining so thanks for that one British meteorologists. Your incompetence strikes again.

8. Etro

-corset from Urban Outfitters, vinyl trench coat from Topshop, boots from Ebay, black slip dress from kaoanaoleinik on Depop, fur trim afghan coat from louisemarcella-

Like with Brock Collection, Etro isn’t a hugely well known brand, but it is always one of my favourites-to add a spanner into the works of any attempts to cultivate a firm sense of personal style, I live for the ornate Bohemian look that Etro does so well just as much as I love both grungy and girly pieces, and so I really wanted to include a brand whose collections go down that route. It was a toss-up between this and Zimmerman, the flirtier, free spirit counterpart to the dark romance of Veronica Etro’s designs; her vision really shines through the most when it comes to the brand’s winter collections, imo, and given that I live in a country where winter or some weather state resembling it does seem to take up 70% of the year, I did decide on channelling her work rather than that of the equally talented Nicky and Simone Zimmermann this time round.

9. Dolce & Gabbana

-flower crown from ASOS, tiara from Amazon, earrings from YesStyle, dress from alicealderdice1 on Depop, opera gloves from Ebay, boots from Koi Vegan Footwear-

D&G is a brand I felt really conflicted about doing-I don’t include their current collections in my fashion week reviews based on the actions of designers Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce over the last few years because I don’t want to mitigate the collective effort of fashion critics to push them towards irrelevancy. Though people like to claim the brand has turned a corner since Lucio Di Rosa was brought on board as the manager of celebrity and VIP relations last year (they are as prolific a force on red carpet fashion as ever), we haven’t seen any real meaningful apologies or reparations made by Dolce and Gabbana themselves which once again leaves us in the all too familiar quandary of whether or not we can separate the art from the artist especially when it is far too much of a simplification to only credit the two men for their work given there’s a whole design team behind them. There are a LOT of shitty people working in fashion, the whole industry is a bit of a cesspit if we’re honest, but I don’t think that should stop us from at least being able to appreciate old collections if we make sure we aren’t engaging in any kind of promotion of current works whilst doing so. D&G are a brand of high highs and low lows, with looks that range from hideously ugly to showstoppingly beautiful in a single show-when the looks are good, they are GOOD-and their presence in the fashion world is most definitely felt whether we want it to be or not. It would just be shit to refuse to recognise the existence of some real iconic runway moments, the practical work that went into the ornate detail and opulence that helped cement D&Gs place in sartorial history, the styling that’s made goddesses and fairytale queens out of modern day women as they’ve glided down catwalks, the far more extravagant and, let’s be real, sexier version of our world D&G shows have transported us to in the past. Will I talk about D&G ever again? No, and if you Google the scandals their brand has faced over the past few years, there are more than enough reasons why, but just this once I did want to pay homage to some of the collections, the snippets of which I saw on my Tumblr dashboard back when I was about 13, that first got me into fashion.

10. Gucci

-fur coat from Topshop, clips from Zaful, glasses from Ebay, dress from gracewright246 on Depop, shirt from Boohoo, blazer from charity shop-

Now last but, if you ever read any of my fashion week reviews (the likelihood of someone actually having read one of them and reading this is incredibly, incredibly slim lol, I wouldn’t read me either) you’ll know, definitely not least, is Gucci because Alessandro Michele comes through every!! single!! time!!

The man is truly the king of quirky throwback maximalism and it hurts my heart that a lot of people seem to think of it only as a brand associated with ostentatious displays of wealth. Year after year since Michele was made creative director he has released purposeful, fully-fleshed out collections which unravel themselves to us on the runway like time capsules containing the belongings of the rich and whimsical and yes that can sometimes result in outfits which are *ahem* a bit mismatched but it doesn’t matter because through fashion he manages to take us to a vivid version of the past where people could dress as freely and lavishly as they wanted to, into the wardrobe of a person unaffected by the side-eyeing of others. You get the impression he doesn’t design so much as plays around with some kind of enchanted dress up box and takes inspiration from there and to give that impression is only a credit to his talent-to make outfits so kooky and extravagant look like they were meant to be takes a boldness and genuine love for clothes that I do tend to feel a lot of the big name designers have lost in the pursuit of profit and the necessary placating of the dying customer base that keeps that coming in. Of course I'm not for a second saying Gucci does not care about profit, but at the very least, they have on board a creative director who genuinely has fun with what they’re putting out there and wants to make a statement too and that really shows; you can rest on your laurels and sell tweed boucle jackets to rich old white women for eternity but nobody’s going to mention your brand name and the word groundbreaking in the same sentence ever again unless they’re talking about what it was a century ago, you know (mentioning no names...unless...did I hear someone say Chanel)? That feels like such a shady way to end, lol, but I’m sure said brand will survive-to be fair, they’ve been included in every other What I’d Wear to Sit Front Row At video I’ve seen so although I’m always slagging them off for doing the saaaaame thinggggg year after year, for that same reason their aesthetic is instantly recognisable and so will always be a source of imitation. There are obviously pros and cons to being a brand which constantly reinvents itself but I think it’s totally possible to do that whilst maintaining an overall mission, and Alessandro Michele’s work at Gucci demonstrates that with ease.

Anyway, if you got to here, thanks for reading! I know I’m super behind on this whole TikTok trend and I know a Tumblr post instead of a video is a bit of a cop out but all the real, physically awkward ones out there know that watching yourself back is excruciating lmao, so I hope this does the trick. After this, I’m gonna get back to the reviewing S/S21 collections post though knowing me I’ll probs take a few days to get back into that because I feel like since I left full-time education (RIP me going back in a few months) writing continuously like this for any longer than about 15 mins fries what brain cells I have left. Again, thank you for reading and if you are, sending many good vibes your way! Stay safe!

Lauren x

[ladyreapermc]

Fic: Eyes Wide Shut (Henry x Reader)

Summary: AU. Working with an investigative journalist like Henry when you had a huge crush on him didn’t leave you with much free time for a social life. That is until you decide to visit a sex club and meet a masked handsome stranger who are more than willing to show you a good time.

Part 2: Undisclosed Desires | Part 3: Beautiful Problems

Author’s notes: I have no idea where this plot bunny came from, but I loved it and it turned into this huge one shot. I was vibing Eyes Wide Shut for the club (no idea why since I hate that movie) and it kinda worked for what I wanted.

Wordcount: 5666

Warnings: smut (powerplay; bondage; praise kink; orgasm denial).

What are you doing here?

A little voice inside your head asked as watched yourself in the impeccably clean surface of the club’s restroom mirror, your eyes looking wide and afraid, like a dear caught in headlights.

This isn’t you.

The voice continued and you had to take a pause and consider. This whole thing really wasn’t you. The elegant makeup with smoky eyes and dark red lipstick that you only ever wore for formal events; the slip dress that looked more like a camisole than an actual dress, but made you look so alluring in a way that you just weren’t used to.

You felt almost transported to another dimension or maybe having an out of body experience. It was the only thing that could make sense of what you were doing in a sex club when you were the very definition of vanilla. As a matter of fact, you were pretty sure if someone looked up the word in a dictionary, they would find a picture of you.

It just wasn’t your thing. Or at least that was what you always thought. You could never even understand why a person would want to get tied up and spanked during sex. It sounded so uncomfortable and crazy. You were perfectly fine with the traditional things, thank you very much.

You were absolutely sure this wasn’t for you. The only time you let your ex-boyfriend tried anything like it, you two used a blindfold and you ended up panicking and kicking in the balls, which killed mood obviously.

Yet, here you were. Curiosity got the better out of you when your best friend gifted you an invite for your twenty-third birthday. She said it had been a revealing experience for her and that you should try it, especially since she was probably the only person you’ve ever confided about your terrible and inappropriate crush on your boss Henry.

It started when you met the man six months ago when you started working as his personal assistant. It wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be even if sometimes you felt more like a glorified secretary than an actual journalist, but you were learning the ropes with one youngest Pulitzer winners investigative journalists out there so it was worth it.

Besides, Henry was such a great guy that you almost didn’t mind picking up his coffee every morning, because he actually took the time to teach and give you tips. He even let you co-write a couple of less important pieces for the magazine. The only thing he didn’t allow you to do was to come with him when meeting sources. He always said you had to cultivate your own.

That was actually one of the reasons you were here. Not that you thought you would be cultivating many sources in a sex clubs, but because Henry just took off tonight after receiving a text when you two were supposed to be working on his last big story.

He didn’t give you any explanation or justification. Just picked up his things, sending you a quick goodbye over his shoulder before he took off, leaving you alone in the office on a Friday night.  

It was at that moment that you realized how pathetic you were being, pining over your boss who didn’t even notice you and having absolutely no personal life. So, you went home, got dressed and now here you were, inside the club, but hiding in the restroom, not exactly regretting your choice but without knowing how to go forward with it either.

The place was nothing like you expected. You were thinking chains and whips and a whole lot of leather. Instead, it was posh and elegant, everyone dressed in fashionable outfits and wearing masks.

Yours was lying on the sink, looking quite inconspicuous just like the blue bracelet sitting next to it. Ant that was the real reason for your little meltdown. You had already been on edge all the way to the club, but walking in and being asked by the hostess if you were a dom, sub or a switch, made you cheeks scarlet, locked the breath in your throat, and nothing but confusing words spluttered from your mouth.

She had been very kind and understanding, saying it was perfectly fine not knowing and offered you a blue bracelet so you could give it a try being a sub first to see how you would feel. You took it because you had no idea what else to do before scurrying to the restroom where you had been hiding for the last fifteen minutes, trying to work up the courage to actually step into the club and talk to people and see what would happen.

Wasn’t that what Henry always said? Make friends wherever you go; pay attention to everything. You never know when you’re gonna need that tiny bit of information that person let it slip after a drink too much.

Taking yet another deep, calming breath, you brushed off inexistent lint from your dress, adjusting them hem once more, before putting the mask back on and stepping outside. You were going to do this. You came all the way here, might as well have a drink and take a look.

You stepped through the thick, velvet curtains that separated the small reception from the actual club, immediately having your senses overwhelmed by different stimuli. The first thing that you noticed was the soft scent of incense that enveloped the place. It was something slightly familiar, but you couldn’t quite make out its name. Next was the music. You don’t know why you were expecting some kind of heavy metal to be playing but instead, soft jazz worked a background noise.

Then your eyes adjusted to the change of lighting since the main area of the club itself was slightly darker than the reception and you could see people lounging around and tables and couches, talking and laughing, enjoying elegant cocktails, all in masks, all completely ignoring your presence.

For a moment, you stood still, trying to gain your bearings before you finally moved to the bar with slow, hesitant steps, eyes still darting around like part of you expected some old acquaintance to pop up from a corner ready to report your visit to your overly religious grandma. It was ridiculous and you knew, but you couldn’t always help yourself.

Taking a seat on one of the high stools, you ordered a drink and once again turned your focus to the club. If it wasn’t the masks, the place would feel exactly like most high-end nightclubs you had seen, and the thought soothed your nerves a little. What you were expecting? People having sex in front of everyone else? You chuckled at your own silliness, turning back to the bar when the bartender brought over your order.

As you sipped your drink, the stool next to you became occupied by a tall, handsome stranger who ordered a whiskey, before turning his gaze towards you, his bright blue eyes framed by the black mask made your breath catch in your throat and your cheeks to go red as you quickly looked away.

“First time?” his voice was deep and smooth with a hint of an accent that couldn’t quite place because he was obviously working on disguising it.

“That obvious?” you asked with a nervous chuckle, glancing his way. His dark hair was neatly combed, but a couple of stubborn curls made themselves known and for some reason, you felt itchy to smooth them back in place.

“A little,” he replied with a soft smile, taking a sip of his whiskey and as the cuff of his grey blazer pulled back with the motion, you saw the red bracelet on his wrist. “We’re all nervous on your first visit, but this is a great place to… explore.”

All you managed was a small hum of understanding, shifting your attention back to your drink, swirling your straw because you didn’t know what to do or think. Was he just making small talk? Was he hinting something? If this was a regular club you’d know, but here the rules were different.

“You come here often?” you asked and rolled your eyes at yourself, at your awful small talk. “Sorry, that was terrible.”

“It’s fine,” he assured with a gorgeous smile as he leaned against the bar, looking at you. “Only when I have a date,” he said, glancing at his watch, before letting out a sigh. “But after 40 minutes one must recognize when they’ve been stood up.”

“I’m sorry,” you said with a small, sympathetic smile. Even if he was wearing a mask, you could tell he was a handsome man and you couldn’t understand who would stand him up.  

“And how about you? What brings you here?”

“Curiosity. A friend of mine gave me an invite,” you admitted in a low voice as you surveyed the room once more. “It’s not what I was expecting.”

“Not enough chains and whips?” he asked in a teasing tone and strangely enough it didn’t embarrass you. You chuckled in response.  

“Something like that.”

“They keep those in the private suites,” he explained, finishing his drink. “Would you like to see one?” You stared at him with wide eyes at the offer. “Don’t worry. You can just take a look. No need to stay.”

You took a moment to consider his offer. Were you really going into a dark room with a complete stranger? Were you crazy? Still, you were curious to see what it looked like and he didn’t seem dangerous. Even if he was tall and built like a brick wall.

You should be more afraid of this; instead, you were just excited about the prospect. Adrenaline rushed through your veins; your heart beat wildly in your chest. You licked your lips and met his eyes, trying to gauge if he might be a crazy psycho underneath the suave demeanor.

“Alright,” you finally declared, swallowing the rest of your drink in one go, the alcohol burning down your throat.

This is crazy.

That same voice in your head cautioned, but you ignored it. You came all the way here, the least you could do was take a look. And if he turned out to be a creep, you could always scream. There were plenty of security guards standing inconspicuously around the room.

Taking the arm he offered you, you let him guide you through the maze of tables and couches to the back of the club, where another red velvet curtain covered a passageway. He pushed it aside, letting you step in first, before following behind, one large hand on the small of your back as the two of you crossed the corridor full of doors. He led you to one of the last doors on the left, pulling it open for you and letting you step in first.

It looked like a regular hotel room, with a big bed in the center, a small sitting area to the side with black credence where a small bar sat. At the foot of the bed there was a large wooden chest the looked almost ominous and stood out against the rest of the décor. Same with the two large and shiny hooks hanging from the ceiling.

“Kind of anticlimactic, huh?” he commented, attracting your attention and you noticed he stood to the side, letting the door wide open.

“A bit, yes,” you agreed, looking around again. Were you really about to do what you were thinking about doing it? “Aren’t you going to close the door?”

Apparently yes.

“Do you want me to?”

“Yes,” you breathed out, your voice a little shaky as you looked at him.

He watched you as if to make sure you really meant it, before slowly closing the door behind himself and stepping further into the room. He shrugged off his blazer and set it on the couch’s arm, letting you see a little more of him.

He had such broad shoulders that stretched his black dress shirt in just the right way. The first two buttons of the shirt were open, revealing just a bit of his strong chest and dark hair. Even though you were never much interested in hairy guys, the sight of it was very appealing.

Swallowing the lump of nervousness, you moved to the bar and poured a generous amount of whiskey in two crystal tumblers, offering him one before consuming yours in one go, wincing at the way it burned your throat. You weren’t a big fan of hard liquor like this but you needed some liquid courage if you were really going forward with this.

You reached for the bottle again, ready to pour yourself another shot when he laid a heavy, but surprising soothing hand on your wrist, making you pause.

“I’m not doing this if you’re drunk,” he warned, his blue eyes meeting yours.

Gently prying your fingers away from the bottle, he held your hand and led you to the couch, taking a seat on the armchair, leaving a considerable space between the two of you, but his whole body was tilted towards yours and you could feel his gaze, heavy and intense over you.

“So how this works?” you asked, fidgeting with the hem of your dress. “How do I call you? I don’t know your name.”

“We don’t usually use names here,” he explained, his lips tilting in a small smile. “How do you want to call me?”

You paused for a second, looking him from head to toe. There was a word on the tip of your tongue. Something you only ever used with Henry, but it seemed fitting for this. For him.

“Boss,” you finally breathed out and his eyes widened slightly as he licked his lips and shifted in his seat. That was how you knew it affected him. That he liked and you had to smile. It was rewarding to see him not so composed for once. “Is that ok?”

“Yes,” he answered, his voice a little huskier than before. “Perfectly fine.” He took a sip of his whiskey before setting the tumbler on the table. “Do you know what you’re interested in trying?”

You had no idea where to begin. You were curious of course, but the thought of actually doing anything was still stunning you.

“How about what you don’t want to try at all?” he asked, probably picking up on your hesitation.

“No pain,” you hurried to say. It was one of the things you were absolutely sure of it. “Or sharp objects.”

“They don’t allow those here,” he assured leaning forward, elbows on his knees. “And I’m not interested in that either. Anything else?”

You thought back on what you knew about this sort of thing, which granted wasn’t much, but it should give you at least a direction on what you wanted and how.

“No spanking,” you declared after another moment and you saw him still, glass to his lips. “Is that a problem?”

“No,” he replied, draining his drink. “But when done right, it can be quite pleasurable.” His statement made you pause in consideration. “A conversation for another time, perhaps?”

“What makes you think there’s gonna be another time?” you challenged, eyebrow arched, and he grinned.

“I just have a feeling.”

The two of you talked for a while longer, discussing your limits, negotiating a few points, setting up safe words and gestures and slowly you began to relax a little more, feel more comfortable with him and with what you were planning to do. Despite being a complete stranger, you felt a certain familiarity with him, which definitely helped with your nerves.

“So, when do we start?” you finally asked.

“Are you sure?” he asked giving a long, piercing look and you just nodded, swallowing hard at the intensity of those blue eyes. “Then come here.”

You stood up feeling your knees wobbly; your heart hammering against your chest. You were really doing this. You must have lost your mind.

He looked you up from head to toe, his gaze hungry as he leaned back on his chair, legs spread and you couldn’t help but glance down at his lap, at the prominent bulge on his pants, wondering what it looked like. What it would feel like.

He offered you a hand, guiding you onto his lap, straddling one his strong thighs and the pressure against your center made you whimper, which you quickly silenced by pressing your lips together, giving him a shy glance.

“Don’t do that,” he asked. Well no. It was a command. His voice turning lower and harder and it set your nerves on fire. “I want to hear you. Every little moan, whine and cry,” he said against your ear and you shuddered, excitement coursing through your veins and heightening your senses.

“Sorry.”

“Try that again,” he said, one finger on your chin, giving you a hard stare and once again you swallowed hard as you lowered your gaze.

“I’m sorry, boss.”

“Good girl,” he whispered, and the words seemed to go straight to your core, making you gasp and shift on his leg, rubbing yourself against him. He smirked. “You liked it when praise you, baby?”

Your voice was once again locked in your throat and you couldn’t bring yourself to say anything, just nod and wonder if you have ever been this aroused this quickly before.

“Well, all you have to do is be a good girl and behave for me and you’ll hear a lot of it,” he said, one hand holding your hips still since you’ve been rocking against his thigh without noticing. “But if you disobey me, I’ll have to punish you and neither of us wants that.”

“No, boss.” You shook your head quickly and he smiled once again. You were getting addicted to it. It was gorgeous and made your knees weak. “I’ll behave. I promise.”

“Good. Then stay still,” he ordered, pushing your hair to one side, exposing your neck and shoulder. “And let me hear you.”

His lips brushed against your neck, right below your ear and you shuddered, your hands fisting his shirt as he explored your skin with his mouth, soft, wet kisses all over neck and shoulder. His tongue and teeth teasing you; finding every sensitive spot that made you shudder and moan as heat pooled between your legs.

He held the thin straps of your dress between his fingers, giving you a quick look, seeking permission. You just nodded already missing his mouth as he pushed them down your arms, exposing your bare breasts to his hungry gaze and even hungrier lips. He kissed and nipped and licked every inch of the skin of your breasts before flickering his tongue over your nipple and making you buckle.

“Stay still, baby,” he asked once again, tilting his head to look up at you. “Otherwise I’m gonna have to tie you.”

The prospect shouldn’t be that arousing. As a matter of fact, before you walked in here, you never considered bondage as an option, but here you were aching for it.

“Sorry, boss,” you said, your voice low and desperate and you leaned back, giving him more room to explore.

He noticed, of course, his smirk growing as his mouth returned to you; his lips closing around a nipple, sucking and licking it while he teased the other with his rough thumb. You struggled to keep yourself still as pleasure built inside you, your walls clenching around nothing, your clit throbbing, begging to be touched in anyway.

“Oh fuck!” you whined, one hand coming to his hair, taking a handful of his curls and he let out a grunt that sounded almost like a warning. “Please, boss. I need…”

“What, darling?” he looked up again, pressing one final kiss to your left breast before his lips moved to the right one. “What do you need?”

Embarrassment made the words die in your lips. You had never begged for it before. Actually, most of the time you had to ask guys to slow down and there he was, taking his sweet time and driving you crazy in the process.

“Can’t say it?” he asked with a smirk. “Then maybe you shouldn’t be doing it.”

He returned to his task, driving you crazy with his mouth; his fingers drawing lazy patterns on the inside of your thighs, touch featherlight and just increasing the temptation because all you wanted was for his fingers to move higher, touch you where you needed him the most.

As he bunched your skirt around your waist, exposing your white lace lingerie, you thought you’d finally have him. Finally, get some sweet release. Especially with the way, his digits ran over the edge of your panties, so, so close, but they moved away again, and he chuckled at the little whine you let out.

All your senses seemed to be in haywire from pleasure; your head was foggy and dazed; expectation made you follow every single one of his movements, desperate to feel him; to know which pleasure spot he would shower with attention this time around.

Goosebumps raised on your skin and you could feel perspiration starting to form as your body’s temperature rose along with your arousal. It made your mask stick to your forehead almost uncomfortably and you wanted to rip it off your face.

He pulled back once more making you whimpered at the loss of his lips and he chuckled once again, giving you a look.

“You know what you have to do,” he said nudging you to stand up and pulling the dress from your body, throwing to the side before his eyes shifted back to you, devouring your body. “Come.”

Taking your hand, he led you to bed and gestured to you make yourself comfortable while he slowly undressed before you, unbuttoning his shirts so slowly, revealing tantalizing skin inch by inch. You couldn’t take your eyes away, your breath coming in short pants. He was unbelievably gorgeous; built like a Greek God.

He let the shirt fall to the ground, before kicking his shoes and socks and finally undoing his belt and pants, pushing them down and off. You bit your lips in expectation, desperately to see him fully naked as his thumbs hooked over the edge of his black boxers. You could see the shape of his cock pressing against the fabric and all you wanted was to see it fully, have it on your hands; in your mouth; inside you.

“Are you ready to tell me what you want?” he asked and once again the words wouldn’t come. “Then maybe I should leave these on,” he declared, taking his hands away and you whimpered and pouted as he chuckled and crawled on top of you.

For the first time that night his lips found yours, kissing you softly; tongue exploring your mouth, tangling with yours as he settled between your legs, holding most of his weight on his elbows.

“Come on, baby,” he whispered, voice husky and throaty, mouthing the line of your jaw, making you arch your neck, giving him more room. “Just ask for it. We both want it. You don’t get to come until you ask me for it.”

All you managed in reply was a desperate little whine as once again his lips traveled down your body, setting it ablaze with arousal and want and you were so soaked your panties were starting to get uncomfortable. It was a relief when he finally pulled them off you before he spread your knees and just looked at you.

“You’re so beautiful,” he said before kissing your inner thigh, coming dangerously close to your cunt, but never quite there.

You were shaking with desire, one hand fisting the sheets, the other gripped his hair, tugging him to where you wanted him, but he pulled away, making a disappointed sound on the back of his throat.

“What did I tell you?” he asked with a smirk as he got up and moved to the wooden chest. Your heart thundered in your chest as he pulled it open and taking out a long strip of black silky rope. “Keep still or I’ll have to tie you.” You eyed the rope nervously, chewing on your bottom lip. “Do you wanna use your safeword?”

“No, boss,” you replied after a long moment. You wanted this. Every inch of your body begged for it. “No safeword.” You raised your arms above your head, hands coming to the headboard.

“Good girl,” he praised again with a smile; delft fingers tying your wrists together before his attention came back to you. “Ok?”

“Yes, boss.”

“Good.” He kissed you again; an obvious reward for accepting your fate so easily.

You should be terrified. He was a complete stranger and he could do whatever he wanted to you. You were at his mercy with only his promise to stop if it got too much. This was dangerous and you should be panicking, but all you felt was excitement and arousal. You wanted this more than you wanted anything else in the bedroom before.

“Boss?” you called, voice soft, hesitant and he looked at you, his eyes curious, full of expectation.

“Yes?”

“Fuck me, please.” You could feel your cheeks burning and you couldn’t hold his gaze. Here you were, stripped naked and tied to a bed, but it was those words that made you blush.

“Of course, baby,” he said, kissing you again. Yet another reward and you took it desperately, wanting everything he was willing to give you. “You’ve been such a good girl. You deserve it.”

This time, when he moved down your body, kissing and nipping and licking, making anticipation build deep inside you, making that wet heat coil tight in your lower belly, you knew you would finally have some release.

At the first touch of his tongue against your folds, you buckled your hips, a dragged-out moan came out of your mouth as you gripped the headboard. He held you still with one hand, licking and tasting and teasing you, before he sucked your clit between his lips and you cried out, your body quaking with need and he barely did anything.

“Please, boss,” you begged in a whine.

“Not yet. We’ve only just begun,” he replied, mouth returning to work.

He alternated flickering his tongue against your clit, with sucking kisses that left you moaning and shaking, your wetness slicking your thighs as you tried to roll your hips closer, trying to ease some of the maddening pleasure inside you that made your cunt clench around nothing.

“Oh please, please,” you begged again, desperate and needy.

He finally pushed one thick finger inside you, and you cried out as he immediately found that spot inside you that made you see stars; rubbing it over and over it until you were gasping and panting, babbling pleas and promises to be such a good girl for him if he would only let you come.

Finally, you felt his finger moving and you thought he would give you the release your craved for. Instead, he pulled out completely and you let out a loud keening whine, tears gathering on the corner of your eyes from need and frustration.

“Shush now, baby,” he cooed, petting your hair gently and kissing your forehead. “We’re almost there. Can you hang on a little longer for me?”

“Yes, boss.” Your voice was weak, shaky. You were panting like you ran a marathon and you had never felt this high-strung before, but the thought of saying no to him was the farthest thing from your mind.

“Such a good girl for me,” he said with a smile, finally taking off his boxers and freeing his cock, giving you a moment to admire it.

You had a feeling he was big, but it was even better than you imagined, and you wanted in your mouth. Desperately.  

“Not tonight,” he replied, and you realized you said it aloud, your mind too foggy to stop your thoughts from coming to your mouth. “But I want that too.”

You watched as he reached into the bedside table, picking up a condom and rolling it on himself, stroking his cock a couple of times, grunting low in his throat and you whined again because you wanted to do that. You want to touch him. Feel him.

His large hands took hold of your legs, bringing them to his shoulders as he knelt before you, lining himself with your entrance, his head teasing your slit and making you throw your head back and groan.

“Is this what you want, baby?”

“Yes!” you all but screamed, trying to move, but this position left you with very little leverage. “Yes! Please! I want it! Please, boss.”

He grinned at you and finally pushed inside and this time you shouted, the pleasure almost too overwhelming with the way he filled and stretched you, rubbing at all the right spots. He bent closer, catching your lips in a dirty kiss while you acclimated to the intrusion, his thumb working magic on your clit and you didn’t know how it was possible for you to be this close already. Then again, you had been teetering the edge of it for so long with his teasing that it really only took a nudge now.

“Ready?” he asked against your lips and all you could manage of a nod.

He finally started to move, pulling all the way out before pushing inside again, slow and steady, letting you adjust to him, before speeding up his thrusts as he increased pressure on your clit and laved your neck and chest with bite and kisses, sucking on the spot just below your ear that had you weak and struggle against your retrains as your first orgasm washed over you, making you gasp and shake.

He fucked you through it, a smug grin making its way into his lips as your body quaked and quivered, his movements getting that tension deep inside you to start to build up again. It was so overwhelming you couldn’t think, you couldn’t focus on anything except beg incoherently for it. A flow of confused pleas spilling from your lips as he fucked you, his pace increasing, his hips slapping against you, filling the room with the sound of skin hitting wetly against skin, and your moans.

“Look at me, baby,” he asked in between pants, his thumb brushing against the edge of your mask. “I’m gonna take this off. This time I wanna look at you when you come.”

You nodded, too far gone to care. You could only focus on yourself and how close you were again. You barely felt him sneaking one hand behind your head, undoing to knot that held the mask in place, before pulling it off.

“Fuck!” he whispered, his blue eyes widening behind his own mask as he looked at you. You saw something changing in him seconds before his mouth crashed on yours and you could almost taste his own desperation and he fucked you with abandon, his thumb swirling your clit. “Come for me, baby.”

His words snapped something inside you, making pleasure crash over you again and your entire body felt alight as you came, crying out a name you shouldn’t be saying here.

“HENRY!” you shouted, body shaking and trembling, walls tightening around him and he moaned your name against your neck, thrusting through his own release.

You two lied there, sweaty, tired and out of breath, bodies pressed together as your heartrates returned to normal along with your breathing and your ability to think.

Two things registered on your mind then: you shouted out your boss’ name when you came. And this man who was supposed to be a stranger called out yours.

“You know my name,” you declared, fighting off the haze of pleasure so you could focus on him. “How do you know my name?”

You felt him sighing heavily against your neck before he raised himself and looked at you. Without saying a word, he untied you, rubbing your wrists soothingly.

“Does it hurt?” he asked, helping you sit up. You shook your head, still watching him with a frown.

“You didn’t answer my question.”

“I know,” he said, once again sighing. “I promised I didn’t know. Not until your mask was off.”

Before you could ask him what he was talking about, he took off his own mask and you stared stunned and mortified because it was him. It was Henry.

The man you’ve been fantasizing about for half a year. The reason you wanted to call the supposed stranger boss in the first place. The man you called out the name when you came.

“Fuck!” you whispered, all the afterglow from the mind-blowing orgasms you just had completely forgotten. You just wanted the ground to open and swallow you whole.

“Look, I know. Of all the places in the world…” Henry let out a small, humorless chuckle. “I didn’t even know you saw me like that.”

He tried to move closer to you, but the motion made him aware of the mess he was about to make on the bed with the condom coming off from his now softening cock.

“Give me a sec and we’ll talk about this, ok?”

You waited until he was inside the bathroom to jump off the bed, pulling on your dress and all but running out of the room, putting on your heels as you went. You couldn’t stay. You couldn’t even look at him. Talk about this? It was unthinkable. You just needed to get as far away from Henry; as far away from this damned place as you could.

You should’ve listened to yourself. You knew this wouldn’t end up well. Were you really surprised it turned into this train wreck?

xxx

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[emy-loves-you]

(Slightly) Less Useless, (Definitely) Gayer Chapter 8

Interrogations

Janus doesn’t get a lot of time to be alone with Virgil’s boyfriends, but it’s those few moments that truly count.

Chapter 7 | Masterlist | Chapter 9

Janus Williams was a busy man. He was the CEO of Hydra Hydraulics, and even with Thomas as their manager, Janus made sure to have a say in the financial and legal dealings of The Dark Sides. When he wasn’t working, Janus was spending time with Remus and/or Virgil. Because of this, Janus didn’t have many personal hobbies, nor did he have enough time to properly interrogate Virgil’s boyfriends. Even though the four of them had been living together for over a month (and dating for 3), Janus still did not fully trust the three men who claimed to love Virgil. Sure, his suspicions had significantly lessened since he first spoke to Logan all of those months ago. But if there was one thing that Janus learned from his parents, it was that people can have multiple faces, some of which they’re not even aware of possessing. Janus frequently flipped through multiple faces like they were simple party masks. He was harsh and unyielding when dealing with Hydra Hydraulics. He was sly and mysterious when playing as Deceit. He was sarcastic yet caring when interacting with Virgil and Remus. He was vulnerable and completely head-over-heels when he kissed Remus behind closed doors.

Janus knew about people being two-faced or even three-faces (hell, Janus himself was four-faced), and he suspected that Virgil’s boyfriends weren’t all that they seemed. There had to be something that he didn’t know. And Janus was going to find out what it was.

And if those faces had the potential to hurt Virgil?

Well, Mother and Father taught him to always have a fifth face, just in case.

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Janus sighed as he changed out of his suit. He’d spent the past few hours dealing with stupid employees, and right now he wanted nothing more than to relax and watch some shitty romcoms. Normally he’d watch them with Remus and Virgil, but both of them were busy. Remus was doing something with Roman (some sort of spa day?) and Virgil was spending the day with Logan and Patton.

Just as Janus sat down with his snake-themed pajamas and face mask (because self-care is necessary) his phone went off. Janus sighed, expecting it to be one of the supervisors with a stupid question. He blinked when he saw the caller ID.

Patton Morale

Even though Janus had given Virgil’s boyfriends his number (in case there’s an emergency) he didn’t actually expect Patton to text him. Janus quickly unlocked his phone and read the text.

P- (3:46 PM) Hey, Janus! Are you busy right now?

P- (3:46 PM) You don’t have to respond if you’re busy! I was just wondering

Janus frowned at the texts. This sounded nothing like Patton’s happy, quirky self. He sounded like Virgil back before he’d gotten close to Janus. While he was mainly sarcastic and rude, there were times where he was really anxious and vulnerable. Janus decided to answer truthfully.

J- (3:47 PM) I am doing nothing important at the moment. What do you need?

P- (3:47 PM) Oh, I was just wondering if you wanted to bake some cupcakes today. I know how happy you were when you made breakfast for Remus, and I thought baking would be fun!

J- (3:47 PM) Would you prefer to do this at my house or Virgil’s? While I have a bigger kitchen and better cooking supplies, I don’t believe I have most of the ingredients.

P- (3:48 PM) Your house is fine! I’ll bring the ingredients over

J- (3:48 PM) Then I will see you when you arrive

Janus sighed as he turned off the TV. He then went upstairs to change into something more presentable. Sure, he was skipping his self-care day, but this was the perfect opportunity to learn more about Patton.

Fifteen minutes later, Patton stood in his doorway, multiple bags of ingredients in each hand. “I thought we could try different types of cupcakes,” Patton explained as Janus took a few bags to carry. “I have the ingredients for vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet. Plus, I thought we could make some homemade frosting!”

When they prepared the first batch of cupcakes (vanilla), Janus was silent as Patton led him through each step. When they got those in the oven, they decided to prepare the chocolate cupcake batter next. Janus didn’t notice any major changes in Patton’s behavior until they put the chocolate cupcakes in the oven and let the vanilla cupcakes cool. Janus made the red velvet batter on his own while Patton made the icing for the vanilla cupcakes. Patton had started humming a tune under his breath as he stirred the icing. It took Janus a moment to realize that he was humming the tune of Lies, one of Janus’ songs. Janus had to admit, Patton was good at humming the lyrics. Patton hit all of the muffled notes, and even paused for the right amount of time instead of skipping it. Janus smiled as he hummed along, making sure to keep his voice low. It took a few minutes for Patton to realize that he was duetting.

Patton yelped as he dropped his spoon. “Sorry, I didn’t even realize I was humming! That must’ve been really annoying. I’m sorry, I’ll stop rambling now.”

Janus frowned. “Patton, you weren’t annoying me. I was humming along. I’m a rock star, it was flattering to hear you hum my song. And you have a lovely voice.”

Patton blushed, but there was something else in his eyes. “T-thanks.” He turned back to the icing, and Janus let it go.

There were several instances after that where Patton would move to do something fun or silly and stop halfway through. He would hum the first few words of a song before going dead silent. He would move as if to twirl or do a grand hand gesture before stopping abruptly. He would open his mouth to (Janus assumed) give a cheesy pun, but no sound would come out. Every time, Janus would let it slide. He assumed that Patton was still embarrassed over the humming incident.

But the final nail in the coffin came when Patton went to get the chocolate cupcakes out and caught his arm in the oven. He yelped and Janus immediately ran over to reopen the oven. Patton quickly pulled his arm out, still gripping the cupcake tray. He sat the tray down on the stove while Janus moved to check his injuries. Patton immediately shied away. “I’m fine, just clumsy ol’ Patton!” He started mumbling to himself. “Stupid, clumsy Patton.”

Janus grabbed Patton’s wrist, forcing him to face Janus. Janus turned off the oven before leading Patton to the nearest bathroom, where he knew a medkit was. He knew enough about burn injuries from the few times Virgil or Remus would burn themselves. Patton had a nasty looking burn along his forearm, which Janus treated to the best of his ability. After a few minutes, Janus spoke up. “What’s wrong? Besides the burn, of course.”

Patton stared for a moment before smiling. “Nothing’s wrong, silly! Why would anything be wrong?” Janus could practically taste the lie.

“You’ve been acting odd all day. Did something happen?”

Patton shook his head. “No! Nothing’s happened. I promise.” Janus frowned but conceded, refocusing on the bandages. Patton seemed to be telling the truth, but Janus would talk to Virgil about it, just in case.

Later, Janus and Patton were icing the chocolate cupcakes. They had decided not to make the red velvet cupcakes, and the batter was sitting in the fridge. Patton was silent as he meticulously iced each cupcake. Janus was sneaking glances every few minutes, trying to figure out if the silence was from their earlier conversation or if Patton was naturally silent when he iced cupcakes.

Patton’s hands suddenly shook a little, and Janus watched as he made an uneven pattern on the cupcake. Nobody would even notice or care, but it seemed to make Patton’s shaking worse. “S-sorry.” Patton stuttered out, and Janus suddenly realized that Patton was crying.

Janus carefully grabbed Patton’s chin with two fingers and forced him to face Janus. Patton’s eyes remained glued to his hands. “Patton, please look at me.” It took a moment, but Patton slowly looked up into Janus’ eyes, and his entire body started shaking. “Patton, tell me what’s wrong.”

Patton took a shaky breath. “I-I’m fine, really.” When Janus didn’t let go of his chin, Patton caved in. “It’s just… some days there’s a not-so-nice voice in my head. I’ve always had it, and I don’t like being alone when the voice gets loud. Usually, I’ll have one of the others there to keep me company. But Ro’s spending time with Ree, and Lo is on a date with Virgil. I thought I could spend the day with you, but all I’ve done is make you worry and I’m so sorry you have to deal with me-”

Janus tightened his grip on Patton’s chin, and Patton stopped talking. Janus took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking. “I… have a not-so-nice voice as well.” Patton’s eyes widened, and Janus took that as a sign to continue. “My parents weren’t good people. It took a lot of convincing on Virgil’s part for me to realize that they were hurting me. Not physically, but mentally and emotionally. Some days I hear a voice telling me that they were right. It tells me that I’m worthless, and it tells me to do things that I know I shouldn’t do. On the days around my birthday they get really loud, and I can’t hear anything else. Remus and Virgil have to keep a constant eye on me or I’ll do something I’ll regret. That’s how I got this scar.” Patton’s eyes immediately go to the scar on Janus’ face. “I had just wanted the voices to be quiet, but they only got louder-”

“But you have a reason to have voices!” Janus looked back at Patton, who was still crying. “You were hurt! I wasn’t! My voice has always been there, and I’ve never had anything really bad happen to me. I have three amazing boyfriends and the job of my dreams! I don’t have a reason to feel like this! I’m just weak and stupid-”

“Stop.” Patton’s mouth snapped shut. “Just because you don’t have any trauma, does not mean that your voices are any less important than mine. They’re still there, and you came to me because you knew you shouldn’t be alone with just the voice. And the fact that you trusted me enough to come to me and tell me this… It means you're very brave, Patton. And I am honored that you trust me like that. And if you ever need me to help distract you from those thoughts, or if you just want to hang out, don’t be afraid to reach out.” He carefully took the icing bag from Patton’s shaky hands. “Now, why don’t we leave these here for a moment? I’ve found that making fun of shitty romcoms can really cheer people up.”

Patton nodded, tears still streaming down his face. “That sounds like fun.”

They entered the living room, and Janus suddenly realized that their clothes were covered in flour and other baking ingredients. “Come with me.” He led Patton upstairs and past his own room to another door. “This used to be Virgil’s room before he moved out, but he keeps a few sets of clothes in here for when he stays over.”

Patton frowned. “Janus, I’m quite a bit… wider than Virgil.” He blushed as he half-heartedly gestured to his own body.

Janus smiled softly. “There’s nothing wrong with that. And besides, Virgil prefers looser clothing, so I’m sure the clothes in here will fit you. Plus, I’m sure Virgil would appreciate seeing you in his clothes.” He saw Patton blush harder and smirked. He opened one of the drawers and picked out a baggy t-shirt and some sweatpants. “Put these on, and be careful of your bandages. I’ll change in my room, and we’ll meet downstairs. We’ll watch romcoms and give each other facials while we eat cupcakes. Does that sound reasonable?” Patton nodded. “Good, I’ll see you then.”

As Janus put on his snake pajamas for the second time that day, he contemplated the man in the other room. Janus had been afraid that Patton was secretly manipulative behind his caring persona, but he couldn’t have been further from the truth. Because under the face of bubbly joy and compassion, Patton was an injured soul, just like Janus.

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Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz.

Janus looked up from his philosophy book to look at Logan, who was reading a similar philosophy book. The two of them were alone in Janus’ library. Patton and Roman were both working, and Remus had dragged Virgil to some event going on downtown. Janus and Logan had no new information to share (*cough* gossip *cough*) so the two of them were enjoying each other’s company while reading. However, Logan’s phone had just started vibrating. Janus watched from the corner of his eye as Logan read the texts with a small smile on his face before answering.

“Did one of your boyfriends just text you?” Logan jumped slightly, apparently forgetting that Janus was in the room. He shook his head.

“No, it was just Sam. They’re my friend and classmate. I’m sure you’ve heard of Patton’s employee Katherine?” Janus nodded, remembering the stories that Virgil would tell about his interactions with Patton and Katherine (or Kyle, depending on the day). “The two of them have been in a romantic relationship for several years. Sam was just asking me for my opinion on where their next date should take place. They tend to overthink things a lot, and it can be amusing to read their mile-long text about how much they want this to be perfect for Katherine.”

Janus nodded before realizing something. “You said that Sam is also your classmate? I know you go to the local college, but what are you studying?”

Logan blushed. “Astronomy, along with a few classes in public speech and teaching. I wish to work at the local planetarium.”

Janus frowned. “You’re taking those classes, plus you bought a house and Patton’s bakery?”

Logan nodded. “We’ve taken out several large loans over the years. We’ve paid off the house loan and most of the loan for Patton’s bakery, but we’re still paying off the loans for my schooling.” He turned back to the book, and Janus blinked in surprise.

“You do know that we would help you pay for those loans, correct?”

Logan stared for a moment. “But they’re my loans. It’s my responsibility to pay them off. And ever since we started living with Virgil and no longer have to pay for housing, we’ve had more money saved up to pay them off.”

Janus’ eyebrows furrowed. “You deal with the finances too? I assumed that was something Patton dealt with.”

Logan shook his head. “I deal with all of our budgets and our daily schedules. The others tend to forget how much money or energy they are spending, so I have to be the one to ‘reel them in.’”

Janus pressed on. “Along with your college education and your job at the library? How do you have time for anything?” He knew he was a hypocrite for saying this, but Janus needed to know. Was Logan some sort of perfectionist, who needed to be in control of everything? Or maybe he didn’t actually do half of this, and he was lying? No, he couldn’t be lying. Janus was pretty good at telling when someone was lying, and Logan seemed pretty truthful.

Logan sighed. “In all honesty, I don’t. Every moment of my day is mapped out to make life easier for me and my partners. Today was supposed to be used to spend time with Virgil, but I understand he hasn’t had any personal time with Remus lately. Still, their planning was so sudden that I now have nothing to do for the next few hours, and it makes me feel… inadequate.”

Janus nodded, finally understanding. “You feel as though you must use your actions to prove your worth as a person and boyfriend. And when there is no action to be performed, you feel as though you failed. That’s why you keep yourself busy.” Logan nodded, and Janus sighed. “I keep myself busy for a similar reason. I do so to prove that I am more than what I was taught to be. I am a CEO, and a singer, and a friend, and a boyfriend. Not just a conniving snake or a whiny brat. I have a purpose, and I sometimes feel inadequacy when I’m not actively fulfilling it.” He set down his philosophy book, having lost the intention of continuing. “But Logan, you don’t need to spend every moment of your life proving yourself. I know for a fact that you could ask for just about anything, and Virgil would bend over backwards to make it happen. Because he loves you for you, not for your actions or your purpose. He loves you for your intelligence, and your love of sweets, and your desire to debate. He loves the way you scrunch your nose when he says or does something odd. He loves the fond exasperation you have every time he or Patton or Roman show grand displays of affection.”

Logan blinked, his mouth hanging open slightly. “He… does?”

Janus nodded. “Yes, he does. He tells me this almost every day. Every moment he’s not with you three, he’s thinking about you. He’ll go on for hours about how much the three of you mean to him. And Logan,” Logan blinked again. “Just because you like to be busy, doesn’t mean that you can’t rely on others. Physically, mentally, emotionally or financially. Virgil will do anything for you, and I’m willing to pull a few strings for someone who can make Virgil smile as bright as he has been over the past year.” Was Janus being a hypocrite about asking for help? Yes. Did Logan know this? Maybe, Janus couldn’t tell. But it didn’t really matter at the moment, as the two of them shared a smile before turning back to their books. Janus was happy to note that Logan’s posture was much more relaxed, and he seemed more interested in the book.

Janus smiled as he read his book. He had feared that Logan was cold and controlling. But behind his face of diligence and intelligence, Logan was a tired soul, just like Janus.

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“Roman, please tell me those swords aren’t real.”

Roman scoffed, twirling one of the swords in his hand. “No, but they’re authentic enough to be fun to spar with. So, do you wanna spar?”

Janus stared at the swords in Roman’s hands. They looked like fencing swords, with white and black hilts respectively. “And why do you wish to fence with me?” Roman had specifically asked Janus to meet him at Virgil’s house for this. He was the only one home at the time, so it was just the two of them in the backyard.

Roman sighed. “Because no one else would say yes and if I asked Remus he would find a way to turn it into a fight to the near-death.” He smirked. “Besides, imagine how hot you would look to Remus if you could fight with a sword.”

Janus sighed, taking off his coat and hat. “You’re not going to let me say no, are you?”

Roman smiled as he handed over one of the swords. “Nope! Now, here’s what you’ve gotta do.” Roman talked Janus through the proper stances and how to hold his sword.

After a few minutes of practicing, Janus asked the question that had been on his mind for a while. “Roman, where did you find these swords? And how do you know how to fence?”

Roman shrugged. “Since I’m friends with the owner, I’m allowed to keep a lot of the props from our plays. We just finished one that included a fencing scene. The other actress and I were given lessons on how to fence so we wouldn’t hurt ourselves.” He laughed, and Janus suddenly felt a chill go down his spine. “And now that I’ve given you equal footing.” He began moving his sword with much more speed and precision, and Janus struggled to block. Even though Janus knew that the sword couldn’t harm him too badly, seeing Roman like this made Janus’ defences kick into overdrive. “Now is the perfect time to ask about your intentions with my brother.”

Janus struggled to even comprehend the question as he blocked the blows. “What?”

Roman laughed again, letting up for a moment. “You heard what I said. What are your intentions with my brother?”

Janus huffed. “What are your intentions with Virgil?”

Roman smiled as he continued striking with his sword. “My goal is to make my boyfriends feel just as much love as they make me feel. If they ever feel like my love for them is waning or falsified, then I have failed.” He put all of his force into the next swing, and Janus could no longer hold onto his own sword as it was knocked out of his hand. “But you dodged the question. What are your intentions with my brother?”

Janus then realized something. “You’re his next of kin.”

Roman frowned tilting his head. “Yes? What does that have to do with your intentions?”

Janus sighed, nearly slouching with relief. “My family has always been a stickler for traditions. While most of those traditions are homophobic or mysogynistic, there are a few that still mean a lot to me. One of them is getting permission from parents. All of my family is dead, so I only needed permission on Remus’ side. I told his parents of my intentions, but I was unable to get their permission. I’ve been spending the past few weeks wondering what I would do since I didn’t have their permission, but the two of you essentially disowned your parents. So naturally, permission would go to next of kin-”

“Janus!” Janus’ eyes snapped to meet Roman’s, and Janus suddenly realized that he was hyperventilating. “Look at me. In for four, hold for seven, out for eight. Match my breathing.” Janus forced himself to calm as he matched Roman’s breathing. Why was he so nervous? He had been completely calm and collected when talking to Mr and Mrs Prince. So why was this so much more special?

Because Remus cares about Roman. Virgil cares about Roman. Roman had the ability to take away everyone that Janus had.

“Janus, look at me.” Janus tried to focus on Roman’s voice. “I know you’d never intentionally hurt my brother. Whatever you’re trying to say, I’m sure it’ll be fine. Just calm down, collect your thoughts, and let it out.”

Janus did just that. He took a deep breath, collected his thoughts, and let it out. “I’m asking for permission to marry your brother.” There was silence. Janus tried to figure out what Roman was thinking, but his face was impassive. “Roman?”

“Does Remus know?”

Janus swallowed before shaking his head. “No, Remus doesn’t know. I’ve been worrying myself out of my mind for a while now. Besides, the four of you have provided enough chaos over the past few months. I wanted to wait until things calmed down before proposing.”

Roman pressed the tip of the sword to Janus’ neck. “If you so much as think about hurting Remus, I will make you suffer a pain worse than death. I just got my brother back, and I’m not losing him to anyone.”

Janus closed his eyes. “If I ever hurt Remus in any way, I would wish for nothing more than to suffer for eternity.”

There was a moment of silence before the sword was removed. A hand was put on Janus’ shoulders and he suppressed a flinch. “I trust you.”

Janus’ eyes snapped open to meet Roman’s. His face showed nothing but compassion, a big difference from Janus’ shock. “What?”

Roman smiled. “You say you never wish to harm Remus, and I trust you. You have my blessing.” He leaned down and picked up Janus’ sword from the ground. “Would you like a rematch? And perhaps some assistance in proposing?”

Janus gave a shaky smile, accepting the sword. “Yes, to both.”

Janus smiled as he clashed swords with his future fiance’s brother. Janus had assumed that he was aggressive, like he’d shown himself to be in other instances. But behind the face of cockiness and pride, Roman was a protective soul, just like Janus.

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@itawalrus @arodynamic-enby @whatishappeningrightnow @idont-freaking-know @cute-and-angsty-prince @girl-who-reads @count-woe-laf @im-an-anxious-wreck @ent-is-undecisive @shadowylemon @stopthe-presses @the-sympathetic-villain @echo-goes-aaa @everythingisstardust

[horansqueen]

You & Me : chapter 49

A Niall Horan fanfiction ; rated MA

Sequel to AM CONVERSATIONS

CHAPTER 1 || CHAPTER 2 || CHAPTER 3 || CHAPTER 4 || CHAPTER 5 || CHAPTER 6 || CHAPTER 7 || CHAPTER 8 || CHAPTER 9 || CHAPTER 10 || CHAPTER 11 || CHAPTER 12 || CHAPTER 13 || CHAPTER 14 || CHAPTER 15 || CHAPTER 16 || CHAPTER 17 || CHAPTER 18 || CHAPTER 19 || CHAPTER 20 || CHAPTER 21 || CHAPTER 22 || CHAPTER 23 || CHAPTER 24 || CHAPTER 25 || CHAPTER 26 || CHAPTER 27 || CHAPTER 28 || CHAPTER 29 || CHAPTER 30 || CHAPTER 31 || CHAPTER 32 || CHAPTER 33 || CHAPTER 34 || CHAPTER 35 || CHAPTER 36 || CHAPTER 37 || CHAPTER 38 || CHAPTER 39 || CHAPTER 40 || CHAPTER 41 || CHAPTER 42 || CHAPTER 43 || CHAPTER 44 || CHAPTER 45 || CHAPTER 46 || CHAPTER 47 || CHAPTER 48

NOTES:

-4.4k -im sorry, i never proofread, i hate it. -there WILL be smut. but not only smut. -this is a romance, comedy, smut story. -for the summary, check my MASTERLIST.

READ AM CONVERSATIONS AGAIN ON WATTPAD HERE

- notes: one more chapter and this story will be over. im extremely emotional rn.

(both povs again! also i hope the smut scene isnt too disappointing)

PLEASE VOTE FOR ME! 

I was nominated in 3 categories!

*Best Friendship (Liv & Niall)

*Best Smut (AM Conversations)

*Favorite Author

you can vote for me HERE! thank you if you do!

TAKE A LOOK AT THE CHARACTERS HERE

Chapter 49

NIALL

How we managed to actually fly to Vegas without any pictures taken or meeting any fan seemed like a miracle. Something was clearly on our side and I took it as a very good sign. I watched her as she threw her bags on the carpet when we walked in the suite I had rented for the week and her lips curled. She let out a few cute giggles before running to the bed and jumping on it. It was huge, shaped like a heart with red silk sheets and a velvet cover of the same color except a bit darker. Olivia started jumping more as she kept laughing and I rolled my eyes with a smile when I noticed the pillows falling one by one from the bed to end on the floor.

"This is the cheesiest shit i've ever seen." I pointed out with a chuckle. "And stop this, you're gonna hurt yourself."

She turned to me and stopped jumping before sending me a smirk. "Make me."

We stared at each other for a few seconds and suddenly, I jumped on the bed too and she let out a short scream. I wrapped my arms around her but one of my legs weakened and I brought her in my falling before we both bounced on the bed. It made her laugh even more and I smiled as she panted, her lips parted. I ended up on top of her and she spread her legs a bit as I layed between them. She finally looked in my eyes and sent me a fond smile that I sent back. I couldn't believe we were here and I couldn't believe we were about to do what we were about to do.

"In less than 12 hours you're gonna be my wife, how does it feel?"

Her traits softened and she brought her hand to my face, running her fingertips on my cheek and jaw slowly. "Like I'm exactly where I'm meant to be, doing exactly what I'm meant to do."

I let my eyes roam on her face and smiled again before bending down closer and kissing her lips gently. "With the only person I'll ever be in love with." I added, finishing her thought in a whisper against her mouth.

"Mmhm." she replied, bringing her other hand to my cheek and cupping my face. "But you're not supposed to shag the bride before she says 'I do'."

I smirked against her lips and couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "You really want to follow that rule?"

"It's good for building up the tension."

"The sexual tension, you mean." I corrected.

"Mmhm, and besides, you're probably going to fuck me in all the ways you want, whenever you want and for as long as you want... for a whole week. Right?"

"That's the plan." I whispered, gripping her hair in one fist as I held myself with my elbows on each sides of her head.

"What's a few hours, then?"

"You're gonna have to ask that question to my cock, petal."

She laughed again and my grip in her hair loosened as my lips curled. She was right, we didn't need to have sex now, we'd have plenty of time for that, and I was going to make sure she got whatever she needed and wanted during this whole trip.

"What do you want, my love. Food? A nap?" I just asked, raising my eyebrows. "Name it and it's yours."

Her smile faltered and she tilted her head on the side, her hair spread on the bed. She finally pressed her lips together before my name escaped them softly, in a murmur.

"Niall James Horan."

I chuckled with a fond smile and shook my head slightly. "I'm already all yours."

                                                           ---

"I shouldn't have eaten a second piece of pie." she pointed out, trying to zip her dress.

I watched her squirm and groan for a few more seconds and let out a small laughter before placing myself behind her and zipping her dress easily. I leaned my chin on her naked shoulder and wrapped my arms around her waist from behind, my eyes closed. She smelled good, the same mix of honey and vanilla she always smelled, and something twisted in my stomach as I realized it was a smell I would always enjoy. For the rest of my life.

"It's a spray." she just said, making me open my eyes and frown.

"Excuse me?" I asked, moving back up to look at her as she turned to me.

She nibbled on her bottom lip for a few seconds while staring at me and finally, she reached for her bag, taking something out and quickly putting it in my hand. I frowned more, bringing it to my face, as I checked the product. It was, indeed, a body spray that she clearly also used in her hair. I turned the small bottle in my hand and finally nodded.

"I'm gonna buy this company and make sure they keep making this product until the day that I die."

She let out a short laughter and grabbed it from my hand before spraying more in her hair and neck. "Don't be silly!"

"Fine then, we'll stock a few boxes in the basement to make sure we have enough."

She turned to me and laughed again, wrapping her arms around my neck and pulling me closer. I felt her lips brush against mine and kissed her firmly.

"Don't make me regret telling you." she whispered, making my lips curl.

"Hey, we're getting married! There can't be no secret between us anymore!"

"Yea? Then I guess I have a few questions for you!"

I cleared my throat and took a step back, making her chuckle again. "We should just get ready, or we're gonna be late." I pointed out, half-joking. "And you know you're the worst at being on time. I'm not sure you've ever been on time before, have you?"

"I think my wedding day is a good time to start."

She took a step closer and worked on my tie, tightening it before letting both her hands slide on my chest. I brought my hands over hers and she looked up at me with a smile. I could feel my heart beating so hard in my chest and I couldn't remember a time I was more nervous than at this exact moment.

"Are you sure you didn't want the whole deal with friends and family?" she asked in a low tone, raising her eyebrows. "With the big dress and the reception and the wedding song and gifts and..." she shook her head and closed her eyes for a few seconds before they fluttered open again. "I feel like we're about to disappoint your mom. I don't want that."

"My mom just wanted us to be together." I let out softly. "I promise she'll be super happy for us. Don't worry. Today is our day, okay? And we'll only think about us. You and me."

She tilted her chin up and chuckled low. "We're so fucking crazy. Jumping in a plane the next day you asked me to be your wife to get married. Who does that? Crazy people!"

"Then I must be extra insane because I sincerely believe this is our best idea yet!" I laughed. "In this lifetime!"

She frowned and tried to stop a chuckle from escaping her lips. "Who are you and what have you done with my best friend? The most organized and less impulsive person I know?"

"I guess he learned how to be from the most spontaneous and messiest person he knows."

"You're about to marry that person, remember? Think you can handle it for the rest of your life?"

I brought my finger and pressed it on the tip of her nose, making her giggle a bit. "I know I can. I want it."

Slowly, I moved my head closer to hers but instead to kiss her, I rubbed my nose gently against hers, making her smile grow into a fond one. "Come on, petal. Let's get married."

                                                            ---

The sky was dark, which was surprising, since I thought it was mostly sunny in Las Vegas. I glanced up and noticed a few clouds but I just grabbed Liv's hand and pulled her with me. We jumped in a cab and I checked my watch, making me realize that we wouldn't be late and it made me smile. Her dress was simple but white and with my black suit, I knew no one could doubt where we were actually going. The ride was short and when we got out, we both remained motionless and looked up at the sky who had turned a dark shade of purple.

"Can we be unlucky to the point where it'll actually rain in Vegas for our wedding?" she asked with a chuckle. "That's my legendary luck!"

"Well, they say 'for better or worse'..."

She laughed a bit but squeezed my fingers tighter. "That's what they say."

"Are you sure you didn't want to do that in the desert? Or with an helicopter ride, or something bigger like that?"

We stared at the chapel for a few more minutes and she finally sighed, making me turn around. She was smiling wide and it made me grin too. "This is exactly what I want." Her smile faltered and her lips parted suddenly, making my heart jump in my chest. "Shit, we forgot the flowers. And the witnesses."

"Oh." It took me a few seconds to move but my eyes fell on an old couple in their 60's that were walking close to us and when I stood in front of them, they looked a bit surprised. "I'm sorry, my girlfriend and I are about to get married... We totally forgot we needed witnesses.." I shook my head and sent them puppy eyes. "Could I ask for a few minutes of your time? I can pay, if needed."

They looked at each other and laughed a bit before looking at me again. "We just renewed our vows." the man let out, glancing behind me, probably at Olivia. "It'll be our pleasure."

I sent them the biggest smile I could and shook my head slightly. "I can't thank you enough!"

Quickly, I turned to my girlfriend and grabbed her hands in mine. Maybe we were going to be late, after all. "Give me five minutes, okay?"

She nodded with a frown and I started running, stopping nearby a man who was selling roses. I couldn't believe my luck and looked up at the sky again, telling myself that maybe it was not going to rain at all. I searched through my pockets and traded a good amount of money for too many flowers and ran back to the chapel, where Olivia was in deep conversation with our witnesses.

"That's amazing." I could hear emotions in her voice and I stopped next to her, my eyes roaming on the side of her face. "I hope we can stay married that long, too."

"Of course we will. I'm saying 'I do' for a lifetime, you're stuck with me!"

She laughed and turned to me, shaking her head slightly before getting on her tiptoes and cupping my cheeks. Her lips found mine and I smiled against her mouth.

"I'm supposed to kiss you after the vows, my love." I whispered, feeling my lips brush against hers. "Ready?"

She moved slightly away and I stared at her. I couldn't believe how much she glowed. I had noticed that she did glow more than ever on that day I saw her at the bakery. It was selfish of me, but today, I knew she was glowing partly because of me, and it made something stir in my stomach. I was happy because of her, and I wanted to bring the same kind of feelings to her than the ones she brought me. Looking into her eyes made me realize that I did and I licked my lips. Perhaps, the way she was glowing was reflecting on me.

"I've been ready for over two decades." she giggled and tilted her head. "You bet i'm ready!"

                                                       ---

OLIVIA

We had a hard time choosing between being married by Elvis, or by an alien, and in the end, we opted for a simple officiant. I tried to listen to his words, but the way Niall was running his thumbs on the top of my hands as he held them made something stir in my stomach. I stared at him as he stood in front of me, and I couldn't help but tell myself over and over again how lucky I was. It was meant to be, I knew it now, but there were times in my life I had lost almost all hope. The dark times were in the past, though, and I wanted to focus on the future. I wanted to enjoy every single second I spent with Niall because I felt blessed in a way I felt I maybe didn't deserve.

"...until death do you part?"

I blinked a few times and noticed Niall's lips curl as he kept staring at me. "I do."

I filled my lungs and held my breath as I let my eyes roam on him. I suddenly became very emotional at the sound of those two simple words. Somehow, I knew he was aware of everything it implied, even if this whole ceremony seemed frivolous and a simple spur of the moment.

I blinked a few times and licked my lips when Niall raised his eyebrows. "I do." I just ket out in a low and soft tone. His face illuminated and his lips cuirled more before he squeezed my fingers tighter. I hadn't listened to the officiant's words, too lost in my boyfriend's eyes, but it didn't matter because no matter what he was asking me to promise, I was ready for it. I was ready to do anything to make this work, and make him happy.

"Oh, oh yea." Niall muttered, letting go of one of my hands to reach in his pocket. "I give you this ring as a symbol or my love and commitment." I bit my bottom lips as I stared at his fingers and I could swear he was nervous. He slid it on my finger, over the other one, and breathed in. "I'll love you forever, beyond this life. You're the only one."

My lips curled and I swallowed hard, trying to keep my tears in. I took the ring I had for him and put on his finger too, licking my lips. "I give you this ring just like I gave you my heart and all my love." I whispered, taking a short pause. "I've always been yours, and I promise that I'll always be."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife." I heard before swallowing again.

I let out a short and nervous laugh and moved closer to him. Just like when we kissed for the very first time, Niall's hands reached for my face, his fingers spread on my cheeks, jaw and a part of my neck. His lips found mine just as avidly as it had in that bar, after singing a song to me, and it brought me back to that day as a bunch of other memories invaded my brain. I thought that first kiss was incredible, and I remember when I kissed him again after over a year, back at my place. That time too, felt amazing. But today was different. The kiss we shared was full of promises and a future actually emanated from it. It was cheesy, and perhaps a bit silly, but it didn't matter if all this romantic jazz seemed to be coming straight out of a movie. It was my reality, and I wouldn't have wanted it otherwise.

I don't know how long we kissed but when his grip loosened, I heard a few 'woohoo's!' and 'congrats!' coming from our witnesses. Niall grabbed my hand and I bite my bottom lip, a bit embarrassed by the whole thing. We thanked the couple and shook their hands before walking towards the exit.

"You've got all the papers and stuff?" I asked, glancing at him.

"Mmhm, I do my love."

"Then, what are we waiting for?"

I turned to him and our lips curled at the same time. I let out a chuckle and he did too before we held each other's hand even tighter. Almost at the same time, we started running, pushing on the doors only to meet the lights of the town and I quickly looked up as I heard the sky growl.

"Shit, is that thunder?"

As if someone up there had heard my question, it started raining and I closed my eyes, feeling drops falling gently on my face. I shivered and Niall pulled on my hand as we started running again.

"Come on!"

I followed him, making our way through the cars and the people walking around. We looked a bit ridiculous in our wedding suits and dress, and I gripped his hand even tighter, realizing I left the flowers in the chapel. We were still laughing when we hopped in a taxi and I ran my hand in my face, knowing my make up was totally ruined.

"What are the chances of rain, in Vegas, in december?" Niall laughed, shaking his head. "Less than 5 percent i'm sure!" He turned to me and his smile faltered a bit. "Hey, you're cold?"

I shivered and nodded slowly before he made a quick head movement, inciting me to come closer. I did as he asked but quivered again in his arms. Despite the fact that he was warmer than me, his clothes were drenched too and it didn't really help but I didn't move, just enjoying the fact that we were cuddling.

We didn't talk on the drive back to the hotel, and we kept quiet in the elevator, too. It's only when the door of our suite closed behind us that he turned to me and smiled.

"We fuckin' did it." he just let out, shaking his head with a smile. "We got married. You're my wife."

I stared at him as a bunch of emotions invaded me. It was a mix of relief, happiness, excitement and love. I looked in the eyes of the man I wanted to spend my life with, knowing that I actually had just promised to love him forever, and it was not scary at all. It was pretty much the opposite of scary. I felt safe in a way I never did before.

"You're so beautiful." he let out in a low tone, taking a step closer and shaking his head slightly. "I'm in love with you."

I knew it was a lie. My make up was ruined, and my mascara was probably making big dark spots under my eyes, perhaps it was even sliding down my cheeks. My dress was soaked and so was my hair. All I cared about was the fact that my husband thought I was beautiful.

"If you think that right now, imagine when I put a little effort."

His lips curled a bit more but he just licked his lips. His suit was wet too and my eyes dropped to his chest. I moved my hands up and pushed on his jacket as it fell down on the carpet.

"Did we just get married?" I added as my whole body started throbbing.

"Fuck yea we did, petal."

"You're not gonna regret this tomorrow?" I asked again, raising my eyebrows.

"Not tomorrow. Not in a month, not in fifty years." he whispered, looking down at me as I unbuttoned his shirt slowly. "This was meant to be. Written in the stars, as you'd say."

I pressed my lips together, loosening his tie, and pushed his shirt away as it fell on the floor too. I pulled on his tie gently and he smiled, bending down until our mouths pressed together.

"You know what's next?" he asked, his lips brushing against mine.

"You're gonna fuck me into oblivion?"

He chuckled and shook his head. "No, I'm gonna make love to my wife. And I swear you're never going to forget it." he explained, kissing me gently again. "And then, I'll fuck you. All night. Until we both pass out."

I didn't say anything but smiled more and he wrapped his arms around me to reach for the zipper of my dress, sliding it down very slowly. He moved my dress over my shoulders and I shivered a bit, realizing that my skin was wet too, and when he got down one of knee to pull on my dress, I smiled more. He moved back up, letting his fingertips run on my legs and thighs softly as I stood in front of him only in my underwear. I started working on his pants and tilted my head, blinking a few times.

"I'm so in love with you." I admitted, moving closer and running my hands on his ass gently, pushing his pants down. "I'll never be able to explain properly how I feel. It's killing me."

"You don't have to explain. I know. Because I feel the same." he whispered.

It was hard to believe but I just swallowed, trying to keep my tears in. Was it even possible that he loved me just as deeply as I loved him? Two years ago, I would have said no, but right now, after we just got married and seeing the way he was looking at me, I allowed myself to believe it.

He placed his hands on my waist and turned us around, pushing me backwards to the bed. Instead to throw me on it the way he normally does, I just lied down slowly and when he got on his knees between my legs, I let out a short chuckle.

"There are... mirrors up there."

Quickly, he tilted his chin and I felt my heart twist in my chest when his lips curled. Fuck, he was too pretty for words, shirtless and in simple white boxers, his tie still hanging loosely from his neck. I reached for it and pulled on it, making him fall on top of me. He laughed but held himself with his hands on each side of my face and I smiled more.

"It's perfect." I added with a smirk. "That was I can look at your ass while you make love to me."

"Mm, alright. but later we're gonna have to try other positions so I can be the one looking at you." He chuckled, brushing his lips up and down on mine.

"Deal."

He moved closer again, his lips sucking on my upper one before kissing me deeply. I whimpered in his mouth and he finally brought his kisses down my neck and to my breasts. I felt one of his hands travelling on my waist and pulling down the side of my panties. I moved my butt up to help him and when he was back on top of me, I quickly pushing on his boxers, glancing up at the ceiling and smiling when I saw his ass reflect in the mirror.

"Oh it's funny?" he asked, moving away to look in my eyes, a big smile on his lips.

"Very. I think we should buy mirrors for our room at home, too."

"Great minds, pet. I was thinking the same thing."

I giggled but he kissed me again and I pulled more on his boxers. He squirmed a bit and the only piece of clothing that was left was the tie around his neck. I spread my legs more and his lips moved to my ear as he sucked on it gently. It took him about a minute but he finally pushed himself inside me, making my eyes flutter and my lips part.

"Mm, I can't believe I'm inside my wife right now."

I chuckled but immediately let out an other whimper as he ground against me. The whole thing seemed to crazy yet so obvious at the same time. The thought of us making love and being married was incredibly exciting and it made me emotional. He started moving in and out of me so slowly that I felt my eyes flutter and roll back every time he was balls deep inside me.

"I'm so close already, how do you do that?"

I knew it was a mix of love and lust that made us so horny for each other, and I loved it. He kissed my bottom lip and part of my chin gently as I moaned and arched my back.

"I love you, I love you so much." I let out a bit louder than intended.

"I love you too, I'm so happy to be your husband."

It was the first time he pronounced that word and for some reason, the thought was so good it made me reach my peek immediately. I started shaking beneath him and to suppress my moans, he pressed his lips against mine.

"You feel amazing, oh my god!"

He shut his eyes tight as he reached an orgasm and watching him cum made me feel dizzy suddenly. He pushed himself as deep as he could and stopped moving for a while, groaning near my ear and making my lips part. When he became limp on top of me again, I started running my fingertips on his back and down to his butt. He leaned his forehead against mine and kissed my nose gently before I finally opened my eyes.

"Ten minutes. Ten fucking minutes. And it's a miracle I lasted that long." he laughed.

"I barely lasted five, you're good!" I admitted with a laugh, making him smile more.

He looked down at me and I could swear his eyes were sparkling. This was perfect. It was everything I had ever hoped for. It was everything I had ever wanted.

"Now sit down." I proposed, raising my eyebrows. "Let me ride you." I shrugged. "Unless you're not ready for round two?"

"Oh you know me, petal. I'm always ready."

[familycuisinee]

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies | Family Cuisine

<p><strong>Chocolate Crinkle Cookies </strong>- these are a decadently rich and chocolatey cookie with a melt-in-your mouth fudgy softness and a gorgeously contrasted, crackled powdered sugar finish. They’re a lot like a brownie or your favorite chocolate cake but in cookie form and everybody loves them!</p> <p><img src="https://ift.tt/2X9VLsW" alt="Chocolate Crinkle Cookies shown on a plate by a lit Christmas tree and red napkin." /></p> <h2>Classic Chocolate Crinkle Cookies</h2> <p>An easy to make cookie that is very likely to become a family favorite!</p> <p>There’s plenty of pronounced yet perfectly welcomed chocolate flavor here which is paired and nicely complimented by that sweet layer of powdered sugar. And I just can’t get enough of that too tender to resist texture.</p> <p>This is the classic Hershey’s Chocolate Crinkle Cookie recipe and I’m yet to try one I like better. All around they’re just a perfectly satisfying cookie that’s been around for decades!</p> <p>They’re a classic must-have cookie recipe that’s worthy of the recipe book, plus they are perfect for the holidays with that snowy white finish.</p> <p>And who doesn’t love how magical they are? My kids think it’s amazing how you roll them in powdered sugar before baking, then pop them in the oven and you end with such a surprising finish! Snow capped tops with dark and beautiful, lightly concaved crinkles throughout.</p> <p>Just plan on sharing, this recipes makes an abundance of cookies!</p> <p><img src="https://ift.tt/3npD0No" alt="Chocolate Crinkle Cookies shown overhead laying on a wooden surface." /></p> <h2>Chocolate Crinkle Cookie Recipe Ingredients</h2> <ul> <li><strong>All-purpose flour:</strong> Preferably use unbleached flour.</li> <li><strong>Baking powder:</strong> This helps the cookies rise nice and puffy and create the crinkle effect.</li> <li><strong>Salt:</strong> Just use table salt.</li> <li><strong>Granulated sugar:</strong> The sugar is essential not only to bring sweetness but a fair amount offers great texture and balances the bold flavor of the cocoa.</li> <li><strong>Vegetable oil:</strong> Vegetable oil works really well for these cookies rather than butter. Just think of the same effect you get with chocolate cake - it makes it super moist. Something you could replace it with is light olive oil.</li> <li><strong>Cocoa powder:</strong> Just use standard unsweetened, no Dutch process.</li> <li><strong>Eggs:</strong> Eggs bind ingredients and also help achieve the crackled appearance in the cookies. Don’t omit or substitute in this recipe (if you have an allergy I recommend looking for a specifically egg-free recipe for them).</li> <li><strong>Vanilla extract:</strong> This is the perfect compliment to the chocolate flavor.</li> <li><strong>Powdered sugar:</strong> A critical ingredient for the appearance we are going for. It also adds more needed sweetness.</li> </ul> <p>Scroll below for full printable recipe.</p> <p><img src="https://ift.tt/3A2MZvy" alt="Image of ingredients used to make chocolate crinkle cookies. Includes flour, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, eggs, hershey" /><img src="https://ift.tt/3tFsDGb" alt="Collage of six images showing how to make chocolate crinkle cookies. First image is mixing dry ingredients in mixing bowl. Next shows mixing oil and sugar in stand mixer and shows it blended after. Then shows cocoa before and after mixing in. And last adding in eggs." /></p> <h2>How to Make Chocolate Crinkle Cookies</h2> <ol> <li>In a medium mixing bowl <strong>whisk together flour, baking powder and salt</strong>, <strong>set aside</strong>.</li> <li>In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, <strong>blend together granulated sugar and oil</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Mix in cocoa powder</strong> and blend well.</li> <li><strong>Beat in eggs and vanilla</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Add in flour mixture and mix until blended</strong>.</li> <li><strong>Cover dough and refrigerate overnight.</strong></li> <li>The following day <strong>preheat oven to 350 degrees</strong>. <strong>Line baking sheets</strong> with parchment paper or silicone liners.</li> <li>Place powdered sugar in a small mixing bowl.</li> <li>Remove about 1/4 of the dough from the refrigerator at a time to work with and let remaining chill.</li> <li><strong>Shape dough into balls</strong> about 1-inch each.</li> <li><strong>Roll in powdered sugar</strong> then <strong>place on prepared baking sheet</strong> spacing them 2-inches apart.</li> <li><strong>Bake in preheated oven 10 - 13</strong> <strong>minutes</strong> until nearly set - they should be soft when touched and should appear slightly under-baked.</li> <li><strong>Cool</strong> on baking sheet several minutes then transfer to a wire rack to cool.</li> <li>Store cookies in an airtight container once they are nearly cool. Repeat process with remaining dough.</li> </ol> <p><img src="https://ift.tt/2YO4zFR" alt="Collage of six images showing steps to finishing crinkle cookie dough by mixing in flour. Then shows scooping it out with a cookies scoop after dough is chilled and more solid. Then image shows rolling in powdered sugar and last includes dough balls on baking sheet." /></p> <p><img src="https://ift.tt/3k28Jlx" alt="Chocolate Crinkle Cookies shown on parchment paper baking sheet after baking." /></p> <h2>Storage and Shelf Life</h2> <ul> <li>Store cookies in an airtight container in a single layer if possible.</li> <li>I like to use a cookie sheet with a tight fitting lid.</li> <li>Store at room temperature up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 1 week.</li> </ul> <h2>Can I use a hand mixer?</h2> <p>Yes a hand mixer will work well for this recipe too. It’s a fairly thin cookie dough batter.</p> <h2>Can chocolate crinkle cookies be frozen?</h2> <ul> <li>The baked cookies can be frozen up to 3 months. Keep parchment paper between layers. Just keep in mind the pretty white finish may dissolve and get a bit sticky upon thawing.</li> <li>The dough does freeze well up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before rolling in powered sugar and baking.</li> </ul> <h2>Variations</h2> <ul> <li>Add 1/2 tsp peppermint extract for a minty chocolate cookie.</li> <li>Stuff with a Rolo chocolate before baking for a molten caramel center.</li> <li>Freeze teaspoons dollops of Nutella or peanut butter until solid. Add to the center of cookie dough balls before baking.</li> <li>Try adding 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the dough for a light mocha flavor.</li> <li>Mix in some chopped pecans, walnuts into the dough.</li> <li>Top with a Hershey’s kiss after baking (chocolate or peppermint).</li> </ul> <h2>Helpful Tips for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies</h2> <ul> <li><strong>For best results use a kitchen scale</strong> to measure ingredients if you have on, otherwise be sure to use the proper method as listed for measuring.</li> <li><strong>Don’t skip the chilling</strong>, otherwise dough will be way too sticky and unmanageable to work with.</li> <li><strong>For less stickiness use freezing option. </strong>Also coating hands with non-stick cooking spray may be helpful if needed too.</li> <li><strong>Coat generously with powdered sugar</strong> for a beautiful contrast from the light and dark finish.</li> <li>I like to <strong>remove cookies while they look just slightly under-baked</strong>. That way they are more fudgy and brownie-like.</li> <li>If you want them to spread a little more you can press down on them slightly before baking then sprinkle over a little more powdered sugar if needed.</li> </ul> <p><img src="https://ift.tt/3npAS83" alt="Chocolate Crinkle Cookies" /></p> <h2>More Cookie Favorites to Try</h2> <ul> <li>Mexican Wedding Cookies</li> <li>Lemon Crinkle Cookies</li> <li>Peanut Butter Crinkle Cookies</li> <li>Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies</li> <li>Shortbread Cookies</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Recipe source: adapted from Hershey’s</p> source https://familycuisine.net/how-to-make-boiled-cookies/

[eventidespirits]

Adam Allistair Freemont

Aliases: Edwin Lockhart, William Silva, Francis LaRue, Everett Brighton, James Fenwick

Apparent Age: "29"

Birthday: August 11th, 1897

Death Day: December 19th, 1926

Species: Vampire (Siren Bloodline)/Bloodbound Spirit

Gender: Cis Man

Pronouns: he/him

Sexuality: Primarily Heterosexual

Occupation: Photographer

Residence: Santa Marta, California; Morgan Kendrick's Psychic Realm

Universe: Primarily original lore but also Vampire the Masquerade where he's a Camarilla Toreador who defected to the Sabbat.

Appearance:

Height: 6'0

Build: Tall and lanky with angular shoulders and long limbs. He has a trim, lightly muscled physique with long delicate fingers and soft hands.

Eye Color: Luminous Yellow/Gold with slitted cat-like pupils and a darker, amber band around the edges.

Hair Color/Texture: Black, 1b hair texture. Just long enough for the ends to brush against his shoulders. Partially brushed back and parted to the right but a significant amount of his hair ends up falling into his face.

Face: Angular with a square jaw and high cheekbones. He has a mostly straight nose with a slight convex curve to the bridge. He has deep set eyes with heavy lids and dark circles and usually looks somewhat sleepy but in a strangely sensual way. Defined lips that are usually curved into a sadistic little smirk. He's quite attractive but in a way that feels vaguely dangerous or even predatory.

Distinguishing Characteristics: Adam has bright golden eyes with slitted cat-like pupils. He also has a rather large, jagged scar on his back, located between his shoulder blades. I'd include his *other* distinguishing characteristic but that's kinda NSFW ;)

Posture/Body Language: Confident, even arrogant, chin up, shoulders back but not in a way that looks particularly stiff. His body language is generally relaxed and easy, bringing to mind a big cat at rest -- there's always something about the way he moves that implies a predatory nature laying beneath his cool, collected surface. Adam walks with clear purpose and long, smooth strides and always knows how to make an entrance.

Voice: Soft and smooth with a deep timbre and confident inflection. Adam's voice is somewhat like poisoned honey or arsenic laced velvet -- smooth and sweet but with something slightly off.

Clothing Style: Adam prefers dark colors -- burgundy, blood red, black, charcoal, rich deep browns and the ocassional pop of gold or cream or a white dress shirt. He wears primarily expensive, tailored button downs made from things like silk, velvet or very high thread count cotton with the sleeves rolled up and the top three (or four) buttons undone. Sometimes with brocade, floral or striped patterns. If it's cooler out, he'll wear a black blazer or something similar. When it comes to pants, it's almost entirely black or charcoal tailored pants or pitch black jeans. He usually wears very few accessories -- a nice watch, a belt, a silver and garnet ring and a pendant on a thin silver or gold chain. Generally wearing pointed toe oxfords or other dress shoes. When it comes to outerwear, Adam generally prefers things like wool coats and the ocassional leather jacket (always real leather, too) (to get a better idea, check out his [Pinterest Board]

Skills

Social: Manipulation, Lying, Gaslighting, Flirting, Proper Etiquette, Public Speaking, Blame Shifting, Negging, Seduction

Physical: knife combat, some hand to hand combat, basic combat training (circa 1914), long range firearms/sniping, Ballroom Dancing, Fencing, Horseback riding, the carnal arts

Talents: Photography, Drawing, Poetry, Lying, Being an Asshole, Manipulation, Painting, Seduction, Sex

Knowledges: Fluent in French & Italian, Masters in Psychology (circa 1926), Photo Development (wet plate, autochrome, modern methods), some basic knowledge of financial law and property law

Hobbies: Photography, writing, breaking pretty girls, avoiding his deep-seated psychological issues, general hedonism

Special: Emotional Influence, Telepathy, Emotional Transference, Enhanced Stamina, Enhanced Strength, "Immortality", Enhanced Senses (esp sight), minor regeneration, sweet blood, emotional radar/supernatural empathy, hypnosis/mind control

Psyche

Strengths: Charismatic, quick-thinking, clever, good at understanding the thought processes of others, empathetic, deeply romantic, treats service workers well, dedicated, generally calm, high emotional intelligence, has critical thinking skills, polite*, can be incredibly sweet, adaptable, pays a lot of attention to his partners in bed, passionate, artistic, creative, protective

Weaknesses: selfish, self-absorbed, arrogant, manipulative, almost completley lacks compassion, disdain for basically everyone around him, dishonest, has a horrible temper, needs constant attention and praise, has a massive inferiority/superiority complex, overconfident, easily susceptible to flattery, deep-seated intimacy issues, can't stand being wrong, terrified of vulnerability, paranoid, detached from his own emotions/denies his own humanity, callous, sadistic, can be incredibly rude, actually a bit of a coward, condescending, possessive, jealous and generally kind of a dick.

Fears: genuine intimacy, abandonment/loneliness,true death, being buried alive

Goals: To finally create the perfect art piece (i.e., break someone in just the right way -- he's not even sure what this MEANS, he's just sure he'll "know" when he finally does it), to just enjoy his immortality.

Personality: On the surface, Adam seems likable enough -- at least, at first. He's incredibly charming and thoughtful, often anticipating people's wants before they're even able to articulate them, witty, intelligent and seemingly very polite...

But beneath that surface lurks a spoiled rich kid who learned early on in life that having money, being good looking and charming meant he could get away with almost anything. Adam is self-absorbed and arrogant and almost everything he does is a carefully crafted performance intended to get people on his side and manipulate them into doing what he wants.

Beneath even that, which he desperately tries to ignore, is a little boy who was spoiled by his mother and entirely ignored by his (largely absent) father -- a young man who was traumatized by being forced to fight in WWI and who is full of deep-seated fears and insecurities.

To make up for this, Adam is often sadistic towards the people around him -- but in that way where it's difficult to tell that he's actually being cruel until one looks back at the conversation.

He has difficulty genuinely connecting to others because of those insecurities and instead uses his powers as a Siren to make the people around him love and adore him-- no matter how badly he treats them.

Life

Best Memory: Being gifted his first camera, meeting his Maker.

Worst Memory: Somewhere between when he almost died during WWI and his actual death...

Biggest Achievement: Getting his Masters

Prized Possession: Silver and Garnet ring gifted to him by his Maker, his first camera, his black 2020 Ferrari Portofino (with the red leather interior), (he also has an engraved custom sniper rifle but a friend picked the model and shit for me and I cannot remember what it is for the life of me)

Favorite Color: Red, Gold

Favorite Food:

-Mortal Food: Partial to anything rich and flavorful, prefers food that's not pointlessly ostentatious (nothing coated in gold leaf, that's absurd), dry red wines, Italian Cream Cake, Eggs Benedict, Crepes Suzette

-Blood: Blood taken in the heat of the throes of passion from someone that's truly and deeply in love with and obsessed with him...

Favorite Scents: Blood, Gasoline, Cloves, Cinnamon, Resin, YSL Nuit, roses, vanilla, rain, the sharp smell of a cloudless winter night

Favorite Songs: Winter, 1st Movement - Vivaldi, Raindrops - Chopin, La Vie En Rose - Edith Piaf

Can't Leave Home Without: At least one knife somewhere on his person.

Birthplace: San Francisco, California

Childhood: Adam is the only child out of six in his family to survive to adulthood with four older siblings who had either in infancy, had been stillborn or died of tuberculosis when Adam was still too young to remember them. He had one younger sibling, a sister named Mary who was killed in an accident at the age of 6 when Adam was 8 years old. His parents were already a little bit older by the time he was born and his father was the owner of an incredibly lucrative railroad line and had profited greatly from the Gold Rush as well as owning multiple properties in San Francisco and neighboring Santa Marta...

Due to the loss of her other children, Adam's mother doted on him -- giving into his every whim, supplying him with the best education she could and basically just spoiling the ever loving fuck out of him. His father, on the other hand, was always busy with work and when he was home, had nothing but criticism for Adam who desperately tried to gain his approval to no avail.

Adolescence: Adam developed a passion for photography as a teenager and discovered that being good-looking, clever and rich meant he could get away with A LOT more than most people and also meant that he rarely heard "no" and accepted it as an answer even less often (though he rarely resorted to force to get his way, relying instead on bribery, flattery, blackmail and implied threats). All of this gave him quite an interest in psychology and he intended to become a clinical psychologist. During his adolescence, Adam would have a great many girlfriends and despite being a selfish and manipulative little shit, was actually not the world's worst boyfriend and no hint of the violent temper and genuine sadism he'd develop after being Changed.

Adulthood: Adam's education would be interrupted by the outbreak of WWI,which if asked he will describe as "incredibly distasteful and personally inconvenient." He was a skilled marksman and sniper but was otherwise unremarkable -- much to his father's disdain. After nearly dying in one of the trenches of France after taking a grievous bayonet wound in the last few months of the war, Adam would be sent back from the frontlines and would shortly begin work on continuing his education...

However -- despite the fact that he would complete all seven years necessary to get his degree, Adam's interest in becoming an actual psychologist wouldn't ever come to fruition. In 1925, he would meet Amelia Madeleine Smith -- an unbelievably beautiful and charming socialite from Santa Marta who would see Adam's potential as a source of money and influence for the Nightingale Court of Northern California. She would spend the next year carefully grooming him to become her protege -- manipulating him much in the same way he would later manipulate the women he dates as a vampire -- using emotional transference, mind control and mundane manipulation to cause him to fall madly in love with her... In December of 1925, Amelia would finally perform the ritual of transformation on him and bring Adam over into the world of the Supernatural.

Unfortunately for Adam, his Change would take nearly two weeks to complete -- two weeks spent in absolute agony beyond anything he'd experienced before. Amelia, believing the most important first step for a newly born vampire is to break their bonds to humanity would kidnap his mother during this change and leave her for him to kill upon waking. Adam would remain with Amelia (who used her bond as Adam's maker to control most of his actions and her abilities as a Siren to continue to influence his emotions) until 1980 when she was killed by a member of the Bram Park Wolf Pack in Santa Marta, leaving Adam behind. During this period, Adam would end up being "taken in" by a bonded pair of Stryza -- Camille Belikova and Lucy DeSantos and would act as their primary draw for new playthings.

Recent: Adam met Morgan Kendrick at the Velvet Box goth club in Santa Marta when Morgan was twenty two years old and would sweep her off her feet, intending to make her into his "masterpiece"... Three years into this relationship, Adam would finally Change Morgan, which would break the initial control he had over her and result in her, in a fit of rage, completely draining him and through a magical fluke, causing his spirit to become bonded/fused with her blood...

Recently, Adam's presence has disappeared from Morgan's psyche due to the machinations of Miss Belikova and her wife -- though it appears that the two of them are still inextricably linked in a way beyond the usual bond between Maker and Fledgling.

Relationships

Family: Lawrence Freemont (Father; Deceased), Anne Freemont (Mother; Deceased), Mary Freemont (Sister; Deceased)

Lovers: Amelia Smith (Maker; Deceased), Morgan Kendrick (Fledgling, Ex, Soulbond), Many other unnamed girls.

Friends: Camille Belikova, Lucille DeSantos, Jonathan Andreason

Enemies: Morgan Kendrick, the Bram Park Wolfpack

Acquaintances: Miranda Cortez (Queen of the Nightingale Court of Santa Marta)

Income: Moderately Wealthy

Vehicles: 2020 Ferrari Portofino

Residences: Penthouse Apartment in Vista Rosa, a small Victorian row house in Val Del Mar and a 1br/1ba apartment in Park Verde (all located in Santa Marta)

[gloves94]

To Be So Lonely [Draco Malfoy] 16

Rating: PG-13 Pairings: Draco Malfoy/OC Chapter warnings: None

CHAPTER MASTERLIST MY MASTERLIST

Living in the House of Lestrange, was, well, strange for less of a better word. It didn’t take Nel long to learn two things about Ms. Cloelia Lestrange. The main thing was she had a knack for polished manners. Apparently, the missus ran a primary school for Pure-Blood children, she taught everything from reading, writing and other educational basics to extra curriculars such as proper etiquette and ball room dancing. Things that were considered to be essential to the people running in these circles. Since Elowen was under her thumb and guardianship it was essential that she be a fit representation of this. For the first time in her life the teenager had the proper guardian of what seemed to be a proper motherly figure.

Despite her opposition to it Elowen as she was now to be addressed according to Cloelia, learned to dress, groom herself like a proper lady. This she surprisingly didn’t mind too much, as a young child she had been curious by makeup once sneaking into Wool’s room and putting a pink lipstick all over her face and a street dog. This earned her twenty slaps on her hands with a snappy ruler. She never went near the damn things ever again.

However, what she did mind was sitting in the old dining table that kicked you whenever you committed an etiquette mistake. Talk with a mouthful. Kick. Reach for jam without asking for it to be passed. Kick.

Use the wrong utensils in the wrong order. Kick.

Eating your soup towards you instead of away. Kick.

Kick the table for kicking you. Kick.

Cloelia would always sit at the head of the table which seemed to dictate the meal’s accepted and unaccepted manners.  “Nuh-uh-hu,” She’d warn whenever Nel reached for a bread roll across the table. “Too many and you’ll get plump.”

The girl shot her a glare. Kick. “Mind your manners,” She’d smile smugly at her. When the table would attack her. It almost seemed to bring a strange type of sadistic pleasure to her.

Because of this Nel’s shins were painfully bruised in shades of violet, purple, green and yellow. When confronting Cloelia about it she simply sipped on her tea and told her Nel was asking for it.

Being at the Lestrange’s was like some twisted charms school. Perhaps the abuse wasn’t physical, but it was certainly emotional.

The second thing about Cloelia was that she absolutely adored her only son Ellar. The only time that Ms. Lestrange seemed to remove her hawk like eyes from Elowen was when she was reading her son’s leaders. There weren’t many recent pictures of the two in the walls, but the woman would constantly praise him and remind the girl just how handsome and terribly smart her son was. She would even gush when receiving letters and French pastries from him. There didn’t seem to be a Mr. Lestrange in the picture. Nel didn’t ask why. Apparently Ellar who Nel had already boxed as pretentious racist like most of the other Pure-Bloods she had met was away doing an internship in France.

It was strange being in the life. She finally had the same clothes as the other Slytherin girls, but they still weren’t hers. Accepting them felt like granting Cloelia ownership over her person. Something Nel felt like was a given to the older woman consider how she took her liberties in making harsh comments about her appearance constantly.

One of the bright sides of living with Cloelia was that she did not mind if Nel had contact with her friend which was a breath of fresh air. However, Nel still had to work up the courage to ask if she could attend the Quidditch World Cup Final Game with Theo and Tracey. Presently…

‘Harder. Up, down, up down, left, right, left, right- That’s right! Keep it up! Transform those buns into steel!’

Nel was currently coated in sweat working out to an old record of witch-lattes or aerobics, she wasn’t sure which one was playing. All she knew was that she was exhausted and Cloelia was watching her from a comfortable sit while eating a large pumpkin pastry.

“You’ve got to maintain your figure,” She said licking her greasy lips before taking a small lady-like bite from the pastry.

‘Easier said than done,’ the girl bit her tongue and rolled her eyes. She was sweating bullets and felt she was in desperate need of a shower when she heard the front door slam. She paid it no mind much to focused on the exercise.

“Maman!” An unfamiliar voice entered the room.

“Ellar! Oh! Welcome home mon cœur!”

Nel had never seen Ms. Lestrange move so fast before. She jumped from her seat and exclaiming other French words in excitement advanced towards her son whom she embraced and showered in kisses.

“I wanted to surprise you!” He stated hugging his mother back.

Elowen remained quiet at the interaction. Not because she had always wanted somebody to welcome her home like that. In that moment she realized she wanted to die.

He was hot.

He was a couple of years older than her and very handsome. In contrast here she stood a sweating mess. She had never seen a more beautiful person before. With a strong jaw, sleepy eyes and dark curly hair, Ellar looked like the protagonist of a period drama. He was dressed in soothing tones of velvet blue and turned to acknowledge her with his hazel eyes.

She wanted to look away but couldn’t and felt her skin heating in unflattering patches of red. She prayed he’d assume they were from the exercise and not his presence.

“This is Elowen Saintday,” Cloelia introduced. “She’s the young lady I wrote to you about.”

Nel was too busy drooling at her son that she didn’t snap out of her trance until she heard the woman addressing her. “I expect you’ll be gracious towards my son.”

You bet that would not be a problem. His mother gave Ellar what seemed to be a knowing look. He approached her and reached for her hand bringing it to his lips in an antiquated gesture. He said something she didn’t understand in French.

“What?” She asked flushing nervously. She wanted to slap herself and mentally beat herself up for not responding “Hi.” She was shellshocked never having had her hand held and kissed like that, specially by an older boy. “I’m enchanted,” He now said in English flashing her a charming smile. “I said the pleasure is all mine,” he translated. Was he blatantly flirting with her, in front of his mother? Ms. Lestrange seemed unbothered or completely oblivious to this. She had been around the opposite sex her whole life. Back at Wool’s, Back at Hogwarts. Why would this one be any different?

That day Nel found herself actually looking forward to dinner. You bet she picked out her nicest clothes and did and re-did her hair over and over again until she just gave up on it. At dinner she learned that Ellar was a sixth-year student at Beauxbaton Magical Academy in France. He had spent his summer at an internship with the French Ministry of Magic working in the Department of Mysteries. He said he was particularly studying certain enigmas of magic such as death, time, space, thoughts and love, it was fascinating. Even Bindi the Lestrange’s House Elf, whom Nel wasn’t allowed to speak with, had gone all out with the dinner. However, she did not seem happy to see her master return. Cloelia was stern with her but as far as Nel knew she had never seen her be stern or particularly cruel to the female elf.

Ellar drank his wine and lay a hand on his stomach taking in the familiar meal he had just had. “Everything magnificent as always mother,” he let out a long breath as he relaxed into his chair.

Her hand was halfway reaching for a second slice of cake. It was then that she noticed the older teen was looking at her, and she was staring at the beautiful stranger back. “Should you really be having another slice?” He arched an eyebrow in the direction of the beautifully decorated vanilla cake in the center of the dining table.

Embarrassed she lowered her fork and looked away from his perturbing gaze. “Will we be attending the Quidditch World Cup Finals this year?” Ellar added turning to face his mother.

Forgetting her embarrassment at wanting another slice she turned to attentively listen out for Cloelia’s answer.

“Of course, dear, the Minister has invited us to his personal box,” His mother responded pompously. “And I trust both of you,” Her eyes shot the girl a look, “Will be on your best behavior.”

Nel couldn’t help but smile a little.

Don’t count on it. She winced when she felt the dining table kick her shin. Could the stupid table read minds too?

Alright, maybe do count on it. “I was actually planning on attending with some friends of mine. If that’s alright,” Elowen butted scanning her guardian’s face for any hint of disapproval.

Ms. Lestrange put her utensils down and gaped at the girl in appalling horror. “And refuse the Ministry of Magic’s invitation?” She brought a hand to her chest in offense. “You will sit with us in the box,” She said in a term that was non-negotiable.

“Minister of Magic can choke,” Nel grumbled underneath her breath earnings her a well-earned kick from under the table.

“Friends?” She was surprised to see Ellar scoffing and judging her answer. He learned slightly forward in her direction. “Why would you rather see your friends when you can network with the Minister himself? Think about it Elowen,” He began speaking in an eloquent tone. “If you’ve got Fudge on your side it could open a lot of doors for you,” He smirked slightly in her direction. “How do you think I got my foot in the French Ministry of Magic’s door?”

He spoke like a true Slytherin. This was the type of cunning talk about ambition she would’ve heard in the Common Room or perhaps the type of advice that Professor Snape would’ve given her if she had asked for any.

Nel wanted to disagree but Ellar was right.

She had to respect his ambition.

Xxxxx

Meanwhile, that same night, in a dark room, in an old broken-down house just outside of Little Hangleton a vile ploy was being orchestrated.

Whispers and hushed voices could be heard echoing the dusty, cob-webbed corridors of the house. Their only companions a howling wind and a nosey old man.

“Oh, no, no, no my Lord. I only meant... Perhaps if we were to do it without the boy. We could use the girl; the girl is ready…” A large man with the face of a rat cowered before his master. “She’s under the guardship of Lestrange. We could take her now, do what we need-“

“NO!” The master’s dark tone bounced off the walls. “I need them both. Together. It will be done exactly as I say.” He stretched out a hand calling for his snake to come and gather around its master. “The boy, he’s everything, and the girl…” He went silent for a moment. “Everything will be done with precision at the right time. I’ve been waiting fourteen years for this. I can wait one more…”

Without much of a choice Pettigrew lowered his head as he groveled to Voldemort. “I will not disappoint you my Lord.” He bowed.

“Good,” Voldemort rasped. “First, gather our old comrades. Send them a sign.”

xxxxx

AN: Short chapter but brief introduction to Y4. What do you guys think Voldy is up to? Also, thoughts on Ellar’s character? Next chapter we’re going to the Quidditch World Cup!

[insfiringyou]

BTS - Visiting an adult toy store with you / their girlfriend

Although these scenarios can be enjoyed and imagined on their own, we imagine the girls here as their girlfriends from our headcanon universe  (Ji-eun, Jeong-sun, Angel, Nana, Min-seo, Young-soon and Cassandra respectfully). You can find out more about the plot of our headcanon universe and original characters here

To read each member & their girlfriend’s headcanon universe fics in order, follow the links here: RM   /   Jin /   Suga /   J-Hope   /   Jimin   /   V   /   Jungkook

This can also be found on Ao3 here 

& our full masterlist here

Rated content below cut

(Image credit goes to https://daegucrew.tumblr.com/)

We have written these in the order we feel they would be most at ease to go with you into a naughty store

RM

[We feel Namjoon would be the most at ease to join you / his girlfriend in an adult store so long as he was somewhere he was unlikely to be recognised. He would enjoy browsing both the underwear and sex toys and you would make purchases as a couple, with you consulting each other on what you might like to try. The experience would be very mature and mutually enjoyable.]

*

Namjoon reached out in front of you and picked a sleek, black box up off the low shelf. 

“What about this one?” He asked, holding it out so you could see it better. 

“What is it?” You replied, putting down the cherry flavoured lubricant back on the shelf in order to turn your full attention on your boyfriend. You leaned over as he flipped the box around.

“It’s for couples. There are different vibrators we can both use.” He started to read the instructions from the back. “Ten different vibration settings with changing pulsations.” You moved in closer, touching his arm lightly and reading alongside him as he continued. “Waterproof and easy to clean.”

You smiled, pulling away and raising your eyebrow. “So we could use it in the shower?” 

He reached out and put his arm around your waist gently, protectively. “If you want.” 

You looked again at the box in his hand, at the image of the products on the front. 

“What does this one do?” You asked, pointing to the smaller, doughnut shaped toy.

He looked again at the box. “I’m supposed to wear this one. But I heard it feels good for women too.”

You grinned, knowing that you would look forward to finding out whether that was true later. “What colour should we get?” You asked, your eyes flicking to the several sets of boxes on the shelves. 

He pulled you closer and pressed his lips to the top of your head. “Black. The pink is a little tacky.”

Suga

[Yoongi would also feel at ease in an adult shop with you / his girlfriend or by himself if he needed something. He would naturally be able to slip under the radar a lot better than the other members and would not draw attention to himself. He would be less likely to choose underwear with his girlfriend, however, as we feel he does not really enjoy shopping for clothes and would prefer her to choose herself whatever she liked best.]

*

You both walked so casually into the store that, it wasn’t until you were half-way to the rear that you realised you didn’t know whether it was you who led the way or him. You walked, side by side, past the lingerie without lingering. Looking at him, his hair dark under his baseball cap, you understood, belatedly, that he must have subconsciously led you in here as he walked with a purpose past the racks of sexy outfits and you smirked.

“Are you looking for anything in particular?” You asked as he held up the purple, velvet curtain for you at the back of the store. You ducked under him and into the deserted adults section. It was a Wednesday afternoon and, clearly, not the most popular time of day to be shopping for sex toys.

“I meant to grab some lube from the supermarket.” He explained, walking casually over to the shelf of colourful bottles. “But the security guard stopped me.”

You grinned. “Did they think you were shoplifting?”

He laughed warmly, flashing his gummy grin at you. “No. They just wanted my autograph. It’s the first time I’ve been stopped in ages.” 

You rolled your eyes. “Lucky you.” Turning back to the wall of products, you picked up the closest bottle and examined the lime green liquid inside curiously. “What brand do you use?”

He shrugged. “Whatever is on offer.” He reached past you casually to reach for a bottle of clear coloured liquid, glancing at the label before putting it back. 

“You know...” You turned to him, meeting his gaze. “Most guys just use hand lotion.”

He made a slightly disgusted face at this, wrinkling his nose momentarily in displeasure, and you couldn’t help but laugh. 

“You’re such a fancy wanker...” You smirked as he grinned in reply. Reaching back to the shelf, you palmed a bright red bottle which caught your eye. He took a glimpse and slipped his fingers through yours, taking the bottle from you and placing it back on the rack. 

“Not that one...” He murmured, 

“Why?” You asked, your face open and curious.

His lips turned up at the corner. “I didn’t pick up any frozen peas from the supermarket...” He quipped. 

You had to stop yourself from laughing out loud. Another couple, slightly older than you, had slipped through the curtain, looking at the pocket vibrators on the other side of the room. “That bad?” You said. 

He nodded. “It’d be good if you ran out of deep heat and had muscle pain...” 

Grinning, you picked up an innocent looking cream coloured bottle from the shelf and read the baby pink label. “Vanilla ice cream...what about this?” You asked.

He glanced at the bottle in your hand. “I wasn’t planning on eating it.” His reply was characteristically dry but your stomach grew warm with butterflies nonetheless. 

You shrugged easily. “I might...”

Jimin

[While Jimin would love shopping for sexy underwear with you / his girlfriend, he would be a little more shy when it came to shopping for sex toys but would go along with you if you initiated it, being flirty while you browsed.] 

*

You grabbed Jimin’s arm playfully. 

“Let’s go in here...” You pulled led him into the store before he could protest and made your way straight to the back of the store, where they kept the more naughty items. You had been shopping together all afternoon and could not resist when you saw the store front across the street, knowing that you would be spending the evening at your boyfriend’s house while his band mates were out. You both slipped past the curtain in the back and headed over to the toys. There were a few other couples in the back but they paid you no attention as they browsed the products. He smiled at you charmingly. 

“Do you want me to buy something for you?”

You grinned, turning to him and brushing your hand over his jacket sleeve gently. “It’d be nice to have something for when you are away.” You didn’t mention that you already had several toys in different colours and shapes back at home. The thought of him buying you something special to remember him by was too cute. 

He smirked playfully. “What did you have in mind?” 

You turned to the row of shelves on the wall and browsed for a moment. A pink, sparkly phallic shaped toy caught your eye and you picked up the model on display. “Something like this?” You asked, holding it up. 

“That’s cute...” He blushed a little, the pink colour rising in his cheeks complimenting his cool blue shirt. 

You flicked the small black switch on the side and the object started to hum gently. The couple behind you turned to look at the sound before turning back to the bottles of lubricant in front of them. “Yours doesn’t do this.” You joked, making him laugh. He turned around as you switched it off and picked up a bottle of pink coloured gel from the opposite wall. You leaned forward to read the label. 

Tingling Lube

“Does this work?” He asked, his voice a mixture of curiosity and flirtatiousness.

You took it from his hand gently and reached with the other to pick up a black box containing the pink dildo. “We could find out later.” You raised your eyebrow as you slipped past him and grabbed a hand-held mesh shopping basket from the rack behind him. You dropped your products into the net. 

“Do you want anything?” You asked. 

He shrugged, looking a little flustered at the question, clearly not having thought of using anything on himself. He licked his lips. “What would you recommend?” 

You turned around to face the display of products targeted towards men as he hovered behind. You ran your eyes over the products, considering how far he would be willing to do. You decided, after a little thought, that you should start things slow. You picked up a box containing an object which looked, at first glance, like a miniature flashlight. The image on the front, however, revealed its true purpose. The writing on the box advertised it as a ‘pocket pussy.’

“This could be fun.” You smirked, showing him the picture on the box and delighting in the blush which now spread to his chest. “Which model do you want?” The images showed different shapes, colours and textures. 

He shook his head gently. “You choose.”

You put the box back on the shelf and picked up the one beside it. “This one’s most like mine...” You quipped, not surprised when he didn’t reply. You put the box into your basket. “We should get some lube too.” You moved over to the display. The couple who had been standing there previously had left, leaving you both alone in the store. “What’s your favourite flavour?” You asked.

His smile returned. “Strawberry.”

You found the red tube in question and placed it beside the toys. “I’ll let you lick it off me later.”

J-Hope

[While Hoseok would not suggest it, he wouldn’t be embarrassed to go into a sex toy store although he might be overwhelmed or surprised by the range of products on offer. As he is incredibly inventive in the bedroom, often using objects close at hand as sex toys rather than purchasing them specifically, we don’t feel he would really have much to say about the products on sale but may be curious as to what the function of certain products are.]

*

Your eye was caught by a small child, about six or seven years old, running up to you in the high street. Your arm was looped around Hoseok’s loosely as you walked down the street but you twisted away from him to look at the boy who hovered behind you both, staring. You tugged at your boyfriend’s sleeve to get him to look. He waved at the child and smiled, recognising straight away that he must have been a fan and recognised him. The child continued to stare, before running off to find his mother. 

Hoseok turned back to you, his smile remaining. “One of yours?” He joked, implying that he was a student in your class, and you couldn’t help but laugh as you turned back to watch as the boy tugged on the hem of his mother’s shirt impatiently, trying to get her to look. The woman ignored him, continuing her conversation on the cell phone clutched in her hand. 

“I hate it when they do that...” You sighed. 

“Hmm?”

“When their parents don’t pay any attention to them.” You walked down the street, past a series of store fronts and out of sight of the mother and child. “They are all glued to their phones these days. I see them at the school gate all the time. Kim Joo-won’s mother is the worst. ” 

You shook your head and Hoseok rubbed your arm gently as you strolled together. Eventually you stopped him outside a store. “I need some tights. They are cheaper here...” You smirked a little as Hoseok read the sign above the door; red letters stood out against a black background, but he didn’t comment, simply following you into the dark room. 

You walked over the counter, smiling at the twenty-something girl behind the desk as you picked up a pack of plain black tights. You didn’t usually go in places like this but had learned, when you accidentally picked up the wrong person’s clothing from the launderette, that the tights were of a much better quality than the ones you usually bought from the supermarket. Having found what you wanted and seeing that the store was almost deserted, you allowed yourself to browse the nearby sets of bras and panties. Hoseok joined you in looking as you pushed the coat hangers along the little metal rails, curious as to whether they had anything small enough to fit your chest. You watched as a young couple walked out of the room at the back, hand in hand. They moved past you and paid for something at the till, catching your eye and smiling nervously at you as they left the store. 

You looked at the way they had come from and turned to your boyfriend with a small smile. “Do you want to go back there?” You nodded towards the back room. 

He shrugged easily, having not thought about it and followed you into the back. The walls were lined with toys of all shapes, sizes and colours and you glanced around curiously but your eye was caught by a rack of costumes on the back shelf. You felt Hoseok slip his long fingers through yours and smiled, pulling him towards the outfits. 

“Oh!” He beamed. “These are too funny.” He reached out and skimmed one of the packets containing the costumes with his fingers. The picture on the front showed a female modelling the product.

You raised your eyebrow and smirked. “Are you into nurses?” You asked. 

Hoseok left out a warm laugh. “I broke my ankle once. My nurse didn’t look like that.” 

You couldn’t help but grin in reply. “Not many do.”

You felt his fingers press against yours tighter as you both looked over the array of outfits for sale. There was a policewoman and an army officer, a French maid and a secretary. 

“I’m sensing a theme here...” Hoseok quipped, making you chuckle. 

You shook your head. “They don’t have a teacher...” 

“We should complain.” He joked, stroking the back of your knuckles with his thumb gently as you rolled your eyes. 

“I’m not going to write that letter.” 

You led him back out of the back room and walked back past the rows of metal frames, displaying lingerie. As you were about to leave the store, your eye was caught by something on one of the racks near the front. You pulled it aside and checked the size. It was a transparent white dress covered in pretty, delicate frills. You couldn’t help but hold it up to your body, checking where the trim came to on your frame. Hoseok held onto your tights as you gave a little twirl.

Hoseok smiled. “You’d look really pretty in that.” 

You felt yourself blush a little at the compliment. You had never purchased any lingerie which could be considered sexy before. Your relatively flat chest meant that you could save a fortune by buying training bras from the outfit department at the supermarket and you always bought your underwear in multi-packs. But the floaty material was unlike the other products in the store and you could already tell that it would fit you well and be flattering on your slender frame. 

“Should I get it?” You asked, a little cautiously, as though you were about to splash out millions rather than the decent price of 40,000 won. 

He nodded. “If you want to.”

You looked at the dress again and smiled, your mind set. You turned around to make your way to the till but froze as a woman with dyed blonde hair walked past you. You recognised her straight away and found yourself blushing a furious shade of scarlet as your heart sped up in your chest. Hoseok didn’t seem to notice until you quickly hid the dress behind your back. The woman walked into the back room without turning around. 

“What’s wrong?” Your boyfriend asked.

You shook your head in disbelief. “That’s Kim Joo-won’s mom...from my class.”

Hoseok followed your gaze to the back of the store where she had disappeared behind the curtain which separated the lingerie from the adult section. “She’s gone now.” He said, keeping his voice down. 

You sighed, clutching your hand to your red cheeks as you pulled the dress back from behind your body. “That’s so embarrassing.” You whined, wanting nothing more than the ground to swallow you whole at this point. 

Hoseok squeezed your spare hand reassuringly. “Well, she’s in here too. And I don’t think she even saw you...”

You hoped he was right but felt yourself suddenly filled with apprehension as you reached the cash register. The last thing you needed were the parents of the students you taught gossiping about you at the school gates. At least it would get them off their phones, you thought. 

“Do you still want it?” Hoseok asked. 

You frowned. “Will this show up on my credit card?”

He took the dress from your hand and placed it on top of the counter. “If it makes you feel better, I’ll pay for it.” He reassured you.

Jin

[Jin would be open to shopping for lingerie with you / his girlfriend and would also be open to browsing the sex toys, although he would be unlikely to purchase anything with you present, with him finding the experience a little awkward and funny. If he were to get something (likely only something very small like a bullet) he would go back later on his own to surprise you.]

*

You had tried all of the other stores in the mall but to no avail. You just needed a new bra; something practical but pretty, but every store you went into didn’t seem to have your size. In the last shop, Jin had offered to ask the store assistant but you grabbed his arm and stopped him, too embarrassed. 

“What about this one?” Jin asked, pointing to a pretty padded number with a small diamante heart in between the cups. This store was a little more expensive than what you had in mind and one glance at the back had showed you that they also sold items which were not exactly family friendly. You had always been curious about the types of products they had in stores like these, but had always been too nervous to go in alone. 

You picked up the bra. “Do you like it?” You asked, shyly. 

He nodded. “It’s really pretty.”

You checked the price tag and was pleasantly surprised. “It looks comfy too.” 

Jin took it from you and held it up to your chest. “Does it fit?” He joked, making you grin widely. You slapped his arm in reply, taking the bra back. You glanced at the back of the store and decided, feeling lighthearted with your boyfriend at your side, to take the plunge. 

“I think they have more stuff over here.” You nodded towards the back and started to walk over. Jin followed you easily and you couldn’t help but wonder whether a part of him knew you were curious about the sex toys, even if you hadn’t said as much. You both came to a stop at the wall of products and stared, standing side by side in awkward silence. 

A sales assistant walked past you and asked whether you were looking for anything in particular. Both blushing, you said no, no thankful in unison and looked at your feet for a moment as she walked on, feeling flustered. After a moment, Jin reached forward and picked up the display model of the biggest dildo, flicking the switch on the side silently to turn it on. You both flinched at the vibrator came to life, the head of the phallic object thrusting violently from the shaft, catching you by surprise. He quickly switched it off and put it back on the shelf. 

“Oh...so that’s what it does.” He said, his eyes wide. You couldn’t help but laugh out loud, catching the gaze of the female sales assistant. He joined you, his own laugh squeaky but warm. ”I’m suddenly feeling insecure...” He joked as he calmed down and you slipped your fingers through his lovingly. 

“You’ve got nothing to worry about.” You grinned, turning away from the wall of sex toys and heading towards the cash register. “Come on, let’s go pay.”

Jungkook

[Jungkook would be too embarrassed to go into an adult store with you / his girlfriend and would opt to wait outside it you decided you absolutely had to go in. He would also initially feel embarrassed to go lingerie shopping too but would warm to it once he saw other couples doing the same thing.]

*

You headed into Victoria Secrets with Jungkook on your tail and you couldn’t help but notice him looking around frantically. 

“Is it okay for me to be in here?” He asked nervously. 

“Yes, why?” You muttered, turning to a display and examining the leopard print bra on the mannequin. 

“Because I’m a boy.” You couldn’t help but laugh warmly in reply and nodded your head towards a couple close by, a little younger than you. You felt Jungkook’s shoulders relax at this, as he realised he wasn’t the only male. 

“Unless you’ve been banned?” You quipped, turning your attention to him. 

Jungkook looked a little alarmed. “You can be banned?”

You grinned and shrugged. “Maybe if you go around undressing the mannequins...” You answered drily. 

“Who would do that?” His voice suggested he wasn’t sure if you were joking or not, but he now sported an innocent smile. 

You shrugged your shoulders once more. “Perverts?” Jungkook looked on with an astounded expression as you opened one of the pink draws on the cabinet in front of you and began to sort through the bras inside, trying to find your size. He pulled one open himself, amused to find that it too was full of lingerie. 

“I didn’t realise there was so much choice.” His voice called from behind you, making you grin as you realised he was starting to enjoy himself. 

You smirked. “A woman’s bra is a sacred thing...”

“Really?” His expression was open, honest.

You nodded, amused. “There’s a lot to consider. The underwire, the strips, whether its the right fit...”

Jungkook’s eyes opened wide as he spotted a sign behind you. “Look.” He pointed. “They offer a bra fitting service.” He looked incredibly proud of himself. 

“I know my size.” 

There was a long pause. “What is it?”

“36D.” 

“Oh.” He thought for a moment. “What does the ‘D’ stand for?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Dangerous.” You said in English.

V

[While Taehyung would be one of the most likely members to actually use sex toys within the bedroom, he would feel that it was a more private thing and would prefer to shop online.]

*

The sound of the doorbell ringing made you look up from your crochet needles. You had been making a tea cosy for the last few hours to join the knitted place mat you had finished the week before. Taehyung stood up from the sofa at the sound of the door and left the room. You heard him mutter a thanks to the postman and watched as he came back into the room, clutching a large box. 

“What’s that?” You asked, glancing up from the strands of wool as he placed it onto short-legged living room table and began to open it, bending down on his knees and using a large knife he had brought from the kitchen. He remained silent and you couldn’t help but raise your eyebrow as he opened the top of the package and began to pull out an array of objects, one at a time, before placing them onto the table. A black paddle was followed by a flogger; plastic beads dangled from the strands of shredded leather. 

“Are you going horse riding?” You joked, your attention now fixed on the contents of the box and your boyfriend’s unreadable expression. The flogger was joined by a red feather duster, a couple of bottles of pearly liquid, weighted spherical eggs held together on a string and, finally, a long, glass dildo. 

“Is that for me?” You asked. 

“Yes.” He replied cooly, setting the final object down carefully. 

You smirked and put down your bundle of wool on the tapestry sofa. “Should I cancel my bingo night with the girls?” 

He met your gaze across the wooden coffee table. “Probably. It might take a while to get through these.” 

You rolled your eyes. “Lucky me.”

He reached out and picked up the glass object, examining it casually. “I wasn’t expecting them to arrive so soon. I only ordered them yesterday.”

You leaned forward and rested your elbows on your knees as you picked up the nearest object; the leather paddle. “Are you sure you got enough?” You mocked as you gently tapped your palm with the object, testing its strength. 

“I forgot to order the double penetration dildo.” He said, moving his hand from the glass dildo to the feather duster. 

You yawned into your palm casually. “That’s okay. I didn’t fancy anal today anyway.”

***

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[antigenius]

Aaaaah your skincare hc 💜 i'm dealing with some really bad acne rn and reading that was amazing. Can you write skincare hcs for 1a girls too? (And also the best girl hatsume mei if it's not too much) 💖

OMIGOD FIRST REQUEST BSDJJRJTJ YOU GOT IT BBY LETS GO-

Toru:

I got her hcs while I was in the shower coincidentally enough.

Okay surprisingly for someone who you can't see, she really REALLY cares about her looks. It's really sad but she's actually super insecure despite being invisible

Loves any sort of face mask that has animals or cute things on it!! Cute, cute, cute!! She especially loves those little fruit shaped masks that you slap on different parts of your face like hgsvgbd please-

Actually has really oily skin, which is purely the cause of her insecurities. Someone please compliment this girl on her skin for gosh sakes-

Uses foam and oil cleansers to gently try and control her acne. Then uses a really light daycream with included sun protection when it's both day and night. She uses it at night because she gets scared that her night cream will be too much for her face. Better to go lighter.

OH MY GOD SHE LOVES HOT SPRINGS. P L E A S E. She enjoyed the camp so much because it made her pores open up and made it easier to clean!!

Uses those peel off pore masks on her nose, chin and upper lip. Hurts her sometimes, you can usually see her cry a bit when she takes them off.

Uses tweezers to clean up her eyebrows and upper lip. Hurts a lot, but she manages. Puts aloe vera after.

Detoxing is important! Sometimes she goes on a vegan diet for a week so that her acne gets a bit better. Only drinks water during that time too!

UGH GET THIS GIRL SOME PINK GRAPEFRUIT BODY SCRUB AND SHE'LL LITERALLY LOVE YOU FOREVER JUST OMG G R A P E F R U I T

In general she enjoys smelling like things you can eat! Mainly fruits, so Toru generally smells like berries or citrus.

Uses a stick deodorant that's organic. Hates the feeling of clinical deodorants.

Ajdjsjjjf acne needles? Yes. She uses them. Doesn't wanna get acne scars and this is more hygienic than actually popping pimples with your fingers. She really takes great care when it comes to her skin.

Ochaco:

Ochaco is literally me when I spent all my money on food :')

Cheap as hell. Obviously. This means CHEAP BEAUTY HACKS!

Ochaco has normal skin thankfully enough, but she does get some bad days with acne. Happens.

Cheap means you make your own stuff. Instead of buying exfoliating scrubs, Ochaco makes her own by buying oatmeal, apples, raw honey, cinnamon, and lemon juice. She puts this all in a food processor, letting it become a thick paste. Before she puts it on her face, she puts in a bit of sugar and tada!!! Smooth, soft, baby skin!

Another thing she makes is cucumber and banana ice-cubes for her dark eyebags. She grabs some cucumber, mushes it half a banana and then puts them into an ice-tray. Then whenever she has dark eyebags, she busts out these bad boys and voìla!

Is a hoe for 5 minute-crafts stuff. They're usually cheap and work for her really well, so now she heccing worships it like a g O d.

Doesn't really understand makeup? She might only use some eyeshadow and eyeliner. Possibly chapstick if she has some.

Makes her own lipscrubs though! Sugar and honey make a beautiful scrub for her lips, she rubs and licks it off happily to reveal velvet, plush lips ready for kissing! ;)

Really good at making cute diy beauty stuff!! She once made this clear lip balm that had a dry flower inside. She actually sold some! She was so proud of herself.

Oh gosh if you give Ochaco expensive Burberry Her perfume that smells sweet and sugary she will cry because she is so grateful for that. It's her FAVOURITE smell. Otherwise, she smells like faint roses.

Uses spray deodorant on hot days and stick deodorant on cold days. Spray deodorant is such a perk up when she's been sweating from training.

If there's a sale on skincare products, you'd best believe Ochaco sits there in the morning in front of the shop to get all the best stuff first. She will actually kill someone if that try and take the last item on the shelf which is on sale, especially if it's like 50% off. She'd tear some limbs. O_o

Prefers liquid soap over soap bars, but buys soap bars more often because they're cheaper and easier to stock. Just please get her some moderately priced things god this girl NEEDS PAMPERING OKAY???

Momo:

Bro you know how gay I am for this girl like dude I LOVE HER OKAY???

Completely and utterly clueless when it comes to skincare.

Never gets acne??? Like ever??? I'm so jealous it's SO UNFAIR. Does get dry skin though.

Uses those 24 carat gold face masks because they look pretty and make her face freakin GLOW LIKE A GODDESS.

Uses peel off masks, but more for dead skin. Hurts much less and she just heccing emits rays of sunlight.

Uses sunscreen a lot though. She's really prone to getting sunburnt, and she can't get a tan, which makes her kinda sad. Cancer is too scary to get a tan over.

Likes body and hand creams too much for her own good. Has a whole collection of them which all have a variety of smells and textures so her body and hands and just her skin is normally soft and silky and just hafdjskrjkt-

Has to use coffee scrubs and body oil since she has stretch marks from developing super fast. She's really insecure about it and hates that part of herself a lot tbh. Please praise her I beg you.

Loves to sit in a hot bath with rose petals. Spa treatment is all he knows about skincare really.

Has like four perfumes she normally uses. One is a sweet smelling perfume that has soft sugary notes that make you drool. The second smells like delicate roses with dewdrops from the morning mist. The second smells like berries and forests, as if you're about to pick some yourself. The last one smells like the pandan leaves with mangoes. Basically, Momo smells like paradise.

Actually loves buying cheap lip-glosses and lipsticks!! Her favourite is this shimmery golden lipgloss which changes colour depending on the light that she's in. Only uses it on very special occasions though. Otherwise, her best one is usually a moderately red lipstick or a cute red tinted lipgloss which just slightly colours her lips. Makes her lips so adorably kissable. (I'm gay for her okay shut up-)

Okay, we all know for a fact Momo be thicc. But she doesn't really like it honestly. Her thicc comes from cellulite and it's so gross to her. Uses a stiff, dry brush to move the fat around a by so she's more evened out in thiccness.

Mina:

Pink alien queen!

Acid comes out of her skin daily, this means really dry skin. Dry like sometimes peel off dry. It's really bad.

Just like Toru, really cares about skincare. Although a little less than Toru but still.

Toners are her best friends because her pores sometimes open up due to her quirk. Acid can damage them sometimes too, so mild, hydrating toners are great for skin like her's.

HAND CREAM AAAAAAAAAAA

Whilst she isn't rich enough to have a bunch of handcream like Momo, she has this specific handcream that smells like candy and marshmallows. It's. So. Good. Also makes her hands soft and silky like gahdhhd-

Cream is also a good friend of hers. Uses both night and day cream to make sure her skin stays plump and hydrated!

Uses potato slices instead of cucumbers so that her dark eyebags aren't too bad. She normally doesn't get em so this rarely happens.

Also uses lots of vanilla and almond body cream. Soft and silky skin that can make anyone want to hug her. (IM SO GAY SHUT UP)

Uses lip masks! Loves those Korean or Japanese candy ones! They really leave her lips luscious for any kisses!

Speaking about Korean and Japanese stuff, SHE ADORES THEM.

Korean stuff the most! They always provide her with great results, so they're her go to when she has a really dry day. Loves using their hydration masks!

Uses lip tattoos because she hates the feeling of lipgloss or lipstick. Plus, it doesn't leave a mark.

Mina also thicc, but she's more of a muscular thicc than fat thicc. This means she needs to use body oil to make sure her thighs and skin are tight and smooth.

She uses lasers to get rid of her hairs. Somehow her hairs are immune to her acid. She uses laser treatment to make sure she doesn't have to deal with it often. You wouldn't even know she has hair tbh because of the treatment.

Mina smells like coconuts and sea-salt with a hint of lime or mint depending on her mood. She smells like what'd you smell in a 5 star island resort as you walk on the white sandy beaches and sit in the bar watching the sunset go down on the horizon just hhh-

Feet are baby smooth?? Dunno why. They're just naturally soft and beautiful and shfhd when she rubs her feet against your legs it's so soft it's like she rubbed petals on your legs-

Speaking about petals! She loves having baths with either bubbles or petals with some candles to calm down. Definitely after a hard day of training!! Don't disturb!

Tsu:

I CAN'T DO MUCH FOR TSU IM SORRY

Tsu literally doesn't use skin items at all.

She has a normal skin type and also never gets acne somehow???? Like bro hecc tell me your ways.

She's not clueless about it like Momo, but she just has no use for it since her skin's just kinda perfect like hello what-

She is a frog though, so she really need that moisture!! Jacuzzi baths are like her favourite thing.

Ooh, also really likes those clay masks! That's the only skincare item she actually uses to be real with y'all.

Okay okay hear me out though, Tsu is a hoe for those kiddie slime baths. Like I'm not even kidding she loves it so hecking much but she would never admit it in any lifetime.

Also really loves it if you get her a whole big bag of those resin pellets that turn into those little jelly balls and she just goes into a bath of those??? Gosh yes paradise hecc

Smells like a dewy forest with hints of citrus and earthy tones. She's got that scent that's really unique and like you can walk by with a blindfold and point her out by smell alone.

Oops by the way she really enjoys having cucumbers on her eyes. She has natural eyebags, so she normally counters it with both cucumber and potato slices.

There's a secret tradition that runs in her family to get rid of wrinkles. They steam a small, knobbly hand towel with warm water and then rub it in circular motions on their face slowly going upwards. Works really heccing well.

Honestly, Tsu doesn't really care about her looks. Skincare or makeup for her is just an additional bother that she has to deal with.

Her skin is never pruney. Makes sense why though.

Mei:

Eyy because you asked so nicely! Tbh to me Camie from Shiketsu is best girl but like okay Mei is qt-

She's always covered in grime and dirt, so she actually gets acne daily. She just has really great skin routines!

Has a combination skin type, her forehead is the oiliest compared with the rest of her far though. Yuck.

When she stops tinkering (haha when does she do that-), she immediately goes and washes her face with an oil face wash. It helps properly cleanse her pores from all the grime and dirt that was on her face.

Sometimes, she has a really grimy day, so she uses a harsh clay wash just to make sure EVERYTHING IS OUT. Then uses a hydrating toner and a very light daycream!

Exfoliates every two weeks to make sure her skin isn't gross. Skin cells need to turn over every two weeks, so she makes sure she does that or she'll literally have pimples scattered on her forehead.

Is a popper. She hates seeing pimples and immediately pops them on site with some gloves. Then puts a miniscule dab of antiseptic cream so that it don't come back and spread.

Mei smells like petrol. Literally. When she stays out of the lab for a week though, she actually smells like caramel and cotton candy.

Has calluses on her from tinkering so much. She doesn't like it. Please trace and caress them gently and she'll love you.

She uses body oil because it feels more normal than body cream. Can lead her to being clumsy because she sometimes sloshes it on her body and then she has to wait a while before she can actually do things.

Salt block. Hates deodorant. Masks the smell of grime in the lab and she LIVES for that smell.

Uses charcoal face masks to relax and detox. Helps her think of her next baby to create as well, so bonus!

Likes going to those floating pods. They're really relaxing and make her feel at ease in the world.

Bubble baths are a no no. She had a really bad experience with them once when she tried to make a bubble telescope and put it to her eye. Let's just say she used to be able to see farther…

She enjoys using lipgloss though! Her lips smell like cake or cookie dough even though they're normally coloured in a neutral pink or a soft red. Even tastes like strawberries and cream.

Takes hecking great care of her hands. Her hands are meticulously the most gorgeous part of her. They're soft, velvety, and while they are callused, it only adds to its perfections and they're just so stunningly manicured and she does it all by herself like oh my god her hands are just bdbdkfgjfk-

Since anon has some bad acne, I actually have some advice since I myself care a heck ton about my skin.

Oil based face wash goes incredibly well with a foam cleanser. Using both gets rid of all the dirt, oil, makeup and residue in your pores. Best stuff and keeps me clear.

EXFOLIATE PLEASE!! Get one of those cute exfoliating scrubs or literally make the one Ochaco uses. They're really important to do because your dead skin cells can cause more acne and bumps.

When you have bad acne, I suggest using only light daycreams after you wash your face because night creams can be too much. Also use a nice organic toner so that your pores are tight and can't get much dirt or gross things during the day/night.

Charcoal is the best face mask for detoxing and decreasing oil levels. But don't use it when you have pimples. It can actually cause more pimples to come because you're stripping your ace of the natural oils it needs.

That said, make sure to wash your face at least twice a day! Thrice is okay too, but four is too much. Make sure to moisturise immediately after too!

Sunscreen is so important. Get yourself a face cream that has at least an SPF of 30. Please. Cancer is real and the sun's rays can make you seem to age faster.

Woof, that was a loooot. Next time, please be specific with characters anon! I didn't mind, but I normally only do about 3 characters. I'm not doing much yet so this is cool but yeah. Thank you so much for requesting though and ACKEJKRKN YOU'RE A CUTIE ILY THANK YOU FOR LOVING MY WORK!!

I also realised I missed out Jiro T_T I might edit her in later but really I found her and Tsu the hardest to talk about skincare with because they're my really girls who care about how they look. They're just cuties.

[09yards]

9 - The Art of Truly Caring (days gone by - nct au)

Donghyuck learns more about himself and the meaning of having a soulmate–an idea he hadn't entertained before.

-> As always this is available on ao3 which I prefer to use for formatting, you can find that link here

Please don’t ever become a stranger who’s laugh I could recognise anywhere

"I think you know why I'm here."

It wasn't a question, there wasn't any doubt in his voice. He knew Donghyuck was well aware what his reasoning for being there was. Donghyuck wasn't stupid, nor was he.

“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. Where's the fun in me answering right off the bat, Johnny ?”

Donghyuck took in his slightly disheveled appearance, giving him another once over before speaking again. "You better come inside, your mum would murder me if he knew you'd been sat out here in the cold and wet waiting for me," Donghyuck sighed, "Lord knows I don't need that on my conscience, nor do I feel like getting killed in my sleep any time in the next week."

Donghyuck's house was usually pretty eerie, it was always too quiet, no sibling's screaming at each other from across the hall, no clanging of pots and pans in the kitchen or the echo of the TV. Wildly different from his own home.

"I'm sorry to just show up like this but I didn't know what else to do."

"It's not a problem, what am I going to do anyway? Turn you away from my front door in this weather? I can be a bitch but I'm not heartless, Johnny.”

“I never said you were. I just wasn’t expecting you to actually let me inside, you seem to be shutting just about everyone out right now, both physically and metaphorically of course.”

Donghyuck shuffled around the kitchen, grabbing two mugs so he could make them some tea, it was the least he could do before he got berated for breaking Johnny’s brothers heart. Johnny just watched in a daze, trying to think through all the things he could say; neither Donghyuck nor Mark were aware of Johnny having witnessed heir argument, having watched as not just one, but two hearts shattered to pieces the moment Donghyuck had let out that first, strangled ‘I’m sorry’.

The two sat across from each other, in Donghyuck's far too clean and tidy living room to have even been lived in, hot chocolate's in hand and heating their only defense against the grim weather.

“Guess I like you too much to do that, plus you scare me slightly when you get into protective big brother mode.”

“You know protective big brother mode applies to you too, right? I’ve known  you longer than I’ve known Jisung, you’re just as much my brother as Jisungie or Mark.”

“But Mark or Jisung aren’t the ones who broke your little brothers heart. Or rather shattered it into oblivion and crushes all his hopes and dreams. I’m a horrible excuse for a human-being.”

“Don’t say that Hyuck, you can’t think its the be-all and end-all just because you don’t feel the same way about him, just because you don’t know how you feel or what you feel.”

Donghyuck ran his hands over his face and sighed, "Mark hates me Johnny, I didn't just break his heart - I clawed it out, stomped all over it and chucked it away like he meant nothing to me."

"He doesn't hate you, he could never hate you Haechannie."

Donghyuck scoffed, "And how would you know that?"

"Because that's the thing about soulmates. No one ever realises the true power of a soulmate until they find their own, even then it's practically impossible to explain. There isn't words to describe the pure devotion, that true love you feel, the way you'd do anything for them. Your soulmate isn't someone you give your life too, it's someone who completes you. Without them you'd smile a little less, cry a little more and be a little lonelier. They support you in life and you do the same, you work together, not alone. It's so beautiful. Whether they’re by your side, down the street, or the other side of the world–you’re connected."

"I still can't comprehend how much of a sap you've become."

It was Johnny's turn to scoff, "Come on, be serious with me here. It's just me and you, you know you can talk to me about anything. You don't have to talk about Mark or soulmates, you can talk about school, or applying to uni, or Red Velvet's latest comeback, you don't have to lie or fake anything to me. It’s me Donghyuck and I may not be your soulmate but I’m not going anywhere."

"Johnny, you don't have to do this. You don't have to act like you care... no one else does, not even my own parents. Save yourself the trouble and whatever obligation you feel to be here."

That was the thing about Donghyuck's parents, they just didn't really care. There was no 'I'm proud of you' when he brought his report home, or a genuine 'how was your day?'. The two lived and breathed their work and he would always be thankful for everything they had given him but he couldn't help the feeling of missing the attachment that the others around him had to their parents. He went home to an empty house, the place looked like something straight out of a catalog, not a shoe out of place. It didn't look lived in and it never felt like a home. He'd always spent more time at Mark's or Jaemin’s during his childhood especially, they were homes. Jaemin's always, without fail, smelt like home cooked food, it was warm and cozy with little traces of each member of the family filtering in to every room. Mark's on the other hand was arguably utter chaos , the usual smell of burnt food (Mark has been banned from the kitchen but that doesn't seem to stop him) or the vanilla scented candles his mother adores and insists on putting in every room no matter the weather.

If you asked Donghyuck to describe what a home felt like, whether he thought about it or not, he would inevitably end up describing the Lee's. There were pencil markings on the wall beside the inside of the office door, logging their heights every year since Johnny was four, his personal favourite is this past year when Jisung officially passed Mark in height - and yes, Mark is still bitter about it. Donghyuck likes the way he knows that the chips on the skirting board in the hallway and the dent in the wooden flooring is from when Johnny dropped a bottle of vodka at sixteen and it was his first experience witnessing someone use such colourful language. He likes the way he knows that the light on the fence at the bottom of the garden doesn't work because Jaemin had finally kicked a football into it one too many times and they still haven't gotten around to fixing it despite the fact it was almost five years ago. He liked the little nick nacks that had found their way onto any possible empty surface, random pictures of days out, school events and Polaroids of  evenings that are now slightly hazy in their memories but if the smiles on their faces are anything to go by it was enjoyable all the same.

Donghyuck liked the way Mark's bedroom screamed him the moment you walked in. Donghyuck's was plain and simple, aside from the pop art canvas print of Michael Jackson his mum had bought him to replace his 'ghastly' posters. Mark's room was filled with miscellaneous art and clutter he loved despite not having any meaning (it had meaning to him no matter how stupid- it always had meaning), from his giant poster of the periodic table (colour-coded and all), to the one of his favourite football team, the vintage band posters he'd put up to remind him of his dad, to ones of his favourite movies and video games. In all the years they've known each one another Donghyuck is pretty convinced he can count the number of times Marks bed has been made on one hand, his numerous blankets tossed haphazardly around. It was organised chaos, it made Hyuck feel safe and cosy, made him feel like he was home.

"You can't stop me from caring about you Donghyuck, that's not going to happen. I love you just like my brothers, you know that, you grew up just as much a part of the family as anyone else. You don't have to hide who you are Donghyuck, not to me."

"I don't know what to do, Johnny. I don't know where it all went wrong," Donghyuck's voice faltered, barely above a whisper. He let out a faint sob.

Johnny got up from his seat, wrapping his arms around the younger and pulling him into a tight hug as he let out sob after sob. Finally releasing all his built-up emotions.

"Shhh, don't worry Hyuck, I've got you okay. You're going to be just fine, I've got you."

It took a while but the younger had finally calmed down enough to speak again, hesitantly removing himself from Johnny's tight hold.

"So, what I got in between your sobs, Mark confessed but you haven't gotten your soulmate Mark so unless there's some sort of glitch, you and him aren't actually meant to be - wow, my whole life has been a lie if that's the case- and you think you may be 'kinda, sorta, maybe' gay?"

"Yeah that's about the most of it," Donghyuck huffed.

"Right. Honestly don't know where to start with unpacking all of that but you seem might need to talk your feelings out.”

“It feels like my whole life I’ve been told that Mark and I will end up being soulmates, no one ever thought we wouldn’t be. We just ignored it, kept living our lives as best friends and that let me ignore my feelings, ignore the fact that my parents would treat me the same as they did Taeyong if they knew I was gay, that I am gay.

I’ve grown up in a house that doesn’t believe you have to be with your soulmate, that doesn’t believe that there’s just one person out there for everyone. My parents not being with their soulmates made me think there wasn’t anything wrong with it, that people getting sick when they’re apart from their soulmate is some manufactured lie. I don’t know what to believe anymore. ”

“I watched my mum lose my dad Hyuck and whether it’s true or not, she wasn’t the same after. She wasn’t the same for a long time. That love she had for him had nowhere to go, it destroyed her. I don’t have anything against people who don’t date their soulmate, or people who go without ever so much as searching for them. I don’t think it's denying your soulmate that destroys you, it’s denying that love. Love is powerful and all-consuming and it makes you lose yourself for a little while but you always figure it out in the end. Whether you think Mark is your soulmate or not, if you truly care for him as something more than just your best friend, no one will stop you. Soulmates don’t resign you to loving one person.”

"I don't want to be with someone whose heart belongs to someone else. If Mark and I really aren’t soulmates, surely I’m just setting myself up for heartbreak? Just once, I want to be someone's first choice. I'm so sick of being second best all the time."

"Hyuck, you know that's not true. You know you're not second best, that's just stupid."

"Yes, I am. Sometimes it's subtle, like the way my parents finally let me enroll in dance classes or allowed me to dye my hair - but I realised that they were dealing with the fact Taeyong walked out by replacing him with me. I'm not really Mark's best friend, Renjun always will be, but we all know Mark would choose family above all else, you included. You and Ten defy all odds against your relationship because you truly believe in one another and the idea of soulmates. Chenle would find Jisung in every lifetime and Jaemin... Jaemin lives and breathes Renjun. Jaemin wouldn't let a soul so much as harm a hair on Renjun's head he is so in love with that boy. So, no Johnny, I'm not even second best, I'm a last resort to everyone, even my own parents."

Johnny paused, mouth opening and closing a of times while he tried to figure out what to say, "Your parents are really trying to replace him with you?"

"I don't know, it feels like they are. Sometimes they'll accidentally ask if he's coming home for tea or something equally mundane and the looks on their faces when they realise what they've just said... it's obvious they miss him but they won't do anything about it, they're too stubborn to care." Hyuck runs his hands over his face and lets out a deep breath,  "They only started letting me do all these things since Taeyong left. They couldn't stop him, he didn't listen, but I did and look where that got me. I'm a stranger in my own home and I have to hide who I really am. It’s like they hope that if they give me more freedom that I won’t turn out like Taeyong or ruin their little picture perfect family."

"I know you're angry right now, at me, at Mark, at your parents... at the world. But, I will always try my best to be there for you and if you need to get out of there please, please just come to ours. I can't stand that you still live there, you don't deserve to be in a place like that."

Johnny gave one of his heart-warming smiles, hugging Donghyuck again. “You are loved Haechannie, there are people who care about you, people who would risk the world for you and you just need to let yourself be open to the idea that someone can love you, for you. Don't be a stranger, stop hiding from the world and let yourself be you again. You didn't get the nickname Haechan for nothing.”

Johnny left after more hugs and tears, telling Donghyuck he’s loved, over and over again. Drilling it into him so he couldn’t forget, so he had no choice but to remember.

[onlyjihoons]

barista!jihoon

a/n; not requested, but i figured jihoon would look cute in an apron and i got this idea while studying with my dear friend jupiter earlier on:)) enjoy!

starting line: “Enjoy your studying-- i mean, coffee.”

synopsis: starbucks was basic, you thought, who knew you would bump into a cute barista at a cute cafe which was, to your delight, almost empty, making it your new go-to study place

warnings: none...just jihoon embarrassing himself

genre: fluff, barista!au

length: | a paragraph | drabble length | a short story | your average essay of less than 10,000 words | a fic too long but too short for a part 2|

Saturday

“V Cafe? I’ve never heard of that before.” You eyed your best friend, Y/F/N, quizzically as she pushed the door open, the scent of coffee enticing your senses.

“I saw this cafe pop up on Google and I had to see this for myself, Y/N.” She looked around at the yellow interior, her favourite colour. 

“You didn’t choose this because of yellow, did you?” You raised your eyebrows as she giggled nervously, “Maybe, but I heard that the bingsu here is good.”

“Well, we shall see.” You sighed as you leaned your body against the counter, waiting for a staff to serve you. 

“Excuse me?” You called out, soon enough, a young boy emerged from the kitchen and jogged to the counter, “Sorry to keep you waiting, what would you like to have today?”

With your eyes still fixated on the menu, “I would like to have one oreo bingsu and a red velvet frappuchino please.”

“Is there anything else I can get you?”

“Yeah, uhm, I’d like to have--” Your breath hitched in your throat as you made eye contact with the boy, who was clad in a black sweater and a pastel apron, his big eyes almost sparkling, the curvature of his nose complimenting the shape of his eyes, lips tinted a mellow pink that was as if it would melt under your touch. His choice of black and pink combination was weird though, you questioned yourself, but his heaven-like features made up for pretty much anything.

“Excuse me?” His deep voice shook you from your thoughts as you quite literally got lost in his eyes.

“Oh, uhm, one chocolate mint frappe to add on then.” You could feel your cheeks heating up, as you pinched yourself internally for embarrassing yourself in front of such a cute guy.

“Is there anything else?”the boy whose name was Park Jihoon, as on his name tag, looked up momentarily after taking down your order.

“That would be all, thank you.”

“Your total would be $12.70, would you like to pay in cash or card?”

“Cash please,” You fished out your wallet as you took out the relevant notes and passed them to him, fingertips lightly grazing each other. You pulled your hand away a tad too quickly to control your beating heart, but one of your loose change fell on the ground of the other side of the counter.

“Oh my, I’m so sorry!” You apologised as Jihoon bent down to pick it up.

“It’s okay,” Jihoon shook his head as he smiled, “Please take a seat while I process your order, I will serve it to your table when it’s done.”

“Thank you!” You shot him a small smile as you found the table your best friend was seated at, waving her hand to grab your attention.

“What took you so long?” She frowned, taking out her lecture notes.

“It’s nothing,” You lied, mirroring her actions, “so, what were we going to revise again?”

“Here’s your order,” Jihoon lightly placed your order on the table, “enjoy your studying-- i mean, coffee.”

You giggled at the boy’s flustered actions, “I don’t remember ordering any caffeinated drinks, Jihoon-ssi.”

Jihoon’s eyes widened, “H-how do you know my name?”

You pointed at his sticker decorated name tag, “It says right there, Park Jihoon.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Thank you, I’ll enjoy my studying,” You sent Jihoon a shy smile, which he reciprocated with a bow as he retired to his spot at the counter.

As you took a sip of your frappuchino, Y/F/N nudged you, “What’s with you and this Jihoon guy? Are you guys friends? Or do you have a crush on him?”

“Hey, keep it down, you’re disturbing the peace in here,” You shushed her as she smirked, “and yes, I have a crush on him, so what?”

“This is the fastest I have seen you develop a crush on someone,” She shook her head as she flicked her finger on your forehead, “and you have no time for boyfriends, our national exams are just 2 months away.”

“Do you smell something?” Y/F/N pulled out your earbuds as she whispered to your ears.

“Food?” You blinked absent-mindedly, almost annoyed she disrupted your focus you barely had, thanks to Jihoon.

“No, idiot, cotton candy.”

“Cotton candy?” Your voice went an octave higher as you whipped your head around, and saw two sticks of cotton candy stuck onto the cotton candy making machine.

“I really want that,” she placed her chin on her palm, staring at the pair of sweet treats. Jihoon removed the cotton candy from its sticks and placed it atop two coffee cups, as he served them to the patrons seated a table away from you.

“Do you think we can have them?” You pondered aloud, as your best friend shook her head.

“I don’t think so, I guess we’d have to buy the coffee to have it.”

“Maybe I’ll ask Jihoon if i could buy one of them,” you shrugged, pulling out your wallet as you walked towards the counter.

“Jihoon-ssi!” You called out a little too enthusiatic to your liking, as you almost gagged at your own shrilly voice.

“Yes?” Jihoon replied cutely, making your heart flutter.

“Can I have one of those cotton candies?” You put on your best puppy eyes, “I saw them from afar and I could not take my eyes off them.”

Jihoon dusted his hands on his apron, then heading to the machine to pour a scoopful of sugar, as the machine whirled.

You watched in fascination as to how someone so cute you actually look hot just making cotton candy, with black sweater sleeves rolled up, pink apron straps threatening to fall off his shoulders as he bent down to have a better look at the candy lest he messed up. 

Within a few seconds, as if it was magic, a ball of fluff started forming on the stick Jihoon was holding, as he spun it around the circumference of the machine to form its shape.

“Here you go,” Jihoon handed you the cotton candy, as your eyes lit upat the sweet treat in front of you.

“Thank you!” you gushed, “How much is it?”

“Ah no worries, its for you.” Jihoon smiled, then going back to his work, presumably making coffee for the next customer.

Your eyes flickered from the cotton candy, then to Jihoon a couple of times before going back to your seat, where Y/F/N was waiting patiently, tapping her fingers on the table.

“Well?” She raised her eyebrows.

“I got it for free,” You announced triumphantly, tearing a piece of cotton candy and stuffing it into your mouth.

“Jihoon gave it to you?”

You nodded, attention fixated on the candy rather than Y/F/N’s interrogative questions.

For the past Saturdays, you have been a loyal patron of the cafe, mainly because it wasn’t Starbucks, and it was just a quaint and quiet cafe amongst the other eateries in the area. But also because Jihoon was working part-time on Saturdays to earn some disposable income, and also to see you.

Every week, you had a different drink on the house, the second week was a vanilla latte, the third week was a caramel machiatto, so on and so forth. All of the drinks had an adorable wink cartoon decorated on the foam of the coffee, along with a serviette stained with encouraging words from Jihoon. Occasionally during breaks, and when there were no customers, you and Jihoon would talk about anything and everything. From how your teacher would occasionally spit at students seated in the front row of the classroom, to the number of stuffed toys you have on your bed. You also found out that Jihoon was 2 years older than you were, and attended a local college in the same area as the cafe.

You had exhausted all of the trivial no-one-would-shun-away-from questions to Jihoon, you were almost dying to find out if he was taken. He sure was, you thought, with his god-like looks and shy-but-outgoing personality. Out of manners sake, you decided not to prod him with questions about his personal life, and also not to disappoint yourself if he did have a significant other.

This week, your other best friend, Guanlin, decided to tag along to your study sessions as Y/F/N had to attend to something somewhere else. You knew Y/F/N better that you knew yourself, she obviously had some scheming plan at the back of her head, ready to be deployed. However, being the nice friend you were, you decided to give her the benefit of doubt and let Guanlin be your study buddy for the day.

“Welcome!” Jihoon’s cheery smile faded as he saw Guanlin behind you, almost turning into a scowl.

“Oppa! This is my friend, Lai Guanlin. Y/F/N had something to attend to today, so he’s my study buddy for now.” You pulled Guanlin towards Jihoon, holding out his hand for Jihoon to shake.

“I’m Jihoon.” Jihoon’s lips stretched into a tight smile, as his eyes slightly narrowed at Guanlin. No doubt, Guanlin was easily taller than Jihoon, and wasn’t losing out to Jihoon in any way in the looks department. Guanlin wore a blue and white checkered flannel with a plain white tee inside, along with black ripped denims and black vans. 

As you settled down in your usual seat, Guanlin scooted a little closer to you, “Jihoon-hyung is scary.”

“Scary?” You scoffed, “You’re just imagining things, Guanlin.”

“I’m serious!” Guanlin whined, “Just look at him now, I bet he’s staring daggers at me right now.”

You peered over Guanlin’s shoulders, Jihoon’s stoic expression was pretty scary, as if he was about to eat Guanlin as a whole with his piercing gaze. 

Just then, you received a text message from Y/F/N, which read:

Y/N! I’m so sorry I couldn’t play gooseberry with you and Jihoon-oppa today, but I figured that Guanlin should be there to test Jihoon’s feelings for you. I bet my entire fortune that Jihoon is probably pissed at Guanlin right now, staring at the both of you. Let me know if you and Jihoon end up getting married though, I shall be your resident bridesmaid at your wedding ;-) -Y/F/N

You rolled your eyes vigorously at your best friend’s text, you hated it when she was right, even if she wasn’t by your side to prove her point. You sighed, taking out your laptop to begin your work.

A few minutes later, Jihoon appeared with a cup of coffee in his hand, with the usual wink cartoon as his coffee art. He set it down gently, as you peered up to him.

“Today’s special is the vanilla latte, and I tweaked it with more sugar as you usually prefer.” Jihoon introduced his drink grimly, “That would be $3.50.”

You frowned at Jihoon, as he wasn’t his usual jovial self, “I thought--”

“I thought the man of the date should be the one paying,” Jihoon batted his eyelashes innocently as a puzzled Guanlin, who listened to Jihoon obediently without knowing what he did on earth to offed someone he just met.

“I’ll go to the washroom, Y/N.” Guanlin excused himself as he left his seat and disappeared into the restroom.

Jihoon let out a breath he seemed like he had held for a really long time, “Y/N, I thought you had better taste.”

“Better taste?” 

“Isn’t that laji guy your boyfriend?” Jihoon snorted.

You stifled your laughter, “No, Guanlin isn’t my boyfriend.”

“W-wait, he isn’t?” Jihoon gasped.

“Yeah he isn’t.” You nodded, “How can I like him when I like you?”

“Y-you like me? Jihoon croaked.

“Yes, yes, I do.” You giggled as Jihoon pulled you into an endearing hug as he kissed the back of your head sweetly.

[omegaling]

Allez Cuisine! ~Chapter Eleven

Chapter Eleven: Mushrooms and Croissants

First off: many thanks to my dear friend @sleepyowlet who helped me through the tougher parts of this chapter.  I was soundly stuck in some areas before she offered me her invaluable input.

Chapter Eleven: Mushrooms and Croissants

Rey did not care for Fifth Avenue.

Like many new arrivals to New York City, Times Square had been one of the fist iconic landmarks Rey went to see after she got settled in her new living arrangements.  She had just turned eighteen, free from the system and out from under Unkar Plutt’s fat thumb, and it seemed only right to see One Times Square for herself, that its massive LED displays and forest of Broadway billboards, would cement the reality that she was actually there, that she had finally made it.

However, it was not long before the blaring horns and haze of exhaust fumes from the countless vehicles and taxis, the blazing advertisements for products she could never afford, and the endless crush of businessmen and roving tourists completely overwhelmed her.  Ever since that day she stuck close to the NYU campus or to the Village, and other than when she went to see Book of Mormon with Finn and Poe last year for Poe’s birthday, Rey avoided Fifth whenever she could.

It was the task at hand today that brought her back, staring up at the steel and black glass monolith looming high above her.  The headquarters of the First Order, Giacovanni Snoke’s empire, looked like a colossal obelisk, dominating that stretch of New York skyline.  Perhaps it was just the adrenaline dancing in her veins, but Rey could almost feel a sort of nexus of energy pulsing from the edifice, commanding respect and fear in equal measures and casting a shroud over the city’s otherwise vibrant heart.  It was a stark reminder of what she was going up against, but she tempered her resolve.  If she could put a bunch of sneering high school boys from her autoshop class in their place by changing out a pair of brake pads in half the time they could, she could handle this.

The main foyer of the First Order headquarters was all white marble tile, chrome accenting, and black granite pillars supporting a ceiling that stretched forty dizzying feet over her head.  A lone reception desk sprawled at the far end, and an intimidating-looking security guard stoof sentry between a length of velvet rope and a line of gleaming elevator doors.  Although there was a steady stream of people trickling to and from the elevators, an oppressive silence filled the foyer like a palapital force, making her ears ache.  She may not know much about Snoke other than what she heard from other chefs, but standing in the foyer made one thing abundantly clear, as if the building had a voice and was speaking directly to her: you are in my domain, now.  The rules of the outside world need not apply.

“Abandon all hope, ye who enter here,” Rey said to herself, earning a curious look from a woman in a pantsuit who passed by within hearing range.  Shoulders squared and head held high, Rey marched over to the reception desk to join the short line qued behind it.

“Good morning.  Please state your name and manner of business here at First Order,” the receptionist said in a tone that was equal parts professional and bored as Rey stepped up to the desk.

“Rey Jakken,” she responded, obediently handing over her ID when he asked for it.  “I would like to send a message to Chef Kylo Ren.”

“Do you have an appointment?”

Rey shook her head.  “I don’t want to actually see him: I just want to get a message to him.  Whether he responds or not is his decision.”

“Very well.  Just make sure it’s brief.”  The receptionist fiddled with his computer mouse and keyboard for a moment.  Behind her, a man in an expensive suit heaved a sigh.  “Your message?”

Rey took a deep breath.  “Let him know that I’ve reconsidered his proposition.  He can contact me here.” She pulled a three-by-five card from her purse and handed it to the receptionist.  Her name and email address was printed on one side.  She had decided against adding her cell phone number; she did not want to give him the power to contact her whenever he wanted.  The receptionist typed on his computer for another full minute before asking her if he could help her with anything else.

“No.  Thank you very much,” Rey said, her fingers trembling slightly as she replaced her ID in her wallet.  Though the whole exchange had taken less than five minutes, by the time she walked away from the reception desk her legs were shaking so badly she was surprised she was able to stand at all.  A part of her wanted to fly back to the desk, shoving aside anyone in her way so she could tell the man there to disregard her message, to do whatever he could to delete it while she took her card back and ripped it up into a hundred pieces.  But she forced herself to walk on, keeping her eyes fixed on the large revolving door that would take her back out to the street.  

This warring of emotions - the mad urge to take back the proverbial die she cast clashing with a steely determination to push forward - was not an unknown feeling to her.  She had experienced it when she submitted her application to NYU; when she bought a bus ticket  to escape from Unkar Plutt once and for all; when she answered Finn’s ad for a roommate; on her first day flying solo as BB8’s new prep cook.  Each event carried its own classification of stress, sometimes to the point where the anxiety made her sick to her stomach, but each one ended up being one of the most rewarding decisions she ever made.  Rey felt her mood perk up a bit.  Who knew, maybe the events that stemmed from today would turn out the same.

Rey was almost to the revolving doors when something caught her attention: two sets of additional elevator doors she had not noticed until now, near the front of the building’s foyer.  Ropes of burgundy velvet, hung with a plague that read “no entry,” barred people from getting too close to the steel doors, and a reception station stood to one side, a woman in a smart black uniform typing busily away at a flat screen computer.  Rey went over to have a look, her curiosity getting the better of her.

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but reservations for Vader are full for tonight,” the hostess said crisply.  “The head chef recommends that to guarantee a table, please plan on reserving a table at a minimum of six weeks out.  Availability is subject to change at any time.”

Christ, did his arrogance know no bounds?

“I would just like to see the menu, if that’s all right.”

The hostess gestured to a frame mounted to the black marble wall and went back to her typing, Rey completely forgotten.

Kylo Ren’s menu boasted some of the usual crowd pleasers such as escargot and a foie gras appetizer, oysters on the half shell, filet mignon and lobster, but that was where the similarities to any other restaurant ended.  His unique style was infused into every item, promising a dining experience of unprecedented levels:  Chinese-style dim sum with abalone and topped with caviar; charcoal grilled wagyu ribeye with a red wine and bone marrow sauce; Chilean sea bass poached in French butter; a dark chocolate cake with a molten core of Tahitian vanilla and cognac syrup.  The devil himself could not have come up with a menu more exquisitely sinful.  Rey was only halfway through reading the menu before she realized how much her mouth was watering, and how imagining how each item tasted ignited a slow-burning fire deep in her belly.

She had to make herself leave then, before guilt and her nerves once more compelled her to doubt her decision to come here.

He might not even return my message.  I probably missed my window of opportunity the first time I turned him down, Rey thought as she stepped back into the noise and rush of Fifth Avenue.  She couldn’t see Ren being the type who gave second chances, nor to possess the patience to wait for a smartass rookie to change her mind.  In all likelihood, all this stress would be for naught, and the only thing she’s ever see of Kylo Ren again was in magazines and on social media.

Two days later, he proved her wrong.

Rey was in the middle of prepping a simple mushroom soup for lunch when her phone pinged to inform her she had a new email.  She looked up from her growing pile of chopped shiitake, chanterelles, porcini and oyster mushrooms (pricey, yes, but when it came to making mushroom soup regular white buttons just didn’t cut it), wiped her hands off and picked up her phone.

It took her a full thirty seconds to process what she was reading.  Then she set her phone down, took a swig from the bottle of wine meant for the soup, and picked it up again.  The message was still there, unchanged.

Sender : Kylo Ren

Subject : Your Apprenticeship

Rey put down her phone for a second time, then set about scooping her mushrooms into a bowl and put them away along with all the other ingredients.  No matter what his email said, she already knew that she was going to have zero appetite by the time she was done reading it.  The only thing she kept out was the wine, which she took to the living room with her.  She made herself sit down on the couch with her laptop, took another pull of wine for fortitude, and opened his message.

Ms. Jakken:

I am pleased to hear that you have finally decided to put your pride aside in order to further your career.  That being said, I feel that I should warn you that I have no interest in moving forward unless you’re willing to be fully committed in return.  I have rejected requests to apprentice top graduates from the most renowned culinary institutes around the world, as well as a number of James Beard Foundation nominees and winners, so this is something I do not offer lightly.  Baring that in mind, you’ll understand that my standards and expectations are exceedingly high, and if at any time I feel that you are not meeting them I will terminate your apprenticeship immediately.

If you still believe you are up to the task, contact me at this email address within 48 hours so we can establish the details of your first lesson.

K. Ren

Rey was halfway through writing a scathing response when she realized what she was doing and forced herself to stop.  With great effort she stood up from the couch and walked away from her computer, gripping the wine bottle so hard that she was surprised the neck didn’t shatter in her hand.  

In retrospect, she didn’t know why his email enraged her like it did; she knew he was an arrogant asshole from the start, so she should have expected the condescending nature of his response.  He was one of the top chefs in the world, and she was a nobody.  However, even with knowing all that his email still managed to thoroughly rankle her, each sentence causing red to bleed into the edges of her vision.  It almost felt like he was intentionally trying to piss her off, his every word hitting a nerve like an acupuncture needle.

One thing was for certain, and that was she needed a clearer head before she decided if she was going to accept his offer or tell him to piss off.  Luckily, work promised to provide the distraction she needed.  There was a music festival happening in Washington Square that weekend, which meant that the Village would be crawling with people looking for a quick bite to eat.  During such events, Poe liked to open BB8’s lounge so it operated more like a tapas bar found in Barcelona or San Sebastián, where patrons were encouraged to indulge in the little appetizers as much as they wanted just so long as they had a drink in their hand.  For the past year Poe put Rey in charge of making sure the tapas were always replenished.  It was intense work, especially when stacked on top of all her other duties, but she welcomed the challenge.  The fact that Snap always split a portion of his tips with her was a nice little bonus as well.  Maybe chopping fish for ceviche and slicing vegetables to ribbons was just the outlet she needed.  If she decided to take his offer then maybe she’d be less inclined to pull a knife on him the first time his ego manifested.

But she made herself no promises.

Katy Perry’s “Roar” was reverberating off the steam-streaked bathroom walls when Rey suddenly realized why Ren’s email hit such a nerve.

Rey quickly finished rinsing out her hair, shut the water off and made a mad dash out of the bathroom wrapped in nothing more than her towel.  Finn and Poe jumped up from their reclined positions on the couch at her sudden and partially-clothed appearance, hair still dripping as she grabbed up her laptop from where it was charging on the end table.

“Jesus, Rey, are you okay?” Finn asked, pausing their current episode of Orange is the New Black.  “The last time I saw you move that fast was the Shrimp Incident.”

Rey pulled a face.  The now-famous “Shrimp Incident” that originated when a line chef dropped a partially-thawed prawn down Rey’s back and she chased him around the kitchen with a meat tenderizer was now a favorite story among the Village chefs.  Even her friends enjoyed bringing it up whenever they could.  “It was cold and disgusting and Tio got exactly what he deserved for it.”

“Is everything okay?” Poe asked.

“Yes, fine.  This clothing store I like is having an online firesale and I forgot today was the last day.”

“Must be a damn good sale then,” Finn said as he lay back on the couch, pulling Poe down to recline against his chest as they resumed watching their show.  Breathing a silent sigh of relief that they bought her story, Rey unplugged her laptop from its charger and took it to her room.

Perched on the end of her bed, Rey opened her laptop, clicked on her email server icon and read Ren’s email again, scrutinizing each sentence as she went.  A second read-through confirmed that she wasn’t imagining things: Kylo Ren was challenging her.  Each snide comment, each insinuation that she would somehow fail to meet his standards had garnered the exact reaction she was sure he was aiming for: a sudden burning desire to prove him wrong.  She knew she should have been outraged that he managed to play her like that, but the emotion would not manifest.

Now the question was, where did she go from here?

Poe said she had the potential to become a great chef in her own right.  Wouldn’t that mean taking advantage of whatever means were available to her to achieve it?  But before that was to happen, though, she felt it was within her rights to lay down a few ground rules of her own…

Before she lost her nerve, Rey hit the “reply” button and began to type.

Rey pushed the cloud of foam topping her hazelnut latte to one side of her mug with her spoon, then back to the other, turning the creamy fluff into a muddy slurry.  Her hand twitched toward her phone, but she quickly pulled it back to tug at the bill of her baseball cap instead.  She knew she was must have looked ridiculous, sitting in this seedy little coffee shop in one of Finn’s old jackets and a well-worn Mets hat like she was some undercover agent about to turn over viable information to enemy hands.  In a way, that was exactly what she felt like she was getting ready to do.

Her email back to Kylo Ren had been painstakingly composed, each word carefully chosen as to not betray how much turmoil he caused her, as well as to not give him any more fodder to use in his favor.  Simply stated, Rey told him that there would be no first lesson until he heard and accepted her own term of conditions, which would take place face-to-face at a third party location well away from both the Village and the First Order headquarters.

His answer was waiting for her when her shift ended that night.  She expected a brusque “my way or the highway” kind of response, that there was no reason to move forward if she did not agree to his terms right then and there.  Instead, Ren provided a short list of dates and times he was available and asked her to choose which one worked best for her.  The only thing he requested was that he be the one to choose the place of their meeting, though he assured her it would be well away from both their places of employment.  Caught off guard by the polite tone of his email and this unexpected turn of events, Rey selected the following Monday at eleven AM.

Rey was even more surprised by the location.  She was certain he would have chosen some ritzy bistro in SoHo or TriBeCa, but at 10:45 she found herself standing in front of an unassuming coffee shop in a neighborhood well removed from the beaten tourist path.  The interior was in desperate need of an update: the sea-green formica countertops clashed with the faded and warped laminate floors, and no two tables and set of chairs were the same.  The corner of the pastry case was bisected by a nasty crack.  Rey personally loved places like this.  It had a well-established, homey feel, and the scent of fresh-ground coffee warming the air made it all the more inviting.  It was also the kind of place she assumed Kylo Ren wouldn’t be caught dead in, and she had to double-check his last email to make sure she got the address right.

All at once her previous misgivings began to well up again.  Was she being set up for some kind of sick joke?  She quickly pushed the thought aside.  Ren may have been a lot of things, but she couldn’t imagine him stooping to that level.  Instead, Rey ordered a latte and settled into a cracked vinyl booth to wait.

Eleven o’clock came and went.  At first Rey was not too put-off - punctuality in the City was a hard thing to come by, especially on a Monday morning - but when the clock hit 11:15 she was starting to get antsy.  She didn’t have any new emails from him saying he was running late or he needed to cancel; their brief email exchange gave her the impression that he wouldn’t just stand her up.  That did not stop her from constantly checking her phone and growing increasingly annoyed when she saw only a few minutes passed since she last looked at the time.  She decided to give him until 11:30, and if he didn’t show then she’s put this whole thing behind her and move on with her life.  At least that way she could stop imagining the looks of shock and betrayal on Finn and Poe’s face if they ever found out what she tried to do.

“Though I understand your desire for discretion, I think you might be taking it a little over the top.”

Milk and espresso sloshed over the side of Rey’s mug as she jumped, then cursed at the resulting mess that spread across the table.  “You need to start wearing a goddamn bell or something,” she grumbled, attempting to wipe up the remains of her latte with a wad of napkins.

Ren chuckled, a sound that originated deep within his chest as he set down his own mug and a plate well away from the spill.  “My apologies.  Just a moment,” he said before walking away again.  Rey was swiping the soiled napkins into the trash when Ren reappeared with a damp washcloth.  Rey expected him to hand it to her, but instead he cleaned up the remaining coffee himself.

“Some habits die hard,” he said by way of explanation.  With the mess efficiently taken care of, Rey returned to her seat, Ren sitting opposite of her.  She declined his offer for a replacement drink; evidently she already had enough caffeine today.

“As I was saying,” Ren continued as though nothing had happened, “you don’t have to worry about anyone seeing you here with me.  Celebrity chefs don’t have the same paparazzi draw as actors and musicians.  Besides, I’ve been coming here long before Vader opened and no one but the locals ever come here.  And if someone does happen to come up to bother us, Heather will chase them away, so you can relax.”

“I...appreciate that,” Rey said slowly, glancing at her surroundings again.

Ren must have read the skepticism on her face because he cocked an eyebrow at her.  “I’m assuming you thought you were at the wrong location because a place like this would be too far below me?”

The back of Rey’s neck became uncomfortably hot beneath the thick collar of Finn’s jacket.  She tried to convince herself it was because she was embarrassed that he called her out on her shallow assumption, and not because of the fleeting twinkle in his dark eyes or the slight upward curve of his full lips.  “Seems like something a five-star chef might think,” she responded, and instantly regretted it.  So far he had been nothing but civil to her, which she was admittedly not been prepared for, so of course she had to open her mouth and muck it up.

“That’s to be expected, I suppose,” Ren said, pulling his plate toward him.  “And it might be true if Heather didn’t make the best croissants in the City.”

For for first time since he arrived at her table Rey noticed the fat, golden brown croissant sitting on his plate, accompanied by a small ramekin of whipped butter.  Rey watched, entranced, as he tore off one end of the croissant with his long fingers, exposing fluffy layers of pastry still steaming from the oven.  Ren smeared a pat of butter over it, then, to her astonishment, proffered it to her.  “My first piece of advice: keep all your favorite places to yourself.  Otherwise the self-proclaimed foodies -” he said the word as though it was an insult - “will overrun it and you’ll never get close again.”

Rey plucked the piece of croissant out of his fingers and popped it into her mouth.  The pastry immediately melted over her tongue, its texture delicate but unbelievably butter-rich, its interior almost creamy.  Rey’s eyes involuntarily rolled back, a reaction that felt downright vulgar with Ren watching her.  She quickly covered her mouth with her hand, hoping to hide the way she could feel her face flushing under his gaze.

“To be honest, I didn’t think you’d agree to meet at all,” she said, hoping to divert his attention.  “Your first email made everything sound pretty final.”

“Anything can be adjusted until the moment a plate leaves the kitchen,” Ren replied, applying more butter to his pastry.

Rey smirked.  “Are you going to talk only in food metaphors this whole time?”

“Call it a side effect of my childhood.  Food columnist and critic for a mother, traveling TV personality for a father, eccentric yet revolutionary chef for an uncle.  My mother always said I may as well have been born with a chef’s knife in my hand.”

Rey winced.  “Good thing you weren’t.  Your poor mother.”

So Kylo Ren wasn’t just a talented chef: he was a goddamn child prodigy.  Rey itched to ask him more about his family, but his eyes suddenly hardened, like ice forming over dark pools of water.  Even though he was the one who brought them up, Rey decided it was best to let the subject drop.  That was not why they were here, anyway.

“Just so we’re clear, me being here does not mean I’m agreeing to your offer.”  Rey kept her tone neutral, maintaining a fine line between holding her ground while not sounding overly assertive.

“And just because I said I’d hear your conditions doesn’t mean that I will agree to them,” Ren said cooly.

“Okay, then.”  Rey took a deep breath.  “First and foremost, I want this to be completely off the books.   Especially from Snoke.”

“Like I said before, Snoke only noticed those worthy of his attention.”

“But I got your attention, didn’t I?  You said yourself that you’ve refused to tutor chefs with James Beard credentials.  Your restaurant is located at the epicenter of Snoke’s business empire.  So if you noticed me, he’ll notice, and I’m telling you now: I don’t want to be noticed, by Snoke or anyone else.”

“That’s not unreasonable.”  Ren’s tone implied he had expected that particular request.

“Second: my job at BB8 comes first.  I’m typically off Mondays and Tuesdays, so whatever you have in mind is going to have to revolve around that.  So if you suddenly get a wild hair and decide that I need to learn how to make a duck liver terrine or some other fancy French dish on a Friday night I won’t even dignify you with a response.  The same goes for Finn and Poe.  They’re my best friends, and I don’t want to do anything to jeopardize that.”

“Again, that’s to be expected,” Ren said, taking a bite if his croissant (Rey had to remind herself not to stare).  “But now I get to present an ultimatum of my own.”

Rey blinked, her heart doing a weird little skip behind her ribs, her anxiety spiking in her chest before she reminded herself that she was still not obligated to agree to any of this.  It actually disappointed her a little that this might be the deal breaker, especially how unexpectedly well their meeting was going so far.  “Okay.  I mean, that’s only fair.”

“The lessons are to take place at my penthouse.”

If Rey’s heart skipped before, now it tripped and landed flat on its face.  “What?”

“It’s the only logical location.” Ren said, thankfully not reacting to the way the color must have drained from her face.  “I could swear my staff to secrecy in order to use Vader’s kitchen, but I’m not keen on the prospect of wasting my time while you’re constantly looking over your shoulder.  Asking another chef to use their kitchen is out of the question, and I’m sure you don’t want anyone in your building curious about me making regular visits to your apartment.”

Rey blanched.  Never mind the neighbors, what would it look like to Finn, coming home one day to find Kylo Ren standing in his kitchen?  The thought alone was enough to make her feel sick.  She racked her brains for reasons to refuse, for her instincts to scream what a bad idea this was at her, but surprisingly she came up with nothing.  She had more than enough self-defense knowledge and street smarts to look out for herself, so unless Ren turned out to be a real life Hannibal Lecter she shouldn’t have to a reason to worry.  But to be alone with Kylo Ren in his home… The thought gave her a thrill of nervous anticipation without an accompanying feeling of dread.  Considering that it was trusting her instincts that got her this far in life, it would be dumb to ignore them now.

“Okay.  Your place it is.”

“That’s all I had to add.  Do you have anything else?”

Again, Rey took a moment to go over her mental checklist to make sure all her bases were covered.  Other than the unforeseen arrangement of the lessons’ location, everything worked out in her favor, which was certainly not the outcome she was expecting today.  There was, however, one final detail she needed to address before they reached an accord.  Although Ren had been civil during their meeting, she had not forgotten the condescending tone that laced that first email and ultimately spurred her into action.  Even now the memory of it gave her a surge of boldness.

“Just one last thing.  Don’t ever underestimate me.”

Kylo Ren smirked, the expression sending an electric tingle down her spine.  “I wouldn’t dare even for a moment, Miss Jakken.”

[serensama]

To Propose

This is my impromptu thank you for reaching 1500 followers! Thank you so much my darlings- I love all of you and appreciate all of you- I am always happy to have a chat to you and get to know you, I LOVE MAKING FRIENDS! Anyways- Here it is, my little thank you, 

How would the RFA + V + Saeran propose? 

Yoosung:

-       Yoosung had called MC in a panic- he needed someone to assist him in the clinic as they were short staffed and they needed someone to help organise the office and make sure the patients were checked in properly. Although she had no prior experience, it wasn’t that hard and she could be trained in less than half an hour.

-       She hesitated for a minute but she could hear the desperation in her boyfriend’s voice and she yielded… she helped plan a party in 11 days under the duress of bombs, kidnappings and falling in love. She could handle paperwork.

-       Entering the clinic, she could see the waiting room was already busy and it had just opened- sighing but quickly plastering on a smile- she charged forward to greet Yoosung and his colleagues at the practice.

-       Everyone beamed up at the woman as they quickly left her with one of the nurses who ran through everything with her before she dashed away to assist one of the Vets.

-       Collecting all the information for the patients in the waiting room she was interrupted by a familiar blonde head popping his head out of one of the treatment rooms.

-       “MC- can you please tell me who my first four patients of the day are?”

-       “These four people in the waiting room are all yours…” she answered as she swept her hand over their general area, “We have Mrs Do with her dog, Mr Ahn with his sheep-”

-       Yoosung smiled and shook his hair, the strands waving about as he did so. “No no, sorry the patients’ names!”

-       MC furrowed her brows at her boyfriend- it was weird but he was the most popular Vet in town for a reason she supposed.

-       “Um… yeah ok, sorry give me a minute. Um… We have Will the dog, Ewe the Sheep, Mary the lamb… hahaha those two are cute names… and Mi-Mi the cat…”

-       “Sorry, MC I couldn’t hear you over the barking… please read those out to me again?”

“They’re Will, Ewe, Mary, Mi-Mi…”

“What?”

“Will, Ewe, Mary, Mi… mi…”

-       Yoosung finally popped out of the office, holding a small, black velvet box.

-       “Well… seeing as you asked so nicely…”

“Y-Yoosung…”

“Of course, I’ll marry you!”

“Yoo-”

“Will you marry me, too?” he asked grinning, his cheeks aflame and his eyes sparkling as he fell to one bended knee.

-       Looking around the room to see all the owners and their animals watching her, the other vets and nurses peeking through their doors excitedly…. This precious boy…

-       “Did… did you find all these animals just so you could ask me to marry you?” she asked almost incredulously.

-       Her boyfriend grinned as he scratched the back of his neck nervously, “I mean… yeah…”

“… Even though you could have just chosen any animals and pretended their names were will ewe mary and mimi?”

“… I didn’t want any part of this to be a lie. Even the animals had to be sincere in asking you…”

-       This boy was so damn extra, honestly…

-       Bending down to join him on the floor and taking his hand in hers, she smiled and leant over to kiss him. “Yes.”

-       His colleagues all cheered and roared, setting off poppers and blowing celebratory horns… which spooked the animals and caused barking and bleating and hissing…

-       Not that it mattered, all that Yoosung and MC could hear were their joyous laughter as he slipped the ring on her finger.

Zen:

-       She wasn’t imagining it.

-       Everyone was ignoring her. They’d been distant for the better part of the month.

-       It wasn’t hard to notice when she worked in an office and the whole department kept making excuses not to hang out with her, or disappeared and left her alone during lunch hour.

-       No matter how much it hurt (because no one would tell her what happened, they kept saying it was nothing- it was all fine) she didn’t think she did anything wrong and thus refused to apologise.

-       At least she still had Zen to come home to and feel loved and welcomed.

-       Except when she got home he was rarely there. He barely answered his phone anymore and when he did he was always laughing it up with people in the background. Never her.

-       She was starting to feel lost and alone and completely at a loss… maybe… maybe there was something wrong with her? Maybe someone set her up? Maybe there was a horrible rumour about her and that’s why everyone was pulling away from her?

-       MC woke to her alarm clock and groaned. Another day, another dollar, another day she wanted to bang her head against her desk and cry.

-       Barely pecking Zen on the cheek as he lay asleep on their bed, she sighed and set out to work.

-       Lunch. Brilliant. Maybe she’d just eat at her desk as she had for the last week- there was no point in going to cafeteria.

-       Taking the first bite of her lunch she heard music playing, not an uncommon event but it was the person singing aloud that caught her attention. Jung Woo, the grouchiest, meanest man in their office- was singing- a love song. Loudly.

-       And no one was telling him to shut up.

-       MC smiled, seemed there was more to the man than she originally thought.

-       Suddenly the new girl in the cubicle opposite her stood up and leant against the partition, singing in perfect harmony with Jung Woo.

-       MC swallowed her rice and reached for some water to wash it down. Who knew they had such lovely voices?

-       Then two, three, four… all the people in her office started singing… to her… turning around in their respective booths and dancing on their tabletops… they were performing for her!

-       Was this some sort of prank show? Was she some sort of social experiment? Jesus- was she dying and they thought they had to do something nice for her?

-       Standing up to see her entire office dancing and singing for her brought tears in her eyes- they didn’t hate her! They… wait… was that?

-       Spinning around toward the entrance, she searched for the face she knew that voice belonged to. There sitting in an office chair with the biggest bouquet of red roses she had ever seen was Zen. Her co-workers would take turns in spinning him around and pushing him around the office in some of the most ornate choreography she had ever seen.

-       She couldn’t even hear their words anymore, she could only see Zen with his wide smile and roguish good looks and love- she could only see his love for her.

-       Spinning out of the chair to fall to her feet, he lifted the bouquet towards her.

-       Grinning as she took the flowers, pressing her nose to the delicate petals and taking a deep breath she couldn’t help but laugh. The craziness of the entire situation… putting the flowers back on her desk and turning back to Zen… he was still holding something out to her- an open box with a stunning ring glinting in the light.

-       “Jagi- will you-”

-       “YES!”

-       The entire office erupted with cheers and whoops of joy. The new girl from the opposite cubicle throwing up confetti and glitter into the air as it sprinkled above the loved-up couple, completely oblivious to the others as they kissed each other with joy.

-       As they parted Zen smiled kindly down to his fiancé, running the back of his knuckles over her tear stained cheeks.

-       “I know you’ve been feeling down and I’m sorry that we played a part in that; that you thought that maybe your friends here didn’t want to be around you anymore- but it couldn’t be farther from the truth. When they found out I wanted to come here to ask for your hand in marriage- they wanted to be part of it- they wanted to show you how much they love you too… so I taught them this routine. They spent weeks perfecting it, giving up their lunch hours, after dinner drinks and whatnot- for you Jagi…”

“You taught them Zen?” “Mhmm,” he nodded as he pressed a kiss to her nose, laughing when she crinkled it under the soft pressure. “Every time I was apart from you and seemed too busy to talk… well this was why.”

“You needn’t have done this,” she addressed everyone, new tears in her eyes.

“No,” he agreed as he pressed her to him, kissing the new jewellery on her finger, “we didn’t need to- but you deserve a parade. A whole production… but even with all that, it still wouldn’t be even close to showing you how much I love you.”

-       Standing on her tippy toes, nuzzling the man she would one day marry, MC grinned. “There’s only so many times I can say yes to marrying you Zen, you don’t need to be so dang cheesy…” “Ahhh well then Jagi, we’re just gonna have to a wedding for each time you say yes to me!”  

Jaehee:

-       She loved this woman, she truly did.

-       MC was kneading the dough for her special blueberry and vanilla bread when she looked over to Jaehee.

-       She was kind, intelligent and funny. She was so damned lucky to have her and oh… she better keep baking and stop staring at her girlfriend.

-       “Hey MC! Can you please come over here? I want you to taste something.”

-       Anything you want Jaehee…

-       To her disappointment, it really was something for her to taste, a new type of cake that she had never seen before.

-       Jaehee stood beside her, her hands clasped together as she looked between her and cake excitedly, practically bouncing up and down, “Try it! Tell me if it’s good enough for us to sell!”

-       Picking up the fork and cutting off a decent sized chunk from the plate, she allowed the soft dessert to dance across her palate. It was delicious, it was divine.

-       “What is this? Where did you find it?” she asked as she went to have a second bite of the sweet. Jaehee pointed to the bookshelf in their living room as she helped herself to a slice of cake as well.

“There’s a new recipe book in there, I’ve book marked it. Please bring it here and we can discuss the ingredients and see if it’s feasible to serve- it’s pretty pricey to make.”

-       MC nodded to herself as she walked towards the bookcase, her lips moving slightly as she silently read out the titles on the spines of the cook books. “What’s it called baby?” she called back over her shoulder.

“Speciality cakes,” she replied her mouth obviously full with cake.

-       Quickly seeing the heavy book on the second highest shelf, MC reached up and looked over the cover. It was big and colourful with a bright white background, how had she missed this book?

-       Setting it down between them on the table, MC opened the book to the marked page.

-       The section was boldly labelled, “Wedding Cakes” however all the text below where the ingredients and methods would normally be- was cut out. In fact, half the book was hallowed out and just in the middle a square column of pages sticking out with a ring perched between the pre-made slit.

-       MC stared at the book and the ring for over a minute unable to understand or process what was happening.

-       Jaehee took her hands within her own and squeezed slightly to get the other woman’s attention back, “MC, I’m not the best at being romantic or spontaneous and I’m no actress- but I can be sweet. Please MC, let me be the sweet for my sweetheart.”

-       MC stood there utterly dumbfounded as the other woman picked up the ring and slid it onto her finger, biting her lip to hold her squeal at finding the ring fit perfectly, “MC- please be my wife?”

-       Throwing her arms around Jaehee, she placed what felt like a thousand kisses all over her beautiful face.

-       Jaehee threw her head back with laughter as she looped her arms around her waist, “Is that a yes, MC?” “That’s a hell yes Jaehee!”

-       Finally leaning in, MC kissed Jaehee and pulled away, her tongue darting over her mouth to taste her properly.

-      Sweet indeed.

Jumin:

-       They had finally had the time to relax after all the media frenzy after the RFA party, so when Jumin asked MC where she wanted to go for a weekend away for the two of them, she automatically remembered the winery he went away to.

-       He of course was more than obliging.

-       They had spent the day sampling the fine wines and learning about the different processes the winery employed into making all the kinds of wine. They had spent the day laughing and holding hands. Just like any other couple.

-       Feeling lighter than they had in a while, both Jumin and MC agreed to go for a picnic- they had seen the most amazing spot on a hill underneath a giant tree overlooking the vineyard.

-       As MC unpacked all the food the chefs had prepared for them, Jumin was having a moment.

-       One of those moments where he was watching her do the most mundane of activities but each movement she made, each blink of her eye, every quirk of her mouth- everything… Everything was precious. And beautiful. And perfect.

-       Jumin touched his chest making sure it was all still intact as his heart had never felt so full- it almost hurt as it beat in his chest. He just loved her so, so much.

-       Just as she was about to go back and pull out the last of the food, Jumin reached over and pulled her over to him by her wrist.

-       Swiftly and silently, Jumin had positioned MC to lay her head down on his lap, her eyes sweet and kind as she looked up into his without any fear or hesitation. Just open and ready to love him as she always had been.

-       He sat there, both hands cradling her face, just admiring how the golden hues played across her skin, how it made her glow like some sort of angel or goddess he didn’t even know, but he was absolutely transfixed. They remained there for more than ten minutes with Jumin tracing her features tenderly; as if he were trying to sketch the moment in his mind, remember exactly how she looked.

-       Jumin accidentally swiped his fingers across her neck and she twitched, her neck ridiculously sensitive and ticklish, her face scrunched up adorably.

-       His heart so full it felt like it was closing up his windpipe, stuck in his throat, unable to breathe or talk or do anything other than keep staring at her.

-       “Jumin, my darling- what is it?” she asked half talking, half laughing as she brought her hand up to caress his cheek.

-       “Marry me,” he whispered hoarsely, finally able to find his voice again. MC looked up at him completely astounded… had he? No… they were already engaged!

-       She held her left hand above her face, her impressive engagement ring catch the rays of the setting sun within its many facets. Jumin merely lifted her hand up and kissed it as he continued to gaze into her eyes.   “Marry me,” he repeated with more ardour, his steel greys irises boring into hers, his fingers entwining with her hand still in his grasp. “Me… not Mr Han, Director of C&R, not the man who is part of the RFA with you, not the man who could buy you anything you wanted or take you wherever you wanted. Not the man who proposed to you in front of an audience so you may have felt pressured to say yes, not the man who was so caught up in his own happiness that he may have moved too fast, too soon. This man, here, now, the man you know me to be- lying with you on a picnic blanket, the man who has held your hand all day, the man who thinks you are the most perfect being to ever grace the Earth- Me… marry me.”

-       MC could feel the tell-tale pricks in the corners of her eyes as her nose began to grow warmer, this man… good lord this man…

-       “…I already thought I was,” she answered simply, a small smile appearing on her face.

-       Jumin released a breath he didn’t know he was holding. Thank you.

-       Running his nose down the length of hers before pressing his lips to hers, she could feel his love in his kiss.

-       Thank you.

-       Threading her fingers in his unruly mass of ebony hair, MC responded ardently.

-       Thank you.

Saeyoung:

-       She was so excited. They rarely got to go out on dates, with him being so busy and still on edge about leaving Saeran alone at home (“Seriously man, I’m not ten years old, I’m not going to burn down the house- leave me alone!” “But what if you get lonely? What if you get hungry? What if you can’t reach the packets of HBC on the top shelf of the pantry?” “… MC… please get him out of the house before I stab him with his spoon.”)

-       But he was on the mend and she was starting to go stir crazy with being at home all the time- so when he asked if she wanted to go on a date- of course she jumped at the chance.

-       She just didn’t think they’d go to the planetarium.

-       N-not that she was being ungrateful- she had just dressed up and took two hours to do her hair and makeup… looking at stars didn’t really require her 4 inch heels either…

-       It didn’t matter- a date was a date. So long as it was him and her, that was all that mattered.

-       They had walked through the building as Saeyoung excitedly taught her all about the galaxy, his honeyed eyes shining brightly as she asked more and more questions.

-       As the night wore on she had to admit her feet started to hurt to Saeyoung; he frowned but asked if they had time for one more exhibit… however at seeing his crestfallen expression, MC slipped off her shoes and held them in her hand. “One more exhibit? Saeyoung I could go all night!”

-       He waggled his eyebrows at her

-       That earned him a smack over the head. And then a kiss on the cheek.

-       Crouching down in front of her he simply looked over his shoulder with a mischievous grin on his face, “Your chariot awaits my lady!”

-       Hopping on without a moment’s hesitation she gave him a kiss behind his ear before whispering, “…Just getting me to ride you in any way you can, huh?”

-       Smug jackass didn’t even deny it.

-       She loved him so much.

-       They continued on with Saeyoung still carrying her, this time instead of teaching her, he would make up silly stories for why stars were named a certain way or how he imagined the intelligent life would look like from the different planets.

-       They passed a screen with shooting stars and Saeyoung paused and looked back at his girlfriend, “Make a wish MC!”

-       Smiling, she closed her eyes and humoured him. I wish to be this happy forever. Opening her eyes she saw that Saeyoung was still staring at her. Feeling a blush form under the intensity of his gaze MC spluttered,

“D-did you make a wish?”

“I did.”

“What was it?”

“Ahhh but it may not come true.”

-       They came to the final room, the exhibit he had originally wanted to go to.

-       It was just an empty room with a few benches scattered around them.

-       “MC… look up…”

-       This man, he….

-       He literally rearranged the stars for her.

-       Against the beautiful backdrop of their universe, Saeyoung had spelt out “Marry me at the Space Station?” with all the different constellations he had just been teaching her about.

-       “Our love MC… people will be able to see it from the moon… people will still see our love shining even though we’re long gone, just like these stars. Please- please say you will. Please marry me.”

-       Sliding down from her perch on his back, walking in the middle of the room with her arms out as if she was dancing with the stars themselves, MC could feel her heart join them as it soared out of her chest. She was flying. She was a star. His star.

-       Turning back to Saeyoung with the most beautiful smile he had ever seen, MC sprinted back into his open and waiting arms, throwing herself upon him.

-       Wrapping her arms and legs around his body, her face tucked away into the crook of his neck- she spoke against his warm skin, breathing in his familiar scent. “Yes. We could do it now. Marry me- now under the stars.”

-       Saeyoung chuckled as he squeezed her tightly in his arms, “Well as it happens… okay guys! Come out! Let’s do this! Jumin, come out and make this official!”

-       MC pushed away from him as she twisted her head to scan the room, expecting the rest of the RFA to come out and congratulate them.

-       Saeyoung sniggered, MC squinted, Saeyoung shrugged, MC slapped. “Saeyoung! That’s not funny!” “I’m sorry baby, I just couldn’t help myself!” “How am I supposed to tell this story to our grandchildren?! And then your grandpa played a prank on me and made me question if it was too late to say no instead.”

“Oooh a plot twist!” he teased.

“Saeyoung!” “Hmm?”

“It was always going to be yes, you know that right?”

“Well… I did make a wish on a shooting star just before this…”

“Did your wish come true?” “It came true. Yours?” I wish to be this happy forever.

“…Yes. It did.”

Saeran:

-       Laying breathless and bare, Saeran looked over to the other side of the bed to MC; laying on her stomach just as out of breath and bare as him.

-       Kind. Beautiful. Brilliant. Intelligent. Patient.

-       She was always so patient with him. She waited for him to catch up and be ready.

-       Well, he was ready now.

-       His eyes trailed over her form and her face, that contented afterglow still permeating from her.  

-       “MC?” “Mhmm?”

“Will you marry me?”

-       She looked at him shocked before breaking into a smile.

-       He smiled back.

-       Then she started laughing.

-       Laughing and laughing and laughing.

-       “Um… yeah, sure I will,” she guffawed as she started to sit up.

-       What the hell? That wasn’t the answer he was expecting, never in the thousand ways he could imagine this happening- was that ever one of her responses. “What do you mean?” he asked unable to keep the bite out of his tone. MC peered over her shoulder and pulled a face of disbelief, “Saeran- You can’t be serious!” she replied. “Why the hell would you say that?” he snapped as he tore the sheets off of him, searching the floor for his clothes. “Beeecause,” she started to reply looking thoroughly shocked at his reaction to her answer, “when we first met you would mock every one of my friends who were getting married, calling them stupid, that marriage was a sham and that you would never want to do it!” “Well maybe I just hadn’t met the right girl!” he fumed as he pulled on his boots and stormed out of the room.

-       MC sat there stunned.

-       Wait… he meant it? This wasn't some joke? Some after sex haze that temporarily rendered him insane… he had meant it?

-       Running after him in just her underwear and a large shirt she pulled at his arm, only to have her hand slapped away.

-       She had hurt him, really hurt him. Unintentional yes, but she laughed in his face when he had opened himself up and let himself become vulnerable- and she cut him down.

-       “Saeran, wait!”

“Don’t touch me-” “Please! Listen!” “NO! Why would I listen to a woman who wants nothing to do with me? That the idea of spending the rest of her life with me makes her cackle with derision?” he spat out as he pushed her off him, her hands feeling like shackles upon him when only moments ago they felt like home.

-       MC shook her head, tears flowing easily down her cheeks as she begged him a mile a minute to let her explain, to forgive her outburst.

-       He looked over her and felt sick- he loved her there was no doubt…

-       He turned around and left, trying his best to ignore MC’s pleas for him to come back, her screams of apology.

-       He was done, with her, with all of it.

-       He walked out of the door.

-       That was as far as he got- he couldn’t… he couldn’t leave it like that.

-       She’s been so patient with you asshat… give her the same courtesy. Give yourself the same courtesy.

-       He owed it to them to give them another shot; he’d been with so many terrible women in the past that he was quick to lash out her, even after so many years of being perfect to him.

-       Walking back into the house he found MC still standing in the middle of the house, staring at the door he left from.

-       She looked so small now, pale and scared. Gone was that ethereal glow she had in bed replaced with an ashen pallor, that smile now a grimace, her cries of pleasure now of pain.

-       She had hurt him… but he had hurt her too.

-       Approaching her slowly, he took her back into his arms and pressed his forehead against hers. “I’m… I’m an idiot.” “So am I- I’m sor-” “Shhhh… no apologies.”

“…” “Just… yes or no.”

-       MC stiffened in his arms when she realised what he was asking, he still wanted to know the answer? He still wanted to marry her?

-       “I-” “Just yes or no.”

-       MC clutched at the shirt on his chest as she let her tears fall, “I thought you were going to break up with me,” she sniffed, her breathing ragged.

-       Saeran brushed a hand over her head before placing a soft kiss at the crown of her hair, “I was. But I quickly realised something-” “What was that?” “That I loved you too much to go. That if even if I left I would have to come back and take you with me- so there was no point in leaving. I wanna be where you are MC,” he admitted, his cheeks dusting with a bright pink to match his hair.

“So… so yes or no?” she confirmed as she looked up at him.

-       He nodded, his stomach in a shamble, his intestines wringing themselves in knots.

-       “Yes.”

-       “I’m sorry for being a jerk. I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions. I’m sorry that you want to marry such a jackass.”

-       “I’m sorry for laughing, I really did think you were joking. I’m sorry for not realising sooner that you weren’t, I must have hurt you. Of course, I want to marry you.”

Saeran huffed out an amused breath, “… But you don’t deny that you’re marrying a jackass?”

-       MC grinned, happy that the tense air was finally dissipating, “Yeah- but my jackass.”

-       “This wasn’t the best beginning for our married life, was it?” he chuckled awkwardly. “No,” she answered with a wry smile, “but we never really had the best beginning to start off with. Why break tradition now?” “You gotta know this wasn’t how I planned for this to go down,” he playfully chided.

“In my head, you were going to say yes and you’d be so happy you’d ravage me and we’d end in a pique of passion that lasted for a week.”

“… That’s the worst plan I’ve ever heard. That was your plan?.”

-       Truth be told he didn’t have a plan, hell he didn’t even have a ring, he only did what he thought was right and asking her to marry him felt like it was the right thing to do- and that was the only thing he needed to know.

-       “All I had planned was you. You were always the plan. Even when I didn’t have a plan. I had you.”

“…You’ll always have me.”

-       Tugging at the red laces that tied the front of his favourite top together, he took MC’s left ring finger and tied it upon it into a makeshift ring for her.

-       “I love it.”

“I love you.”

“The real question now Saeran is…”

“Yes…?” “Is Saeyoung going to be your best man or my maid of honour?” “Oh screw that, we’re eloping.”

V:

-       Why he wanted to go hot air ballooning was beyond her.

-       His sight had gotten so bad lately he had taken to wearing his glasses all the time, even at home.  

-       But V… he was a kind and free spirit- if he wanted to go into the sky with her and feel the sun on his face- who was she to stop him?

-       They had woken up at a ridiculous time in the morning but V was so energetic she found his exuberance catching.

-       “MC- I’ll need your help, I want to try to take some beautiful photos today,” he said cryptically but MC merely shrugged it off and smiled. “Of course my darling, whatever you need.”

-       Once they arrived they were greeted with a battalion of different balloons, all of them waiting for them it seemed. “Choose which one you would like to go in MC,” he offered her as he motioned for her to go ahead.

-       Scanning over the balloons she found one she loved instantly- it was the same colour as his eyes. A sight she rarely got to see anymore.

-       The air was crisp and fresh, tinting her cheeks a soft red as the cold nipped at them. The sun was slowly coming up and chasing away the shadows of night- the light flitting through the windows of the city and glinting off the ocean so far away… it was like she was in heaven; everything was shiny and bright and she was with the man she loved… there was quite literally nothing better.

-       Hearing the familiar sound of clicking, MC turned around to see V taking photos of her. “Ahh- sorry Hun! The photos! What do you need me to do?” “You’re doing it.” “I’m sorry?” “I wanted to take beautiful photos- I never said of what though,” he grinned and he continued to snap photos of her.

-       The ride was over before she knew it and she had to admit, it was an experience and it was- “Stunning.”

-       She smiled at her boyfriend, her sweet, (practically) blind boyfriend. “It truly was… I wish you let me describe the scenery for you,” she lamented with a frown. She may not have been able to take pretty pictures but she could have tried to share with him the beauty she had witnessed through her words. Clumsy as they were. “I was looking at the only scenery that mattered, MC.”

-       She bit her lip feeling her entire body blush- this man would be the death of her.

-       Walking forward and taking her hand, V made a noise in the back of his throat; a noise MC knew meant he was mulling over something and was about to ask her a question.

-       “MC… why did you choose the blue balloon?” “Well that’s simple it reminds me of your eyes…” “Ahh… I see… see I was hoping you’d choose-” “Wait… how did you know it was blue?” “I could see it.” “Liar… you can barely see anything anymore…”

-       V took off his glasses and opened his eyes, such beautiful eyes framed with the thickest lashes- the most vivid blue she had ever seen them.

-       “Wh-why? How?” she stammered, losing feeling in her legs and falling to the ground. V rushed over to her and checked her over

“That month where I went to America for a photoshoot?… I was in clinic getting the surgery and recovering…”

“That was months ago… you could see all these months!” she cried grabbing his face and shaking him, partly because of his deception and partly because she was so damned happy for him. “I’m sorry for lying to you- I was just waiting…” “Waiting for what?” “Until the jeweller had finished the inscription…”

“Jeweller? Inscription?”

V shook his head and gave her a crooked smile, “It says- I only see you.”

-       Steadying himself as he crouched down, V pulled out a small wooden box from his blazer pocket. Unlocking the hatch, MC found the most beautiful antique ring sitting in a bed of silk. “I wanted you to believe me, when I told you that you were the most beautiful woman I have ever seen- inside and out. I wanted you to know that I could see and remember this moment…” “This… this moment…” “The moment where you could make me the happiest man alive by agreeing to be my wife.”

-       MC covered her face with her hands and started to cry into them, heavy sobs racking her frame. She was so happy.

-       Encircling her with his long, lean arms he smiled into her hair before kissing her temple.

-       “MC… you still haven’t said yes…” “I didn’t think I had to!” she wailed as she pulled away to look back into his eyes, those beautiful blue eyes. “It would be nice if you did…”

“Look at me, really look… what do you think my answer is?”

-       V sat back and truly observed the woman in front of him. He smiled even wider as he pulled out the ring and slid it onto her finger.

[dontbeallupinmyfriesdawg]

I left my phone number on a wall and you found it. So every now and again you text me about your day. I dont know how I still don't know who you are though. + klaroline

“Just face it Care-”

Caroline rolled eyes as she and Katherine stepped out onto the cobblestone to get to the other side of the street. As the rain began to clear up, she lifted the umbrella from over her head and shook it out. Adamantly attempting to ignore her best friend as they approached the entrance of the cafe but that proved to be a difficult feat. Katherine, clearly sensing that she wasn’t listening, looped her arm under Caroline’s; digging her flawless manicure into her sleeve as if to ensure she wouldn’t escape and run away from her. Admittedly, Caroline was sorely tempted.

“-Spontaneity just isn’t your strong suit,” Katherine drawled, brushing the curls from her shoulder.

One treacherous foot of heels at a time she climbed up the steps to the cafe. Caroline followed behind her glaring holes in the back of her head.

“I’m plenty spontaneous, I’ll have you know,” She protested.

They took a seat at a table near the window. Caroline looked outside and pouted, noting that the rain had picked up once again.

“Name the last time you did something spontaneous,” Katherine challenged her.

Before Caroline could answer Katherine interjected.

“Better yet; name one spontaneous thing you’ve done this week,”

Katherine smirked watching a Caroline opened and then closed her mouth, attempting to think of something. Simultaneously, she stuck her hand in the air and signaled for the waiter across the room cleaning a table. Caroline watched as Katherine’s bracelet slid down her thin, dainty wrist and into the sleeve of her jacket

“I’ll wait,” she purred.

Katherine missed the filthy look Caroline shot her as the waiter arrived at their table; she then proceeded to launch into a ten-minute flirtation with their server (Jackson) only to then request a single cup of espresso.

“And, uh… for you?” Jackson asked, turning to Caroline, looking surprised to see her, as if he’d forgotten someone else was sitting there.

“A chai please,” Caroline replied. “And can I get a- red velvet cake to go with it please.”

He nodded politely in her direction and flipped his notebook closed, flushing slightly when he caught Katherine’s gaze once again. When Katherine looked up, Caroline met her eyes. Raising her eyebrows, she fixed her with a pointed stare.

“What, he was cute?” Katherine shrugged, sliding the jacket off her shoulders and depositing it on the back of her chair.

“Did you see that?”

“See what?” Katherine asked disinterestedly.

“What I ordered,” Caroline said gesturing excitedly.

Katherine’s nose wrinkled, indicating her confusion, so Caroline continued.

“I got a red velvet cake this time!”

A blank expression followed Caroline’s statement so she tried again.

“I usually get the carrot.”

Katherine snorted loudly.

“Call the Vatican, Caroline’s well and truly jumped off the wagon this time.” she deadpanned.

Caroline’s retort was abruptly interrupted by the waiter’s reappearance with their drinks and Caroline’s cake. Once he left them alone, Katherine started snickering into her mug.

“What?” Caroline asked tiredly.

“You know what would be really bonkers? If you ate your ‘dangerous red velvet cake’,”- she emphasized her words by making quotation marks with her fingers- “ without laying a napkin over your lap this time,”

“You’re hilarious Katherine…”

“Ooh! Or maybe you could eat it with your fork in your left hand instead of your right-” she paused and pretended to clutch at her chest. “- Or would that be a little too crazy?” she whispered.

Caroline’s less than impressed expression only served to make Katherine’s giggling fit even more severe. Caroline crossed her arms over her chest defensively.

“You know what? I’m just going to ignore you for the rest of the afternoon.” she huffed irritably.

“Look, I’m just saying. You’re vanilla Caroline, it’s nothing to be ashamed of; just own it that’s all,” Katherine’s said in a tone Caroline considered downright patronizing.

“What would it take to prove to you that you’re totally wrong about me being ‘vanilla’,” she demanded.

Katherine gave a deep roll of her eyes.

“What is it with you and this deep, incessant need to prove people wrong? We need boring people in the world Care if everyone was exciting and awesome like me the world would fall into anarchy.”

Caroline’s face turned positively aghast at that comment, so much so that Katherine relented. She picked up her bag and dug around for a bit before producing a single silver pen.

“Here,”

“What’s that for?” Caroline frowned.

“For you to write your number with,” Katherine answered, offering the pen to her with one of her trademark ‘deal-with-the-devil’ smiles.

“You want me to give my number to the cute waiter? Fine,” Caroline shrugged already getting out of her seat.

“Hold on there cupcake.” Katherine sing-songed. “You’re not giving your digits to tall, dark and handsome over there.”

“Then what-”

“-I want you to go into the bathroom in this place… and write your number in one of the stalls.”

Katherine bit back a wry smile and waited for Caroline’s response. Staring down at her best friend, her expression torn between a look of horror and determination.

“Of course you don’t have to sweetie,” Katherine purred condescendingly. “That is if you don’t think you’re hardcore enough,”

In an instant, Caroline had snatched the pen from Katherine’s grasp and had stormed off in the direction of the bathroom.

Katherine watched her leave and picked up her espresso to take another sip. Honestly, she mused sometimes Caroline made messing with her too easy.

In the privacy of the stall she sat in, Caroline debated with herself why she was even considering doing this. To prove something to Katherine? She knew she wasn’t boring. What did Katherine know anyway? Katherine couldn’t even commit to a lease longer than 3 years. She briefly considered lying and telling Katherine she’d written her number but not actually doing so. But Katherine usually had a sixth sense about these things (combine that with the fact that Caroline was a terrible liar) besides she wouldn’t put past Katherine to go in and check to call Caroline out on her bluff.

So taking a deep breath, she uncapped the lid of the pen and slowly began to scrawl the digits of her phone number onto the left side of the wall. Just as she was standing up to leave (her heart thrumming nineteen to the dozen) Caroline had a second thought and swiveled round to add something else just below the neatly written set of numbers.

Only Call in a State of a Crisis.

2 weeks later

Caroline tossed and turned in her sheets. She was certain that to a fly on the wall she probably resembled a restless kitten in heat. The weather had taken a drastic turn from rivaling the Monsoon season in Thailand to a sweltering 100°F. Finally losing her patience, Caroline threw the entire sheet off her body. After not receiving much relief from that, she resolved to strip off her tank top and sleep shorts as well. Laying flat on the bed, Caroline hoped by not moving she’d help to decrease her level of discomfort. It did not. She felt just as sticky and gross as before, which was frustrating, to say the least. considering she’d just taken a shower less than ten minutes ago.

Lying there, it occurred to Caroline that she was basically naked and lying in a bed alone for the umpteenth time in so many weeks. Idly, she wondered how her life had gotten to be so uneventful. Granted she had a good job and a decent, rent-controlled apartment - which is a lot more than most people could ask for- but Caroline couldn’t help but look back and reflect on Katherine’s playful/slightly mean-spirited jabbing from the other day.

Was she indeed irrevocably vanilla?

Interrupting her pity party for one, her cell phone suddenly sprang to life on her bedside table. At first, Caroline didn’t move but the incessant vibration against the hardwood quickly became jarring. Sighing heavily, she sat up and stretched over trying to exert as minimal energy as possible. On the third attempt at grasping for it, Caroline managed to grasp her phone between her fingers and quickly swiped to answer the call without checking the screen.

“Hello?” Came an uncertain voice down the line.