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beautifulsnake2162020 · 3 years ago

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Beautiful Anomaly (Part 5): Morpheus x FReader

(Gif by hopeidontgetaddictedtothis from : https://at.tumblr.com/hopeidontgetaddictedtothis/dreams-subtle-sarcastic-smiles-throughout-this/dbi9r2a65h65)

Morpheus x FemReader (present day, its a little hard to explain)

A couple of disclaimers:

1.) This is all based on the Netflix show and I have 0 background on the graphic novel it is based on (so don't expect it to be faithful);

2.) This is a fan work, the only benefit I derive from this is sharing it with the community.

AN: So as usual the original text is too long to be in one post so everyone who is following Beautiful Anomaly will get Part 5 and 6 divided up so that it can withstand the tumblr textbox limit. Also fyi I will be using the same Morpheus gif because I am too lazy to find a different one when I was writing this. These will be my last posts before I officially go on tumblr hiatus for my midterm exams. Once again thank you to everyone who has been following so far.

For those of you who are new. I highly recommend reading the previous parts first because I don’t know if you will understand everything without first reading those.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Part 3:

Part 4:

Taglist (if you want to be a part of the taglist just comment requesting so) : @winxschester @true-queen-of-mischief @laydreams @memento-mora @daydreamin1220 @kuchokitty @fate-huntress @igotanidea @mikariell95

"What have you found so far?" You and Morpheus soon meet up in your dreams the next time you found yourself free for a long amount of time. This time you found yourself in the "conference area" of Lucienne's library just beside the throne room. Morpheus quickly went by your side pulling up a chair.

"Which would you like to know first?"

"My daughter - is she?"

"She's fine." You release a breath you didn't know you were holding. You couldn't use your bond since your daughter unknowingly blocked it because of her unprocessed trauma. Because of that you could only feel pain, anguish, and the tears that she has shed.

To find out that she is fine was a relief, even if it was only a little bit.

"Her name in this lifetime is Ana Reyes. Like Emira she's been reincarnated as one of your fellow citizens in this lifetime. She just turned 7 years old a few weeks ago."

"Hmm...it's not unusual for some of my children to be reincarnated relatively close and accessible to me. It doesn't always happen but it's also not exactly rare. Are her parents okay?" At this his face became slightly more dour.

"They are placed in a coma spell that was intricately designed. I couldn't just force them to wake up since the spell requires them to wake up on their own. Any external force may damage their minds."

"Can't you gently guide them? To awaken?"

"Normally I would, but since it is clear that they are under a spell I will have to send Matthew to their location first to see if it can safely be done."

"Send him to me first before he goes there. I'll make a psychic bond with him so that we could both see through him."

"Of course." You take a breath and a drink of Taro flavored Milk tea - or as the western world calls Boba tea because only they would be ridiculous enough to tarnish a good hot cup of tea with milk which was only acceptable in the form of Boba or Milk tea in your honest opinion - before asking him more about your daughter.

"Do you know? What was causing her pain?" You see his expression and you can infer that he was preparing himself to bring you bad news.

"She was transformed, she isn't in a human form anymore." You feel your heart drop.

"Oh no."

"She is still capable of moving - she doesn't know what she was turned into but she couldn't move in the same way as before. She's being kept in a dark place."

"Hmm okay so we can rule out non-living things at least."

"There's more" You can feel the anger in his voice and his expression tells you that he is holding back his rage at the magic user.

"The magic user is named Mark Gal Lanes, he managed to get his hands on a copy of one of the spellbooks used by Burgess." Your eyes widen. Suddenly this mission might be more dangerous than you realized.

"Is it the same book that Burgess used to capture you?"

"No, but it is the book that contains the spell for the subconscious barrier."

"Does that mean you can't go into his dreams?"

"Not the current ones, only the ones before he casted the spell." Lucienne together with Matthew arrive on your table bringing a stack of books.

"Here is a copy of the spellbook you saw him use. And these other books are Taxonomy books. This book is for animals, this is for plants, this is for fungi, this is for mythological and fantastical creatures - "

"Wait why not include bacteria?"

"Bacteria doesn't have consciousness Matthew. It was only when I became a Eukaryote - after having been one for awhile - that I began having consciousness and when Dream here was born."

"But hold on mythological creatures don't exactly exist in the waking world."

"No, but they are formed from conscious and subconscious thoughts and are therefore considered sentient. Since Ana was able to still talk to me when I visited her dreams, and she could still feel herself moving, we can safely infer that she has been transformed into a being that has sentience and could move. Mythological and fantastical creatures shouldn't be ruled out."

"Perhaps my Lord we could also rule out fungi and plants for the mean time."

"Because they're not sentient?"

"No, Matthew. It's because they couldn't move in the same pace as animals and magical creatures can."

"Thank you, Lucienne. Matthew we both have a mission for you."

"Well of course boss, what am I going to do?"

"We're going to send you to the location wherein Ana is being held prisoner. Spy on Mark Gal Lanes and try to discover more about what he wants from Life and why he has taken great lengths to hurt Ana to get to her."

"How is your energy detection?"

"Better than before but not much yet."

"I see, Morpheus I think we could make a temporary enchantment to make it easier on him. There's only so much the senses can detect when we are dealing with magic users."

"I agree. But would it not overwhelm him? You're already going to put your psychic bond and concealment spells on him."

"Woah woah what do you mean psychic bond and concealment?"

"You know better than to underestimate the conscious mind. And to be fair the concealment is more external than internal so his mind won't really be overloaded. If he has the bond with me first then a lot of heavylifting will come from my end. Also it worked with Jessamy, what's one more?"

"You also almost drained yourself concealing her. I will not have you overly exhausted for this endeavor."

"Is anyone going to consult the bird involved waiting over here?"

"Do you think you can handle a spying mission on your own or would you like someone to accompany you?"

"Who did you have in mind? He's one of the few creatures of the dreaming that can survive for an extended period in the waking world."

"I was thinking of calling a friend of mine or two. Especially since Matthew is still new at this and we don't know how dangerous the situation is until we investigate the location in the waking world."

"Eh what could go wrong?"

"Many things."

"You could be shot, stabbed, beheaded, made into dinner, be used to get back at me and Morpheus-"

"Okay, okay, I get it. Look ma'am I know you're both looking out for my safety and also get your daughter back but I think I'll be fine."

"There's also the fact that seeing a raven around here is highly unusual since ravens don't normally fly around here - at least not the ones I know of - which is why putting a concealment spell on you is mandatory. Not only will no one question your disguise as one of the local birds but it will also gives a higher chance for you to do intelligence gathering."

"And the higher the chance to find Ana."

"Oh, um you know maybe having back up might be a good idea."

"Alright I'll message them."

"Who did you have in mind?" You both sense that you were starting to wakeup from your nap.

"Meet me in the waking world once I wake up. Both of you. I don't have classes anymore till next week."

You awaken and immediately message your friends in your GC noting that it is something serious that required some travelling and espionage work and if they would be available and up for it. Afterwards from your bed you remove your light green mermaid blanket wrapped around your legs and make your way to the open spaced area that combined the living room, dining room, and when the door was opened - the study room.

In the living area sat Morpheus with Matthew on the table on top of the fake fruits in a bowl.

"I've messaged them to see if they are willing. While waiting for their response, come to my palms Matthew so that I can put the psychic bond between us." He flies to your open palms as you take a seat beside Morpheus.

"Okay before you do this - and everything else that you are planning to put on me. Won't this interfere with my bond with Morpheus?"

"Not really."

"Matthew think of it this way." You feel Morpheus move a little closer to you. But then again you were holding Matthew so it could just simply be that and nothing more.

"It's like having two eyes with both eyes leading to a separate part of the mind for the mind to make a more complete picture."

"Or if you want a more updated equivalent - imagine inviting two friends to a livestream you're doing, the livestream is by link invitation only so you have control over who even gets in your livestreams, and they are the only ones there. But because you're doing VR we can now see what you're seeing."

"And feel what you're feeling, so keep that in mind. If you are injured in any way we will know."

"You know - that actually was a helpful analogy."

"This is more of a formality but it is important to me: Do I have your consent to place a bond between us?"

"Yeah I do. That's why we're doing this. But um why did you still ask?"

"I need to get consent from your mind. Without express consent it will be a violation of your will which may have harmful consequences later. I'm not about to risk that."

"Oh I see."

You take a moment to relax and you then place a bond between yourself and Matthew.

"That...was actually a lot more gentle than what I was expecting."

"Good, had I not asked for your express consent your mind would have tried to fight me off and it would have been a lot less gentle."

"Try sensing the bonds in your mind Matthew." You see him shift his head and close his eyes as if he was trying to feel around his mind.

"Would you like some help?"

"Maybe." You and he take turns into sending thoughts to Matthew through your individual bonds and you could see him slowly figure out how to differentiate and navigate between your individual bonds with him. Once he was able to shift between the bonds, and once you and Morpheus were able to sense what he was felt through his senses as a raven, you both relaxed.

The phone vibrates and you were notified that they were online and was available for a vidcon.

"It seems they are available for a chat. Would you like to meet them?"

"Who are they?"

"Friends of mine who might provide back up for you."

"Are you sure they won't mind?"

"Well we can't know for sure until we talk with them."

"Who are they?"

"They are my oldest friends, and I trust them with my life. Two of them are witches - or well that's the closest English translation I have for them - and one is a supernatural creature called a Mananggal, I'm sorry Matthew but there's no English translation of that word."

"One of the species who has adapted to living amongst humans but already had a human form?"

"Yes"

"Um what exactly is a Mananggal?"

"Essentially a supernatural creature who has a humanoid form but also has the ability to separate their upper torso from the lower legs and fly around hunting for human entrails.”

“Oh my – are you sure about recruiting um one?”

“Look I know it sounds gross, but that’s not their only source of sustenance. I’ve mentioned before that some of the local creatures were able to adapt into human society, mananggals are one of them. And I wouldn’t be contacting her if I wasn’t confident you would be safe. And the fact of the matter is, my daughter’s life is at stake. Since I cannot directly go there with you to a trap set up for me, the least I could do is send those I trust to help you.”

“Well um you have a point.”

“Let’s not keep them waiting. If you have any doubts you could always ask her, she’s more than happy to answer any questions you might have.” You then set up your phone before sliding the accept button for the video call in the messenger app.

“Hello guys, long time no see. Or heard.” You hear the three of them briefly laugh at your comment.

“We were waiting for you.”

“Yeah we thought you had an emergency makeup class or something.”

“No, just assuaging some new people here. Allow me to introduce the three of you to Morpheus, also known as Dream of the Endless and his raven, Matthew. If you could kindly introduce yourselves to them.”

“Hello I’m Dr. Nadia Katakutan, I’m a witch – in the general sense – psychologist, and counselor. “ A brown skinned woman wearing a black tanktop with a white blazer hanging on the chair she sat on waved on screen.

“Luce you’re up next.” A woman who had similar skin to yours but unlike you had a hint more of tan on her skin, and who had straight just past the shoulder length smooth hair in a half bun. She was wearing a pink blouse that had tasteful ruffles on the collar area that added to her youthfulness rather than make her look old.

“I’m Dr. Lucy Dimagapi, I’m a family med doctor and I’m also an OB-Gyn and – wait do they know about me?”

“Yes Luce, I told them what you are.”

“Oh thank god, I don’t have to hide that part.”

“Matthew here even has some questions that you could answer.”

“Not that I –”

“Oh I would be happy to answer them later.”

“Wait are you sure um ma’am?” She couldn’t help but laugh and you were trying to hold back your own chuckle.

“It’s fine, my family and I are used to it. Honestly it’s more annoying if it was coming from people who already know, but still continue to see us as just as mindless monsters.”

“Which you two can discuss later, Tala you’re up.” On screen a person with a pixie cut hairstyle with deeply tanned skin, a slim frame, big eyes and was wearing a black loose shirt which had their favorite band, My Chemical Romance placed on it.

“Hi I’m Talinghaga Bakunawa, no I’m not a doctor, I’m just a writer.” At this all four of you couldn’t hold back your laughs.

“Technically (y/n) is also a writer.” Nadia replies

“But she’s going to be Atty. (l/n) soon.”

“A title doesn’t mean you’re accomplished. It just means that you passed an exam or some sort of deliberation that grants you that title. Don’t feel intimidated by that Tala.”

You say in retort. It wasn’t the first time you’ve had to reassure Tala of this but you also know how it was one of their insecurities that you quickly need to assuage.

“Oh yeah before I forget, you can call me Tala, my pronouns are they, them, she, her, he, him, but I do prefer the masculine ones most of the time so when in doubt use those.”

“Likewise noted.”

“And I’m a witch, and I specialize in visual and empathic energy detection and spells.”

“And um what was Nadia’s specialty?”

“General witchcraft practitioner. Unlike Tala I can also do offensive spells. Their attacks are mainly from their Arnis training when we were still in our all girls school.”

“And – well – I can fly and, shall we say – obtain internal parts.”

“Okay guys, before anything else – I’m assuming you’ve all read or skimmed what I’ve sent you right?”

And that started the first of many discussions on how to execute the mission and what needs to be gathered from the first phase of the mission which is the covert intelligence gathering stage. One thing that everyone but Matthew had agreed on was that there needed to be at least one if not all three if possible – who would accompany Matthew in any intelligence gathering no matter how brief. Being outvoted and also being reminded that a.) this was going to be his first rescue mission; b.) he was new to the job and didn’t know what to look for necessarily; c.) he was a foreigner and there will inevitably be some nuanced cultural norms and mores that he couldn’t pick up on that may be a hidden clue; and finally d.) there was safety in numbers.

Since Nadia was well versed in making portals and have already created some inventions creating them, she just needs to explain the mechanics and deliver them to you, Tala and Lucy. Morpheus doesn’t need any since he explained that if he needs to be there he will simply use his sand. It was agreed upon that since the sand was too dangerous to be used by mortals – even those who could wield magic – if something went wrong and they needed to escape, he is simply a call away through his bond with Matthew.

In the day time, any intelligence mission would have Matthew paired up with Tala who was looking for any excuse to get out of the house and as a creative writing student would do most of the writing outside anyway. In the night Lucy would probably take the lead since her clinic ends at around 6 pm and she had a habit of eating heavy lunch meals in case she has any patient that needed an emergency. Also having a mostly empty stomach would make her flight easier. Mostly because she would still eat her favorite snack – Nature Valley Honey flavored granola bar – to avoid her stomach acids from causing her to be totally hungry.

“I also have a medical condition that makes it dangerous for me to be totally hungry so I need to have even just a snack digesting in my stomach to keep it busy and to not have the Hydrochloric acid destroy my mucus lining.”

“But how does that work when you – um – go flying?”

“It’s hard to explain but first there’s a magical mental partition that we ‘activate’ and that forms a magical barrier that allows the separation between the upper body and the lower body. This barrier is resistant to most things which is why when it is reattached its as if it wasn’t severed in the first place because the barrier preserves the functions of the organs when normally humans would just bleed out and die.”

“This is also why they are vulnerable to salt because salt penetrates the barrier and enough of it makes the barrier weak and eventually forms holes which would then lead to the bleeding out situation.” You added as you hand Lucy the portal device Nadia delivered to your doorstep.

“Luce hold still, I’m going to place an invisibility charm on you.”

“You do know that I have been able to do this covertly right?”

“I won’t take any chances when it comes to anyone’s safety. It’s why you shouldn’t part ways until you’re in the area. Now hold still and relax.” As you use your essence and energy to form the charm around her, Morpheus informs them of where Ana is.

“She’s in the neighboring province, in the more rural area as you can see in the map I’ve given you. Normally I could just appear within her location as long as I can sense that she is asleep. But given the circumstances it may cause more harm than good.”

“I’ll be honest boss this is a lot more isolated than where we’ve been.”

“The perfect place to lure and trap me into doing whatever he thinks I could do for him. Also it’s not totally isolated which deceives everyone into thinking that it is a safe quiet place that’s still accessible to the city and other essential services, but isolated enough that there wouldn’t be any accidental witnesses.”

“Or if there would be, people would just dismiss it as superstition or something else.” Lucy says after you’ve finally allowed her to move. All of you had a certain level of anxiety and nervous energy. This was going to officially be the first of many covert missions in hopefully rescuing your daughter and to gather why Mr. Mark Gal Lanes wants to capture you. The purpose of this first operation was to gather information and leave, err on the side of safety, and if Matthew and Lucy were lucky – possibly locate your daughter.

You feel yourself disoriented and a little dizzy – normal symptoms of having to cast a rather large invisibility charm – but it was all worth it to keep both Lucy and Matthew safe. As you try to steady yourself you feel Morpheus guiding you to sit down and Lucy quickly brings you a glass of water to help with the dizziness.

“You may want to take some of the motion sickness medicine pills you have.”

“Why don’t you just prescribe me some drugs you know will work?” You say tiredly with a bit of sarcasm blended in. It was your exhaustion talking and while the dizziness was reduced it was still there.

“Number one: I don’t know your complete medical history, Number two: your Aunt is already your family doctor, Number three: like you I would rather err on the side of caution and just remind you to take the medicine that I know already works on you.”

“And let me guess, Number four: you couldn’t be completely objective with me?”

“Bingo.”

“Wait so all this time if doctors are going to treat their close relatives they still take them to other doctors?”

“Yes Matthew, unless it’s a common cold or the seasonal flu, I would rather have someone else do the diagnosis of someone I’m close to so that they could receive better healthcare. I normally only make exceptions if it’s a matter of life and death.”

“But what about Medical insurance?”

“Unlike you Americans, we do the insurance discussion after the medical treatment.”

“You two can continue discussing this later. The time is just past dinner hours and it’s time for the two of you to go.”

“Lord Morpheus before we go, is Ana sleeping or awake?” Morpheus takes a moment to check.

“She’s awake Lucy, I can’t sense her subconscious. But remember she is currently in a different form. She doesn’t know what since she is kept in the darkness, but according the what she told me she could still move but it is unfamiliar to her. So be careful with what you interact with when you arrive.”

“Also when in doubt prioritize your safety, be discreet. This is just the first of many trips.” You add sternly before Matthew settles himself on Lucy’s shoulder before she presses the button on the device and a portal appears and they step through.

“Ugh”

“You need to lie down.”

“I can’t sleep right now.”

“It’s just to settle your disorientation. You cannot effectively use the bond if you are disoriented in your own mind. I’ve been telling you this since the days of my imprisonment.”

“It didn’t help that Jessamy was really reckless and stubborn too. I couldn’t help but worry.”

“Matthew is not Jessamy, he is far too careful to do anything that may warrant you to worry. And unlike before, this time he has someone else watching over him as they investigate the premises Ana is being imprisoned in. You can allow yourself to worry a less.”

From the expression of his eyes you could tell that he was pleading for you to take his advice. He may not openly admit it but you didn’t need to read his mind to know that he just wanted you to be more comfortable. It was already enough that Lanes and the imprisonment of Ana was causing you more worry than other normal things that you should be more worried about.

“Okay.” You were still too exhausted from saying anything more as you allowed yourself to be lead into the living are couch that you lied down on and Morpheus settled himself on the couch chair closest to your head.

“They are in, Lucy has not parted ways yet.”

“There’s no need for her to do that yet. I’ve enveloped the invisibility charm on both of them so they should be fine for just intelligence gathering. She’ll most likely start flying if there seems to be something she can’t reach from stretching and being on tiptoes.” From what you can sense from your end the entry way at first looked like a typical living area albeit cluttered and messy. No doubt there may not be much in that area since it was obviously lived in from the way the mess was. On the coffee table was a bunch of soda cans that were either empty or somewhat empty. And the throw pillows on the couch was arranged as if someone used the couch for sleeping. Cluttered enough to not be expecting a visitor but not too messy that it was trying to cover up something nefarious or to distract from something else in the room.

You suddenly feel a sense of shock.

And dread.

From Matthew through your bond as you all hear that there were people there and the house was not empty.

“Be still you two. Remember be discreet.”

Through his eyes you see Lucy nod and Matthew affirms that he has heard you.

“What do you mean it’s a surprise?”

“Ferdinand, once I am finished you will thank me.”

The first voice, from the boy named Ferdinand had responded with a yawn and the second voice with whom you guessed was Mark Gal Lanes was talking to him.

“Will you put me to sleep?”

“Of course”

“Will you sleep beside me?”

“If that is what you want.”

As much as you hate to admit it, his voice was tender and based from your observations so far you sincerely hope that you weren’t wrong with his voice holding no malice. He was already abusing your child you’re not sure how much you need to change if he was also abusing other children as well.

The two make their way from what appears to be the dining area to the second floor. Presumably for Ferdinand’s bed time. And through your bond both Matthew and Lucy slowly move around to explore the first floor. Nothing was in the supply closet under the stairs and the dining area had nothing noteworthy currently.

Lucy used her supply of Johnson’s baby oil and a black oil that was commonly sold in hardware stores to lubricate the doors and possible joints that may be noisy. Thanks to that foresight they eventually discovered from the backdoor view a separate garage storage that was three meters away from the main house. Fortunately it was a moonless night and your two agents slowly slipped out from the main house and used the darkness to conceal their forms.

“It’s locked.”

“Fly around to see if we could find an opening. I’ll try to pick the lock.”

“You can pick a lock?”

“If it’s the common door knob, yes. I’ll explain later.”

“So what happens if you can’t pick the lock?”

“Then I’ll use the teleportation device to transport us in. Now go see if there are any windows or openings in this building.”

“I thought that thing is for portals only?”

“Have you not been listening when Nadia was explaining?”

“Matthew, fly around.” You send through your bond before he gets lost in conversation. Unfortunately there were no openings for Matthew to slip in.

Fortunately Lucy was able to pick the lock with slightly less speed than her average time to make sure that they stayed quiet and discreet.

“Should we turn on the light?” Matthew whispered.

“No, that would alert him. We still don’t know the layout of the house and until then, let’s not do anything to alert him.”

“Well I hate to break it to you but I can’t exactly see.”

“Hold on I brought a flashlight.”

“An actual one? You didn’t bring your phone?”

“And risk him getting my actual legal information?”

“Okay, fair point.” Lucy turns on the handheld flashlight which showed a yellow light and they begin their investigation. At first it seems that it seemed like an ordinary garage. Various power tools, a back-up generator, solar panels, and other tools for repairing use of household problems.

“If only we could see through the boxes without tampering.”

“Hold on.” Lucy then pressed a button that not only changed the color of the light from yellow to white which served as a magical x-ray showing the contents of the containers.

“Wow! Nadia’s invention?”

“No, this one is made by the local witches and magical engineers as a carry on x-ray. Each member of the magical community once they become a part of the medical community would each get one of these for our birthdays or other annual celebrations as gifts. We also serve as the healthcare for the magical community and we couldn’t risk one of us being discovered by humans who are not part of it.”

“And now we are using it as something for spying.”

“It’s for a good cause, besides we don’t know what form Ana is in. Only that she could still move but it’s unfamiliar to her. So probably not humanoid. This may also show some broken bones in her new form.”

“If she would still have bones.”

“Keep your voices down you two, it’s almost above whispering level.” Morpheus says beside you, as he transmits it through his own psychic bond with Matthew. You were momentarily surprised by how close he was and how he has moved his chair closer to the area wherein you lay your head.

“Got it boss. Lucy, he says we’re being loud.”

“I’m the one whispering, you’re the one being loud. So far nothing out of the ordinary – wait.” Lucy paused as the flashlight revealed that a part of the floor turned out to contain a set of stairs leading downwards.

“Hidden door leading downwards.”

“Matthew, can you briefly check if anyone is coming to check?” Under your command he flies towards the door to briefly see if Mark Gal Lanes was approaching.

“So far, we’re good ma’am.”

“Okay, return to Lucy’s side and see if you two could find anything.”

“Any plan on what would happen if he does approach.”

“When in doubt, hide and be still. I made sure the invisibility charm on her and the disguise charm on you would also be magically discreet.”

“Got it.” He then flies to Lucy who has managed to open the hidden ground door and they make their way to the floor.

The room looked like an ordinary room at first. Like simply an extended storage space. But you see the thermostat attached to what appeared to be a stack of drawers to regulate temperature.

“Maybe now we could turn on the lights?”

“Do you know where the switch is or if it’s not set up with a hidden trap?”

“…So flashlight?”

“Yes, don’t worry this has a long battery life.”

“Alright.” From Matthew’s vision as he adjusts to the darkness and aided by the flashlight, you see a stack of monobloc chairs piled up. Two tables used to store a stack of books to on one and what looked to be a chemistry set of various science lab container and tools. Beakers, a set of test tubes on a test-tube holder, Bunsen burner, various shapes of laboratory flasks, among others. You’re not sure if it’s comforting or disturbing that none of them were holding chemicals.

“Matthew, over here.” Lucy calls as the flashlight in X-ray mode reveals a moving thing inside one of the drawers of a dresser near the thermostat.

“That might be Ana.”

“Be careful you two, remember she’s probably scared.”

“Got it boss – Lucy, Morpheus says if it’s Ana she might be scared.”

“Please be gentle with her.”

“We’ll do our best ma’am – Lucy, she says -”

“Be gentle?”

“How did you know?”

“I’ve known her for awhile. Now brace yourself, I don’t know what’s going on but be ready for anything.” Lucy switches the mode of the flashlight with yellow light and slowly opened the drawer.

“Oh um.” You hear Ana’s voice trembling. You couldn’t see her form yet through Matthew’s eyes but there was no doubt that Ana was there.

“Hello.” Lucy uses her gentle kid friendly voice.

“Are you Ana?”

“Um…who…are you?”

“My name is Lucy, I’m a friend of Morpheus.”

“You know Morpheus?” Her voice becomes lighter and hopeful.

“Yes, he sent me and Matthew to help you.” Lucy makes room for Matthew to stand on the edge of the opened drawer, now allowing you to finally see her.

Oh my.

Your poor baby.

She was a snake.

Ana was turned into a snake.

From what you could tell from the flashlight and from what Matthew sees, she was turned into a black ball python with gold flecks on her head and spine.

You could tell from her eyes that she has been terrified for awhile now and how she was coiled into a ball, she was trying to hide herself as much as she can. Characteristic of terrified ball python behavior especially snakes that haven’t full grown yet.

“Hi Ana, I’m Matthew.” He too also uses a more gentler voice in talking to her.

“You’re a bird.”

“That’s right I’m the bird of Morpheus.”

“You’re here to rescue me?”

“Soon.” Matthew says reluctantly.

“What do you mean soon?” Your heart breaks as you hear voice crack. If snakes could cry, you have no doubt she would have started by now. You wish you could talk to her and reassure her, but her trauma is still blocking your bond with her. For it to be cleared up, even just a little bit, she would have to willingly reach out through the pain.

So for now you’ll have to make do with indirect means. Especially now that she

“Ana, we’ll get you out. But in order to do that we need to make sure you’re safe when we do rescue you.” Lucy says reassuringly. Even though she doesn’t have a direct psychic bond with you, you could tell that she knew you were getting worried.

“But why not now?”

“Because this is our first time here, and we don’t know if there are traps that we don’t know about or anything that prevents you from leaving here.” At that point, Lucy stiffens.

“Matthew keep talking to her, I’ll just check if we have company.”

“Got it – Hey Ana who did this to you?”

“I…I don’t know. I was just playing with this little boy who looked lonely and he was new. And then the next thing I know I just woke up tied to a chair. And then this mean hairy man started asking me to contact my mom. But I kept telling him that I don’t know her phone number. And then he got mad at me and started saying something I couldn’t hear and then he started hurting me.”

“Do you know why he did that?”

“I don’t know – hmph – After he hurt me so much, I told him my address and tried telling him to check there, but he just got angrier and he…he…hurt me…over and over again. And then when I woke up one day, I didn’t have my hands or feet anymore.” You feel tears falling from your face as you hear her tell Matthew what she’s been through as she unconsciously begin to hide even more in her coiled body.

Every time her voice cracks your heart breaks even more.

“Well don’t worry, our team will get you out of here as soon as we can.”

“There’s more of you?”

“Yeah, there’s plenty of us. And we’re also going to handle whomever hurt you.”

“You’ll – you’ll punish him for me?”

“I’ll personally leave the punishment for someone else. But don’t give up okay. I’m not sure if we still have time but you could tell Morpheus more once you fall asleep alright?”

“Will Morpheus punish the mean hairy man?”

“I think you better ask him that yourself.”

“Matthew time to go.” Lucy says as she quickly shuffles towards the drawer containing Ana.

“Ana, you’ll need to be strong okay? We’re going to plan your rescue, but until then tell Morpheus what’s happening to you okay.” Lucy tells Ana as she readies the teleportation device in one hand.

“Can’t you take me with you?”

“I wish we could but if we were to take you now, without knowing anything, we might accidentally harm you.”

“Yeah what if Mr. Meanie is the one who could turn you back to a little girl again?”

“Oh”

“We’ll get you out, okay.”

“Okay Lucy.”

“Goodbye for now.” Lucy closes the drawer both swiftly and carefully knowing that it held Ana. Matthew flies ahead and Lucy follows behind taking large steps.

“Are you going to make a portal?”

“Upstairs, there’s magical energy on this floor and I would rather not risk it.” When they reached the top of the stairs and once Lucy makes sure to close the hidden door, they make their way out with Lucy locking the door. They hide into the darkness and were momentarily stilled as they hear Mark Gal Lanes unlock the door and go into the garage.

“Should we stay a bit to see what he does?”

“It’s almost dawn. We risk losing the cover of darkness. As much as I want to find out, its dangerous if we stay longer.” She opens a portal and they quickly emerge back into your apartment. You sit up as they go towards you and Morpheus.

“What did you find in terms of the layout and magical things that we should be aware of?”

“Main house or the garage?”

“Main house, I have a feeling we’ll have a lot of data for the layout of the garage.”

“Right, as of now, nothing magical or suspicious in the first floor. But I suspect there might be something on the second floor. I don’t know if it’s the traditional charm or something else, but until the second floor is investigated we won’t know for sure.”

“Okay, so along with the back and front door, the windows on the first floor is too small for a human to escape.”

“So probably a route for Matthew or something smaller than a human.”

“Yes, and there are also railings so even the thought of breaking it with typical means wouldn’t make a wider opening.”

“Alright, the garage?”

“Magical energy is on the floor Ana is in. So far the only entrance and exit is the flight of stairs and I feel like it was dug underground. And the garage itself only has one door but the walls on the upper floor are typical garage walls, so with the right amount of force they could break down if need be. I still don’t know what specific charms or barriers are present in the basement floor but there’s definitely a strong magical energy there.”

“It seems we’ll have to start spending more time on your energy training Matthew.”

“Um what do you mean boss? Like right –“

“How is she?” You couldn’t wait any longer. You needed to know more about her since you couldn’t even use your bond to connect with her. Lucy looks at you with a sad expression.

“I don’t know much about snakes but she looked underweight. She only has a waterbowl in there on a bed of shredded mix of tissue paper and coconut husk. That’s all I could see from my first viewing of her.”

“Oh no.” So even as a snake she was only given the bare minimum of care. The thermostat to make sure that there was a different temperature to provide for a cold spot, water bowl for hydration or a bath, and who knows if her bedding has been cleaned for feces.

“The room has minimum airflow provided by a fan and a vent connected to the vent on the first floor of the garage.” You didn’t have words. You were too shocked to do anything but allow your tears to fall as you covered mouth.

“Life.” Morpheus goes to your side. You turn towards him and see that Matthew has settled on his shoulder.

“I know you can’t use the bond with Ana now. Shall I arrange for the two of you to meet in the dreaming?”

“Yes please. But only if she is comfortable. Ask her first, the last thing I want is for her to be overwhelmed and hide from me.”

“Honestly (y/n), I think your presence is really needed. She was so scared. When I opened that drawer it was as if she was trying to hide and make herself look smaller. It’s almost as if she was was trying to find a way to make herself invisible.” Signs of abuse, it didn’t needed to be said but it was on everyone’s minds by the expressions they had.

“I’ll be with you, I’ll help ease her into it.” He momentarily pauses before continuing.

“She’s about to enter the dreaming.”

“Maybe ask her first if she would like to meet me. We still have time and her comfort is takes priority. I do not want to add anymore unnecessary discomfort to an already uncomfortable situation.”

“Understood.”

“Also I think Matthew should join you in her dreams so that she would be assured.”

“Of course ma’am. Don’t worry I’m sure she won’t mind meeting you.”

“If she wants to meet you, is it okay if I summon you from your own dreams?”

“Yes, or maybe I can linger for awhile in the palace? Maybe in Lucienne’s library? Also the meeting place should be in a neutral area so we don’t disturb the comfort in her own dreams.”

“Will an area in the palace grounds will do?”

“Yes, but let her choose. And don’t rush her.”

He nods before he and Matthew make their exit and you turn back towards Lucy.

“Rest here in one of my guestrooms for awhile before you go.”

“Are you sure? I could just use the device to go back home.”

“Please I insist. You need to be well rested before your shift starts.” You say in a tone that doesn’t allow room for further argument. Lucy needed to rest and if she needed a change of clothes both of you were relatively similar in size. She could just wear a belt to tighten some clothes because they will inevitably be larger on her slimmer frame compared to your curvy one.

That evening as you settle in bed, you slowly feel yourself falling into a deep sleep and found yourself in the palace gardens with you lying down against the cool grass and surrounded by beautiful flora both flowering and non-flowering. As you sat up Lucienne walked towards you.

“Good evening ma’am, are you well?”

“Overall yes, but I was expecting to be in the library – has Morpheus told you about what he plans to do?”

“Yes ma’am, that’s exactly why you were redirected here in the gardens instead of the library.” You feel your eyes widen.

“He managed to convince her?”

“I wouldn’t entirely know but I have a feeling you might be meeting

Ana a little sooner than you expected.”

You suddenly feel something within your consciousness. Slowly throught the bond you have with Ana you could feel her reaching out to you through the pain and the trauma. It’s not enough to have the bond accessible again but it was enough that you could sense that she has entered the garden from somewhere you couldn’t see yet.

“Morpheus it’s painful.” Your heart bursts as you hear her voice from a distance.

“I know it’s painful little one, and you may be lost in the pain. But what else do you feel?” She pauses.

“Warm…I feel warm Morpheus. But it still hurts.”

“Be still, think about the warmth. Ignore the pain as much as you can.”

“How do I ignore it when it’s always there?”

“The same way that you create your dreams. Your imagination.” As much as you want to run towards wherever they are, you know you have to stay still and wait. Morpheus was slowly helping her reach out to you in the bond and move past her pain and trauma just enough for the two of you to regain the connection that was blocked by her trauma at the hands of Mark Gal Lanes.

“Lucienne, can you please send a message to them?”

“Why not go to them yourself? They are in the garden now.”

“Morpheus is teaching her how to reach out to me so that we could connect again through our bond. If I go to them now whatever progress he has made for her will all be for naught. As much as I hate waiting, she needs to come to me. I can’t do anything until she herself has removed the wall of pain and trauma and to do that I have to stay still. But I do have a suggestion I want to make for her and I need a messenger to do it.”

“Then why ask me? I’m sure my Lord would respect whatever messenger you create.”

“Simple, you’re the one of the few he couldn’t afford to waive off entirely. Certainly not on front of a child at least.” Lucienne gives you a look that showed that she has decided to concede since continuing this argument would lead to no where. And it was clear that this message has some importance to you that you’re not moving from your stance or spot.

“Very well, what is the message that you want me to deliver?”

“Don’t ignore the pain and the trauma, use them to fuel you towards my warmth.” You wanted to add ‘From your mother’ but it was a little too soon for that. She is probably still a little wary and confused by the connection you two have, although now she knows it exists. Lucienne gives you a brief nod before heading behind you towards wherever they are now. You don’t turn around to follow wherever she is headed. It would just tempt you into following and increase your impatience.

While waiting, you decide to gather the lilac and tulip flowers on front of you as you imagine up the journal you kept in the dreaming and decide to write a few rambling thoughts about what they may taste like if only they were edible and safe to eat in the waking world. As you let yourself relax despite the wait, you could hear Lucienne arrive wherever they are.

“She has a suggestion for Ana my Lord. I’m just acting as her messenger.”

“And what suggestion is that?”

“‘Don’t ignore the pain and the trauma, use them to fuel you towards my warmth.’ These are her exact words.”

“Using my pain? How do I do that?”

“I believe what she means is that if you can’t ignore it, then let that be the fuel for your imagination.” And this is why you specifically asked Lucienne to be the messenger. She could help clarify and explain what Morpheus may sometimes be too verbose to say.

“Huh?”

“Here let me clarify. What do you do when you touch something so hot it hurts?”

“I remove my hand as fast as I could.”

“And do you remove your hand faster than you normally would?”

“Yes.”

“Then it is the same with how you should approach reaching out towards her. Allow yourself to feel the pain and the bad memories, and let those things push you towards the warmth you feel through the bond you two share.” Lucienne finishes as Morpheus remains silent.

This may take awhile but relatively speaking there was still time. Even if she couldn’t reach out to you right now there will hopefully be more nights wherein both of you are in the realm of the Dreaming. Feeling hungry, you dream up a picnic set and you lay down the classic red and white picnic blanket and the food that came out of the large picnic basket included a large one liter thermos of hot ceremonial grade Matcha tea; one tupperware containing a type of brownie called “Food for the Gods” made up of dates, walnuts, white and brown sugars, and butter; still steaming hot egg sandwhiches; Spanakopita, one of your favorite greek pastries that was filled with a delicious spinach and feta cheese mixture; Tiropita, because no matter what vegans have said you didn’t have the heart to give up eating cheese and eggs; and finally another one liter thermos containing distilled water to wash down anything that the matcha tea was too hot to move.

You were in the realm of the dreaming, no one was there to make fun of you for eating a lot nor was your mother in this lifetime there to body shame you for potentially gaining weight from the type of food that you chose to indulge in.

As you were pouring yourself a cup of hot Matcha tea, you feel a breakthrough in your bond with Ana. Your advice definitely helped since she used the pain to allow herself to remove the barrier of pain that was blocking your connection with her.

“Hello? Are you there?” Relief filled you as you can finally use your bond once again.

“Hello Ana, can you feel me and my warmth?”

“Yes, but who are you? Why do we have this connection?”

“I will tell you in person. Use the bond to find where I am.”

“Um but how?”

“The more warm you feel the closer you are to me.”

“Okay.” You don’t have to wait long now for her to find you. You are seated closer than what she thinks. And through the bond you could see that Morpheus and Lucienne have allowed her to take the lead. All of them knowing that it is vital that she is the one who finds you first.

Soon you feel her enter the general area of the garden that you were in. She hasn’t seen you yet so you take this time to turn around.

She was in her human form in her dreams. Black straight hair tied into two pigtails, brown skin, large round eyes, round face and a rather chubby frame. Dressed in what you guess is her favorite pair of pajamas that were red with white Hello Kitty faces all over it.

“Are you near?”

“Trust your feelings.” She closes her eyes for a moment. Then finally she turns to face your general direction.

And she opens her eyes.

And she runs towards you.

“Hello? Are you really her?” You give her a warm smile.

“Hello Ana, yes I am her, please have a seat on the blanket.” She sits cross legged next to you as you pour another cup of Matcha tea.

“Who are you? Why do I have a connection with you?”

“I am Life incarnate, and in your first lifetime in this world I was your mother. This is the reason why we have a bond.” Her mouth opened and stayed that way until you offered her a cup of water.

“This is my second life?”

“Yes dear, you reincarnated and are living life once again.”

“Then how come you’re not my mother again?”

“I don’t know. I am still rather young and I’m not ready yet to be a mother again. But Destiny or the Fates must have a purpose of why you are once again alive. But enough about that.” You give her a Spanakopita and you watch her take a small bite, realizing how good it actually is, and then taking the largest bites she could to devour it.

“There is something else that you want to ask me.”

“Is the mean hairy man after you? Is that why he is hurting me?” You wish she didn’t have to be involved with whatever battle this is. But you can’t afford to keep her in the dark forever.

“Yes, I’m sorry you had to be involved. I didin’t even know that you had reincarnated until I felt your pain as he hurt you.”

“Do you know why he’s after you?”

“No, I don’t. But it’s very clear that he’s using you to trap me or force me to do whatever he wants to do. This is why Morpheus and my friends have to make several trips before we can rescue you and return you back to your human form.”

You wanted to say more but you can tell through the bond that she was starting to wakeup.

“What – what’s happening?”

“You’re starting to wake up.”

“No – NO – I just met you.” She stands up and almost falls back if you hadn’t caught her in time to help steady herself.

“Don’t worry, we still have many more nights and dreams ahead of us. Just don’t lose hope okay? We’re working to rescue you.” You say as reassuringly as you can as you knelt on front of her, and yet knowing that she is about to disappear soon.

“But – “ she fades away from the Dreaming. She has awaken, and through the now restored bond you can now sense that someone has entered in the room she was in. Based on the footsteps it must either be Mark Gal Lanes or another adult.

Whomever it was didn’t stay long, and just opened one of the other storage furniture in the same room. Got what was needed, and then proceeded to exit the room.

She’s trying to go back to sleep, but she’s too scared to be able to return to the dreaming anytime soon.

“Thank you Morpheus.” You say as he appears beside you and in your periphery you see Lucienne making her way back inside the palace.

“You’re welcome, it seems your advice was exactly what she needed to hear.”

“Sometimes we all need a little help every now and then to reach our goals.” Something was on his mind. You didn’t need to see his face but the aura he had been unconsciously projecting was hard to miss.

“Sit with me, there’s something in your mind.”

“…You will not take no for an answer. Would you?”

“No, the sooner you can express your thoughts and hear them, the sooner it may be resolved. This is why sometimes I talk to myself, even if other people may think I am crazy.”

“You are aware that I hold the unconscious thoughts of every being capable of such things.”

“All the more reason for you to tell someone what you feel. Before you might confuse your own actual thoughts with the subconscious of the universe.” The two of you sit in your picnic blanket. With a waive of your hand all the food, drinks, and utensils were back in the basket and the picnic blanket now allowed for more room.

“Don’t worry I won’t judge.”

“I appreciate the reassurance.”

“Then take a breath, and let your thoughts flow out of you. I went to sleep later than usual so we still have some time before I awaken.” He briefly closes his eyes, takes a breath before turning to sit facing you.

“Despite not being my first encounter with children, I am still startled by how quickly it was for her to deal with the pain following your instruction through Lucienne. Somehow it seems I have missed that step, for I now realize that I tend to ignore my pain instead of allowing it to fuel myself into doing more. Whenever I try to allow myself to feel, I just become overwhelmed by the weight of my domain. And so the only way that I have found to cope was to bury it and ignore it for the sake of clarity. Paradoxically, based on my recent experiences with regaining my power and dealing with the recent vortex issue, it seems to be the very thing that hinders me from learning more. Tell me, is it really that simple? When all this time I only aim to do the duties given to me for as long as I could recall.” When he has paused indicating that for now he has finished his thoughts, you begin your response.

“No, it isn’t simple. You are not wrong to bury most of the unconscious thoughts that passes in your mind. That in itself is not inherently wrong. I’ve done it to the memories that I posses that now make up a mental library from all my previous lifetimes. If I had not done that then I would be too overwhelmed to actually live and be alive. Sometimes we need to put a barrier between the thoughts that pass by us, the thoughts from our past, and the thoughts we now possess and what we actually think. Otherwise we wouldn’t be able to do anything at all beyond simply dwelling.”

You pause first taking a breath and also to make sure that he was still following your line of thought and was still listening to you.

“But just because we’ve established barriers for the sake of being capable of our functions, it doesn’t mean that we can no longer learn from the feelings we have from them or that they are no longer capable of giving insights that may affect our perspectives. The skill that is needed is how to do that without being overwhelmed by it. To lose control and to lose yourself among the vast thoughts brought to you by the universe we live in would close you off not only to others, but also to the present.”

“Speaking from experience?”

“More than you could know. As much as Death likes to believe that she has a sufficient grasp of life, she doesn’t have to deal with the conscious thoughts of actually living life. And had I not put my own mental barriers for my own sanity, I would simply be stuck as all life simply goes past me. More than what an introvert could handle even.” He scoffs at your last statement.

“You? An introvert?”

“Yes, I consider myself an extroverted introvert. I still like to socialize but if I do it too much then I will need some time with myself to compensate for the loss of energy. That doesn’t mean I am not energized by the presence of others, I still am, but there is a limit or a balance to it. Too much time with others drains my social energy and too much time on my own leads to thoughts of loneliness that may be remedied by the presence of others.”

“An ambivert then?”

“Perhaps, I am about balance after all and I need to be both social and reserved.”

“My point is that it is easier for a child who is still so open to the world of the imagination to simply do things. It is something I sometimes wish I have it in myself to do and yet it almost seems I would lose who I am and therefore lose control.”

“Then you may want to find someone who could guide you through that journey. Allowing yourself to lose a little bit of control without losing who you are to the vast unconsciousness.” Once again he looks at you with an expression you don’t recognize and yet it’s one that has been appearing more often as you two talk more and more.

“What are you thinking?” He goes closer towards you but leaves just enough distance to respect your personal space.

“By any chance would you be willing to be my guide?” You raise your eyebrow at this request.

“Why me? I’m sure there are plenty of others who could also guide you.”

“And who do you think would be better suited more than you?”

“Calliope, Psyche, Quetzalcoatl, Odin, must I really go on?”

“If you are about to list deities which deals with the widom and the mind then I’m already going to have to rebut that they are still insufficient to be my guides.”

“And why is that?”

“As much as they are qualified to give wisdom and knowledge, I need someone who knows of such struggle, many of the beings you have suggested deal mainly with only human standards of wisdom.”

“Then how about Calliope? She was your wife and perhaps that intimacy could help you with what you are asking in exploring emotions.”

“Calliope and I have a recent understanding…while we are greatful to each other for our marriage, and while we do still care for each other, our days as lovers are over. And even her functions as the Goddess of Epic poetry and chief of the muses, even she wouldn’t be able to be a sufficient guide.”

“Have you asked her?”

“Life, please, you are the best to guide me. With whom I feel comfortable with and whom I know has experienced something similar.” Just in time you feel yourself beginning to wake up.

“Let me think about it first. For now let’s focus on Ana okay?”

“Very well.”

#Beautiful Anomaly #dream of the endless #morpheus #morpheus x you #morpheus x y/n #morpheus x fem!reader #morpheus x reader #dream x you #dream x y/n #dream x fem!reader #dream x reader

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savoies · 4 years ago

Text

Things Changed - Pierre Luc Dubois.

Summary: Neighbors to lovers.

Word count: hopefully 1.6k

Warnings: hints of angst, a few bad words, mentions of sex, mentions of alcohol

A/N: Since I have a cute new neighbor I thought why not use the neighbors to lovers trope to live out all my fantasies. I had a lot of fun writing this with the help of a few close people so enjoy! (not proofread)

taglist: @hartsyhart @nhlpetey @mitch-slap @frostythegoalman @ryanssuzuki @aria253264 @josty @kaitieskidmore1 @kiedhara @laurenairay @teenagekook @alxvlasic @hockeyallthetime @barzy-baby @officialgritty @bowenbyram @mems06 @joshsandersons @connormcdavo @maattamatthews @pierreslucdubois @selenophileangel @boqvistsbabe @ana-maa @stars-canucks

tagging some friends: @npatrickz @beauvibaby @heybarzy @tkachuk-yeah @cozycozzy @2manytabsopen

(*credit to gif owner*)

Y/N had recently moved to Canada seven months ago and honestly it was going just fine. Nothing major had happened other than wanting a change of pace and well she had gotten it. Well at least the most change her dog and her could get.

Today was a nice day so she decided why not head to the dog park that was connected to the apartment complex and just spend all day there. What she did not suspect was running into a cute stranger who happened to be her neighbor from a few doors down.

Pierre had come to the dog park well to see the dogs. After the trade from Ohio to Winnipeg he decided that it was best to leave his dogs with his mom until he got settled in. He probably thought that most people would find a broading 6′ 3″ man sitting on a bench creepy but honestly he couldn't care less because the smile the dogs provided him as they ran by was worth the stares.

"Brody! Brody come back here." Y/N yelled as her dog ran across the yard in and around anything he could get through. As her dog ran up to a cute stranger sitting on a bench she couldn't mutter enough curse words to process why this was happening now and today.

"I am so sorry about him, it's just we don't get out much." She replied and mentally shook her head, not understanding why she had to explain herself to a complete stranger.

"Oh it's totally okay, I love dogs. I actually have two but they are back at home. This might seem kind of straight forward but if you ever need a dog sitter I can offer my services." Pierre smiled at the dog and stranger in front of him.

Y/N knew that she shouldnt take up the offer but with work and life and a cute stranger who seemed actually genuine she threw away mostly all her morals and said why the fuck not.

"Really, that would be really helpful. I'm not sure if I should tell you my apartment number now or after I find out you're a murderer." She looked up at him. After assuring her that he was indeed not a murderer and just a normal guy who loved dogs they traded numbers and apartment info. I guess after all the dog park was worth it.

The First Time.

The first time Pierre earned his title of dog sitter was when you went away for a work conference. It had been three days. Honestly you were quite nervous since you had never really left your dog with anyone other than your family but after hanging out with him so often you felt like it was okay.

"Brody say bye to your mom, we are gonna have so much fun without her huh." He said as he led Brody into the living room and waited for you to give any special instructions.

"Pierre thank you so much for doing this. I want him the same way as when I left him." You hugged him as you said your goodbyes and gathered your things to head off to the airport for your departure.

"Have some faith in me Y/N." He said as he closed the door and watched netflix with the dog cuddling into his side.

The Second Time.

A family emergency had presented itself and as much as you wanted to take Brody with you you just knew it wasn't the best choice. Pierre had come over a few times to "spend time with Brody." Even though most of the time was spent joking around and talking about each other's week.

You had got the call when Pierre was over. Both of you sprawled out on the cold tiled floor. "Hello?" You answered as someone quickly informed you on what was going on. "Wait what, uhm yeah I'll go back home right now." You said as you hung up and quickly sprang up to your feet to pack.

"Pierre I know you're busy and you can say no but can you watch Brody, a family emergency has come up." You spoke hastily.

"Yeah of course, everything ok?" He asked worried.

"No but hopefully soon." You gave him a soft smile as you said your goodbyes and rushed out your apartment door.

The Third Time.

The third time was different. Not necessarily an emergency but mostly a way to make sure that your dog was okay for a few hours. Or at least not alone and spending it with one of his favorite people aside from you. You had gone out to a club with some coworkers and had dropped off Brody at Pierres earlier in the day. Of course you asked if he was busy and he said he had to catch up on some work so that's the only reason you really asked him to. You knew he had a life aside from your dog sitting escapades.

Later on in the night as you arrived home with a guest you had asked him to wait by the door as you went to go pick up Brody from a few doors down. It was late and maybe you should have just done it in the morning. But your mind being hazy with the few drinks from earlier didn't think about Pld being asleep and you knocked before you could stop yourself.

Pierre was slowly drifting off to sleep with thoughts of you in his head. How he had to adapt to this new city which he barely knew anything about but since you had come into his life everything seemed somewhat easier.

There was a soft knock on his door and as he rubbed the tiredness from his eyes he walked up to the door with Brody close by to his feet and he saw you. "Y/N hey what are you doing here?" He asked confused on why you were here at one in the morning.

"Just here to pick up Brody." You smiled at him as he looked towards your apartment and his smile dropped as he saw the random dude standing in front of your door awkwardly.

He knew he shouldn't be making a big deal out of it. You guys weren't anything in the first place. But Pierre couldn't help what he felt towards you.

"You okay?" He asked before letting you head back.

"Yeah, I'll see you soon." You said as you walked away.

After that things weren't the same. You could sense it. After getting the stranger out your bed you cleaned up and headed over to Pierres for your weekly brunch hang out but he didn't answer. That wasn't what made you realize that it wasn't the same. I mean you knew he had a busy life. Maybe it was the way that every time there was a knock on your door you were hoping it was Pierre hoping to "hang out with Brody" but it never was.

Or maybe it was that he was ignoring you. It had been a week since you had last seen him and as you walked to the elevator you tried to rack your mind with what you could've done to upset him.

As you reached the elevator there stood the boy that you so much wanted to see. Pierre rolled his eyes as you arrived, having deliberately been avoiding you for a full week and bumping into you in the only place he couldn't escape.

Y/N looked up at him hoping that he would talk. Hoping that somehow he would reveal why he was mad or at least why he was ignoring her.

"So it seems like you were just using me as a dog sitter huh.” Pierre broke the silence. He was feeling so many emotions seeing the person that made him feel good about himself.

"What, Dubois what are you talking about?" Y/N looked up at him confused on why he would even think that. Cause honestly it did start like that but after that it grew into a friendship that she was so thankful for.

Pierre just scoffed thinking of what he would say next. "The dude you brought back to your apartment."

"What about him?" Y/N asked.

"Look when i offered to be your dog sitter i didn't think it was for bringing guys around."

"Look Pierre i don't mean this to sound rude at all but when you offered you said it was for whenever i needed a dog sitter and i brought Brody over because I thought you liked spending time with him. And honestly the guy is a one time thing.” Y/N spoke up suddenly feeling a bit vulnerable recalling the events from last night to her not so stranger anymore cute neighbor.

"I do love dogs, honestly spending time with him was nice but why do you think I always came over to hang out with Brody?" He asked putting air quotes around hanging out. Then it clicked in Y/Ns mind. Him coming over more than two times a week, him ignoring her after her unfortunate night with a stranger, them now spilling their guts to each other in an elevator. He liked her. At least she hoped that she was right and was not about to make a dumb mistake.

"Oh." escaped from her mouth. As the door opened and Pierre smiled at Y/N waiting for somewhat of a reaction other than oh.

"Pierre I've always been bad at reading signs so I'm really hoping that I'm reading the correct sign right now. Uhm would you like to maybe come over later, you know to hang out with Brody?" You asked as you put air quotes around hanging out with Brody like he had down earlier.

"I thought you'd never ask." He replied before placing a kiss on your cheek leaving you with a small smile on your face.

#ari writes #hockey #hockey boys #winnipeg jets #nhl fic #nhl fics #nhl imagine #nhl imagines #nhl blurbs #nhl blurb #hockey imagine #hockey imagines #hockey fic #hockey fics #hockey blurbs #hockey blurb #pierre luc dubois #pierre luc dubois x reader #wasnt suspecting to post it do early but tumblr is wack so here you go...

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tundrainafrica · 5 years ago

Note

So I see your a LeviHan shipper!! I enjoy the ship a lot too!! But are there any specific reason that their your favorite?? Maybe you could explain that a little through a list? But anyways I hope your week has been good so far, Sav. Have a good day/night!!!! - Signed by Your Secret Santa 🎄

Hello! Thank you for asking about my week (and my ship).

I enjoy the ship a lot too!! But are there any specific reason that their your favorite?

To answer that first question...

You’re in for a long rollercoaster ride of a rant because I don’t think I’m the type of person to ship anything to the point of writing domestic fluff fics unless the I felt really really drawn to the ship.

Anyway, (slight) spoilers abound! Will keep manga spoilers subtle, mostly Levihan scenes.

Disclaimer: I do not want to start shipping wars. I specifically avoided the words like should or best because I recognize that shipping is generally based on preferences. I respect everyone’s preferences on what they want out of a ship or even a relationship and through this, I just hope to express my own preferences and maybe even gush with people who agree.

1. The ship did not move the plot. The plot moved the ship.

Attack on Titan is not a romance or a shojo, if it’s not fairly obvious from any chapter you would randomly read. As a reader, I would have expected it to fall short with pairings. Most shows which are not romance based tend to have a few pairings which just suddenly end up together towards the end of the manga because “What’s a happy ending without marriage and kids?” There is usually a trend of just pairing of the extras and sometimes, or maybe even more often than not, it just seems to come out of nowhere (ehem... Naruto.). Maybe the relationship worked off screen but I dunno. Like no shipping war here but the only pairing I had full support for was Shikatema.

In stories classified as romances, there is enough of a spotlight on the sexual tension and mutual pining of specific characters for the romance to be considered reasonable. In my opinion, some authors tend to sacrifice really good world building for a good romance. Objectively twilight for example had some crazy good world building but it just kinda focused a little too much on emo Bella and emo Edward for the world building to actually be appreciated by the casual reader. Tbh though, this is not necessarily bad because people get into stuff for reasons, sometimes, I just wanna read a good fantasy, sometimes I just wanna read a good romance.

Romances though as a main driving point for narratives, require some convenient serendipity moments and sexual tension which can be written well but as a reader, I prefer to see more natural relationships born out of necessity (Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata is a good example of what I’m talking about in a romance novel.)

Attack on Titan through its narrative actually made Levihan seem VERY VERY possible. If I had to compare the presentation of this ship in canon to at least one relationship in other anime, I would compare it to Royai from FMA.

Like, if Attack on Titan didn’t give us random subtle hints about romantic or just platonic relationships between the two or even about anyone, even if Levi and Hange did get together in the end, it would have been one of the pairings, I probably wouldn’t have raised an eyebrow at.

But they could be just friends? Which brings me to my next point.

2. Their current situation makes it so it’s only natural that at the least, they considered it.

Yes. Friends is a valid interpretation for anything. I mean, given our hook up culture, people can fuck as friends too. People probably have made out drunk as friends too. Like I have seen my fair share of this type of bullshit in high school and college and I would say, we do not need a kiss or a fucking session to recognize that something can be a good relationship or to recognize that they have probably thought about it.

A relationship requires a commitment (conscious or unconscious) to caring for the other, keeping the other safe, recognizing their flaws and thinking about them regularly (Call me scott peck or marriage counselor but like I honestly think the world would be a better place once people recognize that quality romantic relationships are worked for).

Mind you, Levi and Hange lost everything.They literally lost everything from their old life, all their friends, all their loved ones and all they have is each other and they’re forced to take care of a bunch of kids.

There are people who have said before, no one gets very close with someone without ever considering a romantic relationship with them. Or even if they never considered it romantic, they could consider at least “living with them their whole life,” or “supporting them through thick and thin.” The things is, towards the end, they were constantly together and what drove them to that situation is that both of them are aware of what the other had lost. They understood each other more than anyone else and they recognized that they were the only ones left in their own circle and I personally think that is more than enough for a relationship to naturally bloom between them.

3. The relationship and the signs are subtle and it works.

I personally probably would not have enjoyed it if canon showed a romantic relationship of the two after Erwin died. It’s a valid interpretation to consider that it could have happened, based on my explanation for number 2 but Hange is commander, Levi is captain. They have a professional relationship and they have goals and obligations which take precedence over personal desires. They are in the middle of a war and the most which probably could have happened was a secret mutual pining between the two and I think Isayama has injected the most subtle hints which are the most that could have been appropriately put into canon without seeming too OOC. Hange and Levi are not selfish people. They have promises, dreams and obligations which they respect and have committed themselves to already. It has also been shown at earlier points of the manga that they do put their survey corps duties on top of everything so acting on a romantic attraction at that point in time would have definitely been inappropriate.

I personally think, the scenes of Hange going out of her way to save Levi as commander, killing her other soldiers to save both their asses, suggesting in the forest that they live together instead of go back to the war and not leaving an injured Levi until she had no choice were more powerful than a lot of romantic scenes where people actually fuck and kiss. Kissing and fucking are easy. Leaving the duties and responsibilities they have worked for for five years to keep the person they love alive hits way harder.

Call it platonic. Call it romantic. But no one like Hange would have deserted her post as commander for a few chapters to take care of a sick comrade and kill her subordinates to save their asses if there wasn’t anything between them.

4. It gives a great example what healthy relationships can come from.

I grew up reading sweet valley and chick lits cause I was a basic bitch and I kinda grew up with a somehow unrealistic idea of where relationships come from. Call me a late bloomer but I only actually figured out where the romance and the happiness of a relationship was when I got into one with my best friend for five years.

It’s the sexual tension and the “will they wont they?” push and pull which can lead to satisfying sex or a happy ending in romance novels. I think in a way, media kinda overglorifies it which kinda gives a lot of young people the wrong idea about why they getting into a relationship is fun in the first place. Because after the satisfying sex and the kids, what’s next for the relationship?

Years of utility bills, diapers, chores, schedules, parent teacher conferences and compromises until someone gives up or dies. And what kind of relationships can actually thrive through all these?

Those that have mastered the underrated parts of relationships. These include conflict resolutions, compromises and open communication. I think we have seen enough of those two, even before season 3 that have shown that they know each other very well and they have shown to at least have a relatively equal power dynamic which is a foundation for open communication and mutual trust in relationships even beyond the fucking and marriage stage

5. They have a great foundation of character development for both parties.

As I mentioned above, they have a relatively equal power dynamic. I love Royai from FMA and I have compared Royai to this multiple times. I would say though I prefer Levihan over Royai because I felt that Royai had more unequal power dynamics? (Though I still think Royai is a top tier ship ). Also, they have shown to tell off the other when they don’t like what the other is doing. They are complete opposites but here is the magical thing. They talk everything out. They’re generally open people to each other and they know each other way too well as hinted in scenes before and opposites work as long as the others are willing to compromise. I think (especially in season 3 and season 4) that they have done enough for each other and have compromised enough for each other in the survey corps that these skills could easily be brought with them even after the war.

That open communication is just what makes them maintaining a relationship while being complete opposites very OC and realistic. Eventually, they did probably did make compromises, which most likely softened or moderated the crazy parts of their personalities which is just a really fun part of their relationship to explore.

6. It could realistically last so maybe ...

7. A good foundation for happy children?

Maybe it’s how it is written because of the actual story and why would Yams write a romantic drama in a story about genocide and war. Tbh, I would attribute it more to Levi and Hange’s personalities though because Mikasa and Eren have their fair share of drama, mostly one sided though coz Mikasa. This relationship has no drama, no misunderstandings which just further supports my point that they have a relationship that thrives on open communication and mutual trust. Drama is fun like when we’re the ones on the sidelines eating the popcorn but I have third wheeled enough people in my life to realize that I will not support a relationship where both parties are just not ready to be mature about it, in real life and in fiction.

My favorite couples, in real life and in fiction, are definitely those who keep conflict among themselves and maybe among trusted people. I think one sign of a healthy relationship is one where problems don’t become public through social media or through like 20 people. One important yet underrated part of relationships is the atmosphere of comfort and freedom which encourages both parties to be able to directly approach one another before tensions and uncertainties get out of hand.

And a life free of dramas at least in the early stages of life just kinda shows at least that both parties are ready to bring a new life to the world? Because like immature parents with shitty conflict resolution skills really fuck kids up man and I passionately believe the world would really be a better place if babies were born out of trust, mutual understanding and open communication instead of sex but yeah, make sex fun to keep our race alive.

So anyway, I guess, I just finished explaining why I love this ship so much while also disclosing my preferences for relationships.

As mentioned above...

Other pairings which I support for those curious: Shikatema, Royai, Victuuri, Percabeth etc.

Also... To answer your second question...

My week has been great, some pretty solid life developments but US elections wise, not so great... (WHY IS THE ELECTION RACE SO CLOSE?)

#levihan #levi x hange #levi x hanji #levi ackerman #hange zoe #ship #analysis

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mymelodyheart · 4 years ago

Text

Miles Between Us Chapter 6 ~A Wrinkle in Time~

Previously in The Tethered Ties ...

And when he finally glanced back down at the laptop, he nearly choked. Right there on the screen, peering up at him, was a cantankerous-looking, crocodile Dundee version of Harry. Same eyes, the same face, and though a handsome fellow, this man's skin looked weather-beaten, and he had a scary scowl on his face.

"Jamie," Claire giggled. "I'd like you to meet my uncle ...Quentin Lambert Beauchamp, also known as uncle Lamb."

Ah, holy fuck! Though uncle Lamb looked like Harry, Jamie knew this man was nothing like Harry. Harry was ...or had been a polite, refined and jolly ol' chap with a very posh accent. This man was far from the polished look Harry presented. This man looked like he'd seen the world and confronted danger and probably wrestled crocodiles as a hobby. Convincing uncle Lamb that he's good enough for Claire was not going to be a walk in a park. Jamie knew he had a long evening ahead as he gingerly sat down in front of Claire's laptop and braced himself.

Jamie cleared his throat and sat up straight. "Good evening, sir ..."

If you wish to read this on AO3, here is the link.

If you wish to read this from the beginning:

AO3 link

Tumblr link

Jamie had a dream. It was unlike any other dreams he had before.

He was cycling down a road, the cold wind stinging his cheeks, a plastic container of pastries in one hand. Excitement rose within as he followed the familiar route to Murtagh's house, huffing and puffing when he picked up speed. He was dropping off his ma's freshly baked treats to his godfather, hoping Murtagh would have time to go fishing.

An ear-splitting screech of brakes echoed in the air, along with mangling metal crashing and twisting.

He stopped. The plastic container dropped from his hand, and his bike collapsed to the ground. He began walking towards the crash site, sensing with every step, he was nearing a metamorphic truth that would change him forever.

Despite the trepidation mounting in his chest, he couldn't stop moving towards the wreck. He quickened his pace and then began to jog, and then he ran. Faster and faster.

He ran until the breath whooshed out from his lungs in burning gasps, and he slowed to a standstill in front of the harrowing scene that was before him.

The wind picked up, and the clouds dimmed the sun. The acrid stench of burnt rubber and engine oil filled his nostrils. A familiar face appeared through the cracked windshield, calling out his name in desperation. For a second, his heart ceased to beat, and his breath caught in his throat.

Harry?

"Save her ...please ..."

The plea struck his ears, and he tried to move, but he was stuck on the spot. He twisted his body and stretched out his arms, willing his feet to budge, straining and grunting and chanting a soundless prayer for strength. A piercing scream jolted him out from his struggle, unfettering him from the invisible force holding him in place, almost tumbling over from the abrupt release. He realised they were cries from a child.

He moved towards the car and wrenched the back door open, seemingly the only side still intact from the collision. A child, no more than the age of five with angry red blotches on her cheeks and wild curls, was restrained by the seatbelts. Her pudgy wee arms were outstretched as she screamed on top of her lungs, crying out for her mummy.

He stared in disbelief, immobilised by the uncertainty of his next course of action.

"Save her, Jamie ..." He glanced up to see Harry's face contorted in pain, eyes imploring. "There's not enough time."

"But ..."

"Go! Take her with you ...Now!"

Spurred by adrenaline and fear, heart pounding against his chest, he began to move. He unfastened the strap across the wean's body and grabbed her from the seat. Wee arms and legs wrapped around him as he spun around and headed for the moor. Holding tight to his bundle, one hand bracing the tiny head pressed against his neck, he ran as fast as he could. When he glanced over his shoulder, he saw Harry watching him through the window and then the car exploded.

Jamie woke up lurching upright to a sitting position, his top clinging to his clammy skin and his heart racing like a freight train. Swallowing air in big gulps, he yanked off the duvet and swung his legs out of bed, trying to even his breathing. Then he began to shake as he heard the distant roar from the deep recesses of his brain, and the floodgates of memories swung open in vivid hues. It came in massive waves, raising recollections and visions to the surface that had been submerged under the basement of time. A deluge of dispersed images merged into one, and a stream of realisation emerged. Suddenly everything was as clear as day. Everything that Murtagh had told him of Claire's parents earlier was now clicking into place. The child they'd rescued that fateful day was Claire! Except, in his dream, he'd been the only one to save her.

A cold shiver passed through him when a suppressed but very visual memory of Harry sprung into his head just before the car had exploded. Harry had just regained consciousness and had looked straight at Jamie with a sobbing wee Claire tight in his arms, the look on his face branding his consciousness forever. Though it had been relief carved out on the doomed man's face in knowing Claire would live, it had done nought to appease his soul. He glanced over at the woman beside him. She slept peacefully, her soft snores confirming she hadn't been affected by his fitful sleep.

Reliving the sequence of that event, he remembered now how the horror of that day had haunted him. It had been so bad, he'd been coerced to attend counselling by his mother. Too young to process Harry's demise, he'd literally felt on the edge of a nervous breakdown. After a year of refusing to talk about the ordeal, he'd shifted his focus elsewhere to stop the nightmares. There had been this unabating need to atone for Claire's parents' death, the urge to help and protect growing like a snowball, morphing into an avalanche to flatten and destroy any unpleasant memories and replace them with something good. He'd rescued animals and sheltered them in his father's barn. He'd defended kids against bullies at school. He'd volunteered for causes that involved helping the vulnerable. He'd enlisted to be part of the British Armed Forces, hoping to make a difference to the plights of those afflicted. He'd even gone as far as making a promise to his dying friend, killed in action during his SAS days. Jamie had felt so guilty for his inability to protect his best mate, Simon, he'd asked his friend's widow to marry him. Though thankful now the marriage had never taken place after having met Claire, his efforts to appease his guilt had been a struggle. All these years, he'd buried the horrors of war, the memory of losing Simon and images of Harry going up in flames with layers of what he'd thought were reparations. But what he hadn't known, his failings continued to fester below the surface. It was like a wound that refused to heal.

Had Murtagh's revelation triggered the suppressed memories to resurface? Or did it have something to do with his conversation with Claire's uncle Lamb? His mind wandered to their discussion earlier.

"Jamie," Claire giggled. "I'd like you to meet my uncle ...Quentin Lambert Beauchamp, also known as uncle Lamb. Uncle Lamb, this is Jamie, James Fraser ...my boyfriend. I'm staying with him for at least a week."

"Is that right?" the man on the screen harumphed with a growl as he stuck a thick cigar between his teeth. "Not what I was expecting."

Jamie disregarded the not so subtle dig. "Good evening, sir ..." he began.

Claire laughed. "Don't call him that, Jamie. It's too weird!" She glanced over her shoulder as she walked away. "If he's giving you "the look," don't worry. Uncle Lamb is all bluster."

"I heard that," uncle Lamb grumbled.

"Play nice, then!" she shouted from the kitchen.

Jamie eyed the man on the screen and squared his shoulders. He wished he'd been more prepared for this or at least looked presentable. Instead, he resembled a drowned cat after just having arrived home from work. Claire hadn't told him much about uncle Lamb and wondered if she'd said anything about him to the older man.

He stared at Harry's look alike. Does uncle Lamb ever smile? Or is that scowl permanently etched on his face? He wasn't sure. Maybe it had something to do with that cigar hanging loosely in his mouth.

Sizing him up, Jamie presumed they're roughly the same breadth, and if uncle Lamb was anything like Harry in stature, they should be the same height too. It's a good thing they were meeting via video conference. If they had been facing each other in person, he might be less inclined to shake hands, seeing how the older man looked like he was capable of committing murder.

An amused Claire came gliding out of the kitchen with a bottle of beer, seemingly unfazed by tension emanating from her laptop screen. "Don't mind his mood, Jamie," she chirped. "He's just grouchy because five of his men came down with food poisoning. And work is being delayed again."

Uncle Lamb growled. "Don't remind me."

Claire wagged a finger at her uncle before kissing Jamie on the forehead and handing him the bottle. "I'll go prepare dinner."

He took a deep breath as he watched her head back to the kitchen. Uncle Lamb could frown all he wanted. Ultimately, if need be, he would go through twenty uncle Lambs to show the world how serious he was about his relationship with Claire.

Jamie noticed the older man watching him very closely.

"So how are ye?"

"I don't like surprises," Quentin announced, obviously wanting to get straight to the point.

"Neither do I," he returned. Facing off each other for a few silent seconds, Jamie deliberately took a slow slug of his beer. He placed the bottle back down on the table and wiped his lips with the back of his hand. "But surprises are nothing new to me. I was trained to be prepared against any surprises," he added, referring to his SAS past.

Quentin ignored the remark. "Claire told me ..." He leaned forward and rolled his khaki sleeves up, exposing tanned sinewy, muscular arms. "...you met just before Christmas."

"That's right, sir ...I mean unc ...I mean Quentin." The older man raised an eyebrow at him, and Jamie raised one back.

"Things seem to be moving along. Fast!"

"Claire and I have acknowledged that."

"She was there with you only a few weeks ago for her holidays. She's just got back to work. Did you persuade her to come back?"

"She's got a mind of her own."

"Are you serious about her?"

Jamie tried not to look rattled as the older man bombarded him with questions. It was only natural to be concerned about his niece. "Aye, I built her a shed." Ach shite, wrong answer ...what the fuck was that, ye clot-heid? He felt like kicking himself.

Quentin watched him in stony silence. "A shed?"

He inhaled deeply, careful not to show any signs of frustration. "Actually, it's a writing studio," he explained, feeling the heat crawling up his neck. "For when Claire comes over for a visit. She can work undisturbed there. I've even soundproofed the walls, and it's been comfortably furnished ."

Quentin said nothing. Instead, he slowly placed the cigar on the ashtray, raised his brandy snifter to his lips and drank.

Determined, Jamie pushed on. "Claire has handed her notice to her boss, and once her commitments in London are done, she'll be moving here ...to Broch Mordha." He tamped down the rising emotion from his throat as he thought of Claire preparing dinner for him in the kitchen. "Look, I may not look like the man ye hoped for, for yer niece, but ye dinnae ken me. I admit I come with a lot of baggage, but I'm working hard on it, and she's helped me tremendously in dealing with ..." He trailed off. He didn't want to pull the PTSD card out. This was about Claire, he reminded himself. "I ken her history. I ken she's moved a lot, lived in boarding schools, nae home to go to during the holidays, following ye half-way around the world when school's out. She told me she's never felt any sense of belonging anywhere ..." Quentin glanced away. "I want ye to know, I willnae be just another stopover for Claire. And even if she has to travel long distances to visit ye, she'll always have a place to return to. I have roots here, and I can give her..."

Quentin crossed his arms. "Give her what?"

Jamie cleared his throat. "What I'm trying to say is, I'm serious about taking our relationship further. As ye can see, she's staying here in my home until she goes back to London. Though there is this unspoken understanding between Claire and me, I dinnae want to be presumptuous ..." Jamie rolled his head to ease the tension in his neck. "...in thinking, she will move in with me when she relocates here to Broch Mordha. But I plan on asking her. And it would be verrae nice if ye could give yer blessing and ..."

He shook his head. "No!" His grin was more like a baring of his cigar-stained teeth. "Ask me again in a year."

Jamie ran a hand through his hair. "All due respect, I ken she will say yes when I ask. And I ken she's stubborn enough to make up her own decisions with or without yer blessing. But I'd rather I have it ...for all our sakes. I'm no' sure if ye are aware, but I have my own business that I share with my brother, I own a house, I have no mortgage, and I make enough to provide for both of us with enough left for savings. She can pursue her dream of writing to her heart's content without worrying about finances."

"You overlook the fact that she's a city girl. What if her writing career never takes off? What are her possibilities in the Highlands?"

"Oh, but it will take off. I have faith it will. She's very passionate about pursuing her dream, and rightly so, because she's a talented writer. I can attest to that because I've read one of her finished works."

Quentin's face softened just a tiny bit. "You have?"

"Aye, I have," he hedged. "Claire should have published her work ages ago, and I plan to encourage her to do just that. Her writing would be a wonderful gift to the world."

"You're doing a lot for someone you barely know."

"Quentin," Jamie sighed, swallowing his exasperation. "I'm in love with yer niece. I'm aware everything between us is happening fast, and I dinnae suppose there is a timeframe or formula to follow when it comes to relationships. I'm just winging this and going along with my guts. And my guts are telling me Claire is the one. I still cannae believe someone like her is even real and that she loves me back. I sometimes wonder if I'm dreaming. She brings the best out of me, and I want to do the same for her. So if helping her realise her dreams is all I have to do to keep her, that's what I'll do."

A few heartbeats of silence and watching each other closely passed before Quentin spoke again. "What did you say your last name was? I didn't quite catch it."

Ach, Christ, he's gonnae do a background check on me! "Fraser," Jamie replied.

The older man let out an impatient grunt. "Yes, yes, but which Fraser do you belong to? There are a lot of Frasers in the Highlands."

"My parents are Brian and Ellen Fraser," he replied, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.

Quentin's brows knitted together, and his stubbled jaw flexed twice. "You mean Brian and Ellen from Lallybroch?"

Jamie shifted in his seat. "Ye know them?"

"And you're Jamie?" Quentin asked, ignoring his question.

Confusion descended over Jamie as he saw the transformation in Quentin's face. "Aaaye," he said slowly and deliberately. Where in the bloody hell is this going to, now?

"And Claire wants to move in with you?"

"As I've said, I havenae asked her, but I think she would like the idea of us living together. It would make perfect sense since we do love each other."

He grabbed the cigar and pointed the tip in his direction. "You have my blessings." Ignoring Jamie's sharp intake of breath, he tipped back the rest of his brandy. "Conditions are, there should be once a week phone-calls. Video or facetime ones or whatever you call it. And when I'm on British soil ..."

Jamie suddenly straightened up on his seat. "We'll visit, or ye can come and stay with us."

Quentin shot up on his feet. "Very well then, welcome to the family, Fraser. Go and get your dinner ...you wouldn't want your wife ..." he coughed, his face turning red. "...I mean your girlfriend reheating what she's just lovingly made."

Jamie got up as well, ready to shut the laptop, relief and confusion at the sudden turn around washing over him in waves. What the fuck just happened? Too bewildered for words, "Of course," was all he could muster.

Quentin hesitated, as if in search of the right words, his throat working overtime. When he finally spoke, Jamie couldn't help but hear the emotion in the older man's voice. "If Claire's father was alive today, he would think his daughter has made a fine choice."

His jaw dropped involuntarily. "He would?"

There was no reply. Too shell shocked, Jamie stood there staring at the screen for a full minute, long after Quentin had signed off.

When Claire reappeared from the kitchen, she launched herself into his arms and whispered, "Hungry?"

His bewilderment evaporated, happiness shrouding around him in such a way he knew everything was going to be alright.

Puffing out a breath, Jamie shoved a hand through his hair and made his way to the bathroom. He knew he wouldn't be going back to sleep for a while, so he might as well washed off those vivid dreams of Harry and clear his thoughts of that conversation with uncle Lamb. He felt like he was living in the Twilight Zone and badly needed to get his equilibrium back.

The silence of the night closed in around him until the soothing spray of the shower hit his skin. He wondered if Claire would remember anything from her parents' accident. She'd mentioned a couple of times, she had been five when they passed away. Considering that Claire was now in a happy place, content and well-adjusted, it was probably not the brightest of ideas to conjure up her past. But then, on the other hand, he suspected she might want to know what had happened that day. After all, she did have the right to know her history, no matter how painful.

The image of Claire's bright amber eyes and husky laughter flashed in his mind.

Jamie sighed, turned off the shower, and quickly dried himself off. When he realised Claire wasn't in bed, he made his way to the kitchen. He quietened his pace when he found her dropping teabags into two mugs, wearing only his t-shirt and a pair of woollen socks. She didn't hear him approach at first, looking deep in thought as she waited for the kettle to boil.

Moonlight streamed in through the kitchen window, creating a halo out of the wisps of curls framing her face, the whole scene reminding him she was everything he wasn't, a shining light where he watched her in the shadows. Sorcha! A force within spurred him towards her, needing to touch that light, hoping it wouldn't fade with his damaged soul.

"It's late, Sassenach. What are ye doing up?" he asked, walking towards the fridge.

"Jesus H. Roosevelt Christ!" she jumped, hands flying to her chest. She tucked a loose curl behind her ears and faced him with a sigh, a small smile slowly forming her lips. "You weren't in bed, so I thought you probably had one of your nightmares. I'm making us some chamomile tea. It helps with sleep and relaxation."

He wasn't sure if this was the time to tell Claire about his dreams, so he dismissed it with a wave of a hand and smiled. "Just a strange dream. Is that one of yer herbal remedies?" he asked, stirring the subject to something neutral.

She lifted a shoulder. "Something like that."

He opened the fridge and found a rainbow of colours of fruits, vegetables, yoghurts and juices. Claire hadn't been kidding when she'd said she went food shopping today. Obviously, root vegetables, eggs, cheese and a container of hummus he'd bought wasn't enough. Smiling, he grabbed a pear and shut the fridge door. "Do pears go with chamomile tea?"

Her face lit up, making his heart expand. "I suppose so." She poured hot water into the mugs and brought their teas to the dining table, Jamie following close behind her. "And it's good for you. You ought to eat more fruits."

"But you bought enough pears to feed an entire village, Sassenach," he pointed out, biting into the succulent fruit.

Claire giggled as she sat down. "The other bag of pears are for the sticky toffee pear pudding I'm going to make. Uncle Lamb loves making it for me whenever he comes over for a visit. So I thought I'd make some for us. He told me the recipe he uses was from my mum."

The way she smiled fondly at the memory made him want to draw her into his arms, but he took a seat instead. "With pears? I've only ever had normal sticky toffee pudding," he said, sipping some tea. "My ma makes it sometimes."

Her eyes twinkled. "I was told my mum loved to bake. And apparently, according to uncle Lamb, my favourite was cream buns."

Curiosity started to niggle in his belly at the mention of Claire's mother, even though he rebelled against it. Is this the time to talk about the death of her parents? Before he could change his mind, he came straight out with it. "Sorry to change the subject, Sassenach, but I have something to ask. What made ye come to the Highlands every Christmas?" he asked. "Ye mentioned once, ye like coming here during the Holidays. I mean, it's a great place to spend Christmas and all, but is there a particular reason?"

For a long moment, she stared at him with a faraway look. He realised he was holding his breath, half of him already regretting asking the question. There was a possibility her answer could lead to resurrecting a tragic event and snuffing the light out of her. And he needed to bask in her light some more. What was he thinking? Leave the past in the past, Murtagh had told him. He didn't know what lay on the other side of bringing up her parents' death. Either way, Claire didn't need to be dragged down with a sad memory.

Feeling suddenly foolish, he put down the pear he was eating and reached out to touch her hand. "Ye know what. Dinnae answer that. It's getting late. The tea is working its magic already, and I think I'm ready to go to bed."

A delicate frown marred her brows. "Are you sure you don't want to know?"

Am I sure? No, not really. "Go on, tell me then."

She suddenly beamed like the light that she was. "The reason why I love coming back to the Highlands every year is, this is the place where my parents met and fell in love. I'm not quite sure where exactly, but it was somewhere around here. As far as I know, the Highlands was their happy place where they made loads of happy memories and great friends, and every time I come here, it makes me feel closer to them. You might find it odd, but I do feel most at peace here. There's something that draws me to come every year. Call it gravitational pull or whatever. But it feels like it's my parents' way of sharing their happiness with me. Am I making any sense?"

His breath of relief released in a slow rush, lightness invading his chest, as he realised she didn't remember anything of her parents' death. Or at least he presumed so. But, if it's his burden to carry the truth of Claire's parents' death alone, so be it. Why bring up something dark that has no place in their lives anymore? Maybe one day ...in the far future. Her hand still in his, he stood up, pulling her to her feet before lifting her into his arms. She squealed in surprise. "It doesnae matter if it makes sense or no', Sassenach. If it feels right to ye, then it must mean something. Who knows, maybe the reason ye're probably drawn to the Highlands is that ye were conceived here. Have ye ever thought of that?"

Claire slipped her arms around his neck and smiled. "Or maybe ..." she leaned in to nibble at his earlobe. "...because I was drawn to ye. Have you ever thought of that?"

Jamie laughed as he started to walk them towards the bedroom. "C'mon off to bed with ye ...I have an early start tomorrow."

Claire eyed him mischievously as she snuggled closer. "To bed or to sleep?"

With a guttural groan, he lowered his head, brushing their lips together as he gave his answer in kisses.

Dear Readers,

I hope this chapter made sense to you. As you might have noticed, I didn't write the events in this chapter in chronological order, and I hope you can understand why I wrote it the way I did. If it didn't make any sense, please, I'm all ears ...ask away, and I'll answer.

It was a challenge writing the dream part, so I hope I've done it justice. And mostly, I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I have enjoyed seeing the feedbacks in the previous chapter. So a big thank you for that!

Let me know what you thought about the latest instalment and until the next update, take care of your health and keep up the positive vibes. X 😀❤️

ADDED UPDATE - An explanation to this chapter

I was trying to be clever and do the first two part of this chapter in the reverse order that I may have left you confused than enlightened. I have copied and pasted an explanation to the question posted by one reader in AO3. I hope this will help clarify things. So here goes:

The dream was brought about by two triggers. First, was Jamie's conversation with Murtagh in Chapter five. Although in Jamie's dream he'd been the one to save Claire, in reality, it had been Murtagh. But it was Jamie who carried Claire to safety after Murtagh instructed him to. This was the conversation:

Murtagh puffed out a breath. "The last time ye saw Henry, he was in a car accident ...with his family."

"What?" he choked.

Murtagh turned tired-looking eyes on him, and there was a deep sadness in them that startled him. "It was the day they were coming back to Broch Mordha for the first time in years. I heard talks around the village that they've rented a wee cottage from Mrs Baird. And also heard words about a wean. I didnae want to stick around to find out. I thought I'd take a wee trip to Skye and stay there until Henry and his family were gone. I was just packing when ye came barging into my hoose tellin me that a car had smashed to a tree. I came running oot like a gudgeon with ye right behind me. Ye must have been nine or ten. It wasnae far from where I lived then. By the time I got there, Henry was still alive, and Jules was unconscious. He ordered me to get the bairn first and then Jules. My first thoughts were to save Jules, but the wee child was screaming, and Henry was begging me to save her. Between the two of us, we managed to get wee Claire oot, and I ordered ye to take her as far as possible from the site. And that ye did. But I couldnae save Harry and Jules because the car caught fire and Henry lost consciousness. When I smelt gasoline, I had to run, and that's when the car exploded."

The second trigger was brought about by seeing Uncle Lamb's similarity to Harry and also by their conversation via video conference. Towards the end of their conversation uncle Lamb realised Jamie was the young boy who'd carried Claire to safety before the car exploded. Uncle Lamb would have remembered this because he was the only living guardian of Claire and the story of his brothers' demise would have been passed on to him when he came to collect Claire. You will also notice that Jamie found it strange the sudden turn around in uncle Lamb's demeanour at the end of their talk. But Jamie hadn't known the reason for this until after the dream. The dream in a way brought back all the suppressed memories and everything clicked in place together.

Now Jamie is unsure of asking Claire what she knew about the crash and telling her his dreams. Seeing her happy and contented, he didn't want her to relive that past in case more grief than good comes out of it.

I hope I made more sense here. X

#melodyheart #wonderwall #milesbetweenus #ClaireBeauchamp/JamieFraser #claire beauchamp #jamie fraser #outlanderfanfic

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whentherewerebicycles · 3 years ago

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good morning from my snuggle monster (seen above making a rare emergence from under the blankets). I am doing my best not to succumb to apocalyptic feelings about roe v. wade… everyone gets to cope/respond in their own way but for me personally the doomspiraling and doomscrolling cycles I get caught in are just never a healthy or productive response and I want to disconnect from the news a bit while I think about how I want to process stuff. ultimately my panic will have no influence whatsoever on powerful people who are committed to stripping away the civil rights and bodily autonomy of the vulnerable, and the more time I spend incapacitated by stress the less I am able to do good work in the spheres where I do have influence. so I made a big donation this morning to a TX abortion access fund and now, for today at least, I am gonna try to emotionally bracket it to focus on other stuff.

okay. some small good news is my sleeping pills continue to be magic and I slept 9 hours again last night, which helped chip away a little bit at the hostel weekend sleep deficit lol. I want to see if I can get most of this symposium planning work done today. here’s the day:

up at 8, short walk with dogs

8:30-9:30 coffee/emails

9:30-11 I can write if I want or if I’m feeling restless I can work on this poster design. I’m not gonna overthink it!

11-12 shower, get ready, timesheets

12:15ish leave for campus

12:30-1 prep for meetings, poster design

1-1:30 JH meeting

1:30-2 poster design

2-2:30 AU meeting

2:30-3 NH meeting

3-3:30 MN meeting

3:30-4:30 circulate poster and schedule to my invitees and post on social media accounts… also walk over to the building and wander around to see if that space is going to be big enough/maybe find alternate room…

5-6 head home & walk dogs

6-8:30 hockey, but if it starts to hurt me I get to walk away from it lol

evening: try to write for a bit; maybe drop by Walgreens to ask about transferring Rx

tomorrow (Wed) is my blessed no-meetings day and I think I’ll prob try to use it to get feedback to KC, ML, and VB… each project will prob take 1-2 hours so that’ll be a big chunk of the day. I also want to work on my short opening remarks for the conference at some point, although I think it’ll be easy to cobble together a talk from last year’s stuff and those big presentations I did earlier in the year. and I want to do really nice personalized handwritten letters for each student for our end-of-semester luncheon, something I know is gonna take me forever… so I want to start a doc where I can be jotting down notes throughout the week & maybe do a bit more sustained work on that tomorrow. I think today’s big priority is just to get that goddamn poster done, get the event space reservation stuff nailed down, and maybe try to track down some info about video equipment.

#daily processing #trying not to stress about writing either.. this week is just busy it can’t be helped

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hisunshiine · 4 years ago

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Escape ✈︎ Chapter 13

✈︎ chapter 13: Island Frustrations | ✈︎ Escape Series — 18+, Mature

✈︎ genre: light smut, cliffhanging

✈︎ word count: 3770 words

✈︎ pairing: Jungkook x Reader and Jimin x Reader [both readers are named OC’s (chapter from two POV’s)]

✈︎ warnings: cursing, g.o.d. Namjoon makes an appearance, rough kissing, over the clothes touching, playful ass smacking, cock palming, sounds of sex, alcohol consumption

✈︎ summary: Namjoon shares the urgent and not so good news, the women present an idea, and pivotal mistake is made.

✈︎ an: Thank you for reading! The Island Drama is slowly revealing itself—an intertwining of events that will end up being quite unfortunate. A reader was featured in the storyline upcoming storyline for catching the mistake, and in the future (once tumblr matches the other uploads) there will be more chances to be featured!

VANESSA POV

Sitting there in the meeting, you were nervous about what Namjoon had to say. You had gotten to know him pretty well over the many weeks you had been on the island, and as Deputy Mayor, you had met with the man several times about different things, but this was a different type of frustrated energy that was emanating off of him. You were sat in the conference room where he had sent you and Jungkook after you had walked in on a very compromising position he had one of your friends in, and around the table, you could see everyone shifting tensely in their chairs as they waited for Namjoon to finish setting up his laptop to the overhead projector. He was struggling to get the HDMI cord in properly, but no one wanted to step in and help in fears he would become madder.

“This fucking shit— why is this? Mother fucker.”

“Joon,” you were about to step in and offer help when he turned to you and extended the HDMI cord to you.

“Vanessa, can you—?”

You nodded, standing up and coming around the table to the front where he was at and plugging it in effortlessly.

You sat back down, heart still racing from the tension in the room, afraid of what Namjoon was going to bring up onto the screen. You had been waiting for a formal meeting to bring up some concerns that the girls on the island had, and while you were finally given the meeting to do so, you worried that this was not the right meeting to bring it up. Namjoon sat down, clicking through his internet tabs until his email popped up. He ran his fingers through his hair and placed his glasses onto his face before steepling his fingers in front of him.

“So, before we get started, I wanted to open up the floor to you guys. I know we had to put off the meetings for a bit, so I understand that there may be some concerns to address first.”

Namjoon eyes the table, resting his gaze on each of his 6 members, Talia, her assistant, and yourself. Talia, sitting across from you next to Jimin and Yoongi, widens her eyes slightly, nudging you to speak up. You shake your head almost imperceptibly, but Jungkook squeezes your thigh under the table. He’s the only one of the members who knows about what you wanted to say. You look at him, and he offers you his soft bunny smile. Placing your hand on his, you brace yourself with a deep breath and speak.

“Actually, Joon, there was something that I wanted to discuss with everyone.”

Namjoon sets his eyes on you, the coal-colored pupils burning through to your soul.

“Sure, Ness, what’s up?” His voice is soft, and you can see him actively self-soothing himself with deep breaths to be calm.

“Well, I first want to say that we, I mean, all of the girls here, we’re all so grateful for everything you guys have done for us and provided. This island is everything that we wanted it to be, and more, with you 7 here with us.” You smile at each of them as you pause. “But, we feel, well… We feel that we aren’t contributing enough to the island. We lowkey feel like gold diggers, for lack of a better word.”

Some of the boys chuckle, and you can see them getting ready to deny it, so you continue.

“Look, we know that we aren’t, but at the same time, we know that we don’t contribute to the funds. And that’s just the facts. We want to do something, I know the girls have discussed running an Etsy store or something so we can use our creative sides and have something that we feel can fulfill us, especially when you guys have to leave for tour and different scheduled things, and so we just wanted to be able to discuss options for this.”

“But, Ness, you guys don’t have to contribute, we enjoy having you all here.” Hobi says. “You can certainly do some fun creative things, I’m sure, but working? You don’t have to.”

“I appreciate that Hobi, I do, but we want to be more valuable to you guys. Not saying that we aren’t, but we want it to be more than just sex and companionship. We want it to be mutual. You guys provide us with sex and companionship as well, so that is mutual. But we don’t provide for you guys, or contribute to our expenses, so we want to do more in that realm.”

Namjoon nods, and you can see the gears in his head spinning.

“Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Vanessa. I didn’t realize you ladies were feeling this way.”

You nod, lacing your fingers with Jungkook’s now that your heart has stopped its frantic beating.

“I definitely hear you, and your concerns. They are important, but for right now, we’re gonna table it. It’s still a priority for me, for all of us, but I want you to hear my news first so you understand why we have to put it on hold for the time being.”

Namjoon leans back, cracking his fingers.

“I received some troubling news.” He sighs, increasing the magnitude of the email with a few clicks.

“Talia, Vanessa… We have to stop the expansion plans.”

“What? Why?” Talia asks, eyes feverishly reading the words projected onto the screen from Namjoon’s email.

“I’ve been having a hard time dealing with getting things approved for us. A major reason for that is because we aren’t an official country yet, despite all of our attempts. There isn’t any formal way to become a country, so we’re struggling to get the approvals needed for permits, as well as the fact that tariffs and import fees are astronomical for construction supplies. The cost for the houses that were just completed equals the revenue of a 2 night concert for us.”

Everyone gasps, taking in what Namjoon was saying. Talia’s assistant is scrambling to type everything down that is being reported to you all.

“Plus, becoming a formal country then puts everything we have at risk. We would have to put all the information on record, the government leaders, the census… It would look suspicious if it identified the population as 17 females and 7 males, and 2 of them being identified as Bangtan… people will figure it all out pretty quickly.”

He sighs again, closing his eyes as he takes a deep breath. Re-opening them, he turns to Talia.

“We have to contact everyone who we’ve been working with to hold off on any more construction plans. I know that I’m asking for a lot from you, and you as well, Vanessa, but we need to do this.”

You turn to Talia’s assistant, who you lovingly call by her nickname of ‘Voyeur’ ever since she watched you and Jungkook when she first arrived at the island.

“Voyeur, I’m sorry, to do this to you on such short notice, but this means you can’t have those days off you wanted.. We’re gonna be at the office all week handling this, which means your role of handling all official island correspondence for the giveaway begins ASAP. I’m sure we can make it up to you.”

She nods, blushing slightly at the implications of your words as she continues typing, looking between you and Jungkook as her fingers fly across the keyboard.

“That being said,” Namjoon cuts in, “I want to say thank you for all the hard work at getting these last houses completed. Some of the furniture was delivered yesterday, and it’s all set up for the girls who are moving, so today we’re gonna spend the day moving people into their houses and getting everyone settled.”

Namjoon pulls up a screen with the house listing as Taehyung passes a stack of the same listings around the table.

“The rest of the furniture for the empty rooms are not coming yet, as it wasn’t a priority.”

He motions to Talia, who stands up and begins to explain the list to you and the guys.

“As you know, we had to have some of our girls share a room, and now that these houses are done, we now have the space for everyone to have their own room again.”

You eye the list that you helped create, listening to the updates that Talia had.

“Vanessa, your house will resume having one free room for all the new arrivals. Right now, I know it has 2 twin beds in there from the girls sharing a space, I’ll get a queen size bed put in there when I get some time. For now, we’ll have the two pack their stuff and move to their new houses, and worry about the rest later.

“I love the names of the houses!” Jin says as he eyes the list Namjoon put up.

“We thought it was fitting.” Talia grins, looking at Jimin, who had helped her with the plans.

“So, as soon as the meeting is done, the first order of business is moving everyone who needs to move. Please have all hands on deck to get everyone situated, that way we can get back to business as usual.” Namjoon’s voice was calm now, all of the tension in the room seemed to have eased once he was able to share the burden.

Looking at the notes you took yourself, it didn’t look so bad once it had been discussed how to move forward. Of course the issue of money was still ever present, but at least at this moment, the houses were completed and you could put the expansion on pause. With everything going on, it wasn’t a huge deal to slow down building, just a pain in the ass to contact everyone and negotiate how much time you would need before continuing. Being in different time zones from the people you were working with made it that much more difficult. You would have to run to the office at all hours this next week to make sure that you were able to talk with each builder and contractor to get Namjoon’s request done, but you would do it.

“Okay, so we all can agree that we need to generate some type of income for the island, at least until we can figure out a way to become an official country, if that is even what we want to do.” Yoongi said, trying to summarize.

“Yes.” Namjoon nodded his head.

“And the girls want to help with that..” Yoongi continued, “okay. I bet there is a way that we can combine the two. In order to expand, we need money. The girls want to help with revenue. Now we just need an idea.”

“So,” Jin cut into Yoongi’s musings, “we can spend time this week brainstorming ideas. We’re not going to solve it now, and we have other things to do, like move people into their new homes and cook dinner for the residents of this island.”

Jungkook, Taehyung, and Hobi’s stomachs all chose that moment to growl, co-signing Jin’s statement.

“It shouldn’t take long… I think only 4 girls are actually moving.” Talia shared. “So Jin, you can head to EatJin and start dinner. The girls moving aren’t any of your helpers, and Angel is staying in her assigned home.”

“Yes, Jin, you can go.” Namjoon said, and Jin left, but not before kissing the girls on the cheek and patting each boy roughly, but lovingly, on the head.

“Okay then, well, I have some last minute things to handle,” Namjoon said, standing as he unplugged his laptop. “Go ahead and start moving the 4 girls, and then ladies, please start getting everything organized for the expansion halt. Email me the notes on the meeting, and I’ll look into ways to get you ladies more mutually involved with funds, okay?”

Voyeur nods, blushing at being the sole attention of Namjoon and his smiling dimples, before rushing out of the conference room with her laptop tucked under her arm.

Jungkook stands and pulls out your chair, offering you his hand before pulling you along behind him as you exit the room.

“Think we have time for a quickie?” he says when he has you alone in the hallway.

“Baby, we have to help people move out of my house—”

Jungkook stops your flow of thoughts with a kiss, pushing you up against the wall. His hand creeps down to the apex of your thighs, rubbing harsh, tight circles against where he knows your clit is. Your hips rut forward in need, and any opposition you have to a quickie dies down as he pulls away from the kiss, breathing heavily as he takes in your appearance. His tongue runs along his bottom lip, red and slightly swollen already from the intensity of the kiss, and his hand is still working against your clothed core.

“Fuck, yea… let’s go. My house.” You sigh out a soft moan as he slows his ministrations, knowing he has you right where he wants you.

“They have to pack up anyway.” He says into your ear softly, and you can’t fault his logic. He follows you out to the waiting golf cart, smacking your ass as you climb into the driver side to cross over so he can drive. You plan to tease him the whole way there, praying he doesn't crash the cart as your hand takes a firm grip of his growing cock.

TALIA POV

As the meeting came to a close, Jimin gave you the “meet-me-in-the-hallway” look. You make sure everyone is making an exit, as you don’t want to be the first one chasing out of here.

“Talia, you girls should come by and have some drinks by the pool after we get everyone moved that needs to move…” Jimin asks you, waiting for a response, “soooo, is that a yes or no?”

You smile; leaving him in suspense is your favorite thing.

“We’ll come, let loose before we get to the real business.”

He gives your ass a tight squeeze.

“Talia,” you hear your assistant call your name, “hey, I almost forgot you were here.”

“Oh, well, I was going to head to the office and check on the Bangtania registration forms, unless you want me to help move people.”

“Why don’t you get on that, because it’s almost 7:00pm now and by the time you’re done, we’ll be ready to go to the OT7 pool for a little private siore` of sorts. I think we all need some drinks and to let loose a little.”

She smiles and nods.

“Of course, I’ll hurry and verify the information from the registration forms and then get the plane ticket ordered.”

She scurries off with her laptop, headed straight to the office to get her business handled; she loves to party with people that are full of tension, because it usually leads to a little sexual release.

Jimin grabs your hand and pulls you with him to his golf cart. He begins driving, but in a completely opposite direction.

“Jimin-ah, where are you going?” You only ask because you don’t want to not be there to help Vanessa and Jungkook.

“It’s a surprise,” he says with a sly smile as he continues driving.

Soon you realize he just wanted to take the long way there, holding your hand as you two enjoy the peaceful ride around the island.

“I know how you love to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature sometimes, especially when you’re stressed. I could tell during the meeting you were getting stressed; you shake your foot, causing your whole body to shake, it’s cute.”

“Jimin, that’s so sweet, just a regular romantic gentleman you are. I thought this was going to be like the one time when we snuck off… Best. Night. Ever. Period.”

He blushes and grips your hand even tighter. After about 15 minutes you arrive at the newly coined ‘Wings’ house to get the two girls in the welcome room moved to their respective houses.

Upon entering the house, you notice that Vanessa has her bedroom door closed, and then you hear the slightly muffled moans as well as the ‘thwack’ of her headboard against the wall.

“Nessa, make it quick, we have a pool and drinks waiting with our names written on it. Tonight, we need to unwind!” You yell through her door.

“Be— uh, we’ll be right…” you hear a slight moan and a gentle ass smack.

“Out!” you hear Jungkook say, sounding winded.

Jimin squeezes your ass and you give him the look.

“Jimin-ah, as bad as I want to let you fuck me senseless right now, I don’t want to get on Joon’s bad side right now, so we need to get these girls moved around and then you can have me any which way you want me… After I get to have some of those special cocktails.”

He leans forward and kisses your lips, he loves when you boss him around because you always baby him later.

“Fine, Talia, but I want it how I want it later.” He pushes into you, letting you see that he was getting aroused, but pulls away showing that he can wait until later.

You start helping the 2 girls get packed, loading their belongings onto the golf carts outside and bringing their stuff to the respective house they will be staying in. Once Tae, Hobi and the others came from EatJin, everything moved much quicker.

“Done!” Yoongi yelled once all the boxes and bags had been unloaded and put inside of the girls' new rooms. “Now it’s time for my special drinks at the pool… Last one there has to make the drinks!” He laughed as he said the last part, because he’s the designated bartender and is usually the slowest moving one.

—

With drinks flowing and music going, everybody at the pool is feeling a lot less stressed than they were at the meeting. Jungkook and Jimin are having a very intense discussion with Taehyung about why they each need a “special” companion, just somebody they know will be there when they don’t want to sleep alone, someone they can talk to about everything .

You smile, seeing how passionate Jimin gets about it, glancing at you every once in a while, sending you air kisses and finger hearts.

“Talia?! Earth to Talia!” Vanessa and Voyeur tease you.

“Sorry, I’m just drunk, wet, both literally and figuratively, and they are over there talking about why they need us, rather than showing us.” All three of you laugh, clinking your red cups together and slamming what’s left in them down.

“Yoongles! We need more drinks, love.” You shake your empty cup at him and he comes walking to the poolside with a pitcher.

“You are lucky Jimin likes you so much… All that sass talk, I would have to definitely show you why they call me ‘King’.” He winks at you as he pours your drinks.

“Let’s make a toast,” you say, “to finding a way to be more stress free and get laid more often!”

Vanessa and Voyeur look at you like you have gone mad, then you all three start laughing, tap your cups together and guzzle down your drinks.

Starting to feel a lot more buzzed, you coax the girls out of the pool to dance. The guys took notice from the pool and watched for a bit, provocative hip rolls and thrusts, playful ass smacks, exactly what you need to do to get their attention.

Soon after, Jimin and Jungkook exit the pool, joining the three of you on your makeshift dance floor. The sexual tension is high, hips rolling, thrusting, grinding against each other. Jimin’s mouth is biting and sucking at your neck, leaving little marks, darker with each suck; he whines for you to take him right there.

“Voyeur!” You suddenly yell.

“Yes, Talia, do you need help?!” She’s glassy eyed, and you’re sure your eyes look the same.

“The registration for the upcoming arrival?! Did you do that yet? It’s already almost 9:30!?”

She stands there with a confused look on her face.

“Oh shit, I totally forgot to! I think? No I totally forgot! Fuck! I’ll head over there now and get it sent out, considering that they will be leaving this weekend to come here. I will talk to you tomorrow guys, gotta go.”

You laugh at the way she totally butchers the word ‘considering’, the alcohol causing her words to slur.

She grabs a towel and heads back to the main house, leaving the others to enjoy each other.

“I feel bad, I mean, I know how she likes to watch, but that has to be done ASAP.”

Vanessa and Jungkook agree with you.

“Well, we’re going to the bungalow guys, we will see you tomorrow.”

They leave to enjoy a quiet night in the private bungalows that each boy has, a cul-de-sac of cute small units near the ocean. They’re almost unable to keep their hands off each other, making out the whole way to the door.

“Tali-baby, let’s just go up to my room in the dorm, I don’t have the patience to wait.”

Usually you would pout and make a big deal, but tonight he wants to be pampered. You know exactly what he needs. And since the sliding glass doors next to the pool lead straight inside to the stairs up to his room...

“Okay, Jimin-ah, just this one time, but you’ll have to be quiet. We don’t need to have the whole dorm hear us.”

He smiles and kisses you, first gently with his soft, full lips. Naturally, your lips part for him and he slides his tongue in, coaxing yours out and into his waiting mouth. His hand gently holding you by the side of your neck, he pulls you closer to him, pushing his hard member into you.

When he pulls away to take a breath, you take him by the hand and lead him to his dorm room.

—

Across the island, back at the main house which is mostly dark for the night, a single light is on in the small alcove office right in the entryway. Seated at the desk is Voyeur, who has her laptop open as she slumbers next to it on the desk. On the screen, there shows an empty drafts folder in her email, and 2 sent emails:

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cosmicbash · 4 years ago

Note

One the angsty prompt ideas I’ve been thinking about is Kells practicing how to cook for weeks so he can surprise Em by cooking him dinner, maybe for an anniversary or something, and on the day Kells has planned to surprise him, Em is hours late, leaving Kells alone for the evening. If you’re interested maybe you could write something like this? 🥰

3 years together. One thousand and ninety five fucking days between him and this old dorky man.

It's insane. Downright impossible to believe but Colson knows it's as real and true as the 2 year sobriety chip he's got hung around his neck on the gold chain Marshall gifted him with it this morning.

Both their relationship and his sobriety are as intertwined as their lives are now. Marshall's like the glue that holds all of his pieces together. Picking Colson back up, time and time again whenever he shattered in the beginning and filling in the gaps with his own loose pieces until it was Colson's turn to do the same. Which, by then, it only made sense to combine their puzzles and broaden the picture.

Now Marshall swoops in for Casie's PTA meetings he can’t make during tour. Holding the phone and helping him FaceTime for soccer games and school conferences when flight delays or bad luck keeps him late.

Colson tags along to Whitney's first few dates out in LA, weaving through the public spaces Marshall never could without drawing attention just to make sure she's safe and respected.

They tag team any situation involving the girls, even though Alaina and Hailey both still snicker at him from time to time, and Casie rolls her eyes at Marshall's rules. They're more than just dating now.

They're family.

And even just thinking about that brings tears to Colson's eyes.

Or maybe it's the onions. Baze said chewing gum helped mitigate this fucking problem but goddammit does it burn-

"Fuck!"

He has no idea how he got it in his mind that he could actually cook a meal, let alone a full anniversary dinner for Marshall but here he is. A pot and pan already cooking on the stove and his fingers knicked a dozen times in his rush to cut up more veggies for the sauce.

It's insane.

But Colson's following through with it anyway, because he fucking loves Marshall and that bastard cooks dinner for them every single holiday or occasion so it's about time he stepped up to the plate and did it himself.

Plus he's been secretly practicing for weeks with Baze over both FaceTime and a few in person lessons. Perfecting his simmering styles and meat seasoning to make the tastiest meal he can manage all on his own.

So far the last three times he's made the dish his bassist had given stellar reviews so there's little chance he'll somehow fuck it up tonight knowing it's for Marshall…..at least, he hopes.

The minor setbacks his butchered fingers have brought aside though, so far everything was coming along perfectly. His noodles are boiling (never over the rim, thank you wooden spoon trick), his meats marinating, and as soon as he tosses these sliced onions in his sauce will be cooking down beautifully.

All in all the night is starting to look like it just might be perfect.

Until 6 o'clock passes by and Colson's ears never pick up the click of the front door knob, or the hum of Marshall's escalade pulling up front outside.

The food's still simmering, minutes away from being actually done so he doesn't worry too much. Sure he was hoping to have a sweet moment where his boyfriend comes home and catches him cooking at the stove like a traditional housewife, but seeing his face when the food's done and plated promises to be just as cute.

Besides, Marshall has always fit the housewife role so much better than him anyway. Even the apron Colson's wearing is one of the older rapper's, stolen from his small collection in the pantry to protect his designer sweater.

Colson doesn't start to worry at 6. Traffic can be a bitch.

7 though? And then 7:30 when his texts go unread and his calls ring all the way through to voice-mail? That's when the blonde starts to fret.

He's luckily put off plating because some brief flash on uncertainty had run through him after the food finished so it's stayed warm and simmering on the stove. But even that had to come to an end before 7:30 because his sauce would singe or his noodles might squish, so now Colson's trying to keep busy by perfecting the presentation. Shaky fingers swiping around the edges of Marshall's plate to clean up a splatter of sauce. Every Chopped Judge rambling off feedback in his head until he has it looking like something he's certain even Gordon fucking Ramsey would ask for a bite of.

By 8 the dinner table is set. His plate, Marshall's, the bucket of low alcoholic wine they both love chilling as a centerpiece. Colson even lights a few candles and adds some flowers from this mornings gift exchanges to keep himself from screaming.

There's a pit in his stomach that's steadily been growing though. Every passing minute and glance to his phone where he finds no change only carving it deeper.

Marshall should be home. He never runs this late at the studio without a call, let alone without a message. He's treated his work like any other 9-5 job since before they ever even got together, always strict about his routine and careful to make up for over run hours by leaving earlier the next day. Usually Colson likes to bust his balls and insist he live a little more spontaneously but tonight isn't the one to pull that.

Especially not if it means Marshall's going to completely forget to check his fucking phone and leave him trying not to think the worst.

Colson only males it another 5 minutes before he caves and texts Paul. Fingers tapping fast across his screen to draft multiple desperate sounding messages before he finally settles on a "Em bust his phone again?" That feels just casual enough to not embarrass him in the off chance Marshall decides to burst through the front door seconds after it sends.

The door stays closed though and Paul doesn't open the message at all.

Now Colson can't even start passive aggressively eating dinner on his own if he wanted too. The pit in his stomach has torn itself open wide into a nauseous chasm. Every scary possibility he wanted to avoid thinking about spilling forth from the dark trench like ghouls.

He's dead. Some crazy fan broke into the studio and shot the whole place up. No one's gotten around to tell him yet, that's all. They're too busy dealing with the fallout.

No, Em's security is beyond top tier, and with how close Colson and his current bodyguard are he knows the guy would call him immediately. Marshall's fine.

Unless… what if he was in a car accident? Or some road rage incident gone fatal? Colson's seen Marshall's short temper flare up while driving. They've made dozens of jokes about it in the past, so is it really that unreasonable to believe?

Colson's pacing in the front haul when he calls Porter. Phone tucked between his ear and shoulder while he fights his shoe laces, heart racing in his chest. Prepping to fly out of the house the second Denaun tells him what fucking hospital Marshall's staying in, praying it's at the ICU section and not some fucking morgue.

"Kelly?" The older man sounds confused when he finally answers. Voice high and tone light like he's expecting this to be a butt dial. "What's up man?"

The lack of rush or worry in Denaun's voice almost soothes Colson's panic right on the spot. Surely he wouldn't sound so casual if something had happened.

It's enough to keep Colson from immediately pleading for Marshall's safety at the least. "H-hey, uh nothing really-" Maybe Marshall is even with him right now, realizing how fucking late its gotten and how shit of a boyfriend he's been and that's why Denaun sounds awkward too. "Just uh, waiting for Marsh to get his slow ass home ya know? Sorry, aheh, I'm probably sounding like a fucking needy girlfriend right now, calling his friends and shit-" the longer Colson rambles the more embarrassed he actually feels in the moment.

God he must sound pathetic right now. Panicking over Marshall being a few hours late.

"Waiting? Didn't Marshall head out like 2 hours ago?"

"W-what?"

Colson's blood feels like actual ice in his veins.

"He isn't home? I mean, I know he was gonna stop at- fuck is it already half past 8? Marshall seriously isn't home?" Denaun's sudden panic only heightens Colson's own, but he can't get any more words to come out. Not with how a rock feels like it's jumped up his throat. "Shit, Ryan are you getting through to him? Try Paul-"

Ryan's there too?

"What? Paul's gotta fucking answer-"

They can't get ahold of Paul either?

"Kelly have you-"

Marshall's missing. Colson's been standing around making dinner for hours, worrying over the portion sizes and appearance of his plates and Marshall's been fucking missing. What kind of partner is he? What will he even tell Hailey? Alaina? And fuck Casie is supposed to be coming up this weekend so they can all go vacation together before his next tour-

The front door bumping into his shoe startles Colson out of his frozen panic. Denaun's angry shouting dropping from his ear, as he twists and meets a pair of sheepish blue eyes peeking around the hardwood.

"Hey."

Marshall's…..

"Is that my apron?"

So fucking dead.

"Is this your--" Colson's fingers are curling around the edge of the door so fast he doesn't even care that it makes his phone fly to the floor. "That's what you want to fucking say to me!?" His anger is boiling fast, replacing the cold in his veins with lava. "You fucking piece of-"

Marshall stumbling inside with the yanked door is expected, but the flash of bandages and a sling douse Colson's flames like a bucket of water. "Ow, fuck just give me a second to explain-"

He's hurt.

Now with all of Marshall visible Colson's hyperaware of dry blood splattered on his white graphic tee and scratches partially hidden within the rapper's beard along his cheek. "I got in an accident out on the M-8, it was minor but-"

Colson really can't handle all these rapid mood switches Marshall is putting him through today.

“You fucking idiot-“ Tears are bubbling up in his eyes and it’s like his hands can’t reach his partner fast enough. Pulling Marshall into his arms for a tight hug despite the pained noises his actions inspire. “Stupid, old asshole-“ Marshall’s hurt, the cars probably wrecked, but he’s home and that’s enough of a relief to finally smother that pit weighing down his stomach. “Don’t ever scare me like that again!”

A moment passes before he’s hugged back, shock more than likely freezing his partner up but when Marshall does loop his good arm around Colson he pulls him close. So close Colson is the one who’s bones feel like they might ache. “Can’t make any promises about that,” The older rapper’s palm feels warm when it climbs to cup his neck, Marshall’s face turning to press a kiss into Colson’s throat.

That brush of lips is the final crack to release the flood gates.

"I love you."

"I know."

"I really really fucking love you."

"I know baby."

"I don't care how old your ass is, you better hold out and fucking die after me like a proper goddamn boyfriend, you hear me Marshall?" He's getting snot all over the older rapper's shirt. Full on smearing it across his own cheek and the fabric with every pointless rub of his face. "I love you so fucking much. Can't do this without you."

"Told you I'm not dying after you unless you kill me first, and I'm chasing you into the afterlife once you do go too. Fuck all the marriage shit, death ain't parting us either you brat." Marshall's tone is light and his palm is doing wonders to comfort him by rubbing circles into his back. It's enough to slow his hiccupped breathing down a few notches. "I dunno if you noticed but, I'm a little obsessed with you."

That drags out a wet snort. "Y-yeah?" When Colson pulls back to meet Marshall's eyes he swears he can see a wet shimmer starting to glaze over his partner’s as well. "Prove it then."

There's a flicker of something in blue eyes, so fast that Colson almost thinks he hallucinates the emotion altogether. But then Marshall's wrapped up arm wiggles between their bodies. The dark blue of the sling catching and sliding so his scratched up fist can shimmy its way partially out. "Planned on it-" There's something clutched tight there, black peeking out from between Marshall's finger and thumb. It's got Colson's heart dropping down into his stomach all over again. "What do you think I was driving so late on the M-8 for?"

"Marshall-" It can't be.

"Colson." But his shithead of an accident victim boyfriend is pulling back, both his good arm and slung arm awkwardly flailing in the air for a moment as he drops down on one knee. The visible wince not hidden as well as Colson imagines the man wants it to be. But Marshall's eyes are softening, and the blonde feels completely cemented in place. The only part of him moving being the uncontrollable shaky quiver of his bottom lip. "I had a whole moment planned, there were flowers, balloons, and those stupidly expensive alcoholic chocolates you love, but they all got absolutely trashed in the crash. Like, half of Detroit is probably going to think the Macies Thanksgiving parade started early. Paul called to have it all replaced, and honestly some intern is probably going to come banging on the door in about 20 minutes but I don't want to wait-" There's a flash of genuine worry that's furrowing the skin between Marshall's brows as he continues. "So I'm sorry this isn't gonna be that fancy perfect proposal you've always dreamed of-"

"Shut up." Colson's voice can't go above a whisper. His tone quick and clipped from how anxious he is to hear the man finally finish. "Just- shut up, ask me. Ask me Marsh, please-"

"Fine, always need to rush me."The rapper's lip quirks at the corners. Hands transferring the small box between eachother with a bit of fumbling. "Will you, Colson Baker-" Until Marshall can finally get it open with an audible clunk. "Legally commit to being with my annoying old ass forever?"

#sorry i had to give it a happy ending #i hope thats okay #🥺🥺#kells totally snots all over Em's shirt even more #and they end up sitting there at the dinner table #Em shirtless and Kells grinning like an idiot #eating cold food and being utterly inlove until the intern finally shows up #em slipping him a good couple hundred dollar tip #emgk #asks

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cosplayingwitch · 4 years ago

Text

"Presentation is Everything"

Part two of "Finding My Way Home" series

Takes place 6-8 months after the last chapter

Prompt: flowers

Pairing: f!reader x Poe Dameron

Summary: Reader has graduated with their masters and had to leave their roommate/best friend/(crush?) behind as they go on to a doctoral program at a different university. Reader is about to present her work at a professional conference and an unexpected surprise calms her down.

Triggers: panic attack, slight stalker-ish behavior, these two being complete idiots, swearing

Tags: @make-me-imagine

It’d been over six months since you’d seen your best friend, Poe Dameron. You were successful enough with your thesis (even while practically teaching a field class for Professor Solo) and graduated with your Masters degree. And with the help of Professor Solo’s recommendation, you'd gotten into your dream school for your PhD.

Which meant moving two states away from your best friend/roommate. Not exactly something you’d wanted to do, but this wasn’t an opportunity you could turn down.

When you’d told Poe, he was very supportive, but still sad about the whole thing. You’d definitely stay in touch, you insisted. There was social media, zoom, all of that.

“Plus we could always meet up somewhere between us!” you told him. “It wouldn’t be more than a couple hours for each of us.”

That didn’t mean you didn’t miss him. His random breaking into song at what could be described as the worst possible times. What he always described as his ‘fact of the day’, which always dissolved into a random string of thoughts. (He still sent you his ‘fact of the day’ via text, but it wasn’t the same without his commentary.)

Remembering the night you spent stargazing, you also realized you missed your chance to tell him how you felt. To outright ask him out on a date. You always rationalized the urge away as not wanting to ruin your friendship, as him probably not feeling the same way as you. Who knows if he was even into girls (or anyone at all). In the many years you’d lived together, he’d never brought someone back to the apartment you shared.

(That’s because he wanted you, your heart shouted at you, you’re an idiot to let that go. But your brain insisted there had to be other reasons.)

Either way, the research you’d done with Professor Solo didn’t just get you into your doctoral program. You’d be presenting at a research conference soon. On your own. (That was a theme with Professor Solo. He’d help you start something, then insist you do the rest of the work.) This was your first time even attending this conference, let alone presenting at one. My god, you thought. How am I supposed to do this? Alone?

This will go down in flames, the voice in your head continued. You’ll fuck it up and ruin your academic reputation. And then never get your doctorate or a job.

When you get to your hotel the day before the conference was set to begin, every worry you’d ever had was spinning through your head. All the ways you could screw up nearly had you in a panic attack. Oh god, you thought, please let me get to my room before I start hyperventilating.

But then, you entered your room to find flowers. Yellow roses with a hint of red. Your favorite.

There was only one person on the planet who knew that. Poe Dameron. But how did he know where to send the flowers? Was he stalking you? The card read:

‘For my friend who I haven’t seen in forever,

My friend who is likely in a panic attack,

My friend who will kill it with her presentation.

You don’t need it, but good luck.’

God, he could write. And it’d been six months and hundreds of miles, but he still knew you well enough to anticipate what you were feeling right now.

In an instant you had your phone out and were calling him.

“Well look who finally called. I guess the flowers did the trick?” Poe answered.

“How did you even know where to send them? I never told you where I was staying! Are you stalking me or something?”

Poe explained, “Well, while you didn’t tell me the hotel you were in, you did tell me every other detail about the conference. And their website had the ‘official hotel’ of the conference, so I figured you’d stay there. The office there wouldn’t say if you were, but did tell me I could get flowers delivered there and he’d make sure they went where they needed to go. I took the chance. Obviously it worked, you called me and I didn’t even leave my name on the card.”

“You could say that. Thanks, by the way. You were right, I’m starting to freak out. I’m presenting my research tomorrow. The stuff I did for my masters. All these other presenters already have their doctorates.” you reason with him. “Maybe I’ll get there someday.”

Poe about exploded through the phone. “MAYBE? MAYBE you’ll get that degree ‘some day’? I did NOT lose my best friend to another university three states away to ‘maybe’ get a degree. You WILL get it. Not tomorrow, but eventually.”

You couldn’t tell if he was angry, joking, or trying to encourage you. A mix of the three? Somehow it did feel like he was trying to give you a pep talk. Break you out of the panic setting in and focus you back on the goal. He knew how much you wanted this and he would never discourage you from going after it.

“Okay then. How about you tell me about what’s going on back home and take my mind off this whole thing.”

Oh god, you thought. You referred to where he was as home. I mean the university, you rationalize, the place where I just lived and studied for six years. Poe’ll probably think that’s the case anyway. You certainly did not mean him.

“Well, you know while you’ve been gone, I went and knocked off another thing on my bucket list. I’m a few weeks away from having my pilot’s license!” Poe stated, which sent you into a small laughing fit. You knew he’d always wanted to, but with his awful driving skills you never thought it’d actually happen.

“Good for you, I guess. Just be careful- I definitely don’t need my best friend dying in a plane crash.”

When you finally got off the phone with Poe, it was late. You’d had room service delivered while you were still talking, him likewise with delivery. In some ways, it was like you were back together again, having dinner on the coffee table while gossiping about the faculty and staff at the university. Who was having an affair, who was being suspected of plagiarism, whatever the next big scandal would be and how the university would cover it up this time.

It was just the thing you needed to make you relax. Your boyfriend best friend supporting you.

You stopped yourself. Not again. Poe was not your boyfriend. He was a friend and nothing more. And you certainly weren’t screwing that up.

Somewhere in the back of your mind, or maybe the bottom of your heart, you couldn’t help but think of him in a romantic way. That maybe your relationship with Poe could evolve into something more. Maybe even hope for that happy ending. After all, he could have just texted you good luck, but he chose to send your favorite flowers and a beautifully written card.

That would count as a romantic overture in your mind. If you were in some kind of cheesy rom-com with him, that is.

Friends. Nothing more. Nothing less. Friends. You remind yourself.

Friends.

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

Poe kept running that conversation over in his mind for days. I was a fucking idiot for sending her flowers, he thought. The note was even worse. Both were definitely something romantic, but he didn’t want you to know that he felt that way about you.

Then you asked about ‘what was going on back home’. Home. Poe asked himself if you meant the university as home, you’d been there for more than six years. Or did you mean him? Your formerly-shared apartment? Was your intention to say you considered the apartment, and him as an extension, as your home?

God, Poe thought. I’m way over thinking it.

But what if she meant that in the same way I meant the flowers? He asked himself. Some kind of idiotic slip of the mind that was only there because of underlying feelings?

Her slip of the tongue wasn’t as bad as his flowers, but it gave him some kind of hope that someday you might actually be a couple, growing your friendship into something more. But he pushed this hope out of his mind as best he could.

After all, they were only friends. Friends only. Nothing more. Nothing less. Just really good friends who know each other's favorite flowers and things that could send them into panic attacks. Friends who lived and studied together for long enough to practically be family.

Home? Just the university they went to. And where he just happened to live, too.

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

Author's Note: So I used this type of flower because they are my personal favorite, but then I decided to look up the 'meaning' behind them... I suggest you do the same... (not intentional, but a really nice coincidence for this)

Also, I'll be updating this again next weekend with posts on Saturday and Sunday. Let me know if you want to be tagged in future chapters!

#meras30daywritingchallenge #poe dameron #fan fiction #flowers #idiots in love #poe dameron x female reader

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potionsprefect · 5 years ago

Text

One Birthday Wish

Ethan Ramsey x Victoria Clarke

Word count: 3.9k

Rating: Teen

Summary: It’s Victoria’s birthday but she’s not as happy as she should be

Category: angst (ish) fluff

Warnings: none (just mild language near the beginning)

“So how was the conference? I bet you loved sitting in board meetings every day.”

“I wish I was anywhere else. I used to look forward to them when I first joined the Diagnostics team but now I loathe them. Don’t dream big otherwise you’ll end up hating what you do.” Ethan laughed.

“At least they’re over now. You can come back to me. The right hand side of the bed has been very cold without you.” Victoria smiled.

Ethan suddenly went silent and Victoria’s heart suddenly sank. “Yeah about that...”

“Ethan? What is it?”

“The organisers want another conference in order to push this deal forward. They said it’s vital that there are no mistakes. I don’t know how long it will last or when I’ll be able to fly back home.” Ethan sighed.

“So you won’t be back in time for my birthday?” Victoria said her voice cracking a little.

“I don’t think so. I’m so sorry sweetheart. If there was anything I could do, I would.”

“It’s ok. I understand.”

“Vic...”

“No it’s ok Ethan, really I do. It just sucks.” Victoria sighed.

“I’ll make it up to you. I promise.” Ethan smiled even though she couldn’t see it.

“I know you will.” Victoria smiled back.

Victoria decided to end the call after that, not wanting to break down in front of Ethan because she knew he would feel helpless. She could feel hot tears rolling down her cheeks as she tried to compose herself.

Ethan had been in Washington D.C for a medical conference on behalf of the Diagnostic team and Edenbrook who were trying to push a deal through with a top pharma executive company on some new drugs for cancer patients. The conference was only meant to last a week and Ethan was meant to fly home tomorrow but now he was stuck there indefinitely. Victoria’s birthday was in two days time and it now looked like Ethan wasn’t going to be back to spend it with her.

Victoria’s eyes gazed towards the boxes that were sat on the other side of her room. They were birthday presents from her family and friends back home and it was just another reminder that Ethan wouldn’t be with her to watch her open them.

Victoria laid down on her bed and cried herself to sleep. She tried to hold the tears back as much as she could but they were freely flowing down her cheeks now. There was no stopping them.

All she wanted was Ethan by her side for her birthday. And that was the one wish she wasn’t able to make come true.

— — — — — — — — — —

17th February 2:17am

Sienna Trinh snuck out of her bedroom with a bag in hand, careful not to make a sound. Her other roommates, bar one should be joining her any minute. She carefully laid out four wrapped presents by the window. She heard the door to one of the bedrooms creak open and she whipped her head round hoping that the one person who didn’t know what was going on hadn’t just walked out of their bedroom.

She breathed a sigh of relief when it was only Jackie. “God Jackie you nearly gave me a heart attack!” Sienna whispered.

“Calm down Sienna. I don’t know why you’ve made us get up this early. We could’ve had at least an extra hour or two.” Jackie rubbed her eyes.

“Everything has to be perfect for Victoria! And we all agreed to set up early!” Sienna rolled her eyes.

“Yeah I seconded that if you remember. I voted for 4am.” Jackie sat on the sofa.

“I don’t know why I agreed to this time. I’ve barely slept.” Aurora said sleepily as Elijah followed behind her.

“You should’ve followed my lead and voted for a 4am start.” Jackie smirked.

“I’m wishing I did.” Elijah sighed.

“Guys this is important! We need Victoria’s birthday to be perfect! Ethan left us strict instructions whilst he sorts out her last present.” Sienna shushed them.

“She still thinks he’s stuck in D.C?” Aurora asked.

“Yes so we need to take her mind off that!”

“Well as long as he doesn’t end up being spotted by Victoria, I’m sure we’ll be fine.” Jackie replied.

The four roommates set up the living room with their presents. Just as they had laid out the last gift, Sienna’s phone buzzed.

“Great! Bryce, Raf and Kyra are here.” Sienna grinned walking over to the apartment door and opening it slowly.

“About time, it’s so cold outside.” Bryce shivered walking into the apartment.

“Keep your voice down! Victoria is asleep!” Sienna shushed him.

“Yeah no shit. It’s the middle of the night.” Bryce rolled his eyes.

“Where do you need us Sienna?” Rafael asked.

“Lay your gifts next to ours and the food can go on the counter next to the cookies I’ve made. I’ll help Kyra with the balloons.”

For the next 20 minutes the group sorted out the last few bits ready for the morning. The apartment was looking very pink, the colour being Victoria’s favourite. There were balloons hanging from the ceiling, and some standing up by the presents, a big happy birthday banner was hanging up by the kitchen counter and there was a ton of food on the counter ready to be consumed. Sienna had made Victoria a cake and her favourite cookies, whilst Rafael’s grandmother had made enough food for everyone to eat for at least three days.

“Is that it?” Kyra asked admiring her handy work.

“There’s one more thing.” Sienna headed to her room and returned with a massive sign that read “HAPPY BIRTHDAY VICTORIA” in bright white letters against a pink back drop with small pink balloons attached to it.

“Blimey Sienna how long have you been planning this.” Bryce laughed.

“Not long. It’s easy when you have a great crew.” Sienna smiled.

“That looks heavy. How did you manage to get it up here?” Jackie raised an eyebrow.

“She didn’t. I did.” Rafael said.

“Yeah and I paid you ten bucks for your help so don’t complain.” Sienna laughed.

“So why did Ramsey tell her he was stuck in D.C?” Bryce asked as the group retreated to the sofas.

“He just told us that he has something to sort for Victoria and felt telling her that he was still in D.C would make her less suspicious.” Elijah shrugged.

“And it definitely did. I heard her crying the other night.” Jackie sighed.

“Just what on earth is he planning?” Kyra asked.

“I don’t know but whatever it is, it better be big and make her cry happy tears rather than sad tears.” Sienna replied.

The group dispersed into their own rooms for the night, Bryce and Rafael with Elijah and Kyra with Jackie. They knew they had to be awake before Victoria.

“I hope she likes it.” Sienna murmured.

“Sienna don’t be silly! She’s going to love it. This is just the pick me up she needs.” Aurora smiled.

“You’re right. She’s going to love it.” Sienna said retreating to her bedroom and setting her alarm for the morning.

— — — — — — — — — —

4:37am

The laptop screen was giving him a headache but he needed to get this done before sunlight. He checked multiple tabs keeping an eye on all of them, seeing what deal was the best.

Ethan hated telling her that he wouldn’t see her on her birthday but it was the only way he could get this done without her noticing. It was anything but the truth as he had returned from D.C two days ago and the night he called her to tell her the news, he was sat in his apartment.

Ethan already had her presents in his apartment, all neatly wrapped up on his kitchen counter. This was just an extra treat for her, something he knew she’d enjoy. But finding flights was a lot more difficult than he anticipated.

He had already authorised the time off with Naveen and told him not to mention it to her. He could practically see him smiling down the phone.

He wasn’t sure why he had so many tabs open. It wasn’t like he couldn’t afford flying first class but trips to Crete in July were highly popular.

The plan today was he would surprise her at the end of her shift outside her apartment and then he’d bring her back here for a meal and other activities. He knew he’d have to apologise for keeping her in the dark but he knew it would all be worth it.

Ethan looked through one deal that caught his eye and he knew he had to go for it. If he wasted anymore time he’d lose the deals altogether. He proceeded with the booking, a smile on his face when it was complete.

Ever since that fateful night with the maitotoxin, Ethan had made it his mission to treat her as often as he could. She had talked about not travelling enough, dedicating her focus to her career more and how she wished she had taken more time to see the world. Ethan promised her he would help her fulfil her wishes when she recovered.

Pleased with himself, he shut his laptop lid and headed to the bed to try and get a few hours sleep.

15 hours. Just 15 hours Ethan until you can hold her in your arms and never let her go. Ethan thought as he drifted off to sleep.

— — — — — — — — — —

6:14am

Victoria’s alarm woke her up and she sat up rubbing her eyes. Before she could even think about getting dressed there was a knock at her door and Sienna came in with a wide smile.

“Happy birthday!” Sienna beamed sitting on the bed and giving Victoria a hug.

“Thanks Si.” Victoria smiled a little.

“Are you ok? I know how upset you were when Ethan told you he wouldn’t be back in time.” Sienna gave her a sympathetic look.

“Yeah I’m ok. It is what it is. And besides I’ve got you and everyone else to keep me company.”

“Exactly! Now come with me. We’ve got a surprise for you.” Sienna said pulling Victoria up and covering her eyes with her hands.

Victoria walked slowly out of her room, Sienna’s hands not moving from her eyes. She knew she was in the living room because she was walking on hard floor compared to the carpet of her bedroom. Sienna removed her hands and Victoria opened her eyes.

“Surprise!” Jackie, Elijah, Aurora, Bryce, Rafael and Kyra cheered when she opened her eyes.

Victoria suddenly felt emotional. There were balloons and presents in the living room and a big sign that said happy birthday on it.

“You guys! You didn’t have to do all this.” Victoria smiled sitting down on the sofa.

“Yes we did it’s your birthday! We know you were upset when Ethan said he wouldn’t be back so we thought we’d surprise you.” Bryce said hugging Victoria.

“When did you do all this? The living room didn’t look like this last night.”

“We set this up early this morning. We had to be quiet so we wouldn’t wake you.” Bryce glared at Sienna who just shrugged.

“And by this morning we mean 2am.” Jackie rubbed her eyes.

“This is the best birthday ever. Thank you” Victoria smiled.

“Are you going to open your presents?” Aurora asked.

“I might wait until Ethan’s back. Whenever that is.” Victoria sighed.

“It won’t be long. He’d never stay away from you for long. He tried in our intern year and he couldn’t do it!” Elijah laughed.

“There is one present you could open.” Sienna said reaching for one in the pile and handing it to Victoria. “This is from all of us.”

Victoria opened the present carefully to reveal a photo album. As she opened it, her smile grew bigger as she saw pictures that dated back to their intern year.

“Do you like it?” Sienna asked.

“Seriously Sienna? I’ve never seen Victoria cry over a present before.” Kyra laughed.

“I love it! Thank you so much.” Victoria said looking at the pictures.

“I told you it was a good present idea.” Rafael said.

“Yes yes it was better than a BattleStar Galatica t shirt.” Elijah laughed.

“Or a coupon to an all you can eat sushi buffet.” Jackie said.

“Or packs of-“

“No Kyra!”

Victoria laughed at her friends. Knowing they all had shifts in less than an hour they all headed back to their rooms to get ready for the day. Sienna stayed behind, texting someone on her phone.

“Who are you texting?” Victoria asked.

“No one! Now are you sure about working today. Naveen did say you could have today off.” Sienna replied cheeks blushing a little.

Victoria gave her a puzzled look but didn’t press further. “Yes I’m sure. It’ll take my mind off of Ethan not being here.” Victoria said standing up and heading to her room to get ready. Making sure she was out of sight, Sienna fired off her last message before she headed to her room to get ready for her shift.

— — — — — — — — — —

Victoria was only three hours into her shift and she had already dealt with four P.I.T.A’s. We’re the P.I.T.A Gods punishing her today?

As she headed out the lab door after delivering her blood sample her pager went off.

Admin desk, delivery.

Confused, Victoria headed to the admin desk where she saw her roommates stood around a large box.

“What’s this?” Victoria asked as she approached them.

“No idea! It’s got your name on it.” Elijah grinned gesturing to the open.

Victoria unsealed the box and pulled out what was inside. It was at least a dozen red roses.

“Wow Victoria! Who bought you those?” Sarah, one of the nurses noticed the bright red roses on the counter. It appeared the interns had noticed as well as they were staring.

“There’s a note there.” Sienna said handing it to her. Victoria took it and opened it.

Hope these brighten up your day like how you brighten up mine.

Happy birthday. I love you.

E x

Victoria didn’t notice her eyes glisten with tears as she read the note over and over again.

“Well I wonder who sent these. I’d never thought I’d see Victoria cry in the workplace.” Jackie laughed giving Victoria a one armed hug.

“It’s my birthday so make an exception.” Victoria said wiping her eyes.

“Would you like me to drop this back at the apartment for you?” Jackie asked.

“Are you due a break?”

“I’ve dealt with two P.I.T.A’s so far this morning. I think I’ve earned a break. I’ll only be 20 minutes.” Jackie smiled.

“That would be great thank you.” Victoria smiled.

“No problem.” Jackie said taking the box of roses and heading out towards the hospital car park.

“You ok?” Sienna asked standing next to Victoria.

“Yeah I’m fine. They were a nice surprise.” Victoria said grabbing a chart and heading off down the hall.

Once she was out of sight, Sienna whipped out her phone and fired off a quick text before she headed back to her patients.

— — — — — — — — — —

Victoria was lost in her thoughts in the cafeteria when her phone buzzing in her pocket pulled her out of her thoughts.

Her heart swelled at the text. Deciding to chance it, she called him, crossing her fingers that he wasn’t in a conference meeting. She wasn’t expecting him to pick up but he did.

“Hello birthday girl.” Ethan said when he answered.

“I took a chance ringing you. I thought you’d be in a conference.” Victoria smiled.

“We’re on a 20 minute break.” Ethan replied.

“Well that’s good. How is it?” Victoria asked.

“Boring as usual. It would be better if you were here.” Ethan replied.

“If only. Those roses really cheered me up so thank you.”

“You deserve to be happy on your birthday. I just wish I could be there with you.”

“Me too. I miss you.” Victoria said a tinge of sadness in her voice.

“I miss you too. I’ll be back soon I promise. And when I am, I’m locking you in my apartment for the foreseeable.” Ethan teased.

“Careful Dr Ramsey, someone might hear you.” Victoria grinned.

“Let them.” Ethan grinned. “I’ve got to go now but I’ll call you later, let me know when your shift ends.”

“Ok I will do. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

When the call ended, Victoria headed back to her patients. She missed Ethan terribly but knew he would be home soon. She couldn’t wait to see him again.

Little did she know Jackie and Ethan were preparing his apartment for her arrival.

— — — — — — — — — —

Hours later Victoria headed out of the hospital and onto the train with her roommates.

“Did you not bring your car back Jackie?” Victoria asked.

“No I decided to walk. It’s not far and I needed the exercise.” Jackie shrugged.

The journey on the train went fairly quickly and soon they were walking down the road to their apartment. Sienna however was texting.

“You’ve been on your phone a lot today. Who are you texting?” Victoria asked. Behind her Aurora, Elijah and Jackie shot her a worried look but Sienna was as cool as a cucumber.

“No one. Just family. They want to know if they can visit at some point so we’re organising dates.” Sienna shrugged.

The group made it outside the apartment door when Sienna stepped in front of Victoria so her back was to the road.

“Before we go in I just wanted to know if you’ve had a good day. I know you’ve dealt with a few P.I.T.A’s today and I specifically told Zaid not to give you any tough cases.” Sienna said.

“I’m ok Sienna. I know you care about me and it’s really sweet. I’m really lucky to have you guys. You’ve made today bearable.” Victoria smiled.

“Well that’s good because we’ve got one last surprise for you.” Aurora smiled.

“Is it a sushi coupon?” Victoria grinned.

“No but that was one of my suggestions for the picture book. It’s something even better.” Jackie laughed.

“What could possibly be better than sushi at a low price?”

“Hopefully this.” Sienna said gesturing behind her.

Victoria turned round and her knees nearly buckled. No. No it couldn’t be.

There stood next to his car was the person who has told her two nights ago he wouldn’t be back for her birthday. All those feelings of being heartbroken and upset had evaporated the minute she saw him. Victoria could feel tears rolling down her cheeks as she ran down the steps and jumped into his arms. He held her tightly against him, kissing the side of her face, tears glistening in his eyes as well.

“Happy birthday Vic.” Ethan whispered pulling her in for a kiss.

Victoria eagerly kissed him back hugging him tighter. Her roommates smiled at the scene and then headed into the building, giving the couple much needed privacy.

“I thought you were still in D.C.” Victoria said through tears.

“I’ll explain everything back at my apartment.” Ethan said taking her hand and leading her towards the passenger side of his car.

Victoria climbed into the car and the journey to Ethan’s apartment was quick. Soon, they were walking through his apartment door.

“What’s this?” Victoria asked looking at the presents in his living room. “I thought they were the present in my apartment this morning.”

Ethan chuckled bringing her closer to him, running a hand through her hair. “They are. Dr Varma brought them over this afternoon.”

“I thought she was just taking the roses back.”

“She was but she grabbed the other presents and brought them round here. I thought you might like to open them here.” Ethan smiled.

“Speaking of here I need an explanation.” Victoria pretended to glare but her happiness broke through.

“And I’ll give you one. After I’ve given you something else.” Ethan grinned sliding his hands down her thighs and lifted her up. He’s sure he never moved to his bedroom so fast in his life as he threw Victoria onto his bed and proceeded to give her an evening she’d never forget.

— — — — — — — — — —

Four rounds later Victoria stirred and opened her eyes. Ethan was propped up on one elbow watching her with such content.

“That was incredible.” Ethan grinned.

“Indeed it was. Well worth the wait.” Victoria said turning to face him as he stroked her cheek with his thumb.

“Now I believe I owe you an explanation.” Ethan chuckled.

“Yes you do! I thought you were in D.C.” Victoria replied.

“The night I called you I was actually here. I had arrived back earlier that afternoon and was planning a surprise for you. I couldn’t do it with you here because I knew you’d catch me out, so I decided to tell you I was still in D.C. I know it was bad and I’m sorry if I upset you.” Ethan explained.

“Oh Ethan you could never upset me. I was just upset at the fact you wouldn’t be here. It wasn’t your fault I promise.” Victoria said hugging Ethan tightly. For the fourth time that day, Victoria felt tears rolling down her cheeks.

“I could hear how upset you were when I told you so I organised the flowers to be sent to you at work to cheer you up.” Ethan smiled.

“They definitely did, they were beautiful.”

“Now would you like your surprise?”

“Yes please!”

Ethan laughed as he reached over to his nightstand and pulled out an envelope and a Tiffany and Co bag. Victoria looked inside the bag and opened the box up to find a small necklace with two love hearts on it.

“Oh Ethan it’s beautiful.” Victoria said.

“Just like you.” Ethan said pressing a kiss to Victoria’s forehead.

“What’s in the envelope?”

“Open it and you’ll find out.” Ethan chuckled.

Victoria opened the envelope and gasped when she saw two first class plane tickets to Crete.

“You’ve been working so hard lately and I thought you deserved a break. So this is a treat for you in the summer. Also, this is holiday one of the many you’re going to experience in the future. I’m making it my mission to help you see the world as much as you can. Starting with Crete in July.” Ethan replied.

Victoria was speechless. She didn’t know if she could love Ethan any more than she already did. She wrapped her arms around him pulling him into a tight hug, kissing every inch of him she could reach when she pulled back to face him.

“Thank you. I love you.” Victoria smiled stroking his cheeks with her thumbs.

“I love you too.” Ethan smiled leaning in to kiss her deeply.

Victoria smiled into the kiss. She wasn’t sure if this was going to be a great birthday but it turns out this was the best birthday she’d ever had. Her one birthday wish has come true. And she couldn’t wait to experience many more with Ethan by her side.

— — —

A/N: I’ve written two fics in one day! Go me! I hope I find someone who loves me as much as Ethan and Victoria’s friends love her. Hope you enjoy this!

#open heart #ethan ramsey #ethan ramsey x mc #play choices #pixelberry #fanfic #open heart fanfiction #fluff #angst

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beca-mitchell · 5 years ago

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i wondered if i could come home (yours is the first face that i saw) (1/1)

Summary: Chloe works in New York. Beca works in LA. The quarantine brings them together virtually. God Bless technology.

Word count: 4,335

Read below or on AO3.

Beca had initially been ridiculously excited about the prospect of staying home. She hated dressing up just to go and sit, spaced out at her laptop.

Now she has free rein to just wear whatever the fuck she wants while spaced out from the comfort of her own home.

A quick glance around however indicates that there isn’t much to call home anyway. When Beca had moved to Los Angeles with nothing more than her laptop, twenty USBs packed with remixes and original music, and a luggage full of clothes, she had pretty much expected this.

This being the whole struggling artist thing. Her father had advised against it, her step-mother had advised against it (not like Beca really was planning on listening), and her mother was—

Well.

Beca would rather not think about it. Of course, she wouldn’t.

But she did—it was all she could think about for those first few weeks in Los Angeles. Those first few months.

When she had first made the move, she had fantasized about her mother kissing in her on her head (a phantom memory if anything) and telling her how proud she was of her for chasing her dreams.

She had imagined her mother’s arm around her shoulder as they made that final descent into LAX.

She had imagined her mother’s proud smile when she had signed the papers for her first real job in the music industry—that breath of fresh air that really cemented in her memory that she had made it. She was there in the city of her dreams. She had moved across the country from Atlanta to Los Angeles.

But eventually, with time, after one let-down after another, Beca’s USB pile grew smaller and thinner and her job became less of a temporary thing and more of a full-time thing to keep her afloat.

Are you still proud of me? She wants to ask.

She can’t quite envision the look on her mother’s face—hell she can’t quite envision the look on her father’s face or even Sheila’s face—if she were to look around her small (but cozy) apartment.

Is this what you wanted for me? Beca wants to ask.

Change just doesn’t seem to come quick enough in a city with plenty of time to spare and too many hungry dreams to fulfil.

* * * * *

And then there’s this.

The whole quarantine mess.

It’s a form of change, Beca supposes. Maybe not quite the one she needs at that moment.

*New Notification from Outlook You have a new message

From: Aubrey Posen

CC: Chloe Beale

To: Beca Mitchell

Subject: HR and A&R Documents and Procedure — Microsoft Teams Meeting Request

Beca groans.

* * * * *

Being a producer isn’t bad. It lets Beca flex her creativity from time to time (very, very minimally) and she gets to say she’s worked on interesting musical projects.

Grumbling to herself, Beca settles down in her chair after wrestling with her hair and brush. She figures she looks moderately presentable. She even swapped out her sleep shirt for a non-sleep shirt for the purposes of this video conference.

She has no idea who Chloe Beale and Aubrey Posen are anyway, but she’s already moderately annoyed that they both insist on video conferencing when this quarantine has made evident that literally everything can be done via email.

Beca takes a calming breath. The raise is a good thing. It came at a good time. It’s a good thing to get a raise at a job she hates especially when the alternative would have been to be let go. If she has to deal with HR for the sake of this, she will.

Not like she can do anything else.

The call comes in almost as soon as Beca wheels her chair closer to her desk. She fumbles, picking up her headphones and hitting Accept.

“Hi,” Beca says, waving awkwardly at her screen. “Uh. Wow. Hi.”

Almost immediately, Beca wants to clamp a hand over her mouth. She settles on dropping her hand into her lap and clutching the fabric of her shirt to distract herself from the embarrassment rising in her.

The young woman splashed across her screen is incredibly pretty. Almost intimidatingly so. Striking red hair, loosely draped over her shoulders in comfortable waves. Soft-looking lips pulled into a gentle smile.

And her eyes—Christ, Beca thinks—her eyes are what draw Beca in the most. Startling blue. The clearest of blues that Beca has ever seen.

“Wow?” The woman smiles at Beca. “That’s quite the greeting.”

“Sorry,” Beca mumbles hastily. She ducks her head. “Surprised to still talk to people during all this, I guess,” she lies quickly. She figures saying “you’re hot” wouldn’t be the most appropriate thing to say despite how true it might be.

The red-head quirks an eyebrow at her. “I’m Chloe Beale, nice to meet you Beca Mitchell.”

Beca can’t fight the smile this time. Chloe’s voice is nice. It’s beautiful and melodic. “Hi Chloe. Nice to meet you,” Beca parrots back. “Weren’t there supposed to be like...two of you in this meeting?”

“Oh, yes!” Chloe chirps enthusiastically. “Aubrey will be joining us in just a second—oh there she is,” she says just as Aubrey’s profile image pops into Beca’s screen, cutting the size of Chloe’s face on her screen in half.

“Good morning, Beca.”

“Good morning, Aubre–”

“It’s technically afternoon for us, but anyway.”

Beca clamps her mouth shut, choosing to push her lips into a forced, polite smile. She catches a glimpse of Chloe coughing behind her hand, clearly stifling a laugh of her own.

“Did you want to run through some of the documents and responsibilities, Chloe?”

Chloe clears her throat, professional mask back in place. “Yes, sure. Well, Beca, as a senior producer—”

* * * * *

With half-open eyes, Beca drags herself from her bed the short distance to her desk. Foregoing her chair for the moment because she has no intent on actually sitting down yet, Beca opens her laptop and logs in to Outlook and Teams before opening Logic Pro X and GarageBand.

She has been working on some tracks for an up and coming artist as well as overseeing the production on an EP for a new artist signed to a label, so she’s kind of expecting a shitload of emails to start her day off. That can wait for the moment.

When she gets back to her computer, coffee mug in hand, Beca notices a notification marker on her applications.

*New Notification from Teams

Beca frowns. She’s not the usual recipient of messages ever. But when she sees who exactly messaged her, she can’t fight the grin. She puts her coffee down with some reluctance and opens the message fully.

Chloe Beale Hey sleepyhead, you’re finally up Thanks for sending the paperwork back yesterday

Beca Mitchell fyi i am three hours behind you timezones or something as aubrey would say

Chloe Beale Who doesn’t start their day at 6am?

Beca isn’t quite sure what to make of Chloe entirely. She’ll blame the echoing loneliness around her—loneliness being all she feels these days—but she would be lying if she weren’t totally and shallowly attracted to Chloe Beale.

But she barely knows her. In fact, Beca would go as far as to say she doesn’t know Chloe at all. Chloe could just be another faceless entity in the long string of entities in Beca’s life. Just another missed connection.

Beca sips her coffee, blinking blearily at her screen.

Beca Mitchell do you start your day at 6??

Chloe Beale It’s good for you!

Beca Mitchell coffee’s good for you

Chloe Beale i’m more of a tea drinker myself good for the voice

Beca Mitchell singer?

Chloe Beale used to be

Beca arches an eyebrow. She had known, from the sound of Chloe’s voice alone, that she was something special

(And sure, Aubrey had a nice voice too, but it had been used primarily to grate on Beca’s nerves so she’s choosing to look past it.)

Beca Mitchell whats the story there?

Chloe Beale Hmm maybe one day :)

Beca Mitchell all i have are days to spare for you

Beca hits send before she can regret it and immediately winces at how unexpectedly flirtatious it sounds. She moves to type a quick cover-up, but Chloe beats her in sending a message.

Chloe Beale i like the sound of that

Beca’s fingers hover over her keyboard. She can’t bring herself to admit the same thing, even though it’s true.

She does like the sound of that. Almost as much as she had liked the sound of Chloe’s voice.

* * * * *

It ends up being so easy to fall into a routine when Beca realizes that she has something to look forward to with each subsequent day.

A routine that perhaps even involves waking up earlier so she can spend more time sending Chloe dumb GIFs and debate the best bagel spreads.

It feels nice.

It feels like something Beca could get used to.

Even if Chloe is incessantly cheerful and ridiculously chipper at any given point of the day. Beca kind of likes it.

It reminds her of sunshine and a much-needed breath of fresh air.

There is the added bonus (or nightmare) of Chloe’s incessant need to abuse the video conference tool.

“Beca, make sure you have those documents signed. A&R needs them as soon as possible.”

“You couldn’t have messaged this to me? Or emailed?”

Chloe grins, blindingly so. Beca doesn’t even try to look away.

“Where’s the fun in that?”

Beca tugs at the collar of her shirt (another new shirt) unconsciously before she realizes what she’s doing and drops her hand away. “And you’d know all about fun, would you?”

“Maybe.”

Beca shakes her head, mostly to hide the smile that rises on her face.

“Nice shirt by the way.”

* * * * *

Okay, fine.

Even that isn’t something that Beca finds herself annoyed with.

* * * * *

Beca bites her lip, hitting SEND before she can stop herself. The email flies away from her, an email detailing a request to video conference with Chloe for some dumb, made-up reason.

Well, no, there’s an actual reason and it’s that Beca wants to hear Chloe’s voice. That’s a good enough reason.

*You have a new Outlook Notification. Chloe Beale has Accepted Your Invitation.

Beca smiles.

* * * * *

Chloe Beale I’ve always wanted to visit Los Angeles

Beca Mitchell Come over here then!

Chloe Beale Maybe once this is all over

Beca Mitchell Oh right

Beca Mitchell Well if you ever need a place to stay…

Beca starts to sweat. She thinks about deleting her message, but what good would that do? Chloe has already seen it.

“Fuck,” she mutters aloud and promptly chooses to chicken out.

Beca Mitchell I know a lot of people who’d love to have you and i’ll bring you to all the best spots around town You know, me being an expert and all hahaha

“Fuck why did you say that?” Beca asks herself, resisting the urge to slam her laptop closed. She winces when she notices her unfinished work in the background.

She’s kind of more focused on the little indicator showing that Chloe has seen her message and the subsequent lack of response.

She is unfortunately sorely disappointed by Chloe’s response, despite her own attempts at haphazardly diffusing the situation.

Chloe Beale Sounds awesome!

Right, Beca mulls to herself. There hadn’t been a situation to begin with.

She lets the disappointment carry her through the rest of the day. The disappointing feeling—It is familiar but somehow more striking.

* * * * *

The thing about Chloe is that she makes everything easy. She never makes Beca feel bad about asking too many questions and she never makes Beca feel totally lame for taking up her time. She assures Beca that it’s fine—that she doesn’t mind at all. It makes Beca feel like a rockstar for about two seconds before she remembers that it’s Chloe’s literal job to be kind and nice to people she works with.

Right.

They’re technically coworkers. Just that. Nothing more.

And then there’s the whole...is Chloe even attracted to women conundrum. It is nice to think that Chloe is attracted to women—that Chloe would be attracted to her of all people.

It’s just such a big what if question.

(And of course the “we live 3000 miles away” issue. That issue.)

There is a strange underpinning of something else—something that Beca can’t quite place. It sends a swooping sensation through her stomach when she thinks about it. The past month or so of communicating with Chloe was rife with tense, interesting moments that make Beca second-guess herself every time.

Barring the times when she word vomits all over herself, Beca is surprised that she’s maintained a connection with Chloe for this long.

* * * * *

The dreams start near the end of the first month of knowing each other.

The awkward part about waking up from a dream about somebody she’s never even met in person is that Beca has no idea how to conduct herself. She barely knows how to do it in-person—conduct herself—let alone doing it online.

She tries to settle on something to occupy her mind while she works through some musical/creative block.

Her fingers type in chloe beale into Google before she can help herself.

“Fuck it,” Beca whispers, hitting enter.

She is surprised by the breadth of hits that Google returns to her. Interesting ones, nonetheless. She learns in short order that Chloe does voice acting on the side. Nothing overtly taxing, but it pleases Beca that Chloe has somewhat of a creative streak. She notes a few well-known animated series and some other gigs here and there.

An old YouTube video catches her attention.

Acapella Finals 2011

Beca can’t stop the grin that stretches across her face when she recognizes Chloe, red hair and all, front and center and singing.

She knew Chloe was a singer at heart.

She pulls up her chat before she can stop herself.

Beca Mitchell *pasted link* I see

Chloe Beale Oh my god!

Beca Mitchell Google knows all

Chloe Beale You were Googling me?

Beca’s smile drops. “Shit, uh—”

Chloe Beale Kidding! i googled you too. Didn’t think you were a taylor swift girl. All those remixes… <3

Beca blushes before she can stop herself. That had been a brief foray of fame—literally five minutes—when Taylor Swift herself had linked to one of Beca’s remixes. Beca hadn’t been savvy enough to capitalize on that in any way, however.

Beca Mitchell oh those... I wish i had more original things to say

Chloe Beale Your music is beautiful, just like you are I mean that in a totally non-weird way of course

Beca isn’t quite sure they’re saying the same things, but maybe they are. Chloe’s unwavering faith in her feels wholly misplaced more often than not.

But it’s nice.

This is nice.

Beca lets a smile consume her.

Beca Mitchell Flattery will get you everywhere

Chloe Beale That’s the hope

Beca Mitchell Back to acapella… i was wondering if i could pick your mind for an idea i had for this track i’m working on

* * * * *

The transition to Facetime and phone calls as opposed to Teams video conferencing was a fairly recent one. Beca discovered that Chloe is an equally eager texter. Emojis and all.

“Your voice somehow sounds better over FaceTime audio,” Chloe teases.

“I was going to say the same,” Beca replies before she can stop herself. Her heart flutters. “I wasn’t the one in acapella in college, after all.”

“Oh you would have fit right in. I would have whipped you into shape, I’m pretty sure. Or maybe you would have helped us win instead. Being as talented as you are and all.”

“I wish I could have known you then,” Beca says bravely.

“You would have changed my life,” Chloe admits. She says it with a smile, but there is no hint of a joke in Chloe’s tone. “I don’t sing anymore,” she finally says. “Not after that last acapella competition. The one you sent me.”

“Oh, why not? Your voice is…” Beca trails off, struggling to find words. For all the time she spends with music—literally layering vocals and instrumentals—she cannot understand how she cannot find appropriate words to describe how Chloe’s voice makes her feel. “I’m sorry...I’m usually better at this. Why don’t you sing anymore?”

“I had to have surgery for my nodes in my senior year of university. I’ve been too afraid to sing again.”

That breaks Beca’s heart more than anything. “But your voice is okay now,” she says lamely.

“I haven’t really had an opportunity to sing again. Working for B&R Records is the closest I can get to the music industry. Not that I ever thought I’d sing professionally or anything.” Chloe sighs, then her voice softens even more. “I admire you so much for pursuing your dreams, Beca. You’re so much better than you know. I’ve listened to your stuff.”

Beca swallows.

Her heart isn’t fluttering.

It is racing, almost uncontrollably.

* * * * *

They talk for hours.

Beca tries not to think about it as she wakes up to her phone pressed against her cheek uncomfortably and the faintest memory of Chloe humming something hauntingly familiar.

“Shit,” she mutters, realizing that her heart has yet to stop thudding with the force of emotions she feels.

* * * * *

*Google search history

online dating

quarantine dating

flights to New York

amazon delivery time

online dating in quarantine

relationships in covid-19

online date ideas

* * * * *

*iMessage Notification

From Chloe Beale install netflix party!

Beca Mitchell Already did! waiting on you...

* * * * *

Chloe ends up being the person Beca calls when she receives yet another change request for the track she had been working on. She isn’t allowed to move on to another track until this artist is absolutely pleased with the track and Beca understands how contracts works and stuff, but holy shit, she’s had it up to her damn forehead with Pimp Lo and his incessant demands to keep his music trashy (Beca’s professional opinion).

“I want to quit,” Beca declares to Chloe. She knows Chloe is done with work for the day even though Beca has about an hour or so left in her “shift” (she has decided time is a construct and she’s signing out for the day due to creative differences).

“Don’t quit,” Chloe says quickly. “And um...don’t tell me that. Professional responsibility and all.”

She says it with a joking tone, but it still stings ever so slightly for Beca. The reminder that she and Chloe are coworkers and nothing more. She’s sure she’s going to hear even less from Chloe as time goes on and when everything kind of goes back to “normal”.

But she kind of doesn’t want to stop talking to Chloe.

“It’s just annoying,” Beca complains.

“Oh honey, I know,” Chloe sympathizes. Beca warms at the term of endearment.

“Beca, your music is good,” Chloe promises earnestly. “I’ve listened to a lot of music over the past few years I’ve been working here...just promise me you won’t give up, okay?”

Unexpected anger wells up in Beca. She identifies frustration, annoyance, and some measure of pain—all of which have to do largely with this entire situation. Somehow, she manages to tamp it all down and focuses on the sincerity of Chloe’s voice.

“I just don’t want to...have my ideas shot down like this anymore,” she finally murmurs, taking a breath to steady herself.

“I know,” Chloe promises. “It won’t always be like that though.”

“I’ve been out here for a year. Verging on two.”

“I know,” Chloe repeats, sincere understanding in her tone. “And it sucks that Hollywood just eats people up and just...I don’t know. Spits them back out like that. But...you’re special. I know you are.”

Beca shudders with her own attempt to stifle a sob. “And that’s your professional HR opinion?” she asks, trying to make it sound more like a joke so Chloe doesn’t take it badly.

Chloe scoffs, then lets out a giggle. Beca wishes more than anything she could see her face. “Yes, that is absolutely my professional HR opinion and I think you should take it. I don’t come cheap.”

It’s less than what Beca hoped for. She had hoped for something a bit more—something closer to the kind of reassurance Chloe had been giving her over the past little while. This feels like two steps backwards.

“I wish I could see you,” Beca blurts.

Chloe doesn’t say anything for a moment. A moment too long. Beca’s face heats embarrassingly quickly. She is so thankful that she is alone in her apartment.

“I’m sorry,” Beca apologizes. “That was weird. And I didn’t mean to make things weird. I’m not weird, I promise. Maybe a little. But not like that.”

Chloe laughs. “Beca, it’s okay. I know what you meant. Or what you mean.” She laughs again, this time sounding more breathless. “It’s just...I guess it’s just late and we should probably...table this for another day.”

Beca’s heart plummets.

“We don’t have to table anything,” Beca says quickly, stung by the rejection. “Forget I said anything.”

“Beca—”

“Goodnight, Chloe.”

* * * * *

*iMessage Notification From Chloe Beale Beca, are you okay?

*iMessage Notification From Chloe Beale Call me when you can

* * * * *

Beca notices she has a request from HR for a video conference. There are no other details, but she knows it’s from Chloe. Her stomach tenses uncomfortably as she stares at the words on her screen. The conference is set up from about five minutes from now so she has about five minutes to get her shit together.

She hadn’t meant to ignore Chloe, she had just been a bit too absorbed into her work (as a way to avoid Chloe).

But she isn’t mad with the music she’s been making recently. She probably has Chloe to thank for that. For being an inspirational source.

She can do this.

She looks around, taking a deep breath as she takes stock of everything that she has in her apartment. Her eyes land on something by her window and she goes to grab it.

She returns to her computer just in time for the call.

“Hi,” Beca says, blinking into her computer screen. “Hi, Chloe, is everything—”

“You know, radio silence is probably the worst way to woo somebody.”

Beca thinks she might still be asleep. “Sorry?”

Chloe seems to be fighting a smile. “You don’t even know how cute you are, do you?”

“I’m not cute,” Beca says automatically.

“You are. In a hot way.”

“In a hot way,” Beca echoes. She grins. “Are you calling me hot?”

“I saw you checking me out that first day. Obvious even through webcam.”

“Oh.”

“I didn’t mind. I...never minded. Which is what makes this so hard,” Chloe says, lowering her head a little. She worries her lower lip between her teeth, leaning closer to her camera. “This is so weird and so hard. I didn’t expect to just...fall for somebody while we’re all just trying to figure out how to make things okay again, you know?”

“So…” Beca swallows, wondering if this is the appropriate forum for what she’s sure is about to come out of Chloe’s mouth.

“I like you,” Chloe admits. “I think you’re brave and talented and incredible. And there’s so much we still have to learn about each other, but I have been driving myself crazy thinking about how much I want to kiss you.” Chloe clears her throat and holds up a small pot of pretty, purple flowers. “These are for you. I couldn’t really go to the store to get a fresh bunch. But um. If I could, I would.”

Oh.

“Isn’t this against company policy?” Beca croaks out. She can’t quite believe what she’s seeing. “Like can’t they see everything? Even videos?”

Chloe shrugs. “I don’t care. Not really. Look around, Beca. Nobody really cares anymore. I just wanted to talk to you.”

Beca covers her face with her hand. “This is super embarrassing.”

Chloe giggles. “Oh stop. I’m the one literally holding out flowers to my screen.”

“No, it’s just—” Beca holds up the potted plant she had stolen from her windowsill. “Here. I brought this for you too.”

Chloe gasps. “A cactus? You shouldn’t have.”

There is a brief silence before they dissolve into giggles. It makes Beca feel the most complete and whole that she has in while.

“I’m sorry, by the way.”

“Were we even in a fight?” Beca asks aloud.

“No,” Chloe admits. “I just...thought I scared you off.”

“I think I scared myself off.” Beca crinkles her nose as she frowns. “If that makes sense.”

“That makes a lot of sense. I think it’s the most sensible thing you’ve said so far.”

* * * * *

Eventually, the time comes where Beca can go outside again.

Beca knows what it means to have sunshine on her face. There is no shortage of it in Los Angeles.

There is no shortage of palm trees, of warm wind, of endless beach views.

There is no shortage of too many dreams and too little opportunities for those dreams to come true.

But this—the excited yelp Chloe lets out when she pushes off the pillar she had been leaning against and the solid weight of Chloe’s body nestled firmly against her own as her arms loop easily around Beca’s neck—this is so much better than anything Beca could have dreamed for herself.

She can feel her mother’s smile, warm like the gentlest of sunrises against the back of her neck. She can feel the weight of a new pile of USBs in her bag and a fresh outlook on life.

“I’m so happy you’re here,” Chloe whispers, her voice real and solid and there.

“Me too,” is all Beca can say.

She kisses Chloe like it’s the first day of the rest of her life.

fin.

#bechloe #weeklybechloe #anna kendrick #brittany snow #pitch perfect #fanfiction #beca mitchell #chloe beale #gif #my fanfic #mine #text #queue

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boymeetsweevil · 5 years ago

Text

And then there were two

Grouping: Reader x College BF!Mark (NCT)

Word Count: ~3.48k

Warnings/Themes: non-graphic first time, too many friends with too little boundaries

Prompt: “what do u think abt college bf mark and awkward and fumbling first time”

The dorm is suspiciously quiet when Mark enters. There’s no sound of the XBox going, no sound of raucous laughter, no sound of beer bottles clinking. It’s almost as if you’re alone in your dorm. Odd.

“Mark?” You call from the common area shared by you and your suitemates. “Is that you?”

“Yeah.”

He finds you curled up on the couch, biting at your nails with your computer at your lap.

“Hey. Did you get your test results back yet?”

“I mean, the portal is open. I just haven’t checked it yet.” A sigh ghosts past your lips. “I don’t know if I passed this one. And if I don’t pass, I’ll have to retake the class later.”

“Want me to open it for you?”

“Please.”

Mark makes his way over, arms behind his back as he hides the treasure he brought with him. Once he’s seated you slide your laptop over to him like you can’t get it away fast enough and push yourself back until you’re at the opposite end of the couch. Your toes are the closest thing to him and you wedge them under his thigh while he types in your password from memory.

“Class average was a...64. Yikes,” he reads off that stats from the exam’s page.

“Yeah. It was a doozy.”

“Okay, let’s see. Woah, you got an 83.”

“What,” you shout.

“Nerd.”

Your eyes grow wide and you lunge forward to yank the computer away, hoping that he’s not messing with you. Mark laughs, nose scrunching at you as you take in the actual 83 on your exam’s results screen. The hoarse little shriek you let out is so cute that his heart aches a bit.

“The prof said she was adding a curve for this one. 6 points, she said.”

“Congrats, baby—oof!”

Mark’s back hits the arm of the couch with a thud, taking the brunt of the force from your tackle. It’s a bit awkward but you still manage to get your limbs around him and squeeze. A breathy chuckle floats up from where you bury your face in his neck.

“I was so nervous. I hate Orgo so much.”

“I know, but you work so hard. How could you not do well?”

“Thanks,” you say once you pull back. Your eyes are velvet soft with relief and fondness as you look him over.

You press a soft kiss to his lips and Mark presses back for a moment before pulling back with a jerk. Somehow you’ve ended up in the splayed V of his knees as a pleasant weight in his lap. Not an often occurrence.

“I, uh, I might have brought you something,” he mumbles against the skin of your cheek when you kiss the hinge of his jaw. His eyes and voice go gravelly and dark at your proximity.

“What is it?” You sit back on your heels with a staccato bounce.

“Chicken Haus.”

From the side of the couch he brandishes a large paper bag with a familiar crowing chicken logo printed on the brown surface. The thin paper barrier does nothing to keep the smell from wafting over to you.

“Oh, did you get fries? Let me see!”

“Ah, ah!” He moves the bag out of your reach, causing you to stumble forward. Your glare down at him but all he does is cackle in response. “Say please,” he sing-songs.

“Dude, come on. This isn’t kindergarten!”

“So, I’m ‘dude’ now?” He sniffs and moves to put the chicken back. “Alright, I see how it is.”

“Mark—Mark, wait! Mark, my man. My super capable, handsome man. Please. Let me see the chicken.”

“Nice,” he hands you the bag, trying his hardest not to be flustered by your performance.

There’s a small mountain of your favorites in the bag and you do a little dance before hopping off the couch and making a beeline to the small communal kitchenette.

“Did you eat dinner already?”

“Yeah, I had some stuff at the studio.”

You turn to give him a little disappointed pout. “Still, come sit with me!”

Mark ambles over with a pleased smile on his face. As you look for napkins he admires the straight way you hold your back. The university is notorious for its cutthroat biology major but you’re not the competitive type. So exam weeks are especially hard on you. You always end up stressed and shrunken in on yourself and Mark hates to see it. Few things cheer you back up right away. One of them is the atomic spicy nuggets from Chicken Haus.

“Should we eat in your room,” Mark asks. Your mutual friend Jungwoo, who introduced you and Mark, usually has virtual tutoring at this hour. Mark always feels bad for interrupting him, but normally you’d share some of your congratulatory nuggets with him.

“We don’t have to this time. Jungwoo went home for his mom’s graduation and Doyoung’s at a public health conference.”

“Oh. They didn’t tell me that.”

“Mark,” you let out an incredulous laugh when you finally open the box. “I think you got too many nuggets this time.”

Mark looks down at the party-sized box he handed over a hefty portion of this week’s paycheck for. He supposes it’s a lot for two people to eat, but the dorm is usually overflowing with friends. Tonight he bought a lot out of habit and none of the people he expected to be over are actually present.

“Shit. Are none of the guys coming over?”

“Mm, I don’t know. What’s Johnny up to?”

Mark wracks his brain for his friends’ whereabouts. “Uhh, I think I remember him saying he was gonna go visit his girlfriend at her school. So, I guess he’s not coming.

“Okay,” you sit at one of the stools. “And Taeil and Haechan?”

“Probably, like, playing Fortnite or something.”

“I know Taeyong said he had some work he had to do for his design class, so he’s definitely not coming.” You bite down into a nugget finally and let out a soft moan. “This never gets old.”

Suddenly Mark is hungry again. When he grabs a napkin and a plate you give a gloating smirk.

“I think Yuta’s probably just asleep,” you say after you’ve finished moaning around another chicken nugget.

“That just leaves Jaehyun, I think.”

“I mean, I can text him and invite him over if you want me to.”

Before you can reach for your phone, Mark’s free hand covers yours. You can’t help but laugh a little. Jaehyun and Mark may be good friends, but you know Mark is still a little wary since Jaehyun tried to hit on you the first night you met everyone. There’s no hard feelings, though. According to Mark.

“N-no, you don’t have to. He’s probably just enjoying the night in. Let’s...leave him be.”

“Okay,” you grin and take another bite.

After you finish eating, you make the decision to migrate back to the couch to check out some of the stuff on your DVR. Doyoung has dominated most of the drive space but there’s some shows that you know Mark likes. You tape them on the off chance that he comes over and no one else has something else they want to watch instead.

“Should we watch that zombie series,” Mark asks as he scrolls through the listings.

“I hate their graphics.”

“I know,” he snorts. “But it’s funny how mad you get at their fake blood. Might be fun to watch.”

“If you really wanna watch you can, but I’m not looking. I’m just gonna make myself comfy here, instead.”

You say all this as you proceed to stretch yourself over Mark’s already lounging form. You slot yourself between his thighs before hitching a leg up over his hip. Your head is pillowed by his shoulder and you cage him in with your arms.

“We don’t have to watch it. It’s more fun to watch with Yuta anyway. He always screams so loud, like, I swear he has a 4 octave range sometimes.”

“You’re such a music major,” you wrinkle your nose before peeking up. “Can I hear that project you’ve been working on in the studio?”

Mark’s cheeks flush under the blue light cast by the TV screen. He doesn’t say anything at first, but he does nod. You get up just long enough for him to grab his phone and the pair of over-the-ear headphones he always carries with him.

He takes care to brush your hair out of the way and slip the headphones onto your head gently. He sneaks in a pinch of your cheeks while you wait for him to cue up the song and laughs at the way your eyes crinkle in light annoyance.

The song begins and he alternates between gnawing at his bottom lip and watching your expression unblinkingly. Mark is actually doing super well in his Music Production 401 class and his professor is trying to get him to do an independent study next term. But he’s a perfectionist when it comes to his music. The song’s not finished even though he and Taeyong have been working on it nonstop for the last week and a half.

After a few minutes, you slide the headphones off.

“I like it,” you whisper. “I wish I could tell you something more helpful but I don’t know anything about making music.”

“No, no. Honestly, that’s enough. I feel like you always tell me when you don’t really like what we have, so this is—good.”

“What are you gonna call it?” You grab his free hand and Mark darts his head around to survey the room.

“Tae wants to call it something like “welcome to my playground”. We have to run the name by the other guys in the project. But Professor Seo thinks we should put it online once it’s done.”

“Promise you won’t forget about me when you blow up on SoundCloud.”

Mark tosses his head back and laughs at your teasing, before reaching out for revenge. He grabs at your waist and pulls you down so he can dig his fingers into your sides, knowing exactly where to go so he can torture you.

You let out a gasp and try your hardest to protect your sensitive underarms and the sides of your ribs from him, but it’s too late. Frenzied laughs pour from your mouth and you fight to stay upright. It’s a fight that you lose but not without bringing Mark down with you.

The two of you topple over the edge of the couch in a heap of throw pillows and decorative blankets. You fall first and brace yourself for the impact of Mark’s body. It’s not as painful as you thought it would be and when you crack an eye open you realize it’s because he managed to prop himself up at the last second.

Mark laughs again, but this time it’s small and breathless as he takes in the sight of you underneath him. He yanks himself up so at least his upper half is upright and he looks around again.

“Why are you acting so suspicious? You’ve been acting like you have a dirty secret all night.” You sit up too then, pulling your knees to yourself.

“Ah, really? I dunno.”

But he does know.

Mark is a man of many good traits. He’d like to think, based on what others have told him, that he’s reliable. Hardworking, nice. Maybe even a little handsome if he listens to his mom. But most of all he is incredibly patient.

The last 2 months that you have been dating have consisted of being cockblocked at every turn. And the same thing happened when he was trying to find a good moment to confess to you after realizing that he liked you. Because he and you shared too many friends. Well-meaning but stupid friends.

“I mean—like, I guess I just got so used to us being interrupted by the guys that it’s a habit. Sorry.”

“We’re alone now, though.”

“Ha, right,” he tugs on the collar of his hoodie. “Yeah.”

“So...do you still want to watch the DVR on the couch?”

“Uh, we don’t have to. We could do something else.”

“What do you want to do,” you ask as your fingers crawl up his torso. With a gentle press to his hoodie-clad chest, Mark‘s back hits the seat of the couch.

“Wuh—we could listen to the new SuperK album.”

You shake your head and slink into his lap. You fiddle with the zipper on the front of his hoodie, enjoying the way he fails to keep his cool in the moment.

He looks up at you then, eyes round. “We could... watch that movie Cloud Break. It’s supposed to be really romantic—”

You shake your head again and lean in. “Saw it ages ago,” you murmur against the skin of his neck.

He huffs out a laugh, partly because of the tickle from your lips planting light kisses on his throat and partly because your answer is ridiculous.

“It premiered in theaters two days ago, dude.”

“I have connections,” is all you say before switching to kisses on the corner of his mouth.

Rarely do moments like this ever arise. With your friend group, someone is always in your dorm, or in Mark’s, or texting one of you to let you know you’ll be interrupted soon. One too many traumatic occasions where he didn’t heed the warning taught Mark to be hypervigilant of how he interacted with you.

Honestly, he’s not even sure what to do first now. You’ve already unzipped his hoodie to splay your palms over his chest. He’s certain you can feel the fluttering dance his heart is doing under your hands. His own palms itch with inactivity. But laying them on the bare skin of your waist under the fabric of your shirt feels a bit like a balm against his clammy skin.

It’s like a switch is flipped. Like you’ve both realized how long you’ve been waiting for this moment. Suddenly everything is wandering hands and soft gasps. Time behaves funny in the privacy of the little universe being created on the floor by the couch. First it’s the quick, rough pass of your shirt over your head, getting tangled along overeager elbows along the way. Then it’s the slow and gentle brush of Mark’s knuckles against the skin of your abdomen as he attempts to unbutton your pants with shaking hands. You ask him if he’s scared while thumbing at the plush swell of his lips which are pursed in concentration. He tells you he’s just excited with an equally-shaky chuckle.

That’s what you love about Mark. Probably one of the things everyone loves about Mark. He’s thorough, admirably so. Just like he took his time with his confession,!l and his time with your jeans, he takes time appraising every inch of exposed skin. Some moments are moments of familiarity and he nips at the skin like it’s an old greeting. Some moments are moments of discovery, for both of you. He’s gentler then, drawing a new version of you out from yourself in the form of drawn out gasps or curses.

Many are moments of reciprocity. There are times when you hope his touch leaves fingerprints behind, something that you can keep long after your sweat has dried. And every touch he gives is matched with one you return. The feel of your palm on him, over him, around him draws his muscles taut. When you finally slot together, of course it’s like two puzzle pieces. It’s just right and the breath Mark releases then is almost like a sigh of relief.

Often relief is a quiet, calm thing. Not always, certainly not now. You and Mark chase this relief panting and sometimes clawing at one another. He’s jerky as he moves over you. With arms shaking on either side of his head and this jaw grit tight, he tries his best to make it to the end with you. The way you moan and lock your thighs around him to pull him closer and deeper are the things that push him off the edge. He spills into you with a choked off groan that tapers off when he pulls away finally.

He’s exhausted, but still attentive in his aftermath. Mark whispers sweet nothings into your ear as he beckons you closer to your own orgasm with his hand. The feeling of working over you through the slick of his cum awakens something in the corners of his mind, but he puts that back. For another day, he reasons. Another one of those rare days when he can get you alone. Next time he won’t hesitate.

“You feel good,” he nuzzles the tip of his nose by the base of your ear.

Your breath hitches wetly and you reach down to grip his still twisting wrist. The touch grounds you only slightly because he changes the angle and suddenly you’re floating towards white light once more. Mark watches your hips raise in little broken motions to reach your own high.

Immediately, you pull him back in. He’s confident in the way he follows this time. He swoops in over you, kissing you like the sex had merely whetted his appetite.

“Is there still chicken?”

The sound of Jungwoo’s voice drives you two apart so fast your joints crack. You shriek and pull the closest piece of clothing you can find over your lap and torso. It just so happens to be Mark’s sweatpants, leaving him defenseless and bare.

Jungwoo pokes his head out from behind his bedroom door, headphones hanging around his neck with music oozing softly from the ears. Whatever he sees must be appropriate enough, because he nods to himself then and strolls toward the kitchen. The leftover Chicken Haus sits neatly packaged away thanks to Mark’s previous care.

“Bro, what the hell,” Mark whines from behind the safety of the couch. Just his head peeks over the cushions, making him look tiny. Like a tiger cub woken prematurely. Jungwoo laughs.

“I thought you said you bought enough to share. There’s no way you guys were gonna finish all this on your own.”

“That’s not—” Mark sighs, “That’s not what I mean.”

“Then what?”

“We’re kind of doing something here.” He jerks his chin down to where you’re hidden from view still. Neither of them can see your grimace.

“Oh, yeah, we know.”

“We?”

Your head and naked shoulders pop up then. Mark shifts his arm subtly in front you to preserve what’s left of your modesty. It doesn’t do much.

“Yeah, me and the others were in my room. We heard you did good on the test from our friend Lucas—you know the one who TAs for orgo? We were gonna surprise you, so we all got here early.”

“How early,” Mark’s voice is steady, eerily so.

Jungwoo picks up another nugget and chews thoughtfully while he picks the right things to say. Johnny is the one who is known for being scary when angry, but Mark’s silent fury is frightening in its own right. A tiger cub is still a tiger, after all.

“Early,” he finally says.

“Fuck,” Mark covers his eyes with his hands. His cheeks bloom over rapidly. “Are you kidding me? Like for real?”

“Jungwoo,” Taeyong’s stage whisper cuts through the outburst. “Are they done yet?”

“You think he’s just standing out there talking to himself while they’re still doing it,” Doyoung’s voice enters next.

“Don’t act like you wouldn’t stop to watch a little on the way back,” Yuta scoffs.

“Guys, stop, this is so weird. That’s Mark we’re talking about.” The sound of Johnny’s internal crisis is almost as loud as his distressed non-whisper.

Jungwoo snorts before piling a plate high with more chicken. “You sound like such a mom, John.”

“Hey, wait is there still chicken?” Taeil’s sleepy voice is followed by Haechan giving an affirmative.

The guys stream out of Jungwoo’s tiny suite like a swarm of ants making a line towards the kitchen. Some of them hop onto the counter while Doyoung distributes plates. Others grab up the remaining stools and continue to discuss Mark’s new lack of virginity while serving up fries and nuggets. None of them seem to be concerned about yours or Mark’s presence with their backs turned towards you.

As the others continue to bicker amongst themselves, you turn to Mark. With a knowing look, he gestures for you to pass him his sweats. In silence, you both dress yourselves before making a break to your room. You enter first, diving head first into your bed out of mortification. Mark makes sure to close the door as soundlessly as possible before turning to you.

“We need new friends,” the two of you say in unison.

#nct scenarios #nct smut #nct fanfic #nct imagines

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repentantsky · 4 years ago

Text

9 Things I’d like to see at E3, 2021

So E3 2021 is a thing. It’s gonna be all digital, and several companies have already signed up to join, sounds like a good deal, but the question is, will it be what we normally expect out of E3, or will it be more like Summer Game Fest Last Year, where everything that looked like it was gonna be great, but just turned out to be okay? Who can say, but I have some...suggestions, that might make it better, along with some game announcements, that might make it all it should be cracked up to be.

9. No low quality, at home interviews during the main show

E3 has had a history of doing interviews during game shows to try and break pace a little, and keep people from being too excited, only to potentially be let down later. However, possibly the worst problem with Summer Game Fest last year, was the at home interviews, which broke pacing during game announcements in a way I can’t imagine was on purpose, and for many, was the time to take a bathroom break, or simply look away for a while. It’s important of course to hear from developers about their projects, and they can divulge some interesting information about games, that either puts something confusing into context, or is accidently leaked, but when we watch shows about game releases, we want to see the games. Interviews should be held in between shows, or better yet, the days following the conferences themselves.

8. Nintendo finally talks about the big three

While it’s safe to say Nintendo has done some banger numbers over the last year espeically, due to better console availability, which I never thought I’d say about Nintendo but here we are, it’s also safe to say that fans have been waiting for literal years on Bayonetta 3, Metroid Prime 4, and Breath of the Wild 2. While some have been more patient than others, and of course I understand there’s a flipping pandemic going on, Nintendo told us far too long ago about these games, or the restart of their development, and Breath of the Wild 2 was promised to at least get an update this year, and E3 seems like the best place to do it, especially after their last direct, one that was more than a year in waiting, and left so many people disappointed. And this is coming from someone who had literally only hoped to be excited about one thing, and it didn’t happen The future of how they present games, almost feels like it’s in question after such a show, which did not justify itself, so hopefully, they can finally let everyone walk away happy, and talk about the projects that have been generation the most excitement, for literal years now.

7. Space things out better

You might now know this, I only made one list about it after all, and literally no one reacted to it, but I’m a huge wrestling fan, and one of the promotions I watch, is WWE. Now, WWE is about to launch WrestleMania, their equal to E3 in a lot of ways, and are splitting it up over two days, and that goes for their third brand NXT as well, because they have a history of making the show sometimes 8 hours long. For fans of video games, watching The Game Awards, which can be two to three hours long, is arduous, and tiring, and E3, can also have that same effect. I remember in 2019, I literally fell asleep watching Bethesda’s conference, because I was so tired trying to write about the previous shows in between them, never mind actually watching them, that I was burnt out. Since E3 is going fully digital this year, and everyone is going to be in that same boat, it would be nice if we didn’t have too many shows, spanning over a near 12 hour period, which was happened before, making people stay up late to enjoy what they want to, or you know, work, which is free promotion for whatever gets announced. Spacing the shows out to no more than three a day, and giving people enough time to get their thoughts together, would just be really nice.

6. Devolver Digital, tries a different style

Look, I don’t hate Devolver Digital’s approach to talking about games at E3, but what I do hate, is them telling the same jokes over and over again, and expecting everyone to laugh, because you know, it’s so funny when something that’s already been said, or shown, is modified ever so slightly for years on end. I’m not saying they can’t still tell jokes, please do, E3 is as much a good time as it is stressful depending on who you are, so the change of pace can at times be a lot of fun, but the last time they had a “conference”, it was a slog, and generally left me feeling annoyed, and I can’t help but feel I’m not the only one. They want to be different, I say that’s great, but they need to do it in a way that for one, is actually different, because their style has become a cliché in and of itself, and where they don’t spend time talking about fake games, because it’s hard to know at times what’s real and what isn’t. I honestly thought the last time they did one, the final game they talked about was just a play on the “one more thing” trope conferences have, and when I later realized it wasn’t, I never got that first sense of hype, and so lost interest, and that’s not a good business model. We don’t even know at this point if they’re going to declare for E3, and since it was announced late, it might be too hard to get a show at all, but if they do show up, or even when they next do a conference, it would be nice if they considered this line of thinking.

5. Drop the “Exclusive Online Portal” idea

Yeah I don’t know what the ESA was thinking with this one, but they mentioned that E3 will be streaming from an exclusive online portal, and not only do we not know what that means, but no one flipping cares! We’re all going to watching it on YouTube, Twitch, or dare I say it but it’s possible, Facebook Gaming, and any other platform is completely useless. We are all tired of hearing, download a new program to do a thing you can already do on other platforms, PC gamers especially, stop releasing new flipping launchers and...sorry, that’s for another list in the future perhaps, but the point stands. You might get streamers to download, or go to whatever site they need to, to watch the shows, but everyone else, is either going to watch those streams, or as it often happens, watch the highlights at a later time, so to add a potentially extra step to that process, is just not going to go anywhere, and since E3 will be free to watch, it’s not like this is going to be a good way to make money, unless you do plan to do the following...

4. Throwing flipping ads at everyone between shows or otherwise

Look, I get it, even an online show that’s going to be talking about games costs money to make, and so money must be made by other means, many of which are not available to the ESA without people actually being present, but the thing about E3 is, as much as we all love it, it is one massive ad, and even though it’s an add we like, it’s not one that needs too many ads thrown at it beyond what it already has. There are other, less annoying ways to make money, like having products from the games announced be available at a store online that people can access, that sees them getting part of the profit, or something of that nature, but this portal that was mentioned, seems like a place where the ESA can just throw ads at people all day, and that just seems like a horrible idea. A lot of people don’t see E3 as an ad, even though it absolutely is, and blowing away the smoke and mirrors that it’s not, by throwing countless ads at people for the sake of trying to make money, might be the end of E3 as we know it.

3. Don’t spend too much time talking about games that are coming out close to the event, or just came out

Like I said, E3 is one big, massive ad, and for the most part, that’s totally alright, but E3 also has a habit of sneaking in little bits talking about games, that are coming out during the week of, or very close to the shows, to the point of being annoying. Most of the time these ads are short, show nothing new, and generally kill the pace of the conferences on display. While it’d be one thing to try and shadow drop a game this way, because we all love a good shadow drop, we really don’t need ads for games like FF7 Intergrade, Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart, or flipping Mario Golf: Super Rush. We know those games are coming, we are paying attention, give us a little credit, and save that for games that could use the push like Neptunia: ReVerse, Legend of Mana, or maybe even Scarlett Nexus who actually in way, has to compete with Mario Golf. This might be more a developer problem, and E3 itself might actually have little to no control over this, but whoever does it, needs to do it right.

2. Xbox needs to stop lying, and go big

I love Xbox, I really do, for whatever reason it’s become my go to place for physical indie games, and whenever I want to play a shooter, I start thinking green, but in their conferences, Phil Spencer has a tendency to oversell what Xbox is going to show, by talking about how many games are going to be at the show, or by constantly mentioning how Xbox is more powerful than it’s competitor consoles, like it does any good for the bottom line of the company. I don’t want to hear Phil say they are going to show off 80 games during their show, and have half of them be ports, or shown off in a montage. Doing that means everyone has to go look up a large portion of what they actually announce to learn anything, and that’s no fun. I don’t want montages during E3 at all, and while I’m at it, Xbox espeically needs to bring in the big guns. I’m talking Halo Infinite, Gears 6, the next Forza game, and maybe, finally, a Japanese exclusive title that will get people really hyped. Xbox might just have free reign over the show on the day they present, but another show that has extremely mixed opinions like in 2019, might not be the best thing ever.

1. GET. SONY.

Obviously we know that Sony and the PlayStation brand haven’t been associated with E3 for a while now, and I get it, it’s kind of hard to justify going down to L.A. every year, when an online digital show, saves a whole bunch of money, and can get people just as hyped as if they had been there, but this year, everything is online, and Sony’s State of Play’s have been a mixed reaction as a whole. Taking them to E3 not only sets up more hype for them, but it also gives people something they really need right now, something close to the norm, with all of console developers, showing off their best. E3 2019, just felt weaker, and too safe without Sony there, and last year was a total, long winded disaster because of Summer Game Fest. If the ESA is really going to go for this, and give it an earnest shot, and give us the best that they can, they need Sony to show up and blow our minds with, I don’t know, God of War 2, Spyro 4 (hopefully) and a new IP or two to really get the show to being considered one of the best. E3 will probably be alright regardless of if they are there or not, but if they are, the chances of it being truly great, go up in spades.

And that’s my list, did I miss anything else you can think of? Let me know in the comments below, like this list if it interested you, reblog it if you love it, and have a wonderful day.

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