#you gotta keep your drama huh

[em-ontv]

Soothe and pamper.

Pairing: Dean Winchester x lover!fem!reader

Summary: it had been a long week of hunting, and Dean said he was fine… until you came in, of course.

Content: fluff, Dean being needy and overdramatic (and clingy), no use of y/n, Sam being the third wheel (kind of)

English is not my first language, sorry if there are any mistakes!

Word count: 653

Dean Winchester was a master at the "I'm fine" act. After years of being on the hunt, he could brush off a rough week like it was second nature. So, when Sam asked if he was okay after their latest exhausting hunt, he just scoffed, as usual.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm fine." Dean said, waving a dismissive hand like he was brushing off a pesky fly, as if he hadn't spent the last seven days chasing after demons across two states.

"Quit worrying, Sammy."

Sam raised an eyebrow but didn't press any further. This was like Dean's default setting—deny, deflect, and pretend like everything was cool, even if he looked like he'd been chewed up and spat out.

But then, you walked into the room.

As soon as Dean caught sight of you, his entire demeanor shifted. The tough-as-nails hunter, who moments ago had been shrugging off his brother's concern, let out an over-the-top groan so loud it echoed through the bunker.

You barely had a chance to say a word before Dean threw himself into your arms like a wounded soldier returning from battle.

"This week—oh, you wouldn't believe it!" He buried his face into your shoulder with a pitiful groan, his voice muffled against your shirt. "It's been so bad, baby. So bad."

You could feel the weight of his body sag against yours, his arms wrapping around you in a tight embrace. He nestled his head into the crook of your neck.

It would've been pathetic if it wasn't so funny.

"I don't know how I made it out alive," Dean continued, pulling back just enough to look at you with wide, puppy-dog eyes, his bottom lip sticking out in an exaggerated pout. "The food was nasty, the motel beds were terrible, and don't even get me started on the demons!"

You ran your fingers through his hair as he rambled on, completely lost in the comfort of being with you.

"Do you see this?" He gestured toward his body. "I'm a broken man."

Sam, watching this unfold, rolled his eyes so hard they almost got stuck. "You've gotta be kidding me."

And Dean ignored him completely.

"You're the only one who understands, sweetheart." He whined, clinging onto you like his life depended on it. "Sam's no help, he doesn't get it."

"Dean," you said, struggling to keep a straight face. "You were fine like five seconds ago."

"What are you talking about?" He squeezed you tighter, feigning innocence. "I was just holding it all in. I didn't want to scare Sammy. But now... now I can finally let it all out."

"Uh-huh," you said dryly. "And how much of this is just you wanting to get pampered?"

Dean gasped in mock offense, pulling back to look at you again. "Me? Using my genuine suffering to get pampered? I would never—"

You raised an eyebrow at him.

He hesitated for a second, then smirked. "Okay, maybe a little."

Sam snorted in the background, shaking his head as he headed for the door. "You two are ridiculous," he called over his shoulder before disappearing down the hall.

You sighed, shrugging your shoulders. "Well, what can I do to make it better, Dean?"

He was still leaning heavily into your embrace. "You. Me. Bed. Cuddles... for my emotional well-being, of course."

You smiled slightly, pressing a soft kiss to the top of his head. "And all your troubles will disappear?"

"Exactly," Dean grumbled, sounding so serious you had to hold back a laugh. "Exactly." He sighed, content now, taking advantage of the situation for all it was worth.

"And if you throw in a back rub, I'll be a whole new man by morning." He added, his lips twitched into a smile.

"Alright, drama queen. But only because I know how hard it is to be you." you laughed softly.

"You're the only one who understands." Dean murmured, his voice filled with gratitude.

[somejazzinthemorning]

playing cupid.

Carlos Sainz x Reader [Warnings: Mentions of sex and some curse words. There are some inaccuracies, such as in this short story, Carlos has an apartment in Milan] Word Count: 9.7K

You're in this situationship with Carlos Sainz—no fuss, no drama, just sex. But then your dads become friends, and Sainz Sr., with a soft spot for you, decides to introduce you to his son, whom you've been... acquainted with for a while. To make things more interesting, he's on a mission to play Cupid, all while Carlos enjoys the thrill of keeping your little secret, playing along with his dad.

this was a request! always feel free to request and if i have some free time, I'll try to write something 🫶🏼

“Apparently, our dads met”, you say, rolling off Carlos's lap, still flushed and your breath ragged. The soft bed cushions your fall as you curl up beneath the deep blue blanket that usually adorns the foot of Carlos's bed, but this time is just part of the mess.

Carlos studies you with a faint frown, tousled hair spilling over his forehead. He looks incredibly handsome, basking in the afterglow of your encounter. If it weren’t for the late hour and your impending early morning, you would consider straddling him again. However, it’s nearly 2 a.m. and you need to be at the atelier by 9, so you just wish to sleep.

“Really?” There’s an undertone you don’t quite understand.

“What?”

"You just killed the mood.” He lays back on the bed and turns to face you. His hands seek out your shoulder, and his nimble fingers begin tracing delicate patterns on your skin, a clear indication that he’s not ready to let the night end just yet. “Mentioning my dad right after I cum inside you? Not exactly what I expect.”

“I just remembered it, and now I know you’ll get your hands off of me and let me sleep.”

“Oh, that’s not what I was expecting, as well.”

You pout, mocking him. “Poor you,” he rolls his eyes and falls dramatically against his pillow. “I’m just expecting a good night of sleep because some of us have work to do during the week and not just on weekends.” He cocks an eyebrow at you. “Oh, I’m sorry. I know that sometimes you work during the week.”

Carlos opens his mouth to retort, but he doesn't get a chance to finish his sentence. In an instant, he sits up, looming over you, and seizes both your wrists, pinning them against the headboard. With his other hand, he's ready to tug the blanket over your form.

"Don't you dare tickle me, Carlos Sainz. Or I swear to God—"

"What are you going to do?" Carlos interrupts, his mischievous grin returning. As you lock eyes with him, you realize there's very little you can do, and oddly enough, you're entirely fine with that. Except,

"Spit in your face."

His playful smirk remains as he leans in closer, his voice a sultry whisper. "Spit in my face, huh?” he taunts, his fingers inching closer to your sides. “Think I’m going to risk it.”

"Sainz,” you squirm under his touch, desperately trying to maintain your composure. But he’s already grinning, and his fingers are approaching your sides. “I'm warning you..."

And suddenly, it's too late. He pounces, his fingers dancing across your sides, and you burst into fits of uncontrollable laughter, some of them louder than you expected them to be. Carlos knows all your ticklish spots, and he exploits them shamelessly. It’s been what…? Four months since you first slept together. By now he knows your body better than any guy ever did. And honestly, you’re not sure what to feel about that.

"Carlos, stop!" you manage to gasp between laughter, trying to wriggle free from his grip. It's a futile effort as he continues his relentless assault, determined to elicit every giggle and squeal he can from you.

Finally, he relents, his laughter joining yours as he releases your wrists. You pant for breath, your cheeks flushed from both the laughter and the earlier efforts. You take the opportunity to jump out of bed. “You’re the worst. I gotta pee.”

You disappear into the bathroom, to pee, clean yourself and try to comb your hair, and by the time you go back to the bedroom, you’re expecting him to be asleep. But you find him awake. His eyes shine brighter when you go through the door, and he watches you with a tender smile as you enter the bed and curl against him, fitting perfectly into his embrace.

The warmth of his body against you is comforting.

"I think I'll let you sleep now," he voices low in your ear, as he pulls over the comforter and covers you both.

"You better.”

Carlos's chest rises and falls rhythmically beneath your cheek as you nestle closer. You can hear the faint hum of his heartbeat, and it lulls you into a peaceful state. He smells like Bleu de Chanel and the lingering traces of your passion. With every breath, you inhale the essence of the man who has woven himself into the fabric of your life, in more ways than one.

Just as you're about to close your eyes and drift off to sleep, it hits you like lightning—the visit your mom mentioned, the whole reason you brought up his dad’s name.

You nudge Carlos gently, rousing him from his half-asleep state. "Just remembered something."

Carlos doesn’t even open his eyes. "Hmm?”

“My dad invited yours over,” you were not sure if you should be excited or nervous. Not for the visit itself, but for Carlos’ reaction to the idea of you meeting his dad.

After all, you had just been sleeping together, barely leaving your apartments, except for that one time he took you out to dinner, and that was probably because it was your birthday and perhaps Carlos would feel bad about just booty-calling you and ignoring the whole birthday thing.

“Well, that’s a nice way to introduce you to him.”

“What?”

Carlos just pressed you closer to him, like you weren’t practically glued together already. "It's okay, cariño. They’ll love you. Now sleep."

It all started at Milan Fashion Week when Carlos was representing Ferrari at an event. You were there, lurking in the shadows, taking in the magic of the fashion show. Your mentor had gotten you there, a favour you'll always be grateful for. There's a lot you can't remember about the event, about the whole night to be fair, but you remember the man awkwardly sitting in the front row. Fashion is not his thing, you thought. You kind of knew that. You kind of knew him.

He drives for Ferrari, he's handsome, he has a thick Spanish accent and hair I would pay to touch.

And that was more than enough to make you introduce yourself at the end of the show. From there, making out in a club took a little more than two hours. To his bed, just a little bit more than that.

You continued to see each other, booty-calling each other when you were feeling horny, bored, or just lonely. Your situationship was a good deal for both parties. No strings attached, which you enjoyed because you had little time and no patience to make any kind of effort to actually maintain a relationship. And Carlos, well... he was also busy as hell, so... all good. So you never went on dates, never needed to put on expectable amounts of makeup for over-the-top dresses. Except for your birthday, when he decided to take you out, and you had to make the effort. But that was your birthday.

Other than that, you would only leave your apartments to go get food at a 24-hour store or McDonald's. You remember that one time you wanted gelato and Carlos took you to his favourite place in Milan, but... other than that, it was just sex. Okay, just sex and marathons of Game of Thrones and House of The Dragon (that led to more sex) and some cooking too. You once taught him how to make your nana's lasagna and how a true Italian bruschetta is done. And a few days later, he cooked you his mom's carbonara—not a real carbonara, not at all. And, let’s be fair, he often brought you pizza from your favourite place in Milano and expensive bottles of wine.

But… “That’s a nice way to introduce you to him”?

You were not expecting that at all.

The idea lingered in your mind all night, and you woke up thinking about it too. You left his apartment while Carlos was still in the shower, just shouting goodbyes while you gathered your stuff and ran to the atelier. He would be out of town for a couple of weeks, away at some races, and you would have time to figure out how your parents met and when said visit was going to happen. All good.

Turns out you didn't have as much time as you thought.

That afternoon, your mom calls you, excitedly recounting their amazing trip to Canada and how much fun your dad had at the race. So, that was where they met. She also shares her plans about taking your brothers to Monza in a couple of months. You nod absentmindedly, your attention more focused on the magazine in front of you than on her words. It's often like this.

Your dad travels for work and actually works. He's a sports manager, deeply passionate about football and motorsports, especially Formula 1. Lately, he's been leaning more towards the latter, especially since he's contemplating retirement. On the other hand, your mom, an ex-model who married a well-off man, has chosen to focus on being a wife and a mother, a role she fulfils with dedication. So, when they’re back home, dad has work to do, contacts to keep and your mom has… well, more than enough time to tell you everything.

"And your dad and Sainz met at the golf course, you know?" your mom continues, her voice full of admiration. "A charming young man. He was golfing with his dad too. Your father had to tell them you refused to join him on the greens."

"In that, he's absolutely right."

"So, they kept talking. They even played together, I think. And he mentioned we were going to the race, and Sainz suggested he could call, and he'd arrange a garage tour. We met him at the paddock, but we ended up not getting the tour because there were already enough guests in there, but… Isn't he just amazing? And so incredibly handsome, piccina. So handsome."

You cringe inwardly at your mom's thirst for Carlos, unable to shake the image of her ogling your... friend. But you hum in response, unable to voice your discomfort because the next moment, she's raving about a dress she bought for you and the amazing designer she met in New York just before returning to Milan, and that topic steals all attention.

But just before she’s about to hang out, you remember why she called you in the first place.

“Mom, about the visit you mentioned? The dinner?” you interject and she chuckles; you can almost envision her rubbing her temples.

"Oh, silly me. I actually called you to discuss that," she sighs. "He's coming to visit us this weekend! You have to come home and meet him; he's really looking forward to getting to know you."

"Doesn't he race this weekend?"

"The young—Since when do you care about F1?"

"I don't. I just—” You quickly think of something, but you’re not quite sure if you want to tell your mother that you’ve been fucking Sainz. The younger one. Of course. “I saw something on Twitter."

"Oh, I see. Well,” she clicks her tongue. “It's his dad who's coming. Weren’t you listening? And his mom. We invited them both. Your dad wants to take him to the club and network a bit and you know… I’m always down for making friends and Reyes seems like a lovely woman. She wasn’t there, but I’ve heard about her around. Even her name is super elegant. Isn’t it?” Once again, you hum, frowning, thinking about the movie where you just found yourself in. “So, please, come home.”

“Noted. So, this weekend?”

“Yes. Do you need Dad to pick you up tomorrow after work?”

You move in your seat. “I’m just so busy with work right now, mom. The new collection and—” She cleans her throat and you just nod to the empty room. “Okay. Yes, please, tell Dad to pick me up.”

Of course, the second you hang up you text Carlos. He’s probably busy, it’s Thursday so he’s doing interviews or something, and, as you expected, he doesn’t reply to your text right away. Despite everything, he doesn’t take too long.

Not surprisingly, he’s very nonchalant about it all.

hot wheels guy: just tell them we know each other, no big deal hot wheels guy: and we’ll tell them more when i’m back

But, yeah… You can’t help but frown looking at the phone. He’s golfed with your dad, met your mom, met again with your dad and he’s not even feeling weird about it all?

you: hm? no? hot wheels guy: why not? you: you went golfing with my dad!!! hot wheels guy: and? hot wheels guy: how would i guess he was your dad? you: how many Y/LN do you think there are in milan? you: he told you he’s from milan!! there are not a lot of us in here hot wheels guy: do you have any idea of how many people i meet every weekend? you: 🙄 hot wheels guy: stop being a brat you: 🙄 hot wheels guy: i don’t see a problem in golfing with your dad hot wheels guy: is that supposed to be weird? you: YES !!!! hot wheels guy: stop being dramatic hot wheels guy: if they say anything, tell them you know me hot wheels guy: if they don’t, don’t you: they will hot wheels guy: so you know what to do

Friday’s dinner went exceptionally well, with conversations flowing effortlessly between food and wine, despite the inevitable sports-centric discussions that seemed to dominate the evening. Your brothers were beyond ecstatic to have Carlos Sr. as a guest in their home. They'd had their fair share of famous athletes sitting at the family table, but never had they been as excited as they were when Carlos Sr. entered the house. As a result, you found yourself somewhat on the sidelines, listening more than speaking throughout the meal.

And you were grateful for that.

The same didn’t happen on Saturday. Your dad took the morning to showcase some of your work and discuss your future prospects in the fashion industry with both Carlos and Reyes. In what you think was a gesture of gratefulness, Reyes displayed a lot of interest in your little atelier, located by the pool, in what used to be a shed for the gardener. So, you spent the morning around there, talking with them about fashion and business, and then joined them for lunch in one of your dad’s favourite restaurants.

Let's be fair, you have an extraordinary way with words and a charm that makes your mother proud. It was easy for you. By the time dinner came, you were already adored by the Sainzes. Without making an effort, you found yourself talking about art and travel, and letting Sainz Sr. explain to you the magic and the challenges of Dakar.

However, it isn’t until the next morning that you find yourself alone with him.

You both sat down for breakfast on the patio, and he’s now engrossed in reading the newspaper, while you’re drinking your cappuccino and doing your best to ignore the fact that the man sitting in front of you is, in essence, your… fuckbuddy’s dad.

There’s the usual “good morning” and the “hope you got some rest”, to which the guest always has some lovely comment to say about the bed, or the room, or the house in general. It’s an amazing guest house, you have to admit. And Sainz is no expectation. You exchange a couple of pleasantries and he’s back at reading the news, so you let your guard down.

Then, unexpectedly, Carlos Sr. turns his attention from the newspaper and directs it squarely at you. Grey eyebrows lifting at the same pace his eyes fill with a weird glint.

“I would love to introduce you to my son,” he says, and a faint frown tugs at your lips as words form in your throat, only to wither away unspoken. "I'm not implying anything," he says with a hint of amusement in his voice, "just that I believe the two of you would get along well."

You respond hesitantly, "Oh, I know him."

"I know you know him," he laughs, and you realise that something might have gotten lost in translation because when he talks again he says, "But what I mean is that you should meet. I'll make sure to introduce you two next time we're all in town."

And well, you feel too embarrassed to correct him, so you just smile and mumble an “I can’t wait. Excuse me”, before getting up from the table and sprinting up to your room.

you: great news. your dad wants to introduce us you: what do i do?

He takes a couple of hours to text back.

hot wheels guy: why didn’t you tell him you know me already? you: i tried to!

The next time you’re all in town happens one week and a half from there, when Carlos is finally back in Italy after a few races and a couple of days in Madrid. And, because the universe is a pain in the ass, you’re swarmed with work to the point you’ve been falling asleep right after dinner, even before the time Carlos usually rings you up.

It’s a terrible schedule.

You’ve been waking up at 5 am to be by the seamstress at 7, to have some work ready to show at 9 am, between your mentor’s arrival at the atelier and the time he leaves for some meeting or brunch with models somewhere in Milan. Somehow, during that interval, he has time to break your work to pieces, destroying it (and destroying you in the process) with criticism. Critique leaves you on the verge of tears, and by the end of the day, you’re a mess—stressed, irritable and utterly exhausted. Not to mention the ever-present sexual frustration, with vivid dreams of a certain Spaniard leaving you hot and bothered in your sleep.

The perfect recipe for a restless night.

Apparently, Carlos got to Milan on Wednesday, because that night you woke up at midnight on your couch, a half-empty glass of wine by your side, your unfinished sketches scattered before you and three missed calls from Carlos, accompanied by a series of texts. Thursday, the same happened. The texts were nothing too dramatic, just variations of “u up?”, “cmon its 10 pm”, and “you can’t be asleep”.

On both days, in your half-sleep haze, you manage to reply as you shuffle your way to your bedroom something similar to “sory, talktomorrw”.

And then Friday arrives, and your calendar pings with the reminder that in one hour your dad will be picking you up for dinner. You’re sitting on your vanity and already dreading the day your dad decided to go to Montreal.

You’re not feeling it.

Firstly, you have to slather on a ton of make-up just to feel decent. Your dark circles are as pronounced as ever, you’re skin is pale and your acne is acting up, probably all due to the lack of sun, sleep, rest of any food that isn’t reheated pizza or store-bought noodles.

So, yes, the prospect of dinner and being introduced as Carlos’ whatever doesn’t exactly lift your spirits.

The anticipation gawns at you as you finish getting ready. You can’t shake the feeling of unease, a nagging doubt that you’re about to step into a situation that might be more than you signed up for. Carlos’ dad seems nice enough, and his mom absolutely adores you, but this is different, especially because his dad is expecting to introduce you and well… you’re way past that.

As you stare at your reflection, you take a deep breath and remind yourself that this isn't just about you. Your brothers are looking forward to meeting Carlos, and your dad seems genuinely excited about his friendship with his dad. So, you summon a smile, albeit a forced one, and decide to make the most of this evening, even if you're not entirely sure what to expect.

Yeah. Scratch that. The dinner is about you.

As you approach the restaurant, a different sense of anticipation washes over you. It feels like a scene from a movie where you're about to meet an arranged husband. The Sainz family stands by the door, engaged in lively conversation. Reyes waves at you when she sees you making your way to them.

Your eyes naturally gravitate toward Carlos. Firstly, because you kind of miss him. It’s been a while since you last saw him and there’s no point in looking for comfort somewhere else, so you are, let's say… slightly needy. And secondly, because he’s clad in a baby blue button-up and pristine white pants. A vision. You're only human, after all, with eyes and perhaps a few too many hormones.

In summary: You’re fucked. Dinner will be fun.

From your back and close to your ear, a whisper arises. “Be nice,” your mom says. As you turn to her, her lips are curling into a wide smile. “Carlos! Reyes! Such a delight to see you both again. And, Carlos,” she turns to the younger one, “it’s an absolute pleasure to finally see you in a more personal environment.”

You take a deep breath.

Your brothers, bursting with energy, practically race each other to get to Carlos, almost taking you down in the process. He skillfully engages them in conversation, a grin playing on his lips, until your mom intervenes.

"Now, now, boys. You'll have plenty of time to chat," she chuckles. Your mom swiftly moves your overeager brothers and offers an apologetic smile to Carlos. "Apologies, they're just excited.”

“No problem,” he says, in Italian, something he doesn’t do often when he’s alone with you. He claims he still needs to learn dirty talk in Italian. You love to teach him by whispering it into his ear. More than that, you love watching his face as he slowly grasps their meaning.

Your dad, then, approaches him for a way-too-manly handshake, but a warm smile reigns on his lips. “Carlos, great to see you again.”

“Thank you, sir. Likewise.”

In the meantime, you went to Reyes. She graced you with a compliment, a kiss on the cheek and the promise to visit your atelier in the near future. Then, it’s time for her husband, and you’re already wearing your best smile because that man is beaming as he’s watching you.

“My dear,” after two kisses on the cheeks, he slightly turns to Carlos. “So nice to see you again. Son,” he calls, and Carlos turns to you, his smile radiant, his eyes sparkling under the warm, ambient lights of the restaurant. “Let me introduce you to Y/N.”

"You're even more beautiful than my mom described," he remarks, his words catching you off guard. You manage to suppress the urge to roll your eyes, opting instead for a faint smile. “My dad has shared so much about you. Couldn’t wait to meet you.”

A surge of mixed emotions washes over you. On one hand, there's a twinge of frustration that he didn't tell his family about your connection, correcting your mistake and saving you from embarrassment. Yet, as his adoring gaze meets yours, it's hard not to be swept away by his warm compliments.

“Oh,” you murmur, feeling something shift inside you. Your own words surprise you, leaving you momentarily at a loss. "Thank you. Likewise."

Unknown to you, you echo almost exactly what Carlos had just said to your dad. The similarity draws a chuckle from Senior, who seems to find the exchange quite entertaining. Carlos chuckles as well and motions to the restaurant with his head.

“Should we?”

As the evening progresses, you can't help but steal glances at Carlos when you think no one is looking. You catch his eye occasionally, and he responds with subtle winks and sly smirks that send shivers down your spine. It's almost like a secret language only the two of you understand. He’s sitting in front of you, of course.

“Piccina,” your mom calls. “Why don’t you tell Carlos about your job?”

With a smile, you turned to face Carlos. He raises his eyebrows in curiosity, and you have to take a second before answering. He’s no stranger to your job. Not at all. Sometimes he even lands a helping hand, providing some foot massages while you’re working through tight deadlines and he doesn’t take “no” for an answer when he asks if he can come over.

So you simply say, “I’m a fashion designer.”

“Oh,” it’s the polite oh, not the filled-with-curiosity one. You know he’s about to say something stupid when his tongue peeks through his lips and the corner of his lips starts raising, moulding his mouth in a smirk. “So you just play dress-up for a living?”

Laughter bubbled up from one of your brothers, earning him a scolding look from your mom. They’re just nine, which makes them fifteen years younger than you. Fondly referred to as "an accident" by your parents, they were the light of your life, even if they were quite the whirlwind.

“And you, Carlos, you just play with cars on the weekends?” Carlos's eyes gleamed with mischief as he looked down, a chuckle escaping him. Sr. Carlos wore a pleased smile, and a delightful warmth settled in your belly.

"Some might find it hard to believe, but we do manage to squeeze in some actual work during the week," Carlos chimed in, earning a laugh from you. "Have you ever been to a race?”

“No, and I don’t intend to.”

"The boys are the true racing enthusiasts,” your dad chimes in. “The girls prefer to stay at home, or walk around when we travel for a Grand Prix.”

Turning to you, Carlos's eyes danced with mischief. You remembered a previous conversation where he'd tried to persuade you to attend the Italian Grand Prix, just a few weeks away. Wanting to stop him, because he’s so predictable that you just know what he’s about to say, you try to change the subject.

“Talking about races, are you playing on doing Dakar again next year, Signore?”

Carlos dismisses your question right away. "I think your perspective might change once you experience a Grand Prix firsthand.”

And this time, Carlos Sr. joins him. "Why not extend an invitation for them to visit the garage? I'm sure the kids will love the opportunity. And, Y/N, I’m sure you’ll find it all exciting. You seem like a curious girl.”

Carlos beamed. "Consider this an invitation. I can't wait to have you all there.”

Your brothers practically have a collective stroke, their young minds struggling to process the idea of visiting Carlos in the garage. As for your dad, despite his time in the paddock, had never had the chance to visit the Ferrari garage, so, despite keeping his composure, you know how much it means to him—he’s undeniably the most fervent tifoso you'd ever known.

With a grateful smile, you spoke up. "That's incredibly kind of you. Thank you.”

Carlos leans comfortably against his Alfa Romeo parked in easy reach of your dad’s Audi. Your brothers are sleeping in the back seat, while your parents conclude their chat. They’re getting along well, which is weird but comforting to some degree.

You shoot Carlos a serious glance. “How much longer are you going to keep up with this little thing you started?”

“Me? May I remind you that you were the one who didn’t tell him we met?” You roll your eyes at his words and grab the door knob. “Wait. Don’t you see he’s trying to set us up?”

“And?”

“Play along. Let him have it.”

There's a moment of silent understanding, the shared secret between you adding an extra layer of intimacy. Despite it all, you crack a smile.

“You’re so childish.” You say. “You’ll be the one who’s gonna tell him.”

“I’ll tackle that when we get there,” Carlos assures. And slowly, a playful glint shines in his eyes. “Should I swing by your place on my way home?”

“No way. I have work tomorrow, a lot of work to do and I can’t afford to be tired to do it.”

He tilts his head thoughtfully. “You can stay at mine, then. And I could drive you to work. It’ll give you an extra thirty minutes of sleep.”

You chuckle, impressed by his attention to detail. “You don’t even know where I work.”

“Of course, I do,” he assures.

That’s new. “Well,” you take a deep breath and discreetly hand him over your apartment keys. “I won’t ring the bell because the old lady on my floor will listen and I think she’s spying on me. I’ll call when I’m there.”

As you're about to bid him goodnight, your dad's voice calls out from a distance, catching Carlos's attention. He waves warmly and flashes a friendly smile, which Carlos mimics.

“Golf on Sunday?” your dad asks.

Carlos's eyes light up with enthusiasm. “Absolutely! Can't wait!”

You can't help but interject, “Golfing with my dad, again? What the heck are you doing?”

Carlos grins. “Finding a golfing partner, since someone here,” he gestures playfully at you, “refuses to join me. And unfortunately, my dad isn't always around in Italy to tag along.”

You roll your eyes in mock exasperation. “Alright, Sainz. Nice to meet you. See you soon.”

He drives you to work and to your surprise, he actually knows where that is. How? You can’t tell. Apparently, he also remembers that you bring breakfast for your mentor on Saturdays because just before he drops you off, he offers to join you for a few minutes, just to pick up breakfast with you.

“Since you’ve got no time to eat with me, I’ll just tag along and annoy you for ten minutes more.”

You let him enter the coffee shop with you and he hovers on your back while you order two moccas and two brownies to go with it. Your mentor is not picky, and this Saturday breakfast tradition only started because you wanted to thank him for granting you a few hours from his weekend to help you with your designs. Technically, it’s not work, but it’s just as demanding.

You can feel Carlos’ breath against your hair, and the faint smell of his cologne, still hanging in his shirt from the previous night. This morning, the buttons are undone, and the sleeves are folded up. His hair is tousled and his beard is imperfect. Yet he’s the most handsome man around.

“First time picking up breakfast together,” he says as you’re walking towards the door. “Is this the equivalent to marriage in your dictionary?”

“Don’t make me regret all the past decisions I’ve made.”

“Hm,” he hums, tilting his head. “What could I possibly make you regret?”

“Simply the fact of accepting to be introduced to you,” You let an exaggerated sigh leave your lips. “I’m living the nightmare all over again.”

Just before leaving a kiss on your cheek, he whispers. “Didn’t sound like a nightmare when I made you come thrice last night, baby. But go off.” He then kisses you on the cheek. “Have a good day.”

Carlos is too busy that night, and your Sunday is reserved for a family gathering. By Monday, you're back to your routine of nodding off right after dinner, so by the time Tuesday arrives, you’re already missing him. Not him—just his body in your bed, the sensation of his thick lips sliding down your navel and the sound of your name rolling off his tongue, wrapped up in that beautiful deep Spanish accent of his. You know he’s driving next weekend, so you spend all Wednesday staring at your phone, trying to summon a text from him.

When it finally pings, around 5 pm, it’s from your dad.

papà: heading to squash in an hour. up for a game? papà: no use in saying no papà: you already missed two weeks you: 🙄🙄🙄 you: i’ll meet you there!

You were the one who introduced your dad to squash, and gradually, it evolved into a bonding activity for both of you. Words don't flow easily with him, and you’re not great at demonstrating feelings so it’s difficult to connect with your dad. On top of that, you moved out really early. Slowly squash became a great way to connect and have quality time with him, release some steam, and stay in shape.

“I’m surprised. You never mentioned that you play squash,” a voice chimes in from behind, and you can't help but let out a sigh when you turn around.

It's Carlos, donned in a stupidly tight turquoise shirt that perfectly hugs and draws the contour of his chest, and sporting the briefest shorts you've ever seen him wear. He smiles. He knows he looks hot.

“How could I?” You reply, trying to not showcase how weak your knees just turned. “We only met like… five days ago.”

Carlos chuckles. “You’re funny. Did I tell you that yet?”

“Hmmm. You haven’t had the chance, yet.”

Sainz Sr. approaches you both, moving at a leisurely pace, absorbed in his phone. When he looks up, his frown disappears and an adoring smile takes his lips. His hand rests on his son’s shoulder as he remarks, “Didn’t I tell you today would be a perfect day for a match?”

Carlos turns to you, raising an eyebrow. "You did. What a coincidence.”

"Indeed," you chime in. "May I challenge you, sir? My dad’s still on a call and I have no partner."

“Oh, Carlos can join you,” he suggests with a nod in Carlos’ direction. “I’ll wait for your dad. We have some matters to discuss. Carry on, you two.”

Of. Course.

As the two of you step onto the squash court, the competitive glint in Carlos' eyes is hard to miss. And the tension in the air is palpable, you feel it in your bones. But you take a deep breath and push it aside, focusing on the game ahead.

"Why the sudden cold shoulder?" Carlos inquires as you prepare to start.

You glance at him, puzzled. "What are you talking about?"

"I'm getting radio silence from you—no calls, no texts. You're not picking up my calls, either. What’s going on?"

You roll your neck, trying to ease the tension. Yesterday you just collapsed onto your couch, once again. You were living in survival mode. And wouldn’t be there playing if it wasn't a long-standing tradition with your dad.

"Work's been keeping me busy," you shrug.

It's not entirely a lie. But it’s not totally true either.

Let’s see—you've been involved in this situationship for almost five months now, seeing each other sporadically, sometimes even daily, if Carlos is in Milan. Yet, it's all so casual. You can recall the day he mentioned introducing you to his parents, of course. As a matter of fact, that talk has been looping in your mind for the last few days, but… it was a joke. Right? Sure it was. Why would he want his parents to meet his... whatever?

You could have texted him earlier. You would have texted him a few weeks ago, before all this. You can’t quite figure out why you’re panicking and why you’re behaving like a rom-com character, but you are.

"Come on, that excuse won't stick with me."

“Too bad. Can we play?" You grip the racket, twirling it in your hands. You look back, at his dad sitting on the benches, watching you from afar. “Please?”

He lets out a sigh and nods. Finally, you think.

"Is this a date?" he asks, grabbing a ball from his shorts and meeting your gaze.

"No." You're firm, and once again, he frowns. "It's not. For one, you didn't invite me. We just happened to both be here. It's coincidental.” He laughs here, slightly tilting his head back. You both know it is not coincidental. “And two, that's not what we're doing."

He cracks a smile, almost teasing. "So, what are we not doing?"

"The dating thing. We're not dating."

"Aren't we?" He smirks, his tongue peeking out, licking his lips.

You shake your head. "Nope."

"Alright, cool. Just wanted to be clear on that," Carlos replies with a nonchalant shrug, though you detect a glimmer of amusement in his voice. He’s as annoying as he’s pretty.

The first serve is swift and precise. The sound of the ball hitting the wall reverberates through the court. You dive into the game, putting your all into each movement. It's a dance of strategy and agility. You’re exhausted, but you put on a fight, using banter as your weapon. On the outside, your parents are watching, and you can’t help but notice Sainz Sr. is thoroughly enjoying this.

Sweat starts to bead on your foreheads, but neither of you shows any sign of slowing down. He wants to win and well… you want to make him lose. As you play, you steal glances at Carlos, his concentration evident in the set of his jaw and the fire in his eyes, in the curse words he whispers under his breath, ones that frustration draws from him. You’ve heard them before. Oh, God, you’ve heard so much worse. But it all combined? This is a side of him you haven't seen before, and it's exhilarating.

After a particularly intense rally, Carlos manages to secure a point with a deftly placed shot. He smirks, clearly pleased with himself. "You're not making this easy," he remarks.

You grin, determined. "Wouldn't want to go easy on you, now, would I?"

The court echoes with the sound of sneakers squeaking against the floor and the thud of the ball hitting the walls. Time seems to blur as you lose yourself in the rhythm of the game. He makes you laugh and shout insults in his direction, to which he laughs.

Finally, after a hard-fought match, Carlos clinches the victory. It's a close call, and you’re about to pass out. It’s a shitty mixture of disappointment and pride. Leaning against the wall of the court, you try toth catch your breath.

"You're pretty good at this," Carlos admits, wiping the sweat from his brow with a towel.

"Yeah, well, I have to stay in shape to keep up with you," you quip.

He chuckles, "Am I that demanding?"

"Am I that demanding?" You repeat, forcing a Spanish accent and a deep voice. He chuckles and stands up straight. "Did your dad tell you to come here today?"

"Yes. For some reason, he really likes you. Like I told you he would."

You can't help but chuckle at Carlos's words. "Well, he’s certainly enjoying playing cupid. But hey, fun game.”

Carlos nods a genuine smile on his face. "Yeah, it was. Finally got to see you outside the flat. It's quite weird to see you with clothes at this point."

"Oh, God, you're such a prick."

He laughs, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Can I drop by later today?"

You glance toward your parents, who are engaged in a lively conversation, and then back at Carlos.

"No. Early morning tomorrow. And I still have work to finish today.” You’re not lying to him, you’re lying to yourself. Even when he’s looking at you with puppy eyes, you don’t go back with your words. Instead, you stand up straight and fix your hair. “Should I expect to coincidently meet you somewhere else in the next few days?"

You know the answer to that question. You know he’s going to be away for two weekends. And you kinda know he knows you know, because when he answers, there’s the faintest smile on his lips.

"I'll be off for two weeks. Hungary and Belgium.”

"Good luck at those, then.”

“Really appreciate it.”

Yeah, so…. That night, Carlos texted you. Not a casual “u up?”, but a “it was so fucking unfair to see you in that skirt and not being able to fuck you in it” and naturally you couldn’t help but to let out an exasperated groan and promptly respond with a “come over.” So, twenty minutes later you were being screwed against your kitchen counter.

And now you’re on the couch, his head buried between your legs, eating you up like a starved man. Yes. You need to be fit to keep up with this man’s stamina. He’s that demanding. But you can’t complain.

It’s been like this. A lot of pleasure. And then a lot of peace of mind.

Afterwards, he reclines on the chaise lounge, scrolling through TV channels, looking for something remotely bearable. You go get your sketch notebook and use his torso as a pillow. He watches tv and you work, until sleep creeps over you and you fall asleep in his arms.

Five months of this. You can’t put a label on it, but you can’t imagine living without it.

Carlos only wakes you up to take you to bed, and that night he sleeps over, sprawled across your bed like a starfish, leaving you clinging to him to not fall over. In the morning, you make out in bed, lazy and sleepy. He fucks you in the shower, and then he’s off again. He texts you when he's at the airport, and once more when he lands in whichever country he's racing in. Meanwhile, you carry on with your everyday life—a bit more mundane than being fuckbuddies with a Scuderia Ferrari driver but just as busy.

As it became regular, you exchange a few texts while he's away. It's become a ritual—complimenting him on how handsome he looks after his sessions, and him requesting a selfie so he can return the favour. He sends you snapshots of random things that made him think of you, and if truth be told, you do the same. You share selfies as you stroll by the Ferrari store in Milan and send him memes (which sometimes require a brief explanation). Without fail, he sends you a good morning and a good night, and whenever you're awake, you make sure to reply.

And life happens for those two weeks.

It’s boring. It’s dull. It’s ordinary.

And then on a Monday evening your bell rings and you can’t help but leave your apartment and wait for him on the landing, right in front of the elevator, not caring if your neighbour is watching through the peephole.

“Missed me?” he quips, already unburdening himself of his backpack as he steps out of the elevator. Sunglasses perched atop his head, skin kissed by the sun, eyes wide like the moon. He’s the prettiest man you’ve ever seen.

“Never,” you jest, but it's a flimsy façade, quickly shattered as you pull him close, urgency coursing through you.

Damn, you've missed him. You crave him.

And he craves you too. He's straightforward in showing it.

After you both shower, you settle on the couch. You ask him about why he had two races that weekend and he teases you because you finally demonstrate an interest in F1, and only then, after you’re insulting him and threatening to not go to Monza, he actually explains to you how a sprint weekend works, but he’s being so nerdy and so adorable and his eyes are sparkling so much that you just get back in his lap and ride him again, but this time slower, and more passionate, like you’re feeling something materialise inside you. And you come on his lap, and he kisses you slowly, and you tell him you actually missed him.

For dinner, you agree on sushi and night falls while you’re watching The Office for the only-God knows-how-many time, curled up in each other and drinking wine.

Apparently, there’s a mandatory period of vacations in F1 and unfortunately, it doesn’t match your own. So, Carlos is away with friends and family, in boats and islands in the Mediterranean, and you’re torn between Roma, Venice and Milan, assisting in campaign photoshoots.

Your days are long, exhausting and you’re tired and wishing you could be suntanning somewhere in Greece, but you’re sitting on a train, pushing small talk with your colleagues so you won’t fall asleep and drool over yourself.

Until a notification pops up on your phone, and you drop everything you’re saying because there’s a small chance that is a photo from Carlos, or some text, or just a reminder of his existence. You mentally slap yourself. When did you get that dependent?

But it’s just an email. And it’s from your mom.

You frown.

She doesn’t usually use email. Nor is interested in art galleries in Madrid.

You read through the details and you notice something interesting. The invitation has been forwarded from none other than Carlos Sainz Sr. And it makes you laugh. You take a screenshot that you send to Carlos.

you: so, your dad's moonlighting as an art promoter now? did you fire him? hot wheels guy: seems like it. he said he was going to invite you hot wheels guy: and no, i didn’t fire him primarily because he doesn’t work for me you: well it actually does sound interesting hot wheels guy: so you’re coming? you: perhaps hot wheels guy: it’s a good chance for you to meet my sisters you: don’t you have like a dog for me to meet, too? hot wheels guy: two, piñon and oil hot wheels guy: oli is a really jealous girl. i doubt she will like you you: looking forward to meet them. and your sisters too, of course hot wheels guy: and about me? you: i already met you twice. don’t need another introdution

One week later, you’re in Madrid. Sainz Sr. arrives home while you’re talking with Reyes in the kitchen, while she cooks gazpacho for lunch. Oli is in your lap, licking your cheek as your fingers get lost in the small white waves of her fur.

“Hope you get here easily. Did you take an Uber?” Sainz says right after gracing you with a small hug and two polite kisses on the cheeks. Before paying, he also leaves a pat on Oli’s head.

“Carlos picked me up at the airport, actually.”

A pleased smile creeps across Sainz Sr.'s face, like a child in a candy shop. He glances over at Carlos, who's lounging on the couch, a few meters from you.

“She’s a guest.” He points out. You didn’t even realise he was listening to your conversation. You wonder if he was listening to what you and Reyes were saying before. “I wouldn’t have let her take an Uber.”

“You’re getting along well,” the dad points out. “Doesn’t surprise me.”

Between the art and the hushed corridors of the gallery, you often find yourselves alone. A stolen kiss in the quiet garden, where the fragrance of blooming flowers mingles with the electric charge between you. And then another, amidst the art, when the room empties and you’re left in the silence of creativity, where the only beauty that matters is reflected in the depths of his eyes.

He holds your hand and listens to your explanations about art and strokes and colour theory. And he calls you a nerd. Of course, he does. And you laugh and look at each other, and kiss again, not caring if there’s someone around.

When you come back home, his sisters and parents are still in the living room, so you sit with them, still wearing your cocktail dress and Carlos still looking gorgeous in his tuxedo. You picked up churros on your way home, so you’re just basking in the serenity and the domesticity of it all. Conversations flow effortlessly, laughter weaving through the air. You share stories, revealing snippets of your lives to his family, like they’re slowly becoming yours.

Ana. Blanca. Oli. Reyes. Carlos. And your Carlos, who looks at you with a warmth in his eyes that is capable of melting every cell of your body.

You can get used to this.

You only spend one night in Madrid. You sleep over at the Sainz’s—Reyes didn’t let you consider a hotel, so she prepared one of the guest rooms in advance. Surprisingly, it’s not the first time you and Carlos sleep under the same roof without having sex, but it’s the first time you do so in separate beds. And you feel restless. You lay in bed, your gaze fixed on the wall as if by sheer will, it will become transparent and grant you a view of him sleeping—the contours of his face softened in serenity, his lashes grazing his cheekbones.

According to Google, Autodromo Nazionale Monza is exactly 39 minutes away from your flat by car. Which isn’t a lot.

You’re not sure what to wear, or what’s exactly going to happen.

It’s Friday. It’s his birthday. He looks gorgeous in the photos that everyone is posting. You just need to get to the track, meet your parents and take your family to the garage. It’s as simple as that.

But you haven’t seen Carlos for more than a week, and the idea of finally seeing him is consuming you.

So you dump your worries in your wardrobe. You search for the few Ferrari pieces you have in your closet and you put out an outfit, and make-up and pretend you’re just going to an event you know nothing about. Because that’s almost the case.

Between the small crowd and the electric atmosphere and the midst of the symphony of roaring engines, you spot your parents and your brothers—their eyes wide with wonder. They’re donning Ferrari shirts and hats, each one with a different number on their clothes.

This blend of family and racing feels strangely comforting.

There’s a guy waiting for you by the entrance, with your passes. You follow him. He asks about the ride to the circuit, if it's your first time, and you can actually relieve some of the anticipation with that small talk. But you’re taking so long.

The corridor leading to the garages seems to stretch endlessly, each step an eternity.

"He's in the garage, preparing for the session. You'll have to be quick," the man informs you, but his words are mere background noise. All that matters is Carlos, and he's waiting. That's all you need.

Stepping into the garage, the noise amplifies. It's a chaotic dance of technicians and engineers, each absorbed in their tasks. You scan the frenetic scene, searching for him, but his absence is louder than the noise.

“Carlos must be arriving. Boys,” he drops to your brothers. “Want to see the car up close?”

Of course, they say yes, and they follow the man. Your dad tags along and your mother? Well, she’s apparently very interested in the sport, as well.

The first Sainz you see is Carlos’ cousin, to whom you’ve been not introduced yet, but who quickly recognizes you. You introduce yourself, and he chuckles and you say you’re “Carlos’ friend”. And then Sainz Sr. appears, with Carlos right beside him, talking to a tall skinny guy.

And God. He’s a vision in that damned racing suit.

Time seems to slow as he approaches, and when he turns to you, his eyes light up with a radiant smile. The world fades away.

“Happy birthday,” is all that occurs to you.

And a “thank you for being here,” is all that he can say before being dragged away to the screens.

This time it isn’t Reyes or Sainz Sr., but Carlos who invites your family for dinner. It's an offer you simply can't refuse, and even though your brothers are practically nodding off from fatigue, the moment they step inside the Hotel de la Ville, and notice where they are, exhaustion seems to magically dissipate.

The entire day was amazing, but you’ve barely had a chance to be near Carlos. So, as he finally takes his seat across from you, the desire to kiss him simmers just beneath your skin, burning you whole. He's clad in his signature red shirt, his unruly hair falling playfully over his forehead. And he’s wearing white jeans, which makes the colour of his tanned skin intensify.

Caught in the act of admiring him, you see him move his eyebrows. You roll your eyes and swiftly adjust your position in the chair, refocusing on your dads’ intense discussion about the latest football market moves.

“Piccina,” your mother chimes in. “You never told me about the Madrid trip. The gallery. Was it nice?”

You glance at your mother and then at the whole table. Carlos has that playful twinkle in his eyes, clearly anticipating to hear you stutter as you try to talk about the exhibition. Well, you did pay attention to the art, of course, but what remains in your mind is the way Carlos’ eyes always managed to drift to you, no matter which room you were in.

“It was beautiful, Mom,” you reply, offering her a warm smile. “I’ve already told Carlos how grateful I am for the invite.” At the head of the table, Sainz Sr. smiles at you, with a simple yet approving nod. “The other Carlos tagged along with me. He got to learn a lot about art. Right, junior?”

Carlos leans to you, propping his elbows on the table, a trace of amusement dancing in his eyes.

"I have to admit, you managed to make even the dullest of rooms seem interesting."

Thankfully, Sainz Sr.'s hearty laughter momentarily steals everyone's attention, giving you a chance to regain your composure. Your cheeks are warm, and from the feeling of them, you know they’re red. You managed to make even the dullest of rooms seem interesting. And he smiles, because he knows you badly you’re falling.

"Well, that's impressive,” your dad chimes.

And you're not sure if he's complimenting Carlos's smooth line or your ability to be a guide. So you ignore him and try to play it cool.

“So,” your mom continues, her hand resting on your arm, her curiosity fully piqued. "You two spent a good time together in Madrid?"

You share a subtle glance with Carlos before nodding. "Yes, we did. It was a great exhibition."

A brief hush falls over the table and you can’t help but feel like you’re under a microscope and everyone can see through you. Carlos’ gaze, steady and unwavering, is locked onto you, and you feel yourself softening, captured in his attention.

“Well,” Sainz Sr., who's been quietly observing, interjects with a warm smile. "It seems like you two have been getting along quite well."

Carlos chuckles and looks down, his fingers lightly tapping the rim of his glass. You both exchange a quick look, a silent understanding passing between you.

It’s time.

"Actually," you start, "we've been getting along really, really well."

Reyes leans in. "Oh? Do tell."

“We’ve been…” You hesitate, glancing at Carlos for support.

He meets your gaze. “Dating,” he completes your sentence with a confident smile. “We’ve been dating for a while now. Six, seven-ish months?”

Sainz Sr.’s eyes light up, and then he furrows his brows, clearly processing the information. You can’t help but chuckle as you watch the gears turning in his mind.

“That’s before—way before I… introduced you.”

“In my defence,” you chime in. “I did try to tell you we’ve already met before. Blame your son. He’s the one who decided to play with you for so long.”

“Well, this is… wonderful news.” Sainz Sr. beams. You steak a glance at Carlos, knowing he’s definitely going to tease you about how genuinely pleased you looked after revealing the truth. “So, seven months, eh? Okay. When’s the wedding? And when do I get Carlos the 3rd?”

I had so much fun writing this one!!! I used every little break at work to write this. It's a bit different than what I usually write, so all feedback is appreciated. Thank you for the request! 🫶

[mvrkieboo]

Old Bloodhounds

SYNOPSIS

You and Mark go all the way back to your childhood years, getting to know each other through your older brother. When you were both just 15 years old, you made a choice that broke your brother's heart, and you were dead to Mark Lee ever since. You never got to reconcile with him as you moved away.

Now, you meet again in your college years, and Mark is noticing there's some weird things about you. First of all, are you a sugar baby?

TWs : gore, violence, y/n hides a lot of things and it's driving people crazy (slight purposeful miscommunication)

GENRE : crack, romance, angst with a happy ending, fluff

STATUS : ongoing

A/N : inspired by the k-drama BLOODHOUNDS on netflix and featuring its main characters too !

profile 1 | profile 2

P1 should've worn butt plug then

P2 NOW CHOP CHOP LITTLE GERMAN BOY

P3 catch me outside, how bout that!?

P4 you can't just say perchance

P5 jokes on you i have a vasectomy kink

P6 you cheeky little shit

P7 hungry hungry hippo calling the pigs fat

P8 i don't trust that hehe

P9 mark better keep an eye out for selenerrr

P10 you have negative pull anyways

P11 damn do i miss my man

P12 THAT'S NOT LEGAL???

P13 WE JUMPING MARK LEE LMAO 😂

P14 act like it

P15 hungry hungry hippo over here

P16 lEts g3t shït f ace d!!!!!!!!!!

P17 rip mark lee aka lee minhyung

P18 not tonight please 🩷

P19 🧚🏻‍♀️ GET 🧚🏻‍♀️ YOUR 🧚🏻‍♀️ ASS 🧚🏻‍♀️ INTO 🧚🏻‍♀️ THE 🧚🏻‍♀️ GC 🧚🏻‍♀️

P20 mark lee alcoholic era incoming 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

P21 no need to get all biblical babe

P22 you shut up

P23 i realised that day that she in fact had two

P24 be honest have you slept today

P25 fuck you and fuck no

P26 straight people i tell you

P27 that's common sense i fear...

P28 lmao was i wrong tho

P29 i cant ty9e clearly wheñ ím çrying

P30 jesus please take the wheel rn

P31 the first steps ahead

P32 i am now a proud uchinaga 🫶🏻

P33 you just gotta dissociate at one point

P34 that is my full blooded older brother

P35 i knew it. i knew it!

P36 hm that's what i thought

P37 this is the push back, not the step back

P38 work wifey where are yewwwwwww

P39 ooooouu too bad idgaf

P40 i see the end

P41 i just miss my daily bedrotting

P42 nobody wants to see that hyuck

P43 listen, don't wanna be that bitch, but...

P44 how romantic

P45 me and my bro (we're targaryens)

P46 he's going to pay

P47 this is me holding on, okay?

P48 damn 😭 still not over her huh

P49 then don't fucking go

P50 screw the rebellious teenage phase

P51 jeong y/n

...

[psychoticfemmm]

over my shoulder

pairing: frat!jj maybank x reader

summary: At a wild frat party, you get frustrated with JJ for ignoring you while he hangs with his frat brothers.

The party was in full swing, music thumping loud enough to rattle the windows, red Solo cups everywhere. You weaved through the throng of people, trying to keep up with JJ as he stopped every five seconds to fist-bump someone, down a beer, or laugh obnoxiously at some inside joke with his frat brothers.

“JJ,” you tugged on his arm, leaning closer so he could hear you. “Can we just hang out for a bit? Alone?”

He grinned at you, but his eyes darted to the pong table across the room. “Just a sec, babe. Gotta crush Pete and Logan real quick. I’ll find you after, okay?”

Before you could respond, he was gone, swept up in the chaos of his fraternity’s party. You exhaled sharply, annoyance bubbling in your chest. Rolling your eyes, you spun around and headed toward your friend, Riley, who was standing near the kitchen.

“JJ ditch you for his bros again?” Riley teased, handing you a fresh drink.

“Shocker, right?” you muttered, taking a sip.

As the two of you talked, a guy wearing a sweatshirt with the logo of JJ’s rival frat strolled up to you, a cocky grin plastered across his face. “Hey, haven’t seen you around here before. You a Chi Alpha girl?”

You raised an eyebrow. ��Nope. Just here for the beer pong champion who’s too busy to hang out with me.”

“Ah, classic Delta Nu. They’re always like that,” he said, leaning a little too close. “Maybe you need someone who actually pays attention to you.”

Before you could respond, you heard a familiar voice cut through the music. “Hey, buddy, back off.”

You turned to see JJ storming over, jaw tight and eyes blazing. He shoved the guy back a step, beer sloshing out of the guy’s cup.

“Seriously, JJ?” you snapped, folding your arms.

“He was hitting on you,” JJ said, glaring at the guy.

“Maybe if you weren’t too busy for me, I wouldn’t have to entertain myself!” you shot back.

The guy smirked, clearly enjoying the drama. “Looks like you’ve got some issues to work out, man.”

That was the wrong thing to say. JJ lunged at him, but a few of his brothers grabbed his arms, pulling him back. “Not worth it, bro,” one of them muttered.

JJ huffed, clearly still fuming. He turned back to you, and before you could protest, he grabbed you by the waist and threw you over his shoulder like you weighed nothing.

“JJ! Put me down!” you shouted, pounding your fists on his back.

“Nope. You’re coming with me,” he said, ignoring your protests as he carried you up the stairs to his room.

Once inside, he kicked the door shut and set you down on his bed. “Alright, princess, let’s talk.”

You crossed your arms, still fuming. “Talk? Now you want to talk?”

He stepped closer, his hands on either side of your hips. “I’m sorry, okay? I was being an idiot.”

“Yeah, you were,” you said, turning your head when he leaned in to kiss you.

JJ chuckled, clearly amused by your defiance. “Oh, you’re mad mad, huh?”

“Gee, what gave it away?” you deadpanned.

He cupped your face, forcing you to look at him. “I’m really sorry, babe. Let me make it up to you.”

“How?” you asked skeptically, raising an eyebrow.

His lips crashed into yours before you could say anything else. At first, you resisted, but his hand slid down to your waist, pulling you flush against him as his tongue grazed your bottom lip. You couldn’t help the soft gasp that escaped, and he took full advantage, deepening the kiss until your frustration began to melt.

When he pulled back, his lips brushed against your jaw as he murmured, “I’ve been a shitty boyfriend tonight, but let me show you how much I hate when you’re mad at me.”

You swallowed, your annoyance quickly giving way to something else entirely. “This better be good, JJ.”

He smirked, his voice low as he trailed kisses down your neck. “Oh, babe, you won’t be thinking about anyone else by the time I’m done.”

⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡

let me know if I should do more au's like this⋆. 𐙚 ˚

[pinkmoonastro]

Moon through the zodiac

Aries: Your blunt and it often comes across as insensitive. Yet at the same time people may think your too sensitive. Growing up your household was very busy and or very gossipy. People may question your intentions alot with this placement even if your not doing anything some may still assume your up to no good. Its almost like damn all that assuming you might as well actually do something. The way you express yourself is always being judged and people are always trying to ''correct'' it. Causing you to be anti social, very particular on who you share your personality with or a bully. The way you express yourself is very unique just like your sense of humor you be accidentally funny as hell and thats needed in this world dont give away your power to people and allow them to change you into a dolice version of yourself. Light fire under they ass the way you how to. Anyways I wouldnt be surprised if you daydream about your ideal life alot, careful not to be in your head too much and create unrealistic expectations for yourself or others to uphold. I want yall to stop being so hard on yourself. If nobody else tell yall ima tell you i love how passionately you express yourself. The purpose of your moon being here is for you to learn more about yourself and who you are and how your actions/reactions affect others. Step away from whats familiar and comfortable and dig deep. Listen to your intuition. Have some fucking fun.

Taurus: Its your way or the highway HUH? Your moon chose to be here becasue you are the defender. There will be times were you feel your back is against the wall and you face alot of scrutiny from the world. They may come down on you hard but if you can withstand the pressure you will be rewarded. Willpower and self discipline comes easier for you. You have the tendency to be arrogant, domineering and passive aggressive. A good leader keeps those emotions in check. Yall get stuck in yall ways fr i want yall to put more energy into leaving your comfort zone and taking risk. Slow down smell the roses and enjoy where you are. Dont be all work and no play.

Gemini: Yall love some drama. Somehow always ending up in the middle of some shit. Seeing others as competition even when them ppl not worried about you. You like being the center of attention and dont care if its in a postive or negative light. It works for yall though because popularity comes easy for you. This is one of the most social placements for the moon to be. Your reputation means alot to you and networking is high on your priority list. Its common for yall to feel like you always have to choose between something. It may be hard for you to balance your work life and home life. In friendships and relationships you choose to keep the blindfold on ignoring whats really in front of you, procrastinating to handle your problems just hoping theyll go away on there on. You end up in situations where people are betraying you. With the two sides to gemini its like a secret element to your life. Your no stranger to scandal. I feel for you, this isnt a easy place to have the moon be. You care so much about your relationships with people but yet often have issues with ppl. This couldve stemmed from feeling like you were a target growing up that people always chose to pick with you. Or that you were punished more extremely than others. With this placement you've probably seen or experienced things that really made you question humanity. Dont let those experiences shape the type of person you'll be. You gotta learn to let shit go and not be bitter or have a victim mentality. Be careful not to burn yourself out. Drowning yourself in work to ignore your feelings. You dont always have to do everything on your own... collaborating is just as rewarding i promise. It would be beneficial to learn how to except help, knowing when to back down and not being so critical of yourself.

Cancer: If they dont appreciate everything you do FCK EM. No but fr with moon here you may feel like people overlook the things you do for them. Cancer moons can be way to stubborn and stand in there on way because of the fear of change. Repeating the same lessons way more than they should have to. When your redirect your energy to new experiences and growth your determination and passion unmatched. This is type of person you want to have on your team they bring so much positive energy and comfort.

Leo: Main character syndrome AF lol Unnecessarily rebellious at times growing up you may have felt your parents were controlling on how you expressed your creativity or because of the way you grew up you express your creativity in a rebellious way in relation to your family. Your career could be taboo. I could see a lot of onlyfans stars having moon in leo. Success in career comes more natural for you because of your consistency and ambitious nature. Yall really find pleasure in chasing money. Dont get so carried away with fulfilling your material desires that you dont leave time for introspection and searching for who you really are away from the titles.

Virgo: How does it feel to be kids favorite? A happy home life is important for this placement. Theres an innate need to belong. You love parties, holidays and kids ofc. Hosting parties and having a full house will give you happiness. Where this placement gets stuck is not being able to let go of the past. Getting sucked into the loophole of self pity and regret. Focus your attention on what you can do and what you can change. You work better with other ppl there to bounce ideas off of. Let your gaurd down, Succuss is reached quicker for you when you collaborate. Having this placement is testing your ability to strengthen your willpower and resourcefulness. Once you can do that you'll manifest way easier. Careful not to live beyond your means. Dont let desires put you in debt. Trust your intution, take the first step and take the risk. You go be perfectly fine.

Libra: Your love language is def quality time and acts of service this is very important for this placement to feel loved. Yall thrive in group settings and really value friendships. Even if you dont talk that much it makes you feel better to be around others. If you want to get with a Libra moon the best way is to become their friend first. You may have a tendency to put yourself in drama and create chaos among your inner circle though lil messy ass. Always wanting to be right, when this placement is in its lower natures is a good example of the native american folklore of the hunter that stuck a blood coated blade in ice knowing the wolf couldnt resist. It licked the blade continuously not realizing it was slowing bleeding out. The only way for the wolf to survive is to acknowledge its self destructive behavior. Bottom line just because you can ignore something doesnt mean others are going to do the same. Just becasue it didnt effect you doesnt mean it didnt effect them. Make the effort to listen to understand not listen to respond. Your words matter use them responsibly and take breaks from people or things when you feel you need to, your mental health will thank you.

Scorpio: Transformation happens with this placement alot. Moments of feeling isolated or depressed may be brought on by extreme emotional shifts. Anxiety and fear is no stranger to the scorpio moon. It can be to the point of really debilitating you. You've experienced things you've kept to yourself or have repressed but the issue continues to reappear time after time like a broken record. If it hasnt been dealt with it way on you really heavy and appear in your dreams often. You've felt shame, not understanding how you couldve allowed yourself to be in that predicament in the first place but seriously bro shit happens. It can be hard to maintain emotional balance with moon in scorpio, so its essential to have methods to release your emotions in healthy ways. Careful not to become bitter or victimizing with things dont go the way your controlling ass intends. Vengeance doesnt work well for you it often backfires, you'll try to set somebody house on fire and you burn yourself in the process. You may feel that people often oppose for no reason that you have to go through power struggles to be heard or to get the things you want. You may second guess opening up and are critical of yourself and others but opening yourself up to the world will be one of the best things you can do for your relationships and career. Your maturity and originality is threatening. Express yourself in your full nature and make people adapt to you not the other way around. You have authoritarian energy and if your putting yourself out there which ik you are, yr often mistaken for the boss. That is if your not already the boss. Im sure your that your the boss. Mwahahaha. Your demeanor comes across as serious and strict. Ppl naturally think let me not play with them. Your standards are high for yourself and your partner. You wouldnt be with somebody who doesnt match up to your standard. You need to feel like the person you’re with is equally as respected as you in any room you walk in.

Sagittarius: Im sure you believe you were meant to be famous. Sagittarius moons are very charismatic and great negotiators with a very convincing personality they are great at creating solutions quickly. So ofc that makes its very easy for them to make friends. In relationships they attract and are attracted to more dominate personalities. Loving the idea of love but really being in denial about that. Def gives player vibes they have flirtatious ass whore ways lmao. If you cheating ik you not even finna try hard to hide it. Easily bored they will chase thrills lowkey in a running from your problems type of way. Where sag moons can grow is appreciating the value they bring and not feeling the need to always compare themselves to others. Don't attach your self worth to financial security. Be more secure in what you believe and don't back down so easily when others challenge your ideas.

Capricorn: The moon doesn't like being here. Its emotionally depressing actually lol. I'm sure you've already read enough depressing interpretations on cap moons tho so this one is not going to be that. This one is meant to empower you. Youve experienced alot of chaos anger and pain. You've experienced very intense situations that have completely emotional up rooted you. But the smoke always clears and its important for to spend time away from the people and places that have caused this. Take the steps needed to regroup to be by yourself to develop better understanding of your emotions and learn what it is that truly want from your life. If you are not following your intuition it is easy for you to end up in friendships and relationships that do not mean you well. Your not the type of person who can just hang with anyone you need to very intentional about who you allow into your life. Communicate your feelings stop keeping everything bottled in. That shit will drive yo ass crazy. You dont have to be the strong friend all the time your emotions are valid, open up to ppl and share that shit because you dont share often you open up and talk people listen. Use that power to help others that have been through similar experiences to you. When you succeed in whatever obstacles you overcome ppl cant do anything but respect it bc your road was slow and steady but you stayed with it. When it comes to relationships you are very black and white you'll commit yourself fast but if you feel you cant trust the person you may still deal with them but emotional you shut them out. You like being partnered up rather its a relationship or situtationship you deal with the person for a long time.

Aquarius: I want to give you a hug, you are too analytical for your own good. Baby you need to stop thinking so much and you need to feel, you need to experience, act on impulse, dont give yourself time to think about everything that could go wrong. You sabotage so much of your own happiness that way. But i understand people have disappointed you so many times you feel you must do everything on your own. Its like nobody understands you or that people are committed to misunderstanding you. But news flash your not that expressive with your feelings how is anybody going to know if you dont tell them. Yall are cute though with yall dry ass humor. Listen stop being such a fly on the wall you hold as much value as anyone else stop acting like your presence is a fuckn burden. You dont have be agreeable all the the time they will be O FUCKN K. You are very intelligent and more people need to know that. Believing in yourself and communicating is your lesson. Shine your light and stop playing like fr...

Pisces: Ok we’re gonna get the sad shit out the way first. Just how yall like. I really feel like yr parents just let yall cry it out as a baby and you took that personal lmao. No but fr i feel like you always came across like you can handle things so you weren’t really checked on everyone just assumes you'll be ok. You come across as very strong and resilient which is beautiful but everybody needs a shoulder to lean on. Okay now remember how i said yall took that personally ummhm you can be very vengeful never forgetting he littlest slight somebody done towards you. Yall resort to committing crimes rather easily if you need some money lmao im not mad at it though. Literally rationalizing damn near anything if that means youll get what you want. And another thing yall be lying fr. lol sometimes it really do be on accident though you just forgot what really happened and your imagination is very vivid you thought that was the truth. You can be too hard on yourself sometimes you see very clearly the person you want to be so you put so many time limits and expectations on yourself. Chill out enjoy the journey and flow through life the way you know how to. You have very high standards so anything you invest your energy too is executed properly. I honestly cant even imagine a Pisces moon not running their own business. Im sure you cant either. You naturally have very authoritarian energy. Theres not much push and pull when it comes to you getting your way people go with your flow pretty easily. Naturally you wouldnt assume a pisces to be practical but they actually are. Sure they dream big but if they didnt know how to practically implement that into this realm that would just be depressing as hell. When yall find something that works for you, you are very disciplined at seeing it through. Very protective over those you love yall def give stand up when i walk in the room vibes lol

[petew21-blog]

Life upgrade

Hi, I am Earl Montgomery. I am 34 year old gay man. I studied history and enhlish literature at Columbia and then I became a teacher. I have been working as a teacher since than and I have to say that being a teacher is one of the most honorable proffesions there are. You get to educate all the young minds and set them on a right path in life. If only they would listen to me during classes. Maybe my life wouldn't be so boring. The job takes all my energy. I never believed that so many teachers get burnt out, but man. Once you see that your job affects only few of those kids and the rest just doesn't care, you contemplate back on your life. What could I have done different? I could have had a happy, adventurous life full of fun and sex. Oh how I miss the sex.

Oh sorry, my bad. You thought the guy wearing sports clothes is me? Oh no no no. This is me actually

That guy is Barry. The gym teacher. He's the same age as me. But his life is much better. He works as a gym teacher, coach and in his free time he is a personal trainer in gym. He gets to coach all the hot bodybuilders and sometimes women, that lust over him a later on sleep with him.

I onced tried to hit on him, thinking he might be bisexual, but ended up being ignored for the rest of the school year. He started talking to me again recently and that's fine. If there is no drama it's all good. Besides. He has his own life full of sport and travelling around the world, fucking everything that moves. And I have my own life. My slightly boring and depresive life.

Who am I kidding? I hate my life. I wish I were Barry. To have his hot body, his libido, his life full of travellling and fucking everyone.

Suddenly it was so bright all around me. I was in a garage. Running. I stopped. Where am I? Why am I running? How did I get here?

I looked around but the place was empty. Then I looked down and saw the grey clothes for sport that Barry has. "This can't be". I walked over to the nearest car and saw Barry. No, I saw my reflection.

"Well well well. Can't ignore me now, huh?" I flexed my biceps over the shirt. So freaking hot. He is so buff. Must be amazing to be so strong and have strong muscles like this. His skin is so tense and beautiful. I gotta go somewhere more private to look what he's hiding under this. Don't know how this freaky friday will last.

Vibration in my pocket. Some girls want to have a private class with me in the gym. But the emojis don't seem like they want to take the training very seriously. Might be fun.

"Flex for the camera. Perfect!"

"Omg Barry, you're really hot. How did you get so big?"

"You think this is big... you haven't seen all of me yet. Haha" Where the hell was this coming from? Why did I say that?

"Really? We were actually thinking you coul help us stretch some time and show us how to do this to not hurt ourselves."

"I can stretch you both now in the showers, babes" Whyyy am I saying this. I'm not straight for fucks sake. Oh no. I'm not, but Barry is. I need to get back. I can't be straight.

1 hour later

"Thanks Barry. What a great personal class. Haha. Same time next week?" the taller oned asked while walking away from the gym

"You bet!" the sex was really good I have to admit that. But only this body craves it. Not me. I am gay, I don't want to watch pussy all day.

Phone vibrated again

Holy shit, A message from my number:"Hey, I don't know what you did to me, but I just jerked off for the third time thinking about my own body and I can't keep doing this... I want to swa... SUUCK your dick"

Oh maan, he has the same problem as I do. His body responds to what the person craved before, bout our minds didn't change our sexual orientation it seems.

"Came to your body's place in 30 minutes. Bring lube. Don't be late" I texted. I love this confidence the body is so full off.

And I bet I am gonna love the fact that my old body is gonna suck my dick very soon.

Haha. Gotta thank the istock photos for the inspiration

Story from inbox: Would you be able to do a story where a nerdy teacher swaps bodies with the hunky football coach. Maybe even cucking him?

[skylarsblue]

✦Incorrect C.o.D Quotes, Again✦

Guess who's back...back again-

Ghost @ DILF!Y/N: Stop making me have gay thoughts, General. I look at men and I feel weird. I feel strange. It makes me wanna do things. I don’t like that.

(This also works with Soap, of course)

-- (Based on that one Avatar moment that set the fucking bar for me. Also, bonus random name of an NPC) Ghost: Oliver is the best sniper. DILF!Y/N, real softly over Ghost’s shoulder: …well I don’t want Oliver. Ghost, a man with daddy issues: Ghost, internally: HOLD IT THE FUCK TOGETHER SOLDIER, WE’LL GET THROUGH THIS

-- Y/N: I was gonna say that if in ten years time, the two of us aren’t married, let’s agree… Gaz: Yeah? Y/N: To hunt each other for sport. Gaz: T-To hunt each other for sport?- Y/N: Yeah! D-did you just agree?! Gaz: I thought you were gonna say like, y’a know, let’s get married! Let’s- Y/N: Oh! Oh. Gaz: I’ll be your Gilligan! Y/N: I didn’t mean- the signals-

-- Gaz: Sorry! I thought I saw a wasp. Y/N: Do you love me too? Gaz, breaking his neck: Excuse me?

-- (NSFW warning) Y/N: Like- no I know it’s bad but bro I- he makes me such a whore. Soap: Okay like, on a scale of one to ten- Y/N: I’d let him cum on my glasses Soap: ON YOUR GLASSES?! Oh it’s serious. Y/N: I KNOW

-- 141: *looking at knocked out Graves* Y/N: I’m gonna check his pockets. Alejandro: For weapons? Y/N: No, to see where he keeps the fucking audacity. Soap: *wheeze* No no, bad timing, don’t be funny this is serious.

-- Y/N: You wanna go toe-to-toe with me, pretty boy? Alejandro: Go for it.~ I’ll give you the first shot. Y/N: Better make it count, casanova. Alejandro: I never half-ass anything, mi girasol. Ghost: Oi, keep your pants on and focus, would ya?

-- Soap: Missed me missed me now you gotta kiiii…. Simon: Now I gotta what? Soap: Nothin’ forget it- Simon: No no, now I gotta what?

-- Y/N, surrounded by attractive men: Am I…a whore? Y/N: *looks at them* Y/N: I don’t really give a fuck, HEY TEAM-

-- Gaz: Why are you just…laying on the couch? Usually you’re up and doing something. Y/N: Can’t move. Soap: Why?? Y/N: *sits up on their elbows and allows their neck to be seen* Gaz: *gasp* Nooooo… Y/N: Mhm. Soap: Nuh uh. Y/N: König carried me here. >:) Gaz: YOU WHORED! Y/N: I DID!!

-- Someone: Please PLEASE don’t tell anyone. Y/N: I won’t! I won’t, promise. Someone: *sigh* Thank you. … Price: *doing paperwork* Y/N, busting in: CAPTAIN!! Price: BLOODY FU-What in the world?! Y/N: *shuts his door and smoothly sits on his desk* Captain you will not believe what I have heard.

-- Soap: I’m gonna stop listening to drama. I’m gonna focus on my training, be a better person- Gaz: Right, right. Y/N, popping in: Guess who got caught sucking dick in the bathroom. Soap & Gaz: WHO?! Soap: *falls out of chair*

-- Price: Be nice. Y/N: I’m always nice! Price: Really nice, not bitchy nice. Y/N: …you tied my hands but fine.

-- (With a random backstory I have in my brain for König) Y/N: How do you uh, deal with all this trauma? König: I call my mutter. Y/N: That’s beautiful, K- König: Call my mutter a bitch.

-- Gaz: GIRLFRIEND STOP, GET BACK IN THE CAR Soap with zero self preservation instincts: *sprinting with a pipe bomb* YOU GET BACK HERE!

-- Y/N: This entire team is full of babygirls. Gaz: Oh not that fucking meme- Soap: Full of huh? Ghost: Call me that and I will snap your spine. Y/N: Bring it! An honor sir! Price: Jesus Christ-

[animehideout]

LOVE IS THE MOST TWISTED CURSE OF THEM ALL.

Part 7

Gojo Satoru x Fem! Reader.

check out part 8 here 🆕✨

check part 6 here

A/n: Hi I hope you enjoy this part! sorry if it's not long or interesting enough, I tried to focus on the main events so not much drama included. Lemme know your thoughts tho 🫶🏻.

Warning: not proofread

"Toji Zenin?" said Gojo and Nanami at the same time.

"Yea, the higher ups got some important information to tell, so that's why we need an urgent meeting, RIGHT.NOW"

"Sure we'll go to the meeting room" said Nanami.

"By the way Satoru! your wife, she shouldn't join this meeting, keep her out of this" said Principal Yaga.

"Huh? okay whatever" he answered, and walked inside the school to find Megumi.

_________________________________________

"Hey Gumi whatcha doing? hey listen buddy, Um Y/n keep her busy will ya?" said Gojo.

"why would I? you gonna cheat on her while she's busy?" said Megumi with a cold tone.

"Come on Gumi don't say that, you know I don't cheat" exclaimed Gojo rolling his eyes.

"Then why?"

"We have a secret meeting and principal Yaga said that Y/n shouldn't join"

"Eh? w-"

"Don't ask any further questions, I don't have much time, I gotta go, and don't tell anyone that, not even Yuuji..and make sure to stay inside the school"

"Alright ugh"

"I'm counting on you Gumi" Said Gojo with a playful tone.

.....

Megumi went to the common room to find you, you were there laying on the couch, playing on your phone.

"Sensei?"

"Oh Megumi-Kun?"

"Um I apologize if I'm bothering you, but Um, I feel like I'm lacking in some defense techniques–So I was thinking maybe you could help me with that!"

"Oh but Megumi-kun your defense techniques are amazing!!"

"You know, I really need some extra training, so I really hope you can train me?...please?"

"Oh- alright then?!? Um how about tomorrow morning?"

"NO LIKE RIGHT NOW!"

"Oh–! so you're in a hurry, okay then, let's go" you chuckled,

Megumi is a precious student of yours, and you definitely can't say no.

....

• In the meeting room •

Gathered in the wooden meeting room. Waiting for the higher ups to break the silence to explain and provide details about Toji's next moves.

"As you know now Toji broke free! and that's a great threat we're facing to say the less"

"How is it a threat? any one of us could finish him easily?" said Satoru with confidence

"I don't think you can easily Satoru! He knows a lot about our world, he knows a lot about Jujutsu, about your techniques! Him being back, means his new version is back, more powerful, more deadly and we can't risk that"

"So what do you suggest we do?" asked Principal Yaga.

"For the time being, I think all of you living in Jujutsu high dorms would be the better option, I'm sure he'll target you when you're alone, so it's better of you stick together"

"Funny! what a safety measure!!. Do you think we're scared of a non jujutsu murderer? do you think we can't defend yourselves?" exclaimed Gojo in annoyance.

"It's to ensure the protection of students, when you're away who's gonna protect the students from him? who's gonna protect Y/n?"

"Y/n?" said Gojo and Nanami in union.

With a sigh, one of the higher ups spoke,

"well the real reason Toji is back, is to kill Y/n!"

Silence fell over the room, letting his words sink in.

"Toji haunts sorcerers, why on earth would he haunt down Y/n, what threat she could possibly pose to him?, she's not even a sorcerer–"

"–yet! I think you underestimate your wife a lot Gojo! If I were you I wouldn't do that"

"haha and why is that? afraid that her fragile feelings may get hurt?–Ouch" mocked Satoru, only to get elbowed by principal Yaga.

Nanami glared at him, his mind racing with thoughts, why would Toji target you?so he said,

"can you further explain please?"

"I don't think any of you knows the real potential of Y/n!! once she becomes a sorcerer, she'll shake the balances of our Jujutsu world, she'll unleash an immense power. Toji doesn't want that to happen, that's why she's his main target."

"What do you mean immense power?" asked Gojo through gritted teeth.

"Is that what you care about now?? I think you should care more about her safety" said Nanami.

"If she has got that immense power as you say then all of this safety measure wouldn't be necessary, I think she could protect herself"

"I think you should be more responsible Gojo, it's your wife we're talking about! whether you like it or not" whispered Principal Yaga.

"We didn't figure out his plan yet, we don't know his next moves, he tends to be unexpected and full of surprises. He's like a ghost in the shadows. So you need to be careful, Y/n shouldn't wander alone, that's a must!"

"We'll do our best to keep Y/n safe" said Nanami woth determination, not noticing Gojo's death glares.

"Of course!! she's our hope!! by the way Gojo what's wrong with your face? did you get into a fight?"

"Yeah a fight with his wife!! she kicked his ass in their duel" teased Principal Yaga, it's been one of his purposes to make Satoru more humble since high school days and finally you managed to humble him.

"Oh you gotta be careful Satoru, if you wanna remain the strongest sorcerer, someone might snatch that title from you"

"Should we inform Y/n about the situation?" asked Principal Yaga.

"No! Don't stress her out! you can tell her about him but it's better if she remains oblivious that she's his target till we manage to solve the issue...and Keep. Your . Eyes. On .Her, she's your responsibility Gojo"

With that the meeting concluded, leaving them exchanging worried glances, overthinking, they dealt with Toji Zenin before and it wasn't the best experience.

"Bring your things here Satoru. From TONIGHT, you and your wife will start living here" ordered Principal Yaga.

"But sensei sh-"

"No buts Satoru, Y/n will be under everyone's watch, it's not just your responsibility, it's our responsibility as well to protect her, till she breaks the curse"

"Ugh sure"

"Why the curse didn't break yet, by the way?"

"It takes time and you know that sensei".

Principal Yaga nodded and left. He's genuinely concerned about your security, Toji is a vile man, no one can follow his attack patterns, he schemes and attacks the most sensitive spots.

"I know what you're thinking about Gojo" started Nanami "You're worried that once she gets her curse technique, she overpowers you"

"and your answer is ....TRUE, how long did it take you to guess this Nanami"

"you're unbelievable! if you're not gonna protect her then I will, Gojo" said Nanami with a stern expression, as he started to walk away, Gojo was too quick and grabbed him by his forearm.

"I told you a million times, stay away from her!"

"Why would I?"

"Cuz she's not your wife!"

"Look who's talking! If you're that jealous then I suggest you start treating her like a real wife"

"Hah jealous? Do you think I'm jealous? it's just I hate it when people stick their noses in my own business"

"I didn't know Y/n was your own business"

Remained speechless, Gojo knew Nanami's word were logical. Lack of words prompted him to burst into offensive laugher. Trying his best to cover his discomfort with humor.

"You're funny Nanami aah–but sure go ahead then and protect her....if you can" he said the last line with seriousness.

.....

...

"Meguuuumi! enjoying your training sessions huh?" spoke Gojo with excitement.

"Sensei? y-yeah , Y/n-sensei agreed to help with with some fighting techniques"

"Good, I see Y/n-sensei is finally doing something helpful" said Gojo with sass.

You rolled your eyes, wanting to punch him, but couldn't since you're still injured.

"Wrap it up Y/n! we're going home now!" he added.

"Eh? I'm not going home yet, go ahead I suppose you know the way home"

He approached you, grabbed your hand and started pulling you with him.

"Well I'm.not.asking. You're coming with me"

"HEY ARE YOU INSANE ? LET GO OF ME SATORU" you fought back.

He used all of his strength to pull you, you were moving like a fish from a fishing net trying to break free, giving him a hard time.

"Damn it Y/n stop"

He didn't find any other way, so he resorted to grabbing you by your waist and putting you on his shoulder.

In a matter of seconds you were home.

"What the hell?" you asked, still hanging in his shoulder.

He threw you on the bed like a ball.

"Full of surprises hm? I know, I know you don't have to say it"

"But h-how"

"It's related to my limitless technique no need to worry about it"

You were intensely staring at him, making him feel awkward.

"anyways, start packing we're leaving"

"Gojo Satoru are you fucking kidding me? you drag me home then when we're home you say that we're leaving? Are you mentally ill?"

"Damn my eardrums, you're so fucking loud! We're moving to Jujutsu High! Yaga sensei's orders!"

"what? why would we move there"

"To fulfill our duty as teachers! there's a murderer on the loose, he's targeting sorcerers and we need to protect our students!"

"A murderer?"

"What? Don't tell me that Y/n , the famous martial arts teacher is scared now? All talk no action?" he chuckled.

"Says who? the one who got his ass beaten and had to break the rules to land a punch on me? now don't make me laugh Satoru"

"I was going easy on you"

"Whatever – You want us to move to jujutsu high, then move your ass and start packing, enough of your gibberish" you rolled your eyes, it was useless to argue with someone like him, he's so full of himself and it annoyed you.

______________________________________

• At Jujutsu High, night time •

" Welcome to your new home Y/n!" greeted principal Yaga.

"Thank you sensei"

"I think Gojo informed you about the whole situation?"

"Yes ! we will do everything to protect our students"

"Good!! there's no doubt in that.. anyways, you had a long day today, I'll give you your time to unpack! let me guide you to your shared bedroom"

"SHARED BEDROOM?" you and Gojo exclaimed in union.

"Um yes" said Yaga-sensei awkwardly. "anyways here's your room have a wonderful night" he added and then left in a flash for both of you to handle the awkwardness that he intentionally put you into, just so you can work on your relationship.

Gojo reached the knob and opened the door..

"AHH SERIOUSLY?– THOSE ROSE PETALS WEREN'T NECESSARY!!!" whined Gojo.

A king sized bed, for both of you to share. You took a deep breath, you weren't ready for this, not ready for the long night ahead.

"fuck" you muttered.

"Alright here's the deal, we take turns, tonight I take the bed you take the floor" said Gojo

"Hah what? you wish ! I take the bed, you take the floor" you fought back.

"No I'm not used to the hard floor"

"Oh are you that sensitive? I thought you were the strongest? or it's all words no actions?" again using his own words against him.

"You.Little.B–"

Nobara interrupted you,

"I'll be sleeping next door, sensei so please don't be too loud–"

"Wait what? NO" you said in union, knowing that she meant being loud under other circumstances.

Nobara closed the door that was wide open, leaving both of you there in complete silence.

"I think we'll share the bed, I'll make a line with pillows and don't you dare cross it" you said as you placed your bag down.

Thinking of how you'll change into your pyjamas when he's there, in the same room as you. Not only for tonight but for God knows how long.

Taglist🫶🏻:

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@butterskyy

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@maskedpacific

[probablysimpledreams]

What Is the Truth? (Hawks x Reader x Dabi)

⋆｡°✩You use to follow the path of heroism, wanting nothing but to save those in need. Life felt like a dream as you rose in the ranks and you began dating the no. 2 hero Hawks. Unfortunately what was once a dream turned into a nightmare as you witnessed the ugly side of the hero world. This led you to question everything, switching sides and joining the League of Villains. Troubles and choices soon follow as running away from the past does not come easy.⋆｡°✩

I plan on making this a little series so here is the first part! It starts when you've already been in the League for a few months, on the run from the Commission and hero world. Hawks is battling with his feelings where Dabi is slowly beginning to develop his<3

cw: no real warnings other than angst for my Hawks enjoyers

wc: 954

"Before we talk, I need to pat you down. Can't say I trust you much after our last incident," you state sternly as you walk into Hawk's apartment.

"That eager to get your hands on me? Ya know all you gotta do is ask nicely darling," he winks, laying on his charm thick to try and catch you off guard.

"I'm not in the mood for this today," you sigh. After you confirm he's not wearing any recording devices or any other tools to report this conversation back to the Hero Commission, you take a seat on his couch. "This is the last time you'll be hearing from me, so make it worth both our time 'kay?"

"OO but you said that last time," he hums as he sits down beside you, hand lingering on your thigh for longer than you'd like. "Admit it baby, you're obsessed." You roll your eyes.

"Hawks." You tone makes him stiffen up as he begins to realize it's not going to be easy to repair the damage he's caused. He knows that he broke your heart. He knows he's the reason you don't trust him. And it pains him in a way he's never experienced. He's always able to keep emotions separate from work, knowing that at the end of the day the job had to get finished. So why was his heart beat racing? Why could he not look you in the eyes right now? Why did he feel so guilty for hurting you? His silence only enraged you further. You take a deep breathe before speaking again. "I decided to trust you again after everything, only for you to show your true colors. I mean it when I say I'm done. We're done."

He swallows hard at your words, cheeky expression quickly faded and replaced with a serious one. "I was just trying to protect you _____. You don't understand, this whole situation is bigger than you."

Your blood boils at his words. "My safety huh? That's why you fucking put a tracking device on me after we slept together last month? That's why there was a surprise hero attack on the League last week? Give me a break."

"______ you don't know the full story."

"Okay then," you turn to face him, "look me in eyes and tell me I'm wrong. Tell me that you're not just fulfilling orders from the Commission by dating me and tracking me."

Hawks goes to open his mouth, but no words come out. He shifts his gaze away from yours.

"I fucking knew it." Tears threaten to spill from your eyes as you got up and began leaving. Your heart breaks further as he doesn't chase you out, but instead sits on the couch with his head hung low. You close the door behind you, falling to your knees as you begin sobbing. From the outside of the apartment you can hear him curse, glass shattering on the ground.

-------------

It's almost been a week since your last meeting with Hawks, and you could barely sleep. On top of all the relationship drama, the League was still upset with you. While you completely understood their anger and distrust, it didn't make the loneliness any easier. Ever since joining the League earlier this year, you've grown to truly love your fellow comrades even if they could be a tad off putting. They always treated you with much more respect than any hero ever had back when you worked for the Commission. It was going to take a lot of time and work to regain their trust back, but you were ready to put in all the work and-

"What the hell are you doing?" Dabi's rough voice snaps you out of your tired thoughts. Your grip on the broom tightens as you jump, caught off guard by his sudden appearance.

"Cleaning," you respond, trying to act unfazed as he approaches you. He looms over you, studying your face once you finally look up at him.

"You look terrible," he states coldly, brushing against you as he heads for the door. "Come on, let's go for a walk."

You blink a few times, mind feeling at ease as you process his words. You place the broom against the table, grabbing your jacket and shoes as you walk beside Dabi. The cold winter air hits your face painfully upon stepping out the door, Dabi snickering at your visible discomfort. He couldn't help but notice how stupidly cute you looked cursing the brutal winter wind. The two of you walk in silence, faint sounds of sirens in the distance.

"Are you still mad at me?" you ask anxiously, breaking the uncomfortable silence.

"Why does it matter? I'm mad at everything," he shrugs, stopping to sit on a bench and light a cigarette.

"Yeah but I don't want you upset with me," you sighed, sitting next to him. "I don't want any of you guys upset with me. I hate that my loyalty is being questioned."

"You're still here though aren't ya?" he takes a long drag from the cigarette before offering it to you. "Get out of your head and think straight, or else you'll actually be in trouble."

Though his words come out cold, you feel a level of care and concern from them. You smile, taking the cigarette from him.

"Guess you're right," you hum before taking a quick puff and passing the cigarette back to him. "Thanks Dabi."

The two of you continue to sit together on the bench, a comforting silence shared between you both. You admire the view of the city as he finishes his smoke. For the first time in a while a sense of peace washes over your body.

[eyneyke]

Twitch stream pt3

Pairing: Max Verstappen x PewDiePie!sibling Summary: What if Felix had a genius brother who works as a RedBull's engineer and is also secretly dating Max part 18 of A Calm to my Storm Masterlist

Sam visits Felix and Jack during their stream

The next day Felix and Jack were live again, the chat buzzing with activity as Felix continued to lament the betrayal of his younger brother.

"Honestly, Jack, can you believe it?" Felix was saying, leaning dramatically on his hand. "Sam streams with F1 drivers—actual Formula 1 drivers—but doesn't even tell his own brother? I’m still hurt, man."

Jack laughed, shaking his head. "Hey, I think the real betrayal here is that he’s streaming with Max Verstappen and you had no idea. I would’ve been losing my mind!"

The chat was loving it:

User 231: Felix milking this drama for all it's worth lol

User 232: Still can't believe Sam left Felix out of the loop

User 234: Jack is more excited than Felix hahaha

User 235: Justice for Pewds!

---

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, and Felix sat up straight, grinning like he had just caught someone red-handed. "Oh, look who it is—a traitor."

The chat lit up as Sam entered the room, shrugging off his jacket with an amused expression.

"Oh, so I’m a traitor now?" Sam asked, raising an eyebrow. "Alright then, if it's like that, then this traitor is going to call Max to come pick him up and share this amazing cake I made with people who actually appreciate me." He waved his phone dramatically, pretending to dial.

Felix's mock indignation only deepened. "Oh no, not the cake! Wait, wait, we can negotiate. Let’s not get hasty here!"

The chat exploded in laughter:

User 236: LOOOL not the cake threat working!

User 237: Sam really out here living the life haha

User 238: MAX'S MENTION I CAN’T!

User 239: Felix be like ‘Cake being taken away is the real betrayal here.’

User 240: Sam, please, we need to see the cake before you leave!

---

Jack, watching the whole thing from his end of the stream, groaned. "Dude, I’m stuck here while you’re eating Sam's cake? This is so unfair!"

Sam smirked, walking over to sit beside Felix. "Sorry, Jack. Maybe next time. But I did save you a piece, so when you visit, I’ll make sure you get it." He placed a carefully wrapped piece of cake next to the camera, teasing Jack.

"Next time? I'm booking my ticket now!" Jack said with a dramatic sigh, earning more laughter from the chat.

Sam settled next to Felix, a plate of cake in hand, and took a bite, sighing with exaggerated contentment. "This is soooo good. Felix, you sure you deserve this after calling me a traitor?"

Felix, already digging into his own slice, mumbled around a mouthful of cake, "I'll let it slide this time."

The chat was absolutely losing it:

User 241: Sam with the cake flex hahaha

User 242: Felix folding as soon as food is involved, classic.

User 243: Poor Jack, stuck cake-less in Ireland lol

User 244: Jack come join them, you’re missing out!

User 245: This stream just went up a whole new level.

---

As they both settled in to eat and chat, Sam turned to read the comments. "Wow, people really thought I was going to steal the cake for Max, huh? Trust me, the man could just fly in more cake if he wanted it so bad."

Jack laughed. "Yeah, because he totally would."

"Of course he would," Felix agreed, nodding toward the camera. "He’s Max Verstappen, nothing’s impossible. Plus, Max already has you making him look like a god. He doesn’t need your cake, too."

Sam grinned at that, playfully nudging Felix. "That’s right. Gotta keep him winning."

The chat kept up with the fun:

User 246: Sam is basically Max’s secret weapon confirmed.

User 247: Apparently Max has had Sam bake cake for him before??

User 248: Sam out here living the life. Formula 1, Max, and cake?!

User 249: Max better win the next championship cause my guy Sam looks tired.

User 250: Sam deserves a raise for this level of dedication.

---

Felix turned back to the camera, licking frosting off his fork. "Alright, alright. So, let’s talk about this F1 streaming thing. How do we get me in on that? I’m just saying, it seems like my invitation got lost in the mail."

Sam chuckled. "You really want to jump into the chaos of gaming with Max, Charles, Alex, and Lando? It’s wild. And George would drive you crazy with how bad his coordination with the controller is. But hey, I can bring you along if you’re brave enough."

Jack’s voice came through, "Felix, I’m telling you, you’d lose your mind. Sam and Max teaming up is a whole different beast. Plus, you could finally meet the man you keep seeing in your chat."

Felix snorted. "Yeah, yeah, I’ll consider it. But let’s focus on getting Jack over here for some cake first."

Sam, Felix, and Jack continued to banter while enjoying the rest of the stream, Sam coolly answering questions about his work, the streams with Max and the others, and chatting casually with the fans.

The chat was still rolling:

User 251: This is the most chaotic stream, and I love it.

User 252: Felix joining F1 stream! That’d be insane.

User 253: Sam being so chill about everything while secretly plotting world domination 100%

User 254: Jack’s gonna fly over just for cake meaning the cake must be good, right??

User 255: Sam is winning at life. Max, cake, and being Pewdiepie's brother?! What’s next?

---

It was clear that the fans were loving every second of this unexpected family moment, and Felix, Sam, and Jack knew exactly how to keep them hooked with their hilarious interactions.

[acute-crashout-jeyuso]

Between the Ropes.. a Jey Uso x Rhea Ripley Fanfic.

Chapter 23: Words...

October 5th, 2024. 1:31 PM.

Jey kissed Rhea softly before heading off to catering, where she had requested brownies. He couldn’t help but smile as he walked away, feeling the warmth of their connection. Their relationship had been through hell, and now, despite the noise around them, they were pushing through. As he made his way through the backstage corridors, Jey bumped into Bayley, someone he hadn’t had much interaction with before.

Jey offered a friendly smile and a casual wave, but Bayley’s response was anything but cordial. Her expression twisted into a look of disgust, and as she passed by, she muttered, “Cheater,” just loud enough for him to hear.

Jey froze for a second, biting his tongue. He’d been hearing it more and more lately, and it still stung every time. The backlash was still very real and he prayed silently it would go away quicker than later.

He shook it off, reminding himself why they were doing this. It was for love, for something real. Still, it hurt. Jey continued walking, forcing himself not to look back.

When he reached catering, the familiar smell of freshly baked goods filled the air, temporarily soothing his frustration. He grabbed a couple of brownies, the ones Rhea specifically asked for, then threw in a few extra snacks just in case.

As he stuffed them into a paper bag, Jey took a deep breath. He wasn't just dealing with public judgment—he was navigating it while trying to move on with his life. For the kids, for Rhea, and for himself.

Walking back, he couldn’t shake Bayley’s words entirely, but he knew that he had to keep pushing forward. Rhea was waiting for him, and for once in a long time, that was all that mattered.

Jey continued on his way back from catering when he spotted Cody Runnels, better known in WWE as the "American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Unlike many others, Cody had been one of the few who remained friends with Jey, sticking by his side even after all the drama surrounding his relationship with Rhea and the divorces.

“Hey, Uce!” Cody called out with his usual upbeat energy as they crossed paths. Jey smiled, grateful for the friendly face, and they gave each other a quick hug.

“Cody, what's up, man? How you feelin' about tonight?” Jey asked, shifting the bag of brownies and snacks in his hands.

“Man, I'm hyped,” Cody grinned. “Going up against your brother and your cousin Jacob? This is a big one. I've been preparing like crazy. You know how it is, gotta stay sharp against the Bloodline.”

Jey chuckled. “Yeah, my family don’t play. You’ll be in for a fight, no doubt.”

Cody raised an eyebrow, curious. “Speaking of family… what are you doing here? I didn’t see you on the card for Bad Blood. Thought you’d be back home or something.”

Jey hesitated for a moment, wondering how much to say. Cody wasn’t the judgmental type, but Jey had gotten used to being careful about what he shared, especially after everything became public. But Cody had stuck by him, even after the TMZ headlines and all the backstage whispers.

“Honestly?” Jey started, then shrugged, deciding it was better to be straight with him. “I’m here for moral support—for Rhea.”

Cody gave him a knowing nod, a slight smile creeping onto his face. “Ah, I see. That makes sense. She's got a big match tonight, huh? Liv Morgan, right?”

“Yeah, title match.” Jey smiled softly, thinking about how focused Rhea had been. “She’s ready, but you know how it is. Being here means a lot to her.”

“I respect that, man,” Cody said, clapping Jey on the back. “Rhea’s lucky to have you in her corner. It’s tough to juggle everything, but I see you're doing what you gotta do. Not everyone would understand, but I get it.”

“Thanks, Uce,” Jey replied, feeling a wave of relief. Cody's words hit home more than he realized. “I appreciate that.”

Cody tilted his head with a grin. “No problem. Next time? Bring some of those brownies to catering for me, man.”

Jey laughed, feeling a bit lighter. “You got it, Cody Hakeem Rhodes.”

With that, they said their goodbyes, and Jey continued on his way back to find Rhea. Running into Cody had lifted his spirits, reminding him that not everyone was judging him for the path he’d taken. He knew the journey wasn’t easy, but moments like these made him feel like he could handle it all. Rhea was waiting for him, and that’s where his focus had to stay.

As Jey approached Rhea’s locker room, he saw that the door was wide open. Anxiously, Jey stood at the doorway, his heart skipping a beat as he took in the scene before him. His cousin Savelina, known to the world as Nia Jax, sat with a knowing look on her face. His younger brother Joseph, aka Solo Sikoa, looked a bit more stoic, arms crossed as usual.

Jacob Fatu leaned back in his chair, while Joe-better known as Roman Reigns-was as unreadable as ever. They had been talking, and from the looks of it, it wasn't just small talk.

As Jey stepped further into the room, his heartbeat quickened. He hadn’t expected to find his family here, especially not in such an intimate setting with Rhea. His mind raced, wondering how much they knew and what they had been discussing. The air felt thick with anticipation, and Jey braced himself for what could only be a tough conversation.

Nia was the first to break the silence. She crossed her arms, a smirk playing on her lips. "So, Jey… you failed to mention you proposed to Rhea," she said, raising an eyebrow.

Jey’s stomach dropped. His eyes flicked over to Rhea, who was sitting calmly but with a slight edge of defensiveness. He took a deep breath, biting his cheek to keep from snapping back. He didn’t want to turn this into a confrontation, but he could feel the judgment looming.

"We were gonna keep it a secret for a while," Jey admitted, his voice steady but cautious. He knew how his family could be, and he wasn’t sure how this news would sit with them. Especially not after everything that had already happened.

Nia let out a light chuckle. "Secret, huh? You know I’ve got an eye for these things. I knew what Rhea’s old wedding ring looked like, so when I saw something new, I put two and two together." Her tone wasn’t harsh, but it wasn’t exactly approving either.

Jey felt a pang of frustration. He wasn’t ready for this, for whatever this was about to turn into. "Look," he started, feeling the tension rise in his chest, "if you’re here to talk shit or judge us, then you can just leave. I’ve already heard enough from everyone else."

Before Jey could continue, Joe — Roman — raised a hand, signaling for him to stop. His voice, deep and authoritative, cut through the tension. "Hold up, Jey. That’s not why we’re here."

Jey paused, his eyes narrowing slightly as he looked at his cousin. Roman’s expression was calm but firm, like a man who had already thought through what he was about to say. Jey respected Roman, but there was still a part of him that was always on edge around him, especially given the power Roman held in the family dynamic.

"We’re not here to talk shit," Roman continued, his voice measured. "We’re here because we needed to understand. Things have been chaotic, and there’s been a lot of noise… but you’re still our family."

Jey’s eyes softened slightly, though he remained cautious. "Yeah? Then why does it feel like every time I turn around, I’m being judged?"

Roman leaned back in his chair, exhaling deeply. "Because, Uce, you made a choice. With choices come consequences. But that doesn’t mean we’re here to tear you down."

Solo, who had been sitting quietly the whole time, finally spoke up. "It’s been a lot, man. For all of us. But we’re not here to hate on you or Rhea. We just… we needed to know what’s next. Where do we go from here?"

Jey glanced at Rhea, who gave him a small, reassuring nod. She had been through so much with him already, and her presence in this moment felt like a lifeline. He appreciated the fact that, for once, she wasn’t the one under fire. But that didn’t make this conversation any easier.

"We’re moving forward," Jey said, his voice stronger now. "Together. Rhea and me. Yeah, I proposed. But I didn’t think it was something the whole world needed to know right away."

Nia sighed, her expression softening just a little. "We’re not against you, Jey. Or Rhea. It’s just… it’s hard to wrap our heads around everything that’s happened. One day, you’re married to Takecia, and the next, you’re with Rhea. It’s a lot."

Jey nodded, understanding where she was coming from, even if it still stung. "I get it. Believe me, I do. But life’s messy. Things changed. I love Rhea. That’s not something I’m gonna apologize for."

Roman stood up, walking over to Jey. The room was silent for a moment, the tension slowly dissipating as Roman looked his cousin in the eye. "We don’t need an apology, Jey. What we need is to know you’ve got your head on straight. That you’re not about to fall apart under the pressure."

Jey swallowed hard, his emotions swirling inside him. He had been through so much—public scrutiny, family drama, heartbreak. But in this moment, as he stood face to face with Roman, he knew one thing for sure: he wasn’t going to let anyone tear down what he and Rhea had built.

"My head’s on straight," Jey said, his voice resolute. "And I’m not falling apart. Not anymore."

Roman nodded, seemingly satisfied with Jey’s response. He placed a hand on Jey’s shoulder, a gesture of solidarity. "Good. Then we move forward. As a family."

Jey looked around the room, feeling the weight of the moment. This wasn’t just about him and Rhea anymore. It was about his family, his blood, and their ability to accept the path he had chosen.

"Thanks," Jey muttered, his throat tight with emotion. He wasn’t used to this kind of support, not after everything that had gone down, but it meant more to him than he could say.

Rhea stood up and moved to stand beside Jey, her hand slipping into his. She had been silent through most of the conversation, but her presence was powerful. She looked up at him, her eyes full of understanding.

"Looks like you’ve got a whole new chapter to write, huh?" Nia said with a soft smile.

Jey glanced at Rhea, then back at his family. "Yeah," he said quietly. "I guess we do."

—

After Jey’s family had finally left, the locker room settled into a calm silence. Rhea, unfazed by the earlier tension, was doing some light stretches, loosening her muscles for the match ahead. Jey was sprawled out on the bench, watching a movie on his phone, occasionally glancing up at her. It was a peaceful moment, one they both desperately needed after the whirlwind of drama that had been swirling around them lately.

Jey looked up again, admiring her for a second, before something caught his eye. His heart skipped a beat when he saw a small patch of red on the lower part of her abdomen.

“Babe, your stomach…” Jey said quickly, sitting up and reaching for a nearby towel. He was on his feet in seconds, concern flooding his voice.

Rhea glanced down, noticing the blood. “Shit,” she muttered, still stretching slightly. “Guess those stitches weren’t as fully dissolved as I thought.”

Jey knelt beside her, gently dabbing the towel against the small wound. His touch was careful, even though he was clearly a bit shaken. “Looks like one of them didn’t,” he replied, inspecting her stomach more closely. “It’s not too bad, though.”

He stood up and went over to the locker, where someone from backstage had stashed some medical supplies just in case. As he retrieved the wound sealant and a fresh bandage, Rhea smirked, watching him move with so much care.

“Always so careful with me,” she commented, her voice soft. There was a hint of admiration in her tone.

Jey gave her a small smile, his focus remaining on her as he knelt back down to tend to her wound. He applied the sealant gently, his hands moving with the precision of someone who had done this more than once, and replaced the bandage over the cut.

“I gotta be careful, baby,” he said, eyes focused on his work. “You mean too much to me.”

Rhea chuckled, leaning back slightly, her fingers brushing through his hair. “Who would’ve thought you’d make a damn good nurse?”

Jey laughed softly, finishing up the bandage. “I’d make a good anything for you, girl.”

—

It was September 2nd, 2024, and Jey and Rhea had managed to carve out a moment of solitude amidst the chaos. They’d snuck away from everyone, retreating to the quiet sanctuary of Jey’s hotel room. The two were cuddled up, scrolling through the movie options, looking for something that could distract them for a while. The room was dimly lit, the soft glow from the TV casting shadows across the room.

"How about Harlem Nights?" Jey asked, pausing on the title.

Rhea, resting against his chest, glanced up. "Never seen it."

Jey blinked, then shot her a playful look of disbelief. "What? You’ve never seen Harlem Nights? Oh, nah, Mami, we gotta fix that right now," he said, dramatically throwing his arm over his forehead like he was in physical pain. "It’s one of my favorites. Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor—it's a classic! Old school hustlers running a nightclub. It's hilarious and slick. You’re gonna love it."

Rhea couldn’t help but laugh at his over-the-top reaction, the sound of her laughter lightening the mood even more. "Alright, alright," she relented, "you sold me on it. Let’s watch it."

Grinning, Jey hit play and settled back down next to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulders as the opening credits began to roll. She leaned into him, their bodies fitting together naturally as they got comfortable under the blanket.

Just as the movie began, Jey’s phone buzzed on the nightstand. He sighed softly and leaned over to check it. It was a message from Takecia, something about Jeyce’s dental bill—$300 for his checkup and lab work. He read it quickly and, without hesitation, sent the money to her account. He labeled it 'Dentist + Groceries', not wanting to dwell on it, then tossed his phone back down.

"Who was that?" Rhea asked, her voice soft as she looked up at him.

"Just a reminder to pay my bill," Jey replied smoothly, his tone casual, not wanting to let anything distract from their time together. He pulled her in closer, brushing it off like it was nothing.

Rhea smiled, content with his answer, and they both turned their attention back to the movie. The lively, comedic energy of Harlem Nights filled the room, but as the scenes played out, Rhea found her mind wandering. She glanced up at Jey from time to time, the way he was so at ease, the way he fit into her life in a way she hadn’t expected. Suddenly, it hit her—this terrifying realization that she might actually be falling in love with him.

The thought scared her more than she wanted to admit. After everything they had gone through—the complications, the secrets, the baggage of their past relationships—it seemed like loving him was dangerous. But as she looked at him, she couldn’t help it. It was happening.

As if sensing her gaze, Jey looked down at her, their eyes meeting in the dim light of the room. They didn’t need to say anything. Their smiles said it all.

Before they knew it, their lips met in a kiss—slow at first, like they were testing the waters, then deepening, becoming something more intense, more passionate. The world seemed to slip away as they got lost in each other, the movie playing on forgotten in the background. Their kisses grew more urgent, hands roaming, their breath mingling as the temperature in the room rose.

It wasn’t until Rhea finally pulled back, gasping for air, that they realized how long they had been making out. Both of them were breathing heavily, their foreheads resting against each other as they tried to catch their breath.

"Well," Jey said, his voice still rough from the intensity of the moment, "that escalated quickly."

Rhea laughed softly, her cheeks flushed as she pushed a strand of hair out of her face. "Yeah, just a little. I feel like a teenager again..” She giggled.

“My teenage love affair…” Jey said as he pushed a strand of hair back from her face.

They shared a smile, still lost in the afterglow of the kiss, their connection deepening in a way that words couldn’t quite capture. Neither of them spoke after that, but they didn’t need to. The unspoken feelings hung in the air between them, undeniable and real. In that quiet, intimate space, they both knew that everything between them had just shifted.

—

October 5th, 2024 4:53 P.M.

Jey leaned over and kissed Rhea as they relaxed in the locker room, the atmosphere between them easy and light. As they lounged together, the door opened and Damian strolled in, looking relaxed but curious. “What’s up, lovebirds?” he teased, throwing his bag down and making his way over to them.

Jey glanced at Rhea with a smirk, and then turned to Damian, asking, “So, has she told you yet?”

Damian raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. “Told me what?”

Rhea, with a mischievous smile, held up her hand, her engagement ring catching the light. “This,” she said, her voice full of warmth as she displayed the ring.

Damian’s eyes widened, and a huge grin spread across his face. “No way!” He practically leapt across the room, grabbing Rhea’s hand to get a better look. “I’m gone for two days and y’all go and get engaged?” he exclaimed, his excitement evident.

Jey laughed, throwing an arm around Rhea’s shoulders. “It was overdue, man.”

Damian looked between the two of them, his grin never fading. “Well, it’s about damn time! I’m so happy for you guys.”

Rhea beamed, her fingers still in Damian’s grip as she squeezed his hand in thanks. Jey, leaning back a little, smirked. “Now you know what’s next, right?”

Damian raised an eyebrow. “You guys planning a wedding already?”

Jey nodded. “Actually, yeah. We’ve been talking about it.”

Damian sat back, crossing his arms and looking at the two with curiosity. “Alright, hit me with it. What’s the plan?”

Jey’s smile widened as he glanced at Rhea before turning back to Damian. “We’re thinking three weddings.”

“Three?” Damian repeated, intrigued. “Why three?”

Rhea jumped in, clearly excited about their plans. “First one at the courthouse, just something small and quick with Jon and Trinity. Then we’re doing one in Vegas—full-on party, wild vibes, you know? And the third, the big one, in Samoa.”

Jey nodded, adding, “Samoa’s gonna be more traditional, a proper ceremony with family, honoring our culture.”

Damian’s smile grew even wider. “Three weddings, huh? That’s bold. I love it.”

Rhea then shifted in her seat, looking a bit more serious but still smiling. “Actually, Damian… there’s something else.”

Damian looked at her, curiosity written all over his face. “Yeah?”

Rhea took a breath, and then asked, “Would you walk me down the aisle in Vegas?”

For a second, Damian seemed stunned, processing what she had just asked. Then, in true Damian fashion, he broke into the biggest grin. “Are you serious? You want me to walk you down the aisle?”

Rhea nodded, her eyes shining. “Of course. You’re my best friend, Damian. I wouldn’t want anyone else.”

Damian was so thrilled he couldn’t contain himself. He scooped Rhea up in his arms, lifting her off the ground as he spun her around. Rhea laughed in surprise, her arms instinctively wrapping around his neck as he twirled her, her laughter filling the room. “Damian! Put me down!” she cried, though she was laughing too hard to really be mad.

Jey watched the scene with an amused grin, shaking his head. “Careful, man. Don’t break her before the wedding.”

Damian finally set Rhea back down, still beaming with excitement. “I’m so honored, Rhea. You have no idea. I can’t wait. It’s gonna be epic.”

Rhea smoothed out her clothes, still laughing as she caught her breath. “I knew you’d be perfect for it.”

Jey leaned back, arms crossed, clearly pleased with how happy everyone was. “You know, this is gonna be one hell of a wedding. I can already see it.”

Damian, still buzzing with excitement, looked at Jey and Rhea, his eyes full of emotion. “I’m so proud of you two. You guys have been through so much, and to see this… it’s just, man, I’m happy for you both.”

Rhea smiled warmly, reaching out to take Jey’s hand, intertwining her fingers with his. “Thanks, Damian. It means a lot.”

Jey gave Damian a nod, his expression softening. “Yeah, man. Appreciate it.”

The room was filled with a quiet, joyful energy as the three of them sat there, thinking about everything that had brought them to this moment. The road had been long, filled with its share of challenges, but now they were looking ahead to a future that was full of promise, full of love, and full of celebration.

As the conversation shifted back to wedding plans, Damian started going on about what kind of suit he should wear for Vegas and whether or not there should be a theme for the reception. Jey and Rhea exchanged amused glances, knowing that with Damian involved, their Vegas wedding was bound to be unforgettable.

—

11:21 p.m.

After the PLE, Jey and Rhea arrived at the Waldorf Astoria, the city lights glowing softly against the night sky. The ride had been long and exhausting, especially for Rhea, who had fallen asleep on Jey's shoulder. Her championship match had left her physically drained, and she didn’t want to talk about it. She had quietly mentioned earlier that her stomach had been bothering her, likely from the bumps Liv had given her in the ring. Liv, trying to be cautious, had taken it easy, but it hadn’t been enough to keep Rhea from feeling the impact.

The Uber came to a smooth stop outside the hotel, and Jey carefully eased his way out of the car. He glanced over at Rhea, who hadn’t stirred. She was still fast asleep, her body slumped against the seat, completely worn out. Waving over the bellhop, Jey motioned to their bags, and the young man eagerly came forward to assist.

Jey gently shook Rhea awake, his voice soft. “Babe, we’re here.”

Rhea barely opened her eyes, her words a sleepy murmur. “Carry me,” she muttered, her exhaustion evident in her tone.

Jey’s brow furrowed in concern, but he nodded. He didn’t want to push her after everything she’d gone through tonight. He walked over to the bellhop and explained, “Reservation under Fatu.” One of the bellhops quickly moved to the desk to retrieve the keycards while another helped with the luggage.

Carefully, Jey scooped Rhea up in his arms, carrying her bridal-style toward the entrance. She nuzzled her face against his chest, still half-asleep, while he stepped into the elevator with the bellhops following behind. They rode up to the 6th floor, the only sound being the soft hum of the elevator and the quiet breathing of Rhea against him.

When they reached the suite, the bellhops opened the door and led the way in, setting the bags down carefully. Jey stepped in, carrying Rhea straight to the bed. He gently laid her down, her Damian Priest shirt wrinkling slightly as she shifted under the comforter. He gave a nod of thanks to the bellhops, reaching into his wallet to hand them each a generous tip.

“Could you put in an order to room service for some 7Up and soup, please?” Jey asked before they left.

“Of course, sir,” one of the bellhops replied, nodding quickly before they both exited the room, leaving Jey and Rhea alone.

Jey sighed softly and sat down on the edge of the bed, his hand resting on Rhea’s cheek. She barely stirred, her exhaustion overwhelming her. “I shouldn’t have come back so soon,” she mumbled, her voice heavy with fatigue.

“Don’t blame yourself,” Jey whispered, brushing a lock of hair away from her face. “You did amazing out there.”

Rhea’s eyes fluttered shut again, too tired to respond. Jey pressed a soft kiss to her forehead before gently undressing her, leaving her in just the oversized Damian Priest shirt. He pulled the comforter over her, tucking her in with care, and then held her hand, watching her as her breathing steadied into a deep, peaceful sleep.

Jey sighed, a mix of pride and worry swirling inside him. He hated seeing her this drained, but he knew she was strong. She always pushed herself to the limit, and even though he admired her for that, he couldn’t help but feel protective.

Leaning back on the pillows next to her, Jey kept her hand in his, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. He was tired too, but there was no way he was leaving her side tonight. Not after everything she had gone through.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Room service had arrived. Jey quietly got up, careful not to disturb Rhea, and opened the door. The server brought in the tray with the 7Up and soup, setting it down on the small table by the window. Jey thanked them before closing the door and returning to Rhea’s side.

He placed the drink on the nightstand next to her in case she woke up later, then laid down beside her again, pulling her gently into his arms. Rhea stirred slightly, snuggling into him, and for the first time that night, Jey felt a sense of calm. They had each other, and that was all that mattered.

--

Rhea struggled in her sleep, her body restless as her mind tortured her with vivid, painful memories. The hospital replayed itself in her head—Trinity’s face filled with sorrow as she told Rhea she had lost the baby. Then the memories shifted, dark and haunting: snorting the pills, the haze they put her in, and, worst of all, Matt’s brutal assault. It all came flooding back, a horrifying loop, each moment bleeding into the next, dragging her deeper into a nightmare.

Her body began to move more violently under the covers, her fists clenching, and she let out a whimper. Jey, who had been lightly dozing, immediately stirred. He blinked, realizing Rhea was tossing and turning more than usual. Sitting up, he reached out to her, worry etched on his face. “Rhea,” he said softly at first, gently shaking her arm, but she only thrashed harder.

“No!” Rhea yelled, her voice filled with fear.

Jey’s heart raced. “Babe, wake up,” he said more firmly, his grip tightening on her arm to try to pull her out of whatever nightmare was holding her.

“No! Don’t hurt me!” Rhea screamed, her voice raw with terror. She flailed again, this time her fist coming up instinctively—and before Jey could react, it connected with his face, squarely on his nose.

"Ow!" Jey yelped, immediately holding his nose as blood started to trickle down. “Rhea!” he shouted, more in shock than pain.

Rhea snapped awake, her breathing erratic and eyes wide with fear. She saw Jey beside her, holding his nose, and her heart plummeted. “Babe, are you okay? What happened?” she asked, her voice shaking, not fully comprehending what she had done.

Jey’s face contorted with a mixture of pain and amusement. “I love you,” he started, wincing as he gingerly touched his nose. “But you just punched the hell out of me…”

Rhea’s eyes widened, her hand flying to her mouth as the realization of what she’d done hit her. “Oh my God… I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—I didn’t know—” she began to ramble, her hands trembling as she tried to check his nose, completely panicked.

Jey waved her off gently with his free hand, still holding his nose with the other. “It’s okay, babe, it’s okay. Just… maybe next time don’t dream about fighting me, yeah?” he joked, trying to lighten the mood despite the situation.

Rhea, however, wasn’t laughing. Her eyes were filled with guilt, and her whole body was shaking. “I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to. I was—” She paused, the memories from her nightmare still fresh, her voice breaking. “I was dreaming about… him.”

Jey’s expression softened immediately, his own discomfort forgotten. He lowered his hand from his nose, wiping at the blood with his sleeve, and pulled Rhea into his arms. She melted into him, burying her face in his chest, as tears silently escaped her.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered again, her voice muffled.

Jey kissed the top of her head, his grip on her firm yet gentle. “You don’t have to apologize, Rhea. It wasn’t your fault.” He held her tighter, stroking her hair. “I’m here. You’re safe.”

Rhea’s breathing began to slow as she listened to Jey’s heartbeat, grounding her in the present. Jey winced again, reaching for a tissue to catch the blood from his nose, but he kept one arm wrapped securely around her, not wanting to let go.

After a few minutes of silence, Rhea spoke again, her voice small. “I hate that it still haunts me. I thought I was stronger than this.”

“You are strong,” Jey reassured her, lifting her chin so he could look into her eyes. “You’ve been through hell and back, and you’re still here. You’re still fighting. And I’ll be right here with you. Always.”

Rhea sniffled, nodding, her tears slowly subsiding. “I don’t deserve you.”

Jey smiled softly, brushing a tear away from her cheek. “Nah, I’m the lucky one.”

Rhea let out a small, shaky laugh, her heart swelling with love for him. She reached up to his face, gently touching his bruised nose. “I’ll get you some ice for that.”

Jey grinned through the discomfort. “Yeah, I think I’m gonna need it.” Rhea got up from the bed and opened the mini fridge and saw a small Perrier bottle of water, she figured it'll do. She brought it out and she sat next to Jey and gently pressed the glass bottle to his nose, he winced and Rhea frowned. "Babe… it's okay for real.." Jey said noticing her frown. "I guess I got that superman punch.." Rhea said.

They both laughed, the tension slowly easing as they sat together. Rhea pulled back the bottle once the bleeding stopped and she leaned her head back on Jey’s shoulder, and for the first time since the nightmare began, she felt a sense of peace returning. With Jey by her side, maybe, just maybe, she could continue to heal from all the pain.

-

Sunday October 6th

Jey woke up to the sound of the alarm blaring at 7:30 AM, the bright screen illuminating the dark hotel room. He rubbed his eyes and glanced at the clock, realizing they had a flight to St. Louis at 10 AM. Nudging Rhea gently, he whispered, “Hey, sleepyhead, time to wake up. We’ve got to get ready for St. Louis.”

Rhea stirred, mumbling something incoherent as she rolled over. Jey chuckled, leaning closer to her. “Come on, we need to shower and hit the road.”

They had reached a level of comfort in their relationship where sharing a shower felt completely natural. It wasn’t about intimacy but rather a simple, affectionate routine that had become a part of their daily lives. As the warm water cascaded down, they enjoyed the peaceful moment together, laughing and teasing as they washed up.

After they finished, they dried off and began their morning routine. Rhea was in the middle of brushing her hair when she noticed Jey's bruised nose, the aftermath of her unintentional assault during the night. “Come here,” she said, setting her brush down and walking over to him.

Jey raised an eyebrow, a playful smile creeping onto his face. “What are you gonna do? Put me in makeup?”

“Actually, yes,” she replied, a grin forming. She reached for her universal contour palette that Liv had gifted her last year for her birthday, flipping it open to reveal a variety of shades. She found one that matched Jey's skin tone perfectly.

“Sit still,” she instructed, and Jey complied, a mock-serious expression crossing his face as he pretended to be a model.

Rhea focused intently, applying some primer first to ensure the makeup would set in place. She carefully used the creams and powders, blending them seamlessly over the bruising on his nose. “You might want to avoid getting into fights with your fiancée,” she joked, glancing up at him with a wink.

Jey laughed, his eyes sparkling. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

After she was satisfied with the base, Rhea gently covered Jey's eyes, carefully spraying setting spray on the small spots where the bruising was starting to appear. “There. You look almost normal,” she teased, stepping back to admire her handiwork.

Jey chuckled, touching his nose lightly and pretending to be impressed. “I should hire you as my personal makeup artist.”

“Only if you promise to wear my looks every day.” Rhea quipped, crossing her arms, referencing to her routine dark make up look.

“Deal!” Jey grinned, knowing she was joking but loving the playful banter between them.

As they finished getting ready, the lighthearted atmosphere helped to ease any remnants of tension from the night before. Rhea felt a sense of normalcy returning, and with Jey by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges awaited them in St. Louis. They shared a quick kiss before heading out the door, ready to take on the day together.

--

Rhea sat by the airplane window, gazing out at the clouds as they soared through the sky. The steady hum of the engines was almost calming, but her mind was elsewhere, filled with thoughts of the future. She turned to Jey, her eyes catching the glint of the matching permanent bracelet on his wrist. A small smile played on her lips as she reached over, gently rubbing her thumb over it, feeling the connection between them in that tiny piece of jewelry.

Jey, sensing her touch, looked at her with curiosity. “What?” he asked, his voice soft, a tender smile spreading across his face.

Rhea’s eyes sparkled as she looked at him, feeling a warmth inside her chest. “What are your plans for us, Joshua Samuel Fatu?” she teased, using his full name.

Jey took a deep breath, the weight of his words forming in his heart before he spoke them. His hand found hers, their fingers intertwining as he began, “Demi Fatu… we are going to build a life together, one that’s everything we’ve dreamed of and more. You’re going to move in with me, and we’re going to make that house our home—every holiday, every season. We’ll decorate it the way we like, fill it with love and laughter. You’re going to become a stepmother to my kids, and in time, you’ll be a mother to our own children. I’ll adopt your dogs, and even that little fur-asshole of a cat,” he laughed, “and I’ll be a fur daddy, for real.”

His voice grew more serious as he continued, the intensity of his love for her clear in his tone. “We’ll get through everything, babe. The good, the bad—everything. I’m going to devote my life to you, to us. We’re going to marry as soon as these divorces are finalized, and then we won’t have to worry about anything else. No more secrets, no more fears. Just you and me, in this life together, for the long haul. I’m with you, Demi. Always.”

Rhea’s eyes glistened with tears she fought to hold back, her heart swelling with the depth of his words. She looked at him, her voice soft, almost breaking as she asked, “You’ll stand by me? Even with my true crime obsession?” She laughed, trying to lighten the moment, her usual playful self shining through.

Jey grinned, his thumb brushing gently against the back of her hand. “Even with your true crime obsession,” he chuckled. “Though I gotta admit, sometimes that stuff really does freak me out.”

They both laughed lightly, the moment shared between them warm and intimate. Jey leaned in and kissed her softly, their lips meeting in a quiet promise, the weight of their love felt in that simple act.

As Rhea pulled back, she turned her gaze back to the window, watching the clouds drift by beneath them. The future they envisioned together felt closer than ever, and in that moment, nothing else mattered but the two of them and the life they were about to create.

--

Jey and Rhea had just landed in St. Louis and were in their car rental heading straight to their hotel. The flight had been long, and both of them were ready to relax after the whirlwind of events from yesterday. As soon as they arrived at the hotel, they collapsed onto the bed, exhausted. They slept for a solid four hours, the fatigue from Rhea’s match still lingering in her bones.

When they woke up, it was nearing the late afternoon. Jey stretched out, feeling slightly more energized. He turned to Rhea, asking, “You wanna do something, babe? We’ve been cooped up for a while.”

Rhea thought about it for a moment, her body still aching. “I’m still tired, honestly… but something light would be nice. I just don’t wanna be stuck in this room all night.”

Jey nodded and pulled out his phone, scrolling through possible attractions in St. Louis. He showed her the famous Arch, suggesting they check it out, but Rhea made a face. “Maybe something air-conditioned? I’m not ready for the heat again.”

Jey laughed and kept scrolling, trying to find the perfect low-key activity. Before he could settle on something, Rhea’s phone buzzed with a FaceTime call. She glanced at the screen and saw it was Damian. “Babe, it’s Damian,” she said, answering the call. Damian’s face appeared on the screen, and he was taking a shot just as Rhea answered.

Rhea raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t it a bit early for that?” she asked with a smirk.

Damian grinned, clearly in a good mood. “Nah, it’s never too early for a shot, especially when you’re celebrating. Where you guys at?”

“We’re at the Marriott,” Rhea replied, turning the camera toward Jey, who gave a quick wave.

Damian’s grin widened. “Perfect! I’ll send you the address to where I’m at. Come meet me!” Before Rhea could respond, Damian hung up the call. A minute later, her phone dinged with a text message.

Rhea glanced at the message and then looked at Jey. “I don’t like how my fellow Terror Twin is acting already.”

Jey chuckled but nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I’m kinda worried too. Last time we hung out like that, I ended up getting fined. I’d like to avoid that again.”

Rhea laughed, but her eyes held the same concern. “We should come up with a safe word. You know, just in case we need an escape plan.”

Jey grinned, thinking for a second. “Alright, how about ‘Yeet’? That’ll be our code.”

Rhea blinked, giving him a blank stare before bursting into laughter. “Yeet? Seriously?”

Jey shrugged, laughing with her. “It’s effective, isn’t it?”

Rhea leaned into him, her eyes softening. “I’m marrying you because I love you… and maybe despite your questionable choices.”

Jey smiled warmly, pulling her into a gentle kiss. “I love you too. Now, let’s go see what kind of trouble Damian’s got us into this time.”

After Rhea had touched up her makeup, she decided to change out of her comfy sweats into something that felt more like her, something that would match the vibe of the night. Jey lay back on the bed, scrolling through his phone, but he couldn’t help stealing glances at Rhea as she moved about the room. He smirked, watching her peel off her sweatpants and slip into something a bit more her style.

“Go slow,” he teased with a grin, the playful glint in his eyes unmistakable.

Rhea rolled her eyes with a laugh. “Not even, you clown.”

Jey chuckled, enjoying the easy banter between them. As Rhea finished getting ready, she finally stood before him, dressed and ready for the night, her makeup perfectly done and her outfit on point. She turned to him with a playful smirk. “So, do I look good?”

Jey sat up, giving her a once-over, taking in how stunning she looked. “You’re my twin..” He said in referencing to his outfit.

He got up, moving to his side of the bed where his Cuban chain lay. It was something he admired, a piece of jewelry he had worn it often and held it close. Rhea saw what he was doing and immediately started shaking her head.

“No, babe, that’s yours—don’t,” she said.

But Jey was already behind her, lifting the chain and placing it gently around her neck. He clasped it and let his hands rest on her shoulders for a moment, his voice low as he spoke. “Now you’re dripping in diamonds.”

Rhea looked down at the Cuban chain resting against her collarbone and smiled, her heart swelling with love for him. She turned back to face him, her fingers brushing over the cool metal.

“You didn’t have to do that,” she murmured, feeling the weight of the chain.

“I know,” Jey said, meeting her eyes. “But I wanted to. It looks better on you anyway.”

Rhea’s smile widened, and she leaned in to give him a soft kiss, appreciating his gesture more than she could put into words.

“So, fast food, right?” Jey said, pulling back with a grin, breaking the moment just enough to lighten the mood.

Rhea nodded. “Yeah, can you Google directions? I’m thinking McDonald’s sounds good right now.”

“McDonald’s it is,” Jey said, pulling out his phone to look up the nearest one. As he typed away, he couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride watching Rhea wear his chain, like a quiet but powerful acknowledgment of the bond they shared.

With the directions sorted, he grabbed Rhea’s black jacket as they headed for the door and handed it to her, ready to grab a quick bite before diving into whatever chaos Damian had in store for them. But even amidst the excitement, it was the quiet moments like these—wrapped in love and laughter—that made everything feel right.

Jey and Rhea pulled up to the McDonald’s drive-thru, ordering two Big Mac meals with a sense of comfort in their usual routine. Once they got their food, Jey parked in the lot, and they sat there, enjoying a quiet meal together.

“Processed food to the rescue again,” Rhea quipped as she took a bite.

Jey chuckled, wiping his mouth. “Always does the trick, huh?”

Once they finished, Jey cleared the trash and put the directions to Damian’s place into his phone. “Twenty minutes away,” he told Rhea, who sighed in relief.

“Perfect. I don’t have the energy for anything longer.”

The drive was peaceful, the city of St. Louis passing by as they enjoyed the quiet company. As they turned into Damian’s neighborhood, they both noticed how packed the street was—cars lined up on both sides, filling every spot near the house.

“What’s going on here?” Jey said, eyebrows raised as he drove past the house. The music was booming from inside, and they could hear it thumping through the neighborhood.

“Is this… a party?” Rhea asked, confused. She pulled out her phone, double-checking the text Damian had sent. “He didn’t say anything about a party.”

Jey found a spot at the far end of the street and parked, the two of them getting out and looking back toward the house as the music grew louder. Rhea squeezed Jey’s hand, her unease slowly building. She wasn’t expecting this at all.

“Is that Bad Bunny playing?” Jey asked, a small smile forming as they walked toward the house.

Rhea nodded, letting out a breathy laugh. “Has to be Damian. But why didn’t he mention this?”

“I don’t know,” Jey said, glancing at her. “I thought we were just going to hang out. He didn’t say anything about a crowd.”

As they approached, they noticed the house was alive with activity. The booming music came from inside, but there wasn’t anyone outside to greet them. Rhea looked at Jey, her expression somewhere between amused and exhausted. “I don’t know if I’m ready for this.”

Jey gave her hand a squeeze, nodding. “We can always leave if it’s too much. Remember, ‘Yeet.’”

Rhea laughed softly. “Right. Yeet.”

Jey smiled, his gaze softening as he looked at her. “We’ll see what’s going on. If it’s too wild, we’re out of here.”

Rhea took a deep breath, nodding in agreement. “Let’s see what Damian’s gotten himself into.”

Jey knocked on the door, but there was no response. He knocked again, louder this time, assuming the music was too loud for anyone to hear. Finally, the door swung open, revealing a very buzzed Liv Morgan, clad in sweats and a hoodie, a glass of what looked like a fancy drink—maybe a cosmo—in her hand.

“Rhea!” Liv exclaimed, her face lighting up as she pulled Rhea into a hug. Rhea was surprised; she had seen Liv drunk on Total Divas but had never experienced it in person.

“Wow, you’re really feeling it, huh?” Rhea laughed, pulling back to assess her friend.

“Just a little!” Liv giggled, her eyes sparkling. “Come on in!” She stepped aside, welcoming Jey and Rhea into the lively atmosphere.

As they entered, the loud music surrounded them, and the energy was infectious. Liv led them to the kitchen, where they found Damian, Kayden, and Kayden’s tag team partner, Kacy, better known as Katana Chance. They were gathered around the counter, debating which bottle of liquor to take shots from.

“Look who’s here!” Damian shouted, his face lighting up when he spotted Rhea. He moved over to hug her tightly, his buzz evident in his embrace.

“Hey, Damian! You really started the party without us!” Rhea teased, glancing around at the cluttered kitchen.

“Just getting warmed up!” he replied, beaming with excitement. “Shots, anyone?”

Liv chimed in, pouring from an unknown tequila bottle. “This is going to be fun! Get the lime, Damian!”

As Liv poured the shots, Damian turned to Jey and Rhea. “Have you ever had genuine tequila from Mexico?”

They exchanged glances, then shook their heads nervously. “Nope, can’t say we have,” Jey said.

Damian laughed, handing the couple a pair of limes. “You’re in for a treat!”

Liv passed out the shots, and just as they were about to raise them, a very drunk JD McDonagh stumbled into the kitchen. “Awh shit, it’s Main Event and the Eradicator!” he exclaimed, slurring his words slightly.

“Hey, Funkopop!” Rhea greeted him with a smirk.

JD pouted, “I want a shot!”

Liv playfully chided him, “Slow down! It’s only 6 PM!”

Rhea couldn’t help but laugh at the scene. “Liv, you’re already buzzing! Are you sure you can handle it?”

“I’m buzzed, not drunk!” Liv protested, mock indignation in her voice. “There’s a difference!”

Jey rolled his eyes playfully. “Let’s just hope you remember this tomorrow.”

As the atmosphere filled with laughter and camaraderie, Rhea felt a rush of warmth, grateful for this moment of fun amidst the chaos of their lives. With a nod from Jey, they all raised their shots in unison and took the shots. Rhea’s face scrunched as she quickly sucked on the lime. Jey didn’t budge but he did feel the heat of the liquor down his throat.

Rhea turned to Damian, curiosity dancing in her eyes. “Who all is here?”

“A lot of people from the PLE,” Damian replied, his enthusiasm palpable. “I even invited Cody, and he’s not usually into these kinds of parties. But he brought the Wheatley vodka, and that’s what got JD to show up.”

Just as he spoke, JD stumbled back into the living room, dramatically slurring, “WHEATLEY SO GOOD YOU’LL DRINK IT NEATLY!” His exaggerated proclamation earned a few chuckles from the crowd, and Rhea and Jey exchanged amused glances.

As “My Type” by Saweetie kicked in, Kayden clapped her hands and shouted, “Come over here, my bisexual Undertaker!” She playfully dragged Damian into the dance, both of them moving to the rhythm as Kayden performed an infamous twerk on Damian, drawing laughter and cheers from the onlookers.

Jey shook his head, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Babe, you know I’m damn near 40 years old. I feel so out of place.”

Rhea shot him a teasing look, leaning closer. “You want me to do that on you?”

Jey’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I’m open to it.”

“Maybe later if you’re good,” Rhea winked, turning her attention back to Liv, who was in the process of mixing a colorful drink.

Jey opened the fridge and noted the impressive collection of Wheatley Vodka bottles lining the shelves. “I need to have a word with Cody about this liquor situation,” he said, shaking his head in disbelief.

“Go ahead! I’ll be here with Liv,” Rhea replied, taking a seat at the counter, her demeanor relaxed yet alert.

With a quick nod, Jey ventured through the house, greeting various wrestlers mingling in the living room and dining room. The atmosphere was lively, filled with laughter and loud music. After a short search, he finally spotted Cody’s signature platinum blonde hair peeking from the backyard.

Sitting beside him was his younger brother, Joseph. Jey approached, and Joseph stood up to greet his brother with a warm hug.

“What's up, guys? What are you two doing out here?” Jey asked, sinking into a chair across from them.

Cody leaned back, a relaxed grin plastered on his face. “Just enjoying the evening and trying to keep up with the chaos inside. Damian knows how to throw a party.”

Joseph chuckled, glancing back toward the house. “Yeah, it’s a wild one. Just trying to keep it all together. The last time I saw Damian this hyped, we got fined.”

Jey laughed, shaking his head. “I didn’t think I’d feel out of place at one of these gatherings, but here we are. I feel like I need a T-shirt that says ‘I’m too old for this.’”

Cody raised his drink, clinking it lightly against Jey’s bottle. “You’re never too old to have a good time, man. Let loose! This crowd will bring your youth back in no time.”

“Speaking of that Wheatley vodka situation,” Jey said, raising an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you were the one bringing it. That’s bold.”

Cody shrugged with a smirk, mischief glinting in his eyes. “Gotta keep the fun going, right? Just a little something to spice things up. You want some?”

Jey shook his head, grinning. “I’ll stick with beer for now. I’ll leave the hard stuff to the younger crowd. Besides, I have to keep my wits about me with Rhea mixing it up in there.”

Joseph laughed, shaking his head. “You know she’ll be the life of the party. Just wait until she gets on that dance floor.”

Jey nodded, a smile spreading across his face as he thought of Rhea enjoying herself. “Yeah, she’s got that energy. I just hope she doesn’t go too hard. I’ve got to keep an eye on her.”

Cody smirked. “Good luck with that! But hey, you’ve got to have some fun yourself. We’re all here to unwind a bit.”

“Yeah, I get that,” Jey replied, glancing back toward the house. “Maybe I’ll join them in a little while. Just trying to shake off this old-man vibe I’ve got going on.”

Joseph leaned in, lowering his voice playfully. “Just remember, age is just a number. If you let the younger crowd have fun, you might just surprise yourself.”

Jey laughed, appreciating the encouragement. “Alright, you guys have convinced me. I’ll give it a shot when I'm ready.”

The three shared a laugh, the sounds of laughter and music from inside blending into a warm backdrop. As they continued to talk, Jey felt the weight of the past few months slowly lift, the night promising a much-needed escape.

Jey leaned back, curious. “So, Joseph, how does it feel working with Cody these last few months in the Bloodline storyline?”

Joseph’s face lit up as he spoke. “It’s been great, honestly. Working with a veteran like Cody has been an incredible experience. He’s got so much knowledge, and he knows how to tell a story in the ring. I’ve learned a ton just by watching him.”

Cody nodded in agreement. “It’s been a fun ride. Joseph has a natural talent; he brings a fresh energy to everything we do. It’s cool to see him grow into his role.”

“Yeah, it’s wild,” Jey replied. “I remember when I first started, and now here you are, holding your own in some of the biggest storylines.”

The three continued to chat about their experiences and the direction of the storyline, each sharing insights and anecdotes that had led them to this moment. As they laughed and reminisced, the atmosphere felt comfortable and uplifting, far removed from the tension of their past.

Meanwhile, inside the house, Rhea sipped her drink as Liv leaned against the counter, an eager expression on her face. “So, I’ve been meaning to ask you about the match yesterday. Any pointers for me?”

Rhea smiled, feeling the warmth of camaraderie. “Definitely. I noticed a few spots where you could have played to the crowd a bit more. You have the talent; just let your personality shine through. You’ve got the skills, and sometimes it’s all about connecting with the audience.”

Liv nodded, soaking in the advice. “Thanks, Rhea. It’s always good to get tips from someone who’s been in the game for ten years. You know the ins and outs.”

As they chatted, Liv’s curiosity piqued. “So, how are things with you and Jey? I’ve seen the changes, and you both seem happier.”

Rhea took a moment, a genuine smile spreading across her face. “I actually feel at peace now that I’m with Jey. It’s like everything just clicked into place, you know?”

Liv’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “I noticed the new ring! You’re not gonna spill the beans, are you?”

Rhea chuckled softly, appreciating Liv’s enthusiasm. “I’m thankful for you, Liv. I haven’t wanted to talk about the engagement with anyone just because of the backlash we have been experiencing from some people.”

Liv grinned, raising her glass. “Fuck the haters! You deserve to be happy. Anyone who has a problem with it can shove it.”

Rhea laughed, feeling a surge of gratitude for her friend. “You’re right. I’m focusing on the good things in my life now, and that includes Jey. He makes me feel safe and supported.”

Liv nodded in agreement, her tone earnest. “That’s what it’s all about. Finding someone who lifts you up and brings out the best in you. You two are great together.” Liv grabbed the tequila bottle and set it down on the counter.

Liv turned to Rhea with a mischievous grin. “Hey, do you want another shot?”

Rhea nodded enthusiastically, the buzz of the party mixing with the excitement of being with friends. Liv poured another shot of tequila and handed Rhea a lime, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. “Alright, on three!”

“Ready!” Rhea replied, her heart racing a little.

“One… two… three!”

They both slammed back the shots simultaneously. Rhea felt the burn as the tequila hit her throat, and she scrunched her face in reaction. Liv’s eyes widened, and she yelled, “Fuck! That tequila is strong!”

“Why are we doing this?” Liv asked, trying to distract herself from the intensity of the shot, her voice half-laughing, half-groaning.

Rhea chuckled, shaking her head. “I have no idea, but it seemed like a good idea at the time!”

Liv, always the instigator, laughed and suggested, “Let’s do another!”

Feeling a mix of bravado and recklessness, Rhea foolishly agreed. Just as Liv prepared for another round, the kitchen door swung open, and Bayley strolled in. She looked at Liv and then turned her gaze to Rhea, a mildly ugly look crossing her face.

“I’m leaving early,” Bayley said curtly, not bothering to hide her disdain as she shot a glance at Rhea.

Liv quickly said goodbye, her attention split as she sensed the tension. Rhea maintained her composure, her expression neutral as Bayley kept her eyes locked on her while exiting the kitchen.

“What’s with her and her staring problem?” Rhea muttered, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

Liv, already tipsy and swaying slightly, responded with a giggle, “Who, me?”

Rhea rolled her eyes at her already drunk friend. “No, not you! I meant Bayley.”

“Oh,” Liv replied, finally processing the comment. “I don’t know. Maybe she’s just jealous or something?”

Rhea shrugged, trying to brush it off. “Whatever it is, it’s annoying.”

Liv, ever the optimist, poured another shot for herself and Rhea, attempting to lift the mood. “Come on! Let’s not let her ruin our vibe. Cheers to bad bitches and tequila!”

“Cheers!” Rhea replied, clinking her glass with Liv’s. They both downed the shots again, the night continuing to swirl with laughter and chaos around them.

Rhea and Liv were deep into their drinks, the fun of the party washing over them, when suddenly, the unmistakable beat of Get it Sexyy by Sexyy Red filled the room. Liv’s eyes lit up, and she let out a joyful scream. “Oh my god, it’s my song!”

“Join me!” Liv shouted at Rhea, who looked a bit confused.

“Wait, what do you mean?” Rhea asked, laughter bubbling up as Liv tugged on her hand.

“Just follow my lead!” Liv exclaimed, practically dragging Rhea into the living room.

As soon as they reached the center of the room, Liv began dancing energetically, her hips swaying to the beat. Rhea hesitated for a moment before breaking into a smile and joining in, letting the music guide her. The two women laughed and danced, embodying pure joy.

Meanwhile, Jey was engrossed in his conversation with Joseph and Cody when he noticed Cody taking a sip of his drink and staring wide-eyed at something into the living room.

“Ude’, I wouldn’t look over if I were you,” Cody warned, a hint of mischief in his tone.

Jey, confused by Cody’s expression, turned to see what had caught his friend’s attention. His jaw dropped as he saw Liv dancing on Rhea, the two of them laughing and enjoying themselves without a care in the world.

“Are you serious?” Jey exclaimed, unable to believe what he was seeing. Just then, Liv and Rhea switched positions, and Rhea shook her ass while Liv smacked her butt playfully and repeatedly.

“Now that’s a party!” Joseph laughed, nudging Jey with his elbow. “You should be over there instead of Liv.”

“Yeah, what are you waiting for?” Cody chimed in, laughing at the spectacle. “Get off your Waffle House-made rear and go get your woman!”

Jey hesitated for a moment, a mix of pride and protective instinct rising in him as he watched Rhea have fun. But the laughter and camaraderie in the air were infectious. With a determined grin, he finally stood up, brushing off their teasing. “Alright, alright, I’m going in!”

As he made his way over to the dancing duo, Rhea caught sight of him and her face lit up with a smile. Jey slipped behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and joining in on the fun, much to Liv’s delight.

“See, now that’s what I’m talking about! An Australian sandwhich!” Liv cheered, dancing with them, and the three of them became the life of the party.

As the three danced, Liv suddenly paused, putting her hands on her knees, a look of concern on her face. “Hold on, I need a break,” she said, glancing around as if fearing she might throw up from all the drinking and dancing. Rhea laughed, giving her a playful pat on the back as Liv stepped to the side, trying to catch her breath.

Just then, a familiar tune filled the air, and Rhea's face lit up with recognition. It was Cupid’s Chokehold by Gym Class Heroes, one of her all-time favorites. The nostalgic melody wrapped around her like a warm blanket, and she couldn't help but smile.

Jey noticed the change in her expression and grinned. “Oh, this is a classic!” he exclaimed, and without hesitation, he began to sing along, his voice rising above the music. Rhea joined in, their voices harmonizing effortlessly as they swayed together, lost in the moment.

The energy in the room faded away as they danced closely, sharing smiles and laughter. Jey couldn’t help but reflect on how far they had come. Just a few months ago, their paths seemed worlds apart, filled with uncertainty and complications. Now, here they were, completely in sync, enjoying a carefree night together.

As they danced, Jey looked deep into Rhea's eyes, feeling a warmth spread through him. “Can you believe this?” he asked, his voice softening. “It’s crazy how life works out sometimes.”

Rhea smiled back, her heart swelling with happiness. “I never thought I’d find myself here, dancing with you like this. It feels perfect,” she replied, feeling grateful for the unexpected joy that had entered her life.

With each beat of the song, they lost themselves in the rhythm, the laughter of their friends and the vibrant atmosphere fading into the background. In that moment, nothing else mattered. It was just Jey and Rhea, dancing together under the glow of the party lights, savoring the connection they had found amidst the chaos of their lives.

As the party continued into the early hours, the atmosphere shifted with more guests having departed, leaving a tight-knit circle of friends. Now, it was Jey, Rhea, Kayden, Damian, Liv, Kacy, Joseph, and Cody lingering together. The clock ticked closer to 1 AM, and the music had lowered, creating a comfortable hum in the background as Joseph and Cody managed to gather everyone in the backyard for some casual conversation.

After people had left, Rhea had requested a song that held a special place in her heart: How Deep is Your Love by The Bee Gees. As the familiar melody began to play, Jey looked down at Rhea, who was swaying gently in his arms. He hadn’t heard the song before, but he could tell it was an old classic—definitely not something you heard in the mainstream anymore.

As they danced, Rhea’s buzz began to fade, replaced by a warm feeling of connection. She looked up at Jey, her eyes sparkling. “I love you,” she said softly, breaking the silence.

Jey smiled back, his heart swelling at her words. “I love you too,” he replied, leaning down to kiss her. They melted into the moment, swaying together in perfect harmony, oblivious to the world around them.

What they didn’t notice was Damian, standing on the patio, capturing the sweet scene with his phone. He grinned, already imagining blowing up the photo to display at their wedding. “This is going to be legendary at the wedding,” he muttered to himself, chuckling at the thought.

The others, curious about the couple's relationship, watched with admiration. Kayden playfully hit Damian’s arm, interrupting his daydream. “Forget he said that. Let Rhea tell us when she’s ready,” she said, nudging the focus back onto Rhea.

“Yeah, she’ll get us with that engagement ring eventually,” Joseph chimed in, a teasing grin on his face.

Cody joined in, a smirk on his lips. “I don’t wanna be on the receiving end of a riptide,” he joked, referencing Rhea’s signature move.

“They are perfect for each other, really,” Liv said, watching Jey and Rhea dance, their connection palpable. “Their chemistry has always been there. Did you guys ever see how he looked at her at Fastlane? It was like they were screaming, ‘We are in love!’”

Damian nodded in agreement. “I loved it when he said, ‘We Miss You… We ALL Miss You,’” he recalled, referencing a segment they had done together, showcasing their bond.

Kacy, intrigued, leaned in. “Did they ever say how long they’ve been dating?” she asked, genuinely curious.

Damian shrugged, though he secretly wanted to respect Rhea and Jey’s privacy regarding their relationship. “Honestly, I’m not sure,” he replied, deflecting the question.

Liv sighed dreamily, her gaze still fixed on the dancing couple. “They are just so beautiful together… I want that type of love,” she commented wistfully.

Cody, reflecting on his own experiences, smiled. “I have that with my wife… It’s really something, especially when you have a child. You learn to appreciate the good moments even more,” he shared, a soft smile crossing his face as he thought of his family.

“I definitely think he is finally happy… my brother was miserable up until he started with Rhea..” Joseph commented.

“Don’t say nothing. I caught him smiling at her one time… I looked at Rhea and asked what’s the Samoan want? She was like, probably an Australian.. I swear I didn’t know she was referencing herself.” Damian said.

“Men are clueless…” Liv added.

As the night wore on, laughter and light banter filled the air, but the undeniable warmth radiating from Jey and Rhea continued to draw everyone’s attention. It was a love that had flourished amidst challenges, and in that backyard, surrounded by their friends, it felt as if anything was possible.

As the last few notes of How Deep is Your Love faded, Jey and Rhea stopped swaying, caught in a moment of bliss. The warmth between them was palpable, but the spell was broken when someone cleared their throat loudly. They both turned to see Cody waving them down with a grin, gesturing for them to join the group gathered at the patio.

Jey took Rhea's hand and led her over, sitting down in one of the chairs before pulling her gently into his lap. The rest of the group couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the couple—there was an undeniable ease and affection between them, one that everyone else could sense.

Cody leaned back, chuckling to himself before making a comment. “You two look like something straight out of a fairytale. Honestly, I don’t know how else to describe it.”

The others chimed in with similar remarks, nodding their heads in agreement. Liv, sipping on her drink, added with a playful sigh, “I’m just saying… where’s my fairytale? Someone needs to find me a man like that.”

Jey glanced around, smiling at his friends' comments before resting his chin gently on Rhea's shoulder. “Y'all don’t even know… she makes me happier than I’ve ever been. Happier than I even thought I could be.”

Rhea blushed at his words, her heart swelling. She turned her head and kissed him softly on the cheek, making the group “aww” in unison.

Kayden, ever the jokester, raised an eyebrow and leaned forward. “Okay, Rhea, I gotta ask. How’s it feel dating an old man?”

The group burst into laughter as Jey feigned offense, throwing his hands up in mock disbelief. Rhea’s eyes twinkled mischievously as she fired back, “I don’t know, Kayden. I should be asking you… you’ve got Damian, after all.”

Everyone roared with laughter, especially as Damian, who had been lounging in his chair, sat up straight, narrowing his eyes at the playful jab. “Hey, hey, hey!” he protested with a grin. “For the record, I’m only 42. That’s not old.”

Cody, who had been taking a drink, started laughing so hard he nearly spilled it. “Damian, man, if you’re 42, then what does that make me? I’m 39! Guess that makes you the wise old man of the group.”

Jey couldn’t help but laugh along with everyone else as Damian dramatically shook his head. “Alright, alright, I’ll be the old Wiseman if that’s what y’all want!” Damian said, throwing up his hands in defeat.

The group’s laughter filled the air, the sound echoing into the warm night as the gentle breeze swayed the trees. In this moment, surrounded by friends, Jey and Rhea felt more at peace than they had in a long time. It was as if, for a brief time, all the chaos of their past melted away, leaving only love, joy, and the warmth of friendship.

Rhea leaned back against Jey’s chest, her heart full. “I’m just lucky,” she said softly, looking at the group with a warm smile. “Lucky to have all of you.”

The group continued to laugh and joke, it was clear that they all felt the same. No matter the trials that had come before—or the ones that might come in the future—in this moment, they had each other, and that was enough.

After saying their goodbyes and sharing hugs, Jey and Rhea headed out toward their rental car. The night had been filled with laughter, love, and good company, but now, it was just the two of them. As they walked, hand-in-hand under the moonlight, Jey looked over at Rhea with a soft smile. “You have a good time, babe?”

Rhea glanced up at him, her eyes sparkling. “The best time,” she replied, squeezing his hand. “I needed that… we both did.”

Once in the car, the drive to the hotel was calm and peaceful, a perfect ending to the evening. The streets were quiet as the city slept, and they soon pulled into the guest parking lot of the hotel. Together, they walked through the lobby and took the elevator up to their floor, savoring the calm after the whirlwind of the party.

When they reached their room, Rhea couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace and contentment. She dropped her bag onto the chair and turned toward Jey, giving him a playful look. “You know…” she began, her voice sultry as she moved closer to him. “I’ve been thinking… we haven’t exactly broken in the spa bath in this room yet.”

Jey raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin already forming on his face. “Oh? Not just a regular bath, huh?”

Rhea let out a laugh, taking his hand and pulling him toward the bathroom. Before she could say anything else, Jey was already quickly stripping off his clothes, his playful side emerging in full force. “You’re not wasting any time, are you?” she teased, her own laughter filling the room.

The night continued in their own private world, laughter, and love shared between the two of them as they enjoyed each other’s company, with no one else around.

Monday, October 7th, 2024

The next morning, the soft buzz of Rhea’s alarm filled the room. She stirred slowly, opening her eyes to see the early rays of sunlight peeking through the curtains. She sat up in bed, stretching her arms before turning to see Jey still sound asleep beside her. His breathing was steady, his face calm and relaxed—he looked so peaceful that she didn’t want to disturb him.

Slipping quietly out of bed, Rhea grabbed some workout clothes from her bag and made her way to the bathroom. After brushing her teeth and tying up her hair, she threw on her headphones and grabbed a water bottle, deciding to head down to the hotel gym for a morning workout.

The hotel was still quiet as she made her way to the fitness center. Rhea always found peace in her morning routines, and with everything going on in their lives, she needed this time to herself, just to clear her mind. As she stepped onto the treadmill and started her warm-up, she thought back to the night before—the joy of being with her friends, the love she shared with Jey, and the way everything seemed to fall into place.

It was moments like these that made all the challenges they had faced worthwhile. With a soft smile, she increased the speed on the treadmill, letting her thoughts drift as she focused on the rhythm of her footsteps. This morning was just hers, a chance to breathe before another busy day.

Rhea continued her workout, the rhythmic thudding of her feet against the treadmill grounding her as she worked through the last ten minutes of her routine. She wiped the sweat from her brow and reached for her water bottle when something caught her attention. There was that unmistakable feeling of being watched.

Slowing down her pace, she looked to her left and, sure enough, there was Bayley, staring at her from the stair master with an expression that could cut through stone. Rhea felt her blood begin to simmer. She wasn’t in the mood for this—not after such a good night with Jey and their friends.

Taking a deep breath, Rhea hopped off the treadmill and walked over to where Bayley was. The tension in the air was palpable as she approached. “You got something to say to me?” Rhea’s voice was steady, but there was an edge to it.

Bayley glanced at her, barely breaking her pace on the stair master, before letting out a bitter chuckle. “Yeah, actually. If you had any common sense, you wouldn’t be messing around with a married man.”

The words hit like a slap. Rhea’s eyes narrowed. She could feel her pulse quicken, the adrenaline from her workout blending into pure anger. “Why don’t you fuck off, Bayley? You don’t know a damn thing about my life.”

The tension escalated instantly. Bayley stopped her workout, stepping off the machine as the two women squared up. "I know enough," Bayley shot back, her tone cold. "You’re playing with fire. Jey’s still technically married, and you’re acting like none of that matters. How long do you think this little fairytale is gonna last before it all blows up in your face?”

Rhea’s fists clenched at her sides, her jaw tight. She wasn’t about to let Bayley try to lecture her, especially about something she had no business in. “Why don’t you keep your nose out of my business? Maybe worry about your own shit. Last I checked, you shouldn’t even be here. You’re on SmackDown. What are you doing in St. Louis anyway?”

Bayley scoffed, crossing her arms. “Don’t worry about why I’m here. Maybe I had something to take care of.”

“Yeah, right,” Rhea fired back, not backing down an inch. “Sounds more like you’re sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong.”

Bayley’s lips curled into a smirk, but there was no humor behind it. “I’m just saying—watch yourself, Rhea. You’re not invincible. And this thing with Jey? It’s not going to end well. Maybe take some advice from someone who’s seen relationships in this business go south.”

Rhea stepped closer, her voice lowering but thick with warning. “Back. The fuck. Off. You don’t know me, and you sure as hell don’t know what’s going on between me and Jey. So don’t you dare try to lecture me like you have any clue what you’re talking about.”

Bayley raised her hands in mock surrender, though her expression remained smug. “Whatever you say, Ripley. But don’t come crying when everything crashes and burns.” She turned, muttering something under her breath as she grabbed her towel, ready to leave the gym.

Rhea, still seething, caught the snide comment and clenched her jaw tighter, her hands still balled into fists. She wanted to let it go, but Bayley’s audacity was gnawing at her. “What was that?”

Bayley didn’t turn around, but her voice carried across the room. “I said, ‘Some people never learn.’ But you’ll figure it out soon enough.”

Rhea felt the urge to fire back, but something held her in place. Maybe it was the exhaustion from the workout, or maybe the fact that she knew deep down she had nothing to prove to Bayley. She wasn’t going to let her ruin her morning or plant doubts in her mind.

With a heavy exhale, Rhea turned her back on the situation, reminding herself that Bayley’s opinions didn’t matter. She had Jey, they were solid, and no amount of petty comments from someone else was going to change that.

But as she returned to the treadmill, her mind was still racing, her pulse still high. Bayley’s words lingered, unwanted, and Rhea couldn’t shake the sense that the confrontation was far from over.

Rhea finished her workout, her muscles slightly sore but her mind sharper. She headed back up to the hotel room, her thoughts still lingering on the tense confrontation with Bayley. As she opened the door, she spotted Jey sitting on the bed, engrossed in something on his phone. He quickly tried to hide it, a smirk playing on his face as if he'd been caught in the act of something mischievous.

Rhea rolled her eyes, knowing exactly what he was doing. "You don’t have to hide it, Jey. I already know," she teased, her tone light despite the frustration still gnawing at her from earlier.

Jey caught the change in her voice instantly. Putting his phone down, he stood up and walked over to her, his brow furrowed in concern. "Nah, babe, what’s up? You sound off," he asked, his protective nature kicking in as he placed a hand on her waist, pulling her close.

Rhea let out a heavy sigh. "I ran into Bayley in the gym," she said, her irritation rising again. Jey’s eyes narrowed at the mention of Bayley, sensing where this was going.

"What’d she say?" he asked, his voice now serious.

"She basically called me out for ‘messing with a technically married man,’ acting like she knows anything about us," Rhea said, crossing her arms and shaking her head. "We got into it a bit. I told her to back off, but she just kept pushing."

Jey’s jaw clenched, and he let out a slow breath through his nose, trying to keep his temper in check. "First off, she don’t know anything about what we’ve been through. She’s talking outta pocket, and that’s on her. Second, you don’t need to explain anything to her or anyone else. We know what’s real."

Rhea looked up at him, her shoulders relaxing a little as she took in his words. "I know, it’s just annoying. She doesn’t have any right to come at me like that."

Jey pulled her into a tight hug, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Forget about her. You’ve been through worse than Bayley running her mouth. You’re stronger than that, and we’re solid. She can’t break what we have."

Rhea softened in his arms, feeling the tension slowly leave her body. "Thanks," she whispered, feeling a sense of relief wash over her.

Jey kissed her again, this time softly on her lips, lingering there for a moment before pulling back. "Now, how about we get ready for tonight’s RAW? We’ll kill it, like we always do. Before you know it, tomorrow, we’ll be back home with Jon and Trinity. It’ll just be us, no drama."

Rhea smiled, the thought of being back with Jon and Trinity, away from all the chaos, bringing her some comfort. "Yeah, I like that plan," she said, nodding.

"Good," Jey said, grinning as he rubbed his hands together. "Now let’s shower and get this day started. We’ve got a show to steal."

Rhea smirked, her playful side resurfacing. "Shower, huh? Together, I assume?"

Jey gave her a mischievous grin. "You’ll get some head out of it..” Rhea grinned.

“Come again…” She said, while looking at him.

“If you don’t get your ass to the shower so I could eat you out…” Jey said and Rhea pulled his head to lead him into the shower with the quickness.

As the shower went on, the tension from earlier seemed to fade, leaving behind only the connection and trust they had in each other, ready to face whatever the world threw at them—together.

—

Tuesday October 8th, 2024.

Jon kept driving around the pick-up loop until he finally spotted Jey and Rhea waiting by the baggage claim exit. He hit the brakes abruptly, coming to a stop just as he was about to reach the exit once again. Jumping out of the car, Jon popped the trunk open, not wasting any time.

Jey groaned as the carousel continued its slow rotation. “Man, they always take forever with this luggage. They do this on purpose, I swear.”

Rhea chuckled softly, nudging him. “Relax, love. We’ve been through worse than waiting for bags.”

Jon smirked as he helped load their luggage into the trunk. “I’m hearing complaints about luggage like y’all didn’t just leave me for dead in this traffic.”

Rhea smiled warmly at Jon. “Thanks for coming to pick us up, Jon. You’re a lifesaver.”

Jon shrugged casually but grinned. “Anything for family. Besides, we need to get back. Takecia flew Jeyce out already, and he’s at the house.”

Jey’s eyes lit up immediately at the mention of his youngest son. “Jeyce is already there? Man, I can’t wait to see him.”

Rhea couldn’t help but smile, seeing the excitement on Jey’s face. He missed his kids fiercely, and moments like these were everything to him.

Jey leaned back into the car seat, still smiling, but his expression shifted slightly as he asked, “What about Jaciyah? Is he at the house, too?”

Jon paused for a beat, a little hesitation in his voice before he answered, “Nah, Jaciyah didn’t want to come, Uce.”

The happiness drained from Jey’s face, and the energy in the car shifted as silence fell between the brothers. Rhea, sensing his disappointment, squeezed his hand tightly, offering her quiet support.

The rest of the car ride was quiet, the earlier excitement replaced by somber contemplation. Rhea continued to hold Jey’s hand, giving him the reassurance she knew he needed.

When they arrived at Jon and Trinity’s house, everyone helped unload the car, bringing the bags inside. Jon made his way toward the kitchen, leaving Jey and Rhea to head into the guest bedroom, where Jeyce was fast asleep on the pullout sofa bed.

Jey stood in the doorway for a moment, watching his youngest son sleep. The sight calmed him a bit, but the weight of Jaciyah’s absence still lingered. “I’m gonna take a shower,” Jey mumbled, his voice thick with emotion.

As Jey disappeared into the bathroom, Rhea walked over to the pullout bed where Jeyce was peacefully sleeping. A mischievous idea crossed her mind, and she smiled to herself before gently shaking his shoulder.

“Hey, buddy,” she whispered softly.

Jeyce stirred and blinked sleepily, his eyes slowly focusing on her. When he realized it was Rhea, his face lit up. “Rhea!” he squealed, instantly sitting up and wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug.

Rhea chuckled, hugging him back. “Hey, kiddo. I missed you too. You’ve been sleeping in, huh?”

“Yeah!” Jeyce grinned, rubbing his eyes. “I missed you and Dad. What are we gonna do today?”

Rhea grinned, thinking about how to make this day extra special for him and maybe even lift Jey’s spirits a bit. “Well, what do you want to do today?”

Jeyce’s face scrunched up as he thought for a moment. “I wanna swim in the pool! And eat burgers! And hot dogs! And snow cones! And candy!”

Rhea burst out laughing at his enthusiasm. “You’re aiming high today, huh? That’s a lot, but I think we can make it happen.”

Jeyce’s eyes widened in excitement. “Really?!”

“Really,” Rhea confirmed with a smile. “How about this: you come with me and Auntie Trinity to the store, and we’ll get everything we need for the best pool day ever. Sound like a plan?”

“Yeah!” Jeyce bounced with excitement, practically bursting with energy now. “Let’s do it!”

Rhea smiled, brushing a hand through his messy hair. “Alright, get dressed, and we’ll head out as soon as you’re ready.”

Jeyce scrambled off the pullout sofa to find his clothes, leaving Rhea chuckling at his excitement. She couldn’t wait to tell Jey about the plan. Hopefully, spending time with Jeyce would bring some light back into his day, especially after the disappointment of Jaciyah not wanting to come.

With Jey in the shower and Jeyce getting ready, Rhea felt a bit of relief. Today was going to be a good day, no matter what. She was determined to make sure of it.

Rhea made her way downstairs to find Trinity sitting at the kitchen counter, finishing up her morning coffee. The house was filled with the relaxed sounds of a Saturday morning — light chatter from the TV, the faint hum of the refrigerator, and Jon rummaging around in the kitchen.

“Hey, Trin,” Rhea greeted her with a smile, walking over to the counter. “I’ve got a little plan.”

Trinity raised her eyebrows, intrigued. “Oh yeah? Let’s hear it.”

“Jeyce wants a pool day. Burgers, hot dogs, snow cones, the works,” Rhea explained. “So I figured we could take him to the store, grab everything we need, and make it a full-on summer party.”

Trinity’s face lit up at the idea. “Oh, I love that! He’s gonna have the best time.” She quickly finished her coffee and stood up, glancing toward Jon, who was busy cleaning up. “Hey, babe, you mind cutting up the veggies for the skewers? And check the pool, make sure there aren’t any leaves or anything in it.”

Jon looked up from the counter and waved them off with a grin. “I got you. Pool’s gonna be perfect, and the skewers will be ready by the time y’all get back. Don’t forget my ice cream, though.”

Trinity rolled her eyes playfully. “You and your ice cream. You act like we’d forget.”

Rhea laughed and started to head back upstairs to get Jeyce. When she reached the guest room, she found him already dressed, his excitement almost contagious. “Look at you, all ready to go!” she teased.

“I’m ready, Rhea!” Jeyce said, bouncing on his feet.

“Alright, alright. We’re leaving in a minute,” Rhea chuckled before hearing the shower turn off in the bathroom. She knocked on the door lightly before peeking in, finding Jey towel-drying his hair. “Hey, we’re about to head out. Jeyce is coming with us to the store. You need anything?”

Jey glanced over at her, his eyes softening. “Nah, I’m good. You girls and Jeyce have fun. Be safe, okay?” He walked over and planted a quick kiss on her cheek, the warmth of his affection lingering even in that small gesture.

Rhea smiled at him. “We will.”

With Jeyce practically pulling her out of the room, they headed back downstairs to meet Trinity. Rhea could see how happy the little guy was, and it warmed her heart. She wanted today to be perfect for Jeyce, and maybe it would help ease the tension Jey was feeling after the news about Jaciyah.

Once they were out of the house and piling into the car, Jey stood in the guest room, his thoughts heavy. After a moment, he grabbed his phone off the dresser and stared at the screen. He knew what he had to do — he needed to check in with Takecia.

As the dial tone rang, Jey braced himself. Their conversations had been tense ever since things with Rhea had become more serious. And the situation with Jaciyah… that was harder than anything he had expected. He knew his son was hurt and confused, and no amount of words could fix that overnight.

When Takecia picked up, her voice was calm but distant. “Jey.”

“Takecia, hey,” Jey greeted, leaning against the bedpost. “Just wanted to check in. How’s everything going?”

There was a brief pause before she responded. “We’re fine. Everything is fine.”

Jey winced at the formality in her voice, but he pushed through. “I heard Jaciyah didn’t wanna come to Jon’s.”

“Yeah, he didn’t,” Takecia said flatly. “He’s… He’s still having a hard time with everything, Jey.”

Jey closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the familiar guilt settle in his chest. “I know, I know. It’s just… hard, you know? I miss him.”

“You should’ve thought about that before,” she replied, her tone cutting a little sharper now. “This was always going to be hard on him.”

Jey let out a sigh, knowing she wasn’t wrong. “I just wanna talk to him. I wanna help him through this.”

“He doesn’t wanna talk right now, Jey. And I’m not gonna force him.”

The silence between them grew heavy. Jey rubbed his forehead, the weight of everything pressing down on him. “Alright. Just… let him know I love him, okay?”

There was another pause before she quietly agreed. “I will. Take care of yourself, Jey.”

“You too, Takecia,” Jey replied softly before ending the call.

He stood there for a moment, staring at the phone in his hand. The conversation didn’t leave him feeling any better — if anything, it made the weight on his shoulders even heavier. But he knew he couldn’t dwell on it right now. He had Jeyce with him, and today was supposed to be a good day for his youngest son.

Pushing the lingering thoughts aside, Jey went to get dressed, determined to focus on the time he had with Jeyce and the rest of the day.

--

Jey and Jon were by the grill, engaged in a casual conversation while keeping an eye on the sizzling food. The sun beamed brightly overhead, creating the perfect summer day atmosphere. Meanwhile, Rhea, Jeyce, and Trinity splashed around in the pool, the sound of laughter echoing in the warm air.

Rhea playfully splashed water at both Trinity and Jeyce, who squealed in delight. “Watch out for Trinity’s hair!” Jeyce warned, giggling as Rhea soaked them.

“Come here, let me get your hair wet!” Trinity teased back, her own hair slicked back from the water.

Rhea laughed, her heart full as she watched the two interact. The music played softly in the background, and the smell of grilled food wafted through the air, setting a relaxed vibe. Jey, watching from the sidelines, couldn’t help but feel a swell of happiness seeing his fiancée bond with his youngest son.

As Jon turned to Jey, he asked, “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, everything’s great,” Jey replied, a smile stretching across his face. He set his beer down and walked to the edge of the pool, where Rhea was twirling Jeyce around in the water.

“Are you having fun, buddy?” Jey asked Jeyce, who beamed back at him.

“The best ever!” Jeyce exclaimed, laughter spilling from him.

Rhea smiled brightly, feeling a sense of warmth and connection in the moment. She gently set Jeyce down and swam closer to Jey. “You should get in!” she encouraged, splashing him playfully.

“No way! I’m not getting my hair wet like Trinity!” Jey protested, trying to keep his composure.

Rhea laughed at his response and, in a moment of mischief, lunged forward, grabbing Jey’s arm and pulling him into the pool with her.

Jey let out a surprised yelp as he splashed into the water, his expression shifting from shock to laughter. “You got me!” he exclaimed, shaking his head to get the water out of his eyes.

Rhea giggled, loving the spontaneity of the moment. “Now you’re in! No backing out!” she said playfully.

Jey glanced around at Jon and Trinity, who were both laughing at the sight. "You are too crazy!” he protested, though it was clear he was enjoying himself.

“Oh you'll be okay.” Rhea shot back with a playful grin, splashing him again, and the two were soon caught up in a friendly water fight, surrounded by the sounds of joy and laughter that filled the backyard.

--

Jeyce was fast asleep on Rhea's shoulder, his lips still faintly blue from the snow cones Trinity had whipped up earlier. Rhea, Jeyce, and Trinity were comfortably settled on the patio sectional, enjoying the warm afternoon as they chatted. Every so often, Rhea adjusted her position, making sure Jeyce was snug and comfortable, her arm wrapped protectively around him.

On the other side of the sectional, Jey and Jon were lounging back, beers in hand, catching the occasional drift of conversation from the women. The smell of the grill filled the air, and the faint hum of music blended with the sounds of the backyard—laughter, the splash of the pool, and the soft breeze rustling through the trees.

Jey couldn’t take his eyes off Rhea. The way she fit seamlessly into his world—laughing with Trinity, gently cradling Jeyce as he slept—made his heart swell with gratitude. She was everything he'd hoped for and more. His gaze lingered a little longer as Rhea threw her head back, laughing at something Trinity said.

Jon noticed and smirked, nudging his brother lightly. "Yo, Uce, you good? You lookin' real lovestruck over there."

Jey blinked, tearing his eyes away from Rhea and smirking at Jon. "Yeah, man. Just… it’s crazy, you know? How everything’s coming together."

Jon chuckled, taking a swig of his beer. "Yeah, I see it. She's the real deal, bro. You lucked out."

Jey grinned, feeling the truth of that statement sink in. "More than luck, man. She's everything."

Jon leaned back, his tone shifting a bit. "So the idea for the wedding?"

Jey nodded, his smile growing wider. "Yeah. We’re starting with the courthouse, just keeping it small. You and Trin will be there. Then we’ll do Vegas with all our friends—get a little wild, you know? And finally…" He paused, his voice dropping slightly. "The wedding in Samoa with the whole family."

Jon nodded thoughtfully. "Three weddings, huh? You really making it a whole event."

Jey chuckled, setting his beer down. "Gotta make sure it’s right. Rhea’s all in on the Samoa wedding. She’s been learning about our traditions, she wants to honor that, and she’s been so supportive through all of this."

Jon smiled, clearly impressed. "Samoa’s gonna be special. Family’s gonna love it."

Jey’s expression softened, but a slight hesitation flickered in his eyes. "Yeah, but there’s something else, bro."

Jon raised an eyebrow, curious. "What’s up?"

Jey took a deep breath, leaning in slightly. "I wanted to ask you to marry us. In Samoa."

Jon’s eyes widened, a mix of surprise and honor crossing his face. "Wait, what? Me? You serious?"

Jey nodded, his expression growing more serious. "Yeah, man. I wanted you to marry us from the start. But Takecia wasn’t cool with the idea. Said she didn’t think it was right for you to do it."

Jon frowned slightly, understanding the tension behind the situation with Jey’s ex. "Damn, man. I didn’t know that."

Jey sighed, but his smile returned quickly. "Yeah, but Rhea… when I brought it up, she didn’t even hesitate. She was all for it, right away. Honestly, that just made me wanna marry her even more, you know? She understands what family means to me, and she’s willing to embrace all of it."

Jon leaned back, taking in his brother’s words. His face softened, and he nodded slowly. "Man, that’s something special. Rhea's got a good heart."

Jey smiled, glancing over at Rhea again as she shifted Jeyce slightly on her shoulder, still laughing with Trinity. "She does. That’s why I want you to be the one to marry us in Samoa, in front of everyone. It feels right."

Jon’s expression was a mix of surprise and pride as he sat up a little straighter. "Bruh, I’m honored. For real. You want me to stand up there, in front of Ma, Pops, the whole family, and do that?"

Jey nodded firmly. "Yeah. You’ve always been there for me, through everything. I want you to be part of this too. It would mean everything to me."

Jon rubbed the back of his neck, clearly moved. He looked at Jey with a grin and shook his head in disbelief. "Man… I don’t even know what to say. You really want me to do this?"

Jey smiled, clapping Jon on the shoulder. "Just say yes, Uce."

Jon exhaled, finally grinning wide. "Hell yeah, Uce. Of course, I’ll do it. I’d be honored."

Jey let out a laugh of relief and clapped his brother on the back. "Thanks, man. I knew you’d come through."

Jon shook his head, still processing the request but clearly excited. "Bruh, marrying my little brother in front of the whole family? That’s wild, but I’m in. We’re gonna make it special."

Jey’s smile widened, his gratitude evident. "We’ll figure it out together. It’s gonna be perfect."

Jon raised his beer in a toast, his eyes shining with pride. "To family, Uce. To all of it."

Jey clinked his bottle against Jon’s, a sense of peace washing over him. "To family."

--

Rhea carried Jeyce upstairs, his small arms wrapped lazily around her neck as he slept soundly against her shoulder. Jey followed closely behind, watching the tenderness in Rhea’s steps. When they reached the guest bedroom, Jey quietly opened the door, and Rhea gently laid Jeyce down on the bed. She carefully removed his sandals, one by one, and pulled the comforter over him, making sure he was snug and comfortable. As she looked at him, she noticed the blue remnants of the snow cone still smudged on his lips. Rhea grabbed a tissue from the nightstand, dampened it lightly with water from the bathroom, and gently wiped the sugary streaks from his face. She leaned down and kissed his forehead, watching him for a moment as he breathed steadily in his sleep.

Jey sat at the edge of the bed, quietly observing the whole scene. There was something about watching Rhea with Jeyce that filled him with a sense of calm, a feeling of completeness that he hadn’t known he’d been searching for. She fit into his life so naturally, like she was always meant to be there.

Once she was done, Jey called her softly. “Rhea, come here,” he said, motioning for her to sit beside him. Rhea walked over and sat down next to Jey, the quiet intimacy of the moment surrounding them.

Jey took a deep breath, knowing what he wanted to ask but unsure of how to begin. “I know,” he started softly, his eyes searching hers, “I know it’s been really hard… losing the baby. I don’t want to push anything on you. But once we’re married… do you think we could try again? I want to give this another shot, Rhea. I’m ready. I’m willing to go all in—even more—on my wrestling career for the next couple of years. I’ll do whatever it takes to take care of you, our kid, and Jeyce and Jaciyah.”

Rhea’s hand instinctively went to her engagement ring, the one that held so much meaning. It wasn’t just a symbol of their love, but also of the child they lost, whose ashes were embedded within the delicate band. She looked down at the matching bracelet on her wrist, the permanent bond they had forged together, and took a deep breath, steadying herself.

She finally looked up at Jey, her voice soft but firm. “I don’t want you to ruin your body just to take care of me and our family, Jey. I can’t let you do that.”

Jey reached out, taking her hand in his. “I don’t care about that, Rhea. I’ll do it for you. For us.”

But Rhea gently pulled her hand away, her voice catching in her throat. “Let’s just get through the divorces first.”

Jey’s expression shifted, confusion clouding his features. “Why do we need to get through all that first? We already know what’s gonna happen, right?”

Rhea hesitated, her eyes dropping to the floor. Her voice was barely above a whisper when she finally answered. “Matt… he hasn’t responded. He won’t sign the papers.”

Jey’s entire demeanor changed in an instant. He turned away from her, processing her words. Takecia had already signed their divorce papers as soon as she was served, and California’s six-month waiting period had already begun. Everything was on track for him. But now, hearing this from Rhea, he felt blindsided.

Rhea’s words came out in a rush, as if she were afraid of what would happen if she didn’t say them quickly enough. “Matt thinks there’s still some chance for reconciliation. He says he won’t sign anything until he talks to me. I… I didn’t know how to tell you.”

Jey stood up abruptly, walking to the edge of the room. His back was to her as he tried to gather his thoughts, his emotions threatening to spill over. He had thought they were moving forward, that the worst was behind them. But now it felt like they were stuck, like something was holding them back from the life they were trying to build together.

Rhea’s voice was barely audible when she added, “Everything’s been happening so fast. I just… I feel like maybe we should slow down.”

Jey turned to face her, his expression a mix of frustration and hurt. “Slow down?” he repeated, his voice tight. “I thought we were in this together, Rhea. I thought we knew what we wanted.”

Rhea couldn’t meet his gaze. Her hands trembled as she gripped the pillow beside her. She had never wanted to hurt him, but lately she felt everything was becoming overwhelming, and the weight of it all was pressing down on her.

Jey, sensing her retreat, took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm brewing inside him. He wasn’t angry—at least not in the way that made him want to lash out. But he was hurt, deeply. He grabbed a pillow from the bed, his tone quiet but firm as he spoke.

“We can finish this conversation when I’m not mad. I’m a man who can control his feelings. I’m not the kind of man who hurts his wife to the point where she needs a blood transfusion.”

With those final words, Jey left the room, the weight of the moment heavy in the air. The door closed softly behind him, but the silence it left behind was deafening.

Rhea sat there, her heart aching as tears finally fell. She hugged the pillow tightly to her chest and buried her face in it, the sobs breaking free as she allowed herself to cry for everything that had been lost, and for everything that was uncertain ahead.

[mellowwillowy]

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲... 𝐒𝐞𝐭, 𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍!

Warnings: doxxing, cyberbullying, blackmail, curses

Synopsis: Nasty comments are nothing but daily beverages for your girlfriend, but when it's directed at you? She is not happy about it at all.

She is the model with the body that everyone adores, smooth dark skin that looks so beautiful when enveloped with golden fabric, a pair of blue eyes that never leave your figure, and the long wavy dark brown shade hair that you enjoy combing through with your fingers.

She is the embodiment of the word "Mommy".

Her naturally tall figure + high heels? Mmh.

She is the renowned model, Chloe, your girlfriend.

She also happens to be the one who will be your guard dog, keeping you safe from everything, everyone. She is by means no idol who is swarmed by countless low-life fans who will stab you or her out of jealousy, but she knows just how nasty people can get with their nasty comments.

"Fucking dimwits, they don't even have a sliver of your charm in them but they dare to write these disgusting shits shamelessly? Are they writing a resume of themselves?" Chloe spat as she submitted yet another screenshot of the nasty comments you received from her followers to her lawyer.

"I mean... they aren't wrong... I am nothing if compared to you Chloe..." you frowned to yourself as you sorted out all the photos you took of her, "I am no professional and yet you somehow look so breathtaking in all my amateur shoots, are you perhaps Cleopatra?"

Chloe breathed out a chuckle, or at least she tried. She didn't want to let you see how clenched her jaw was, how her fist clenched and unclenched with the manicured fingernails digging into her palm, fucking shitheads, what should she do to keep these mutts in line?

... aha.

Chloe hurried to your side and pecked your forehead, "Gotta go first babe, work is calling me." You nodded at her words and hugged her, taking in her spicy cologne before pulling away. Her tall figure left in a swift movement and left you alone in the wide living room. Guess she'll only be back for dinner, you shrugged.

--

You remembered this person's username. They had been nothing but a nasty hater toward you, leaving nasty remarks here and there in all your socials.

Who leaked their whole ass information? Was this not a crime?

"I'd say they deserve it, what comes around goes around," Chloe shrugged her shoulders and moved to sit next to you after peeking the content of your phone through your shoulders, "besides, these people just have to learn it the hard way else they'd never understand."

You read further into the whole drama, reading more and more nasty comments shot toward this person, just how long would they keep their socials online until they finally deactivated it?

"Poor them..."

Chloe snorted, "Poor shithead, should have made them have it worse."

You looked up to her, "Huh?"

Chloe looked up to you and cocked her head, "Hm?" A smile plastered on her face, maroon lip curled up.

Chloe has always been the woman you looked up to, hell you even wish you could be at least half of her. But the same can't be said about her, she loves you just the way you are.

"One moment, the ITs are calling me again," you wondered to yourself, since when did Chloe have to work with the ITs?

[toppersjeep]

I love you, I’m sorry - (Blake Gallo)

Masterlist

(this one might be a bit sad grab tissues-a/n)

____

Summary: Blake is leaving Chicago to go be with his family. But you two get into a huge fight over why he shouldn’t go. It causes a lot of drama at the firehouse and could possibly lead to someone having a broken heart.

___

(Inspired by I love you I’m sorry by Gracie Abram’s)

Your POV

“I’m leaving” Blake said. I let that sit in my head for a moment. Did I hear that right? Blake is leaving Chicago?? “Sorry what did you say Blake” I asked looking at him. As if I didn’t hear him say that. “I’m leaving Y/N” Blake said. “Leaving the department” I asked.

||”that’s just the way life goes”||

“Well leaving 51 and Chicago” Blake said. I sat down on the bench in the locker room. Looking at him in disbelief. He sat beside me. Placing a hand on my shoulder. As if that provided me any comfort. Normally it would have. But not today not right now. “Y/N please say something” Blake said.

“I can’t even think right now Blake and want me to say something” I said. “I just want you to be honest worth me” Blake said. “I can promise you if I was honest would wouldn’t like me” I said. “You understand why I’m doing this right” Blake said. “No I don’t Blake I get you are taking care of your aunt but” I said. “But what” Blake asked looking at me.

“We’ve all been your family here and now you just wanna up and leave” I said. “I don’t expect you to understand” Blake said. “No I just Blake what am I gonna do without you” I said. “You’ll be okay” Blake said. “How” I said. “I just need to do this” Blake said.

“But I just thought you wanted to stay here Blake” I said. “I love Chicago and 51” Blake said. “That’s it just Chicago and 51 Blake” I said. “What’s that supposed to mean” Blake said. “You are going to pretend that there was nothing going on between us” I said. “Y/N.. I just don’t know what I want from you” Blake said. “Don’t know wow okay” I said standing up.

“Y/N” Blake said. I didn’t look at him.

||”your on a plane going somewhere .. same”||

“I guess that’s just the way life goes huh” I said. “Please don’t act like this” Blake said. “After everything we’ve been through and what I’ve done for you” I said. “You’re right” Blake said. “Then tell me why you can’t stay and see what those leads too” I said. “Because I know what I want and you clearly don’t” I said yelling.

Everyone heard me.

“Don’t yell please” Blake said. “And why not I was the last person you told” I said. “You knew” Blake said. “Of course I knew Ritter told me and you couldn’t” I said. “Out of everyone I should’ve been the first person you told” I said. “Then what I have to watch you look at me like you are right now” Blake said yelling. “You could’ve told me first then it wouldn’t hurt as much as it does now” I said.

“Guess it’s the way life goes isn’t it” Blake said. “Don’t pull that line with Blake” I said. “You wanted the truth didn’t you I wanna leave what’s keeping me in Chicago” Blake said. I didn’t say anything.

Did he really just say that?? Nothing is keeping him here.

“I’m sorry but I see no reason why you should stay then leave” I said. “What” Blake said. “Then go if you wanna go” I said crying. “Just pretend like us kissing was nothing” I said. “You wanted me to tell you how I felt” I said.

|| “I love you , I’m sorry, you were the best but you were the worst” “as sick as it sounds I loved you first”||

“Okay then” Blake said cleaning out his locker. “That’s it” I said. “Yeah that’s it Y/N I’m not going to fight for something you clearly don’t want” Blake said. “Guess I’ll see you then” I said. “And here” Blake said giving me a note. “What’s this” I said. “Consider it a goodbye a guess” Blake said. I then hugged him. “I’m sorry” I said. “I gotta go” Blake said leaving. I just stood there upset.

Ritter came around the corner.

“You aren’t going to chase after him” Ritter said. “He doesn’t want me” I said. “How do you know that” Ritter said. “I guess the whole friends with benefits was stupid” I said. “Are you gonna be okay” Ritter asked.

“I’ll be fine” I said. “Just don’t need you to go down that rabbit hole like after your ex left” Ritter said. “I’ll be fine I promise” I said leaving.

Later..

I set my bag down on my counter. The note then fell out. I know I should open it but I can’t. Although I am very curious as to what he wrote. I grabbed a glass of wine. I then took the note and sat down.

I took a deep breath before opening it. I then opened it. Skimming over the beautiful handwritten note. I smiled to myself.

The note said:

I know what you are thinking Y/N, why would I write you a hand written note. It’s something I’d never see myself doing either. But here I am writing you this note. I guess I’ve never been good at explaining myself. But I feel like this is easier. Honestly because I can’t say this face to face. I just don’t want to break your heart. But I’m sure I already have by leaving. I just wanna say I’m sorry.

I kept pushing you away and you’ve always been there for me. Through everything I know your thinking that I’m a dick. I’m sorry I never wanted to be. But it’s easier for me to write this down. Because you deserve an explanation from me. Truthfully you deserve all the love this world has to offer you. I can’t begin to describe the things I love about you. That beautiful smile and your laugh. Those eyes that drive me crazy. I really thought I could do the whole friends with benefits thing. But looking at you and being around you. I knew I couldn’t.

Maybe I’m an idiot but I don’t think I’ve ever felt this way before. Well not in a long time. I love you so much. But I feel like I need to do this. And I’m not asking you to wait for me. Because if you love something sometimes you need to let it go. And this is killing me. God I just wish I could hold you right now. I’m so sorry for everything I did. Leaving writing this letter to you. Please know that I love you so much. Please keep doing the city proud. You are a hero and you’ll always be my hero. I love you always Y/N never ever forget that.

-Blake

__

I put the note down and took a deep breath. I then started sobbing. How could I just let him go. He doesn’t even know how I feel. I should text him but he said it himself. If you love something sometimes you need to let it go.

[legendary-69420]

Chapter 18 (Extended Cut): The WIRED Autocomplete Chaos

(Racing Hearts : VOLUME 2)

The extended portion of Mark’s WIRED interview didn’t disappoint—it just got funnier, stranger, and more chaotic. As the questions kept rolling in, so did the reactions from Charles, Max, and Carlos, who were visibly trying to keep it together as Mark navigated some of the weirdest questions the internet had to offer.

Mark (looking at the next question): “Alright, next question—What is Mark Spencer's favorite food?"

Mark: "Well, there are plenty since I love both eating and cooking, but if I had to choose… gotta go with my comfort food: french fries."

Charles (mockingly gasping): "Not a five-star gourmet dish? Shocking."

Mark (laughing): "Hey, I keep it simple sometimes."

Mark (moving on to the next): "Does Mark Spencer watch anime?"

Mark: "Yeah, I do! I just finished watching Kimetsu no Yaiba."

Carlos (raising an eyebrow): "Really? You don’t strike me as the anime type."

Mark: "Oh, I’m full of surprises. I even cry during the sad parts."

Charles (smirking): "Ah, so you do have feelings."

Mark (playfully glaring): "Watch it, Leclerc."

Mark (baffled at the next search): "Is Mark Spencer alive?"

Mark (leaning back dramatically): "Barely. Dude, what is wrong with these people? Are you sure these are actual searches?"

Max (chiming in): "Well, sometimes we wonder too."

Mark (grinning): "Rude."

Mark (squinting at the next one): "Is Mark Spencer handsome?"

Mark (straight-faced): "Not at all."

Charles (snorting): "Right, because you don’t spend half your time looking in the mirror."

Mark (grinning): "Only to check if my abs are still there."

Carlos (laughing): "You checked just five minutes ago!"

Mark (deadpan): "Is Mark Spencer funny?"

Mark (grinning): "As I said, I’m a clown."

Charles (smirking): "That’s the first thing you've said that’s true."

Mark (eyes widening at the next one): "Is Mark Spencer joining Hollywood?"

Mark (shaking his head): "Nah, I’m focused on the grid for now. Gotta keep Max on his toes."

Max (leaning forward, smirking): "You wish."

Mark (jaw dropping): "Mark Spencer leaks?!?!"

Mark (laughing): "Huh, WHAT?!?!? Oh, they’re talking about my old photos. Dude, it sounded like a sex tape for a second."

Carlos (choking on his laughter): "I was about to say, man!"

Charles (facepalming): "Can we not?"

Mark (calmly): "Mark Spencer theatre."

Mark: "Oh, you must be talking about my plays from when I was younger. Some of you may not know, but I was a theater kid for a while. I even used to sing."

Max (teasing): "Sing? We need proof of that."

Mark (nodding): "Just wait, I’ll bring out my guitar at the next after-party."

Mark (smiling at the next one): "Mark Spencer’s favorite movie."

Mark: "Well, there are a lot of them. I really liked La La Land. As for my favorite show… it’s could be Stranger Things , call me basic but i know my choice."

Charles (raising an eyebrow): "La La Land? That explains your drama."

Mark: "Hey, it’s a masterpiece."

Mark (sighing at the next question): "Mark Spencer crash."

Mark (growing serious): "There’s not much to talk about, really. It happens in the sport, you know?"

Carlos (gently): "Yeah, but we know you bounce back quickly."

Charles (nodding): "You’re tougher than you look."

Mark (reading the next one): "Is Mark Spencer good?"

Mark (grinning): "No, Mark Spencer is not good."

Charles (mockingly): "Finally, he admits it."

Mark (laughing at the next question): "Is Mark Spencer fast?"

Mark (winking at the camera): "In some things, yes. In others… no comment."

Max (grinning): "Definitely not on track."

Mark (scoffing): "Is Mark Spencer owner of the Spencer business?"

Mark: "No, I am not. That’s my dad’s gig."

Charles (teasing): "But you wouldn’t mind if they handed it over, right?"

Mark (grinning): "Hey, I’m fine sticking to racing for now."

Mark (rolling his eyes): "Is Mark Spencer mean?"

Mark (sarcastic): "Very mean. Don’t come near me."

Mark (bursting out laughing): "Is Mark Spencer pregnant?"

Mark (sarcastically): "Yes, I’m pregnant. (chuckles) What is going on with these people? How is that even possible?!"

Max (cracking up): "I guess it’s possible for you, Mark. You are full of surprises."

Charles (face in his hands, laughing): "Can we move on?"

Mark (still chuckling): "Mark Spencer could modal."

Mark: "Dude, y’all should really focus on your English. As for the question—yes, I’ve modeled for a few things. Watches, perfumes, even some kids’ products. No idea why, but hey, money’s money."

The laughter among the group was uncontrollable at this point. Even the production crew behind the cameras could be heard snickering. The video wrapped up with everyone in hysterics, and Mark, of course, couldn’t resist throwing in one last wink at the camera.

The comment section blew up again, continuing the chaotic vibe:

Top Comments:

@french_frylover: "Mark’s favorite food being fries? He’s truly one of us 😂🍟"

@anime_weeb: "HE WATCHES ANIME!!! I'M SCREAMING!! Kimetsu no Yaiba, though?! Taste!!"

@ship_chaos: "Mark Spencer pregnant?!?!? The Internet is WILD 😭😭"

@multilingual_mark: "Fluent in 5 languages and can change his accent at will?? Dude’s a whole package 😳"

@f1shippersunite: "Mark knows about the ships!! And the way he laughed about it… we’re not worthy 🙏"

@thespian_mark: "Mark was a theater kid?! We need more of this side of him! Somebody make him sing at the next party!"

@maxsarcastic: "The Max and Mark dynamic is sending me. Those two are chaotic evil together. 😂"

It was safe to say the Internet wasn't ready for this interview. --- (YES this format was different than the previous one)

[ghostlystyles]

𝐖𝐀𝐈𝐓 𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐋 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆

anthony lockwood x gn!reader

anthony lockwood can definitely be a drama queen

request: Hi, could you do an Anthony Lockwood x reader where the reader is extremely exhausted and ends up passing out during a mission and Anthony gets really worried about the reader? Thanks :D

tessa’s notes: thank you anon for sending in the first request i’ve ever gotten, i hope this is what you had in mind :)

warnings: fluff, swearing, blood, sleep deprivation, fainting, a bit of angst?, canon typical violence, comment if i missed any <3

word count: 1,5k

— YOU OPENED THE door of 35 Portland Row in the middle of the night for what had to be the twentieth time that month and saw a middle-aged couple standing on your doorstep. “Lockwood & Co?” the man asked. “Yeah, that’s us. How can we help you?” you yawned, leaning against the open door. “Our house is haunted and it’s keeping us up at night. We figured you might be able to help us.”

You led the couple towards the kitchen and made them a cup of tea. “Oi, get up! There’s people here!” you called and not long after your three friends joined you at the dining table.

“So, tell us about what’s haunting your house,” Lockwood started, placing his ankle on his thigh. He wore a black, graphic jumper, joggers and his hair was messy. Although liking it, you’d been begging him for months to lose the suit every once in a while and usually midnight was the only time you got to see it, so you couldn’t help but grin.

“Well— we don’t know. We know there’s two but we’ve never seen them, only heard,” the woman explained. “And what did you hear?” you asked, leaning your head onto your hands with your eyelids heavy.

“Just— knocks on the walls and, we constantly have this feeling of crippling anxiety and fear and— we always feel like we’re being followed,” the man answered in detail. “Okay, that sounds like a Type One, so you don’t have to worry. We could get the job done tomorrow evening.”

“We actually don’t have a place to stay, we assumed you could just get it done right away.”

“That— okay. It might be possible, but it will cost significantly more as it’s extremely last minute.”

“That would be great, thank you so much. Money’s not an issue, we’ll pay you any reasonable price.”

“I’ll have to discuss it with my partners, if you’ll excuse us,” Lockwood nodded professionally as the four of you got up and walked into the corridor.

“What do you guys think?” he asked. “I think I could do it, they’re only Type Ones,” Lucy shrugged. “Well, I’d prefer it if I had time to research, but I guess it could work,” George added, rubbing his eyes. “And you, Y/N?”

“I— yeah, sure. I reckon I just need a coffee and then we can get to work,” you yawned, leaning against the wall to support your legs. “You sure? You’re not sleeping well as it is and you’re starting to look like a ghost yourself,” Lucy frowned worriedly. “A friendly ghost, I hope, but it’s fine, it’ll earn us some good money,” you joked. “I really don’t think that’s a good idea, Y/N, we should just tell them no,” George added. “Yeah, are you really sure? We can wait until the morning. We don’t owe those people anything,” Lockwood pitched in. “Yes, Lockwood! I promise it’s fine! It won’t take long anyway.”

— THE FOUR OF you slowly entered the house that belonged to the couple. “Lockwood and I will take the upstairs, you take the downstairs?” you whispered as you looked around cautiously. “You two gotta stick together, huh?” Lucy nudged you playfully. “Oh, fuck off,” you rolled your eyes with a smile. You always got the same response, but it just made sense. Lockwood had excellent Sight, and you were a pretty good Listener, George was average on all talents, but Lucy was an outstanding Listener.

“Does everyone have all their stuff?” Lockwood asked, with his hands in his pockets and you all nodded. “Okay, then let’s stop fucking around and get this done.”

Lockwood quickly walked up the stairs and you followed him, frankly a lot less quickly, as your limbs felt heavy on your body. “Y/N! You coming?” Lockwood stopped at the top of the stairs when he noticed you weren’t next to him anymore. “Yes, just give me a moment,” you muttered, stifling back another yawn. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Lockwood asked once more, his face coated in worry. “Yes, Lockwood, how many times? Just, stop worrying about me for a second!” you grumbled as you strolled further onto the first floor.

“I— Jesus, I was just making sure you weren’t gonna faint or something,” Lockwood muttered, slightly taken aback. "Wait, shh—," you whispered as you covered Lockwood's mouth with your hands. "I hear something."

You closed your eyes and focused, so you could hear the sound better. You heard the soft shuffling of bony feet and echoing sighs, but you couldn't quite tell where it came from. "I'm pretty sure it's a Stalker," you concluded. “Where is it?” Lockwood asked. “I don’t know… I can’t tell,” you said, you squeezed your eyes shut, but it felt like your head was stuffed with cotton. Likely because of the sleep deprivation, but you’d never admit that, of course. The two of you started walking in the direction of one of the rooms and warily looked around. You closed your eyes, but you’d lost the sound of footsteps.

“I think we chose the wrong direction,” you muttered and Lockwood nodded in agreement. You walked out of the room and back into the corridor, when you were suddenly overtaken by dizziness and a sick feeling. You halted for a moment and took a deep breath, but the feeling didn’t go away. Instead, black spots started filling your peripheral vision and slowly spread their way to the center of your gaze. “Lockwood… I don’t feel so good,” you trembled, before everything went black.

“Y/N!” Lockwood exclaimed as he heard your body collapse with the ground and he rushed over to you, cradling your face in his hands. “Y/N?” he croaked as he brushed your hair out of your face. After about half a minute, your eyes fluttered open and you saw Lockwood’s face hover over you. “Hi,” he gave you a watery smile and his expression shifted from anxious to relieved.

You slowly sat up and immediately felt like vomiting, as your limbs were aching and your head was pounding from the fall. “Hey, hey, slow down,” Lockwood whispered tenderly, “how are you feeling?”

“Everything hurts,” you said, when you felt something warm dripping down your cheeks. Lockwood’s gaze slightly shifted and he gasped when he saw the huge gash across your nose bridge. “What happened?” you winced, feeling the wound sting. “I don’t— you must’ve hit your head on the banister or something,” Lockwood worried with wide eyes, “we should take you to the hospital, that probably needs stitches.”

“No way! I’m not letting someone sew my skin like it’s a piece of fabric!”

“It’ll be okay, I promise. George, Luce and I wil be there the whole time and besides, it’s gonna leave one badass scar.”

— A TRIP TO the hospital and a fuckton of stitches later, Lockwood was carrying you bridal style down the streets of London. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone get this injured on a Type One mission,” Lucy chuckled. “Be nice to me Luce, I fainted and smacked my head into a banister,” you laughed, hitting her shoulder. “I suggest we all just listen to me next time, because I get really scared when people faint,” George sighed. “Oh, you should've seen Lockwood, Georgie. He looked at me as if I was dying.”

“Look, in my defence, I didn’t know what happened. For all I knew, you could’ve had a knife in your back and were slowly bleeding out,” Lockwood scoffed. “I’m just kidding, it was very sweet of you,” you reassured him as you patted his cheek. “You’re always so dramatic,” Lucy smiled, as she nudged Lockwood with her shoulder and he gave her a side-eye. “Anyway, when we get home, you’re going to bed and you’re not coming out of there until I say so,” Lockwood started, looking down at you, “and I’m going to find those people and try to rake up the price by a lot, so we don’t have to open the door in the middle of the night again.”

“That seems like a good idea, I’ll go with you,” George said and Lockwood nodded approvingly. “Why did it take me nearly perishing at the hands of a fucking banister for us to realise that taking clients in the middle of the night is a terrible idea?” you laughed loudly, throwing your head back. “Aha! So you do admit that you very nearly died and I have the right to be concerned about you and your well-being!” Lockwood exclaimed as he slightly swung you, making you scream and tightly hold onto him.

Lucy caught George’s gaze and shook her head with a smile, “we really should’ve waited until the morning.”

[violetarks]

track 33: la la land

“delivery…?”

you blink at the doorway, where porco holds two bags of ingredients and a wine bottle under his arm. “please don’t ever try that line ever again on me.”

“my bad,” he chuckles as you let him inside, “nice place. i didn’t think you were the gate kinda’ person.”

“levi made sure we all had a place with one after jean’s house got broken into by a crazy fan,” you reply as you lead him to the kitchen. you help him put the ingredients away in separate places and take out two wine glasses. “so, how’ve you been? you’re a lot nicer since the first time i saw you.”

“i think me driving you around town getting jean drumsticks was a good start,” porco tells you. he pours you a glass of wine. “i just, uh… was a bit worried about you during your tour.”

you take out the chopping board and a knife as you listen to him. “oh, thank you, porco, really. i appreciate it,” you hum out, “by the way, what are we making?”

“i actually have no idea,” he mumbles back to you, “i just bought some random things. i saw some pasta thing online.”

you smile at him with upturned brows. “no plan, huh? c’mon, porco, you plan a date and can’t be bothered picking something out?” you joke along with him as you hand him an apron. you tie one on yourself and wait for him to do so as well.

“okay, well, i—i’m not a chef, so i didn’t know,” he grumbles out with knitted brows, “you got somethin’ in mind?”

“yes, everyone knows how to make a simple pasta and protein,” you chuckle back as you turn on your speakers to play some music, “can you dice onion, please? be careful.”

“okay, i’m not some—”

“don’t swing that knife around, porco!” you step back and reprimand. he puts it down on the chopping board sheepishly. “y’know what, i’ll chop everything and you can just, uh… provide support.”

he sits back against the kitchen bench with a pout as you cut the vegetables. he watches you though, a bit happy that you were acting as normal as you could. porco crosses his arms over his chest as he listens to the music. you seemed calm.

when you begin to cook the garlic and onion on the pan and stir with a wooden spoon, you freeze up in your spot when you feel porco’s hands on your waist. you lose your train of thought and mumble off into nothing as he steps forward.

“you okay?” he asks you against your ear. his chin rests on your shoulder and he can feel you shiver. “you were saying something?”

“i… the, uh, the tour went really well,” you swallow your nerves before you put in the tomato paste, “fans really liked it and we, um, we had plenty of encores. i ended up—your hands are…”

they’re planted on your hips tightly. you can feel how his fingers dance across the apron, his chest pressed gently against your back.

“hm?” he asks, “is this alright?”

“y’know, i would’ve head butted you if you tried this back at the jaeger’s holiday house,” you state as you stir the pan, “you’re lucky.”

“yeah?” he hums, “you like me now?”

you don’t respond to that; instead, you point to the fridge. “can you pass me the heavy cream?”

he lets out a short sigh before he pulls away from you. but you shift a little as porco keeps a finger looped in your apron strap. he opens the fridge with one hand and uses his knee to block the fridge door as he reaches for the cream.

“are you serious right now?” you let out a laugh as he sinks back next to you, “thanks.”

“you’re welcome,” he replies as he looks down, “i wanted to apologise for everything, by the way. i… pretty much made all this drama happen between us. put you in a pretty shitty position.”

you stare at him wildly before you shake your head. “it’s okay, porco. i mean, every celebrity’s gotta’ deal with something. that, for me, is you. i’m sorry too, i can be pretty childish.”

“that’s for sure,” you jab his shoulder at that. he rubs his arm as he smiles. “so, what will happen between us?”

you glance at him as he opens up the cream. “well, we can’t go public yet, obviously. i’m fine with us just seeing each other in private, if that’s okay. or hiding our faces when we meet up.”

“that sounds good,” he tells you as he leans against the marble bench, “we’ll be extra careful.”

“of course,” you hum back, “you were never a three, by the way. i just said that to piss you off.”

“what about that other drummer? is he still your favourite?” porco questions with a tilt of his head.

“yes, i like the tricks he does with the drumsticks—”

“you’re such an asshole,” he scoffs as he drags you closer to him with one hand on your hip. he watches you smile at him before he’s leaning over and pressing a gentle kiss to your cheek. “let’s just start over.”

you return the kiss to his cheek before going back to cooking. “alright. but if you bug me about my stage presence again i will kick you out of my house.”

his laughter fills the air as you two move about in the kitchen.

track 32 | track list | track 34

anime: attack on titan

character: porco galliard (band! au)

summary: y/n, the bassist of the band 'paradís', finds herself in middle of a 'publicity stunt' with none other than a rival band's drummer. porco, the mentioned member of 'marley', doesn't care about her at all. but they can only ignore each other for so long.

taglist: @makimakimi @hanmascult @ally22042000 @rozewayne2005 @keithandlevi-ontheroof @qaahnarin @queen-flower @id-rather-be-an-outsider @onlylowercase @tonysttank @a-little-pebbl @hannahalanib1 @moonshineandclearskies @aqueerincrisis @tati-the-fangirl @cheesechopchive-blog @hermaeusmorax