#yes I am aware of the not-so straight tension they have

[bahablastplz]

Roommate: Chan x Reader

Roommate Chan who wants to help you destress with a massage after a long day... Content: Just straight-up smut Warnings: Fingering, praise, degradation, a little humiliation WC: 1100

You were laying on the couch with Chan. 

Chan has been your roommate for some time and your friend for longer than you could remember, so to be sprawled across the couch, limbs somewhat intertwined and a movie to be played in the background was nothing unfamiliar. Especially after a long day at work, taking the time to unwind together was nothing new. 

But today you were just so tense. Stiff all over, muscles tense and sore, you were unable to find relief. You suppose that your gym workout from yesterday had been a little intense, and you were certainly feeling it now. 

Subconsciously as you watched, you started to punch your legs a little bit, trying to get the tightened muscles to relax. 

Chan’s hands shot out and grabbed your own, making you freeze. 

“What are you doing, babygirl?” He sounded concerned but the nickname made sparks fly through your body. 

“Nothing,” you say, trying to explain it away. Of course, Chan would never let that happen. 

He doesn’t let go of his grasp on your hand. “You call punching your legs ‘nothing?’” He inquires. 

“My legs are just a little sore,” you sigh. “It was leg day yesterday.” 

“Ahhh,” he says, as if that explains everything. Maybe it did. His eyes are back on the screen, but his hands are grabbing your legs to place them over his lap, pulling you even closer to him.  

“What are you–” 

“Shhh, helping,” he says. His big, strong hands are on your legs now, his dexterous fingers working into your muscles. You let out a sigh of relief as you feel him working away the tension, his thumbs moving over your thighs to rub deep yet gentle circles into your skin.  You’re aware of every movement, however, and you hate how flustered his actions have you. Chan never shied away from physical touch, and he’s even given you a brief platonic shoulder massage before. As your roommate, of course he’s seen you in more vulnerable scenarios, seeing into the more casual or intimate aspects of your life, but this… you couldn’t help but stare at the man who seemed so unfazed. 

As he rubs into a particularly sore area, you let out a tiny groan. 

“Feels good?” he asks, a small smirk splaying across his features but his eyes glued to the screen. 

You nod your head. The tone of his voice has arousal running through your entire body and your breath hitches as he moves higher, still only mid-thigh. You hope he doesn’t catch your reaction–surely he won’t, he’s not even watching you.  

Lightly he slaps the inside of your thigh, causing you to gasp. “Use your words,” he scolds. 

“Yes,” you answer, too fast. “Feels good, Chan.” 

“Good girl,” he praises, though the way he coos the words makes it feel less like a compliment. Your eyes stay glued to him and the way he stays unaffected; his words make you squeeze your thighs together lightly, searching for a little relief. What you weren’t expecting was for him to grab the flesh of your thigh hard between his fingers, causing you to let out a moan. 

“Such a filthy girl,” he says. “Here I am trying to give you a massage and make you feel good but you’re over here having dirty thoughts, aren’t you?” His hand stays between your legs, rubbing your inner thigh but not making its way higher. You squeeze your legs harder, trapping his hand between your legs. 

“Need you, Chan. Touch me, please?” You decide to just say it, just needing to get past the hurdle knowing it will be worth it. He doesn’t let up as easily as you think though. 

“Oh? But I am touching you, sweet girl,” he says, pinching your inner thigh and causing you to spread them open for him. “Or are you talking about your needy pussy?” He trails his hand up, resting it against your clothed core. You nod your head unabashedly and he laughs at your excitement. His eyes are on you now, finally, and you burn under his gaze. You watch as he pushes the fabric to the side and dips his fingers shallowly into your entrance, gathering your arousal on his fingers. He pulls out to show you how soaked his fingers are. 

“Look how wet you are for me, baby,” he praises. “My sweet, dirty girl is so needy for me, all from a little touching.” 

“Just for you,” you confirm, and you watch him take a deep breath, affected by your words. Sliding his hands back down to your center, he gathers more of your arousal and spreads it around your clit, circling slowly around the area with his fingers. It’s obvious from his stare that he is more than alright with taking his time with you, relishing in the way that you fall apart on his fingers. He hisses when you spread your legs open wide for him, giving him full access. He moves fast, grabbing your shorts and ripping them off of your body. When you close your legs again he tuts, grabbing them and forcing them wide open for him, slotting his body in between your legs. 

“Such a pretty pussy,” he says. He slides two fingers into your entrance now, shallowly fucking his fingers in and out of you. “Such a slutty pussy, for me.” You relinquish control and let him take over, submitting to the urge to arch your back and let out a loud moan. He continues to babble about how he can’t believe he’s waited for so long to have you like this, how he’s been thinking of touching your pussy for so long, and you start to tremble beneath him. 

“Chan,” you say, trying to warn the man, but he shushes you. 

“I got you,” he says. He shoves his fingers into you deeper but doesn’t change his pace, curling his fingers. “Let go for me.” That’s all you need to find your release, completely coming apart for him on his fingers. He sweet talks you right through your orgasm, slowing his movements. 

You watch as he pulls his fingers out of you, looking deep into your eyes as he puts his fingers into his mouth and sucks. “So sweet,” he says, more to himself than to you. He reaches over your body for the remote, clicking the power button and turning off the device. The action makes you laugh. 

“What?” he laughs with you. “Don’t act like you were actually watching that, I definitely wasn’t.” You scoff at his words and screech as he picks you up, cradling you into his chest. 

“Your room or mine?”  ***

Author's note: Sorry not sorry for the double Chan post, he is my bias though so don't be surprised...

Masterlist Recs

[lovrre]

-First love

Jacaerys velaryon x fem black Targaryen

Word count: 2k

Warnings: smut (this is a lil freaky🫦), fluff, unprotected sex, cursing, (very obsessed/ whipped Jacaerys) probably some other stuff…

Summary: Jacaerys velaryon becomes your betrothed and can’t stray too far from your chambers

Author note: this is just cute smut, idk how it got so freaky

"Where have you been?" Rhaenyra questioned sharply as Jacaerys entered the dining hall, his hair tousled. The echoes of your moans lingered in his mind as he pondered  answering the question."I was practicing my swordsmanship," Jacaerys replied with a grin, pulling out his chair to sit at the table.  "You seem to have been very focused on your swordsmanship lately" Rhaenyra prodded. Jacaerys stayed silent, concentrating on his meal. "I have," he eventually replied with a mouthful.

Daemon chuckled quietly to himself drawing Rhaenyra's gaze as she awaited an explanation. "It's his first, he can't stray too far away from her bed" Daemon whispered to Rhaenyra. "It's temporary," he added, sitting back up straight in his chair. Rhaenyra seemed surprised by the revelation, while Jacaerys shot a glare at Daemon from across the table. "Well, isn't it true? Have you not been out fucking?" Daemon defended with a scoff.

"With Your betrothed?" Rhaenyraasked quietly, trying to soothe the tension. " yes," Jacaerys responded in between bites. "Could she not have waited until after the war?" she probed. “It was a mutual decision,” Jacaerys replied, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"This is no game Jacaerys. Every day your life is in more danger," she warned, her voice growing slightly louder.

"I am aware, which is why I wish to cherish every moment with her. This is no sport to me. She is to be my wife, and I love her!” Jacaerys defended, his voice rising slightly. His words lingered in the air before he continued. “I apologize for raising my voice, but I would roll in my grave with regret for not having more of her," Jacaerys argued, sinking back into his chair. He had never admitted it before, but nothing felt more right than The words “I love her” escaping his lips.

Rhaenyra couldn't help but see a reflection of her younger self in her son, witnessing love reveal a side of him she had never seen before. "I suppose we all deserve our... pleasures,” she sighed “and you are soon to be wed,” she acknowledged. “Just be cautious, Jacaerys," Rhaenyra advised with a faint smile.

“I will.”

~~~~

“I must return home," you declare as Jacaerys plants kisses

 on your neck. Slowly, he pulls down the fabric of your dress, revealing your bare shoulder with a gentle touch. "Why?" he chuckles, planting more kisses along your collarbone. "I am serious, Jacaerys, My brother has called for me" you protest half heartedly. He gazes down at you with desire in his eyes. "I can be swift," he suggests, toying with your shoulder. "Your swift is not swift enough," you reply with a laugh. 

"When will I see you next? Jacaerys inquires, his finger trailing through the ends of your white hair. "A week... perhaps two, possibly never" you jest with a chuckle. He lets out an audible sigh of distress. "I shall not endure it," he laments, burying his head in the curve of your neck. "I am ensnared by you," he murmurs against your shoulder. "I crave your presence always," he lifts his head to whisper in your ear, "beneath me, always," he breathes out, a smile playing on his lips. His words bring a heat through your body only he can extract. “let me pleasure you for one more day,” he asks his large hands gripping your waist, 

 "I've unleashed a beast," you chuckle, turning your head away from his. "you have," he replies, holding your chin in his hand and turning your face back towards him. "And you must feed your beast," Jacaerys groans before the two of you embrace in a kiss. "Your scent," Jacaerys moans, leaning back into the curve of your neck.

"I want you in my room," Jacaerys exhales, kissing along your neck, "so I can breathe you in on my sheets when you're gone." You giggle and kiss him on the top of his head. "I'm serious," Jacaerys insists, looking up at you with his big eyes. "at Dragonstone?” you questioned “I would love to but your family-" Jacaerys silences you with a kiss. "Say yes."

"Yes," you comply with a smile earning you another passionate kiss, You had become mush in his hands.

~~~

“Animals belong in the wild," your father declares as he walks up behind you, holding a sword at his side. You are seated on the bench with your bunny nestled in your lap. "She is outside," you retort. "Outside, As in the grass and dirt," your father chuckles. You roll your eyes as your Dad plants a kiss on your head. "Do not stay outside too long," he warns before heading indoors.

Your brother Vincent approaches with Prince Jacaerys, causing you to stand up in surprise. You had never seen him in person, and he was younger than you expected, more handsome too.

"Allow me to introduce Y/n Callaeris, my sister," your brother introduces, gesturing towards you. The first thing Jacaerys notices about you is your white hair, a familiar mark of a Targaryen. But never in his life had he seen white hair contrast with someone's skin so perfectly before you. There was an essence about you that captivated him, like a moth to a flame.

“This is-”

“-The prince,” you finish, with a wide smile cutting your brother off. Supplying a small courtesy, “did you ride your dragon here?” You ask absentmindedly, adjusting your bunny in your arms, looking behind him slightly hoping to catch a glimpse of one. “Yes, I did,” Jacaerys replies with an amused smile. “Is it a big one?” you question with childlike excitement. Right when he’s about to answer, your brother cuts in.  "Excuse my sister, she's... unique," Vincent chuckles, stepping in front of you.

"Where is Father?" he questions, his tone serious. "He's inside with Mother," you reply, stroking the top of your bunny's head. "Go fetch him and inform him that the prince has arrived to see him," he instructs, pausing briefly before adding, "This is important, so act accordingly," your brother says firmly.

You roll your eyes and attempt to pass the bunny to him. Vincent's face twists in disgust as he eyes the bunny in your arms. "I am not holding that thing," he declares. 

"Father does not like seeing them out of the cage," you argue. "That is not my problem," Vincent retorts. "If it were you, I would hold the bunny," you counter. "But it is not me, so-"

"I can hold the bunny," Jacaerys interrupts, causing both you and Vincent to turn towards him. Vincent is speechless, and you can't help but smile. "Thank you, Prince Jacaerys," you say, placing the small bunny in his arms. Quickly turning to glare at your brother. "Jacaerys is fine," he replies with a light voice his eyes filled with a warmth you had never seen in a man before. Your heart quickens in your chest. You offer a small curtsy and a smile before taking your leave.

"You do not have to hold that thing," Vincent scoffs once you're inside. "I am fine, frankly I am quite fond of small animals," Jacaerys says, looking down at the bunny with tenderness. Vincent has to stop himself from rolling his eyes. “you and my sister should get along nicely,” he says with a forced smile 

~~~

You’re in the stable hours later brushing your horse when you notice Jacaerys in your peripheral. his gaze is fixed on you until you move to courtesy breaking his trance. "Forgive me," Jacaerys says sheepishly, "I've brought you, your bunny," he adds, nodding towards the sleeping bunny in his arms. "She seems to have taken a liking to you," you observe, surprised, as you admire the peacefully slumbering bunny.

"I believe I have taken a liking to her as well," he responds in a melodic tone, eliciting a giggle from you. Holding the small animal, he looked almost paternal, like a father cradling his babe. He seemed like a man destined for fatherhood.

"It's a shame you're a prince, you'd make a fine farmer," you jest, causing Jacaerys to chuckle softly, careful not to disturb the sleeping bunny. "A farmer?" he questions, taken aback. "You have a way with animals," you remark, leaning against the stable. "I did well with a bunny," Jacaerys admits. "A rather finicky bunny," you tease with a smile. The air between you two felt heavy, you felt unsure whether to flee or savor the moment. “Do you particularly enjoy animals?” Jacaerys asks breaking the tension. ”my father would say more than most” you chuckle. “But yes, I am very fond of animals” you continue. He nods im response. “I can put her in the cage," you offer recalling the bunny in his arms

Jacaerys nods carefully handing her over to you. "Did you hold her while conversing with my father?" you inquire with a smile. "No, your mother took her, but I felt compelled to return her to her rightful owner," Jacaerys replies, looking down at you intently. "I appreciate that," you say, smiling shyly as you look down at your feet, his gazing causing your heart to beat Rapidly in your chest.

"How did the discussion with my father fare?" you question as you walk towards your bunnies' cage needing the distance. "It went smoothly," Jacaerys responds with a smile, trailing behind you, like a dog on an invisible leash. "I am glad to hear that," you respond bending down to place your bunny in the cage with your other two. "He agreed to my proposal of 700 men and to support my mother's claim as the rightful heir to the Iron Throne."

"That is well," you remark with a smile as you place your bunny inside the cage. "He has also consented..." he pauses, kicking dirt under his feet, "to allow me to wed his eldest daughter, provided she agrees of course." His words cause you to freeze in place. You let out a quiet sigh as you close the cage gate. Standing up slowly, you face Jacaerys, but your expression lacks the same joy as his. Jacaerys hurries to rectify the situation. "I apologize if I misunderstood, I-" he begins, but you interrupt him. "-No, you did not," you interject, shaking your head.

“I am a bastard," you confess solemnly. "None in my family carry the Targaryen name, but my hair..." you pause, running your fingers through the silver strands. "Speaks for itself." Jacaerys remains silent, his gaze fixed on you, waiting for you to speak further. "They believe I am unaware, that I am not-" you stop, inhaling deeply "I cannot wed you in good consciousness knowing this." You admit,” It is sacrilegious, and unhonest” you state. The look on Jacaery's face is enough to break your heart in two alone. 

“Understand that it is no fault of you're own” you rush out. “I am, just indecent” you confess with a sad smile, your head falling slightly.

“indecent?”Jacaerys scoffs walking closer, bridging the distance between you. He gently takes your hand, and you find yourself melting at his touch.

"Do you desire marriage?" Jacaerys questions, his thumb tracing over your palm as he tilts his head slightly to study your face. questioning was genuine, Jacaerys would respect your response regardless of his feelings.

The warmth of his touch spreads through you leaving you at a loss for words."If you do, Desire Marriage, I vow to construct a stable solely for you, and your creatures.” he says catching a glimpse of a smile on your face. “Your bunnies and horses, sheep, pigs, cats, whichever you desire!" he teases, his playful tone eliciting a laugh from you. 

It was in that moment he settled never to witness you in sorrow. It was the bond between you, a connection that made you feel so familiar, so at ease with him from the beginning. "Wed me," he declares, looking down at you with eyes brimming with nothing but affection.

~~~~

  "It's here," Jacaerys murmured, pressing against the stone wall. In an instant, the wall shifted, unveiling the interior of his chamber. Jacaerys strolled through, offering his hand to guide you. Once inside, Jacaerys pushed the wall back into position. As you explored his spacious room, admiring the decor. "How many maidens have you led through that passage?" you teased, a touch of seriousness in your tone, eyeing the wall you had just traversed.

"Only my wife," Jacaerys responded from behind you. "You know that," he added, his voice a soft hum against your neck. There was a moment of silence as you surveyed the grand room, "Where will my bunnies reside?" you quipped, eliciting a hearty laugh from Jacaerys. "In the stable, I promised to construct for my wife," he hummed, planting a kiss on the outer shell of your ear.

"Soon to be wife," you corrected.

"No," he disagreed, his warm breath caressing your neck. You felt his member poking you from behind. "We've already consummated our marriage," Jacaerys said, unraveling the laces of your dress with one hand and exploring your body with the other. "Several times," he chuckled to himself. 

"You have to be married to consummate a marriage," you countered with a laugh, turning your head to meet his lips. 

"I married you the moment I laid eyes on you," he mumbled against your mouth before turning your body around so you were to face him. 

You laughed at Jacaerys' absurdity, a common occurrence when you two were in bed. Without you realizing it, he had loosened all the laces, leaving your top half bare with the dress hanging below like a skirt. 

"it is sinful how much I need you," Jacaerys said, dropping to his knees before you. Planting kisses along your stomach. "The future mother of my children," he continued, showering you stomach with affection. You fought the urge to roll your eyes, but his touch sent shivers down your spine. With a firm tug, he removed your dress completely, leaving you exposed to him. He gazed at you intently, taking a deep breath before resting his chin on your stomach. "I love you," he confessed with a whisper, looking up at you with adoration, his hands gripping your torso. 

His declaration sent a surge of electricity through your body, momentarily weakening your limbs. Jacaerys held you steady with a smile. "I love you too," you managed to reply before he swiftly carried you to his bed. Gently placing you on a mound of pillows, causing you to giggle. "Say it again," Jacaerys demanded, hovering over you as if ready to pounce. "That I love you?" you teased, eliciting a wide grin from him. "Yes," he nodded, eagerly awaiting your response.

"I am deeply in love with Prince Jacaerys," you whispered seductively in his ear, sitting up with your arms behind you. Jacaerys seized your lips in a fervent kiss, removing his tunic before pushing you back onto the bed, quickly throwing off his pants.  “I’d like to show you my love,” he hummed slowly, kissing down your torso before pausing at your pelvis. “What are you doing?” You giggled, kicking at his chest with your feet. “I have been reading,” Jacaerys hummed, parting your knee. “On how to please a woman,” he continued, gazing down at your bare cunt. “You please me fine,” you smiled shyly, slipping your hand into his hair.

“Only fine?” Jacaerys taunted, trailing a finger down your leg, causing you to laugh and instinctively close your legs. “Keep them open” Jacaerys requested with a smirk. “Do you trust me?” Jacaerys asked his finger sliding through your folds. You arch your back in response making him smile. “Do you?” He teases collecting your juices on his finger. you nod feverishly. Jacaerys eagerly positioned himself between your legs, holding one back with his hand. 

He began with gentle kitten licks on your clit, causing you to release soft moans. Your reactions spurred Jacaerys on, as he fervently licked over your clit with a heavy tongue, causing your breath to catch in your chest St the new sensation. He then buried himself beneath you. You moaned loudly, clawing at the bed as Jacaerys alternated between sucking hard on your clit and licking along your lips. In the throes of pleasure, you pushed Jacaerys' head against you, grinding yourself on his mouth. He hummed against your cunt, prompting you to release a loud moan that echoed off the chamber walls,

You had become a wailing mess above him, riding his face with abandon. Suddenly, Jacaerys seized control, pushing your legs back forcefully and holding them in place with his strength. He devoured your sex like a man possessed as if his very life depended on your pleasure. In a haze of lust, you found yourself screaming his name in Ecstasy. Even after you climaxed, he didn't stop. "Stay still," Jacaerys groaned, as you writhed beneath him. Eventually, overwhelmed by the intensity, you physically pushed him away. rising from the space between your legs in a daze. He moved back on top of you, the gleam of your desire evident on his face, his hair tousled and clinging to his cheeks.

“Did you enjoy it” Jacaerys inquired, gazing down at you with a playful grin.  “I did” he continues with a smile wiping his face with the back of his hand. Unable to respond verbally due to the intensity of your climax, you nod reaching up to embrace him before planting a kiss on his lips.  "Allow me to do it again?" he begged nuzzling into the curve of your neck. “I did not remember to use my fingers” he groaned. “you faired well without them” you reply breathlessly underneath him. 

"However..." you trailed off, your finger tracing down his bicep. "I still desire all of my husband," you murmured with a smirk. He lifted his head, a grin spreading across his face at the mention of the word husband. "That can be arranged," he said with a chuckle before leaning in to kiss you. With his weight pressing down on you, you could feel his full length against you, and your core yearned to be connected with him once more. Just as you thought he would enter you, Jacaerys slid his member over your lips, teasing your clit.

"inside me," you moan, writhing beneath him. "Patience," Jacaerys huffs, holding your leg in place. "I want to savor the feeling of you," he groans, moving back and forth between your lips, the sensation causing him to shudder. "For when you're not with me,"   he adds, finally entering you. A mutual moan escapes both of you upon contact, Jacaerys allowing you a moment to adjust before withdrawing and thrusting back in. Starting at a painfully slow pace, he then adjusts slightly, using his arm to forcefully bring you down onto him, supporting himself with his free one. You throw your head back in ecstasy, emitting a loud moan as you move your hips against his repeatedly.

Suddenly, Jacaerys' thrusts begin to decelerate, prompting you to open your eyes and assess the situation. "I-" Jacaerys struggles to speak, his eyes rolling back. "-I won't last," he manages to say, still slowly moving inside you. "It's alright," you murmur, pushing yourself onto him faster, your neediness only arousing him further. Jacaerys repositions you again so he's lying back on the bed with you straddling him.

Still, within you, you eagerly move against his manhood “Still” Jacaerys groaned, gripping your waist firmly while pushing himself deeper inside you. His thumb on your clit moved in circular motions. "Does this please you?" he inquired as you ground yourself against him. You nodded enthusiastically, increasing your pace as you began to ride him fully. Jacaerys maintained his thumb on your clit and his hand on your waist as he thrust into you. With the sensation of his thumb circling your clit and his size inside you, you felt your climax approaching rapidly, knowing Jacaerys was close as well. You rode him with determination as if your very life depended on it. Jacaerys seemed to want to speak, but words eluded him. He threw his head back in ecstasy, and you followed suit, the fur blankets beneath you shifting as you both reached the peak of pleasure

~~~~

The two of you lay in bed, fingers intertwined, savoring the spark that passed between you. "I must depart come morning," you murmur, gazing down at your joined hands. "I am not prepared to be without you," Jacaerys replies, kissing your intertwined fingers. "The gods know I would remain if I could," you say, rolling onto your stomach. "But my brother awaits to take me home, and since he keeps our... affairs a secret," you pause, playfully flicking Jacaerys' lip with your finger, "it would not be wise to go against him.” you Add .

"I do not know what my father would do if he found out he’d-" you start to say, but Jacaerys interrupts, pulling you closer. "He will not discover us" he reassures, kissing you deeply. "You are truly insatiable," you laugh pulling away.ll "I will miss you more than you know," Jacaerys confesses. "I believe I know," you reply with a smile. Jacaerys shakes his head. "It's different, you carry my child with you..”

Jacaerys!" You cry out, "I do not desire for us to bring forth a child outside of marriage," you declare, striking his chest. "That is sacrilegious," you state firmly. "I am sacrilegious, a bastard," Jacaerys  reminds you, his words teasing your neck. "Do you still long for me?" He questions with a chuckle kissing your neck. "You carry my child, I am certain of it," he says with a playful smile. Despite your attempts to resist, you find yourself drawn to the idea of bearing his children. However, a sense of dread washes over you as you realize how entirely possible that you may have conceived a child together. "My future heir," Jacaerys murmurs, placing his hand on your stomach.

"I hope some of our children inherit your hair," Jacaerys absentmindedly remarks, running his fingers through your silver curls. Lost in thought, you ponder what your family would think. "What should I tell them?" You inquire. "For now, nothing. But if necessary, we shall announce our marriage once the war is concluded, as your father wished," Jacaerys says, caressing your cheek. "Or we could wed in secret, and you could reside with me at Dragonstone," he jests, eliciting a chuckle from you.

"After the war?" You question, gazing up at him. "After the war," Jacaerys confirms, leaning in to capture your lips in a tender kiss.

Author note : GUYS FEEL FREE TO COMMENT I LOVE READING COMMENTS

[ultravionna]

best friend’s brother

pairings: bfb!dallas winston x fem!reader

summary: dallas is your best friend’s brother

warnings: nsfw, teeny tiny bit of smut

disclaimer: yes, i am aware that that is a pic of tex mccormick above. it fit the theme leave me alone-

w/c: 3,151

the night was calm, with the soft hum of the city outside filtering through the slightly cracked window.

you and dana were lounging on the couch, a pile of blankets thrown haphazardly over the both of you as you scrolled through a list of movies. laughter bubbled between you two, a mix of inside jokes and teasing remarks. dana tossed a piece of popcorn into her mouth, missing entirely and sending it rolling down her shirt. you both burst out laughing.

"you're the worst at this," you chuckled, nudging her side.

"hey, i'm improving! that one almost made it." dana grinned, leaning back into the cushions. "so, which movie? horror or rom-com?"

before you could answer, the front door creaked open. you both turned your heads just in time to see dallas winston slink inside, his usual cocky swagger evident in every step. he was late-again-but he didn't seem to care, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"dal'!" dana scolded, sitting up straight. "that's the fifth time this week! mom and dad are going to kill you if they find out."

dallas shrugged, unbothered, and headed straight for the kitchen. "they'll get over it, man." he drawled, his voice low and thick with that unmistakable new york accent. he reached into the fridge, pulling out a can of beer. popping it open with a practiced flick of his thumb, he sauntered over to the couch and, without a word, hopped over the back to land between you and dana.

"watch it, dumbass!" dana protested, shoving at his shoulder. "we're trying to have a movie night."

"yeah?" dallas grinned, taking a swig from his can.

"what're we watching? something with sparkly vampires, i bet."

you rolled your eyes, trying to ignore the way your heart skipped a beat at his teasing tone. "please, we've got better taste than that."

"could've fooled me, dollface," he quipped, nudging you with his elbow. the way he said it, the nickname laced with a double meaning, made you bite the inside of your cheek to keep from smiling.

you turned your attention back to the movie list, scrolling aimlessly, but it was hard to focus with dallas so close. his presence was electrifying, the warmth radiating from him impossible to ignore. the smell of his cologne, something musky and dark, filled your senses, making your thoughts swirl.

dana huffed, grabbing the empty popcorn bowl. "i'm gonna get more blankets from the shed. you two try not to kill each other while l'm gone."

"wouldn't dream of it, sis," dallas replied, his eyes never leaving you.

as dana disappeared through the back door, the air in the room thickened. the silence between you and dallas was heavy, charged with an unspoken tension that neither of you seemed willing to address. you grabbed the popcorn bowl, intending to refill it in the kitchen, but as soon as you stood up, dallas was right behind you.

you didn't hear him move. one moment he was lounging on the couch, the next his arms were wrapping around your waist from behind, pulling you flush against his chest. the bowl slipped from your fingers, clattering onto the countertop as you froze, your breath catching in your throat.

"miss me?" he murmured, his voice a low rumble in your ear.

you scoffed, trying to play it cool despite the rapid thudding of your heart. "not a chance."

dallas only smirked, his grip tightening slightly as he turned you around to face him. his hands settled on your hips, the heat of his touch searing through the thin fabric of your pajama shorts. you could feel his gaze burning into you, his eyes dark and intense.

"liar," he whispered, leaning in closer. his breath ghosted over your lips, sending a shiver down your spine.

"your sister's gonna be back any minute," you warned, though your voice lacked conviction. you couldn't tear your eyes away from his, the intensity in them making it hard to think straight.

"then we'd better make this quick," he murmured, picking up a piece of popcorn from the bowl with one hand. he brought it to your lips, his fingers brushing against them as he held it there.

instinctively, you bit down on the popcorn, holding it between your teeth.

dallas's smirk deepened as he leaned in, his hand cupping your chin, tilting your head slightly upward.

his other hand stayed firmly on your hip, his thumb rubbing small circles into your skin. slowly, he took the popcorn from your lips with his mouth, his lips grazing yours as he did. the brief contact sent a jolt of electricity through you, your body reacting before your mind could catch up.

before you could fully register what was happening, dallas closed the distance, capturing your lips in a slow, deliberate kiss. his hand on your hip pulled you closer, your bodies pressed together as his lips moved against yours. the kiss was intoxicating, the taste of salt and butter lingering on your tongue as his thumb continued its lazy circles on your skin, each movement sending sparks of heat through your body.

for a moment, you were completely lost in him, the world around you fading away. but then, the sound of the back door opening snapped you back to reality. you pushed dallas away, your heart racing as you tried to catch your breath.

dallas backed off, his smirk never faltering as he leaned casually against the opposite side of the counter. he took a sip from his beer, his eyes glinting with mischief as he watched you, clearly enjoying the effect he had on you.

dana walked back in, her arms full of blankets. she glanced at the two of you, oblivious to what had just transpired. "did i miss anything?"

"just the usual," dallas said, his tone light and carefree.

dana rolled her eyes, clearly not buying it, but she didn't press the issue. you, on the other hand, were left reeling, your thoughts spinning in a million directions as you tried to process what had just happened. dallas caught your eye from across the kitchen, his smirk widening as if to say, this is far from over.

-

the house was dark and quiet, the only light coming from the dim glow of the kitchen. you had left the living room after dana had fallen asleep during the second movie, her soft snores filling the silence. it was late—later than you should’ve been up—but sleep was the last thing on your mind.

you stood by the kitchen counter, sipping from a bottle of water as you tried to calm the restless energy coursing through you. it wasn’t just the events of the evening that had you wired; it was the persistent thoughts of dallas and the lingering heat of his touch from earlier.

the sound of soft footsteps behind you made you tense, and you turned to see dallas leaning against the doorway, his familiar smirk firmly in place.

“can’t sleep?” he asked, his voice low and teasing.

you shrugged, trying to play it off. “yeah. something like that.”

dallas stepped into the kitchen, his eyes never leaving you as he sauntered over. “y’know, my room’s just down the hall if you need some…assistance with that.”

you rolled your eyes, the suggestion clear in his tone. “of course it is,” you muttered, trying to hide the way your pulse quickened.

he chuckled, clearly amused by your reaction. “what? i’m just offering to help. it’s what a good host does, after all.”

“pretty sure your version of ‘help’ is different from everyone else’s,” you shot back, taking another sip of water.

“maybe,” he conceded, moving closer until he was standing right in front of you. “but it’s a lot more fun, don’t you think?”

you met his gaze, trying to ignore the way his presence made your skin tingle. he was infuriating, with that cocky grin and those intense eyes that seemed to see right through you. and yet, there was a part of you that couldn’t help but be drawn to him, despite how much you wanted to resist.

dallas leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. “so, what’s really keeping you up, sweetheart?”

you hesitated for a moment before giving him the simplest answer. “just couldn’t sleep.”

his smirk widened, as if he knew there was more to it than that, but he didn’t press. instead, he took the bottle from your hand, his fingers brushing against yours as he raised it to his lips, taking a slow sip.

“you should try and get some rest,” he said after a moment, his tone deceptively casual. “can’t have you looking tired tomorrow.”

“why’s that?” you asked, raising an eyebrow.

“because i plan on keeping you busy,” he replied with a grin that was all mischief. “and i don’t want you using ‘tired’ as an excuse to back out.”

you rolled your eyes again, though the corners of your lips tugged up in a small smile. “you’re unbelievable.”

“and yet, you’re still here,” he countered smoothly, handing the bottle back to you. “so, what does that say about you?”

you didn’t answer, instead taking the bottle and turning away from him. but dallas wasn’t done with you yet. he stepped closer, his body heat brushing against your back as he leaned down to murmur in your ear.

“think about my offer, sweetheart,” he said, his voice dripping with suggestion. “my door’s always open.”

before you could respond, he straightened up and walked out of the kitchen, leaving you standing there with your thoughts in a whirl. the encounter had been brief, but it had left you feeling more awake than ever, your mind racing with the implications of his words.

you knew one thing for sure: with dallas winston around, sleep was going to be the least of your worries.

-

the house was shrouded in silence, dana's soft breathing the only sound in the living room as she slept soundly on the couch. you, however, were wide awake, staring at the ceiling as your mind replayed the conversation with dallas in the kitchen. his offer hung in the air like a dare, challenging you in a way you couldn't quite shake off.

sleep was impossible. you'd tried everything— closing your eyes, counting sheep, focusing on the rhythm of dana's breathing-but nothing worked.

your thoughts kept drifting back to dallas, his smug grin, and those words that had been laced with a double meaning.

before you knew it, you were sitting up, heart pounding as you glanced toward the hallway. you knew what you were about to do was reckless, maybe even stupid, but the pull was too strong to resist.

careful not to wake dana, you slipped off the couch and tiptoed toward the hallway, your pulse quickening with every step. the house seemed even quieter now, the darkness more oppressive as you approached dallas's door.

you hesitated for a brief moment, hand hovering over the doorknob. but the memory of his teasing voice, the promise in his eyes, pushed you forward.

with a deep breath, you turned the knob and quietly slipped inside, closing the door behind you.

the room was dimly lit by the glow of a small lamp on the bedside table, casting long shadows across the walls. dallas was lying on his bed, one arm behind his head as he stared at the ceiling, seemingly lost in thought. but the moment he heard the door close, his eyes flicked to you, and that familiar smirk curled his lips.

"well, well," he drawled, his voice low and amused.

"look who decided to take me up on my offer.”

you swallowed, feeling a mix of anticipation and nerves as you stepped further into the room. 

"i couldn't sleep," you said, echoing your earlier excuse.

dallas pushed himself up on his elbows, his gaze never leaving you. "yeah? and you think i'm gonna help with that?"

his tone was teasing, but there was an edge to it, something that made your heart race even faster.

"maybe," you replied, trying to sound confident, though your voice wavered just a little.

he chuckled, the sound deep and rumbling in the quiet room. "c'mere, sweetheart."

you moved closer, your feet almost on autopilot as you approached the bed. dallas watched you with a look that was both challenging and inviting, his eyes dark and intense in the low light. when you reached the edge of the bed, he sat up fully, his legs dangling off the side as he reached out to take your hand.

"you sure about this?" he asked, though there was a knowing look in his eyes, as if he already knew your

answer.

you hesitated for the briefest of moments before nodding. "yeah. i'm sure."

with that, dallas pulled you toward him, his hands sliding to your waist as he guided you onto the bed.

you could feel the heat of his body through your clothes, the way his fingers pressed into your skin, holding you close but not too tight. it was as if he was giving you the option to back out, even though you both knew you wouldn't.

he leaned in, his breath warm against your neck as he whispered, "you're playing with fire, dollface."

"maybe i like the heat," you shot back, surprised at your own boldness.

dallas's grin widened, his lips brushing against your skin as he spoke. "careful what you wish for."

before you could respond, he tilted your chin up with a finger, his eyes locking onto yours. the tension in the room was palpable, thick enough to cut with a knife, but neither of you seemed in a hurry to break it. instead, you both lingered in that moment, the air between you charged with anticipation.

finally, dallas closed the distance, his lips capturing yours in a slow, deliberate kiss. it wasn't rushed or frantic but rather a slow burn, building up in intensity as he deepened the kiss, his hands roaming over your back. you could feel the heat of his skin, the strength in his grip, and it sent a thrill through you that you hadn't anticipated.

his touch was confident, almost possessive, as he guided you further onto the bed, his body pressing against yours. it wasn't just the kiss that had your heart racing; it was the way he held you, as if he'd been waiting for this moment just as much as you had.

dallas broke the kiss, his lips trailing down your neck as his hands found their way under your shirt, his touch firm yet gentle. you let out a soft sigh, your fingers tangling in his hair as he explored your skin, every touch igniting something deep within you.

he pulled back slightly, his gaze meeting yours again, and there was something almost predatory in his eyes—a look that sent a shiver down your spine.

"you sure?" he murmured, his voice low and rough.

you didn't hesitate this time. "i can handle you."

his smirk returned, but there was a hint of something darker behind it. "we'll see about that."

with that, he kissed you again, this time more urgently, as if he couldn't get enough. the heat between you two intensified, the room filling with the sound of your breaths and the rustle of sheets as you lost yourselves in the moment.

you weren't sure how long it lasted, but when dallas finally pulled back, you were both breathless, your heart pounding in your chest. he looked at you with a mix of want and something else you couldn't quite place before his head dipped down to plant kisses on your neck.

traveling down to your collarbone and then your chest, exposed by your tank top. he slowly moved down your body, his mouth trailing kisses down your smooth skin until he was mere inches away from where you needed him most.

his hands gripped your thighs gently, holding your legs apart so he could have a good view of you in your current state, a low and hungry sound escaped his lips as he looked at you before finally lowering his head down and letting his mouth touch the skin of your inner thighs. 

hands sliding up the sides of your thighs, his fingers grabbing at the fuzzy fabric of your pajama shorts, tugging at them as they slid down your hips and pulling them down your legs.  

looking back up at you, his fingers came up to brush against the dampness of your underwear. 

you shivered, a hand coming to his shoulder to halt his movements. 

“wait, wait…” you whispered, looking towards the door and then back down at him. “i think i heard something.” 

“what?” he asked, his voice still thick with desire. "you think dana woke up?" 

you nodded, though part of you didn't want to leave.

but you and dallas both knew all too well-you couldn't stay here, not without risking getting caught. with a reluctant sigh, you slipped off the bed, your legs feeling shaky as you stood up to place your shorts back on.

as you made your way to the door, dallas called out softly, "my offer still stands, y'know."

you glanced back at him, seeing that cocky grin on his face once again. "i'll keep that in mind," you replied, before slipping out of his room and back into the hallway.

the house was still quiet, and as you crept back to the living room, you couldn't help but smile to yourself. it was a reckless decision, sneaking into dallas's room like that, but you didn't regret it. if anything, it had only made you want more.

a string of silence went on for a moment or two as you laid back down against the pillowy cushions of the couch. letting out a small sigh, you snuggled into the couch pillow and slowly shut your eyes- until you heard shuffling on the other end of the couch.

“you’re nasty.” 

“what?” you murmured, lifting your head to look over at dana who laid at the other end. 

“i said you’re nasty.” she repeated, keeping her eyes closed as she spoke a bit over a whisper.

“what are you talking about?” you asked, trying to keep your voice steady, even though your heart was starting to race.

dana let out a soft, tired laugh, her lips curling into a smirk. “you think i didn’t hear you tiptoeing down the hall? don’t worry, i’m not gonna snitch.”

your breath caught in your throat, but before you could say anything, she shifted slightly and added, “just try not to make too much noise next time, okay?” 

perks of sneaking around with your best friend’s brother—your best friend’s intuition is as sharp as her brother’s charm.

[sadesluvr]

The Hills (Part One)

JJ hates his menial job, but there’s a certain customer he lusts and loathes in particular.

(JJ Maybank x Reader)

A/N: This is based off of my Poolboy! JJ idea, and mean girl! Reader was the most popular (I'll probably write for a Housewife! Reader too though) This is my first time writing for OBX, but I’ve been meaning to put this out for a while🤭…I have ALOT more scenarios to play with, so this will be Part I of 3, but can also work as a one shot if I get lazy. 

Not fully proofread, so sorry for mistakes!

Enjoy, and minors DNI.

Word count: 2.4K

Tags: SMUT / Poolboy! JJ / Mean!Kook! Reader / Degradation / Hatefucking / Teasing / LOTS of sexual tension / Unprotected sex / Light biting / JJ is feral and a little scary but it’s hot / Creampies

“Halle, grab the middle one would you? That way I can see Daddy on the golf course,”

Barf. JJ already knew what time it was.

For a girl who had it all, your life was rather methodical. You and your two friends would strut to the pool at 2PM on a Saturday, straight after your one o’clock tennis lesson and hours before you’d be whisked off to some fancy restaurant for dinner. That was your life, which, on multiple occasions, he’d heard you describe as “totally unfair”.

Sarah Cameron may have been the Kook Princess, but you were very well next in line. You were always draped in some kind of designer; was never one to miss a manicure, and kept yourself camera ready, as if there were a paparazzi around you. Still, you may as well have been, as you had all the friends, lovers and admirers a celebrity would’ve had.

However, you seemed to lack one special, but huge thing - basic fucking decency. 

In short, you were a bitch. 

And there was no one you were a bigger bitch to than JJ.

He never believed in your false virginal, ‘Daddy’s Little Princess’ spiel, and with good reason. You were snide, ungrateful, and had never even said as much as a ‘Thank you’ to him. 

Once, you’d even managed to ’accidentally’ spill a drink on him.

Without a doubt, today was going to be one of those days.

“Hey, poolboy? We’ve been here for ages and you haven’t even gotten us an umbrella. Do you want me to fucking die?” you scoffed, brow raised expectedly as your two friends, Bree and Halle and snickered beside you. 

“Chill out, ‘kay?” JJ said, rolling his eyes. “They’re in the same place they usually are. It’s not like you can’t do it yourself,”

“Do I look like a slave? Fetching umbrellas is what you get paid to do. Now hurry up and get us some Margaritas while you’re at it,” you said sweetly, a fake smile plastered over your face as you waved a hand dismissively.

Clenching his jaw, JJ was about to retort when one of his seniors, a middle aged man rather indistinguishable from the rest, intervened.

“Is there a problem here ma’am?”

“I don’t know, JJ,” you retorted pointedly, his name laced in venom as you spoke. And yes, you did know his name. Poolboy just rolled off of the tongue better. “Do we have a problem?”

Wincing, the blonde ran his fingers through his hair before shaking his head.

“Nah,” he said through gritted teeth. “None at all.” 

He disappeared with a click of his tongue, blatantly aware of your smirk as you peeled off your scarf that hugged your waist. The lacy fabric danced off of your body to expose your torso and bare legs, glistening in the summer heat like a mirage in the middle of a desert.

As JJ clenched his fists, he couldn’t ignore the similar tightening sensation in his shorts, and quickly readjusted himself. 

He just couldn’t give you that kind of satisfaction.

Not for now, at least.

“Yikes, I know her —“

“—How could you not?”

“So Pope’s one of her groupies…Got it.”

“I am not one of her ‘groupies’, okay? She’s got the whole island palm of her hand. Of course I’d know of her!”

“Whatever…Groupie,”

The Pogues were sitting at the Chateau, forced to listen to JJ’s rant about ‘Little Miss Brat’ from the country club. It was obvious to all of them that JJ, though not quite yet in love, certainly had a crush, information that was particularly striking to Sarah.

“I totally know what she’s about,” Sarah said lazily, tossing her hair. “Rich, pretty, all round self proclaimed bitch…No wonder my brother has this huge crush on her,”

JJ blinked and pursed his lips. The mention of the Kook king was triggering enough, but more so that he was infringing onto Kook territory far more than he expected.

“Rafe’s into her?”

“Big time,” she shrugged. “She’s never paid him any time of day, though. ‘Could probably do better anyways…”

JJ clicked his tongue, and began to rapidly drum his fingers on the windowsill. He couldn’t help but smile as he gazed out onto the greenery, and his leg bounced in tune to the made up beat. 

“He’s gonna do something stupid, isn’t he?” Pope said quietly from across the room.

“What?!” he said, turning to the rest of the group, hands raised in defence. “You really think I’m gonna be stupid?”

“When are you not stupid?” Kie said flatly, to which Sarah nodded.

“Not much faith in you, buddy,” John B added.

“Wow, thanks guys,” the blonde said sarcastically, climbing to his feet and heading towards the door. “If you don’t mind, I’m gonna smoke. Feel free to join me once you’re done with the dogpilling, ‘aight?”

He couldn’t wait for Saturday.

To his surprise, you’d shown up that weekend with relatively no fanfare. You were sitting in the same spot, dressed in your signature swimwear, with a short floral sarong clinging to your waist. Large sunglasses shielded your eyes as you basked in the rays, something that JJ was all too happy to interrupt.

“If it isn’t Little Miss Fortune…Where’s your entourage? Have they finally come to their senses and ditched you?” he said, stepping in front of you to block the light, eyeing the empty sunbeds on either side of you. 

You didn’t flinch.

“Shut up JJ, I’m not in the fucking mood,” you snapped, before waving a hand dismissively. “Just get me my usual,”

The boy grinned.

“So you do know my name? Or was that a recent development…?”

Scoffing, you pulled your glasses down to your nose before smiling at him sweetly.

“Of course I know your name,” you purred. “How else would I be able to make a complaint to your boss?” you finished with a shrug.

“My boss?” He choked. “What the hell do you want to speak to him for?”

“Don’t play dumb, Maybank,” you continued, gracefully swinging your legs to the floor and swiftly standing up. As you did, your breasts bounced slightly, a sight that came second only to the sight of your hips moving as you began to walk back into the building.

JJ furrowed his brows, swiping a tongue over his lips subconsciously as he followed you.

“I’ve seen you checking me out,” you hummed, side eyeing the way the blonde stalked you through the corridors. “I’m pretty sure that’s sexual harassment,”

“Jesus - fuck - you’re such a bitch, you know that?” he sighed frustratedly, running his hands through his hair.  As you neared the opposite end of the hall; just around a corner by a supplies room, you stopped, turned and smirked as you faced him. 

There was no denying that he was sexy when he was angry; with his hair becoming tousled and pointed like mini devils horns, and the passion in his blue eyes growing deeper by the minute. You were more than aware that he was no prize, but sometimes the forbidden fruit was often the sweetest.

“I mean, how do you wear those skimpy little tennis skirts and swimsuits and not expect any guy to look?” he said, exasperated, but the rigidity of his body told you otherwise.

“So you don’t deny it?” you grinned. “Interesting…”

JJ let out a loud sigh.

“Look, not that it matters to you, but I can’t fucking lose this job. I’m already on thin ice,” he said, suddenly grabbing your arm as if he were about to throttle you. His firm grip and his equally stern voice sent a tingle down your spine and eventually pooled in your loins. It certainly wasn’t the aircon that was giving you goosebumps.

You scoffed and pulled your hand away, making JJ bite his lip.

“That’s not my problem!” you spat, beginning to walk away when JJ stopped you again, this time cornering you up against a door. You blinked as he wedged you between the surface and his toned arms, one leg brushing dangerously against your own to keep you in position as his pelvis was pointed towards your own. Trembling, a raspy voice emitted from his throat as he cautiously looked around.

You were alone. Just the two of you.

“…W-What is your problem?” he said through  gritted teeth, eyes furiously locked onto your own. “Did you break a nail? Daddy cut your allowance, huh? Haven’t been fucked in a while?”

Pausing, your brows raised slightly upwards as your lips parted at the statement. Any other guy who would’ve said that to you would have ended up with a swift kick in the balls.

The blonde chuckled, and you couldn’t help but notice that it wasn’t genuine, but out of pity.

“…So that’s it, huh?” he laughed, and you bit down on the inside of your cheek, casting your gaze to the floor. It wasn’t lost on you how a sly smugness was smeared across the boy's face, his pink lips glistening as he ran his tongue over them.

“You know, I could probably help you out with that, but I know that a guy’s gotta have a thousand dollars to —“

You cut him off by planting a swift kiss on his lips, draping your arms around his neck as you gently grazed your manicured nails across his skin. He wasted no time in pulling you in by your lower back, and you rubbed your front against his hardened cock, more than aware of the lack of material between you two.

Before he could get too cocky, you pulled away.

“If you say one goddamn word about this, not only will you be fired, but I’ll ruin whatever you and your little Pogue friends have on this island, got it?” you said, voice hushed.

JJ smirked, and saluted.

“Yes ma’am…” he snickered, and you rolled your eyes, quickly taking his hand and dragging him into the supply closet, before intertwining yourselves together again.

“Daddy’s taking me home in ten,” you breathed between kisses. “We don’t have all day.”

“Lady, I don’t want to hear about your ‘Daddy’ right now,” JJ said, lithe fingers sliding down your body to squeeze your ass, absentmindedly pressing his cock against your thighs. He wanted you; all of you, but truthfully he knew that there was one way he wanted to take you.

Mean girls deserved punishment. Mean girls deserved to be fucked like the bitches they were.

JJ let out a soft groan as you felt your way into his swim shorts, bucking his hips into your hands as you jerked his cock in a haste to put him inside of you. Pressing your back against the wall, you arched your back as you waited for him to take you…but it didn’t come.

“JJ…” you whined. “Don’t waste my fucking time…”

“Woah, there. Pretty eager, are we?” he grinned. “What makes you think we’re doing it on your terms?”

You were about to answer when JJ placed a finger to your lips, running his finger down to your chin and caressing up your jawline, holding your face still in his hands.

“Bend over.” he said, borderline emotionless, and you slowly obliged, nodding as you spun and pressed your face against the cold wall. JJ exhaled from his nose, eyes locked on your body as he stalked you, slowly kissing along your neck as he left rough love bites, tracing down to your collarbone and causing you to let out a soft, yet impassioned moan.

“JJ…You can’t do that…”

“My bad, princess,” he scoffed, pulling his lips away from the crook of your neck. “I wouldn’t want to ruin your image and all…”

He pushed your stomach against the wall, and you arched your back slightly, allowing him access to slide his fingers into your swimsuit, rubbing the outside of your folds before pushing the tip of his dick in.

JJ considered himself to be a guy who liked the fast life, but he was going to take his time with you. 

Call him cocky, but he knew this wasn’t going to be your last time.

Though he had a fairly regular girth, his cock had a decent length, and you could feel a prominent vein pulse within you as he rocked his hips in and out of your desperate cunt. His hands tightened around your hips, groping at the soft flesh of your ass through gritted teeth as he revelled in the sound of your moans.

“Shit,” he groaned. “You’re so fucking wet…How long have you wanted me, hm?”

“This is nothing,” you insisted, squeezing your eyes shut as you focused on the painfully pleasurable sensation. “Don’t let it get to your head, Maybank.”

“Oh, so the way you’re gripping my cock is nothing, right? Jeez, you could’ve fooled me, princess,” he laughed, biting down on his bottom lip. “What would Daddy say if he saw his Kook princess getting railed like a whore by a dirty Pogue, huh? Shit, I bet Rafe would fuckin’ lose his mind…”

Your stomach formed knots at the statement, and you felt your legs tremble as you clenched around him. His cock was hitting each and every untouched crevice perfectly; every withdrawal and thrust of his hips making you want him more. JJ was rabid; fucking you like he couldn’t figure out whether he wanted to kill you or consume you. Judging by the way he pawed at your body, you were sure that you wouldn’t be able to walk back to the foyer (tomorrow morning was another story) without looking like you’d been in a catfight.

Mouth agape, you managed to turn your head just enough to face him - his face flushed and glassy eyed - and locked eyes before you spoke. Whether it was your biological high or something rather deeper, you were able to see the beauty in him. JJ was rugged, certainly rough around the edges, but he was beautiful.

“JJ…” you whispered. “I-I I need you to cum…”

“Already on it, m’lady,” he snickered, and angled his head to pull you into a sloppy, passionate kiss as his pace, though quick, became more shallow and disorganised - almost convulsing as he felt himself begin to come undone inside you.

JJ ran his hand through his hair, separating the clumped strands that clung to his forehead. His heavy pants soon became gentle breaths; but he didn’t let go of your body, instead beginning to trace small circles on your hips as he softened inside of you. Once the time was right, he pulled away, careful to tuck himself back into his shorts.

Although he couldn’t place it, he knew he felt different. 

PART TWO

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Sweet Like Candy 3

Warnings: non/dubcon, power dynamic, age gap and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Characters: Thor, Bucky Barnes (Professor AU)

Summary: the new school year proves to be hectic. (short!chubby! reader)

Part of the Bad Professors AU

Note: Please leave some feedback and reblog <3 As always, I love to chat with you all. 

You knock on the door of Professor Odinson’s door then check your smartwatch. You’ve been anxious all day about the meeting. After the quiz, he sent you a quick email saying he’d like to talk about it with you. You were the first done and you’re pretty sure you aced it! 

You wait and bounce on your feet. You tap the door again. You’re not that early. You hear the floor groan and stand straight the rippled glass darkens with a silhouette on the other side. 

The door opens and you beam a smile, “good afternoon, Professor--” you nearly choke on your tongue. “Oh, Professor Barnes.” 

He blinks at you, his face sharp with agitation, “Odinson isn’t here.” 

“Uh, oh, but I have an appointment,” you show your phone, “I can show you the email.” 

“I’m sure you do,” he grumbles. He backs up and drags his feet back to his desk, muttering, “...always late...” He sits heavily and sighs. “You can wait over there.” 

He waves towards Odinson’s empty desk and you peer between him and that. He grabs his coffee cup and growls as he looks inside. He sighs again and stands. 

You enter, eager to be out of his way, and he strides out the door with another grunt. You sway and look around. You feel like an intruder. Still, you can’t just leave. Odinson will be here soon. 

You sit in the velvet chair across from his desk and swing your feet. You wiggle impatiently and admire the ornaments on his desk. There’s some runes and a little hammer. 

The smell of coffee wafts in with the other professor. Barnes sits down and takes a long draw from his mug. He sets it down with a clink. The tension coils like a boa constrictor, tightening your throat and spine. 

You turn your phone up and bow your head. You unlock it. Won’t be much longer, you know it. 

You flick through with your thumb and glaze over as you watch the short videos. You swipe up and up and up. You giggle mindlessly as a kitten attacks a stuffed rabbit. Barnes exhales heavily. 

“Rots your brain...” he remarks dryly. 

“Hm?” You look at him over your shoulder. 

“All those dumb apps. You’re like a robot, sitting there, laughing at those stupid things,” he sneers. 

“I... It’s not dumb,” you argue and turn away from him. “Sorry, I’ll be quiet.” 

“And sit still. You’re distracting.” 

You frown and watch the kitten again. Why is he so grumpy? You didn’t do anything. His fingers hit his keys hard and you grow irritated at his unspoken anger. Odinson is the one that’s late. 

“Here,” you stand and march over to his desk, “maybe the stupid video will cheer you up.” 

You shove your phone next to his monitor and he ignores it. You roll your eyes. “Come on, it’s a kitty! Everyone loves kitties.” 

He shakes his head, focusing on his screen. You push the phone closer. He catches your hand and squeezes. His gaze flits over to your phone. He watches it without reaction. 

“Kittens grow up to be cats. A responsibility,” he lets you go. “Something I’m sure you don’t understand.” 

You furrow your nose, “I’m being nice. You don’t have to be... not nice.” 

“I’m working.” He insists. 

You have no argument for that. You shrug and go back to the chair. You stare at the wall behind Odinson’s desk and the degree mounted there. 

“Ah, apologies,” a storm blusters through the door in the form of Professor Odinson. “There is some event on campus and I was caught up.” 

“Professor,” you stand politely. 

“Yes, yes, I’m here,” he hurries to his desk and drops his bag. “Apologies, again. Oof, it smells like coffee. I could use a cup.” He smiles and stills himself, “and how are you?” 

“Good, Professor.” 

“A poor look to be late,” he chides himself and sits. He puts his bag in his lap and flips it open. “I do hope Professor Barnes was adequate company during your wait.” 

Barnes grumbles. You don’t say a word. Odinson sifts through his bag. 

“If you would prefer privacy, we might find an empty room,” he suggests as he pulls out a cluster of stapled papers. You recognise the sparkly gel pen on it. 

“No, I’m okay,” you insist. 

“Mm, right,” he sets his bag on the floor and rolls his chair closer to the desk. “Well, with your consent, I shall proceed.” He smooths the paper. That’s when you see the red pen all over it. You show your teeth. Maybe it would have been a better idea to be alone. 

“It is only the first quiz, so early on,” he begins. “Yet, I would hate for the rest to go... worse.” He clears his throat and hands you the pages. “I have posted it on the course page but there will be extra review sessions for those who feel they need them. Learning a new language can be difficult.” 

You cringe at the 20% at the top of the page. You’ve never done so poorly in your life. You’re a straight C type of girl. 

“Oh,” you deflate. Once more, you were over confident. You really felt good about that and oh gosh, you’re so embarrassed. “Thanks, I’ll go...” you agree as you stare at the paper. “I’m sorry, I really studied.” 

“Like I said, new language,” he comforts. “I just wanted to offer you any extra support you feel you might need. I have an open door policy--” 

Barnes snorts behind you. You wince. 

“Thank you, Professor, that’s really nice,” you gulp and clutch your fuzzy purse. “I should... go. I... I have to do a few things before my next class.” 

“Right, yes, as you will. Again, I apologise for keeping you waiting,” he says. 

“Yeah,” your voice cracks even as you fight back the tears in your eyes. “It’s no problem.” 

You make yourself smile and stand. You turn and your eyes meet Barnes. He’s watching you. He doesn’t shy away as your cheek twitches. He looks almost amused. 

“Maybe some more kitten videos might help with studying,” he comments. 

“Eh?” Odinson utters. 

“Maybe,” you agree glumly and your lips tug down. “Sorry to bother. Both of you.” 

You turn and quickly flee the office. For as kind as Odinson was about your unabashed failure, Barnes was entirely cruel. You tried so hard and he could just grin mockingly. You don’t know what you did to make him so mean. 

[dulcewrites]

Unnerved

Pairing: Aemond Targaryen x reader (kind of lol), implied aegon targaryen x reader (wc: 3.1k)

Summary: Being at court is a game, and your favorite opponent is a certain long haired Prince.

A/N: I sort of adapted this from my fool me once series. I got an idea of the reader being slightly more ambitious. But then realized that would change the story so this kind of a new one lmao. Some elements are from like Aemond being married (this time to Floris Baratheon) and possibly cheating 👀. But anyway just wanted to explore Aemond and reader being haters but also having crazy sexual tension. *insert something smart about Aemond hating someone that is a mirror of him*

The heavy fabric of your dress seems to drag more than usual.

The extra care given to your appearance hopefully will not go unnoticed. The gown is your most expensive. A deep blue Lyseni cut dress with beaded bodice, and silk sleeves that slip open and ripple like water.

Walking the halls of the Red Keep is at night is not something you frequent. Working up the courage was always something that made you falter. But the result would make it worth it.

You bite back a smile when you see Ser Arryk not near his post. For a moment you consider knocking, worried that Aegon may be in the room with someone. The thought never bothered you till recently. A surge of confidence overtakes when you just open the door instead.

The fireplace in his is uncharacteristically blazing at this point. You stop in your tracks when you notice long legs extending from chair near the fire. Long silvery blonde hair catches your eye, and your heart sinks. Before you can turn around to make a beeline towards the door, an eye flick towards you.

“My Prince,” you bow your head softly. “You are back from the trip.”

You try to keep you voice bright, and unassuming but you are sure disappointment colors your tone. Aemond gives you sly smile.

“Come to look in on my brother, I assume,” condescension laced through his voice. He gestures to the book in your hand. There were days Aegon did enjoy hearing you read, but most of the time the conversation dissolved into other things. He would start at the seats in his room, you at his desk… till the you ended up on his bed. Faces close, and whispers soft.

“Yes, Prince Aegon always enjoys hearing about the histories.”

Aemond’s polite disposition drops, and he lets out a short laugh. “Right, I am sure he enjoys hearing about the histories from you.”

You feel yourself falter. An unnerved and unprepared feeling burst in your stomach.

But a lady is never those things. Not ever. Your mother’s voice rings in your head. A true lady never worries. The best of them can turn negatives into a positive.

You put on the sweetest smile you can and nod.

“This week we read about all about Maegor the Cruel.”

Something flashes behind his eye that you can’t quite put your finger on. He hums softly, giving you a once over. Inspecting your dress, your hair, your face. The hair jewelry holding back your hair starts to feel like it is digging into your scalp. Not feeling comfortable standing and letting him dissect you, your feet lead you to sitting in the chair opposite him.

“I do hope Prince Aegon is well.”

“What you mean to ask is where is he,” Aemond corrects. “He was not here when I arrived. He may be out on a late-night joyride with Sunfyre. Perhaps wandering the Street of Silk for another type of joy.”

You say nothing, laying the book flat on your lap. It should not shock you. Aegon is not getting that from you. You know Aemond does not believe that by the false innocuous way he mentions his brother’s indecisions. Every bit of attention Aegon puts elsewhere is a win for him. He decides to twist the knife more.

“I bet the discussions you two have are ravishing,” Aemond replies sarcastically, leaning back further in his chair. It only makes you more aware of your posture. More of mother’s words - Back straight, chest out, and head up my dear girl. “Aegon has always been known for his ability to hold a riveting conversation.”

“I think you underestimate your brother. He retains information quite well, and loves to debate,” your hands trace delicately over the large book.

Aemond’s eye doesn’t leave yours. The enjoyment wiped from his face. He just stares soberly.

“You know the sad part is that I genuinely think you believe that. You think you will be able to carry on like this. Pretending this all for companionship and light reading.”

Your eyes drift to the fire. A part of you wonders what it would be like to just stick your hand in it. Would there be excruciating pain or would the numbness that you force into you mind spread through your body? The old wives’ tales Aegon tells of Targaryens being fireproof pop into your head. Maybe that is where Aemond’s gall comes from; the inability to burn the way others would. You wish you could test the theory. What a sight it would be to see him engulfed in flames.

Aemond lip curls a bit. “But at least you can pretend with the best of them. First born sons deserve the best, even the best whores.”

The harsh words are strangely tinged with pity.

“Tis a shame, the way court changes a girl.”

Your eyes snap back to him. “I am not a girl, my Prince. The same way you are not a boy.”

The two of you are the same age. The superiority in his voice is not needed nor appreciated. You must bite your tongue not the bring up the stories of youth Aegon has told you about. His life has been court fodder many times over. It would be too easy to bring up the strife a young Aemond had to go through. Too unladylike to bring up the little boy you know is still tucked under the bravado.

He would revel in taking you out of yourself.

“You could get out of it, before it is too late,” he pushes the subject more. “Marry some lord and be swept away from here.”

The possibility sounds nice. Away from court, away from your family. Maybe a different version of you would agree with Aemond. Acknowledge that being at court, that striving for more has stolen something from you. A life of simple monotony away from the Red Keep sounds lovely. But you are not a different you. You were made and pushed into the world in your parent’s image. Simple is not enough, monotony is not enough.

“I appreciate the advice,” you smile calmly. “But I would miss everyone too much to do that just yet. I would miss Prince Aegon, along with Princess and the children. As well as you and sweet Floris.”

Aemond stands abruptly at the mention of his sister and wife. The light from the fire reflects on the side of his face. He looks like something out of a fairy tale. You are sure he wants to look intimidating but looks more ethereal if anything. He shares that trait with his siblings.

He goes to leave without another, but a sudden urge washes over you.

“Wait, my Prince,” you set the book in the chair and go to where he is near the door.

You wet your thumb slightly, watching his eye linger on your mouth.

“You have a little rogue there.”

Your thumb traces over the vein on his neck, and you feel him stiffen under your light touch. You flinch a little when his hand grabs your wrist firmly. For a moment, you don’t trust your instinct fearing your boldness has taken you to a point you cannot tip toe back from. You become acutely aware of blade resting snugly against his hip. He could slit your throat easily. But you have seen him training; he would go for a more gruesome approach if given the chance. Slow and painful.

Instead, he gently placed your hand at your side. His hand making a route from your wrist to the delicate tips of your fingertips. There is a coldness left when he lets go.

He leaves without another word.

“I will tell Prince Aegon you stopped by,” you lie as you call after him.

Aegon does eventually show up. Riding gloves on, and cheeks splotched, pink from the cold. He goes on and on about something Sunfyre did. You sit, pleasant and accommodating, the way men like him want. Hanging of every word as if you would die not hearing the next one spill from his lips.

Despite the dragon drivel, your mind does not drift often, liking the easiness that comes with speaking with an agreeable Aegon. But when it does, it only fixates on one thing.

First sons deserve the best… even the best whores

“She is not pregnant, Your Grace.”

The maester seemed nervous to tell the Queen. Aemond bites back a breath of relief when the words come out, eye fighting to go back to outside the window next to the wall where he leans. Floris’ face scutches into a frown.

Alicent chews on her cheek in clear aggravation, a tell Aemond can pick up from years of noticing his mother’s ticks. But like any good diplomat, she quickly replaces the disappointment with smile towards Floris.

“Well, it can take time,” she tries to give a good-natured shrug. “No reason to worry.”

Alicent had gotten good at giving her kids the same empty placating statements sprouted to her by her own father. Everything is going how it should. No need to worry. You will be fine.

They do not believe her the way she does not believe Otto. She can at least say she knows her children well enough to see they do not believe it. Alicent is sure her father still deludes himself into thinking his halfhearted attempts at warmness work.

Even the smartest man in the Seven Kingdoms can be mind-numbingly daft at times.

The maester and Alicent jump into words of encouragement and ideas to help a seemingly upset Floris. Aemond assumes he should join in, comfort his wife but his legs don’t catch up with what his brain tells him is best. Instead, he stares out of the tower window, a flash of deep red and black catching his eye.

He sees you walking through the castle with such sure steps, in perfect tow with his sister. A creep of bitterness works its way up Aemond’s throat. The way you have encroached into the inner fabric of his family leaves him feeling uncomfortable. As if you were always meant to be here. A harmless addition, but he knows better. There is nothing harmless about the way Aegon looks at you.

The only vindication he gets is his mother’s shared hesitance. But in the end, he knows Alicent is too tired to say anything unless true harm is being done. Even she can appreciate Aegon having a singular focus for once, even if it not his wife. And she is undoubtedly fond of your strait-laced yet kind nature. You knowing your place makes all the difference. But Aemond sees hints of boldness and rashness.

It feels odd watching a woman not of his family so garishly wear the color that matches the walls of the castle. But too terribly fascinating to look away from. The black dress with Ruby red trimming sits off the shoulders elegantly. Your hair pulled up showing off a swan like neck that he has only seen on his mother.

Poised, well-read, quick witted, and all wrapped up in a pretty package. You are the ideal vessel for a royal bastard; he knows you see it too, you are too bright not to. A perfectly placed temptation.

He knows his brother is foolish enough to try it.

Mindlessly, his hand goes to his throat. The touch is not the same as yours. His sword withered hands nothing like the dainty soft one that danced across his nights ago. He swallows thickly.

“Aemond, are you listening,” his mother voice breaks through his thoughts.

He nods. As he pushes himself from the wall, he swears he can feel eyes looking up at him.

— — —

Aemond starts to wonder if all his thoughts will be tinged with violence and paranoia.

Simple ideas can be quickly shifted into something morbid. He does not when it started. After he lost his eye? After watching Aegon and Helaena get married? After learning about get married himself. It is easy to have this to turn into dust and ashes in this family.

Though Floris is a welcomed difference. The right amount of different yet bland enough that his thoughts on her dissolve into nothing. Sweet, and palatable; things could be far worse he guesses. He could be stuck with far worse. She lets him do as he pleases. Finds ways to occupy herself that has nothing to do with him, a comfort.

When he hears laughter coming from their chambers, he assumes she must be with one of her ladies in waiting. He internally groans at the small talk he must make with them. Pretending to care about whatever court gossip they dither on about. But when he walks in he sees a table full of tea and treats.

“My love,” Floris hops up from her seat, a bright smile on her face. A warmer disposition than the one she had been sporting since the news of not being with child.

Before he can reply, the person in the seat turned away from he springs up with equal vigor.

“Prince Aemond,” you curtesy, polite smile on your face.

For today, the cold, silk targaryen-esque garb had replaced with a lace emerald green and gold gown. Coils falling in way that create a halo around you. He should add chameleon to the list of attributes. The transformation is remarkable. The typical icy demeanor being washed away with a young, sheepish, and girly smile.

Aemond bites back a sneer. His body feels like it vibrates whenever you are near. He has not figured out if it is anger or something entirely different.

“We were just having tea,” Floris looks at you then at the wine on the table, and you two share a knowing giggle. “Chatting away.”

He waits for the moment you finally excuse yourself, but it never comes. The two of you continue to whisper and giggle as if there is an inside joke no one else will be in on. He tries not to focus on it as he takes off his riding gloves, and cloak.

A guard comes into the room asking for Floris. He sends a prayer to the Gods that his wife will take you with him. But all she does is tell you that she will be back soon.

“Did you have a nice ride,” your voice rings through the room. Aemond lets out a deep sigh, turning from the clothing cabinet. He turns to find you lounging in the chair, goblet in hand.

He doesn’t answer, just stares at her leaning against the wardrobe.

“I have always thought about it,” your lips are stained red from the wine. “Taming a dragon, riding a dragon. Your wife is very lucky.”

Aemond blanches at the image that passes through his head. The vibrating feels like it is starting to radiate inside to outside. You down the rest of the wine.

“I am assuming she had ridden on Vhagar with you.”

She had…. once. Aemond had assumed it would romantic or a deep connection would be had. His at the time future wife meeting his first friend. She threw up afterwards, politely saying that she would never want to do that again.

Dragons are not for everyone.

“Maybe my brother will finally put you out of your misery, and let you ride his.”

Your lips curl into a cruel smile. “I would like that. I hear one good ride always clears the head. I am sure you have needed that lately.”

Aemond frowns not understanding what you mean.

“Floris was telling me about your problems. Do not fret Aemond, impotence is very natural while under pressure,” your eyes travel down his body, and you give him a fake pout in pity.

Aemond is sure he is about to lunge at you. His vision goes red for a second. “I am not impotent,” he hisses through clenched teeth. “Nothing of what my wife and I do is any of your business.”

He shouldn’t feel the need to explain himself to you. Insolent girl with too much time on her hands, and too many ideas in her head. Aemond slightly curses his brother for being the reason you even come around. You hold your hands up innocently.

“Your wife invited me to tea, and she brought up the conversation. I am only now trying to extend my support.” 

Aemond always thinks the people around him are too trusting, too open. Helaena is painstakingly warm to whoever shows her an ounce of kindness. Aegon is easily swayed with pretty faces or a sense of camaraderie. His mother’s whole being shuts down at the sound of compliments. Floris is alone at court, in need a friend. You meet all of their needs in ways he cannot begin to. You know it as much as he does.

He should feel upset at his wife, but he doesn’t even have the passion to do that.

So, all he can do is focus on how you bring on a nagging tug in the pit of stomach. How he trusts absolutely nothing you do. How embarrassed he feels about you knowing any intimate details about him.

“But if I could give some advice,” you get up from your seat, walking towards him. “If your wife is not doing the trick, perhaps thinking about other things may help. Something that makes the blood pump a little faster.”

Aemond’s throat bobs. He glares, trying to think of cruel insult to dismiss the notion, but he finds his mouth dry and his tongue heavy.

The moment is interrupted by Floris coming in with a smile. “What did I miss?”

The transformation happens again, Aemond thinks. The low voice you had put on, and the hazy look in your eyes instantly go away. You turn to her with a chipper smile.

“I was just telling Prince Aemond about how I am looking forward to going to the orphanage with you, Princess Helaena, and the Queen on the morrow.”

You lock arms with her, and all Aemond can do is watch.

Wretched girl.

—— —

Later that night, when he feels Floris’s lips on his neck, and her hand working down his chest. He tries to think about how lucky he is. Floris is pretty, and kind. He has bolstered his family through the marriage. It should make him happy.

Despite himself, he finds himself thinking about other things. About berry red wine-stained lips, and a perceptive mind. A wet thumb tracing where his wife’s lips are. Heat pulls in the pit of his stomach at the thought of you wanting to ride a dragon. That night he cums harder than expected.

Maybe second sons deserve the best too.

[jbaileyfansite]

Interview with Interview Magazine (2024)

Before he was known as the dashing Lord Anthony Bridgerton or Tim Laughlin, the character in Fellow Travelers for which he won a Critics Choice Award earlier this month, Jonathan Bailey caught the attention of Phoebe Waller-Bridge with his confident, self-possessed audition for her show Crashing nearly a decade ago. “You came in like a fireball,” said the Fleabag star on Zoom with Bailey, recounting how, while reading for the role of the sex-obsessed Sam, Bailey asked permission to lay his script out on the floor in front of him like a rainbow. “You had no embarrassment. You didn’t actually refer to it again, but you took those few seconds to just completely set up what you exactly needed for that audition, and then you were so free.” In the years since, with roles in Bridgerton, the Showtime drama Fellow Travelers, and the upcoming Wicked movie adaptation, Bailey has become one of the most sought-after actors in the business, capable of generating sparks with whoever’s on screen with him. Waller-Bridge attributes this to the 35-year-old’s distinct understanding of tension. “You’re like a chemistry machine,” she gushed. “There’s this incredible erotic energy that people are so excited about.” Last week, from a hotel room at Claridge’s in London, Bailey talked to Waller-Bridge about longing, orgasms, frosted tips, nostalgia, Shakespeare, and his very first role: playing a raindrop in a stage production of Noah’s Ark.

PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE: Hi.

JONATHAN BAILEY: Hi.

WALLER-BRIDGE: I’m taking my glasses off. Now I can be real.

BAILEY: I’ve just had a gin and tonic, actually. I had a meeting and he really wanted a glass of Whispering Angel, so I was like, “Well, I’ve got to dive in.”

WALLER-BRIDGE: What’s the time there?

BAILEY: Oh, I’m literally around the corner from you. Literally, I’ve come into Claridge’s Hotel and checked in for an hour just to have a Zoom.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Oh, god. That’s so chic. Jonny, I want all of your secrets.

BAILEY: I feel like you’ve got quite a few of them already.

WALLER-BRIDGE: I do, actually. And we’re not going to talk about any of those. But I did also get to do a little bit of research on you.

BAILEY: Oh, god. What have you got?

WALLER-BRIDGE: Jonathan Stewart Bailey, I’d like to jump straight in with the fact that the first professional job you had was playing a teardrop, or a raindrop?

BAILEY: There were teardrops, but yeah, I was playing a raindrop.

WALLER-BRIDGE: You were a crying raindrop.

BAILEY: A crying raindrop in Noah’s Ark.

WALLER-BRIDGE: And how old were you then?

BAILEY: I think I was about 5 going on 29. I was really upset because it didn’t rain. The bitch that played Noah, she forgot the cue for the rain to come. So my dance didn’t make it, but at the end of the show they allowed me to do it once everyone had applauded.

WALLER-BRIDGE: I asked you that specifically because you’ve also said that your grandmother took you to see a production of Oliver in London and that’s what changed everything.

BAILEY: Yes.

WALLER-BRIDGE: So was the raindrop before or after that? I am getting to something, I promise.

BAILEY: I think it was probably afterwards. I was really young when I went to see Oliver.

WALLER-BRIDGE: I’m interested because I read that seeing it made you decide you wanted to perform. Can you tell me the specific thing that made it click?

BAILEY: I’ll tell you, the most bizarre thing is that I had three seasons at the RSC under my belt by the age of nine. There was a moment where I played Prince Arthur, the kid in Shakespeare who gets his eyes gouged out and has to escape a turret. I remember doing that production and thinking I was aware of the power of words, if that makes sense. You’re so porous at that age, I think. It is such a gift, isn’t it, to be shown what iambic pentameter is.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Do you still feel passionate about Shakespeare now?

BAILEY: I do, actually. It’s my dirty, filthy habit.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Your dirty little habit. I know what you mean, though, how if you come to it quite raw, and it’s not something that you’ve had shoved down your throat at school, there is nothing more epic and spectacular.

BAILEY: And being around people who are just so committed to their vocation, whether they’re writing or creating. The smell backstage at the RSC at the Barbican was like cigarettes, stage makeup, Joe Fiennes, and hope.

WALLER-BRIDGE: That’s a lot of beautiful smells you’ve got going on there.

BAILEY: I know. Talk about top notes and bottom notes. I was like, “These men, these titans of theater!”

WALLER-BRIDGE: That’s extraordinary that you were exposed to that kind of level of professionalism. Because you are consummately professional, and I remember that. You have this incredible ability to be completely live and spontaneous and wild at the same time as being so incredibly professional, and that’s why working with you felt totally safe. I know that I’ve got a professional actor coming today, but I have absolutely no idea what’s going to happen because you still managed to keep that spontaneity and danger.

BAILEY: I suppose it’s sometimes dangerous. Today I had to do an interview. Crashing came up and I described working with you as being on the constant edge of an orgasm and also hysteria.

WALLER-BRIDGE: It did have a kind of wild, beautiful energy.

BAILEY: There’s a chemical alchemy when you get the right group of people led by the right people.

WALLER-BRIDGE: I haven’t had that in quite the same way since, where everyone has equal importance in the story. That’s the thing that feels quite rare, actually, there’s like six of you and they’re all as fucked up as each other. I remember your audition. You came in like a fireball and you already felt like you had a Sam energy. You sat in your chair, took out your script from your bag, and then you were like, “Give me a second,” and you laid out your script around you on the floor. You had no embarrassment about what you needed or in front of you. You didn’t actually refer to it again, but you took those few seconds to just completely set up what you exactly needed for that audition, and then you were so free. And I just wonder if you’ve felt that particular type of confidence your whole life?

BAILEY: That’s a really good question. I’ve got three older sisters and I wonder if they are a structure. I’ve definitely been in environments where I don’t feel free, and then you give the worst performance of your life. What I’ve found in the last few years is that, of course, you have to adapt so quickly to work out what you need in order to be able to be free. I think if I don’t have the equivalent of that on the floor, I panic or get really scared.

WALLER-BRIDGE: There’s something about that, which is being able to play dangerously in a safe environment. I feel like that’s got so much to do with an understanding of tension, which I think you have. You’re like a chemistry machine. Obviously, with Bridgerton and then in Fellow Travelers, there’s this incredible erotic energy that people are so excited about.

BAILEY: I really think it comes from Crashing.

WALLER-BRIDGE: It doesn’t come from Crashing, it comes from you. I think you’re the king of tension. I think you understand what that is.

BAILEY: I think you can give yourself butterflies, can’t you?

WALLER-BRIDGE: Is that what you’re looking for, the butterfly all the time?

BAILEY: Yeah, I’m always looking for my butterfly farm. The misty, slightly smelly greenhouse full of butterflies.

WALLER-BRIDGE: That’s your tummy?

BAILEY: Yeah, that’s my tummy.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Did you always dream of playing leading man roles growing up?

BAILEY: Not at all, no. I never thought I would be able to.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Why?

BAILEY: I’ve realized that I’m completely in awe of other people and performances and creative endeavors. I go to the theater and I love a performance and I’m like, “How do they do that? I can’t see the seams.” So therefore, I feel like I must be driven by that. And when something comes my way, there’s a fear that it won’t work.

WALLER-BRIDGE: What’s really exciting to me is when I see palpable dynamics between characters, which you have done multiple times, like the relationship between Tim and Hawk. There’s so much opportunity for intimacy and that kind of danger. And when you get to play those sorts of roles, when you know that you can stand in front of each other and you don’t really need to do anything because it’s giving you something, it must’ve just been a joy walking into this world because it’s like a banquet of stuff to play with, right?

BAILEY: Totally, and it feels sort of vital and sexy. I do remember this one memory, which I guess I’ll share with you now. I did play and there was a tiled wall,at eye level with a mirrored border around. And there was a guy, we were into each other, and I remember just looking up in the middle of a conversation and he was looking at me in a reflection. And I was like, “This is what life is about.” Anyway, I think that it must have something to do with feeling the most alive in that.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Do you know Esther Perel?

BAILEY: Yeah, I love Esther Perel.

WALLER-BRIDGE: So she’s written about how she believes that your next orgasm begins at the very end of your last one, which is basically our whole life just building up to our next orgasm.

BAILEY: That’s just fantastic. It’s just so positive and hopeful—

WALLER-BRIDGE: And so beautiful, isn’t it?

BAILEY: It is.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Everything that you encounter in your life, every conversation that you have, is in some way building up to the next euphoric physical experience. Every single character has to have that inside them one way or another, because every human does. And I think with Fellow Travelers, because you long for them so much as an audience and you want them to have everything that they want from each other, but they’re also brutal to themselves and to each other, there is something so extraordinary seeing characters in that time portrayed in the way that you guys have portrayed them.

BAILEY: One thing that we’re all born with is the sense of longing. Longing comes before anything else, doesn’t it? Whoever you put on the wall, laminate the poster or whatever, it’s there. And actually, if you long for someone, more often than not you don’t think you are worthy of it. And that, to me, is a way into characters.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Do you remember your laminated poster longing person?

BAILEY: I think I had the Simpsons, which was obviously me trying to disguise myself as much as possible. Lucy Liu was a big one for me, too.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Well, I can see that.

BAILEY: I suppose there’s the laminated wall in my literal bedroom and then there’s the laminated wall in my gay—

WALLER-BRIDGE: Mind.

BAILEY: Who was yours?

WALLER-BRIDGE: You know what? It’s really interesting, because I was the eagle in the Rescuers Down Under. That wasn’t necessarily a sexual longing, but it was a romantic idea, that overwhelming sense of watching the Rescuers Down Under and being able to run out of the back of my house on my own, age 10, and jump onto the back of a giant eagle and he’ll fly me around. But in terms of just a hottie that I really fancied, I think it was probably Leo [DiCaprio].

BAILEY: Oh, yeah.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Are you a nostalgic person?

BAILEY: Yes, I think so. I think a lot about my younger self. I’m always like, “Guys, remember this?” It’s slightly annoying, but I’m always drawing a line between the past and now for sure.

WALLER-BRIDGE: That’s how you measure your life, by remembering the time that’s gone by or what 11-year-old you would think of what you were doing?

BAILEY: I think I’m probably more romantic than nostalgic, if that makes sense.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Go on.

BAILEY: Well, I just think I’ve fully committed to the idea of everything being brilliant and then I work backwards from there.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Well, having starred in two hit period dramas and also being a huge part of the fact that they are a hit, that’s why I wondered about what your relationship is with the past and history, and how much you actually knew about McCarthy America?

BAILEY: Oh, no. Have you got a quiz?

WALLER-BRIDGE: I actually don’t. Do you want one?

BAILEY: No, that would be the worst.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Do you enjoy historical novels? Do you live in the past in any way in your mind? Or you are kind of like, “We’re here and we’re moving forward?”

BAILEY: I do think I’m here and moving forward. I really struggled with history at school, I could not take in information about the past. When it came to exams, I would remember the page where things were written but I couldn’t stitch together epochs and eras and kings.

WALLER-BRIDGE: It crashes my brain, too. I have a friend, and you can say to her, “June 24th, 1999,” and she can tell you pretty much what she was up to.

BAILEY: That’s amazing.

WALLER-BRIDGE: You can see her go into the diary in her mind. She has a very different wiring of her brain. But speaking of longing, are there any fictional or real life couples, gay or straight, that captured your heart over the years?

BAILEY: Oh my god, what a question. What about Michelle Williams and Ryan Gosling in Blue Valentine?

WALLER-BRIDGE: I think Morticia and Gomez Addams were the most romantic couple.

BAILEY: Yeah, I see that.

WALLER-BRIDGE: They understood it. They got it all.

BAILEY: Also maybe Ryan and Marissa in The OC.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Any gay male couples that you ever looked up to or were romanced by?

BAILEY: Well unfortunately, there just weren’t that many were there growing up.

WALLER-BRIDGE: So wild.

BAILEY: But I met Matthew Rhys recently, who I just love. And I was thinking about that relationship in Brothers and Sisters. And then there was Queer as Folk. Russell, T. Davies changed the game. So many people owe so much to him just purely for visibility. There is no Tim and Hawk to a 2023 audience without Queer as Folk.

WALLER-BRIDGE: But did you feel frustrated?

BAILEY: Well, speaking of history, I was doing media studies with an amazing teacher and I decided that I was going to do my dissertation about the representations of Hutus and Tutsis and the Rwanda genocide, looking at Hotel Rwanda and Shooting Dogs. And then Brokeback Mountain came out and I was like, “Hang on, how can I possibly create a world where I can go and have a free pass to go to the cinema to watch it 10 times?” I’m really proud of my 17-year-old self, I wasn’t necessarily out, but I changed the topic to representation of homosexuality in Brokeback Mountain and I watched that film 10 times. And this amazing teacher, Dr. Brunton, who probably had an idea of what was going on, was just like, “This is brilliant, keep going, keep going.” And I think it was the best mark I ever got.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Do you still have it?

BAILEY: It must be on a hard drive upstairs in the attic. And obviously, that completely changed me, something chemical happened there. But it’s funny, I’m not clear on memories. And I do think it’s a common thing for a lot of people, growing up and having to survive and be basically in fight or flight, there’s a murkiness to how I recall.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Of course, because you couldn’t be truly present because you weren’t being completely yourself.

BAILEY: Totally, yeah.

WALLER-BRIDGE: When you look back and start unpacking it, do you feel overwhelmed with sympathy for how hard you were having to work as a 16-year-old, coming up with excuses to see the movie that you wanted to see?

BAILEY: Yeah. But I spent more time trying to be sympathetic towards the people that were around me who didn’t support or couldn’t help. I look back and I go, “Hell.”

WALLER-BRIDGE: Yes. But you are representing that and living that for so many people now. Your speech at the Critics Choice Awards the other day was so sublime and beautiful and straight from the heart. You are so electric as a human being and that is the most important thing. There aren’t many people in the world that can do that, that can stand there in front of people and speak from their heart about what it means to them to be given this opportunity. And I know that your career is just going to be the most extraordinary journey. When I first met you, I remember sitting with Josh [Cole], who was the producer on Crashing, and we were like, “If we get this guy, it’s going to be the game changer for the show.” And I know that every single person now wanting you on their project is feeling the same thing.

BAILEY: I definitely feel overwhelmed by that, but it’s lovely to hear.

WALLER-BRIDGE: Can I just ask you one question which I couldn’t remember about Crashing?

BAILEY: Yeah.

WALLER-BRIDGE: The frosted tips were your idea, wasn’t it?

BAILEY: I had this conversation today. I think it’s in the script. But my reference picture was Justin Timberlake in double denim.

WALLER-BRIDGE: No, I don’t think it was [in the script], because Sam’s a character that I hold closest to my heart because, in so many ways, he represents how I feel about maybe my inner life. I just love him so much, and your ability to play every single little corner of him that I dreamed of.

BAILEY: Maybe that’s the answer I was looking for when you asked if I was drawn to any romantic couples? No, it was just about wanting bleach blonde hair.

Source

[watchyourbuck]

Oh god okay here we go

Why must I go into heavy detail you ask? Well, I am actually unable to shut up so here it is them 10 TOP “there’s no chance this is a straight friendship” MOMENTS

“You can have my back any day” aka the enemies to lovers speedrun. The immediate feeling we’re supposed to get from the screen is jealousy. Buck is jealous of the new recruit because he’s hot, a medic, a veteran, whatever. I’ll give it to you children, he WAS jealous. But then they go on call and they get into immediate danger bc 911 is a drama and then Eddie’s very keen on being Buck’s partner. Nothing queer til then right? WRONG. Eddie’s line is pretty normal but the way Buck reacts isn’t. I have had my fair share of “huh this person I didn’t like is actually cool” moments but nEVER have I once sucked in a breath, forgot how to blink, rushed in my words OR stared at said person like I’d like for them to be my lover. Three points to Gayfindor.

“Is your son REALLY the reason you don’t date?” This line and the dialogue that follows makes absolutely no sense from the non-queer glass. Alright he asks bc he wants to know why two girls practically launched themselves at him and he declined (such a kind offer lmao) but… why are you standing so close? Why do you bump shoulders with him as you walk? Most importantly, what the FUCK does Eddie’s smirk mean after “they’re not my type either… not anymore.” Idk about you guys but when I’m not on the market I’m actually not in it 😀 and I don’t go around looking at my best friend like I’d consider fucking her (I’m actually kinda yikes about that thought bc she’s like my sister). Bottom line is: if you’re willing to fuck your best friend, there’s attraction. That scenes oozes attraction and I’d be willing to white glove challenge a body language reader.

The Tsunami. YES okay, there are far many moments in between but I also need to make this a somewhat readable list so here we go. We’re gonna pretend for a hot second Buck wants to save his best friend’s son, and not the child that he considers his own bc I’m tired. Let’s skip to the far end of this (be GrAtEfuL I’m skipping the whole sacrifice that this episode entailed. Buck was willing to die, to never sit down again if it meant looking for Chris [& the utter fear he has to face Eddie]. It’s a lot). Now, I do not OWN a child (thank god) but if I did, I wouldn’t be particularly comfortable with a simple friend from work taking care of them. They could be my very best friend from work and I’d still feel a little icky -at least nervous- about it. Yet Eddie not only takes Christopher back A F T E R the tsunami (Chris could’ve died and Eddie is nothing short of apprehensive), but he says ‘there’s no one I trust with my son more than you’. Um. Not his wife. Not his family (CHRIS’ family), not Abuela, not Tia Pepa. Buck. Who he… just met? Surely it isn’t bc he’s uncle buck… I don’t believe even Maddie has said that to Buck, where he’s actually, yknow, UNCLE BUCK. Co-parenting is not something done between a parent and a friend, and I know this shit bc my mom raised me with a few of her friends and guys,,, she never said that to any of them. Also Chris is practically never seen with anyone else from the 188firefam alone.

The Kitchen Scene™️. I have gone on rants about this before but truth be told THIS is the scene that conveys the MOST canonically sexual tension between them. We can joke about it all y’all want but this scene is unhinged. I don’t think Oliver and Ryan were aware that they should’ve been friends in this scene. The way the conversation shifts from apologetic sad puppy eyes to “you’re throwing your punches at the wrong guy” to I CAN TAKE YOU (???) you can what? “Oh you think?” “Oh I know” HELLO? Pls don’t even get me started on how Buck approaches Eddie, the way he’s puffy-chested, his hand on his belt, eyeing him up and down, nearly biting his lip, cocky grin,,,,, explain to me in hetero. I’m waiting😐 guys c’mon exPLAIN IT TO ME IN HETERO. The way Eddie glances to the side bc where’s Chris? And h o w he sips his beer right after, smirking, tiLTING His head. I’m sorry this is not straight in any way. I’m sorry you’re gonna have to accept this.

Clipboard Buck. Alright u got me!!! This one’s a lil silly, but so is my life, so it’s fair game. Clipboard Buck is annoying as fuck, he’s so fucking annoying. The entire firefam picks up on this, no one wants to be around,,,, except Eddie. You could argue that it’s bc he likes him as a friend and he’s just indulging …. 👁️👄👁️ sure but he also hides from Interim Captain Han soooo anyway what’s fun about this is how willing Eddie is to comply with everything he says. He’s basically twirling his hair, kicking his feet, smiling & blushing and “check!” 🧍🏽‍♀️ buck is kinky (that is canon e.g the ring cutter) and he gets high on authority and Eddie does backflips to meet his kinks. Exhibit 5 complete.

The Lawsuit Arc acka the first divorce era😔✊🏼. This one makes me rage a little bit because I get really upset at Buck for acting recklessly. Like baby let yourself HEAL. Anyway,,,, onto what brings us here 🥷🏼. It’s canon that the entire team is mad at Buck, they don’t really wanna bump into him, can’t really speak to him,,, but Eddie? Eddie’s filled with wrath. I cannot stress enough the fact that he uses Chris as an excuse “do you even know how much he misses you? how could you! you’re not here”. The way he expresses himself, and we’re choosing to ignore the fact that he HIMSELF misses Buck,, that’s how you talk to someone who has a responsibility with the child, not the fun coworker that randomly shows up @ your house with pizza every once in a while. “I couldn’t even call you to bail me out of jail”. He’s so u p s e t that for the first time they know each other he can’t rely on Buck when he’s hurting and in danger. And pls for the love of Jesus Christ my lord & savior don’t tell me that it’s a 118 thing bc he calls Ronda Rousey to come pick him up 🎅🏻 that grocery store scene is.. interesting.

Eddie Underground. Alright we’re getting serious now guys,,, might as well put on your thinking caps on this one. We all know the story, this isn’t a latest ep recap soooo The wAY Buck’s the ONLY ONE who desperately calls Eddie’s name when he’s fallen underground, amidst the heavy rain and dirt. Listen to me: he starts digging with his hands. With his bare hands I tell you!!!! 😩 Bobby has to physically pull him back as he cries on his lap. Buck is a smart man, he wouldn’t do something that’s completely illogic, he knows he can’t dig him out but he’s so desperate. His voice breaks, he can’t breathe, he becomes impulsive, reckless, impatient. Do I need to remind y’all the reason he wasn’t the one getting strapped to go underground??? “You’re not going down there. So we can have two cut off ropes?” Everyone knows he’s willing to sacrifice his integrity for Eddie bc his life doesn’t make sense without him. “We’ll get him back for you”

The Shooting + “I’ve made u my son’s dad lol”. When Eddie gets shot the world freezes for Buck. He’s left standing there, staring as Eddie’s blood splatters on him. He has to be tackled down. Even then, he’s unable to move, to breathe. He just looks as he bleeds out, and theN he snaps back into reality, bracing himself to go under the truck (foregoing his own trauma - I’ve said this before) and preparing for the amount of strength it’s gonna take to pull him under it. He screams at him to hold on, and later when he manages to pull him inside the truck he tells him he needs him to hang on. He rips his uniform open, he cries and screams,,, then Eddie wakes up, and he asks BUCK if HES okay. Bc he saw blood :( also as @butraura pointed out, he can’t die if Buck’s dying bc what about Chris? He only lets himself drift off when he knows Buck’s okay. Then we got The Will Reveal™️ also so unhinged. “You knew I wouldn’t turn it down” right what is this guys??? That was a year ago. He added him to his will A yEaR aGo. Idk about y’all but I haven’t added my friends to my will😀 also Buck’s the one who tells Chris ??? (I’m being very brief on this subject). Also “Because, Evan” shut up🧎🏽‍♀️

& 10. The Lightning Strike + “She sees me”. I’m doing these together bc I haven’t watched this episodes yet but I’m an addict so I’ve spoiled myself to the brim. The way Eddie screams Buck’s name, the way he saves him, “do more” h e l l o ?? The absolute PAIN in Eddie’s eyes, “you died Buck” “3 minutes and 17 seconds”, “his humor hasn’t changed” & the fact that he listens to Buck on his super genius math theory. And then Buck goes and says “I feel like Natalia sees me” ok. I mean my feelings mean nothing but Eddie’s face ??? That’s a man that knows he’s waited too long.

I rest my case. I’m missing a lot of scenes (like a lot omg Abby comes back, Buck under the Truck, Buck vomiting blood, the Taylor Arc) & y’all can argue in the comments about them, or add shit or try to dismantle mine, honestly the floor is yours idc wHat u do, just know you won’t convince me otherwise 🤸🏽these two are in love & that’s pretty much that on THAT. PERIOD.

[drewsbuzzcut]

I Can See It In Your Eyes

Drew Starkey x Evangeline Sinclair (OC)

Warnings: none that I can think of (this is also lightly edited so sorry for any mistakes)

“Evangeline!”

“Ms. Sinclair over here!”

“Look this way!”

The young starlet walks down the red carpet, the train of her gown in her hand as she makes her way to an interviewer. The buzzing crowd does nothing for her nerves, but she focuses on the pride she feels as everyone calls out for her.

“We’re here with Evangeline Sinclair. She walked the red carpet for the first time just yesterday for her premiere of her brand new horror movie. Everyone seemed to love it and the reviews are to die for. How do you feel?” The interviewer dives in straight away.

Evangeline only has a millisecond to catch her breath.

“So excited. This movie is special to me and I want people to really feel that. I hope that transcribes well through all the hard work that was put into that project,” she breathes out, hands clutched over her heart to show that her words are heartfelt.

“Today you’re here as well to support your fellow Loewe crew and Luca who you’ve previously worked with.”

“Yes, I am. Luca is a fantastic director and he’s perfect at having a vision and making it come to life. I’m honored to be here to celebrate and support such an amazing film and an amazing cast and crew”

“If you don’t mind shifting gears, rumor has it that Drew Starkey is your newest costar for another horror movie coming out sometime next year,” the woman says excitedly.

“Well I guess it isn’t a rumor anymore. Yes, he’s my costar and we’re actually in the middle of filming. Our lovely cast and crew were gracious enough to allow us to be here supporting our other projects,” Evangeline grins, a little flutter growing in her heart at the thought of Drew.

“Well the chemistry must be strong between you two. I can just feel the electricity buzzing when you walk by one another,” the interviewer points out, making a blush form on the actress’s cheeks.

“He’s amazing to work with. What can I say? Our chemistry is unmatched and that’s why we’re starring in a major movie together,” she muses through a big grin.

“I think I heard my name,” Drew chimes in, popping up behind Evangeline.

His hand finds the small of her back and he places a chaste kiss to her cheek, furthermore making her face blaze.

“Drew! How kind of you to join us. What’s it like working with this generation’s scream queen?”

Both Drew and Eva share a quick glance, their eyes quickly flitting away from each other. The girl is highly aware of his large hand still present on her back.

“Ah man. She’s- yeah she’s perfect. Someone that everyone wants to work with, and I just so happen to be the lucky one to do so. She’s super talented and she really knows how to put dedication into the craft,” Drew compliments, directing his gaze back to her.

They all look at each other just about speechless. Evangeline wasn’t expecting for him to say that and it clearly caught the interviewer off guard.

“He’s such a flatterer. I should be saying that I’m the lucky one, being able to work with him,” she shakes off her surprise.

“And soon everyone will be the lucky ones when they’re able to see your film in theaters.”

Evangeline turns her body into Drew’s, her hand landing on his chest in an affectionate manner. Although their touches seem to be mostly platonic, everyone will still be able to see the tension bouncing between their eyes.

“We can’t wait for everyone to see it,” Drew gleams and squeezes the actress into his side.

“Thank you, Drew and Evangeline. It was nice talking to you both,” the interviewer concludes her interview and the duo bid their goodbyes.

“You should pose with me for pictures,” Drew leans down to whisper in her ear.

The girl blushed furiously this time, heart practically beating out of her chest. Whenever she’s around Drew, her senses go haywire.

“No way. You’re the star of the night,” she huffs out.

“And you’re always a star.” Can he be any more perfect?

“One picture. Only one, Drew,” she gives in.

After a few pictures- after the paparazzi couldn’t get enough of them -the duo make their way inside, away from any prying eyes or lenses.

“I didn’t get a chance to tell you that you look beautiful,” Drew sighs as if it's been weighing on his chest.

“Thank you. You look handsome as well.”

His hands find their way back onto her back, slowly tugging her into him for a long overdue hug. Evangeline doesn’t dare stop herself from looping her arms around his neck. His hair tickles her fingers in a pleasant way, reminding her of all the times she’s played with his hair on set.

If someone were to see them, they’d think they’re a couple. Hell, sometimes her mind even tricks her into thinking they’re a couple. Truth is, their bond has become so strong, a catalyst from co-starring in a movie together. Their characters are each other’s love interest, and they’ve had their fair share of onscreen kisses that have pushed their relationship to toe the line between fiction and reality.

Snapping the girl out of her thoughts, Drew slides a hand down her arm and interlocks their fingers.

“Shit. I need to get going and meet up with Luca and Daniel and everyone else,” he mutters, lowering his head in slight annoyance.

“Nervous, Starkey?” There’s a tease hidden in her words and Drew catches it right away.

He fights off a bubbling laugh and just presses a hard kiss to her cheek.

“It’s okay if you’re nervous,” she adds after he fails to respond.

“I’m fine. I know you’ll be in there, seated right behind me,” he says and gathers her in his arms once again. Even in heels, Eva still has to be on her tiptoes to press her forehead to his.

“Mmm right. I almost forgot that I’m your non-date,” she laughs. Drew had asked her to accompany him during his film's premiere day, knowing that her presence will keep him calm. He also can’t deny that he adores seeing her dolled up and by his side.

“Date,” he corrects her. She stays silent, just peering into his baby blues.

“I’m proud of you,” she whispers and finally returns his cheek kiss.

“I have to get going.”

“Go superstar,” she playfully pushes at his chest.

He squeezes at her hips, reluctantly pulling away to catch one last, longing gaze at her before meeting the cast and crew for Queer.

a/n: I haven’t written for Drew in a while, so I hope y’all truly enjoy it

Let me know if there’s anything specific you want to see with Drew and Evangeline!

[mswyrr]

"In this moment, we have two months before the ship sinks lower and rather than wallowing in fear or operating from fear, I believe it is a time to get grounded, recalibrate for our coming reality, and to start planning. We have enough concepts of their plans to know that it’s probably a good time to draw closer to our communities in our geographic regions. If you don’t have one, it’s time to see how to become a part of one. It’s time to start moving away from social media because if even a fraction of what has been promised comes to fruition, a lot of us online will need to reduce our visibility.

As of right now, I am not planning to stop what I am doing but for my safety, I will be moving more of my work to Patreon and shifting how I post on these platforms. Given that I have been written about in publications and written for publications, I can’t exactly distance myself away from my work. But if you are a civilian, so to speak, it might be a great time to scrub your profiles and go low.

Start thinking about how you might live if money gets tight, reducing expenses, saving if possible. These aren’t bad ideas.

Ultimately though, don’t stop living. Instead, embrace life; embrace your people. In the days since the election, I have gathered with friends to break bread, had numerous long phone calls, and even Zoomed with my sisterhood of Black women. All of which calmed me down and got me back to reality. In this moment, I am okay, I don’t know what’s ahead but if I spend all this moment worrying about what might happen, I am not being present and, frankly, I am missing out on living. If the worst comes to fruition, I suspect I would regret spending our last days of relative peace worrying incessantly, when none of those worries can do anything.

Personally, I think self-care at this moment is reducing your time online. Fear is big business. The number of writers and creators I follow who are feeding us a steady diet of Big Fear has grown and the line between information and preparation and straight-up fear mongering has become extremely thin. Yes, there are historical markers that provide clues as to how this might all go down and being aware of them is useful but consuming them to the point where we are unable to function and plan is not helpful."

[knoepfl]

Beyond the Mask

Characters:

- Arthur Fleck / Joker: A man struggling with his identity, grappling with mental illness and societal rejection.

- Reader: A supportive friend who believes in Arthur's potential for change and seeks to defend him against societal judgment.

- Harvey Dent: The prosecutor, trying to establish Arthur as a dangerous criminal.

-Judge: The authoritative figure presiding over the courtroom, tasked with making a fair judgment.

Trigger Warnings:

- Mental illness

- Stalking- Criminal behavior

- Courtroom drama

- Themes of societal neglect and injustice

Masterlist

Word Count: 2559

This was a request from @pedroschka. I am very happy to have been given this honor of writing this^^ I truly enjoyed it and I hope you enjoy it too!

The courtroom was a stark contrast to the vibrant chaos Arthur Fleck had come to embody. He sat at the defendant's table, his Joker attire making him an imposing figure, yet inside, he felt a mixture of anxiety and defiance. He had fired his lawyer, determined to speak for himself, but the weight of the accusations hung heavily in the air.

As Harvey Dent rose from his seat, the courtroom fell silent. “I call the witness, [Your Name], to the stand,” he said, his voice cutting through the tension. You walked up, heart racing but determined. This was your chance to speak for Arthur, the man behind the mask.

Taking your place at the stand, you felt all eyes on you. Harvey leaned in, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. “So, [Your Name], you were friends with Arthur Fleck, correct? You’re aware of his… obsession with you?”

You straightened, meeting his gaze with resolve. “Yes, I was friends with Arthur. And yes, he struggled with his feelings. But that doesn’t define who he is.”

Dent raised an eyebrow, feigning disbelief. “Isn’t it true that his fixation on you led to stalking? Wouldn’t you say that makes him dangerous?”

You took a deep breath, steadying yourself against the gravity of the accusation. “He didn’t intend to hurt me. He was lost, confused, trying to make sense of his feelings. It wasn’t about malice—it was about desperation.”

Arthur shifted slightly, the bravado of the Joker flickering as he listened to your words. You could see the internal struggle within him, the mask of confidence beginning to crack.

“Do you feel safe around him?” Dent pressed, hoping to elicit a more damning response.

“I felt safe with Arthur,” you replied, your voice firm. “He was always kind to me. He just… needed help. The world turned him into someone who felt he had to be something else to be seen.”

As you spoke, Arthur’s expression softened, the mask of the Joker slipping further away. You continued, “He’s not just the Joker. He’s Arthur Fleck, a man who has been tormented by his circumstances. He deserves compassion, not condemnation.”

The judge’s interest piqued, eyebrows raising at your passionate defense. Dent faltered, momentarily caught off guard by your perspective.

“So you believe he’s a victim of his own mind?”“Yes,” you said, nodding. “He’s been pushed into a corner, and it’s a tragedy. He’s not just a criminal; he’s a product of a society that failed him. We all deserve a second chance.”

“Do you think he’s capable of change?” Dent pressed again, trying to catch you off guard.

“Absolutely,” you insisted, looking straight at Arthur. “He’s trying to navigate this world, and the only thing he needs is understanding. Everyone makes mistakes, and Arthur’s mistakes don’t define him. They’re just a part of his journey.”

The judge leaned forward, intrigued by your testimony. Arthur’s eyes shimmered with something unspoken, a flicker of hope that perhaps he could be understood.

As you finished your statement, Arthur’s gaze locked onto yours, and you could see the gratitude reflected in his eyes. For the first time in what felt like forever, he felt seen—not as the Joker, but as the man he once was, the man you remembered. His cocky demeanor faded away, revealing the softer side that had been buried under layers of pain and anger.

You could feel the courtroom’s attention shift. Whispers began to spread as people witnessed the transformation. Arthur, no longer the theatrical figure he had played, was just a man grappling with the repercussions of his actions.

“Your Honor,” Dent said, regaining his composure, “are we to believe that Arthur Fleck is merely a victim of circumstance? That he has no responsibility for his actions?”

You took a moment before responding, your heart racing as you faced the judge. “Everyone has a choice, Mr. Dent. But it’s important to understand the context behind those choices. Arthur was driven to madness by the very society he lived in. He didn’t wake up one day and decide to become the Joker; he became the Joker because the world told him he was nothing else.”

The judge leaned forward, intrigued by your testimony. Arthur’s eyes shimmered with something unspoken, a flicker of hope that perhaps he could be understood.

As you left the stand, you caught Arthur’s gaze once more. There was a spark of recognition in his eyes—a flicker of hope that maybe he could still be more than what the world had defined him to be.

“Thank you,” he mouthed, a small smile breaking through the facade of the Joker. In that moment, you both knew that despite the storm ahead, you would face it together, with the understanding that there was always a choice.

Then, unexpectedly, Arthur leaned forward, his voice a mix of bravado and vulnerability. “What do you really think of me, [Your Name]? Am I just a monster in clown makeup to you?” He attempted to keep his Joker persona alive, but there was an earnestness in his question that cut through the theatrics.

You paused, searching his eyes. “Arthur, you know I see you. Not the Joker, but you—Arthur Fleck. The man I once knew.”

He scoffed lightly, trying to mask the hurt behind his playful demeanor. “Oh come on, we both know I’m not worth saving. I mean, look at me!” He gestured to his costume, a mockery of the figure he had become.

“Arthur,” you said softly, drawing his attention. “You’re worth more than all of this. You’re not just what you’ve done. You have a choice to be better, to be you.”

“Really? You think I can be someone different?” he asked, his façade cracking further. “Someone who’s not just a punchline?”

“I believe that, yes. You’re more than your pain. You’re more than the Joker.” You stepped closer to the defendant’s table, your voice steady and sincere. “You once showed me kindness, compassion—the man I care about is still there, buried deep beneath the laughter and chaos.”

His brow furrowed, confusion flickering across his features. “But what about the stalking? The obsession? How can you still care after everything?”

You took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his past hovering between you. “Because I know you were lost. You were searching for something, someone, to understand you.

I know what it feels like to be invisible. I was never afraid of you; I was afraid for you.”Arthur’s eyes widened, a mix of surprise and vulnerability washing over him. “You really think I can change?” he repeated, almost as if he needed to hear it again.

“Yes,” you said firmly, your conviction unwavering. “And I’m here to help you remember who you are. The world might see the Joker, but I see Arthur Fleck. The man who deserves a chance to be happy.”

As the realization dawned on him, Arthur’s act faded, and the corners of his mouth twitched into a genuine smile. For the first time, he felt something shift within him—a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, he could embrace who he truly was.

The courtroom, once a place of judgment, transformed into a space of understanding. And in that moment, surrounded by the chaos of his life, Arthur Fleck took a step closer to reclaiming his identity, not as the Joker, but as the man you believed in.

---

As the courtroom settled into an uneasy silence, the weight of the moment hung heavy in the air. The jury deliberated, each member acutely aware that they were deciding the fate of Arthur Fleck, a man teetering on the edge of madness and sanity.

You could see the tension etched on Arthur's face as he sat at the defendant's table, anxiety creeping back into his demeanor. You reached out, your hand brushing against his, offering silent support as you both awaited the jury's verdict. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, and you could feel the eyes of everyone in the room, including the judge, locked on the jury forewoman.

After what felt like an eternity, the forewoman rose, her expression solemn as she prepared to deliver the decision. “We have reached a verdict,” she announced, her voice steady yet laden with gravity.

The room held its breath as she continued, “In the matter of Arthur Fleck, we find the defendant… guilty.” A gasp rippled through the courtroom, and Arthur's heart seemed to drop.

But the forewoman paused, raising her hand to quell the murmurs. “However,” she continued, “while we acknowledge his guilt in the crimes committed, we also recognize that Arthur Fleck was not himself when these acts occurred.”

You felt Arthur tense beside you, his eyes wide with disbelief. The room was still, every ear eager to hear the next words.

“I plead for the court to understand that the Joker is not who Arthur is,” she stated, her voice rising in conviction. “He is a man who has suffered greatly, a victim of circumstances beyond his control. The chaos that he unleashed was not a reflection of his true self.”

Arthur’s gaze flickered between you and the forewoman, the facade of the Joker fading as a glimmer of hope ignited within him.

“He deserves compassion, not the electric chair,” she concluded, her gaze unwavering as she faced the judge. “We recommend that he remain in Arkham, where he can receive the treatment he needs. We must acknowledge that the man before us is not the monster the world has painted him to be.

”The judge nodded, considering the jury's recommendation. Arthur’s breath hitched, the reality of the moment sinking in. For the first time in what felt like forever, he was seen—not just as the Joker but as Arthur Fleck.

As the tension in the courtroom shifted, you squeezed Arthur’s hand, your heart racing with a mixture of fear and hope. The judge’s gavel came down, and the murmurs in the room faded into a hush.

“Let it be known that Arthur Fleck will remain in Arkham Asylum, where he will receive the care and evaluation necessary to address his mental health,” the judge declared. “This court acknowledges the complexities of his psyche and the impact of societal neglect that led to his actions.

”In that moment, Arthur’s shoulders relaxed, the weight of the world lifting just a fraction. You could see the gratitude in his eyes as he turned to you, no longer the man burdened by the chaos of his alter ego. He was Arthur Fleck, a man given a chance to reclaim his identity and navigate the path toward healing.

As the courtroom slowly emptied, you knew this was only the beginning of a long journey, but for now, you felt a sense of victory—a chance to help Arthur find himself again, beyond the shadows of the Joker.

“There’s always a choice,” you whispered to him as the two of you stood to leave. “You just have to be brave enough to take it.”

---

~A few Months later~

---

The atmosphere in Arkham Asylum was heavy with an air of tension, but for you, it was a place of hope. It had been a few months since the trial, and in that time, Arthur had begun to change. He was undergoing therapy, and although the road was long, you could see the glimmers of the man he once was. The Joker's grip on him had weakened, and Arthur was beginning to reclaim his identity.

Today was a special day. You were finally allowed to visit him, and excitement bubbled within you. You had been waiting for this moment, eager to see the man behind the mask, the man you had defended in court and believed in wholeheartedly.

As you entered the visiting area, your heart raced. The sterile environment felt foreign, but your thoughts were solely on Arthur. The moment you spotted him, your breath caught in your throat. He was sitting at a table, looking more at peace than you had ever seen him. His hair was a little longer, and there were still shadows under his eyes, but his smile was genuine—a stark contrast to the dark persona he once wore.

“Arthur!” you called, rushing toward him. His face lit up at the sound of your voice, and you felt warmth spread through your chest.

“Hey,” he replied, his voice softer than you remembered. He stood up, meeting you halfway, and you threw your arms around him, feeling the warmth of his body against yours. It felt right—like home.

When you pulled back, Arthur looked at you with a mixture of gratitude and affection. “I can’t believe you’re here,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.

“I promised I would be, didn’t I?” you replied, your heart swelling. “I’ve been thinking about you every day. How are you holding up?”

He hesitated for a moment, searching for the right words. “It’s... been hard. But with the therapy, I’m starting to feel like I can breathe again. Like I’m not just the Joker.” His expression softened, revealing the vulnerability beneath his usual bravado.

You smiled gently, reaching out to cup his face in your hand. “You’re Arthur Fleck. You’re not just the Joker. You’re so much more than that.”

A flicker of hope danced in his eyes, and for the first time, you saw a glimmer of the man you had known before everything spiraled out of control. “You really believe that?” he asked, his voice almost a whisper.

“Of course, I do. I’ve always believed in you,” you replied, your heart racing as the distance between you shrank. “I’m here for you, Arthur. I care about you—just you.”

His gaze softened, and the walls he had built began to crumble. “I don’t deserve your kindness,” he murmured, his voice tinged with self-doubt.

You shook your head, stepping closer. “You do. You deserve all the love and happiness in the world. You’re not the monster everyone thinks you are. You’re capable of so much good.”

The sincerity in your words reached him, and in that moment, the connection between you both deepened. Arthur’s hand brushed against yours, sending a spark of electricity between you. “I’m so glad you’re here,” he said, his voice steadying. “I’ve missed you.”

I’ve missed you too,” you confessed, feeling the weight of your emotions come to the surface. “I’ve been waiting for this moment—to see you like this.”

As you both sat down together, the conversation flowed naturally. You talked about everything—the therapy, the progress he was making, the little things that brought him joy. With every word, you could see Arthur relax, the tension leaving his shoulders.

When it was time to leave, you stood up reluctantly, wishing you could stay longer. Arthur caught your hand, holding it gently. “Promise me you’ll come back,” he said, his eyes earnest.

“Of course,” you replied, squeezing his hand. “I’ll always come back, Arthur. You’re not alone anymore.”

As you walked away, glancing back at him one last time, you saw a flicker of hope in his eyes—a hope that had been buried but was now beginning to blossom. You knew the road ahead would be challenging, but you were determined to stand by his side, helping him navigate through the darkness.

After all, he was Arthur Fleck, and you were ready to embrace every part of him.

---

Author's Note:

Thank you for reading! I hope it offers a fresh perspective on Arthur Fleck's character and the struggles he faces. Again thank you for the opportunity to write this. Your feedback is welcome, and I appreciate your support as I continue to write about these compelling narratives.

[skyward-floored]

The cat’s out of the bag chapter 3

Surprise, I finished it! It’s a pi day miracle lol. Yet more adventures of Wind as a cat.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/52017334/chapters/137983660

Chapter 2 | Next

————————————————————

The last bits of light were gone from the sky, revealing stars speckled all across the dark expanse it had become. The moon had risen as well, a thin claw of white partially obscured by the branches of the forest, and Twilight glanced at it once, before looking back at the heroes who were gathered around him.

“So...”

Warriors’ voice seemed loud in the quiet that had fallen over the group, and the captain crossed his arms, giving Twilight an intense look that felt like it burned straight through him.

“Wind touched an item of yours he shouldn’t have, it turned him into a cat, and the only sure-fire way to fix him is with the Master Sword. Am I correct?” he asked in a surprisingly level voice, and Twilight nodded.

“Yes.”

“Hm.”

Warriors raised an eyebrow, but nodded and didn’t push for any further information, to Twilight’s surprise.

...and relief.

He’d just finished his explanation of how Wind had become a feline, and Warriors had seemed... extremely skeptical of the tale. It was true Twilight had tiptoed around the fact that he was Wolfie, and the item that had turned Wind was what he used to do it, but he hadn’t lied at all in his story.

...sidestepped the truth a little, but hadn’t lied.

Time had given Twilight several looks during his explanation of events, as had Wild, but neither of them interjected, and nobody else who knew about Wolfie had said anything either.

And maybe it would have been better just to explain everything, since Warriors and Hyrule were the only two heroes beside Sky who weren’t aware of his wolf-form. But truth be told, Twilight just wasn’t in the mood to face the whole ‘by the way I’m Wolfie’ conversation. He’d already had to explain it all to Wind today, the others could wait a bit longer.

Though, with the faces Warriors was making... it probably wouldn’t be long before he figured it out.

If he hadn’t already.

“So it’s a magic item then,” Hyrule said thoughtfully, then frowned a little. “One that isn’t easy to control... I thought you didn’t like magic, Rancher?”

Twilight shrugged. “I have a few artifacts. That one is just...” He hesitated. “...tricky.”

“That’s one word for it,” Legend snorted under his breath.

“Is the Master Sword really the only way to restore him?” Warriors asked again, and Twilight nodded.

“The only one available to us. Another source of strong, pure light magic might be able to fix him, like the light spirits in my Hyrule, but I’m certain these aren’t my lands. The sword is our best bet.”

“Well that’s unfortunate with Sky missing,” Four frowned. He looked at Wind, and the thoughtfulness in his eyes quickly turned soft. “...Is he asleep already?”

Twilight paused at Four’s hushed question, and looked down at the ball of fluff curled up on his lap, little breathy noises coming from within. Wind’s tail was tucked over his nose, leaving only the top of his face visible, and his eyes were closed, the tension his body had been holding all afternoon finally relaxed.

“I think so,” Twilight whispered back, and Time sighed from next to him.

“Good. He needs the rest. He was barely standing,” he said softly, and Twilight nodded, resisting the urge to cuddle Wind up to his chest.

He would never admit it while the sailor was awake, but he was cute, soft creamy fur with faint windy swirls of a darker pattern on his feet, face, and tail, and big blue-green eyes with a little pink nose. He wasn’t even a completely full-grown cat yet, which only made him more adorable, but Twilight was sure he’d get a bite on the hand if he voiced it.

But... he really was cute.

And exhausted because of you, his brain hissed, and the guilt constricted in Twilight’s middle again. You should have warned him sooner about touching the crystal.

“Poor kid. He’s totally exhausted, huh?” Legend asked, and Twilight checked back into the discussion, nodding.

“The transformation wore him out. It’s a lot of magic all at once, and he wasn’t expecting it at all,” Twilight said quietly, running a gentle hand over Wind’s fur.

“But he’ll be okay, right?” Wild asked, fiddling with his tunic as he looked at the sailor, and Twilight nodded.

“Yeah. The first time is always the worst.”

Warriors narrowed his eyes at that, and Hyrule had a suspicious look on his face as he glanced between Wind and Twilight. Twilight swallowed, and averted his gaze from the two, trying not to fidget.

Okay, maybe I should just come out with it already, this is a bit ridiculous.

Twilight couldn’t quite get his mouth to open, though.

He shifted a little awkwardly on his seat, and Wind suddenly raised his head with a soft mrrp?, looking around sleepily. Everyone immediately quieted down, and they all looked at Wind, who barely seemed awake.

“Sorry Wind, it’s okay. You can go back to sleep,” the rancher whispered, and Wind flicked an ear, then closed his eyes, tucking his paws back underneath him. He let out a breathy little sigh as he curled back up, and was asleep within moments.

Twilight heard a soft click, and looked over to see Wild taking a picture on his slate, a grin on his face.

“It’s for posterity,” he defended when Twilight raised an eyebrow. “You wouldn’t want future generations to miss out on this cuteness, would you Twi? Or his sister? She’ll be so sad if she hears that this happened and she didn’t get to see.”

Twilight waved a hand in defeat. “I take no responsibility for this if Wind asks.”

“He might not appreciate pictures,” Time mentioned with an eyebrow raised similar to Twilight’s, but Wild just took another picture.

“If it happened to me he would be taking pictures too. I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it,” he said cheerily.

Twilight shrugged. He knew Wind had at least one picture of Wild his protégé wouldn’t want getting out. This was just evening the score.

“So... what are we going to do about Sky?” Four asked, trying to get back on track, and Warriors hummed.

“Going out and looking for him now wouldn’t be very productive, it’s too dark,” he said with a look up at the sky. “My suggestion would be that we leave someone up to watch for Sky, do an occasional loop around camp, maybe call now and then. If he hasn’t come around by tomorrow, we can look for him in earnest.”

He glanced at Twilight, and Twilight met his gaze with a level look.

“That sounds fine,” Time said before either of them could say anything, and placed a hand on Twilight’s shoulder. “But now we should all get some rest, you especially rancher.”

Twilight turned towards his ancestor with a confused look. “I’m fine old man, that red potion did the trick.”

“Those don’t fix blood loss though,” Hyrule pointed out helpfully. “At least not all the way. And you still look pale.”

“Our Traveler is correct. Get some sleep, Rancher,” Time said firmly, and gave his shoulder a squeeze. “You’ll be able to help Wind better if you’re well rested.”

Twilight hesitated, then let out a sigh. “Fine.”

He had wanted to stay up for at least one shift of keeping an eye out for Sky, but it didn’t look like that was going to happen. Not with everyone watching me like I’m going to suddenly collapse.

Though to be fair, he did still feel a tad dizzy.

Twilight slouched more against the log he was sitting against, unwilling to further disturb Wind from his peaceful slumber by properly lying down, and closed his eyes, beyond tired from the day’s events.

He just hoped they would find Sky quickly.

(...)

Wind stretched himself out with a big yawn, extending his toes and claws into the sunshine, and raising his back up in the air.

He shook himself once he’d finished, and watched the rest of the heroes finish packing up camp. Wind had slept straight through the night and woken up early, but had been sorely disappointed to discover that Sky hadn’t joined them in the middle of the night.

Waking up and remembering he was a cat also wasn’t so fun, but at least he was starting to get used to it.

A spot on his head itched, and Wind huffed, sitting down and attempting to scratch at it with one of his paws. He didn’t have any luck though, merely bonking it once and nearly falling over, and Wind growled in frustration. Oh come on!

“Try your back leg.”

Wind lowered his front paw, and looked over at Wild, who had obviously been watching him.

“Your back leg,” Wild repeated, and pointed to one. “Raise it up and tilt your head, you’ll be able to reach any itches on your head or neck.”

That sounds fake, but okay, Wind thought, then tried to do what Wild said. To his surprise, his foot went right where he wanted it to, and he was able to relieve the itching with barely a thought. Well whaddya know?

Wind gave Wild a grateful look, and the cook shot him a grin.

“No problem, Sailor. I’ve spent enough time around Wolfie and stable dogs to know a few of their tricks,” he said, and Legend snorted from nearby, standing up as he strapped his sword on.

“You’re wild enough without needing to take tips from dogs and wolves, Champ.”

“Hey now, the stable dogs are very civilized,” Wild said, and earned a flick on the ear from Twilight as he walked by. “Hey!”

Wind let out a little mewl of laughter at Wild’s offended look, and Twilight kneeled down next to him, extending an arm. Wind blinked at him, then realized Twilight must want him to climb up and sit on his shoulder again while they walked.

“I know, I would rather walk if it were me too,” Twilight apologized when Wind let out a grumpy little huff. “But we need to figure out what happened to Sky, and we’ll make better ground if I carry you.”

Wind lashed his tail and stood up, walking around in a little circle and concentrating on where he placed every paw. He managed to make it all the way around Twilight without falling over, and gave him a hopeful look.

“See? I’ll be fine!” Wind meowed pointedly, blinking up at Twilight.

Twilight sighed. “Sailor...”

“I think he could walk with us for at least a little while,” Four piped up from nearby, looking down at Wind. “He seems a lot stronger than he did yesterday.”

“Yeah, and he can always just hitch a ride if he gets tired,” Wild added, and Twilight looked between him and Four, then back at Wind.

“You’re sure you can handle walking?” he asked seriously, and Wind nodded, his tail sticking up. Twilight studied him a moment, then sighed, giving him a nod. “...Then I’m okay with it. As long as you let us know the minute you need a break, and let someone carry you.”

Wind scrunched his face up at the addition, but meowed in agreement, willing to put up with it so long as he got to walk by himself.

He felt plenty rested from sleeping, and had practiced walking around a bit while everyone else had woken up and packed up their things. Wind felt much more confident in his paws, even if he was still tripping regularly, and he was eager to walk around more.

Besides, I bet we’ll find Sky really quickly and I won’t even need to walk that long.

“So which way should we go?”

Wind looked up at who’d spoken, Four gesturing to the woods around them. Everyone was packed and ready to go, and they stood ready to begin walking.

...As soon as they figured out where to go.

“...huh. Good question,” Twilight said, looking around the trees as well. “What’s the mostly likely direction for Sky to have ended up in?”

“Well, if we came out over there, and you guys came out over there, then it stands to reason that Sky probably came out in a different direction,” Wild said, studying the woods and pointing in a seemingly random direction. The birch trees he was gesturing to made the forest seem strangely bright, and Wind had to squint a little. “So we should try over here.”

“Why there specifically?” Warriors asked.

Wild shrugged. “The ground slopes up, it’ll probably lead to a good vantage point if nothing else. If Sky isn’t there, we might be able to at least see where he actually is.”

“But what if Sky came out the other direction?” Hyrule asked. “Then we’ll be going away from each other.”

“That might be a risk we have to take,” Time said thoughtfully.

“We might waste a lot of time though,” Warriors cut in, “Sky might need our help, and if he really did come out a different direction...”

They all began to argue about where to go, and Wind rolled his eyes and stopped listening, looking around a minute, then trotting towards a rock nearby that was covered in moss. It smelled pretty interesting, much more interesting then a discussion he couldn’t contribute to, and Wind gave it a curious sniff as he walked around to the other side, out of view of the arguing Links.

The moss looked soft too, and Wind raised a paw, pressing against it and letting out a little purr when he realized he’d been right. It was really soft!

Wind nuzzled up to it, rubbing his face along the moss, then pulled back when a bug nearly crawled on his nose. He sniffed at it, poking it with a paw, then flattened his ears and backed away as a smell hit him, thick and unpleasant. That must be one of those stink bugs Hyrule was talking about.

Wind shook his head in disgust and sniffed around some more, trying to get the bad smell out of his nose by smelling other things. He wandered into the woods a little, smelling pine needles and sunshine, and sat down on a small stone, curling his tail around him as he took in the forest.

As annoying as being stuck as a cat was, it really was kinda cool how heightened his senses were. He could smell all sorts of things about the woods, flowers and animals, and faint traces of the ocean somewhere. He could smell the other heroes from behind him too, each with their own unique scents. Wind could even hear them talking if he swiveled his ears around, though not the exact words.

He could tell they were still arguing though.

Wind shook his head in exasperation, and stood up again, trotting a little deeper into the woods. If they were going to just stand around and argue, he’d look around for Sky himself. He could smell things so well right now, he’d be one of the most likely to find him, right?

Easy-peasy.

A chirp interrupted his thoughts, and Wind looked over to see a little white bird land on a log nearby.

It chirped and hopped along the wood, and Wind couldn’t help staring at it, his tail twitching. Something about it was almost mesmerizing, drawing his focus, and he crept a bit closer, staying low to the ground so the bird wouldn’t see him. It chirped on, oblivious to his presence, and Wind hid behind a stump, poking his head out and watching the bird.

I wonder what would happen if I pounced on it? he thought as it chirped again, then blinked. ...I wonder where that thought came from.

Wind watched the bird again, pecking at the wood below it and trying to get some bugs to eat. His tail gave a big twitch, and Wind began to creep out from the cover of the stump, zeroing in on the bird.

I’ll just jump on it to see if I can, he thought to himself, sneaking closer. Aryll would kill me if she knew I hurt a bird, so I’ll just pounce on it and let it go—

“Wind!”

The bird squawked and flew away, and Wind felt a hand scoop him up by the scruff, startling a mrreow out of him.

“Don’t wander off!” Twilight’s voice scolded, and turned Wind around so he could look at his face. Wind let out a cross hiss at him. “Oh don’t give me that, you’ve been gone ten minutes, we thought you’d gotten lost or something!”

Just because I’m a cat doesn’t mean I suddenly can’t handle myself! Wind thought with an growl, and he and Twilight glared at each other a minute before Twilight sighed, and set him down.

Wind sat down and crossly licked his shoulder, ears flat with annoyance.

“Look, Wind... you’re vulnerable at the moment,” Twilight said, his face creased. “I know it might not feel that way to you, but the truth of it is you are. You’re not used to this form, and you can’t easily defend yourself. You need to be careful.”

“I was being careful!” Wind meowed back, wishing he could actually speak his mind. “I was listening and smelling for danger! And I was looking for Sky! Unlike you all who were just arguing!”

Twilight sighed. “I don’t have any idea what you said, Sailor, I’m sorry. But we figured out where we’re going, so come on back so we can get a move on.”

Wind let out a muttered growl of agreement, and walked along at Twilight’s heels when he turned back towards the others, Wind’s ears still flat.

Great. We’d finally started to get past treating me as a useless kid, and now we’re back to square one! Being a cat doesn’t not make me a hero!

Wind kicked at some pine needles, and tripped, just barely catching himself. Twilight gave him a look, but Wind ignored it, righting himself and looking grumpily at the paws he kept stumbling over.

Sky... please be somewhere close by.

I miss being me.

[rozaceous]

tcba ch 26 outline

sasuke pov. once again, draft is an outline, and this was written before i wrote out ch 24, so there might be some redundancies

also includes how i was going to end the ch

getting back to ame post-summit

pein/konan: you stirred things up but failed in your mission. not a single dead kage between you?

sasuke: if you want something done the way you want, do it yourself

interrupted w tobi on how they're bolstering akatsuki's numbers

zetsu's recruited kabuto so uh, hey senpai lol

and wow the tension between konan+pein and tobito can be cut w a knife

deidara and kisame out doing their thing to catch the other jinchuuriki, have used the summit as distraction to sneak in, they aren't back yet

so a clear 3 factions

pein and konan treat mariko and sasuke as tobito's toadies since they were recruited on his insistence, kabuto is assoc w mariko

but kabuto is there for the eye of the moon plan to come to fruition, make a clone army or something something w the use of edo tensei

mariko keeping mum on that one since she's not sure how much of kabuto being here is him thinking that it sounds like a genuinely good idea that he's committed to following through, and how much is him being along for the ride

sasuke can hardly call him a betrayer or whatever since he joined the same cause they did, but still feels gross

also he knows that tobito is 'madara' and the continued deception is irritating

so 'wtf is the eye of the moon plan' has to be explained, itachi explained it some but he wants to hear it form tobito besides not really being able to say that itachi told them already since they supposedly killed him

prev encounter w just pein and konan acting as directive was focused on the tyranny of the great nations and the flaws of shinobi society, so even tho he's aware that this is a thing it still feels extremely out of left field

so obviously this is bullshit and the skepticism will not stay out of his voice

and if it's tobi explaining this all, then it's super natural for him to then turn to konan and pein and "y'all good with this?" and immediately prod at the inherent tension dividing them, esp since deidara and kisame aren't there to buffer

and man it's like farting in a quiet room: pein and konan politely ignoring that there is this divide in the leadership and tobito and zetsu not wanting to exacerbate anything

tobito to sasuke: this is the only way to assure that there is peace

sasuke: by shoving everyone into a genjutsu against their will and giving them all their wildest dreams as an illusion? until what, everyone dies in the real world? until they starve to death? or is it only that chakra users would be sustained by the combined chakra of the jinchuuriki? or is that chakra store used up just by catching everyone in the genjutsu to begin with? are people's comatose bodies just getting eaten by wild animals or what's up with this logistically?

basically this is a load of unsubstantiated waffle, sasuke was taught genjutsu by orochimaru, who tho lacking in a doujutsu was premier at them and understood them on a technical level that's beyond virtually everyone else

also sasuke: your plan is shit, the whimsical thinking of children, and i'm not interested in a pretense of peace, i'm interested in justice

and mariko is totally down with this as a distinction (lowkey is doing an internal fistpump bc what a cool line bro and what a worthwhile philosophical delineation)

this is less internal than she thinks, can't quite keep a straight face

tobito maybe asking if mariko has a similar modus operandi

mariko: sasuke and i are a team

"i see"

sasuke: "does this mean we can stop this entire farce now, tobi" maybe that he's been looking for him, why was itachi so committed to him having the mangekyo/implication that he would need it

pein laughing, like "he's got you there"

kabuto is just ready to bust out the popcorn, now this is intrigue

so woo woo the dark chuckle, ahaha yes i am madara, your forebear

mariko: hm doubt (but also wtf i guess we're going w confrontation after all, have to destabilize this dude as much as i can if i want any hope of living thru the aftermath, but i guess also let's set him against konan and pein)

which sort of is sasuke's play, if there's a divide in intent here then it's prime time to force this confrontation since there's a chance of getting pein and konan to either stand down or join in, and deidara and kisame aren't present to act as other variables to control (kabuto is a non-issue in his brain no matter which way he falls lmao)

and this would catch konan and pein's attention bc they have been operating under the assumption that he is madara, or at least not otherwise caring

so mariko whips out: you're uchiha obito, aren't you

sasuke wondering how they went from 'obito's right eye never reclaimed/his body never found' to 'obito lived and is evil now' but willing to go along w it bc he trusts her instincts/she's rarely wrong in his experience/even if she is wrong, she's saying it for a purpose

can shun sense the zetsu movement? if yes then it's helpful if he's present for this whole discussion/debrief

confrontation

pein and konan staying out of it/focus is on containment (wouldn't let zetsu run off, but not fighting unless they're attacked first)

mariko+kabuto fighting zetsu vs sasuke fighting obito

attempts to slice and dice him fall thru bc he just reforms

mariko: fire it is!

sasuke struggling w the intangibility combo'd w the (essentially) teleportation, mariko needing more juice

they switch off

and ofc kabuto and sasuke look at each other like 'ugh, this guy again' but needs must or whatever

sasuke able to get his fire jutsu hot enough to scorch the plant goo? or lightning something, idk

how do they even kill him in canon

after sufficient chakra expenditure, sasuke released orochimaru

mariko had been trying to save chakra in order to use kotoamatsukami and letting sasuke be the heavy hitter

was planning to whammy obito but has to use it on orochimaru?

the rest of team7 arrives amidst this chaos

ofc adding kakashi to this particular psychological bender of obito's is always a good idea

mariko: shit, bc she'd been meaning to take care of obito (reform or otherwise) so shishou wouldn't have to

basically things conclude so that:

pein and konan go on their merry way ruling ame, disillusioned, talk no jutsu'd, whatever

obito reformed??? whatever. basically sasuke takes his remaining sharingan as a way of saying he's not worthy of having it (clan shit) and kakashi essentially defects from konoha to be his babysitter/seeing eye dog

orochimaru dead

zetsu dead

kabuto affirmed to stick w mariko (she may do some move to save him? debatable)

naruto not going back to konoha, but also feels estranged from his teammates (except sai lol). he still doesn't get why mariko did what she did/can't really grapple w her killing ppl, and he doesn't quite jive w sasumari's plan to destabilize the shinobi village system (tho it's a bit more subtle than that? idk). i think he ends up as sort of a nomad and hanging out w gaara a lot

sasumari 4evah lol

have no idea what i'm doing to tie in ROOT stuff, but there's a thought there?

need to regroup w team hebi and itachi

itachi and kisame can have their bromance reunion lol

idk abt deidara, hm

how i was going to end the ch:

Mariko leans into him and Sasuke's knees give way, the two of them toppling to the ground in a messy sprawl, exhausted. His whole body is shaking with it. She pushes herself off of him just enough so that she's not crushing him, and the laugh she breathes out trembles. A cut on her cheek is still bleeding. "So," she says. "What's next?"

[skadilothbrok]

Given The Chance - Chapter 6 *Smut*

You thought the debrief was never going to end. And then the car journey felt even longer still. Until eventually you were back at the house. “We’re going out for drinks to celebrate” Marjorie told you with a smirk “though I doubt you’ll be joining us”.

“Certainly not” Anders answered for you before throwing you over his shoulder and heading straight for the stairs. You giggled at the ridiculousness of it and heard similar laughs from the group as they prepared to head out.

With the door closed, and indeed locked, Anders turned round to you with excitement clear in his eyes. “It looks like you’ve finally got me” you ran a hand down his chest “whatever will you do with me now?”

A growl left his throat in response and he quickly set about undressing both of you, which was fine with you since you were similarly keen. Soon enough you were naked and taking the opportunity to admire him. He was truly a sight to behold.

“See something you like?” he had a smug look on his face as he stepped close enough that you felt his impressive manhood push against your hip.

“Very much so” you replied before pulling him into a kiss, moving back towards the bed as you did so. He followed you and when your knees hit the bed he lowered you down to the mattress. “If you even think about teasing me again, I’m going to lose it” you warned and he laughed darkly.

“I learned my lesson last time” he assured you before running his fingers through your folds, clamping his mouth over yours and capturing the breath that escaped you. He toyed with your clit leisurely, before moving a finger down to your entrance. His other hand moved to fondle your breast. His pace started to pick up and your hips moved with him as he eased another finger in.

As tension built in you, you moved your mouth to his collar bone, biting down on the skin there. If the noise that came out of him was any indication, he didn’t mind at all. You’d been waiting long enough for this that you didn’t want to hold out any longer. “I need you Anders” you moaned into his ear.

His ministrations stopped and you watched eagerly as he took his hardened cock into his hands. He pulled you into another kiss as he lined up and started to push in. The stretch was absolutely divine as you wrapped your legs around his waist. When he eventually bottomed out, he paused to allow you to adjust.

When he moved it was far too gently for the state you were in “I won’t break” you promised with a buck of your hips. It was like a switch had flipped. He took up a pace that had you seeing stars and the bed creaking in complaint.

The need in you coiled tighter and tighter until the damn finally broke. Even then he didn’t slow, encouraging you through your orgasm. Once you regained awareness enough to think straight you hooked a leg around him and flipped him so that he was beneath you. His hands naturally fell to your hips as you savoured the new angle.

His head dropped against the pillows as you started to move above him. It quickly shot back up to watch your every movement, his hands gripping your hips tight enough that you were sure there’d be marks. Good.

As his grip tightened you felt him tense, and his eyes dropped shut “eyes on me skat”. The added Danish endearment had its effect, and his eyes locked on yours as he finally fell over the edge, you quickly following after him.

When you both came back down, you lay on top of him as you both regained your breaths. He wrapped his arms around you, determined to keep you as close as possible it seemed. “You’re so perfect min kærlighed” he whispered against your neck.

You smiled as you reluctantly moved off of him to head for the bathroom. He shamelessly watched your ass as you left. When you returned he moved the duvet back for you to crawl in ”you’re all marked up” he commented as he looked at your hips.

”Yes I am” you answered proudly as you got into the bed and moved into his waiting arms ”I guess you’ll have to keep me”.

”I don’t ever want you leaving this bed again” his voice rumbled against you as he rubbed soothing circles over the developing bruises.

”That’s going to get rather impractical after a while” you grinned as you pulled his arm to wrap around you.

”I don’t care” he insisted as he pulled you as close to him as possible.

"And what if I try to escape“ you moved around in his hold to face him, your heart racing at the proximity.

"Well, as I once told Freddy" he moved to growl the next words right into your ear, "I do love to hunt".

"Is it really Freddy that's on your mind right now"? you asked as you lightly traced your fingers down his side. He shuddered slightly under your touch and you grinned victoriously as you withdrew your hand right before you reached his cock. 

"Wicked woman" he growled out as he crashed his lips against yours, clearly fired up and ready to go again.

"Enough talking, show me how much you want to keep me in this bed" you challenged.

"With pleasure" he answered before doing just that. 

[yoonglespringles10]

WHISKEY AND VANILLA CUPCAKES | MYG

TITLE: whiskey and vanilla cupcakes

PAIRING: min yoongi x fem!reader | mc's roommate jimin (also her bestfriend)

GENRE: angst, fluff, neighbours to lovers, prod!suga, artist!reader, unrequited love au non-idol au

SUMMARY: it is no secret to anyone that y/n completely fell for yoongi the moment their eyes met for the first time, however, yoongi was almost too quick to divert his gaze from hers.

WORD COUNT: 11.6k words

WARNINGS: feelings are not being reciprocated initially, yoongi is very lowkey an asshole in the beginning, i'm a sucker for angst so you can expect it, y/n falls pathetically in love and is not shy to hide it, no serious warnings as such

AUTHOR'S NOTE: hiii, i'm here with a oneshot this time and i hope to be regular from now on!! please do leave a feedback once you're done reading, enjoy!

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you were sitting on the floor in the middle of your living room just about to pour the beautiful, perfect magenta glaze you prepared with your own pink-stained hands on top of your finally finished and dried canvas when suddenly a very loud thud from outside your main door startled you. the old, almost broken plastic container that was holding the glaze fell out of your hands and on top of your weeks of hard work spilling everywhere.

it took you approximately 40 seconds to process what had just happened and how your work was almost ruined with the glaze spreading unevenly and the container leaving a mark on your painting that would be extremely annoying to fix. it took you another 30 seconds to act on doing damage control to the havoc your jumpiness had just wreaked in your living room. thankfully the splatter had not reached your couch. after you had made sure that your work was out of danger you got up. at the moment, all you saw was red. you were ready to end whoever had made that horrible noise. you got up and went straight out of your apartment, ready to give the person a piece of your mind.

as you exited you saw a man bent down, trying to pick up a seemingly very heavy and huge cardboard box. it seemed like he was moving in the apartment right across from yours. so, the cardboard box was probably the source of that ungodly sound, you thought. you walked up to the man.

"excuse me?" you started, your snarky tone starting to surface already.

"don't you thi-" the man looked up and it was like your mouth shut itself automatically. all your rage died down and suddenly you didn't even know what the word 'anger' even meant. if you didn't believe in love at first sight earlier, you certainly had to believe it now because what you were feeling couldn't possibly have any other definition. the thumping of your heart was definitely louder than the thud that had startled you before.

the man looked like he was around your age or slightly older.

"yes?" he said in a raspy voice and even though your mouth opened to speak, it felt like your brain had forgotten the concept of language. you stood there in a trance, just admiring the beauty of this specimen as you thanked your roommate jimin for making you move in with him.

"you're cute" was the first thing that came out of your mouth after ages of just standing there and staring at him.

"i'm sorry, what?" he said, a bit taken aback by your blunt behaviour. his reaction seemed to put you out of whichever dreamy world your mind had run to and you suddenly became extremely aware of everything that had transpired.

"oh god, i'm sorry i meant-" you started but felt like there was no justification for what had just happened.

"i'm sorry, that was weird i shouldn't have said that. i mean you are cute yes but i must've sounded weird so i apologise. i don't usually act like this i promise i'm not weird. yeah, that's about it." you finished your mini-rant.

"okay?" he was definitely weirded out by you. nice.

"i am y/n by the way, i live right across from you." you said, the awkward tension in the air making you scratch the back of your neck.

"hello y/n, i am yoongi. if you don't mind i need to get back to work, i have a lot of unpacking to do." he clearly had no interest in having this conversation.

"you need any help? my roommate and i can come over." you still tried. normally you would never do this for someone who was being this cold for no reason but for some reason you felt the undeniable urge to get to know yoongi more.

"no, thank you." he said rather curtly. you watched as he picked up the box and went inside the apartment, kicking the door shut behind him.

you sighed.

it's okay maybe he was just creeped out by the way i reacted, i mean i would be too.

_________

"why are you suddenly baking? i thought you just wanted to work on your commission today?" jimin asked you as you cracked eggs into the mixing bowl.

"i just felt like it." you said trying to not sound like you would explode out of excitement at the thought yoongi tasting your famous vanilla cupcakes.

"you are lying, obviously. y/n why do you even try anymore? i've known you for 17 years now." jimin stated.

"okay fine, i saw yesterday that a guy just moved in the flat across from ours. i thought it would be nice to treat him with some cupcakes. you know, to make him feel welcomed and stuff." you said as you continue to whisk the batter, avoiding jimin's gaze. he was definitely smirking, you could feel mischief radiating from him.

"oh a guy i see." jimin said with a comical tone.

you ignored him and continued pouring the batter in the cupcake moulds, humming a random tune with a smile on your face.

you were positive that you could change yoongi's mind about you even after the lowkey embarrassing first impression you had left on him. you were so baffled by your own behaviour, still not processing how you could act like that. it somewhat frustrated you to think that a man whom you didn't even know could have that kind of an effect on you. you were really not someone who would develop such a big fat crush on a person based on just a 5-minute interaction, especially when the person wasn't even that nice to you.

but now that it had happened and you had accepted eventually that you felt something for yoongi that you hadn't in a long long time before, you were willing to put work into it and see where it took you. you wanted to at least give it a try because you were definitely not one to back down without even trying.

plus as sappy as it sounded even making you cringe in your own head, you had a feeling that yoongi was worth it. it was a very rare gut feeling that seldom came to you, so it would be nice to at least acknowledge it.

you heaved a sigh of content as you finally finished piping the vanilla icing on the last cupcake, sprinkling your rainbow sprinkles on top of all the cupcakes. you packed them in a cute pink box and smiled. you had done a good job on them. you really hoped that yoongi would like them and appreciate your gesture.

you knocked on jimin's door. "i'm coming in, if you were doing anything please cover yourself up", you shouted jokingly as you opened the door. you walked in with your hands covering your eyes.

"come on y/n, i may be an advocate of pleasure but you know i won't be doing it in broad daylight." jimin scoffed and you laughed, removing your hand from eyes.

"yeah yeah, i was playing with you." you said.

"what do you want?" jimin asked as he rolled his eyes at you in a playful manner.

"uh, i was going over to yoongi's house to give him the cupcakes. i was wondering if you wanted to tag along?" you asked with a nervous chuckle. you wanted jimin to come with you because of two reasons. one, you were nervous to go alone after your previous interaction with yoongi and two, you wanted it to seem like it's just his neighbours welcoming him because you did not want to come off too strong on him.

jimin gave you a look. "why do you want me to come? don't you want to spend time alone with your future husband?" he asked.

you scoffed, "jimin please, just come with me." you pleaded, completely ignoring his question and the fact that him calling yoongi your "future husband" made you feel lowkey giddy like a school girl.

jimin exhales a loud dramatic breath as he gets off his bed, "alright, lets go then." he says as he makes his way out of his room. just when you're about to follow his lead he stops and turns around, "but you are treating me to burgers tonight." and you laughing nodding your head, "yeah yeah i'll even get you a milkshake."

you stand behind jimin and let him take the lead as he knocks on yoongi's door. before leaving you told jimin everything about your first encounter with yoongi and how you were kind of into him so that jimin can be your wingman. you don't know why you feel so nervous. it's so unlike your usual confident self. okay yes you're in general a shy person, but when you have eyes on someone you know your game. this somehow feels different.

after knocking twice and a wait of 5 minutes yoongi finally opens the door. "yes?" he asks. you don't think he saw you yet.

"hello, i'm jimin. i live right there" jimin says in his usual cheery manner while pointing towards your apartment's door. yoongi nods at jimin, feeling a bit awkward. "were you busy?" jimin asks.

"uh, no not really. you can come in." yoongi says and jimin smiles as he moves a bit to the side so that you can come in yoongi's view. "great! we just wanted to give you a small welcome present. oh yes, i also brought my roommate along. i think you might already know her." jimin says mischievously. there you were, hid behind jimin's built, standing with a pink box in your hand.

"hi, yoongi" you greet him shyly with a smile on your face and a dreamy look in your eyes. if jimin knew it couldn't be real, he could swear he saw actual hearts in place of your eyes. "hello, y/n was it?" yoongi says and you nod. yoongi pushes the door completely open and steps aside so that you both can come in.

once you're all in the living room, you hand yoongi the box of cupcakes, "i made these for you. you know as a welcome-to-the-neighbourhood-gift. i hope you like them. nothing weird i promise." you speak too fast, nervously. you were too jittery around him, feeling like you didn't know what to do with yourself. yoongi chuckles lightly as he takes the box, "thank you, you didn't have to." a wide grin made its way onto your face as he took the box from your hands, his fingers slightly grazing yours in the process.

yoongi then proceeded to welcome you guys to his new abode with warm and strangely comforting hot chocolates which he claimed was his "special" secret recipe. as all three of you sat together drinking the delicious concoction and chatting you gradually got more comfortable and didn't feel as nervous around him as you were earlier. by the time you had finished your drinks it had started to feel as if you've known yoongi for years. you learned that yoongi was actually a very successful producer who had worked with some quite well-known musicians and surprisingly his studio was fairly close to the cafe you worked at. during the conversation yoongi managed to also slip in that he rapped a little here and there which made him all the more sexy to you. as you discovered the kind of person yoongi was more, you felt a sense of relief was over you considering that the person you were crushing on was not some asshole you would be majorly disappointed by.

after hanging around for a good amount of time jimin decided to put his wingman-ship into work and suddenly got up, "oh, looks like i'm needed at the dance studio. just got a text from hoseok, but y/n you can stay here and hang out with yoongi some more." he says as he stands up from his seat pretending to look at his phone as if he just received a text. he gives a look that says time to shine kiddo, get to work.

you stare at him pleading with your eyes for him to not leave you alone with yoongi because you're not ready yet but the way he completely ignores it tells you that he's not having it. before you can say anything yoongi beats you to it, "oh alright. be sure to send me the number of that plumber you were talking about. y/n do you wanna have stew for dinner? i had made some earlier today." he asks you casually as jimin makes an exit after he says his farewell. you nod quietly saying a "sure."

both you and yoongi are sat at the dining table eating the best stew you've ever had in your life. bonus point. yoongi is literally leaving no room for you to question your crush on him. from what you've learnt today, he's a kind, slightly awkward with expressing but an overall sensitive man who is in love with music, likes to cook and is excellent at it, is beautiful with his words when he talks about his passions and has a very philosophical look towards life in general. on top of that he is extremely handsome, takes care of himself and has amazing-looking hands. how can you stop yourself from falling for this man.

"so.." you started, "i wanted to apologise for what happened yesterday. i'm really not like how i must've come across then. it's embarrassing." you said while looking down at your bowl unable to keep your gaze at yoongi for too long. you then proceeded to explain to him why exactly you had approached him in the first place and everything that happened before it. he listened to everything intently and then laughed, "it's all good y/n don't worry about it. i'm not going to lie, i was a bit taken aback but that's because i am somewhat of a socially awkward being and i didn't know how to react. oh, and i apologise for ruining your work and i'm glad you were able to save it." he says.

"yeah, about what i said yesterday." you made sure your voice was stable and your stance confident as you internally built up the courage to say it, "even though i agree i came on too strong, i did mean what i said. i do find you cute." you chuckled nervously and continued speaking when he didn't say anything, "and hanging out with you today somewhat solidified my teensy tiny crush on you. i do understand that we literally just met and are more or less complete strangers but i just want to put it out there that i would like to see where this goes. that is, if you're up for it too. no pressure of course, if you're not then that's fine too. i would love if we remain as friends, i think that'll be nice. yeah." you end your rant trying to find any signing of discomfort on his face. you really can't read his expressions.

"i.." he begins but trails off as if he's unsure of what to say and is unsure of what to say. he then clears his throat and said "i am truly flattered y/n. please don't get me wrong, as i've gotten to know you more i've realised what a wonderful and beautiful person you are. inside and out. however, right i really can't say that i feel the same way. i don't really see myself getting in a relationship or working towards it honestly. however, i would like to take you up on the being friends offer for sure. i think you and jimin are very fun people to be around and i really wouldn't want it to be awkward since we're neighbours too." he finished and gave you a look that said he was feeling bad for rejecting you.

you couldn't help but feel disappointed. you were aware that it was just a crush and nothing serious but for some reason it still felt like you shouldn't give up on it. you sighed as you nodded. for the time being you'll take what you can get, even it was just having a platonic relationship with him.

"okay, i understand that and i respect your decision. thank you for letting me stay friends with you. i just want to say that i'll try my best to not make you uncomfortable in any way but at the same time, i kind of also don't wanna give up on my feelings. so i'm going to try and change your mind. the moment you feel like i'm overstepping my boundaries and want me to stop, i promise you i will." you said.

he remained quiet for a few moments, as if in deep thought. then he nodded and said, "i highly doubt that you can change my mind honestly. i am really not one for serious romantic relationships and i don't mean it in a hurtful way but i don't think we're compatible like that." he continued,

"but i guess i can't stop you from trying."

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over the course of a few months only, yoongi becomes extremely close to you and jimin. especially you. you hang out together, eat meals at each other's places after showing up with no prior information to the other, you show each other your works, him his music and you your art and you both take great interest in the other person, you often even visit his studio with his favourite, decaf iced americano from your cafe which according to him is "his sacred space and not everyone is allowed there". you both basically spend most of your time together.

however, everything remained platonic. from yoongi's side at least. not you though, definitely not you. initially even though you had said that you would try and change his mind, it hadn't held much weight to it because your feelings then were a 100% not as strong as they were now. during the last seven-eight months, your feelings for the man had grown stronger and it was all because of him, himself.

you won't lie, you confessed your feelings for him every chance you would get. sometimes in a joking manner when you would want him to be flustered in the middle of banter because you loved it when he had no smart comeback. and sometimes in all seriousness, when you couldn't help but feel that his kind gestures toward you were more than just friendly kind gestures. and it's really not like you were just after him for no reason. you had more self-respect than that.

but believe it or not, there was something. the way he cared for you, not through words of affection but through small acts of service; randomly tucking a strand of hair, that would be bothering you while you were painting but you would be too focused to do anything about it, behind your ear. or bringing you skittles whenever he made a trip to the grocery store because he knew how much you like that candy. or cooking your favourite food when you and jimin would go over for dinner (the times you actually didn't show up unannounced). or when he would randomly make you snacks while you were busy watching and crying over your romantic dramas. or making just you try his new favourite brand of whiskey whenever he got a bottle to add to his collection. he always asked you to make your cupcakes for those sessions, apparently they went really well with whiskey. clearly, it really didn't seem like someone would do them for just a friend.

and you would think that all of this was just in your head but jimin felt it too and you trust jimin. he wouldn't lie to you or give heed to your delusions if he wasn't sensing it as well. but still, every time you brought it up yoongi would reject you straight away, talking about how he cared for you but wasn't interested in you like that. it definitely always left you feeling down but you were not ready to give up just yet. your feelings for him were far too serious for you to back down now. if anything, you would say that you might actually be in love with him.

you sigh as you reach the door to yoongi's studio with one iced americano, one vanilla iced coffee and a paper bag containing two chicken sandwiches. you had come here during your lunch break because he had texted you beforehand to drop by. he opened the door for you greeting you with a "hey" and a quick pat on your head, something he had started doing to often supposedly out of "platonic" endearment. you entered the room and sat down on the couch, placing the food and drinks on the table in front of you while yoongi came and sat down beside you, leaving more space in between than was required.

you both conversed normally while you had your food, talking about how each of your day had been, what you both had been working on lately in terms of painting and music and how fun it had been the night before when you went to that bar where there's always amazing live music. once you were done eating your food, you just sat there in comfortable silence scrolling through instagram on your phone when yoongi suddenly cleared his throat as if he had something to say.

you looked up from your phone and realised that he had an almost nervous expression on his face. "you want to tell me something, yoons?" you asked out of curiosity and to give him a push since he was clearly struggling to say it. he took a deep breath and said, "yeah i wanted to talk to you about something." you nodded, indicating him to continue.

"so, haewon is coming to town for a short while for work and she's going to be staying at my place. she doesn't have anywhere else to stay and there's apparently a coworker who's been hitting on her in a very creepy way and he's coming along so she doesn't wanna stay at the hotel, it feels unsafe. it doesn't really mean anything. i just wanted to let you know." yoongi didn't know why he was explaning himself to you. i'm just trying to protect her feelings nothing else, he thought.

you nodded slowly as you processed the information he had just given you. you didn't understand either why he was telling you all this either. haewon was yoongi's ex. the only serious girlfriend he had ever had in his life. from whatever he told you during one of your whiskey-tasting sessions, they had a pretty nice and healthy relationship and only had to break up because haewon had to move overseas with her family after her dad got a transfer in his job. according to him, he was pretty distraught after she had left. they tried to make it work but long distance was too hard. eventually they gave up and worked on moving on instead. yoongi was in too deep apparently because he lost interest in serious relationships entirely after her. and now she was back, for a short time yes but you still felt uncomfortable.

you surely didn't enjoy thinking about how they were going to be living under the same roof for however long but what could you do. yoongi and you were just friends, nothing more. you had no say in this because it wasn't your place to have an opinion about it. it really sucked, you were upset to say the least and the fact that you couldn't even do anything about it made it all the more frustrating.

yet you chose to seem calm, "oh, that's nice. you must be excited." you said, trying to act like it didn't bother you. "y/n, you can express yourself even if you don't like the idea. i won't mind." yoongi said. he would never admit it, even to himself but somewhere deep down he wanted you to tell him that you hated the idea.

"i mean, it's really not place to tell you what to do yoongi. i like you yes but i would never want to impose it on you like that or make you uncomfortable. you've made it pretty clear that whatever we have is platonic and i respect that. i cannot have a problem with haewon staying at your place and so i don't have a problem with it." you said. why were you like this? why do you like torturing yourself by trying to be a good human being?

yoongi nodded. he hadn't expected you to make a scene or anything but he also hadn't expected to be so calm about it. he was slightly surprised by your answer but felt relieved too that he had finally talked to you about it.

"okay then, great. now, do you wanna listen to this beat i've been working on?" he said, wanting to change the topic without any further discussion on it.

"sure, let's hear it." you said.

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

"hello, i'm haewon. it's great to finally meeting you, i've heard so much about you." the beautiful girl says in a cheerful tone. she literally looked like she stepped right out of a vogue cover page.

"hey, i'm y/n. nice to meet you too." you said awkwardly smile at her. you were intimidated by her unquestionably. it wasn't because she was some rude woman who was too full of herself, but rather because she was perfect. she was kind, beautiful and apparently very intelligent. you were certainly all for successful women but you also lowkey wished that she was not a nice person. it was selfish of you yes, you acknowledged that but it is what it is.

you and jimin were currently at yoongi's apartment. he had called you over to meet haewon and to have dinner with them. you didn't want to go, but of course you were incapable of saying no to the man so here you were. however, you made sure to make yourself as invisible as it would be possible in a crowd of only four people. you were not really doing good with the fact that they were going to be sleeping in the same house tonight. before she had come, you were gaslighting yourself into thinking that it wasn't going to happen. but now that she was here, you had no "gaslighting oneself" to hide behind and the feeling was without a doubt not a nice one.

all four of you were sitting at the dining table, eating the pesto spaghetti (your favourite) and steak yoongi had cooked. you were sitting beside jimin, with yoongi right across from you and haewon beside him. when you looked at them, observed their mannerisms, you could tell that they used to be romantically involved. they seem so comfortable around each other, as if sitting and having dinner together is like second nature to them. it left a bitter taste in your mouth when you realised that surely, they do look really good together.

"yoongi, this pasta is delicious. ah, i love pesto so much. it's my favourite." haewon complimented and yoongi smiled nodding in acknowledgment. oh. so the pasta was made because it was her favourite, not yours. you knew you shouldn't have been feeling this jealous but you really couldn't help it. you were feeling petty enough to throw your glass of wine at her. ugh, if only you weren't a better person that that.

"oh nice, you both have something in common. y/n also really enjoys pesto haewon. it's her favourite too." jimin said and you glared at him. what was he trying to do?

"oh yes, i know. yoongi mentioned it while he was making it. same pinch y/n!" haewon exclaimed as she laughed. you looked at yoongi and a smile creeped up to your face. he was looking down, his face clearly red because of what haewon had said. so, he did in fact make it because of you. "so how long are you here for haewon?" jimin asked.

"oh, not too long. only three days." she said. three days felt long enough to you. any longer and you might lose it.

"oh, then we should definitely go out tomorrow. i know this club that recently opened up and obviously i know someone who can get us in the VIP section. do you guys wanna check it out?" jimin asked and haewon nods excitedly, "yes please, i get free from work at 6. i would love to go out before i leave day after tomorrow." she said. yoongi also said yes.

they then look at you, you didn't really want to go to be very honest. you wanted as less interaction with both yoongi and haewon as possible during these three days but the pressure from all three of them made you break, "okay yeah, let's go." you said, sighing when jimin and haewon cheered. you noticed the way she casually patted yoongi's arm, excited about going out tomorrow. these three days are definitely going to be long.

being the slow eater you were, you had been the last one to finish your food. so, you went inside the kitchen to keep your plate in the sink to find yoongi there cleaning up the messy counter. god knows how much you didn't want to be alone with him right now. you slowly walked towards the sink and kept your plate inside and turned around only to find yoongi standing behind you, strangely closer than he usually would.

"you have been unusually quiet tonight." he said, a statement and question both residing in his sentence. you shake your head, "i don't know what you're talking about, no i'm not." you look everywhere but in his eyes. "come on y/n, are you seriously trying to lie to me?" he asked. he knew why you had been acting that way but just because he knew didn't mean he liked it.

you sighed, "i'm just tired yoongi. it has been a long day." you said. he immediately noticed how you used his actual name instead of calling him "yoons" like you normally would. he didn't like that either. "look y/n-" he started but got cut off by haewon's voice, "yoons, do you know where my lens solution is kept?"

fuck, she called me yoons, yoongi thought as he continued to look at you. he noticed your expression turning sour momentarily but then returning back to normal.

"uh, it's getting pretty late and i feel sleepy too. thank you for the dinner yoongi it was amazing and it was really nice to meet you haewon. see you guys tomorrow." you quickly said as you slipped out from the little space yoongi had left for you to stand in and made your way out of the kitchen. "y/n wai-" you didn't wait for him to finish as you hurriedly usher jimin and yourself out the main door.

"is everything okay?" haewon asked, confused.

yoongi sighed, "yes don't worry. your lens solution is in the second drawer in the bathroom."

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

the next day goes by fairly faster than you expected or would want it to. evening arrived and it was finally time for you to start getting ready. after going through the whole of your closet you finally picked a baby pink dress with sheer net sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. it ended right at your mid-thigh and hugged your body perfectly. you paired it with your pink stelatoes and a mini silver purse. you did your make up, going with a fully pink eye look and a natural redish-pink tint for your lips.

you finished getting ready right on time as you opened your door to find jimin standing right there, seemingly about to knock on it. when he saw you his eyes widened, “my girl, you look hot. you’re definitely out to get yoongi tonight.” he said and then whistled. you blushed slightly and said, “thanks dude. you look pretty too.” as you patted his shoulder lightly. you both were having a casual conversation as you made your way out of your apartment, and towards yoongi’s.

jimin knocked on the door with you standing behind him and it reminded you of the first time you had come to visit his place with jimin. you smiled at the memory but were not given enough time to reminisce, your train of thoughts coming to an abrupt halt as haewon opened the door. you saw her and almost drooled at the sight. she looked amazing in her black pants paired with a fitted black crop top.

“hey guys! come in, yoongi’s just in his room.” she said in her usual cheery tone. you said your greetings as you made your way inside the apartment. “yoongi got a bit late at his studio, he just came back home like 30-40 minutes ago. he said he’ll get ready quickly.” she explained. you didn’t like how much of a domestic vibe they were giving. you just had to endure it tonight. things will go back to normal once haewon leaves tomorrow.

but what normal though? the same kind of normal that had been in existence since ever since you met yoongi. where you pined for him while he didn’t think of you as anything more than maybe a best friend. you couldn’t lie to yourself anymore, you were getting tired of it now. slowly but surely.

before you could fall any further into the mental pit of self pity you had created you heard yoongi’s door open and you turned around to find him standing there, looking more handsome than ever to an extent that you didn’t think was possible. he was wearing a greyish-black button down, tucked inside black pants, sleeves rolled. you were almost drooling at the sight and felt like he had put you in trance. so much so that you failed to notice how his attention was entirely on you and his condition more or less same as you too.

jimin, however, noticed and decided to ask yoongi, “doesn’t y/n look amazing today yoongi?” putting him out of whatever transfixion he was under.

he cleared his throat and looked around, visibly trying to gain his composure back. “you look very nice y/n. uh, i need to go get my phone from my room.” he said almost too quickly, looking around frantically as if to find something else he could put his focus on. his phone was certainly in his hand. he turned around and ran inside his room shutting the door behind him, almost hitting the wall beside his door on his way in.

you all just stood there, speechless from what had just occurred. yoongi’s reaction reminded you of yourself a little bit from the time you had first met him. he seemed so flustered to see you, it almost made you believe that he might be into you afterall. you tried not to but still couldn’t stop yourself from getting a bit excited and feeling a little giddy at the thought and that made you break into a smile. maybe things could turn in your favour soon if yoongi realises that he’s attracted to you in a romantic way.

the three of you waited for ten more minutes, making a small conversation and just when haewon was about to knock on the door yoongi came out of his room again. this time calmer and more composed than before. “sorry i had to use the washroom once before leaving. had a lot of water today.” he let out a nervous laugh. you and jimin gave each other a look at that which clearly said this man was in there taking care of something else.

“alright, let’s go. we’re already getting late.” jimin said hurrying all of you out of the main door but not before throwing a sneaky wink at you to which you shake your head, laughing silently.

all of you soon reached the club jimin had planned on taking you to. true to his words, it wasn’t that far from your apartments. merely a fifteen minute drive at most. the VIP section of the club was definitely much better than the general section that you had to pass through to get there. it was much less crowded, there were private booths where you could sit and have drinks, and a common dance floor where you could actually breath unlike the general dance floor where there was literally no space between the sweaty bodies of the people dancing.

you all find a nice secluded booth and sit down, the seating arrangement same as the night before at the dinner. “alright guys, i’ll go to the bar and get a tab open for our table, what would you guys like to drink?” jimin asked as he got up. yoongi went with his usual order of whiskey, haewon asked for a dirty margarita and you asked him to get the most bright and sugary but strong cocktail he could possibly find.

soon after, jimin came back with the drinks everyone had asked for. you curiously looked at the drink he had gotten you. it was a bright gradient of yellow to red residing in a straight tall glass, topped with a swirly straw and a tiny blue paper umbrella. "what's this?" you asked jimin, satisfied with the visuals of the cocktail so far. jimin was well-versed in your taste so you trusted your choice. "it's a tequila sunrise. try it." jimin said. you brought the straw to your mouth and took a sip. the drink was just what you wanted. sweet and tangy flavour of orange mixed with just a hint of tequila. it was refreshing. you smiled in content and nodded at jimin giving him a thumbs up, indicating that you approved of the drink.

meanwhile, yoongi sat there, observing the exchange between you and jimin. a question suddenly popped up in his brain, "i thought you were into hard liquors like whiskey?" he asked you, raising an eyebrow. jimin laughed and shook his head, "come on yoongi, look at y/n. do you think this walking rainbow would drink anything but drinks that look her entire personality?" he said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. you looked down, not knowing what to say. you had been caught. not that it was a very big deal, but you were actually never a fan of hard liquor. it made your throat burn too much and you didn't enjoy the feeling.

but when you witnessed yoongi talk about his love for whiskey and his interest in the alcohol, you could not help but lie to him about how you liked it too. just so you could be a part of one of his joys in life. you loved how he got so excited whenever he used to buy a new bottle of a brand he had been wanting to try for a while. you loved his passion for it. you found it endearing that he didn't just drink it because it's alcohol but that he went as far as to research everything about it. and so, you learned to enjoy it too. not to be too dramatic about it, you didn't make a sacrifice or anything. you just developed a liking for it as time went by. just like you did with yoongi.

"i like it now. i used to not be a fan of it before though." you said just loud enough so that everyone at the table can hear you. jimin laughed unaware of the tension that had built up in the room, "y/n please, you gag at even the smell of whiskey." he said.

"if you didn't like it, you could've just told me, why did you force yourself to like it?" yoongi asked with just a tinge of harshness. he had been left a little stunned. he knew you had feelings for him, but he thought it was just a fun little crush. this was not pointing towards that. had he been too comfortable with you showering your love at him all the time to even notice?

to any third person this whole ordeal would not seem like a very big deal, but in case of yoongi, it had forced him to get in touch with some feelings he was definitely not ready for. this small realisation led his mind to wander off to all the things you do for him that a person would only do for someone they loved. he began to feel like the air was too stuffy. before you could reply to his question he got up, muttered a quick 'i need some fresh air' and left. you were just about to go check on him when haewon got up and went after him.

you slumped back in your seat with a sigh as you watched her leave. you were confused. why was yoongi suddenly acting like this? you had always been so vocal about how you felt for him, so why was this a surprise for him? lately you had been feeling too overwhelmed by your feelings. the fact that the person who you loved, didn't actually feel the same for had been starting to get to you and haewon coming and staying with yoongi had not helped the matters either, and now this. it was a lot.

jimin too had been left puzzled by what had just occurred, but he was aware enough to know one thing, "y/n why are you sitting here? go after him." he said. lately he really felt like everything he said was something very obvious but everyone around him was stupid. “haewon already went, i don’t want to intrude.” you were visibly upset.

“all this time you have been in his face with all your love and now that it’s finally hitting him too you’re going to back down? haewon has got nothing on you, her and yoongi are history and there’s nothing between them anymore and plus, she’s leaving tomorrow. i won’t repeat it thrice y/n, go!” he said.

jimin saying this much was enough for you to come back to your form. it was all or nothing, you had to try at least once more. you smiled and nodded. “okay, i’m going. i love you, you’re the best.” you gave him a hug, making him laugh as he patted your back. you quickly got up from your seat and sprinted out of the club, eyes searching for him.

it was dark outside so you couldn’t see properly but after looking around for a minute or two you finally spot a silhouette. you walk towards it, squinting your eyes to see better. as you get closer you realise that it is yoongi indeed, however, he’s not alone. haewon is with him, you had expected that. what you hadn’t expected was that you would find them standing there talking with their arms around each other.

your stance almost faltered and you were ready to turn around and leave but you stopped yourself. all or nothing y/n, all or nothing, you reminded yourself. you walked up to them, the sound of your steps making them aware of your presence. they turned to look at you and let go of each other quickly creating a gap between themselves.

“yoongi can i speak to you please?” you said, you didn’t know why but you already felt this overwhelmed. yoongi nods, avoiding eye contact with you. “i’m sorry haewon, but can you please give us a moment?” you asked her as politely as possible. she nodded and went inside the club.

“yeah?” yoongi asked.

you took a deep breath, “i’m sorry, yoongi. i told you i would not cross line if you didn’t want me to but i cannot help it anymore. it is not just a crush anymore. i have fallen in love with you. i thought i would be able to handle it and trust me i tried, i really tried to keep it to myself but i can't anymore. it is getting too much. i hated it when you told me that haewon was going to be staying with you. i hated that you two sat beside each other yesterday, looking better together than ever. i hated it when she came after you today and i hated the way you were holding her just now. even after all of this i don't know why but i still feel like i might have a chance. so i ask of you to tell me one last time, that you don't want me. i promise i'll not bother you after that."

your confession was too much for yoongi. everything was too much for him right now. he was drowning in waves of emotions. he felt suffocated. he felt like he had to scream on top of his lungs. but most of all he felt scared and his fear made him act so unlike himself, even he was surprised at his own reaction to your words.

"y/n how many times do i have to tell you? i don't love you like that. i always try to be respectful towards your feelings because i care for you a lot as a friend but you get so overbearing. it's too much. haewon is my friend, so what if she was staying at my house? i don't think you are in a place where you can question that. you say that you don't want to cross boundaries yet i always find you doing it. please get it in your head that i. don't. like. you. and leave it be already." he snapped. unfortunately the relief he had thought would finally wash over him after the release of his emotions never came. and what made the matter worse was the look on your face.

you looked so defeated and heartbroken, it made yoongi want to punch himself in the gut repeatedly. but then, you laughed. it wasn't your usual laugh of joy that held the power to instantly brighten anyone's day up. it was a laugh of pain and pity and yoongi hated the sound of it.

before he could even open his mouth to apologise and say that he didn't mean to be that rude with his words, you said, "thank you. i think i needed that reality check. i don't know why i had been torturing you and myself. i am very sorry for putting you in a tough spot all the time. i'll stop now, i promise. i'll try my best to move on. however, i would like for us to have some time apart. i don't think i can continue to be friends with you as i try to get past my feelings. i'll come back though, once i think i'm at a place where i can offer you nothing but a platonic friendship, i'll reach out to you. till then, please don't try to contact me."

yoongi still didn't know how he was feeling. he just knew that he regretted speaking to you like that. but he knew that at that moment the best option was to let you go and so he just nodded while looking down, not being able to bring himself to look up and see the broken expression on your face.

he didn't even look up when he heard your footsteps walking away. he didn't have it in him to watch you leave. yes, he wasn't sure of his feelings and he was scared, but he still thought of you as someone who was a huge part of his life. he didn't know how he was going to survive now that this part had gone missing. he really didn't know.

you walked inside the club, tears in your eyes. jimin and haewon were still sat at the booth, having a casual chat. you slowly walked up to them, the strength to do anything leaving your body rapidly. jimin noticed your arrival and looked up, his face instantly etching with concern. he got up rushing to your side, "y/n my love, are you okay?" he said taking your face in his hands, his thumb wiping away a tear that had fallen.

"please take me home, jimin."

---------

it had been a month since the night you had gone to the club. you were getting better at dealing with everything day by day. the initial one week you were completely distraught. you didn't eat, couldn't sleep and most of all, you couldn't find any inspiration to paint. you just laid in bed all day, rotting away in sadness. jimin tried to give you space to grieve at first. but then when he saw how much it had affected your mental and physical well-being, he decided that it was time for him to step in.

he started his three-step plan. first step was to get you out of bed. he started forcing you to hang out with him. he made you sit in the living room and binge dramas with him. he had to stray away from your usual favourite romantic dramas though because as soon as he played the first episode of strong girl do bong soon, thinking that your comfort show would make you feel better you started bawling your eyes out.

even so, after successfully getting you out of bed, he knew it was time for him to get you to start eating. he stocked up the entire pantry with all your favourite snacks. little by little he made you eat. he gave you words of motivation. telling you how he was here for you.

eventually, you started having your meals again. the next and the final step was to help you get inspiration back. that step however was still an ongoing process. even though you had been working on getting your life back on track and moving on from your unrequited love, emotional and mental healing was still a long process that could only be achieved through patience and baby steps.

no matter how hard you tried, you couldn't get over your feelings for yoongi. you had definitely gotten better in dealing with them but letting go of them completely seemed almost impossible. you found out from jimin that haewon and yoongi were only hugging each other that day because yoongi had had a panic attack and she was trying to calm him down. you felt guilty that you hadn't known about it but you couldn't do anything about it now. you know you told him that you would only go to him after you had moved on but not seeing him or talking to him was the hardest thing you ever had to do in your life. it felt like the essence of life was being taken away from you.

there were countless number of times you stopped yourself from texting him and even more times where you saw him from afar entering or exiting his apartment but turned the other way before he could notice you. you often also tortured yourself by wondering if he was regretting that night. did he miss you as much as you missed him? did he mean it when he said he didn't love you?

did he really mean it?

----------

yoongi hated himself.

the past one month had felt like pure torture to him. he felt as in the universe had become set in making him feel pure agony. except it was the universe, it was himself.

he was the reason for his own doom. him and his fears were the reason why you weren't in his life anymore. he missed you like crazy. he couldn't believe that it took you leaving his life for to realise what an idiot he had been. the night you told him you would "move on" made him want to kick himself.

after you left that night, yoongi went home thinking that it was for the best. he expected himself to feel lighter now that you weren't constantly there, reminding him of how much you liked him. he expected that he would miss you as a friend of course, but he didn't expect himself to go crazy constantly thinking about you.

everything around him reminded him of you. he couldn't cook food without thinking of all the times he cooked for you, watching you eat in pure delight always made him feel the highest form of delight. he couldn't work on his music without your face coming to his mind reminding him of how you always showed interest in his work. he missed how you always just sat on his studio's couch, giving him his space to work but also stealing glances when you thought he wasn't looking. most of all he couldn't even drink alcohol to make himself forget because even his bottle of whiskey brought you to his mind instantly. he missed showing his newly collected bottles to you. he missed pairing his whiskey with your vanilla cupcakes. he just simply missed you.

it took him two weeks after the night at the club to realise that he was a stupid asshole who was definitely in love with you. he realised it when it got difficult for him to even breathe without you. he regretted all the times he had rejected your feelings.

but by then, he felt like it was too late. he had been a jerk to you that night. he could not erase from his mind, the look on your face when he rejected you in such a harsh manner. he felt like the worst human being on planet earth for hurting you like that, you didn't deserve to be treated that way. if he could, he would give anything to go back in time and redo everything.

he wreathed in his regret and sadness everyday. until one day, he ran into jimin at the entrance of the apartment building.

"hey" he said nervously.

"hello yoongi" jimin replied curtly. yoongi felt like this was his chance, maybe he could somewhat fix things. "jimin, i know you probably want to kill me and rightfully so. i am a complete dickhead and i deserve every bit of anger you have at me. but can we please talk? i really need to tell you something." yoongi said as he looked at him with pleading eyes.

jimin exhaled loudly, "what do you want, yoongi?" he asked.

"jimin, i love her." yoongi admitted and watched as jimin's eyes widened with surprise. he continued, "i genuinely love her and i feel like an idiot that it took her leaving for me to realise my true feelings. i think i always knew somewhere that what i feel for y/n is way more than just friends and it scared me. i didn't want her to leave like haewon did but what i didn't realise that i was gonna lose her either way. i guess i thought that by staying friends we would be in each other's lives for a long time and even if one of us leaves, it wouldn't hurt as bad." he sighed and said, "but oh boy, was i wrong. when she left, i didn't know what to do with myself. everything around me made me think of her. i missed her like crazy and it made me realise how in love i am with her. i've only known her for less than a year now but i can't imagine living a life without her. and i want to tell her all this but i feel like its too late now. i don't know what to do." he finished. he was almost crying by the time he stopped speaking.

"you really mean that?" he hadn't heard your voice in quite a while now and it came to him like a warm hug on a cold rainy day.

he turned around to see that you were standing there, right inside the entrance of the building. the reason jimin was at the entrance of the building was because he was waiting there for you. he had come to pick you up after dance studio because you and him were supposed to check out this new cafe that had just opened up in your neighbourhood.

"uh, i guess i'll leave you two to talk. y/n, i'm waiting upstairs. call me if you need anything." jimin said and patted your shoulder lightly as he made his way inside the building, leaving you alone with yoongi.

"so you really meant what you said?" you asked again after jimin had left. yoongi just looked at you for a few moments, taking in your beauty and the fact that you were actually there right in front of him.

he eventually nodded, "yes, i really do y/n. i love you." he said.

"why now, yoongi? why not when i repeatedly told you i liked you? why now, after you yourself had told me you didn't want me? why now when i'm finally trying to move on? don't you think that's very cruel of you?" you asked him. you didn't know how to feel about this.

"i know, i am so sorry y/n. i am so sorry about everything. i am the biggest jerk ever. i know i don't even deserve your forgiveness. but still, you didn't give up on me until i made you and i regret it so much. so, i won't give up on you either. i will work for your forgiveness. and if you decide one day that you don't want anything to do with me, i'll accept that too. just please let me at least try to win you back." yoongi was almost begging for forgiveness at this point.

you stood there deep in thought for a few moments, "you really do love me?" you asked.

"yes i love you. i am utterly and hopelessly in love with you." yoongi said desperately.

"then prove it." you said walking up to him. you closed the gap between him. yoongi immediately took the cue and wrapped one arm around your waist while the other hand cupped your face as he crashed his lips onto yours. the kiss started off slow but as he deepened it, you could feel his love and passion. he was kissing you like it was the last time he could do it. like he was hanging on to you for his life. it was the best kiss you had ever had in your life.

when there was no longer any space to breathe you broke the kiss, pulling away from him slightly. both of you were panting heavily. he still held you close to him, as if you would vanish the moment he lets go of you.

"yoongi, i hope you know that it's going take me some time to come around again. you've caused me too much pain for me to just forget all about it just like that." you said and yoongi nodded, "i'm more than willing to work things out y/n. i'm willing to wait for you. i love you more than anything and i'm ready to take it slow." he said.

your face broke into a bright smile and you nodded as you said, "i love you too, yoons."

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

hope you enjoyed!! xxx

[rizlowwritessortof]

Remember Me - Part 2

Okay - should have done this on the first part, but I forgot. The time frame for this is Season 12-ish. Chuck & Amara have skipped happily off into the cosmos. Lucifer is nobody-cares-where after the battle with Amara. The sun is fixed, after which Dean IMMEDIATELY called Sam to let him know he was okay, and there was much rejoicing. Mary is still happily in heaven, and the British Men of Letters are still happily (or not) in England (except for Lady Toni Bevell, who was mysteriously torn to shreds by some creature or demon or an angry badger, don't care she just deserved to die horribly). Now, on with Part 2. 😁

Pairing: Dean Winchester x OC Michaela

Word Count: 2915

Warnings: None in Part 2, eventual smut

Dividers by @talesmaniac89

It took a few moments to get Mikey calmed down and convince her to sit down beside Dean again as he turned an accusatory glare towards the angel. “You know her, Cas? Did you do this to her? To us?”

“No, of course I didn’t.”

“Then, what the hell?”

Cas glanced to Sam, then back to Dean, guilt on his face. “I did not erase your memories. But I’m afraid that I am the one who delivered her to Zachariah.”

“Like I said, Cas, what the hell?!” Dean’s voice was rising, along with his temper, and Sam spoke his name quietly.

“Dean. Let him explain.”

“I knew nothing of this, you have to believe me. I was told that she was vital to the future, that her life was in danger and she needed to be taken to safety before the beginning of the apocalypse. I was ordered to take her to a room, I was told that Zachariah would explain and keep her safe from the fallout.”

“So did we know each other, Cas?” Sam asked.

The angel glanced up at him, then looked back to the floor. “Yes. You all knew each other very well.”

Michaela was visibly shaking, and she clasped her hands together, trying to control the tremors. “What exactly does that mean?” she managed, her voice barely over a whisper.

Cas looked at her, regret in his eyes. “You and Dean – you were… in a relationship. Emotionally and… physically.”

A slightly hysterical little laugh burst its way from her mouth, and she bit down hard on her lip to stop. “We don’t even know each other. How…”

Cas spoke again. “I believe Zachariah erased your memories of each other. And replaced your memories of your real life with a false past to keep you away from Dean.”

“Who the hell is Zachariah? Why would he do something like that?” Mikey was on her feet again, fists clenched at her sides, her voice rising with each word. Dean reached for her, but she shied away and moved to stand with her back to the fireplace, barely restrained panic in her eyes.

“He is – was – an angel. Before Dean killed him.”

“Awesome, Cas, very helpful!” Dean rose to his feet and approached Mikey carefully. “Look, I know this is all…”

“Crazy? It’s crazy. I must be losing my fucking mind. I think you all need to leave. Now.”

He reached a hand towards her. “Mikey…”

She backed away another step, raising tear-filled eyes to his face. “Please. I can’t… no more. I need some time.”

Dean dropped his hand slowly and nodded. “Yeah. I get it.” He moved towards the door, waiting as Sam shepherded Cas outside, then turning to look at her one more time. “I’m sorry. You have my number, if you need anything…”

She nodded without looking at him, waiting for him to close the door behind him before she rushed to lock it, then burst into tears.

The drive back to the motel was silent, tension thick in the air. Sam glanced to the back seat at Cas, and then over at Dean, fully aware that the set of his jaw and the steely, focused stare meant an explosion was probably inevitable.

They walked into the room, and Dean headed straight for the fridge, grabbing a beer and draining half of it before dropping down onto a chair. “How could you not tell us, Cas?” His voice was quiet, but the strain of keeping his temper was evident.

“Dean, I thought – you never mentioned her again, and I thought with you trying to save Sam, the apocalypse looming – I just thought you had let her go, moved on. I had no idea Zachariah wiped her from your minds. Or that he erased her memories. I didn’t know.”

Dean finished his beer, gulping it down and tossing the bottle to the trash, the glass shattering with the impact. “I wish I could bring that son of a bitch back just so I could kill him again.”

Sam nodded in agreement. “So, Cas – can you fix this?”

Cas looked at him with sorrowful eyes. “I wish I could. What Zachariah did – he had powers far beyond mine.” He looked at Dean before speaking again. “Dean – I am sorry. If you need me again, any of you, just call. I think it may be better if I stay away for now.”

Cas disappeared, the air in the room stirring as he left, and Dean stalked back to the fridge for another beer. “Dean, you okay?” Sam asked quietly, and Dean flipped the cap from his bottle across the room.

“Yeah. I’m awesome.” He sat back down, shaking his head as he gnawed at his lip. “We just fucked up Mikey’s life for no good reason. She wasn’t in danger, she was just living her life, even if it wasn’t her real life.”

“Dean, we had no way of knowing what was going on. And who’s to say we weren’t meant to run into her, to find this all out? Maybe…”

“She was doing just fine, even if her reality did get fucked with by that feathered son of a bitch. She had no idea about any of the – shit we deal with. Now she just got hit in the face with the whole load.”

Sam sat down across from Dean and took a drink from his own beer. “I know. All we can do is try to help her through it – if she wants help.”

Dean just shook his head, staring past Sam at nothing in particular, his jaw working. “She probably never wants to see any of us again. I wouldn’t.”

“What the hell?” Dean mumbled, grabbing blindly for his phone, squinting to see the time – 3:23 a.m. “Yeah,” he answered, struggling to wake up.

“Dean? I – it’s Michaela.”

He sat up in bed, clearing his throat. “Are you all right?”

“I’m not. I mean… I just had a dream. A nightmare. I think another memory, I don’t know.” Dean could hear the tears in her voice, and he rubbed a hand over his eyes, forcing himself to focus.

“Do you want to – talk about it?”

“Can you – I’m sorry, but can you come over?”

“Yes. Yeah, of course. I’m on my way.” He turned to sit up on the side of the bed, reaching for his jeans.

Sam stirred in the other bed. “What’s going on?”

“It’s Michaela. She had a nightmare. Or a memory. I don’t know, but she’s freaked out, and she wants me to come over.”

“Do you want me to come?”

“You don’t have to.” Dean rifled through his duffle, grabbing a clean shirt and pulling it over his head.

Sam nodded. “Okay. Let me know if you need me.”

“I will.” Dean stopped as he reached the door. “I have no idea what I’m doing here, Sammy.”

Mikey sat hunched over on the sofa, her face in her hands, the memory so clear that she felt as if she were reliving it again.

“I’ll give you a whole new life, a fresh start, in a place where you’ll be far away from danger. No more hunting, or monsters. A good job, a beautiful place to live. You’ll be happy, Michaela.”

“Why? I don’t want a new life, I have a life. I’m happy now, Dean and I are happy. Let me go, let me go home.”

Zachariah’s smile faded, his tone grew curt as he continued. “That’s not going to happen. Dean has work to do, work that you will only distract him from, and we can’t allow that.”

“What work? What are you talking about?!” Fear was beginning to claw at her chest, her heart thudding almost painfully, and suddenly there were two more angels, one at each side, holding her firmly in place.

“Dean has a destiny to fulfill. It’s all right, you won’t remember him. You won’t remember any of this.”

“You can’t do this! You can’t just make me forget him! I love him! You can’t just erase that!” She was screaming at him, struggling in the angels’ grip, icy panic flooding through her as Zachariah moved towards her, a cruel gleam in his pale blue eyes.

“Oh, I can do anything I want.” He reached out to place his fingers to her forehead as she screamed and fought, and the world went bright white as a burning pain filled her head before it all faded away.

She jumped as a soft knock startled her from her thoughts, taking a deep breath as she rose and went to unlock the door. Dean stood there, concern on his face as he took in her swollen, red eyes. She stepped aside and let him in, closing the door and locking it again. “I made some coffee,” she said, and Dean nodded with a faint smile, following her to the kitchen.

Mikey reached for the cupboard door, her hands shaking so badly that Dean put a gentle hand on her arm. “Why don’t you sit, I’ll get it.” She whispered her thanks and headed for the table, then stopped and turned towards the doorway.

“Can you bring it to the living room? More comfortable in there,” she asked softly, making an attempt at a shaky smile as he agreed. She walked into the next room, settling herself into the corner of the couch, her feet tucked in beside her.

“You need sugar or – anything?” he asked as he handed her a cup, and she shook her head with a quiet ‘thanks’ as she took it, closing her eyes for a moment as she took the first sip. She looked small and pale, and Dean took a deep breath, leaving a little space between them as he sat down. “Girl after my own heart, coffee black and hot,” he commented with a smile, and she responded with another slight curve of her lips.

They sat in silence for a few moments, until Dean heard her let out a soft sigh. “A little better now?” he asked, and she nodded.

“Yes. Thank you.”

“You want to tell me about it?” The haunted look was back in her eyes as she looked at him, but she nodded. He had to lean in to hear her at first, her voice quiet and halting as she told him about her dream, and when she finished, her eyes were swimming with tears again.

She watched as Dean closed his eyes, his teeth clenched hard, his lips drawn tight with anger. “That was Zachariah, right?” she asked, and he nodded.

“Yeah. Son of a bitch has been dead for years, and I wanna hunt him down anyway.” He exhaled hard, then looked at Mikey with remorse in his eyes. “They did this because of me. I’m really sorry, Mikey.”

She shook her head. “It wasn’t your fault. They were trying to force you to do something for them, that’s not on you.” She hesitated, then asked softly, “What did they want you to do?”

Dean gnawed at his bottom lip for a second, then looked at her again. “Pretty complicated story, but – short version is they wanted me to be the human vessel for the archangel Michael and Sam to be the vessel for Lucifer. Wanted us to fight each other, to start the apocalypse. It would have wiped out half of the world and the people in it. They didn’t care. We did.” He looked down at the floor, and there was silence for a few seconds before he felt her move closer, her hand slipping between his clasped hands, taking one into her own.

“Sounds to me like you saved the world.” She leaned up to peer at him until he looked up to meet her eyes.

“All I did was show how damn stubborn I can be when somebody pushes me,” he said, a hint of a smile reappearing on his face. Mikey laughed softly, then yawned, and Dean grinned. He gave her hand a squeeze, then pulled away and grabbed the throw pillow from beside him. He handed it to her, pointing at the other end of the sofa.

“How about you get comfortable, maybe we can watch some TV? I can stay here, and if you fall asleep and start acting like you’re having another nightmare, I promise I’ll wake you up.”

She nodded, laying down and whispering her thanks as Dean pulled the blanket from the back of the couch and covered her. “I probably will fall asleep – I feel safer with you here. Thank you, Dean. I’m so tired I could probably sleep through a tornado.”

Dean settled in down by her feet, removing his boots before propping his stocking feet up on the coffee table. He aimed the remote at the television and turned down the volume before surfing through the channels. Before he landed on something that held his interest, Mikey had given in to her exhaustion and was sound asleep.

He woke a couple of hours later, a little disoriented and stiff from falling asleep slumped down on the couch. He put his feet down and sat up straight, one hand rubbing the back of his neck, glancing over to where Mikey still slept. She seemed restless, her breathing irregular, head tossing, and he wondered if she was having another nightmare.

He was debating whether to wake her when she let out a breathy moan. His eyebrows rose as he watched her toss and writhe underneath the blanket, more clearly happy sounds muffled in her pillow. This was definitely not a nightmare.

His mind was creating scenes in his head, his body reacting, but he couldn’t seem to make himself stop watching and listening. Then she let out a long, low moan ending with his name, and his mouth dropped open in surprise. Well, shit. He needed to leave. Now, before she woke and saw him sitting there staring at her. Go to the kitchen, make some coffee. Or dump some ice down his pants. Something.

He blew out a deep breath and rose to his feet, walking quietly to the kitchen. Turning on the faucet, he braced his hands on the edge of the sink and hung his head, forcing himself to calm before he turned his attention to making a nice, strong pot of coffee. Focus on the coffee. Focus on the backsplash behind the sink. Focus on the fucking royal family. Anything but Mikey in there on the sofa dreaming about some very happy times with him. Bad enough that ever since she had opened the door to let him in, he had been fighting the urge to pull her into his arms, to comfort her. And now this.

He heard a sound from the living room, and closed his eyes for a second before venturing to the doorway to peer into the room. Mikey was sitting up on the couch, and he took a breath and headed in. “You okay?” he asked quietly, and she nodded, not looking up. “Just made some fresh coffee, want some?”

“Yes, please,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. He grabbed their cups from earlier in the night and took them to the kitchen, coming back shortly and setting hers down on the table next to her.

He had just sat down at the other end of the couch when she blurted out, “I had another dream.”

Dean took a big gulp of the hot coffee, scorching his tongue in the process. “Oh?”

“It was about you. Well, you and me. Both of us. Together.”

He cleared his throat. “Together?”

Mikey still wasn’t looking at him. “Yes – in bed.”

Dean blew out a breath. “You think it was a memory?”

She nodded, then looked over at him, tears in her eyes. “I’m sure it was. And it wasn’t just the – the physical part of it. It was the emotions. It was…” She stopped for a moment before continuing. “The angels – they stole something very special from us, Dean.”

He couldn’t take seeing her crying again. Damn it. “C’mere,” he said softly, one arm up in invitation. She slid over next to him and let him put his arms around her, and they sat like that for a few minutes in silence.

She finally pulled away with a deep breath, attempting a smile as she met his eyes for just a second before her gaze slid away. “So, I guess I should let you get back to your brother. And I need to take a shower, get dressed, get my shit together.”

Dean nodded. “Yeah, I should get back. Sure you’re all right?”

“I’ll be fine. I think the worst of it is over. I hope.”

Dean drained his coffee and stood up, stretching. “So – Sammy and I are gonna have to…”

“Get back to your real lives? Yeah.”

“Yeah. We’ll be taking off tomorrow. Mind if we stop by before we leave, just to see how things are going?”

She gave him a little smile and a nod. “Yes, I’d like that. Thanks.”

“Okay. Well, see you then.” He walked to the door, then turned back. “If you need anything before then…”

“I’ve got your number,” she finished for him, and he smiled at her before heading out the door. She sat there in the silence, a million thoughts racing through her brain before she finally made herself get up and head for the shower.

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