#i also just got out of finals hell. spring break is a go

[yellow-rose-embalmer]

Aesop is taken by the chin, and at once his eyes widen, he shuts his mouth to keep himself from staring agape, he locks his eyes onto the vampire and digs his nails into his palms to ignore the ones that claw into his chin.

When he is released, he still cannot look away. Not when the vampire turns towards goodness knows where (though he steals a glance and finds nothing of note), not when the eyes fix back onto him. He was taught about eye contact, and even without practice, he knows that to look away is rude.

Perspective. The embalmer's eyes twitch, before he starts to laugh, halting within itself as if his breath cannot hold its own emotion. God, of course that's what it is. "Ha-ha-haaaa... what else would it be? My life is about finding beauty in death, a beauty I've seen people refuse to witness every time I try to share it. Why should you not be proud of these things...? It is hardly any wonder I feel so distant from others who are living, when I cannot do or see the same as they do."

"They're too afraid to know what is good for them, hm? So then, why should they—why should they matter? They... they never listened to me, why should I..." Aesop's eyes are wide, pulled upward as if he is grinning underneath that mask of his. "What do I do, if not preserve beauty? What do I do, if not keep others' beauty alive past themselves? Even if they do not come crawling, there is always an end. And I am there."

Aesop's eyes linger on the arm as it is mentioned, trailing up. His features soften, as if the storm has passed. For now, at least. "...That arm of yours brings to mind another familiar face. It's... more than that, too. The initial demeanor, and then... still reaching out. Still wanting someone like me. How funny, that I find company with the dead."

“Yellow roses, huh? Why though? Red is a much more alluring colour!”

~ @idv-crescent-moon

"...I have found that it doesn't suit me. I am hardly... alluring, as you put it." He tries and fails to keep himself from muttering a "I'm not sure if I want to be..." as he steps backward slightly. Deep, bright red. It's a color he knows is popular, but... "It isn't like the color changes the scent and the petals' softness and the thorns that inevitably line the stem, though... right?"

[leonkennedybreedingkink]

BREATHPLAY

ex!leon kennedy x fem!reader

notes: this year has been a lot so far LOL but part of this fic is based on my meditations after a breakup from a long term relationship so enjoy. descriptions of a rocky relationship, maybe a makeup? drunk sex (both lol), sub!leon and dom!reader, some religious tones. also shoutout to @vaaaaaiolet for safe when i fall i think i got inspired by that one :).

Leon and you never really meshed. Rough edges against other rough edges doesn’t mean sanding down so you’ll fit together nicely.

He’s uniquely good at pissing you off. He leaves the toilet seat up (you put it down), he doesn’t like cooking (“I have cereal,” he says, but muscles like those in his arms don’t live off cereal), he refuses to leave his shoes by the door and tracks in mud/dirt/snow/slush/leaves on the floor and your heart (no matter how many times you make him mop up his mess), he’s contrarian for the sake of having something to argue about (read: talk about).

Sheepish schoolboy through and through, no matter how old or grizzled he gets.

The one thing you two could agree on was always the bedroom, he was much easier to bear when he just shut the fuck up for once and put his mouth to better uses. He was always happy to worship at your altar, anyway.

You, oh, you. Leon loves you to bits, you’re his favorite mule. On one hand, stubbornness got you almost everything you wanted, him included. On the other, you’re almost impossible to deal with when you get in a certain way.

Leon likes to feel manly every once in a while, you know?

You also don’t tell him when you’re pissed, you just shut the hell up and shut him out until you’re ready to talk to him, practically scrubbing the dishes until the nonstick coating comes off.

Something you two implicitly agreed on was to hang on—and, boy, was that a mistake. People always say that you should stick it out, a rough patch is just that, you’ll come out stronger together.

What they don’t tell you is that some things are past the salvageable point and it’s better to know when to quit.

There was a lot of yelling that night before Leon packed up his shit and finally left.

You’d had a while of peace, it felt good, organic even, to get Leon out of your system in all the ways that could be meant.

Story of your fucking life that nobody else could get you off the way Leon can. It doesn’t even come down to skill, it just comes down to good old capacity to give a shit—but that’s what you get when you fuck a guy or three after your ex, who you were with for a handful of years, who had the opportunity to learn what makes you break open.

To you, this breakup felt like swimming to the surface after a few years under water.

Leon had the opposite sort of idea. He didn’t want to touch anyone else, he didn’t want to look at any other woman but you. He deleted your nudes off his phone in a drunken haze, so it’s only memories that get him off when he’s drunk—that is, if whiskey dick hasn’t struck him yet again.

(Another one of your complaints.)

Every time you said you’d go to your friends, they discouraged you from ever talking to him again. They went so far as to take your phone and change the contact name to DON’T EVER FUCKING CALL, changing the profile picture from Leon giving you bunny ears in a mirror selfie to a red stop sign.

You kinda miss Leon the way you miss a bruise, pressing on it a little longer for the hurt and for it to stay. Oh, the love was there too, and you two still yelled at one another or gave the silent treatment until someone (him) broke, walking to you on his knees.

Half a year goes by without you thinking about Leon as much as you could perhaps be. You came real close to breaking after about month two without freshly mopped floors because someone was so excited to be home with you that he forgot to take off his shoes, your friends saved you at the last second.

Month seven is when things get a little rocky. Spring’s coming again, even if the ground’s a little frosty still. Leon texts you first around eleven-fifty at night, when you’re scrolling on your phone in bed.

Hey.

What the fuck? You have to stare at the screen unseeingly for a moment, then blink, squeezing your eyes shut and opening them again to a simple greeting. You can almost imagine the tone he’s taking—he takes that one with you after he starts an argument with you just to talk to you about something.

God, back. Get a fucking hold of yourself.

Oh, hell. He’s texting.

I miss you.

Fuck.

Sluggish thumbs pause and hover over the screen.

Do you?

Like a limb. Is his immediate response. The next, a blurry pic of him raking his hand through his hair, gold chain glinting in the flash.

Christ on a cracker.

You can almost feel the chain in your hand the longer you look at it. The pleasantly surprised look on Leon’s face when you first grabbed the chain to carefully tug him closer is still burned in your mind, that’s what gets you off some days. Well, that and the other things you two did.

Come over? Startles you out of your reverie. Baby Christ in the manger with the sheep. Is this really you? Are you the type of bitch to go back to your ex, even for a night? Would future you be disappointed?

Yeah. Be there in ten. Future you is gonna be well-dicked, if and when she beats you up about this.

All Leon sends is his address as you kick off the covers and dress hurriedly, practically running out of your apartment.

You got there in seven. You take care to look nonchalant as you get out of your car, shutting it with a hip and locking it. You shove your keys into your pocket and scope out the apartment numbers as you get up onto the curb, then the sidewalk.

Your foot skids on a stair and you curse, glad you had a hand on the railing as you pause before continuing your ascension.

You barely finish knocking before the door opens, Lazarus fresh from the tomb in all his disheveled glory before you. Your heart’s in your throat. “Hey.”

“Hey.” Leon twists to the side, allowing you in.

Talk about a bachelor pad. You scope out the place as you toe off your shoes, leaned halfway against the wall.

TV’s on, he’s watching something. There’s vodka bottles littering the coffee table and only one light on in a corner of the room.

The door latches behind you and Leon stifles a hiccup into a fist. “You got here quick.” He says, sidestepping you fluidly and going over to the couch. He sits back down, swallowing some more vodka.

Your face goes hot. “I was overcompensating to not fall asleep at the wheel.” You shrug off your jacket, revealing your baggy shirt. There’s nowhere to hang it, so you drop it on the floor and walk over to the couch, plopping down. Ew, it’s pleather.

Leon snorts into his drink and you try not to gawk at his biceps. “Right.” He agrees solemnly, swallowing a little more vodka before he gets up, getting you a tumbler. He looks fucking delicious. “One or two.”

You hate straight vodka. “One.” Why the fuck not? That’s the flinch, isn’t it?

Leon pours you a shot and clinks your glasses together, passing it to you with his finger inside the rim.

You down it without tasting it, and so does he. You lean forward and pour another, swallowing it down with a burn lingering in your nose. When you have about four shots in your system, Leon speaks up.

“You know, people were right when they said that love is not enough.” He muses, swirling his glass around. Some sloshes over his hand and he slurps it up loudly. “Wasn’t for us.”

Your tongue feels heavy. Despite that, you don’t disagree.

When you’re silent for a little while, buzzed mind attempting to work, he scoffs. “Stop clamming up. It’s me.”

“That’s why I’m clamming up.” You snap after a moment, offense cutting through your buzz. “Because it’s you.”

Leon looks a little less pleased, pink mouth twisting and dipping at the corners. He downs a shot and pours another. You follow, plucking at your shirt to cool down as you sit back against the pleather upholstery.

“We were good, though, right?”

You watch the light play off his face, the blue light and shadows sharpening his features. “Sometimes.” You muster after a while, looking down at your shot glass. “When it was bad, it was bad.”

“Rough patches.” Leon mutters back, though he doesn’t seem to really agree. He sets his empty shot glass on the coffee table and sits back, lacing his fingers together behind his head as he watches the muted TV.

That v-line, he always made such pretty noises when you got to that. “Seems like the patches were the relationship.” You take another shot.

Leon shrugs without looking at you. Prick.

Another shot, more silence before you break it, feeling hot all over. “Did you call me over just to drink?”

Leon’s eyes flick over to you, skating over your features. He loved you, maybe. Loves? “Not really.”

Right. You always come when called.

“I just needed you close to me. Even for a moment.” He admits, eyes dropping from the TV to the coffee table.

He stinks of vodka and sweat when you crawl into his lap, ultraviolet eyes flashing wide for a moment before his hands settle on your hips, thumbs swiping over your bunny pajama pants. Muscle memory.

“You know what they say.” You lean in, eyes flicking between his eyes and his mouth, “Drunk words—“

“Are sober thoughts.” Leon finishes for you, chin tipping up as his eyes lid halfway. “You really are a broken record.”

“Fuck you.”

“You will.” Leon tastes like vodka and iron when he closes the distance between you, his lips slightly chapped. Nervous habit of his, he bites his lips.

It’s a little like being able to breathe. Maybe. It just feels really fucking good.

Leon pulls off your pants somehow, landing a smack to your ass to see the offended look you give him. You scratch him a little in return when you tug down his pants, he turns redder than his alcohol flush and dick jumping behind his boxers.

“Missed these most, fuckin’ hell.” Leon squeezes your tits when he gets your shirt off, leaving a kiss on the right side.

“Did mommy not breastfeed you?” You mock him as you tug his boxers down, rising up on your knees as he leaves you to struggle with his clothes. That vodka left you a little wetter than usual, it seems.

Leon leaves a half-gentle bite and you hiss, digging your nails into his thigh. “Dunno—“ You cut him off with a slow descent, back straightening as you hold in what could be a very incriminating noise. “You wanna try?” He says behind gritted teeth, eyes falling shut with a relieved expression.

You give a strained scoff, digging your nose into his cheek as you lace your arms around his neck, rolling your hips against his.

Leon whines behind a closed mouth, pressing his cheek against yours as his hands wander up and down your sides. You get to watch his eyes roll back when you lace your fingers in his hair and tug. His blunt nails dig into your skin, another louder whine leaving him.

Hitting all his weak spots coupled with the first time with you in a few months has him hurtling over the edge sooner than expected. Honestly, you too.

“In?” Leon pants, eyes opening behind his sweaty bangs, hips jumping to meet yours midway. “Out? How do you want me?”

Thank God, your thighs are beginning to burn. “In.” You leave a wet kiss on his cheek, reaching down with your other hand to fumble with your clit.

He comes right before you do, a pathetic sounding whine leaving him as he spills inside you. You collapse against him, panting for breath and sated in a way you haven’t been for a while.

While you collect yourselves and your dignity, Leon’s hands keep moving up and down your back and sides, soft puffs of breath blowing your hair.

It’s dead silent in the apartment, save only for your breaths. Sweat sticks you two together, you grimace as you peel yourself off him, flopping off to his side and making a mess (what a waste).

Silence reigns for a while longer as you pick at Leon’s fake leather upholstery, a million and one things on your mind. “We can’t be friends.” You mutter after a while.

Leon watches you, sweaty hair sticking up at every angle. “No.” He agrees after a silent moment, not bothering to slap your hand away as you keep picking at his fake leather couch. “I don’t think we ever could be.”

You shake your head, eyes on the patchy upholstery. “And we aren’t lovers.”

Leon shoves his hand beneath yours and holds it so you stop picking at the upholstery. ��We could be.”

“Maybe.” But you know him and his soft heart. Beneath it, your heart’s soft too. “We’ll fight, though.”

Leon’s finger runs across your palm. “I like our fights.”

You close and open your hand around his finger. “And we only ever seem to communicate when you’re inside me.”

Leon shrugs. “We should just be physical.”

Round and round in circles we go.

[seoll3miwrites]

Inked up | Fem! Y/N x Josh Washington *Smut*

Masterlist

It's spring break, which means Y/N can finally show off the lower back tattoo she got months ago. Josh surely isn't going to complain, especially not when it's paired with such a tight Bikini. (WC: 5999 ) Warnings: Smut, AFAB! Reader, Alcohol, Dom!Josh, Dom/Sub vibes, Deep throat, Face fucking, Brief Slap, Tattoo Kink, kinda PWP, Pet Names, NOT BETA READ.

AN: Tattoo design isn't specified so it can be what ever you want.

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

When Hannah had discussed getting a tattoo with Y/N, the Washington girl had expressed an understandable nervousness about getting anywhere near a needle for a long period of time. Which was why Y/N, as her close friend, had volunteered to go with her and also get a tattoo.

They weren’t matching tattoos by any means, but Y/N and Hannah both liked that it was an experience the two of them had shared together. Yet, it seemed no one else had really noticed that the Washington girl wasn’t the only one inked up.

Sam had, of course, come for moral support, as had Beth, but other than the four of them, no one else knew. However, this was mostly because of the placement of the Y/N new tattoo.

See, unlike Hannah, who had chosen her right arm, Y/N was afraid of what her parent would think, and so she had made the decision to tattoo her lower back. Essentially, Y/N was now the proud owner of a 'tramp stamp'.

She wasn’t ashamed of it by any means; she thought the design was beautiful and would’ve happily shown it off to her friends if she hadn’t gotten it in the middle of winter. Instead the intricate ink work was hidden under layers of fabric to fight off the frigid climate outside. 

Eventually, though the cold winter nights passed, and after a few months, it was time for spring break. Now as she sat upstairs in the Washingtons beachside house in Florida, a small, selfish part of her couldn’t have felt more lucky to be friends with the richest people in their town. 

When it came to spring break, all illusions of modesty went completely out the window. Ninety percent of the men went shirtless while girls simply went out in bikinis, which is exactly what Y/N planned to do. 

“What the hell is that?!” Y/N whipped around from where she was looking in the mirror and looked over at Emily, who was busy trying to look around her.

“What’s what?” She asked genuinely, not sure what the dark-haired girl was talking about.

Emily looked at her like she was stupid, replying like the answer was obvious, “Erm, I’m talking about the tattoo that’s suddenly appeared on your lower back.”

Y/N blinked as understanding came over her. Turning her head, she looked at her back through the mirror and realised her bikini felt low enough that the tattoo was fully exposed for the first time since she’d gotten it. Shrugging, she turned back to her friend and spoke.

“Oh yeah, I got it done at the same time as Han, just in a harder-to-see location.”

“So, you’ve just had this the whole time,” Her friend continued to question, “And just… didn’t think to mention it?”

“I don’t think a small tattoo on my back is life-changing information,” Y/N reasoned, “So it wasn’t something I found important to share.”

“Share what?” Jessica asked as she entered the room, clad in a skin-tight pink floral bikini. 

Emily turned to her best friend and pointed briefly to Y/N before speaking, “Y/N has a tattoo, a tramp stamp to be specific.” 

This perked Jess’ interest to immediately move over to her friend, “Oooo, let me see,” she said, followed swiftly by, “Oh my god, that looks really cute.” When the blonde had actually seen the bit of ink.

Y/N smiled appreciatively at her friend before turning back to the mirror and adjusting her bikini top one final time before looking back at the girls. “Is everyone else already downstairs?”

“Yes, so we better hurry before they get bored and leave without us.” Em spoke as she swiftly grabbed Y/N by her arm and led her out of the room and downstairs, Jessica following behind them.

Everyone else was already in the main living room. Matt was sitting on the floor next to Mike and Josh, laughing at some stupid video the two had found while Beth was sitting in an armchair talking to Hannah. Sam had her eyes locked on the TV, watching the game on the screen, her attention turning towards the sound of footsteps descending from the stairs.

“Alright bitches, let’s fucking party.” Emily announced as she confidently made her way into the living room, still pulling Y/N behind her.

Mike and Josh were the first in the small group to stand up; Mike was the one to speak up, “Bout time y'all got down here.” He joked in a mocking southern accent as he picked up a bottle of beer that was on the coffee table before taking a sip.

Josh, on the other hand, made his way over to Y/N and smiled at her genuinely, “You look… wow.” 

Y/N simply giggled and gave a little playful slow twirl to show off her ‘outfit.’. “Thanks, Sam helped me pick it out.”

However, as she twirled, a hand suddenly reached out and grabbed her waist to hold her in place. Y/N then felt another hand reach down to softly trace the tattoo on her lower back, causing her to shiver slightly.

“How long have you had that for?” Josh couldn’t help but ask, his typical smug smirk spread across his face.

“Got it at the same time as Hannah.” She replied as she pulled away from his touch, suddenly feeling very sensitive in that area.

He chuckled to himself as he watched her suddenly shiver from his touch; it wasn’t a secret to anyone that it was a sensitive area, and that just made it even more fun to him.

“I can’t believe you just hid a tattoo like this from me all year.” He gave her a mock serious look, a sly smirk on his lips, “I’m appalled, how could you?”

“I didn’t do it intentionally,” Y/N bit back, “I wasn’t about to walk around in low-cut jeans and crop tops all winter.”

He laughed brightly and took another swig of his beer before leaning in a little close, “Fair enough, but does that mean I’m gonna get to see it all the time now that you’ve revealed the secret to the world?”

“Ha, you wish.”

He gave her a wide smile, “You bet I do.” He wiggled his eyebrows playfully and pulled away.

Before Y/N could react to that, however, Chris and Ashley had emerged from the beach house’s kitchen. As Chris entered the room, he exclaimed dramatically, “Alright party people, let’s get this show on the road.

Matt was the first to respond to Chris, and while he may not have been as dramatic about it as Chris, he still let out an excited holler. “Yeah! Time to go get wasted!”

And soon, after several other shouts of excitement, the group made their way out of the house and straight onto the beach. The beach in front of the Washington’s house was already swarmed with college kids, equally if not more scarily clad than Y/N’s tight two-piece. 

The smell of alcohol and weed permeated the air, and music blared from several speakers that were linked to the stage where a DJ was jamming away on.

“Remember to at least stick in pairs,” Sam maturely said before grabbing Hannah and Beth’s hand and almost running off into the crowd in search of a good drink.

Josh smiled brightly as he watched his sisters having fun with Sam for a moment before turning his gaze back to Y/N. “Wanna go find a drink?”

“Definitely.”

With her reply, Josh started to walk to the makeshift bar that was set up by the other side of the beach, his hand finding the small of her back to lead her into the crowd of people.

“So what do you want to drink then?” He asked as he guided them towards the bar.

As the pair reached the bar, he gave her a small nod and turned to the man running the stand, pulling out a ten-dollar bill as he spoke, “We'll have two shots... something strong.”

The moment he said the word shots, the guy nodded and started to pour them out two shots and handed them both to Josh, who took them both and offered one to Y/N, “Here yah go.”

“Thanks,” She smiled at him before downing the drink. As the liquid hit the back of the throat, she could help but cough slightly, “Well, it’s definitely strong.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle as she spoke, and he turned to request another two shots, which the guy filled without delay.

“Y’know I had a feeling you were gonna say that.” He told her as he once again handed her a glass before taking the other for himself, “Ready?”

Y/N winced slightly as she remembered the burning sensation she’d felt just moments before, but it was spring break, and she wanted to get as drunk as possible. So, she picked up her glass and gently hit it against Josh’s, “Ready.”

This time, however, when Y/N downed her shot, her throat forgot to close properly, and she found herself choking as the burning liquid hit the back of her throat. Tears rolled down her cheek as she subconsciously gripped onto Josh’s arm for support.

Josh’s eyes widened slightly as he suddenly felt her grip his arm, “Oh—“ He started to say but stopped as he saw her struggling to breathe, panicking slightly.

“Hey, just breathe,” he said as he quickly put both their glasses onto the bar. “Take a second to breathe.”

When she finally got a breath back, Y/N gently patted him on the arm, “S-sorry, just went down the wrong way.”

He looked at her as he saw she was alright and let out a small laugh, his hand resting gently on her back, “It’s alright, just don’t do that again. I don’t know what I’m supposed to do if I have to perform the Heimlich.”

The smile grew wider on his lips, realising he had his hand on her lower back, right by her tattoo. Yet, before he had the chance to pull away, Y/N shifted her feet and leaned into his touch.

The moment he felt her relax and lean into his touch, he found himself unable to stop himself, letting out a small sound at her touch as his fingers lightly traced the tattoo on her lower back.

It was only when the man at the bar spoke, asking if they wanted another drink, that he reluctantly snapped out of it and quickly pulled his hand away. “Maybe we shouldn’t get any more,” he said. “The beach isn’t a nice place to vomit.”

"Let's go dance then."

Josh looked back to her as she spoke, a large smile on his lips, “That’s a dangerous proposition.”

He smirked coyly, “You sure you trust me enough to not have my hands all over you?”

Y/N stepped forward, a smirk growing on her face. "Maybe I want you too..."

As she stepped forward and spoke, Josh’s eyes locked with her own, his smirk growing even wider as his heart started to beat even faster. He couldn’t resist the temptation any longer, his hand running down her lower back once again, stopping when he reached the edge of her bikini.

“In that case, I won’t hold myself back.”

"Come on then..." she said before pulling away and disappearing into the crowd.

Josh took a second as she left to watch her walk away, a smile on his lips as he followed after her, his eyes fixed on her as he pushed through the crowd.

It didn’t take much time for him to catch up to her, and as soon as he was there, his hands were on her once again, this time her waist, as he pulled her back towards him.

As she felt herself being moved, Y/N couldn’t help but lean into the touch, swaying her hips against him as she began to dance to the music. Since Josh was only wearing a pair of swimming trunks, it wasn’t hard for Y/N to feel just how much he was enjoying it.

Suddenly, she turned in his arms so that she was facing him and tilted her head upwards so she could look into his eyes. “What if I told you there’s another tattoo you can’t see?”

As she turned around in his arms, a smirk spread across his lips, and he raised his eyebrows, a look on his face of both disbelief and lust, “You’re kidding me, you’ve got another tattoo that you’ve managed to keep completely hidden?"

Unable to control her face, she burst into giggles for a minute or two, and when she'd finally calmed down, she replied, "I'm only kidding; unless I had a tattoo on my tits, there's not really anywhere else I'd hide another tattoo in this."

It didn’t take more than a moment for his eyes to dart down her body as his thoughts ran wild, “That’s disappointing.” He eventually said, looking back up at her, “I was looking forward to seeing where you’d manage to hide a tattoo in this.”

"Well, maybe there's something else more exciting under this little swimsuit," Y/N replied before pouting her lips dramatically.

He raised an eyebrow at her as she spoke before looking down her body again. “I think you’d have to prove that for me to believe you.”

"How far are we from the house?"

Josh raised an eyebrow, a smirk on his lips that was full of lust and desire. “It’s a short walk. Why do you ask?”

A dark look crossed Y/N's face as she reached forward and pulled his face close enough that her breath tickled against his lips. "Listen to me, we either go to the house now, or I go off on my own and find a random stranger to fuck.”

His own eyes darkened as she spoke, her breath against his lips only making it even worse as he had to take a deep breath.

He stared into her eyes for a moment, the alcohol in his system giving him the bravado he needed before he nodded, “We’re leaving now.” He almost growled out as he grabbed her hand and started to pull her through the crowd.

With a proud, smug smile, Y/N happily allowed Josh to drag her through the crowds and back down the beach to the house. When they arrived, Y/N couldn’t help but cheer mentally that none of the others had yet returned, which meant she and Josh had the whole place to themselves.

Josh pushed her inside before stepping in and closing the front door behind them. As she heard the lock click, Y/N was suddenly pulled backward and nearly slammed against the wall of the entryway.

For Josh, his lust had completely taken over, and it didn’t take more than a few seconds before his lips crashed against hers roughly, one of his hands resting against the wall by her head while the other rested on her hip as he pressed himself against her.

Y/N couldn’t help but gasp into the kiss; in all her teasing, she’d never seen this side of Joshua before. He was so forceful compared to his usual soft nature towards her.

As she gasped into the kiss, he took the opportunity to quickly slip his tongue into her mouth. Yet, there was no battle for dominance; from the moment Josh had grabbed onto Y/N’s hand and dragged her away, it was clear who was in control.

“You’re such a fucking tease.” He murmured against her lips, “I bet you’re really fucking proud of yourself.”

“I don’t know what you mean…” She replied, playing coy as her hands moved into his thick curls and pulling slightly.

A low growl escaped his lips, one of his hands gripping slightly at her hip. “You know exactly what I mean,” he said, his lips now moving to her jaw as he leaned down to kiss her skin softly. “You just love to give me trouble, don’t you?”

“I’m sorry, will you ever forgive me?” She couldn’t help, whining slightly as he moved down from her jaw and began to kiss the hollow of her neck.

A grin spread across his lips as she spoke, and he pulled away from her neck just long enough to respond, “I don’t know.” He said, his hand gripping her hip slightly, “I think you’ll have to make it up to me in some way.”

"I'll do anything."

Josh’s hands now rested on her hips, his eyes burning with lust as he stared at her with a smirk on his lips. He took in a moment to admire her, unable to resist the image before him as his gaze raked over her. “Prove it then.”

And so she did, pushing him backwards Y/N led Josh into the living room and directed him to sit on the couch. Once he had settled himself down, instead of sitting next to him, she took a moment to stand in front before slowly lowering herself until she was kneeling on the floor.

Reaching forward, she began to gently play with the ties of his swimming shorts. “Will this make it up to you?” Y/N asked looking up at him through her lashes.

He nodded his head. “Definitely a start,” he replied, his fingers resting against the cushion as he sat there and watched her, his own eyes taking her entire body in.

Having been given the green light Y/N took the initiative and gripped the hem of his shorts and pulled them down, eyes focused on his cock which had sprung free. She couldn’t help but feel smug in that moment, seeing the evidence of how much she affected him firsthand. 

"Fuck, Y/N," Josh groaned, as he felt the cold air against his now exposed skin. His eyes darkened as he took in the sight of her, her gaze locked onto his aching member. His cock twitched in anticipation, a bead of pre-cum already leaking from the tip. 

Unable to hold herself back any longer, Y/N leaned forward and took just the head of his hardness into her mouth before swirling her tongue. With a groan, Josh’s hand quickly found itself in her hair, gripping the strands tightly.

"Oh fuck, Y/N," he groaned, his hips instinctively rocking forward to push more of his thick length into her mouth. "Your mouth feels so fucking good, baby. Such a perfect little cock slut for me.”

Y/N had never heard Josh talk like this before; he’d always been so mild-mannered and kind towards her. Yet, now as she knelt on the floor listening to Josh calling her a slut, all she wanted was for him to keep talking.

Spurred on, she hollowed her cheeks and quickly found her rhythm, and it was almost too much for Josh to bear. He could feel every flick and swirl of her tongue, every gentle grazing of her teeth against his skin, sending jolts of electricity straight to his core.

Through the pleasure-induced fog, Josh sensed just how much his words affected the girl kneeling in front of him. “Oh, you like that, do you?” he growled, his voice dripping with lust. "You love hearing me talk dirty to you, don't you?"

She tried to pull away to reply, but he quickly pushed her down, shoving his cock even further into her mouth, “Oh no, I don’t need you to speak right now, just let me fuck into that pretty little mouth.”

He began to fuck into her mouth with increasing fervour, his thick cock plunging in and out of her stretched lips. Drool dripped down her chin as he picked up the pace, the obscene sound of his hips slapping against her face filling the room.

"Shit, I'm gonna cum soon," he grunted, his grip on her hair turning painful as he chased his release. "I'm going to pump my load straight down your throat, and you're going to swallow every last drop like a good little slut. Got it?"

All Y/N could do was hum in agreement against his cock; she tried to nod her head too but simply served to push him against the back of her throat, causing her to gag slightly.

That seemed to be all Josh needed as he let out a shout of ecstasy as his orgasm hit him like a tidal wave. Y/N struggled to swallow as thick ropes of cum erupted from his cock and down her throat. 

Once he had fully ridden out his orgasm, she pulled away with a loud pop. Exhausted, she couldn’t do anything except rest her head against Josh’s leg, breath heavy as she tried to catch it.

Josh let out a low, satisfied groan as he slowly came down from his intense high, his grip on Y/N's hair loosening. He looked down at her with a smug, arrogant smirk, taking in the debauched sight of her—hair dishevelled, eyes glazed over and unfocused, cum dripping from her well-fucked lips. 

He tucked himself back into his pants before scooping Y/N up and pulling her onto his lap, cradling her against his chest. She melted into him, letting him support her limp, exhausted body as she struggled to catch her breath.

"That was... intense," Josh murmured, pressing a surprisingly tender kiss to her forehead. "You did so good, taking my cock like that. Such a good girl." His hand stroked through her hair, trying to smooth out the tangles he'd created.

He could feel Y/N's chest heaving against his own as she gulped in air, her body still trembling slightly from the force of his release. Josh held her close, enjoying the feeling of her soft curves pressed against him, the scent of sex and her shampoo filling his nostrils.

"You okay, baby?" He asked softly, tilting her chin up to look at him. His thumb brushed over her lower lip, wiping away the stray cum and smearing it across her cheek. "I hope I didn't hurt you. I just couldn't help myself; you felt too fucking good."

Y/N, on the other hand, had never felt better. She loved the fuzzy feeling in her head and wanted to keep feeling it. So, she subtly adjusted herself and began to gently grind herself down onto Josh's thigh.

"Mmm, someone's eager," Josh murmured, a smirk tugging at his lips as he watched her move against him. His hands slid down to grip her hips, encouraging her subtle movements. "You liked choking on my cock that much, huh? Got you all hot and bothered?"

"Mmm," she whined in a near squeal, "I need... fuck, I need..." God, she was such a mess she couldn't even talk.

“What?” He questioned, gripping her face and forcing her to look at him, “I need you to use your words, sweetheart.”

“I…” Her face scrunched in frustration when she still couldn’t speak, so she reached behind and quickly undid the ties of her bikini top before throwing it off.

Josh's eyes widened as Y/N frantically untied her bikini top and tossed it aside, exposing her perfect breasts to his hungry gaze. They bounced slightly from the motion, and he couldn't resist reaching out to palm the soft mounds, squeezing and kneading the supple flesh. Her dusky pink nipples pebbled under his touch, and he couldn't help but lean down to capture one in his mouth, swirling his tongue around the hardened bud.

"Fuck, these tits are amazing," Josh groaned around her nipple, sucking and nibbling gently before giving the other the same treatment. He could feel Y/N arching into his touch, her fingers tangling in his hair to hold him close. The taste of her skin, the weight of her tits in his hands, and the needy whimpers spilling from her lips—it was all driving him crazy with lust.

Pulling back, Josh cupped her face, forcing her to meet his intense gaze. "Tell me what you need, Y/N," he demanded, his voice low and rough with desire. "I need to hear you say it. I want to make all your dirty fantasies come true." 

His other hand slid down her stomach, slipping beneath the waistband of her bikini bottoms to cup her mound. He could feel the heat radiating from her core, the dampness of her arousal coating his fingers. "Is this what you need? To be touched, to be fucked until you can't think straight? Say it."

“Yes,” she said simply, but that earned her a soft chastising slap on her cheek from Josh. It was a playful slap but firm enough to make a point.

"Yes, what? Come on, baby, you can do better than that," he coaxed, his fingers teasing through her slick folds, not quite touching where she needed him most. "Tell me exactly what you want. I know you've got more imagination than that."

“Ah!” She moaned out in an almost scream from his touch, “Joshua, I can’t…”

Josh tightened his grip around Y/N's throat slightly at the sound of her desperate moan, his eyes flashing with intensity. "Can't what, baby? Can't form a sentence? Come on, sweetheart, you're going to have to do better than that," he growled, his fingers still teasing through her soaked folds without giving her the direct stimulation she craved.

“Please… fuck my pussy.” Y/N spoke rapidly between breaths, desperation evident, “I need your cock in my pussy, please; I wanna feel good.”

Josh let out a low, approving groan as Y/N finally begged for what she needed, her words dripping with desperation. "Fuck, that's my good girl," he praised, rewarding her by pushing two fingers deep into her dripping cunt without warning. He pumped them in and out of her hard and fast, curling them to hit that sensitive spot inside her that made her see stars.

At the same time, Josh captured her lips in a searing kiss, swallowing her wanton moans and cries. He bit at her bottom lip before soothing it with his tongue, his hand still wrapped loosely around her throat. Breaking the kiss, he leaned in to growl in her ear, "Get on all fours and spread your legs, baby. Show me this needy little pussy that's begging to be filled.

Drinking in the breathtaking sight before him, he felt his cock throb at the erotic image of Y/N presenting herself so perfectly, just for him. The way her back arched, her round ass up in the air and her dripping pussy on full display, begging to be claimed. He couldn't resist reaching out to squeeze one of her plump cheeks, kneading the supple flesh roughly.

"Fuck, Y/N... you're so goddamn sexy like this," he groaned, giving her ass a sharp smack before grabbing onto her hips. He rubbed his rock-hard cock teasingly along her wet slit, coating himself in her arousal. "This is what you want, isn't it, baby? To feel my big dick stretching out this tight little cunt."

Without warning, Josh thrust his hips forward, burying himself to the hilt inside Y/N's hot, slick heat with one powerful stroke. “F-fuck!” Y/N screamed out in a stutter as she felt him enter her so deeply.

He quickly set a brutal pace, fucking into her rapidly. The sound of skin slapping against skin echoed through the room, mingling with Y/N's scream and his own grunts of pleasure. He could feel her velvety walls clenching and fluttering around his cock, drawing him in deeper with each powerful thrust.

His hands found her waist as his thumbs traced the edges of the back tattoo that had started all of this; he thought it looked even more beautiful in this moment. Josh’s eyes focused on the intricate design, yet his pace never faltered.

“So fucking sexy,” he spoke in between thrusts, “Such a sexy little tattoo, but you know that, don’t you?"

“Yes!” She screamed out, cutting herself off with a high moan.

“Tell me,” he spoke suddenly, “Did you get it for me?”

Stunned by the sudden question, Y/N froze in place, her eyes growing wide. “Huh?” 

“Did. You. Get . It . For. Me?” As he asked, Josh emphasised each word with a sharp thrust into her pussy.

“I already told you, I got it with Hannah.” She mumbled, but that wasn’t the answer he was looking for, and almost as quickly as he entered, he suddenly withdrew from her pussy. Y/N lifted her head in confusion as she whined at the sudden loss.

Her head spun as Josh tightened his grip so he could flip her over, laying her down on her back so he could hover above her. Josh gripped Y/N's chin, forcing her to meet his intense gaze as he loomed over her. His green eyes blazed with desire and a hint of frustration.

"I'm not going to keep fucking this perfect little cunt until you admit the truth," he growled. "You got this tattoo for me, didn't you? Because you knew it would drive me fucking crazy seeing it on your sexy back while I fucked you senseless."

Josh reached down and circled her clit with his fingers, applying just the right amount of pressure to make Y/N's hips buck against him. "Tell me, Y/N," he insisted, his breath hot against her face. "You can't lie to me, Y/N. I can feel how badly you want this, how much you need my cock. So tell me the truth."

“Mhmm.” She hummed and nodded her head, struggling to properly verbalise it; her head was getting fuzzy again.

Josh leaned in closer, his lips brushing against Y/N's ear as he whispered intensely, "Not good enough, kitten. I want to hear you say it." His fingers continued their relentless circling of her clit, pushing her closer to the edge.

“It was meant for you,” Y/N breathed out, “It was always meant for you, only you.” As she spoke, she had reached her hands up and tangled her fingers in his, pulling him close, gasping against his mouth as her orgasm ripped through her. Spilling her juices all over his hand before pulling him down so their lips folded together.

Groaning into the kiss, Josh continued to gently stroke her as he helped her ride out the intense orgasm, pulling away to whisper in her ear, “That’s right, baby, it’s all for me.” Earning another whimper from Y/N, “You’re mine now, always meant for me.”

He hooked his arms under her thighs and lifted her up, encouraging her to wrap her legs around his waist. In one swift motion, he flipped them over so that Y/N was straddling his lap, his hard cock throbbing and pulsing beneath her. He gripped her hips and pushed her down against him, letting her feel how desperately he wanted her.

"Ride me, Y/N," he commanded, his voice rough with lust. "Show me how badly you wanted me to claim this tattoo, this pussy, as mine.”

The only problem was that after her orgasm, Y/N suddenly found herself unable to support her own body and collapsed against Josh’s chest. “I can’t move…” she murmured against his skin, before whining at the sensation of having him inside her once again.

Josh held Y/N close as she collapsed against his chest, her body still trembling from the aftershocks of her intense orgasm. He stroked her hair and pressed tender kisses to the top of her head, murmuring soothing words into her ear.

"Shh, it's okay, Y/N. I've got you," he whispered, his arms wrapping around her protectively. "You don't have to move, not right now. Just let me take care of you.”

Josh started to slowly roll his hips, thrusting up into Y/N with deep, languid strokes. He wasn't trying to make her come again, just enjoying the exquisite sensation of her tight heat enveloping him. His hands roamed over her curves, caressing and squeezing, worshipping every inch of her body.

"Oh shit," Y/N cried out from the sensation, "Keep going, please, Josh."

Josh groaned as he felt Y/N's pussy clench and quiver around his cock from his slow, deep thrusts. Her pleading cry spurred him on, and he started to pick up the pace, driving into her with more urgency.

"Fuck, you want me to keep going, baby?" He panted, one hand gripping her hip while the other slid up to palm her breast, kneading the soft flesh. "Want me to fuck this perfect little pussy harder?"

When she did a small but clear nod, he captured her lips in a passionate kiss, all tongue and teeth as he pistoned in and out of her. The wet, obscene sounds of their coupling filled the room, mixing with their moans and cries of pleasure.

Smoothly, he rolled them over again, pinning Y/N down into the floor as he loomed over her. Gripping her thighs, he pushed them up and back, nearly bending her in half as he hammered into her harder and faster.

They continued like this for a few minutes longer; soft moans accompanied the sound of flesh hitting against one. Each of them was chasing a high they both knew would soon crash down onto them.

Eventually, Josh’s thrust began to falter and stutter as he leaned down to speak into Y/N's ear again, “I’m gonna cum, baby; where do you want it?”

“Cum in me.” She replied without hesitation, “Please just cum in me.”

“Are you sure, baby?” He asked again but still made no move to pull out.

“Mhmm,” she moaned out before speaking in a strained voice, “I’m on the pill, so please just fucking come in me.”

At her profanity, Josh let out a small chuckle before speaking again, “Well, if you need it that badly, how can I refuse?”

A high-pitched shriek echoed through the beach house as he suddenly thrust harder than he ever had before, stilling inside her and reaching his second orgasm, spilling his cum inside her.

Y/N’s peak swift followed Josh’s own, pushed over the edge by his thick hot cum coating her walls. She found her eyesight becoming blurry and felt limp against the floor from the sheer force of her orgasm. Josh followed suit and collapsed on top of her, both of them panting and trembling in the aftermath of their intense lovemaking.

"Fuck, that was...holy shit," he breathed, nuzzling into the sweat-dampened skin of her neck. He pressed soft kisses to her racing pulse, feeling it flutter beneath his lips. "You okay, Y/N? I didn't hurt you, did I?"

She let out a deep, content sigh, "I'm okay, just feel exhausted now..." Just managing to tilt her head so she could look into his eyes, "Only problem is that I don't think I'll make it up the stairs."

Josh looked into Y/N's eyes, a lazy smirk spreading across his face at her words. He brushed a few damp strands of hair away from her forehead, tucking them gently behind her ear. “Don’t worry about that baby; I’ll carry you up, and we can take a nice long nap together. How does that sound?”

“Sounds perfect,” she breathed out before connecting their lips with a soft, chaste kiss before pulling away.

Josh brushed his thumb tenderly across Y/N's cheek, savouring the intimate moment. He could feel their hearts beating in sync, still recovering from the intense climax they had just shared. With great care, he carefully pulled out of her, his softening cock slipping from her well-fucked hole with a wet sound. He winced slightly at the sensitivity, but the discomfort was fleeting.

Holding Y/N close, Josh scooped her up into his strong arms, cradling her against his broad chest. He carried her effortlessly, taking slow and steady steps as he climbed the staircase leading to the bedroom. 

Y/N settled contently in his arms, eyes growing heavy. Feeling herself begin to drift off from sheer exhaustion, she embraced it and closed her eyes, tucking her face into his shoulder blade. She was content in his arms, and that’s all she cared about.

[starredblood]

NOWHERE GIRL

PART NINE

kang sae-byeok x fem!reader

synopsis: you reunite with the ones who helped you from the start, hoping for a fresh start.

wc. 2.2k

warnings: bit of angst and a splash of comfort

(nowhere girl masterlist)

You reach over to gently tap Sae-byeok’s arm to lull her awake. She let out a low grumble before flinching back. You gasp when she threw herself back, pressing her back on the wall of the bakery and threw you a look of horror with her bloodshot eyes. She breathes heavily and begins to wonder if you were just a figment of her imagination.

Perhaps the week you stayed with them (or the entirety of March) the colors were drained from your body. Now it’s like you’re back in full spring.

Your natural blush is more pigmented, your muscles are relaxed back, and you’re dressed in more brighter attiring. The way you were looking at Sae-byeok now was different. Instead of a scared young girl, you had a glint of confidence in your eyes.

Sae-byeok feels like she is looking at a new version of you, and just like that she felt like she was meeting you for the first time again.

But she didn’t want to think too much about your brighter appearance when you’ve been avoiding her.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she asks, still catching her breath.

You blink. Almost forgetting what you came here to do. “Right. I came to give you these. As a final thank you for everything.” you laugh nervously and reach over to hand her the bouquet.

Sae-byeok quirks an eyebrow. No one has even given her flowers. What use will she have for them? Her eyes flicker back and worth to you and the flowers. You wait patiently for her to grab them but she still looks too tense to grasp the fact that you were here.

You lower your arm and sigh at your failed attempt. “I specifically chose yellow lilies because they stand for happiness and new beginnings. And lavender because they represent silence and calmness but they’re also uniquely cool—kind of like you.”

Sae-byeok blinks at them, her expression unreadable. That’s when an alarm on her phone went off. She went to go shut it off and you watch her walk to the kitchen leaving you astray with the rejected bouquets.

As hurt as you felt, you took a deep breath and dragged your foot out the bakery. A part of you expected this, you did disappear without warning. Maybe the rejection was well deserved. You wanted a fresh start, but you had to pick yourself back together again before making amends but maybe you took too long. These past two weeks did feel like an eternity.

You headed over to the entrance leading up to your quaint studio next to the bakery but got taken aback when someone slams the door just as you were about to enter it.

“Have you been avoiding me?” Sae-byeok asks quietly but her voice slightly quivers in frustration.

You frown at her even as she avoided looking at you. “I was giving you space. And I was hoping that after I got my act together maybe we could start over. That’s what I came over to do.”

Although you have a small roof over your head now, you spent most of your days cooped up in the school library trying to catch up on all the homework and projects that got destroyed in the hands of that devil they call,Yen-ho. If you weren’t in class or school, then you were at work. You’ve never been this busy in your life, you actually surprised yourself these past two weeks.

And the few breaks you gave yourself in the day, it was only to ponder on your choices and decisions. Even you have some resentment for your parents, you miss your mom’s home cooked meals and car rides with your dad when he dropped you off at school or work. It’s hard not to think about them everyday even if it’s an over thought.

You miss home. You miss your room, and you always wonder if they got rid of everything in your room by now or kept in just in case their baby makes it back home enveloped in their arms. Your new apartment lacks the warmth you had before. Everything feels cold and estranged.

By the time you were caught up on everything, your neck is constantly sore from always looking down and you have trouble sleeping most nights with the looming thoughts of perhaps forgetting to do one assignment or thinking about your family.

“I had a rough start obviously but I’m caught up on all of my classes now. Caught up in life in general actually.” you say softer. “How are you—Cheol and Ji-yeong? How’s everyone?”

Sae-byeok didn’t budge. She turns to look at you blankly so you wouldn’t guess her true feelings, like some sort of defense mechanism. You wonder if she was putting up her walls again.

“Do you actually care or are you saying that in case you need our help again?”

You force a slight smile to pretend her words didn’t sting you a bit. “I’m not the selfish person you think I am.” you say and Sae-byeok scoffs. “You know, it’s not wise to judge someone you only knew for a week.”

Without any further comment, she stuffs her hands into her pockets and starts walking in the opposite direction.

“Where are you going?”

“To pick up, Cheol.” she says. You watch her dumbfounded. Sae-byeok swiftly turns around with a sly look etching her face. “Are you going to prove me wrong?”

You send her a quizzical look. She raises both her eyebrows waiting for you to get what she was asking from you. Was it was her subtle way of asking to get to know you?

”I will.” you say more confidently. Sae-byeok nods slightly, her cold expression remaining on her face. “Actually, you guys should pop up by my place today if you’re all free. I’m cooking dinner.”

“…We’ll think about it.” she responds after a minute of thinking long and hard about your invitation. You nod and gently wave her goodbye before entering the stairs leading up to your apartment.

You have a feeling they will arrive so panic begins to set in your body. Truthfully, you didn’t actually plan to make dinner today.

✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

Sae-byeok leans against the wall, quietly observing the personality of your studio apartment . It was definitely small, resembling an attic. With the living room, bathroom and kitchen being close together and upstairs just big enough to fit your mattress that doesn’t have a bed frame yet. However, it seems as if you were dedicated to make this place look alive and livable.

You had your handcrafted art pieces and sculptures scattered around the walls, kitchen counter and even on the floor since you had no real piece of furniture yet. Apart from the plastic table that seated three by the only small rectangular window, you also had an oversized peace lily by the entrance that was gifted to you by Miss Ahn, who is a known plant connoisseur. Sae-byeok didn’t understand why you had so many multicolored fairy lights scattered around the ceilings, but she guesses it’s because there is a lack of natural lighting here.

“Wow, this place looks good already.” Ji-yeong says after roaming the apartment for ten minutes now. She stares up at the fairy lights in awe, reaching to tap one gently. “We lived in our apartment for three months now and it still looks the same since when we moved in. Right, Sae-byeok?”

“Thanks.” you say bashfully as you began platting the garlic spam fried rice. It’s your first time cooking for other people apart from Miss Ahn who you taught you how to make this easy cheap dinner last week. “I’m thinking of going to a thrift store soon to look for a nice couch.”

“Meh, you shouldn’t rush furniture shopping.“ she advises and sits across Cheol who was busy coloring in your old sketchbook. “When we finally moved in and found out how much a mattress cost my heart seriously fucking dropped—oh! Sorry, Cheol.”

“It’s okay. Noona swears all the time in our room.” he says innocently.

Ji-yeong looks over at Sae-byeok who was still by the wall studying your apartment. “Hey. Dinner is almost ready.”

“There’s only three chairs. I’ll just stand and eat.” she says coolly.

“Nonsense. Come and sit I have to submit an assignment that’s due tonight so you guys eat while I do that in my bed.” you reassure her, place the plates of hot food on the table. “Also, I forgot to buy drinks but I can give you water.”

“Sure!” Ji-yeong chirps and starts digging a spoonful of rice into her mouth. She groans in satisfaction. “You might just beat Sae-byeok as the better cook.”

“Shut up.” you laugh, pouring water into each of their cups.

“I’m serious. Sae-byeok hurry and try it.” she urges when the stone faced girl finally sat down.

Embarrassed to see her reaction you quickly excuse yourself to march up to your bed. You take a quick peek at the three guests before kneeling down to lift your mattress off of the floor. You pull out the cash filled envelope and shove in deep into the pocket of your sweatpants. You were going to use this money to buy a new laptop but you can hold on and use the library computers for now. Now you just sit on the edge of your bed and extra few minutes to not raise suspicions although you doubt they’ll suspect you of anything.

“Eight out ten.” Ji-yeong says when you came back downstairs. “A little bit salty but still delicious.”

“I’ll take it.” you smile and look at Sae-byeok. “What do you rate it, huh?”

Sae-byeok takes another spoonful to make a decision. “Seven out of ten.”

“Alright next time you have to cook for us since you’re so picky.” you say, playfully.

“It’s an eleven out of ten for me, Noona!” Cheol says, grinning ear to ear something you haven’t seen before.

“Oh wow, thank you, Cheol! You were the only one I cared to know what they thought about my food.” you beam. You didn’t know if you were hearing things, but you could’ve sworn Sae-byeok let out a quiet snort.

“Thanks for inviting us. It’s good to see you’re doing better.” Ji-yeong says, smiling slightly.

“I hope next time you visit I’ll have more to show you other than my seven out of ten cooking though.”

“If you’re a seven out of ten then I’m down in the gutters.” she murmurs, scratching the top of her head.

The three visitors mingled for another hour or so helping you clean the dishes and wipe down the kitchen before deciding that it was time to head home when the sun left the horizons. However, you quietly ask Sae-byeok to speak in private while she was putting on her coat. She threw you an odd look before hesitating to accept your request. Ji-yeong gave you both skeptical glances but remained quiet as she took Cheol with her out the apartment.

“Woah. What the hell are you doing?” Sae-byeok says when you pull out the envelope of cash. Her eyes grew wide and fearful. “Stop. I didn’t do it for money.”

“I know, I know but I want to help. You already work so much and also take care of Cheol and—you look so tired. I’m concerned.” you say, giving her a pleading look. “Come on, you didn’t even take the flowers that I brought you earlier.”

“I’m not taking your money.” Sae-byeok says, backing away. “This isn’t what I meant when I asked if you cared!”

“Do you really want me to give you a speech? When Ji-yeong and Cheol are waiting outside?” you cross your arms. Sae-byeok reaches for the door knob. “Stop! Hey—look after what you’ve done for me you truly earned my respect!”

Sae-byeok freezes when she twisted the knob. Her eyes get darker and narrower. “What are you talking about?”

“I don’t know much about you or your past but I can tell you had to do cold and heartless things to survive and no person deserves that. Especially being so young. So, just take this it’s—it’s not a lot but as long as you aren’t overworking yourself to death for a bit will make me content.”

You reach to grab Sae-byeok’s hand and place the envelope on her palm, she gently curls her fingers around it.

“Can I be honest with you?” you ask. She lets out a faint sniffle but shakes her head. “I used to live life in a bubble wrap. I have—I had two loving parents, a group of friends and school. That was it—and it was easy. I’ve never known real hard work until I had to leave everything behind…and I was ready to give up but you and Ji-yeong and even Cheol gave me strength. I don’t know what it was about you guys that did but maybe one day I’ll figure it out and I’ll let you know when I do.”

The tension in the air was killer. You hold your breath afraid that even your faint breathing will disturb whatever was on Sae-byeok’s mind. She was your enigma. Never have you met someone as confusing as her.

“Thank you.” she says barely above whisper, staring down at her shoes.

“Thank me by taking care of yourself.” you say in a light tone hoping that she will be comfortable looking at you. “You should probably go now before Ji-yeong and Cheol get worried. I’ll see you around?”

“Yeah.” she croaks. “Bye.”

To your disappointment, Sae-byeok’s head remained lowered till the moment she walked out the door. But you hope that over time you get to know what underneath her hard cold surface.

🏷️: @monroesturnns @knfthxv @jumpedthenfell-13 @peelover25 @karli6 @kissedberries @bitchybananaflower @laurenkenss @saebyeokbliss

[s0urw00lf]

BULLSEYE

Eventual Billy Russo x fem!reader

Summary: you and two others were to make sure billy Russo and frank castle couldn’t go on with their plans

Casting - join taglist

An: this idea was just a one shot but it was too long to make into a one shot so i made it into a story. if you cant tell already my fav character is ares. Also if i tagged you in this and you don’t want to be tagged again lmk it’s fine it wont hurt my feelings.

You woke up the same as every day. Dark grey concrete walls surrounded you and the small square window barred by thick metal rods did nothing to lighten the dark space.

You sat up, on the incredibly thin mattress that felt no different than a comforter covering springs. standing up, you walked over to the barred window, boots making little to no noise. you peeked out of the foggy glass just out of mere habit, from what you could see nothing was out of the ordinary. The sun, much like always, failed to show itself, leaving the sky covered by grey. The tree that stood just below your window seemed to grow, as the vines are starting to creep up the side of the concrete beside the window.

You were in a daze, staring out the window that hadn't been broken, even when the unexpected sound of the heavy metal cell door opened, before you had the chance to turn around you heard the sound of a gun cock.

You kept your breathing level, not giving him any reason to even think about shooting you “don' you move” a deep thick, British voice spoke. He was new, you'd never heard him before. You always kept mental notes of everyone you had the displeasure of meeting here, he was a new one.

“put your hands on your head and get on your knees” he instructed harshly. slowly with even breaths you did so your hands moved to the back of your head, fingers intertwined with each other and steadily you dropped down to your knees.

After you did so, the man approached you, heavy footsteps echoing off of the concrete walls. He roughly grabbed your wrists and bound them together with the only tool they hadn't taught you to break out of. you had no clue what it was, you just knew they made it especially for you.

”Hope you're well rested, got a good goose chase fo’ ya” the man sarcastically remarked, not really giving a damn whether you were rested or not. He finished tightening your “cuffs” and pulled you onto your feet. “move” he said, you started to take a step before he tugged you back making your lip twitch with irritation as you faced him for the first time. he had black hair and a thick black beard, and a scar going across his cheek that seemed like it'd just belonged there “and if you try anything i'll put a bullet in ya’ lung” he warned before pushing you forward.

He led you down the cold hallways, the small gusts of wind causing chills to cover your bare arms. “Stupid fuckin’ hallways too many twists and turns” the man muttered dragging you by your arm.

You wondered who it was you'd be assigned to kill this time. You weren't let out a lot, only once every few months if you counted correctly. Every time it was the same. You're given a target and it's up to you to find em and snipe em. No mistakes, no witness, no mess.

“fukin’ finally” he muttered as he brought you to a stop in front of another cell door and turned to you “I’d really like to have you on this mission so don’t make me shoot you” he said. Your blank expression didn’t budge and he rolled his eyes turning towards the cell door.

I'd really like to have you on this mission’ does that mean he'd be coming along? and if so that means this other person would be too. What the hell kind of mission would call for you and two others? the unforgiving sound of the cell door opening caught your attention “don’ try anything stupid. Hands behind ya head an’ get on ya knees” he warned holding up his gun. you guessed the person inside obliged like you did, you were sure, whoever they were they were dangerous as well. Only the people who had extensive training were in singular cell’s.

the man walked in, most likely to cuff the person's hands like he'd done yours. “ill tell you like i told her. You try anything stupid i put a bullet in ya’ lung” he said and pushed the person forward and out of the cell. they stopped in front of you and you observed the person. dark curly hair, brown eyes and a cut in his eyebrow. his face held so much youth that his eyes didn't carry. He couldn't have been older than eighteen. He was a boy.

he seemed to be observing you as well, but much like you his expression was neutral and didn’t give away anything

“alright dream team follow me” he said, beginning to walk before he paused and turned around to you and the boy “actually dont, i don't need to be choked out in the middle of the fuckin’ hallway.”

he grabbed one of your arms with one hand and one of the boys with the other. “Let's go, ain't got all day” he muttered, pulling you and the boy along. it was a short walk from there to the briefing room that you were vaguely familiar with.

In the room there was a large board with pictures littering it and a table surrounded by four chairs and three folders laid neatly side by side, all labeled. ‘VIPER’ ‘PHOENIX‘ ‘ARES’

The man let go of you and the boy and walked over to the board. “Right, so we've got a few targets. This man” he pointed to a picture of a dark haired man, his hair was buzzed and his nose was crooked as if it’d been broken a few times. “This is frank castle, otherwise known as ‘the punisher’ not many people have the luck of looking down the barrel of ‘is gun and livin’ to speak ‘bout it” he then pointed to the other man pinned to the board, he looked more youthful and his hair was longer and he had a small beard that complemented his face “this is William Russo, otherwise known as Billy Russo, best friends with frank and he runs a private military corporation called Anvil.” he explained before turning to you and the boy.

“Don’t underestimate them, they both have military training and were the best in America when they were in” he walked around to stand in front of you and the boy “but you two. Just one of you could go in and handle 'em both on your own, but that’s not how this works. We’re all partners and our job is what it always is. Kill.” He explained

”But before we get to the fun stuff we gotta get 'em to trust us. We’ll work alongside ‘em, figure out their plans and stop' em before it happens. Easy peasy” he clapped his hands together.

“Those are our orders. Understood?” He asked. You didn’t understand, there was too much being left out for you to understand. You had questions but it wasn’t your place to ask. “Understood” your gravely voice spoke. The man then looked to the boy “I said… understood?” He glared at the boy.

“Fucking understood”

You woke up the same as every day. Dark grey concrete walls surrounded you and the small square window barred by thick metal rods did nothing to lighten the dark space.

You sat up, on the incredibly thin mattress that felt no different than a comforter covering springs. standing up, you walked over to the barred window, boots making little to no noise. you peeked out of the foggy glass just out of mere habit, from what you could see nothing was out of the ordinary. The sun, much like always, failed to show itself, leaving the sky covered by grey. The tree that stood just below your window seemed to grow, as the vines are starting to creep up the side of the concrete beside the window.

You were in a daze, staring out the window that hadn't been broken, even when the unexpected sound of the heavy metal cell door opened, before you had the chance to turn around you heard the sound of a gun cock.

You kept your breathing level, not giving him any reason to even think about shooting you “don' you move” a deep thick, British voice spoke. He was new, you'd never heard him before. You always kept mental notes of everyone you had the displeasure of meeting here, he was a new one.

“put your hands on your head and get on your knees” he instructed harshly. slowly with even breaths you did so your hands moved to the back of your head, fingers intertwined with each other and steadily you dropped down to your knees.

After you did so, the man approached you, heavy footsteps echoing off of the concrete walls. He roughly grabbed your wrists and bound them together with the only tool they hadn't taught you to break out of. you had no clue what it was, you just knew they made it especially for you.

”Hope you're well rested, got a good goose chase fo’ ya” the man sarcastically remarked, not really giving a damn whether you were rested or not. He finished tightening your “cuffs” and pulled you onto your feet. “move” he said, you started to take a step before he tugged you back making your lip twitch with irritation as you faced him for the first time. he had black hair and a thick black beard, and a scar going across his cheek that seemed like it'd just belonged there “and if you try anything i'll put a bullet in ya’ lung” he warned before pushing you forward.

He led you down the cold hallways, the small gusts of wind causing chills to cover your bare arms. “Stupid fuckin’ hallways too many twists and turns” the man muttered dragging you by your arm.

You wondered who it was you'd be assigned to kill this time. You weren't let out a lot, only once every few months if you counted correctly. Every time it was the same. You're given a target and it's up to you to find em and snipe em. No mistakes, no witness, no mess.

“fukin’ finally” he muttered as he brought you to a stop in front of another cell door and turned to you “I’d really like to have you on this mission so don’t make me shoot you” he said. Your blank expression didn’t budge and he rolled his eyes turning towards the cell door.

I'd really like to have you on this mission’ does that mean he'd be coming along? and if so that means this other person would be too. What the hell kind of mission would call for you and two others? the unforgiving sound of the cell door opening caught your attention “don’ try anything stupid. Hands behind ya head an’ get on ya knees” he warned holding up his gun. you guessed the person inside obliged like you did, you were sure, whoever they were they were dangerous as well. Only the people who had extensive training were in singular cell’s.

the man walked in, most likely to cuff the person's hands like he'd done yours. “ill tell you like i told her. You try anything stupid i put a bullet in ya’ lung” he said and pushed the person forward and out of the cell. they stopped in front of you and you observed the person. dark curly hair, brown eyes and a cut in his eyebrow. his face held so much youth that his eyes didn't carry. He couldn't have been older than eighteen. He was a boy.

he seemed to be observing you as well, but much like you his expression was neutral and didn’t give away anything

“alright dream team follow me” he said, beginning to walk before he paused and turned around to you and the boy “actually dont, i don't need to be choked out in the middle of the fuckin’ hallway.”

he grabbed one of your arms with one hand and one of the boys with the other. “Let's go, ain't got all day” he muttered, pulling you and the boy along. it was a short walk from there to the briefing room that you were vaguely familiar with.

In the room there was a large board with pictures littering it and a table surrounded by four chairs and three folders laid neatly side by side, all labeled. ‘VIPER’ ‘PHOENIX‘ ‘ARES’

The man let go of you and the boy and walked over to the board. “Right, so we've got a few targets. This man” he pointed to a picture of a dark haired man, his hair was buzzed and his nose was crooked as if it’d been broken a few times. “This is frank castle, otherwise known as ‘the punisher’ not many people have the luck of looking down the barrel of ‘is gun and livin’ to speak ‘bout it” he then pointed to the other man pinned to the board, he looked more youthful and his hair was longer and he had a small beard that complemented his face “this is William Russo, otherwise known as Billy Russo, best friends with frank and he runs a private military corporation called Anvil.” he explained before turning to you and the boy.

“Don’t underestimate them, they both have military training and were the best in America when they were in” he walked around to stand in front of you and the boy “but you two. Just one of you could go in and handle 'em both on your own, but that’s not how this works. We’re all partners and our job is what it always is. Kill.” He explained

”But before we get to the fun stuff we gotta get 'em to trust us. We’ll work alongside ‘em, figure out their plans and stop' em before it happens. Easy peasy” he clapped his hands together.

“Those are our orders. Understood?” He asked. You didn’t understand, there was too much being left out for you to understand. You had questions but it wasn’t your place to ask. “Understood” your gravely voice spoke. The man then looked to the boy “I said… understood?” He glared at the boy.

“Fucking understood”

Tags: @watermeezer @oliviaewl @uniquehijo

[fandomtherapy44]

Work Rivals Gojo Satoru x Fem! reader

Paring: Satoru Gojo x Fem! Reader

Warnings: SMUT, language

Reblog Banner and 18+ Banner

and divider

cafekitsune

CW: 1,815

Summary: Y/n and Gojo have always been in competition fighting for who's the best. So what happens when an elevator breaks down and they are forced to face their real feelings?

Satoru Gojo, how do you describe someone who is a giant pain in my ass! My whole life I have been in consistent competition with him our whole life. It started in high school, where in each class and each test I felt like if he was just one point above me he would be laughing about it to everyone. I mean, I wouldn't know, I haven't really met him, but I knew if I was not on top, my family would think I was a failure. We both come from super old families that always expected that we were the best in everything from classes to who had the best lunch. I’m serious about the lunch thing in elementary school, our parents would send chefs to school and would make whatever we wanted.

And somehow he would always beat me, always one point ahead of me. It made me infuriated, also my parents breathing down my neck did not help. So when we finally got out of high school, I thought I could breathe and focus on myself, I was very wrong. First day Gojo had my job too. Every day got worse and worse to this little competition. Also, it wasn't great that my friend thought he was hot and would constantly talk about him.

“Y/n!” She ran after me as we went for coffee. “Did you see Gojo this morning, like oh my gosh, can he get even more perfect like I’m pretty sure he was wearing a Gucci shirt.” She sighed dreamily.

“Kai, what does it matter if it’s Gucchi or not?” I muttered while stirring my coffee in my cup. Trying to hold back my disdain.

“Um, how about the fact he’s rich too Y/n!” She shoved my shoulder in disbelief. 

“He’s not that great!” I raised my voice without meaning to everyone who looked at me.

“You talk about him like he’s the devil reincarnated but you've barely spoken to him.” Kai studied me with suspicion.

“Wait? Don’t tell me you guys used to date!?” My eyes widened at that.

“No! God No! It’s just that we went to school together.” I mumbled again.

“WHAT!” I spring up and cover her mouth and drag her into another room.

“Don’t scream that!” I swatted at her.

“Girl how could you keep that from me! That you went to school with Gojo Satoru!” 

“It’s not like we're friends we actually were in more of a rivalry then anything.” I crossed my arms looking down.

“Is that why you pretty much hate him?”

“I don’t hate him… It just annoys me how perfect he is.”

“Gotcha… well if that was me I would have hopped on that white-haired train a long time ago.” She moves her eyebrows up and down in a suggestive way.

“I know everyone would if they could.” Another thing that annoys me. 

Our elevator sucks we've told our boss like twenty times to get it fixed so you know we don’t die, but it’s still broken. I enter it sighing thinking about all the work I had to do and then I hear a voice yelling to hold the door.

“Wait, hold the door!” It was a smooth, low voice, the kind that would make any person pass out. And of course, it has to belong to fucking Gojo Satoru.

“Close close come on close!” I slammed on the button but the thing is broken so it’s slow as all hell.

“Thanks L/n.” He has a little pep in his step getting in the elevator. I roll my eyes and step to the side. I have to say he looks handsome today. A white button-up and black tailored pants. A silver Rolex on his wrist, pointing attention to his veiny-toned forearms. When he shifts, you can see his muscles bulge through the white fabric, making you want to see more. His leather briefcase scented with a light pine mixed with his cologne which was a Seawood and cinnamon musk. I hated how he could just be that handsome without even trying.

“So how is your project going?” He asks me to try to past the grueling three minutes.

“It’s fine Gojo,” I stated flatly.

“What you're not going to ask back?” 

“Why would I? I’m sure it’s going great for Gojo Satoru.” I scartiscally say huffing out my chest. 

“What’s with the attitude L/n?”

“I don’t know, Gojo, maybe it’s the fact that you don’t even have to try.”

“You don’t think I have to try!” He angrily expressed.

“Really you're playing the dumb card. Fine play it that way.” I couldn't believe him acting like he didn't know what I was talking about.

“I really don’t know what you're talking about!” He threw back. It seemed all my emotions of the last years had piled up and were being released like pompi.

“What about the fact that you have always won every competition, every test and now even at my job!” He lets the words sink in.

“You mean those stupid competitions that our parents put us in when we were kids!?”

“They were never stupid to me!” I’m practically in his face now. The anger in my veins pushing me forward.

“Oh my gosh L/n! Is that why you've always been so pissy towards me just because I've won all those things! When it’s not even my fault!” When he puts it like that, I look at my actions.

“Well, if you did-” I have to stop because the elevator stops abruptly, making me almost slam into Gojo, making him catch me.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure someone will come soon.” He tries to reassure me.

The small canvan of the elevator is now encased in a blue emergency light barely letting us each other. But I can’t even open my eyes, being terrified, if I did open them we would throw down the shaft. He notices my fear and grabs my hand.

“Hey Y/n we’re going to be okay.” With those words, I opened my eyes and did something that surprised both of us. I kiss him. I don’t know compled me do so the fear coursing through my body or maybe it was years of pent up sexual frustotion in one kiss. As soon as I realized I did I let go.

“Gojo, I’m so sorry. I-” I didn't get to finish before he pulled me right back and slammed his lips on mine. Our lips had found a groove that we didn't know we were missing. This second kiss was desperate, messy, unrealting as he lead me to hit the back mirror. Our hands clawing at each other’s bodies. When we finally let go in the blue hue I could see his lips puffy and red and mine were left with a sweet sting. In that moment, his hands go around my waist and his lips go for my neck this time.

“I've always wanted to do this with you,” he whispers in my ear, making shivers go down my spine.

BELOW

“Oh you little-” I’m shut up by him biting down on my neck. “Fuck Gojo!” I moaned out.

“That’s what I like to hear~” He purred out. Gojo licks over my hickie and makes a mess, he suckles at my neck. His tongue licks all over the sore spot. He keeps on nipping and tugging on the spot making my body junt out looking for some more relief. He lets go and my neck is left feeling the cold, I then feel his bulge through his pants on my knee. I pull him by the tie.

“Does pleasuring women turn you on, Gojo?” I tell him as I nip and lick his ear shell. He nods his head. “Then let me show you my appreciation.” I pull at his ear again and get down on my knees. I slowly pull down his pants zipper. 

“You don’t have to Y/n.” He breathed out.

“But I want to Gojo.” I can see through his briefs that his cock was already leaking pre cum. And his bulge was taking up a lot of space of the outline. I reach up and pull his briefs down his cock pop’s up. It is the biggest I have ever seen, it’s about seven inches and his head is red and puffy, ready to be squeezed. I lick my hand and start pumping it. As I touch it, it instantly gets harder.

“You're so big Gojo don’t know how I’m going to fit this.” At that I put my mouth around it. 

“Ahh shit Y/n you feel so good.” he throw his hand to the wall to steady himself. His cock pusles around my tongue. My tongue makes rings around it. I can feel veins and his taste is delicious, it was sweet and salty. Like a chocolate crossient that would melt on your tongue. I start to deep throat and he can barely stand it. It doesn’t fully fit in my mouth so I have to use my hand to ring the rest. He then grabs my hair and starts to fuck in. He starts to go faster and faster. “I’m going to cum!” He let’s go. His cock flops out. “That was… fucking amazing Y/n.” That sent confidene all through my body.

“Thank you now are you going to fuck me with that monster or not.” He smirks and lifts me up my legs wrap his waist. 

“Of course I will I got to fuck the attiude out of you don’t I?” There’s the cocky asshole I like. HE goes to kiss me again. Our teeth mashing together. His hand travels down under my pencil skirt and rips my fishnet tights at my crotch. I am soaked.

“All this is for me huh?” He slid my panties to the side and line’s uo his cock. “I’m going to go in okay?” I nod and he steadily sinks in. Just at that I felt so full. “You feel so tight, Y/n so good let me know when I can move in.” I barely hear anything because I am so distracted by this feeling.

“You can move kay.” I get out somehow and he starts slowly thrusting up. I put my arms around his neck. His cock get’s comfortablpe and thicker. His hip’s mett mine with each thrust. His balls slapping against my pussy. It goes in circles, drawing more and more out of me. 

“How is it, Sweetness?” 

“So good toru~” I moan out. He then add’s a finger to my clit to really drive it home. “FUck!” My wetness is now gushing like a waterfall.

“That’s my girl almost there right?” 

“Yes!” He pumps a couple more time’s and my pussy squzze’s and we an sexual explosion we cum together. I guess Gojo Satoru isn’t too bad.

I also have another Gojo smut fic if you like! Valentine's Day

[xo-hugs-n-kisses-ox]

Rumination

Ruminate

(v.) To think about something deeply

After Edward left her, Bella Swan fell apart. Desperate to try and save his eldest daughter, Charlie brings his youngest daughter to Forks to see if she can bring her sister out of her depression.

Now, y/n must try to help her sister find her way back to the light while also trying to navigate her Junior year of high school in the odd town of Forks.

---

Chapter Eight: Home, Safe.

Now Playing: Everlong by Foo Fighters

Charlie was pissed when he found out that Bella had run off to Italy to save Edward. I couldn’t really blame him.

Jacob was pissed that she was running back to him after all the shit he put her through. The rest of the pack agreed, but I thought they were a little biased. I agreed with them, so I suppose I was biased, too.

I was grounded for not telling Charlie about Bella leaving, so for the entirety of Spring Break I was locked in the house until Charlie fell asleep. What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him, right? I sounded like my sister.

When Charlie fell asleep, I would slip through my window and into the woods. Jacob would be waiting for me in wolf form, letting me climb on his back so he could whisk me away to Emily’s. I would wait anxiously for a call from Bella, but all I got was radio silence.

She had left the first day of break. Three days later, and she still wasn’t back. I had no explanation, no texts, and no returned calls.

Sitting at the dinner table at Emily’s was comforting. We had two new additions to the pack; Seth and Leah Clearwater.

I didn’t think Leah was meant to turn. She was twenty one, older even than Sam was when he changed. The proximity to a vampire triggered it, though, just like everyone else.

Her brother, Seth, was forced to change before his body was ready. He was only fourteen, and he had been a scrawny kid, too. The stress of his father dying and sister turning had shoved him into his own transformation.

Jacob had told me that the first change was painful for everyone, but that it had especially hurt for Seth. His body had rapidly developed the fever, shooting his temperature up from ninety-eight degrees to one hundred and eight. He had passed out, his body trying to save him some of the pain as it tore itself apart during his transformation into a wolf.

Jared had whispered to me that Seth had broken or tore nearly everything in his body. They had to call his mother to come help set it all again so he would heal properly. I realized then that rapid healing didn’t always mean correct healing.

I snapped back into reality when I realized that everyone was looking at me. I cleared my throat, “Sorry, zoned out.”

Quil laughed, “You need some sleep, Y/n.”

“I’m well aware,” I sighed, reaching out to take a sip of my water. The phone rings and Paul answers it as he’s getting another burger. His eyes go wide.

“Y/n, it’s Bella!” He says, and I’m up as soon as he says my name. I clamor around the table, nearly tripping over Jared’s large furry ass as he lays on the floor in wolf form. I quickly regain my balance as Jacob hauls me back to my feet, the two of us anxious to hear my sister speak.

“Bella?” I ask, my heart beating in my chest, “Are you okay? Where are you?”

“I’m okay, we’re all okay, Y/n,” She says, her voice slightly raw. “We’re heading back to Forks now.”

I glance at Jacob, and he gives me a meaningful look.

Carefully, I ask, “You mean yourself and Alice, right?”

She hesitates, and I sigh loudly.

“Am I on speaker? Actually, no, he can hear me anyway, right?” I don’t wait for an answer, barreling on with my rant, “Edward, you sparkly leech, leave my sister the hell alone! She was finally happy and now you have to go and mess everything up again!”

“Y/n—” Bella tries, but I cut her off again.

“No! No, he needs to hear this!” I say vehemently, “He needs to know the hell he put you through while he was traveling around the world for funsies, and how he’s going to screw everything back up by coming back!”

I speak directly to Edward now, “I don’t care if you’re some immortal vampire, asshole, if you come back to Forks to fuck up my sister’s life again, I’m gonna make you wish you had never been reborn as a sickly reanimated corpse!”

There’s silence on the other end, and I know Bella’s hurt by my words. I don’t care. Let her be hurt by the truth and by the fact that neither Charlie nor I can stand that boy.

“We’ll be back tonight,” Alice says, “I’ll deliver Bella safe and sound to your home, Edward will stay away.”

“Thank you, Alice.” I say, my voice harsh but infinitely kinder to her, “Drive safe getting here. Bella; I love you, I’ll see you soon, and also you’re grounded. Charlie’s pissed.”

She sighs, mumbling, “Yeah, I figured. I love you too, Y/n, I’ll see you tonight.

The line goes dead and I hang the phone up.

“She’ll be back home tonight,” I announce, cheers ringing up. I continue, “She’s bringing that freak back with her.”

Boos and gags sound, and it makes me feel better. An idea floats in my mind, and I grin.

“Jake, I need you to go into the spare closet of the house and get the duffle bag of clothes we haven’t donated yet.” I order, and he salutes me, grinning, before turning and running.

“Why’re you grinning like that,” Embry complains, “It’s scaring the children.”

“I’m not scared!” Seth protests, but Embry shoots him a baffled look, “I’m children! I’m scared!”

I ignore them, “Sam, I need to borrow any shirts that don’t fit you.”

He eyes me, “What for?”

“To piss off Eddie boy, what else?” I ask, going into the laundry room and finding all the clothing scraps we haven’t been able to throw away yet. I put them in an old grocery bag and set them in my room. When I get back, Jacob is panting from running to his house and back as he hands me the duffle. I grin, setting it down on the table and pulling out shirts.

I hand a pile of shirts to everyone with instructions to either hold them, wear them, or somehow make them smell like a werewolf. The biggest pile goes to Jacob, and I take the remaining pile and crouch beside Jared, still in wolf form.

“Hey buddy,” I say slyly, and he almost seems to laugh as he rolls over onto his back. I snicker as I rub several shirts over him, looking up when I hear laughter.

Quil has stuffed himself into one of my old shirts, and it looks like it’s about to burst at the seams. It fits him like a crop top, tight as a corset. I cackle as he pretends to model it, laughing harder when he moves a little too much and splits it in half.

---

When Bella comes back, I had already hidden the clothes around the house. In the vents, under her floor boards, under her mattress, in her pillows, behind the mirror in the bathroom, anywhere and everywhere I could think of was fair game. I was even wearing one of the shirts, just in case Edward made an appearance. I had a good deal of them hidden in my room, and Charlie’s. Again, just in case.

He didn’t come, thank god. Alice wrinkled her nose when she got here, but gave me a hug anyway. I hugged her tight, thanking her for keeping my sister safe.

Bella went and showered. I sat in her room and waited for her to come out. When she did, I saw how weary she looked. I didn’t ask questions, just wrapped her in a blanket and turned off the lights.

Charlie was furious the next morning, telling her she was grounded until she wasn’t anymore. She accepted it with grace.

---

Months passed. It was summer now.

I stormed into Emily’s house, throwing the door open as they all sat down for lunch.

“Woah, what’s got you bent out of shape?” Quill teased, and my scowl deepened.

“That stupid, idiotic girl is accepting him back into her life so easily!” I yell, flinging my hand out in a direction that isn’t necessary towards my house. Jacob dodges my arm easily, continuing to eat moodily.

I pitch my voice higher, “‘Oh Edward, my sickly Victorian child, I missed you so much! Please, make me your vampire child bride! I don’t want my soul anymore, I don’t care what this will do to my family, I—”

I take a shuddering breath, hot tears streaming down my face. Emily stands, coming to hug me tightly.

“Oh, Y/n,” she says quietly, rubbing my back.

“She’s so stupid,” I bite out, “Throwing away her life for—for him!”

Jacob had stopped eating, staring furiously at the table. His hands were clenched into tight fists, his body shaking. He looks up at me, his eyes blazing.

“Well then, I suppose that we’ll just have to try and be voices of reason.” He spits out, and I sniff, nodding.

“Besides Edward,” Sam said slowly, “Why does she want to become a vampire?”

I swipe at my eyes furiously, “Apparently Alice saw her as one in a vision. You know, the ones that are constantly subject to change.”

I know I sound bitter, but I feel betrayed. I don’t want to lose my sister.

---

Edward had appeared at Roy’s the day I started back. I scowled when I saw him, but he held up his hands.

“I’m here to tell you what Bella isn’t.” He said, and my attention was snagged.

I stared for a moment, then slid into the booth seat across from him. I had gotten off work already, so I had time.

“Bella wants to become a Vampire.” He said, and I nodded. “I don’t want that. I want her to remain human for as long as possible. I want her to stay human forever.”

His words surprised me. I had figured that he was the one to put ideas of vampirism into Bella’s head, but he was apparently thoroughly against it.

“She had my family vote.” My heart stopped in my chest. He continued, “Everyone voted yes aside from Rosalie and I. Neither of us want her to be changed.”

I clenched my hands into fists, “Why tell me this?”

He sighed, “Because I’m hoping that you can talk sense into her. I haven’t been able to, Rosalie can’t. You and the wolves are our last ditch effort to dissuade Bella from becoming a vampire.”

I was silent.

“What are you telling her to keep her from getting someone else to do it for her?” I asked, and he paused. I scoffed, “She wants you to do it, right?”

He nodded, and I continued, “She’s stubborn. If you won’t do it for her, she’ll get someone else to. My bet’s on Alice.”

He let out an odd sort of snarling sound, vaguely similar to one of the snorting sounds that the guys would make in wolf form when they would fight playfully. This was out of frustration, though.

“Tell her something, anything that would keep her from getting someone else to turn her,” I begged, “Buy time, and I’ll change her mind.”

Slowly, he nodded.

“I’ll do my best.” He said quietly, looking almost defeated.

He got up to leave, but I grabbed his arm.

I flinched, so used to feeling higher temperatures that it was a momentary shock to feel his frozen skin.

“Give me your number. We’ll keep each other updated so Bella can’t hide or lie.” He nodded, handing me his cell. I punched in my number, texted myself so I had his, and nodded.

“I still hate you.” I told him, “But I hate you less for this.”

He looked at me for a long moment, then let out a breathy laugh.

“I’ll take what I can get, I suppose.” He said, then added, “I did think I was doing the right thing, leaving her. I thought she would be better off.”

“She was.” I tell him, adding, “But there’s nothing we can do about that now.”

---

(Edited 1/4/25)

Ok!! Short chapter to transition between New Moon and Eclipse! I do plan to give reader some more clarity on Edward’s feelings btw bc I knowwweww he was pressed about Bella wanting to be turned.

Anyway, I hope yall enjoyed ☺️

[biting-miguel-ohara]

Cabin - Logan Howlett x ftm!Reader

A/N: Written for this request. I hope I did it okay. I left a lot of things vague, but I didn't wanna make up a situation for this one. Also, if anyone saw this post early, no you didn’t

I hope Logan doesn't come off as too ooc. Writing him getting angry around Reader didn't feel right for the request, so l wrote it like this instead

CW: crying, unsafe driving (due to crying), family fights, Reader has a toxic mother, I think this counts as hurt/comfort?, more crying, quiet comfort, cuddling, kissing, hugging, Logan's more of an actions guy than a words guy, hopeful ending sorta?, ooc Logan

672 words

You were crying while driving. It’s a little bit disheartening; how well you know this road by now. How easily you can navigate it, even with your tear-blurred vision.

But you don’t stop. You can’t. Where else do you go?

It’s not the first time you’ve driven up this road after a fight with your mother. But this time was different.

You’d finally gotten the courage to come out to her. To set her straight about who you really are. And of course, everything had fallen apart the moment you’d spoken the words, “I’m trans.”

Hell hath no fury like your mother. Even now, you flinch at the memory. You push it out of your mind forcefully. The last thing you want is to start bawling and have to pull over.

Pulling over means stopping. And stopping means facing the fact that you have four boxes in the back of your car, filled with everything she let you take.

All too soon, you’re arriving at your destination. Logan’s house. It’s small. Tucked away in the mountains. Cozy, with a beautiful view.

It’s become your safe place. The one place your mother’s too scared to venture. It’s home.

And now it may really become your home.

You take the time to clean your face up. Making it look a little less like you’ve been crying. He’ll be able to tell; you already know. But it helps you focus on something.

Finally, you exit your car. You leave the boxes in the back, taking only yourself as you walk up to the front door. His truck is in the driveway, so you open the door without knocking.

“Logan?”

“In the living room.” His voice is gruff and immediately soothing. Just the sound has a weight lifting off your shoulders.

You go further in, toeing off your shoes at the doorway.

He’s lounging in the living room, comfortably sprawled on the couch. He’s reading a book, though he puts it down once you enter. “Hey. What’s wrong?”

Something breaks in your chest at his question. Your heart, maybe. Tears spring to your eyes and your voice comes out shaky. “I got kicked out.”

Logan sits up, beckoning you to come closer. “Come here. Tell me what happened.”

You make it into the safety of his arms before everything spills out with a sob. And oh, you tell him everything.

You can feel him tense as you speak, but he never gets angry. He never says anything. He just holds you.

Once you’re all done, he rubs your back. Quietly soothing you into soft hiccups of breath. Your tears have all dried up, leaving your eyes itchy and sore. You feel like shit, except for the fact that you're with him.

“Say something?” You whisper.

He rumbles out a sigh. “I’m here for you. Whatever you need. A place to stay, a voice against her. I’ll do whatever it is you want me to.”

You think about what you want. What you need. “I want to stay here. Will you help me get the boxes out of my car?”

He pulls you in for a gentle kiss and nods. But he hesitates before getting up. “No matter who you are, you’re always safe here. You’re always safe to be yourself.”

It’s gruffly said, but clearly heartfelt. You know he’s rarely so direct about it; preferring unspoken ways of love to words. But he’s doing it for you.

You hug him tightly, a silent appreciation of his words. He’s never been one for grandiose displays of affection or comfort. Instead, he’s your cabin in the mountains. Quiet. Steady. Always there when you need it.

It gives you hope. Confidence. Logan’s got your back. Whatever you decide to do, whatever ways you choose to continue on, he’ll go with you.

It gives you the strength to stand up, gather your shoes, and lead him out to finally face the boxes in your car.

No matter what, you’ve got Logan. And she can never take that away from you.

Logan Howlett Taglist: @yhlqmdlg @alekkkkssss

[taevescence]

here's my request:

jimin and yn being exes and meeting again at their best friends wedding (the groom is jimin's best friend and the bride is yn's)

their friends know that they still love eachother, so they make them sit together, but they bicker for the whole celebration.

when it's time to leave, she doesn't have a ride home, and jimin offers himself to take her to her place. Once they get there, she asks him if she wants to go upstairs, to have a final drink.

They talk about their break up, and when he's about to leave, he kisses yn and have make up sex against the kitchen counter 💥

Just a taste

a/n: First of all, thanks for making the request for Jimin, it's my first time writing about him and that makes me very excited 😀, secondly, sorry for the delay, the request ended up being much longer than I thought it would be. Warnings: A littly angst, Jimin is a sweetheart, exes 2 lovers, soft sex (there was no specification on this, so I did it as I thought it went in the situation), reader has problems with overthinking the future too much, unprotected sex, sex without prior lubrication (please don't do this, you could hurt yourself). wc: 5.3k

"Stop looking at me" you whispered in annoyance, not deigning to look at Jimin.

"Stop thinking I'm looking at you" he whispered as he rolled his eyes and folded his arms, "Not everyone revolves around you, you know that?".

"why don't you shut up and go to hell?" you snorted, crossing your legs and watching as your best friend gave the first waltz of the night next to her now husband and best friend of your ex.

"I've been there" Jimin leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, "Don't you think it's ironic that you're asking me when you're the one who took me there."

"Fuck you" you got up from your chair, walking towards the exit door. You needed a drink of alcohol, or maybe a breath of fresh air, either sounded good at the moment. Committing murder at your best friend's marriage was stooping too low.

You took advantage of the fact that most of the guests were too busy watching Soomin and Taehyung dance and stole a glass of champagne from one of the tables that had been abandoned. You downed the drink in one gulp and then abandoned it on another empty table. 

It was unfair that everyone was enjoying the party and you had to put up with your idiot ex.

When you opened the door that led to the gigantic garden that the event center had you were surprised to notice that it was much colder than when you arrived. It had only been a few hours, but it was enough to set foot outside to make your skin crawl. And that it's still spring, you thought to yourself, walking towards one of the benches that were under a roof covered with vines.

It felt good to be away from Jimin, from his rude comments, from the scent of his perfume, from his fluffy lips, oh, you still remembered what a good kisser he was. The two of you could spend hours just giving each other lazy kisses and discreet touches on your clothes.

You took a seat on the bench, letting your head fall back, letting out the air you were holding in. You watched as the smoke drifted out of your mouth until the whitish cloud was completely gone. You wanted to go home, but you also didn't want to abandon your friend on her special day, Jimin was an idiot, but he was right in saying that not everything revolves around you.

"Y/N?"

You almost screamed in shock when you saw Soomin standing next to you, staring at you with those big, bright eyes that could convince anyone to do anything she wanted. That same look was the one she gave you when she asked you to be her maid of honor.

"Minnie, what are you doing here?" you sat up straight, smiling slightly when you saw that Taehyung had given her his jacket to cover his bare arms from the cold. He seriously was a great guy. "You should be with your husband dancing... or doing whatever it is couples do at their wedding."

You couldn't help but laugh as his cheeks flushed slightly at how you had called Taehyung.

"I came to find you, it's so cold out here" she walked to your side, taking a seat on the same bench as you. It was hard to make herr dress not use up all the available space. "I saw that Jimin was alone at the table and I got worried."

"Ah, Minnie, you're so sweet" you hummed with a smile, taking her left arm and kissing her cheek smilingly, "Don't worry about me, it's your day, enjoy it."

"I want my best friend to enjoy it too" this time it was she who smiled at you and took your arm, resting her head on your shoulder, "I'm so happy, but I'd be even happier if you were too."

You almost shrieked as you listened to her. You had made too many bad choices in your life, being friends with Soomin wasn't one of them.

"You should watch what you say, at this rate I'll end up falling in love with you and want to kidnap you from your wedding," you both laughed, she stroked your arm and you just looked up at the ceiling, watching the vines hang gracefully. You liked this place.

"Let's go inside, I don't want you to get sick" Soomin turned to look at you, barely smiling. 

You couldn't say no to her, so as soon as she got up from the bench, you stood up and followed her silently, hoping you wouldn't run into Jimin again.

"Y/N, honey!" shouted Taehyung with a smirk, raising his hand and shaking it so you could both see where he was.

You couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy as you saw Soomin's look change completely at the sight of him. You wanted something like that too.

"I'm glad you guys are back" Taehyung said as soon as you were in front of him. Yes, just him, you preferred to completely ignore Jimin's existence. "It's almost time for your dance." 

"Who's going to dance?" you asked curiously, looking towards the dance floor.

"You and Jimin, who else?" laughed Taehyung, grabbing Jimin's shoulders and pulling him closer to you. "You're the second most important people in the place, obviously you must dance together."

You were regretting earlier. Taehyung was a lousy person, he deserved the worst in the world.

"What the fuck, Taehyung?" you heard Jimin say in a low voice. He sounded even more annoyed than you.

"Come on, don't be shy, it's just a dance, no one's going to die because of that" he gave Jimin's back a few small pats. "Besides, it's our wedding, you should, I don't know, cooperate a little."

And with that said, you were both dragged onto the dance floor, not before you elbowed him in the side and he stomped on your foot.

"What are you still doing here?" asked Jimin, walking past you to the parking lot.

"What do you care?" you snorted, hugging yourself as you felt a strong wind current crash against you. It was barely three in the morning and you already felt like you could turn into a block of ice. In your good years you could last until six in the morning, snow and all. You were out of practice. 

Jimin turned to look at you, watching your body tremble slightly. He noticed how you looked down the street, shifting your weight from one foot to the other as you checked your cell phone.

"You didn't come by car?" This time he turned completely around, walking towards you. Just because he couldn't stand to be in the same place as you didn't mean he'd leave you here stranded all alone in the middle of the night. He wasn't that much of a psychopath. 

"Some idiot crashed my car and told the police it was my fault" you muttered, not taking your eyes off the street, "they took my license a year ago" you snorted as you remembered the fight you had to put up to get them to believe you. It didn't do any good.

"Are you still living in the same apartment?" Jimin started unbuttoning his suit jacket, getting close enough to be able to put it on your shoulders.

You turned to look at him, frowning, why was he asking you that? Worse, why was he handing you his jacket?

"Uhm, yeah, I still live where I always do, why do you ask?" you took his jacket, trying to make it cover as much skin as possible. You didn't want to talk to him, but you wouldn't refuse his help either. The sack wasn't to blame for anything.

"I'll give you a ride" he pointed to his car with his head, "it's better than standing around waiting for a car to come by, and less dangerous than calling an uber and having, I don't know, some creepy guy touch you and want to take advantage of you."

You glanced down the street again. You bit your bottom lip slightly, trying to think through your answer. You didn't want to be alone with Jimin, but he was right, it was too dangerous, especially at this hour. The way to your house wasn't exactly short, at least you had forty minutes, in an uber you could only go alone with the driver. You'd be lying to say that the idea didn't scare you even a little bit.

"Fine" you muttered, watching him walk towards a big black car. It looked pretty expensive, he'd surely been given the promotion he'd worked so hard to earn. It wasn't like you cared either.

You hurried to his side, not taking your eyes off your feet. You wanted to get home soon.

"Here" he whispered close to your ear, opening the passenger door for you.

For a second you thought your heart stopped and your lungs had decided to stop working. Luckily for you, it was just your imagination.

"Thank you" you nodded quickly, getting into the car and grabbing the seatbelt. Jimin had shut the door as soon as you were comfortable in the seat.

You took a breath, feeling your body temperature rise a little at a time. The car was much warmer than outside.

"Ready," Jimin said once he was inside. You watched as he got the car started and prepared to drive, "You can sleep on the way home, I don't mind," he murmured, resting his right elbow on the back of your chair and leaning back to look at the parking lot.

You had to pretty much resist the temptation to watch his arms flex. 

"Thank you," you murmured, settling in next to the window. You'd a thousand times rather pretend to sleep than look Jimin in the face as he drove. You wanted to avoid awkward silences.

You closed your eyes and let the warm air from the heater hit your face and relax you enough to fall asleep. 

When you opened your eyes you were only a few minutes away from your apartment. You straightened up in your chair and gave a big yawn. You checked the time, it was only three fifty in the morning. You couldn't believe you had slept fifty minutes.

You lifted your head, seeing Jimin's seat empty, you looked all around the inside of the car, and no matter how hard you looked there was no sign of him. You saw your window, feeling your heart race as you saw that Jimin had parked the car in front of your favorite German food store. 

You had to bite your tongue to keep from squealing.

It wasn't long before Jimin came out of the store with a large yellow bag in his hands and the car keys in the other. A slight blush adorned his cheeks when he looked up and noticed you staring at him.

You had forgotten how easy it was to make him blush.

He walked to the car door, offering you the bag once he was inside. 

"Here," he murmured, looking anywhere else but at you. 

"Why did you buy me this?" you took the bag, opening it and looking at the food inside. It was your favorite food.

"You said you were hungry in your sleep" he started the car again, heading straight for your apartment. You couldn't help but watch him the rest of the way. 

"Thanks for giving me the ride" you bowed slightly, looking at Jimin. You didn't understand why he had escorted you to the door of your apartment, but you didn't want to discuss it either, you thought it was unnecessary.

"It's nothing, I wouldn't feel at ease knowing that something bad might have happened to you" he nodded awkwardly, scratching his neck.

You turned your back on him, putting your password on the door. The click of the lock broke the silence that had fallen between the two of you. You opened the door slightly, pausing for a few seconds. Memories of the day you broke up came rushing back, causing your heart to clench to the point where it became impossible not to wince. 

You didn't want to regret again about something to do with Jimin.

"Don't you want to come in for a drink?" you turned around, watching as Jimin's eyes widened in surprise. He hadn't expected you to extend an invitation after everything that happened at the marriage. "I just... I want to return the favor."

He nodded quickly, rubbing his hands down the sides of his pants in a futile attempt to push away the anxiety. He couldn't believe you were seriously inviting him into your home after all this time. 

"Come in" you murmured, entering your house with the sound of his footsteps behind you. It had been years since you had invited a man into your home. The last time was when you broke up with Jimin.

You left the bag of food on your kitchen counter and walked over to the cabinet that held your collection of yellow tulip plates. You left two of them next to the bag so you could empty the food inside.

Jimin, on his side, was too distracted looking at the new decoration of your house. The last time he set foot in this place all your walls were painted in a pastel yellow color, full of pictures of abstract paintings and strange photographs that he never fully understood. He also remembered that you had a large collection of pictures of him on your TV cabinet. Both the furniture and the TV had been completely changed for much more modern objects, not to mention that the cheerful paint on your walls had now gone to a beige color, and the abstract art on your walls were now just pictures and paintings of the world's most famous cities. He didn't want to think too much about the fact that his pictures were nowhere to be seen anymore.

"Do you want a beer?" you asked aloud, your head completely stuck in your cooler.

Jimin responded with an affirmative sound, too distracted noticing the differences in the place. Somehow he felt it looked pretty good on you, but that uneasiness that something didn't quite fit the mood was still swirling around in his head.

"Okay" you muttered to yourself, looking at both plates. You couldn't remember when was the last time you ate with someone here, you couldn't even remember when you had last eaten at home. You hated being here. "I've already served the plates, are you coming?".

He nodded as he walked over to you, taking a seat in front of the vacant plate. He felt a little embarrassed to realize that you now knew he still remembered your favorite dish, was that too strange?

"It's so yummy" you moaned contentedly once you tried a bite, "it's been so long since I've eaten this, I've been so busy."

"At least that explains why you're so thin" he murmured, taking a bite of the food into his mouth. He hadn't tasted this food in a while either. He missed it more than he thought he would.

"I only lost ten pounds, it's not for you to exaggerate" you rolled your eyes, stirring your food. You weren't sure how to bring up the subject of your breakup, but you knew it was the last chance you would have to clear things up.

You were both silent for a few minutes, both of you aware of the tension in the room, but neither of you were able to take the first step and break it. You were afraid of opening yourself even more to him, and Jimin was afraid that you would reopen the wound you had left him five years ago. 

In the end the only person who was able to take the first step was him. As always.

"What happened to us?" he whispered, staring at his plate. You could tell his lips were moving slowly as he chewed his food.

What had happened to you? Even you weren't sure about that. With Jimin things had always been easier; he knew what you wanted without you telling him, he knew how to read your gestures, he knew your tastes, he loved everything about you, inside and out, the good and the bad. Jimin was the best boyfriend you ever had in your life, and he probably would have been the boyfriend any 20-year-old girl would have wanted. So what had happened to you?

"I've been wondering ever since you broke up with me," he set his fork aside. His plate was now empty, but he still wasn't able to take his gaze off of it. "Did I do something wrong? Was I too persistent? Did I not show you that I loved you enough? Did I not give you enough?" he let out a sigh, letting his back fall against the back of his chair, "I know it's been five years, but I still can't figure out what my mistake was."

You tried to swallow the mouthful in your mouth, but the lump in your throat wasn't making it easy. You wanted to sort out the ideas in your head a bit before answering him. He probably still hated you, you wanted him to, you hated yourself for saying the things you said to him, for treating him the way you did. 

"Don't try to find the answer in you" you set your plate aside, knowing you would be unable to continue eating in the state you were in, "it wasn't you who did the wrong things, it was me." You took a breath, taking all the strength you could muster to look Jimin in the face. You wanted him to notice how sincere your apology was. "You were... you were one of the best things that ever happened to me, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't regret leaving you the way I did, or leaving you in the first place."

"You regret it?" the look on Jimin's face finally lifted and confronted yours. The lump in your throat grew even tighter. "That's no reason to have kicked me out of your house and your life without any explanation and without letting me decide about it, you didn't even give me a chance to tell you what I thought! You blocked my number, you didn't answer when I knocked on the door, you avoided me at all costs" his fists clenched slightly, "I deserved an explanation, just one reason, no matter how stupid it was, would have been enough for me to decide if I wanted to fight for what was ours or just let you go and find my own way."

Making eye contact with Jimin became increasingly difficult as his words became stakes that dug into your heart. You knew he would hold a grudge, but to hear it from his mouth, to hear it in his voice, that was another level, and you weren't sure if you could get through it without bursting into tears midway through.

"I know I owe you an explanation" you tried to say it firmly, you wanted to sound sure of what you were saying, but it was hard when Jimin was in front of you staring at you, "that's why I asked you to come in, I needed to clear things up."

"Well, go ahead, tell me what happened" he folded his arms, turning his body towards you.

"I was afraid" you mumbled, lightly burying your nails into the skin of your fingers, "We had been together for four years, you were all I knew until then, I wasn't sure if that was what I wanted in my life, I didn't want to continue to be with you and live in fear that at some point in our lives we might just stop loving each other" by this point you are no longer even able to look him in the eyes, or even his face. Your eyes stung and the urge to vomit was getting bigger and bigger, "I didn't want our relationship to end up like some sort of worn out marriage, where both parties are horn to other people, where you're not even able to remember the good memories anymore, and I know it sounds stupid, but I was young, and I had a great imagination, and I just.... " you took a breath, letting your head fall back to stop the tears from coming out of your eyes, "I wanted to keep our relationship like it was back then, I thought that maybe, if we broke up before everything was ruined, we would still be able to look back and not forget the beautiful thing we had, and you don't know how much I regret doing that because now I know that all of that was just my mind trying to make a problem out of nothing because of some stupid insecurity, and because of that I lost you, and you were really the only good thing I had up until then."

"Okay, wait a minute, calm down a little," he said in a soft voice, rising from his chair and taking your shoulders. As soon as you felt his hands on you, you burst into tears. "Hey, it's okay, don't cry" he pulled you close to his chest, allowing you to cry on his shirt, not caring if it was stained or not.

"I'm so sorry" you whispered, clinging to his waist as if your life depended on it, "I know I was stupid, God, I said such horrible things to you, I was so cruel, I didn't even think that about you, I just thought... maybe if I acted like a bitch to you you would think badly of me and it would make it easier to forget me".

"I never forgot you" he murmured over your head, gently kissing your scalp, "and I don't think I ever will."

You awkwardly wiped away your tears, pulling away from his chest long enough to see his face, "Really?"

He nodded, cupping your cheek and wiping away the tears you had let out a few seconds ago, "I remember absolutely everything. How you loved to sleep cuddled up to me, or how you loved to walk down the soap aisle and smell each one to guess which one I bought" he left a kiss on your forehead, not letting go of your cheeks, "I also remember how you always kept an instant camera on your nightstand so you could capture my face as I slept; I remember how always after you did that you would touch each of my features and leave kisses on them" this time he kissed your cheek and his hands went down your shoulders until they stopped at the level of your waist, "I also remember how you liked to take your time kissing me, and that you were completely incapable of fucking without having a long kissing session before". You closed your eyes as you felt Jimin's forehead rest against yours. You could feel his nose pressing against yours gently, and his lips were so close that every time you moved them you could feel them brush against yours. "But there is one thing that no matter how hard I try, I am unable to remember."

"What one thing?" you whispered, leaning closer to him. 

"Your taste" caressed your lower back, pulling on you just enough so that both breasts were stuck together. 

"It's okay," you nodded, licking your lips, "that can easily be fixed.”

And you kissed him, and, oh my god, you really wouldn't ever regret that.

You wrapped your arms around Jimin's neck, pulling him to you, trying to make the space between you practically nil. You needed to feel him close, you needed your body and mind to assimilate the fact that it wasn't a complete stranger who was in front of you, it was Jimin, your Jimin, the same Jimin with whom you had your first time, with whom you almost got to live in the same house, the same Jimin who helped you follow your dream of being a photographer without thinking about what others would think. He was the only person you had come to love, and you had finally gotten to have him back.

Jimin gripped your waist tightly, sitting you down on the kitchen counter.

It could be years, but Jimin would never tire of kissing you.

With slightly trembling hands you began to unbutton his shirt, needing to feel his skin against yours as soon as possible. Jimin, on the other hand, was concentrating on pulling your bridesmaid dress up to your waist. He couldn't help but barely open his eyes to see your underwear. He couldn't help but let out a groan when he saw that they were your favorite color.

Once you managed to remove his shirt you pulled it off as far as you could, letting your hands roam along his chest. You roamed over every part of his torso that had been exposed, stopping at his lower back so you could caress his dimples. You loved them so much.

"Lift your hips a little" he whispered in your ear, lowering his hands from your waist to your hips.

You quickly obeyed, leaning up just a little, just enough so that Jimin could remove your underwear. You took the opportunity to unbuckle his belt and unzip his pants.

Jimin tossed your underwear somewhere in the room, hastily nipping at your neck and shoulders as his fingers neared your center.

You almost cried out when his fingers brushed your clit. It had been months since you had been with a man, which was already surprising considering how sexually active your life had been during the time you were with Jimin. There was practically no day when you didn't have sex. You had been out of practice, and that made you much more sensitive to his touch.

Your hands, trembling from the constant spasms that Jimin's fingers were causing you against your entrance and clit, focused on pulling down Jimin's pants and boxers, smiling internally as you heard him let out a moan as he felt his cock spring free.

You couldn't help but take it in your hands and fiddle with it. Jimin had the most beautiful cock you had ever seen.

"I want you inside" you whispered, making your head back to give Jimin more accessibility. "Now."

Jimin gave you a quick glance, his fingers still fiddling with your clit, massaging and tugging it to his liking, "Now? But-"

"Never mind, I want it now" you insisted, grinding your hips against his, eliciting a moan from him, "I missed five years of this, by this point it's a necessity."

"God, you haven't changed at all" he chuckled softly, taking his cock in his free hand to guide it to your entrance.

He moved the head of his member all over your entrance, sometimes going past it and taking advantage of rolling your clit. You could only respond to him with little moans, gasps and movements of your hips.

"Just shove it in" you grunted, pressing Jimin's head on your neck.

Jimin scoffed softly, starting to push his cock into you. This time it was both of you who screamed.

You really missed this, even if it caused a burning in your pussy from not being lubricated enough, feeling Jimin again made that burning even exciting. You missed him so much.

"You're still just as tight as ever" he grunted into your shoulder, trying not to move so as not to cause you some kind of pain.

You had no interest in holding on. You'd finally been able to have Jimin inside you again, you'd make the most of every fucking second.

"I'm fine," you murmured, grinding your hips against his, "so stop torturing me and move."

"You sure?" he pulled away slightly, watching your face. You couldn't help but feel your heart race at the sight of Jimin's excited face, with his fluffy glossy lips and misty eyes… he looked like an angel.

"More than sure" you nodded quickly, kissing his face.

You almost drew blood on his back after he delivered the first lunge.

He was quite slow at first, his lunges were slow but steady, he would take care to pull his cock almost all the way out, only to bury it in your pussy with a lunge. It wasn't until he felt you were sufficiently lubricated that he began to increase the speed of his lunges.

And it felt like heaven to you.

It might have been 5 years, but Jimin still remembered perfectly what points to touch to bring you to the top in just a few minutes. Or at least that's what you thought after he hit your G-spot directly as soon as his onslaught started to get stronger.

You moaned quite loudly when he touched that spot.

"Your breasts are so cute" he hummed contentedly once he removed the sleeves of your dress and let them fall down until they freed your breasts, "so round and soft, I love them" he murmured, bringing his lips to them and leaving messy kisses around your nipples.

By this point you barely understood what he was saying.

"It feels so good" you whispered between gasps, resting your hands on the counter, leaning your chest closer to his lips, "so fucking good".

"Shit" Jimin grunted, resting his head on your shoulder, "how could you possibly be so tight?" he groaned softly, holding your hips so he could increase the speed of his onslaught, "it feels even better than I remembered."

You nodded awkwardly, using one of your hands to wrap around his neck and kiss him. Unlike the kiss you gave each other at the beginning, this one was much messier. It was all desperate tongues and teeth clashing against teeth.

"Faster" you sighed against his lips, squealing as you felt Jimin grab your waist and lift you off the counter, pressing his body to yours and allowing himself to increase the speed of his onslaught. Your whole body trembled as he used his fingers to pull on your clit as his cock slammed into your G-spot with force.

"I feel so close" he whispered, gritting his teeth as he felt his cock twist inside you. You felt so warm, wet and tight that it was almost impossible not to climax so quickly.

"M-me too," you gripped his shoulders, closing your eyes tightly, "Fuck, I seriously didn't remember you being so good."

Jimin replied with a chuckle, lifting you off the counter and pressing you against the kitchen wall. You groaned as you felt the cold crash against your back. "You still have a weakness for fucking against a wall?"

You didn't reach to answer him as a wave of pleasure built up in your body and was released the instant Jimin thought to press you against the cold wall of your kitchen. Honestly, you couldn't remember the last time you had come this way.

You moaned loudly as you felt Jimin's onslaught continue to get faster and messier. Your pussy burned from how sensitive it was.

"I-I cum" he growled in your ear, clinging to your waist and letting his seed fill your insides.

You were both silent for a few moments, trying to slowly come back to reality.

Jimin's gaze was glued to the junction of his cock with your pussy, watching as a mixture of his cum with your juices dripped to the floor. He couldn't help but feel embarrassed.

"Sorry, I'll get something to clean the floor and-".

"No," you murmured, clinging to him with arms and legs, just as a sloth would cling to its branch, "Just…can we stay like this a little longer?"

"You want me to hold you against the wall?" he frowned, slightly confused. His legs would kill him the next day, but he was willing to do it if that's what you wanted.

"No" you rolled your eyes, looking Jimin in the eyes, "I want to feel you inside me, just a little more" you kissed his bare shoulder, marking a path from his shoulder to his jaw, "My room is the last door on the right. Let's stay there for a while, until tomorrow, please."

Jimin let a smile grow on his face at hearing that you would let him stay at your place tonight. The idea that this meant a second chance for you made his heart pound. He wondered if you could feel it now that your head was attached to his chest.

"Okay, let's go to your room" he whispered, leaving a chaste kiss on your crown of your head, "then let me take care of the mess we left, it was partly my fault."

"Since you insist…" you laughed softly, letting Jimin carry you to your certain in his arms.

You missed that feeling so much. You hoped and prayed this time you wouldn't ruin it.

Masterlist.

[drxmxss]

Our Eternal Novel °❀.ೃ࿔*

LADS Xavier × Reader

Summary: A cozy bookstore, a love for classics, a small town, a secret and an eternal promise of forever...What could happen when Y/N meets a stranger at her local bookstore who is not who he seems?

Content Warnings: Vampire! Xavier x Human!Reader, 18+, mentions of murder, missing persons, blood, death, injury, stalking/obsessive tendencies, biting, smut (will have a separate and more descriptive warning when included in chapter), more warnings to be added as the story progresses, maybe some oocness (this is my first xavier fic bare with me) reader discretion advised.

a/n: Hello! Here we are for chapter three!! Also did you guys have any luck for the spring banner? It took me like..100 pulls for Xavier..but I got Sylus as well! Anyways, enjoy!

Find the masterlist here.

Chapter Three: Explanations

With a scream, you shoot up from your sleep.

Your hand covers the imaginary wound on your neck. You feel your heart beating a million miles a minute and relief washes over you.

A dream, you thought, it was just a dream.

You decide to brush off the disturbing dream and head off to work. The day seemed to drag, it was Cassidy’s day off and the sun was bright so you’d assume you wouldn’t see Xavier either.

After what felt like an eternity it was finally time to close.

After locking up, you began your walk to the nearest bus stop home. You have half a mind to call Cassidy during your walk, but decide against it, it was only a few minutes anyway.

You notice a man in dark clothes by the ATM machine a short distance from the shop, you notice him look up at you and you ignore him, not interested in conversation.

To your dismay, you begin to hear heavy footsteps behind you. You just continue to walk quicker, knowing the bus stop is only a couple more blocks.

Suddenly, you feel an arm grab yours, and a cold metal touch your back and you immediately know its the man from the ATM. You freeze, terrified out of your mind.

“Walk to the alley, give me your purse.”A gruff voice demands you, “Do it or I’ll use this gun, I don’t wanna play dirty honey.”

Not looking behind you, you nod. The man guides you to a nearby alley, you feel tears run down your face. The thought of dying in a dirty alley from a robbery gone wrong makes your stomach churn.

The man forces you to face him with your back against the wall, and grabs your purse from your hands.

“Now listen, you never-“ His voice is cut off by a swooshing sound and immediately he is no longer in front of you before you can even blink. You look around in front of you, but only see the alley get darker. Then, you hear the mans voice from the darkness.

“Hey! What the hell are you-AHHH!” You hear the man’s voice break off into a scream and you hear a gunshot, then another, and another. Each one rings in your ear, making you wince and close your eyes. Too scared to run, you stay against the wall.

Suddenly, you hear a sickly breaking noise, and the man seems to groan, you gasp. This is it, you think, this is how I die.

The alley is quiet for a long moment, and you hear shuffling from the darkness, along with the lid of a dumpster opening. A loud thud makes you shake, and you hear footsteps coming towards you. You close your eyes, preparing for the worst.

“Are you alright?” A distinguished voice asks, and you feel a cold hand touch your cheek. Wincing, you slowly open your eyes.

In front of you stands Xavier, his mouth bloody and clothes tattered. Shocked, you gasp and take a step back from him, you notice three distinct holes in his shirt, but no wound. Was that the gunshots?

“Xavier?” You gasp, “Wh-what are you doing here?”

Xavier, face full of concern, shakes his head. “It doesn’t matter, are you okay? Did he hurt you?” You look at him, dumbfounded.

“No but, how are you here? What did you do to him?” You ask, still full of fear. Xavier sighs, like you just asked him some kind of stupid question.

“Listen, why don’t you go home? I can explain everything there, it’s too risky here.” Xavier says with a stern expression. “The last bus is leaving soon, get going and here’s your purse.” He hands you his bag, which you take slowly.

“Do you know where I live?” You ask him, and he nods again.

“Like I said, I can explain when we get there, just go home.”

In a daze, you can only nod and turn out of the alleyway to walk to the bus stop , leaving Xavier behind.

Something in your heart told you this was going to be a long night.

***

Once you make it to the front door of your apartment, Xavier is already there.

Now, he looks like his usual clean self, no tattered clothes, no blood. Totally normal.

Almost, if you hadnt seen him probably kill someone just twenty minutes ago.

“Let’s go inside.” Xavier says, moving for you to unlock the door. You stand still, looking up him.

“I need to ask you some questions first, before we go inside.” You say, looking at him for any sign of protest. Xavier nods, “That’s fair. Shoot.”

“Did you kill that guy earlier? In the alley?” You ask, voice barely trembling.

“Yes.” Xavier answers shortly. Your eyes widen, but then you nod. You pretty much knew that anyway.

“Alright..When we go inside..are you going to kill me?” You whisper the last part, not sure if your really want his answer.

“No.” Xavier says. You stare up at him for a long moment, and you decide to open the door.

You guide him to the living room where you both sit down on the sofa. Uncomfortable silence fills the room before you finally break the tension.

“So, what are you? I mean, how did you do…kill that guy?” You ask, voice trembling. Xavier shakes his head, “It’s..not easy to explain so I guess I should just get right to it.”

You nod, anxiously waiting for his answer. Xavier clears his throat and looks at you seriously.

“I’m..a vampire.”

You stare at him dumbfounded. Before you can think you blurt out, “Like Dracula?”

Xavier loses his typically serious composure, breaking into a half smile. “Yes. I can see this is weird to hear. But it’s the truth.”

You can only nod, yet you continue to ask him more.

“Why did you come to the city? And to the bookstore?”

“I’ve traveled alone for many years now.” Xavier explained, “It gets boring quickly so I am a pretty active reader. That was my only reason to go that first day, but..” he trailed off

“But what?” You asked him.

“I met you.”

“What do you mean?” You ask him, confused.

“When I walked into the store and you introduced yourself, I immediately caught your scent.” Xavier sighed. “And I went into a bloodthirsty frenzy, I was ready to risk everything right there for a taste.”

“Is that why you ignored me?” You said, voice barely above a whisper. Hearing his confession made you scared, but still wanting answers.

“Yes and I really am sorry about that, I just needed to leave before I lost all control. Even now, your scent is enticing, but I made a promise not to hurt you.”

His confession catches you off guard. Why would he promise not to hurt some stranger?

“Why?” You ask him.

Xavier chuckled, “Honestly, I’m curious about you. I wanted to be your friend. It’s been so long since I stayed in one place so long, and I actually enjoy reading so it’s all a win-win.”

You feel your cheeks warm. He wanted to stay..for me? You thought, unable to resist feeling flattered.

“Okay.” You said, contemplating your next question, while still trying to absorb everything else he told you. “How did you know where I live?”

“I’ve been here nearly every night for about three weeks.” Xavier answered matter of factly, you gaped at him. “At first it was just to make sure you went home safe. But now it’s become a sort of..habit.”

Seeing your scared expression, Xavier gives you an apologetic look.

“I’m sorry, I know it’s weird, but I just have this sense to..protect you. Just know my intentions were never meant to harm you, I promise.”

You only nod, taken aback. Protect me? Is he trying to be some kind of superhero? You think to yourself.

“Now that you know the truth,” Xavier began. “I want to give you the choice. I can stay here, if you want of course, and we can carry on like before, though of course the truth of my existence would have to be kept secret, and I do enjoy spending time with you at the store.”

You gulped,“Or..”

“Or..” Xavier sighs. “I can leave. Move on and we can just pretend that nothing happened. I would trust you with the secret, and since I would leave immediately I highly doubt anyone would believe you.” You sit quietly for a moment, weighing your options.

Your conscience is telling you to make him leave, not only is he a literal vampire, he’s been following you! He also just told you he wanted to kill you the first moment you met.

Yet, you can’t help but feel safe with him, after all he did just save your life. How bad could he really be?

Xavier stares at you as you contemplate, you meet his gaze and nod. “You can stay.”

Xavier is visibly taken aback by your response, he looks at you confused, and then breaks into a chuckle.

You scowl at him, “What’s so funny?”

Xavier shakes his head and looks at you, a small smile on his face.

“This is going to be interesting.”

a/n: taglist! (comment below to be added!) @onebatch--twobatch

[littlestarbigsky]

finally finished my stats work for the week (ily chatgpt) soooo fic time :))

listen i reallllly love the idea of at least some of the greasers having good parents sooo two-bit and his sister get a good mom ;) also! i realize two-bit’s sister doesn’t canonically have a name but i saw someone call her molly like.. once.. so i’ve just been running with that lol

i wrote half of this when i wanted to write angst and then finished it when i was in a better mood so that’s what that’s about lol

anyways here’s the matthews family helping darry when pony gets sick :)

edit: i wrote a part one for this fic like three months later lol

it was almost midnight when the sound of someone pounding on the front door jerked two-bit awake from where he had been dozing off watching cartoons. he shifted on the couch to look out the window, fully expecting to see steve or johnny needing a place to crash, hell, he wouldn’t have been shocked if a cop was standing outside the door because some socs had blamed some vandalism on him, wouldn’t be the first time. the last thing he was expecting to see was…

darry?

truth be told, it had been a while since he’d really seen darry. he saw pony at school most days, and he would swing by the dx to visit soda when he could, but since their parents died, darry had been busting his ass at all hours of the day to make ends meet, which didn’t leave much time for him to hang around with the rest of their crew.

you’d think darry was trying to break down their door with how hard he was pounding it. two-bit lazily pushed himself off the couch and hurried over to the door.

darry looked a real mess when two-bit opened the door, violet shadows stamped beneath his eyes, his hair sticking out in all directions, and he was in need of a shave and a shower.

“darry, what-”

“i’m sorry, i know i got no business comin’ here this time of night, but i-” he broke off, his breath coming in short, panicked, gasps.

“hey, you don’t gotta apologize,” two-bit grabbed his arm and ushered him into the house, out of the cool, early-spring, air. “what’s the matter? what’s got ya all worked up?”

“i need-” darry cut himself off and immediately started pacing the living room floor. “your mom… is she here? i need to talk to her…”

it was a mark of how badly darry was scaring two-bit that he didn’t crack a joke, just asked again, “darry, what’s going on?”

“it’s pony… he- he’s got a fever. i thought maybe he just needed a day to rest and get better but soda told me he’s been getting worse all day…” darry had to take a moment to gasp in another breath before continuing. “i- i don’t know what medicine to give him… he was real hot when i left, he always gets so bad when he’s sick… none of us have gotten sick since-”

“i know,” darry didn’t finish, but two-bit didn’t need him to, he knew he was about to say that none of them had gotten sick since their parents had died. he felt a lump swelling in his throat as he watched darry pace and panic across the living room floor.

“hey, dar,” he started gently. “how about you have a seat. i think mama’s still awake, i’ll go get her.”

darry nodded, squeezing his eyes shut, but he didn’t sit down, he just stood still where he was.

when two-bit came back with his mother a few minutes later, it was like watching a superhero go to work. he leaned against the doorframe that led to the hallway with the bedrooms, watching his mother envelop darry in her arms and gently guide him over to the couch. she coached him through a few deep breaths to calm him down a bit before starting to ask him what was wrong with ponyboy, how long he had been sick, what he’d been eating, if he’d been sleeping much. darry answered all of her questions quickly and succinctly, rattling off symptoms with painstaking ease.

a door creaked open behind two-bit, and he turned around to see his 12 year-old kid sister standing in her doorway. molly’s pajama shirt and shorts didn’t match, her hair was all messy from sleep, and her gray eyes seemed huge in the dim light shining in from the living room. he didn’t know what made him do it, maybe he was realizing how glad he was that he didn’t have to worry over molly like this, but without a word, he pulled her into his side.

“haven’t seen darry in forever,” molly said sleepily, her words almost slurring together.

“me neither, kiddo,” he answered, running a hand up and down molly’s arm. “he’s got a lot more to worry about now.”

“what’s he doin here then? shouldn’t he be at home sleeping?”

he had to laugh at the innocence of the question, of course darry should have been at home sleeping, he shouldn’t have to be staying up all night with a sick ponyboy, his parents should be doing that. he should be in college. he should be bringing home stories about parties and inviting his family to his football games, not losing sleep over what medicine he should be giving his little brother.

“ponyboy’s not feeling so hot,” two-bit finally answered. “darry just isn’t used to doing it all by himself.”

“so he’s askin mama?”

“yeah, she’s pretty good at gettin us better when we’re feeling lousy, right?”

“i guess so,” molly shrugged, taking a step forward, going into the kitchen and pouring herself a glass of water.

two-bit tuned back into what his mother was saying to darry.

“it doesn’t sound like anything too serious, probably just the flu. with any luck, he may already be through the worst of it,” she was saying to him, one of her hands rubbing his shoulder comfortingly.

“okay…” darry’s voice was thick with unshed tears, the tension between him and the dam breaking almost palpable. “what- what should i give him to help?”

“maybe some aspirin for the pain-”

“no,” darry practically shouted, so fast he knew he had sounded rude. “sorry, i caught pony takin’ too many aspirins last week, i don’t wanna be givin him that stuff…”

“that’s okay, honey,” she answered, ever patient. “how about some tylenol? that will help with the fever and won’t have aspirin in it. for his stomach, pepto bismol is probably best. and if he starts getting those bodyaches again, the tylenol should help but ibuprofen works, too, it’s an anti-inflammatory. do you guys have all that?”

“i-” darry looked at her with an expression that was so helpless and exhausted and scared. he had no idea if that had any of that stuff, let alone which did what and how much he should be giving his brother. the thought alone was so overwhelming. he felt his eyes glass over just thinking of having to wake pony up to persuade him to take the cocktail of medicine.

she reached up and ran a hand through his hair and over his cheek, “it’s okay, sweetheart, you can borrow what we’ve got. use as much as you need, you can give it back when pony’s feeling better.”

darry took a second before he opened his mouth to stutter out, “h-how much…”

“i’ll write it all down for you,” she answered, patting him on the knee as she stood up and headed towards the bathroxcom. darry’s head fell into his hands, breathing deeply and clearly doing everything he could to keep it together.

he only looked up when molly came over from the kitchen and nudged his shoulder, “shouldn’t you be in bed, little lady?”

molly just shrugged, sitting down on the floor in front of the couch, “kinda hard when you’re bangin’ on the door so loud.”

darry chuckled wetly, “sorry about that, kiddo, i’ll just break in through two-bit’s window next time.”

molly’s eyes widened, “don’t do that! he’ll scream like a little girl!”

darry laughed again. two-bit leaned his head against the threshold and crossed his arms across his chest, watching his sister break down darry’s carefully structured walls without even trying.

“i brought you this,” she held up something in a white wrapper. “it’s a popsicle, mama always tells us that there’s no trouble out there that a popsicle can’t help. might not fix it, but it sure can’t hurt.”

“thanks, molly, but i don’t think it’s a good idea,” darry sighed. “pony’s stomach is bothering him, i don’t wanna make it worse.”

“it’s not for ponyboy, it’s for you,” she crinkled the paper and held it closer to him to grab. “it’s strawberryyyyyy.”

darry let out a laugh, a true laugh, and took the popsicle from molly. two-bit pushed himself off the doorframe and grabbed two more popsicles from the freezer before handing one to molly and sitting down next to her on the floor.

their mother came back from the bathroom with the medicine in a bag for darry, stopping dead when she saw molly with him.

“what do you think you’re doing, little miss?” she asked, and molly whipped around. “it’s almost midnight what are you doing with a popsicle?”

molly pressed her red stained lips together and pointed at two-bit, “he gave it to me.”

two-bit pointed at molly, “she gave one to darry.”

their mother’s eyes jumped up to darry on the couch, his half finished popsicle still in his mouth. he shrugged and pulled it out of his mouth, pushing himself off the couch, “is that the medicine?”

“yep, this should be everything,” she smiled, her attention fully back on darry. “i wrote down all of the dosages and what should help with what, but if you need anything else, i wrote down our phone number.”

darry grinned sheepishly, “i know your phone number…”

“well then, you should have no trouble letting us know if things get worse,” she handed him the medicine and grabbed his face, forcing him to look her in the eyes. “because you are too damn young to have to do all this by yourself. pride has no place where help is being offered, darry.”

darry leaned into the touch. god, when was the last time someone had given the poor kid a hug?

“let us know when the kid’s doing better, steve and i will bring over some snacks,” two-bit said, standing up from the floor, ruffling molly’s hair as he got up.

darry nodded wordlessly and took the bag of medicine. he walked over to the door, looking like he was about to leave before he turned around and looked right at molly, who was leaning up against two-bit’s legs.

“you were right, kid.”

molly tilted her head, but darry only smiled and held up what was left of his popsicle.

“might not fix it, but it sure can’t hurt.”

[acaaai-t]

as the seasons change

[fem! reader x college au! xiao]

cw: fluff, lots of fluff, slow burn-ish, fluff, reader gets harassed, cursing, oh did i mention fluff? — [long fic ahead]

wc: 7.3k

⤷ ❝ ft song— 《小城夏天》 ❞

“rainfall, a storming encounter— spring.”

"Do you remember the night we first met? Or well, at least when I first met you?" you asked, snuggling deeper into the warmth your blanket, and your partner, provided.

Xiao smiled and pulled you closer. "I could never forget.”

>>—<<

The night was still young, light rain pattering against the windows. It was hard to tell if the sun was still up or not, for the dark clouds covered everything. It was only you left, still clearing out the store, handling the remaining few customers here and there.

“Your hot americano, sir,” you said, handing the customer their ordered drink. “Would you like a bag with it?”

“No, I would like your number with it though. Say, you’re single, aren’t you?”

“Wh— huh?”

“Oh, come on, a charming fellow like you is still single, am I right?"

You really weren’t sure how to respond to his advancements, so you stood there, dumbfounded. “Um—”

“Why don’t you leave her the fuck alone?” the voice of a random customer cut you off.

You looked over to the whoever it was helping you deal with this man. ‘Oh shit, he’s really pretty,’ was your first thought upon sight.

The customer glared at the interrupter. “Look, I don’t know who the fuck you think you are, but I ain’t going to listen to whatever the hell you say.”

“Then I’m sure you’ll have a fun time talking to the police,” pretty boy said, staring down at the customer. He flashed the screen of his phone, the number 9-1-1 on dial.

“You—” he stopped himself, took a deep breath, and turned his attention from pretty boy over to you. “Listen here, you bitch. Shits would’ve been so much easier if you just gave me your fucking number, yeah?”

You flinched. “I’m sorry?”

“Sorry doesn’t fucking do shit,” he yelled, lifting up his cup of coffee.

Your eyes widened. “Don’t—”

Too late.

You nearly screamed when you felt the burning hot coffee sizzle against your skin. The now empty cup rolled to the side. You hastily wipe at your face, crimson from where the coffee had made contact.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” pretty boy got up from where he was seated. The man turned to look at him.

You quickly took this opening to disappeared into the back kitchen, searching for a cold towelette to ease the burning pain. You could’ve sworn you had ascended to heaven there and then when you pressed the cool towel onto your face.

‘That feels so much better…’

A loud crash pulled your spirit back down. Keeping the towel pressed against your cheek, you made your way back to the front counter— just in time to see the customer that had harassed you flee the scene. Pretty boy stood there, arms crossed, rolling his eyes as the glass door swings shut.

“Do you need to go to the hospital?” he asked the moment his eyes laid upon you.

“There’s no need,” you smiled at him. “Thanks for helping me, by the way.”

“It’s… nothing,” he adverted his gaze from you.

You finally got a good look at him. His facial features were mostly obscured by a black mask he wore, but his striking amber eyes was a prominent detail, you noticed. There was also a greenish tint to the edges of his hair and along his bangs. Peeking out from under his turtleneck, you saw a trace of some sort kind tattoo. ‘That’s hot,’ you immediately thought to yourself.

You must’ve been staring for too long, for his voice suddenly broke off your thoughts. “Can you please stop staring…” he sounded and looked flustered. Even with the mask on, you could faintly see the red of his cheeks.

“Ah, sorry…” you were quick to reply, embarrassment crawling in showing as the pink that lightly dusted your face.

The atmosphere of the cafe suddenly felt very awkward, with neither side willing to talk. You cleared your throat, hoping to break the silence. Perhaps you could treat him to a free coffee for helping you rid of that costumer. You put on a smile. Your cash register blinked red.

“Would you like a—” you glanced down at the register for just the slightest moment, then look back up, only to find the pretty boy gone. “Free coffee…” you finished.

‘Ah.’

“starfall, the sparkle in your eyes— summer”

“Oh FUCK.”

You scrambled about, hurriedly changing from the comforts of your pajamas to whatever you’d dug out from your closet.

“Why didn’t my fucking alarm go off?!”

“What the fuck?” the groggy voice of Aether mumbled.

Panic was racing though your body, you glanced at the clock as you stuffed your boots on.

8:57am

You have three minutes to spare. 180 seconds to make it from your dorm to your campus, from your campus to your lecture hall. Under most normal circumstances, you would’ve just skipped the exam altogether, but your professor just had to be a bitch and make the exam a major part of your grade— and if you wish to pass his class, you must take it.

Exam starts the moment the clock ticks 9:00, and nobody is allowed in anymore after— as your professor had specifically told the class.

“Sorry Aether!”

Slinging your bag over your shoulder, you slammed the door shut and booked it.

8:58am

Two minutes was all you had left. You didn’t waste your entire high school life practicing in the track team just not make be able to make a 300-yard dash in two minutes. You can— no, you will. You will make it.

Your peripheral vision of the environment blurred together as the wind began to catch up, heart racing with every stride you take.

In your haze of sheer panic, you had failed to notice the boy you were gunning towards scrambling to move out of your way. You yelped when you absolutely bodied them. He managed to steady himself, but you on the other hand, found yourself sprawled on the concrete.

“Ow…” you muttered, rubbing your lower back regions. “I’m so sorry you see— oh it’s you!”

Pretty boy looked bewildered; his eyes trained on your figure sitting on the ground. He reached out a hand to help you up, but there was no need. You weren’t sitting for very long, for a quick glance at your watch had you up instantly.

“I am going to be late. Sorry about that,” you called out.

He stood there. “You dropped something…” he slowly said.

But you were long gone, leaving nothing but a slight breeze that tickled his cheek.

>>—<<

Just a little under a minute remaining. Your lungs felt like they were on fire. The sight of your class building was just in sight. Just a little bit more, you thought.

15…

You pulled out your student ID and swiped through the scanner, barley giving the poor machine time to unlock the door before you rammed your way through it.

11…

Scrambling up the stairs like a madman, you could care less about the student that screamed at the sight of you— going on all fours crawling up the stairs at an inhuman speed.

4…

You’ve finally made it to the third floor; your legs were uncontrollably shaking by then. The final stretch, and with the time quickly ticking away, you ran as if your life was on the line.

1…

The door to the lecture hall opened with a loud bang, echoing throughout the quiet room. Every head was turned to stare at you, even your professor stopped midway in handing out tests to look at you.

“I’m not late,” you panted, face flushed red.

You made it with barley a second to spare. The clock struck nine.

>>—<<

“Ugh, I for sure failed that exam…” Lumine grumbled, stuffing her reference papers back into her backpack. “You done organizing yet?”

“One moment…” you replied, zipping up your bag. “…okay, let’s go.”

Lumine hooked her arm around yours as the two of you exited the lecture hall. “You know when you slammed that door open, everyone jumped. I think the prof got scared too.”

“Don’t remind me. I nearly broke my back trying to get here on time… hey speaking of which. Why didn’t you wake me up?” you said.

“I tried; you were dead asleep… I accidentally woke Aether and Tao up trying to get you awake,” Lumine replied.

“Oh— ow, my back,” you muttered. The scene where you rammed into the pretty boy flashed in your mind. You suddenly frowned. “Wait a moment.”

You stopped in the middle of the hallway, realization catching up to you. “Wait a damn moment.”

“What is up with you today? Let’s go before they trample us over,” Lumine said, tugging you along as another current of students flooded your way. She led you out the school building. You winced and squeezed your eyes shut as the unbearably bright sunlight caught you off guard.

Now it was Lumine’s turn to pull you to a halt. You felt the hand grip around your arm tighten. “Ow,” you complained.

“Oh sorry— but look at that guy over there!” Lumine exclaimed, slightly gesturing over to someone.

You squinted, trying to see through the blazing glory of the sun. “Where?” you asked. “I literally can’t see, it’s so bright.”

“Over there,” Lumine hissed. “Oh, crap I think he saw us, let’s go let’s go.”

Lumine quickly began to usher you away, and you blindly followed suit. You felt her panic when she suddenly began dragging you as she sped walked away.

“Hey, wait—” a voice called out from behind.

Lumine stopped, frozen over. You turned around, using one hand to mask away the sun. “It’s you again!” you exclaimed.

“It’s me.”

“You two know each other?” Lumine quipped, turning over to look at you. Her eyes narrowed. “You aren’t stalking my friend here, right?”

“Lumine, relax. Remember what happened at work? He was the guy I was telling you about. Not a stalker.”

“Ohh— him?!”

“Why are you so shocked?”

“Need to have a word with you,” Lumine whispered, grabbing ahold of your sleeve. “Excuse us.”

She brought you over to a more secluded area— under one of the many oak trees and began talking in a hushed voice.

“Do you even have a clue as to who he is?” She lightly jabbed at your chest.

“No?” you replied. “All I know is that he’s the regular that appears and orders the same thing every day.”

“That’s Xiao?! Like the Xiao??”

“Oh, that super-hot guy that everyone loves? … THAT’S HIM?!” jaw dropped, you stared at Lumine in utter disbelief.

“Yes!” she hissed.

“Now I see why everyone was staring at him… you too.”

“How did I not know? No, how did you not know?! Your so-called protector is Xiao…”

You ran your fingers through your hair. “I didn’t think it was necessary, besides, you never asked.”

“Fuck you, let’s go back,” she said, sweetly smiling at you. You suddenly had a bad feeling. The iron grip she had on your arm slightly terrified you. Lumine led you back to where Xiao stood.

“Hi, sorry for keeping you waiting,” you said, sending Lumine a glare. She pinched you in response.

“It’s fine,” he said. “You dropped his, by the way, when you uh, bumped into me.”

“Ah.”

Bumped was too nice of a word to replace what had really happened. You laughed awkwardly. “Yeah, sorry about that, you aren’t hurt, are you?”

He shook his head. “Here,” he said, handing you your keys.

“Oh, so that’s where my keys went,” you exclaim, taking your item back. “I was wondering where it went. Thank you!” You beamed at him.

He turned his head away. It went silent again.

Lumine took one look at the sudden mood change, then gave you a sly smile, and slipped away from the scene before you could even latch on to her. You watched as she ran away, her figure gradually merging in with the other students.

“Does it still hurt?” he asked once Lumine was out of sight.

“What?”

“Your cheek, where the drink burned you. Does it still hurt?”

“No,” you said. “Thank you, again.”

“It’s nothing.”

“And uh, last time you left before I could ask you,” you said. “I would like to treat you to a cup of coffee as my thanks.”

“There’s really no need.”

“I insist. Are you free this Saturday?” you asked. “I’m [name], by the way.”

“Xiao,” he replied. “I’m free anytime.”

“Wonderful! I’ll see you this Saturday at Angels Hall then,” you said.

You hadn’t given Xiao much of a chance to speak before you left, giving him a small wave as you disappeared under the bright sunlight to look for Lumine. If you had stayed a little longer and observed a little closer, maybe you would’ve seen the furious blush that covered his cheeks that he so desperately tried to hide.

“Ooh-la-la, my goodness Xiao,” a cheeky voice came trailing up behind him. “Who’s the lucky one?”

Xiao glared at the newcomer. “Nobody, Venti.”

The short boy in green placed a hand over his heart, pretending to be hurt. “Oh Xiao, you won’t even tell me? That’s fine then, I’ll get Heizou to do it for me.” His voice had a slight tease to it.

“Shut it…”

The week passed by in a blink of an eye, and Saturday came faster than Xiao liked. You had told him the details when you— coincidentally, bumped into him while running some errands.

2:00pm, you had told him.

The clock was striking close to 1:45 and he was not ready to have a one-on-one conversation with you.

Xiao paced around his dorm anxiously, muttering incoherent nonsense to himself. His dorm mates looked at him curiously, but no word was said between them. Venti sat in one corner of the room, silently giggling to himself. He seemed to be the only one amused at Xiao’s demise.

“What’s got you so stressed out, Xiao?” one of his dorm mates asked. His green eyes glinted with interest.

“Nothing…” Xiao muttered.

“Doesn’t look like nothing to me. Are you meeting her?”

Xiao froze. “How do you know? Did Venti tell you?”

“Ah, so you ARE meeting up with her.”

>>—<<

“You did WHAT NOW?!”

Aether winced at Hutao’s sudden outburst. “Tao, volume please.”

“Did she actually do it? You saw her ask him?” Hutao gripped tightly onto Lumine’s shoulders, gently shaking her. Her bright red eyes widened.

“I don’t know,” Lumine sheepishly admitted. “I ran away so they could have some time alone, you know?”

Hutao looked miserable, the way her bangs drooped down and covered her face. She dramatically sighed and spun herself onto her bed, the mattress squeaking as she did so.

You got up from where you sat and began rummaging through your tiny closet for a bag suitable for today's meeting. You couldn’t find one to your liking, so you began searching through Lumine’s closet. “Hey Lum, mind if I borrow your bag for the day? It’s the black messenger one.”

“Sure, just don’t get it dirtied,” Lumine replied nonchalantly. She crumpled up a piece of scrap paper and threw it at Aether. It landed directly on his forehead with a tiny bonk.

“Lumine!” he whined, rubbing at where the ball had hit him.

You quickly slipped on a pair of boots and opened the door. “I’ll take my leave now.”

“Have fun on your date!” Hutao cheered enthusiastically, her voice muffled. It seemed her glum mood had just dispelled.

“It’s not a date,” you groaned, exasperated.

“Make sure to tell us EVERY single little detail when you get back,” Lumine said, her eyes boring onto yours. You shivered.

“Bye [name]!” Aether waved at you, stopped short when another paper ball hit him. “Lumine! Stop throwing those at me, you’re cleaning them up.”

“Bye everyone,” you said. “Be back in an hour or so.”

>>—<<

Xiao was incredibly nervous. He really should’ve said no to your offer. But… he squeezed his eyes a shut and groaned. He couldn’t bear seeing the disappointment washing over that sparkle of joy in your eyes.

Curse his feelings. To hell with them.

“Xiao!”

Your eager voice snapped his out of his thoughts. He looked up at you, and his heart began to beat a little faster.

It’s just a friendly meetup, not a date.

“Hey.”

“I didn’t keep you waiting for too long, did I?” you asked.

Xiao shook his head. “I just got here.”

“Great, let’s go in, shall we?” you said.

He nodded.

The door to the cafe opened with a jingle, and the ambiance of the environment allured you in further. Xiao followed closely behind you, his eyes darting around nervously.

A peculiar figure caught his eye, and he wanted to die right there and then at the sight.

Venti pushed his sunglasses up further and gave Xiao a shit eating grin. Seated around him was his dorm mates, everyone was there, watching him. Heizou gave him a wink, as if to say, ‘good luck’.

How they managed to get there before Xiao is beyond him.

“You fuckers…” Xiao mumbled under his breath.

You ushered him into a seat and handed him the menu.

“Order whatever,” you told him. “I’m going to the bathroom.”

When Xiao had made sure you were gone, he set the menu down and got up, making his way over to his friend group sitting in the corner.

“What the fuck are you guys doing here?” Xiao hissed.

Venti took off his sunglasses and gave Xiao an innocent look. “We just so happen to be passing by, didn’t know you were coming here too.”

Scaramouche scoffed, rolling his eyes. Heizou jabbed him.

“You know damn well…” Xiao said.

“Well Xiao, you shouldn’t stay for too long. Your date should be back soon,” Venti mused.

Speak of the devil, his sharp hearing picked up the sound of the bathroom door being open— despite the loud chatter of the cafe. He gave Venti a glare before returning to his seat and picking up the menu, acting as if nothing had transpired.

You reappeared, taking a seat across from him. “Chosen what you want yet?”

Xiao skimmed through the menu and quickly picked the one that looked the most appealing. “Yeah, an Angels Blessing, whatever that is.”

You called the waitress over and placed your orders.

“You really didn’t have to,” Xiao said, watching as the waitress left for the kitchen.

His words completely crossed your mind. Caught off guard by your silence, Xiao looked back at you.

Your eyes bore into his, an unreadable expression on your face. Xiao couldn’t bring himself to tear his gaze away from you even if he tried. Something compelled him to keep staring.

Suddenly the noises of the cafe blurred out, fading into nothing but a tiny buzz. It was just you and him, alone, sitting across from each other.

When had you become so pretty?

You smiled at him, the corners of your eyes crinkling up. “Xiao did you know?”

When did the butterflies began appearing?

“Know…” he swallowed the lump in his throat.

When did it happen? Why?

“You have really pretty eyes; they remind me of the stars glittering in the galaxy.”

Maybe that’s what had confirmed his skeptical feelings for you, because at that moment, Xiao felt like he fell in love all over again.

In love with all of you again.

“memoirs, anew remembrance— autumn”

Memories. Taken in the form on pictures, notes, anything.

Xiao could remember the time he first laid eyes on you clear as day.

It was on campus last year autumn, during the annual sports festival, where you were one of the many participants racing for the win. Xiao stood together with his friends, betting on who would come out victorious.

He wasn’t particularly interested in who won or who lost, in fact, Xiao didn’t even want to be here in the festival in the first place. It was only under the solemn promise of free almond tofu that he agreed to go.

“I’m betting on the one in green,” Venti said. “5 dollars he wins.”

“The player in purple,” Kazuha pointed to the billboard listing all the players. “How about you Scaramouche?”

“I don’t fucking know, the black one?” Scaramouche muttered.

“I’m calling the purple one,” Heizou said. “Who are you betting on, Xiao?”

“Uh, the blue one?” Xiao blurted out.

Venti clapped his hands in glee. “Wonderful! May the gods be on my side and let the green player win!”

“Venti that’s not how it works.”

>>—<<

“Nervous?”

“Of course I’m fucking nervous…” you mumbled, fidgeting with your gloves.

The pink hair girl laughed, her green eyes twinkling. “You’ll do just fine. Those months of practice won’t go to waste.”

“I really do hope so…”

“Have some faith in yourself.”

“Thank you, Fei,” you said, feeling the strings of agitation pulling away.

“Best of luck,” Yanfei said, sending you a wink just as the booming voice of the announcer came on.

It was your time to shine— or horribly embarrassed yourself.

>>—<<

“They’re finally starting!” Venti exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Oh there’s the green one!”

Xiao watched closely as each player began taking field. The player he had betted on stood in the far corner. He hadn’t expected himself to be so interested in the game. Perhaps it was because he didn’t want to lose five dollars today.

‘And the players had taken field!’ the announcer shouted.

The crowd cheered.

‘A soon to be fantastic yet suspenseful game tonight, five players competing for the title of king. Only the best out of the best in the field tonight, this game surely will be an interesting one. And now without any further delays…’

Xiao held his breath, his eyes trained on the player in blue.

‘…may the game commence.’

>>—<<

The pressure was killing you. The eyes, the cheers, the lights. Yet none of those stopped you. All those months of ruthless training— not even a single second will be left to waste away.

You dropped into a trance, body moving on autopilot. The voice of your coach commanded your every move.

It was only when the stadium erupted into screams that you broke out from your daze, startled at the sudden outburst.

‘And we have a clear winner!’ the announcer broadcasted, her voice echoing over the crowd’s cries.

Lumine jumped over the railings and ran into to the field, successfully dodging the security trying to grab her. She body slammed you and engulfed you in a tight hug. “YOU WON! YOU DID IT!” Lumine screamed. “Oh my god I’m so proud of you. See I told you you’ll win.”

I won? …

Suddenly you felt weak, head spinning, vision blurring. “I won?” you muttered.

The rest of your friend group came running towards you too, and security didn’t even bother to try and stop the two kids barreling for you. Hutao smashed into you, one hand holding a small bouquet of flower. Aether slowed to a jog and brought out a spray bottle, showering cool water on you.

“Congratulations my dear!” Hutao cheered. “We all fucking told you you’ll win this. Dinner is on me tonight.”

“You did great,” Aether said, handing you a bottle of water.

The crowd of people was still cheering for your victory, and cheered even louder when you held up your hard-earned trophy high in air for everyone to see. You laughed, a tear of happiness rolling down your cheek.

I won.

>>—<<

“Aw damn,” Venti groaned. “I was so sure green would win…”

“Xiao got lucky today,” Heizou laughed, handing Xiao a five-dollar bill. “Twenty dollars and a free dessert.”

“Say, where are we going out tonight?” Kazuha asked, also handing Xiao a five.

“Thanks…” Xiao muttered. He wasn’t even paying attention to the group's conversation. His interest was driven onto somewhere else— someone else.

For some odd reason, Xiao couldn’t stop staring at you.

Enveloped by your friends in a giant bear hug, the trophy glinting under the stadium lights, you stood there, crying and laughing.

Xiao smiled softly to himself.

The second time Xiao saw you was during the week before midterms, and at that time, you looked like a mess.

You were in Angels Hall with your friends, paper upon papers scattered all over the table. The coffee you had ordered was left to the side was half drank, long gone cold.

“I can’t,” you whined. “This is so.”

Lumine sat next to you, head buried in her arms. “I agree.”

“How about we finish this unit then we go, because I don’t think I can’t last any longer either,” Aether said. “Right Tao?”

“It’s been 2 hours, not sure how much longer I can go for,” Hutao mumbled. “I feel like shit.”

You straightened up. “Let’s go back to our dorm. None of us here wants to be here any longer.”

“I second that,” Lumine said, downing the last bits of her drink in one go.

Hutao began organizing all the papers into a neat stack before stuffing it into her bag, regardless of if it wrinkles. The waiter dropped by and handed you the bill with a forced smile.

“Let’s go,” Hutao said, getting up from her seat. Lumine was already by the exit, impatiently tapping her foot.

You set down a twenty-dollar bill and left with the rest of the group, the twinkling of the silver bell indicating your departure.

Xiao couldn’t help but feel disappointed, watching you leave.

Kazuha tapped his arm. “Xiao, are you good? You seem distracted.”

“He’s probably got his mind on someone,” Heizou said.

“Xiao? Liking someone? No way,” Venti gasped.

“Can you all just shut the fuck up and focus?” Scaramouche growled, already fed up. “Especially you, Venti.”

“Aha, sorry…”

The third time Xiao ran into you was at the coffee place you worked at. He had just randomly chosen a cafe to get a breather, a break from his work and from the rain. He had figured that this tiny cafe was the best place to enjoy his time and peace. It was during the evening, when there were just barely any more costumers coming in.

You stood behind the cashier, a bright smile plastered on your face.

“An iced black coffee,” he told you.

It hasn’t even been two minutes after he had paid, and his order was already ready to go.

“…thank you,” Xiao managed out. He quickly turned away and found a seat in the corner of the store, the tip of his ears already tinted red. There was no way he could return that bright grin of yours without turning into a tomato.

The way you smiled at him… the way you looked with your hair tucked behind your ear. In his eyes, you’re the literal embodiment of the ethereal celestial being send from the skies above. He had never felt like this towards someone ever before, this was a first for him. But all the signs made it clear— the way his heart pounds abnormally fast, the way his words get caught up in his throat, the way the butterflies flutter around in his stomach— it was all enough for Xiao to know that he had developed a crush for you.

No. He does not have a crush on you, he just merrily found you attractive. That is all there is to that.

“… single, aren’t you?”

Xiao snapped his head up, thoughts interrupted. He glanced over at the customer who was leaned over the counter, trying to act cool. The way your shoulders were tensed up, the stutters in your words— it was clear you were uncomfortable with his sudden advancements.

“Why don’t you leave her the fuck alone?” he snarled, caught off guard by his harsh tone.

What transpired afterwards was history, but ever since that incident, he has been coming in every day. By then, you had recognized Xiao as a regular in the new cafe you worked at. Every day he would appear exactly at 3:00pm, and order the same thing— a black coffee, and leave minutes before you get off your shift.

You found it endearing, how a mere stranger watched over you so protectively. Although your friends begged to differ.

“Pretty boy?” Lumine snorted. “Oh please, what if he’s going to kidnap you one day?”

“As if,” you retorted. “I trust my guts.”

“crystalline, frosted confessions— winter.”

“Black—”

“— coffee. Got it right here,” you said, holding up the cup of freshly brewed coffee. “As per usual, that’ll be 2.35$. But since you’ve been a regular here for so long, I’m cutting the price down to 1.75$.”

“Thank you,” Xiao handed you two dollars and took the coffee, where then he proceeded to sit in the same spot he had been sitting in for past few weeks.

The store was completely empty expect for Xiao. As expected, you thought. Nobody would want to be out when the weather had predicted an snowstorm. Flurries of snowflakes bend and shaped by the wind covered the outside world in a softened blanket of white.

“It’s snowing pretty hard outside,” you thought out loud, elbow resting against the marble counter. “Are you cold? I could turn the heater up.”

“It’s fine,” Xiao replied. “Why are you still working today anyways? It’s snowing really hard out there.”

“Who’s going to run the store if not me?” you laughed. “The boss offered me a pay raise if I stayed to attend the store today. Obviously, I can’t turn that offer down.”

Xiao gave a hum of acknowledgment. “I’ll drive you back to campus. It’s too dangerous for you to walk out there alone.”

His words caught you by surprise. Never would you have thought Xiao would be offering to drive you back to the dorms.

“How kind of you, thank you Xiao,” you said. “I’ll be closing down in maybe a couple minutes. Then we can go.”

Hail had slowly begun to mix in with the snow. The tiny ice fragments pattered against the window, creating a clicking sound. You began cleaning up— there wasn’t much to be done, but you still liked the store to be spotless before you leave. Setting the dried towel by the sink, you took off your apron and hung it in the back.

Xiao finished up his drink and threw the disposable cup away, making sure to grab napkins to wipe the table clean.

By the time he had cleaned his table, you were ready to leave. Xiao narrowed his eyes.

“Where’s your jacket?” he asked.

“Oh, I forgot mines,” you said, pushing open the door. You shivered at the cold blast of wind. “Left in a hurry this morning... ha-ha.”

Xiao bit down on his lips. “Can’t be helped,” he sighed, walking out the door.

You locked the store and flipped over the OPEN sign to CLOSED. “Let’s go,” you said. Your nose was already turning red.

“Here,” Xiao muttered, draping his jacket over you. “I… don’t want you to get sick.”

You felt your face heat up and your heart race. "I— thank you, Xiao.”

Xiao turned away and began walking towards his car. His heart was pounding mercilessly against his chest as he unlocked the door to his sleek black Toyota. You stood by him, snuggled up in his jacket, and stepped into the car when Xiao opened the door for you.

What a gentleman, you thought to yourself.

The car reverberated to life as Xiao turned the engine on, and with it, the heater was turned on too. A blast of warm air surrounded you, and your body relaxed, taking in the warmth.

You felt yourself slowly dozing off as Xiao drove through the storm. You weren’t even tired, perhaps it was the environment that had lulled you into a dreamlike state.

Time passed by slowly, and when Xiao had parked by your dorm, you were fast asleep. He almost didn’t want to wake you.

“Hey,” he whispered, nudging your shoulder.

“Five more minutes…” you mumbled, shrugging his hand away. “Five…”

He stifled a laugh. “We’ve arrived at your dorm. I think I see Lumine up there.”

You snapped open your eyes and sat up straight. “Where?!”

The laugh he had been keeping in bubbled out. You looked at him, eyes half lidded, confusion written all over your face.

“We’re at your dorm, let’s go, the storms getting worse,” Xiao said, getting out the car. He jogged over to the other side and opened the door before you could. “Careful there, the roads iced up.”

Your movements were sluggish as you got out from the car, grabbing onto Xiao for support. “Sorry,” you mumbled.

You felt Xiao wrap one arm around your waist to support your weight, slowly guiding you through the path and up the stairs to your dormitory. The harsh wind that slapped you in the face was enough of a wakeup call, and you fumbled to fish your keys out your pocket.

Pushing the key into the lock, you turned back to face Xiao— but he was already down the stairs by his car. He caught your eye, and you hastily gave him a wave before disappearing indoors, where the warmth awaited you. “Thank you,” you mouthed, and the door closed behind you.

Xiao stayed outside your dormitory for a little bit, watching the shadows of your friends engulfing you through the sheer curtains that fluttered around. An unmistakable feeling of heat rushed throughout his body, and he smiled to himself, then sneezed.

>>—<<

“Wait, wait, WAIT,” Lumine grabbed your sleeve and pushed you onto your bunk. “You got home awfully fast today, and whose jacket is that?”

Hutao walked out from the bathroom, a towel slung over her shoulders. “I think I’ve seen that jacket somewhere before.”

“Oh, wait isn’t that Xiao’s jacket?” Aether piped in, setting his headset aside and spinning around to face the two of you.

“That’s where I’ve seen it,” Hutao said with a snap of her fingers. “That emo guy that everyone seems to be obsessed with, I’ve seen him walking around campus several times in that same jacket.”

“That emo guy,” Aether repeated. “Isn’t he your cousin?”

“Did something happen between you and Xiao?” Lumine asked, eyes glittering with excitement.

You laughed nervously. “Well yeah, sort of? I mean, he drove me back here…”

Lumine’s eyes went wide open. “Now that’s a first. Oh, girl he definitely likes you.”

“He did it because it was snowing like crazy out there and I didn’t have a jacket with me!”

“Excuses,” Hutao snorted. “I can tell you that Xiao never lets anyone else in his car other than his close friends. I’ve asked him for a ride once and I had to beg for it, EVEN though we were cousins, and I still had to Uber back home.”

Lumine nodded. “Can confirm, I was there to witness it all.”

You shook your head. “There’s no way. Anyways! To celebrate me getting a pay raise, dinners on me tonight!”

“Wooo!” Hutao cheered, throwing on a thick puffer jacket. “Where are we off to?”

>>—<<

“Is he… sick?” Kazuha asked worriedly.

The boys gathered around Xiao’s bed, listening to his coughs and sniffles.

“Leave me be…” Xiao mumbled, pulling his blanket over his head.

“He definitely sounds sick," Heizou commented.

"This is what you get for not wearing a jacket out yesterday... I'd say it's well-deserved." Scaramouche snorted, tossing yet another packet of tissues at Xiao.

"He wasn't wearing a jacket?" Venti echoed, his loud voice traveling from the kitchen into Xiao's room. "Didn't he leave with a jacket though? The green and black one?"

Heizou raised a brow, one hand under his chin. A quizzical look appeared, followed by a know-it-all one. "I think I know where his jacket went," he said, a sly grin dancing on his lips.

"Get the fuck out of my room."

>>—<<

“Tao, whenever you’re able to, can you help me return this jacket to Xiao? I haven’t been able to find him anywhere,” you said, hanging up your bag. Xiao’s black and green jacket hung next to your school bag, a scent of fresh laundry within the fibers.

Hutao popped a piece of gum in her mouth and chewed loudly. “I honestly have no clue where he is. I can help you get in touch with the pests he hangs around though.”

“That’d be lovely,” you replied, shooting Tao a grateful smile.

>>—<<

“Hey Xiao.”

“…”

“Xiaooooo.”

Silence.

Venti sighed in defeat and turned away from Xiao’s room, instead plopping himself down on the couch. Kazuha hummed to himself as he stirred the giant bowl of batter he had in his arms— as far as Venti remembers, he was making chocolate chip cookies. A classic favorite among everyone.

Scaramouche was out of town, called back home for a family emergency. Heizou on the hand, had locked himself in one of the many study cubbies in the campus’s library to study for his upcoming exam. And Xiao— well, he’s passed out sick.

Venti sighed once again, bored out of his mind. He lazily opened up his phone and was greeted by a text from Xiao’s cousin: Hutao.

[5:14pm] Hutao >> u available rn?

>>—<<

“Hey! You must be Venti, right?” you asked, standing up from the park bench you were just sitting on moments ago.

“And you’re the girl that Xiao’s been fawning over I presume,” Venti replied, smiling.

“My name— wait what?”

“Oh, it’s nothing— hey that’s Xiao’s jacket!” Venti pointed to the black jacket draped over your arms. “Right?”

“Yeah, I was hoping you’d help me return this to him,” you said sheepishly.

Venti pressed his hand to his chest. “Oh, I would love to, but I think it’s best if you do it!”

Puzzled by his response, you ask, “Why?”

He sighed dramatically and collapsed onto the bench, feigning heartache. “Well you see, poor Xiao had locked himself up in his room, burning up a fever— and wants nothing to do with me at the moment. If I were to try and enter his room, I’m afraid I won’t see the light of day again.”

You blinked at Venti’s performance, slowly soaking in the information given. Does Xiao hate him? Why? You wanted to ask. “He’s sick?” was what came out your mouth instead.

“Terribly so.”

>>—<<

“Xiao?” you called out softly.

A shuffle was heard as the sickly student attempted to sit upright. You quickly entered the room and closed the door behind you, rushing over to Xiao’s side the moment the door clicked shut.

“Hey,” you said, smiling. “Hope you don’t mind the intrusion.”

Xiao blinked groggily, fighting against the sleep medication he had taken hours ago. “What are you”— he sneezed “doing here?”

“Came here to return your jacket,” you replied, draping his jacket over his pink gaming chair. An odd expression crossed your face, but you didn’t speak of it.

Xiao managed to sit upright despite being in absolute agony. His head throbbed painfully, an unfortunate side effect of his medication. You placed a hand over the small of his back and helped him ease into a more comfortable position. "Easy there Xiao..." you murmured. "Don't strain yourself too much."

"I'll be fine," he said. "You shouldn't be here— you know, with me being sick and all. You might get sick too."

A smile tugged at the corner of your lips. "You're the one here sick, and you're worried about me? Besides, I didn't see you for the past week and I miss your presence."

There was a tease in your voice, and Xiao caught it. Yet he couldn't control the way his heart sped up. He cleared his throat, adverting his body away from where you sat. Perhaps being sick isn't so bad after all, he could at least use the fever as an excuse as to why his face is burning a scarlet red.

You felt your smile grow bigger seeing his reaction. "Don't turn around now— we've known each other for so long now, it's weird being somewhere without you." You were confident, almost too confident with your words. But with graduation so close, you knew that there wasn't much time left for you to spill your feelings. It was like gambling, gambling time and memories away.

Outside, the sun began to dip below the horizon. Snow resting upon the frail branch of the young oak crumbled when a chunk of ice shattered against the trunk.

“Heizou!” the shrill voice of Venti shrieked.

Either you win, or you'll lose it all.

Xiao remained silent, unsure of how to process your words. He wanted to believe everything you said, but some part of himself won't allow him to. For all he knows, you could just be tugging on his heartstrings, playing it like a sick sort of a puppet show. But... he glanced at you. You weren't looking at him anymore, instead your attention was fixated on the scene happening outside his window.

The way the sunset created a golden aura around you made you look absolutely breathtaking, hitting all the right angles in all the right way. He didn't know there was a way for you to be any prettier than you already are. Would he have gotten to see you like this if he wasn't sick?

"Xiao." the seriousness laced with your tone made him tense up. You pushed yourself away from the window ledge and turned to face him. “Xiao,” you repeated. “Can I tell you something?”

Your heart was pounding. A year worth of buildup— he’s seen you at your worst, as you had seen him, how much longer are you able to hold it in for? There’s nothing you could really hide from this man; he was bound to find out about your crush sooner or later.

Xiao took in a deep breath. “Go on,” he croaked out. He wiped his sweaty palms on his blanket.

You bit the insides of your cheek. The words are at the tip of your tongue, but that’s the furthest they’re willing to go. “I— fuck I can’t say it,” you groaned, turning back to face the window.

"No," he said. "No, tell me."

That intense voice you knew all too familiar— now you know that there is no backing out. Xiao's stubbornness had been a constant pain in the ass for you, yet it was also a part of him that you found endearing.

"You promise this won't change anything?" you asked, voice small.

A creak followed by a shuffle, and you felt Xiao's arm wrap around your waist. His disheveled hair tickled against your cheek as he rests his head upon your shoulder. '"Nothing will change, I promise," he muttered.

Touch. In no way was this unusual for the two of you. But this time, it felt new. In this stifling environment, where the air was tense, everything feels unfamiliar. Xiao's touch felt unfamiliar. What if this ruins it all?

Fuck it.

"I really like you, you know that, Xiao?" you whispered.

Time seemed to freeze for a moment, and you felt your heart drop. This is it. The signs point to it all, it tells you that Xiao is the one, yet you can't help but think otherwise. Overthinking has always been a bad habit of yours.

After minutes of painful awkward silence (it was only a few seconds), Xiao replied. "I know."

"I really like you too, [name]. I've liked you since last year, since the moment I saw you on the field for the annual sports festival. And I fell deeper in love with you over the course of the year, seeing you around campus, at the cafe you worked— your very presence seems to bring comfort. I wanted to confess for so long, you know? But I didn't, I feared that it would've tampered with whatever we already had going on."

he paused to clear his throat.

"I like— no, I love you."

Through the window, the view of the night sky was in perfect sight. The stars above twinkled, and flashing by for just a second, was a shooting star.

Even the stars have spoken.

✩ ·┆ masterlist

notes—

— the number of times i accidentally typed ‘ciao’ instead of ‘xiao’ is diabolical

© acaaai-t — do not plagiarize, repost, or translate

[redlittlefoxari]

Astarion Epilogue An Adventure in Making Life: Chapter Ten: Little White Dress

Relationship: Astarion X Tav

Warnings: NSFW 18+, smut, blood, violence, sex, blood drinking, pregnancy.

Summary: All hell breaks lose as Tav and Astarion share with the rest of the party that you are expecting.

~~~~This Chapter contains Smut~~~~

Master List

People who wished to be tagged: @ofmyth-andmagicart @lunaredgrave @littlekidsteve @omnia--mea-mecum-porto @ayselluna @myreadingmanga123 @kismet-of-the-divine @nicalysm @justlilpeaches21

If you want to be tagged in future updates, send me a message.

Twelve weeks pregnant

“I knew it! I knew something was up with the two of you!” Shadowheart was practically out of her seat as she spoke. “I just didn’t know it was his. I thought the two of you just got a segregate or something.” 

“We're going to be an aunt and Uncle Wyll, isn’t it amazing!” Karlach released the hold she had on herself and let her excitement spring free. Shaking Wyll like he was a rag doll. 

“Yes, that is amazing, Karlach dear, but could you stop shaking me? I fear I’m going to be sick.” At his words, Karlach stopped shaking him, and he placed one hand on the table and one on his stomach to try and stop the room from spinning. 

“That…That’s amazing, you two.” Gale looked positively shocked. “I just have a few questions, if you don’t mind.” The others nodded in unison. 

After what seemed like hours of being questioned by your friends, the food was finally served. Gale had spared no expense for the meal, crafting each dish so that everyone had what they wanted and what they would enjoy the most. You sliced into a relatively rare steak and watched as the red blood covered your plate, causing you to salivate. Your pregnancy cravings had two settings, sweet and bloody; there was no in-between. 

When you took a rather large bite, Gale started to ask more questions. He was always searching for knowledge, and the topic of vampire children was something that was yet to be covered majorly. It felt like he was entirely too interested and asking far too many questions so he could publish a book on the topic and be credited as the one who found out how it was done. 

“Tell me again, how exactly did you manage this astounding feat?” Gale had a large glass of red wine beside him and began slicing into his own dinner that you had no doubt paired nicely with his steak. 

“When a mommy and a daddy love each other very much, they…” Astarion spoke for you while your mouth was full of meat and blood. 

“Asatrion, I know how sex works. What I want to know is how her fey blood allowed your seed to impregnate her.” Gale looked at Astarion, not too pleased to be getting a talking to about the birds and the bees. 

“We don’t know, maybe since he’s also technically still a high elf, my ovaries allowed it.”  You said after you swallowed your mouth full of steak. “What we do know is I’m pregnant, it's his, and I’m a walking miracle.” 

“I can see why you kept this a secret. There’s no telling what would happen if people found out what you were carrying.”Glae took a small bite of his food. 

“What do you mean?” You placed your knife and fork on your plate. 

“I only mean that vampires aren’t people's cup of tea usually. And there's a reason why there is not a lot of knowledge about half vampire half humanoid children….” Gale hesitated, not wanting to go on.

“And why is that?” Astarion stared at Gale, a challenge in them. 

“They’re hailed as being unholy abominations and killed…” Gale looked down at his plate, not wanting to meet yours or Astarion’s eyes. 

“We won’t let that happen! Aunty K and Uncle Wyll will not let that happen.” Karlach slammed her fist on the table. 

“No, we will not.” Wyll echoed his wife's sentiment. “We will just have to keep the fact that they are Half-vampires a secret. How is it that people normally find out the parentage?” 

“Other vampires, usually it’s almost as if they can smell it.” They all looked at Astarion. 

“We can. There’s a particular odor that goes with the undead. I hide mine because I can’t stand the smell.” Astarion looked at you, noting the color that had drained from your face. “We can do the same for our child, dear.” 

You reached for Astarion’s hand under the table, and he did the same. This opened up a whole new fear. Maybe if you moved out of the city, that would lessen your chances of being discovered. Though, as far as you knew, the last vampire to grace the city was Cazador, and since then, it had just been Astarion these last fifty years. He never mentioned smelling another vampire. 

“There hasn’t been another vampire in Baldur’s gate since Cazador… right?” You looked at Astarion. 

“No, I don’t know why usually there is always a vampire lord in a large city. Maybe they are afraid after what happened to the last one.” You saw his eyes glaze over, going a thousand realms away, and squeezed slightly. He returned the squeeze, gently glancing at you sideways and sending you a small smile. 

“What about the rest of the population?” Shadowheart spoke up. “Are they going to be a threat?”

“Astarion walks around, and normal people can’t tell he’s a vampire… Well, unless they look at his teeth.” Gale said as he tilted his head.

Astarion flashed him his best shit-eating grin.”It took you all days before you realized, and it was only because this one woke up and caught me.” He gestured towards you.

“Then we should be fine. They probably won’t have long fangs like Astarion, and we’ll teach them not to go around biting people unless they deserve it.” You picked up your glass of blood and blueberry juice and took a long swallow. The blood and juice mixture coating your tongue and filled your belly.

“I should have known you weren’t drinking wine this whole time.” Shadowheart picked up her own glass. “I can smell the blood from here.” 

“Yeah, all the signs were there, but at the time, none of you knew Astarion had it in him to knock me up.” You smiled at Astarion as he glared at you. 

“I was always more than capable. I just didn’t know I could, and if I did, I would have been trying a lot harder to do so all these years.”  He pulled your hand to his lips and kissed the ring that he had placed on your finger earlier that day. 

You felt your face grow hot as you thought about all the ways he would prove that to be true. Every night, a different position, and every night, you would scream his name in ecstasy. Astarion could sense your arousal and mouthed one word in response. Later. 

“You two are disgusting.” Shadowheart took a long drink of her wine.

“And you’re just jealous you don’t have someone to make love to.” Astarion’s eyes didn’t break from yours. “This child will be loved and protected. I can promise you that no one will harm them or you for as long as I still draw breath.”

“Fuck.” You cursed as his decoration of love and devotion to you and your child only stoked the fire growing in you more.

The others looked away, looking as if they wanted to be anywhere but where they were now. 

“If the two of you are going to…. I gave you a private room for a reason… Please use it.” Gale pushed his plate away. 

“Oh, we’ve already broken in the room, Gale.” Astarion stood up slowly. “One thing you can write about if you are going to publish a book about vampire humanoid babies is that the hormones the mate gives off are simply irresistible.” 

“Don’t call me your mate; that's creepy and weird.” You stood along with him. “We’re not animals.” 

“No but we Certainly act like we are in heat.” 

Astarion extended his hand to you, and taking it, he led you towards the stairs. You twisted your fingers in with his, creating a weave that even Mystra couldn’t untangle. The hormones racing through you felt as if someone had placed a lust curse on you. Every inch of you buzzed with the need to have Astarion touch you, taste you and have him fill you. 

“See you all in the morning. Don’t wait up.” Astarion said as he moved up the stairs towards your room. 

You and Astarion made your way toward the room that neither one of you would be leaving the rest of the night. Reaching the stairs, you slowly made your accent, the wetness between your legs growing slicker as you thought about everything you wanted him to do to you. Astarion looked at you sidelong, and you saw that he was doing the same. You peered down to see his length straining against his pants. 

“Don’t you wish you could not wear pants to Astarion?” You turned your focus back to traversing the stairs, your legs growing weak from your thoughts. 

“I’m not sure the others would have liked me coming down for dinner in nothing but what the gods gave me.” He said as you made it to the top of the stairs just down the hall from your room. 

“Probably not.” You turned the corner, now entirely out of sight from the others. “But maybe n…”

You were cut off as Astarion pinned you against the wall, his body flush against yours. his erection pushing into you. You moaned as his lips collided with yours, and his tongue entered your mouth. doing a full sweep of the area before pulling out and biting your lower lip. He let go and looked at you hungrily.

“Gods, you smell delicious, my love.” His teeth moved down to your neck but paused just short of taking a bite. “And you tasted divine earlier.”

You could feel his fangs on your neck just above your skin, primed and ready to sink in if only you asked. You turned your head to the side to give him a better angle. He still hesitated. His hot breath came out in short bursts on your neck, and you could sense his animalistic need to feed. 

“Is it because you bit me earlier? Is that why you won’t bite me now.” You pulled back, no longer feeling his teeth or breath on your neck. Placing your hand on the side of his face, you forced him to look at you. His eyes were dilated. “What if I feed from you first?” 

“That would work.” He turned his neck towards you, giving you the left side of his neck. The one you bit a few weeks prior. 

“Not out here.” You grabbed his hand once again and led him to your room, shutting the door behind you and locking it. 

Astarion stood in the middle of the room, looking at you in anticipation. You stared back at him, not knowing what to do. The last time, it was rough and full of need. This time, you wanted it to be a little different. 

You pulled off your dress, exposing your body to him, not breaking eye contact, but for the split moment, the gown went over your eyes. Astarion drank you in, looking up and down as he took in your naked form. He moved to touch you, and you put your hand up. 

“You too, Astarion. Get naked.”

Astarion gave you a cheeky smile as he pulled off his doublet, then his shirt, boots, and then his pants, making sure that they would be last. His length sprang free, and you felt yourself grow even hotter as you drank in his form. He did an added spin for good measure, letting you see all of him. 

“If our child has half of both our good looks, then they’re going to have an easy life.”Astarion’s fingers shook as he spoke. He longed to touch you but waited for you all the same. 

“Sit down on the bed, Astarion.” He did as you asked. 

You walked over and sat on his lap, your button sitting between his legs so that both your legs were hanging over his right leg. You kissed just under his left jawline, and you felt his length stiffen more as it sat against your leg. You trailed light kisses down to his neck just by his jugular, paying extra attention to that area. 

“Are you teasing me, or have you lost your nerve to bite me?” Astarion sounded out of breath. 

“Patients Astarion.” You placed your teeth on his skin like had done to you earlier when he was fighting his instincts to bite you. “Good things come to those who wait.”

At that, you sunk your teeth in, breaking the skin and feeling his hot blood enter your mouth. He flung his head back and moaned as your tongue probed and sucked the holes you made in his skin. You sucked until you couldn’t taste his blood anymore on your tongue, pulling away from his skin with a pop.

Astarion moved his head to look at you. This was only the second time you had bitten him, and from the look on his face, it would not be the last. He grabbed and twisted you so that you now laid on the bed with your legs between his and them hanging slightly off the bed. He placed a hard, needy kiss against your lips and slid his tongue into your mouth once more. 

“The taste of me on your tongue is something I want to taste every day, my love.” He broke the kiss. “And it’s time I returned the favor. 

He moved to your neck, wasting no time as he sunk his fangs into your skin. You gasped, Since being pregnant, this is one thing that you missed the most. The feeling of his fangs in you as he sucked blood from your veins was simply erotic, and you could see why there were so many erotic novels about vampires. 

You reached your hand down to find his hard length, taking it in your hand and pumping it slowly. Astarion moaned into your neck as he sucked more of your blood out and into him. You wrapped your legs around his waist and used your hand to place him at your entrance. Arching your hips slightly, he slid into you, and Astarion gasped, pulling away from your neck. 

“Don’t stop.” You said as you angled your neck to give him a better angle. “Feed and Fuck Astarion.”

“Gods, I love you.” 

Astarion’s fangs sunk back into your neck and, as he did, started a slow, lazy thrust of his hips in and out of you. The feeling of his fangs in you, taking your blood, and the feeling of his length taking his pleasure sent you close to the edge. You moaned his name as his slow, lazy thrusts turned into harder, needier thrusts. 

He pulled his fangs from your neck, not waiting to drink too much, just taking as much as you took from him. Astarion hooked his hands under your knees, allowing you to rest them as he thrusted into you harder. Pulling almost entirely out before slamming back into you. You moved your hand to your now swollen and sensitive clit, rubbing circles and allowing your climax to grow faster. 

You looked at the holes you made in his neck and thought about the hole in yours that would match the thought pushing you over the edge of your climax. As you moaned, his name Astarion soon followed after the mix of you tightening around him and his name on your lips being too much for him to contain himself. You felt him fill you fully as he still thrusted his length inside you, milking his own orgasm to completion. 

“We should definitely get into the practice of trying to make children,” Astarion said as he leaned down to kiss you. “I have never seen you so aroused.” 

He placed a hard kiss on your lips. “I agree; how many do you want? three ? four?Though it took us fifty years to conceive this one.”

This child was a miracle in itself; truth be told, you weren’t sure Astarion and yourself could handle more than one child. Let alone this one. 

“True.“ He was grinning ear to ear. “But we can sure try.”

[helluvapurf]

Welp, after a long... loooooong road of S2 to sift through in HB, here's my official review of the "Sinsmas" finale to wrap things up (*no Christmas pun-intended lol*):

NOTE: My thoughts below will contain some obv spoilers so you miiiight wanna skip this post if you haven't watched "Sinsmas" yet; also like with all my past reviews these are just my personal opinions alone (+fair warning that I'll be getting a bit rant-y later too), so... do remember to keep things civil if you disagree with anything here (and if not, welp... yall are free to block & move on, I guess lol 🤷‍♀️), thank you 🙏🙏

Loona continuing to show more appreciation & excitement around her dad/I.M.P. is great to see, and about time we finally got her joining in on an assassination gig again (which I don't think we've had since S1's "Spring Broken"?). I like her new Hellhound friends shown towards the end too, they look chill~

As much as I've lowkey grown a bit... disinterested in M&M these past few episodes (not to a hate-level or anything but they just don't really... "spark" for me, OTP-wise?), it is nice to see a return to their bloodthirsty-based couple fluff (aka: their lil Sinsmas-based playfight at the beginning), bringing me back a bit to the og pilot days (ex. "Oh Millie" ❤️). -Buuuut dang, who would've thought things would escalate to Millie turning out pregnant?? .o. I know there's been some controversy for Millie's less-than-happy reaction about it towards the end; but honestly I absolutely don't blame the poor gal if you consider: 1) She's a proud fighter & trained assassin who's always been passionate about her current line of work, and (depending on how imp pregnancies work) having this potentially putting her out of a job for a long while would make anyone stressed out imho 2) Imps are considered the lowest-of-the-low ranked species within Hell as it is; with not a whole lot of access to good paying jobs + medical coverage (given Blitz's struggle to get Loona her vaccinations). Imagine you were someone who found yourself expecting a child with a good chunk of Hell not considering you "high-up" enough in the food chain to care... wouldn't you get freaked out too? 3) Lastly, and this being among the biggest points to me personally... did her & Moxxie ever talk about having kids before? Given the implication that they rushed to get married so soon after dating (+Millie not even knowing about Moxx's mafia background til WAY after), I... can't say I'd be surprised if Millie's fear is partially based on how Moxxie would react (for better or worse). Kids are by-far among the biggest dealbreakers for any relationship, so while I don't necessarily think this'll cause something like a split between M&M... yeaaaah I wouldn't be surprised if this still caused some lingering-tension either way, regardless of if they go through with this pregnancy or not 🤷‍♀️ (On a side note; loved seeing Sallie May popping up to give that well-needed support to her sis on the phone, aww 🥺)

The side-story with the "karen" sinner and her ex-drama was... weird, all things considered? .x.;; Like, yeah I can see the importance of how this plays into Blitz's relationship woes & such... but, am I the only one who found it weird the writing going all "moralistic" with Blitz NOT going through with the job, solely cause he imagined his idealized family in Stolas (whom I'll cover in a sec btw-) upon spying on the target + his partner & kids? 🤨 Like... I know I've seen some argue that this is "character development" for Blitz, which I normally wouldn't mind seeing... but mind you, this is the SAME dude who was all-too-fine killing a bratty kid, a wife & her happy (albeit cannibalistic) family, a whole bunch of random college kids on spring break (all for the sake of some parking spot drama with Verosika btw), and not even two shorts ago some horny fangirl got met with the same fate by his hands (mostly due to getting caught up in her own fantasy world... and thats it lol). So I just... have a hard time buying into this being some grand "change of heart" moment for Blitz tbh, cause with this whole episode taking place during the winter holiday season (an already money-draining time irl as-is), I... can't help but find it a lowkey dick move of Blitz to rob his fellow employees of a chance to have some more cash on-hand (esp. after the events of "Ghostf**kers" and him draining the company's finances over his Stolas mope-fest, like come on dude-🤦‍♀️). Heck, if he really-really didn't wanna do it (and this target family seems innocent enough to potentially escape Hell if-killed)... couldn't they have just lied to the lady that they did the deed & take her money anyway (-instead of Blitz immediately punting her out the window 'cause she was bitching about Stolas' writing😑)? Again, this IS Hell we're talking about, so a bit of dirty-dealing doesn't seem far out of the realm of normal there lmao. Buuuut idk, that may just be me... 🤷‍♀️

We're back again with Andre leading the story as the "main" bad guy, and I'll admit his final confrontation with Stolas & the I.M.P. gang was pretty kickass~ From Stolas throwing the first punches at his smug-ass face, the action-increasing with the ice dragons & Loona going "feral"-mode, and even Octavia coming in to defend everyone from her uncle (with her own personal magic) was pretty rad! 🤩👏👏 One thing that's bothering me about it all though... where tf is Stella during all this going on?? 🤨I know the show's pretty much committed atm to making her as one-dimensionally dumb & evil as possible (not even giving her much substantial dialogue after her repeated "hiLARRRIOUS MUAHAAA~" lines 😒 ), but surely someone like her wouldn't miss the chance to see her ex (+affair partner) smacked down by her brother?? Especially once Via arrived, just imagine the juicy drama potential of seeing Stella having to force herself (+Andre) to call off their attack to appease Via (further adding in salt to the wound for her later decision to walk away from Stolas). Hhhhh Viv, why must u be so allergic to developing Stella (antagonism-wise)... 😔😔

Now, as far as Stolas himself is concerned... *-sighs-* I know I'm gonna get some flack for saying this, but I caaaaaan't with his dude anymore🤦‍♀️ Yes, I get he's going through a tough time losing everything + adjusting to a simple life now (along with implied-withdrawal symptoms from the lack of "happy pills"). But just... the way Stolas kept getting MORE & more whiny/unappreciative of Blitz (after all he's done to accommodate Stolas, defend him against other imps, giving him a job at I.M.P. on top of everything-), then never uttering a single "thank you" for Blitz's efforts frustrated tf out of me 😑😑. You expect to buy that these two are these "deep destined soulmates" at the end of the day, to the point of Blitz practically becoming a giddy cheerleader to boost Stolas at every turn... ...and yet, at the same time you're telling me Blitz has never asked about Stolas' eating habits before, nor Stolas ever asking about Blitz's love of horses?? That outside of their failed date at Ozzy's, they never once tried to actually talk, share a meal or hangout aside from their once-a-month hookups (pre-"Full Moon")? Sure, the show implies that Stolas has asked about Blitz's day before (via-some throwaway lines + blink-and-you'll-miss-it texts)... but if the audience never actually sees those friendly gestures on-screen, how am I supposed to buy them being in-love now?? -_- Like, to take a note from "Swan Princess":

Taking away their childhood memory of playing together for a day, the sexual chemistry, the grand gestures, them both having goth angsty daughters... what else IS there for Stolas & Blitz to love about each other, truly? Its one thing if you wanna show them starting over as friends first (awkward roommate-vibes aside), then hell yeah I'd be down to see their rebuilding bond as a more balanced, genuine pairing down the line (making moments like their big kiss + balcony dance 10x more impactful imo)!👍

...But, with how things are now with Viv & crew rushing to go full-romance mode already (regardless of either character's emotional well-being in the story), I... don't think I can see myself joining the Stolas/Blitz ship hype tbh, regardless of what's to come in the next couple seasons...🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️

Now, to cap things off regarding Octavia in all this... She. IS. A. STAAAAARRR😭🌟👏👏By far the best thing to come out of this finale IMHO; just seeing Via standing her ground as strongly as she did, both in-defense of her dad AND against him... goddd, that was powerful q-q💜 And before anyone mentions it, no I don't think Via was in anyway "wrong" for her reaction to Stolas (regardless of his efforts to reach her by the end). Imagine you're in her position; the product of an loveless, toxic marriage forced upon by a rigid society, living your childhood blissfully unaware & happy until everything comes crashing down in your teen years (through your father's public affair + your mother's rampant rage). All you thought was true is now a confirmed lie, you're stuck in an emotional mess dealing with your parents, and your beloved dad is constantly putting his booty call (+marital drama) a bigger priority over you (albeit unintentionally, but still-)...

Time & time again, Via's been let down by Stolas, the one parent she's always been closest to since the beginning... and to top it all off? Several episodes later, she's watching her father live on TV willingly ready to be executed in Blitz's place (without so much as a single goodbye message to Via, mind you-), effectively breaking his promise that he'd never leave her...

...So, really, how can anyone blame Via for simply being done with her dad, by that point? Stolas may be "trying", I know... but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter that he didn't "mean" to hurt her. What matters most is that... well, he did. More than he can imagine... 💔

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

...weeeeew okay that was a bit lengthy my bad- lmao. As a whole, I'd say "Sinsmas" was an... ehhhhh-kinda finale? Like yeah I enjoyed the Via focus we got (+her song💜), the ice battle & the improved M&M + Loona writing... buuuuut oof, am I just exhausted by the Stolas/Blitz-melodrama at this point, oml >>;; No shade to those who did enjoy the finale regardless though, yall are more than valid! 👍👍 Maybe later on I'll give my overall thoughts on S2 (+the overarching story of HB) further down the line if I'm up for it... buuuuut yeah, hope yall enjoyed reading & thanks for sticking around my page~ (for any newer/older Hellaverse fans alike)!👋✨🌙

[camillomea]

Child of crime alley 9-sleep depriver

hellu new episode. Enjoy reading you are loved <3 thanks for the support.

When they left the clinic Jason said "Let's go bird". Tim said "um" hesitantly. Jason said "did you forget I promised you dinner". Tim blinked then nodded. At first the two of them went to a pharmacy and got Tim's medicine and vitamins. Then they went to Jason's house. Tim was exhausted. Jason started to prepare food. Tim offered to help at first but Jason told him to sit and wait. Tim finally gave up and sat down. Jason said "Timmy" in a calm tone. Tim asked "sir". Jason asked "you wanted to go to your old house didn't you? What exactly are you looking for" Tim looked at him and remained silent. Jason continued to cook. When he finally answered he said "my camera. That was my first and only birthday present. I had a darkroom at home". Jason froze "something else" he asked. Tim said "the only thing that matters is him and my photos. The only thing you could take when you left there was this bag" he said quietly. Jason asked. Tim quietly mumbled the answer. Jason quickly turned his head to him. "I don't get it!!" he said. Tim mumbled. "Bat pictures." Jason froze. "You want subjects...." he said. Tim said. "Yes." Jason looked at him in shock. "Oh my God, I'll definitely have to see them," he said excitedly. Tim remained silent. A small smile formed on his face. When he finally got around to making dinner, he served it to him. Tim's eyes were bright with the smell and his stomach was growling. Jason said, "Enjoy your meal, bird." Tim started eating with gusto. Jason started to eat and put some on himself, don't forget to tell me if you want more, bird." Tim nodded as he ate.

When they finished eating, Jason made sure he had taken his medicine. Then he said, "Sleep in my spare room, bird." Tim said, "No need for that," quietly. Jason sighed, "How about just staying for today and we'll go to the cave together tonight." Tim blinked. After a while of hesitation, he nodded. Hasan ruffled his hair and smiled. He showed him the room. He gave him pajamas to wear. Tim thanked him quietly, changed his clothes and lay down on the bed. Jason said, "good night, bird," while stroking his head. He closed the curtains for him and covered him up.

***

When Cass arrived at the clock tower, she went straight to Barbara and asked, "Where's little brother?" Barbara said, "Jason and I went to Doctor Leslie. Jason was a little worried about when Jason last went to the doctor. So he dragged Tim there." He looked like he hadn't slept much. Cass asked, "What happened?" in a serious tone. Barbara ran her hand through her hair and groaned, just pointing at the computer. Cass looked there. She sat down on the empty chair and started watching the recordings. Barbara had also taken a break. She just stared at the ceiling, questioning herself. She was cursing herself. How hadn't she noticed before? How hadn't she done anything? They had practically betrayed Tim. And she wasn't even sure they had time to make up for it; all she wanted to do was find B and beat the living hell out of him. But she couldn't do that, so she showed the recordings to the people who could. And he was going to distract the donkey (author's note: I may use my own country idioms sometimes, sorry. You can also understand it as beating until the bitch comes out. I used the second part in the sense of prolonging that beating even more😅😅). What he questioned the most was how Alfred or Dick didn't notice the boom and how they allowed it.

Cass looked at the screen. Cass was completely focused on the screen, her body tense like a spring. When she got a message on her phone, she took her eyes off Cass and looked at her phone screen. The message was from Dick.

D-?!? I saw the message that Dami and I just got home. Did I know what? What's going on Barbara?

B-just watch it. And when you're done, let me know, the only people watching this right now are me and Jason. Cass is watching it right now. Don't let Damian watch it. And make sure Alfred isn't there when she's watching it.

B-ok. But I'm not sure I can keep Dami away from this

B-just suggest she doesn't watch it

She wrote and closed the screen. Cass looked extremely angry, but she didn't take her eyes off the screen. No matter how bad what she was seeing was, she wanted to make sure she saw everything for her sister. Well, it wasn't that Barbara didn't agree with her. She had thought the same thing while watching it herself. It would probably be the reason for her nightmares for a long time, but she was sure she saw everything.

When she was done, Cass pulled out her phone. She was dangerously calm. She called someone It took a while for the call to be answered. The other party asked "Is little brother okay?" Jason said "Oh Cass. It seems Babs showed you everything. Yes, he's fine, he's sleeping in my spare room right now. We just got back from the clinic, I made sure he ate and then I convinced him to stay at my house for the day." Cass was relieved and asked "Doctor." Jason told him what Leslie had said. Barbara was listening from the side. Barbara said "How could Bruce be so blind?" she said angrily. Jason said "I don't know. But I'll find out and when I find out I'll kill him." Cass said "No" harshly. Barbara and Jason asked at the same time "What? When I say no." Cass said "We can't kill." Just as Jason was about to object, he added "Killing wouldn't be painful enough."

***

Dick had had a long night, he had worked overtime all night, and when he got home he found Dami waiting for him. Titus was sick and needed to be taken to the vet. When the two of them went to the vet, it was noon. They were sleepy and all Dick wanted was to sleep with his little brother. But his plan was ruined when he saw the messages on his phone. At first he wanted to deal with it after he woke up, but Barbara's reproachful message attached to the videos had ruined all his sleep. He really wanted to know what had happened again. When he called Barbara, the answer he got only made him more confused. Finally he went to his room and logged on to the computer. "Baby bat, you heard what Babs said," he began to Damian, who was standing behind him and looking at the screen. But Damian said firmly, "I'll watch it."

Prew:

[dreamofbecoming]

here we are at last! there have been a bunch of posts lately about how neither eddie nor robin have any gaydar to speak of, but steve canonically does, and also vickie definitely left fast times paused on purpose as a flag, and frankly all of you are just so objectively True and Correct that i had no choice but to write about it. parts 1 and 2 not strictly necessary for context but definitely set in the same universe

part 1 part 2 ao3

platonic stobin, rockie, steddie

rating: t

wc: 8.4k (holy fuck it got away from me)

---

Robbie isn't drunk yet, but she's getting there.

Honestly, Steve should probably slow her down, but what the hell. They're celebrating, after all. He'll cut her off in a bit, but she deserves to have some fun. They all do.

It's been three weeks since Eddie got out of the hospital, one since he was finally let off bedrest. Or, not exactly bedrest, but enough restrictions that he was basically confined to the trailer (brand new, courtesy of Owens and his goons), and from the way he complained the whole time you'd think they had him chained to the bedposts.

Hm. Maybe thinking of Eddie chained to bedposts isn't the best use of Steve's time. Not here, anyway. That's a Later activity.

It's the first house party any of them have been invited to since Spring Break, thrown by one of Robin's band friends. None of them planned on going, except that two days ago a frantic call came over the All Hands channel on the walkie that El had finally broken through, Max was awake, and the doctors thought her arms and legs would eventually, almost, make a full recovery, granted with lots of physical therapy.

Apparently the only useful thing Vecna ever did was break her bones at right angles so they could set them cleanly. Her vision will probably never fully return, but she's alive. She's alive, and she's awake, and she's apparently being a complete menace to the nurses, which is more comforting to Steve than any of the rest of it, so how could they ask for anything else?

Steve still feels like he's taking his first real breath after drowning every time he inhales. He's not sure he'll ever stop feeling this relief. It's so sharp it's almost painful.

So they're at this party, and they're celebrating. There's a real celebration planned, of course, with the whole Party and assorted extras, Murray (ugh) and Jonathan's California friend (who seems nice), Joyce and Hopper (and isn't that a trip) and Eddie and Wayne (Eddie read him in immediately, to no one's surprise) and everyone else. They've got plans to descend on Steve's house as soon as Max is allowed out of the hospital, where they'll presumably trash his mother's nice white carpets and eat through his snacks like locusts and enrage his neighbors with their shrieking in the pool. Hopper and Wayne will fight over who gets to work the grill until Joyce gets fed up and takes over and Eddie will commandeer the sound system and Robin will laugh at Steve for frantically switching between Host Mode and Lifeguard Mode until she finds someone big enough to sit on him and make him eat something. He can't wait.

But for now, they're at this party, and they're celebrating. With someone else's alcohol, which is a nice treat for Steve.

He's leaning against the wall by the kitchen doorway, sipping something Robin made him that tastes like paint thinner and looks like undiluted red food dye. He's surprised it hasn't eaten through the bottom of the cup like that green gunk from the elevator. He doesn't quite feel like joining the crush of people in the living room. He's felt a little off since Spring Break, a little lost inside his head. He knows Robin can tell, but she hasn't pushed him, other than dragging him here tonight. He's so grateful for her he thinks he could cry.

He doesn't, though, he just watches her from the kitchen doorway, squished on a couch between Vickie and who he thinks might be one of Eddie's bandmates. He recognizes him from those nights he would pick the kids up from Hellfire at the school, and also from Eddie's hospital room. He's got fluffy hair and a flannel shirt around his waist. Gary, maybe? Garth? Steve's not sure. He'd introduce himself and find out for sure, but apparently, carrying Eddie's bleeding not-quite-corpse on his back into the hospital and throwing around his father's name until someone agreed to treat him before collapsing in the lobby from his own injuries wasn't quite enough to erase the contempt for King Steve, so Steve's been mostly avoiding those guys. Eddie swears he's working on it. Steve...should maybe care more than it feels like he does. He thinks maybe a lot of things should feel more...more, than they do. But that's a problem for Later Steve. It's fine. He's fine. He's handling it.

He watches Robin, and she's laughing, and she's not quite drunk yet, and he's glad for her. This is what he wanted. This is what he wished for, on that flipped over bucket, in that field. That they'd all get through it. That they'd all get to keep smiling and doing stupid teenager shit. He maybe wishes he felt a little more like someone who wanted to do stupid teenager shit and a little less like someone watching his friends have fun from behind a plate-glass window, but he'll take it. Whatever he can get, he'll take it.

He looks back at Robin, and, huh. She's still laughing, but now she's between Eddie and Maybe-Gary-Maybe-Garth. He follows Robin's less-than-subtle (crimeny, this girl, he's gotta teach her a goddamn poker face) longing gaze and sees a flash of red heading for the back door.

This feels like a chance to do something useful. Robin will be ok, Eddie will keep an eye on her.

He follows Vickie out the back door. He finds her leaned against the back of the house, her eyes closed, her head tilted back. She's smiling. She really is pretty, Steve can see why Robin likes her. God, he hopes he's right about her. Either way, he's determined to find out. It's what Robin deserves.

"Hey, Vickie. Come out for some fresh air?"

Her smile gets bigger when she turns to him. He really hopes he's right about her, she's a fucking sweetheart. He hopes he isn't about to do something hugely stupid. Knowing him, he probably is, but also knowing him, he's gonna do it anyway.

"Hey Steve! Yeah, I was just getting a little warm in there. How about you? Smoke break?"

"Nah, I'm trying to quit. Robin hates them, she keeps stealing them out of my mouth, so it's somehow more expensive and I don't even get to smoke them. Easier to just stop. Which is probably her goal," he laughs.

"You and Robin are pretty close, huh?"

"Oh yeah, platonic soulmates. With a capital P!" He makes an incredibly dorky gesture with his hands, and has to stop himself from facepalming. Great going, dingus.

Still, Vickie's smile gets a little wider, which he thinks is probably a win.

"That's why I came out here, actually. I wanted a chance to talk to you." Her eyebrows go up. Always with the goddamn eyebrows around here. "Not, like, in a creepy way! Or, well, I guess that's what a creep would say, but I swear I'm not! I just meant, because Robin really likes you," shit, too much, "I mean, she likes hanging out with you, and she's my best friend and all, so I wanted to. Um. Get to know you better. You know. For Robin."

"...For Robin."

He groans. "I swear I didn't used to be like this. I used to be able to talk like a normal person. I didn't know that was a skill you could lose! I would have worked harder at it!" She's laughing at him now, but at least she's polite enough to hide her giggles behind her hand. That's something.

He sighs, and throws his head back to take a deep breath and try and come back to his body, like Robin showed him. Having therapist parents sounds like a nightmare to Steve, but it has its uses, he guesses.

He looks back at Vickie, who is watching him with what seems like more amusement than concern, so he's taking that as a win. If she's laughing, she's not running away. He sticks his hand out.

"Hi, I'm Steve. You're really important to the most important person in my life, so I'd really like to be your friend." He tries to give her his most winning smile, but honestly he's a little worried his teeth are still red from that godawful drink.

She grins at him, still definitely laughing at him a little but more genuine than before, and shakes his hand. "I'm Vickie, and you're really important to someone I hope will become really important to me, so I'd love to be your friend."

He doesn't breathe a sigh of relief, but it's a close thing. King Steve decided to stay in tonight, apparently, so he's on his own, and boy oh boy is he worse than he remembered.

"So, new friend, what do you want to get to know about me?"

Thank fuck Vickie's carrying so much of the weight here, honestly.

"We could, uh, talk about movies?" Jesus Christ, where did all the goddamn Harrington Charm go, anyway? Did Vecna eat it?!

There go the eyebrows again. He's cursed, he really is. "Movies?"

"Yeah, you know, I work at a movie store. Or I did, anyway. With Robbie. Pretty sure it went under in the quake though. That or Keith just fired us and didn't bother calling to let us know." He laughs awkwardly. He's doing fucking everything awkwardly, honestly. He hasn't even asked the question yet and he's already sweating bullets. No wonder Bobbie was so scared to confront this head-on. "Anyway, it can tell you a lot about a person, you know. Their favorite movie."

Come on, take the bait. Take it.

She nods seriously at him. "Oh I get that for sure, you can learn a lot about someone by their favorite book. I used to volunteer at the library and there was always gossip about who checked out what romance novel and whether that meant their marriage was on the rocks, you know?" She giggles, hiding behind her hand for a second. "I guess it was kind of mean, but we never said anything to anyone outside the library, and never to their face, you know? It was just something to keep us entertained on slow days."

Fantastic, he can work with this.

"Oh totally, I completely get it. Robs and I did the same thing at Family Video, making up stories about what we imagined people's lives were like that they were renting Casablanca and Gremlins on the same night, you know? Like, what does that evening look like? Which one do they watch first?"

She laughs. Perfect. She took the bait, now he's just gotta reel her in. Or something. He's never been fishing.

"You know, I usually rent my movies from Family Video. Did you guys ever look up my rental history?"

Aaaand, got her!

"You know, I think we did, actually, not that I'm helping the creep allegations," he winks at her. She slaps him on the shoulder. There we go, there's the Harrington Charm. Jesus fuck, where has it been all night? Sleeping?

Moment of truth, here we go.

"Fast Times At Ridgemont High, right?" He keeps his eyes on her face while he says it. He needs to see how she reacts.

She's been watching a raccoon rummaging through the neighbor's trash, but as soon as he mentions the movie, she whips her head around and looks at him sharply.

She studies his face intently in the glow from the floodlights above the garage. Whatever she finds, the fear in her eyes fades just slightly to caution. All good signs.

Fuck, this is harder than he remembers. Talking in code and reading all the subtle little shifts in body language involved in this conversation is stretching muscles in his brain he's forgotten he had. His friends these days all just sort of...say whatever they mean, straight out. He thought it was weird and off-putting at first, but now that he's doing this dance again, he's realizing he hasn't missed it.

The things he does for Robin, honestly.

He can see the moment she decides to trust him, even though she's still tense. She takes a deep breath, like she's gearing up for something. "That's a good one, for sure. You know, I think I maybe forgot to rewind it the last time I returned it? I paused it at my favorite part, but I think I got distracted and never finished it. I hope that doesn't cause too much trouble for you guys at your job. I'd hate to be one of those customers."

Jesus, this chick is brave. She's basically just coming right out and saying it! Holy shit, he's about to get Robbie a girlfriend! Ok, ok be cool. Bring it home, nice and easy.

"Nah, not a problem at all. Besides, I think I remember that tape, and we have the same favorite part, I think. All three of us." Fuck he hopes this isn't a mistake. If he just fucked up and outed Robin for no reason he'll- fuck, he doesn't know what he'll do. Ask El to open the gate back up so he can throw himself into it, probably.

Vickie's eyes go wide. "Robin too?" There's something like hope in her voice. He thinks. He hopes, anyway. Maybe he's just projecting, but he really thinks he's been right on the money from the start. He just needs to prove it to Rob and give them both a push.

"Yeah, Robin too. Now me, I like Fast Times a lot, but I also really like The Outsiders, you know?" A truth for a truth. Nothing is free, he remembers this dance. Trust is always earned.

He didn't realize her eyes could get any bigger, but somehow they do. Slowly, a grin spreads across her face. "Really? Uh, me too! Those are...both...really good movies, you know?"

"Totally!" He's grinning now too, he can't help it. He's so excited for Robbie he might explode. This is the most alive he's felt in weeks!

"Not Rob, though, she loves Fast Times, but not so much The Outsiders. She can be, uh. Pretty nervous, you know? To talk about her taste in movies. I think she might be worried you don't like Fast Times as much as she does, but I know she really wants to, uh, watch it with you. So you might have to be the one to, you know, tell her how much you like it, and maybe ask her to watch it together?"

He's getting lost in the metaphor here. That's clear enough, right? Robbie isn't going to believe him about Vickie liking boobies unless she walks up to her and tells her "I like women, go out with me," in very small words, so he really hopes he got the message across. He needs Vickie to take the wheel on this.

Luckily Vickie is nodding enthusiastically. "For sure! I can do that!" She's halfway back to the house, almost tripping over her feet, before she looks back at him sheepishly.

"Oh no, I'm sorry, that was so rude of me, I just got so excited and I wanted to-"

"Hey, no worries, that was the goal, right? This is what I was hoping for when I came out here to talk to you. She, uh..." He shouldn't. He should stick to the code, just in case, he should be careful, it's Robbie's life on the line here.

But it's also her happiness.

"She didn't believe me. About the Fast Times thing. And then we ran into you at The War Zone, and she was totally convinced I was wrong, but I knew I had to ask. Just in case. I just really want her to be happy, you know?" There. He hasn't actually said the words. If it goes sideways, they still have plausible deniability.

And then, well. There's always Plan B. He doesn't exactly want to burn Vickie's house down, but he will. For Robin, he'll do anything.

Vickie is smiling softly at him. She really is sweet, she and Bobbie are gonna be so cute together. He can't wait to tease them into oblivion.

"I'm glad she has a friend like you, Steve."

He scrubs a hand across the back of his neck, feeling weirdly self-conscious. "Yeah, well, you know. You've got a friend like me, now, too, right?"

There's that bright smile again. "Right!"

"Alright, go on. Go get your girl."

Good lord, redheads sure can blush, huh?

He waits a couple of minutes before heading back in himself, enjoying the night air. It's not quite the height of summer yet, so the evenings aren't as muggy as they'll be in a month or so. For the first time since he crawled out of that gate with Eddie lashed to his back with the remains of the rope ladder he cut to protect Dustin, he's feeling the breeze on his skin without feeling like he's wrapped in plastic, like there's a wall around him, keeping from being part of the world. He wants to savor it, in case it goes away again.

When he does make his way back in, he almost trips over Robin, who's grabbing what should probably be her last drink. At least it's just a beer this time, if it was more of that awful concoction from earlier he'd probably take it away from her, pouting be damned. They could have flambéed Vecna with that shit, nobody should be putting it in their bodies.

Her face lights up when she notices him, and she flings herself into his arms.

"Oof, shit, Buckley, doing ok there? You having fun?"

"Sooooo much fun, Stevie!" She nuzzles her face into the crook of his shoulder. Yeah, if she's this cuddly in public, this should definitely be her last drink, especially if Vickie wants to make any kind of move tonight. She's not usually this touchy outside of the really bad nightmare nights. "Missed you though. Where'd you go? My bubba disappeared."

"Aw, Bobs, I was just outside getting some air, I promise. I didn't go anywhere."

She shakes her head stubbornly, her nose dragging along his collarbone. "Noooo, you left. Not now, before. After. In the hospital. We all came back but you left. You went inside your big stupid fluffy head and you don't come out anymore. I miss you."

It's a good thing Robin's face is still hidden in his shoulder, because he can't quite keep his expression from crumpling. He hasn't meant to hurt her, he hasn't meant to hurt anyone, he swears. He's trying, he wants to come back, wants to be normal again, he just...he feels like part of him is still stuck at the bottom of Lover's Lake, watching everyone above him on the surface moving on and living life, but not able to reach them.

He holds her tighter to his chest, petting her hair. It's a mess, like when she first wakes up in the morning. Maybe she fell off the couch or something while he was outside.

"I'm sorry, Bobbin-bird. I didn't mean to go away. I'm working on it, ok? I promise," he murmurs reassurances into her hair, trying to erase the sadness he can hear in her slurred words. He's shit at talking about feelings, especially his own, but not with Robin. Never with Robin. Saying true things to Robin isn't any harder than thinking them to himself, and honestly that's basically the same thing. They pretty much only have the one brain between them.

She pulls back, studying his face closely with bleary eyes, squeezing his cheeks between her hands. "Promise?"

"I promise, Bobbie." He tries to project as much sincerity as he can muster. She's edging past tipsy, but not actually drunk yet, so she should remember this moment just fine tomorrow, and he won't have to do it again.

Who he is kidding? They're definitely having this conversation again tomorrow. Maybe he can distract her with teasing about Vickie. Where did she go, anyway?

Robin grins, apparently satisfied for now. "Good!" She smacks a kiss to his forehead and finally lets go of his face. Thank god. He loves her, more than anything in the world, but she's a goddamned sweaty drunk.

Before she can say anything else, a redheaded streak comes stumbling into the kitchen.

"There you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!" Vickie leans on the kitchen counter, trying to catch her breath.

Steve looks to Robin to see how she'll respond, and, oh. Well, shit. Robin is...frozen, apparently. She's very obviously focused on Vickie, which is good, because otherwise Steve would be having trouble with flashing back to Nancy's thousand-yard stare in the Upside Down, or the whites of Max's eyes, but the part of her brain that lets her, you know, say and do things, appears to have shut down.

Looks like it's Steve's turn with the communal brain, lucky him. Time to step in and save this, if he can.

"Vickie! Hi, you know, I was just wondering where you ran off to? I was about to tell Robin to track you down, to talk about that movie we talked about earlier, but it looks like you found us instead!" He jams an elbow into Robin's side as subtly as he can, but she still doesn't move.

Vickie is looking between them, still breathing a little heavy. "Yeah, I went looking for you as soon as I came back in, but Gareth said-" Gareth! That was it! "-you went to the bathroom, and did you know there are six bathrooms in this house? Who needs that many bathrooms? I think Angela only has one sibling, why would anyone need six bathrooms for four people? That's so crazy! Anyway, I'm glad I found you, Robin. I'm, uh, getting a little overwhelmed with all the people out here, so I was hoping you might want to find a room that's maybe a little quieter, so we can talk a bit? Just the two of us?" Damn, this girl's got guts. Steve likes her.

Robin continues to stand in front of the fridge like the world's prettiest scarecrow. Come on, babygirl, you can do this! He elbows her again.

"Vickie! Hi! Steve, Vickie's here! Hi!" Steve and Vickie both startle a little because, wow, ok, volume, Buckley, damn. Still. Progress.

"Sure is, babe. Tell you what, why don't I take this-" he plucks the unopened beer out of her slack hand, "-and you and Vickie can go sit down somewhere quiet and talk about movies, huh?"

Robin blinks at him owlishly. "Movies?"

He's about to make another veiled reference to the boobies conversation when Vickie blows all of her air out of her nose and stomps one foot like that one girl in the Chocolate Factory movie who reminds him of his cousin Shauna.

"I'm sorry, I can't take it! I just spent ten minutes outside talking to Steve in ridiculous codes and another ten minutes running up and down the stairs in this insane house and I'm exhausted. I can't take the metaphors anymore. Sorry, Steve, no offense."

"Hey, none taken. It's pretty exhausting, you're not wrong. I just had to be safe."

She shakes her head. "No, totally, I completely understand. I appreciate it. I'm just secret coded-out tonight, you know? Robin, do you want to go upstairs with me and talk? I have something to ask you and I'd really rather do it in private, I don't really want any of these people listening, you know?" She waves her hand at the open doorway to the living room, which is still packed with people.

Robbie's head has been bouncing back and forth between them like she's watching a tennis match, eyes wide.

"Huh? Me? What?"

Oh geez. She's shorting out.

"Bobbie, look at me." She meets his eye, and he can see the nerves threatening to overwhelm her. "Trust me?"

She nods. "Uh huh. 'Course, bubba."

Well that warms him right up, but it's not about him right now. "Good. Go with Vickie, babe. It'll be good, I promise." He hopes he can promise that, at least. He's pretty sure he can. And if it goes bad, they always have Plan B.

Vickie holds out a hand, and Robin stares at her like it might bite her, before taking it gingerly. Both girls immediately burst into bright red blushes, and under any other circumstance he would laugh at them, but this is a delicate moment. They need him to be cool. He can be cool. He can be so goddamn cool.

Vickie leads Robin out of the room and towards the stairs, both of them still blushing like crazy and refusing to meet each other's eyes, and Steve can finally let out the breath he's been holding in a whoosh and slump back against the counter. He snags a bottle opener off the fridge- neat, it's got a magnet on it!- and pops the top on the beer he stole off Robbie.

“Well I hate to break this to you, King Steve, but she’s definitely about to steal your girl.”

Steve freezes with the bottle at his lips.

He sets the beer down on the counter and very carefully turns around. Munson is alone, thank fuck. This is fixable. He can deal with a single person. If it had been a crowd, or fuck, god forbid, someone like Gareth, who hates him, and might try and use this? Hurt Robbie to hurt him? Well, he's got his nailbat in the trunk, and he isn't afraid to use it, but he doesn't think Hopper would be thrilled to have to bail him out of jail.

"Whatever you think you heard, Munson, if Robbie gets hurt, it won't matter that you're one of us now. I'll finish what those bats started. I won't be happy about it, because you're a pretty cool dude and I like hanging out with you, but I'll do it for her if you make me." He makes sure his voice is low and even, and he meets Eddie's eyes head on. He wants to be very clear, this is not a joke. He will defend her if he has to.

He doesn't think he'll have to, not from Munson, but he isn't 100% sure, and he's taken enough risks with Robbie's safety tonight. He doesn't trust his luck enough to count on it working out a second time in less than an hour.

Munson's eyes go wide with shock- he clearly wasn't expecting Steve to meet him with quite that much aggression. He puts his hands up in surrender and leans back away from Steve.

Steve fights not to be distracted by the way his torso curves, graceful in a way he has no right to be with his wounds still scabbing over. Not the moment, Steve. Get it together, for fuck's sake.

"Hey, whoa, easy big guy. We're cool, man. Stand down."

There's a tense moment where they just...stand there, sizing each other up, unsure where to go from here.

Eddie tugs a lock of hair in front of his face, nibbling on it nervously. It's cuter than it has any right to be, honestly.

"I didn’t- uh. Fuck, man. Please tell me I didn’t just tip you off to flirting you didn’t notice. I shouldn’t have said shit, I’m just kinda crossfaded and my filter is shot and I swear I’m usually better than that, dude. It would suck so, so bad if I exposed Birdie without her knowing.”

Steve takes a moment to consider this, frankly absurd, situation. He holds up a finger for Eddie to wait a minute, and checks both ways down the hallway outside before closing the kitchen door and leaning back against it to keep it shut. At least now it'll definitely just be the two of them, which is one more than should be having this conversation, but he doesn't see a way out of it, so this will have to do.

When he turns back to Eddie, he looks even more nervous than before.

"I'm perfectly aware of the flirting, considering I'm the one who went out of my way to set them up tonight. You didn't out anyone, and I should have been the one to make sure the door was closed before I got them in a room together, so it's not your fault for finding out. You understand you can't say anything to anyone, ever, though, right?"

Because he's apparently doomed to be accosted with eyebrow raises from everyone around him anytime he says anything at all until he dies, Eddie's are lost somewhere under his bangs. He looks...impressed. Huh, that's kind of nice. Steve resists the urge to preen.

"'Course, man, I'm well-versed in the code of silence." Something in his face softens, and Steve can feel the sincerity in his next words. "Birdie's a friend, and Finnegan seems like a real sweetie, I wouldn't ever want to hurt them like that. Cross my heart." He does, in fact, draw a cross on his chest with one long, ringed finger. What a dork, holy shit. Steve wants to put that finger in his mouth.

"I have to admit, I didn't expect you to be so cool with something like that. In general, but also especially since you and Buckley are, y'know." He waves his hand expansively around his head, the kitchen lights glinting off his rings, and Steve has to fight the urge to bat at it like a cat with a laser pointer. Jesus Christ, Harrington, focus. The man just called you a homophobe, get your shit together.

He decides, very magnanimously, he thinks, to ignore the homophobe bit, honing in on the rest. "Me and her are...what, exactly?"

"I mean, aren't you guys like, a thing?" Oh Jesus fuck. Not again.

"Ugh, no, where the hell do people keep getting that? Robin and I are just friends, ok? Platonic soulmates. Capital P!" He throws his hands in the air in frustration.

"-capital P," Eddie choruses with him, "I know, I know, I just, shit, man, I dunno, I figured you were..."

"Were what?"

"...Lying? Shit, that sounds worse out loud, sorry! I just mean, because, you know, Henderson keeps saying-"

"Oh, well if Henderson says it, it must be true," Steve rolls his eyes.

"Well fuck me for trusting the kid who calls you his best friend, I guess!"

They glare at each other across the room for a minute, before the ridiculousness of this moment catches up to Steve and he drops his chin to his chest, huffing a laugh.

Eddie looks confused, and still nervous, and a little incredulous. Also a lot adorable, but that doesn't feel relevant. "Ok, I'm so lost, man. I just came in here for a beer, and this has been an emotional rollercoaster I was unprepared for."

Yeah, that about sums it up.

He hasn't spent much time with Eddie since he woke up, spending those weeks juggling babysitting duties and his own injuries and helping with the relief effort and sitting vigil at Max's side. He popped in on Eddie when he was in the building for Max, but the Munson room always had someone in it- Wayne, or Dustin, or Mike, or one of the Corroded Coffin guys- and Steve always felt a bit like an intruder. So he hasn't had a chance to feel out the suspicions he formed during that surreal week when everything was still in the process of exploding, and honestly he's been feeling a little too distant to work up the energy to bother. Robin's bugged him about it once or twice since March, but he shrugged her off each time and she hasn't brought it up in a while.

Ah, what the hell. It's already been such a weird night, and Steve is honestly feeling better than he has in weeks, and he wants to ride this high wherever it'll take him.

Emotional rollercoaster, huh? Well, Steve can make that worse.

At least Eddie hasn't seemed homophobic, kind of the opposite, actually. That's a good sign if Steve's ever seen one.

He pushes off the door, stalking toward Eddie with intent and digging deep inside himself for whatever remains of the person he used to be, who could drop panties with a single look. Eddie's eyes go very round, and he stumbles back a little into the counter.

"You know, Munson, I've had a question I've been meaning to ask you for a while now. Haven't found a good moment."

"Oh yeah?" Eddie's voice comes out in what can only be called a squeak, and Steve feels powerful. That rush of confidence he hasn't felt since BN (Before Nancy) fills his chest, and he can feel his grin turn sharp. "Ho- uh." Eddie clears his throat. "How long's a while?"

Steve purses his lips, relishing the way Eddie's eyes drop down like he can't help it and his cheeks flush, and pretends to consider the question. "Oh, since Skull Rock, probably."

"O-oh? That's. Um. That is a long time." He's still staring at Steve's lips. Good. "Well, shoot, Stevie-boy. Ask away."

Steve lets his smile spread across his face slowly, keeping Eddie's eyes where he wants them. Yeah, he's still got it. Like riding a bike.

"Do you wear this bandana on purpose, or is it just a fashion statement?"

Eddie's eyes snap up to meet his own, shocked.

"Wh-what? Bandana? I. Um. What?"

"Are you flagging, Eddie?" Steve doesn't back up, toe to toe with Eddie as he reaches out and tugs lightly on the hanky trailing out of his back pocket, as always.

He may not have had the energy to talk to Eddie about it yet, but his curiosity did get the better of him after the "earthquakes," and he did dig out that zine where he originally learned about the code. He knows what a black hanky in the back left pocket means now. It's...a little daunting, but not a turn-off. Not at all. Kind of the other thing.

God he hopes Eddie knows what it means.

Eddie seems floored by this line of questioning. He's bright red and sputtering, his mouth opening and closing without saying anything. Steve lets himself stare. This'll go however it goes, but he's not ashamed. He's no more embarrassed to want Eddie than he would be to want a girl, which is to say, not at all.

"I- you- what? What? You- you know what flagging is?" He hisses the end of the sentence in a harsh whisper, so much like Robin did when he first told her about his crush that he can't stop himself from giggling.

Wrong move, since Eddie clearly takes this personally, and his expression shutters closed. Whoops.

"Hey, hey, no no no, none of that, hey. I'm sorry, I wasn't laughing at you, I swear."

"Right, sure, I believe that, considering there's nothing goddamn else to laugh at in this kitchen, Harrington." Eddie is glaring at the floor, arms crossed defensively across his chest.

Alright, maybe he gets what Vickie was saying earlier. Fuck the codes, fuck the metaphors. He can take Eddie in a fight if he has to. He's a simple guy, ok? He just wants to use his goddamn words.

Robin would be so proud.

He goes slowly, telegraphing every move so Eddie can stop him if he wants. He reaches for his hands where they're tucked into his elbows, gently easing them out until they're clasped between them.

He takes the opportunity to finally feel those rings he's fantasized about, seeing if they're as cool as they look. They aren't, they're warm from Eddie's skin. He spins one of them around Eddie's finger with his thumb, transfixed.

Eddie still looks tense, but now instead of hurt and distrust on his face, he looks like Steve hit in him in the head with something heavy. His pretty eyes are so big, blown completely black as he stares at their joined hands.

"I'm sorry I laughed. I was remembering the first time I told Robin I had a crush on you," Eddie's head snaps up again, "and she sounded exactly like you did just now, with that angry whisper voice. It made me laugh, that you guys are so alike. It makes sense, I guess. She's my favorite person, so of course I'd like you, when you're like. Not the same, I guess, but kinda a similar flavor of weird. She says I have a thing for nerds, y'know?"

Eddie blinks at him for a minute, apparently speechless. Some nerves start to creep back in, since the brief miscommunication scare burned out most of that white hot King Steve confidence in his chest. They must show on his face, because Eddie visibly shakes himself and finally opens his mouth.

"You have a crush on me?"

"Yeah, man, since the Upside Down, pretty much. The first time."

"Don't call me man when you're telling me you have a crush on me!"

Steve has to laugh at the comically offended look on Eddie's face. "Sorry. Do you prefer Eds? Baby? Big Boy?"

Eddie is so red Steve is surprised his face isn't steaming. He yanks one hand out of Steve's grip to smack him in the chest. Steve laughs and lets him, dropping their still-joined hands down between them and tangling their fingers.

"You're a fucking dick, Stevie. Can't believe I like you."

Steve grins at him, big and hopeful. "Yeah? You like me, Munson?"

Eddie shoves at him with a groan, but doesn't let go of his hand. "Pretty sure everyone in this town likes you, King Steve. It's like a rite of passage, or something."

Steve feels like he could walk on air, he isn't even going to get fussy about the King Steve thing. They can talk about that later. Eddie likes him! Eddie has a crush on him! He could fight a demogorgon with his bare hands right now, that's how powerful he feels.

Eddie gets quiet after a second, tugging a curl in front of his mouth again. Seems like a nervous tick, maybe. Steve notes that for later. He may not be much of a reader, but he's going to learn to read Eddie Munson like a book if it's the last thing he does.

"I thought, um. I kinda...hn. Ugh."

"Gonna need more than that, baby, I'm not fluent in Munson yet." That glow in his chest picks up a little again at the way Eddie flushes so pink and pretty at the petname.

"I thought you were straight." It comes out all in a rush, the words mumbled and slurred together through his hair.

Finally, it's Steve's turn to raise an eyebrow. Take that, universe! "You meet a lot of straight guys who know what the Hanky Code is?"

Eddie shakes his head in wonderment. "Still can't believe The Steve Harrington knows what flagging is."

He's about to reply when the kitchen door flies open with a bang that sends the boys leaping backwards away from each other. Steve finds himself braced between Eddie and the door, brandishing the bottle opener from the fridge in front of him like a knife. He doesn't even remember grabbing it.

Robin is standing in the doorway, eyes wild and hair frizzing out around her head in a way she would despise if she was sober and not obviously preoccupied with something else.

"Jesus, Robs, you about gave me a heart attack, what the hell?"

"Sorry bubba, not important right now!"

He rolls his eyes. Of course not. Just his trauma that could have made him stab her if he hadn't caught himself, nothing major. This girl, he swears.

"Dingus! Focus!"

"Focus on what, Bobs?"

"She wants to kiss me, Steve!"

His eyes go wide. Thank fuck the door bounced off the wall and swung back shut behind her. That's not something to shout to a party full of gossipy strangers.

Still. This is a big moment! "Bobbie! What'd I tell you, huh?" He picks her up around the middle, swinging her around while she cackles wildly and bats at his shoulders.

"Put me down, you lunatic! Steven Elizabeth, you put me down right now, or I swear I'll never speak to you again!" She's laughing too hard for him to take her seriously, though.

He does take pity on her and set her back on her feet, stealing one more tight hug. He's so happy for her he could scream. This night has turned out better than he could have imagined.

"Tell me everything! What happened! What did she say? What did you say? How was the kiss?"

"Well we didn't actually kiss yet, exactly."

"Wait, then how do you know she wants to kiss you?"

"She told me! She said she thinks I'm really pretty and funny and smart and she's like you! She likes both, and she says her and Dan are done, like for real for real all the way done, and she held my hand, Steve! And she wants to go on a date! And she said she wanted to kiss me!"

"That's awesome! I'm so happy for you, Bobs. What did you say when she said she wanted to kiss you?"

"I came down to tell you about it, obviously."

Oh, Bobbie, what the fuck. "Robin James Buckley. Do not tell me that a pretty girl tried to kiss you and you ran away and left her upstairs!"

The situation finally seems to register, and Robbie's hands go flailing around her face the way they do when she's overwhelmed.

"Oh no! Steve! Oh no!"

"Go, you insane person! Go back upstairs right now and kiss her this minute! Go!"

He physically herds her to the door, at which point she finally notices Eddie, who has been standing in the corner where Steve shoved him behind him when the door crashed open, watching them like he's wishing he had popcorn.

Fuck. Steve was so excited for Robbie he totally forgot he was here.

Robin's body goes rigid and all the color drains out of her face all at once.

Steve grabs her by the shoulders. "Hey, Bobbin, eyes on me, ok? Eyes on me." She finally drags her eyes away from where she's been staring at Eddie in horror, and Steve's heart breaks at the fear on her face. "It's ok, Bobbie, I swear to god it's ok. I was right, alright? I was right about him, we were talking before you came in. He's safe, I swear. We're safe, Bobbie, I promise I'll keep you safe."

"I promise I won't say a word, Birdie. Friends of Dorothy gotta stick together, right?" Eddie pipes up from the corner, stepping forward slowly and carefully, hands out front like he's approaching a skittish animal.

"You're- you're like u- me?" Oh, he loves her so much. Still protecting him, just in case.

"It's ok Bobs, I told him about me. I was about to get a kiss of my own before you came in, I think, actually."

Eddie jumps on the opportunity to cut the tension, ever the showman. Steve likes him so goddamn much. He grins impishly at Steve, that wide pretty mouth stretching out until those dimples Steve can't wait to kiss appear on his cheeks.

"Oh, you were, were you? Pretty presumptuous, Stevie-boy. Who says I kiss on the first date? Maybe I'm not that kind of boy."

"Oh, wow, ok, this is gonna be a lot to deal with, huh? Alright, I'm glad I'm not getting hate-crimed, and I'm glad you're finally doing something about your big gay crush, Dingus, but if you'll excuse me, I have a girl to kiss, and also I want to be far away from," she waves a hand between them, "whatever this is. Good luck boys, don't kiss in unlocked rooms! Vickie says she can give me a ride home, so I'll call you in the morning, bubba. Love you bye!"

She's out of the room like a shot, hopefully back up to Vickie, who he hopes is prepared to get used to this kind of thing. There are so many things to love about Robin Buckley, and honestly, this is one of them, but he can see why she might be an acquired taste. He thinks anyone who doesn't acquire that taste is a moron and not worth knowing, but he can see how those people might exist.

"Love you too, Robs!" he calls down the hallway, closing the door behind her and leaning back against it. It's not a lock, but as long as he doesn't move, it'll do. And given that Eddie appears to have found his confidence and is leaning over him, bracing his arms on either side of Steve's head, he doesn't think he'll have to move any time soon.

Unless someone needs the kitchen, but they've been doing just fine so far, so they can burn that bridge when they come to it, or whatever people say.

He reaches down to toy with Eddie's belt loops, tugging him close and grinning up at him through his eyelashes, privately thrilled at the novelty of being shorter than his partner for once. Granted, he's slumped down the door a little, but still. It's nice. He can see why girls like it.

Eddie comes closer easily, resting their foreheads together. He reaches down to fiddle with a lock of Steve's hair and Steve feels like leaning into it like a cat getting its ears rubbed.

Lot of cat feelings tonight. He's not sure what to do with that.

"So.”

“So.”

“Steven Elizabeth, huh?"

Steve can't help but laugh, the tension broken once more. "Yeah, Rob's idea. We switched. Steven Elizabeth and Robin James. So we always have a piece of each other."

"Jesus H Christ, you guys are fucking adorable. This shit is why everyone thinks you're dating, though, you know that, right?"

"Ugh, yeah, I know. I don't actually mind, I mean, I should be so lucky, you know? And she's like. My person. My most important person. And we're probably gonna get married someday just so we can be each other's next of kin, and because it's not like she could marry whoever she ends up with anyway, or me if I end up with a guy, so it's like, why not, you know? I'd be building my life around her anyway, might as well make it legal.

"It's mostly just annoying when our friends don't believe us, because like, we're honest with you guys. Maybe not all of it, like Robbie isn't ready to be out and that's fine and she shouldn't have to be, but it kinda sucks that, like, Dustin thinks I would lie to him, you know? Because I wouldn't. Not about something real. Not when it matters. But he doesn't believe me, and that just. I dunno, man."

"It hurts."

"Yeah."

"I get that. You've been through a lot for these kids, you've put yourself on the line for them, you've given up a lot for them, and when they don't believe you about something like this, it feels like they're saying they don't trust you. Of course that hurts."

Steve swallows down the tears that want to fall. Now isn't the time for vulnerability like that, not in a stranger's crowded house. Still.

"How'd you do that?"

"Do what, sweetheart?" Oh, sweetheart does something to him. If this is how Eddie felt when he called him baby earlier, the blush makes more sense.

"Figure out exactly what I'm trying to say, and make it make sense. Usually only Robbie can do that."

"I dunno, maybe Birdie and me share a brain. Or maybe you and I just make sense to each other."

Steve flattens a palm against Eddie's chest, feeling the soothing thump beneath his hand. He did that. He put his hands on Eddie's chest and his mouth on Eddie's mouth and broke Eddie's ribs and didn't stop until that rhythm started up again. And now Eddie's here, and Eddie's heart is still beating, and Eddie hears him when he talks, and Eddie is looking at his lips again, and Steve suddenly can't go another second without kissing him.

He trails his hand up Eddie's chest, over his neck, savoring the way his breath hitches and the pulse under his palm speeds up. He keeps going, pushing his fingers into that thick riot of curls, already making mental notes of the products he's going to buy for Eddie because Jesus Christ, they're dry.

He tugs, and again, Eddie comes easy. It's not an earth-shattering kiss. There's no tongue, and their noses are a little smushed, and the angle is a little off, and he's kissed enough people that he can tell Eddie probably hasn't, but none of that matters.

He told Robin, back in that field, that he was holding off feelings he knew he would have for Eddie when all was said and done. He knows now he was right, and he's done holding them off. Has been done for a while, maybe.

He doesn't know where this is going, or what Eddie wants, or how they'll manage being two guys in a town like Hawkins, or what their friends will think. If they'll even tell their friends. What he does know is that he wants to find out the answers to all of those, and he wants to find them out with Eddie, and he wants to keep kissing Eddie, and also that he can't keep kissing Eddie here.

He pulls back, pecking that dimple finally, partly to reassure Eddie that he isn't running away and partly because he's wanted to for weeks, and pulls the kitchen door open, checking that the coast is clear before grabbing Eddie's hand and dragging him towards the front door.

"Where we going, Stevie?"

"You drove here, right?"

"Sure did. You want a ride somewhere? I thought you drove Birdie."

"I did, but you've got your van, don't you? Your van with doors that lock and a big open back seat?"

Eddie's eyes go wide, and he flails a little, just like Robin. It makes Steve smile.

"Yep! Yes, yeah, hell yeah, I do have my van, my van with those things, let's go! Chop chop, time's a-wasting! Your chariot awaits!" And he's off, doing that dorky little run for the driveway.

Steve grins, and puts his hands in his pockets, and follows his boy out into the night.