#i'm about to post and then reach the end like “oh... tagging... right... uh... um... 😨..😰..😱..😭”

[hiddenmoonbeam]

not anxious about posting writing snippets themselves rn... but tagging people, even though i know it's for the game and for their writing, makes me feel like i'm waving the post in their faces begging them specifically to read mine... 😭

on the other hand, when i get tagged it just makes me excited! i just can't shake this idea that when it's me doing it it's annoying. so if you'd be happy to be tagged for the game, i'd super appreciate it if you'd let me know by replying to this post!! thank you <3

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

All In 11

No tag lists. Do not send asks or DMs about updates. Review my pinned post for guidelines, masterlist, etc.

Warnings: this fic will include dark content such as noncon/dubcon, age gap, power imbalance, low self esteem, and possible untagged elements. My warnings are not exhaustive, enter at your own risk.

This is a dark!fic and explicit. 18+ only. Your media consumption is your own responsibility. Warnings have been given. DO NOT PROCEED if these matters upset you.

Summary: you meet a mysterious man on a night out with your sister. (petite!reader)

based on the winning option for this poll

Characters: casino owner!Bucky Barnes

Note: it's a new week

As per usual, I humbly request your thoughts! Reblogs are always appreciated and welcomed, not only do I see them easier but it lets other people see my work. I will do my best to answer all I can. I’m trying to get better at keeping up so thanks everyone for staying with me.

Your feedback will help in this and future works (and WiPs, I haven’t forgotten those!) Please do not just put ‘more’. I will block you.

I love you all immensely. Take care. 💖

Your phone buzzes against your leg, ripping you back to reality. Your eyes widen and drift away from the stream of font. You sit up and mark the page with your finger as you reach for the jittering cell. 

You scramble to grab onto it and hesitate to hit the big green button. The screen doesn't look like usual, not that you get many calls. You tap the button and the image changes at once, Bucky startling you as he appears. 

"Hey, doll," he grins and winks at you, moving the camera to lean against something. "How's it going?" 

"Uhhhh," you drone, surprised. He can see you too. You know by the little reflection of yourself in the corner. "Hi. Fine." You put the book down with no mind to losing the page, "um, you?" 

"You busy, doll?" 

"Reading but... no." 

"Mm," he hums, "glad to see you enjoying your treats but... no pajamas?" 

He steps back and you get a view of him from waist up, the edge of a counter in the lower edge. You pout then give a sheepish smile, "sorry, I haven't... had a chance." 

"That's okay, doll, I just wanted a peek before I went to work," he undoes his shirt button by button and pulls it off, revealing his muscular torso. You gulp at the lines of his muscle along his stomach, "why don't you put them on now and give me a look." 

"Oh, uh..." you glance at the wall. It's late. You're pretty sure Roxie already left for work and your mom will probably be settling down. "Right, uh..." 

"Just want something to think of when I walk the floor," he purrs. 

"Sure, er," you nearly choke, "I'll just-- one sec." 

"I can wait, doll. I've been waiting, haven't I?" He purrs. 

You feel a pang of guilt. You place the phone down so the lens faces the ceiling and climb off the bed. He's given you a lot, too much honestly, and now you feel like you owe him. It isn't fair to take his kindness without anything in return. And he isn't asking much, is he? 

You dig in the bag, the crinkle loud as the only other noise is the subtle movement from his end. You fish out the soft pajamas and peer over, making certain the phone is still flat. You change far away from it, paranoid. 

You look down at yourself in the tank and shorts. Oh gosh. It's a lot less than you usually wear. Your legs are showing, your shoulders, and a bit of your tummy. 

"Doll?" He says and you flinch. 

"I don't know... I don't think it fits." 

"I'm sure it fits just nice," he insists, "show me." 

"Oh, uh..." 

"I'm just looking, doll, I'll only think of what I really wanna do," he snickers. 

You cross back to the bed and pick up the phone, careful to stay out of view. You turn back and prop it up on the dresser, overly aware of the unflattering angle as you do. You give a wide-eyed look and back up so you're all in frame.  

You hug yourself shyly and sway. 

"Let me see ya," he orders. 

You put your arms straight and notice how he leans in to look at the screen, smoothing his hair back. He keeps his hands over his dark strands and growls. A flutter starts in your stomach. 

"What do you mean too small? That fits your perfect," he says. 

"I... really?" 

"Sure, doll," he turns and you realise he's getting ready.  

He combs his hair stands straight. He grabs a new shirt and buttons it as he peeks again. You near the camera and move it so he can only see your face.  

"Damn, doll, I'm gonna be all over the place," he says, "you're so sweet and sexy." 

"Bucky," you squeak.  

"I don't lie. That's the one thing you should know about me. I will always let you know exactly what I want." 

You blush hotly and a tap on the door nearly makes you drop the phone. You hide it behind you and shuffle closer. You clear your throat. 

"Uh, yeah?" You call through. 

"Hey, honey, everything okay in there?" She asks. Shoot, she must have heard you. 

"I'm watching something," your heart hammers, "sorry, I'll turn it down."

"It's alright, honey. Just thought I heard you..."

"No, just a show," you wisp out.

You quickly back away and go as far from the door as you can. You look down at the phone as Bucky tucks in his shirt. Ugh, that was embarrassing. He heard all that; surely he must realise how lame you are. 

"Mom sounds real sweet," he says, "must be where you get it." 

"She's working tomorrow. Don't wanna keep her up," you explain quietly. 

"That's too bad, doll. I'll just have to keep waiting... wanting," he shrugs and pulls on a dark jacket, "what do ya think? Look good?" 

He poses for the camera. He looks great, as always. You feel smaller than ever. 

"Yes," you answer softly. 

"Yes? That's it?" He sounds disappointed. 

"Very handsome," you eke out. 

"Handsome?" He squints as he picks up the phone. 

"Er," you search your repertoire and borrow from his, "sexy?" 

"Are you asking or telling me?" He chuckles. 

You giggle. You don't think you've ever told anyone they are sexy. You've never been that bold. 

"Yes." 

"Yes?" He laughs. 

"You're, er, oh, sexy," you touch your hot cheek and look away. 

"You are adorable, doll," he growls, "that's exactly what I need to hear." He grazes his fingertips over his beard, "unfortunately I gotta get on it so... tomorrow." 

"Tomorrow," you confirm. 

"Don't worry about a thing, doll, just bring your gorgeous self." 

🃏

The next day is restless. It's worse having hours to wait around for... what? You don't know. 

You spend your time reading, or trying to. Breakfast is small, what your roiling stomach can handle, and you put on an outfit that you think is acceptable, not that you have much to choose from. It might be strange if your mom or Roxie notice the lack of uniform. You could say you change at work? 

Ugh, lie after lie. It's all so much.  

You don't get very far in the book and your phone buzzes, a reminder from Bucky that your fate is coming. You grab your purse and sit out on the stoop, the sunlight beaming down. It would be a nice say if you were so damn uptight. 

Merv pulls up in the sleek luxury car and you get up, checking over your shoulder to see if there's any curious tug on the curtain. Your mom's already at work but Roxie is puttering around somewhere. She could be sleeping or not. 

Merv gets out to greet you. He opens the door and you thank him. He sits in the driver's seat and Springsteen drones from the radio. You smile as he shifts into gear. 

"I know this one," you say. 

"Of course, a classic," he praises. "And how are you today, miss?" 

"Good, you, sir?" 

He laughs as he steers, "very good, miss. And how could I not be." He peeks at you in the rear view, "with sunshine in my backseat." 

You smile bashfully and cross your legs. You can't help the shake in your foot. You're more and more nervous with each second and turn of the wheel. 

As if noticing your unease, he turns up the music, "I like this one too." 

You sigh and ease into the drumbeat. The tempo keeps your heartbeat in check. You're thankful for his subtle comfort. 

You turn to watch through the tinted windows. You never noticed how scenic this city is. You never went many places to have the chance. 

He keeps the volume up and you let it carry you through the long journey across the city. He pulls up to the casino and steers around to the hotel entrance. You peer through then back at him in confusion. He turns the knob down. 

"Mr. Barnes says to give your name at the desk," Merv instructs, "have a good day." 

"Thanks, you too," you unbuckle the seat belt and sidle across to the door. 

You get out with reticence. Staring up at the grand facade, you're more unsure than you've ever been. You've come this far, you have to keep going. You really have no choice as Merv slowly rolls away.  

You step forward. It doesn't get easier the further you get. Your pulse hammers behind your ear as you enter the lobby and a flash of deja vu overcomes you. That night with Roxie, the morning after, and everything since. How does it all feel as if it happened so fast and yet so long ago? 

You go to the desk, feeling entirely out of place. What if Merv is wrong and you shouldn't be there? What if they just look at you and laugh? No choice, keep going. 

You stop on the other side of the desk and give a stiff smile. 

"Hello, welcome, checking in?" The modelesque concierge asks. She's stunning and you're all the more self-aware. 

"Uh, I think? My name is..." 

She keeps her pristine smile in place and her eyes lights up. She doesn't even bother typing into her computer. She flits away and returns with one of little folders with the room keys inside. Oh, this is really happening. 

You thank her and slowly back away. You make a slow advance towards the elevator and wait beside a couple with their suitcases. You step on with them, avoiding a glimpse through the transparent walls.  

You unfold the folio and read the number, pushing the floor number, then stand back on your heels. You keep your eyes on the door, the motion alone making you dizzy. 

The couple gets off before you. When it's your floor, you thankfully scramble off and take a deep breath. You once more check the number and follow the hallways to your assigned suite. 

You swipe the card several times, you still don't have the hang of it. The door opens and you enter meekly. You focus on every move. Shut the door, slip the card back in the folder, put it down on the corner table. 

You look up at last and let yourself marvel at the suite as you delve further in. The smell of pollen greets you with a large bouquet of roses. The suite is huge, even bigger than last time. Two rooms just the same and a full kitchenette and spacious bathroom. You don't go onto the balcony, not wanting to test your stomach. 

You go back inside and glance over the table draped in a red tablecloth beneath the crystal vase of flowers. There's also a tray of chocolate-dipped strawberries and various colours of macarons. You've never had the delicate cookies before but you'd watch countless recipe videos, wishing on day to try them yourself. 

There's an envelope too. You take it and run your nail along the sealed flap. You open it carefully and slip out the card within. 

'Enjoy yourself, doll. I'll join you shortly. B.' 

As if on cue, there's a knock on the door. Oh gosh, you're not ready. What does he mean? Join you? You hoped for a little long before... before... 

You stand frozen but when the door doesn't open itself, you go to answer it. You slowly twist the long handle and open it just a crack. You peer around the edge and blink in confusion. 

"Hello, dahling," the woman's affectation drags out her syllables, "well look at you, how precious." 

She presses on the door and you let her force her way in. You're dumbfounded. Who the heck is she? Another long-legged beauty you can't compare too. 

"Lovely hair," she remarks as she closes the door without a care, "oh, and your skin, yes, perfect canvas..." 

"Sorry, er, I think you have the wrong room--" 

"Mr. Barnes sent me, dahling," she trills in her way, "and I see you are very much in need of my visit so let's begin. Mm, yes, I have a vision," she struts forward, a rose gold chest in her hand, "not very much, you have a natural lustre I adore." 

You retreat as she advances on you. She lifts her chest onto the chaise and flips back the lid, revealing an assortment of precisely organized palettes and tubes. You're horrified and humiliated as you realise why she's there. Maybe you aren't as pretty as Bucky keeps telling you. 

[thezombieprostitute]

Sending you good vibes. ✨

And this man.

You know, I've never written for this giant of a man.

A/N: I do not speak German. I'm pulling a few things from this post and The Little Book of Foreign Swear Words by Sid Finch.

A/N2: Tall reader. Also, for context, König is almost 7' tall.

Warnings: Bad German. Please let me know if I missed any.

Working customer service was a sure way to get you to dream of running away to the middle of nowhere and never interacting with people again. And it's not just the customers, either. If you have to hear your manager bitch about "kids these days" one more time you're gonna start throwing things.

You swear your manager, Lance, gets a kick out of making you, the tallest employee, restock the lowest shelves. For a guy who seemed so confident in himself he sure felt the need to put others down for his own ego. He even chuckles to himself as he walks by and you're bent down for those bottom shelves.

With your knees not able to take much more, you let yourself stand up for a breather. You're startled by a "Scheisse!" On the other side of the cart you were unloading is a veritable giant of a man with grey blue eyes. He looked just as surprised to see you as you were him.

"Tut mir leid," he says. "I...I didn't see you."

"I um...I was pretty well hidden," you stutter. You're so caught off guard by the handsome man you have to look up to that it takes you a few seconds to regain your professionalism. "Um, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Oh, nein," he shakes his head. "Just trying to find some beer. Good stuff that doesn't uh...schmeckt nicht nach Pisse."

"Well, let me go ahead and get this cart out of your way then so you can see all of the options."

"Danke." He almost sounds relieved that you took the initiative and he didn't have to ask. Considering he immediately goes for the beer that your cart was blocking you get the feeling he was looking at it for some time. You wouldn't be surprised if he tended to feel awkward, socially at least. You know what it's like to be too tall for your own good.

Of course that's the moment Lance decides to check up on your progress. He's already upset at seeing you standing at full height, but with the giant standing next to you, he apparently feels the need to metaphorically swing his dick around.

"What the hell, Giganto? You get too tired of being on your knees? That cart needs to be emptied. You're way behind!"

"Mr. Tucker, there's a customer," you warn.

"What is he your cousin or something? Probably can't find anyone big enough to put you in your place unless you're related to them, damn inbred---"

He's cut off by the giant customer grabbing his neck.

"Dein Schwanz ist so klein, dass es 'ne Maus nicht merkt, wenn du sie fickst."

As much as you don't want to stop him, the customer is assaulting someone. "Sir, I really appreciate your help, but I don't want to have to call the police."

He lets go of Lance, "you are right, Häsechen. He is not worth the police visit." He reaches into his pocket and writes something on a piece of paper before handing it to you. "Should you seek...different employment, give a call. KorTac is hiring and someone as...patient, smart as you could do well."

You smile as you take the paper from him. Given the glares Lance is giving you, you'll likely need to call by the end of the day. You hope you'll get to see him again. Looking at the paper he gave you it has the number followed by "KorTac. König"

Tagging: @alicedopey; @delicatebarness; @icefrozendeadlyqueen; @ronearoundblindly

[emmalostinwonderland]

oH ITS NOT WEDNESDAY? Yeah im like super late for... weeks worth of these. And 7 sentence sundays. So I'm gonna give you a couple disjointed snippets here - enjoy the long post! Thank you to the people who tend to tag me in these, plus the first 4 I see in my notifs: @dizzymisslizzie @onthewaytosomewhere @suseagull5914 @cactusdragon517

This one is from my FirstPrince sense share au that should've been finished back in december, Butterflies and Tummy Aches:

A, You asked me once if I cook for myself. I wasn’t lying when I said I rarely do and with little success, but my father used to cook for our family on occasion. He’d let me sit on the counter beside the stove while he prepared the meal, humming whatever tune was stuck in his head and feeding me bits of vegetables and seasoned meats. He called me his royal taste-tester, said I had a real appreciation for the parts that make up the whole. (On reflection, you may even recall some of these moments — it would’ve been early afternoon for you, most likely. And on further reflection, I’m more certain he wasn’t just referring to cooking a meal with that last bit.) When he was first diagnosed, before his energy started to go, I asked him to teach me to make his favorite. I’ve never been able to make it just the way he did, but I’ve included the recipe in this email if you’d like to try. I warn you, my penmanship was much sloppier then — please call if you can’t make out a word or six along the way. Or perhaps call anyway. It’s raining here again, and I miss your silly jokes in your gorgeous voice. Love, H

Below the cut I have FirstPrince Star Wars AU, and Merrical (Jedi Survivor) Cold War AU for those who may be interested in that

FirstPrince SW:

Henry breathes in deeply, trembling with the pain echoing out through the Force all around him. “By now… by now the Republic has fallen.” “What?” Pez sinks onto the other end of the sofa Henry is curled up on. “What does that even mean?” “The Supreme Chancellor has named himself Emperor of the galaxy. An order went out amongst the clones… they’ve turned their blasters to the Jedi fighting alongside them. I—“ he stops abruptly, suddenly choked up. Pez rests a hand on his ankle, and Henry presses on, tears streaking down his cheeks. “I may be the last one.” “That can’t be… no, what of Alexander? Surely—“ “I couldn’t warn him. He’s leading a clone platoon; he’s surrounded.”

aaaand MerrinXCal (holy shit it's been ages since I wrote het fic, who even am I):

Finally, the door swings open again, and Merrin opens her eyes, trading the mental image of her dear Ilyana for the very real sight of the red-headed man from before. "Hello again," he says softly in accented Russian. "I brought you some coffee." "Thank you," she replies in equally accented English. His surprise, written all over his face, amuses her, and she reaches for the styrofoam cup of dark liquid. "It's decaf," he says, in English this time, "I'm sure you don't want to be kept up much longer. We've all been running around too long without sleep at this point." She hums noncommittally, understanding just enough to not need to refute it. "Speaking of which," he continues, "Bode and I managed to work something out with the Director, but I wanted to see how you feel about it too." "I am listening." He nods and scratches the side of his face. He is nervous, hesitant. "They wanted you under full surveillance, but it just didn't sit right with me. The best we could manage was sending you home with an agent." Merrin nods. "I will go with you, Agent Kestis." "Just Cal, please, I- wait, me?" "Is that not what you said?" "Oh, well, um..." Whatever is going through his mind runs its course quickly, and he snaps his jaw shut with a single nod. "If that's where you'll be comfortable, that's where you'll go."

if anyone's still reading and wants a tag... uh sure. Open tag. Go forth. Also thanks for sticking around - you're pretty cool.

[sylvanian-cat]

𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐧 | 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐

masterlist!

Disclaimer - This part is still apart of the second chapter, I just wasn’t able to copy and paste the whole thing in one post so I had to break it into two parts. Please read Chapter 2 in order to understand this section. This is not a third chapter. The full version can be found on my Wattpad - sylvanian_cat.

PAIRING - Daniel Larusso x Reader

TAGS: Friend to lovers, kissing, violence but only hitting and punching, karate kid, angst, fluff, characters fall in love, heartbreak, characters break up, happy ending, slow burn

SUMMARY: Waking up in Daniel’s arms is quite alarming, even on your first day of meeting each other. But the only thing even more alarming than that scenario are the bruises and cuts that litter his face.

When you woke up, the first thing that you could feel was the tapping of a finger against your plush thigh.

The action was small and once your eyes fluttered open, the first thing that came into your vision was Daniel's smooth and soft face smiling at you with a sleepy but happy smile, a smile that scrunched his nose and turned his eyes into the shape of little crescent moons.

Your body sluggishly started to get up and your hands reached to rub the sleep out of your eyes.

"Daniel...where are we." your words were lazily slowly streaming out of your mouth. To be honest, you didn't truly care where you were, you knew that with Daniel you most likely would have been safe. But the only thing you could truly focus on right now was the ache of your legs and the punctuating strain that was very much prominent in your neck.

You twisted your neck side to side hoping it would relieve the tension. Both of your hands were still resting on Daniel's back and as your mind started to clear, you looked around and realized you two were both back at the entrance of the apartment complex.

You turned back to meet Daniel in the eye and he was still giving you that terribly cute sleepy smile.

Did you fall asleep on your way here? You must've had to there was no other possible explanation.

Oh gosh...you hope you didnt drool on Daniel and now he thinks you're a weird freak who enjoys canoodling inappropriately on peoples backs!

"Daniel, I um, I'm so sorry that I slept on the way here. I totally forgot that you still needed directions to the apartment and it was inappropriate me to lay myself on your back like that. I uh, I know your personal space must have been disrupted and-"

His comforting words cut off your ramble with his own and he now turned so that his stomach was now facing you. His hands were now cupping your elbows, just as the first time you two had met,  and his eyes held a tired but sympathetic warmth in them. His charming grin was now replaced with a small lipped smile.

"Hey hey hey, don't sweat it, it's alright. And- I let you sleep on me on purpose because on the bike ride coming back, I knew how tired you were and I didn't want to wake you. Besides, I'm a big boy. Sooner or later I'm gonna have to figure my way around this city anyways"

he playfully rolled his eyes and he held that charming grin again. The words that were coming out of his mouth were like a soft warm blanket on a cold night, a warm soup on a rainy day. Of course he would understand, why did you expect any less from him?

You must've dazed off from paying so close attention to every little detail of his gaze that you once you started to come too, his hands were now pulling you up from the bike by your wrists and you two were now heading upstairs to apartment 15-your apartment.

Once you two arrived at your door, you noticed that he was still holding your wrist with his warm hand, he turned to face you and suddenly, you remembered all about needing to patch him up.

"Oh...Daniel come inside. I still want to treat that erm, black eye of yours..."

He let go of your wrist and you put your focus onto quickly unlocking your door as fast as you could. You still were unaware about how Daniel felt about coming inside your home and you didn't want to scare him away so quickly right now, not when he was so close to entering your apartment.

"Y/n it's kinda late don't you think... I don't um, I don't wamna bother you. I saw how tired you were just a few minutes ago and I think it's best if you get to bed..."

Oh no, he wanted to leave and you knew it. But you didn't really care what he wanted right now because right now, it was best if you just took him inside and got him fixed up.

You made a small exasperated noise. "No no Daniel it's fine, really. Let me just put some treatment on those cuts of yours and you'll be out of here in no time. I promise!"

He made a small sigh and gave you a small pat on your back, as to not want to worry you any further.

Once you unlocked your door, you quickly, but very quietly, led him inside.

As you tried to silently close your door in an attempt to not wake your parents, Daniel stood there waiting for you; looking around and observing your house with his eyes.

You took his wrist and you placed your pointer finger on your mouth, giving him a signal to be quiet. He nodded his head in agreement and you both started making your way around the apartment to your room.

You didn't realize how intimate it was being in your room , your room where you expressed your thoughts, your room where you cried and laughed and slept. You started to feel a little self conscious. What if he thought you two were moving too fast? Maybe he thinks this is insane and wants to bolt right out of here?

Trying desperately to ignore your overbearing worrisome thoughts, you made a silent command to Daniel to sit on your bed.

Of course, he sat there. And the sight was quite funny. He looked like a bull in a China shop, a zebra in a tropical island.

Comfortably there but comfortably out of place.

His shoulders were uncomfortably tight and as if he was trying to avoid eye contact, he kept glancing around, looking over and observing your room.

You sneakily made your way to your bathroom and quickly gathered all your supplies you needed; band aids, ointments, and creams you would all apply on Daniel's poor bruised and scratched up face.

"Are you real sure you need all that? Please y/n,  I really don't wanna bother you" Daniel's tone was a bit sluggish, he must've been as tired as you were right now.

"Please Daniel let me do this. You're already here so there's no point in leaving now."

You didn't want to come off as too commanding but right now, you were too tired to argue with him so honestly, it didn't really matter what your voice sounded like.

He sat there silently as you stared to apply an ointment on his cuts. Occasionally, he would wince in pain of pinch his thigh when he felt as of the pain was too overbearing.

Finally, it came to the big part. The huge purple black eye covering most of his right eye.

"Daniel, I'm going to put some cream on it then cover it with a bandage. This is gonna hurt so please, try your best to not move around too much." You pleaded with an almost worried tone.

He gave an almost exasperated mumble under his breath. "Yes Ms Doctor.Y/n" he almost cutely putted out of his lips then turned his focus to an aimless area in your room.

As you started applying the cream and ointment, he would huss and whine in pain. Sometimes, he would even swiftly grab your wrist when the pain felt too much.

His eyes were squeezed shut and his mouth was in a tight, lipped line. "Where did you um-argh-where did you learn to do this-ow."

You tried to hold off your laughter from the silly noises he was making. "I learned it from my family friend, Mr. Miyagi. He lives in the apartment complex here but one day I came up the stairs, leaping with a scratched up knee and he saw me and put this foamy liquid on it. I asked him how he managed to do it and he showed me all of his medical miracles." You mumbled the last part of your words, you didn't want to seem like a mumbler. And you felt as if you didn't need to tell him a lot about Mr.Miyagi anyways because he was probably going to one way or another meet him.

As you finished applying the ointment, you started covering the huge bruise with a large cotton bandage.

"His medical miracles huh? I guess maybe next time Johnny and his entourage come back and kick my ass again, I should just come back running to you." His right eye was squinting from the large bandage you were still applying and he was holding that cheeky grin again.

You made an almost playfully annoyed face. "Well maybe there won't be a next time if you stop interfering with Johnny and his said "entourage". Your face was showing signs of teasing but your words held hints of malice in them.

It was true, Daniel wouldn't be here, sitting on your bed, being aided by you in the middle of the night. And you wouldn't be here, standing in front of Daniel playing doctor if he just avoided Johnny and Ali's situation. He shouldn't have been trying to play Ali's knight and shining armor, her savior while Johnny was around.

But you guessed it truly didn't matter. It was stupid of him to jump in like that but it showed his immense courage and his need to help others. That was the only part of him you enjoyed during that whole fiasco.

He bubbled out a sigh and as you finally finished the last piece of bandage, he slowly got up, almost as if he was an old man, and stabilized himself by propping himself up with his hands behind his back.

He gave you a warm smile and his eyes were back to looking tired again. "Thank you y/n. I know I already told you this but I'm glad you're my friend. I know it's cliche but... it's fine." His grin was now slightly lopsided, but yours must've been too. You were both feeling the effects of lack of sleep.

"It's alright Daniel. Anytime, I promise if you get hurt like this again you can come see me. But let's hope there's not a next time where we have to be in this same position again."

You held out your pinky finger and for a split second, he looked slightly puzzled until he gave you a cheeky smile and tightly interlocked his pinky with yours.

You led him out the door and watched for a couple of seconds as he continued to limp toward his doorstep and entered his apartment. You wanted to make sure he got there safely..

As quickly as you possibly could, you got ready for bed and almost leaped onto your mattress if it wasn't for your parents sleeping in the next room.

Even though you took that peaceful nap on Daniel's back, you knew a 15 minute rest break could not compare to the peace of a full 8hr sleep.

Before your body could even dwell into a state of peace and serenity, a sudden thought that the next following day would officially be the day when Summer break ended and school started.

You weren't quite sure if you felt pleased about the new school year. Angry, heartbroken, or anxious. Maybe all of the above was what you were feeling right now. But the only thing you knew for sure was that there was this small feeling inside your chest silently hoping that Daniel Larusso would be able to accompany you in this long, long school year.

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[foggieststars]

Pleeasssseee love your writing, your dialogues and dynamics are always so interesting. Scratch my brin just right 🌀🌩

i posted a summary here :))

🌩️ Share something funny/cracky from your WIP.

tbh i dont think i'm particularly good at funny writing ngl so this is literally as close as i can get... and it's not even that funny out of context wah... anyway tagging @breathofnyx bc it's a snippet from a prompt she sent me :))

“Charles?” Max grunts, lifting the phone to his ear. The bright light dims when the phone touches his skin, which is a blessed relief. It’s the middle of the fucking night. The clock on his bedside table reads 12:34, which is too late for anybody to be calling him - let alone Charles, who has never called Max once in his life. “What’s - uh. You okay?”

“Oh thank god,” Charles says, already sounding snotty about it. “What are you doing? I have been ringing you so many times!”

“Um, sleeping?” Max says, voice hoarse. He reaches for the glass of water on his bedside table, gone stale. “What’s up?” 

Charles doesn’t say anything for a moment, just breathes. His breath is shaking, Max notes with muted interest. 

Max opens his mouth to say something, but Charles beats him to it. “I, um. I need you to let yourself into my place. And help me with something.” 

“Charles, mate, can’t this wait?” Max asks, glancing at the clock. He’s got to meet Rupert for his workout in six hours. “I can come by tomorrow morning.”

“No!” Charles yelps, and Max can hear him shuffling around. “Max, please,” he says, sounding breathless. A little thrill of interest runs through Max at the sound of Charles saying his name - like that. “You have to - I need help now.” 

Max huffs. This is so typically Charles. Calling him up in the middle of the night, demanding favours. No sense of decorum - no conception that people don’t exist just to bend to his every whim. To ask, how high? when Charles says jump. 

“Why?” Max asks, exasperated. There’s a conspicuous silence on the other end of the phone. 

“I really - you will see,” Charles says, voice cracking.

[utopiastri]

Fic Writer Interview!!!

tagged by @1425fivefive (forever ago, whoops!) and @miamimaiden

(this was such a funny ask game bc i did mostly end up discussing my F1 fics but I also have a Number of musicals fics on my ao3 so those do also crop up in my answers lmao)

How many works do you have on AO3?

10 in total!!! 4 F1 fics so far though

What's your total AO3 word count?

62,635 apparently (mostly being driven by one of those aforementioned musicals fics lmao)

What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

who actually texts people this much (3,076) (again. the musicals fic)

you must like me for me (646)

tell me 'bout the first time you saw me (508)

you're always on my team (464)

and i'll learn how to fly (253)

ok other than the obvious outlier at the top, i'm thrilled that my four F1 fics are the ones that have made it into the top 5 because they are undeniably the ones i'm proudest of right now

insane to me how many people have liked you're always on my team!!! i was a little nervous about posting my first chaptered fic in a while and i'm so happy it got such a lovely reception

Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

yes!!! oh my god i love responding to comments as much as i love leaving comments myself!!!

the only thing with this is that i do find myself forgetting to actually put time aside in my day to do it!!! so sometimes, about two weeks after i read a comment and internally squealed about it, i'll go "oh FUCK i didn't reply that comment" and sprint to my laptop

so, uh, if you've ever received a late comment reply from me? now you know why lmao

What's the fic you've written with the angstiest ending?

oh god um. none of them? i guess the one abandoned fic on my ao3 account (a she-ra fic from 2018 lmao) has the angstiest ending by virtue of the fic not being finished and no resolution being reached lmao

but genuinely i don't think i could ever write a fic with an angsty ending!!! i think at best i could plot an angty ending??? or maybe write a drabble or something??? but honestly, i really struggle reading angsty endings so it would be a rogue move to write one lmao

What's the fic you've written with the happiest ending?

ooooooo excellent question

honestly any of my finished F1 fics probably work but i think i'll go with you must like me for me! truly one of my favourite brands of happy ending is a reciprocated love confession and (not to spoil the fic lmao) that might be one of my favourite ones i've ever done!

Do you write crossovers?

nope!!!

Have you ever received hate on a fic?

oooo once upon a time i received a comment on that musicals fic, who actually texts people this much, that was fairly harsh on the writing??? the worst part was enough time had passed since i'd written the fic and i'd honestly reached the part of the writing cycle where i hated everything about it so i almost agreed with the commenter lmao

even today, i think the critique was accurate! but perhaps not a polite/kind thing to comment on someone's fic lmao

Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

i'm trying to!!! i haven't posted any yet

i am terrible at describing things (including like. physical movement) so, so far, any smut i've attempted to write has been fairly dialogue-heavy!!! but honestly that's generally my taste in smut so i think this tracks

Have you ever had a fic stolen?

nope!

Have you ever had a fic translated?

that musicals texting fic has been translated somewhere on the internet! one of my friends in uni dug it up lmao

Have you ever co-written a fic before?

never co-written before! i am a huge fan of brainstorming fics with my friends though! either their fics or mine - i just love the collaboration of it all!!!

What's your all-time favorite ship?

god this is difficult!!! my taste in ships moves around all the time to be honest

ok for F1, it's fairly easy - landoscar do unfortunately possess my entire heart and there is very little i can do about that lmao

other than that? i do have to mention how much i still adore the les mis pairing enjolras/grantaire because i did spend a good portion of my teenage years thinking about them and only them lmao

and i spent many a year in steve/bucky from the mcu hell so i guess it's important that that goes on here too!

What's a WIP that you want to finish but don't think you ever will?

so many!!! in particular though, i would love to one day finish the first ever landoscar fic i ever worked on (the idea was that oscar and lando are friends with benefits but, through miscommunication shenanigans, have somehow never kissed lmao)

i think i'd just really enjoy the full circle moment of getting to finish that first wip!

What are your writing strengths?

dialogue!!! dialogue my beloved! my favourite thing i have ever written is the unreciprocated love confession scene in you must like me for me - writing a dramatic not-argument/discussion was just so tailored to my strengths of writing dialogue and not much else lmao

there's a reason i'm having so much fun with you're always on my team! and it's because what is a texting fic if not a fic made only of dialogue!!!

What are your writing weaknesses?

description!!!!!! tell me 'bout the first time you saw me was a delight to write but truly i don't know if i could do a first meeting fic again because trying to work out how a stranger would describe oscar piastri was a NIGHTMARE

What are your thoughts on writing dialogue in other languages in a fic?

as someone who can only speak english, i simply don't have a good enough understanding of any other language to do it without defaulting to like. terrible google translate

i think it can be fun to read though!!! it depends what effect the author is going for tbh

What was the first fandom you wrote for?

...glee (i wasn't even that into glee!!! my two best friends at the time were though so i wrote a couple things i thought they'd enjoy lmao)

What's a fandom/ship you haven't written for yet but want to?

galex!!! i don't know if i could do it but i really really want to one day - if only because my girlfriend's sister adores them and i think it would be fun to write something for her!

although i have also been pondering gax a lot with @jusst-you-race!!! so maybe i should throw gax in here too

What's your favorite fic you've written?

you must like me for me undoubtedly. it's the most complete fic i think i've ever written in that there's a clear plot with a clear resolution and, as i said earlier, that unreciprocated love confession/first kiss scene is genuinely my favourite thing i have written of anything ever!!!

it was also the first fic i'd posted in nearly 6 years!!! and i'm so glad i felt happy enough with it to share it because i've just had the most wonderful time in this fandom since doing so!!!

i cannot for the life of me remember who has done this so no pressure tagging @ipleadbritney and @jusst-you-race and anyone else who wants to do this!!!

[bluelilly-cat]

Never really posted anything like this online. I usually just write it all down in my notebook or type it in my notes app or notepad. Unsure if I should keep this on this account might move it to an alt. Depends… like I kinda feel pretty vulnerable while writing this.

Seriously you ever had where you were in a relationship or dating with someone and its all good but then. You start doubting whether they're with you for you or for your body? Basically I made it like that. Can't sleep and you get anxious wondering if they have ulterior motives and are just a heart-breaker or if they really are serious about you. You just can't help but doubt yourself and their attention. Worse you get self conscious cause you've seen the people they date or you met/seen their ex. Then its like oh um why the sudden mix up with me I thought I wasn't your type. Anyway yea sorry for venting?rambling? Just thinking what my OC would do. Like uh Fuckboy Leon and like Evie wasn't really interested in him cause he would be sneaky but after some convincing and trying to change his act (yes he did cut off all those sneaky ass shit and hook ups cause he wants something serious. He's really trying for her. Even if he;s not that great at showing it) Ugh sorry if I just don't do well with dialogue and like can you tell I had written this while it was like super late and my brain was well struggling lol ::>_<::

Sorry for terrible grammar, punctuation, spelling, format..for everything lol might not tag this tbh we'll see

She thinks to herself "No Stop that! Stop it why am I soo self-conscious? … But what if he doesn't like the way I look? What if he just stares at me, judges me, what if he thinks I'm hideous or recoils." Evie with frustration tossed and turned her poor pillow and cat plushie tossed about her bed. Taking the brunt of her frustration. Feeling remorse she grabs at her plushie now as if a sort of self soothe "I'm sorry Mr. Whiskers. Really.. Its not you just…" She screams, slowly grabbing at the sheets she muffled her screams into the mattress before rushing off of her bed. Turning on the nearby light. Now facing at her vanity, she stares at her reflection. Moving closer she picks at her face then her chest slowly going onto her stomach, tracing the way her stretchmarks appeared on her skin. She twists and turns staring at them, gazing back up as she grabs at her arms, then back at her chest. Simply nitpicking at every part of her body. Surely he would have said something by now right? If it really bothered him.. Maybe he was just being nice. Not wanting to bring up her weight.Her eyes widen "Oh God what if I crush him or end up hurting him somehow??" Soft panic sets in as she glances down at her thighs. Sure she's overweight its nothing. He has never complained about it or even mentioned it. No he simply smiles so sweetly at her, he manages to melt whenever they interact. Even when she's always pulling at her clothes. All he does is he takes her hand or wraps his arms around her waist. Even if it does make her nervous. Sweating even now as she's all alone in her room. Evie wipes her hands on her stomach, sweating even more profusely. The thin pyjama shirt isn't as cooling or offering any sort of relief.A light weight cotton blend and all it does is make her want to tear it off desperate to free her skin. "Maybe this heat is staring to get to me!" She mumbles, with a deep breath she goes back to bed. Now staring up at the ceiling but these thoughts don't seem to stop flowing, spilling in her head. Tears slowly being to form there is no way she can stop it now. Overthinking Everything. Insecurities every interaction between the two of them. But the more and more she thinks it stings her eyes. Guilt seeping through for even doubting his affection and intentions. Yet its all her brain seems to want to think about tonight. Vision blurring as she reaches for her phone now in order to quell these thoughts. Maybe his voice can soothe me or snap me out of this . God I'm such a loser. Only one way to settle these thoughts right? Sitting up right leaning against her headboard she sends a text message first. "Hey are you up ♡ヾ(⪺ᴗ ⪱)" Her hands still sweating profusely and now trembling as well that she can barely type on her phone. stupid touchscreen As soon as she sends the picture of him appears.

Her phone lights up He's calling, of course he would. There's nothing he loves more than listening to her voice. Especially when he can't sleep either yet tonight seemed different. Leon waits for her to answer, his smile turning into a frown as she takes a bit too long to answer. Yet no matter how hard she tried to swipe to answer her damn phone just refused to register the motion, no response even as she wiped her hands. "Shit Shit, Shit" she huffs. She felt terrible as her phone screen began to dim oh no no no God no . this is bad what if he takes it the wrong way. Evie swipes at her phone pressing down as hard as she can. "please don't hang up" she sniffled

"Hey don't tell me you threw your phone again" He teased. She stiffled her tears trying to huff "Stooop that was just one time okay" Her voice squeaked as she spoke softly this time still sniffling "Aww don't tell me you're missing me that much now. Just say the word and I'll be there quicker than you can even get butterflies in your stomach. Don't fret I'll try to follow all road laws, so you don't have to worry about me. plus its late so not like there's much traffic" he cihrps. Running his fingers through his hair proping up his phone beside him as he shifts in his bed trying to get more comfortable. Before he could answer Evie huffs " I watched a movie" "Oh really which one?" he asked. Uhhh .. it was. w-was an old movie" she squeaked. um I started getting like awkward typing it so its unfinished technically

Idk maybe I should post it on an alt anyway its literally like 8 pages and this isn't even all of it ahh

ahh what happened omg my format is weird

[lifeonthemurdersim]

Gut Feelings Fandom/Universe: Human Nature / Sadistic By Nature Characters/Pairing: Theodore Kingswell x OC, Hope Chambers x OC(?) AO3 Link(full tags, warnings etc here) Word count: 8,178 words Synopsis: When you're pretty much trapped together, what else is there to do but talk? Author's Note: OK I didn't realise this was this long wtf? Anyway this is vaguely based on Human Nature canon but with @cptsadist's Jet as the main character. I said I was stealing him til the end of the month so I'm making good use of him. More about Gorekinktober on my pinned post here! Kinktober prompt(s) used: Mutual Masturbation (played with - pun maybe intended) Goretober prompt used: Gut Spill (technically played with again, the two meanings of "spilling ones guts")

Hope had to admit that for a long time, she'd kind of assumed Jet was fictional. If they were being cynical they'd theorise maybe he still was, because lets face it, their life was kind of insane enough that suddenly gaining an imaginary friend wouldn't surprise them anymore. But he was here sitting on the bed with them talking with them, so by Occam's razor at the very least, he did in fact exist.

"He kept her drum kit, too. God knows what he fucking did with it." they finished with a sigh, then paused slightly. "Anyway... since then... I'd not spoken to him in years." They'd heard plenty though, from well meaning family and mutual friends. Enough to make them worry. "Well, until a few weeks back."

That's when he'd started coming into their work. Bragging about Jet, his new boyfriend. How wonderful he was. Almost too perfect, the way Theo described him. That's why Hope had doubted his existence. But when had finally come in and ordered for them both for the first time, that had tipped the scales a little. That was why they'd left their number on Jet's coffee cup. Just in case.

"Oh!" Jet exclaimed. "But I mean... you were both pretty young then, right? I mean... he could have changed?"

"I... guess." they replied. "Only... there's a little more to it, I just... I don't know if it's just me being paranoid."

"Well... you can tell me if you want, I don't mind!" Jet insisted. "But... if you don't want to, we can talk about something else?" Hope paused, trying to decide whether they could trust him not to think they were completely insane. They couldn't really think of a topic to turn the conversation to either though. "Like uh... are you still with Sandy? Did it all work out?" he asked before they could decide. Hope swallowed. He'd managed to take the conversation exactly towards what they weren't intending to talk about. Then again, they weren't really intending to talk about any of it. Jet's own talkative nature had coaxed them into it surprisingly naturally.

"Uhm... no... it... didn't." they admitted. "Actually she..." She sighed slightly, pulling her knees up to her chest. "Look, she really didn't mean to do it. There were... a lot of mental health issues involved. But she... cheated on me a lot, and looking back now... she kind of emotionally abused me." They sighed, running a hand through the back of their hair. "I was so desperate for attention that I just... just put up with it." They shook their head at themself disapprovingly.

"I'm so sorry!" Jet replied, reaching his hand out to their shoulder reassuringly. They stiffened a little and he drew back again apologetically. It wasn't unpleasant at all, they were just that touch starved that it took them by surprise. They just didn't know how to articulate that and to tell him it was OK. Jet himself continued before they managed to stop overthinking it. "Oh, is this why you weren't sure about talking about this?" he asked. "Because that's totally valid!"

"No, no, it's... fine..." they said softly, not wanting him to feel guilty about asking. But they also kind of wanted to get it all out now. "But um... so... I kind of clung to it no matter what, but eventually she broke up with me. A few months after that she..." They took a deep, shaky breath. "She... died."

"Oh... I'm sorry... again..." Jet responded, looking like he wanted to reach out to them again but holding back. Fuck, they should have just explained quicker the first time. "Kinda... feel bad I asked now..."

They shook their head. "No, honestly Jet, I mean it, don't worry about it." they assured him. "That was a long time ago, and... well... the truth is... here's the part I was not sure whether to tell you." She closed her eyes. She felt stupid saying it. But that gut feeling wouldn't leave. "It was ruled as a suicide. But..." they looked down again, tracing patterns on their knee. "I... think Theo... might have been involved."

"What?" Jet asked, looking confused, shifting slightly to kneeling. "No... Theo would... would never do something like that! He's so nice!"

"That's what I thought too..." Hope sighed. "Like even after all the shit we went through, that was all dumb kid shit, so I didn't really suspect him. It was only when I heard about his ex-fiance... uh Natasha... I think... and her new boyfriend dying in a really similar way that I... started to wonder. I... took everything I could think of to the cops, but..." They sighed. "Nothing really came of it. I know it... probably all sounds crazy, but..." The catharsis hit them hard. They hadn't talked about this with anyone, not all of it anyway, not even with Phi or Wasei. They leant their head on their knees for a moment, and then looked over at him. "Just... thank you so much for listening, Jet."

"Of course!" he replied softly. "I'm... I'm sorry if you didn't want to talk about it though!"

"No, no honestly, it's fine!" they insisted. "It was... really good to get it out, I just... I feel like I talked way too much, I'm sorry."

"That's... not a problem." he assured with a slight laugh. "Actually it... feels way more like when we were texting now." That form of conversation came so much more naturally to Hope that it must have been a shock for him when they'd barely said a word when they first showed up here. The two had been talking for the past couple of days, and even though Jet assured them he was fine with how things were going with Theo, there were still so many things that worried Hope about the whole situation.

"Yeah." they agreed with a slight smile, sighing at the predicament they were in nonetheless. "It does." There was a slight pause. They shifted their legs back down and crossed them, placing the hand they could actually move in their lap. Jet looked like he was actually thinking about what they said a little, shifting to lean back onto his hands thoughtfully.

"Look... I don't want to like... deny what you feel about Theo." he began. "I totally agree that he can be a little... intense. But I... guess I like that..." he admitted, smiling off into space.

"You're still completely hung up on him, aren't you?" they asked with a shake of their head, not judgemental as such but certainly a little defeated. "Even after what I told you? Even... after he cuffed us both to the fucking bed?"

Theo had said he had to go get some things, but hadn't really elaborated. In Hope's opinion, the fact he was even that angry they'd been communicating with each other was not a good sign. Before he'd left though, he'd handcuffed Jet's right wrist to the right bedpost of his very large bed, Hope's left to the left. They could technically both move a little. They just couldn't get more than an inch or so away from the bed.

"Well..." Jet replied, looking over at his wrist and rattling it a little. "He gave me a longer cuff yesterday. I think he was just kinda pissed that you showed up without asking."

"I didn't want to have to do that!" they insisted. "I... look... you know how badly I had to psych myself up just to walk up to the building?"

"Then... why did you?" Jet asked, not accusatory, just curious.

"Because, Jet..." they replied, tapping their fingers on their calf anxiously with the hand that wasn't cuffed. "Because half of those things you've told me about Theo were the red flags I never picked up in him when I was seventeen, and... and the other half were red flags I'm apparently still bad at picking up on because they've gotten me killed by other people multiple times..." They realised their impassioned statement had given away too much. "Uh... almost... killed..." they added quickly. "Anyway, y-you weren't answering your texts and... I guess I started to get a little worried."

"I didn't really think it had been that long..." Jet attempted to explain. "We got a little... y'know... distracted." He held a hand to his mouth and giggled slightly. "If you called, I probably would've let you know everything was OK though!"

"Yeah uh... you're right, I probably should've tried that." they admitted, a little embarrassed. "I don't usually think of that sort of thing... I kind of hate phonecalls." They shook their head and let out a nervous laugh at their own inability to do something so supposedly simple.

"I mean, that's fair!" Jet replied with a sympathetic smile. "But I still think maybe it was... a bit of an overreaction?"

"Yeah." they admitted with a slight smile back. "I know it was, I just... I don't know, Jet. I was worried about you."

Jet glanced over at them curiously for a second. "I really do appreciate that you care." he said, and there was a sincerity to his expression that indicated that he meant it. But then he looked across to the opposite wall. "But... I can make my own decisions." he said, with only a hint of uncertainty. "Theo has been really nice to me. He... seems to really like me." he mumbled. Hope could identify with that. In fact they identified with it so hard they could see just how dangerous this could be for him.

"I'm sure he does." they responded. Hell, that seemed such an understatement given they'd heard Theo wax lyrical about how much he was in love with Jet even weeks back. It was still frustrating watching him go down this road though. "But Jet... you deserve someone who wants to just... just be with you, not fucking..." they began, then waved their free hand trying to think of an example. "...I don't know... bury themself alive with you."

"Did... did he say that?" Jet asked with a slight curiosity.

"Jet! Come on man!" they replied, unable to keep from laughing slightly. They shifted again, knees turned towards him though it pulled on their cuffed wrist somewhat.

"OK, OK, look, I'm not that bad." Jet insisted, laughing and mirroring their body language, turning towards them a little too.. "I'm just saying, there's something romantic about the idea of someone loving you that much... isn't there?"

"Of course there is." Hope replied, looking down, fiddling with the bedspread a little and sighing. "That's why I thought of it..." Theo was the type who might actually do it though. That was the difference. "Jet... look... I know what it's like to be drawn in by anyone who... who shows you even the slightest shred of affection, trust me." they mumbled. "But... you'll find someone who can make you happy without hurting you." They looked back up at him earnestly. "I promise." Jet met their gaze. He had really nice eyes, they'd noticed. Beautiful deep grey.

"...Have you?" he asked genuinely. They weren't expecting that, so they stuttered a bit as they went to reply.

"Um... w-well. No, not... not exactly." they admitted awkwardly. Jet's look turned to an empathetic one. "Look, that's not the point..." they insisted. "Will you just please at least consider trying to get out together, and..." They tried to think about this as logically as they could, because Jet was obviously smitten with Theo and she couldn't even blame him. "If Theo's as nice as you said he is, he's really not going to mind." they pointed out. They were very much of the opinion he would mind, but if this worked, they could either be gone completely or try to find something to defend themselves this way.

"Huh." Jet reflected. "I guess you've got a point. I just don't wanna upset him! He's so sweet!"

"I don't want to upset him either, believe me." they replied pointedly. "Look, I don't even know if this will work. But we've got to try something."

"Did you have an idea of how?" Jet asked. "Because to be honest, I'm not usually trying to get out of cuffs." He gave them a little grin and a shrug.

"Valid." they replied with a little smirk back. "I... actually... have broken out of a set before." It'd absolutely wrecked their wrist, worse than it already was, but they'd done it. They were making an attempt to do it now, tugging hard at it, but this thing wasn't budging, no matter how much they pulled. Theo's cuffs were either stronger or they had softer edges.

"Oh, seriously?" Jet replied, looking vaguely impressed. They nodded and shrugged. "I've only ever heard of someone doing that on PCP."

"Don't happen to... carry PCP around with you, do you?" Hope half-joked, still pulling ineffectually at the cuff.

"Sometimes!" Jet replied with a little laugh. "Just... not right now."

"Damn..." Hope replied, laughing ever so slightly but determined to focus on getting this done. "OK... what if we... try and pull at the same time? The weight of the bed might... work against us and break the cuffs?" She wasn't exactly a physicist but it seemed to make some form of sense.

"Or we'll break the bed." Jet pointed out. Hope held back from making a joke at his choice of phrasing.

"I can live with that." they stuck to saying, eyebrows raised. She shifted to face away from Jet, kneeling, and reaching over so her right wrist was holding onto the cuff as well. They turned to watch Jet, who glanced over and then did the same.

"On 3?" he asked, still looking back at them. Hope nodded. "3... 2... 1..." They both tugged their hardest on the cuffs, using all their body weight, but it didn't seem to put any more pressure on them than pulling individually.

"God dammit." Hope yelled exasperatedly. They'd finally convinced Jet to help and now it still wasn't working. She pulled her wrist as hard as they could at another attempt to try and break them, then let out a sharp gasp of pain as a very old scar was dug into. They didn't even know it was that sensitive.

"Hey, are you OK?" Jet asked, picking up that they weren't just upset about it not working. They felt him shift back around to face them.

"Yeah." they lied, but then they actually turned too and looked at him, and saw the look of genuine concern in his wide, grey eyes and broke. "No." they admitted. "Look, I've been trying to stay calm and talk you through all this but I'm..." They looked away for a moment. Then they shifted down onto their back, trying to get their breath back ready to try again, and continued in a mumble. "I'm scared. A bit." they admitted.

"Hey..." Jet said reassuringly, looking down at them. "Look, I get you have this past with Theo, but... I feel like maybe he's really changed! I mean... he didn't actually... try to hurt you when you came in so... so maybe you don't need to worry, right?!" Hope closed their eyes for a moment, and looked up to meet his gaze. They were a little scared for themself. No matter how much it seemed they cheated it, dying still hurt. Not to mention, they didn't know for sure they'd come back in this scenario. They weren't the one captured, they might not be the one in the loop. Jet would.

Except... not a loop. As far as she knew, Jet didn't have this power to re-live deadly scenarios like this. Theo could very easily kill him for all she knew. They certainly couldn't just tell him they lived in a fucking time loop. They were also really bad at expressing when they cared about someone, too. They thought Jet could be a really good friend, and they could maybe even help protect him from his own naivety. But they'd only known him for a couple of days, and they knew it was weird to care that much about someone you barely knew just because they were nice, wasn't it? Or... or maybe if they just stopped overthinking it for one, one second...

"I'm not scared for me. I'm scared for you." they admitted, eyes focused right on his so he knew they meant it. God, why did they say it? He'd find that so pathetic. Jet's expression shifted a little. He still looked concerned about them, perhaps even more so than before. But there was something new to it; a heavy dose of determination. He looked at them a moment more, then swallowed, and shuffled to laying down and stretched as close over Hope as he could get, his forearm hovering over their head as he tried to reach towards the corner where they were cuffed. "Wh-what are you doing?" they asked.

"If we pull on it with both of our free hands, and you pull on it with your wrist, we might be able to break yours." he pointed out, still trying to reach over to do so. It wasn't the worst idea in the world, it really wasn't, except for one pretty major flaw.

"Jet." Hope said sympathetically as she watched him attempt fruitlessly to reach the far corner. "This bed's huge." they pointed out. They weren't sure why Theo even needed such a large bed though they were a little jealous. "And you're short as fuck, man."

Jet frowned, still trying his best to stretch over to them. "I'm about the same height as you." he pointed out.

"I'm short as fuck, man." they laughed back nervously. "Look I really appreciate what you're trying to do but you're going to hurt yourself." They grabbed his wrist and pulled it away, and he reluctantly allowed them to. His fingertips grazed the top of their head slightly on the way back.

"What's-" he responded, then glanced over at them. "Oh that's your hair." He scrunched his fingers in it slightly. Hope nodded, and Jet giggled. "It's so soft and fluffy."

"Yeah, I... guess it is." they replied, They liked their hair a lot in all honesty. They were a sucker for it being played with though, even just having it brushed or cut. So they could feel a slight tingle where he was touching that was admittedly kind of nice.

"How do you get it so soft?" Jet asked, running his hand deeper through her hair in in a way that spread the tingling all over her head and down her neck.

"Um..." they replied, trying not to say anything about how much they were enjoying that. "W-well I only use semi-permanent dye. My hair's a little wavy so I detangle it wet and I try not to use sulphates, silicones, stuff like that." They smiled over at him. "But... yours looks really nice too." they assured, reaching over to touch it. It was soft, but a little greasy. Greasy hair was a bit of a sensory issue for them, but they tried hard not to show it.

"Yeah, sorry, it... probably doesn't feel very nice." he replied absent-mindedly, combing his fingertips through their hair from root to tip one more time before moving his hand and using it to shift theirs out of his with an apologetic look.

"Oh... no, it really was fine, Jet!" they assured, already kind of missing the way he'd been stroking theirs. Although... the way they were vaguely holding hands was kind of nice, too.

"It's OK." Jet replied, looking up at the ceiling as his fingers interlinked into Hope's thoughtfully. This time it was thier face that tingled as a blush spread over their cheeks. They weren't against physical affection between friends at all, they just didn't usually recieve it. Phi saw it as something that was almost exclusively non-platonic, and Was... well Was made retching noises whenever anything like hand holding or cuddling was brought up. "I know I should probably do something about it, I just never do." he admitted. "I try and get my showers over quick so I can go do other stuff."

They nodded. They felt like that too at times, unless it was a long pamper session, then they could usually justify it. "Maybe I could give you a bath." they joked. Actually they weren't too sure if they were joking or offering or... flirting. Oh god. "I mean... sorry, that was probably really weird thing to say!" they spluttered, their face turning considerably redder. They couldn't really cover their face with their hand linked to his so they tried to look away.

"Why would it be weird?" Jet asked with a little smile that drew him back to looking at him directly again. "Ooh, could I do your makeup after?"

"Oh!" they replied, his sweet reply disarming them from their embarrassment, though the fact Jet was taking their offer completely genuinely and accepting meant they were still blushing profusely. "That... um... I'd like that." they managed to reply before they could talk themselves out of it. They smiled, shaking their head. "You're too sweet, Jet." He looked at them and smiled back.

"Well... you're sweet too." he pointed out. "You seem pretty cool, I've really liked texting you the past few days!" Hope gave him and awkward smile and shook their head.

"Me too but... I meant... you're too sweet." she clarified with a soft chuckle and an affectionate look. "I really don't deserve it."

"Well... why not?" Jet asked insistently. "Why wouldn't you deserve someone being nice to you?" They had to admit, they didn't really have an answer for that off the top of their head. They'd done some questionable things in their time to survive. But that aside, they couldn't really think of a solid reason why they didn't.

"Guess you've got me there." they admitted, giving him a small smile. "Still I... I think we should probably... let go." they suggested, looking over at their linked hands, reluctant to actually do it despite their suggestion. This whole thing was fucking scary and that little bit of contact meant a lot to them.

"Oh." Jet replied, looking a little disappointed. That look was so hard to see on him, even harder to know they'd caused it. "Yeah that's fine... sorry, maybe I should have asked first?"

She couldn't bring herself to let him think that. "I mean, it's not that I don'twant to." they clarified hastily, her hand actually twitching because if anything she wanted to clutch tighter. "It's just... r-remember what I said about... um... about affection?" Jet looked like he was struggling to remember, but tried.

"I get... too drawn in by it?" he ventured, with a slight grimace of a smile, like he wasn't sure he'd got it right.

"Kind of." they said, unable to turn that face down because it was admittedly adorable. "Actually, Jet I... said I understand what it's like to be drawn in by it." they explained. "When someone's really nice to me I... y'know." Jet looked at them like he didn't, in fact, know. "Find it... hard not to fall for them." they clarified awkwardly.

"Ohhhhh." Jet replied. "Yeah I... I totally get that actually." He looked at the way their hands were linked, and then to her. "Wait, you're..." he asked, looking to them. "...worried you'd fall for me?!"

"Well... yeah." they admitted. "I mean..." They bit at their lip awkwardly. "Look, I'm obviously not saying I have, Jet, I mean I barely know you." they clarified in case he thought they were being really fucking weird, especially as he had a boyfriend. "But..." They looked over at him and did their best to look him in the eyes. To see him.

He was cute as hell. Beautiful, actually. He talked so much it was infectious, enough to bring even Hope out of their shell and talk too. He made them laugh. He was naive, sure. But that naivety, that honesty, was how they knew he probably wasn't just another dick who'd try to kill her. Most of all, he was kind. Really fucking kind to them.

"Yeah." they finished. "I definitely could." They looked away, staring up at the ceiling, their blush still refusing to fade because this was all so awkward. "I... absolutely fucking would." they added in a slightly self-deprecating sigh out. That sort of thing always ended up hurting, but the fact that he had Theo, who was gorgeous and tall and skinny and masculine and dangerous and... honestly, everything they weren't, would make it feel so much worse. They made a mental note to just... keep their distance if things ever started to get like that.

"...Would that be so bad?" Jet asked in an unusually understated tone. Their eyes flicked quickly back to him in confusion. "I... know I can be pretty annoying..." he said softly. "I know I talk a lot, and... and when I like someone I really just want to be around them all the time so I guess-"

"Jet ..." she interrupted in a puzzled tone, obviously disagreeing with his self-assessment entirely but far more busy being confused to argue against him.

"What?" he replied.

"...Theo?" they asked pointedly, and Jet's face suddenly flickered with recollection and a little guilt. OK, maybe they were wrong. They didn't really think they could fall for someone who could forget about their partner that easily. "Wow..." they said with genuine surprise, given how he'd been vehemently defending Theo minutes earlier.

"Hey, I'm not..." he insisted, obviously picking up on their implication this time. "Look I'm not a dick, we just... we haven't been..." he hesitated, looking unsure how to describe it. "...together... that long!"

They weren't entirely convinced; a few weeks was still long enough to remember he was at least in a relationship at least as far as they were concerned. "Were you... friends for a while first?" they asked to try and move past the awkwardness, wondering where the love part came in. Jet didn't answer at first, looking a little embarrassed.

"Actually... I've only known him a few days." he admitted. "I met him the day before we started texting. When you called him my boyfriend I just kind of went with it because..." he blushed slightly. "Well I guess I thought it was kind of sweet that he said that." That rang all sorts of alarm bells for Hope, and it wasn't even because she thought the two of them were moving too fast. It was because one of them had to be lying, and right now, she trusted Jet a hell of a lot more than Theo. "...What?" he asked, obviously seeing the look on her face.

"Jet... Theo told me you two were... really serious..." they replied slowly, trying to figure it out. "He's... been talking about you for weeks now."

"He's..." Jet began, stopping himself mid-sentence, looking like his brain had frozen. "Wait.... what?" he questioned, utterly confused. "How...?" Unfortunately Hope couldn't help him with that one, they had no explanation that made any sense either. Any chance they'd had of figuring it out, though, was snatched from them as they heard the front door to Theo's apartment practically fly open.

"Shit." Hope whispered, finally snatching their hand away from Jet's. Yes, they didn't want to, especially when they were anxious as hell about what was about to happen, but they couldn't get caught like that. She doubted it meant anything to Jet himself. It probably meant more than her than it should. But to Theo it would mean a lot, and that would not be good for either of them.

There was the sound of the door being slammed and at least one lock being shut and then Theo rushed into the bedroom, looking a little apologetic at first. "Sorry I uh... got a little held up at the doctors!" he explained, holding up a bag that had very likely been stolen, as a neat plaque with "Property of Dr. S. Hauer" was fixed to the side. His eyes passed over them both on the bed, and then he dropped the bag and stared. Stared hard. "What did you do?" he asked, his tone suddenly low and accusatory.

Jet and Hope exchanged glances, but unsurprisingly, he spoke first. "Nothing you need to worry about, Theo!" he said brightly. "We talked for a while but we're still in the cuffs, look!" he held up his wrist and shook it to show him.

"It... doesn't look like nothing." Theo muttered. Hope glanced at Jet. He was still blushing from having made his admission about Theo. She felt like she still was too. Both their hair was a little ruffled, and so were the sheets where they'd made attempts to get out. Still... it wasn't possible. They didn't even have the ability to kiss, let alone anything else.

"Theo..." Hope told him. "I don't know what you think we did but... we're not even able to get that close." she explained, reaching across to the back of Jet's neck cautiously to show him, about as far as she could reach without stretching. She felt Jet fidget slightly at the gentle touch.

"Don't touch him!" Theo snapped anxiously, like she'd tried to steal a priceless diamond. "You're close enough t-to... to have your hands down each others pants." he accused.

"What?" Jet replied, as he and Hope glanced at each other. He began to raise himself back up to sitting. "No we... we didn't do anything like that..."

"I know you both. I knew I shouldn't have left you alone together and I still... I still..." He didn't seem angry so much as incredibly distressed, putting a hand to his forehead and sliding it up into his hair exasperatedly.

"OK, Theo, your paranoia is kicking in, alright... just try and breathe for a second." Hope suggested as calmly as they could, also rising up to their knees.

"No, nonono..." Theo muttered deliriously. "You don't get to try and control me like that anymore." he snapped, looking over at Hope. "This is all your fault. You... you led my Jet astray and now you're lying to me..." Hope stared at him. There weren't a lot of things that truly annoyed them. But being called a liar? That really got under their skin.

"We're not lying." they said through gritted teeth, at least trying to hold back for self-preservation reasons. "If anything... you're the liar..." They tried to keep their tone as measured as possible, despite how pissed off they were. "Y-you've been talking to me about Jet for weeks, you said you were in love, and now I find out you've been together, what... less than three days?"

Jet looked to Theo too. "I... would like to know about that, Theo." he admitted, not so much looking suspicious as still really confused about it. "Could you please just... explain?" He gave Theo an innocent little smile, but whether it was genuine, feigned or a little of both, Hope was unsure of. "For me?"

That smile seemed to break Theo out of his distress just a little. He closed his eyes for a moment and sighed. "Jet..." he said softly. "I'm not an idiot. I knew they would eventually tell you I've been talking about you for a while." Jet nodded slowly, still looking unsure. Theo opened his deep blue eyes back up and trained them on him. "I just... I thought it'd make it easier."

"Easier to do what?" Jet asked with genuine curiosity.

"To... to tell you." Theo said breathlessly, stepping closer to the bed and pushing Jet's hair back off of his face, turning his chin up towards him. "To tell you that I love you."

Jet's eyes widened. "Th-theo..." he replied, blushing hard. Hope felt disheartened by how pleased he seemed about that. They were never going to get out of here alive. Before Jet could say anything further though, Theo knelt down beside the bed, holding the smaller man's cuffed hand in his, planting a kiss to it and looking at him reverently.

"No but... before you... tell me it's too soon I... I have to explain everything." he told him frantically, taking a deep breath in and out. "I've... been watching you, Jet. For... for a while now." Jet looked slightly more concerned at that, admittedly. "So... so I'm not just making it up, and I don't just... just fall in love with anyone, either. I know all about you, Jet. And I love everything about you."

"You've... been... watching me?" Jet repeated back, as Hope silently willed him to realise how creepy that was. He looked like he at least somewhat did. "I'm... not too sure how I feel about that part..."

"No..." Theo replied. "No, no, it was... I didn't intend to do it, I was just... just curious about you. B-but the more I found out about you, the more there was to like, and... and I ended up falling for you... s-sl hard..." His voice was a frantic ramble. "So hard I wanted to be you sometimes, because I know... I know how perfect you are." Although shaken, Jet still looked a little enraptured with that. "And... and you'll love me!" he insists. "I know you might not just yet but you'll love me because I'm... I'm doing everything to be as perfect as you."

"You can't just... cheat your way to a loving relationship." Hope couldn't help but interject quietly. "That's... not how it works, Theo."

"Haven't you done enough, Ebony?" Theo snapped, glaring over at them. "Can't you just let us be happy?"

"Theo... I... I go by Hope now." Hope told him quietly. "You know that."

"Right, right. You're that desperate to run away from the past." Theo assesses. "To run away from all the times you fucked up. To run away from me."

From Hope's perspective, it was almost laughable how much importance he placed upon himself in their life. "Jesus fucking Christ, Theo, it literally has nothing to do with you!" they insisted.

"Woah... uh... if that's their dead name then that's not cool, Theo." Jet pointed out in a gently warning tone.

"Oh... uh, it's... it's not like that Jet." Hope explained, genuinely worried for him if he defended them. "Don't... don't worry."

Hope didn't consider themself to have a deadname. But their full name was indeed Ebony Hope Chambers. For a long time they had used their middle name when first meeting someone if they were worried they were a little sketchy. Back when they were more naive, more trusting, that really wasn't often. But with all the kidnaps and deaths and rebirths they'd been through? It had become more and more frequent, until eventually, they'd got so used to it, it had just stuck. The sad truth was, they actually loved their first name.

It was cute, dark, at least somewhat androgynous; the same kind of way they'd like to be viewed. It was what they remembered being called as a kid, when they felt like they were worth something because even if they seemed to have no friends, at least they were insanely smart. What they remembered being called as a teenager when they'd finally gone from doing what they were good at to what they were passionate about; designing, singing, falling in love. Even getting a few friends who seemed to understand them. Though the situation with Theo was a bit of a knock to that.

Ebony was weird, dramatic, clingy, sarcastic, shy. They weren't for everyone. But they were also unique, passionate, romantic, funny, considerate. That person hadn't gone anywhere. But around the same time they'd had to stop trusting people enough to give their first name, they'd also become tougher. They'd become used to torture and pain and blood and death. They'd become more anxious than ever, barely speaking a lot of the time, and simultaneously they'd learnt to fight back. To offer their body as a bargaining chip, wishing it would somehow lead to true affection. To kill.

So yeah. She'd love to be Ebony again. But Ebony was who she was before she'd got stuck in this cycle of death and rebirth. If anything, Hope was thier "dead"name. At least until they could get back to living a normal life, that was who they were now.

"See, Jet." Theo agreed. "I'd never do something like that. Unlike some people, I have more respect than that." he said with a subtle glare towards Hope.

"What's that supposed to mean?" they ask. It may not trigger their temper the way being called a liar does, but it's still pretty hurtful. Theo let go of Jet's hand and walked around the bed to them.

"First," he says in an accusatory manner. "You misspell Jet's name on the damn coffee cup-"

"Which you yelled in my face for until I changed it." she pointed out. "My manager has only seen us interact twice and she wants me to get a restraining order against you, by the way."

"Wait... that's what happened?" Jet asked, looking between the two of them.

"-then you somehow manage to start texting my boy." Theo continued, so focused on Hope he barely noticed Jet's question. He points towards their phones that he'd confiscated on the other side of the room.

"I... texted them too." Jet interjects. "Look... Theo... just because I have friends, it... doesn't mean I like you any less!"

"-Finally, you come to my apartment out of nowhere and you touch my boy." he finished insistently, his voice growing louder and louder as he came up into their face. "So if anyone is weird and creepy and obsessive, it's you!"

"Theo... I... I never called you..." they tried to argue, but their voice was wavering a little. Being yelled at like that always made them feel like a scared little kid again. On top of that, everything he was saying was sinking in. They had a horrible cold feeling seeping into the centre of their chest. What if he was... right? What if they were the problem? They closed their eyes. "M-maybe... you're right... I'm sorry."

"Hope..." Jet said softly, sounding upset for them, but it wasn't enough to pull them out of the spiral.

"Sorry... about everything?" Theo asked slowly. They opened their eyes back up and looked at him, trying to ascertain why he was asking. "So you did touch?"

"Definitely not in the way you think, Theo." Jet insisted.

"But... if you want to be literal, then, yeah." Hope admitted with a sigh at his persistence. "It was... all my fault though."

"It wasn't, Hope..." Jet replied. "I was the one who-"

"Jet." Hope said, not wanting him to put himself at risk. At least if they became the target of Theo's rage they might survive it. "If I hadn't tried to get you to escape, none of this would have happened."

"Now it's all coming out..." Theo muttered under his breath. "What, you thought you were gonna run away together, that it?" he asked a little bitterly. This felt like a losing battle now. Hope was starting to lose all motivation to fight him. "I don't blame you for wanting to..." he said softly, closing his eyes, though it was unclear if he meant Jet, Hope, or both.

"Theo..." Jet started. "I don't know what you want me to say..." He looked to Hope. "They seemed really scared of you and I... I just... wanted to help." It tugged at their heartstrings severely. From the look on Theo's face though, it was having a very similar effect on him. He started to back away from Hope.

"You have such a soft heart." he told Jet, going back over to sit in front of him. He reached out for the hand of Jet's that wasn't cuffed, holding it in both of his. "Jet..." he said softly. His demeanour changed so easily around Jet. He became so gentle. Hope remembered thinking that was who Theo was. But she guessed the softness was just... trained in her direction back then. "Whatever happened... I believe in what we have." he said, searching Jet's face carefully before continuing. "So... if you wanna tell me, really wanna tell me that you don't like me anymore after all this then... then you can go. I'll let you both out of the cuffs." He looked down at Jet with melancholy eyes. "But if you stay with me... I'll let them out." he said to Jet. "And you and me... we can have a life together. Forever." He glanced over at Hope pointedly. "Can you offer him that?"

Hope fixed him with a distrustful stare, both confused at the idea Theo might let them both go, and confused by him even asking them that. "No." they replied. "Of course I can't, I... I'm not trying to..." they looked to Jet. "But..." If there was even a slight chance Theo's offer was genuine, they had to take it. "..but I do care about you, Jet and... you don't even have to stop seeing Theo, if you just let me get you somewhere safe..."

"Give it up, Ebony." Theo snapped at them impatiently. "You've just proved you don't get it."

"...You promise you'll let them out?" Jet asked Theo.

"Of course." Theo replied sweetly, his blue eyes trained on Jet's grey ones. Jet looked back to Hope.

"Jet, no..." they pleaded.

"Yeah." Jet said, giving them a determined smile. Then he looked up at Theo. "I'll stay with you." he agreed softly. Hope couldn't figure out if he was doing it for their benefit or if he really wanted to, but either way they begun to shake their head softly, convinced he was making a huge mistake. Theo smiled widely, leaning in and kissing Jet hard. When they pulled apart, Jet was blushing a little and smiling too. They guessed at least there was something genuine between them. Maybe Jet would be OK.

"Y-you... can't talk to each other again." Theo insisted. He went over to get both of their phones. Hope watched him unlock both, exchanging glances with Jet. They didn't know about him, but they'd certainly never told Theo their pin. He pushed a few buttons, presumably deleting each other's numbers and messages. He went over and handed Jet his. "From now on, you tell me who you talk to." he said firmly.

"...O...K..." Jet replied with a little unease in his tone. Theo walked around to Hope. However, as soon as he saw their face he hesitated. They looked at him silently, scared to do anything that would further antagonise him. But he started shaking his head angrily. He dropped their phone on the floor, and smashed it with the heel of his boot. Hope drew a sharp but quiet intake of breath.

"...the hell, Theo...?" they asked exhaustedly, not even able to bring themselves to yell at him. Forget numbers, they might not be able to afford a new phone for months now. Even Jet looked like he didn't know what to say. But as promised, Theo pulled at the key for Hope's cuffs from his wrist, leaning close to them with a glare but unlocking them.

"Why is it I never feel even with you?" he asked them, looking down at the key. He walked over to the doctor's bag and dropped it in, looking inside, his eyes flicking over the contents.

"Maybe because I never did anything for you to feel even about." they pointed out, shaking their head. "Theo I liked you. And I liked Sandy. She just asked me first."

"How is that fair?" he asked. "I... I loved you more than she did! How is it fair?"

"It's not!" they tried to sympathise, getting up and cautiously stepping closer with their hands raised, trying to get him to look at her so she could calm him down like she used to. "You know, you always used to say we were... so alike." they reminded him, feeling a weird sense of... nostalgia, almost. "That's how I know that... that sometimes when we're too shy to tell people how we feel... things that could've been good do just... just slip by you, y'know?" They'd had more than their fair share of things like that. "I'm sorry Theo, but that's... that's just what happens."

"You don't know how much it hurt!" Theo snapped back, hand clutching to his stomach, looking nauseated. "It felt like... felt like..." he started to hyperventilate slightly, staring at them with panic in his eyes like he was cornered, then pulled something from the bag. Sharp. Shiny. A scalpel. He pointed it at Hope, shaking, while they immediately recoiled.

"Woah, Theo, c'mon, you said you'd let 'em go!" Jet interjected abruptly, raising up yo his knees and pulling against his cuff.

"I did, Jet!" Theo insists with an earnesty that was actually pretty scary. They grabbed Hope's freed wrist hard and they yelped. Even after all these years it was a shock to the system because he used to be so... gentle. "I did let them go. But I... but I don't..."

"Theo, please... you don't want to..." Hope began, then realised he probably did want to right now. "You don't want to do anything that would... would make Jet think less of you." they attempted to bargain.

"He wouldn't!" he hissed quickly, making it clear they'd picked a poor choice of words. "He won't!" He grabbed their wrist tighter then pulled them right to him, holding them close with his arm across their chest, his front to their back. He teases the blade down their throat, hooking it into the zip pull of their leather jacket and dragging it downward to expose the cropped shirt they were wearing underneath. They usually wore them for work because it looked cute with the apron. But right now their midriff was completely exposed. He scraped the tip of the scalpel over the gem of their belly button piercing, probably because he knew it would set their teeth on fucking edge in a way trailing across their skin never could. Bastard.

"Theo!" Jet pleaded desperately, tugging on his cuff. Even he wasn't getting through to him anymore, though. Theo's arm brushed their stomach as he reached across, right before he plunged the scalpel incredibly deep inside of them, forcing a loud shriek of pain from them. Jet looked on, horrified, looking rather nauseous, perhaps even woozy. They didn't know how this would all happen. If this counted as a loop, it'd likely all be rewritten. But either way... they had to at least try to assuage his guilt.

"Jet... listen to me. I know it's not going to look like it, but I will be OK." they assured him frantically. "Keep yourself..." they began, then screamed as Theo sliced hard across their abdomen in a way that burned white-hot across their entire core. "...safe." they finished in a gasp. The last thing they truly saw of Jet were his eyes looking completely terrified... before they fluttered back into his head and he collapsed backwards onto the bed.

They were worried about what was going to happen to him now, but they honestly didn't blame him. They could feel their blood beginning to gush violently out of the wound and flood onto the floor, but Theo had cut deep, so that wasn't the end of it. They could see their own organs falling from their body, their guts spilling out everywhere. Theo was still clutching hard at their chest, the only thing keeping them upright as their body grew weak and dizzy in his arms. He squeezed their body hard, mouth right beside her ear. "You know why you don't get it, Ebony?" he taunted quietly. "Because no-one will ever love you like I did." He was breathing hot and angry against her neck. "No one will ever love you."

They knew on some level, he was probably right. Maybe that was why their only reply was choked sobbing, or maybe that was the only sound they could come out with the way the life was draining from their body. Either way, his words were the last thing she heard before she faded from consciousness. In that world, anyway.

No sound... no edge... no shore...

There they were there again, back to the same place they always went when they died.

Normally they'd focus on the white light all around them, the same light that would hold her, take her, draw her back to reality, to the beginning of the loop. Wherever the beginning of this loop even was. But right now, for the first time, they decided they wanted to cling on a little longer, eyes focused on the water lapping softly at their calves.

Beautiful deep grey.

She really hoped Jet would be OK.

End note: OK HERE'S WHAT HAPPENED. This fic is the culmination of like 3 different jokes: 1. My OC absolutely must give Jet a bath, 2. Theo seems to have a thing for tiny goths, and 3. Jet and Hope would be amazing besties but they'd most likely end up with their hands down each others pants(hence instantly thinking of them when this prompt came up). OK I don't think I shared that one with anyone but c'mon.

What I didn't expect was that just starting to write this one (1) interaction between them would lead me to kinda fully ship them. Like, a lot. 🫣

I'm sure I will not be at all obnoxious or abnormal about this...

[scented-morker]

Speak now

A beeping sound echoes in the small bakery, the scent of freshly baked cookies enveloping you like a warm hug. A bell over the door jingles as someone enters the shop and you all out a “I’m in the back, I’ll be with you shortly” as you maneuver the hot pan out of the way.

You walk to the front of the store, expecting to see one of the sweet old ladies who frequent your business, and it’s a struggle to hide your surprise when you’re met with the handsome face of a man about your age.

“Uh hello,” a smile situates itself on your face as you approach where the man is standing, admiring the pastries through your display case.

“Hello” he stands up straight, his full height making you crane your neck slightly as he smiles back at you.

“Is there anything I can help you with today?”

He explains that he's getting a party together for the HYBE corporation's end of the quarter celebration, and is looking for a caterer for desserts.

"Oh, yeah absolutely, why don't I set you up with a tasting"

You weren't completely sure what they did in that building, other than that it was fancy and they got paid a lot for it. But an event is an event, and you liked catering events.

"Actually I think I'm good, I already know what I want"

A jolt of surprise runs through your body as he says it, confused on how he could already know. You're very certain he's never been in your business before, as you would definitely remember a face like his.

"Alright then, um how big of a headcount are we looking at"

"About 100 workers and their families, just put me down for," he glances back at the pastry cases to read the tags sitting in front of the baked goods, "75 of those tarts, both in raspberry and mint, 50 of those vanilla twist pastries, and 60 of the chocolate cannoli's"

You furiously scribbled down his order as he spoke, internally freaking out at how much time it would take you to bake everything, eventually looking back up when he stopped talking.

"Okay and that is under what name, and for what date?"

"Lee Heeseung, and next Saturday"

You grimaced at the short notice, thankfully Heeseung didn't notice, writing down the last bit of information on the order slip before shooting him a wide grin.

"Alright I will get that all worked out for you, thank you for the order"

He flashed a beautiful smile and you immediately smiled back, trying your best to ignore the way your stomach did flips at the sight.

"While I'm here, can I also just get whatever that chocolate thing is in the display case"

He said it with a slightly embarrassed chuckle, followed quickly by "just don't tell my boss, he'll probably give my nutritionist a heart attack"

You laughed with him, going to get the pastry he ordered, ringing it up and passing it over the counter, quickly snapping your hands back into yourself at the brush of his fingers.

Heeseung doesn't seem to notice as he takes a seat at one of the tables, continuing small talk with you as you replace items in the display case with fresh ones.

When you finished your task he was still eating and nobody else had come into the store, so you start wiping down the tables around him, accepting his offer when he asks you to sit with him.

"So you own this place?"

"Yep! It was my grandmas before the previous owner took over, and they just happened to be retiring when I graduated so it got passed down to me"

"That's impressive, owning your own business this young"

His eyes shined genuinely when he said it and you could tell that he really was impressed.

"Thank you, I'm very proud of it"

He smiles again and somehow you just know that he's a good person. The way he actually cares about the things you talk about, not just pretending to be interested. You could tell he loved seeing other people happy with the look he gave you when you talked, and maybe it was unreasonable, but right then and there a part of you fell for Lee Heeseung.

"You seem quite impressive yourself, working for a big fancy company like HYBE at your age!" You complimented back.

"Oh it's nothing, just a," he paused for just slightly longer than necessary before saying "an internship."

"That's still so cool! What's it like?"

You propped your chin on your hand as you waited for his response, not noticing the way he stared when you did so.

"Uh it's really not as cool as you think," he brushes off the question, "hey, do you want to go for a walk with me?"

The change of topic caught you slightly off guard, but you recovered quickly, checking the time on the clock and realizing it was time to close.

"Yeah that'd be great, just let me close up"

You go through the routine, counting your cash box and storing away pastries, eventually locking the door behind you as you and Heeseung head out into the evening.

"Where do you want to go?" You ask, since he was the one that suggested a walk, and he smiled back at you as soon as the words left your mouth.

"I thought you'd never ask"

He grabs your hand, excitedly pulling you to follow him as he passed through alleys and patches of trees, before eventually stopping, letting out a "ta-da"

You turn in a slow circle, taking in the view, willow trees hanging down around the bank of a river, small flowers covering the base of the trees.

"Oh my-"

You finally turned back to the man next to you, finding his sparkling eyes already on you.

"This is beautiful Heeseung"

His smile is bright enough to light up the slowly darkening night around you as it graces his face, and he pulls you over to sit down under one of the trees.

"Hey Heeseung, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah sure, anything"

"How'd you already know what you wanted to order? I'm sure I've never seen you in my store before, I would remember you"

"Because I'm just so handsome?" He teases, laughing even harder when you reply "yeah, exactly".

"Well Y/N, can I be honest with you?"

"Yeah, of course"

"I've tasted your food before, even before you owned that place"

Your eyes widened at his confession, head cocking to the side as you tried to think of where he could have had your pastries.

"Were you at an even catered?"

He shakes his head dramatically, mumbling something unintelligible.

"What was that?" You lean closer to try and hear what he says and he looks up then, face mere inches from yours as he repeats himself.

"I said 'you give a girl her first kiss and she doesn't even remember you'"

You let out a small gasp as you realize and your face flares up in embarrassment.

Seventh grade, you had your first kiss with a boy who went to the same music classes as you, and you remember embarrassingly bringing him baked goods every class after that. His name was Heeseung, and now that you think carefully you can see the resemblance to the man sitting in front of you now.

"Oh my gosh that's so embarrassing, how'd you know it was me?"

He decides not to tell you he's remembered you since that little peck in middle school and has been begging his boss to order from your bakery so he would have an excuse to see you again.

"You haven't changed much since seventh grade" was his response instead, and you slapped his arm at the comment.

You two spent the next three hours just talking, catching up on each other's lives and reconnecting after your time away.

Before you knew it the sun had completely set and there were no light posts in the area Heeseung had brought you, you now struggled to see the boys pretty smile only a foot in front of you.

"Its getting late, and you probably have work tomorrow, we should probably start heading back."

He checked his phone at your mention, and you pretended not to notice the giant number of notifications while his eyes widened at the time.

"I didn't even realize it had gotten so late, let me take you back"

You're glad he offered, not sure you would be able to make it back to the cafe without his guidance.

The way back seemed much shorter than when you had been pulled down it earlier that day, and you found yourself disappointed that he didn't grab your hand again.

"Well here we are"

He looked around once you made it back to the familiar building, before turning to you.

"Where's your car?"

"Oh, I live pretty close so I just walk, it's easier than trying to find a parking spot in the city traffic anyway"

He nodded his head along with your statement but then shook his head slightly.

"You can't walk home alone at this time of night"

You felt touched by his concern, but fought him on it anyway.

"It's fine Hee, it's only like four blocks away"

"Nope, no way. That's way too far, come on"

He waved his hand towards you and you looked down at it curiously.

"What?"

"I'm walking you home, now come on"

He grabbed your hand again, both of you smiling at how right it felt.

You reached your house in about five minutes, and you tried to hide your disappointment at the prospect of your fun night coming to an end.

"Do you want to come in"

His eyes lit up at the offer but were quickly turned down to look at his feet.

"I'd love to, but I have work early tomorrow"

"Oh, okay"

It was quiet for a few moments before he made eye contact again, taking a step closer to your body and pulling you in his arms in a friendly hug.

"Thank you"

You hugged him back, wrapping your arms around his torso.

"I should be the one thanking you, that spot was beautiful, and I had a really great time. Thank you for taking me with you"

Little did you know that he wasn't thanking you for the few hours you had spent together. But he said "of course" anyway.

"Well goodnight"

"Goodnight"

You went to go inside, sticking your key in the lock before quickly thinking of something.

"Wait!"

Heeseung looked at you quizzically, waiting for you to say whatever it was you had just thought of.

"I need your number," he raised one eyebrow and you quickly added "so you can text me when you get home safe, I would be an awful friend if I let you get kidnapped after you so graciously walked me home"

He laughed at your reasoning, but handed you his phone anyway as you two quickly added each other's contact.

You took a look at his contact, bursting out in laughter at the sight of it.

"Did you really put your name in as 'Heedungie' with a bunch of hearts?"

He looked proud of himself for making you laugh and he nodded his head.

"Yes, yes I did"

"No fair, give me your phone back I want to give you something embarrassing too"

You didn't think he actually would, but his phone was held out to you and you took it, quickly turning around and taking an exaggeratedly cute selfie to set as the contact picture before putting in a nickname for your name, complete with the same aggressive hearts as his.

"There"

He took the phone back and laughed at the improved contact.

"Perfect"

You shared one last smile before you entered your house, Heeseung leaving your porch after seeing you securely in, making sure he walked a block away before calling his driver so you wouldn't see.

Only once he was safe in the confines of the backseat did he look at the notifications on his phone.

23 missed texts from his father and 7 calls from his mother.

He clicked on the notification, skimming his eyes over the texts, rolling his eyes at their content. He didn't even read all the way through before shutting his phone off, throwing it across the seat for the rest of the ride.

You had just stepped out of the shower when you heard your phone ding, and you paused the music to go check the text.

'Just got home, all in one piece and no kidnapping attempts were made on me'

You laughed at his text, shooting back something along the lines of 'I'm glad to hear that' before heading out of your bathroom to get dressed.

Heeseung texted you a few more times after that, and you found yourself giggling at his messages exactly like seventh grade you did. Eventually you said your good nights, after you had scolded him for staying up when he needed to get up in the morning, and you smiled one last time at the obnoxiously cute contact name before floating off to sleep.

You went to work the next day, and the one after that, and there was no real difference in your life except for the constant texting and the extra bounce in your step. Even your regulars commented on how happy you looked.

Heeseung liked to come to the cafe on his lunch break, and you started making an extra lunch in the morning after the first day when he ordered three pieces of cake as his meal.

It was Thursday, and you were currently trying to find someone to help you bake the giant order for the party.

"Come on please, it's huge, and even one person would be a huge help to me"

"Sorry I can't, I'm babysitting for my neighbors the whole week"

You let out a sigh at yet another no, and put your phone back down on the counter.

You were so absorbed in the call that you hadn't heard Heeseung come in, and you almost screamed when you looked up to see him standing in front of you.

"Woah sorry," he was laughing so he obviously wasn't that sorry, "I didn't want to interrupt your call"

"It's okay"

"What do you need help with?"

It took you a moment to realize he meant the phone call and you let out another sigh at your empty search.

"I'm trying to get someone to help me with the order for the party, it's the biggest order I've gotten and it's just me so I can't make it all in one day by myself"

"Oh," he paused "what are you going to do"

"I don't know" you shrugged, "I'll have to start making things tomorrow, everything that would be able to stay overnight so that I don't have to do it all on Saturday, but even with that I don't know if I'll be able to get everything tomorrow done. Maybe I'll put a hiring sign up and hope someone applies by tomorrow"

He tried to stifle his giggles at how dumb of an idea that would be, but you still noticed.

"Heeeeee," you whined, holding the sound out for longer than needed, "stop laughingggg I know it's dumb. I'm trying to avoid a breakdown okay?"

He finally stopped laughing, and his eyes lit up like he just thought of an amazing idea.

"I can help you!!"

You look at him like he's crazy and he shrugs nonchalantly, "What? It's a good idea."

"No Hee, I would never ask you to do that. Besides it's literally for your order, I'm not making you cook for it, especially not on a work day"

"Nope, it's too late. I've made up my mind. I'm helping you"

"No Heeseung, you're not"

"Yes I am. Okay now I'm gonna run away before you can yell at me more. I'll be here tomorrow at- wait, what time do you even open?"

"Nine AM"

"-Then I will be here at nine AM"

"No Heeseung!"

He takes off running and you try to chase him down, both of your laughter ricocheting off the walls. A few people outside stop and watch as you run like children, most of them smiling at the sight.

"Heeseung"

"Nope, not happening"

He runs around you in a circle, quickly running up to the side of your body giving you a peck on the cheek and then taking off back towards the direction of his work.

"See you at nine AM" is the last thing you hear from him, a quiet message because of how far away he was, even though you know he was shouting when he said it.

You shake your head as you watch him turn the corner, turning around to come face to face with one of your regulars.

"So that's why you've been so happy lately?"

You try to think of something to say, some denial of how smitten you were, but all that came out was a giggle, one that solidified your current appearance of a lovesick school girl. You immediately slapped your hand over your mouth, embarrassed at your reaction, but the woman just laughed before heading into the building, you following shortly after to serve her.

And the next day, right at nine AM, the bell above your door rang, and in came the boy that had been the cause of your racing heart all week.

"Here I am"

"You're the worst"

"You say that, but you're smiling"

"Shut up"

He giggled as he followed you to the back of the building, teasing you more about how you were accepting his help anyway.

"I was hoping you wouldn't show up, but I guess since you're here I might as well get the help"

It wasn't true, you were up all night trying to decipher if he was actually going to show up. You even got out your cute apron and put some extra effort into your appearance this morning.

"I would recommend putting this on"

You toss him an apron to protect his clothes, going behind him and tying a nice little bow. He ignored the way his body tingled where your hands brushed it, and your breath hitched when he turned you around to do the same thing.

"This is my job Hee, I could tie it myself"

"I know," was all he said, letting his hands linger on your waist as he turned you back around to face him.

He tucked a few strands of hair behind your ear, his face a little bit too close to yours.

"Whatcha doing?" Your voice came out as a whisper and the way he smiled made your heart beat even faster then it already was, something you didn't think was possible.

"What do you want me to be doing?"

You gave a small laugh, throwing your arms behind his neck and angling your head up to get closer to the tall man above you.

"Does this answer your question?" You asked, referring to your previous actions.

"I think it's a pretty good indication" he spoke through a smile, leaning down to brush his lips against yours softly.

It was barely a kiss, absolutely no pressure from either end, but the butterflies in your stomach absolutely erupted at the contact, and you couldn't even try for an actual kiss because of the huge smiles on your faces.

"Did you feel it?" He whispered, and even without an explanation you knew what he meant.

A giggle left your lips, "yeah I felt it".

A jingle sounded as someone walked in the store and you pulled away from him to go serve the customer.

He was standing against the counter when you walked in, still just basking in the feeling of what had just happened.

"Alright lover boy, time to get to work"

He smiled at the nickname, coming up to you and spinning you around once, before speaking.

"Yes chef"

You laughed at his antics and gave him directions on how to help you start the tart shell.

By noon you were well ahead of schedule, the playlist you had chosen now blaring as you screamed the lyrics together, flour dusted over your faces as you took a break from kneading the dough for the twists.

"Thank you for this"

"Helping you bake?"

"No, everything else too"

He smiled and pulled you back in, this time for a real kiss.

That night you both went home early so that you could get up early for last minute party prep, after a goodnight kiss (or two, or three, or four...) at the your front door.

"Okay I'll see you tomorrow"

"Can't wait"

He hesitated to pull away from you, not quite wanting to leave, but you pushed him lightly.

"One more?"

He puckered up and you laughed giving him one last kiss before running into your house, hearing his whines through the door.

"Okay baby, I'll see you tomorrow"

You almost screamed when the nickname left his lips and you could hear the laugh he let out when he heard your squeal from the other side of your door.

**

"You can go to the back room, there will be another girl in there and a changing station set up, guests are starting to arrive now"

You listened to the other worker speaking, trying not to show how tired you were after finishing all of the baking that morning.

Following her instructions, you headed to the back room to change out of your sweats and into something more presentable for the party. By the time you had exited the back, you could hear the chatter of people and could tell the party was starting.

They started by giving a small speech about how well they had done that quarter, thanking all of the employees for their work and their families for supporting.

Within 30 minutes you were carrying out trays of your pastries, everyone mostly finished with dinner and some random business video was playing in the front of the room.

You walked out to stand along the wall with the other miscellaneous staff people working the event, and watched as they moved on to giving out awards for things like "best costumer service" and "highest sell rate". The entire time you were looking around for Heeseung, trying to spot him over by some lanky guys who looked like interns, but no luck.

"Alright now that all of the awards have been passed out, an important announcement from CEO Lee"

You looked around trying to spot the man in question, eyes eventually landing on an old man, grey hair and a pinstriped suit, as he used a cane to lift himself out of the chair and up to the stage.

You spotted Heeseung then, sitting at the same table the old man had just left, along with an older looking woman you assumed to be CEO Lee's wife, and another male that looked to be a little older than Heeseung.

You thought about trying to get his attention, but the CEO soon started speaking, and your eyes were pulled away from him.

"As I think we all know, I'm not as young as I was when we started this business," there were a few laughs from around the room, and the man waited for them to be done before moving on. "I don’t want you to worry, I’m perfectly healthy, but I, along with my family, have decided that it would be best for me to step down from the company."

Murmurs erupted throughout the room, and it was enough to tell you that the employees had no prior knowledge of this decision. You look over to Heeseung to gage his reaction, but instead of surprise or confusion, his face is laced with something that looks more like... disappointment? You decide it must be the lighting that's obscuring his actual expression, since that wouldn't make much sense.

"I will be retiring within six months, and my son, I know you've all seen him around the company," the female population seems especially excited about these words, a few turning to make faces at each other, you even hear one say 'hot boss' to her friend.

"Heeseung, please come up here"

You can hardly conceal your shock as you see your Heeseung stand up from his seat and go to the front of the room.

You furrow your eyebrows as he stands next to who you now realize must be his father.

"Heeseung will be taking over the company after my leave"

Your eyebrows shoot up as the words register in your mind.

Heeseung is going to be CEO of this giant company within 6 months.

Maybe you should have been mad that he lied to you, that he hid this part of himself from you. He definitely didn't tell you the position of his father, or the fact that he was going to be coming into said position, but you found yourself realizing that you didn’t really care.

'That's one hell of an internship' was the first thing you thought, and you laughed at yourself for it.

When you zoned back in to what was going on, Heeseung was ending what you figured was a short speech about him taking over, and you clapped along with the rest of the crowd.

His eyes met yours and you swore there was relief on it when he saw you let out a "whoo" along with a few others.

Heeseung steps down from the podium, taking a few hands that were held out to him, giving handshakes and responding to comments from men in high up positions.

You were called to the kitchen to pack up the few pastries that weren't needed, and the loud conversing of voices faded with the closing of the door.

You smiled giddily at yourself while transferring tarts to boxes.

'I can't believe I'm dating the new CEO'

Wait-

We're you dating the new CEO? Technically you'd never gone on a date or at least one that you called a date. And he had never asked you to be his significant other. But you kissed? Multiple times.

"What is going on in that pretty brain of yours?"

You almost dropped the tart in your hand you were so surprised by the voice. A quick look reveals the person that had you so zoned out in the first place.

"You were thinking so hard it looked like smoke was about to come out of your ears"

You can't help but laugh at his words, finally continuing your actions of packing up the food and thinking up a lie.

"Just thinking about how my little intern became CEO in a week," worry crossed his face, but it disappeared immediately when you continued, "you must have been an AMAZING intern"

He laughs and moves next to you to help.

"So I might have lied a little bit"

"A little bit?"

You raise your eyebrows at him and he corrects himself with a laugh.

"Okay it was kinda big, but I just didn't want you to treat me different or anything"

He gives you his big doe eyes as you place the last pastry in the box, sealing it up to be taken to your car.

"Hee, you know I'm not mad right?"

"Really?"

"Yeah"

He smiles, and you realize too late why he's coming closer to you, your feet leaving the floor as he spins you around.

"Hee, Hee, stop" you laugh out, and he finally puts you back on the ground.

"Okay, so you don't hate me"

You cup his face, leaning in until your noses are almost touching.

"Correct, I don't hate you"

"Then in that case," he backs up and you pout at the increased distance.

He takes your hands in his, looking at you in a way that has your knees about ready to collapse.

"Would you want to be, my official official, girlfriend?"

You giggle at how he seemed to have the perfect timing, pulling on his hands to finally plant a soft kiss on his lips.

"I would love to"

Part II

[riverthunder]

The Stars in Our Skies

For @thespacecryptid for the @ironstrangehaven Gift Exchange ❤️

Link to AO3 Post: https://archiveofourown.org/works/28625829

Notes:

Alrighty, so first I need to apologize to my giftee, TheSpaceCryptid. I tried to finish your gift early, and I want to say I had it done sometime between the 15th and the 20th? And after a lazy Christmas Day I went into my Google Drive to post this and it was just... gone. I have no idea what happened. So I had to redo the whole thing from scratch. In some ways I like this version a lot more, though- and in others I think the original was a little better? But overall I'm pleased with this.

You had a lot of ideas I absolutely adore- like Asexual Stephen (insert my heart eyes here), and stargazing dates, and these two being professors. Just. Mwah. Beautiful.

Also, I'm tagging this as Teen due to some discussions of sex- nothing graphic, though, obviously- since I headcanon ace Stephen as a sex-repulsed asexual like myself.

I hope you like the fic and your bonus artwork to make up for how late this ended up being! Apologies again!!

The Stars in Our Skies

Tony stared just a little bit as the new astronomy teacher strolled into the break room and began fixing himself a cup of oolong tea. He had a beautiful face, with sharp cheekbones and a well-defined jaw, as well as piercing, beautiful eyes. Tony also had a funny feeling that he’d met the astronomy teacher many times before, but he couldn’t put a finger on where.

He knew Professor Strange had been a surgeon back in the day, and he was sure he’d seen him at some of the galas he’d attended in his youth. But it felt like he’d seen Strange more recently than that.

He was very obviously distracted during his class, and he gave up on whatever physics explanation he’d been trying to give the poor engineering class he was clearly confusing, and told them to just go ahead and work on homework, giving them a bonus extra two days on his latest paper as well to top it off while he sat back down at his desk to think.

At the end of the period, two of his best students came to sit next to him.

“Everything okay, Professor Stark?” Peter asked while Harley gave him a knowing smile.

“Fine, boys, just a little off my rhythm is all,” Tony said, trying to look unconcerned.

“You sure?” Harley asked innocently. “Sure it’s not something else? A certain someone, maybe? Like… I dunno… the hot new astronomy professor?”

Tony had been taking a drink of coffee and choked on it at Harley’s words, which was decidedly not good, since the coffee was still piping hot thanks to his specially designed insulated mug. “I- you- what?” Tony spluttered.

“What?” Harley asked innocently. “He’s kinda like you, Professor. A silver fox. He’s smokin’.”

“Harley!” Peter said indignantly. “You can’t say that about a professor!”

Harley shrugged. “Too bad, it’s true, Pete. ‘Sides, Professor Stark should come to terms with the idea.”

Tony’s eyes narrowed suspiciously at Harley’s tone. “Oh really?” He asked. “Why?”

Harley shrugged innocently. “Because I wrote Professor Strange a note in your handwriting and hid it in his desk drawer asking him to go on a date with you tonight at 8:00.”

Tony stood up so quickly his coffee mug almost spilled all over the papers he’d collected from his first period, but before he could shout at Harley at the top of his lungs, a certain handsome professor was standing in his doorway.

“Oh,” Stephen said, looking from Tony to their students. “I’m sorry, are you busy? I could come back another time.”

He was holding a piece of paper that had obviously been folded a few times in one of his trembling hands.

“No, we were just leaving,” Harley said sweetly.

Peter felt himself blushing for some reason as he passed Professor Stark a quick note of his own. “Um, I just wanted to know if you’d please check my work on these chemistry notes,” he said.

Tony glanced down at them. A new web-fluid design. He nodded to Peter. “Yes. Yes. I’ll look them over and e-mail you with any necessary changes.”

“Thanks!”

Without another word, Peter seized Harley’s upper arm and dashed out of the room, while Harley laughed and tried to protest, clearly thrilled with watching Tony flounder in the presence of his crush. You could hardly blame him. Seeing Tony Stark, Iron Man, who was a professor for fun, flounder, was a rare and almost unheard of sight.

“Hello, Professor Stark,” Strange said politely, and Tony felt his face heating up. “Um- hi- I-”

“I am very sorry,” Stephen said, setting the note in his hand down on Tony’s desk. Tony caught a glimpse of the handwriting- fucking identical to his own. That damn Keener brat. When Tony got his hands on him-

“But I am afraid I must decline your invitation.”

Oh.

Tony hadn’t even known he was asking Stephen on a date a few minutes ago, but somehow Stephen’s words still stung.

“Oh,” he said out loud. “Uh… busy?”

“No,” Stephen replied.

Yeah, that definitely hurt.

“Oh.” Tony glanced at the note and quickly plucked it off the desk. “Okay. That’s fine, I understand. I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable with this.”

“You didn’t,” Stephen told him. “It was actually very flattering. But I don’t think you would like to be in a relationship with me, so I am afraid I must decline.”

Wait, what?

“Uh… sorry, you lost me,” Tony said awkwardly.

Stephen chuckled. “I identify as asexual,” he explained. “Specifically, a sex-repulsed asexual. And from what I know of your past...er, love life, I think it’s better if I decline the invitation altogether. I don’t want to upset you because you want to have sex and I don’t.”

Tony’s eyes widened. “So it is an ace ring!” He said, pointing at the black ring on Stephen’s middle finger on his right hand. “Rhodey called me crazy and said it was a swinger’s ring!”

Stephen blinked in surprise and glanced down at his ring. “Er- yes, it is,” he agreed.

“Cool! Okay.” Tony shot him a smirk. “In that case- are you an ace of spades?”

Stephen looked shocked. “You- you know about the card suits?”

“Sure do,” Tony said proudly.

Stephen narrowed his eyes. “Okay then- who uses the ace of diamonds?”

“Demisexuals and demiromantic asexuals,” Tony said. “Ace of clubs is for graysexual and grayromantic, ace of spades is for aromantic asexuals, and ace of hearts is for romantic asexuals.”

He grinned, and Stephen had to crack a smile. “Very impressive.”

“So, what’s your suit, Doc?” Tony asked, grinning at him, and Stephen had to resist the urge to let that smile widen.

“Ace of hearts. I’m a romantic asexual.”

Tony grinned. “I can work with that.”

Stephen allowed his face to fall into a small frown. “Tony, I-”

“Look, Doc, I don’t need sex to be happy,” Tony said. “I’ve had loads in my day, yeah, but I’m a big boy and frankly, I think it’s about time I had a relationship that wasn’t so focused on it. If you’re good with a romantic relationship, I can be happy with one, too.”

Stephen chuckled despite himself. “Persistent, aren’t you?”

“Very,” Tony said, a bit smugly.

Stephen chuckled. “Very well.” He wrote something on a small scrap of paper and offered it to Tony, taking back the note Harley had written. “You can pick me up there, at 8:00.”

“I’ll be there,” Tony said, snatching the fake letter back. “And I’ll give you something actually written by me then.”

~(*)~

Tony pulled up to the house on Bleecker Street. Huh… looked kinda like a museum, to be honest.

The elegant Professor Strange was already walking to meet the car. “Right on time,” he teased, climbing in. He looked like he was putting on a brave face as he entered, and Tony took note of the way Stephen’s hand reached for the cabinet handle on the inside of the door.

Tony bit his lip. “I just like to be on time to things,” he said casually, placing his right hand on the console if Stephen wanted to hold it too, or instead.

Stephen nodded. “Well, I appreciate it. So, what’s the plan for our date?”

“I think you told Professor Verity that you like ramen from Samurai Noodle, right?”

Stephen smiled. “Yes, that’s right.”

“Great! Then we’re getting take-out,” Tony told him, grinning to himself. “And I have a great idea of where we can eat it.”

“Oh? And where is that, exactly?”

“It’s a secret,” Tony said, smirking. “Are you ready to go?”

Stephen nodded, looking amused as he took Tony’s free hand on the console. “That I am. Let’s go, Professor Stark.”

Tony snorted as he started the car. “Alright.”

He tried to sound cool, but he knew that he had started blushing.

~(*)~

“So what exactly are we doing in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night?” Stephen asked as Tony laid a large blanket out in one of the large fields near the Avengers Compound.

“Why?” Tony asked, smirking at him. “Don’t you trust me?”

Stephen chuckled. “Is that your way of saying you’re secretly an ax murderer about to eviscerate me in the middle of this field, free of any witnesses?”

“Ouch,” Tony complained. “You’re really good at wounding someone’s ego, you know that, Strange?”

“So what’s the real reason we’re out here, then?” Stephen asked, amused.

“Lay down,” Tony ordered, pointing to the blanket. “And look up.”

Stephen did so, and gasped in surprise. “The stars….” He breathed, sounding mesmerized.

“That’s right,” Tony said, smiling at him. “Not to easy to see them in the city. But I figured you’re the Astronomy Professor… maybe you’d like to see them more clearly? Maybe teach me something I don’t know?”

“Lay down,” Stephen ordered quietly. “There… Orion the Hunter. Can you see his belt? The three stars, just here.”

“Oh… right,” Tony said. “Isn’t he that dude everyone says Artemis loved?”

“A common misconception these days,” Stephen murmured. “In many of the myths, Artemis was actually the one to kill him, on purpose, for harassing her friends, the Pleiades, or she would encourage someone else to kill him for her, such as Apollo. He’d summon a giant scorpion to kill Orion, which many believe is Scorpio, as the two constellations aren’t around at the same time. When Scorpio rises, Orion vanishes.”

“Cool,” Tony said softly, staring up at the night sky with Stephen. “What else can you see?”

“Sirius, the Dog Star, Orion’s hunting dog,” Stephen said, pointing to the bright star. You can see the constellation Taurus there. Gemini there. Monoceros is there, very faint. You see? Look closely.”

“Beautiful,” Tony murmured, resting his head on Stephen’s chest as he gazed up at the sky.

Stephen smiled to himself and wrapped an arm around him. “Hmm. Not as beautiful as you,” he murmured in a thoughtful voice, making Tony blush.

~(*)~

“Was that an okay date?” Tony wondered as he drove Stephen back to Bleecker Street.

Stephen smiled at him. “You don’t know?”

“Not really,” Tony admitted. “And I kinda wanna… you know. Do this again.”

Stephen chuckled as they reached the museum door. Wait… how come even the building looked sort of familiar? And the street…?

“Well, in that case… it was a perfect date, Professor Stark.” Stephen leaned over, kissing his lips gently. “And I expect to go on another one with you very soon.”

“Sure,” Tony said, a little breathlessly, his eyes wide as he stared at Stephen. “Whatever you want….”

“Perfect.” Stephen smiled at him, and suddenly something long, red, and fluttering was at his throat, gently tugging him out of the car. “Alright, Levi, alright. I’m coming,” Stephen murmured, reaching out to stroke the red fabric.

Tony stared at it. A sentient cloak….

Wait- was he-?

Stephen was already disappearing inside the door when Tony found his voice, so he couldn’t ask him directly. He sat in the dark of his car, dumbfounded, and feeling his heart pounding. Was that the kiss, his sudden epiphany, or both?

“FRIDAY?”

“Yes, Boss?” Chirped the cool Irish accent.

“Am… am I dating the Sorcerer Supreme?”

Extra Notes:

To clarify the "Stephen is the Sorcerer Supreme but Tony doesn't recognize him but is sure he's met him before" thing- I headcanon that Stephen's magic acts as a sort of "barrier" to his identity- and just protects his identity for him. I got the idea from Cute High Earth Defense Club actually- where the villains and heroes can't really recognize each other as specific students when they meet due to "radio interference" almost- but in my Stephen headcanon, it's more that the magic puts a sort of veil over Stephen, so Tony is sure he's met him before, but he can't put his finger on where until he recognizes Cloakie and goes "oh shit, Stephen's the Sorcerer Supreme I've been battling monsters with???"

[cocomaxley]

Kinky Cards - CGW Edition Part 2 - Rashad x Genevieve

This is a part of a TRR A/U called Cordonians Gone Wild, a collaborative effort by @ao719 @speedyoperarascalparty @leelee10898 and yours truly. Catch up HERE.

Summary: Kinky Cards rides again, this time the CGW squad tries their hand again!

Kinky Cards Part 2 introduction post HERE

Rating: NSFW

Tag List: @hopefulmoonobject @fullbeaumonty @brightpinkpeppercorn @katurrade @krsnlove @alj4890 @zaffrenotes @annekebbphotography @carabeth @moneyfordiamonds @give-me-ernest-sinclaire @3pawandme @indiacater @ooo-barff-ooo @ownworldresident @tornbetween2loves @perfectprofessorherokid @stopforamoment @editboutique @wannabemc2 @enmchoices @lauradowning29 @lodberg @smalltalk88 @gibbles82 @heatherfilliez

Genevieve was standing in her closet deciding on what to wear. Her phone chirped, she picked it up and saw a message from Rashad, I’ll be in back to back meetings all day. See you at dinner. Love you.

She had taken the day off of work and hoped they would be able to eat lunch together. Feeling slightly disappointed, she started responding to the text when she got an idea. “Seems like a good day to use Kinky Card number two…” She said to herself. She stripped off her bra and panties and walked to her dresser, picking out matching black lace bra, thong, garter belt, and thigh highs. She slipped on a pair of black heels and grabbed her tan knee length trench coat from a hanger.

After she threw on the jacket, Genevieve walked the familiar route to Rashad’s study. She knocked on the door and poked her head in. His face immediately broke out into a smile. He pushed the mute button on his desk phone and waved her in. “This is a lovely surprise. What are you up to?” Smiling mischievously, she sauntered over to him and sat on his lap, “Well I had the day off and was hoping we could spend some time together. So, I thought I’d join you for some of your meetings today. Quietly, of course.”

“Sweetheart, you don’t want to listen to these conference calls. I would never subject you to that,” he replied, kissing her cheek. “Rashad, it sounds like we have some follow ups that need to be completed before our next checkpoint call. I’ll have my assistant email the meeting minutes and we can touch base next week.” Genevieve recognized his business partner’s voice on the other end of the line. He unmuted the phone, “Sounds good, William. We’ll talk soon. Bye.” He disconnected the call shortly after.

She leaned down and softly kissed his lips, he immediately deepened it. The laptop on his desk started to ding, indicating another meeting was about to start. “I have about 5 minutes before I need to log onto this video call, Gen. I’m sorry.” With her still in his lap, he took one hand and moved the mouse on his computer. He was about to click the start button on the web conference when she slipped the card out of her pocket and placed it on the desk in front of him. His eyes widened with shock, “Oh sweetie, not today. I’m going to be live with Liam and other nobles.”

“That’s too bad, honey. I don’t think you have much choice.” She stood up and slowly unbuttoned the trench coat. Once he saw what she was wearing underneath, he swallowed hard and couldn't talk. She dropped the jacket on the floor, walked over to him and sat back down on his lap. In a seductive tone, she whispered in his ear, “Now, what was I saying? Oh that's right, your only job is to concentrate, my love. I'll do everything else.” She leaned down and kissed his neck, just below his ear. He closed his eyes completely lost in the feeling of her lips directly on the spot that drove him crazy. His phone and computer both rang and chimed, which fell on deaf ears.

“Shit, Gen. I have to get on this call.” She stood up facing him, bent down and kissed him hard, while palming his already hard cock through his pants. She knelt down between his legs, popped the button and lowered the zipper on his pants. He lifted his hips slightly from the chair allowing her to pull his pants and boxers down. “Don't worry, no one will know that I'm here.”

“This is a horrible idea,” he said making her giggle. He clicked the start button on the video chat link. The screen was full of nobles’ faces in individual boxes. Liam’s face right in the center of the screen. “Ah, Rashad, there you are. I was afraid you weren't going to make it,” Liam said. “I'm sorry, your majesty, I had an unscheduled meeting that required my, um, immediate attention.” Genevieve looked up from between his legs and smiled. She stroked his hard length with her hand before swirling her tongue around his tip. He cursed under his breath as she lowered her head, taking his long length into her mouth. She bobbed her head up and down on his cock, causing him to groan.

Liam started with a summary and agenda for the meeting. One of the topics for discussion was how to increase tourism, which Rashad was leading. He prayed that Liam would pick a different topic to kick off the meeting. Liam cleared his throat and started talking, “Let's start with the animal sanctuary, Lord Beaumont.”

“Oh thank you, Jesus,” Rashad whispered. “What was that, Rashad?” Liam inquired. “Nothing, I'm eager to what hear what Maxwell…” he closed his eyes, unable to complete his sentence as she moved her mouth from his shaft to his sack. Her hand continued to stroke his length, every once in a while increasing speed in her movements, bringing him close to the edge and then stopping.

As Liam continued, he noticed Rashad’s shallow breathing and flushed face. Liam addressed him, “Rashad, are you alright?” Rashad cleared his throat, his voice an octave higher than normal, "I'm fine, Liam. Could you repeat the, uh, the question?" Liam gave a curious look as he stared at the screen. He knew something was off, he just couldn’t pinpoint what it was. “I was saying that-“ Just then Rashad cleared his throat, his hand rubbing over his forehead as he looked down, and Liam quirked a brow. Then, it dawned on him and a smirk played across his lips as he tried stifling a laugh. “I was saying that we’ve got a lot to discuss in this meeting, so it may go longer than normal. Is that going to be an issue?”

“Oh shit that's good...no, I mean no. It won't be a prob-problem," he stammered as his voice cracked. Liam covered his mouth trying his best not to let the laugh that was building in his chest come out. “Good, I’m glad. I really need your input on these matters. So I need your full undivided attention. Now, Maxwell, please go ahead.”

Maxwell eagerly started talking, "Well, I'm very happy to announce that we've finally reached an agreement with our friends in China. Next week, we will be welcoming our brand new baby pandas over at the sanctuary." Liam replied, "That's great news, Maxwell! Are there any events you have planned that the crown can help with?"

Genevieve stopped pleasuring him and made eye contact. She whispered with a smile, “Baby pandas!” Maxwell looked at Rashad’s image on his computer monitor and saw him looking down towards his lap. Maxwell cocked his head at the screen and asked, "Uuuuh, Rashad? Freaking Pandas, bro. Are you even listening?!" Rashad looked up as a bead of sweat dripped down his forehead, "Uh right. Pandas. Awesome. Oh my god!” Genevieve had resumed licking his stiff cock, the sensation taking him by surprise. He managed to finish his thought, “Great job, Maxwell. Ohhh. Really good.” Maxwell stared at the screen confused.

Liam cleared his throat catching Maxwell’s attention. His head snapped back to Liam, "Events! Yes! My wife and I were planning a fundraising gala tomorrow night to help with the cost of the new habitat as well as the actual shipment of the cubs to Cordonia. The queen has graciously allowed us to hold the event in Valtoria so any support from the crown and council would be appreciated." Liam smirked, "I'm sure you'll have Domvallier's support as well, right Rashad?"

Rashad gripped the desk tightly with both hands, "Right. Absolutely. Next topic please." Maxwell chimed in, "Actually, Liam. If I may, I'd like to take this time to mention that the pandas are not only a big deal for the sanctuary, but they may also be able to help with our tourism boost initiative, right, Rashad?"

"Yes, Maxwell. That's correct. Please stop talking to me,” he replied trying his hardest to form coherent sentences. Maxwell’s face fell, looking hurt. Genevieve stopped again and glared at him. Shaking his head, Rashad said, “I'm sorry, Maxwell. I didn't mean that.” That earned a smile from him, “It’s alright, buddy. Don't worry.”

“The next topic I’d like to bring up is increasing tourism. Rashad, you have had some really good ideas about this in the past. So if you wouldn’t mind, can you share with the others and bring them up to speed.” Rashad looked towards the webcam, trying to keep his facial expression even. “Liam, perhaps Mr. Walker would like to go next,” he held his breath to keep from moaning. His right hand moved to the back of her head grasping a fist full of her long black hair. “He...he...fuu…he had an idea about charter fishing trips. Drake, for the love of god, go ahead.”

Drake’s face lit up, “Yeah, so charter fishing is a really great untapped resource. I mean, who doesn't love to fish, right? And did you know that the waters around Cordonia are so much cleaner than surrounding areas? The current seems to pull the polluted water away from our bays. Cleaner water means cleaner fish plus....”

Rashad let out a sigh of relief, enjoying his girlfriend’s mouth wrapped around his cock. All of a sudden, Liam interjected, “Excuse me, Drake. Rashad, you and Drake have both fished in Portavira before. Would you agree that Cordonia’s bays are pretty clean?” Rashad grumbled under his breath, "Yep. Sure are." Drake looked affronted as he replied, "Of course they are clean. I just said they're clean. Whoa...Rashad...buddy, you okay?"

Liam asked a follow up question directed at Rashad, “How much cleaner? Because Portavira is known for their crystal clear waters.” Drake started to respond, but Liam cut him off, “I'd like Rashad’s opinion please, Drake.” He couldn't hide the irritation in his voice, “Liam, I really think I am capable of speaking about the water clarity…” Hoping to divert the attention away from him, Rashad agreed, "Drake is the...he's the expert, Liam. Let him...oh...let him answer. Sweet Jesus."

“Rashad, seriously, you don't look so good. You look like your about to…” Drake stopped talking once he realized what was happening. Rashad tapped Genevieve’s shoulder hoping she'd slow down, but she ignored him and kept bobbing her head up and down. Liam argued, “Well I like having the opinions of people who aren’t experts, to see how well our experts do at passing along their knowledge.”

"They're pretty damn clear, Liam!" Rashad said, pounding his fist on the desk. Liam chuckled, “No need to get hostile, Rashad. Are you sure you’re feeling alright? You seem awfully....tense.” Rashad glared at him but nodded his head, "Mmhmm. I'm fine. Let's just keep this meeting moving. Please."

“Sure thing,” Liam snorted. Pam came into view behind Drake, “What's wrong with Rashad?” Rashad covered his beet red face with his hands. “Oh my God!” Pam gasped, her hand over her mouth. Rashad didn't think he could handle anymore teasing from both his girlfriend and friends. "Hey, I gotta drop off the call, Liam. I'll call you later and catch up...oohhhh.”

Liam looked at Rashad's image on his computer screen and coughed to cover up the laugh that escaped his throat, “Drake, it sounds like you have a good plan in place. Thank you. Rashad, we’re almost done. Just hang on for a little bit longer. Let's talk about your idea. I know how excited you are to present this to the group.”

Rashad tried his best to regain his composure, "Right. Ahem, one thing to consider would be...oh god...the, um, golf course on Cormery Isle. If..." Rashad bit the inside of his cheek and took a deep breath. Genevieve grasped his cock in her hand and pumped him as her tongue continued to stroke and lick his swollen tip. He tried his best to continue, "excuse me...if Lord Neville and his family could talk to the PGA and have an exhibitionnnn. Lord Neville, why don't you continue." He dropped his fist and it fell with a thump on top of the desk. His head fell forward when Genevieve let out a quiet moan which sent a vibration through him.

Liam tried to gather himself as he rubbed his hand over his mouth to hide his laugh. “Actually, Rashad. Since you’ve held these types of exhibitions before in Domvallier and have the experience needed to make it a success, I think that it would be better for you and Neville to do this one together. What do you say?”

"Yes! God, yes! Ooohhh..." He closed his eyes, and his head fell back as he found his release, spilling himself into her mouth. Genevieve swallowed everything and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. She looked up and smiled at him, holding back a giggle as the look on his face went from relaxed to sheer horror. The realization of what just happened dawned on him. He looked at the screen and saw Liam's grin grow bigger and bigger before he burst out laughing. “Hey, Gen! Hope you enjoyed the meeting,” Leo snorted. Genevieve covered her mouth, barely able to contain her laughter.

“Lord Rashad, make sure to get your golf shorts ready for the exhibition. It'll showcase your legs. Well, my Lords and Ladies, that's all I have for today. Let's follow up in a couple of weeks,” Liam said through his laughter before ending the video chat.

Rashad closed his laptop and pulled Genevieve up from underneath the desk. She stood in front of him, his hands gripping her waist. He chuckled as he said, “You enjoyed making me squirm way too much, Gen.” She leaned down and kissed him, “It seemed like you enjoyed yourself.”

He dialed a number on his desk phone and spoke to his assistant, “Please cancel the rest of my meetings for today. I have something urgent that needs to be addressed. It's going to take the rest of the afternoon to resolve it.” He hung up the phone and turned his attention back to her.

He stood up and pushed her back against the desk. He kicked of his shoes, his pants and boxers quickly followed. She removed his tie and unbuttoned his shirt, pushing it off of his shoulders. Then she pulled his undershirt over his head adding it to the pile of clothing on the floor. “Turn around, sweetheart,” he commanded. He pushed the items on his desk out of her way as she turned her body and bent over his desk. She felt his hands caress her ass, before settling between her legs. His fingers stroked her through her lace thong. “You're so wet, Gen,” he said in a low tone before he pulled her thong down her legs. He kissed the backs of her thighs, his hands going back to her throbbing core. His fingers stroked her slit. “Oh, Rashad,” she moaned. His cock hardened and he pumped himself a few times before he teased her wet entrance. “Please, Rashad. I need you,” she whimpered. He thrust into her slowly, enjoying the feeling of her around him. He gripped her hips and set a steady pace plunging into her over and over again. Sensing she was close, he brought his hand around and traced tight circles around her sensitive nub. “Oh god! Don't stop!” She cried out. She quickly came undone as waves of pleasure coursed through her body. Feeling her walls flutter and clench around him, he found his own release spilling inside her. He leaned over her and kissed her shoulders while trying to catch his breath.

Just then, his cell phone rang. He saw Liam's name flash across the screen and groaned, “Dammit, he's calling to give me shit.” He answered the call, “What can I do for you, Liam?” She could hear Liam laughing on the other end. “Do you even realize what you agreed to in that meeting?” Rashad's eyes went wide, “What fresh hell did I sign up for? You know damn well I wasn't paying attention.” This made Liam laugh even harder, “You agreed to help Neville set up a PGA exhibition at Cormery Isle.” Genevieve could no longer hold back and doubled over into a fit of giggles. He quirked his brow at her, “Oh you think this is funny? You have to come with me and play hostess alongside Neville's mother.” She immediately stopped laughing as her mouth fell open, which made Rashad chuckle. By then Liam had lost all control. He was laughing so hard that he dropped his phone and the call disconnected.

He turned to her, “Next time we pick the card together. All of the nobles think I'm either crazy or dying.” She laughed, “Oh I don't know. I like seeing my cool and calm boyfriend lose control.” She ran her hands up his chest, then wrapped her arms around his neck. She pulled him into a heated kiss. “Now I believe you said it would take all afternoon to ‘resolve’ this issue…” She pulled him by the arm towards the sofa.

[little-writings]

hi! i absolutely adore your blog and was hoping if you wouldn't mind writing something with Jumin and MC getting together in high school. i'm sure you'll do a great job and thanks very much! 😊

Awe thank you, I’m so glad to see you like my blog! I only hope I’m able to continue doing that for you in the future!

This accidentally posted before I was finished and I nearly screamed

As for your request, I’d be delighted to do it! Thank you again and have a fantastic day!

———————————————————————————————————–

Jumin had been sitting in class for what felt like hours, having finished whatever work he had long ago, his gaze focused on a book.

Until the phone began to ring.

It hadn’t been much of a distraction at first, the teacher rushing to answer, her voice quiet as she gestured for others to get back to their work.

Yet then she looked to Jumin.

And he couldn’t help but be curious.

“Okay, yes I’ll send him.” 

She lowered it from her ear, a click coming from the phone as it was shifted back into place. 

“Um…Jumin? The principal is asking for you. Go on and take your things with you as the period is about to end.” 

Whispers began to ensue among the class, staring at him confusedly as he sat up, nodding quietly.

“Yes, ma’am.” 

He collected his things promptly and proceeded on his way, his shoes clacking against the tile floor.

Despite his usual calmness, he couldn’t help but feel curious. 

Why had he been called up?

He hadn’t done anything.

Had he? 

He was a stellar student so it wasn’t like he had gotten into trouble.

Right?

His thoughts were interrupted as he opened the office door and was greeted by the secretary, mouthing to him before returning to their call.

“He’s waiting for you in his office.” 

He dipped his head gratefully following on down the corridor, a voice alongside the principal’s on the other side of the door.

The voice was soft and gentle, more than a bit nervous but oddly melodic.

He liked it.

He turned the knob to reveal of course the principal, and someone else.

You.

You were sitting just before the main desk, sitting upright and tensely, your fingers balled into fists on your lap.

You had glanced to him, and your gaze widened like saucers.

Just as he did.

But he couldn’t seem to look away.

He didn’t quite want to.

“Ah, Mr. Han, glad you could join us!” The principal greeted brightly, ushering for Jumin to sit down. “Let me introduce you to our newest student!” 

“Newest student?”

“Yes! MC just transferred here, and I was hoping that our top student might be willing to show them around?” The principal, tapped his fingers against the desk, knowing the inevitable response. “You can be MC’s first friend and help them get settled, here’s a copy of their schedule.” 

He gave it to Jumin, his eyes glancing over it.

“You two have very similar schedules oddly enough, so you’ll have plenty of time to get to know each other. I thought since you both have free periods in about...ten minutes or so you’d be able to just give a regular tour around the campus.” 

“I...suppose.” He folded his lips, shifting his shoulders back. 

“Great! Hop to it then! MC why don’t you drop in at the end of last period and tell me how your first day has been?” 

“Y-Yes sir.” 

You both left without a moment’s notice, the door shutting behind you with a loud click.

“I uh...I guess I should properly introduce myself,” You reached out a hand, mustering a small grin. “I’m MC, nice to meet you.” 

“Jumin Han.” He returned the handshake, a bit sternly, yet he did try to lighten his grip to be polite. “I-um...let’s get started then. Follow me.” 

You nodded, tagging along behind him, staring about in utter surprise at the grandeur of the school around you, the wide towering windows and clean pristine walls decorated with crisp and clear art.

“Wow...” You murmured. “I’ve...I’ve never seen anything like it.” 

“Didn’t you come from a school similar to this?”

“What? Oh goodness no,” You exclaimed. “I could never afford a place like this usually, but my family caught a break, and we managed to get here.”

“Well...” He turned to face you, his words soft. “I hope you like it here.” 

You had brightened at his words, a gentle warmth sparking upon your expression.

“I...I think I will.” 

And soon enough you did.

But even more so, for perhaps the first time, Jumin did as well.

He found himself looking forward to see you as the days went on, simply your smile lighting up his days like he hadn’t known before.

You had always been curious of his life, getting to know him over time.

And you had been perhaps the first to truly want to know.

He had his fair share of others prying into his life, yet he wasn’t a person in their eyes.

He was an obstacle.

To reach his wealth.

But you were so different. 

In the best possible way. 

It was a delight to have in his life.

You were a delight to have in his life.

Yet he couldn’t help but admit the butterflies that would burst in his stomach at the sight of you, his heart painted with such a warmth he though he was held in the sun.

To say the least, he was smitten.

Utterly and absolutely. 

“Jumin!” 

He was thrown from his thoughts as you sat down beside him outside the school, grinning.

“Hey! How are you?” 

His lips tugged upwards at the sight of you. “I’m fine, and you?”

“Pretty good, except for one thing.” 

He furrowed his brow in concern, leaning forward. “What? Did something happen? Who did-”

“Calm down,” You snickered, setting a hand on his arm, squeezing it slightly. “I was just thinking that you’ve never shown me your favorite place here!” 

“My favorite place...?”

“Yeah, I mean you’ve got to have at least one place here you enjoy being. Right...?”

“I...I suppose I do.” 

“Do you think you could show it to me?” You questioned, tipping your head to the side. “Please?” 

He melted.

“Of course.” He sighed, laughing quietly. “Here, follow me.” 

He lead you through the halls, working his way throughout the rooms and finally coming to it, opening the door to reveal it to you.

A garden.

Flowers and trees scattered the land a few simple benches about, Jumin guiding you to one of them.

“This is your favorite place?”

“Not exactly.” He hummed, heat rising to his cheeks. 

“What do you mean?” 

“W-Well uh...t-truthfully my favorite place is...is wherever you are.” 

Your face became redder than a raspberry. 

“W-What?”

“I mean...if we’re going to be honest.” Jumin chuckled, shifting away as he grew more and more flustered. “I-I’m sorry I just...” 

“M-My favorite place is w-wherever you are too.” 

His eyes became larger than saucers, turning to you in surprise. 

“What...?”

“Guilty.” You shrugged, giving a lopsided smile. “I won’t lie.” 

“T-Then um...” He felt a lump emerge in his throat, hardly able to come up with the words. 

“May I kiss you?”

You had never seemed happier.

For without any hesitation you responded.

“Yes.” 

And within that moment the world seemed truly wonderful.

For you were in it.