#you don't sound very calm sir. did i touch a nerve?

[notasapleasure]

Here's a bit of history! The British PM told a female opposition MP to 'calm down, dear'. That's a fact, and so is the divided response to his words. Some felt it meant nothing; others thought it was an indication of what a patronising wankstain David Cameron was.

We all have our narratives of this little moment, but I must say I fall into the camp who thought it was indicative of a club of insecure posh boys telling jokes about the yucky girls. Aka 'bitches', as this lovely historian who I have now blocked puts it :)

[whore-era]

1-800-GIRLS - part 2

☁︎ modern!ellie x sex-hotline-operator!fem!reader, very small mention of dealer!ellie ☁︎ summary: in which ellie takes her favorite phone sex hotline operator out on their first date! ☁︎ warnings: contains smut! 18+ only. top/dom!ellie, bottom/sub!reader, interactions with men, dirty talking/praise, fingering (r!recieving), use of fem nicknames, slight mention of petplay, let me know if i missed anything else pls. ☁︎ a/n: back by popular demand, and to thank you all for 1k. i love u all from the bottom of my heart. thank u all so so so much. also there will be NO PART 3! s/o to my girl @clearheartgreyflowers for staying up w me til 3am writing smut LMAO ☁︎ word count: 5,124 ☁︎ 1-800-GIRLS part 1

thursday, 1:15am → ongoing call with sir steven (ft. lauderdale, FL)

sir steven (client): thank you, sugar. did good as always, pretty lady.

sugar: no problem, sir.

sir steven (client): have a good night, darlin'. good night.

the line clicks on the other end, and you finally let out a big stretch, able to relax as you close the hotline for the night. you made 13 calls tonight, which usually wouldn't be enough to help with bills, but much to your dismay, ellie had been sending you money nonstop.

it's been a couple of weeks since you first met her in the library, and since then, you've seen each other here and there, most of your communication being made through texts and calls, as you both have been extremely busy with final exams and work. barely getting any real time to spend together besides having lunch together or walking to class when the time allows it.

however, ever since you revealed to ellie your real name and gave her your personal phone number, she's been using it to her advantage — sending you money through applepay/paypal, paying for food to get delivered to your apartment when you tell her you haven't ate that day, or getting uber's or taxis to pick you up when she wasn't able to come get you herself.

she was very persistent in being your provider, insisting that with her income, she could support you full-time and buy you everything you needed and more.

but you didn't have it in you to just quit this hotline gig. you didn't want to feel like you had to rely on ellie, and the last thing you wanted was to burden her with your own issues.

thursday, 1:30am → incoming call from ellie (jackson, WY)

you: ellie...?

ellie: hi baby.

you: why are you calling the hotline? you have my number, silly.

ellie: what? can't check in on my girl?

you couldn't help the flush in your cheeks. ellie never failed to make you blush. she always made a point to flirt, hard, and you both weren't even in a relationship, yet.

you: what can i do for my favorite client?

ellie: hm, how does going out with me on saturday night sound?

you: like...a date?

ellie: yeah, don't you think we're a bit overdue for one?

you: sure! what should i wear?

ellie: 's up to you. you make anything look beautiful.

you hated how easily she made the heat rise to your cheeks.

ellie: are you blushing?

you: ....no.

ellie: liar. just for that, you owe me a kiss on our date.

you: hm, we'll see.

ellie: guess we will.

-

saturday couldn't have arrived any faster, and by the time you knew it, it was 6:00 in the evening, almost time for your first date with ellie.

you couldn't make up your mind on what to wear, trying on different outfit combinations, determining which one you think ellie would like more.

groaning in frustration, you seemingly settled on a baby blue dress, with a light and warm cardigan. the weather was absolutely perfect for this type of outfit, not too hot with just the slightest breeze.

as you touched up your makeup, swiping on your favorite gloss, you couldn't seem to calm the nerves boiling in your belly. what was there to be nervous about? you were going on a date with one of the coolest and prettiest girls you have ever seen in your life.

overthinking every possible worst-case scenario that could happen tonight, you took some deep breaths, shaking off the images of you possibly falling on your face, snorting while you laugh, or accidentally passing gas in front of ellie. oh god, if that were to happen tonight, you didn't think you could ever face her again.

you would have to change jobs. and schools.

"god, jesus, whoever, please have my back tonight," you whisper to yourself, suddenly jumping at the small 'ping' coming from your phone.

unlocking your phone, you see it's a text from ellie:

ellie <3: I'm on my way up baby, u ready?

you: yes! i'm ready hehe

you take the time to lace your shoes at the front door, giving yourself a quick one-over in the mirror to see if you were presentable, at the least.

two soft knocks on the door resonated through your apartment, and you took a deep breath as you unlocked the latch, mentally preparing yourself for tonight.

swinging the door open, you're greeted by the tall, emerald-eyed girl.

"hey, baby," she greets, leaning over to plant a kiss on your cheek, "you look gorgeous."

your eyes fell to the ground, cheeks flushing with crimson. get ahold of yourself. you're acting like a teenage girl with a puppy-love crush, you echoed in your mind.

"thanks, els. you look pretty cute too," you compliment shyly, looking down at her fit — a white shirt complimented with a red flannel and dark-washed jeans. of course, hair styled in her signature half-up ponytail and sporting her white and black converse sneakers.

"ready to go?"

"yeah, let's go ahead."

"cool, just parked over here in the parking lot."

taking hold of your hand, the two of you head out to the parking lot, and she takes the lead in guiding you to her car. her hands felt warm and clammy— and you wondered if ellie was feeling just as nervous as you were.

and she was.

ellie was freaking the fuck out. from the outside, you appeared calm and relaxed, which put her at unease. were you not excited to be going out with her? were you going to like what she planned for tonight? what if you absolutely hated the date she organized? it'd tear ellie's heart to pieces.

but ellie couldn't overthink, especially not right now. she couldn't let her emotions get the best of her, and she only had to think of the present — you.

ellie fished out her keys from her pocket, briefly letting go of your hand to unlock the car and open the passenger side door for you.

getting inside, you mumbled a quick 'thank you'. as ellie scurried to the driver's side of the car, you scanned your eyes around the interior of her car.

what the hell? was she driving a...dodge hellcat? you knew ellie drove, but you didn't know she drove such an expensive muscle car. how much money did she make being a dealer?

her car smelled just like her, fresh and musky, and she kept it fairly clean.

ellie piled in the driver's seat of her car, putting the key in the ignition and turned on the engine.

"soooo, where are we going?" you queried.

"that's a surprise," ellie smirks, and suddenly she places her hand behind the head of your seat, turning her neck to look at the rear windshield as she backed out of the parking spot.

you swallowed thickly, focused primarily on how hot she looked doing something as simple and elementary as reversing her car. the way her neck flexed, the way her arm tattoo looked by your face, and the way she was concentrated on moving the vehicle — suddenly turned the heat up in this confined space.

"you okay? you look a bit warm," ellie asks, interrupting your train of thought.

"huh? yeah, no, i-i'm okay," you smile meekly, "it's j-just a little warm in here."

"oh, sorry," her hands went to turn on the air conditioning, the gentle breeze of cool air providing relief, "there you go. better?"

you nod, "much better, thanks."

"wanna play some music?" she asks, holding her phone up.

"hmm, you can put whatever you want on. i wanna see what type of music you're into."

"okay," ellie says with a wide smile, "suit yourself."

approaching a stop light, ellie uses the window of opportunity to tap away on her phone, searching for her favorite song. the song 'the spins' by mac miller plays throughout the car at a mellow volume.

"great taste. i love this song," you chime.

"yeah? me too," ellie states, "i loved mac miller since like, forever."

eyes gravitating towards ellie, you couldn't help but get lost in a daze at the way she drives, the slight spread in her legs, one hand on the wheel, the stray strand of hair that falls in her face — she was dangerous.

and ellie could feel the burning gaze you were searing on the side of her face, "you okay there?"

"hmm?"

"you keep staring at me."

"oh— uh— i'm sorry. i didn't mean to—" you sputtered, ashamed that you'd been caught red-handed.

"it's fine, baby, no worries. just wanted to know if there was anything on your mind was all," ellie briefly tears her eyes away from the road to check on you.

you had to quickly think of an excuse, something to save you from this embarrassment — "just thinking of where we're going."

the girl chuckles, "well, we're already here."

the neon lights were the first thing that caught your attention, then the rapidly moving contraptions, and lastly the laughter from the crowds of people.

"we're at the carnival?!" you squealed, unable to contain your excitement.

"yea," ellie muttered sheepishly, "uh— i saw on your instagram how you shared the posts about wanting to go on your story, so i-"

you cut her off with a forceful hug, "oh my god! ellie! we have to get out now! let's go, let's go, let's go!!"

"alright, baby, let me put the car in park-" she began, but you were already halfway down the entrance.

-

"wow! ellie! that one was so fun! it was exhilarating!" you breathed out, fueled by the rush of adrenaline pumping through your veins after riding the 'slingshot' rollercoaster.

ellie couldn't be any more amused, smiling down at you, "yeah? you liked that one, babe?"

"yes! i loved it!" you squealed, but as the adrenaline wavered, you began to feel that familiar rumble in your stomach, "it did give me an appetite, though."

"wanna get a little something to eat?" ellie's hand is securely interlaced with yours, guiding you towards the various food stands.

you nod, "mhm, i am starved."

"just tell me what you want, and i'll get it for you, m'kay?" she gives you a smile and squeezes your hand as your eyes scan the numerous items to choose from.

corndogs. cotton candy. kettle corn. pretzels. chilli cheese hot dogs. funnel cake.

"hmmm, i think i want some funnel cake," you suggest, "we can share it."

"sounds good to me," ellie shrugs and you both fall in line. she orders and pays for the sweet treat and the worker hands her the food, as you find a vacant picnic table to sit at.

digging into the crispy, creamy treat, you couldn't hold back the moan of delight that came from your mouth.

"oh my god! this is amazing!" you moan, whip cream getting all over your lips.

ellie was too busy hyper-fixating on the cream that sat on your lip, and before thinking about anything else, she swiped it off your bottom lip with the pad of her thumb, bringing it to her lips and sucking it clean.

"mmm, delicious," she commented, then consumed the dessert as if nothing had happened.

leaving you stunned, you gulped the cup of water she gave you, attempting to soothe the heat seeping down below.

"so, which ride do you wanna get on next?" ellie spooned more of the funnel cake in her mouth, looking up at you, awaiting your response.

"not sure, why don't you choose? i picked the last one after all," you clean your spoon off, getting every last bit of leftover ice cream.

"we can ride theeee..." ellie scours the carnival rides, "...the haunted hospital."

your heart fell to your stomach, you hated anything related to horror.

"oh no..ellie, i don't think i'll be able to ride that—"

"are you scared?" she taunts in a playful tone.

"yes. i'd be covering my eyes the entire time, el."

"good thing you have me with you, i'll fight anyone who gets too close to you. promise."

"fine."

when you both finish the funnel cake, you quickly discard it and ellie rushes you over to the line to the haunted attraction, but as the line goes by quicker than you anticipated, the fear began to set in deeper and deeper.

"ellie, i'm scared," you whisper as you both approach the front of the line, watching the people in front of you climb into the little mechanical car and disappear into the darkness.

"hey, i'm here, baby," she coos, rubbing your back, "besides, it's all fake, okay? 's not real."

and on cue, the attendant calls you both up, "next!"

walking slowly towards the black cart, you get on first and take a seat, with ellie following closely behind you.

"alright, hands up," the attendant commands as the handlebars latch down and lock onto your lap, "keep your hands and feet in the cart at all times. have fun."

as the cart begins to move forward and ascend into blackness, you curl into ellie's body and her arm instinctively wraps around your body, holding you tight.

this is exactly where ellie wanted you, up close and personal. she wanted an excuse to hold you all night, and after seeing the 'haunted hospital' sign, she knew this ride was the perfect place to do that.

your heart was pumping in and out of your chest, preparing for the worse to pop out and jump-scare you.

"ugh, i can't look," you stammer, covering your eyes. ellie takes hold of your wrists, gently taking them away from your face.

"hey, just focus on me, okay?" ellie whispers, her hot breath fanning in your face, "it's just me and you."

"o-okay."

and the fear that took habitat in your belly faded away, your mind zeroed in on ellie and how close she was to you. if you even breathed too hard, you probably would’ve accidentally kissed her.

but luckily for you, ellie was five steps ahead.

she reached her hand out to cup your cheek, resting it on the soft, warm skin of your face.

"can i kiss you?" ellie asked, her mouth taking over her brain, but she didn't mind it. she wanted to kiss you. she's been wanting to kiss you ever since she heard your voice that night she accidentally called you.

“please. please, kiss me.”

leaning in, ellie pressed her lips on yours, her other hand snaking around your waist, pulling you in closer. her lips were soft and inviting, and they tasted sweet — they were definitely a good distraction from the horror props popping out at different intervals. 

her lips leave subtle pecks along your lips, enamored by how your lips tasted, and how it left her wanting more. 

ellie pulls away, inciting a small whimper from you, “the ride’s about to end, babe.” 

“hmph, okay,” you pout and ellie pecks your lips again.

“we’ll have plenty of time to continue later,” she reassures you with a laugh. as the both of you emerge into the light, back to the entrance of the attraction, you notice your lipgloss smeared all over her lips, eliciting a small giggle from you.

“what’s so funny?” 

you point to her lips, and her eyes dart down to her face, using her sleeves to wipe off the pink gloss from her mouth as you both get off the ride. 

you smile sheepishly, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear as you both stroll around the carnival, “sorry, that was my fault.”

ellie smiles and shakes her head, “don’t worry ‘bout it,” she says coolly, “hey, let’s go over there. there’s no line.” 

pointing to an attraction behind you, you turn around and follow her trail, your eyes settling on the ferris wheel.

hand in hand, you both get on the little capsule of the ferris wheel, the employee holding it sturdy so you and ellie would have time to climb in. 

they latched the door closed and you both begin the slow, upward descent. 

“wow, the view is beautiful,” you breathe out, astounded by how pretty the lights looked in the city as you towered over the area below. 

“yeah, the view certainly is beautiful, huh?” ellie murmured, but she wasn’t staring at the view. her eyes were on you, taking in how breathtaking you looked in this moment — eyes glimmering in amusement, perfect, plump lips slightly parted, and hair a bit messy from the breeze, but framing your face in all the right places. she took her phone out, snapping a quick picture, never wanting to forget this moment. 

she moved seats, before, sitting on the bench facing you, and now sitting right beside you. 

“uh, there’s something i have to tell you,” ellie began, her nerves shocking every cell in her body.

“yea? what is it?” you ask, turning to face her, “is everything okay?”

“yeah, yeah, i just—” ellie bit her lip nervously, “i just really like you. like, i think about you all the time. when i first heard your voice that night i dialed you, i just knew i had to talk to you again. there’s just something about you that always brings me back and— fuck, i never thought i’d find myself catching feelings so hard for a girl before.” 

your cheeks were hurting from how wide your smile was, but you didn’t care. ellie put her arm around your shoulder and held your hand with her free one, leaning in closer.

“what i’m trying to say is that— i really, really want to be with you. i want to be the one who you tell the weird stories about your clients to and i want to be the one to take care of you after a long day at class. i want to be the one who protects you and who you share your favorite meal with. i just— i really want you to be my girlfriend,” and before ellie continues any further, you cut her off with a kiss.

“if this is your way of asking me to be your girlfriend, the answer is yes, ellie williams,” you answer, briefly pulling away for air. 

ellie’s smile grows wider, “cool,” she quirks before connecting your lips again. 

- 

the sun was long gone and the moon had taken over the night sky. but your date with ellie was far from over. 

after spending an evening filled with thrill rides and greasy, fried snacks, you and ellie both decided to calm things down by taking a walk along the boardwalk, occasionally strolling up and down the pier.

“would you say this has been a good date so far?” ellie’s eyes flitter toward you, her arm slung over your shoulder as you stride down the various closed stores and restaurants of the boardwalk. it was empty, only one or two people passing by, but other than that it was only you two. 

“mmm, i’d give it a…six out of ten,” you tease, gaining a scoff from your new girlfriend. 

“a six? seriously?” she shakes her head, “damn, not the response i was hoping for.” 

“i’m just kidding, els,” you giggle, “this date has been amazing. i loved every bit of it. thank you.”

you lean over and press a small kiss on her cheek, watching how the vermilion scatters across her freckles.

“now that’s more like it.” ellie laughs, continuing the promenade forward, with no destination in mind.

your eyes settle on this small, old-fashioned photo booth tucked away in a corner of the boardwalk. the sign above it flashing ‘PHOTOS: 4 different poses’. it was the perfect idea to end the night and have a little souvenir to remember your first date.

you let go of her hand, dashing towards the photo booth, ellie confusedly following after you. you open your bag, searching for some change, and you insert four quarters into the small coin slot. 

“let's go inside,” you enthuse, excited to try out the photo booth.

ellie went inside first, taking a seat on the extremely small bench, barely leaving any space for you to sit beside her. the booth was such a tight enclosure, only allowing enough space for a maximum of two people. 

“i— uh— don’t know where to—” you stammer, but she interrupts you as she grabs your hips, sitting you down on her right thigh.

warmth rose to your face, feeling secure and sturdy sat upon her leg. ellie closed the black curtain, covering the entrance and blocking any light that would shine through. 

“okay, we have three minutes and four poses,” you say, turning your neck to look down at her, “what should our poses be?”

“i dunno, i’m sure we’ll look great doing any. we can jus’ do them as we go along,” ellie shrugged, and the photo booth began to count down from five.

sitting up straight in her lap and fixing your hair, you and ellie put on a smile, and the light flashes white, signaling the end of the first pose.

for the second pose, you turn your head and plant your lips on ellie’s cheek as ellie scrunches her nose up, and the flash lights up for a second time.

for the third pose, you loop your arm over ellie’s shoulder, and you both look each other in with adoring eyes and loving smiles — flash.

you both couldn’t even bother getting ready for the final pose, too lost in each other’s admiring gazes to think properly. you were focused on the jade green of ellie’s eyes, wishing you could jump in and swim in the pools of emerald. ellie was hooked on your face, and memorizing every detail like her life depended on it — tracing her eyes over your pouty lips. 

and as the countdown went to one, ellie smashed her lips onto yours, her arms tightening around your waist to pull you closer. this kiss was different from the ones from before — there was urgency, there was eagerness, there was a burning passion, one you’ve never experienced before. 

her tongue shoves into your mouth, tasting the mint you’ve chewed previously. immodest and perhaps, pornographic wet sounds from your mouths resonate throughout the small photobooth. one of her hands trail from your hips towards your tits, groping the soft, pillowy flesh underneath your baby blue dress, eliciting the faintest of whimpers — a sound ellie has been dying to hear again.

you couldn’t help the arousal building up in your core, compelling you to grind your crotch against the denim fabric of her jeans. 

“e-ellie, i— i’ve never—” you struggle to let out, pulling away from her lips, a trail of spit lingering on your bottom lip, and her lips plant sloppy, wet kisses along the side of your neck. 

“we can stop if you want, sweet girl,” she murmurs against your skin, and you quickly shake your head.

“n-no, don’t stop, p-please,” you gulp and with your approval, ellie’s other hand goes down to hike your dress up, bunching the fabric up around your waist. her hands push your legs apart, and she lifts one of your thighs up to rest on the wall of the photo booth. you were exposed, the only thing concealing your bare, pussy was the thin fabric of your panties.

she sat back against the corner of the booth, leaning against the wall and allowing you space to lean against her body as well. her hand cupped your panty-covered crotch, rubbing against it.

the sudden friction made you jolt, your breath picking up, “b-but what if— what if someone hears us? or—or sees us?”

“then you better keep it down, pup.”

ellie’s hand slips inside your panties, her index finger sliding between the warmth of your folds, drowning in the wet, hot juices leaking out from you, “fuck.”

you let out a pitiful whine, needing more pressure, craving satisfaction. the nights after that call with ellie, your own fingers no longer sufficed the needs your body demanded. you tried so hard to replicate the same feeling ellie gave you that late evening, but there was no avail as you realized the only person who can truly serve your body correctly was ellie. 

“p-please, more,” you begged, hoping she would show you mercy and give you what you wanted.

“please, what? huh? use your fuckin’ manners,” she snides in your ear, breath fanning against your neck. you immediately knew what she was inferring.

“please, daddy, please. i want more,” you bucked your hips up to her hands, and she happily obliged. two of ellie’s fingers made their way to your throbbing and swollen clit, applying pressure as her digits created circles. 

you couldn’t suppress the moan that emerged from your throat, clamping a hand shut over your mouth, careful not to alert any strangers nearby, knowing people would still be able to hear despite the thin, black curtain covering the photo booth.

“you look s’ fuckin’ pretty,” ellie whispers against your neck, and her hand grabs your jaw, turning your head to look at her as she smushes her lips against your swollen, red lips. 

a stream of melodious moans vibrated against ellie’s mouth, and she was drinking it in, savoring the sound of you against her lips. the way ellie’s tongue fucked your mouth felt ungodly, and almost immoral. someone who harbors the power to make you feel how you do is something close to the devil, as pleasure this wonderful was sinful.

her fingers disappear from your clit, leaving you feeling empty. 

“open.” ellie orders and you part your lips. she pushes her fingers in your mouth, and you suck them clean, your tongue lapping the salty juices like a puppy desperate for water on a hot day.

“such a good fuckin’ girl, shiiit,” ellie praises, slipping her fingers in your pussy, continuing the circles on your hardened clit.

“you know what good girls like you get? huh?” ellie’s fingers pick up speed, “they get to cum. you wanna cum for daddy, baby?”

unable to think of any response, you nod your head up and down. 

“use your words, pup.”

“yes, daddy. puppy wants to cum,” you whine out. that was enough for ellie to give you what you wanted. one hand rubbing circles your clit, her other hand pushes your panties to the side and inserts one finger in your leaking hole, gently sliding it in and out.

“ellie!” you cry out, astounded by the added pressure. her finger was long and filled you up almost, completely. 

“gotta stretch you out, baby. get you ready for my cock,” ellie smirks as she slowly adds in another finger, still maintaining her slow, neutral pace. 

your pussy clenches around her fingers, and you scrambled around to grab ahold of anything you can get your hands on. you were drunk on ellie, the way she talks to you — almost condescending — combined with how she had you writhing under her fingers. you were unequivocally hers. you were ellie’s.

she added a third finger to your clit, applying more pressure on your sensitive clit, and her fingers began to pump faster inside your pussy, coating it in a thick, creamy layer of your juices.

“god, you’re such a pretty fuckin’ girl,” ellie kisses the side of your neck, “look at you, making a mess all over my hands, like a filthy pup.”

all your mouth would utter was these weak, pathetic whimpers and moans, fucked out dumb and stupid. you don’t even think you could remember your name right now. 

the familiar feeling of your orgasm coming undone begins to rise, accompanied by a new pressure you feel in your abdomen — the urge to push. 

“daddy, think m’ gonna— p—pee,” you stammer, not wanting to embarrass yourself and closing your legs, “it feels like i have to—”

“baby, let it happen. promise it’s not piss or anything,” ellie reassured, figuring this was your first time squirting. “just let go, sweet girl.”

the sweet sounds of your wet pussy echoed throughout the confined spaces of the booth, just how ellie liked it. it was music to her ears. 

the feeling of your walls tightening around her fingers told her that you were just right on the edge, and she was going to give you that push to fall over and come undone all over her hands.

the pad of ellie’s fingers massaged figure eights on your pussy, almost tracing infinity signs on your clit. her fingers found rhythm and continued thrusting her index and middle fingers inside you, curling up to rub the flesh of your walls, hitting just the right spot and emitting an angelic moan from you. 

ellie was in heaven and she had this honey-sweet angel melting under her touch. 

you squirmed in her lap, your back instinctively arching, about to come apart in this small photo booth.

“daddy, i’m about to— can i? can i cum? pretty please?” you cried out, almost pleading, like you were begging for your life, but you felt like you were going to simply die if you didn’t finish right now. 

“yes, pretty baby, cum all over me,” ellie coaxes you through your orgasm, “make a fuckin’ mess, puppy.”

you came undone, falling apart right there. your pussy clamped around her fingers, a stream of milky-white cream trickling onto her hands. your body overcame your thoughts, and you pushed out — releasing a gush of watery, squirt all over the place. spurting out, imitating a fountain.

ellie pulled her hands out of you, and brought them to her mouth, sucking and licking them clean. still coming down from the high that was your orgasm, your breaths came out heavy and unlabored, a tear falling down out of the corner of your eye and streaming down your cheek. 

“you alright, babe?” ellie asked, fixing your panties and pulling your dress down.

“y-yea, i’m okay,” you stutter, standing up and exiting the photo booth, finding the boardwalk still deserted. legs still shaking, you trip over your own feet and lean on the walls of the booth for support. ellie took hold of your waist, ensuring you don’t fall.

“hey, look, our picture,” she points out, taking the strip out from the slot and showing the black and white photo to you. 

ellie smiles at the strip, “we look good, huh?”

you nod, still simmering down. ellie takes notice of your state and plants a kiss to your lips, rubbing your waist soothingly. 

“how ‘bout we get outta here and get some real food? sound good, baby?”

you nod, smiling, “sounds perfect.”

🫶🏼

[nerdieforpedro]

Nerdie! What's the best date a PP character could surprise you with?

Melly, I thought very deeply on this question. Pondering, plotting a bit maybe in my head of course.

Truthfully, I am a simple woman. A PP character popping up and asking me on a date is the surprise itself and they could tel me we're going to McDonald's and splitting a happy meal because they have a coupon and I'd still giggle like I won the lottery. 😆

Frankie Morales would be the one to convince me to get in a helicopter. Planes I'm fine in, those helicopters seem to shake and look scary, but I'd trust him. Wouldn't even make him do a pee test. I'd just need to check his pupils with my penlight though. We can have a drink after to calm my nerves.

Marcus Pike would take me to some restaurant where you actually need a proper date outfit and not scrubs or leggings. We would need to go shopping on our way there or knowing him, he'd bring me an outfit in my size (how did you know sir, I don't think that's a skill for art crime?) And I'd eat foods I can't pronounce, maybe they'd be a bit spicy, but it would still be fun because I'd be trying new foods with Marcus who is a foodie.

Joel Miller would take me on a picnic. Because it won't require much cooking. That's dangerous territory for Joel and I'm not trying to die Mr. Miller. Ham sandwiches, assortment of juices, water and soda, Pringles chips (because he knows those are the only ones I will eat) something chocolate (cake, candy, pudding, brownies, etc) but not peanuts in the chocolate. It's offensive to the chocolate. We can sit out in nature and just chill, chat and maybe, just maybe, he'll let me play with hair. Like a little. Just a little Joel!

Speaking of chill, a date with Dieter would start off with some edibles while we travel somewhere. Air boat ride, go-carts, drag brunch, somewhere you would not expect for a date but it would still be s fun. He would encourage me to 'relax' and try some of whatever is in his stash. Mushrooms? Pills? Music notes? A powder? Who knows? Clothes will come off not for sexual reasons, but because we're both hot because we're high, then we're wet because it was a bright idea to jump in a pool. Now we're soggy, go shopping for new clothes. I finally my own Dieter robe and pajama pants. He won't let me get a shirt though, insists I wear a glitter tank top with the word 'moist' on it because I lost a game of go fish. We end on karaoke (I enjoy karaoke if they have songs I like) and ramen. Huge bowel of ramen. Followed by ice cream. Lots of laughing and then we sleep in a pillow fort where we need to help each other up off the floor. Then it's time for some biofreeze, icy hot, tiger balm, lidocaine, something. I can rub it there Dee but we gotta shower first. I'm unsure if we did after the pool and I'm not okay with that, but I was high. So let's wash though, it's itchy in this fort. 😎

A date with Din would be include the RazorCrest, because I wanna go into space. I mean Din's going to have to tell me how to be safe in space, but I wanna go. I would also ask that he let me try his cape out so I can swish it around. Maybe I'll get a laugh out of him but either way, I'm going to make that cape flourish. I'd also ask him questions about Mandalorian culture so I can just listen to him explain stuff to me, his voice echoing in the ship. Hehe 🥰 Maybe he'll even let me hold his hand and touch the beskar, if I can ask without sounding completely crazy.

I don't know how a date with Javier Pena would go. I don't feel like I'm cool enough to hang with Javi. We might go to a club or a bar, somewhere you can dance. I also can't dance, so this maybe isn't the best idea, but a few drinks will make me think I'm a better dancer and we may have fun. 🤣

I also would not know how a date with Dave York would go either. He'd too busy with his...contracts, let's say. His would be the most surprising because he's likely to break in when I'm either writing, watching TV, taking a nap, playing a game or otherwise doing some not cool thing that I find highly enjoyable. We're going to someplace I can't mention and he may blindfold me so I don't know the way there. My sense of direction is pretty poor so there's really no need for that Dave. It's going to be a classy place similar to Marcus and he would need to get me an outfit for that too, but I think he's also going to put me to work as a distraction or helping out with a contract because I have fingerprints that read very poorly. (I needed to be fingerprinted 3 times for my nursing license to the point they said - 'meh, just forget it and keep and ear out from the state board.') Then he'll drop me at home and tell me until next time and give me my cut of the money. Best paying date ever. 🫡

Javi G and I are having a movie marathon at his place in Majorca. I have a passport and I can pack fairly quickly. May do a walk on the beach to get out of the house. Not leaving unless he lets me fluff his hair. I will fight him and pin him down. Which is a lot but that gorgeous mane is worth it. 🤭

My bad Melly, I went into some Dieter, Din and Dave brain rot here. 😚 Hopefully you giggled and I maybe answered your question.

[pars-ley]

Bare yourself (part three)

Pairing: CEO Jimin x female reader

Summary: After a serious hack from your office building, fingers start being pointed but in which direction is the right one and where will that leave you and your boss, Jimin?

Genre: CEO au / smut / angst / series / workplace au / strangers to lovers au / boss/employee au

Rating: 18+ (NSFW)

Warnings: Phone sex / Masturbation m and f / Police interrogation / Explicit language / CEO Jimin

Word count: 3.5k

Beta: @erotikkook thank you!

Notes: Ok, so this took me a ridiculously long time to finish, life is manic but here's the next chapter. Thank you for being patient. Hope you all enjoy!

Taglist: @jungkooksbroski @unoriginal-username15432 @yoobikook @vonvi-blog @itsohhonney @kpopnoobsstuff @namyoongles @btsmosphere @autumnbear @ownthesunshine @btstista​

"Miss l/n, we know the hack came from inside the building. All I want to do is find out who's responsible. Which means I need your cooperation." Detective Kim Namjoon peers at you over the frames of his dark glasses. 

"And like I've said, you have my full cooperation. I cannot tell you anything more than I already have." You respond leaning forward on the table, desperate for him to believe you.

He slumps back in his seat and sighs. "Miss l/n, we can't keep doing this back and forth routine. I-"

"Sir, I love my job and I love this company," you interrupt. "I also think very highly of my boss, I. Would. Not. Do. This."

"How high?"

You freeze at his sudden change of questioning. "What?"

"How high?" He repeats. "Is something going on between you two?"

You straighten your back, looking at him through narrowed eyes, feeling the rock of a lie settle in your stomach and weigh you down. "Mr. Kim, I am a professional."

He puts both his hands up in surrender. "No offense intended ma'am. It's just that some of your other coworkers seem quite smitten with him."

You almost roll your eyes, knowing you were probably just as dreamy eyed as your co-workers but too proud to admit it.

"Oh, and they did mention the two of you cosying up at a recent work party."

You resist the urge to swallow as your heart pounds violently inside you, panic squeezing your pumping organ in a vice grip. You thought no one had noticed your exchange or your absence when you both left.  

"We were talking, yes. He offered me a promotion and wanted to discuss it."

He looks impressed. "Wow, what a good opportunity, he must trust you a lot."

"He did." 

"Until this?" He scrubs a hand over his smooth face and you nod.

"Um-hm. What would you say you could hack into?"

You frown, not understanding the question. "Sorry?"

"Could you hack just about anything?"

Thinking about it you shrug, "Most things I'd say."

"Even something as impenetrable as this program?"

You laugh. "Sir, I designed the security portion of this program, I wouldn't need to hack into it." You lean forward again. "Let me explain something to you, if I were to do something like this, I would have been in and out without anyone knowing. I would know how to cover my tracks without being detected."

You pause rubbing your temples, "If you ask me, this was done by someone with a limited knowledge of hacking and computers. Either that or this person is trying to frame someone in the company. They're your two options."

He smiles at you, two dimples forming an endearing crevice in his cheeks.

"They told me you were smart."

You rub your face ignoring his remark. "I have been here for hours. Am I free to go or are you going to charge me with something?"

"Just one more question. What were you doing last night?"

Your heart stutters before pounding guiltily against your ribcage, with every beat you're almost sure you can hear Jimin's name. Ji-min. Ji-min.

Folding your hands in your lap to disguise you pinching your wrist under the table, trying to do anything to keep your hectic mind calm as you know you have to lie.

"I was at home."

"Alone?" 

The smirk he gives you makes your stomach churn, as if he can see right through you and your lies, as if he can see everything that transpired last night flashing behind your eyes. 

"Yes." Your voice comes out raspy, a sudden dry patch in your throat makes you swallow involuntarily.

"Run me through your evening." He sinks lower into his seat, you're almost waiting for him to pull out a footstool and put his feet up.

"We set up the project, waited for it to go live-"

"Who's we?"

"My team, myself and Mr. Park."

He nods and gestures a hand for you to continue.

"Once it was live, we monitored it for a few hours, checked everything was in working order and most of my team went home for the night. It was pretty late by then."

He jots your account down on his laptop, the keys clicking furiously as you speak.

"What time is 'late'?"

"Around 10ish."

He raises his brows. "Is that a typical work day for you?"

You shake your head. "No, it was only because we wanted to make sure everything went ok with the go live, a few tweaks and adjustments had to be made, nothing major."

He nods, eyes focused on his screen. "Is that usual at the end of a project, tweaks and adjustments?" 

You shrug. "Sometimes yes, on big projects, sometimes you can't see certain errors until a go live."

"Ok, so it's 10 o'clock and your team have gone home, leaving you and Mr. Park. What happened next?"

You massage your temples. "We spoke in his office."

"About what?"

Your hand slams down on the table, an action you didn't intend. "Is that relevant?"

He looks up startled, then smiles. "Why? Have I touched a nerve?"

You resist the urge to lean across the table and pound your fist into his smug face and instead lean back in your seat with your arms folded, an attempt at shielding yourself. "We spoke about the project and the result. It seemed to be successful, at the time, so we had a celebratory night cap."

He shoves his laptop aside, leaning forward on his elbows, ears pricked and ready. "Let me get this straight. You and the - forgive me - handsome Mr. Park are alone in the building, in his office and having a night cap, late at night?"

"Yes." You reply bluntly, the arrogance of him, so sure he'll find your lie, flaming your veins with rage.

"Does Mr. Park regularly have his colleagues in his office for a night cap?"

"I wouldn't know sir, I'm not his secretary."

"Even if you were, she'd have gone home hours ago, according to you." He pauses watching you, his eyes so intense they feel smothering-suffocating. 

His stare eases, releasing you from its hold. "Ok continue, what happened after your night cap?" He relaxes and goes back to typing. 

You breathe a sigh of relief, air feeling light and free again.

"We talked, I finished my drink, then I went home."

"How did you get home?"

You pause. If you lie, they're bound to see the footage of you and Jimin leaving the building together, with you getting into his car. 

"Miss l/n? How did you get home?" 

Here he goes looking expectantly over the rim of his glasses again.

"Mr. Park gave me a ride home."

And there was that infuriating smirk again. "Is that so? Was his driver there or did Mr. Park do the driving?"

You feel the heat on the back of your neck as you're reminded of how Jimin's hands felt on your skin, hot and eager in the back of the car. "His driver took me."

"With Mr. Park."

You nod slowly. 

"And I suppose he just said goodnight and off you went?"

"You're correct, sir." 

"And Mr. Park will vouch for this story of yours?" He taps his bottom lip with the pen he just pulled out of his pocket.

You nod. "He will because it's the truth." You're both praying and hoping you'd have a chance to speak to Jimin before he got interviewed...if he hasn't been already. God, if they found out you were lying about this, it would make you look so guilty.

"Uh-huh. One other thing…"

Fighting the frustrated growl boiling up inside you, you give him a false smile.

"Do you have any idea why someone would want to hack this software?"

You mull it over briefly, "I would imagine, seeing as it's a security breach for information, that it's to steal. Most of our clients are..." you struggle to find the appropriate wording.

"Rich." He intejects.

You nod agreeing.

"Ummm." He adds watching you, before sitting up and closing his laptop abruptly. "Ok, miss l/n, you're free to go. But we'll be in touch, I assure you." 

He stands up and you quickly follow him out of the room. When he shows you the direction the exit is in he turns to face you and holds out a hand. 

"It's been a pleasure, miss l/n, I know you probably won't be able to say the same, nevertheless." He shakes your hand with a half smile causing the dimple to return, somehow completely softening his face.

You nod and leave as quickly as your tired body will let you.

The cool, night air hitting your face immediately calms your panicked mind. You need to speak to Jimin but it might not be safe to do so.

"Are you ok, y/n?" A deep voice sounds from beside you, silencing all your other chaotic thoughts.

You spin and see Taehyung leaning casually against the pillar of the building smoking.

You relax at the sight of a familiar face. Jimin's personal assistant has always been friendly and kind towards you. You weren't sure but rumours in your company suggested that the two of them were even brothers, although you doubted it as they didn't resemble each other in the slightest.

"Yeah, glad to be out of there though." You reply, massaging the back of your neck.

"I bet, you've been in there a long time. I saw you leave to go to the station with them hours ago."

You nod. "It's been a long and very trying day. Are you waiting to be interviewed?"

He nods, taking a long drag, you watch as the end illuminates orange. 

"Well, I hope they don't keep you in there too long."

"They shouldn't. I've been away, only got back last night. Don't see how much use I can be to them."

He flicks his cigarette into the road and closes the distance between you.

"Listen, if there's anything you need or if you just want to talk or rant, anything. Don't hesitate to give me a call." He hands you his card. "This is a tough situation for everyone, we all need someone every now and then."

His bright, boxy grin has your mouth upturning before you know it. You thank him and hail and cab. Glancing at him, you see him watching you as the car drives away, unsure as to whether he's flirting or you're reading too much into it and he's being his usual cheerful self.

You shrug it off. All you can think of is getting home, running a nice, hot bath and forgetting this day ever happened.

*****

Back to reality as you sit with your silk robe wrapped around you, your laptop positioned neatly on your thighs, going through every possible way someone could have hacked into this, looking for how they got in. 

But nothing made sense, this was definitely not a hack done by someone with limited knowledge as you originally thought. 

There was no trace of anything left behind, no mark that anyone had even been in. Which only means, the hack had to be someone with inside knowledge of the project already, it definitely wasn't an outside hacker.

A more alarming finding was discovering the computer used for the hack was actually yours.

But why make it so obvious where the hack took place and which computer...unless...someone is trying to frame you. This wasn't something you had realistically considered. 

If you were honest, no one was even jumping out at you as a suspect. You trusted everyone in your team and everyone who helped on this project.

You sigh, massaging your temples as you try to clear your mind.

A harsh knock on the door makes you jump and you glance at your phone. 

02.31.

Who on earth would be knocking at this hour?

You head over, opening the door slightly with the chain still pulled tight across, to see a man; hat pulled down covering his eyes, standing there handing you a small, brown package through the gap.

"It's from Jimin." He says quietly. You watch his mouth - the only part of his face you can see - stretch into a gummy smile, before turning and exiting the building. 

Bewildered, you close the door and rip open the box. Staring at its contents and searching for some kind of note explaining what on earth this is for. 

A phone. 

What are you supposed to do with it?

You take it out, examining it and noticing the mistletoe background. Just like the mistletoe you first kissed Jimin under.

You jump out of your skin, fear firing an ice bolt right through you as it lights up and starts ringing.

Hesitantly, you answer. "Hello?"

"Y/n," Jimin's breathy voice sounds in your ear and sends a scattering of goosebumps across your skin. "I'm sorry for the cloak and dagger but I'm unsure if I'm being watched."

"By the police?" You ask, worried at the urgency in his voice.

"Not just them. Listen," he starts before you can interject. "I want you to know that no matter how it seems or what I say in front of other people, I do believe that you had nothing to do with this hack."

The relief that floods you has your shoulders relaxing instantly, not even aware they were tense. "I am glad to hear you say that, thank you."

"I also want to apologise, I did not mean for your involvement with me to put you at risk of any trouble."

You frown, trying to make sense of his words. "I really don't see how the two are connected."

He sighs and the urge you have to comfort him, to wrap your arms around him until his stress is eased, almost has you putting on your shoes and coat. "It doesn't matter. Things are complicated with me and it wasn't fair for me to drag you into that."

"Hey, hey," you sit down on the edge of your bed. "You didn't drag me anywhere. I'm a big girl Jimin, I can make my own decisions, last night being one of them and I definitely do not have any regrets about that."

You're met with silence as you find yourself fiddling with the bedsheets, reminiscing his touch. 

"I most definitely do not regret it either." He finally says. You think you can hear a slight smile in his voice. "That was a moment I had wanted for longer than I care to admit."

His unexpected confession causes a furious blush to creep up your chest.

"I wish I could see you." The desperation in his voice makes you hot underneath your robe.

"Why don't you come over?" You ask, hesitantly biting your lower lip.

"I wish I could, lord knows I do, but I can't risk it, for your sake." 

You collapse back on the bed in frustration, his scent jumps up and captures you, pulling your mind into filthy places. "My bed sheets still smell like you." You say the words before thinking them through. 

"Do they?" His voice is suddenly husky and full of want. "And what is going through that impressive mind of yours?" 

"You are. Your touch, your taste, how I wish to feel your perfect lips on me again." Your hand makes its way down to open your robe, cool air hitting your skin and puckering your nipples.

"Hmm-mm, and what are you doing while you're thinking about me?" He asks.

"What do you want me to do, Jimin?" You accentuate his name, knowing how much he loves it when you say it.

"Touch yourself." He whispers.

You waste no time in obeying, as your fingers travel quickly down to your throbbing clitorous. The feel of your fingertips massaging your sweet bud makes you moan.

"Oh god, this makes me want to see you even more." He groans. 

You use the phone to snap a quick photo of your actions and send it to the number you're on the line too. "Incoming message, sir." You say teasingly.

"Oh, fuck," he says in the distance and instantly followed by the sound of his trouser zipper being undone. "You make me crazy." His voice is right back at your ear.

"Jimin, I wish it was my mouth around your rock hard cock." 

"Me too, angel. God, what I wouldn't give to feel you around me. Tell me, what would you want me to do to you?" He grunts, the sound of him pleasuring himself causes a gush of arousal to spill from your eager hole and you spread it over yourself.

"I'd want your mouth on me...everywhere, tasting just how wet I am for you." You pant.

"Just for me?" 

"Yes, all for you." You lightly trace circles over your swollen sweet spot, toes curling when he breathes your name down the phone.

"I want to be inside you, again." 

"Anytime, anywhere, just tell me." You whisper, that undeniable build up already at peak point. "I'm going to cum." 

"That's it angel, cum with me." 

You unravel, back arching off the bed and burying your face into the sheets, relishing his scent. You hear him orgasm, repeating your name continuously. It makes you smile inside and it makes you feel powerful knowing how much he wants you.

"I have to say," he says, after you both get your breath back. "That was not the reason for me sending the phone."

You can't help but laugh at that. "What was the reason?"

He sighs again. "Mostly, to apologise and to have a way to speak to you that I know is safe. We have to be careful, now."

"Why, what are you so worried about?"

A long pause. "I can't," you can almost hear his inner turmoil, the fight with himself. "I'm just trying to protect you. You don't need to be involved."

You're about to argue but something inside you stills. If you push someone like Jimin too much, he'll only clam up further, he'll open up when he's ready...you hope.

"Keep this phone on, ok?" He pleads.

"More late night phone sex?" You tease, chewing your lip.

"I wouldn't say no," he laughs. "I do, however, just want to be able to talk to you, if that's ok?" 

You nod and realise he can't see that. "Of course, anytime."

"I wouldn't say that, you'll never get me off the phone." 

You feel yourself smiling like a cheshire cat, feeling like a lovesick school girl again. What has this man reduced you to?

"Goodnight y/n. Sleep well, angel." He hangs up the phone, leaving your heart stuttering and your stomach flipping with excitement. The prospect of something new on the horizon, even with all the current problems you're facing, something still seeming positive might come out of this. All you can do is hope.

******

Getting ready for work the next morning you felt conflicted, part of you was on cloud nine, drifting blissfully along on nothing but hope and dreams. The other part was dreading the work day and what it could bring, plus you still had your own discreet investigating to do.

A harsh, yet cheerful rap on your door, startled you. 

Rushing to the door to see who it is, a small part clinging onto a chance it could be Jimin, only to be disappointed when you open the door and find detective Kim Namjoon staring back at you.

"Ah Miss l/n, I'm so glad I caught you before work, could I come in?" The same smug smile stretching his full lips as he leans casually against your door frame, his laptop hooked under his arm.

"Really? Right now, I'll be late for work." You reply, feeling a bit like a deer caught in headlights.

"That's ok, I've already informed your boss of your late arrival." He assures you cockily. "So, can I …?"

You grit your teeth and step out of the way, gesturing for him to enter. 

You watch as he studies every inch of your living area, peering into your bedroom.

"What is it I can help you with, detective?"

He turns to you, "Ah, yes of course." 

Setting his laptop down on your dining room table, hitting a few keys and spinning it round towards you. "You might want to sit down for this." He says, as he hits the play button.

You ignore him and watch. 

Video footage of your office building, of you walking to your office partition specifically. You watch yourself sit in the empty building, at your computer and leave again. You look up at the detective, confusion marring your brow and he simply taps the screen where the date and time stamp are.

You follow it, and re-read it at least three times, eyes open wider than ever, as if that'll somehow help you see different numbers.

The frown creases deeper into your forehead as your brain catches up with the fact that the video shows you, alone in the building, at the exact time and date of the hack. 

[escapewriter]

Hug

pairing : jihoon x reader

synopsis : the way to your boyfriend’s heart? obviously it would be singing to him.

genre : FLUFFFFF

word count : 1.8k

a/n : for mr birthday boy sir. lowkey this made me laugh a bit when i was writing but it made my heart melt at the same time. also the summary is crap cuz i didn’t know how to describe it. the story was better in my head a month ago.

svt written masterlist || main masterlist

“Happy Birthday Jihoon!”

“Happy Birthday man.”

“Birthday Happy Jihoon.”

“Thank you guys, thank you.” Jihoon smiled after blowing out the candles of his small birthday cake that his members got him.

“You sure you don’t want to go out and celebrate, Jihoon?” Seungcheol looked at the younger, not sure if he should force him or not.

“No, I’m okay staying in just this one time.” He smiled at his caring leader and the rest of his members, “Thank you guys for the cake and singing to me.”

Various of ‘of course’ and ‘how could we not?’ came out of their mouths as they began to bid him goodbye for the night.

It was 12am and Jihoon had no plans on sleeping tonight, well, not anytime soon at least. Sure it was his birthday, but he still had to work. It’s the same thing for the other members, it’s the same thing on Christmas, same thing on New Years. They have each other, but they never got time to spend it with their families or significant others.

In all honesty, Jihoon really had nothing planned because he finished everything that needed to be done, he just wanted free time. That’s where you come in.

You were currently finishing up the final touches to your gift for your boyfriend as you prepared to head out the door. Yes it was late, and knowing Jihoon, he’s going to make you spend the night for ‘safety reasons.’ He can deny it all he wants, but the man just wants to cuddle you all the time, so you packed some pajamas and toiletries.

Your phone began to buzz on your coffee table.

Jihoon : you on your way yet?

You : i’m just preparing your gift and then i’m heading over.

Jihoon : i told you, you didn’t need to buy me a gift YN.

You rolled your eyes. He says that every year, and what do you do? You don’t listen.

You : i know and i choose to ignore you. but believe me, you’re going to want this gift.

Jihoon didn’t know how to take in your words. Was it a bad gift that you’d enjoy watching him react to? Or was it a good gift?

Jihoon : i don’t know how to react to that, but hurry up.

You : be patient my darling, be patient. i’m on my way lmao.

Jihoon : drive safe

You got into your car and started the engine, driving down the streets of Seoul and to your boyfriends oh so messy (not really, thank you mingyu) dorm.

~

You got off the elevator, backpack on your left shoulder and Jihoon’s gift in your right hand. You sent him a text stating that you’re getting off the elevator, seeing his door open as light illuminated the dark hallway.

Reaching the door, you saw your boyfriend. “Hi, happy birthday my love,” You gave him a quick kiss on the cheek as he stepped aside, welcoming you into his home.

“Thank you baby.”

He grabbed your hand and pulled you away to his room before you could even greet the members who were in the living room. Once he shut the door, he laid on his bed as you set your backpack on the couch.

“You couldn’t let me greet the boys?” His gift was in your hand as he just stared at you. You sighed and softly tossed the box to the couch. You noticed his eyes follow your movement of the wrapped item, “You wanna open it now? Or do you want to ask about your significant other’s day?”

He looked up into your eyes, acting as if he doesn't want to open it right now, “How was your day sweetie?” He shot you an innocent smile as you rolled your eyes and took your shoes off before sitting up on his bed with your feet crossed.

“Ah forget it. It was the same old thing at school, nothing much happened.” He laughed at your attempt to stall so he would open the gift later.

“Hey, at least I made an effort.” You played with the blanket underneath you, staring at his guitar.

“You know, that isn’t the only gift I have prepared for you.” He raised his eyebrows in confusion as he sat up, leaning against the headboard.

“Oh? And is it in the box or just a separate thing?” You didn’t look at him as you continued to stare at his guitar, pursing your lips and nodding your head to signal him to look there. He looked at his guitar that was by his desk before his eyes widened, “Wait, YN. Are you actually planning on singing to me?”

You finally looked at him with big doe eyes, “Do you want me to?”

“Only if you’re comfortable.”

You got up and grabbed the guitar and carefully sat back done because you know Jihoon is about his guitar. “Well then,” you strummed a bit, feeling nerves bubble up in your chest, “I’m comfortable.”

Jihoon crossed his legs and rested his elbows in his knees as he watched you, excitement bubbling in his chest. He’s never heard you sing and he didn’t really ask you to until you mentioned that you played many instruments, one instrument being your voice. However, when he did ask, you became very shy and your stage fright began to show. Immediately, he calmed you down and never dared to ask you again.

He couldn’t believe this is happening right now as he watched you strum, getting used to the guitar.

“You should know this song, Jihoon. It would be nice if you sang along with me.” A blush rose to your cheeks as you looked down to the instrument on your lap. You took a deep breath, strumming the first cords of the song.

Secretly laughing, secretly crying

While hiding my state

The day that seems too much for me passes by

Jihoon’s eyes widened, not because of your song choice (although hug is the perfect song to sing) but because of your breath taking voice. He was completely mesmerized by the sound and passion behind it; he wished it would never end.

Today, too, the words can't be said

And can only be reflected in one's heart

It's hard, it's hard, it's hard

You looked up, seeing Jihoon being hypnotized and having his full blown attention on you. You smiled softly and continued to sing as if you never felt any nervousness.

Whenever it's hard

You can get a hug from me

I am the same

This feeling that he felt, is a feeling he always has when he’s with you. The love he felt as you sang to him, he thought that this is probably how his fans felt every time they performed for them. Finally, he joined you, deciding to give you back that same amount of love.

No matter how much you hide it

You know you can't hide it forever

So we can smile together

You smiled as you sang together, heart pounded and butterflies in your stomach. Your strumming stuttered a bit, slightly giggling as you both prepared for the next part.

Don't be sorry, don't worry

Don't be scared, now don't cry

You paused, wanting to hear his voice, and to feel the love because you know that even if he had a hard time saying it, he told you through music.

To me you are very precious

He scowled slightly as he saw your face light up when he sang by himself. How he loved to see your face light up like that, and if he had the power, he’d never let you feel heartbreak, only happiness.

You can tell me today was tough

You shut your mouth, wanting him to say his lines in the song and he knew from the look on your face that he couldn’t get out of this one. So he sang.

I am here, you suffered a lot

I love you

Jihoon looked up at you, seeing your glossy eyes.

I will hug you

You put down the guitar and immediately tackled Jihoon in a bear hug, holding onto him tightly as he wrapped his arms around you. He softly laughed as you buried your face into his chest. He felt his shirt dampen a bit as his eyebrows furrowed and he lifted your head up with one of his hands.

“Why are you crying baby?” You pouted as another tear slipped from your eyes but he was quick to wipe it away.

“I don’t fucking know why.” Your head fell back on your chest as you closed your eyes, enjoying the warmth of his body heat and his scent, memorizing it.

“Well then, how about we open the other present? Or will that make you cry too?” You shot up off his chest, a smile rising as you retrieved the gift on the couch. You handed it to him, excitement building up as you quickly wiped your eyes to see more clearly.

“I don’t know babe, open it and see.” He gave you an uneasy look as he began to rip off the paper slowly.

“Should I be nervous?” You gave him a smile as you shrugged your shoulders. “Oh god.”

Tossing the wrapping paper off the bed, he shifted in his place to get more comfortable. He scanned the box, looked at it to make sure it’s not a prank. “Come on Jihoon, open it.”

He took off the tape that secured the box together and opened it. The gift was wrapped in tissue paper and a little small.

Tilting his head, he took the item out of the box and started to unfold the tissue paper, a smile creeping up on his face as he saw what you had got him. You had gotten him a Bruno Mars Album CD.

“I love the thought, but you know I love him,” He pointed over to his shelf, different CD’s of various artists, including Bruno Mars. You rolled your eyes, “But I still love it YN.”

“Jihoon,” You sighed and nodded your head towards the CD in his hand, “Open it and look inside.”

He gave you a questioning look before following your word and opening it. His mouth dropped the minute he laid eyes on the note and signature from Bruno Mars himself. “Holy fuck you didn’t.”

“Hell yeah I did.” You laughed lightly as you leaned forward, “Do you like it?”

He looked up at you, surprise on his features, “Like it? Babe, I love it.” He reached out to you, pulling you in for a hug. “Wow, I might be the one crying here now.” He felt you giggle in his embrace as he released you so you could sit up.

“Happy Birthday, my birthday boy. I love you.”

He smiled, thinking about how this is it, you are it for him, “I love you too,” and he wouldn’t change it for the world.

[rentsturner]

King of Gotham | Roman Sionis

Request: GOOD EVENING how r u today i would absolutely love love love to request a headcanon or oneshot about the big man roman b. sionis getting all stroppy and therefore being a clingy/stroppy bastard // @rosionis

warnings: lots of language cos it’s Roman, tiny bit of angst, hint at touched starved!roman

word count: 1.4k

a/n: first time writing for Roman, let me know what you think. Hope you enjoy!!

Sunlight streamed through your window, an unwelcome interruption to your peaceful slumber. It was morning and now you were awake. You reached your arm across the blankets, expecting to be met with the warm, solid body of your lover, but instead you felt nothing but a cold empty space. The realisation that your boyfriend wasn’t sleeping next to you kickstarted your brain and you quickly sat up in the king sized bed. Looking around, everything seemed in place - the half-full glass of water still on the nightstand, the expensive watches and rings positioned carefully on the dresser, designer suits hanging untouched in the walk-in closet. So where was he? It was too early for business meetings, surely.

However, before you could even open your mouth to call for Roman, a sharp noise echoed harshly through the penthouse. It sounded like something smashing. Oh no. Wrapping a silky robe around your frame, you padded down the corridor, following the increasingly agitated shouting. A tantrum of this magnitude could only come from one man - Roman Beauvais Sionis. He thinks himself the King of Gotham, but really he’s just the King of overreacting. Though of course you’d never tell him that. You don't think he would appreciate it very much.

Turning the corner, you came face to face with the source of the outburst. The subject of Roman’s rage was a terrified delivery driver, slowly backing away out of the door and looking like he was about to burst into tears at any moment. 

“How dare you? How fucking dare you?” Roman’s usually smooth voice was screaming in anger, bulging veins in his neck and clenched fists showing the extent of his frustration.

“I ordered Sauvage!” he pointed furiously at the shattered glass spread across the penthouse floor. You assumed that the mess had been an expensive Dior aftershave bottle only a few moments ago.

 “And this is…” Roman glanced down at the glass again. “I don’t even know what the fuck this is!”

“Erm, it’s, um, Fahrenheit, sir,” the driver managed to choke out. 

“Well I didn’t ask for fucking Fahrenheit, did I?” Roman was practically roaring at this point, and you decided it would be best to step in now before the poor delivery man got hurt. 

You placed yourself between him and the driver, resting your hands on your boyfriend’s broad shoulders and rubbing circles lightly into his skin with your thumbs, a technique that usually helped to calm him down.

“Roman, baby, it’s ok,” you cooed softly, trying to get him to look at you. “He’s just the driver, it’s not his fault.”

Roman’s gaze snapped to yours, a fire still burning in his eyes. Oh no. That was a mistake.

“Are you taking his side? Seriously?” he spat, pulling away from your touch.

“No, of course not Romy, you know that’s not what I meant,” you backpedaled desperately. “How about we go to the mall tomorrow and get you the right one then? That sound like a plan?” He just huffed a confirmation and turned on his heel, stalking back to the living room. Looking over your shoulder, you realised the driver had made a quick exit during your conversation. Good for him, you thought.

“You see, this is just the last straw for me, it really is,” Roman’s shouts echoed from down the hall. Rolling your eyes, you headed towards him. “This delivery company, they’re just utterly crap! You want to know what happened last week?”

You knew exactly what happened last week, but Roman was on a roll now and stopping him would only make it worse - you knew this from experience.

“I ordered my usual face scrub, you know only the one that I’ve been getting for the past five years! And what got delivered? Face wash! Fucking face wash! And not even face wash that I like! Can you fucking believe it?”

You were used to Roman’s outbursts by now and knew that he always managed to work himself up to the point of exploding when things didn’t go his way. Like a highly strung racing horse, the slightest mishap could set him off into a frenzy, his mind completely clouded by anger and rage. But you also knew how to bring him back down to earth. Or at least you hoped you did.

Business was stressful at the moment, that was for sure. A string of deals had turned sour recently as rumours of Roman’s dislike of the Joker had spread throughout the city. Roman would retreat bitterly from the club after each agreement with a potential partner went wrong, tension obvious in his shoulders, brows furrowed in irritation. Maybe that’s where these tantrums were stemming from. The club was Roman’s life - he needed it to work or his hopes of becoming King of Gotham were ruined. 

He needed some support.

“You know the business deal tonight is gonna be fine, right?” you interrupted Roman’s incessant rambling, trying to cut through the fog of his rage.

He was silent for a moment, fists clenching repeatedly at his sides. 

“Of course I do. I’m the King of Gotham, aren’t I?” he raised his arms, a wide grin spreading across his face, but you could tell it was just a facade. His glassy eyes told you everything, the stress and anxiety obvious in the way his gaze darted across your face, searching for any sign of validation. Current events were definitely getting to him more than he was letting on.

“Roman?” 

“What?” he barked, wringing his hands in frustration.

“Do you want a hug?” you asked gently.

“What? A hug? Why the fuck would I want a hug? Who do you think I am, some fucker who -”

“Roman.” cocking an eyebrow, you folded your arms across your chest. You weren’t backing down now. If he really wanted your love, he just needed to let himself take it.

He huffed, looking at the floor. A barely audible mutter came from his mouth.

“What was that?” His walls were coming down slowly, you could tell, he just needed one final push.

“I said fine,” Roman sighed, finally looking up at you. “Please just give me a fucking hug.”

His voice was small and weak, but you could see the tension drain from his muscles as you stepped towards him and wrapped your arms carefully around his waist, leaning your head into the crook of his neck. 

He buried his head in your hair, breathing in your scent and pulling you closer to him. He’d never admit it, but Roman loved holding you and he loved it when you held him, so long as you were touching in some way. A chaotic upbringing and an emotionally unavailable family had meant he never received much affection as a child. Since you came into his life and brought new feelings of tenderness and warmth, Roman had discovered that he positively craved your touch. However, he had to keep up appearances as a respectable crime lord and showing that softer side of him too much just couldn't happen. 

But for a moment he let himself relax into your embrace.

Just for now, he told himself. Just for a little while.

“How about I sit with you tonight at the table?” you whispered softly. “I’ll be there to calm you down.”

His hand moved up and down your back slowly, rubbing circles into your skin while he thought over your proposition. It would certainly calm his nerves if he knew you would be there, he could grab your hand to ground himself at any time.

Pulling his head up from your neck, Roman smiled at you. 

“Yes. I’d love to have you there. And I’m sorry that I’m so difficult sometimes. You know how I get.”

 His eyes softened as he took you in. You, the only person who he wanted to be better for. The person who had brought light and laughter into his previously cold and lifeless penthouse. The only person he’d ever love.

“It’s okay, Romy. I know you’ll always come back to me.”

He nudged his nose in your hair again, wrapping his arms around you as tightly as he could. He needed this moment of peace.

Roman may be on his way to becoming the King of Gotham, but he would be no one without you by his side as his queen. 

{tags: @stardancerluv @afogocado @doublesunsets }

[awedbynature]

A Christmas Debt

Characters: Loki x Reader

Category: Chaptered Story

Genre: Friendship/ Love/ Romance

Synopsis: The reader renders a great service to Loki unknowingly. Not used to being in anyone's debt, our favourite God of Mischief offers a strange favour in return. Will the reader trust him enough to take up the offer?

Chapter summary: Loki finally meets the reader's family—reader does something unexpected—Loki exhibits a different side of his personality

P.C. Pinterest

Chapter One

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Chapter Three

‘So how did you two meet?’

You almost choke on your chicken. You knew you were bound to face these questions sometime in the evening, but you hadn’t expected it this soon. Taking a copious gulp of the wine, you look over to your youngest sister who has her eyes fixed on Loki.

He comes to your rescue immediately. ‘I met her during an operation.’

'So you guys work together!’ your brother interjects. ‘How come you never mentioned it, Y/N?’

‘W-we work in different departments,' you say, irritated by the sudden case of nerves that overwhelms you.

‘Which is why it seemed almost unbelievable that I met her,' Loki grins.

‘Unbelievable indeed,’ snorts your brother. He is the worst, never losing a chance to tease you. ‘How are you two even...I mean,' he gesticulates in your general direction. ‘She is...’

Your sister-in-law frowns and jabs him in the chest.

‘Way out of my league?’ counters Loki. You could not have been more grateful to him at that moment. He gives you a small smile which you return.

You brother seems taken aback. That was definitely not what he was getting at. He blinks stupidly, his mouth slightly gaping.

‘I don’t believe it either,’ Loki continues. ‘She’s kind, intelligent, charming, loyal, not to mention beautiful. I was captivated the first time I saw her.’

Now that was just laying it a bit too thick. As everyone turns to you with varied amount of surprise and disbelief on their faces, you roll your eyes and snort. ‘C’mon, the first time? The first time I saw you I thought you hated me! You barely uttered two words in my presence.’

‘I was nervous. I did not know what to say!’

You see the twinkle of mischief in his eyes. He’s enjoying this. You take refuge in the food to hide the rising heat in your cheeks.

‘How long have you been together?’ asks your father.

‘About six months—.’

'Two months—’

You whip around at Loki just as he turns to you. This is not good. This is so not good. This is exactly what you have been dreading.

Panicking, you blurt out the first thing that comes to you. ‘It’s complicated.’

All fall silent. You gulp, realising you have just dug your grave a little deeper. A tiny part of your brain is already going you're doomed, you’re doomed, you’re doomed to the tune of the William Tell overture.

Loki raises a brow at you before expertly taking over. ‘It is not complicated, actually. I asked her out about six months back. We went on a couple of dates and she finally made it official only two months ago.’

‘Only two months!’ exclaims your father. ‘Y/N, you better not let this fellow go! I like him.’

'I'm afraid it’s the other way round, sir,' grins Loki.

Your father looks at you with sudden pride. And even though you feel a tiny prick of guilt at the deception, for once the absence of that veiled disappointment in his eyes lets you breathe freely.

‘Come now, dear. Leave the poor kids alone,' your mother says, passing the mashed potatoes around. ‘Don’t mind him, he’s always too nosy,' she waves her hand at Loki, then smiles. ‘I’m so glad Y/N brought you to dinner, Lucas. We were starting to fear she’d never be able to bring anyone at all!’

That stings. You have always known yourself to be an uninteresting, quiet girl, not attractive enough to get the attention of guys. But hearing the same sentiment affirmed by a parent does strike a major blow to one’s self esteem. You try to wash down the hurt with another gulp of wine. It is beginning to take effect.

You’re hardly registering what everybody around you are talking about. Your sister is in deep conversation with Loki, while you mother nods from time to time. Your brother and father are arguing over the rising oil prices and your sister-in-law is adding her bits every now and then.

Your family means well. But sometimes they are too oblivious to your feelings. Or in your brother’s case, too callous to care.

A sudden touch on the back of your hand makes you look. Loki's hand is casually placed beside yours. You wonder at the accidental brush of his fingers. Was it accidental? Or was it his way of letting you know that he’s there for you? Or perhaps it’s just your fancy?

Somehow his presence calms you. The dinner threatens to be long but it doesn’t feel suffocating anymore.

You let the general buzz wash over you once again.

***

The journey back is quieter than is comfortable. You shift uneasily in your seat, taking quick peeks at Loki's profile. He looks out into the dark, leaning against the seat in a lazy grace. Yet his jaws clench from time to time. He’s upset.

It must have been the kiss.

Everything was going fine. You had dinner. Loki had managed to charm his way into your parents’ good graces. Even your brother seemed impressed. Your mother was trying to wheedle you into staying the night, as usual. There was eggnog and homemade cookies and loads more fun than you’d have expected. Then just as you were leaving, your sister had laughingly pointed at the mistletoe.

You had felt Loki go still beside you just as your eyes landed on the bit of green hanging from the doorframe. You eyes flew to his face. His eyes have grown wide, a panicky look taking over with every passing second. Somehow you knew he didn’t want anyone to see him like this, to see his mask drop.

And your family was waiting expectantly. So you did the only thing that you could come up with in your wine-soaked mind.

You pulled him down for a kiss. You heard his sharp intake of shock at the sudden assault but there was no other way you could think of to distract him.

Now huddled in a corner and thinking of all the ways it could have been avoided, you’re trying to broach the subject without embarrassing the both of you. Perhaps it’s better to pretend it never happened? But wouldn’t that be cowardly? Should you apologise now when it’s all fresh and just get it over with? You continue to steal glances. He has not stirred for the past couple of minutes. You take a fortifying breath and open your mouth.

'Don't.’

You blink, taken by surprise. ‘I—what?’

‘Don’t say anything embarrassing.’

‘I was just—’

He finally turns to you, his eyes devoid of any emotions. ‘Consider your apology accepted. I’m not someone to hold it against you.' He pauses, his gaze sharpening suddenly, ‘That is assuming you do not throw yourself at every stranger like that each time you’re inebriated.’

You frown. ‘Excuse me, sir, but I highly disagree on three points. First of all, I am not drunk. Secondly, I do not throw myself at anyone. Thirdly, I was trying to rescue your apparently ungrateful ass.’

‘I beg your pardon?’

The wine definitely must have loosened your tongue.

Loki glares at you. You glare back. You might have kissed him without his permission—which given another choice you’d have heartily avoided—but this is unacceptable. Throwing yourself at strangers? The nerve!

Loki is the first to give up the staring match. ‘I do not need rescuing, irrespective of any situation.’’

'Oh you mean situations like the one where you freeze every time you see a mistletoe wreath?’ you turn away with a huff. ‘Noted. Next time, I’ll simply leave you to your own devices.’ So much for apologising.

The scene outside is an unending stretch of white. The snow looks like confetti falling in slow motion.

After almost fifteen minutes, you feel him straighten in his seat.

‘Please accept my apology. I’m grateful for what you did back there.’

You wait for him to say something more. He does after a moment.

‘That plant reminds me of someone. Someone very close to me.’

‘Who?’

'My brother. Bauldr.’

‘I never knew you were three.’

'We were.’

The slight catch in his voice grabs your attention. You have never seen him this unguarded before. It feels like he is almost human. You lightly touch his wrist.

'I'm sorry for your loss.’

He looks up in surprise. ‘I never said—’

You smile sadly. ‘You didn’t have to. I’m not foreign to the heartbreak of losing a sibling.’

‘Your sibling?’

‘My sister. She was older to me by five years.’ You laugh at a sudden memory. ‘She was the prankster of our family. There was this one time when—’

Loki listens quietly to all the funny incidents you recount, nodding from time to time. You tell him about the one time she filled the entire surface of your bedroom with sticky notes, about the day she dressed up as your grandmother and made you believe she was actually visiting at five in the morning. About the holidays that never felt dull because she was always coming up with new games. About the zeal with which she charged into Life.

'—and our cat never ever went near that Christmas tree again. She would take one look at the tree, then one look at my sister, and promptly plant herself behind the sofa for the rest of the evening.’ You chuckle in fond remembrance.

‘She sounds delightful.’ Loki smiles for the first time in a while.

‘She was. There was never a day without laughter when she was around. When she died,' trying hard not to let your voice crack, you pause. ‘it was as if the laughter was stolen from us.’

‘After she was gone, our family changed completely. Dad packed away all her things and for almost four years Mom even stopped acknowledging us other siblings. I was thirteen, my other siblings mere kids. We could barely process the change. When Mom finally came around, it was as if my sister never existed.’ You can feel your eyes prickling and quickly blink away a tear.

‘Perhaps it was her way of coping,’ Loki murmurs. ‘People cope with grief in different ways.’

His face has softened somewhat. He exhales. 'They say Time heals every wound. You think you’re over the pain. And then you see something that reminds you of them and everything comes crushing back.’

‘Does the mistletoe bring back memories?’

‘Not pleasant ones.’ He notices your expectant look but chooses to ignore it. You sit in silence, each lost in memories of a time when you were young and yet to experience the cruelties of Life.

The rest of the journey is quiet, though not as unpleasant as before.

Back in your room, tired and drowsy you realise you have forgotten to thank him for the evening. He had been a huge help. He had been thoughtful, witty, charming. Hell, he had even managed to bring back a little bit of cheer in your family.

Loki was not what you had expected. There was more to him than meets the eye. You have had just a glimpse of a different Loki, a softer, more emotional Loki who told funny stories to put someone at ease, who understood pain and knew exactly what to say to comfort someone, and perhaps for the first time you wanted to discover more. You had parted on good terms, the chilliness thawed a little. Perhaps some day down the line, you’d end up as trusted allies, if not really friends.

As you curl into a comfy bundle under the blanket with a sigh and close your eyes, your last thoughts are it was not a bad Christmas after all.

To be continued...

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Tags: @lucywrites02 @lilyofthesword @country-cowgirl-101 @benji-booxx @loki-hiddlestoner3024 @outlawangel2020 @thefallenbibliophilequote @idontknowstudios @just-the-hiddles @myraiswack @noturningbacknow @natandersonnla @twhiddlestonsstuff @gluchie @inumorph

[capri-ramblings]

Queen & Chaos

An original Yandere Twst Fic.

Summary: In the Rose Kingdom, far but near, peaceful yet chaotic, a coup has overthrown its original Queen of Hearts, leaving her throne vacant and no later filled by Riddle Rosehearts, a young yet powerful mage with a ruthlessness as sharp as any blade, but the hidden sceptre he keeps near him is what terrifies people the most.

With the smile of a Cheshire cat and a glimmer of madness made only for the Hatter, You stand in-between the chaos of this Twisted world as if you're dancing to a tune only you can hear.

Pairing: Yandere Riddle X FemReader

Chapter one

Riddle woke up to the sound of thudding outside his room. The walls of his castles trembling at what seemed to be a rhythm of marching soldiers.

His eyes fluttered open and saw the ceiling first, his limbs heavy and mouth dry. He tried moving his body but found that he could not.

Instantly, his mind went back to the tea party he had earlier that day and he bitterly decided that someone had spiked his usual tea with some sort of paralyzer.

"How dare they?" The words screamed in his head, and though he had no control over his own expression, Riddle was scowling internally.

Once he knew the culprits,it would be off with their heads.

When the marching stopped and the door to his bedroom swung opened, Riddle heard a familiar voice; The current Knight Commander's.

"Is he awake?" Asked a voice Riddle couldn't recognized, hushed and timid.

The Knight Commander strode to the side of his bed,eyes narrowing at the sight of the immobile Riddle.

"He is."

There was a silence before the second voice spoke up again, somehow a tad louder and filled with rejoice.

"Then, we've done it?" They said "We've subdued the Queen of Hearts?"

A string of cheers came after that, and Riddle felt the rush of his own blood boiling within his veins. To think that there would be those who would oppose of his ruling...Riddle partially held the blame to himself. He should've been more aware. Should've kept a tighter leash on his people.

The frustration must've shown on his face somehow, because the Knight Commander seemed to hold a pitiful look in his stern eyes when he stared down at him then.

"Forgive me." Was what Riddle heard as the man took out a small dagger and placed it against Riddle's throat.

He pressed hard into his skin, would've slit his throat in that moment if the footsoldiers at the door entrance hadn't suddenly started dancing.

The Knight Commander turned his head to the group, puzzlement in his gaze as he told them to stop.

"What are you doing? The mission isn't over yet! This is no time to celebrate!"

"W-We're not,Sir!" Said one of the soldiers before he did a turn and linked his arm with another.

"We can't seem to control our bodies!"

The Knight Commander then whipped his head back to Riddle, a look of panic residing in his features.

He wanted to speak but his train of thoughts were cut off by a laugh that echoed through the halls.

"What do we have here,I wonder?" You waltzed into the room via the strings of dancing soldiers almost effortlessly. Steps light and quick whilst you switched from soldier to soldier until you came to the foot of Riddle's bed and gave the Knight Commander a curtsy as a finishing touch.

The man looked to you with a mix of disdain and horror. The realization of his mistake dawning on him harshly.

"Curiouser,and curiouser" You murmured, thoughtfully before your gaze went up to Riddle's stiff form and a smile graced your lips.

"Did the Queen of Hearts got pushed into a stalemate? I would've never thought I'd see the day, really. You're full of surprises aren't you,Your Highness?"

Your words are playful. A lilt of fondness and admiration laced in a twisted obsession.

Yes. The Knight Commander had forgotten one important detail in his meticulous plan. He had omitted your existence, and that truly was an unfortunate choice.

After all, how could a Queen rule without her sceptre?

"I would applaud you, Sir" You said, turning promptly to the Knight Commander who immediately placed his hand on the hilt of his sword while the one with the dagger tightened, its blade pressing into the nub of Riddle's throat.

Something in your stomach churned at the sight of it all. Seeing how Riddle looked ever so defenceless and how a man of great esteem was risking his and many other lives to ensue the end of a tyrannical rule.

You felt like crying. Oh,how pitiful.

How exciting.

"But I don't think an applause is what you're after"

"I am after the rights of the people" He snapped "The right to have a ruler who would not run their people down to the ground at the slightest hint of disobedience."

"Oh?" You nodded your head, an empty habit rather than an understanding gesture. "You sound so serious all of the sudden...Tell me,were you planning on killing him?"

You trailed your gaze back to Riddle,then felt the silence given to you by the Knight Commander as a form of a 'Yes'.

"Well,you can." You said "I'd let you do just that if that's what you really desire."

Riddle didn't have to say anything then for you to know he was cursing your disloyalty at the moment. The way his chest heaved heavily was already a sign of his great displeasure.

But alas, you were simply making an offer. He didn't need to be so ruffled up. He wasn't going to die, yet.

"How about it?" You prompted with your hands held in the air, surrendering. The smile you wore was so genuine, so very absent of ill intent, and yet the Knight Commander couldn't help but flinch from it. The bitter taste of cruelty dripping from the way your eyes seemed to glaze over.

"What are you implying?"

"Come now. Didn't I say it already? If that's the greatest desire you have, then I'll let you fulfill it."

"You're going to let him die?" The Knight Commander scoffed, "I know who you are, and if your reputation exceeds you then you would never let him die."

Your heart did a small flutter at that. A tinge of embarrassment causing your cheeks to flush. Did your dedication seem too vivid? Oh, how unsightly.

"He is my Queen,yes. That much is true, but in speaking of this current matter, I wouldn't really be letting him die if you agreed to my offer"

You placed your hands behind your back, stealing a quick glance at Riddle who still seemed under the influence of the drug.

"What offer?"

Your lips smiled at the question. You really thought he was going to draw out this conversation with how stoic he was, which would've ended this whole dilemma quickly since then you would've been annoyed and killed the entire group yourself.

"Oh, it's a promising one!", Your hands clapped together as you cheered this out, before the lightness of your demeanor disappeared and the room suddenly fell into a dark disposition. A swell of tension and cruelty intertwined.

"You're free to kill him and bring peace to your people as you said you would, but then I get to have your men. The entire battalion. Your army of dutiful soldiers would be my collection of dancing nutcrackers. Fair deal, isn't it?"

It was such a quick shift of mood, that when the Knight Commander hurled his sword in your direction, you almost thought you'd lose your head.

"Are you mad?" He yelled, breathless and ragged. You smiled at him oddly,head tilting.

"I'm not." You replied then grinned half heartedly. "But you seem to be filled to the brim with it,don't you? Your eyes are flaring, Commander."

"Do you think I would give my people to you? Do you take me as a desperate fool?" The tip of his sword glistened maliciously in your face, and you estimated that if he moved toward you then you'd have no chance of deflecting.

"Well, what did you expect? The price of a Queen would be an entire army wouldn't it? How could I give away something so valuable without expecting anything in return?".

"I refuse." The Knight Commander growled,his expression taut and etched with a sort of rage that had you frowning in annoyance.

"Won't you think it over a bit more at least? Your men would die if you don't choose a side."

"What?"

Ah,that seemed to catch his attention, didn't it? A small smile formed on your lips and you nodded your head again.

"It's obvious isn't it? If you choose to kill the Queen in exchange for your men, then at least one group would walk to see another day. Oh,but if you refused, then you'd all die. Which is a shame. You know I've always wanted a set of toy soldiers ever since I was young"

The force of the blade coming at you was overwhelming, but quick to slither away, you stepped within the circle of the dancing soldiers and had one of them take the first slice of the blade.

The blood curdling scream escaping the poor soldier caused the Knight Commander to seize his attack, as he watched one of his men fall the ground with a dull thud. The deep crimson of his blood soaking the wooden boards.

He stared, horrified at what he'd done before his gaze lifted and he flared his anger in your direction.

Though, when he began to move forward, you were frowning and seemed to be glaring back at him.

Or rather,behind him.

"Enough of your games."

The Knight Commander spun around a second too late as Riddle snatched the dagger from his hand and thrusted it into the nape of his neck. His cold rage tinting the grey in his eyes as he stared the man down from where he stood on his bed.

Riddle felt the last shred of energy he had left him in the breath he took to calm his nerves, and as the Knight Commander began struggling to take the blade out, he fell back onto his mattress.

"Clean this up,____" You heard him mutter out, the sound of your name on his tongue making it harder for you to stay irritated at the fact he'd ruin your fun.

Letting out a sigh, you pursed your lips.

[templeoftheslavegarden]

BLOOD & FIRE

Chapter 7 - Spend Some Time, Drink Some Wine - Ehem Whiskey

New York, New York August 7 1994

"Where in the fuck is my bag?" I say to myself as I stand at the luggage terminal inside John F Kennedy International Airport waiting for the little luggage carousel to push out my bag. I feel like I've been standing here forever waiting for it to pop out and each time a bag rolls by it never ends up being mine.

The meeting I had with Susan went really well and I'm so excited that she appointed me as an assistant for Pantera.

Pantera! Can you fucking believe that? I sure as hell can't. Their tour manager needed some extra help so Susan was able to set it up for me and I am so excited. I had already met with Steve Bainbrige just a few days ago and signed a temporary contract with him so that I am able to assist him for the next couple of show dates for Pantera. Type O Negative is also playing a few dates with them as well so at least Kenny will be with me and it won't be so nerve wracking.

The only time I've ever met Phil, Vinny Rex and Dime was when they played a few shows with Soundgarden when Soundgarden was opening for Skid Row. Damn, that seems like such a long time ago. Like another lifetime ago.

This is my first time doing this all on my own and I'm nervous as fuck. I seriously don't want to mess anything up at all. I'm going to try and be confident and professional and not shy and socially awkward just because I'm such a big fan of Pantera. They're playing here at L’Amours tonight so I will get first hand at what it's like to work for Pantera. I'm so fucking excited!

I glance up at the multiple clocks that were lined up on the wall behind the ticket booth indicating what time it was in each time zone, New York showing just passed 4:00PM. I called Kenny earlier this morning letting him know when my flight was in and he said that he was going to meet me here at the terminal. I just hope I hadn't kept him waiting because of this stupid luggage carousel refusing to give me my luggage. After another 10 minutes waiting and it still didn't come out, I walk over to the attendant at the luggage terminal to ask where my luggage was.

"Your luggage ticket number?" The bulky male attendant asks me barely looking up from his computer screen.

"5023" I say a little impatiently. He types a few keys into the computer still not looking at me and starts to shake his head.

"Nothing in the system with that number, what was your flight?" He says still not looking at me.

"Flight 402, the 11:00AM Seattle to New York," I say trying not to sound frustrated. He punches a few more keys and still not one ounce of eye contact. Suddenly I feel a warm hand slide across my lower back under my leather jacket and I glance up and see Kenny looking so freaking amazing in his black button up shirt loosely tucked into his black jeans and leather jacket, his jet black curls flowing passed his shoulders standing beside me.

"Hey babe," He says a little raspy with a cute grin and places a kiss on my temple, his sweet cologne tickling my nostrils perfectly.

Damn he smells so fucking good.

"Hey," I exhale, my frustration diminishing for a few moments.

"Still nothing in the system... last name?" The attendant says to me still not looking up at me.

"Um, Cornell," I clear my throat.

"First name?"

"Andrea," I say and he types some more keys.

"What's going on?" Kenny asks me.

"Trying to pick up my luggage," I say looking up at him as I push my curls out of my eyes.

"I'm sorry there's still nothing here with that ticket number," The attendant says.

"What do you mean?" I ask frustratedly.

"There isn't any luggage with that number," The attendant finally looks up at me but doesn't offer any other expression other than a straight face. I pull out my ticket and show him but he still says that there's no luggage with that number.

"So, what... it's like lost then?" I ask attempting to remain calm but the attendant still offers no sympathy or anything which pisses me off even more especially since he is working a customer service position.

"Did you purchase any insurance?" The attendant asks.

"Well no... but - "

"I'm sorry we can't do anything without insurance," He cuts me off.

"Are you kidding me?" I say as my anger starts to rise.

"Babe, hey... it's alright, Here... let me," Kenny says and moves to the attendant window and talks to the attendant, trying to be sweet at first but as the attendant still shows no empathy or anything, Kenny starts to lose it. As he argues with the attendant I try to pull him back to calm him down.

"It's policy, no insurance, we can't do anything sir,"

"Yea well, fuck your policy!" Kenny exclaims.

"Kenny, hey... let's just go," I say trying to pull him away from the window. He was getting angrier than I was and was starting to create a scene which I don't blame him but I really didn't want to draw any attention.

"Fuck you!" Kenny exclaims as the attendant smirks and shakes his head and I'm eventually able to pull him away from the window.

"I'm sorry babe but what the fuck? He fucking needs to show some remorse or something... like, Jeezus," Kenny says as we walk away.

"It's ok, just... what the fuck am I gonna do now? I only have what I'm wearing right now and a dress in here. All my favorite band shirts and my favorite jeans... and my shoes to go with this dress... fuck me, " I say frustratedly as I look down at my bag slung over my shoulder.

"Hey, it's ok babe... we'll get you something. I've had this happen to me more times than I can count... Just that fucker back there could use some fuckin' customer service training or something," Kenny says which makes me giggle.

He takes my hand in his lacing his fingers through and suddenly he stops us from walking towards the main doors. I glance up at him and he has the most sweetest grin on that boyish clean shaven face of his. His other hand reaches up and cups my face, his thumb brushing across my bottom lip and then presses his lips to mine so soft and gentle, lingering for a few moments as his tongue flicks at my top lip and then he pulls away, touching his forehead to mine. After a few moments we break away from each other as he leads me out of the main doors of the airport.

"C'mon, We'll uh... head to my place," He says.

"Ok,"

Fuck, I've missed him.

*****

A short while later, we arrive at Kenny's apartment, a small one bedroom located in Brooklyn near the lower east side. The building was part of a duplex with his apartment on the upper floor. Once Kenny opens the door, I step inside to see his living room that was attached to the kitchen, scattered with stacked Mesa/Boogie amps and a few of his guitars, a T.V on a small makeshift stand and a stereo record player set up on the opposite side of that, a couch that faced the T.V and a large reading chair to the left with a ton of magazines and scattered papers all over the coffee table and floor. It's such a guys apartment.

It reminds me of the first time I went to Chris's apartment that he shared with Andrew Wood from Mother Love Bone. Chris had it set up the very same way. Guitars and amps all over his room and a string of unfinished lyrics that you could shake a stick at.

"Sorry for the mess, I just hadn't had time to uh, you know... clean," Kenny says immediately walking over and trying to tidy up the papers.

"It's ok," I say and close the door behind me as I watch him try to find where to put everything.

"Kenny it's ok, I don't care really," I giggle as he shoves more papers into a drawer in the coffee table then flips his curls out of his face as he turns to face me.

"You want a drink or somethin'?" He asks so cutely, stepping over a stack of magazines.

"Sure,"

He steps into the kitchen and fumbles around to make some drinks as I set my bag down at the door, take off my jacket, head over to the couch to sit down and glance at some of the papers that were still somewhat scattered around the coffee table. I glance up at Kenny as his back was facing me while making our drinks and then pick up the one piece of paper that caught my attention and read a little bit of it. I didn't mean to be so nosey but I couldn't help it.

"Did you write this?" I ask cutely when he steps back over to me and hands me a Jack and Coke.

"Uh... yea, I did," He says suddenly sounding shy about it as he steps passed my to sit down beside me taking a sip of his beer and turning slightly to face me as I glance down at his scribbling. Funny, how I always thought that Peter was the lyricist and Kenny just came up with the guitar parts.

"You want me to play it for you don't you?" Kenny smirks slyly at me taking another sip of his beer.

"No, no I was just... I mean, not if you don't want to," I say getting a little flustered as he leers at me still. He takes another sip and sets his beer down, then leans over and grabs his acoustic guitar.

"It's not like... completely finished but... well anyways," He says so cutely laying his guitar across his lap and plucks a few strings. I couldn't help but grin a little seeing him get flustered and shy. I shift a little in my spot as I watch him get himself situated, clearing his throat and figuring out how to start. Then he begins to play.

"You give your love to me tonight

You owe your flesh to me for life

You give your body and your mind

I'll fuck your warmth and your lies

My lady..."

He continues to strum and the sound of his voice is so different. I'm used to him singing the small parts when he plays with Peter if Peter can't sing in that range. Here, he sounds so clean but raspy at the same time, with so much emotion that I never thought would come out of him. It's making me feel things that I didn't think I would feel ever again.

"You give your heart I'll treat it right

You bring your flaws I'll give them light

You know I wanna sink deep into you

I'm created to love you and finally lose..."

He trails off and stops but still avoids my eyes and I had no idea what to do for a moment, but then I couldn't help myself. I set my drink down and then immediately move myself over to him take his face him my palms and press those beautiful soft lips to mine. For a moment I could tell that I startled him but then as I started to suck his bottom lip, he moves the guitar from between us never breaking his lips away from mine and responds with his tongue swiping across my bottom lip, his hands immediately going straight to my hips and up under my White Zombie band shirt, to the small of my back and further up.

Suddenly after a few moments, I had to stop myself. I have no idea what came over me or why I started to second guess myself but I needed to stop.

"I can't..." I pull away and he looks at me with those dark eyes completely confused and I don't blame him.

"You can't what?" He asks and I lean my arm on the back of the couch covering my eyes with my palm, forcing myself not to cry. I can feel him still looking at me but I can't bring myself to look at him.

What the serious fuck is happening to me?

"Baby...?" He asks slightly worried moving closer to me. I still couldn't bring myself to say anything and all I could feel was this intense feeling of fear and sadness inside me.

"This is stupid... I'm so stupid... I can't... I just..." I try to explain fumbling over my words and still holding back tears and not letting myself look at him.

"Andi, talk to me... what can't you do?" His voice is calm but still worried as he pulls my hand away from covering my face. I open my eyes to look into his, seeing the worry and concern on his face.

"What are we doing? I mean... what the fuck am I even doing? Fuck I'm not making any fucking sense," I say as I start to get angry at myself.

"Baby... talk to me..." He still looks at me with those eyes and suddenly I let everything out.

I tell him everything. I tell him how I was married to Chris, and that I still am though we are separated and haven't talked to each other since we split, other than breaking out of the contract I signed with Soundgarden which I had to talk to him then but other than that, nothing from him since March. I tell him the reason why we split which was the most difficult thing I could talk about since I haven't been able to talk about it since it happened.

"... we tried for months to have a baby you know? The whole time I thought that there was something wrong with me. Like, my body wasn't working right or something. But, then after so long we just decided if it doesn't happen it's ok. But then it did. I got pregnant and I was so excited..." I say as I look down at myself unable to look him in the eye forcing myself to keep it together.

"What happened?" He asks after a few moments though I think he already knew the answer.

"... I uh... lost the baby. She was um... she wasn't breathing when I delivered... her and..." I trail off fighting the urge to cry and I could see the look on Kenny's face that he could tell how I'm still struggling with losing her.

"...anyways after that Chris and just... fell apart. He started to ignore me and I wasn't any better since I couldn't fucking even get out of bed for like 4 months straight. I tried to make it work once I started feeling better but at that point it was too late. We had already grown so far apart that there was no going back at all. Anytime we talked to each other it just turned into an argument. He just threw himself into Soundgarden and left me alone to fight the horrible pain all by myself..."

I cannot believe I'm letting this all out. There is no way in fucking hell Kenny is going to want me after this. If I were him, I'd be heading straight for the fucking door.

"Jeezus..." Kenny exhales.

"Kenny... I'm so fucked up," I say looking away and trying to stop the tears from coming out. He reaches up and cups my face in his palm, brushing away a stray tear that rolled down my cheek.

"No... no you're not fucked up," Kenny says looking at me with those dark eyes.

"I have no idea why you even want to have anything to do with me... I mean, I'm pretty much like damaged goods here," I say looking back down at myself.

"Andi... I don't know if you've figured this out yet though I thought you would've got the hint from that song, but... I'm fucking in love with you so... if you're fucked up then I'm fucked up too,"

I flick my eyes back to his in complete disbelief. I had no idea what to even say but I also wasn't sure I heard him right.

"What?" I ask quietly.

"I love you,"

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