#yes boss man i can plan a whole holiday schedule

[denniisa]

me when my boss sets unrealistic deadlines and keeps adding things to my to do list but won't pay me overtime but also expecting me to fill in at other departments instead of having time in shipping to do my super long to do list. when-

[mieohmy]

𝗌𝗐𝖾𝖾𝗍 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝗌𝗈𝗎𝗋 | 𝗃𝖾𝗈𝗇 𝗐𝗈𝗇𝗐𝗈𝗈

PAIRING: CEO boss! jeon wonwoo x secretary! reader 

GENRE: fluff, angst, humor, office au

WC: 5k (whoops got carried away- i mean its wonwoo)

NOTES: mentions of death, depression 

SUMMARY: you loved being a secretary, the work and stress included. but your ‘stone cold’ boss was really testing your limits in more ways than one. alternatively, who knew mighty CEO jeon wonwoo was such a softie?

update: part two can be found here !

update 2: final part → here 

❋

“Yes, sir. Also, the opening ceremony is today at 7pm. Would you like me to set up your chauffeur?” The man nods. “Yes, make sure to finish the layout for tomorrow. And the catalog by Thursday. That’s all, you’re dismissed.” You bow politely before turning and exiting his office. 

You take two steps forward before displaying a scowl and muttering, “never get a break. not even a thank you. just wait, jeon wonwoo, one day i-“ “Y/n!” A voice snaps you out of your trance, spotting Seungkwan walking your way. 

Greeting him, you ask, “What’s up?” “We’re getting food tonight. Team dinner at 7. Can you make it?” he says. You sigh before replying apologetically, “Sorry.... boss wants me to finish something up for tomorrow.” 

Seungkwan taps his feet in disapproval. “The CEO is still giving you more work? When will that man ever let you have a break?” You grit your teeth, attempting to smile. Seungkwan stares at the CEO's office. 

“Y/n, you work the hardest out of all of us, and you have to deal with him every day. If there’s anyone who deserves a rest, it’s you. Our team’s planning on going to the beach on the weekend since we have Friday off. You should join us. It’ll be really fun!“

Contemplating for a moment, you’re about to accept before you suddenly remember what Friday is, eyes widening. Turning to Seungkwan, you smile sadly. “I really-like you don’t even know-really want to go, but I have something really important on Friday. I’m so sorry.” He nods, reassuring you it’s fine. “Well, you can join us on Saturday then!” 

You bow, biting your lip as you continue on. You totally forgot what day Friday was. 

❋

The rest of your shift was rough. Wonwoo, AKA your horrible boss, didn’t seem to want to give you a break. The past few weeks had been very tightly packed with the upcoming debut, and although you understood it was very important, sometimes it felt like your boss didn’t know you were human too. 

Waking up at 5 am, driving to his place and setting up, and then getting to work was exhausting. Not to mention the late nights working on assignments. It all came with being a secretary, but recently, you didn’t know if you could keep going. Maybe it had something to do with your boss’s attitude as well. 

Jeon Wonwoo, CEO of one of the largest writing and printing companies. Exactly how you expect. Handsome, cold, quiet. You’re pretty sure he’s rejected more than a hundred women who attempted to ask him out. What did he even do for fun? Lame word searches?

When you first started working as his secretary, you had at least one breakdown a day. Everything you did was wrong, Wonwoo’s ‘redo it again’, echoing in your mind. He never cared about your feelings, just your work. You needed the job to help your family since it had good pay, and your siblings were focused on school. So it was up to you to provide for your family that you weren’t even close with.

You and your coworkers loved to complain about wonwoo’s cold attitude and the workload he gave out. Sure he was handsome, but it didn’t matter to you since his attitude was such a shutdown. You blamed him for not having a social life or a boyfriend, but of course, he didn’t care. 

That just made you want to work even harder. You stayed up countless nights practicing, studying to be perfect. Until Wonwoo tolerated you. Everyone knew you as Jeon Wonwoo’s longest secretary. It wasn’t easy work, but it made you feel proud, and you were able to push through working for him. 

At least before recently. Wonwoo was extremely busy with the preparations, and so were you. You understood, he was stressed, but was taking it out on you okay? You really contemplated quitting, but this time of the year was extremely important, so you would have to wait until after the new debut passed. I mean, you were kind enough to start the resignation after finishing the event, unlike another person you knew.

Wonwoo calls you into his office late that night, the floor almost empty. You walk in, carrying the same tea you always brought at the now perfected temperature. Setting it down, you bow before asking, “you called for me, Mr. Jeon?” You can tell he’s frustrated by his ruffled hair and wrinkled collar. Your fingers itch, wanting to fix it. 

“Finish the chart for tomorrow. I want you to adjust my schedule since father’s coming by. Cancel everything before 10.” You tense, feeling the frustration course through you. “But sir, I already got all the-“ “I don’t care, change it. You can go now.” You tightly bow and leave, fuming in anger. 

❋

You’re not surprised you only got three hours of sleep. It was a regular thing these days. Groaning, you get ready as usual like every day, the schedule drilled into your brain. You grab a shirt, frowning as you remember the one time Mr. Jeon called your fashion taste revolting and ordered you to a complete wardrobe change. 

It was finally Friday, the day you were anticipating the whole week. Also the one day you got off from work early and seeing Mr. Jeon’s face. You couldn’t wait until 5 when you were done and could prepare for later. The whole week was awful, you’re pretty sure you looked like a raccoon with the amount of sleep you got. 

You’re typing furiously at your desk when Seokmin comes by. His footsteps alert you. “Oh, hey Seokmin. What’s up?” He grins. “Did Seungkwan tell you about what we’re doing later today?” You attempt to smile. “Yeah, I’m sorry I can’t make it. I’m busy later. Can’t wait to get off.” He claps, rubbing his hands together. “It’s alright. Don’t work too hard.” 

You smile, winking. “Don’t worry. And try not to have too much fun without me!” The buzzing on your desk interrupts you, causing you to groan. “What does he want now?”

Walking in, you find Wonwoo signing documents. He doesn’t even look up as he says, “I need you to complete the finalizing documents right now.” You pause, processing the information. “Wait, but those will take me at least four hours. My shift ends in one.” 

He finally looks up, face devoid of any emotion. “Well, that’s your job. You’re expected to do it.” You feel your heart speed up, tightening your hands into fists. You respond shakily, “I’m sorry sir, but there’s something really important I have to do tonight. I can get Mr. Lee to finish it. Can’t you let me go this once?” 

“But why? You’re supposed to do what I ask?” His voice sounds annoyed, bored even. You scoff, feeling your eyes burn. “Those last couple of weeks I’ve been doing everything you asked, even more. Don’t you think I deserve a break?” 

“You signed up to be my secretary. What kind of breaks do you expect? Things are very tense with the new debut now, so don’t expect me to take pity and let you go just because you did what I said,” Wonwoo retorts.

That was it.

You hated yourself. You hated yourself for snapping. But at the same time, you didn’t. 

You slam your papers on the table, shaking. “I work basically 24/7, every day, running errands for you and doing everything you tell me.” Your voice cracks, and you feel hot tears run down your face. 

“And you don’t even have the respect to treat me like a human being? I wake up immediately thinking about what you’re going to make me do for the rest of the day.” A sob escapes you. 

Wiping your tears angrily, you continue to stare at him with wide, furious eyes. “I go to sleep thinking about what I have to do for you the next day. But you don’t even thank me. Not once. No appreciation when I try to impress you and go above and beyond. And then you won’t even let me have one break? I don’t even get vacations or holidays off!”

You sniffle, body shaking, as you let the words sink in. “I signed up to be a secretary, not disrespected.” And with that, you walk out with tears pouring down your face, grabbing as much of your stuff as you can and leaving, ignoring the shocked whispers and startled questions.  

❋

Once you get home, you slap yourself. What did you just do? What did you just say to your boss? Oh god, ex-boss now. You’re dead. Officially. You feel numb like you just watched a confusing movie and were trying to process everything. 

You want to bury yourself in the ground. Or become a rock. That’d be way nicer than being yourself right now. 

But you have to continue on. You don’t even care if you’re going out wearing sweats and a hoodie. He wouldn’t care. After buying everything, you drive to the spot. You pass blurs, barely paying attention as you blankly stare at the road. 

Once you get out, you feel the drops, glancing up. You didn’t realize it was raining while you were driving. You let the water pour over you, making your way to the familiar stone.

Stopping in front, you sink to your knees. 

“Dad...I’m so sorry I’m late. Can you believe I basically threw a tantrum in front of my boss? Well, ex-boss?” Laughing weakly, you wipe the tears you didn’t notice had run down your face. “I don’t have a job anymore, that’s for sure.” 

You look around, your whole body soaked now. Softly, you arrange the flowers neatly in front of his grave. “Are you still proud of me dad?” You smile weakly, adjusting yourself comfortably on the cold wet ground. “I’m so sorry... happy anniversary, still. Another year passed. How are you?” 

❋

You spend days at home, never leaving your bed, only allowing yourself to mope about your life. Your phone is spammed with texts and calls. Probably from coworkers, you figured. You didn’t have enough energy to respond. 

You sighed for the millionth time. Everyone had probably heard about your childish rant in wonwoo's office. How could you let yourself break like that? No one had contacted you and deemed you officially fired, but you knew it the moment you opened your mouth. Maybe finally going outside and getting snacks would cheer you up. 

Cringing, you saw yourself in the mirror. Just like someone who got broken up with by their partner. I mean, it’s not like you had a job anymore or anyone to impress, so you just shrugged and went out for the first in a while.

Entering the store, you walk down an aisle, glancing at the options. You’re squatting, choosing between banana or strawberry when you spot movement in the corner of your vision. It’s just a man looking at the ice cream, but it’s what he’s wearing that catches your attention. 

You raise an eyebrow. Who goes to a mart in a full suit and tie like that? Scoffing internally, you bite the inside of your cheek. Ha, he looks like- The man suddenly turns, and you can never mistake that face. 

BEKDJRE WHAT IS MR. JEON DOING HERE?? You whip your head back, hoping, praying, that he doesn’t recognize you in your horrible clothes. Your heart pounding loudly, you stand up, deciding just to get the heck out of there before-

Oh ****. Why does he have to stand right next to you? 

You internally freak out, don’t make eye contact I swear to god y/n if you do you’ll- 

“What do you recommend? Melon or banana?” You recognize his deep voice and freeze. Is he talking to you? Maybe he doesn’t know who you are??

Facing away from him, you respond in a croaky, low voice. “U-uh banana?” You catch him nodding in the corner of your eye. 

Time to escape. You turn, briskly walking away until a hand abruptly grabs your wrist, preventing you from leaving. Panicking, you don’t move, not wanting to expose your identity. What does this man want??

The hand on your wrist doesn’t loosen, instead, it tightens and spins you around until you’re face to face with him. Your now-former boss, Jeon Wonwoo. 

Surprisingly, he doesn’t have an angry look on his face. Instead, he simply says, “Y/n, I know it’s you. It seemed like you when you walked in. And the fact that you chose banana instead of melon for me because you know I hate melon confirms it.” 

You open your mouth before lamely responding, “Could’ve been a lucky guess?” 

❋

 You would’ve never expected yourself to be outside a grocery mart at 1 am with jeon wonwoo.

Awkwardly shuffling on your feet, you watched as wonwoo paid for your treats. He insisted on it for some reason, and you knew you couldn’t beat him when he looked at you with that face. Chills ran down your spine whenever you thought about it.

When he finishes, you walk side by side out the door, a silence between the two of you. You wait a couple seconds before you can’t take it anymore. 

You quickly fall to your knees in front of him, head down as you plead, “Please forgive me, Mr. Jeon. I-I didn’t mean anything I said. I was just extremely stressed- I completely understand if you never want to see my face again, although I’m not sure why you confronted me today and bought stuff for me but it doesn’t matter anymore- It was completely rude of me, and I just hope you’ll accept my apology.” Finishing your ramble, you keep your head bowed and eyes squeezed shut as you await his response. 

You almost don’t notice it, it was so gentle. Wonwoo’s hand slowly reaches forward and tilts your chin up, and you don’t realize your heart speeding up. He squats in front of you, his face seems surprisingly amused. 

You would’ve never expected the words that came out of his mouth next, either.

“I’m sorry, y/n. I realized the workload I put on you, and it wasn’t wrong of you to burst out on me. I’m afraid I’m not good with words, but after you disappeared, I realized how much you do for the office. Truly, I appreciate your hard work. Hopefully, you can come back to work once you feel fit.” 

You stare at him, processing the words that the CEO of one of the biggest printing companies just said. 

You stay still, eyes still boring into his until you’re finally able to break out of it. You abruptly stand up, dusting yourself off. You breathe a sigh of relief, muttering, “thank you for not firing me.” You clap your hand over your mouth, surprised eyes moving to look at wonwoo. 

You watch as wonwoo’s lips slowly turn up, letting out a quiet chuckle. You blink. Did he just laugh? Like fr? Oh my god, you have to tell Seungkwan. His voice interrupts you. “I should drive you back to your place, it’s getting late.” 

Your eyes widen in shock. Shaking your head, you reply, “oh no, it’s fine. I’ll walk home. It’s not far.” He insists, and of course, you aren’t able to say no. 

It’s an awkward drive as you direct your boss to your apartment. Once you arrive, you quickly thank him, and he smiles. What the-

“Well, I hope to see you soon at work, secretary y/n.”

You can only nod, dumbfounded. You had never seen him smile before, and it was kinda nice.

You numbly wave goodbye as he drives off, entering your apartment and crashing into bed. 

❋

After two days, you’re back in action. The second the elevator doors open, a swarm of people rushed up to you. You stand there as people begin talking, asking questions. You feel like a celebrity being interviewed by paparazzi.

You take a step forward, pushing past everyone. It didn’t feel right to have to answer their questions. You settle at your office, politely asking people to stop asking. Eventually, the crowd leaves.

You’re unpacking the stuff you took home in a blaze of anger when you hear footsteps approach. Sighing, you turn around. “I’m sorry, I don’t- ..Dokyeom?” 

“Y/n!!! What the frick happened? All we know is that you stormed out of the building and didn’t come back for a week!! And with our project, things were going crazy without you...”

Grimacing, you say, “I know, I know, I’m sorry.  It’s stupid, but I’m back for real now. Promise.  I’ll explain it all later, I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.” 

Dokyeom sighs, giving you one last ‘you better not forget’ before leaving you. 

It takes hours, but you’re finally able to get wonwoo’s schedule up to date. You check the time. Shoot. Wonwoo usually expects tea at this time.

You quickly run over to the drink station, hoping no one comes up to you. You glance around, mostly everyone’s focused on their work and staring at their computer screens. 

You’re pouring the hot water when a familiar voice calls your name. Turning, Wonwoo comes into view. You immediately jump, causing the hot water to splash onto your hand. 

Letting out a hiss of pain, you drop the cup. The sound alerts the workers in the room, most beginning to notice your presence. 

Wonwoo quickly walks over to you, gently taking your hands in his. “Are you alright?” You gape at him, and you’re pretty sure everyone else in the room is dumbfounded too. Whispers immediately break out. 

You snatch your hands from him and quickly bow. “I’m fine, thank you, sir.” Forgotten tea, you dash to the bathroom. Huffing, you place your hands on the sink.

What happened to your boss and why do you kinda like it? The feeling of his warm hands over yours causes you to shiver. You punch the sink, grumbling. 

“Ughh seriously, what’s wrong with this guy?  I yell at him and suddenly he becomes this nice guy? And then in front of everyone too?”

❋

It doesn’t stop after that. For days, jeon wonwoo would somehow make his way to you and act all nice. Sometimes in front of others, and sometimes when it’s just you two in his office. You would always feel hot and nervous afterward randomly. 

It began spreading around the office. What happened to CEO Jeon and why did he become so nice to you? You heard some of the rumors, ‘probably slept together’ ‘did they find out some juicy secret about him? ..’

It was annoying, but you tried to ignore it. You were able to explain everything to doykeom and seungkwan. They were the only ones who knew about the late-night grocery mart trip and wonwoo’s sudden kindness. 

You wanted to confront him, really. And you tried, but he would just say it was because you were his secretary that worked so hard for so long. 

You wanted it to stop. You wanted it to stop cause you liked this side of him, and you didn’t want to admit it.

❋

It all changed one day when you received a text at work. From a number that you didn’t recognize. At first. 

After reading it, you immediately shot up from your desk. Wonwoo came from his office, walking over to you, but you hurriedly made an excuse and ran out, leaving him surprised. 

Groaning, you noticed the rain. Perfect timing... You braced yourself and ran through the pouring rain. You had to get there, no matter what. You were soaked, gasping for air, once you reached the stone. 

They left. You stood there, staring down at it. 

It was just you and the rain.

Until it wasn’t, anymore. You look up. It’s a black... umbrella? Spinning around, you come face to face with a suit. An extremely familiar one.

“M-mr. jeon?” He’s holding the umbrella and staring at you, but it feels like he’s looking into your soul. 

You blink, eyes flicking down to the wet ground. It’s silent until he speaks up. “Why did you suddenly come here? Y/n?” 

You slowly turn back to look at the plaque. “This is where my dad is,” you softly say. There’s a pause before wonwoo responds, “I’m so sorry.” 

You laugh, shaking your head. “You don’t have to be sorry. This is why I blew up last Friday. I was supposed to be here that day.” You feel wonwoo tense next to you. 

Before he can say anything, you face him. “It still doesn’t excuse my behavior. But.. why did you follow me?” He fumbles a bit before replying, “it was raining.. it wouldn’t be safe for you to go alone.” 

You laugh, a pleasant sound ringing in wonwoo’s ears before saying, “thank you. And, I came here because of my family. You might not have known this, but I got this job to help them. After my father died, my mother became depressed and my siblings couldn’t do anything. So I had to get a job to support them.” 

You bitterly smile before continuing, “I’m not even close with them. I was too busy working, and my mother was too busy moping. My siblings are busy with school, and I never see them anymore. It’s gotten to the point where I just pay their bills and don’t even speak to them. Ha, they finally contacted me to say they were gonna visit him today, can you believe it? And I missed them. As usual.” 

Wonwoo looks down at his feet. “I never knew that about you... You’ve been working for me for years, and I didn’t know that.” 

You shift. “What about you?” He turns to you, surprised. “Me?” You nod, “your family?” Wonwoo shuffles closer to you, causing you to unconsciously swallow. 

“Well, I’m not very close with my family either. It was all work, preparing me to take over the business. I mostly grew up alone... and I didn’t really have many close relationships. Uh- well, you can most likely tell. Everyone in the office probably can too.” 

You glance at him. He’s going back into his shell. The one he would always go into when he was stressed, scared, alone. You hesitate. “That’s okay, you don’t have to be close to everyone. It doesn’t hurt to be a little kinder, though. Not to be rude, but a lot of people in the office are.... a bit scared of you? To be honest, we were all a bit shocked when you started caring more. I was surprised. Um- but i-in a good way.” 

Wonwoo stares at you with wide eyes as you focus back on the stone. A comfortable silence fills the air between the two of you. Standing there, hearing the sound of the pouring drops. 

As the rain falls harder, you feel as if you have too.

❋

There’s an understanding, a deeper one between you and wonwoo after that day. You feel like you know him, even if it’s only a little more. 

The CEO suddenly turns into a completely different person. To others, he may still seem like a cold boss, but to you, wonwoo’s an endearing introvert who’s obsessed with cats. 

You were shocked, to say the least when wonwoo comes by your desk and shoves a phone in your face. You flinch before opening your eyes and staring at the screen.  “Mr. Jeon..... why are you showing me a picture of a cat?” 

“It’s cute. Isn’t it?” Laughing, you cover your mouth to hide a smile. “Yes sir, it sure is.” 

He continues to show more of himself, and you find yourself falling deeper. For someone who you never expected.  He has such a cold exterior to people around you, but once it’s just you two, he turns into such a softie. 

Seungkwan confronts you one day. “Y/n, you have to explain. What is happening between you and CEO jeon??” You shake your head in response, but you feel heat creep up your neck. 

“Seungkwannn, I told you already. He just helped me out, and I guess, I understand him a bit better now. He’s not bad, seriously.” 

He lets out a small tch! “A week ago you were complaining about his nasty personality, and now you’re saying he’s not bad?”

You whine, clinging to his side. “Ahh, seriously I said it was nothing. Why won’t you believe me??” Someone clears their throat. 

You and seungkwan turn. It’s wonwoo who else would it be. Immediately, seungkwan bows. “Sir!!” Wonwoo stands there, face passive. “Secretary y/n, come to my office.” 

Seungkwan shoots you a look, leaving you to shrug and follow the CEO.

He offers you a seat, and you sit on the plush couch, waiting.

He shifts in his seat awkwardly, and you raise an eyebrow. “Why did you call me in, Mr. Jeon?” 

He coughs before muttering, “are you close with him? Mr. Boo?” “You mean seungkwan? Oh, he’s my friend, that’s all. Why do you want to know? Are you jealous?” you tease.

But wonwoo only scratches his head. You’re about to apologize for going too far with the joke, but you can’t even respond after what he says. “Well, of course, I am. Cause I’m interested in you.” 

Your mouth drops open. “What did you just say?” He looks at you, a serious expression on his face. “I want to go out with you. Truly.” 

Heart beating faster, you internally panic. He just asked you out? He’s interested in you? What is going on? 

“So? What’s your answer?” You snap out of it, glancing back at your boss, nervously shaking his leg. I mean, you enjoyed his presence. But he was your boss, the supposed cold and scary Jeon Wonwoo.. and also the one who still managed to infiltrate your mind.

“Um, yes. I will go out with you.”

❋

You find out and learn more and more sides to him. They all cause your heart to flutter harder and harder. He’s no longer just your boss, he’s someone you can trust, confide in. 

You begged wonwoo not to tell anyone. All the dates happening in secret. Wonwoo was upset, originally. He wanted to tell people, to show you were his, but you firmly insisted on keeping it quiet. If people in the office found out, you would never hear the end of it. 

You walk into wonwoo’s office one morning, carrying the itinerary for the week. Once he sees you, his eyes light up. He walks over to you, grabbing the file and throwing it on the desk somewhere. 

You stare at him with wide eyes as he strides over to you, wrapping his arms around your body. There’s a second of peace and content, but you interrupt him, tensing and saying, “wonwoo- someone might see us.” 

Even as you continue to shift and glance around to check, he sighs and rests his head on top of yours. “Secretary, can’t you just relax for a second? We’ve been working so much, we need a break.” 

Letting out a huff, you allow yourself to melt into his embrace. “Two more minutes,” you mumble. Wonwoo leans down, so his face is inches from yours, a small grin displayed. You smile back, knowing what he wants. 

You lean in, placing your lips on his. His mouth moves hungrily on yours, causing you to make a small sound of surprise. 

Then there’s suddenly a knock, and you hear the door open. “CEO Jeon?” 

You fly under his desk, squeezing your eyes shut and praying whoever it was didn't see you.

You wait there, attempting to muffle your breathing and keep still. You recognize the voice, it’s Mr. Choi Seungcheol. Vice President of the company. Why did he have to come at the worst time? 

You hear the distinct sounds of their conversation for what seems to be forever before Mr. Choi finally bids him goodbye. Your body slumps in relief, waiting to get out from under his desk until you hear seungcheol suddenly speak again. 

“Also, why is secretary y/l/n under your desk? I see their feet sticking out.” You silently curse yourself. Slowly and very ungracefully, you maneuver your way from under the desk. Standing up, you quickly smooth your clothes and hair. “Oh, ha, Mr. Choi. I had no idea you here. Um- well, you see...” 

You quickly look at Wonwoo and back to Mr. Choi. Stammering, you finally say, “Mr. Jeon thought he saw a coach roach and called me in. Must’ve just imagined it.” You nervously laugh as wonwoo sheepishly nods in agreement. 

Finally, he leaves the two of you, and you sit on the couch, biting your lip as you examine wonwoo’s expression. 

“Was the coach roach your best excuse?”

You cringe. “I’m sorry-! I couldn’t think of anything else. Do you think he saw?” 

Wonwoo shrugs, sitting next to you. “Is it so bad for him to see?” he speaks quietly.

You face him, aghast. “No! It’s just, you know how it is... if everyone knew. They’d misunderstand, think I’m using you or something.” 

Your body freezes as you turn to face him. “Wait- you don’t think I’m using you... right?” 

Wonwoo quickly shakes his head. “No, I know you y/n. You would never do that. I’m just afraid. That you’ll leave me because I’m too quiet, or too busy with work or-..” 

You smile at him softly.

“You know I love you?” He stares at you, shocked. You had never said it to each other before, but you truly meant it. 

Reaching for his hand, you intertwine it with yours. “Did you know I thought about quitting my job before? When we were debuting the showcase. It was so stressful that I really was gonna leave.” You feel his hand grip yours tighter, so you continue.

“But you know I'll never leave you, right? I won’t ever leave you alone.” Nudging him, you add playfully, “that means you’re stuck with me forever.” 

Wonwoo laughs- a short deep sound. 

“I’m okay with that, cause I’m in love with you too.” 

 author note: i actually wanted to write more but got lazy...  im conflicted if i should add to the story or leave it as it is :\\\\ 

[anobscurename]

ocean eyes – chris evans

previous part: PART XVII — masterlist

concept: you surprise chris for his birthday while he's shooting in italy. the slowest of slow burns. the ever anticipated part eighteen of many.

pairing: chris evans x reader

word count: 4.3k

warnings: fluff. just prepare to melt.

author's note: everyone can thank @tonystankschild for this one. she was deep in the dm's asking for fluff and i intended to deliver the fluffiest of fluffs.

You liked to consider yourself a rational person at the best of times.

That consideration, however, was entirely negated by the fact that you were now on a flight to Italy to surprise Chris for his birthday. There was nothing rational about it.

But you had saved for this trip, and Chris had done so much for you in the past year or so, that you had wanted to do something for him.

And you had decided that no one should be alone on their birthday, no matter how far away they were.

You had caught a flight from Boston after making the forty-four hour roadtrip to drive Dodger there, not having the funds to fly him to the Evans' household. The fees of bringing an animal on board were astronomical, and you were still balking from how high the number was.

Chris was a wealthy man, however, and those types of costs never quite fazed him as much as they did you.

So you had driven him to Lisa's, a thousand thank yous on your lips as she delivered you to the airport to minimize on the extra cost of leaving your car at the airport parking lots.

Scott – who had still been there from the Patriot's game, "tryin' to get as much family lovin' as he could" as he put it – smiled knowingly at you when you had brought Dodger in.

"You go, baby vamp," he'd whispered to you. It was an outdated saying, but you knew it anyways, and laughed him off.

"We're just friends, Scott."

"Yeah, just like these highlights are from the sun."

He had given you a tight hug, wished you luck on your trip, and – like Lisa would later do at the drop off – made you promise to wish Chris a happy birthday from them.

When you touched down in Italy, it was early morning, that hovering between night and dawn.

You had once again called Chris' agent – Mark – to get details on the shoot, ones which he reluctantly handed over.

You thought that perhaps he was trying to save Chris the PR scandal of being seen with another woman while publicly in a relationship with Lily, but you had pointed out that you had been clearly established as friend of the couple with your global third wheel memes. It didn't take much pressing, because Mark knew how much you both cared about each other and how happy you being there for Chris' birthday would make the actor. So he emailed you the shooting location, with a schedule and call sheet. The tagline was very quick: "Don't interrupt shooting :)"

After a quick shower at the affordable three star you'd rented for the weekend, you got ready in spite of the weariness the plane left you with. Hot water did wonders to waken you, and a touch of makeup never hurt.

You stepped out in the warm breeze, the wind toying softly with the skirt of the summer dress you wore. You easily hailed a cab, and, after failing at the pronunciation of where you were headed, let the cabbie read the location off your phone.

The first person you saw when you got out of the car was Chris.

He was stood off to the side by the craft table, a crewmate quickly doing a last minute adjustment to his hair as he went over his lines. Dressed in an Italian pinstripe suit, you remembered what the film was about.

The indie flick told the tale of an arranged marriage between the son of an Irish mob boss and the daughter of a New York mafia don. Most of the film, however, was set in Italy, where the son, Mickey, had to travel to win the favour of the extended mafia family for the blessing on the union. Briefly, the scene with the strawberries popped into your mind.

You were stopped by security, but Mark – who had been waiting for you – vouched for your admittance.

You stood a little ways away from Chris, within eyesight, but not obvious. It was a surprise, after all.

You called him, watching from where you leaned against his trailer wall. Chris, ringtone blaring for his attention, quickly patted down his suit pockets before finding the device. His glance at the caller I.D. was followed by his whole face lighting up, soft smile on his lips.

"Hey there, Sleeping Beauty," he said into the receiver. "Isn't it a little late in L.A.?"

"It is," you replied. "But it's your birthday tomorrow, and I couldn't resist."

"You know, I've been told I'm irresistible before," he chuckled. "Just never thought I'd hear you say it."

"Well, what can I say? Suits do it for me," you smirked, dropping your first hint.

Scott was right. Chris really could be clueless. "You'd love the one they just put me in then," he murmured, distracted by the food on display at the craft table as he perused the options. "A real classy number."

"What are your plans for the rest of the weekend?"

"They gave me the weekend off to celebrate, but you know me... Probably will go wine tasting by myself and look at some art or something. Oh, man, read a book. Yeah, haven't done that in a while."

You watched as he plucked a strawberry from the table, and your stomach fluttered.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Hmm?" He hummed as he bit in to the sweet fruit.

"Aren't you sick of strawberries by now?"

Chris froze, eyes wide in shock. Running his tongue over his teeth smoothly and swallowing the bite, he began swiveling his head, trying to look out for where you may be hiding. "Where are you?" He grinned.

"Guess."

And then he saw you.

And then he had you wrapped in his arms, the force of the running tackle hug sending your back crashing into the trailer, metal creaking.

You laughed breathlessly, hanging up the call as you hugged him back.

"Chris," you strained against the bone crush of his fierceness. "Oxygen–"

He loosened his grip, but didn't take back his arms. "You have no idea how much I missed you."

His whispery breath in your hair as he deeply inhaled the apple scented shampoo clinging to you had electricity coursing through your veins. "My bones have some idea, I think you might've fractured a rib."

The rumble of the chuckle reverberated through his body and into yours, and heat dusted your ears and cheekbones. "Sorry, I just can't believe you're here. I had to make sure you were real." And then, the question you'd expected: "Where's Dodger?"

"Dodger is in Boston with your mom. And I'm here, I'm real," you reassured him, smoothing your hands over the back of the meticulously woven cotton of his suit. "But you also have a real job to get back to."

"Oh, right," he groaned sheepishly. In his joy, he'd almost forgotten where he was. "Just hang around for a bit, we're only filming a little today before we're off."

So you did. You got given a seat, just off camera, and watched Chris do his thing. His performance was breathtaking, the way he embodied such a dangerous man. It was enough to make you flushed, the square of his shoulders, the confidence in his stride – the danger lurking under Italian silk lined cotton. You'd never quite seen him like this.

And it thrilled you to see a man you usually felt so safe around look so menacing.

It was the love proclamation scene that served to be your undoing, however.

The director kept hounding Chris, demanding retake after retake. He wanted that genuine love to flow through, and it simply just wasn't.

"Think of someone you love," the director suggested. "Put them in your mind's eye. You have a girlfriend, yes? Would it help to bring a picture for you to look at off camera? Tell the picture you love her. Someone get me a picture of this man's lover, please! Imagine you've never told her how you feel. And you've been feeling it for a while, and even though it was very... what is the English word? Uncommon? It was uncommon meeting circumstances you met... You love her. Si?"

Chris grit his teeth and nodded, ready to comply. And once the picture was brought out, the call for quiet on set rang out.

But once the director called action, Chris didn't look at Lily. Your heart clenched, your breath catching in your throat.

No, his eyes found you.

"I love you," he said the words you'd never thought you'd hear him say – at least not to you – and the sincerity in his cracked voice was overwhelming. His eyes were watery, relief dropping his shoulders – as if he'd kept this inside for too long and a weight had been lifted. He sighed it again and again, as if it was the only thing that was going to save him, as if it's the only words he'd ever known.

And when the director called cut, singing Chris' praises, he was still looking at you.

———————

"I still can't believe you're wearing that," Chris chuckled.

You dipped your sunglasses lower on the bridge of your nose to observe him critically. He was leaning against a Vespa, arms folded, the sleeves of his loose white cotton button down rolled up to his elbows, barely containing the bulge of his muscles. Black trousers clad his legs, on his feet a pair of black Italian leather loafers he'd gotten as a gift from his co-star. He wore his own pair of sunglasses, hair swept back, being tousled by the passing breeze.

The statement had been made in reference to the silk scarf you wore, twisted around your neck delicately in a way that was reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn. "If I'm going to have a Roman holiday," you giggled, tripping a little on your way to the Vespa – Chris moved to catch you, but you righted yourself, "you best believe I'm going to fucking look like it."

You had gone to a wine tasting in a vineyard on the outskirts of Rome, somewhere far into the countryside. You had both goofed off the entire time, earning yourselves scolding looks from the sophisticated tourists and the locals, who had wanted a peaceful afternoon at the farm.

You sniffed the wines, obnoxiously listing all the strange terminology the haughty wine connoisseurs would throw around casually, before taking your sips.

It became somewhat of an inside joke between the two of you, finding yourselves lagging behind the group because you couldn't stop laughing. And whenever you were shot a dirty look, it would only make you laugh more.

"You're meant to taste it," he'd whispered to you.

"I am tasting it," you shot back.

"No, you're chugging it like a sixteen year old whose parent made the unwise choice of leaving unsupervised."

The tour guide had been eyeing the two of you up, waiting for your silence. The rest of the tour group turned their critical gaze too, and you gave Chris' foot a soft stomp to get his attention.

Both of you shut up, giggling under your breaths as Chris had practically bowed in his gesture for the guide to continue.

But now it was time to go back to the inner city, and Chris had waited patiently for you by the Vespa while you'd gone to freshen up a bit. The cobblestones were hell for your tipsiness, but you were wine and laugh drunk, and hadn't a care in the world.

"You know how they say there's always that one pair of annoying people on wine tastings that ruin the experience for everyone?"

"They do?" Chris' brow creased in question as he grinningly handed you your helmet.

"Of course they do. Well, I couldn't find them, so it must be us."

Chris clicked his own helmet in place as he caught sight of the hostess by the front door giving you both a dirty look. "What finally gave it away?"

He slid easily onto the Vespa seat, heeling up the kickstand and righting the orientation.

"Hop on, princess," he beckoned you with a nod. You regretted wearing a dress for this part, but you were serious about the Roman Holiday aesthetic.

Serious enough to risk flashing someone as you mounted the scooter behind Chris. But luckily you didn't.

"Hold on tight," Chris called over his shoulder. You complied, encircling your arms around his waist, pressing your bodies together.

You could feel his heart rate pick up, but before you could think too much about it, he took off – cobblestone streets and ivy climbed buildings flying past you in your bliss.

————————

Two of the three worst things that could've happened to you while riding a scooter in the countryside did.

The scooter had broken down and it had started to rain. Not only rain, but fucking pour. You were drenched through to your skin, pulled over on the side of the road, Chris trying to kickstart the machine into working again.

After his fifth attempt, he came over to you, squinting in the rain.

"It's not working," he shouted over the droning rainfall. "Let's just find some shelter and come up with a game plan!"

There were nothing but open spans of green fields and wheat as far as your eyes could see. But a little while back, just over the hill, there had been lights in the haze of rain, a little nondescript sign on the side of the road that you'd whipped past suggesting the shelter that you so desperately craved.

"I think there was a house back there," you yelled back. "Maybe they could help out."

He nodded imperceptibly in the shower of droplets, hand on the small of your back, fitting so seamlessly in the curve of your spine, and began guiding you.

You both dashed across the road, and then you were tearing through the long grass in a shortcut to the twinkling beacons of the lights in the windows, looking like eyes peering at you in the darkness.

Somewhere along the way, you'd found out that Chris was a little ticklish at his waist, and after you'd discovered it – he'd flinched away from you and begged you to stop, but you'd continued just to antagonise him – you wouldn't let it go. It took you much longer to get there than would be normal, but soon, you were both stood, shivering and drenched on the porch step.

There was a sign on the door telling you it was a little inn – an underused bed and breakfast, most likely for road weary travelers on their way to Rome.

You didn't bother knocking as you entered the lobby, spilling inside with laughter still on both your lips. Muddied shoes squelched, and your sodden clothes dripped onto the floor.

You immediately moved to the fire while Chris went to go confer with the front desk.

His two months in Rome had taught him a fair amount of Italian, but it was still quite broken, and he found himself floundering with a lot of the words.

The landlady – a portly old woman with an extraordinarily kind smile and crows footed crinkles by her eyes – understood the predicament.

She explained to him in English – loud enough in the silence so you could hear over the crackle of the fire – that the road services would probably only be available to come out so far tomorrow morning, and that it'd be best to stay the night.

She didn't seem like someone who would scam you into staying at her little roadside hostel – even going so far as to give Chris some white fluffy towels for the both of you.

He paid for the last room available with soggy money, and returned to you, fresh towels in his arms.

He draped one over your shoulders first, and when you reached out to cling it to your frame, your fingers brushed.

That same electricity jolted through you both, travelling with lightning quick velocity down both your spines to spark alive the restless butterflies you had well and truly thought you had put to rest. You were the first to withdraw, allowing Chris to put a towel over himself.

He ran it through his hair, the pieces that had been plastered to his skin with water raising into spikes.

You laughed, reaching out a tentative hand – giving him ample time to withdraw should he need to – to smooth it back and away from his face.

But your laughter died down, as it inevitably did whenever he looked down at you like that. Because how the hell were you meant to function when his eyes were on your lips the way they were now?

And you damn near choked when he started leaning down, lips pressing closer to yours...

But before they touched, he broke into a gut-wrenching smirk, moving past your tingling and awaiting mouth to whisper in your ear. "I dibs the shower."

And then he was sprinting up the stairs.

You were so in shock that for a minute you couldn't even register what had happened, and when you did, you cursed at him, following him up, swearing you'll skin him alive.

And all the while, the landlady was watching the two of you, a knowing glimmer in those kind eyes. She muttered something in Italian, one she repeated many a time during your stay, a saying you would come to know as "young love."

And she didn't even care that you had tracked mud into her hotel and soaked the carpets through from your wet clothes.

She just cared that there were still kids in love in this world.

———————

Once you had both taken a shower and were wrapped up in your complimentary hotel bathrobes, you realised that neither of you were tired.

Your clothes were laid out, sprawled over the backs of chairs, drying by a fire Chris had taken the liberty of building.

So you both decided to go downstairs, and see what activities you could engage in with the other guests. It would do well to help you forget the prospect of having to share a bed with Chris.

According to the landlady, this was the last room available. And of course, Chris had offered to sleep on the floor, as gentlemanly as ever.

But you couldn't do that to him on his birthday, so you'd told him it would be fine, as long as a pillow fort was built to prevent any unnecessary contact.

The common area was woefully empty, save for a couple of sleepy looking musicians, poised atop their makeshift stage, on the brink of passing out on their instruments.

When you and Chris entered, however, they livened up, striking up some traditional Italian melody you may have heard before in passing.

It wasn't that late, so the bar was still open, and Chris managed to purchase a bottle of wine.

Most of the seats had been stacked on the tables, and he helped you pull some down before seating yourselves.

He poured you both wine, and you sat there in your robes, listening to the music.

The landlady came by, at some point, to light the tea light candle on your table.

When you thanked her, she said the same thing she had said earlier – in Italian, so you struggled to understand.

Chris, however, who had been taking a hearty sip of wine, nearly choked. "Mille grazie," he winked.

She scoffed, patting his cheek affectionately, much like a grandmother would her grandson. You didn't catch much of what she said, aside from one word. Cacciatore, in reference to a flirtatious man.

"What did she say to you?"

"She said amore giovane. It means young love."

You turned to try and find her – wanting to correct the innocent mistake of having her assume that you and Chris were in love. Fact of the matter was, there was still with Lily, and you couldn't stand to think of the PR nightmare it would be if it were to get out that he was at an admittedly romantic bed and breakfast with you of all people. "Oh, no, we aren't..." You faded out awkwardly. "He has a girlfriend!"

"Actually," Chris said softly, as if he had been wanting to tell you this for a while. "I don't. Not anymore. Not since the last day at the Hamptons."

Relief flooded you, followed by something undetermined – hope, you would later discover – before you were floored with absolute sympathy. "Oh, Chris. Chris, I'm so sorry."

You reached over to link your fingers in a reassuring hand hold, and his focus was pulled to that singular touch, that point of joining.

"If there's anything I can do to help..."

"No, it just..." He swallowed, finally pulling those ocean eyes to you. "It just wasn't meant to be, I guess. She wasn't the one."

His eyes told a story much deeper, hinting to something that you didn't have the strength to uncover. You'd been hurt too many times by these false feelings, you really weren't sure how ready you were to face them once more.

"What happened?"

"She thinks I'm in love with someone else." When you didn't say anything again – too stunned to do so – Chris cleared his throat. "I, uh," he tried for a smile, "I believe you owe me a dance."

It took you a while to recall him asking you to save him the last dance at the charity gala, and when it registered, you grinned, questions of who dissipating. "Let's go dance."

The band saw you and Chris approach the dancefloor, and immediately switched to a slow waltz. Chris took you in his arms, and as you both swayed to the music, you could almost imagine you were back in Vegas, before Lily, before everything, when the biggest problem in your life was that you had kissed your best friend on your birthday.

His body was so warm pressed to yours, that you felt every tense muscle in your body relax. That hand – forever fitted so perfectly to the groove of the small of your back – traced delicate patterns through the flannel of the gown.

Your cheek was on his chest, and your eyes were closed, and you couldn't see the way he was looking at you.

Because in his eyes – those beautiful ocean eyes – was a love. The love that you were incapable of seeing, but one that everyone else had – including Lily.

There was worship in every sapphire fleck, and there was pure adoration in the inky depths of his pupils.

And as he held you, body nestled so perfectly against his, knew that the angels would damn themselves for you. Because he sure as hell would.

———————

When Chris had gone to get more drinks – the bottle you had shared being finished – you had gone to speak to the musicians.

And surprisingly, they had what you had requested.

Chris was uncorking the bottle when you had hopped up on stage.

There was no microphone this time, and the musicians were glad to receive a break, joining the landlady at the back for a drink – leaving you and Chris alone in the room. Their departure caught his attention, and he glanced at you, before doing a double take.

You were sat at the edge of the stage – feet dangling off to graze the floor every now and then – and in your hands was a ukelele.

The memory of the last time you played for him was chased away by the excitement of this next song.

You were tuning it when you finally noticed Chris watching you. He had that look in his eye – one you were so used to seeing, but one you never quite let yourself understand – and he slowly sank into his seat to watch you. He propped his head on a fist, candlelight flickering in his eyes.

And without much of an introduction, you plucked at the strings delicately, beginning a ukelele rendition of "La Vie En Rose."

His smile broadened into a beam when you started singing. Never had he felt absolute peace like this – at least without having you in his arms.

Hold me close and hold me fast

This magic spell you cast

This is la vie en rose

You looked up at him, your expression earnest. You always found yourself being much more capable of conveying emotion in your actions, rather than with your words. Words made things messy. Music... that was beauty incarnate.

When you kiss me, heaven sighs

And though I close my eyes

I see la vie en rose

Chris breathed in deeply, his heart stuttering, but heavy in his chest. The hold – that spell – you so flawlessly cast on him was rising again, and he knew, with all certainty, that he would not wish to break the enchantment for anything in the world. He was Icarus, and you were the sun – the magnetic pull he felt was that strong.

When you press me to your heart

I am in a world apart

A world where roses bloom

Your eyes found his and you grinned, beguiling him. As you played the interlude, you mouthed to him "happy birthday;" and it was. It was perhaps one of the happiest birthdays he'd had in a while, because it was the one he'd spent with you.

And when you speak, angels sing from above

Everyday words seem to turn into love songs

His heart was swelling, throat thick with emotion. His eyes burned, but he was almost certain the tears gathering was from a lack of blinking. He didn't want to pull his gaze away from you, not for a single second. He had told you he had loved you earlier that day – and this felt like more of a response than he'd ever receive. He knew how difficult it was for you to say those words. And he was okay with that. He'd take what you gave, and you were giving him this – a song as lovely as the woman who was currently singing it. And he thought he was going to simply die when you looked up at him with those eyes, and that smile, and that voice reaching out to him, singing that final verse.

Give your heart and soul to me

And life will always be

La vie en rose

Little did you know, you already owned those things.

You'd owned them since the night you met.

[johnsbleu]

Hold My Hand: John Wick x Reader chapter 94

warnings: none! hold my hand masterlist

The sand is soft on your feet as you walk down the beach, and you stop and pick up a seashell to look at in your hand as you sit down. Even though the sun is coming up and scorching on your face, you smile as you close your eyes and take it in for one last time. You get up and walk down to the water, watching the waves crash over your feet, then you cross your arms and look up at sun streaking the sky orange.

“Hey,” John calls out, and you look over your shoulder at him, “I was looking for you. This is the second time you got up early and came out here, freaks me out when you’re not in bed.”

You chuckle as you reach up to kiss him, then you lean back against his chest when he wraps his arm around your waist, “Sorry, I just wanted to watch the sun one last time.”

John holds you tight in his arms and buries his face in the crook of your neck, “It’s been a good week, peach.”

“It has been,” you tilt your head back and smile, “Thank you for this. I didn’t realize how much we needed this until we got here. We really needed some time away after those stressful two weeks.”

“Well, you deserved a honeymoon. We can’t get married and not have a honeymoon.” John chuckles as he lets go of you, then he sits down in the sand and reaches for your hand.

You sit down next to John and nod your head as you look back at the sunset. You take a deep breath and let out a small laugh when you look over at John, and he furrows his brow and grows curious.

“What?”

“We’re married now, so it’s okay for me to ask things I’ve always wanted to ask, right?” you ask as John nods. “Okay, so, when you were…working, did you have a saying or something?”

John laughs as he furrows his brow, “What?”

“Ya know, like ‘shaken not stirred’, or oh, how about like, ‘hasta la vista, baby’?” you say, putting on the worst Arnold Schwarzenegger accent imaginable. “You know, when you’d kill someone, did you have a catchphrase or something?”

A loud laugh rises from John’s chest as he shakes his head, then he looks up at you and continues laughing, “No, I did not have a catchphrase. Should I have had one?”

“Woulda been kinda cool.” you tease, then you look over at him and smile, “You’ve mentioned a man named Marcus only once since we’ve been together, and that was a very long time ago when we were on our second date.”

“Yeah…” John nods as he looks at you.

You shrug a little, holding his gaze, “Do you…do you ever wanna talk about him or anything?”

John rubs his right hand over your back as he smiles, then he looks out at the sun, “Not really, but not because I don’t want to tell you anything. I just…don’t really know where to start.”

“I get that,” you scoot closer to him and smile, “But you could start anywhere. I just like hearing you talk about your past because I feel like sometimes it makes you feel a little better. I know there’s still some part of you that worries I’m going to leave when I learn certain things, but I never would. I don’t know if you know it or not, but…I’m kinda obsessed with you, so I’m not going anywhere.”

“Kinda obsessed with you too.” he smiles, leaning over to kiss your forehead. He inhales deeply as he looks at you, then he rubs his thumb over your cheek, “I know he’d have loved you. He’d like how you put me in my place every now and again.”

You laugh quietly, nudging his stomach, “Gotta keep you in line, Mr. Wick.”

“He’d be happy to know I settled down again.” he says, nodding his head, “He told me that I’d find my way back to that life I had, and I did. It just got a little better when I found it the second time.”

“Me?”

John laughs as he nods, “Yes, of course you, sweetheart.”

The two of you look out at the sun rising as you listen to the waves crashing against the beach, and you lean over to rest your head on John’s shoulder. You close your eyes as he wraps his arm around your waist and rubs your back, and you smile when he kisses the top of your head.

“What do you think you’d be doing if we hadn’t met?” you ask, looking up at John, “Still working?”

“I don’t know,” John answers, then he looks over at you, “Maybe, but probably not very often. I am old.”

You laugh as you nudge his shoulder, “No, you’re not!”

John chuckles and gives you a wink before he looks back out at the ocean, “I don’t know what I’d be doing. Probably trying to just…live a normal life, but I’d be lonely; I wouldn’t have you.”

“I’d like to think you’d have met someone.” you shrug and inhale deeply, “Maybe someone around your age who you’d get along with. Maybe she’d have kids of her own from a previous marriage, but you wouldn’t mind. You’d like being with her since she’s around your age and you just get along. The two of you don’t get married because you’re still a little broken from losing Helen, and she’s cautious because of her previous marriage -- he fucked her over. The two of you are together for a few years before you ask if she’d like to move in with you, and she says yes. You’re happy and content, and so she is.”

“You…put a bit a thought into this.”

You laugh as you look up at him, “Nah, I just came up with it.”

John laughs as he shakes his head, “I don’t think I’d be with anyone at all. I didn’t really plan on being with anyone else. I went out on dates, but I wasn’t looking to settle down again. Not until I met you.”

A smile spreads across your face when John reaches for your hand and rubs his finger over your ring, then you look up at him and smile as he continues.

“I went out on dates to pacify Jimmy and to get him off my back, but it was never my intention to meet someone to spend my life with.” he says, shaking his head before he looks at you, “But when I walked outside and saw you that day, everything changed. I tried so hard to work up the courage to introduce myself to you at the bookshop, but fuck, you scared me.”

You laugh, “Me? You were scared of me? I can’t ever get over that.”

“You scared the absolute shit out of me because when I looked at you…” John laughs as he looks at you, “I felt something I hadn’t ever felt before.”

“Is that a good thing?”

John nods his head and smiles, “It’s a great thing. I just wanted to be the perfect man for you, the perfect husband and dad, and I just wanted to make you so happy.”

“You do make me happy.” you lean up to kiss him, lingering above his lips for a moment, “You’re an amazing husband, and you’ll be a great dad!”

“I wouldn’t have dated again if it weren’t for you, I truly believe that.” he whispers, and you smile as you look up at him as he gazes at you adoringly, “You’re the only one who I want, you’re the only one I could ever imagine being with.”

You tilt your head back and smile, “I’m glad that we met.”

“Me too,” he smiles, leaning down to kiss you. “What about you? What would have happened to you if we hadn’t met?”

You hum as you look out at the ocean, then you inhale and shrug, “Well, I’d probably still be working at the bookshop, but if we hadn’t met, you wouldn’t have bought it and it would have closed. So, I’d probably have gotten a job in Oyster Bay somewhere. I guess I might have met someone, but I don’t think I’d be married at this point. To be honest, I wasn’t really ready to date either when we met, but…”

John smiles, “You felt the same as me when we met?”

“Yeah,” you furrow your brow and laugh when you realize, “Yeah, it was like I just looked at you and saw the man who was going to change my life. So, if we hadn’t met, I think I’d maybe be seeing someone, but I wouldn’t be happy. Not like I am now. Not like I am with you.”

“Jimmy and Tess wouldn’t have met either, and we wouldn’t have our cute nephew.” John says, and you nod. “Wanna know what I think you’d be doing if we hadn’t met?”

You laugh as you nod, “Of course. I mean, I offered up a whole life for you.”

“You’d still work at the shop because I would have taken over it either way, but you’d hate me because I’d schedule you to work all the time just so I could see you. You’d probably tell whoever you were seeing that you hated your boss and you wanted to quit, but I’d nearly beg you to stay.” he says, and you start to smile. “You’d be happy with someone, and he’d treat you good, but then something would change for you one night when I ask you to stay behind and help me restock the shelves.”

You gasp, leaning in for more, “What?”

John chuckles, “You’d look at me differently. You’d realize that you were in love with me.”

Scoffing loudly, you playfully shove John, then you pull him to sit back up, “So, you think that no matter what, we would have found our way to one another?”

“Absolutely.” John nods as he wraps his arm around you, “There’s no way I wasn’t meant to be yours.”

You hold John’s gaze for a moment as you tear up, then you laugh almost in embarrassment, “God, that was so sweet. I think I was always meant to be yours too.”

Holding you tight in his arms, John looks back out at the sun that’s slowly rising higher, then he leans down to kiss the top of your head when you scoot closer to him.

This past week has been absolutely amazing with John, and you’re pretty sad that it has to end. You wish you could stay longer, and the two of you even talked about staying an extra few days, but with so many holidays coming up, it’s best that you get home so the employees can take some time off.

You tilt your head back to look at John, then you lick your lips as he leans down to kiss you. You get up to sit between his legs, then you lean against him and watch the sunrise one last time.

__

Walking into your room, you put your suitcase on the bed and open it, then you head into the bathroom to make sure you get all of your toiletries. John is folding a pair of jeans when you come out of the bathroom, and he gives you a smile when you look at him.

“You’re quiet, peach.”

Letting out a small laugh, you nod your head, then you shrug, “Yeah, sorry, just thinking about stuff. Wondering how much food has gone bad in the past week at home. We’ll need to go grocery shopping. Also I was thinking about this the other night, our pool is heated, right?”

“Yeah,” John nods, still keeping his gaze down on his folding, “I’ve never used it in the fall and winter though. This was the first time I’ve used our pool. Why?”

“Well, I was thinking that maybe we should get a thingy…you know, one of those things that goes over the pool.” you wave your hand back and forth as you try to find the word, then you snap your fingers, “Like a hard pool covering. If we have a baby, we need to get a cover on that pool. They could fall in the pool and drown, or fall in and crack their head open if there’s no water in it.”

John looks up at you and widens his eyes, “Baby, I know you hate this, but calm down. Take a few steps back.”

“Sorry,” you close your eyes and sigh, “I’m spiraling.”

Walking over to you, John sits down on the bed and reaches for your hands, “What’s going on?”

“I’m just overthinking and getting in my head.” you say, then you shrug, “Our house is like one big massive deathtrap.”

John laughs as he pulls you between his legs, “It’s not, baby. We’ll get the baby gates all set up before the baby is here, and then we’ll make sure that we get those rubber caps for sharp table corners.”

“I don’t know why I’m worrying. I’m not pregnant.” you say, sitting down in John’s lap, “I’m still not pregnant.”

Cupping your face, John leans up to kiss you, “Well, it’s not like we didn’t try this past week.”

You chuckle as John tickles the crook of your neck with his beard, then you lean back to look at him, “Thanks for this past week, it’s been an absolute dream.”

“It’s been a great week.” John whispers, holding your gaze as he moves his hand up your thigh. He cocks his eyebrow up and smirks, “One last time while we’re here?”

You laugh as you get up and move your suitcase, then you lay down on your back, pulling John on top of you, “One last time.”

__

The flight back home hasn’t been too bad, and you’re just sitting in your seat trying to do a wordsearch while John takes a nap. He’s back in the bedroom, but you’re sitting in your seat and looking out the window as the clouds pass by. You should be home shortly, maybe another hour and a half, and you’re feeling a little sad about going home.

You sniffle quietly as you look out the window, then you look over your shoulder when you hear the bedroom door open. John rubs the sleep from his eyes as he shuffles out to you, and you quickly wipe away the tear on your cheek.

“Not so fast,” John says, immediately perking up and sitting down next to you, “Are you okay?”

“I am,” you nod as you look at him, and he reaches over to rub his thumb over your chin, “I’m just sad that we’re going home.”

John furrows his brow a little, “You weren’t sad a little bit ago, you were excited to go home and see everyone.”

Taking a deep breath, you look up at John and exhale, “I’m just worried about going home, and the honeymoon is over, so…”

Nodding his head, John shifts in his seat and leans his elbows on his knees, “You know how you always get upset with me when I say I don’t deserve you or good things?”

“Yeah,” you nod, “That’s because you say it all the time, and it makes me sad that you don’t see yourself like I see you.”

John cocks up his eyebrow as he looks at you, and you nod as he reaches over for your hand, “I know you’re worried about the honeymoon fading, but it’s not going to. I’m crazy about you, and that won’t change.

“I always get like this when we’re leaving from vacation. I know we’ve only been on two, but I was like this when we went home from Italy too. When you go on vacation, you spend a week in this…fantasy world. There’s nothing around to spoil it, no responsibilities, no one around to bother you. Just me and you. You kind of forget that the rest of the world exists. You just want to live in that, in your happy little bubble. But coming home, that can all change. Things get in the way, jobs become your main focus again…”

“Baby,” John grips your hand tighter and shakes his head, “I am so sorry that someone in your past made you feel like you weren’t good enough, like you’re going to be tossed aside after a few months, but I promise you that that will not happen with me.”

You nod tearfully as you look at him, “I know. Trust me, I know that, but sometimes I just…”

“Get in your head.” John nods, then he lets out a small laugh, “Can’t say I’m not the same way.”

Reaching over, you place your hand on John’s cheek and give him a soft smile, “I know you love me, and I’ve never felt more confident about something in my life. I just worry sometimes, and when I do, you’re always there to give me a pep talk.”

“Always.” John leans over to kiss you, then he looks down at your wedding ring, “And I’m happy to do it -- I really am. This past week has been so amazing with you, but I can’t wait to get home and love on you there.”

You laugh quietly as you blush, squirming a little under John’s gaze, “Love on me?”

“Yeah,” he nods, leaning over to kiss your cheek repeatedly while he hums loudly, “Lovin’ on you every day for the rest of my life.”

You wrap your arms around John’s neck and close your eyes, leaning your forehead against his, “Thanks for being my best friend, John.”

“Thanks for being mine.” he whispers, leaving a kiss on your forehead.

__

Even though you were sad to leave your honeymoon, you’re so excited to finally be able to sleep in your own bed again. You called Tess the moment you landed, and the two of you planned to have a girls night while John and Jimmy watched some game on TV that Jimmy has been looking forward to. Finn is with his grandparents for tonight, so Tess is a little more than happy to be able to be kid-free.

You’re just relaxing for now until you go over there, and you’re unpacking your bags so you can wash your clothes -- somehow you not only packed your clothes, but you apparently packed sand. You watch as sand falls out of the pocket of a pair of shorts, and you reach in to find a seashell tucked into it.

“Did you do this?” you ask, holding up the seashell when John comes out of the bathroom with a towel around his waist.

John furrows his brow as he walks closer, then he laughs, “Oh, yeah, I stuffed sand--”

You watch as John widens his eyes and grins, and you roll your eyes, “Oh, I’m well aware that you stuffed sand in my pockets.”

Moving back to your suitcase, you hum to yourself while John gets dressed, and you smile when he walks over to kiss you. Sighing a little, you sit down on the bed and hold up your swimsuit -- you really miss the beach already.

“What are you and Tess doing tonight?” he asks, walking off to the bathroom to brush his hair.

“Uh, she just wants to hear about our honeymoon, so we’ll probably just chat.” you shrug, looking up at John as he comes out brushing his teeth, “I’m sure she’ll tell me about the shop and what everyone was up to while we were gone.”

John nods, “Yeah, Jimmy and I are watching some game, I guess.”

“I miss Bleu. I can’t wait to see him in a bit.” you smile as John nods, “He’s gonna piss everywhere when he sees you.”

“I miss him,” John laughs, then he walks into the bathroom to finish brushing his teeth, “Are you going to shower?”

You stop just as you grab your towel, and you hold it up when John comes out of the bathroom, “I was just about to hop in after throwing some laundry in.”

“I’ll do it for you.” John smiles, leaning down to kiss you, then he pats your ass as you laugh. “I think I’m gonna head over to Jimmy’s a little early. Maybe after I throw these clothes in.”

Tilting your head back, you smile at John, “You miss your baby, I get it. I’ll meet you over there after my shower.”

“See you in a bit.” he says softly, leaning down for another kiss, “Love you.”

You smile as you watch John walk out of the room with a bit of pep in his step since he’s gonna be seeing Bleu, then you laugh and turn around, “Love you!”

__

After being on vacation for the past week, you’ve kind of forgot how cold New York is. You planned on just wearing a t-shirt and jeans, but as soon as you step onto the front porch, you turn around and grab your sweater.

Mill Neck is always so beautiful in the fall since the trees have such a great variety of colors, and you gasp a little when you remember the annual apple festival should be soon.

You open the door to Tess’ house and smile, expecting them to be in the living room, but it’s empty. You take off your shoes and set them aside, then you head downstairs when you hear laughter. Once you turn the corner, Tess hops up and squeals as she runs over to hug you.

“Hi! Hi!” she hugs you tight and rocks you back and forth, “How are you? How was your trip? Oh, my god, did you get even more gorgeous while you were gone?”

You laugh as you put your hand out to slow Tess down, then you set the gift bag aside and hug her again, “Hi, I’m good. Our trip was amazing, and no, I don’t think I got any more ‘gorgeous’ while I was gone.”

“Disagree.” John says, and you stick your tongue out at him.

“John, on the other hand, look how tan he got.” you laugh as you poke his arm, “He’s got so many freckles from the sun.”

Tess pulls you to the couch and smiles, “Tell us about your trip. John hasn’t said anything this whole time because he knew you’d want to tell me.”

You sit down next to John and smile, “It was so good. Our little house was so cute and sweet. Our bed was positioned so that we could literally watch the sunset from our bed, but we didn’t -- we went out to the beach every night and watched it. The first day there was so good, we just hung out obviously.”

“The second day was rough.” John jokes, and you laugh as you nod. “This one was hungover like no one’s business. She shot up in bed and ran to the bathroom, so I followed behind her because I just knew. Got her back in bed, then…well, it was my turn.”

You laugh as you reach up and pat his cheek, “Poor thing. I’ve never seen John sick before. We just took turns throwing up all day. One after the other.”

“It was a good trip though, right?” Tess asks, and she cocks up her eyebrow a little.

John wrap his arms around you and hugs you tight, “It was a great trip.”

“We got you two some things!” you say, grabbing the gift bag and handing it to Tess.

You watch as Jimmy and her look through the bag, and he laughs and reaches over to high five John when he sees the bottle of Caribbean rum. Tess furrows her brow when she pulls out two bottles of hot sauce, then she looks up at you.

“Ooh! Turks and Caicos hot sauce.” you close your eyes and smile, “So good. John grilled some chicken for us one night, and we put some hot sauce on it. So fucking good. John had heartburn after, but it’s so good.”

Tess laughs as she looks at John, “Did she tell you to lay on your left side?”

“Yeah,” he nods, ruffling your hair, “Barely got the sentence out and she told me to lay on my side.”

“And it worked, didn’t it? Your heartburn went away.” you say, and John nods. “Exactly. Works every time.”

Tess holds up a little box and smiles when she pops it open to find a necklace with a little camera pendant on it, “Oh, my god. This is so cute. Thank you.”

“We wanted to get everyone something; there’s a cute little onesie in there for Finn too.” you say, then you look over at John as he gets off the couch. You lean up to kiss him before him and Jimmy head upstairs, and he leans down to kiss you again.

“I love you,” he whispers as he holds your gaze.

You nod, leaning up to kiss him again, “I love you too.”

Tess smiles when you look at her, then she looks at Jimmy, “Let us know when the pizza is here.”

“Will do, babe.”

You look over at Tess as the boys head upstairs, and you smile when she moves closer to sit next to you on the couch. She wraps her arms around you and hugs you tight, leaning her head against yours.

“I missed you so much, babe!”

“I missed you too.” you laugh, looking over at her, “We definitely have to go there sometime. Our house was pretty small, and it only had one bedroom, but there was another house right next door that was empty. The beach was so beautiful, and god, I just didn’t even want to come home.”

Tess smiles, “So, you two have a good honeymoon?”

“We did. We made a lot of memories. Our first day there,” you widen your eyes and smile, then you lean closer to whisper, “We had sex on the beach.”

“Shut up!” Tess squeals, then she leans closer for more details.

You laugh and shake your head, “I was surprised by how much I loved it -- not the sex, obviously, just the whole ‘on the beach’ part. I figured I’d hate it because sand would be everywhere, but it wasn’t. John and I drank way too much, both took way too many shots of tequila, but we laughed and danced the whole night in our house, then we both passed out.”

“What else did you two do?”

“Uh, well, day two sucked so we just laid in bed and watched TV. The next day we were both feeling better, so we decided to explore a bit. We grabbed some lunch at this beachside restaurant, but the only problem with going to an island is that they mostly serve seafood, but they did have plenty of chicken and pasta too. Oh, and everything is spicy, so John was in heaven. We went paddleboarding, which was…hilarious because John fell about ten times, and I was worried about sharks the whole time.”

Tess laughs loudly and looks at you, “Well, you’re home in one piece.”

“Yeah, no shark bites.” you laugh, then you inhale deeply, thinking about what else you and John did, “We went mini golfing one day, we went to this little island that was locally known as Iguana Island -- that was fun. Iguanas all over.”

“It sounds like you had a lot of fun.”

You nod as you look at her, “We did. We made so many good memories and had so many good laughs. I’m still bummed that it’s over. We just had so much fun there, and we were just in our little bubble.”

Tess nods, then she turns to face you more, “I won’t lie, I was worried about the honeymoon fading once Jimmy and I got home, but that didn’t happen at all. Whoever says that that’s a real thing is full of shit. Obviously it was different for Jimmy and I because when we got home, we were expecting a baby, but now you and John are going to be trying for a baby.”

“Yeah,” you sigh, then you let out a small laugh, “John already gave me a pep talk about it when he realized I was crying on the flight home. I know he’s crazy about me, and I’m just as crazy about him, but I still worry.”

“I get it.” she nods, then she smiles when you look up at her, “Do you think you got pregnant?”

You smile and shrug, “I have no idea, but we had sex every day, well except for the day we were sick. We’re seriously trying, so fingers crossed. I mean, John and I are already pretty sexual but now that we’re trying to have a baby, it’s…crazy.”

Tess laughs, “Well, trying is half the fun, right?”

“Pizza’s here!” Jimmy yells, and you and Tess both head upstairs.

Gasping loudly, you lean down and hug Bleu when he runs over to you, and he licks your face non-stop until John pulls him off of you. His tail is wagging so fast that his whole body is shaking, and he leans up to lick John’s face.

“He missed his mom.” John laughs, and you lean over to kiss Bleu’s snout again. You lean down to pet Sadie, then you walk over and sit next to John on the couch.

Taking a bite of your pizza, you sit back and listen while John tells Tess about how drunk you got on your second day, and you playfully roll your eyes when he looks at you.

“It was nice to see her so carefree and relaxed after those two weeks we had with my lab results. She was dancing around and laughing non-stop,” John laughs, nudging your chin, “It was very cute.”

“Okay, you’re one to talk.” you point at John as you look at Tess, “He gets so giggly when he’s drunk. Oh, and corny! Like ten times worse than he already is! He was so smiley and giggly, and we danced and laughed all night. We had a lot of fun. Made lots of memories.”

John takes a bite of his pizza and laughs, “I think it’s safe to say we won’t be drinking for a while though.”

“Oh, definitely not.” you shake your head and widen your eyes, “No drinks for me any time soon.”

Jimmy opens a bottle of hot sauce and sprinkles some onto his pizza, then he takes a big bite and nods his head, “So good.”

“I think we should all go back there sometime. Maybe a family vacation next summer or something. I mean, it’s always nice there, so I guess it doesn’t matter when we go.” you shrug, and Tess smiles.

Tess clears her throat a little and gestures to you and John, “You two probably fucked each other’s brains out, so think you made a baby, John?”

John nearly chokes on his pizza, and he pats his chest a little as he coughs, “I wasn’t expecting you to say that.”

“She’s Tess, what else would you expect?” you laugh as you look at her, “I don’t know, but we’re hopeful. If it doesn’t happen, we’ll just keep trying. No pressure on us. ”

“No pressure at all.” John smiles as he moves your hair away from your face, “We both know how much we want a baby, but we’re not going to get stressed out about it. It’s going to happen when it’s meant to.”

You smile as you look up at John, “Exactly.”

Taking a deep breath, John looks over at you and cocks up his eyebrow, almost like he knows something you don’t know. He starts to smirk when you scrunch your eyebrows and look at him, then he lets out a small laugh.

“What?”

“Nothing.” John laughs, taking a bite of his pizza, “You just promised me something when we got home, and tonight is the perfect night for it.”

You look over at Tess and scrunch your eyebrows more, trying to remember what you promised him, then you look back at John and laugh, “Sex?”

“Nope.” John shakes his head and smiles. “It’s something all of us can do. Actually Jimmy’s wanted to do it for a long time.”

Jimmy perks up a little and smiles, “Wait a minute…”

Looking over at John, you shake your head as you laugh, “Whatever promises I made while I was drunk do not count.”

“I knew you’d say that, which is why I made you sign a piece of paper.” he laughs, taking out his wallet to show you. He unfolds a blue piece of paper and holds it up to read, “I, Y/N Wick, promise to let my husband, John Wick, take me out driving.”

“Oh, shut up!” you grab the paper and laugh loudly when you see your signature in black pen.

John smiles when you look at him, “Your cute little signature right there. You promised, baby.”

Groaning loudly, you jokingly slap the piece of paper on John’s chest and sigh, “Fine! Fine, we’ll go.”

“This is gonna be fucking awesome.” Jimmy laughs, and you playfully glare at John as he smiles.

__

Even though you trust John more than literally anyone in this world, you’re beyond nervous to actually go driving with him. Of course you won’t be driving, but you’re still so fucking nervous. John is an amazing driver, and he always makes sure to keep it at a good speed when you’re in the car with him, but you have to admit that you’re a little scared.

John looks over at you and smiles as he reaches for your hand, squeezing it a little as he pulls into the airport parking lot. The sun is beginning to go down, so you’re sure you won’t be here too long. Thankfully.

“Can I just watch a few times first?” you ask, and John nods his head and smiles. You lean over to kiss John’s cheek, then you get out of the car and stand back a little, and you smile when Tess gets out too.

“I’ll stay with you.”

You give John a small wave as he drives away, then you bite your lip nervously as he revs his engine and quickly speeds away. Exhaling quietly, you look over at Tess to see her with a huge smile on her face as she watches John whip his car in every direction, and you look over and laugh when Jimmy yells loudly.

“I’m nervous.”

“Don’t be.” Tess laughs, then she gestures to John’s car, “He’s a good driver, he wouldn’t let anything happen to you.”

You nod as you take a deep breath, “I know, and I trust John. It’s not that I don’t trust him, it’s that you can lose control at any given moment that scares me.”

John pulls up in front of you and smiles, “Ready, baby?”

“Maybe you should go one more time.” you say, gesturing for Tess to get it.

“Oh, sure, let him kill me first, right?” Tess jokes, then she reaches out and nudges your shoulder when you look at her in horror, “I’ll be fine!”

John smiles as Tess gets in the backseat, then he looks over at you and reaches out for your hand, “She’ll be fine.”

You give John a smile as he begins to drive away, and you keep your eyes laser focused on his car as he swerves and spins around the lot. You smile when you hear Tess and Jimmy both laughing loudly, and you almost feel a little excitement to try it out yourself.

John’s tires skid across the cement as he swerves around an orange cone, and he revs his engine and speeds down to the edge of the lot where he quickly pulls a 360 and turns around. He playfully taps the horn as he drives back over to you, and you shake your head and laugh when he smiles at you.

Pulling up in front of you, John smiles and looks over at Tess as she moves her hair away from her face and laughs loudly, then he looks at you and raises his eyebrows.

“Ready now?”

“I think so.” you say quietly as you pick at your nails nervously.

John opens his car door and moves the seat so you can get in the back with Tess, then he looks at you as you walk closer to him. He places his hands on your waist and smiles tenderly at you before rubbing his thumb over your cheek and leaning down to kiss you.

“You’ll be fine, baby. I won’t let anything happen to you.” he whispers as you lean your head against his chest, then he rubs your back and watches as you get in the car. He gets back in and looks at you in the rearview mirror and smiles, “You’re gonna love this. I’ll take it slow.”

You feel Tess reach over for your hand as she smiles, and you look up at John through the rearview mirror to watch his face. The moment something goes wrong, you’ll know since you can read John’s face pretty well. He furrows his brow a little as he steps harder on the gas, and you immediately bury your face in your hands as Jimmy and Tess scream loudly with laughter.

“Hell yeah!” Jimmy screams when John goes a 360, and you hear John laugh.

The air smells of burnt rubber as John peels through the lot, and it jerks you around the backseat even though you’re wearing a seatbelt. You realize that you’re starting to laugh so you sit up a little and look at Tess as she laughs and smiles at you.

John finally stops the car and sits up to check on you, “You good?”

“I’m so fucking dizzy.” you laugh, and you smile when John reaches back for your hand. “But I won’t lie, it was a little fun.”

“Do another 360, man.” Jimmy says, and John looks at you in the rearview mirror for permission.

You look down to make sure your seatbelt is still on, then you laugh as you look up at John again, “Let’s go.”

__

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[puckngrind]

What’s In A Name: 10 - J. Toews

Chapter 10.

Where we left off: Bekah came to Chicago after the season and told Jon not only that she loved him too but that she took a sabbatical from work.

Warnings: smut, language

Word Count: 3,485

Series Masterlist ) Puck ‘n Grind’s masterlist

Changing.

“Rebekah your brain running on over drive woke me up.” Jon’s groggy voice surprised her.

“What!” Bekah almost yells. It was three in the morning and email from her boss asking her intentions on returning had caused Bekah to run a pro and con list in her head.

“Want to talk about it Baby?” Jon kissed her shoulder feeling the heat from the Arizona sun still radiating off her.

“No go back to bed you have training thing to do tomorrow morning then hiking.” Bekah moves her head back to capture his lips.

“It’s about work isn’t it?” Jon sits up.

“How did you...”. Bekah stammered out.

“Beks, I can count to three. Your sabbatical is three months long. It started mid April and July starts tomorrow. He probably wants to know if his brilliant marketing consultant is coming back or if he has to replace her. Yes?” Jon is now leaning against the head board looking down at Bekah.

“Yes. That’s exactly what I’m thinking about. I swear you read my email or mind.” Bekah bites the inside of her cheek and sits up to lay her head on her boyfriend’s tan chest from the summer of jet setting.

“And you are torn? You aren’t going to hurt my feelings by saying yes, Babe.” Jon’s hand glides up and down her spine.

“Yes.” She breathes out.

“So let’s talk about it. Money is off the table. It shouldn’t be a determining factor because well, you haven’t gotten paid all summer and it hasn’t been an issue. So my first question, do you miss your job?” Jon feels Bekah tense under his touch. “Honestly.”

“No, I miss lunch with Rin but not my actual job.” Bekah realizes the last time she saw Brynn was when Jon surprised her in April by doing a joint birthday party. He rented out the entire movie theater and ran old movies from when the two were born. His parents and brother flew down from Winnipeg. The big surprise was that he even found a way to get Bekah’s family, Derek and Brynn to Chicago without her knowing. She couldn’t believe her eyes when they walked in. How he managed to pull it off she was still unsure of.

“Do you miss Columbus?” Jon braced himself this time for her answer knowing the city captured his girlfriend’s heart in a way no other place had.

“Not as much as I thought I would honestly but then again we’ve been moving around so much it is hard to miss a single place. Maybe when the season started...”

“You could go home whenever you wanted Beks. Long roadies, sick of me, whatever... you running my foundation would give you that freedom to make as many trips as you wanted.”

“Okay. I don’t hate that.” Bekah breathes in Jon’s smell and runs her hand down his abdomen.

“Last question, for now... if you went home would you miss me?” Jon bites his lip because saying that as calmly as he did took every ounce of media training he’s ever had. The silence was killing him. In the two and a half months since he picked up Bekah and she declared her love and sabbatical he realized he didn’t want to go back to the way life was without her by his side. He would never ask her to leave her life behind but he desperately wanted to start a life with her in Chicago.

“Yes Jon. I’d miss you.” Bekah whispered and he felt a tear on his chest.

“Beks, why are you crying?” He lifts her face up to see.

“Because I know the answer is I should quit my job. Let go of my lease and fully be with you.” She breathes out.

“Okay... so why the tears?” Jon smiles at her.

“Mixed emotions honestly. Happy tears about committing to this life with you but sad tears about leaving home behind.” Bekah sniffles.

“Sweetheart, I get that completely. When I left home it was hard as hell but I did it to be where I am today. And I’d be lying if I said I haven’t worried you leave me and going home.”

“Tae!” Bekah sits completely up and looks at him. “Seriously!”

“Well we are being honest here, right? I know you love me but it’s hard to leave home.” He feels the sting of a tear in his eyes and blinks them away.

“And you were what 15 when you did and I’m 30. Makes me seem ridiculous!” Bekah runs her thumb over his cheek. “I told him I would let him know by the end of the week. Now let’s try to sleep since your crazy ass wants to hike at lightning pace on your own damn holiday! Don’t you know your nation’s birthday is meant for hanging out on the lakes and day drinking?” Bekah laughs.

“You are dating the wrong Canadian if that’s how you want to spend the 1st Babe.” Jon laughs.

“Oh, I’m definitely dating the right one...” Bekah swings her leg up and over his body and captures his lips.

“I’m glad to hear that.” Jon pulls her in as the conversation comes to a halt.

Hiking with Jon got easier not because he slowed down but he was now aware he needed to take more breaks and take in the views as they climbed. By mid week, Jon was gone for almost the whole day checking in with his training team. He kissed the top of her head as he left and made her promise not to do anything irrational while he was gone. By lunch Bekah decided to FaceTime Brynn.

“Your tan is amazing and I don’t exactly see any lines there Bekah. Plus I don’t recognize this top.” Brynn jokes taking in the off the shoulder top Jon bought her while they were in Manitoba and sun kissed skin from a summer of beaches and lakes and now Sedona.

“He asked me what my plans were.” Bekah sips the iced coffee she finally mastered while her and Jon were in the Bahamas in May.

“Please tell me you told that hot ass man of yours you love him more than you love Columbus.” Brynn takes in Bekah’s face which scrunches up at her comment. “Oh my! Rebekah Pierce! Are you serious?”

“Rin, it’s not that simple.” Bekah replies.

“Let me guess, he told you that you could come home whenever you wanted because of his schedule during the season and you told him you would think about it?” Brynn’s feisty attitude noticeable even via FaceTime.

“Did you talk to Jon?” Bekah furrows her brow.

“No, I just know my best friend and if you think I’m going to let you make this horrible decision to leave the best thing that has ever happened to you for me and home, you friend would be delusional.”

“I’m pretty sure I heard him talking to his realtor about a condo on the Gold Coast the other day too.” Bekah recalls walking in on Jon and his look of being caught.

“Oh because his Lincoln Park mansion isn’t enough to start a life with you. Bekah... I’m gonna type out the resignation letter for you. That way you can jump all in on the Jonathan Toews Foundation and all his gardening stuff... plus, well, jump on Jonathan Toews too.” Brynn laughs as Bekah’s face turns red.

“Oh wow Rin.” Bekah rests her head on her fist and sighs. “You should see him with the kids. We did a school tour before we left Chicago. He’s really got a passion for this.” Bekah remembers their tour in May.

“And I’m still not hearing how Columbus is better? And friend, his passion for you is 1,000 times more than that program. I saw the pictures and I see the way he looks at you. There is absolutely no comparison.” Brynn smiles seeing the way her best friend’s face contorts with her truth bomb. The ladies hear the door.

“He’s back. I’ll talk to you later.” Bekah pulls her hand up to wave.

“Write the damn letter Bekah!” Brynn shouts before hanging up.

“How’s Brynn? Convince you to stay with me yet?” Jon’s sweaty lips dip down to kiss Bekah’s forehead.

“I swear you two talk.” Bekah looks up. “Oh, Honey. You are so so sweaty.”

“Yeah, I’m gonna shower, care to join me?” Jon winks at her and holds out his hand. She laughs but takes it.

“I love this shower.” Bekah states as she steps in. The waterfall shower with side jets felt amazing on her body after long hikes.

“Same but only because it’s easier to do this.” Jon pulls her body up and wraps Bekah’s legs around him. The unglazed rock like tile making it easier to pin her body to the wall without slipping. His lips attached to her neck as she moans out. Bekah’s hands running through his wet hair as she pulls up his body and slides down onto his length. Their lips meeting and his tongue asking permission to explore. Bekah gasping when Jon hits her g spot and doesn’t let up. Each climaxing quickly and in unison. Both panting for air as the waterfall splashes over their joined bodies. Jon slowly lowers Bekah down and grabs the shampoo without saying a word. Bekah rests her head on his chest while he massages the shampoo into a lather. He stands her up and grabs the loofah to wash her body peppering sweet kisses as the soap runs off. She returns the favor and giggles as he kisses her chest while he bends over in order for her to reach the crown of his head.

Jon leaves the shower to retrieve the towels wrapping Bekah up and patting herself dry. “So how can I help your decision Beks?” He questions while pulling a tank and some shorts on.

“What?” The earlier conversation not in Bekah’s head.

“About your job and life really. How can I help?” Jon looks down at her while she puts on her clothes.

“Want to just click send for me?” Bekah nods towards the open laptop. “I’ve written the email effectively quitting my position. I just haven’t actually sent it yet.” She runs her fingers through her hair.

“And what’s stopping you?” Jon swallows hard. Not knowing if he wants the answer.

“I mean, I know you can provide for me. I want to be with you and home and you already said I can have the best of both worlds with your job the way it is but Jon...” Bekah’s emotion catches in her throat.

Jon closes the space between them and holds her face in his hands. “But what Beks? What ever it is let’s talk about it.” He felt so close to having the one thing he’s been dreaming about forever.

“But I’ve been able to take care of myself since I was 18. I’ve not needed anyone to take care of me. If I don’t have a job I would NEED you to take care of me.” She closes her eyes in the realization that that was in fact exactly what she was holding on to and and not the whole leaving home aspect.

“So you need an income? Joint bank account? Control of something?” Jon slides his thumbs over her pink cheeks.

“I don’t know.” She was being honest. “I need you though.” Jon envelops her in his arms.

“I need you too Beks and if a joint account or an income from the foundation is what you need we will set it up as soon as we get back to Chicago tomorrow.” Jon kisses her head.

“Can you click send because I cannot?” Bekah whispered.

“Wanna do it together?” Bekah nodded and Jon lead her the desk. She sat on his lap and clicked opened the draft. “Ready?” His hand covered hers and then she clicks without Jon moving his fingers.

“There I did it. Officially an unemployed Chicagoan.” Bekah laughs and Jon joined her while kissing her shoulder.

The next few weeks Bekah packed up her old apartment with Jon. They shipped her clothes and a few items to Chicago and donated everything else. “What are we going to do with my car?” Bekah asks while the two were sitting at dinner with Brynn and Derek.

“We could keep it here for you if you want?” Brynn pipes up eyeing Derek in some silent couple conversation. “That way you have a vehicle when you are home to see your parents or whatever.”

“That actually sounds great.” Bekah eyes Jon who realized she didn’t need an additional car in Chicago but didn’t want to say anything. He simply nodded and smiled seeing how relaxed his girlfriend seemed since quitting. The conversation flowed over the evening. The girls discussing trips to Chicago and home while Derek and Jon talked shop. The next day Jon and Bekah went to see her parents before heading back to Chicago.

Mr. and Mrs. Pierce had lots of questions about their relationship, if they were moving too quickly, and logistics of Jon’s job. Bekah kind of expected them to since she knew her mom was chomping at the bit in Chicago for more answers. Keeping Jon essentially a secret from her family over the last few years was probably a mistake but she knew her mother wouldn’t approve of her lack of commitment especially to a man in the spotlight like Jon. By the end of dinner she felt Jon answered the questions well and her parents were interested in getting to know him. It was progress and she was thankful.

Bekah experienced her first Blackhawks conversation and enjoyed watching Jon in his element with his fans. Several even recognized her and asked for selfies which threw her for a loop but she obliged. August and September Jon was in training mode split between Winnipeg and Chicago. After the season ended the way it did, Jon was determined 2018-2019 would be the season. Bekah settled into a routine with his foundation and started getting to know some of Jon’s teammates and their significant others. She thought she would be overwhelmed but the way Jon was introducing her to his life made her more comfortable by the week.

Alyssa Saad and Bekah immediately hit it off. Jon was intentional with them being the first official introductions. Alyssa met Bekah in Columbus while Brandon played for the Blue Jackets. Jon and Bekah had the newly married couple over for dinner before training camp. As they sat down in the dining room Bekah’s eyebrows knit together. “What’s that look for Beks?” Jon questions.

“We never eat in here.” Bekah looks around.

“What do you mean?” Jon smirks.

“We have almost always eaten on the roof except for maybe Christmas with your family. Yes. Always on the roof.” Bekah sips her wine and looks at Jon.

“Oh Jonny’s roof set up is nice. I can see why!” Brandon pipes up.

“Yeah, that was on purpose.” Jon looks down at his plate then to Bekah who had a bewildered look on her face.

“Care to explain that, Jonny.” Bekah points her fork at him and circles it around.

“Well, the first time it wasn’t but pretty much every other meal was intentionally up there. To remind you how much you love the city and forgot about the massive ass kitchen that you physically tense up in every time you set foot in it.” Jon’s eyes float towards the kitchen then to their guests who are talking to each other through their looks then Bekah.

“Make me fall in love with the city eh?” Her midwestern accent sounding funny using a word that effortlessly slips off Jon’s tongue.

“Ope... yup.” Jon laughs.

“Hey, she’s not the only midwestern in this room Toews!” Brandon chuckles making everyone laugh. Dinner finished with more laughter and they said their goodbyes to the Saad’s.

“Alyssa told me the girls are planning on wearing their jackets for the home opener. And wants to make sure I don’t dodge out of any pictures.” Bekah wraps her arms around Jon as he finishes cleaning up in the sink.

“Yeah. I heard they were not happy I didn’t introduce you for the Preds series so you could be in the pic then. Makes sense she wants to include you.” Jon flips around and leans on the counter. His hands cup Bekah’s face. “You know you don’t have to do any of team things you don’t want to. None of it will hurt my feelings if you decide to take the less active role.” Jon’s hands wander down her body until his hands are under her ass. Jon hoists her up to sit on the counter behind her then kisses her lips tenderly.

“Thanks. For saying that Tae. I want to do all the things but maybe not all at once. Feels rushed.” Bekah moans as Jon sucks along her collarbone. “But clearly you have been playing a very long game there Mr. Toews. Intentionally eating up on the roof.” Bekah leans back as Jon presses his body between her legs.

“I figured if I alone wasn’t a solid selling point to spend more time here and you clearly feel overwhelmed in here...” Jon leans back to look at Bekah and motions to the kitchen. “Then why not use the selling point for why I bought this place to sell you on Chicago... and me.” Jon pulls Bekah’s body into him causing her to whimper.

“Jon, we make meals in here are we seriously going to have sex on your counter?” Bekah places her hand on his chest.

“I was thinking yes but fine... and our counter, Baby.” Jon pulls Bekah off the counter and steps out of his shorts and briefs while carrying her to the couch. Sitting down she feels his rock hard cock on her clothed core. “Better?” He whispers out while pulling her dress over her head and then pulling his shirt off. “Merde.” He whispers as his fingers make their way to her hips. Bekah slowly rocking her hips along his length.

“What Tae?” She breathes out then props herself up to look at him.

“I should have removed these before I picked you up”’ Jon pulls as the band of her panties.

“Oh! Please hold.” Bekah slinks out from under Jon and stands on the couch with her legs on either side of his frame then wiggles out of her underwear. Jon takes the proximity to her core to his advantage and licks up her folds while she is still standing causing Bekah’s legs to shake. “Tae.” She half cries and half moans out. He looks up with a look of satisfaction.

“What? My favorite dessert was right there I couldn’t help myself. C’mere.” Jon sees the red flashing on his girlfriend’s face as he lowers her onto his length. “Sorry if that startled you.” He whispers in her ear as she starts to rock her hips towards him.

“Felt good... this feels better.” She presses her lips to his and rocks harder causing Jon’s hips to jolt up. They build a rhythm together.

“Come on, My Love.” Jon whispers as he pulls Bekah’s body further into him. She feels her body clinch around Jon’s as he thrusts deep inside of her. Panting she lays her head on his shoulder and his hand comes up to run his fingers through her hair. He moves their bodies so he’s leaning against the back of the couch.

“Can we talk about the home opener and well all the home games?” Bekah whispers after catching her breath.

“If you want or we can go shower and talk in bed.” Jon kisses the top of her head.

“That’s fine I just don’t know if you expect me go to all what 30 some home games.” Bekah stands and reaches out her hands to help Jon up. He stands and pulls her into his now sweaty body.

“41 and no. You don’t have to but you can if you want. Completely up to you.” He dips down and kisses her while scooping her into his arms.

“I can walk Tae.” Bekah kicks her legs.

“Just call this an at home workout... m’kay?” Jon makes his way to the stairs.

“Fine fine. You win. Anything to help the training.” Bekah wraps her arms around him and giggles.

“I mean I have the best girl... so yeah I think I do win. Plus, I’m hoping this season will be the best with you by my side.” Jon kisses Bekah as she feels the heat return to her cheeks. “And I can still make you blush.” Jon kisses her cheek.

“You probably always well, Tae.” Bekah admits.

“I hope so.” His lips brush her rosy cheeks while he carries the love of his life upstairs.

[rosy-wooyoung]

Husband series [4/8] | Yeosang

Word count: 2.7k Pairing: ex-husband!, police officer! Seonghwa x single mom! reader x prosecutor! Yeosang (police officers! San and Wooyoung, but they’re just here for the drama)  Genre: fluff A/N: I took characters from my “he needs someone” imagine (i thought it’d be funnier ;) )

You had met Seonghwa when you were still quite young. He was a young police officer and you worked in a pretty big company, meeting each other was something quite hard due to your busy schedules. At first, you were surprised that he was a police officer and his stone-cold face, but when he warmed up to you, he was a whole other person. He was smiling and laughing, happy to be in your company. He didn't have to pretend or show any form of authority when you were around.

The only cloud on the horizon of your relationship was his work. He did day and night shifts, tiring him out in every way possible, making him so exhausted that every time he had some free time, he spent it sleeping or working out. You almost put a stop to your relationship because of this, but you managed to make it work. You were patient but you craved his affection but being in a relationship and not getting a lot of attention was frustrating. After a few months, he was asked to change shifts and got more free time. The service he was in wasn’t his cup of tea, but at least you got to see him more. Yes, he was grumpier and more irritable, but you managed to calm him down and clear out his problems with your affection.

You were very much in love with each other, it almost looked like a fairy-tale. He asked you to marry him a few weeks after learning that you were expecting your first child together, bringing you nothing but happiness. Seonghwa was required to change shifts again, him feeling very unhappy as his job wasn’t something he enjoyed. He ended up in the patrol team and everything started again. His work invaded your love life and almost ruined everything, so one night, you made your husband promise you something.

“Promise that, when our child will arrive, you’ll take days off to take care of us. The law allows a few days or week of paternity leave, so I need you to take them.” “I promise, honey,” he said as he linked his pinkie with yours with a wink.

Liar. You never knew where those promised free days went. After the birth of your son, Haneul, Seonghwa disappeared. He buried himself into his work and duties as if he weren’t ready to take care of a child, as if he were running away from his responsibilities. You had cried for nights, even days when he was in patrol, where you needed him the most. He was supposed to be home to help you out, take care of your child to let you rest, but he was never there. And when he came home, he was exhausted, almost dodging eating and showering. He was running away from you and your son like you were the plague, and it hurt you.

Your patience lasted two years, which was something you found rather impressive. One day, you were at the end of your tether, so you impulsively called a close friend of yours, who luckily was a lawyer. You filled divorce papers behind Seonghwa’s back and presented him the paper one night when he came back from his shift.

“Here, sign this.” You said as you placed the papers on the table, handing him a pen. “What for?” you didn’t answer and observed his jaw drop when he read the title of the contract. “Are you serious?” Seonghwa said, his voice wavering. It was rare to see the police officer lose his composure. “Are we really getting divorced?” “Yes, we are.” You declared, trying to stay as stoic as possible. “We made a common agreement that you’d take days off to help me with the baby, but since his birth, I haven’t seen you an entire day at home.” “I know baby, I’m sorry-” “Let me finish. I know your work is exhausting and the forces of order need you, but I need you too! Haneul needs you too, he needs his father to be home, to help him and watch him grow up. I need you to be here to help me, take care of things that could allow me to rest a bit. It’s tiring to be a mother too, you know! You didn’t keep your promise and I can’t live as if I was a single mom when I'm married, this is why I want you to fill out this form.” Seonghwa clenched his jaw but didn’t allow his tears to fall down, letting your words sink in his brain.

You were right and he was doomed. He wouldn’t be able to change your mind. Sadly, oh so sadly, he had lost the family he had started creating and there was nothing he could do against it. He made a huge mistake, the wound was too fresh and deep to stitch it. He swallowed thickly and unwillingly signed the paper under your watch, sniffing as he handed you the pen and papers.

“I’m sorry Y/N. I know it’s not an excuse, but I got scared. I know for a police officer, I’m such a coward, but I was scared to be short on money, so I worked harder and longer. I know that I shouldn’t have done this, but I was so scared and- I’m really sorry I messed up, that’s all I can say.” You sharply inhaled and took the papers from his grip, going to your shared bedroom, leaving your now ex-husband sheepishly standing up in the living room.

After weeks of moving out, moving on and start your life at the other side of the town, you were ready to give another try to dating. You had a few fails, men chickening out as they learnt that you were divorced and had a child. It saddened you and made you feel a bit unlovable, but your friend tried her best to make you feel better. One night, she called you as you had just put Haneul to bed, quickly answering as you didn’t want the ringtone to wake your son up.

“Y/N! I’m glad you answered. I have tea and it’s boiling hot!” your friend exclaimed through the phone as you gulped down a sip of water. “Tell me about it,” you slightly laughed as you sat down on your small couch, taking a quick break from being a mother. “So, I had a case last week and I got to meet my new boss, the new prosecutor.” “The one who replaces Mr Choi?” you asked and you could almost hear your friend nod on the other side of the phone. “Exactly- god, it was time for him to go I swear. But anyway, don't change the subject! Something happened this afternoon and you are involved too!” “Me?” you exclaimed, tilting your head and frowning, “what do you mean?” “You know, I have a picture of us in holidays framed on my desk. It was when we went to Paris, do you remember? And then, Mr Kang – the new prosecutor – came to my desk to give me something and he asked me if you were my sister. He looked IN LOVE I swear, he kept looking at you on the photo.” “You’re going crazy,” you snorted at her words but still felt your cheeks heat up. “I promise you that I’m not. Come at work once and the new prosecutor will be head over heels for you. I’m sure you’ll like him since you seem to have a thing for men in the justice system.” “Stop,” you almost yelled and giggled, knowing that she was right. “Try me,” she provoked you and you laughed together, “come have lunch with me tomorrow, if he’s not dead in love for you then you will at least get to eat with your best friend. Does it sound like a plan to you?” "A good plan. Alright,” you huffed, fake annoyed and grinned as your friend groaned over the phone.

As promised, you went out for lunch with your friend and managed to make up for the lost time, relaxed, your son eating at the day-care centre for once. He loved his teachers and the other children, so it wasn’t an issue for him to eat at school. Coming back from the restaurant, you walked with her in her work building, only to have her squeezing your forearm to get your attention, as you were going to go into the elevator.

“Look, he’s here.” “Who?” “Your future boyfriend, you idiot!” She whispered and you looked up, only to be met with hazel eyes. The man was walking a few meters away from you with a colleague, still wearing his prosecutor robe. You gulped and he slightly nodded his head your way to greet you, a small smile on his face as he walked past you. “See? I told you that he was your type.” Your friend proudly said, and you elbowed her, red flushing your cheeks. You didn’t answer and it was her turn to elbow you in the ribs. “Hm? Admit he’s your type.” “Okay, he’s fine. Are you happy now?”

“I’m only “fine”?” you both froze as you heard a deep voice behind you. You glared at your friend and she smirked at you, smiling at her boss and hastily walk towards the elevators. You turned around with an embarrassed smile and faced the handsome prosecutor. “Now, that’s embarrassing,” you mumbled and he laughed, tenderly looking at you. “It’s alright, I’m just teasing,” he said and you exhaled, relieved but you froze again at his words. “Are you free tonight? I want to get to know you," he asked as if it was the most normal thing in the world. You fell speechless and it took you seconds to register what he said. “Are you serious?” that’s all you managed to say and he nodded with a smile. “Do I look like I’m joking?” you shook your head but nodded right after. Confused and embarrassed, you whined and looked away. “Alright, I know a good place downtown. How about we meet there at 8 pm?” “Sounds good to me.” You answered and he beamed again, each smile making your heart melt a little more.

It was 7:55pm and you were already there, asking for a table for two. You ordered a lemonade and waited for your date to come, hoping that you wouldn’t be stood up on your first date. You gulped another sip of the sparkling water and almost choked as the prosecutor sat in front of you. Your change of clothes didn't go unnoticed to your date's face and you smiled as he complimented you on the dark blue dress you were wearing.

Everything went well, you finally got to know his name and Yeosang was a word that easily rolled off your tongue. You didn’t know but he loved it when you said his name and vice versa. He was sweet and intelligent, passionate about his work. Fortunately, he wasn't the type to only talk about him and he got to discover your centre of interests as well. He even started flirting, which was delicately done, never overstepping boundaries.

Your phone started ringing as Yeosang ordered dessert for the two of you, eyes going wide when you recognised the phone number of the day-care teacher. You excused yourself from the table and Yeosang nodded, giving the menu back to the waiter. The day-care centre was closing, and you needed to pick Haneul up, making you suddenly feel stuck. You told the woman that you’d get there as quickly as possible, but you might be a little late. You worryingly came back into the restaurant and Yeosang immediately frowned at your distressed state.

“Is everything alright?” you nodded, despite being on the verge of tears. The frown on Yeosang’s face never left and you deeply inhaled, ready to tell him the truth. "I know you're not, tell me what's wrong." He searched for your gaze but never caught it. “I- I need to pick up my son at the day-care centre because it’s about to close.” You mumbled, hoping that he’d never hear it, but of course he did, his eyes widening. “You have a child?” he said, and you nodded, your eyes never leaving the white tablecloth. A hesitant hand came across the table and rested against your trembling one. “I’m sorry, I won’t be able to eat dessert.” “Don't think too much about it. Let’s pick your little boy up.” He stood up and encouraged you to imitate him before catching a waiter’s attention to cancel your orders and went to pay the bill.

You exhaled and sent a quick message to your friend that your date would probably not see you again and she answered you almost immediately.

“What do you mean???” “That’s nonsense Y/N.” “Let’s talk about it when you are relaxed and have more time, alright? xx”

You faintly smiled at your friend’s words and felt a presence behind you. Yeosang smiled at you and softly laid his hand on your shoulder.

“Let’s go?” you nodded, and he walked you to his car, opening the passenger seat for you.

The ride to the day-care centre was dead silent and you’ve never felt so oppressed in your life. Why did you have to grow attached to him over a single date, when he was most likely to drop you after driving you home with your child?

“I’m really sorry, miss, I didn't see the time.” You said as soon as your son's teacher came into sight, patiently waiting for you with your son next to her. “It’s okay, I’m glad you made it safely here. Have a good evening and see you tomorrow!” she said with a smile before going back inside the centre. Before you could give Yeosang any further explanation, you heard the roaring sound of another car pulling up by the centre.

A police car.

Your ex-husband and two of his colleagues (who you recognised to be San and Wooyoung, the former being Haneul's godfather) got out of the car. Your ex-husband searched for your child and stopped dead on his tracks when he saw you and the man standing next to you, who was stroking Haneul’s cheek as you carried him.

“Seonghwa,” you said in a breath and Yeosang looked up. His eyes darkened and stopped touching your son’s cheek, clearing his throat. “Officer Park,” he said, extending his hand. “Prosecutor Kang,” your ex-husband answered, shaking it and you almost fainted.

Of course, the two of them had to know each other. Of course, they had to work together in the past. That’s what you got by dating men from the law. San eyed you out of the corner of his eye and tried to send you a warming smile as he noticed your distressed state.

“So?” Seonghwa said and you took action, turning towards Yeosang. “Yeosang, I’m going to make this clear and quick. This is my ex-husband, officer Park Seonghwa and he’s also Haneul’s father. You can do anything, get into a fight or yell at each other, call me a wimp, I don’t care, I’m going home. It might be cowardly from me but it’s too early now.” You said on the verge of tears and walked towards Yeosang’s car, your decision played with Seonghwa’s heartstrings, secretly hoping that you would walk towards his. You saw San's eyes widening and Wooyoung gasped, only to fall silent as your ex darkly stared at him. Seonghwa sighed, nodding at Yeosang, who was genuinely confused. The police officer sat back in his car but never drove away, head filled with thoughts, his colleagues following him only seconds later after waving one last time to Haneul. The prosecutor started his car after you closed your car door and drove you home without a word.

“Thanks for the date,” you gloomily mumbled as you neared your apartment building. “I had a lot of pleasure to get to know you.” He whispered back, checking if your son was sleeping, and he was. You faintly smiled at him and were about to leave his car when he stopped you by delicately wrapping his fingers around your wrist. “Will I get to see you again?”

[ladyknight33]

30s AU WIP: Gabe takes Jack on Vacation

Behind her desk with a porcelain cup of tea steaming within her hands, Ana watched the dark gentleman pace the room. He had already laid out his case and impatiently waited for her answer. “Mr. Reyes, sit down.” The former mafia boss scowled at the polite order but obeyed. Neatly pressed, far too expensive suit clashed the average wooden office chair. The newly raised police captain ignored Gabriel’s fashion choice and considered his request. “I am not his supervisor. It’s not my decision to deny his vacation request.” The man could have brought this up during one of their family dinners. Instead he chose this formal work setting. She should be impressed with his gall and bravery to enter a police department. Right now it just served to annoy her.

Gabriel narrowed his eyes with one task in his focus. “You are above that man. You can reverse that decision.”

“My policy is to support my officers, not go around behind their backs and subvert their decisions.” Ana hated to continue to deny the request. Seeing her closest friend so happy with this enigma of a man made her want to give in. “O’Brady denied the request. It was an unreasonable request to begin with. Three weeks with Christmas and New Years? Honestly, Gabriel. What were you thinking?” She broke the professionalism first. The couple were a family to her and her daughter. This allowed the dancer to relax and speak freely. Gabriel could argue with the best lawyers in the world, but she saw the strain it had on his demeanor. 

Reyes sighed and ran his hand through his goatee. “Travel. I was taking travel time into consideration.”

“Why didn’t you bring this up last night at dinner?”

“Surprises must mean little to you. Jack informed me of the denied request with the acceptance of a rank-n-file nobody. He knows I am planning something, but knows not to ask too many questions. He deserves time off. That’s why I didn’t bring this up last night. He doesn’t need to know all the details you’d be asking. That’d spoiled the surprise.”

Ana placed her tea on the desk. “Have a cup. My mother sent it from Cairo.” She didn’t have a traditional tea set from her home, but the black tea with sprigs of mint brought her back to a place she could never return to. Gabriel assented. She scooped a small amount of loose black tea leaves into a cup and filled it with hot water. The entertainer was not a tea drinker, but he was gracious enough to share in the offered gifts. While he studied the brewing tea change the water to a dark golden brown, Captain Amari continued her explanation as to why Morrison’s three weeks long vacation couldn’t happen. “This is not like your businesses. Jack is a detective with cases assigned to him. Yes he has some leeway in how to proceed with those cases, but he cannot pawn off those cases to disappear for nearly a month. We are very busy during that time of year and everyone gets time off to spend with their families, but we have to share that time.”

“Ana… I get that… But Jack doesn’t get the easy to solve cases. He doesn’t work a beat where his presence would be missed. Every holiday he picks up the slack for the other detectives so they can go on extended vacations with their families. I hardly see him. They treat him like he’s single and he’s too good of a man to refuse the extra workload.” Gabriel did relax as he sipped the tea. It was next to impossible to be angry while enjoying a warm beverage. “There’s got to be something I can do to get this time for us.”

“Again… This isn’t a place where you can do favors to receive favors. Save that for politics.”

“It’s only this way since your reforms. I can’t tell you how many cops I’ve paid off to look the other way in the past.”

“Careful, Mr. Reyes. I like Jack and I don’t want to tell him I had to arrest his partner for confessing to kickback schemes. It won’t matter how many friends you have through the district attorney. I will make those charges stick.” Gabriel looked suitably chastised. “We can at least discuss changing the dates. The holidays are a difficult time for scheduling any time off.”

“It’s the middle of July, surely there is plenty of time to rearrange the unknown schedule for December. The whole point of this trip is to enjoy the holiday parties in some place where I can show affection without the ignorant intolerant idiots creating a riot.”

“You have the Lavender Shade.”

“Yes, we have my supper club, but remember I own the place. It is far too easy to be pulled into work while there. You try spending your days off here in the office. Tell me you could give your full attention to Fareeha when your employees keep interrupting with minor emergencies.”

“You do realize that if I speak to O’Brady about this, he’ll know I’m playing favorites. It’s no secret Jack is my friend. And he is currently rank and file as you call it.”

“He could be Chief of Police by now if he wanted. I’m not going to deny him the job he enjoys. But his seniority in that position should account for something. I know he never asks for time off otherwise. Why does it have to be so difficult to take into account everything he’s sacrificed for this department? I’m being selfish on his account because he doesn’t know how to be.”

“I’ll see what I can do. I won’t make any promises.”

“Can you let me know if there is approval before the end of October? I’d like to make arrangements earlier than later.”

“Of course. And I won’t tell Jack of this conversation.”

Gabriel lit up with joy at the vague agreement. His smile was infectious and she never once regretted helping the man join the right side of the law. “Thank you, Captain Amari. I appreciate your assistance where you are able.”

“I do have one requirement.” Ana chuckled at the surprise crossing the performer’s face. “Where are you going that is more fantastic than Times Square?”

“Hollywood.” Gabriel gained a dreamy smile. “I haven’t been in years and I’d like to introduce Jack to a new world.” At that moment Ana promised herself to do everything she could to make this vacation possible for her friend. Jack deserved it.

[maliburenee]

Like A Wrecking Ball

(This is my first attempt at a fic, please be gentle. LOL It’s also a very long story so bare with me)

Warnings: 18+ NSFW

“Damnit Alex!” Jensen growled as he tossed his phone on the coffee table.

Jared lifted an arched brow and looked away from the boxing match on tv, “Something wrong man?”

“That girl is gonna be the damn death of me.” He rolled his forest green eyes and shook his head.

“Should I even ask?” He grinned.

“She's sent me over twenty pictures today.” Jensen responded.

“You mean friendly pictures, or pictures?” Jared glanced at Jensen's phone.

“I'll let you use your imagination.” Jensen sighed.

“I thought you were a little distracted today.”

“Couldn't remember a damn line!” He answered exasperated.

“Alexandra getting a little anxious for you to come home?”

“She's not the only one. This holiday shooting schedule is killing me. Between being here on set and at conventions, I haven't been home in three weeks.”

“Face time not working anymore?” Jared laughed.

“Face time? Really?”

“Sorry, forgot you're not coordinated enough to hold the phone and use your other hand at the same time.” He laughed before dodging Jensen's fist to his arm.

“You're an asshole, Jared!”

“Seriously though, as soon as we wrap, you'll be on a plane. Where is Alex anyway?”

“She's in Savannah, airing out the summer house.”

“So how long is she off?”

“From what I heard, she's off for the summer. She has a bunch of comp time I guess.”

“You bringing her back with you?” Jared asked propping his long legs on the coffee table.

“I don't know, you know how she is about “too much commitment”.” Jensen answered.

“Still won't give you a definite answer, huh?”

“Nope. It's fucking frustrating! All it does is end in an argument.”

“How do you two find any time to talk anyway? Seems to me, all you guys do is fuck!”

“Jealous much?” Jensen smirked

“Alright, that's a wrap on 222! Have a good holiday everyone. Call time will be Wednesday morning at 9am, don't be late!” Jerry, the director yelled as cameras and lights were turned off.

Jensen clapped Jared on his back and smiled, “That's it for me! Have a good weekend!”

“Be safe brother...don't need any more Jensen's running around!” Jared smirked.

“Funny! You asshole!” Jensen laughed walking with Jared toward the trailers.

He grabbed his stuff and gave Jared a quick hug before heading toward the black SUV waiting for him. “Hey Jay!” Jared yelled as Jensen threw his bag into the back seat.

“What?” He turned around.

“Tell Alex I said hi and to get her ass out here. It's kind of boring dealing with you fuckers everyday!” Jared cracked a smile, when Jensen flipped his middle finger up at him and slid into the back seat of the SUV.

Jensen settled in and felt the vehicle pull away. He laid his head back against the leather seat and took a deep breath. It had been a long three weeks and he missed Alexandra like crazy. It still surprised him that they were even together. He had met her almost a year ago thanks to her childhood friendship with Jared. At the time he hadn't been looking for anything, he was having too much fun living the single life.

When Alexandra walked into the convention center that day, his whole world tilted. He couldn't stop staring as she took off on a run toward Jared. It seemed as if someone had punched him in the stomach as he almost forgot how to breathe. He watched as Jared stooped down from his massive 6'4” height to pick up her petite body. His heart pounded in his chest as Jared spun her around with her feet dangling above the floor. When Jared introduced them, he had trouble finding his voice.

In the midst of his reflection, his phone vibrated in his hand. He opened his eyes and tapped the message from Alexandra. “You like pink, right?”  It read along side a picture of her sitting on the black marbled bathroom sink wearing only pink polish on her toes.

Jensen groaned shifting uncomfortably in the seat. “Damn her.” he exclaimed under his breath. If she kept that up he wasn't gonna make it.

He sent her a picture back of his face set in stern lines with narrowed eyes and tightened lips. “Keep it up and I'm gonna punish you when I get home!”

The phone buzzed again and he looked back down “How bout you make it fair, send me a pic!”

“I just sent you one.”

“As sexy as your face is babe, I want to see something else...” She texted back.

Jensen dropped his head back against the seat again, every text was going deeper. “I can't send you that kind of pic, Clif is in the front seat and I don't want him getting that view of me.” He glanced back up to the front seat at the back of a bald head that was bobbing along with the song on the radio.

“Too bad! I had a few more pics that I wanted to send you. Guess I'll just keep them to myself!” she responded.

Jensen let out the breath he was holding in. He hoped she was done with the pictures, as it was, his cock had been pressing uncomfortably against his jeans all day. There was only so much rearranging he could do.

The phone vibrated again and he couldn't help but look right down at the picture message notification. “Here we go.” he said to himself.  

“Hope you will be here soon! Can't wait to feel your hands....” The picture showed creamy smooth thighs spread slightly open, but the picture stopped before it showed anything.

The groan escaped his lips before he could stop it. Damn this girl!

“You okay Jay? Need anything before we get to the airport?” Clif's gruff voice asked.

“No man I'm good.” He answered shaking his head. “Think I'm just feeling the long night.”

“You gonna be okay catching the plane alone?” He asked glancing in the rear-view mirror.

“I should be fine. It's a private flight thanks to Alex, so there shouldn't be any problems.”

“How has she been? Haven't heard much about her lately.”

“She's great. She's got the whole summer off so I should be seeing her more.”

“You planning on staying with her this summer?”

“I don't know. We haven't talked about it yet.”

“Okay, let me or Michael know if we have to work.”

“Clif, you do realize that we're not y'all's responsibility all the time.”

“Sure you are, we're your bodyguards.” He responded chuckling. “Gotta protect you boys from all those screaming girls.”

Jensen laughed, “O lord!”

Alexanda slipped off the bathroom sink and reached for Jensen's shirt that was hanging on the towel rack. She laughed to herself knowing she was causing Jensen to be turned on all the way back home.  Flipping  her hair back over her shoulder, she walked down the stairs.

She hadn't decided if she was gonna keep messing with him or let him be. It had been a long 3 weeks since she had last seen him and truth be told, she couldn't wait to get her hands on him. It was bad enough his job kept him away from her weeks at a time, but with the conventions thrown in, the weeks got longer and harder.

A couple more pictures shouldn't hurt him. She laughed and took a few shots of Jensen's shirt sliding off her shoulder. Wonder what he will do when he gets home?

The ride to the airport seemed to take forever and Jensen was getting antsy. He had been away from Alexandra way too long and his thoughts just kept traveling back the pictures she had been sending him all day. He couldn't seem to stop torturing himself. He grabbed his phone and flipped back through all the messages and pictures. Suddenly he realized his other hand had wandered down to rub over the bulge in his jeans. He sat up straighter and tossed his phone into the seat beside him.

“Relax boss, we'll be there in about 10 minutes. This traffic sucks.” Clif replied hearing Jensen's restlessness.

Once the plane taxied down the runway and they took off, Jensen let out a deep sigh. Only 7 hours and he would be with Alexandra. It would be four days they didn't have to worry about paparazzi or the outside world

He couldn't seem to figure out how she had gotten to him so quickly. He could still remember the first time he had admitted he was into her.  She had been hanging out with him and Jared on most weekends for a few months, at least when they weren't working. He had been trying to figure out a way to talk to her alone, but was a nervous about Jared finding out. Alexandra and Jared had been best friends since they were babies and from the sounds of things, they had been each other's first in a lot of things. Jensen had never made a move on her because of his friendship with Jared. But one day Jared cornered him.

“Okay brother, what's going on?”

“Don't know what you mean.”

“When are you gonna tell me you have a thing for Alex?” He responded lifting his brow.

“I don't.” Jensen answered.

“Why would you bother lying to me? We've known each other long enough that I can tell.” Jared sat down next to him

Jensen let out an exasperated sigh, “Fuck! Is it that obvious?”

“Extremely obvious.”

“Don't worry Jared, I'm not gonna do anything about it.”

“Why do you say that?

“Dude, that's your Ex! That's just messed up. You and I are friends, practically brothers. I'm not gonna screw with that!”

“You think I'll get pissed if you asked her out? She's not really my Ex. We had a bit of  a thing when we were 16. We've been friends all of our lives. But she's got a mind of her own and has every right to tell you yes or no. Besides I know you're a good guy and you wouldn't hurt her, but if you ever did...” Jared smiled.

“Right...Got it.”

Jensen laughed to himself at the memory of Jared trying to reassure him to ask her out. For all the confidence he projected to the world because of being an actor, he was still that shy kid from Texas. Every time he got into a room with her, he still had trouble speaking what was on his mind. But apparently she had a few ideas and had gotten tired of waiting.

The first time they kissed, he hadn't be prepared. They had all been hanging out and Jared had to go do a meet and greet for their convention. That had left them alone in Jensen's room. He had been trying to act calm and collected but was so distracted by being alone with her. He was trying to focus on the tv, but couldn't even remember what show they were watching. The floral scent of her perfume gently teased his senses making him want to pull her closer.

“Okay I have a deal for you.” She stated, breaking through his thoughts by waving a dvd in his face.

Jensen smiled and watched her flip her long black hair over her shoulder. Her almond shaped emerald eyes sparkling with mischief.  “What deal do you think I'm gonna make? Not sure I trust you.”

Her eyes widened with innocence, “You don't trust me? That's a little pot and kettle don't ya think?” She laughed.

“Okay fine. What's your deal?

“Let's watch this movie, and the first one that jumps loses and has to do whatever the other one says.”

“What movie is it and have you seen it before?”

“It's Saw III and no I haven't seen it before. It just came out.”

He was pretty sure this was a horrible idea but he couldn't seem to stop himself. “I'm game but, are you sure you can handle doing what I want when you lose?”

Alexandra reached her slender hand out and lifted a brow. “Deal!”

Jensen looked from her narrowed eyes to her outstretched hand. “Baby you are gonna regret this! But deal!” He clasped her hand and their eyes met. The thought went through his head that he could just tug her closer and she would be in his arms. His eyes dropped down when she softly bit her bottom lip.

Jensen cleared his throat. “So the movie, you want popcorn?” He asked pulling away.

Jensen lasted about 30 minutes before a scene made him jump. “Damn it!” He exclaimed when she started laughing.

“Bitch you're mine!” She doubled over laughing harder.

“Okay fine. What do I have to do?” He asked watching her shoulders shake.

“Let's finish the movie and I'll let you know” She answered quietly chuckling and leaning her shoulder back against his.

So he spent the rest of the movie wondering what kind of torture she had for him. She had a mind just as twisted as his or Jared's and she wasn't afraid of making them look like idiots. It was even worse since it was during the convention, she could have anything up her sleeve. When it was finally over he turned to face her.

“Okay, let's get this over with. What do you have in mind?”

She smirked and turned to face him. He thought he could see a little bit of doubt in her eyes and was slightly confused.  “Okay, I will give you the chance to back out. I know you are worried.”

“Not a chance Alex! A deal is a deal and I don't back out! Lay it on me!”

“Okay, you asked for it.” She replied licking her full red lips.

“Bring it!” He answered with false confidence.

“Kiss me!” She demanded watching him.

Jensen's mouth dropped and he stared wide-eyed at her. “Excuse me? Did I just hear you right?”

“I'm sure you did. Are you going back on a deal?” She snagged her bottom lip in her teeth again before dropping her eyes to watch his lips.

His sense of competition caused slight insult at her challenging him. He really wasn't sure he should do it, but her command was causing his blood to turn to fire. He had been wanting to kiss her, wondered how soft her lips would be against his. It would only be an innocent kiss, right? Damn this was a bad idea, but he couldn't back out now. “I don't back out on a deal!”

“Well I'm waiting! And I'm not talking a boring grandmother kiss. Give me a good one!”

Jensen's blood pumped hot and fast, he hoped he could keep his voice steady. He moved in until he was breath away from her full lips “Did anyone ever tell you that you talk too much?”

“Well then shut me up!” She answered dragging in a ragged breath.

His hand seemed to move of it's own volition. It gently slid over her cheek before grasping the back of her neck. Her lips opened with a soft gasp as he pulled her to him. He watched her eyes close before shifting forward and touching his lips to hers. A soft moan escaped her and he lost a small grip on his control. The kiss deepened with him tracing his tongue over her bottom lip.

All at once it was like she came alive in his hands. She straddled his thighs, her tongue sliding against his. The salty flavor of the popcorn was there but also some deeper darker flavor that he was sure was all hers. As it seeped into him, her hands came up to frame his face and her moan shot lust filled heat straight through his body. Once her hands slid up to his hair and sharply pulled, the rest of his control snapped. He scooped her hips up and quickly turned to lay her beneath him on the couch as there was a knock on the door. They froze with him cradling her against his body.

“Wow” She breathed out. “What are we gonna do about this?”

“Right now, I'm guessing nothing. We should answer the door, it might be Jared.” He responded breathing hard.

“I'm thinking I should answer the door, unless that's Dean's gun in your pocket.” She answered grinding her hips gently against him.

He dropped his forehead against hers, “Fuck Alex, you are killing me.” He groaned as there was another knock.

Jensen groaned, realizing he was getting himself worked up again thinking of Alexandra. This girl was like a damn drug. He could never seem to get enough and  she just wouldn't commit to him. Just kept telling him that she wouldn't be good in a relationship. She had bad luck keeping guys around. He knew eventually they would reach a point there had to be a definite decision but he couldn't dwell on it or he'd go crazy.

He felt his phone vibrate in his pocket and pulled it out.  “Baby, are u sleeping?” He read, reclining the seat back.

“No, but shouldn't u be?”

“I'm just laying in bed wearing ur shirt. Miss u so much, need u to hurry home.”

Jensen smiled, he could picture her laying back on the bed, the white comforter pillowing around her slim muscular frame. Thinking of her long silky hair fanned out over the white pillowcase. She probably had that cute smirk on her face, she loved being defiant.

“Baby, I'm going as fast as I can, but u need sleep. The things I'm planning on doing to u, I think u are gonna need your strength.”

“Mmmm, babe u need to give me a preview!”

“I think I'm gonna leave u to wonder. Get some sleep!”

“Yes Sir!”

Alexandra laid her head back on the pillow and stared at a picture of him on her phone. The closer he got, the further away it seemed he was. The flight from Vancouver was going to take forever. It was gonna be morning before he got there. She sat her phone on the nightstand and turned off the light. The sooner she got to sleep, the sooner he would be home with her.

Sighing, Jensen laid his head back against the seat and felt the exhaustion of the last few weeks catch up to him. It was gonna feel so good to be home. Settling back he closed his eyes and let the exhaustion finally drag him under.

When he surfaced again, Wendy, the flight attendant was gently shaking his shoulder. “Jensen, we are beginning our descent into Savannah. Fasten your belt please. Just to let you know, Ronnie will be waiting with the car for you on the runway.”

“Thank you Wendy.” Jensen sat up, bucked his belt and looked out the window at day break beginning to come up.

“I bet it's a welcome sight to see Savannah.” Wendy replied.

“Yeah it is. It's been a long time since I've been back here.” He answered taking a deep sigh.

After landing Ronnie ushered Jensen to the waiting car and they sped away into the early morning. He watched the city fly by and his mind drifted again. Alexandra always seemed to do things that caught him off guard. She had seen the house in Savannah online and pretty much bought it sight unseen, because he said he loved vacationing there when he was a kid. She completely baffled him at times. Like the first time they made love;

Jensen had just finished on set and walked back to his trailer. The night shoot had run over and the sun was on the rise. He had been covered in corn syrup blood for so long, he felt like a life sized sucker. He badly needed a shower, a case of beer, and his bed. The only good thing, it was the end of the week for him and he had three days off. He was off to the apartment until work called again. Hopefully Jared wanted to watch the Cowboys kick the Bronco's ass Sunday night.

He stepped out of his trailer after the shower, heading toward his SUV, waving at various crew members as they were wishing him a good weekend. Jensen kept an eye out for anyone wanting to prank him before he left. Pranks ran rampant on the set and he wasn't immune to it. His mind wandered over the next few scripts, trying to work out how he was going to handle Dean's character arc. Clif took his bags and threw them in the back of the Denali and Jensen opened the back door to get in. A movement caught his eye and he followed the long line of creamy white skin up over a slim knee to the bottom of smooth thigh. His eyes widened and he looked up further to see Alexandra's long dark hair falling over her shoulders and a huge smile on her lips.

“Going my way sexy?” She asked leaning back against the other door.

“Baby what are you doing here?” He asked smiling.

“Had a few days off. Clif smuggled me onto set.”

He slid into the back and she draped her legs over his lap. “So I've got you for the whole weekend?”

“Am I screwing up your guys weekend with Jared?”

“I actually don't have any plans with him yet. Was thinking of watching the game with him on Sunday. But other than that I'm completely yours.”

“Good, cuz I have plans for you.” She replied as Clif pulled out into traffic.

“You gonna give me a heads up?”

“Sure you don't want to be surprised?” She asked lightly rubbing her leg over his crotch.

Jensen narrowed his eyes and looked down at her leg. “Alex, baby come on.”

His eyes were drawn up her legs as she slid the skirt of her cobalt blue dress up her legs a little more. She slid a leg to the floor spreading her thighs open, to his shock all he saw was slick, bare skin.

Pure lust rocketed through his body, shooting straight to his groin.“Oh god!” He groaned.

“Everything okay boss.” Clif asked glancing in the rear view mirror.

“We're good man.”

“Okay we will be at the apartment in about an hour. Settle back and I'll get you guys there safe.” He answered turning up the music.

Alexandra smirked at Jensen and lifted a brow. “You better be quiet. Don't want your bodyguard to get a look.” She whispered.

“You're pure evil.” He playfully glared at her.

“Am I?” She asked running her hand up her leg.

Jensen's eyes hungrily followed her hand as it slid up farther, she leaned back against the door . Alexandra smiled and spread her legs a little wider.

“Enjoying the view?”

His tongue darted out to lick his lips, his mouth beginning to go dry. “Come here!” He quietly growled.

“Nope. I'm comfortable over here.” She smirked.

Need was clawing to the surface quickly, he had to get his hands on her. “Come here now!” He demanded.

Alexandra laughed and slid over to Jensen, pulling her skirt back into place.

“Yes dear?” She asked, blinking innocently at him. “Did you need something?”

“I have half a mind to bend you over my knee!” He sternly whispered in her ear as her signature scent of gardenia filled his scenes.

He watched her rub her thighs together and bit his lip to suppress a moan.

“You like that idea?” He whispered lightly running his tongue over the shell of her ear before nipping the lobe.

“If only you could feel how much I like that.” she replied.

“I didn't realize you were such a tease.” He whispered.

“I can stop.” She replied sliding her hand slowly up his toned thigh to the growing hardness pushing against his jeans.

“Baby.” He growled in her ear. “I'm not gonna make it back to the apartment if you don't move your hand.”

Lust had him by the throat and it was getting hard to breathe.

“Aww, my poor baby! Maybe I should rub it a little more to make it all better.” She laughed gripping him tighter.

Jensen groaned before he reluctantly grabbed her hand and moved it down to his knee. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat and Alexandra draped her legs over his before curling against his side.

“God, you're a damn tease.” He softly nipped her ear lobe again.

“So, we've got 30 minutes til we get home... how are you going to keep your hands off of me?” She purred against his mouth.

Between her breath on his neck and her hand rubbing against his leg, it was probably the longest 30 minutes he had ever sat through in his life. He just kept telling himself to relax and he would make her pay when they got back to the apartment.

When they finally got upstairs and dropped his bags, he caged her against the door. “You can't tease me anymore. What will you do now?” He breathed against her neck.

“I'm sure I can think of something. Unless you want to hold me here.” She smirked.

As she reached for him he quickly brought his hand down and grabbed her wrists before holding them above her head.

“Mmm... Jensen are you gonna get a little rough tonight?” She purred.

He slid his other hand down her hip til he got to the bottom of her skirt. “I could get rough. You still deserve punishment for teasing me in the car.”

“Seems like all I'm hearing is talk. You gonna back it up big man?” She asked yanking her leg away from his seeking hand.

“Is this how you want to play it?” He asked grabbing a handful of her skirt and wadding it up in his fist.

His body coiled tight with lust as her eyes widened and she nervously licked her plump red lips. He chuckled darkly hearing her moan. Playfully she fought against his hand still holding her wrists.

“How fond are you of this dress?” He asked tugging a little harder.

She moaned again spreading her thighs open for him. “I didn't hear an answer, Alexandra!” He exclaimed.

“I'm pretty fond of this dress. I just bought it.” She bit her lip.

Jensen felt the dark thrill of control running through him. Too far along to realize this wasn't normal for him. “Too bad. I have a feeling it's about to get ruined.” He smiled.

He gave a strong yank that ripped the seams apart on the sides and heard her moan out loud. “Jay, who's teasing who here? We've only got a few days and you are still talking.” She replied in contradiction to her wide lust blown pupils.

“If I was teasing you, I would do this,” He responded by sliding his hand under the torn fabric, up between her legs, cupping the wet heat of her.

Alex squeezed her eyes shut and strained against his hold as he slid a thick finger easily into her. “Damn, baby,  already so wet for me.” He tightened his grip on her wrists

He stretched her tightness by sliding another thick finger inside her. He pumped them in and out a few times, watching her drop her head back against the door. “Jensen, Please...”

“Please, what Alex?” He asked stilling his fingers.

“Baby, please don't stop!” She groaned bucking her hips to get his fingers to move again.

“I think I'm good right now.” He responded leaning forward to tug her bottom lip with his teeth. “Besides, I said I was going to punish you.”

“Damnit Jensen! Please don't stop, I'm begging you.”

He loved the way she was coming apart in front of him. “Doesn't take much for you to crack, does it?” He laughed.

She looked up at him through glassy, pleading eyes. “Actually it does, I've been edging myself all damn night. Wanted to wait until you had your hands on me.” She moaned.

“Edging?”

“Yeah, I've been reading some fan fiction online and playing a little. Some of it can get a little hot.” She smiled as she bucked her hips again. “Come on, please, I've been dying to come all night. I've been here since six yesterday.” She moaned as he curled his fingers slightly inside her.

“Aww, my poor baby. I think we should do something about that...” He responded letting go of her wrists and dropping down to his knees. “Take off the dress!” He commanded pulling his fingers away from her soaking pussy.

Alexandra quickly pulled the ruined dress over her head and threw it off to the side as Jensen quickly spread her thighs and pulled a leg over his shoulder. He gently ran his tongue against her dripping slit. Her hips jerked and she moaned before he tightly gripped her hips and held her in place. He found her slippery hole and lapped at her like he was a starving man. Her hands came down to grip his hair tightly as she arched back against the door.

“Fuck, Jay! I'm so close...please don't stop!” She moaned, pulling harder on his hair.

The pain of her yanking his hair was sending a wave of heat through his veins. He groaned and pulled back before swirling his tongue around her clit. He glanced up, seeing her bent back against the door and smiled before plunging 2 fingers back inside her dripping wetness. Her internal walls clenched around his fingers and it felt like the only thing holding her up when her knees buckled was his  fingers inside her.  Alexandra's whole body seemed to vibrate with the orgasm but he kept licking and sucking on her now sensitive button.

“Jensen...” She breathed. “Stop, stop, stop....I can't”

He pulled back and looked up at her, “Just one more...Want to feel you come apart on my tongue this time.”

He watched her chest heave with her labored breath. She groaned as he slid his tongue back inside her soaked pussy, fucking her in and out slowly in time with his fingers rubbing on her clit. He heard her voice getting louder and her thighs still shaking from the first orgasm clamp down on his head.

“Jensen, Oh God!” She cried, before her body contracted and arched backwards grinding her pussy against his face involuntarily. She let out a loud wail and he felt her explode all over his lips. She gripped his tongue and squeezed tightly before he felt her walls fluttering from the orgasm hitting her again.

Slowly he pulled back and gently lowered her down into his arms. “Are you okay baby?”

“I think I might have blacked out for a second. Where the hell did you learn that?”

He just smiled.

“I can't believe we just did that in the entryway.” She laughed.

He rubbed her arms and nuzzled against her, “I can say that's a first for me. How bout we get up off the floor, I think I've bruised my knees.”

“Not sure I can walk yet. My legs are still shaking.”

“Everything is shaking.” He laughed. “You do that edging thing often?”

Jensen stood up and pulled Alex shakily to her feet. He helped her to the bedroom where he reached behind her and unclasp her bra letting it fall to floor. Helping her up on the bed he gingerly laid down beside her. He was so hard that moving was becoming difficult.

“Actually, no I've never done it before. I read about it a few weeks ago. I was playing earlier and was so close to coming but I was hoping I could hold it off until we were here together. I have to say it definitely paid off cuz I've never come that hard in my life.” She smiled.

“You know you just delayed the inevitable. I didn't get to properly punish you. Guess I will have to do it again later.”

“I promise you will have the chance but for now, I have something to take care of.” She smiled.

“What's that?”

Jensen warily looked her up and down as her smug satisfied face changed into the mischievous little imp he was used to. Suddenly she sat up and looked down at him.

“Stand up and strip for me.” She replied.

Slowly he slid from the bed and turned to face her. He reached his hand behind his head grabbing the back of  his black v neck shirt pulling it up and off his toned body. He saw her bite her lip as he kicked off his shoes and socks. Her hand shot forward and pulled him to her by the belt before he could pull it off.

“How much of a problem do you have with a woman in control?” She asked lifting a slender brow.

“Don't have a problem at all.” He replied nervously.

“Good!” She exclaimed before pulling his belt off and unhooking his pants. “Take them off.”

Blood rushed through his body at lightning speed at hearing her being in control. He pushed the denim down his muscular thighs and to the floor, leaving him standing there in just his black boxer briefs. She licked her lips again and smugly smiled up at him.

“God you are so fucking hot.” She groaned.

Her hand slid up his hip and grabbed the waistband of his boxer briefs and slowly slid them down. She watched his hard cock spring up before wrapping her hand around it softly squeezing. “Mmmmm, so hard for me.”

Jensen's eyes squeezed shut and his head tilted back.  He bit his lip as her hand pumped up and down a few times. “Get on the bed!” She commanded as his eyes popped open. “Lay down on your back and close your eyes!” He watched her smile before he complied.

“Boy, you sure do trust me. That might prove to be a mistake tonight.” She laughed.

He hoped he sounded more confident that he currently felt. “Do your worst!” He smirked. “By the way, didn't you just say something about me running my mouth? Isn't that what you're doing? Are you stalling for something?”

“Actually I was stalling a little bit.” She laughed.

Jensen jumped and his eyes flew open when he felt cold metal latch around his wrist. “What the fuck are you doing?”

“You said you didn't mind a woman in charge.” She looked down at him. “Am I going too far?” She asked suddenly timid.

“Um...no, but warn me before you do something like that.”

Alex sat on the edge of the bed and worriedly chewed on her lip. “Jay if you aren't comfortable with cuffs, I can get rid of them. You know I'd never do anything to hurt you.”

Jensen hated the look he had put on her face. He turned over as much as he could, being attached to the headboard by his right wrist. He reached up and stroked her cheek. “Baby, I know you'd never hurt me. I trust you. It just startled me a little. I wasn't expecting it.”

“Have you ever played with cuffs?” She quietly asked.

“No. But I'm game to try just about anything.” He murmured before sealing his lips to hers. “Now, where were we?” He asked laying back down on the bed and stretching his left hand up the headboard. “Don't you have another cuff around here?” He smiled.

She shyly smiled and straddled his stomach. As she leaned forward to hook the other cuff to his hand, he leaned up and flicked his tongue against her nipple. She moaned and cupped his head bringing his mouth closer to her breast. He licked and sucked on her nipple before looking up at her.

“Thought you were supposed to be in charge. You seem to be following my lead again.”

He felt her hand tighten in his hair, before pulling his head back and wondered what the hell he had gotten himself into.

“You're right! Thanks.”

Alex slid down his chest lightly scratching her nails down  as she slid her body back to his thighs. He moaned as he felt her dripping slit slide over his hard cock.

“Mmmm baby I want to be inside of you.” He moaned.

“When I'm ready baby” She smiled, spreading her legs wide and leaning forward to take the tip of his cock into her waiting mouth.

Jensen's legs tensed as she slid him all the way to the back of her throat. He felt the warm tightness surround him, leaving him tensing in pleasure. Flicking her tongue against the bottom of his shaft on the way back up, she wrapped her hand around the base squeezing, and pumping her hand up and down.

Jensen strained against the cuffs as Alex scraped her teeth against his smooth hard shaft.

“Oh fuck!” He moaned. “Baby, your gonna get me off.”

“That's the plan.” She laughed coming up for air.

“I'm afraid I'm gonna be useless for the next 30 minutes if you don't stop.”

“I could keep myself busy while you rest up.” She answered leaning back  on her right arm and licking her fingers, trailing them down to her wet slit while he watched wide-eyed.

“Alex.” He groaned in frustration as she slipped her fingers deep inside her pussy.

“You are such a whiner.” She laughed.  She pulled her hand away and slid her slicked fingers up and down his hard shaft. “I can feel you throbbing. God I am so turned on right now.”

He watched her straddle his thighs and grind herself over his hard cock. She started sliding back and forth and he could feel her warm wetness covering him. He arched his back, grinding hard against her. “Fuck Alex, feels so fucking good.” He moaned.

Her body started to shake and he could tell she was close to coming. Her fingers gripped his sides and her nails bit into his skin. “Jay, I'm so close.”

“Baby, come all over me.” He answered pushing against her harder.

Her body shook harder as her hands came up to her breasts squeezing before traveling up to grip her hair. It was so erotic to watch her grinding over him. By now there were no more words coming from her mouth, only unintelligible noises. She tensed tight and let out a strangled cry before collapsing down on top of him, shaking. It was everything he could do, to not explode with her.

Jensen strained against the cuffs trying to hold her. “Alex uncuff me. I need to touch you.” He responded.

“Not yet, I'm not done with you. I'm just trying to get my breath back.” She sat up and kneeled over him. Reaching under she wrapped her hand around his still hard member and lined it up with her dripping hole before slowly sinking down, bowing back with the pleasure that coursed through her.

“You're so tight, feels so good.” He moaned, watching her readjust her hips. Suddenly, she worked her hips up and down riding him hard and fast. He watched her breasts rising and falling, hating that he was still tied up. “You're so sexy riding me like that.”

Her hands came up to her breasts to squeeze them and tug on her nipples as she looked down smiling. “I knew you would feel this good inside me.”

“Baby, please! I need to touch you. I'm begging you!” He moaned as she stopped rocking her hips.

“You need to touch me? Really bad?” She chuckled.

“Just remember, whatever you do to me, you will get back later.” He growled.

She leaned forward to uncuff him and he slipped out of her. When he was released he grabbed a hold of her hips. “My turn!” He grinned.

He flipped them over before burying himself to the hilt inside of her in one thrust. She let out a loud cry before gripping his shoulders.

“Fuck me!” She cried out meeting his thrusts with her hips.

He leaned down over her moving harder and faster, feeling her walls grip him tighter. His lips met hers and their tongues danced together. Alex's hands slid up Jensen's back and her nails dug in drawing streaks of red on their way back down.

“Alex, I'm gonna come!” He exclaimed as his rhythm began to falter.

Her lips slid over his stubbled cheek on the way to his neck where her teeth bit down on his sensitive pulse point. His body tensed as a white hot explosion rushed through him. He felt her body tighten around him as he filled her up with his cum.

They were so exhausted when it was all over they had passed out, with him softening inside of her.

Jensen's erection painfully straining for release brought him back to the present. Damn her, she did it to him again, and she wasn't even there with him. He laughed to himself and turned back toward the window. Once again the thought ran through his mind, God he missed her!

He laid his head against the seat and closed his eyes.

“Are we heading out to the summer house?” Ronnie asked breaking through Jensen's thoughts.

“Yeah, Alex is out there right now.” He answered a little tired.

“Cool. Will you need me once we get there?”

“No, we should be okay. You head out once you drop me off.” Jensen responded yawning.

“Hopefully with the long weekend you'll be able to get some rest. Clif told me that it's been nuts this week.” Ronnie responded.

“It's been nuts for the last three weeks. The schedule has been rushed and we had a few conventions thrown in. Conventions are always fun but man are they exhausting. All those people, the lights, feels like you're running a marathon.”

The road was becoming more familiar as they drove farther out of the city. It was a relief his long trip was coming to an end. He wondered if he would be dragging Alex out of bed or if she was already awake. He shouldn't wake her up but he couldn't wait to see her.

Jensen noticed the homes were coming farther and farther apart. He knew they were close. He felt himself starting to check out again before Ronnie's voice cut through.

“We're here. Would you like me to take your luggage in for you?”

Jensen looked around at the long lane they were currently driving up. He felt a sense of calm come over him at seeing the large white farm house sitting about a hundred feet from a beautiful crystal lake.

“No, I'll jump out at the house and grab my stuff. You can take off. We'll be okay.”

When they came to a stop, Jensen hopped out and grabbed his luggage from the back. He waved goodbye to Ronnie and walked toward the house. He got to the bottom of the steps and the front door flew open. He had just enough time to drop his bags before he caught a ball of energy in his arms. Her arms and legs banded around him holding tight. He couldn't even get a word out before Alex's lips were fused to his own in a hard bruising kiss. He staggered back before catching himself against the stair rail.

“Baby I'm so glad your back! I've missed you so much!” She said in between hard kisses.

Her moving around caused her to grind against him. He held in a groan before readjusting her by sliding his hands down to cup her ass. Trying to keep his balance, he blindly made his way up the stairs and stopped at the front door.

“Open the door, don't wanna drop you.” He growled pulling away from her lips.

Sparks of pain and pleasure shot through him as she grabbed a handful of his hair, pulling his lips back to hers as she yanked the door open with her other hand. They tripped though the front door and she laughed. Alexandra finally pulled away far enough for him to get a good look at her.  Emerald eyes sparkling with happiness, full lips swelled and red from their kisses, and her long hair swinging free.

“Baby, it's been such a long night coming home. I've missed you so much.” He whispered against her lips.

“As much as I've missed hearing your voice in person, I think we have more pressing issues.” She breathed.

“And those are?” He grinned.

“You have to ask?” She giggled, tightening her legs around him.

“Alex...” He looked down at her bare legs, watching them tighten more. His fingers dug in to the flesh of her ass.

“Come on Jay.” She moaned grazing her teeth against his neck. “I made it easy for ya...” She ground against him again before nuzzling against his ear. “I'm not wearing any panties baby.” She whispered.

She felt him growing harder before suddenly his fingers dug harder into her and he pushed her against the wall. She braced back against the wall before reaching down to unbutton his jeans. He swept everything off of the foyer table before sitting her down.

He tried to step back to help her with his jeans but she wouldn't let go of him with her legs. “Baby let me go.” He murmured against her lips.

“No, there's no reason to.” She unzipped his jeans and in one swift move, pushed them and his boxer briefs down. “I'm all good.” She moaned against his lips.

When she wrapped her hand around him, he was as hard as stone. He groaned, his hands traveled into her hair and pulled, tilting her head up to him. “I've been waiting all night to have you wrapped around me.”

She nipped at his bottom lip causing him to growl low in his throat. “What were you thinking of doing to me? I mean you said you have things planned for me, did you forget?”

“Didn't forget. I just got in the door.” His hands slid down her sides, over the soft cotton of his shirt that was currently sliding off her shoulder, down to the soft skin of her bare thighs. Sliding to her inner thighs, he quickly shoved them wide. “Lean back for me.”

She smiled and leaned back against the wall planting her feet on the edge of the table presenting herself wide open for him. “What are you gonna do to me?”

“Right now I'm enjoying the view.” He smirked.

She traced her fingers down her body sliding over the pale skin of her inner thigh.  “Come on Jay, I'm kind of lonely over here! I'm gonna start pleasuring myself in a second.”

He stepped forward cupping her warm mound in his hand. “Is this what you want?”

“No.”

“No?” He looked up at her confused. “What do you want then?”

“I want your cock deep inside of me.” She smiled.

He stepped forward and she felt him slide the head of his cock against her slit. He leaned over her and drove himself to the hilt, crushing his lips against hers swallowing her scream. Giving her a second to adjust to him, he pulled almost all the way out before slamming back inside her over and over again.

Alexandra rolled her hips meeting his thrusts. He slid his arms underneath her and pulled her up to wrap her legs around his waist. He shoved the table away and slammed her back against the wall, she heard pictures falling down and hitting the floor but she didn't care. He gripped her hips tight but she was unaware he was going to leave fingerprints there. They rocked back against the wall over and over and she grew more and more slick.

It seemed neither one could speak, could only moan and in her case cry out when he hit that sweet spot inside of her. Her hand came up behind him and started pulling his shirt over his head. He didn't even stop thrusting as she pulled it all the way off and threw it somewhere over his shoulder. Her nails dug into his shoulders as she held on for the ride he was giving her.

Alexandra's body pressed tight against his, rubbing her cloth covered full breasts against his bare chest. Jensen moaned out her name as she clamped down on his cock. She felt her body coil tight before it exploded with her cry.

She squeezed down on him harder as he lowered them to the floor. He drove deep into her, chasing his own release. Fisting the front of her shirt, he ripped it open sending buttons scattering everywhere before leaning down to take a nipple into his mouth.  The sucking pull of his mouth caused her to moan and she bucked up against him straining as he bit down on the hard little nub. Her muscles squeezed down on him again and he groaned. She felt him stiffen in pleasure before falling down on top of her.

Alexandra's breath was heaving as she stroked a loving hand through his hair. “Wow baby, have you been storing that up?”

Jensen let out a lazy chuckle before groaning and pushing himself up to his elbows. “Something like that.”

She turned her head, looking around the aftermath of their energetic reunion. “I'm glad we didn't end up in the glass over there.” She smiled.

He leaned down and softly kissed her neck. She followed his gaze and felt a laugh bubble up through her chest.

“Shit, it looks like a damn wrecking ball smashed through this place. Don't you ever clean?” He laughed.

She punched him in the side as he laughed harder. Standing up, he pulled her to her feet and carried her over to the couch.

“Don't want you to stand in the glass. I seem to still have my shoes on.” He responded looking down at his pants still around his ankles.

“Not my fault you didn't take them off before you tried to put me through the wall.” She pulled him down to her for one more kiss.

He slowly pulled his jeans back up and grabbed Alexandra's slippers. “Stay here and I'll clean up. Hope we didn't break anything important.

“I need another shirt. I'll be right back.” She smiled, gingerly stepping around the glass and running up the stairs in only her slippers.

Jensen looked around again once he grabbed the broom. They had destroyed the foyer. He laughed, and picked up a broken frame. In the photo, he stood behind a laughing Alexandra with his arms wrapped around her. Her head was tilted back against his chest, emerald eyes squinting with happiness.

Drifting back to that day, he remembered standing there, with Jared taking a picture to commemorate the Fourth of July. Alexandra had been wearing this yellow sundress that hung off her shoulders and he couldn't help but stare at her.

It was the first time he had told her he loved her. They sat in the middle of the Supernatural cast watching fireworks over the lake in Austin. He had leaned forward and softly whispered the words he had said to no one else before. It felt like they were in there own little world together, in the middle of a crowded lake side. She turned toward him, and with the exploding colors reflected in her tear filled eyes, she said, “I love you too.”

The memory drifted away as a feeling of melancholy took over. He couldn't understand, if she loved him, why did she keep pushing away the idea of a relationship. Lately, this seemed to be all he could think about. He shook his head and sat the picture on the foyer table, slightly annoyed this feeling ruined his joy at being home.

Jensen was just walking out of the kitchen with a cup of coffee when Alexandra was coming down the stairs completely dressed. He watched her smile falter before she walked up to him. “Baby, are you okay?” She asked reaching for his hand.

He inwardly cringed, he hated how well she could read him. “I'm alright. I'm just tired from the last few weeks.”

Alexandra's eyes narrowed, “Jensen, I know you are, but this isn't being tired. What's wrong?”

“Alex, I can't do this right now. Let's just enjoy the few days we can spend together.” He replied quietly.

Her eyes shifted away and he was pretty sure she knew what was going on inside him. He prayed she would just let it go for now. If they got into the relationship problems, this whole weekend would be ruined. This always ended in a disagreement.

He watched her struggle with the decision to say anything, before letting out a sigh. “Alright, we can chat about this later. Welcome home. Shall we watch a movie?”

Feeling relived, he reached out a hand for hers. “Sure, go ahead and grab one.”

“I can choose?” She smiled.

“Yeah sure...just nothing too chick flick.” He grinned.

They sat on the couch with her leaning back against him between his legs. He wrapped his arms around her and breathed in the scent of her shampoo. His body started to relax when her hands came up to cover his.

“Will you get mad if I end up falling asleep?” He murmured in her ear.

“Nope, I'm sure you have had a long night getting here.” She snuggled back against him. “I'm just happy to feel your arms around me. I've missed having you here.”

“Baby, I hate being gone so much.” He gently laid his chin on her shoulder. “Wish we lived closer.”

Her hand slid up into his hair, nails gently scratching against his scalp. “I know you hate being gone. I hate it too. Seeing you through a screen or hearing you on the phone makes me miss you more.”

“Alex...” Jensen trailed off, knowing he couldn't say what was really on his mind. “I love you more and more every day.”

“I love you too, you know that, right?” She responded.

“I know you do.” He took a deep breath, “You know, we're missing the movie.” He answered trying to shift the focus away from the relationship talk.

Alexandra felt Jensen relax into sleep and took a deep breath. She knew what was going on with him. She had been feeling it too lately. Every time they were together there was a ghost in the room. Something that was in Jensen's mind that he was afraid to talk about.

She knew he wanted more from their relationship and she just wasn't ready. Every time she fully gave her heart and soul to someone it always ended with her getting her heart broke. She just couldn't trust him enough to give him what he wanted.

It killed her to know what she was doing to him. She was always truthful with him, she loved him beyond measure but just couldn't go that final step. One day it was gonna become more of a problem then they could solve.

Jensen's eyes opened slowly when he felt something settle over the top of him. Alexandra was watching down over him with part of a blanket in her hands, softly smiling. “I'm sorry. Didn't mean to wake you up. Just didn't want you to get cold.”

Jensen reached his hand out to her and she sat on the edge of the couch cushion. “Why aren't you keeping me warm?” He asked in a raspy sleepy voice.

“I was going to get the porch in order. I haven't hung the swing or put the flowers out yet.”

“Lay around with me today. I will hang it a little later.” He slid against the back of the couch and gently pulled her down against him. Before she could attempt to get back up, he had her covered with the throw blanket and had his arms wrapped around her. “Just want to feel you against me. I hate always being away from you.”

Alexandra snuggled up against him. “You expect me to lay here all day? I won't get anything done.”

“Oh well, we can try again tomorrow.” He sleepily smirked.

“Okay, you win this round.” She giggled as her fingers traced over his hand on her hip.

“How has the office been going?” He asked.

“We've been toying with the idea of a new line of perfumes and colognes. But mom and dad say they aren't quite there yet. Scents are a little off.”

Jensen shifted forward and softly inhaled the scent of gardenias that he now associated with her. He was glad that Alexandra's family, who were in the cosmetics field, made the scent specifically for her. No one smelled quite like his Alex, it was a scent that excited and comforted him. She thought she was being sneaky wearing it when he was home, but he knew she wore it around the house just for him.

“Are they anything like this? He asked nuzzling his nose against the shell of her ear.

He heard her quick intake of breath as a soft hum came from her throat. “No, nothing like this. I think it's a spicy scent. I'm not sure I like it too much. Kind of hoping they don't push that one forward.” She sighed as he softly kissed a line down the back of her neck. “Jay, this isn't laying around.” She breathed out.

“How is it not? We're laying down, aren't we?” He grinned against her skin.

“Your distracting me....” She replied turning over.

“And that's bad, how?” He asked softly kissing her lips.

“I have something for you. I'll be right back.” He smiled as she stroked his face.

“I have something for you too and it's right here.” He smirked.

Alexandra laughed and smacked his shoulder. “I'm sure you do. I'm sure I can already feel it.”

“You know me so well.”

Jensen lazily watched Alexandra run toward the dining room and come back with something in an elaborately wrapped box. It was square and black with a white bow on top.

“You seriously got me something?” He asked sitting up.

“Well, yeah. What did you think I was saying to you?” She shook her head.

“Well I was hoping it was maybe a French Maid outfit, or maybe a sexy cop.” He grinned.

“All you can think about is sex! I'm beginning to feel like your sex toy.”

“Now wait a minute! Who was the one blowing my phone up all day yesterday with sex pics?” He tried looking insulted but couldn't quite manage to hide the smile that turned his lips up.

“Those were an artistic expression. And it's not my fault that I thought you looked fucking hot in them. You should never have allowed me to take those pics.” She grinned.

“I doubt you sent them to me so I could look at my naked body. All I saw was you in some very compromising positions.”

“And you better delete them from your phone too. All I need is for someone to hack your phone and the pics go viral.”

“Oh no, I'm keeping them and I might just show Jared a few of them.” He loved shocking her.

“You wouldn't dare!” She stated with wide eyes.

“What if I already have?” He asked smirking.

“I know you haven't. Jared would have called me as soon as you were away from him. He can't keep that shit to himself. I'm sure he would have teased me mercilessly.”

“Yeah you're right.” Jensen agreed. “Now, I want my gift!” He reached his arms out to her.

“I'm not sure you deserve a gift after this bratty behavior.” Alexandra replied holding it out of his reach.

Jensen stuck his bottom lip out and batted his eyes at her. “Please!”

“Okay, all that shit may work on the 'Jensen girls' but it doesn't get you anywhere with me.”

“The 'Jensen girls'?” he asked completely baffled.

He watched Alexandra break out into a fit of laughter. “Yeah those girls that think Jensen Ackles hung the moon! He is so perfect! If only they knew you like I do...”

“What are you talking about? I am perfect... every inch of me.” He laughed

“And we are back to sex again....”

Alexandra sat down next to Jensen and handed him the box, before pinching his cheek. “Just because you are so cute and I've missed this face, I'll give in this time.”

He leaned forward and softly kissed her lips. “I've missed your face too.”

Her hands came up to frame his face as her thumbs rubbed over his cheekbones. “What is it about you that hooked me from that first meeting?” She asked searching his face.

Feeling concerned at this turn in the conversation he knew he had to tread carefully. “I don't know, I was wondering about that on the ride home about you. I've decided that I don't want to know what it is. I'm just thankful it did.”

“I'm thankful too. I've never met anyone like you. But, you need to open that box.” She pulled back and gestured to the box he was almost dropping on the floor.

He sat back on the couch and slowly opened the lid to find a thin, square dark green glass bottle. He lifted it out of the box and realized there was liquid in it. “Alex what is this?”

She reached over and took the bottle from him. “Just smell this.” She pushed down the top and the air filled with a woodsy clean scent.

“Wow, I like that. But I hope you aren't trying to replace your scent.”

“This isn't mine. It's yours. I've been working on it for about a year. Ever since I met you for the first time.”

She turned the bottle over and there in a white bold script was the word Jagar. “Alex you made me cologne?”

“Yeah. And it's up to you if we market it or you keep for your own. I never know what to get you, that you can't get yourself. I tried to give it a scent that would make me think of you.” She smiled with her eyes beginning to tear up.

Jensen quickly spritzed a little on his wrists and held one out for her to smell. “How does this smell?”

“Like curling up with you on a wooded porch while it was raining.” Her eyes filled a little more.

“If you like it so much, why are you crying?” He asked pulling her in for a hug.

“I truly don't know. This sounds so stupid.”

“What does?”

She rolled her eyes as a single tear ran down her face. “Sometimes when I'm with you, I just get overwhelmed with how much I feel for you. It just doesn't seem like it should be like this.” She answered as she looked away.

“It annoys you that you love me?” He asked reaching up and gently turning her face back toward him.

“No, of course not baby.” She responded as she cupped his cheek.

She continued, “You know I'm not big on the rom-com cliches. And the only thing I can think to describe how I feel about you, it's every one of those damn lines.”

“Well you know those lines came from somewhere first. There's a reason they are used in those damn movies.” He answered pulling her close to his side. “Just know that you are not alone with those feelings. I'm trying not to overwhelm you with the things I feel and think about us. But, Alexandra, I have never loved anyone like I do you. I think we could have a future together.” He pushed forward so she couldn't respond, “I'm not rushing you or even suggesting anything. I'm just stating how I feel. Please don't think I'm trying to start an argument. I know how you feel about the future stuff.”

He couldn't believe that she had actually started this conversation, but it was too far in to stop now. He just prayed it would end peacefully. He didn't want the next few days screwed up.

She turned to face him, playing with his fingers that were gently laying on her leg. “Jensen, I truly don't know how I feel about the future. I guess I'm not as opposed to it as I was before, but...”

“You're still scared.” He finished.

“Aren't you?”

“Alex, the future is never sure. Yes, something bad could happen and we both could get hurt. But something wonderful could happen and we could both be happy.” He answered feeling his heart pound heavier. She was finally coming around to his side of the argument. They still weren't on the same page, but, it wasn't a flat out no anymore.

“Let's not think about this for now. We only have a few days and I want to be as close to you as I can this weekend. I want your full attention and I don't want your mind to be elsewhere.” He answered staring down into her glassy eyes.

She giggled and he felt himself start to relax. “Okay we will shelve this for now. But, do you really like the way the cologne smells?”

“Yeah, I do. It means a lot that you worked so hard on this. Part of me wants to keep it all to myself.”

“Well you do have the right to do that. I told you, Mom and Dad have left it up to you about marketing it. And Jager is just a tentative name. I thought maybe you might have a better one.” Alexandra smiled.

“What does it mean?” He asked rubbing his thumb over the raised letters.

“It means hunter in German. I thought because of your heritage, and and your character's job, it fit. But honestly Jay, you can have it named anything you like.”

Jensen was taken aback. Not only had she been working on this for almost a year, she had thought long and hard to make the name meaningful to him. This was probably the most thoughtful gift he had been given in a long time.

“I can't think of a better one. Baby, thank you.”

Jensen opened his eyes to find Alexandra curled against his side as the sun was began to rise. Her even breathing was as calming as the birds chirping outside. He could feel the last of his exhaustion fade away as her warm body snuggled closer.

He missed her so much when he was gone. It always felt like a part of him was missing when he was away. After the conversation they had last night, they may not be apart very much longer. He just had to wait her out, hopefully she would come to the decision on her own.

Alexandra's leg slid over his as she curled closer to him. He let out a contented breath as his fingertips traveled over her knee and up her bare thigh. He debated on waking her up or just watching her sleep. He watched his fingertips creep higher over her warm smooth skin before feeling her watching him.

“Are you having fun?” She asked sleepily, sliding her hand over his.

“Actually I'm just enjoying a lazy morning in bed with you. Didn't really mean to wake you though.” He smiled, turning more on his side.

“You didn't wake me, not really. I'm still in work mode. Not used to having lazy mornings.”

Jensen slowly pulled her closer sliding her leg over his hip. He watched Alexandra smirk before shifting her leg to wrap around his waist.

“What are your plans this morning?” Jensen chuckled, and rubbed his calloused hand up her thigh pulling her tighter against him.

“Jay,” She bit her lip watching him.

He could feel her soft grinding against him. She was beginning to drive him crazy. He could feel the heat spreading through his blood.

“Hey, slow down, not yet.” He whispered, kissing her cheek.

“Why not? I can feel how ready you are for me.”

“Want to take my time.”

“You mean you want to tease me.” She leaned closer rubbing her lips over his neck.

“Teasing you sounds like a good idea. I can't think of a better way to spend the morning.”

Jensen rolled them both over and leaned down over her. He felt her wrap her other leg around his waist pulling him down closer.

“Come on Jay.” She breathed against his neck.

He slid his hand slowly up her thigh, “Come on, what?”

“Hurry up, want to feel you inside me.”

“You're gonna have to wait for that...” He chuckled. “So, for now, shut up and enjoy.” He stated, leaning forward and tracing her bottom lip with his tongue.

Jensen reached back and untangled Alexandra's legs from his waist, laughing at her protests.

By early afternoon, they were cleaning the wrap around porch. She had talked Jensen into hanging the swing and a couple of ferns she had picked up in town. The peaceful sounds of the country chirped and twittered around them.

By the time the last fern was hung, Jensen turned to watch Alexandra digging in the flower beds to plant the petunias she had dragged out of the shed. He'd bet she had no clue how beautiful she looked, with the bandanna holding the stray hairs away from her face that was currently smudged with potting soil. The same hands that had clung and clawed at him when they were making love were gently placing flowers in the ground. He laughed at how sappy his thoughts were getting.

“What are you laughing about Ackles?” Alexandra stood, looking up at him.

He walked over and dusted his fingers over her cheek. “You look like you've been playing in the mud.” He smiled.

“Yeah, that's cuz I've planted 4 flower beds while you've been playing on the porch.” She batted his hand away from her face.

“Well how about you take a shower and I'll start dinner. I want to get my hands on that grill.” He smirked when she glared at him.

“I think you enjoy the thought of having your hands on that damn grill, more than me.”

Jensen stepped down off the porch and pulled her in front of him. “Really? That's what you think?” He smiled.

“Yeah that's what I think.” She stated rubbing her dirty hands all over his cheeks before running around him and through the front door.

“Damnit Alex, you're gonna pay for that!” He yelled running after her.

The sound of Alexandra's feet pounded up the stairs as she made her getaway, with Jensen just a few feet behind. He finally caught up to her at the bedroom door, snagging her around the waist, pulling her flush against his body.

“Come here!” He demanded trying not to laugh.

“Something wrong Jay?” He watched her lift a brow as her mischievous smirk crossed her lips.

“Was the dirt necessary?”

“Well yeah, you tend to get dirty when you're planting flowers.” She smiled.

“Smart Ass! Now you're gonna pay.” He responded.

Alex let out a squeal of laughter as he picked her up and carried her through the bedroom door. He felt her squirm to get away as he walked her into the adjoining bathroom.

“Jensen Ackles, don't you dare!” She yelled as he pushed her into the shower and turned it on cold.

Before he could get away, she shot of the shower and pushed him against the wall. She pressed against him tighter, her wet body shivered against the cold.

“You're an asshole.” She chattered, dripping mud all over him and the floor.

“I told you, you were gonna pay.”

A small part of him felt bad so he grabbed a towel to wrap around her. He heard her sigh when he pulled her back into his arms.

“Well now we're both wet and dirty.” He stated looking down at his white t-shirt and blue jeans smeared with mud. “Guess we both need a shower.”

Alex laid her head on Jensen's shoulder and snuggled closer to him. “Only if you promise, no more cold water.”

“You have a deal, but only if you keep your hands to yourself.” He answered as he wiped her hair away from her face.

“I thought the only reason you loved me was because I never kept my hands to myself.” She smirked.

“That's one of the many reasons I love you.” He stated, pulling the towel from her.

Jensen had finished helping Alexandra clean the dinner dishes just in time for his cell phone to ring. When he glanced at the screen, he smiled to see his mom's name.

“Hey Mom.” He answered putting down the drying towel.

“Hey. How has your mini vacation been going?” She asked as he walked toward the back door.

“It's been well needed. Work's been killing me lately. Alex has been great. How have you and dad been?”

“We're good. But when are you gonna bring that girl over to meet us? Your father and I were just talking about that today. Haven't you been dating her long enough to quit hiding your family from her. I promise you, I'll make your father behave.”

“You'll make Dad behave? I think Dad would have to make you behave. Honestly, I just don't think we are at the parent meeting stage of our relationship. There needs to be a bit more time.”

“Jens, you're not fooling me. What's going on?”

“Nothing Mom. Everything is fine. We're just taking things slow.”

“Are you sure that's all it is?”

“Yes Ma'am.”

“Okay fine. You're still not fooling me but I'll let it go for now. I just wanted to check on you. If you don't call me, I'll call again in a few days to check on you again.”

“Okay Mom, I love you.”

“Love you too.”

Jensen turned back around to find Alexandra watching him.

“Was that your mom?”

“Yeah. She says hi. Dad and mom want to meet you. I hear about it all the time when they call.”

“Jay, I... um.. Not ready.”

“I know Alex. I told them that we're not at that stage yet.”

He noticed how uncomfortable she was becoming and tried to smooth out the conversation.

“Alex, I'm not trying to pressure you. I know you're not ready.”

“I feel like I'm disappointing them and you. I just can't.” She responded with tears in her eyes.

“Hey, come here.”

Jensen pulled her into his arms, squeezing her tight. “Baby, you could never disappoint me. I know you aren't comfortable with that stuff. I'm not pushing.”

“Just don't want you to hate me.” She wiped at her tears as she pulled away from him.

“I need some air.” She stated, walking out to the back porch.

Jensen watched her leave regretting even bringing it up.

Alexandra walked down the steps and made her way to the lake. She sat on the dock dragging her feet in the water. No matter what Jensen said, she knew she was letting him down. But she just couldn't do it. She couldn't give him a real relationship let alone meet his parents.

The look in his eyes when she freaked out told her all she needed to know. What they had wasn't ever going to be good enough for him. What she wanted wasn't gonna be enough for him.

She thought back to the first time she realized she was in love with Jensen. They had been dating for 4 months when she woke up one morning with the flu. Her whole body hurt, she couldn't keep food down and she had one hell of a migraine.

Around 5 at their nightly check in, the phone rang.

“Hey.” She answered

“Hey Baby, What's wrong?”

“I feel like shit. Think I have the flu.”

“Aww my poor Baby. Do you need anything?”

“You're across the country in Dallas. How are you gonna get me anything.”

“I'm sorry you don't feel good. Are you still in New York?”

“Yeah, still staying at the 4 seasons. Guess I'm not gonna make my meeting tomorrow.”

“Have you had anything to eat?”

“No, I'm having trouble keeping water down.”

“Well I'm gonna let you get back asleep.”

She curled back into a ball and groaned. Which is where she woke when there was a knock on the door. Daylight was shining bright through the windows and she glanced at the clock as there was another knock. Who could be knocking on her door at 9am?

She grabbed a robe and shuffled her way to the door. She looked through the peep hole to see Jensen standing there with a bag in hand. She quickly opened the door.

“Jay, what are you doing here.” She backed up and let him in.

“Nothing is worse than being away from home and being sick. I just wanted to check on you.” He shut the door.

“You flew across country just to check on me?”

“Yeah. I didn't want you to be homesick and alone. Plus, I found this little bistro up the street and conned them into making soup for me.”

“Let me guess you used the Jensen Ackles charm on them?”

Jensen grinned, “Maybe. I signed a few autographs and took some pictures.”

“I can't believe you came all the way across the country to check on me and bring me soup.”

“You sounded like you needed me here.” He stroked her cheek.

“I'm glad you're here but you were spending time with your family.”

“They understood when I told them you needed me here.”

“I'd kiss you but I don't want you sick. Which reminds me, what are you thinking? You're gonna get sick here with me.”

“It doesn't matter. So do you wanna try to eat or take a nap?”

“I've been sleeping since I got off the phone with you. But I'm still not up to eating. Maybe some juice from room service.”

“Go lay back down and I'll call down for some.”

Jensen spent the next few days helping Alexandra back to health. Luckily for him, he didn't get sick too.

Alexandra drug her feet through the water softly smiling at the memory. But how exactly was she going to make up with him now? She decided maybe the morning would bring more answers.

Jensen was sitting on the couch watching tv. He heard the back porch door open and shut. Her footsteps went up the stairs.

Time always seemed to level her back out. He just had to not bring it up again. But it was getting harder to keep his feelings bottled up. It wasn't fair that she always shut him down when talked about his feelings. Time was coming that he wasn't gonna be able to keep his mouth shut anymore. He was afraid that time was coming soon.

Jensen opened his eyes the next morning to find Alexandra wrapped around him. Normally he would be happy to have her there, but it just reminded him of what happened last night. It was beginning to feel like their life together was a lie. What was he doing there anyway. He was beginning to feel like a long term booty call.

He disentangled himself from her and went downstairs. He made his way to the coffee pot. While the coffee brewed he stood at the sink and stared out the window. He knew this was gonna happen. It was gonna get brought up and everything was gonna implode.

Jensen scraped his hands over his morning scruff and poured himself a cup of coffee. He just had to keep busy or he knew a fight was gonna come. He wasn't sure he could act like nothing was wrong, not anymore. Knowing she didn't feel the same, it killed him.

Before he had a chance to leave the kitchen Alexandra came bouncing in and poured a cup of coffee. She leaned over to give him a kiss and Jensen couldn't help but stiffen up. He watched the confusion cross her face before she cocked her head to look at him.

“Jay, what's wrong?” She brought her hand up to his cheek.

“It's just not a good day Alex.”

“Don't give me that. What's wrong?”

“You don't wanna know.” She lowered her hand slowly.

“Yeah, I do. Jensen, are you mad at me?”

“I'm not mad, I've just realized something. You're never gonna love me like I love you. The future I want, you'll never give me.”

“What are you talking about? You know I love you.”

“Then talk to me about our future.”

“Jensen...” She paused.

“See, right there. That's what I mean. You can't. I'm tired of this song and dance Alexandra. I want a future of , meeting each other's families, moving in together and maybe more. What I can't handle is the “I'm not good in relationships” crap. We've been in one for over a year. Unless you know something I don't.”

“Jensen, there hasn't been anyone else but you. But I can't believe you're bringing this up now.”

“Either can I. We either fix this or I'm done Alex. I can't keep living in the in-between. I love you, but I think we're done.'

“Jensen, don't do this, please.”

“I'm sorry Alex. This is an either or situation. You either love me enough or you don't.”

“So, I fall in line or we're done? That's it? What happened to my thoughts and feelings?”

“I've been living with your thoughts and feelings for over a year. I keep my mouth shut so we don't argue but it's still there in the back of my mind. I'm always so afraid I'm going to lose you because how I feel.”

He watched the tears fall down her face and felt his heart shatter. To know he was the cause of her pain was killing him. He just couldn't do this anymore. They had reached the end.

Jensen blinked away tears and shook his head. “Alex, I love you, but I can't do this anymore.” He walked back upstairs and grabbed his phone.

“Hey Ronnie. I'm gonna be needing a ride to the airport.”

“Sure thing boss. I'll be there in 10 minutes.”

Jensen sat down on the bed and stared at the floor. He couldn't believe he just told Alexandra they were done. He scrubbed his hands over his face wiping away tears before they fell.

He packed his things just in time for his phone to ring. “Jensen I'm here.”

He walked down the stairs and Alexandra stood at the bottom. Her face and eyes were red with tears. “Please don't go.”

“I'm sorry. If I stay, nothing changes. Take care of yourself.” He kissed her on the forehead and walked out the door.

The front door closed and Alexandra dropped to the floor in tears. She just lost the best thing that had ever happened in her life. She heard the car drive away and buried her face in her hands and sobbed.

She must have cried herself to sleep because she woke up on the floor with a horrible headache. Her eyes were swelled and puffy. She didn't know what time it was.

She walked into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water before trudging upstairs to the bedroom. Once in there, she stopped dead in her tracks. Jensen's side of the bed was glaringly empty. The tears started falling again. She slowly sank down onto her side of the bed staring at the floor. She sat there for few minutes before she grabbed her phone and called her best friend.

“Alex, what's up? Jensen driving you nuts so soon?” Jared answered the phone.

“Jared, he left.” She couldn't help the tears in her voice.

“What do you mean?”

“We're done. He left me”

“Lexi, what happened?”

“I just couldn't do it.”

“You have to give me a little more hon.”

“He wanted a relationship. I just couldn't give it to him. I pushed him away.”

“Oh, Lexi.”

“It's all my fault. JT, what did I do?

“It can all be fixed. Lexi call him.”

“He doesn't want me anymore. I fucked up.”

“He told you that?”

“No but I can read between the lines. I either give him a relationship or we were done.” She cried,“I couldn't do it. What's wrong with me JT?”

“What do you mean, what's wrong with you?

“Why couldn't I give him what he wants? Why couldn't I trust him enough? It's not like I don't love him, I just couldn't give him everything.”

“Lexi, you can't push yourself into something you're not ready for, even if the one you're with wants you to.”

“It just hurts so much. I'm sittin here looking at his side of the bed and it's so empty. I feel so empty.”

“Just give it some time, things will get better.”

“That's a bunch of bullshit Jared. I don't think it's ever gonna get better.”

After dealing with a 5 hour wait at the airport and 7 hours on the plane, by the time he got to Vancouver and back to Clif he was exhausted. He just wanted to be alone.

Jensen figured Clif knew something was wrong because he didn't say a whole lot. He knew he should offer some type of conversation but it just wasn't in him.

When Jensen walked back into his apartment, he threw his bags in the bedroom and went straight for the liquor cabinet. He opened whiskey and drank straight from the bottle. It was looking like he was gonna get drunk and he was gonna pay for it in the morning but he didn't care.

He was right, he was gonna get drunk, and he stayed that way the rest of break. The last night, there was a knock on the door.

Jensen stumbled to the door and opened it. There stood Jared.

“Hey man.” Jared said walking into the apartment.

“Jared, now isn't a good time man.”

“I know, that's why I'm here.”

“Come on man, I'm not gonna talk about this.”

“Then let's watch the game and get drunk. Although it looks like you're ahead of me. Give me time to catch up.”

Jensen sat there and watched the game. He lasted all of an hour.

“What did she tell you?” Jensen asked Jared who was sitting at the other end of the couch.

“Why don't you tell me what happened?”

“There's not much to tell. I just got tired of being a booty call.”

“A booty call?”

“That's all she wants. She doesn't want a relationship. My mom called and mentioned she wanted to meet Alex. I told Alex and she flipped out on me. I'm just tired of it all.”

“Jay, I don't know what to say.”

“I wasted a year on her. And all she did was lead me on.” Jensen took another swig of whiskey. “Why did she lead me on?”

“Jensen, I'm not sure she did.”

“I know, you can't betray her confidence. You know you are willingly putting yourself in the middle of this.”

“I know I am, but I'm not gonna stay out of this if both of you are hurting.”

“I'm not hurting, I'm just pissed. I never should've ended up with her.”

“Jensen, stop. I know you're hurting.”

“Why did she bother with me? She knew what I wanted and she just kept leading me on.” He scrubbed his hands over his face wiping his eyes. “You know what, Fuck Her! I hope whatever she does, she's happy.”

Jensen took a huge drink, feeling the world spinning. The feeling was getting stronger. It wasn't long before the world went black.

The next morning came and Jensen was waking up in his bed. The sun hurt his eyes and his heartbeat was pounding in his head. He groaned and slowly sat up in bed holding his head. The days of being drunk were catching up with him.

It was then he noticed a noise coming from the living room. He slowly stood and walked that way to find Jared's long legs hanging off the edge of his couch. The way his neck was bent explained the horrible snoring that was permeating the whole apartment.

Jensen took one look at the empty bottle of whiskey laying on the floor and shivered. Looks like he won't be drinking for a while. He could still taste it on his tongue. Holding his head in his hand, he walked to the kitchen to make coffee. He felt like he was gonna need it.

When he came out of the kitchen Jared was sitting up on the couch yawning.

“Morning sunshine.” He replied.

“Yeah, morning.” Jensen answered sitting down in a chair.

“How are you feeling?”

“Like shit. Why did you let me drink so much?”

“Hey, you were well on your way to being drunk when I showed up. You were dead set on getting drunk so I just let you go. Judging the amount of bottles in your trash, you've been drunk for days.”

“Yeah, It was just easier that way.”

“Jensen, it will get easier, just got to give it some time.”

“Oh give me a break. The whole time heals all crap.”

“It may be crap but it's true.”

“Whatever. It's over and done. Time to move on. Besides work starts back up tomorrow, I won't have time to think about this shit.”

The next few weeks were all pretty much the same. Jensen went to work, came home and went to bed. But what wasn't the same was the fact that he caught himself trying to call Alexandra like normal. He'd always stop himself before he tapped the last number. It had never occurred to him before how ingrained she was in his life. Now he had to work on getting her out of his life, and out of his mind. The weekends were the hardest. For the last year he had spent most of the time on the phone with her.

Truth be told, God he missed her. He missed the way she used to watch him before leaning in to kiss him, or the way she would curl against him at night. He missed the way she felt in his arms and the sounds she would make when they made love.

As mad as he was, he just couldn't make himself hate her. It was hard enough to stay mad at her. But after everything he had been fooling himself into believing she was there for anything but the sex. How could he have been so stupid to fall for it?

Alexandra flew home and threw herself back into work. Even though she had comp time, she spoke to her parents and got it pushed back until a later date. She worked from sun up to sun down every day, including weekends, but nothing helped. She kept expecting calls from Jensen that never came. As time went on she missed him more and more.

Jared would call her every few days to check up on her and as tempting as it was, she just couldn't bring herself to ask about Jensen. She knew Jared was purposefully keeping him out of conversation and she appreciated it. But it was getting to the point she didn't want to answer the phone when Jared called because it was a last link to Jensen.

Convention weekend was upon them once again. It was another marathon event for them to run. Jared met Jensen at the SUV for the ride to the airport.

“Ready for another weekend?” Jared smiled.

“Actually I am. I need the distraction. I'm gonna have fun whether I want to or not.”

When they boarded the plane Jensen sat down and stared out the window. He couldn't help but think about this convention, one year ago this was when he first met Alexandra. Nothing over these past few weeks had helped him get over her. He still tortured himself looking back at those pictures she had sent him on set.

Jared tried to engage Jensen in conversation but he just couldn't bring himself to talk. The one year anniversary was something he couldn't get past. He just hoped he could fake cheerfulness during the panels.

Thankfully he was an actor, he was able to fake his way through the meet and greets. The panels were easier because Jared was there to do most of the talking. By the end of the weekend, Jensen was exhausted.

When they said goodbye to the fans, they both made their way up to their floors. The feeling of melancholy was returning with a vengeance. Now that their obligation was over, there was no need to keep with the fake happiness. Not that he was normally fake around fans but this time he just couldn't give them authenticity.  

He went back to his hotel room and dropped down on the bed. He pulled his phone out and started to dial Alexandra's number. His finger hovered over the send button. But he threw his phone on the bed before scraping his hands over his face. He had hoped he would somehow see her there. Part of him was relieved she hadn't showed up.

The thought had no more than left his mind when someone knocked on his door. He thought it was Jared trying to get him to go out to dinner. But he wasn't in the mood.

He opened the door and there stood Alexandra. Jensen felt his heart drop in his chest.

“Alex, what are you doing here?”

“We need to talk.”

“We said all we need to say.”

“No, you said all you needed to say.”

“What else is there?” He asked watching her.

“Jensen, just let me in. I don't think you wanna do this in the hallway.”

“Fine, you've got 5 minutes.”

Jensen stepped away from the door to let Alexandra in. She came into the room and stood just a few feet inside the door. He could see she was shaking and wanted to scoop her into his arms. But he knew he couldn't touch her or he'd never walk away from her again. As it was, he was losing the fight against being angry with her.

“Jensen, I thought of all the things I could say to you. I even had a speech outlined in my head. Now standing here looking at you, it's all gone.”

“Well you better figure out something to say, or your 5 minutes will be wasted. I'm sure you didn't come here to stare at me.”

He knew he was sounding like a dick but he couldn't stop himself. He had to keep her at arms length. He watched her bottom lip quiver and felt like shit. Even he couldn't be this mean. She closed her eyes as a tear slid down her cheek.

“I don't know what's wrong with me. This is what I do. I find someone who is a great person and I just ruin it. I'm sorry, I never meant to hurt you.”

“Alex, I know you're sorry. What more is there to say?”

“Jensen, I still love you.”

“Don't start that. This has nothing to do with love.”

“It has everything to do with love. I want what we had back.”

“There's no way. Look, I know I said I'd give you 5 minutes but all we are doing is rehashing everything that's already been said.”

“How can you act so cold toward me? You don't feel the same, do you?”

“Don't ask me that. Nothing either one of us does will be able to fix this. It's time we move on.”

Alexandra dropped her head in her hands crying. Jensen felt like an asshole. In trying to protect himself, he made her cry. It was taking everything in him to stay on the other side of the room from her.

“Alex, stop crying, please, just stop.”

She wiped her eyes trying to keep more tears from falling. “You said I never loved you like you loved me and now look at you. It didn't take long for you to get over me.”

“What am I supposed to do? Alex, we broke up.”

“I've been punishing myself about this for weeks. About how I hurt you and for not loving you enough. But you're right, it's time to move on. If you loved me that much you would still be hurting like me. This was a wasted trip.”

Alexandra turned away and Jensen took a few strides to the door slamming his hand on the door to keep it closed. Startled, she turned around to look at him. Her back was against the door and she was looking up at him with wide eyes.

“Jensen..”

“Don't ever doubt that I love you. I just can't be a booty call anymore.”

“What the hell are you talking about. You were never a booty call.”

“Then what do you call it. We weren't in a relationship but we sure spent a lot of time in the bedroom though.”

“You seriously think that's all I wanted? Jensen I wanted you. I still want you.”

“We can't work, not like that.”

Alexandra framed his face in her hands. “I want you to listen to me. I love you and I want you in my life.”

“There's only one way that would happen.” She dropped her hands.

“Jensen, I want you as my boyfriend. I want a relationship.”

“Don't just tell me what I want to hear.”

“I'm not. I've had time to think it over and I've realized that I'm so much better with you. I want you in my life. But if you don't feel the same way anymore, then I guess I should leave.”

“I never said I didn't feel the same way. But you can't just tell me what I want to hear. I'm not falling back into that again.”

“Do you still love me?”

“Alex... I...”

“Tell me the truth. Do you?”

“I've never stopped. I miss you everyday.”

I miss you too. I want us back.”

“I don't know.”

“I have to be honest though. I want a relationship with you but there are still somethings I am still leery of.”

“Such as?”

“I don't mind 'boyfriend' or 'significant other' or any other label you want to put on it. But I'm still not ready for parents yet.”

“What about being together in public?”

“We can be together in public. I'm so sorry I've hurt you with my indecision.”

“Stop telling me you're sorry. I know you are. But I don't know if we can do this.”

“You still love me, I love you. What is there to figure out?”

“So, a relationship, huh?”

“Yeah, a relationship. I'm going all in. What about you?”

“I hope we don't regret this, but I'm all in too.”

He leaned down softly kissing her. Pressing her against the door he deepened the kiss. His tongue licked along the seam of her lips and she opened for him. His hands slid down along her hips and around to her ass. His fingers dug in and he lifted her up, allowing her to wrap her legs around his waist.

“Jensen, wait.”

“What?”

She patted him on the chest. “Weren't you the one who just said you weren't gonna be a booty call? What are we doing here?”

“This? We're making up. And not to mention I have this big comfy bed that's just begging to be used.” He grinned.

“Fine, then take your girlfriend to bed.”

“I like the sound of that.” He kissed her again.

She laughed as he spun around and walked across the room.

[mamawaffle]

Overwatch Fic Exchange

So I participated in @clareguilty‘s Overwatch fic exchange and this is the first time in probably 10 years I’ve posted anything online. I got @unseaworthy, hope you like it love! 

Mostly fluff, Pre Explosion, Gabriel Reyes, Gender Neutral/Female reader, ~2000 words

You stretch, happy to finally be done with mission assignments for the week. You had pulled overtime for the last month to get ahead of schedule, and if everything during the missions went well, you would enjoy a quiet Friday Saturday and Sunday. You had packed your laptop and cellphone into your bag and had nearly signed off when a ping alerted you to a manual override for a mission. In years past this had been rare, the commander trusting the handlers- and the computers- to make sound decisions. But recently there’d be a lot more override requests, not from the agents but the commander himself.

Well, you decide sitting back down at your desk, no use in putting off what can be done now. It was a simple escort mission, one that you’d assigned Agent Thomas and Agent Elias to; two  compatible, quiet agents with compatible skills. Instead, Elias had been replaced with Nunez, a weapons specialist with a predisposition for explosives. What was the commander thinking?

Movement catches your attention and you flick your attention up; speak of the devil and he shall appear. “Sir are you sure about this?” 

“Sure about what?” Commander Reyes came around your desk to see the screen better. You noticed he was dressed more casually than usual, he still wore his dark pants and boots, but he was wearing a regular t-shirt instead of his hoodie or armor. You can see the hint of a tattoo on one of his ridiculously toned muscles-

With a heaving effort you pull your attention from his arms to rove over the holoscreen again, pretending you’d been invested in the information the whole time. As he came around the desk your attention drifted to the side-by-side statistical profiles of the two agents again. The commander placed one hand on the back of your seat, and the other reached past you to rest on your desk, giving you a good dosage of the cologne he wore in the office. It was a long standing debate among the other Blackwatch handlers what exactly he wore- Lieutenant Stroud insisted it was an old school Christain Dior- “a refined scent for a refined and mysterious man”-, but Agent Jones insisted that it was something more modern like-.

“Y/N,” you hear the commander call your name, pulling you from your thoughts on the old office gossip back to reality.

“Yes sir, um, I mean, Gabriel.” Saying his name was enough to make your heart stop he was so intimidating, but he insisted on it when it was just the two of you. Taking a breath, you switch back into work mode with the confidence of a woman who doesn’t have a school girl crush on their boss. “Thomas and Nunez don’t have any complementary stats at all. I mean lately they’ve had at least some overlap,” you point a finger at the mission requirements and trace it along the screen to show, “but this one really takes the cake. Thomas was already a long shot for the mission being an espionage specialist but Nunez?” You shake your head and drop the pointing hand to lean your chin on it, “he’s a pyromaniac who can be seen with explosives strapped to his back on an escort mission with a man he hates on his way to the near Antarctic tundra.”

“It’s fine,” he moves the hand on the desk to your mouse and clicks the confirm button, and a window pops up asking for your password. “Call it commander intuition, but I’ve got them paired for a reason. Sometimes a scientist escort requires cunning wit, quiet observation, and explosives.” The disbelief must have been plain on your face because the commander laughs and stands up straight. “Trust me, I know exactly what I’m doing.” 

And so for the next two days you contemplated what exactly Reyes thought he was doing. You thought about it as you saw Nunez and Thomas off, you thought about it when Stroud and Jones bid you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah respectively and headed to the states for the rest of the week. You thought about it when you overheard agents talking about how contact with Agent Nunez and Agent Thomas had been lost in the middle of an unseasonable storm. The scientists had been fine and were maintaining shortwave radio communication with the agents, instructing them on the locations of various survival items, including a single blanket that they had to share. You even thought about it as you mechanically went through the checkup portion of your yearly physical with Doctor O’Deorain, another agent with the maddening request of only using first names for those they’d become fond of. 

You supposed that the commander actually could be onto something, humans made mistakes and computer programs were as fallible as the programmers who designed them. As commander he had to be observant of not just what the system told you, but  collect other information and be able to pair or group agents accordingly. 

“You seem fit as a fiddle Y/N, it is a shame you don’t go out into the field more often. You would be perfect for the work.”

“Hm.” You answer non committedly.

“Speaking of field work, congratulations are in order for George and June, they’ve just arrived safely from their chilling ordeal.”

Your mind belatedly connects the names to Thomas and Nunez and you look up at her. The doctor had her perpetual grin aimed at a tablet, either at your charts or at the list of agents landing on base you couldn’t tell. “Gabriel mentioned something about a celebration but I don’t think I’ll be attending.” She pulls her face into pinched disapproval. 

“I uh, think I’ll pass too. I really just want to take a break.”

You move to stand but she puts a hand to your shoulder, “I do have just one more question for you though, if you don’t mind my asking.”

You shrug, “sure.”

“What exactly is our commander up to?” She doesn’t allow you a response past your confused expression. “He’s spent an awful lot of time with you in the office, and there haven’t been any truly dangerous missions for the entire month. I understand that you have been handling the bulk of agent assignment as well, and you have been awfully quiet this afternoon. Dirty conscious got your tongue?”

“I..” So you weren’t the only one to notice how weird the commander had been. You shrug again, “I have no idea, sorry Moira.”

“You don’t think that it’s odd, that previously openly hostile coworkers have become incredibly..” She lets the word trail off, searching for the right word. “Chummy.”

You hadn’t thought about it, but now that she’d pointed it out it was weird. Every pairing or group that you’d sent out for the last month had come back not only in higher spirits, but as great friends. Maybe it was a piece of the puzzle, but you shook your head no at her.

Moira pulled her hand away slowly, the serious expression relaxed into her perpetual smile again. “I only thought he’d have filled you in, my apologies for holding you.”

Understanding the words as a dismissal you flash her a nervous smile of your own and beat a hasty exit from the infermary toward the mess hall The doctor made a good point though, things were much quieter in the halls and common areas. You would have to think hard about how all of that fit into Reyes’s master plan, but after you got a bit of dinner in you.

You could maybe get in a bit of observation time if you-.

Your thoughts stop short as your round the corner into the Blackwatch mess. “Oh my god.” 

The words fall slowly from your lips. It looked like Christmas had thrown up, garland lined the walls in a tasteful Blackwatch symbol with colorful lights brightening the greenery. The room lights had been dimmed so that the multitude of blinking snowflakes hanging from the ceiling could be seen well. Upon closer inspection you can see that whoever had done the puking had made sure to include other holidays too. Tiny plastic menorahs and kinara were in the middle of tables surrounded by red LED candles, and the tablecloths had various holiday characters. And at the culmination of it all, in the center of the room, a huge tree was being decorated by agents who hadn’t gone home for the holidays to the tune of Mirah Carrey

“So,” McCree said on your left, “what’d ya think?”

“I think Reyes is gonna have a heart attack.”

“Naw, it was his idea after all.” He claps you on your back as he walks past you and calls over his shoulder, “you comin or what?”

In all your fuss of maintaining a black operations organization over the years, you’d barely acknowledged the holiday other than making a few calls home and mumbled greetings in the office. Overwatch, of course, threw a company wide party every year that was about as bland as they came, and nearly every Blackwatch agent turned down the invitation every year. But this was the first time they’d thought to throw their own. 

You sigh and follow after McCree. “I guess I’ll see what you’ve done to the tree.”

For the first time in years you actually enjoyed yourself on Christmas eve. You put up a few decorations with some agents and even saw Thomas and Nunez hanging off of each other. The two seemed to laugh at the whole situation when you congratulated them on a job well done.

“Make lemon cakes out of lemons,” Nunez shrugs and pecks Thomas’s cheek with a kiss. And then suddenly it clicks. Your gaze slides over all of the new couples floating around the room, there hadn’t been any fights all week and now you had confirmation.

The missions, the overrides, it was all to set them up!

You turn away to go look for Commander Reyes and bump into a solid wall of ugly blue and red sweater.

“Oh, sorry Y/N I was just-.”

You put a finger to his chest hard, “Gabriel Reyes I cannot believe,” you glance around you but every seemed reasonably invested in the festivities to not notice you, but you still drop your voice, “you were using assignments to play matchmaker.” 

The commander grins at you and gently pushes a small box that matched his sweater at your chest. “Merry Christmas.”

You hiss under you breath, “Reyes I’m serious.” You push the box back into his hands, but a few of the other agents were starting to notice your confrontation. “Commere.” Taking his arm you pull him to a table that lined the wall. You sat down pulling him down with you and he pushes the box into your hands again.

“I feel like you’re not feeling the Christmas spirit.”

“Reyes-.”

“Gabriel.” He insists.

You breathe out a heavy sigh, “Gabriel what the hell?”

“Well we couldn’t really throw a party with everyone trying to kill each other,” he shrugs as if that was enough explanation in of itself. 

“This is so against all kinds of protocols.”

He makes a flippant motion with his hand, “I’ve never been one for following rules. I’m sorry for the secrecy but you’ve got to admit the quiet’s been nice.”

You glance behind you, at the agents, a lot of who you would consider friends, dancing drunkenly to Christmas In Holis and at the twinkling lights and absolute treasure trove of food being brought out. You guessed this was okay, and he was right, the lack of reports being filed had made your work much easier.

“Promise to include me in your nefarious schemes next time Gabriel?” His grin was infectious and you found yourself already looking back on this as a funny situation.

“So your gift?”

“Oh yeah.” You quickly work to slip the ribbon securing the lid off of the box. 

You stare down bemusedly at the mistletoe. “Isn’t this stuff supposed to be above us for a kiss Gabriel?”

He smirks, “we make our own rules here Y/N.” And he leans in for a kiss.

[petri808]

A Forgotten Email

Finale. I don’t think it’s as long as the first two parts, but has a New Years Eve twist 😊.   Happy New Year Everyone!

Part 1 Part 2  modern InuKag AU.  it’s a little rushed, but I really wanted to get this posted tonight.  

The rocky beginnings of their introduction were all but a distant memory for Inuyasha and Kagome.  It hadn’t gone from weeds to roses over night, but at least they got along now, and the relationship was a slow bloom in progress much to the delight of certain individuals.  Toga was pleased with Kagome as both an employee and possible love interest for his son.  The girl was smart, sweet, but feisty.  Now that they were on a good track, Toga backed off to watch from a distance.

“Everything’s been set up Toga,” Kagome began reading off her clipboard.  “Caterer, bartender, servers, decorating company, music, and invitations have gone out this morning.”

“Well done Kagome!” He sits back in his chair with a smile. “Our annual New Year’s Eve Gala has always been popular with our clients and employees, but with your skills, I believe this will be the best one yet!”

Kagome blushes. “You flatter me too much. I’m just doing my best.”

He chuckles, “I speak no lies. Over the years, I’ve had many secretaries, but you are in the top three.”

Her eyebrow raises, amused. “And it has nothing to do with me dating your son?”

Toga feigns shock, “of course not!”

She laughs, knowing that a tiny bit of it lays with that fact.  “Okay boss.  If that will be all, I’ll see you in the morning.”

“That would be all.”

In the two weeks leading up to the party, there were a lot of things to take care of for the business.  It was customary for the company to close from January 1st and reopen on the 4th to allow employees to celebrate according to tradition.  The party was to usher in good luck and prosperity for the upcoming year, but also kick start the short vacation.  Being closed for so many days, all orders needed to be filled, pending contracts taken care of, and end-of-year financial balancing completed.  Everyone was running around and working hard to get it all done.  

The one downside was the fact Kagome couldn’t see Inuyasha as often as she’d have liked.  Working through lunches, one would work late, but not the other, didn’t allow for much personal time.  Most days she was tired and just wanted to sleep so she’d be fine the next day.  But it couldn’t be helped because of their positions.  This was her first time having such heavy responsibilities, though it was nice to know her boss appreciated what she did.  

‘Did you get your dress yet?’  Inuyasha messages Kagome a week before the party through the intra-office system.

‘Not yet.  I was going shopping this weekend to find one.  Why?’

‘It’s not me.  My… mom did.’

‘Your mom??’

‘She wants to take you shopping, something about making it a girl’s day.’

‘…..’

‘I know.  Want me to have her call you?’

‘Um.  Okay.’

‘Cool.  BTW how is the report coming?’

‘Bringing it down by lunchtime.’

‘Perfect…’

Within 15 minutes of logging off with Inuyasha, Kagome’s cellphone rings.  It was his mother, Izayoi.  A sweet and sprightly woman that Kagome adored from the moment she met her, and it was obvious the feeling was mutual.  Izayoi insisted on taking her out on Saturday to do her nails and find a dress for the gala, saying something about the whole family matching.  Of course, Kagome tried to respectfully decline. She didn’t want to appear as though she were taking advantage of them, but Izayoi swiftly dismissed the girls worry.  A mom always wants the best for her son, the woman had put it, and as far as she was concerned, Kagome was already a part of their family.  Kagome spent the rest of the afternoon wondering just what did Izayoi have planned.

Asking Inuyasha was of no help.  That evening during a late dinner, the man simply shrugged his shoulders and said his mom knew his clothing size and would have his outfit prepared and ready before the dinner.  He had no idea what it would look like.  Oh well, it wasn’t such a bad thing, Kagome guessed.  Based on everything Inuyasha had told her, and from her own knowledge of the woman, Izayoi had good tastes, so there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.

The rest of the week blows by soon enough.  Things at the company were moving right on schedule.  All the orders that needed to be filled would be finished with time to spare, and the accounting department was finishing up the reports.  The business had done well that year, finishing with a net profit that exceeded their annual projections.  In fact, aside from just having a lot to juggle, the only real issue that came up was the caterer unable to find a specific new year’s ingredient.  Luckily for Kagome, and with Toga’s approval, they were able to find and fly it in from another country.  Crisis averted.  

On Saturday morning, Izayoi picks Kagome up around 10am.  First, they had any early lunch to fuel their plans for the day.  Next stop was nails, pedicures, and facials.  Kagome had to admit that it was a nice, relaxing break.  It had been awhile since she’s ever had the works done like this.  In fact, the last time was probably back when she and Sango were still in college as a way to de-stress after finals.  She wasn’t very fond of wearing fake nails, preferring to keep hers short to make typing easier, but for the holiday, it would look nicer.  So, when it came time to choose the style or color, Kagome allowed Izayoi take the reins.  A white base with reddish and gold accents, perfect for the New Year’s good luck tradition.

It was at that point, as the chauffer drove them to their final destination, that Izayoi told Kagome of the type of dress she was hoping to find.  

“Back in the old days,” the older female muses, “we would wear fancy kimono and elegant head pieces to such events.  But times are different now.”

“Really?”  Kagome tips her head in confusion.  It was becoming rare in these modern times for women to dress up in such a way except for very special events.  She knew they may don kimono or yukata to attend New Year’s church ceremonies, but headpieces too?  

Izayoi chuckles, “well, I was a Princess during those times, so it was expected of us.”

“Princess?!”  

“Oh,” the woman laughs, her eyes crinkling in amusement, “Toga didn’t tell you anything about me?”

Kagome shakes her head.

Izayoi sits back, looking up as if in contemplation.  “My memory sometimes fails me, but that was about 300 years ago.  Life was very different back then, so much simpler.  It took some getting used to all the change’s but having my family around makes it easier.”  

Kagome’s jaw drops.  She knew the yokai world was very different from the human one, but Izayoi was also human.  How could she be over 300 years old?!  The surprised expression spread across her face made Inuyasha’s mother laugh.  

“My dear, you really had no idea, did you?”  

Again, Kagome shakes her head enthusiastically.  

“Yokai age very, very slowly.  On the rare occasion that they fall in love with a human, certain things must be done so that the human can be with them.”  She places a hand on Kagome’s knee.  “I will let Inuyasha explain more in due time, but just know that yes,” Izayoi chuckles again, “I am much older than I look.”

“Wow….  I sometimes wondered what would happen.  I mean, I knew Inuyasha ages differently from me, but I never really thought about the future and how it would affect us.”

Izayoi’s eyes crinkle, happy with Kagome’s words and tone.  She could tell this girl was falling in love with her son but didn’t want to be too nosy.  If it was meant to last, it will.  When her husband Toga had first told her about Kagome, she hadn’t wanted to hold out too much hope.  Her son rarely ever showed any interests in a female, nor did many stick-around because of his personality.  Toga spoke very highly of the young woman their son was seeing, but it was only after 6 months of dating, did she decide to see who this Kagome was for herself.  Needless to say, she had been pleasantly surprised.

“Does it feel better to know, things will be fine?”

“Yes,” Kagome exhales.

“I’m happy to hear that.”

The two women search through a couple of high-end stores before finding just the right dresses, not only for Kagome, but Izayoi as well.  After that, they stop at a tailor and pick up the custom suits Izayoi had ordered for Toga and Inuyasha.  She explained, that because of the men’s physiques, it was easier to have the suits made for them.  Kagome could understand that.  Inuyasha and Toga both had large, broad chests and shoulders, that if the shirt and jacket were not cut well, it would be extremely tight and uncomfortable to wear.

As Izayoi drops Kagome off at her apartment, she leaves with one final, and uncompromising message.  “Our driver will pick you up at 2pm next Tuesday.”

“But the dinner isn’t until 6pm.”

Izayoi grins, “hair and makeup, my dear, takes time to perfect.”  She winks, “see you then!  And tell my son nothing, I want you to be a surprise.”

Kagome stands on the sidewalk, watching the car drive away.  Oh boy, she chuckles and shakes her head with a small smile.  A surprise for Inuyasha?  It was true, this’ll be the first time he’ll see her dressed up in a gown.  A beautiful gown, and one that would have taken her a month’s salary to afford on her own.  She found it amusing and endearing how much effort his mother was putting into this party attire, but she guessed it was to be expected to want the best for one’s child.

For the next two days, it wasn’t easy keeping her word to Izayoi, when a certain Hanyo son was constantly bugging her to know what his mother had said or done during their Saturday shopping trip.  Kagome did her best, simply saying they’d had a great time doing girly things.  Inuyasha whined that his mom was meddling, but Kagome shrugged it off.  That’s what mothers do sometimes.  At least in this case, it wasn’t personally intrusive, but rather quite sweet.  

On the morning of New Year’s Eve, Kagome wakes up by 8am and readies herself for the day because it was going to be a long one.  She gathers everything she’ll need, expecting to not get home until the wee hours of New Year’s Day.  And sure enough, Izayoi’s driver is parked outside of her building at 2pm on the dot.

Kagome gets into the car, where Izayoi greets her and explains they’ll be going to a private salon to prepare for the evening.  There, they’ll be dressed, have their hair and makeup done, and any other last-minute touch-ups made.  The place was nothing like any salon Kagome had ever seen before!  The most she’s ever spent on her hair was a few dollars to trim it, and well makeup was something she barely wore.  It was all new experiences for the young woman who’s never had someone dress her before.

Three hours fly by quickly, and before Kagome knew it, they were ready to make the drive to the hotel where the company party was being held at.  When they arrive, Izayoi ushers her into a side room.

“Wait, but I’m in charge of making sure things are set up for the party.”  Kagome insists on not staying in the room.  

“It’s fine, I asked Miroku to step in for now.  I don’t want you to appear in the ballroom until Inuyasha arrives.”

Oh geez, this woman really was hell-bent on surprising her son.  

“Shouldn’t be much longer, I promise.  Toga texted me that they are on their way now.”  

A few minutes later, Izayoi’s phone ping’s and she leaves the room.  Meanwhile Kagome waits, pacing the floor.  She knew that Miroku was capable, but if anything goes wrong, it was her responsibility to take care of it.  Everything wrong that could happen funnels through her mind causing her anxiety to rise, so after 10 minutes, Kagome is tired of waiting.  She stomps over to the door and swings it open, running right smack into Inuyasha.

“Kagome?!”

“Inuyasha?!”

Seconds tick by when a staring contest ensues, neither able to tear their eyes away.  It was like seeing each other for the first time.  Turns out, Izayoi’s surprise swung both ways.

“Wow… you look so beautiful Kagome.”  Inuyasha was stunned.  The red dress seemed made for her.  Its smooth fabric hugging her hourglass frame like it was molded to her body, while the skirt flowed free right at the thigh to allow movement.  The strapless, boned corset top snuggly held her bosoms and showed… a little too much of her milky skin.  Not too much for him, oh no, too much for other males prying eyes.  Kagome’s hair was pinned up on one side with a decorative hair pin and miniature kanzashi pick, while the other side was twisted and wind-swept to fall in light curls draping over her shoulder.              

Her face heats up into a blush.  “You look pretty handsome yourself Inuyasha.”  His white, double-breasted suit with red handkerchief in the pocket cut was cut in immaculate fashion.  That tailor had really outdone themselves.  A matching tie, and his hair polished and pulled into a high ponytail completed the masterpiece.    

Inuyasha reaches out to cradle her cheek, gently running his fingers over her skin.  He holds her gaze, and Kagome her breath as he leans in…

“Ah hem.”  The pair stop and turn to the voice of Toga Inutaisho.  “As much as I’d like to leave you two alone, that belongs for midnight.”  He snickers, “we have guests arriving.”

“Oh hun,” Izayoi chuckles quietly, “there’s nothing wrong with one kiss.”  She was thrilled to see that her work brought the results she’d been hoping for.

Toga laughs and sweeps in his own wife around the waist, placing a quick kiss on her lips.  “Tis true my love.  Alright kids, just make it quick.”

As soon as Inuyasha’s parents leave them alone again, Kagome looks back to see Inuyasha with the most pissed off look, and one she hasn’t seen since the day they’d met.  She giggles, for yes, she couldn’t agree more.

“Hey,” she turns Inuyasha’s face to hers.  “The moment hasn’t left… yet.”

“But that prick just had to interrupt….”

“Inuyasha…”

He stops whining, “yes?”

Kagome giggles again.  “Will you just shut up and kiss me.”        

The hanyo’s ears perk up and a wide grin reappears.  “Screw the party and lock the doors cause imma kiss you till the clock strikes midnight…” 

[yunaffie]

Shu Takumi interview

Several years ago, Official Nintendo Magazine UK (now no longer existent) had an interview with Shu Takumi and it was even on their website. Now their website is no longer around, but I did manage to find the interview on the Wayback Machine and I figured I’d repost it to make it easier to find, as well as give people who haven’t seen it yet the opportunity to do so.

    On the day that Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies is released, Takumi talks to us about his best-loved series

Shu Takumi's most famous creation, Phoenix Wright, is famed for his 'turnabouts'. These whiplash-inducing twists of logic see him step into the unknown in order to seek his client's innocence; he's essentially a chancer, blagging his way to victory. Talk to Takumi, however, and you sense that he leaves nothing to fate. His stories are intricately plotted, his jokes laser-targeted and his heroes full-bodied personalities.

In a medium in which storytelling starts and ends with 'man hates thing, man shoots thing', Takumi is a rare exception to the rule. With his latest yarn, Professor Layton Vs. Ace Attorney, on the horizon, Associate Editor Matthew Castle was lucky enough to cross-examine one of gaming's definitive voices.

Matthew Castle: Before we start, just for any readers who might not know who you are, could you tell us about your role at Capcom?

Shu Takumi: I'm a director, which means that I propose ideas for new titles, design the games, write the scenarios and direct the projects. In addition, I mutter complaints and, when the intense pressure of an impossible schedule finally gets to me, escape into a fantasy world of my own creation [laughs].

MC: Before developing Ace Attorney you worked on Dino Crisis. How does one go from dinosaur survival horror to virtual courtrooms?

ST: Dino Crisis was the brainchild of my then boss, Resident Evil creator, Shinji Mikami. Working on his projects taught me not only how to make games, but also how to think about them. After Dino Crisis 2 wrapped, Mr Mikami gave me six months in which to create any kind of game I wanted.

I was still pretty wet behind the ears, but as I'd originally joined Capcom with a desire to create mystery and adventure games, this was a huge chance for me to make my mark as a creator. In the end it took a team of seven 10 months to produce the first GBA Ace Attorney title. Having the freedom to create exactly the kind of game I wanted was amazing and it was a real pleasure to work on that project.

MC: Can you remember when the idea of Ace Attorney first came to you? How did your bosses respond to the idea of a lawyer-based adventure game when you first described it to them?

ST: It was in 2000 when Mr Mikami said I could make my own game and my original idea was a fairly typical adventure with a detective as the main character. Most mystery adventures have the player choose from a number of different dialogue options for their character in order to progress the story, but I wanted a new gameplay style that enabled players to deduce for themselves what was happening, rather than just selecting canned responses. I developed this into the concept of facing off against the suspect in a crime and exposing the contradictions in their statements.

I was sure my new idea would be a fun and original take on the genre, so I started to revise the main character, since a detective would be too traditional for such an original concept. I asked myself, "What kind of professional would face off against a suspect and expose their contradictory statements?" The answer, of course, was a lawyer and so the Ace Attorney concept was born.

Incidentally, I wrote the game design document at home during my summer holiday straight after Dino Crisis 2 finished. One day, I got a call from Mr Mikami. Despite having supposedly given me free rein to design whatever I wanted, he warned me off doing a game about courtroom trials!

MC: Ace Attorney paints the police and legal profession in a silly light. Have you ever had feedback from lawyers or policemen about your portrayal of them?

ST: A few years ago I had the opportunity to speak with some police detectives and they told me that their real-life investigations are nowhere near as absurd as those that were depicted in Ace Attorney. I thought to myself, "Well, I had sort-of guessed that already..."

I've never had feedback from any lawyers, but I imagine it would be the same. They'd tell me they don't scream out "Objection!" as vigorously as our characters and I'd think to myself, "Well, I had sort-of guessed that already..."

MC: Every Ace Attorney game is full of great characters, so when you wrote each sequel how did you decide which people to bring back?

ST: The first time a previously featured character returned in a later case was Larry Butz. Phoenix defended him on a murder charge in the very first case of the first game and he showed up later in the same game as a supporting character in the fourth case.

He wasn't originally planned to be a recurring character, however. The schedule for designing and drawing a new character for that case was so tight that there was a serious risk we wouldn't make it in time, so we decided to reuse an existing character simply to save time on asset creation. Thus, Larry made his encore appearance, which ended up being a well-received element of the first game's storyline, so from the second game onwards, we started bringing old characters back intentionally.

How we choose who to bring back is simple: it's usually either characters who are popular with fans, or those I am fond of [laughs].

MC: For all the madness, there's something traditional about the mysteries at the heart of Ace Attorney. Did you draw on any classic crime writers for inspiration?

ST: You could say that there is a mixture of the spilled blood of victims, the guilty tears of killers and the sweat of hard-working detectives flowing through my veins... To put it less graphically, from the time I came across the Sherlock Holmes series as a child, all the way through to my university days, I've been obsessed with reading classic murder mysteries. It's safe to say that Ace Attorney would not exist were it not for Perry Mason.

When writing the cases for the games I've found inspiration in the works of GK Chesterton, Ellery Queen and Anthony Berkeley, to name but a few. And I can't leave out that modern classic of the genre, Columbo.

MC: How hard is it to devise a juicy twist and to hide it from view? In storytelling you often want to obscure the details, but videogame design often requires clarity. Did you find it hard to rectify those two things?

ST: They say that it's harder to create a puzzle than to solve one and that's certainly proved to be the case in my experience. For the first game, with my lack of experience I found it less like a challenging task than a hobby with which I became obsessed.

You need to control the information presented in the game so that there is a single right answer for the player to deduce, but also weave in plenty of initial inconsistencies for them to uncover and our trademark 'turnabout' twists to confound their expectations. This is where reading all those mystery novels in my youth has really paid off.

MC: Having worked on four Ace Attorney games, how did it feel to step away and work on Ghost Trick? Were you nervous to leave that safety bubble?

ST: I first started working on the Ghost Trick concept in 2004, after the completion of the original GBA version of Ace Attorney 3. The third game was supposed to be the last one, but plans changed and I ended up working on the first DS Ace Attorney, which, as you know, was the first Ace Attorney title to be localised and released in the west. My next project after that was Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, so by the time I got around to finishing Ghost Trick it was 2010, six years after I first thought up the concept.

I certainly felt a lot of pressure when making Ghost Trick, as it was a brand new IP and I had just left the Ace Attorney series, but I was grateful for the chance to take on a new challenge.

MC: Ghost Trick featured some incredibly gruesome murder concepts - death by giant roast chicken is my favourite. From where did you draw inspiration for such a huge variety of deaths? Did any not make the cut?

ST: I feel that the most violent way of murdering someone is by directly shooting, stabbing or strangling them, so for Ghost Trick I wanted to have more indirect ways of killing someone, with a darkly comical, more symbolic feeling to them.

Combining this approach with the fact that the Nintendo DS screens are not the largest, or most high-resolution displays out there, it became important to make sure that whatever death we were presenting to the player was visually easy to comprehend. So being crushed to death by some giant object was a perfect fit for our requirements, whether it was under a big rock or a huge roast chicken.

As far as cut ideas, there was going to be a stage where the victim had been crushed by a huge safe that fell from the ceiling, but time restrictions meant the whole stage was cut. I do love having giant objects fall on people, don't I? That's probably the influence of Tom and Jerry on the young Shu Takumi showing through.

MC: More importantly, how did your team react as you presented these death ideas to them. Was anyone worried for your sanity?

ST: Yes, and not only that, but I also made it my goal to cause the team to worry for my sanity whenever I presented an idea, because if they were, it meant it was a good one. I would hear a little voice in my head saying, "You win!" at times like that. The more "You win!" moments one can have in life, the better.

MC: There were nods in Ghost Trick to Ace Attorney - Missile the dog, for example; a character who looked like Wright - do you see the two games as existing in the same universe?

ST: Those are really just coincidences: the guy who looks like Phoenix actually only has the same colour suit on and the dog is not the same breed as Missile, which, coincidentally, is the name of my pet Pomeranian.

Ghost Trick takes place in what is obviously a much more fantastical world than Ace Attorney. You may have noticed that the level backgrounds in Ghost Trick never have any kind of writing in them. This was an intentional design choice to prevent the game's setting from being identifiable as taking place in any particular country or era from the real world.

MC: Could you imagine an Ace Attorney/Ghost Trick crossover? Any deaths that we couldn't prevent by way of possession could then go to trial in a courtroom...

ST: ...or Phoenix Wright could be killed and Sissel could prosecute his killer in court! Whatever form it might take, a crossover between these games is something I would love to see happen.

MC: When you return to Ace Attorney after a period of absence - whether it was to write Apollo Justice or Professor Layton Vs. Ace Attorney - how easy do you find it to slip back into that world and that writing voice?

ST: Writing for Professor Layton Vs. Ace Attorney was the first time in several years that I wrote in the voice of Phoenix and Maya, but those characters are so dear to me that I carry them around everywhere in my heart, so it was very easy to pick it up again. It was like a reunion with old friends and was a very pleasurable and nostalgic experience for me.

MC: When you came to write the scenario for Professor Layton Vs. Ace Attorney, how hard was it to make those two universes gel? Layton's world traditionally dispels the paranormal, while Wright tends to embrace it.

ST: I worked together with Level 5 to develop the world in which the crossover takes place. It took quite a lot of time for both sides to find a setting into which we were happy to place our biggest characters. The starting point for me was when I wondered to myself if one could still use logic to solve a case in a world in which crimes could be committed using magic. I really liked this idea, so it was hard, but fun, work to design the court sections of the game around it.

MC: Putting all diplomacy aside, who would win in a battle of the wits between Professor Layton and Phoenix Wright?

ST: If you ask me, I don't think Phoenix would be able to hold a candle to Layton in a real battle of wits. However, we all know that the hand of fate somehow always manages to bring a 'turnabout' in Nick's fortunes, no matter how sticky the situation, which means, well, sorry, Professor, but you're out of luck!

MC: With Ace Attorney 5 and Ace Attorney Investigations how does it feel to see your characters in the hands of other Capcom employees? We imagine it must be like a parent sending their child to school for the first day.

ST:

That's an apt comparison. I do have mixed feelings about it sometimes. For instance, I was really surprised to see that after we focused on the new character of Apollo in the fourth game, the Dual Destinies team decided to bring Phoenix back. Ultimately, though, having creators other than myself take the helm of the series is a valid choice, as it brings new directions and new story possibilities.

The team on the new game have looked at what the essence of Ace Attorney is, and as long as they can give the fans another great game to enjoy, I'll be happy. After all, the fact that the series is still going over a decade after I made the first game is something I couldn't possibly have imagined in the first place.

MC: Have you seen the Ace Attorney film? If so, what did you think of it? Was it funny to see characters you sketched out all those years ago in the flesh?

ST: I saw it, and I even got to make a little cameo when the film company invited some Capcom staff to visit the set. You can see me briefly in the spectators' gallery in the final court scene.

It was really something to see the story I wrote for the first game brought to life on the big screen by real-life actors.

And those costumes! They were such perfect recreations. The director, Takashi Miike, is an expert at making existing works from other media into entertaining live action films and he did a great job with Ace Attorney. I highly recommend that everyone reading this check it out, if they can.

MC: This interview is part of our 100th edition and we're looking back over some of our magazine highlights. Looking back over your own career, what is your personal highlight to date?

ST: As a creator, the greatest compliment to me is when someone tells me that they played one of my games and enjoyed it. In the course of the press tour for Ghost Trick in 2010, many players from around the world expressed their love of Ace Attorney to me and it's moments like those that make me glad I became a game creator. Also, I'm deeply honoured to have been asked to take part in this special issue and having myself, my team and our work considered a highlight of your magazine's history. I'd like to thank you on behalf of everyone at Capcom. This opportunity is in itself a highlight for us.

MC: Many of our readers are keen to know, what's next for Shu Takumi?

ST: Game projects are a complex balance of so many factors: what I want to make, what players might make of my concept, what Capcom as a company wants from the game, and also broader trends in the gaming industry. My next project is in the preparation stages and I still don't know myself what form it might take by the time it's finished.

Whatever happens, though, I'll be pouring my heart and soul into it and working towards that eternal goal of hearing positive reactions from the players at the end of all the hard work.

[jian-riou]

Coffee & Conversation || Cris & Ji

Who: @cristian-capulet and @jian-riou Where: coffee shop When: February 8th What: Cris & Jian meet for coffee and getting to know each other. Flirting ensues and plans are made.

Cristian slid gracefully into the seat opposite the Dominant, despite his nerves. Meeting Jian the month prior in an event setting had felt more informal despite their setting, but he had enjoyed their conversation nonetheless. If The Duchess knew of him, he figured he must be a decent individual— and on some level she thought they might click... right?  “Apologies if I kept you waiting long, Sir— I had a work call to take this morning and unfortunately it ran a little long. I usually try to be early to these types of things,” he explained as he set down his coffee cup.

The week in Korea had worn him out. He was still suffering from jet lag but he had things to do, including meeting Cristian Capulet for coffee. "No worries at all. I'm still on Korea time so I'm not even sure what time it is let alone if you are late," he said, smiling. "Your day is going well? Despite the overly long call..."

"Oh uh-- yes," Cristian responded with a polite nod, itching to ask about Korea. "Work is work-- the Duchess pretty much comes first right now in terms of my priorities," he explained, quickly adding, "At very least until I get more adjusted and settled within my position."

"Despite not being of House Nantes, I'm a great admirer of the Duchess. She has done much good for her House and for the country," Ji said, his compliment for Katarin LeMeur sincere. "How long have you been in Vannes? I can only imagine that it is quite the change."

The submissive's eyebrows lifted slightly in surprise at the compliment, taking a sip of his drink while the other spoke. "A little over two months now," he answered. "I arrived late November. It's been.. interesting. The holidays are kind of a chaotic time to get settled, but I'm working on it."

Ji noted Cristian's surprise. Was it so strange that he thought highly of Katarin? "The holidays are a chaotic period. So beyond getting settled, how are you finding Breton so far? I am sure it is very different from...Verona, yes?"

Cristian hesitated a moment before nodding. “Quite different, though to be honest I’ve never lived anywhere else prior, so anything likely would seem different to me,” he answered with a shrug. “I didn’t realize how difficult it would be to figure out new places from doctors to good coffee shops— let alone how hard it would be to meet people,” he added, smiling shyly as he finished speaking.

The shy smile was very attractive on the other man and it pulled a smile to Jian's face. "I've never lived anywhere else either. I can only imagine the difficulty. Though you seem to have done very well so far. As far as meeting new people, you seem to have done pretty well. I mean, if I do say so myself," he teased, smirking over the rim of his coffee cup before taking a sip.

Cristian felt his cheeks flush faintly in response to the other's compliment. "Um well... Until the ball, I didn't meet too many-- and if anything, I have the Duchess to thank for this technically," he excused, averting his gaze briefly before it returned to Jian. "I tend to be a bit of a workaholic at times-- it's... easy... to get wrapped up in work when you don't have much of a social life established yet, yeah?"

"Yeah, that definitely makes sense. And being a workaholic on top of learning a new position? Not exactly optimum conditions for any kind of social life. Did you end up enjoying the ball?" Jian asked, enjoying the faint blush on Cristian's cheeks.

Jian's understanding helped Cristian relax, nodding as he took a sip of his drink again. "I did, actually... I went with a friend of mine, and enjoyed getting to know others at it--  yourself included. I admittedly didn't think we'd be crossing paths again though.. Breton is quite large, after all."

Jian chuckled. "Large? Really? I think most find Breton to be fairly small. At least in some circles. But I confess, I'm more than happy to cross your path again."

The submissive's smile spread, chuckling softly. "All perspective I guess," Cristian answered with a shrug. "You know.. If I remember correctly, we spoke a lot about me at the ball... I admittedly don't feel like I know much about you, Sir. Care to change that?"

"Sure, but if you want to know something specific you have to ask..." Jian paused, thinking of what to start with. "I was born and raised in Breton, but I was adopted at birth. I have lovely parents. My birth mother was a student from Hong Kong. I have an older brother, also adopted. We are polar opposites. "

Cristian couldn't help his surprise at finding out the other was also adopted, his smile spreading at the commonality between them. "I was going to ask about your job or hobbies-- or favorite past times in general... But family works too," he responded. "Believe it or not, I'm actually adopted too-- but I'm afraid I don't know anything about my birth parents, and I was raised as an only child."

Jian was surprised to find the other was also adopted but maybe the Duchess thought that might give them a connection. "Really? That's...really interesting. I just haven't met that many adoptees. I know nothing about my birth father. I suspect he was a Breton." Jian shrugged. "I want to go to Hong Kong someday. I feel that pull to know more about my background..." Jian paused and sipped his coffee. "As for a job, I'm a vlogger. Yes, its a real job."

He couldn't help but pause, ready to respond when the other added on his reaffirmation of his work. He couldn't say he knew much about vloggers..? He barely knew the term, and didn't tend to watch people who filmed themselves online, knowing it was popular but simply something he never had time for. "Touchy, touchy," he couldn't help but comment in amusement. "I'm guessing someone's given you a rough time for that? I can't say I'm very familiar with the profession, but if it pays the bills..."

Jian smirked at the comment and shrugged. "Some people don't realize the work that actually goes into it. Sure, in the beginning it's not much. It takes time to grow and find a voice and a following. I've done that. Now I'm expanding. We'll see where that leads."

"And you make a living off it entirely? No side job?" Cristian asked curiously. "What kind of time does that take? Standard forty hour week, or...?"

"I do now, yes. Once I graduated from University and could concentrate on it exclusively." Truth was, Jian had a very good following in Breton and it was beginning to expand. "I wouldn't say I work eight to five every day but I put in forty or over most weeks. I'm also starting a website so that has taken up time." He also had sponsorships which generated income. But that was a lot of information to digest.

Cristian nodded, surprised slightly by the workload, even though he knew most people who ran their own businesses worked long hours. “Sounds like quite the commitment— you sure you have time to take breaks like this for coffee with strangers?” He asked playfully. His own job was a commitment himself, but at least most things were scheduled and organized, which allowed him to block out time for others. Without it, Cristian wasn’t sure how good he would be at balancing work and play.

"See, that's the bonus. I'm the boss, so I can do what I want, when I want. Including having coffee with handsome strangers," Jian said.

Cristian felt his cheeks flush again, taking another sip of his coffee before responding. “I suppose being your own boss certainly has its perks... So aside from your online business, what else do you do? You know— aside from flattering strangers over a cup of coffee?”

"I read quite a bit. I used to skateboard but I haven't done that in awhile. Too busy. I travel a bit with my friend, Jaewon. He is a figure skater. I go to support him in competitions." He was enjoying the blush on the other man's cheeks. "I spend a fair bit of time with my family as well."

"You skateboard," the submissive repeated back in faint disbelief. "You.. certainly don't look like the type," Cristian added, trying to picture a younger version of Jian in stereotypical skater attire. "Jaewon though..." His voice dropped off before a look of recognition crossed his features. "You know-- I think I met him actually.. At Pittegreen as well!"

"Is it that unbelievable?" Jian chuckled. He supposed that he didn't look like a skateboarder at the moment, but he'd definitely done a lot of it. "Did you? Jae is my best friend. So ridiculously talented it nearly makes me ill to think about it."

"I suppose not, though I'm admittedly picturing a slightly younger version of you in a beanie and elbow and knee pads-- maybe some baggy shorts," he teased. "And he certainly sounded like it. I played a little tennis back in the day, but nowhere near a professional's skill level. I don't think I could handle the kind of stress he probably deals with-- it was always a hobby."

"You may not that be far off," Jian said, groaning at the description of who he was in university. "Skateboarding was always a hobby for me as well. It takes a whole lot of drive to do well in a global competition. Something Jae has in spades." Sometimes to his own detriment. "Tennis though? Now I'm picturing you in little white shorts."

“Yes, Tennis,” he repeated back with amusement. “Hopefully you don’t have something against said shorts— I’m afraid they’re rather popular attire on the courts.”

"White shorts with those legs? No, no problem with that at all," Jian said, giving Cristian a wink over his coffee cup.

Cristian couldn’t help laughing, retorting, “Last I checked you’ve only seen me wearing full length pants— careful you don’t set too high of an expectation if that changes.”

"I can see that you have legs, despite the length of your pants, Cristian," Jian said. "I also have a wonderful imagination."

"Oh really now?" Cristian couldn't help but smile, playfully adding, "Duly noted then, Sir. Perhaps we could get together and play a few rounds some time if you're interested in making that a reality?"

"When it's warmer outside, absolutely. I'm a shit player, forewarned but as long as you are wearing the shorts, I'm good."

"No worries-- I've been told I'm a decent teacher, white shorts and all. And of course, fair's fair. I'd be willing to split the day doing an activity of your choosing as well, Sir," he responded back with a grin, enjoying the idea of negotiating a future activity.

Jian chuckled. "So, I can put you on a skateboard?"

"Do you want to put me on a skateboard, Sir?" Cristian gave the other a pointed, amused look as he added, "If you're looking for me to skin my knees, rest assured there are other, more favorable methods."

"I don't disagree, but if you end up with skinned knees, I'm not doing something right," Jian said, smirking. Knees were not his preferred location for delivering pain.

“You didn’t answer my question though, Sir,” Cristian teased. “Though I’m a bit curious as to what ran through your mind just now as well admittedly.”

"I think it is pretty obvious I was thinking about putting you on your knees. But yes, I'd like to get you on a skateboard. Mostly because I think it's something you'd never think to do."

Cristian couldn’t help but laugh, shrugging innocently as he did so. “Is it that obvious, hm? I’m afraid I’m liable to break my neck, if not a bone at very least, if you try to get me on one— fair warning of course. I’m pretty sure that requires far more foot eye coordination than I’m capable of.”

"I promise you won't break a bone. I won't promise you won't come away with any bruises, however." Though he'd rather be the one creating them. "If you can run and make contact with a tennis ball, you have enough coordination for a skateboard."

“Perhaps. But just so you know, I bruise like a peach.” While he wasn’t one for being forward, Cristian was enjoying their conversation and decided to try being a bit more forward than usual, adding, “And if that’s at all your end goal, I’d be far more open to exploring other means to get there.”

Jian truly couldn't help the small hum of pleasure at the thought. "It's definitely a goal, but not necessarily the end one," he said, gaze steady. "There are far more things I believe I'd enjoy exploring with you."

“And just what would those things be, hm?” The words left Cristian’s lips almost immediately, drawn in by the other’s comment.

"Beyond getting you on your knees and seeing exactly if you bruise like a peach?" Jian repeated, drawing out the words. "Things that require a lot less clothing and far more time than we currently have."

Cristian’s gaze flickered over Jian, flushing slightly as he thought about the idea of scening with the Dominant in front of him— someone he’d have likely considered out of his league and not even remotely interested prior to their coffee date. Perhaps things were finally looking up? “Sounds like we need to meet again then, doesn’t it?”

"It does." Jian sipped his coffee as his gaze traveled the submissive. "Any ideas, then?"

“Well...” Cristian hesitated a moment before suggesting, “Do you have plans yet for Valentine’s?”

"No, do I now?" Ji asked with a subtle smirk.

The response was enough to draw a mirror smirk from the submissive, answering, "Seems so."

[fatbottombucky]

A Stark Is Born *Prequel to That’s Stark’s Boy*

Summary: Peter listens to the story about how your parents met and the story of why you stopped contact with Tony. 

Grace Hart is an up and coming Agent to the FBI, although mostly on desk duty due to not following instructions, she’s on a mission to protect the most sort after man. Tony Stark, recently taking over his dad’s company, Stark makes it difficult for Grace to keep him safe. A story about how true love, but how loving each other is easier when they aren’t together. 

Pairings: Tony Stark x Grace Hart (Miss Congeniality OC!) & Peter Parker x Male!Reader & Tony Stark x Pepper Potts

Warnings: Swear words, violence and drinking. It’s Angst, but fluff too. Sex is mentioned, obviously. But I’m not writing smut for this. 

Word Count: 2236

Authors Note: Sandra Bullock is in no way how YOU should picture the mom. She’s simply an OC I created, the mom is a mixture of a bunch of Sandra Bullock characters, and I’m using the actress as INSPIRATION. You do NOT have to picture her as Sandy B, but she is an OC and therefore I will be using the name Grace for her, you’re free to place another name for the mother. It’s the same with all my fics, I leave it open to interpretation. I only use gifs as inspo and decoration, they’re not meant to depict how the reader/ the mother should look like. 

Next chapter will be posted Thursday17th 8pm GMT - come to this blog as I won’t be able to link for future chapters / I’ll be creating a masterlist for the prequel also, so don’t worry, you’ll be able to find every chapter on my masterlist

Chapter One/ Six

“Agent Hart,” Jack Traven voice calls through the office, “Chief wants you.”

He pats the young female’s shoulder as he passes, giving her a sympathetic smile as he sits at his own desk. Grace heaves a sigh, pushing herself up from her own desk and pursing her lips as she walks towards the chief’s office. This wasn’t the first time she’d been called, nor would it be the last either. She had a thing for not following the rule book, sometimes tossing it out and struggled to follow orders; it’s why she’s never led a case.

She knocks a few times, hearing the faint gruff of her superior’s voice to come in. A few seconds of pep-talk before she opens the door, she’s met with a few faces, only one that she recognises- and that’s her boss.

“You wanted to see me, sir?” Grace asked and stood with her hands clasped behind her back, hair pulled back into a low ponytail but she still managed to miss a few pieces that framed her face.

“I know I’ve put you on desk duty because of your last… instruction issue,” McDonald explains, “but I have an assignment, a very important one. It requires one of the best and since Matthews is on holiday, you’ll be on this one.” Grace nods once, “a very important male has been receiving disturbing letters these past few months, I’ve got the Intelligence team downstairs looking them over, they seem to be getting progressively more violent.”

Grace raises an eyebrow, “So a celebrity has a stalker, how is this an FBI issue?”

“It’s a top-secret operation,” McDonald's informs Hart, who instantly perks up. “We have suspicion to believe that whoever is sending these letter is planning on killing the victim, we’ve been informed that one of his helicopters suddenly lost engine power… then exploded.”

Grace nods, “And you want me to take point on this? Find out who’s behind the letter-”

“Nope,” he shakes his head, “you’re going to be protecting the victim, that’s all you’ll do. I have a team put together to figure out who this is, we just need someone to be with them at all times. Keep them alive and safe,” McDonald nods to the two other men, Hart only now acknowledges them. “Happy Hogan and James Rhodes have requested FBI officials.”

Grace instantly deflates, babysitting duty, great. Not. No one wants to follow some suit around and make sure he’s well and truly safe, they have money to get those types of people without using government-funded officials.  

“Who is it?”

“It’s Anthony Stark,” Grace already starts to shake her head. “After the unexpected death of his parents, he has reason to be jumpy. His dad had a lot of enemies too, a lot of people trying to claim the Stark Industries from under the young heir of Howard. This could be serious, he needs protection and you’re not doing anything important around here.”

“No way,” Grace scoffs and crosses her arms. “I’ve seen Stark, he’s an egotistical, playboy asshole and he has enough money to hire bodyguards.”

“Actually,” one of the men piped up, “We can’t trust anyone but the FBI. We recently found out someone we hired was in on the operation to take Stark down, we believe it’s a man that posed as Tim Robbins. This is our last resort, so to speak.”

Grace looked at her boss and sighed, “I have no say in this, do I?” he shakes his head, “when do I start?”

**

“He won’t accept any hired help,” Rhodes explained to Grace, who nodded as the car drove them to wherever Stark would be. “His usual help, Miss Potts-”

Grace snorted, “What is he the prince from Beauty and the Beast?” she carried on snorting loudly, laughing at her own joke till she calmed herself down.

“Okay,” James mutters, “Anyway, she’s on paid leave. Visiting some family, he needs a stand-in. A personal assistant, you’ll have access to his whole timetable and with him at all times. We’ve just gotta make sure he’ll hire you.”

“Great, so not only do I have to babysit this adult. He refuses to accept any actual help, so I’ve also got to run his errands for him as I potentially stop him from getting assassinated?” Grace asked James with a raised eyebrow.

Happy Hogan, who is head security detail for Stark and used to be his personal driver, let’s out a small chuckle from the driver's seat. He looks in the mirror, to Grace, and only nods his head with a sympathetic smile.

“Do you own any dresses?” Happy calls from the front of the car.

“No,” Grace scoffs and raises her eyebrows at them, “Why do I need a dress?”

“You’ll need to look the part, Miss Hart.” Happy tells her and then focuses back on the road ahead.

Grace groans and slouches in her seat, gnawing on her bottom lip as she hopelessly sits in the back of the SUV. Wondering why and how she got into this mess, she should’ve handed her badge and gun over, could’ve taken the offered vacation. Yet, you’re a workaholic and did this to yourself, Grace.

“Okay, you know what? Drop me off home, send me a text of Tony’s favourite coffee and his DD tomorrow,” Happy frowns, “Designated Destination.” Grace rolls her eyes slightly like he should’ve known that anyway.

Happy and James drop her off, telling her Tony’s morning schedule for tomorrow. Leaving the young woman to go into her apartment and do the only she can; tape her hands and start venting her frustration out on her punching bag.

The corny RnB song plays loudly through the stereo as she works up a sweat, the sweat drips down her face and stings her eyes. By now she expected to be top of her game, yet she’s hardly playing with the team now, always on the bench because she can’t follow simple instructions. Her parents always told her to throw out the rule book, to live a little, but it seemed that always got her in trouble.

She turned the stereo off and picked up the phone, dialling the number of the only person she knew could help her, that would listen to her and tell her what she needed to hear.

“Hi, Mr Wong, it’s Grace Hart. I need one No. 13, two No. 7’s and I need three No. 8’s, no garlic.” She pauses for a moment, “yes, for one. Always for one. Can you throw in a No. 23, thank you. See you in 15 minutes,” she slapped the phone back on the receiver and sighed heavily.

Tomorrow she’d have to start her job, well her two jobs; saving and protecting Tony Stark and being his personal assistant till he is safe.

*Next Day*

Grace ran through the crowded New York street, almost spilling and tripping up several times. The long maxi, rather flowy, skirt kept causing her to stumble and tumble into people and buildings. The shoes weren’t a big help either, the flat sandals kept skidding and slipping, yet they are fashionable- by Grace’s standards.

Grace caught sight of Tony and Happy exiting the building where Stark Industries meetings are held, both in deep conversation and surrounded by a few journalists. Grace waved frantically to Happy, who raised his eyebrows at the poorly dressed woman, chuckling when she starts to yell at a cab that almost hit her.

“Mr Stark,” Grace pushes past Happy and stumbles up to the billionaire, handing him his coffee and shoving some papers into the other hand. “I’m Grace Hart, a pleasure to meet you. Miss Potts told me your schedule and what coffee you like,” she steps quickly to keep up with his fast pace.

Watching as he takes a small sip and nodding in appreciation, he glances over the papers in his hands. Her resume that she bullshitted early hours of the morning and frantically printed at the library, a cover letter that wrote up that had a forged signature of a George Wade- who she has never met and hopes Tony doesn't know.

Despite the headband pushing her hair back, it still manages to get into her face as she follows both men. “She recommended me, hoped you’d take me on whilst she’s away. I’ve looked over your schedule and I’m willing to work, to start right now.”

Tony stops at the car, pulling the glasses that cover his face off and eyeing her up and down. Grace frowns for a moment before he shrugs at Happy, stepping into the car, Happy nods for her to follow and she quickly dives in with a heaved sigh.

It’s silent, so Grace quickly fills it. “I live on the lower east side, so it’ll take me a while to get to your place in the morning. That’s if… I’ve got the job?”

Tony smiles, “Yes, you have the job. But I want something else from you.”

Grace chortles incredulously, “Oh, no. I am fully aware of your reputation and there’s no way you’re getting… that. No.”

Tony raises an eyebrow, not looking offended but rather amused, “Getting what?”

“You know what.” Grace concludes, muttering, “Sex,” Tony only chuckles, “there’s no way you’re getting that. I don’t care what past PA’s have done for the job, I will not.”

“Well, that would be nice. But what I really need is for someone to attend my meeting  on Wednesday, I’ve got a party at the Playboy mansion, won’t be able to attend.”

Grace just nods and sighs, already knowing this is going to be difficult. The car is mostly silent, Tony on his phone and talking occasionally to Happy about something random. 

The house they pull up to is… breathtaking. Clearly costs more than anything Grace will ever own, it’s beautiful and modern, clearly a mansion too. It must have around six bedrooms, at least. How can one man need all this space? 

“You live here?” Grace asked and Tony nods, “alone?”

Tony chuckles, “I’m hardly ever alone, Pepper usually stays with me and I’m hardly single, I mean, you know my reputation.”

“Don’t you ever feel lonely in a place like this?” Grace asked and looked at Tony, his eyebrows are knitted together and he’s looking at her for a long moment before turning back to Happy, telling him to park the car in the garage around back.

Grace follows Tony up the drive, where he types in a code to enter the luxurious house. The lights all come on, the sound of a brewing coffee pot could be heard distantly, Grace raises an eyebrow at everything. Then from nowhere a distinct British accent is heard… from above?

“Welcome back, Mr Stark.”

“Who said that?” Grace asked looking around for the source of the voice, yet coming up empty.

Tony shrugs off his jacket and passes it to Grace, pointing to a closet near her, “That’s JARVIS, he used to be just an interface computer system, but I’m upgrading him to an Artificial Intelligence. It’s going rather well,” Tony smiles and Grace can only nod her head, “JARVIS, this is Grace Hart, she’s taking over Miss Potts duties for a few weeks. Get her prints for the doors and add her to the security logs.”

“Right away, Sir.”

Grace remains by the door, utterly floored by the technology in this house. Tony is making an AI? She knew he was a genius, like his father before him, but she didn’t know that he just makes AI’s in his spare time. Isn’t he meant to be running some kind of business? Oh, right. No, you are Grace, you’re attending the meeting for him on Wednesday.

It wasn’t till past eleven at night that Grace finally returned home. She had to go over Pepper’s timetable, all involving picking up his dry-cleaning, answering his own emails and arranging all of his meals- alongside his own head chef. She also had to consult with JARVIS, an Artificial Intelligence, talking to something with no face was… weird.

“Sir,” Grace sighed as she finally got through to her boss, “I really don’t think I can do this job.”

“Agent Hart, it’s just a security detail.”

Grace scoffs, “I wish. It’s not just a security detail, Mr Stark doesn’t want to be looked after. No, I have to pretend to be a personal assistant just to keep him safe,” she paced outside of her apartment building. “I have do everything, it’s like looking after a child. It’s been one day and I can’t do it. He has a frigging robot as a friend, Sir.”

“Hart, you can and will do this job. No matter what you keep Stark alive and safe, got it?” It sounded more of a command than a question.

“Sir, I think this individual might actually be mentally unstable,” Grace affirms but knows better than to argue. “Can you at least have the team look into an Obadiah Stane? He works alongside Stark, I got this… vibe from him.”

There was a moment of silence, “I’ll have them look into it. But Stane is one of the people that was also concerned for Stark’s safety. I’ll update you in a few days of the progress.”

Grace let out a long groan before ending the call before entering her apartment. It’s only for a few days, it can’t be that hard to look after and keep him safe. It’s not like he’s constantly putting himself in danger.

(so, like, yeah. I don’t know. If you want to read That’s Stark’s Boy, simply click the masterlist link in my bio OR type in TSBmasterlist in the search bar on my blog. I had no idea if JARVIS was a computer or an AI in 1999, so I had to blag it. I’m having to bullshit a lot for this prequel lol. Hope you enjoy this, there are only six chapters, so I guess this short thing!- Rosalie)

[darkmindsthinktwistedthoughts]

Devil’s Temptation pt6

Warnings: Mod styling warlords, Strong Language

Masterlist

---

Chapter 6 – Broken Links

It was quiet in the penthouse when he returned and took the private elevator to the highest level. There was only one room lit and it didn’t surprise him that it was Nobunaga’s office. The man seriously never sleeps. Mitsuhide moved in silence until he reached the room he expected to be occupied only to discover it to be empty. Now where on earth?

Mitsuhide entered the room and walked over to the large desk. The computer monitor was still on and from the looks of the still hot cup of coffee near it, Nobunaga hadn’t long left. He decided to wait and took a seat on the large leather sofa. It wasn’t a particularly cold night but a fire had been lit in the hearth in the room and the crackling pops and fizzes of it managed to add warmth to the empty space. 

His eyes passed over the room, the ornate mix of antique oriental furniture and modern additions gave the room a feeling of historic value whilst also allowing for a contemporary twist that seamlessly allowed the addition of modern electronics and other things of convenience to be added through the place without them being an eyesore by comparison. It was still opulent and indulgent, it suited the owner very well.

His eyes settled on a large piece of artwork over the fire. Well, that is new. He wasn’t sure why but he rose from his chair to get a better look. Something about it was familiar, the way the paint was applied to the canvas, it was like he was witnessing colours applied with emotion, not a brush or knife. The dark cityscape with is shocks of neon colours gave it a vibrancy that felt chilling and oddly calming at the same time. It is rather well done, I wonder... It was when he noticed the only living shape on the canvas that he knew why he felt drawn to it. The half-shadowed familiar figure leaning on a wall, cigarette in hand, highlighted by the lights in the rain. It was her, she painted this. But why? What is it doing here?... [Name].

“I see you finally noticed.” A deep voice came from behind him coupled with the faint click of the drink’s cabinet being opened.

“Noticed?” Mitsuhide didn’t bother turning he was still lost in the waves of paint on the canvas. I had thought this before but she really was rather good.

“Yes, I bought that a while ago from a gallery. I had hoped it would be entertaining to see how you would react to it but every time you came here you never seemed to notice your surroundings and then you stopped coming to my office completely.” Nobunaga had poured two glasses of scotch and placed them on the small table by the sofa and armchair. Mitsuhide could feel that inner demon of his twisting, the rage and heat of it had not forgotten a single detail of past events. Of course, I didn’t notice, I was trying my best not to kill you after everything. And I stopped coming because it was the only path left open to me that I could take to prevent doing so.

“You bought it just to try to torment me?” Somehow Mitsuhide had managed to remove the negative emotion form his voice as he spoke. Knowing it was reactions his Boss wished to see he was damned if he was going to cave so easily and supply them.

“No. I bought it because I liked it. I put it there in the hopes of seeing a friend be honest for once about his own feelings.” Nobunaga’s straightforward words caught Mitsuhide slightly off guard.

“Feelings? Since when did you care about such a thing?” Schooling the muscles of his face to prevent them from breaking his perfect mask Mitsuhide finally turned around a serpentine smile gracing his lips. It was you who said you would remove her if you had too. It was you who sent me away. This was all because of “feelings”.

“You wound me. Contrary to popular belief and results of my actions in the past I do still care Mitsuhide.” Nobunaga stared steadily into Mitsuhide’s face. “Now I trust you have information for me? You weren’t here for the Press conference after all.”

“Dealing with the media was never my thing. But yes, I have some information that you should find a little entertaining.” In all the years they had known each other and trusted each other he knew the Nobunaga could see glimpses past his mask. Do I care that he can see past it? That he can see some of the thoughts I have? The darkness seeping through, tainting the air around me.

“Proceed.” Nobunaga motioned to the sofa inviting Mitsuhide to sit while he took his own place elegantly reposed in the leather armchair next to it.

“I followed something that caught my eye the other day.” Mitsuhide said as he took the offered seat and picked up the drink supplied. Nobunaga had a pattern at least when it came to Mitsuhide. Their meetings often took the path of discussions over drinks. It was familiar and comfortable… predictable.

“Oh?” Nobunaga’s eyes twinkled. I can tell what you are thinking and no it wasn’t a girl, and that joke is in poor taste I’d thank you not to voice it.

“I did some checking and discovered we have visitors. An old family from the northern border.” Mitsuhide removed the envelope he received from the police earlier and removed the papers from it to show Nobunaga.

“And what would they be doing in my city?” Nobunaga reached out and scanned through the information. He noted the official file numbers and origin of the intel but did not question how Mitsuhide had official police reports. One thing you learnt was too much information was dangerous.

“As far as I can tell they are gathering information on all of the inner circle of Azuchi Corp.” Mitsuhide watched as Nobunaga’s hand gave a small twitch. It was the only indication that anything was bothering him.

“You think they wish to attempt to negotiate a takeover?” Nobunaga level tone sounded almost robotic.

“That I cannot say. I don’t, however, think if we receive such a thing that it would be an offer from them as they only seem to be functioning in a supportive position.” Mitsuhide had already been calculating the possibilities of the what-ifs on his way back to HQ.

“Support? For who?” Nobunaga put down the papers and picked up his own glass, the ice cubes rattled inside it.

“The CEO of Esshu Industries, Takahiro Yasui. I think I told you before in a prior report but he is not the eldest son in his family. He will not inherit, and the family has long since announced that it shall pass to his brother.” Mitsuhide watched as the information sunk in. It was a common enough thing in cartel families. The youngest overlooked for the eldest, the firstborn given more benefit to succeed than those that followed after. If you want something sometimes you just have to reach out and grab it.

“So, he does not have his own families support?” Nobunaga nodded.

“No, but that does not make him any less of a threat. The other family who is working with him seems to be treating him like a son. And we have already seen he is rather gifted in business.” Mitsuhide replied. In some way, he admired the new guy. The ability he had to carve out his own place in the world, however, he had managed to get there. There was no doubting that the man was intelligent enough to succeed.

“I shall admit he is gifted at stirring the pot and keeping my email busy. What do you predict will be his next step?” Nobunaga looked at Mitsuhide over the rim of his glass. What am I a bloody oracle? Do I somehow resemble a magic 8 ball?

“Honestly? I would imagine he would be moving exactly how you would. He is gathering information on us in order to locate a weak link and pressure it. From there it would be relatively easy to gather more personal and less easily accessible intel and either create cracks within the company or target the head of the beast directly.” Mitsuhide hid his frustration behind a rather bored tone as he laid out the most likely idea.

“You call me a beast?” Nobunaga snorted.

“Figure of speech. Although you know you have been dubbed far worse in the past.” Mitsuhide smirked.

“Hmm, true.” Nobunaga glanced over to the windows behind his desk, the vast view of the city at night and its unnatural illuminations. “Well, then I shall make the arrangements.”

“Arrangements? You have a plan?” Mitsuhide asked observing Nobunaga with a little more interest.

“In a manner of speaking. I intend to cut him off at the pass. I hate waiting in obscurity to see how someone plans to move against me. There is an event scheduled on the weekend, the holiday gala. He shall be there and that is where we are going too.” Nobunaga rose from his chair and moved to the invitations that were sitting in his inbox on his desk. Shuffling through them until he pulled out the one he desired.

“You wish for me to be your security guard again? I think Hideyoshi might have something to say about that.” Mitsuhide chuckled imagining the look of quiet horror that would undoubtedly play out on Hideyoshi’s face when he was informed.

“It is not his decision to make. Unlike him you will not hesitate to take action when required, he still has a small fault where he seeks permission before he acts, you don’t. You also have a faster wit than him and are less likely to be swayed towards a distraction.” Nobunaga continued to speak as he placed himself behind his desk once more, moving his now stone-cold coffee to one side and clicked on his mouse to reactive his monitor.

“So you plan to approach him and strike a deal?” Mitsuhide inclined his head.

“Yes from one businessman to another. It would benefit us both in the long term.” Nobunaga was lost now he was tapping out something on his keyboard and focused on the screen in front of him. Taking that as his cue that he was no longer required Mitsuhide drained his glass.

“Oh yes because nothing says join me quite like an already failed assassination attempt.” He muttered sarcastically as he left the office.

---

It had been a few days and they were starting to get really edgy with the whole being kept captive thing. The only benefit to being a captive by your own family was how they were treated. It would have been easy for their father to hold more of a grudge than he did, to punish them in a way befitting a disappointment and a traitor. However, this was apparently not going to be like that. If anything, the phrase “kill them with kindness”, seemed to be how this game was to be played.

There was a firm knock on the main door before the handle turned and a familiar figure entered. He was about five foot eight with unruly black hair. His light skin seemed even paler when you saw the contrast of the dark hair and smokey eyes. He had been at the office that day, he was not someone you forgot easily.

Memories are strange things. You can forget what you were planning on doing one minute only to be reminded of something long since forgotten in your past the next. The man before them was one of the long since forgotten memories, older but still the same. It was a memory they had tried to escape and run from. But they were not the child they once were. They were not grieving the loss of family members, they were grown up and whilst the man before them was intimidating they had seen much worse and lived to tell the tale.

It was with this knowledge that they found some steel in their backbone and controlled their nervous desire to jump up from their seat and bolt out the door.

“It’s so good to see you again.” He said with a predatory smile on his face.

“I wish I could agree. I would have thought you would have given up by now Yasui.” Their tone was cold as ice and they forced themselves to look at the visitor.

“Come now no need to be so formal we’ve known each other a long time.” He walked confidently over to a chair next to them and after unbuttoning one of his jacket buttons sat down.

“…Takahiro.” The name was almost a hiss as it was forced through clenched teeth.

“Much better.” He did not seem to care about the atmosphere. Instead, Takahiro continued to smile as if everything was perfectly genial. “Well now that we are much more comfortable.”

“Speak for yourself.”

– Chuckle –

“You have grown to be very entertaining.” The smoke in Takahiro’s eyes danced with interest as he observed the captive runaway.

“It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve heard that and I’m sure it won’t be the last time I remind someone that I am not something to be used for amusement.” The reply received was clipped.

“Indeed.” His words did no lose the amused tone as he continued unperturbed. “You seem to still be nervous.”

“Can you blame me? You know why I ran, you were there that night.” This was were their voice decided to crack. The exhaustion and frustrated cluster of emotion collided inside and as hard as they tried it still leaked out in their voice.

“Yes… It was a sad affair I must admit. The day you rejected everything the families had arranged.” Takahiro nodded solemnly.

“I had heard other arrangements were made. I was…”

“Hopeful that you had been set free?” He cut them off. Takahiro’s eyes were still dancing with amusement. Clearly, this was nothing more than a cat and mouse game for him. “Yes, I can see how it was easy to draw that conclusion. However, in your absence, another deal was struck and the promise of a union was passed to another.”

“What!?” Their blood turned to ice. They could feel the last vestiges of heat leave as the colour drained visibly from their face.

“Don’t shout. If you give me a few minutes I shall explain everything.” Takahiro’s tone shifted along with his body as he appeared to morph into the businessman they had read about in the press. “Afterall in light of recent information gathered, and your father being as he is. I believe this could benefit both of us.”

It was both infuriating and terrifying to have your life and future arranged for you. There was no doubt in their mind that attempting to run now was going to end badly. The feeling of being painted into a corner crept over them as they sat staring into the eyes of the man in front of them.

They knew their father was unwell, he had said as much at their last meeting. If I ran now… would I see him again? A wave of guilt broke on the wall around their heart. Feelings for a family they had tried to forget in order to survive and move on. Despite taking such actions they could not hide the fact that they still loved them. Business was just that… Business. And needs must when the devil drives.

“I’m Listening.”

---

[prorevenge]

You mess with my cat, I'll bury you.

Sit back, this ended up kinda long.

TL;DR: Shitty coworkers let my cat live in filth for a week while I'm out of town, I get one demoted and crush the others life into dust.

I like to think I'm a patient man. I'm hard to anger, my coworkers say they haven't seen me angry in the 2 years they've known me. I have firm boundaries and as long as you don't cross any of them I can let anything go.

One of my boundaries is don't fuck with my cat.

This story is about 2 of my coworkers and me, and happened the winter of 2013.

So I worked at a veterinary hospital as a vet tech/kennel attendant, and coworker 1 is a kennel attendant(KA) coworker 2 is the kennel lead(KL). KA is the one who comes in to take care of the animals, KL is in charge of overseeing everything boarding and kennel related. They both crossed that very simple boundary.

I went away over Christmas since I lived in another state from my family, and while I was out I left my cat to board at work(one of the perks is free boarding). I trusted my coworkers would take care of him even if it was a top 2 busiest weekend of the year.

So, I set up his cage the night before I leave. He's a shy boy so i set up a tent with very distinct blankets(one is bright green, the other has rocket ships). I kiss him bye, and am on my way. I enjoy Christmas with family, candy and fudge, and other things unrelated to the story, and come back 6 days after leaving.

It's late when i get back, so the hospital is already closed and everyone has gone home. We all have a key so I swing by because I miss my cat and want to take him home.

What I am greeted by when I get to him is those same blankets, the white rocket ships now slightly tan/yellow damp with urine, old desiccated pieces of shit and smears on the wall, and a very stressed cat that smelled like pee. We're talking 6 days worth of filth. All they did was put in more food and change the litter box as far as I could tell.

I saw red.

KA, the attendant, was scheduled to take care of the animals that holiday. KL, the lead, had been there 3 different days I was gone, including the last 2. Figuring out how to destroy these people became the only thing i thought about.

I'm scheduled to work the day after I get back, and KA is there. I don't look at her all day, as it's the only way I could contol my emotions. My blood is still boiling thinking about my boy who I'd had to bathe the night before(much to his chagrin). The sight of her makes that primal part of my brain reserved for beating the shit out of things starts to burn and makes my muscles tense.

(Now some important backstory here is that KA is kind of terrible at her job. We were kind of friends since she was the only one who wasn't shitty to me when I first started. Whenever I'd find something she messed up, I'd gripe to myself but I'd fix it. She did some write-upable shit on a regular basis. I never did anything because KL was already aware and working on her so I figured 'eh, none my bidness.')

I decided against violence and figured I'd let my manager handle it. At first, I just told him about the condition of my cat and kept the rest to myself. He agreed it was unacceptable and said he'd talk to her. She denied everything, said she'd changed my cats bedding every night, that he didn't get all of it in the litter box(unfortunately true, 12lb cat[not fat] aiming at a box made literally for kittens). Basically said I lied to my manager, to my managers face without batting an eye. I gave her the chance to own up to it because that would've come with punishment enough.

My manager told me what she said, and her blatant bullshittery poked the dragon that was already awake and pissed. I told him she's fucking lying, I work in the kennel too and not to mention I know my cats shit well. He believes me, and I not so subtly point out that if she pulls this shit on an employee pet, what has she been doing with the lot of random boarders? Manager thought it was a good point, and asks me to keep an eye out for mistakes and let him know what I find.

The next day, I was in the kennel alone without her, and I began to document every single thing she did incorrectly. Remember me saying how crap she was at her job? She left me a treasure trove of shit to dig up.

To name a few of these nuggets, every single animals cage was filthy, like multi-day filthy like my cats was, two dogs had had their medications switched for the whole week, there were copious amounts of shit left in the yard(big no-no, spreads parasites and disease), and not even her documentation and charges were entered correctly. It was a trainwreck that took me the whole morning to get back to an acceptable condition.

There was material here to get her enough writeups to lose her job if she had been perfect before, and she had already been disciplined a couple times for other shit she pulled. I gather it all together and bring it to my manager, who is horrified and says he's setting up a meeting with me, KA and KL, and him to discuss it all. He encourages me to hold my temper and call them on their bullshit at the meeting. Until then I hadn't even considered KL's complicity in this bullshit, but I immediately realized there were 2 people on my wrong side. KL was not as horrid at his job as KA, he was old as hell in a demanding physical labor position. I figured what he'd got coming will be enough so I could aim everything I'd got at KA.

What's the human equivalent of shooting fish in a barrel? Because this girl had already dug herself such a hole it was incredible she hadn't been fired already. She didn't do her job, she was stealing clients from the clinic by offering to petsit for cheaper instead of offering boarding(explicitly against our contract, fireable). She had been leaving 30 minutes early leaving the shit condition I'd had to deal with. And I knew all of this.

The day of the meeting rolls around, and KA and KL are blissfully unaware when manager calls us into the office together. We all sit down and manager begins to explain what the meeting is about. He was a fucking boss and we prearranged to give KA one more chance to own up to my face and leave out the rest at first. He had asked me how far I wanted to take it, I told him I had a lot of dirt. Let's let KA dig a deeper hole first so I can use it all.

She denied it all, swore up and down she had taken care of my poor cat properly. I graciously gave her the benefit of the doubt, saying ok I believe you did clean like you say, but then how did you miss this dried up piece of shit? She said my cat must've been dehydrated. I say "oh, well you documented he'd been drinking well all week, why would he be dehydrated?" She says it might have been just from the last day. She wouldn't just admit it... So I give my manager the look, and he tells her "ok so you took care of the cat, what about all of this?" And he pulls out my stack of evidence I'd collected.

KA's face paled. KL had been silent up to this point and starts trying to apologize on KA's behalf, saying it was a busy week and things slip through the cracks. I called their shit, saying I had been able to handle as many animals as she had had to a higher degree of cleanliness than the 2 of them could accomplish, so busy was not a valid excuse.

We went over every single sin KA and KL had committed for the past 3 days, individually and in depth with discussion about each one before moving on. As we worked through the stack, manager wrote up KA for every single offence that warranted it. By the end of it she had 6 writeups(3 to get fired). She was sobbing, saying she couldn't afford her kids daycare if she didn't have that job. My manager very pointedly told her he had never seen someone with such terrible job performance in 30yrs, and if she were worried about her kids she would have done her job better.

KL was written up and removed from his lead position, and KA was given the option to quit before she was fired.

The end.

... hah! No it isn't. This is ProRevenge, not GirlOnlyLostHerJob. Oh no, there's so much more.

Remember how she had been stealing clients from the clinic? She had built up quite a large client base, and had told me some weeks before she was about to quit her job and petsit fulltime since she hates her job sooo much. Plus when she returned her key after quitting, she made sure I knew the crying was fake and she was planning to put in 2 weeks in the next couple days.

At the clinic, we still saw all of those same clients she had skimmed all the time, and plenty of them asked what happened to KA. Manager told everyone we should tell the truth, since we had a petsitter we referred to and KA was not it.

For the next few months, we saw so many faces twisted into expressions of disgust, contempt, betrayal, worry when we told them why KA was no longer there and why they should reconsider letting her watch their pets. Literally dozens of people. Anyone who has tried to petsit or do yardwork for a living before knows how hard it is to build that client base. KA had a decent one, which we absolutely destroyed.

After a while, she texted me saying I was a piece of shit who was destroying her and her kids life and she couldn't afford daycare anymore. She went from 2 or 3 petsitting gigs a week(about 300 dollars a week) to maybe 1 a month. I told her to fuck herself and blocked her number, and haven't heard anything since. Bitch.

Don't fuck with my cat.

Updates:

Edit for those saying I'm a shit human for letting this go as long as it did: KA and KL cleaned sometimes, just not enough for my standards. KA had only been there a few months and it was her first big girl job (yes, kidS at 20yrs old), and there's a small learning curve. I figured it'd be ok for a week and was poor as shit at the time so options were thin. Until that week, i was there constantly cleaning to my standards so didn't know how bad these 2 would really let it get. Protocol said lead is informed of performance issues before manager, and as i mention he was aware and KA had already been written up a couple times. I was done when i realized just how far they'd let it go so i went over KLs head right to manager because they clearly weren't handling the issues at all. Even if my cat wasn't affected, I would've done the same, he was just unfortunately there because i had to go out of town. In hindsight i wish I'd said something sooner, but workplaces have rules and i was young and tender, and didn't know it was that bad until then. But yes I'm a terrible person who abuses animals, gets people SWATted, I'm pompous and arrogant and only care when things personally affect me and my cat. You're right, reddit!

Edit 2: I'll take this opportunity to give some advice on how to pick a good kennel facility. Always, i mean ALWAYS, ask to take a tour before leaving your animal. Dont schedule an appointment, ask to go back randomly. If they try to say no, say you dont feel comfortable leaving your pet without an idea of where they're staying. If they still wont, and even a manager denies a tour, take your business elsewhere as they probably have something to hide.

If you do get a tour, here are some things to look out for. Check water bowls for grime and dirt. Some pets are messy, but if a good number are dirty, it's a big red flag.

If the kennel smells strongly of some kind of air freshener, be wary and look around for messes. A good kennel attendant will smell pee and clean and replace things until they get rid of the smell; a bad one will spray some animal odor eliminator and cover it up.

Make sure everything looks organized, properly labeled, and has some kind of system to it. Cluttered storage and unclear labeling is where so many mistakes come from; make sure they take those little things seriously, or something big may slip through the cracks.

Finding a good clinic and good boarding facility can be difficult, but they do exist. And just like you wouldn't want you or your child going to a shitty doctor or daycare, I don't want anyone taking their pets to a shitty veterinary clinic!

(source) (story by Amesa)

[ocean-tumbled-pebbles]

What if Happy Internet Cafe was a Cosplay Internet Cafe?

Fanfic slightly edited from my submission for the June fanfic contest on the discord server! I now have a FFN account and AO3 pending lol. Feedback and comments welcome~

Prompt: Ye Xiu has retired from Glory and departs Excellent Era but doesn’t head to Happy Internet Cafe and become a night manager.

Summary: In which Happy is a cosplay/internet cafe, Ye Xiu is a pro player magnet, and Chen Guo is a shrewd businesswoman

Tags: All叶, allye, cosplay, crossdressing, crackfic, tw minor sexual harassment, help i dont know how chinese money works, timeline is slightly off, let’s play spot the author’s favorite anime characters

(1)

Ye Xiu leant back languidly in his chair, his arms stretching out and coming to rest behind his head. “I feel that I match all of the qualifications, and work and pay aren’t a problem. So how about it?”

Chen Guo eyed him up and down. “Stand up.”

Ye Xiu took the time to stretch out his legs before lazily getting to his feet. Chen Guo circled him like a vulture coming upon a juicy piece of meat, muttering comments to herself.

“Hmm, he’s a little bit tall, but has pretty delicate features.” She crouched down to inspect his legs. “Long legs, not too much muscle....” She circled over to look at his back side. “Hmmm...”

Suddenly Ye Xiu felt a Smack! across his buttocks.

“Um...!” Ye Xiu yelped and rubbed his abused backside.

Chen Guo covered her mouth and snickered. “Oh, you’ll do.”

“Haha..?”

“So which shift do you want?” she asked.

“Night shift is fine!” Ye Xiu figured that he’d avoid the crowds and make some extra money. He didn’t mind switching his sleep schedule and he had always been pretty good at pulling all-nighters, thinking back to his time playing Glory all night long with Su Muqiu.

“Absolutely not!”

“Oh?” Were all the night shift posts taken?

“It’d be a waste to have a good looking guy like you take the night shift! If you want a less busy time you can take either the morning or the evening shift! Pretty boys like you need their beauty sleep!” Chen Guo explained.

Ye Xiu sweatdropped. “Uhh... Okay.... I guess I’ll take the evening shift then.”

Chen Guo clapped her hands together and gestured for him to follow her. “Great! You’ll work from 4 until 10. You get a break at 7 to eat. Most customers only come to use the computers, but if they need any help or want to order food they’ll ring the service bell. We offer special service if they order from us, which is that they can request you to do something, within reason. This usually means saying a line or doing a pose, so do your best to please the customer, alright?”

“Hmm?” Ye Xiu blinked. Wait. What was that last sentence?

“We’ll start you off easy, but we’ll want to take advantage of your good genes later. We’ll let you have a trial period tonight, but you can start officially as soon as tomorrow.” She started  rummaging through a closet in the back room. She finally pulled out some folded clothing in a box that Ye Xiu assumed was the uniform. “You’re about the same height as xiao Li, so this should fit you. I’ll show you the employee locker rooms!”

In front of the locker rooms, Chen Guo shoved the clothes she was holding into his arms.

“Try it on!”

Ye Xiu looked into the box. “Uh, boss, this... is your uniform?”

“You’re chickening out now?” She smacked his back. “You signed up for this, remember? How can we be Happy Cosplay Internet Cafe, the only cosplay internet cafe in all of China, without the cosplay?!”

Ye Xiu almost choked. “Cosplay?”

Chen Guo face palmed. “Have you been paying attention to your surroundings at all? Or at least been listening to me explaining your work?”

Ye Xiu looked around. At a second glance, it turned out that all the staff were wearing costumes of some sort. He had been so focused on getting out of the cold he really hadn’t noticed it!

He’d probably give a bad impression if he admitted he hadn’t been listening to his new boss though, so he coughed and said, “I’ll go change now.”

If he came out with a slight flush in his cheeks, it was a small matter. Well, maybe not, since Chen Guo had squealed and promptly whipped out her camera and begun snapping pictures of him to post on her Weibo. She gave him a big grin and a thumbs up.

“We’ll give you proper training with wigs and make up later. Can’t wait to have you crossdress~!”

A look of horror passes over Ye Xiu’s face. Just what did he sign up for?

(2) Su Mucheng

Dancing Rain: Big bro, you doing alright?

Lord Grim: dw, I got a job!

Dancing Rain: lol who would hire you. Your only skill is gaming

Dancing Rain: you should go back to my place! I’ll provide for you, and you can be my housewife!

Lord Grim: ...

Lord Grim: that was mean.

Dancing Rain: where did you get a job?

Lord Grim: Happy Internet Cafe!

Dancing Rain: you mean that cosplay cafe across the street?

Lord Grim: ...

Dancing Rain: omg are you in cosplay rn???

Lord Grim: ...

Dancing Rain: im coming over

Lord Grim: dont.

Lord Grim: mucheng im warning you

Lord Grim: It’s an internet cafe. What if you get mobbed?

Dancing Rain: dw im good at disguises!

It turned out that Mucheng’s “disguise” consisted of a pair of glasses, a hat, and a face mask. Yup, real subtle Mucheng. Everyone was thinking that, but no one dared approach. Why would Su Mucheng even go to an internet cafe across the street from Excellent Era after all? When Chen Guo took her id card, she nearly started screaming, but was quieted by a wink and shushing finger sign. Through the power of fangirling and selfies, Mucheng was able to obtain the whole second floor to herself, as well as Ye Xiu as her personal server. He was currently dressed in a simple school blazer with a blood red wig. Mucheng was snapping pics of him left and right.

Ye Xiu sweatdropped. “You better not post these.”

“I know,” she said plainly. “These are for my personal enjoyment. Besides, I’m supposed to get a ‘special service’ with my ice cream. So keep still while I take more photos.”

Later Chen Guo dreamily asked him, “Hey, do you think Su Mucheng will come again? Should I build a private room for her? I should build a private room for her.”

Ye Xiu sweatdropped again. Hey, don’t ask me if you’ve already decided.

(3) Huang Shaotian

Tang Rou thought that Huang Shaotian was a creep when he showed up outside around 10pm and covered in scarves, so she went to go get Chen Guo.

“Old Ye!” He whisper yelled, tiptoeing through the door. “Where the hell are you?”

Ye Xiu poked him in the back and the blond puppy jumped five feet in the air. “I’m right here.”

“Shit! You’re Old Ye?!” Huang Shaotian spluttered disbelievingly. To be fair, Ye Xiu was crossdressing, but you’d think that Huang Shaotian would have noticed him.

The short flouncy skirt of the black and white school uniform dress along with the mismatching colorful socks showed off his mile long legs wonderfully, and the orange wig with green highlights had pigtails that framed his handsome face. He was taller than a real girl, with slightly sharper angles, but all in all, he looked really good crossdressing.

“How could you? After all these years of friendship, you’ve forgotten me so soon?” Ye Xiu said in mock sadness.

“Nononono! That’s not it at all! I haven’t forgotten you though maybe I should seeing as you’re an old man dressing up as a girl that is not that you’re some creep or anything but just that you’ve retired and such but I promise I haven’t forgotten you after all you’re probably my best friend after Captain and all of the Blue Rain players and - Hey! Why are you leaving?!”

Ye Xiu turned in the general direction of the word explosion and shrugged. “It’s the end of my shift. I’m going to change.” And he sauntered off toward the back room to change into more comfortable clothes.

Shaotian sneakily grabbed his phone to snag a picture. He grinned down at the photo evidence of the battle god crossdressing.

“There he is, that’s the creep!” Tang Rou had come back with Chen Guo in tow.

“F-shit! I’m not a creep! That Old Ye invited me!”

Chen Guo and Tang Rou looked at each other.  A stalker?

“I’m going to have to see your ID.”

Some selfies and monetary transactions later, Huang Shaotian and Ye Xiu were in the private room running through the plan on the boneyard record.

“Hey Old Ye, it says that if I order some food, I can get special service. I’m going to make you PK with me!”

“Not happening.” Ye Xiu refused plainly.

“Why not?! PKPKPK!”

“Because it’s not my shift.” Ye Xiu wasn’t obligated to do anything for anyone right now. He was also tired after a long day taking requests from customers and didn’t want to deal with Shaotian’s shit right now. The boss had also given him a strict bedtime of 1am at the latest and he wanted to get in all of his dungeon runs before then.

“...”

Ye Xiu suddenly felt a chill down his back. Shaotian being silent? Never a good thing.

The next day at 4 pm.

“OLD YE!” A blond fluffball came flying at Ye Xiu. Ye Xiu tumbled to the ground under the unexpected tackle.

“Oh god.”

“PKPKPKPKPKPKPKPKPKPK!”

Six hours later...

“Boss, please kick him out.” Ye Xiu was disheveled and exhausted, pale and looking like he was about to collapse.

Chen Guo paused from counting the money Huang Shaotian had spent on reserving the private room and repeatedly ordering food with service for 6 hours. “....Hmm? What did you say?”

(3.5) All Star Weekend

“Ye Xiu! You’re really Ye Qiu?”

“...Yes.”

“Dammit! We should have charged Huang Shaotian more!”

“...”

(4) Ye Qiu

For the Lunar New Year, it turned out that Ye Qiu had found out he had retired from Excellent Era and was now working at Happy.

“Brother,” he tutted, “Come home for New Years. Do you even have a place to stay?”

“I’m going to work over time!” He just wanted to avoid going home over the holiday and play Glory all day.

“Fine, then I’m going to stay too.”

“Go home little brother. Unless... the boss has been wanting to do twin cosplays...”

“Happy New Year, I have to go attend to mother and little dot! Let me know when you’re coming back already! Bye!” In a flash, Ye Qiu was out the door.

Chen Guo came out of the back room holding a box of costumes. “Why did he leave? I had the cutest matching cosplays for you two!”

(5) Yu Wenzhou

“Captain Yu! What are you doing here?” Ye Xiu was so surprised to see Yu Wenzhou turn up one day that his half and half red and white wig almost fell off.

Yu Wenzhou was disguised in naught but a pair of dark sunglasses. Since Huang Shaotian had turned up the other time, more and more Blue Rain fans had been coming to Happy to see if they could catch a glimpse of their idol. Seeing the captain himself, of course some Yu Wenzhou fans crowded around to see if they could get an autograph. But as they approached, suddenly an ice cold aura appeared, and the fans decided it would probably be a good idea to back off.

“Hello Senior.” The blue-haired captain greeted amiably. “I came to see you in your new place of work.”

A slender hand came up to readjust his wig. “... I meant, how did you find me here?”

Yu Wenzhou smiled and merely handed him a thick wad of cash. “Let’s discuss this in the private room, shall we?”

So Ye Xiu led him up the stairs and Yu Wenzhou explained over coffee and biscuits. “Several weeks ago, Shaotian disappeared after the match with Excellent Era, and later claimed that he wanted to stay in Hangzhou for an extra day to visit family. He has no family in Hangzhou, so of course he must’ve been visiting someone other than family. He clearly lied about it, and as such it couldn’t have been anyone he would publically visit.”

He took another sip of his coffee. “The night he disappeared also happened to be the day the boneyard record was broken by Lord Grim and a swordsman Flowing Tree. Lord Grim is infamous in the tenth server with his technical skill, and he started in the tenth server around the time when you retired. Of course, I had a sneaking suspicion it was you, but Shaotian’s disappearance confirmed it. When he returned after his one day visit to ‘family’ he was in a surprisingly good mood and kept snickering at his phone. Naturally, I confisticated it and searched through the contents. Did you know he had this picture of you on it?”

He held up his phone and Ye Xiu saw that there was a picture of him crossdressing, shot from the back as he walked away to change clothes. It was slightly blurry, as it was dark, and Ye Xiu was surprised (but not that surprised) to know that Yu Wenzhou could recognize him even though the view was from the back and he had been in costume.

“That little brat!” Ye Xiu exclaimed. “Who would take advantage of such a good-looking guy like me, taking pictures of me on the sly?”

Yu Wenzhou put the picture away, ignoring the self-proclaimed ‘good-looking’ god. Ye Xiu noted that he didn’t delete the picture though. Wenzhou continued with his explanation. “When I saw this, I knew immediately that Shaotian had not gone to visit family but had rather gone to visit you at your workplace. A quick search of cosplay cafe and Hangzhou turned up this place. Did you know that this is the only cosplay internet cafe in China?”

“...Your deductive work is too scary Captain Yu.” Ye Xiu sighed. “So what did you hope to gain by coming here?”

Yu Wenzhou gave a little smile. “I was hoping to perhaps chat about some tactics and maybe play a match or two.”

Ye Xiu cracked his knuckles and began stretching out his arms in preparation. “It’ll be 100 yuan for each match, and you’ll need to buy food for any other requests.”

Yu Wenzhou tilted his head. “Hmm?”

“Boss’s rules.”

“Ah.”

(6) Zhang Xinjie and Han Wenqing

When Han Wenqing and Zhang Xinjie came to Happy Cosplay Internet Cafe one evening, they didn’t even bother disguising themselves despite being in the midst of Excellent Era territory, in fact, literally across the street from their so-called rivals.

A whisper chorus of boos echoed up from the computers. The quiet protest was quickly vanquished with the signature Han Wenqing GlareTM, resulting in the offenders groveling on the floor, offering their wallets as penitence.

All the commotion brought Chen Guo over. She reflexively wanted to jump back when he turned his gaze to her, but she held her ground and offered, “What can Happy Cosplay Internet Cafe do for you today, God Han, God Zhang?”

“Where’s Ye Qiu?”

Zhang Xinjie smoothed out the conversation. “We would like to rent out the private room and talk with Senior Ye if possible.”

“It’s 200 yuan per match and you need to order food for any other requests. The private room has a lock. Ye Xiu can let you in.”

Han Wenqing picked up a wallet off the floor, and dropped it on the counter, much to the dismay of one unfortunate booer.

“Yo Old Han.” Today Ye Xiu was dressed in a cute sailor themed idol costume with a long dark colored wig. He gave a mock salute. “Never thought I’d see the two of you here in a cosplay cafe in Excellent Era territory no less.”

“Never thought I’d see you here crossplaying at an internet cafe across the street from Excellent Era after having retired no less,” the older player spat back.

“Let’s go upstairs and fight in the arena instead of in the lobby, Captain, Senior.”

Ye Xiu laughed and led the two of them to the stairs. “You first.”

Zhang Xinjie, feeling that it was out of character for Ye Xiu to be polite asked, “Why don’t you go first, senior?”

“Gasp, Xiao Zhang! How perverted! You want to peek under my skirt as I go up the stairs, don’t you?”

Xinjie turned all shades of red and blurted, “That wasn’t it at all!”

Han Wenqing was not amused. “If we wanted a peek we would just lift it up. Now show me that unspecialized character of yours.” He began pushing Ye Xiu up the stairs.

“Ooh how brazen, Old Han.”

(7) Tiny Herb

Business at Happy was booming. Not only was Chen Guo obtaining more business from users hoping to see their favorite pro player, but she was able to charge the visiting pro players exorbitant amounts and they would gladly pay to play with Ye Xiu. Using the extra money, Chen Guo was able to upgrade the private room upstairs to include a full row of new computers and a comfy couch and coffee table.

The upgrades were a good investment. How else would the entire Tiny Herb pro team be able to fit comfortably into the room?

“Order whatever food you want. The club will pay for it. Don’t forget to think of your requests. You can ask him to do anything reasonable, so make sure you learn from this opportunity.”

“Yes Captain!”

Ye Xiu sighed. Today he was wearing a black and white sailor style girl’s school uniform, along with a short brown wig and white cap. He also had a staff and a stuffed animal to complete the cosplay, but they were too annoying to carry around while playing. “I left Excellent Era so that I didn’t have to be a training partner...” he muttered under his breath.

“What was that senior?” Wang Jiexi blinked his uneven eyes.

“Nothing, nothing. Just a reminder that it’s 300 yuan per person per match and that I require a break between matches. Oh, I know. While you’re waiting for me, you can fight Xiao Tang. I’m coaching her!” He gave a big thumbs up.

The whole ordeal was like one huge party with food and fun and Glory. Tang Rou despite getting utterly smashed bravely continued to fight, earning the respect of Tiny Herb. Ye Xiu then proceeded to crush them all in return. It was a bit depressing to think that all of them combined had still been trounced by a single guy dressed like an elementary school girl.

“Thank you Senior Ye!” exclaimed one Gao Yingjie on the way out.

“Yes. Thank you for your guidance Senior Ye. I hope to be like you someday.” echoed Qiao Yifan.

Ye Xiu patted both on the head. It was nice to see rookies with such enthusiasm. “You two have a lot to learn, but you also have a lot of potential. Keep working hard. And Yifan, why don’t you think about what I said?”

‘Why don’t you try out a Ghostblade! It would suit you!’ Yifan kept thinking of this phrase over and over again walking out of the internet cafe, such that he almost bumped into Chen Guo.

“Woah! Careful there.” She steadied him on his feet. “You know, you’re pretty cute.” Chen Guo handed Yifan a business card. “If you ever need a job or even a side job, you should contact me! I have some cute cosplays that would be perfect for you!”

Yifan almost choked. When he said he wanted to be like Senior Ye, he didn’t mean it that way!

(8) Jiang Botao

“So what brings you here by yourself?”

“Senior Ye! Please grant me a request!” Jiang Botao bowed deeply at a 90 degree angle.

“No need to be so formal,” Ye Xiu laughed. “As long as you buy something from here, I’ll be willing to hear you out.”

Jiang Botao ordered a What a Big One ice cream cone. “Sooo...” he started nervously, “ummm.... Please... Allow me to record a message from you to captain!”

“Oh? To Xiao Zhou? What would you like me to say?”

“Please say, ‘Zhou Zekai, Jiayou!’ a-and then umm, please blow a kiss!”

“Hoho? Well, alright get your camera ready!”

Jiang Botao aimed the camera at him portrait-wise, making sure to capture the full picture of Ye Xiu in a purple accented swimsuit and blue and white jacket covering his shirtless torso. He didn’t need a wig this time, but settled for some styling with gel to achieve the character’s likeness.

Ye Xiu grinned, not caring that it was out of character for the cosplay. “Xiao Zhou, Jiayou! Keep working hard!” He winked saucily and blew a kiss.

Jiang Botao was so grateful he kept thanking Ye Xiu over and over again and insisted on giving him extra cash. “For the wink! Please keep it for the wink!”

Later...

“Captain! Please make an effort to connect more with the rookies! They’re all intimidated by your silence!”

“...”

“If you coordinate well with them and get into the playoffs I’ll give you this!” Jiang Botao pressed a button on his phone, playing the video.

“Xiao Zhou, Jiayou! Keep working hard!” *Wink* *kiss*

Zhou Zekai stared at the little screen. “Want... Senior...”

“If you want it, please make an effort to get along!”

Zhou Zekai nodded emphatically.

“If we do well this season, we can go visit him later!”

Zhou Zekai was already walking out the door.

(9) Happy

“God Ye! Is it true that you initially worked as a staff member for Happy Internet Cafe?” Cameras flashed during the press conference following the Challenger League.

Chen Guo butted in, “It’s Happy Cosplay Internet Cafe. Get your facts right!”

“God Ye! Is it true that you engaged in crossplay?”

“It’s not that bad when you get used to it! Besides, my boss says I should show off my ‘legs for days.’”

“God Ye! Is it true that the other members of Happy cosplay as well?”

Chen Guo again interrupted. “At this time I would like to announce the limited edition release of our new cosplay photobook. It includes both group and individual cosplay photos of all of Team Happy. This limited edition will also include a section of Captain Ye’s best cosplays and a new cosplay as One Autumn Leaf. The photobooks will be on sale starting at midnight tonight and will cost 800 yuan. Proceeds will go to the development of Team Happy and also Ye Xiu’s costume repertoire. Thank you for your patronage.”

All the reporters gossipped among themselves. The males complained it was way too expensive, more than double the price of other costume books, but were quite sorely tempted by the One Autumn Leaf photo. The females wanted to see those legs for days.

The clubs were some of the first to buy the books when they came on sale. When questioned why they wanted to help the enemy the teams merely said, for research. Yeah, for research.

And so, Team Happy became the most influential team in the alliance for the sole reason of Ye Xiu fangirling.

//End notes:  *sweating* Yeah this totally fits the prompt. “Ye Xiu has retired from Glory and departs Excellent Era but doesn’t head to Happy Internet Cafe and become a night manager.” Hahaha *runs away*//