#we should not be expected to pull all nighters

[yummyrevivalfluid]

A Little Bit Is Never Enough, I Want It All!

Fratboy Ryusui Nanami x GN Reader X Nerd Senku Ishigami

Previous Chapter

Chapter 2: I’m Anxious and Nothing Can Help

Synopsis: Alcohol, weed, and soon-to-be empty promises. What a great way to start your first day in college.

“Why are you even majoring in science?” Ryusui asks in disbelief. He doesn’t understand why you chose something so obscure- a major that doesn’t correlate to the success of your family business. “Why not switch to business like me?” 

“Business majors get clowned on for how easy their major is…” You mutter as you search for a gap in your schedule that aligns with his. “…besides, I’m not a fan of eating crayons.”

“Haven’t even attended my first class and I’m already getting clowned on…” Ryusui mocks being hurt by your joke. He falls dramatically onto your lap, his head resting on your thighs, and snatches his schedule back from you. “…you should try the green crayon, my personal favorite.”

“I can’t tell if you’re joking or not.” You deadpan. Ryusui sends you a crooked smile, leaving his answer as a mystery.

“Sooooo?” Ryusui sings, his fingers playing with yours. You allow yourself to succumb to the calming effect of his touch. You can feel him spreading your fingers apart, rubbing his thumb against your palm, and even toying with the ring on your finger—his mark on you. “Do I get to see you during my day?”

“… Are you willing to get up at 7 am to see me?” you ask shyly. Ryusui lets out a dramatic groan, flailing his arms. He burrows his face further into your lap, his nose digging into your stomach.

“I guess…anything for you.” He mumbles.

“We can also see each other after our last classes in the afternoon, but depending on whatever frat and club activities you've got going on, we would have to schedule those in advance.”

“Ugh!” Ryusui groans. He doesn’t like the idea of seeing you less; he’s not used to it, and he doesn't want to get used to it. “How much money do I have to pay you to switch majors?”

“You can’t change my mind.” Your voice is weak as you say it. The reality of your misaligned schedules dawns on you. If Ryusui stays committed to waking up early, despite the predicted hangovers you expect him to have and the all-nighters he’ll pull due to his poor planning, even then, your time with him will be limited.

“What about the weekends?” Ryusui asks, and he perks up at his idea. His eyes shimmered brightly at you.

“Weekends work.” The words slip out unconfidently. You’re apprehensive about the idea; you don’t want to get your hopes up. It isn’t that you didn’t account for weekends, but you didn’t plan for them. You know Ryusui better than he knows himself, and you know he’ll likely find himself partying on the weekends. And then there’s you, doing the opposite of what Ryusui does.  You’ll likely spend your time studying.

“Are you scared…” He asks in a solemn tone, his usual playful tone is gone.

“Of what?” you ask. You were scared of many things, Ryusui being the root of many. But that was something you could never tell him, you don’t want another weight for him to feel burdened with. You don’t think you’ll ever tell him of the fear of losing him.

You have a vague sense of what he’s asking about, but you’ll never know for sure. He remains silent, and so do you. His gaze is vulnerable; it’s unusual for him. Loud, rambunctious, prideful, and greedy, those were the words you’ll use to describe him. Not vulnerable.

He’s staring at you softly, despite his furrowed brows. You can feel your heart quicken. He’s searching for something in your expression. You don’t know what. You want to escape, but you can’t. He’s still resting on your lap, but you can feel him shifting. The position he puts himself in is awkward; it looks uncomfortable, but even so, it has you leaning back, shifting your weight on your arms. He’s leaning closer to you, and you don’t know how much further you can lean back before you're flat on your back with him hovering over you. You’ve always been close with him, but this felt different. It’s as if he’s trying to tell you something without needing words.

“UGH!” A voice shouts, disgusted. “It’s fucking move in day and y’all already fucking!”

It’s almost comical how you send Ryusui flying off the twin bed and onto the floor.

“NO IT’S NOT LIKE THAT!” You’re frantically waving your hands around. You wanted to make a good impression on your dorm room partner, but your luck is sparse. “He’s just a friend!”

Ryusui doesn’t know what stings more. The sharp sting of the floor pressed against his face, or your choice of words.

Just a friend…

“Coffee?”

At the sound of his voice, you snap your attention towards Ryusui. You’ve been waiting for him for the past few minutes, watching other students walk around campus.  The morning autumn air wasn’t freezing, but it sure wasn’t warm. You watch as he takes the open seat beside you on the bench. He shoves the cup of coffee in your direction, his fingers brushing against yours as you take the cup from his hands.

“Thank you.” The warmth of the cup warms your freezing hands. You take a sip of the drink, and the taste is bitter. With your nerves, you can feel the caffeine further fueling the rapid beating of your heart. You take small sips from it, not having the stomach to drink it all, not when you’re filled with a sick feeling of dread.

“Don’t like it?” he asks, gulping down the last bit of his coffee.

“No, it’s not that…” Your voice is wavering. “It just feels like my heart is going to jump out of my chest.”

“Nervous?” His voice is groggy. You can see him trying to blink away the sleep in his eyes. You nod your head up and down at his question, “I have to get used to seeing less of your greedy face.”

“Don’t get too used to it.” His voice is low and raspy, unhappy at the thought of seeing you less. His shoulder brushes against you, his gaze concentrated on the rising sun. You hear him yawn before he shifts beside you on the bench, resting his forehead on your shoulder.

“Sleepy?” you ask, trying to push down the feeling of guilt that keeps arising. 

“Just need more coffee…” he mumbles. You can feel his fingers finding yours, gently prying the cup from your hands. He pulls away from you, raising the cup to his lips and taking a sip right where your lips were seconds prior.

You watch as he downs the cup of coffee- a small amount escapes from his lips and trails down the side of his mouth. Instinctively, after years of being friends, you reach out with your thumb and wipe away the droplet. An action that never felt intimate until now. His hand grips your wrist, moving your thumb toward his lips. You don’t understand the sensation that runs through you at the feeling of his tongue licking the trace of coffee.

“Down to the very last drop.” He mutters against your fingertips.

“You need more sleep.” You scold him, yanking your hand away from his hold. You turn away in a futile attempt to hide the blush creeping onto your skin.

“Nah! If I sleep, that means less time with you! I won’t have it!” The grogginess in his voice is fading, slowly revealing the obnoxiously loud tone. “How much time until your first class?”

You glance down at your phone.

7:45 am.

“I should be heading out now…it’s like a ten-minute walk.”

“Switch majors! Name your price!” Ryusui tries to persuade you once again- a poor attempt to keep you by his side. Unsurprisingly, you decline his offer once again.

It feels weird to leave him. Even stranger not to have his hand holding yours. But it was something you had to get used to for the next few months until the next semester comes peeking around the corner. Maybe then you’ll be fortunate enough to see Ryusui more.

You’re not even inside the room, and your first class is already a nightmare. Your heart is pounding rapidly as you near the room that you believe is the one you're searching for. It’s hard to tell when there’s a badly formed line surrounding the entrance of the auditorium. You’re trying to find a spot to stand without getting in the way of others.

You feel out of place. Your eyes dart around the hall, and it feels like everyone already knows each other. And for the few that stand alone, it doesn’t look like they are open to talking to others, with earbuds covering their ears and their face burrowed in their phone. Nervously, you glance down at your phone, anxiously waiting for the doors to let you in.

You feel like throwing up.

7:59 AM

The moment the doors open, there's a stampede. You don’t have a choice; you feel yourself shoved against the other students as they rush to the room. Your first class is general chemistry, a course many majors tend to have as a prerequisite, explaining the need for an auditorium-sized classroom. You don’t have time to think when you’re still being pushed forward. You take the first open seat you see.

Not even 15 minutes can pass before you think about Ryusui. If he were here, you would not doubt that he would be pushing his way to be the first to enter the room—the first to claim the seat in the auditorium that he insists is the best. Ryusui was a man with no shame, claiming whatever he wanted. But you weren’t him. With your luck, you got a seat near the back of a ridiculously large auditorium.

The words on the projector are blurry due to the professor's poor choice of font size. Even if you tried to follow along with his lecture, you could barely hear it. You physically cringe when their microphone gives off weird feedback.

The rest of your classes followed the same pattern. It felt as if everyone was pushing and tossing you around. After three back-to-back classes, you finally have a moment of peace—a chance to collect your thoughts. You’re scrolling through the spam of text notifications Ryusui sent you while you were in your classes. Various selfies of him in his classes. The most notable was the most recent one he sent. It’s him posing with a green crayon between his teeth, captioned:

              ‘Got invited to a party tonight? You in?’

It’s okay to say no—you remind yourself. Ryusui wouldn’t pressure you into doing anything you didn’t want to, but a pessimistic thought lingers.

What if this was the start of your friendship drifting apart?

Your mind won’t stop thinking you'll lose him. What if this is the last chance to hold onto him? The last time you’ll be at his side? You text back.

              ‘Sure’

If there was an opportunity to have his hand in yours for a while longer, even for a day more, you were going to take it. Maybe you just needed to put yourself out there more. Perhaps you’ll surprise yourself and end up being a partygoer….

Or maybe not….-You think to yourself.

You don’t know how you got separated from Ryusui. One second, you were entering the party with Ryusui’s hand in yours, and the next, you’re in a corner by yourself with a cat on your lap. You don’t even know where the cat came from- maybe it sensed your distress.  

I look like a loser-You think to yourself.

The house is packed with bodies pressing against each other - surely there must be some maximum capacity, not that you knew what it was, but you were sure the limit had been passed. The music is turned up so loud that you have a feeling that you are going to leave with some form of tinnitus. It didn’t help that the music was like a domino effect for even more noise. Blasting loudly, causing others to shout to each other to carry on their conversation.

Slowly but surely, everything begins to overstimulate you—the blaring music. The smell of alcohol mixed with what you assume is weed and cotton candy flavor vape overwhelms your nose. Your insecure thoughts are plaguing your mind…

You glance down at your phone, hoping that Ryusui has finally had a chance to check his phone and see the messages you sent him nearly twenty minutes ago.

              Ryusui, I lost you! - 12:08 a.m.

              Where are you?- 12:43 a.m

              I think I’m going to head out- 12:58 am.

You stand up from your small corner, apologizing profusely to the cat that is now glaring at you. You push past the crowd, being pushed or knocked over by others, just like you were hours earlier. You frantically look around for Ryusui, coughing when a puff of smoke blows into your face.

It’s a miracle that, despite the noise, you can hear a chorus of Chug! Chug! Chug! Chug! It’s light, yet it catches your attention. You walk to the front yard toward the chants and see a crowd gathering around someone. There’s no doubt in your mind that it’s Ryusui — he always has a knack for grabbing attention.

From what little you can see from the back of the crowd, you notice him in the center, surrounded by strangers holding onto his arms, and another person pouring an alarmingly large amount of alcohol down a tube that goes straight to Ryusui’s mouth. More alcohol is pouring down the side of his mouth than into it.

“I want more!” Ryusui shouts as the last drop of alcohol touches his tongue. He removes his alcohol-soaked shirt and throws it into the crowd, shouting, “Give me more!”

His shouts are met with even louder chanting from the crowd: 'Give him more!' Give him more! Give him more!

You see glimpses of his face, but there was no denying it- Ryusui was thriving.

The walk back to your dorm is depressing. You try to console yourself, rubbing the ring on your finger as you try to stop the negative thoughts from consuming you, but you can’t. It’s acting as a cruel reminder of a promise that isn’t being kept.

You know that Ryusui would never entirely leave you, not when your families are business partners, but you were losing the Ryusui that you grew up with. It was clear to you, even if it isn’t for him, that you’ve outgrown each other. You may stay as friends, but nothing would be the same. He’s found his crowd that fits the new him better than you could.

I would only hold him back…

You didn’t realize you were crying until a voice behind you startled you.

“Are you okay?” His voice is raspy, matching the tired look on his face. There's a frown on his lips, but you can see the concern in his eyes, that flicker from you to the sidewalk. He walks toward you as if you were an unstable bomb, ready to detonate on him if he makes a wrong move.

You pull away from his gaze and wipe the tears from your eyes. Your throat feels raw from the tears you didn’t realize you were holding back but couldn’t stop. “I’m fine…”

“Nobody cries because they're fine.” He digs into the plastic bag that he’s holding in his hand. He rummages through cans of energy drinks to pull out the singular bottle of water he purchased at the gas station. He hands you the water and asks, “You’re heading back to the dorms, right?”  

“Why do you ask?” you ask, suspicious of his intentions. He looks at you with an unimpressed look, almost as if he is offended by the implications of your question.

“That’s where I’m heading. Figured you wouldn’t want to walk alone.” He turns his back towards you, waits for a second, almost as if he's waiting for you to make up your mind. You take a step beside him, and he takes it as a sign to start walking again. There’s a moment of silence as you walk beside him, until he speaks again. “What is it that you’re missing?”

The question catches you off guard, leaving you unsure where it came from or how to respond. You look at him with a puzzled expression, which he responds to with a deep sigh.

“Just speculation, but I’m guessing this is your first year in college?”

“Yeah…”

“College life can be an adjustment for people," he explains as he looks up to the sky. “Some miss their home, miss their family and friends, miss the normalcy of their lives, and others just feel a piece of themselves missing. Lost and wandering in space. Which is it?”

Your mind goes back to Ryusui. You didn’t think it was possible to miss someone who is still close to you- someone walking the same campus as you, but it is. You miss the normalcy of the life you had with him, but now that you’re alone, walking with a stranger, you feel like maybe you are missing a piece of yourself. But you weren’t going to trauma dump to someone you don’t even know.

“I don’t know.” You lie, rubbing at the ring on your finger. He looks at you as if trying to dissect you, but doesn’t say what first came to his mind.

“Well, figure it out. The sooner you do, the better you’ll succeed.”

Before you can continue the conversation, you notice that you’ve reached the dorm buildings. You stop, and he notices, he looks at the building you’re looking at, and lets out a drawn-out whistle. The building your dorm was located in was the most expensive and luxurious, with rumors suggesting that the dorm fees you pay are more than the tuition itself.

“Treasure Dorms…you got money.” He comments. “I should’ve charged you for the water.” He jokes, but notices you reaching for your wallet. He waves off the cash you try to hand him and turns his back to you to continue his walk back to his dorm.

“I won’t charge you this time, but if I see you walking alone in the middle of the night again, I will.”

“Thank you-?” you draw out the last syllable in the word, hoping the stranger would get the hint to tell you his name.

“Senku.”

“Thank you, Senku.”

TAGS: @rebeccawinters @rhemiar @anajellyc @rinchanisasimp

A/n: I was initially going to have this chapter as the titrations chapter, but I started to build up more of the angst and felt like the titrations scene needed its own chapter...

Next Chapter (WIP): The Perfect Titration with a 1B% Error

Sneak Peek: Senku and you cross paths again, but under different circumstances. Your luck is just as bad as Senku's when your lab group ends up having to redo the lab five times, and one of them started a small fire that nobody but Senku noticed.

[moon-fics]

Some Nights

Pairing: Bob Reynolds x Reader

Summary: During the day, the tower is filled with laughter and banter. It's a warm feeling. Until night comes and the silence is too much.

Warnings: none

A/N: This came to me during a class lecture. I physically cannot make myself write angst for him. I've tried and I just can't.

There's never a quiet moment during the day. Everyone has gotten close enough to talk regularly. There are conversations started on complete nonsense, and then there are ones about past traumas. Over time, it became natural to hear laughter or yelling every once in a while.

There'd be banging of pots and pans while Walker tried cooking. Alexei would be trying to start a dance party while everyone rolled their eyes. There were too many examples, and yet you treasured them all. It was a family you never thought you could have.

It's almost perfect. Until the night comes crawling, and suddenly the tower is dead silent. Everyone is asleep way before you. It's impossible to sleep when you're now being watched by media outlets and citizens. It's nerve-wracking to not know whether they'll accept you as Earth's heroes.

Sometimes it's unbearable to be left alone with your thoughts. However, you eventually find a solution.

-

One night, you're sneaking out of your room for some food. It's nearly 4am, and you know you should be sleeping. You convince yourself that one snack will be enough and then you can go back to bed.

You slowly open your door, and you almost expect a comically loud creak. Instead, you're met with Bob standing outside the door. His hands are playing with the hem of his shirt, and he looks like he's about to say something.

"I wasn't trying to be weird. I just saw the light under your door," He says while nodding. He has that goofy, closed smile on his lips as if that explains everything. The way your heart skips a beat is almost enough of an answer. "I was trying to gather the courage to knock."

"So, you just stood outside my door in hopes I wouldn't open it?" You ask. You raise an eyebrow at him and wonder how long he's been standing here. You didn't even hear him approach your door.

"Well, no," He starts, but cuts himself off. "Yeah. Yeah, I was just standing here." He admits with a nervous chuckle.

"Do you need something, or were you just paying a late-night visit?" You ask in hopes he'll give a better explanation. Bob isn't the best at giving details or talking about how he's feeling. It's why you often have to ask multiple questions to form a full story.

"Oh, right! I was going to ask if you wanted to hang out!" He perks up.

"It's like 4 in the morning, Bob." You say with confusion. Why was he asking to hang out this late? There's nothing they could do besides sit in her room. "You should be in bed."

You don't mean to sound harsh. You'd honestly love to spend time with him, but it's at an ungodly hour. You aren't sure if pulling an all-nighter is smart. However, you see the way his eyes soften and the corner of his lips dip down for just a second. Your snack will have to wait because he's in no state to be alone.

"Get in here," You sigh. You grab his arm and practically drag him into your room. There's not much to look at, but he still examines it as if there is. "I found an old projector that we can watch a movie on."

You were planning on watching romcoms on it, but maybe it'll have a better use with him. You carefully aim the lens at your ceiling in the center of your bed. It gives a large projection of whatever it's hooked up to. Luckily for you, you know how to get free movies and shows on your laptop.

That's how you two spend the night. Watching movies that he's never seen or comfort movies you enjoy. It becomes a regular thing, and after a few nights, you two end up falling asleep tangled in each other. It was an accident at first. You woke up with his arms around you and didn't have the heart or willpower to pull away. Eventually, you two just accepted that it was inevitable.

You have to admit, you enjoyed feeling his breathing and hearing his body. His skin was soft and lacked the scars most of the others had. It was refreshing to hold someone and understand them completely.

-

It's the second time you've chosen to watch your favorite movie. It brings a deep comfort inside you that you cannot explain. Watching it next to Bob is even better.

You're both lying on your backs while staring at the projected movie on the ceiling. There's a calm silence between you two that creates a tension that you cannot deny. Every once in a while, you'll glance over at him. His eyes are lit up by the movie, and it makes your heart swell.

At some point, he catches you staring and immediately assumes something is on his face. After clarifying that there isn't he asks why you're staring.

"I don't know. You just look happy," You explain. It's the truth, he's been looking happier. Ever since you've invited him to stay the night and relax with you, he's been brighter. The nights are no longer as hard. "I like seeing you like that."

"You make me happy." He blurts out. It's sudden, and his eyes widen. He sits up and turns from you as if he's just spilled a dirty secret. You're frozen in place, wondering what that truly meant.

"Hey, don't shy away from me." You sit up and turn to him. You can't help but let out a laugh at how he's practically shunned himself. You place your hand on his shoulder and pull him towards you. "Come on." You coo.

When he finally faces you, he's beet red. You have another round of laughter before composing yourself. Your eyes land on him, and he's frowning. He looks humiliated, and it crushes you.

"You don't need to laugh. It was stupid of me to say," He mumbles while unable to hold eye contact. His words make your skin crawl at the idea of hurting him. He thinks you're rejecting him or mocking him at least.

"No, no, I'm glad you said it." You grab his chin to force him to look at you. "You make me happy, too." You keep your voice down. It feels more intimate to say in softly than to rush it out.

His eyes brighten once again. There's uncertainty within him because for all he knows, this could mean two different things.

"Yeah, but, uhm, I feel a 'I want to kiss you' happy," He stumbles over his words while trying to explain himself. "N-not like a 'I enjoy your friendship' happy." He speaks quickly as if he's running out of time. Your hand moves from his chin to cup his cheek.

"So, kiss me," You suggest. You try to play it cool, but deep down your heart is pounding. You want more than anything for him to actually kiss you, but when he pulls away an inch, that hope flies away. "Or not. I mean, it's whatever you're comfortable with-"

You're cut off by the harsh crash of his lips against yours. It's sloppy at first, and it feels like kissing for the first time. After a few seconds, it slows down and softens. It becomes natural, and you don't want to pull away. His hands wrap around the top of your neck and reach your jaw. His fingers curl around the base of your hair as he pulls you in closer.

His lips are chapped, but they aren't rough. You can sense his need to be closer, and it's intoxicating.

He's the first to end the kiss to get air. His hands never leave their place.

"Like that?" He asks nervously. His puppy eyes are too much to bear. He's so anxious about doing it right that it only makes the moment more special.

"That was perfect." You assure him. Right after you pull him back into another kiss.

[scorpioriesling]

I need more smut with Ridoc Gamlyn or Brennan please I pulled an all nighter reading those-☹️

All The Wrong Right Places

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

Pairing(s): Ridoc x reader / Brennan x reader

Warning(s): 18+, mdni, smut, angst

Summary: You realize the very reason you might not be getting over one person is because you hadn't yet gotten under the right one.

SR’s Note: Okay this was much angstier than expected, however I am happy with how it turned out. I have also been waiting to use this song for a fic, and by the end of this one it only felt perfect for it, right?

Tags: @mellowmusings @rcarbo1 @lilah-asteria @kitsunetori @velarisdusk @nctsawrus @freakishfandomfiend @lreadsstuff @desprrssooo-espresssooooo (inbox me or comment if you'd like to be added!)

･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* ✧･ﾟ: *

Your mind swam as your back hit the bed, Ridoc's familiar form sauntering toward you. The amount of alcohol you'd consumed is surely where you went wrong, as your usually sharp inhibitions were thrown right out the window this evening.

"C'mon, pull up that little dress -- just like we used to."

Your lip pulled between your teeth, and you reached for the hem of your sundress. The feeling was so familiar, yet so distant at the same time.

As you pulled the thin fabric up around your waist, Ridoc's fingertips brushed over your thighs, tracing up to the tops and squeezing. A rush of air whooshed out of you, and he smirked.

"Good girl."

Your thighs clenched, and he noticed. Slowly, ever so slowly -- he unzipped his jeans, slowly reaching inside in favor of pulling his erection free. Your mouth dried at the sight; it'd been so long since you'd seen him, felt him, and now as he stood before you...

"Spread those knees."

You did as you were told, parting your legs. He pushed them apart wider, moving to stand between them. You gazed wide-eyed up at him as he aligned his cock with your awaiting core, his half-lidded gaze as drunken as your own.

He pushed in with a languid thrust, shoving all the way to the hilt. You squeaked, and he groaned at the feeling.

"OH my Gods-" You moaned, feeling him as he pulled out and rammed his cock back in. His brows pinched at the feeling, and he began fucking you faster, harder.

"Yes baby, oh my... Gods,"

The pace he set was punishing, bruising -- and with every pump of his cock, a tiny moan would escape your lips. His hips continued to snap against yours, and soon his hands were beneath your thighs, pushing your knees up to your chest.

"Ridoc! Oh fuck-"

His cock reached the deepest parts of you, rubbing on your hypersensitive spot especially. You mewled at the sensation, and Ridoc sighed.

"Yes baby... cum right on my cock, baby."

Your eyes rolled back as your orgasm neared, and Ridoc's thrust began to grow sloppy. He grunted with each thrust, trying to hold onto his restraint. He reached for your breast, squeezing hard through the fabric of your dress.

"Oh Ridoc-"

Your face pinched as the waves of pleasure rolled through you, your walls squeezing Ridoc's length. He gasped at the feeling, his own orgasm washing over him and coating your inner walls. He fell forward, heaving as he braced himself on hands framing your head.

For a moment, the alcohol subsided, and you looked up into his eyes; eyes that once, you could say you loved. But, after everything that happened... you weren't sure if you'd say it again. However, the way he was looking at you, gazing into what felt like your soul...

"We should get dressed."

And just like that, the spell was broken. Just like it had been so many times before.

You nodded silently, a growing lump taking form in your throat. Tears stung the backs of your eyes as he casually rolled off of you, standing once more to re-zip his jeans. You rose slowly, angrily shoving your dress over your thighs once more.

He had the audacity to wink at you before turning to make way for the door.

"I'll catch ya later, peach."

A single tear slipped as he cleared the doorway, closing it softly behind him. You angrily bat it away, hating the effect he still had on you after all these years.

Instead of crying alone in a random room at some rando's party -- you stood, smoothed your dress, and went straight for the door.

✧･ﾟ: *

When you and Ridoc broke things off the first time, it was hard. You really felt that you had love for him, but his constant absence made you feel well... lonely.

The same thing happened the second time around. The sex was great, exactly how you liked, but you still felt his asence, even when he was around.

It was no different the third and final time, when the two of you heartbreakingly cut things off before he left on yet another mission without you.

But somehow... you always crawled back to him.

He was intoxicating, and sure -- you mainly hooked up out of drunken neediness, but this time, something had changed. When he used your old nickname, you didn't feel as lonesome as you had before. He felt truly there, like maybe he'd want another shot at things.

However, that hope was dashed the following weekend.

You'd merely stepped one foot inside the bar when you saw it. Sure enough, Ridoc sat near the DJ at one of the high-top tables, but this time he wasn't alone.

On his lap, a thin, barely-clothed blonde sat -- and her lips were attached to his.

You turned and bolted.

✧･ﾟ: *

You ran all of two blocks before you had to stop. Not because you couldn't continue -- Hell, you were a rider. Of course your endurance was up. You could thank the falling tears and racing heart for the pause in step.

The rain fell, only dampening your hair in its light mist at first. But, as thunder cracked overhead, the tears began to fall harder. Rain dotted the tops of your shoulders in a quicker cadence, some droplets bouncing off and splashing on the cobblestone below. Your throat burned as you held back the sob trying to rip itself free, and you wrapped your arms around your middle to try and ward off the cold.

The part of town was familiar, yet quiet as you continued to walk. To where? You weren't sure. All that mattered was that you ended up far, far away from him.

A mile later, you stopped to take a breather. Your hand splayed flat along the outer brick wall of one of the local businesses, and your breaths came in short pants. Little puffs of steam came out with each exhale, and you could barely open your eyes in the pouring rain.

However, when the front door of the shop opened and your best friend stepped out, your focus zeroed in right on him. His concerned look had your heart squeezing, and you completely lost it when he wrapped his arms around you.

"Come on -- let's get you out of all this."

✧･ﾟ: *

"So let me get this straight. The two of you..." Brennan gestured his hand, trying to piece together your story. You nodded silently, and eh raised his eyebrows.

"Damn... and then you found him at the bar..."

You nodded again, the tears only just drying on your face. You sat before the fireplace in Brennan's room, wrapped in his favorite blanket. He'd been kind enough to lend you a shirt, and you took it eagerly considering you were otherwise soaked.

He sighed, shaking his head slowly. Your heart still remained in pieces, especially as you watched your best friend expressed his pity for you.

"Damn, Y/N.. I-I'm so sorry."

You looked sidelong at his blank expression, and then turned to face him fully.

"You don't sound surprised."

He shrugged, loosing a long breath before his eyes met yours.

"I mean... I'm not," he admits. Your eyes widen in sadness, and he places a gentle hand on your knee.

"No! No not like... that, I just mean I'm not surprised because, well," he fumbles, and your eyes soften. "He's lost you so many times, and he just... he knows he can always get you back, you know? You're so sweet to him, and I mean, I get it, it's just... it sucks you know."

You raise an eyebrow, and he grins sheepishly.

"What sucks?" You ask softly. His eyes focus in on a stray lock of hair, and his fingers move to gently push it behind your ear.

Maybe... all the shattered pieces in your chest aren't so shattered.

"I just mean... there's a lot of other guys out there, ones that would care for you in a different way than he did." He explains, his cheeks reddening. Your brows raise as a short laugh escapes you, and he chuckles along with you.

"Oh yeah? You wanna clue me in on who they may be?" You say, smiling at him. The firelight highlights every strand of red in his hair, and for the first time, you can count every freckle dotting his nose and cheeks.

His smile softens as his eyes search yours.

"Well... I can tell you one," he says softly. You hadn't realized how much you'd leaned in as he spoke; that was until you were practically sharing breaths.

"Might be easier... to just... show you-"

You barely let him finish before you closed the gap between the two of you, lightly pressing your lips to his. He inhaled in surprise, but all you could do was feel every butterfly taking flight in your tummy. His lips were soft, warm -- exactly how he'd always made you felt.

Safe.

Wanted.

Enough.

His hands moved to softly cup your face as his mouth moved, continuing to kiss you. You breathed him in, relishing in the moment, realing in the new.

You adjusted to shed the blanket, moving to sit atop his lap instead. His hands slipped to lay atop your thighs, brushing over the bare skin there. His mouth opened, allowing for you to slide your tongue between his lips. You explored with fervor, tilting your head as you leaned into him. His fingertips pressed against your thighs, climbing up to rest on your waist as you continued to kiss.

"I... Y/N... Gods I've waited so long," Brennan sighs breathlessly. You wind yoru arms around his neck, gazing down half-lidded at his admission. You reposition on his lap, not meaning to but untimately placing your center just atop his length. He hisses, his fingers squeezing your waist in warning.

"I don't want to do something you're not ready for," he says, and your heart swells with emotion.

"I think I've been ready for this for longer than I realized," you whisper, biting on your lower lip. "I... Ridoc, he was..." you pause, feeling embarassed. Brennan brushes a thumb over your cheek, pulling your attention back to him again.

"Y/N, I don't care if he was your first," he kissed your lips. "Your most recent," he kissed you again. "Or the only guy you've ever been with." One more kiss. "I've only ever wanted you; I want this to be perfect with you."

Tears welled in your eyes as you stared wide-eyed at him, and he offered you a small reassuring smile. You knew what you wanted, and needed; and in that moment you were prepared to take it.

He laid back, pulling you atop him as he continued the kiss. You groaned into his mouth when his cock lurched against your core, sending a thrill through you that you hadn't truly felt in a long time.

"Brennan..." You sighed as he pulled away, his hands working to remove his sweats. When all that separated the two of you was mere underwear did he kiss you again, hungrier.

"Gods," he said between kisses. "You're... you're perfect."

You giggled, lifting one knee to shimmy out of your undies. You sat again slowly, the anticipation of your skin on his more than you'd expected.

He sharply inhaled when your core pressed against his hardening erection, and you couldn't help but smile like a cat at the reaction. His hands reached for you again, pulling your lips back to his. One hand reached around you, moving to align his erection with your wet core. You broke the kiss as his tip pushed against your hole, his other hand cupping half of your ass.

You sucked in a breath when he pushed in -- and damn he was big.

"Gods... you feel so good," he groaned, slowly pushing his length up into you. Your eyes closed as your head fell back, relishing in every inch he gave you. When you sat flat on his hips, he used both hands to grip your ass, lifting you off halfway before allowing you to fall back down on it.

"Brennan... yes," you gasped, using your leg muscles to work in moving you up and down on his cock. His breaths came out short as you continued bouncing on him, slowly taking every inch.

Your orgasm was building, and Brennan could feel it; he gently guided you to lie atop him once more, repositioning his feet to plant flat on the floor. When you had also gotten comfortable, he thrust his hips up, driving his length deeper into you than it had gone before.

"Brennan!" You yelped, your mouth falling open as he continued to pound into you. His brows knit in concentration as he continued to drive it home, your impending orgasm nearing its peak.

"Let go for me," he said softly, leaning up to gently kiss your lips. "My sweet little peach."

It wasn't long before you came undone atop him, and him following suit after. The air in the room was thick with the scent of sex, the fire still burning bright on the opposite wall. A small smile spread across your face as you gazed down at him, his hands lightly training up and down your sides. Everything he'd said that evening kept replaying through your mind, the pieces of your heart reconnecting with every phrase he'd uttered.

And by the end of the evening, you'd decided you didn't dislike the old nickname -- you just preferred hearing it from someone else.

✧･ﾟ: *

[scribblesofagoonerr]

fight or flight | chaos fc

summary: the flight back home to london isn't as simple as it should be

pairings: monkey!reader x katie mccabe | monkey!reader x alessia russo | monkey!reader x kim little | monkey!reader x arsenal wfc

chaos fc masterlist

“I swear this is the quietest I’ve ever seen your kid,” Vic Pelova teased, smirking as she watched you plonk yourself onto Katie’s lap in the airport lounge. Katie absentmindedly brushed a strand of hair from your face, settling you more comfortably against her.

“Leave her alone,” Katie grinned, peering down at you affectionately, “She’s just missing her partner in crime, no doubt. And she’s not my kid—she’s Leah’s. I’m just on babysitting duty until we get home. Then she’s Leah’s problem again.”

Teyah snorted, “Taking it pretty hard not having her sidekick for the flight, isn’t she? I bet Leah’s buzzing to have her little menace back.”

“She’ll be alright once we board,” Katie said lightly, though she kept a protective hand on your back, just in case you decided to cause chaos at the last minute—something she wasn’t ruling out, even in your current sulky mood.

Katie wasn’t wrong, though. You were sulking. Missing your best friend hit harder than you expected.

Still, you were excited to see Leah, Buddy, and even Jordan—once you worked up the courage to apologise properly, anyway.

After a fun few days playing against the A-League team in Australia—and winning—the team was finally heading home. Unfortunately, with the international break coming up, your best friend and the other Aussies had to stay back for their camp. Which left you flying solo and feeling a little lost.

The others quickly noticed you weren’t your usual lively self.

“We’re boarding soon, Monkey,” Alessia called from where she was sitting across from you, her voice gentle, “You alright?”

You weren’t much in the mood to talk. Sitting between Katie and Alesia felt safest—they wouldn’t force you to chat.

“Mhm,” You mumbled, burying your face in Katie’s neck, hoodie pulled low over your head.

Your short response only deepened Alessia’s concern. She knew you well enough by now: when you went quiet, it usually meant you were sick, exhausted, or upset.

“You sure you’re feeling okay?” Alessia asked softly.

“M’ fine,” You mumbled again, curling tighter into Katie.

Katie exchanged a look with Alessia, then gently shifted your hood back to check on you, “Yer alright, little lady?” She asked, her voice warm.

“M’ just tired,” You admitted honestly. Your eyes stung with exhaustion—your own fault, staying up half the night scrolling TikTok.

Katie laughed under her breath, “That’s what yer get for pulling an all-nighter on TikTok.”

You lifted your head slightly, frowning, “How’d you know?”

“Well, maybe next time don’t send half of those videos to the group chat at 3AM,” Alessia teased, shaking her head.

“At least you can sleep on the plane, hey?” Katie added, ruffling your hair fondly.

You groaned, realising the evidence of your terrible decisions had caught up with you, “Urgh. I’m not in the mood for one of Malfoy’s lectures when we land.”

Katie choked on a laugh, “Malfoy?!”

“I’ve given my Mum a new nickname,” You mumbled, half-asleep, “Because of her god-awful haircut.”

Alessia bit back a giggle, “Oh, Monkey… she’s definitely going to hear about that.”

“Funny though, innit?” You said, biting back a yawn, “Now can you two be quiet? I wanna sleep.”

“Charming,” Katie said, patting your back, “Let’s just try and stay awake until we board, alright? I’m not getting in the habit of carrying yer everywhere.”

“No promises,” You whispered, already drifting.

You barely noticed the airport buzzing around you, your head tucked against Katie’s shoulder, trying not to nod off. Boarding was soon, but your eyelids were already drooping and your energy had zapped after a long few days.

You might have properly dozed off right there if not for a small cough nearby.

You blinked blearily, lifting your head slightly to find Kim standing awkwardly in front of you, a familiar green-and-yellow Shrek activity pack clutched in her hands.

“Hey, Monkey,” Kim said gently, offering the pack towards you, “Thought you might wanna colour a bit while we wait. Just… something to keep you busy.”

You hesitated, glancing between her and Katie, unsure whether this was some weird trick. You hadn’t exactly been on good terms with Kim lately—not after she shouted at you—but there was something genuine in her awkward smile.

Katie gave you a little nudge, keeping her voice low, “Go on, little lady. Look, it’s Shrek. That’s cool, right?”

Slowly, you reached out and took the colouring pack from Kim’s hands, your fingers brushing the plastic, “T… Thank you,” You whispered without really looking up.

Kim’s face softened as she crouched down briefly to your level, her voice remaining quiet, “I know we’ve not been…. I know I shouted at you, Monkey, and I never should’ve done that. I’m sorry. Do you forgive me?”

You blinked at her, a little too tired to process properly, but the words landed somewhere warm in your chest. You gave a tiny nod.

Kim smiled and straightened back up, ruffling your hair quickly before retreating back to her original seat.

“Look, it’s Shrek!” You murmured half asleep, tugging open the plastic wrapper clumsily.

“Yeah, it is,” Katie chuckled, helping you peel it properly when you got frustrated with the sticky edge, “And look, little lady, there are even stickers in this one as well, and a mask as well,” She noted, pulling everything out and settling them on the chair between you.

You tugged out a page with a huge Shrek on it and slumped even further into Katie’s side, “I need the green,” You declared, waiting for Katie to hand you the green as your little tongue poked out in concentration as you started colouring.

“I’m sure this will help yer stay awake, eh?” Katie teased after a few minutes, handing you the correct colours without even needing to ask.

“Mhm,” You hummed, though your head had already started drooping again.

Katie leaned down to peek at your work—and found the green crayon loose in your hand, your head tipped softly against her arm.

Completely out cold.

“Looks like you’re going to have to carry her onto the plane after all,” Alessia teased, watching the scene fondly, “You’re a softie.”

Katie bit back an amused laugh and gently prised the crayons from your fingers before they had a chance to drop to the floor, “Seems that way now, don’t it?” She mumbled, tucking your hoodie higher around you and letting you curl in properly against her, “Kids’ a little menace, but I’ll do anything for my niece.”

“What are you watching there, Monkey?” Teyah peered over to glance over your shoulder and see you watching a movie on your iPad while still leaning against Katie, “Ooo, Shrek… Again. Good shout that is!”

“She’s watching Shrek again?” Vic laughed, “Honestly, that film’s the only thing that ever shuts her up.”

“Unless she’s asleep,” Kim chimed in, sitting across from you—you were still yet to properly speak to her, but you knew that you would have to do it soon enough, and she’d been kind enough to give you a Shrek activity pack, “Or she’s sick.”

Katie snorted in amusement, “Kimmy’s right there. I’m just thinking back to the beginning of last season when she still insisted on playing whilst ill, because she was too stubborn to admit being sick.”

You could hear every single word that was being said, more than aware they were on about you, but you were currently more invested in Shrek to even care about it.

“But she’s too quiet, though. It’s not normal,” Teyah chimed in, hesitantly, “Are we sure that she’s secretly not plotting something against us?”

Vic shrugged her shoulders, “I’m not sure.”

“Leave her be, Teyah,” Kim piped in, even she could tell you were peaceful, and the last thing any of them needed was you on a rampage again, “She’s fine, she’s just watching her film.”

“Yer know, she’s only like this ‘cause she doesn’t have her trusty sidekick by her side,” Katie told them, “Leave her alone, will yer?”

Vic snickered in amusement, “You have to admit that you’ve never seen her look so depressed, though, right?”

The flight to Dubai had been going okay—not perfect, not peaceful, but manageable—right up until someone dared to talk over your viewing of Shrek.

You had your headphones on, curled up in your seat with your custom-made Arsenal canon Chewie around your neck while your thumb rested in your mouth absentmindedly when you weren’t using it to angrily stab the screen to rewind Donkey’s entrance.

Life was fine.

Until someone two rows back started laughing too loudly at something not-Shrek-related, and one of the older players kicked the back of your seat.

You ripped off your headphones dramatically, eyes wide with rage, “SHUT UP, YOU DUMB FUCKIN’ IDIOTS! I’M TRYING TO WATCH SHREK!”

Everyone turned.

“Jesus Christ,” Alessia muttered, trying not to laugh.

“Oh, great,” Cloe said, deadpan, “Now look what you’ve done.”

Katie, who had just started to doze off beside you, sat bolt upright, “Oi! Language, yer little menace!”

You were on your feet instantly, ready to launch yourself over the seat like you were about to fight for Lord Farquaad’s honour.

“She touched my seat! She touched it! I’m gonna—!”

Katie caught you around the middle mid-lunge, “Absolutely not. Sit yer wee arse down.”

“No! I wanna finish Shrek in PEACE!”

Your words were slurred with tiredness, your thumb had found its way back into your mouth as you tried to wrestle away from Katie’s grip, eyes fierce but welling up with tired tears.

Your limbs were spaghetti—angry, but floppy as Katie held you like a squirming toddler.

Kim sat on the opposite side of the plane, pinched her nose and muttered to herself, “I know it was too good to be true,” She thought to herself, “Just ignore them, Monkey. Don’t rise above them!”

“Y… Yeah, I am!” You weren’t sure exactly how to respond to Kim, considering this was the first proper interaction that you had with her since the fall-out, “It’s just… It’s hard.”

“Right, that’s enough. Sit down, and no more shouting. And no more hands, alright? We have to use nice words and nice hands,” Katie told you in a firm tone of voice.

“I don’t care! They’re pickin’ on me!” You whined, attempting to make a break for it, to give them a piece of your mind.

“Monkey, sit down!” Katie wasn’t budging to let you move, and her tone made you freeze.

You didn’t like being told off. It was horrible, especially since it was Katie. You didn’t want that.

“You’re a meanie!” You shouted, and instead of sitting down, you shuffled away and plonked yourself beside Kim a few rows down with a dramatic sniff.

“Hello, wee one,” Kim hesitantly smiled at you, not too sure how to be, considering everything that had happened.

“Auntie Katie told me off,” You mumbled, glancing across and scowling at Katie, “She’s a meanie. I don’t like her anymore!”

Kim struggled to stifle her laugh, “You don’t mean that, though, do you?”

“... Yes,” You agreed, sulkingly.

“Really?” Kim questioned, furrowing her eyebrows.

You huffed, slumping down further in your seat, “... Okay, maybe not, but she’s still a meanie, and told me off!”

“She only did that because you were trying to lunge at Teyah and Vic, and you can’t be doing things like that, Monkey. Can you?” Kim reprimanded you.

“They deserved it,” You mumbled, scowling at the two girls sitting opposite.

“Monkey,” Kim gave that knowing look.

“They did!” You whined.

Back on the other side of the plane, Katie had taken it upon herself to smack Teyah and Vic both upside the head.

“Ow,” Teyah winced, rubbing the sore spot, “What was that for?” 

 “Can’t yer pair just leave her be? She was fine until yer started windin’ her up!” Katie stated through gritted teeth, “You two are old enough to know better!”

“Monkey is the same age as Teyah, remember,” Vic added.

“What?” That caught Emily’s attention as she looked bewildered, “Are you sure? No way. The way she behaves sometimes says something different.”

“She has a point there,” Frida piped in.

“... She’s just had some challenges in life,” Katie mumbled, glancing over at you, knowing you heard what had been said, “There’s nothing wrong with her! Nothing at all!”

You had exactly heard what had been said. You proceeded to take your thumb out of your mouth, and your chewie from around your neck, and launch it across the plane.

“Hey, hey,” Kim quickly scrambled to pick up the disregarded item off the floor, “Just ignore them, Monkey. You’re perfect the way that you already are, alright?”

“Remember to use gentle hands, Monkey,” One of the younger girls took the opportunity to tease you, snickering.

“And don’t use unkind words,” Another chimed in.

“Fuck off!” You turned, glaring darkly at them, “I’m not a stupid baby!”

Alessia straightaway heard your colourful response, “Oi! Less of the language— Monkey! Where are you goin’? Come back here!”

You bolted and found yourself in the toilet of the plane, locking the door behind you. A tiny compacted space as you shrank down against the door of it, “M’ not a baby,” You murmured to yourself.

And then the turbulence started.

At first, it was just a rumble. Then the plane jolted hard, and you panicked.

Kim had just settled back into her seat with your disregarded chewie in one hand and a sinking feeling in her chest when the captain’s voice crackled over the intercom.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we’re experiencing a patch of turbulence. Please return to your seats and fasten your seatbelts. Cabin crew, take your seats.”

The plane gave another sharp jolt, the overhead bins rattling, and a collective murmur of discomfort rippled through the cabin.

Kim’s brow furrowed. She turned to glance behind her—to where you’d last been sitting.

“Where’s Monkey?” Kim asked aloud, her voice tight with concern.

Katie, already on the edge, snapped her head up, “What do yer mean where’s Monkey? She was with you—”

“She legged it when that lot started again,” Alessia chimed in, now glancing anxiously down the aisle, “Threw her chewie, swore at someone, and bolted.”

“Fuck,” Katie shot up from her seat, ignoring the seatbelt sign as she turned to start pacing the aisle, “Monkey?” She called lowly, trying not to cause panic but feeling it start to rise in her chest.

“She wouldn’t… She wouldn’t go far, right?” Kim tried to reassure herself more than anyone else, “The plane is small. There’s nowhere to go.”

“Monkey?” Katie’s voice got louder, more urgent as she checked row after row, “Come out now. This isn’t funny—”

And then she heard a blood-curdling scream, and her eyes bulged in panic.

“Logan!” Katie exclaimed, already hurrying down the narrow aisle and hammering her fist quickly on the toilet door, “Monkey? Open up. I know yer scared, and I’m here. Just open the door!”

Inside the toilet, you were curled into the tiniest ball you could manage, knees tucked to your chest and forehead pressed to the metal door as hot tears ran down your cheeks.

You couldn’t breathe properly.

You didn’t want to breathe properly.

You weren’t a baby, but you felt like one.

Your ears were ringing, and every time the plane dipped or jolted, you whimpered and clutched tighter at your sleeves.

The bathroom felt too small, too loud, too bright despite the flickering overhead light. Every jolt of the plane sent another stab of panic through your chest, like a drumbeat that you couldn’t drown out.

Your heart was racing so fast it felt like it might just stop. You’d meant to hide for a minute—just a minute. But now you couldn’t move. Couldn’t think past the storm in your head.

You could still hear them. Laughing. Whispering. Calling you names, they thought you wouldn’t hear.

“She’s too old to be like that.”

“She shouldn’t be allowed on the trip if she can’t behave.”

“It’s like travelling with a toddler.”

You pressed your hands over your ears harder.

You weren’t a baby.

But you’d chucked your chewie at the floor and run like one, hadn’t you? Bolted down the aisle, swearing and panicking.

And now your chest ached, and your thoughts were spiralling so fast you couldn’t keep up. The only way to make it stop—just a little—was to do something.

So you pinched your arms. Hard. Until the sting cut through the panic. Until little red welts formed and your breath caught again.

It wasn’t enough.

You banged your forehead against your knees. Once. Then again.

Not to hurt, not really. Just to feel. To drown out the noise with something you could control.

The plane gave another heavy drop, and you screamed without meaning to, your voice ripping through the tiny space before you slapped your hands back over your mouth.

But your arms—your arms were tingling, the skin angry and blotched where your nails had dug in.

And something else—shame—tumbled low in your belly as you realised with a jolt that you’d wet yourself without even noticing.

The seat of your joggers was damp and uncomfortable, and suddenly it was too much. Too much noise, too much 

Then—knocking. Urgent. Familiar. Katie.

“Monkey? Open up. I know yer scared, and I’m here. Just open the door!” Katie’s voice cracked through the spiral, tugging at something deep and small inside you.

But you couldn’t.

You were too ashamed, too small, too broken.

“No, I’m not,” You choked out, your voice hoarse and shaking, “I don’t wanna be here—s’ too loud—s’ moving—’m not a baby—stop saying I’m a baby—!”

There was a pause, the kind that made your chest clench with guilt.

And then—

“No one thinks that, Monkey. They’re just bein’ silly. Yer not a baby, yer our girl, alright? Just open the door, lemme help yer calm down, yeah?”

“She said I acted like a baby!” You sobbed, hitting the door weakly with the flat of your hand, “Everyone laughs, they laugh all the time!”

It all came pouring out—days of tension, whispering comments, side-eyes on the bus, in restaurants, when Leah wasn’t there to shield you from the harsh words and looks. When you’d dropped your chewie or had an accident. When you needed rocking at night or couldn’t eat unless someone fed you.

“It’s not fair,” You whispered, “I try so hard. And they still laugh.”

There was shuffling on the other side. Then Katie’s voice, quiet but fierce, “Yer don’t need to try, little lady. Yer don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Not to me. Not to yer Ma’s. Not to anyone on this bloody flight, yer hear me, Monkey? Nobody.”

“Excuse me, miss, but you need to take a seat as we’re experiencing turbulence right now,” A member of the cabin crew interrupted.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Just give me a minute, my niece is stuck in the toilet,” Katie held a sense of urgency in her voice.

“Miss—”

“Just give me a damn minute! I’m not leaving her in there!” Katie raised her voice even more, standing firm.

Then there was a brief pause.

“They don’t see yer like I do. Like me, your Mum, yer Mama, and the rest of yer family do. They… They don’t know what yer have been through,” Katie’s thick voice broke the storm clouding inside of your head, “Yer one of the strongest people I know, Monkey. Yer just keep on goin’. Even when it’s scary. Even when yer wanna run away.”

You hiccuped through a sob, lips trembling.

“Listen to me,” Katie’s voice was calm and patient, “Yer not a baby. Yer brave. Braver than they’ll ever be.”

A beat passed. Then another.

And slowly, with shaking fingers, you reached up… and unlocked the door.

Relief washed over Katie’s face, “C’mere, little lady. Yer okay. Yer fine. I’m right here.”

“Auntie Katie,” You whimpered, collapsing against her chest.

Katie caught you easily, tucking your head under her chin as you clung to her like a lifeline. But even in the chaos of it—your trembling limbs, your hiccuping sobs—you still tried to twist your body slightly, turning so the worst of the damp patch was hidden behind your thighs and away from her hands.

You didn’t want her to know.

Didn’t want anyone to know.

You’d already been laughed at once. Twice. Too many times. You weren’t doing that again.

You buried your face in her hoodie, hoping that if you just stayed very still, she wouldn’t notice.

But Katie’s arms fully wrapped around you, warm, solid, and safe.

And the second her pressed gently to the small of your back—

She felt it.

The wetness.

The clingy, cold fabric against your shorts.

Katie’s breath hitched for half a second. Just long enough to register it.

“Oh, Monkey,” Katie murmured, so softly and heartbreakingly kind that it nearly undid you all over again.

She didn’t pull away.

Didn’t say anything sharp or shocked or unkind.

She just pulled you tighter and held you like you were unbreakable.

Held you like nothing about this changed a single thing.

Your bottom lip trembled as fresh shame surged up your throat, “I… I didn’t mean it,” You whispered, barely audible, “Didn’t even feel it. I was just… too scared. I didn’t want you to know.”

Katie gently rocked you, her chin resting against the top of your head, “I know yer didn’t, little lady. I know. And it’s alright. Yer don’t ever have to hide it from me.”

You let out a shuddery breath and tried to mumble something else—an apology, maybe—but Katie hushed you, “I’m proud of yer for opening the door, sweetheart. That’s all that matters right now.”

“It’ll almost be time for us to get off the plane soon,” Katie murmured, brushing a stray strand of hair out of your face.

At the end of the flight, you still felt absolutely mortified. You couldn’t even bring yourself to unbuckle your seatbelt, let alone stand up. 

The second the seatbelt sign pinged off and everyone else began shuffling for their bags, you curled tighter into the window seat, heart pounding with dread.

“Come on, little lady,” Katie gestured you out of your seat, “Ready to get off? Just one more flight, and then yer’ll see yer Ma soon, yeah?”

“No,” You whispered when Katie tried to coax you out of your seat gently, “I’m… I’m not moving.”

Katie didn’t argue, and she saw it in your face the moment the announcement came on. You weren’t moving, so she stayed in her seat too, resting her hand gently over yours.

“Okay, alright, we’ll wait until everyone is off,” Katie told you in a gentle tone of voice, “We don’t have to rush, it’s okay.”

You barely even nodded. You felt so embarrassed to get up, you didn’t want anybody to know what had happened. 

Your thumb edged towards your mouth, but you fought against it because you didn’t want to get teased again. You absentmindedly began to pinch your skin without even realising it.

“Hey, where’s yer chewie, little lady?” Katie asked, calm and patient, “I think that’ll be better than pinching yer skin, eh?”

You didn’t utter a single response. You just kept pinching your skin until it was red and sore.

Katie exhaled a sigh, taking hold of both your hands in her own, “We don’t want yer to hurt yerself, sweetheart. How about we try and use yer chewie instead?”

“I… I don’t wanna. ‘M not a baby,” You murmured.

“I know yer not, Monkey. But it’ll be better than hurting yerself.” Katie murmured, looking around the almost-empty plane in search of your chewie,  “Not long until we can get off now, eh?”

You didn’t answer. You couldn’t. Your throat felt tight and dry, as if you said even a word, you’d start crying again. Your fingers twitched in Katie’s hold, wanting to keep pinching, needing something to do with the shame burning your skin.

Katie spotted the stray chewie on the vacant seat across from you and quietly reached for it, offering it to you without pushing, “Just try it for me. No one’s lookin’. No one’s laughin’. We’re the last off.”

With shaking hands, you took it and pressed the chewie to your mouth like it was a secret. Katie sat back, not saying a word while she continued to gently rub your arm.

“Alright, we’re all good to leave now,” Katie broke the silence after a few minutes. 

“N… No,” You whimpered in fear.

“Monkey—” Katie began, keeping her tone warm and gentle.

“No! I don’t wanna!” You exclaimed, shaking your head in protest.

“Alright then, we’ll have to do it my way instead, then, eh?” Katie murmured, slipping her arms under you like it was the easiest thing in the world.

You whined in protest, limbs all stiff and your face burning, “N… No, Auntie Katie, stop—don’t—put me down,” You hissed, squirming even though your body was too tired to fight properly, “Put… Put me down!”

“No can do, Monkey,” Katie didn’t flinch. She just tightened her grip, holding you close like you weighed nothing at all, “I told yer that we’ll do it my way.”

You buried your face in her shoulder, fists clenched and your heart hammering. You were sure everyone could see. You were sure they knew. That somehow, even though the cabin was mostly empty and no one was even looking, they all knew what you’d done.

“N… No, I don’t wanna!” You whined, thrashing in her arms, “Put me down! Put me down!”

Katie didn’t react to your flailing—just adjusted you in her arms like she’d carried you a thousand times before, whispering gently as she walked down the aisle, “You’re alright, I’ve got you. You’re safe. Just breathe for me now, yeah?”

You could feel your legs wobbling even though they weren’t touching the floor. Every step she took felt like another crack in your already fragile shield of dignity. But Katie didn’t flinch. Didn’t rush. She just kept her arms around you, firm and steady, as if your panic didn’t scare her at all.

“I know it feels big right now,” Katie murmured, more to you than anyone else, “But I promise, this moment’ll pass. And I’m not going anywhere, okay?”

You didn’t answer. You couldn’t. You were too overwhelmed, too humiliated as your fingers gripped her shirt tightly like it was your only tether to the earth. Your Chewie dangled limply from your mouth now, half-forgotten.

Katie didn’t stop moving until she reached the nearest accessible toilet. You could feel her grip tightening with every step as she shielded you from the world. 

“I… I want to go down—Put me down! Put me down!” You wailed, your arms flailing as you wildly kicked and tried to get out of her grasp, “Down! D… Down, now!”

Katie hadn’t even got the door shut behind her before you were already trying to crawl away from her, snotty and sobbing and absolutely beside yourself.

“Put me down, put me down—I told you—don’t touch me, I didn’t mean to—I didn’t mean to do it again!” Your voice broke on every word, thick with shame and panic as you twisted away from her and curled up in the corner of the tiny airport toilet cubicle, rocking against the wall like it might somehow swallow you whole.

Katie crouched nearby, hands held out in that soft, gentle way that meant she was ready, not pushing, “Monkey,” She said quietly, “I know. I know it was an accident. It’s okay. You’re okay.”

But you weren’t. You were soaked. And you’d soaked her too, again—just like the other day with the aftermath of everything else happening. 

Katie gently reached into her pocket, flicking her phone open with one hand and quickly texting the one person who would know what to do.

📲 Need spare clothes from Monkey’s case ASAP. Meet by the toilets near the gate. It’s an emergency.

If you like this then please leave you support and leave me a tip 🫶🏼

[fanged-fanfics]

👑🧡 Wukong and Macaque x GN reader — Bedtime (Drabble) 💜🌙

Genres: Romance, Fluff, Poly || they/them pronouns for reader || Warnings: Overworking

˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆˚｡⋆୨👑🌙୧⋆˚｡⋆✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧. ݁₊ ⊹

It was late at night, but you still had a personal project you needed to finish up. It had already taken you way longer than you had expected. You already had it in your head that if you wanted any hope of completing this, it was gonna have to be an all-nighter. You were writing down the necessary information, arm already sore from the work and eyes feeling heavy. You had your other hand on your cheek in hopes of keeping yourself up.

As you worked, the time ticked on, getting deeper and deeper into the night. Everything in you was begging for you to sleep, but you steeled yourself to keep going. That is until you felt a warm hand over your own. You looked up, jolting a little in surprise at the sudden arrival. Wukong was giving you a small look of concern, a gentle smile accompanying it. "Hey, Sunshine. You've been working for hours" the King pointed out gently, slowly lifting your sore hand. You let the writing utensil fall from your grip as he gently kissed the center of your palm. "Mmn, I know. But I've got so much work to do still..." You mumbled in reply

"Too much to even see us?" another voice called from your other side. Your turned, seeing Macaque come up through a portal in the floor with that smirk on his face "You must really be swamped, hon". You gave a small chuckle that faded to a deep sigh. Macaque noticed, pulling up a chair to sit next to you and rub your shoulder as Wukong gently massaged your other hand. "I'm sorry," You said gently "I got so caught up in what I needed to do". Macaque gave a small hum. "I think you've done enough for tonight, Mooncake. Time for bed"

"Bed?" You repeated, like the idea was absolutely insane "I can't, I've still got to-". "You won't be able to get anything done if you can't even move your hand, Sunshine" Wukong gently cut in, kissing the inner wrist of your sore arm. "I'll be okay" You protested "Just a few more paragraphs, then I can call it a night". "It's already well past the middle of the night, love" Macaque responded with a raised eyebrow as he looked to the nearest clock. You gave another sigh "I promise, guys, I'm fine".

Macaque and Wukong glanced to one another before looking back at you. "At least take a break" Macaque offered, Wukong chiming up after him "You'll work much better if you do". Despite being sure there was something more to this, you ended up agreeing. Your mind was starting to fog from all the working, so maybe this would help after all

Your boyfriends set to work the second you agreed. Macaque helped you get into pajamas, Wukong made you a comfort snack and grabbed your favorite blanket. They then set up the couch, letting you sit in between them as they gently squished you in from both sides. Wukong grabbed the remote and behan flicking through channels. "What do you feel like watching, Sunbeam?" he asked you. You gave a dull hum as the channels flicked past, until picking the first vaguely recognizable thing you could see

With the TV on and your boyfriends on either side, you easily fell into feeling content. Especially since they weren't arguing this time around. You enjoyed the snack you were given, glad to have something to help fill your stomach. The warmth from the blankets and the swimming of your tired head gave way to fatigue soon enough. You didn't realize how tired you really were until now

After seeing you yawn for the third time, Macaque leaned against your shoulder with a chuckle "Looks like you're tired, Mooncake". This time you gave an 'mhm' in reply. Wukong scooted in, gently scooping you up in his arms. You were still wrapped in a blanket, but now in a bridal carry as well. "Should we head to bed now?" Wukong asked, and you nodded as you leaned against his chest. With that, Macaque used a shadow portal to give the three of you a quick entrance to the bedroom you shared

Wukong placed you down in the middle, Macaque to your left and the Sage to your right. They cuddled in, wrapping their arms and tails around you to tangle you in their embrace. It was a soothing kind of warm, one that helped you slip even further into sleep. Wukong kissed your cheek and Macaque rubbed your back as you drifted off, both of them bidding you a softly spoken goodnight as they tucked you in

[rekino2114]

Fluff 6 with makoto haru and Kawakami (p5) and male reader too pls

Makoto, Haru and Kawakami giving you a lap pillow

Prompts list

Makoto niijima

"Hey y/n, are you paying attention?"

Your girlfriend's voice brought you back to reality, which greeted you with her beautiful red eyes staring at you in disappointment

"Did you fall asleep again?"

".........maybe"

Makoto sighed and fully turned her chair to look at you

"I thought you invited me to a study date to study not sleep"

"That was the plan"

"But?"

"But I just can't focus"

"Why?"

"I dunno, I guess it's the stress of exams coming up, I pulled way too many all nighters"

"....so you can't focus on studying....because you studied too much?"

"Pretty much and phantom thieves business definitely doesn't help either"

"So that's why you've been falling asleep in class"

"You noticed?"

"It's pretty hard not to when we sit next to each other"

"Thanks for not telling the teacher"

"You seriously think I'd tell on you?"

"No but still thanks"

"It's nothing"

".......so do we keep studying?"

"Even if we did I think you'd just fall back asleep"

"Oh sorry"

"It's not your fault, and I think I can fix that"

"Huh? How?"

"Well as the student council president it's my duty to ensure all students try to study at their best and you can't do that with a sleep schedule like that"

"....oh"

"And as your girlfriend I have to make sure you're healthy and taken care of so......."

Makoto blushed abut quickly regained her composure

"You can......s-sleep on me"

".....what?"

"...r-rest on my lap, I've heard it's a really comfortable and intimate thing that couples do......a-are you ok with that?"

You blushed too but smiled at her

"I'd love to if you're OK with it"

"I'm more than ok, I need you to have a good rest and I think this is a solution for that...s-so come here......p-please"

She turned even redder as she lightly patted her thighs

"You don't need to tell me twice"

You quickly got up and laid your head on her lap causing makoto to blush even more

"A-are you comfortable?"

"The most comfortable I've ever been"

"That's great i-i'm glad"

You smiled and closed your eyes as makoto looked at you with a slight smile

"By the way I had an idea, you're going to take a nap now right?"

"Yeah, if it's all right"

"Definitely, I just wanted to propose something. They say that the brain absorbs more information before it's about to fall asleep, so how about I read what you need to study so you can memorize it easier"

"That's genius makoto, you always have the best ideas"

"Thank you, I appreciate the compliment, now just relax and listen until you sleep alright?"

You nodded, and makoto grabbed the book and started reading to you while stroking your hair with her other hand, her soft voice and hands making you relax even more

"Thanks.....this feels really good"

"It's nothing, I just wish to help you sleep better........i-if you want I suppose I wouldn't be opposed to doing more study sessions like this if you don't mind"

"......You're the best girlfriend I could have asked for"

"...and you're the best boyfriend, now just continue listening ok?"

Haru okumura

You sighed, stretched and grabbed your weapon after defeating the last shadow, then turned to noir to see that she had just finished axing the last one too

"That was every shadow right?"

"Yep, I checked, we should probably regroup with joker and the others now"

You nodded as she smiled brightly and held your hand, you two made your way through some floors and found your leader talking with panther standing outside the Morgana car

"Oh you're finally back"

"Yeah sorry, there were more shadows than expected"

"It's fine, we weren't waiting for long"

You got in the car ready to leave mementos you and noir together in the back while joker and panther were on the front.

As soon as you entered you stretched again and yawned, attracting haru's attention

"Is everything alright darling?"

"Hm? Yeah,yeah don't worry, I'm just a bit tired you know how mementos gets on days like this"

"I see, but are you sure you're alright?"

"What do you mean?"

"You look really tired, n-not in a bad way of course, you still look as handsome as always, it's just......."

The beauty thief narrowed her eyes, and sweat dropped at the fact that she could still see your eyebags even with your mask covering the part around your eyes

"You look really not alright"

"O-oh it's just.........j-just don't worry about me"

"Dear, I'm your girlfriend it's my job to worry about you"

"......i-i'm just really really tired"

"Oh, there's an easy solution for that. Once we go outside, I'll make you some chamomile and we can cuddle"

"That does sound amazing"

"Hm, but I can’t have you falling asleep on your way there, how about you have a quick power nap in here? I'm sure there's enough time to rest until we get back in the real world"

"Sure but Morgana doesn't seem too comfortable"

Haru giggled at you and you already felt a bit better hearing her adorable laugh

"Oh no silly, I meant over here"

She pointed at her lap

"R-really?"

"What's the issue, it's not like this is the first time we've done this"

"Y-yeah but in public....."

You mentioned while pointing to your friends in the front seats

"I'm sure they won't mind, and they definitely wouldn't even think about doing any noises to wake you up right?"

Joker and panther just did a thumbs up

"Alright then, it's decided, I'm sure you remember how comfy and fluffy this pillow is. Just come over here my love"

You still blushed but sighed and laid on her lap

"That's great baby, just relax now, alright? I'll play with your hair and sing something,that should help you"

You nodded and closed your eyes as haru started playing with your hair and singing a lullaby. Her actions and just entire presence were so relaxing that you fell asleep almost immediately

"You're so adorable like this"

Haru kissed your forehead and whispered sweet dreams in your ears before turning to look at her friends

"Joker may I request that you send someone else other than me and y/n to mementos for a while, I would like to take care of him more"

The phantom thieves leader just nodded causing noir to smile

"Oh my God! You are so adorable together I need to take a picture"

"I-i suppose it's alright"

Haru posed for Ann's picture before returning to stroking your hair and singing

Sadayo kawakami

The moment you heard it you immediately recognized the sound of the keys jangling and the lock opening, a sound that could only mean one thing: your wife had returned home.

You immediately turned around from your computer and went up to the door where you saw kawakami standing

"Hello honey"

"Hi sadayo, welcome home"

"Thanks"

You helped her take her jacket off and hang it up

"How was work?"

"You know always the same, annoying kids who don't listen"

"Hehe, I can definitely relate"

"Speaking of, how was yours?"

"Pretty much the same, I'm just glad they let me leave early, I'm sorry that we couldn't do lunch break together by the way"

"It's alright, we can just eat dinner together now"

"Yeah......about that"

You sheepishly avoided kawakami's gaze but she quickly noticed and inquired

"What's wrong y/n?"

"Sorry I didn't prepare dinner, I was just grading some tests and lost track of time"

"Oh is that it? That's fine we'll just order something"

"Yeah, I'm still sorry though, I'll wash the dishes to make up for it"

"Hey you don't think I married you just because you can make housework right? We both know I can do that too"

"I know but you're always so tired when you get back from work and-"

"Y/n we work the same job I know how hard it is you deserve to be taken care of to and you have me for that"

You smiled at her and she did the same while holding your hands and leading you to the couch

"It's obvious you've been overworking yourself so you need to sleep more"

"It's easy when you put it like that"

"I know but I think I know how to at least make it more comfortable"

"Huh?"

"I can't believe I'm saying this but just lay your head on my thighs"

".......h-huh?"

"Just do it before I change my mind"

"O-ok"

You did as she told you and found yourself laying on her incredibly thick and comfy thighs

"Wow this......this is great"

"Is it?"

"Yeah like the best pillows I've ever laid on"

"I'm glad my experience was at least useful"

"Experience?"

"Some clients asked for stuff like this, they just wanted someone to comfort and listen to them, they were actually some of the nicest ones"

"I can definitely see why they'd like this..... I get this for free though right?"

"Obviously, you're the reason why I don't have to work that job anyway"

".......and I can have this in the future too?"

"Yeah whenever you feel stressed"

".....thanks"

"You're welcome, if I can give great lap pillows then why shouldn't I give them my husband"

"...I love you so much"

"I love you too just fall asleep now, I'll wake you up when the food gets here"

You nodded, closed your eyes and fell asleep on your wife's lap who sighed again before smiling and starting to give you an amazing scalp massage

[sheriffaxolotl]

Deadline 💻 Abby Anderson

Paring: Abby Anderson x f!Reader Prompt: Kiss to the forehead

You don’t notice Abby enter the room.

You’re hunched over your laptop at the dining table, keys clicking in rapid, uneven bursts. A cold cup of coffee sits forgotten at your elbow. Your notes are scattered across the surface like they tried to form a coherent argument and gave up halfway through.

It’s 10:53 PM. The essay is due at midnight.

You’re still in pajamas, hair a mess, foot tapping the floor like it’s keeping time in a war drum cadence. You haven’t blinked in what feels like ten minutes.

“Hey,” comes Abby’s voice in a low, warm, careful tone. You barely look up.

“Hey.” Yours is clipped. “Can’t talk. Essay. Dying.”

Abby leans against the doorway, arms crossed over her chest. She’s in her pajamas, hair still damp from a recent shower, her brow slightly furrowed.

“You’ve been at this for hours,” she says gently.

“I have to finish.”

She nods once, like she’s respecting the battlefield. Then she disappears.

You half expect her to just give you space. Maybe she should. Maybe you want her to.

But less than two minutes later, she’s back—quiet as a ghost—with a glass of water and a granola bar. She places them at your elbow, then crouches down beside you. Her hand lands on your knee, grounding you.

“Babe. Look at me.”

You do, reluctantly. Your eyes are glassy. She sees it all. The guilt, the panic, the exhaustion you’ve been duct-taping together for the last four hours.

“I know you think you have to suffer through this on your own,” she murmurs. “But I’m here. You don’t have to white-knuckle your way through everything.”

You sigh, voice cracking. “I left it too late. Again. I’m so—stupid for doing this to myself.”

“Hey,” she says firmly, squeezing your knee. “You’re not stupid. You’re just human. A tired, stressed-out human who deserves a little kindness, even from herself.”

“I’m not even halfway.”

“Okay. So we break it down. You read me what you’ve got, and we’ll figure out the next step together.”

You blink, surprised. “You want to help me write it?”

“I want to help you breathe,” she corrects, brushing a few strands of hair from your face. “But if that means outlining a paragraph on the economic impact of 19th century trade policy or whatever nightmare you signed up for, I’m in.”

That pulls the smallest laugh from you—choked but real. Abby stands up, leans down, and kisses your forehead with exaggerated care like you're made of glass.

“I’ll grab snacks,” she says, flashing a grin. “We’re pulling a mini all-nighter, baby.”

Time slips by. You write. She keeps you grounded. When your brain slows, she suggests snack breaks. When your anxiety starts to spike, she reads you a line from your own writing in a dramatic voice until you're laughing again.

11:56 PM.

You upload the document with shaky hands, then lean back with a groan, head falling against Abby’s shoulder.

“You did it,” she murmurs, rubbing small circles into your back.

“I did.”

“Proud of you.”

You shift just enough to press a kiss to her jaw. “Couldn’t have done it without you.”

She chuckles. “You probably could’ve. But I’m glad you didn’t have to.”

Eventually, you both migrate to the couch, still in pajamas and wrapped in blankets. Abby pulls you into her lap like it’s second nature, and you melt into her arms like you belong there—which, you’re pretty sure, you do.

The laptop is closed. The deadline has passed. And for the first time all day, you feel like you can breathe.

Notes:

Can you tell I have a university assessment due? haha...

[diamond-champagne]

2. I Want to See You

Paige Bueckers x Azzi Fudd

Warnings: More Angst and suggestive content

Feedback is always welcome :)

Paige feels like she’s drowning. She isn’t swimming; in fact, she would actually prefer that she were. She’s suffocating. It’s been four days since she woke up alone; and in those four days, she feels as if her heart has been ripped out. She’s tired.

At least, that’s what she’s been telling anyone who asked. It’s not a lie. She hasn’t had much time for sleep between basketball and classes. The very little time that she does have to sleep, isn’t good sleep. 

She looks and feels like crap. It’s been a long four days. 

The bright side is that she has barely seen Azzi; so it’s been easier to cope with her arching heart. Or at least, that’s what she thought.

-

Paige is exhausted. Her body drags as she walks through the hallways of her apartment building. Practice was particularly hard today and she had 2 exams. All she wants to do is take a hot shower and plop in her bead. The thought of sleep motivates her to walk a little faster to her apartment. 

By the time she gets to her door, she’s out of breath. Paige practically ran down the long hallway to get to her front door; too eager for sleep. She makes her way into her apartment and immediately heads for the shower. She’s in the middle of washing her hair when she hears her front door open. 

It startles Paige. Not because of why someone is in her apartment; but because of who. There’s only one person who has the ability to come and go in the spaces that Paige claims as her own. However, that person hasn’t done so in almost four weeks.

Paige takes her time finishing her shower; knowing that her guest will still be there when she’s done. The blue-eyed girl makes her way into her bedroom, thirty minutes later. As expected, Azzi is spread out on the left side, in her pajamas. 

“What are you doing here?”. Paige is direct and straight to the point. She’s tired and all she wants to do is sleep.

“I wanted to see you, plus I thought we could cuddle.”

“You should be with your girlfriend.” It comes out bitter and Paige knows it. At this moment, she doesn’t care.

“Riley is pulling an all nighter for some exam that she has coming up” Azzi shrugs as if it’s a perfectly good explanation as to why she’s in Paige’s bed. As if it's okay that she's in her bed.

Paige scoffs as she moves to get ready for bed. “So you didn’t want to see me; you just couldn’t see her.” Her annoyance grows as she sifts through her dresser; looking for a shirt to sleep in. 

“Don’t say that, P. I always want to see you.”

“No; you always want to fuck me” Paige says pointedly with her back to Azzi. She’s so busy digging in her dresser that she doesn’t notice Azzi rising from the bed. She crowds Paige’s space; flushing her front completely against the taller girl’s back while she wraps her arms around her waist. 

“How could I not when you beg so prettily?” Azzi rasps. Her hands undoing to knot to Paige’s robe; letting it fall open. The cold air and Azzi’s touch make Paige gasp. Her entire body is on fire. Azzi’s fingers trail up and down Paige’s sides. It’s a simple action but it leaves Paige craving more. She turns around; getting ready to take exactly what she wants when she looks at Azzi’s shirt. Or should she say Riley’s shirt. It’s a navy blue UConn shirt; one that could’ve passed as either one of basketball player’s; however UConn Volleyball is printed on the upper left corner of the shirt.

Paige was tired, but now she’s pissed. And hurt. How dare she?

“Were you going to fuck me in her shirt?” Every word is coated with disgust. She doesn’t even realize she’s crying. 

“Shit! P, look I didn’t realize. I was with her before I came here! Fuck!” Azzi rushes to get her words out. Her mind is racing to find a way to fix this.

“So you came here for what, exactly? It comes out through gritted teeth. Paige knows that the last week was anything but ideal; but she hasn’t felt as used as she does right now. “She wasn’t available so you came here? Hoping I’d be waiting?” 

“N-Not at all.” Azzi’s heart clenches. 

“But isn’t it? You’re all over me one second and then all over her the next.” Paige sneers. She angrily wipes her tears as she rushes to put clothes on. 

She spent the last few days being sad. Now she’ll spend the next few being angry. Angry at Azzi. Angry at Riley. Angry at herself.

Azzi grabs at Paige in a desperate attempt to get the older girl to listen to her. “P, Please!’

“Get out.” It’s cold and even. 

“No’-”

“Get out.” Paige says emotionless. She watches as Azzi looks at her; eyes full of hurt. Normally, she’d fight wars to never see that look on the curly-haired girl’s face. These aren’t normal circumstances. She’s hurt too.

It’s the fifth night in the row that Paige has cried herself to sleep.

-

“She did what?” Blair asked, shocked.

The two had met up later that week to hang out and vent. They’re at a restaurant not far from campus. It’s small and secluded.

“She wore her fucking shirt.” Paige shakes her head at the memory. She hasn’t spoken to Azzi since then; doing everything in her power to avoid the girl. It’s nearly impossible with them being on the same team, but Paige has managed to successfully evade all attempts of a conversation.

Blair gives her a sympathetic look followed by a sigh. “You know you deserve better right?” 

“I know; but I love her.” Paige sighs with defeat. “It’s exhausting only receiving half of her.”

“You’re too full of life to be half loved.”

It’s a simple enough statement; but it does something to Paige. It makes her think. In fact, that’s all she thinks about for the rest of the day.

-

It’s Friday night and the team has filed into Aubrey’s apartment after their game against USC. The Huskies pulled off an amazing win with 89-63. The celebration is well deserved and needed. 

The girls sit around the dining room table; laughing and giggling while playing UNO. They have total privacy so the alcohol is flowing a bit freely tonight. Paige is in the middle of deciding which card she wants to play when Azzi and Riley walk through the door. She’s irritated but not surprised. Riley was at the game earlier that night; completely decked out in an Azzi Fudd Jersey with “35” splayed across her chest. 

The team welcomes them and immediately moves to arrange the chairs so that they can fit around the table. Jana takes the initiative to deal them cards so that they can join. Paige decided at that moment that she needed another drink. 

Paige is in the middle of adding the sprite into her Shirley Temple when she gets the idea to invite Blair. Not wanting to think about the decision too long or linger in the kitchen, she shoots her a quick message before returning to the game of UNO. Everyone is slightly squished together to accommodate the couple but in an uncomfortable amount. It helps that Azzi opted to sit on Riley’s lap instead of her own chair. The sight makes Paige’s blood boil.

How dare she sit on her lap knowing I sat on her face last week! Paige thinks to herself. She shakes her head at the thought while smirking to herself. She picks up her UNO cards and begins to sift through them when she hears a chirp from across the table.

“What’s so funny, Paige?” Riley asked pointedly as she stared at her. Paige almost wants to ask if there’s an underlying question’ but she doesn’t. This isn’t the time nor the place. She recovers quickly, though. “Just thinking about how nice it’ll be to win this game.”

“Are you sure about that?” Riley raises her eyebrow cockily. “Azzi is my good luck charm.” She looks up at Azzi with a smile. She almost excuses herself when she hears a knock on the door. Aubrey disappears for a split second, and when she comes back, Blair is on her heels.

Unable to mask her excitement, Paige jumps up and engulfs Blair in a tight hug. She leans her head on the other girl’s shoulder and whispers quietly “Thank you for coming.” Blair pulls back first so she can look Paige in the eyes when she tells her “Anything for you.” 

The two haven’t been friends long but they’ve helped each other in different ways. Blair is helping Paige realize that she deserves more than just crumbs of someone’s time. Paige helped Blair navigate the difficulties of her long distance relationship with her boyfriend, Nate. They have shared a few deep conversations and have voiced their insecurities. Paige considers her to be a close friend.

A throat clears from the table. “P boogers, are you going to introduce us?” KK asked.

Paige apologizes and introduces Blair to the team. Like clockwork, the girls start shuffling to make room for her around the table. While they do this, Paige runs to get her a drink. 

She’s in the middle of measuring out the shots when Azzi walks into the kitchen.

“Who is she?” Azzi’s voice is unsteady and tainted with something that Paige can’t identify. Regardless, she has no interest in playing this game tonight. 

“A friend.”

“Bullshit. I know all your friends and I haven’t met her” Azzi grits out. 

“She’s a fairly new friend. I met her at the bar last week.”

“Is that the girl you spent all night talking to?” Jealousy creeps up Azzi’s throat. 

“Why? Jealous?” Paige counters. She smirks with an eyebrow raised. She knows the answer.

Azzi moves from her spot to crowd Paige’s space. She backs her up so she's trapped between Azzi’s body and the counter.

“Should I be?” Azzi whispers. She’s so close to Paige that her breath lightly fans her face.

Paige closes the gap between them some more; eliminating the space between their bodies. She moves as if she’s going in for a kiss. Her lips brush Azzi’s as she speaks “As long as you have a girlfriend, no.”

The reminder of Riley is like a bucket of cold water to Azzi; the shock prevalent on the younger girl’s face. Paige takes advantage and pushes past her; joining the rest of the team in the dining room.

PREVIOUS | NEXT

[jennifercheckapologist]

Bandit Like Me- 01

✮ Pairings: Ellie/Reader | Abby/Reader | Dina/Ellie | (Past) Jesse/Dina

✮ Characters: Musician!Ellie | Pro Athlete!Abby | Bassist!Dina | Drummer!Jesse

✮ Summary: It's the first night of Ellie's solo tour and you've got two tickets.

✮ Word Count: 2,000

✮ A/N: Me when I take a million years to start writing. Apologies to the people who asked about this series being continued forever ago because you're still getting tagged in this now.

 ◁ II ▷ 

12:45 PM

The first time you met Abby Anderson, she was drenched in sweat and one hundred percent certain you were the love of her life. Amazingly, five years later, she would find herself in the same condition– only in the kitchen of your New York apartment instead of a dorm room in Louisiana. You take her love confessions even less seriously now than you did back in college. Then, she was loud, cocky, and hot-headed– everything you rolled your eyes at back in college– and now she's grown into a much calmer woman.

Of course, she still carries that same ego with her, evidenced by the certainty in her step and the straightness of her spine. Abby was the product of hard work and absurdly high expectations, and it shows now more than ever. One day, you'd looked up, and the girl who pulled all-nighters just to hear you talk for longer had grown into a woman who religiously slept eight hours every night.

Even now, as she holds your back tight against her front to mouth lazily at your neck, you can't believe she's grown up right alongside you. You make a weak attempt to squirm out of her hold, to no avail. She's warm against you, and even though she's being gentle, something in you aches when she holds you like this.

“You smell like outside,” you whine, wrinkling your nose at the scent of sweat and grass covering her skin. You’ll miss this when she’s gone. Nearly everything becomes Abby when she’s away. Freshly mowed lawns are Abby, black hair ties are Abby, the blonde girls in your bed are not Abby, but they do their best to substitute. You shake the thought of her absence from your mind– it’s too early for that.

She releases you with a chuckle, “Well, you'll never guess where I've been.”

“Funny,” you grumble as you steady yourself. You don’t go too far, not when you know these are your last days with her for a while. 

“Yeah, yeah,” she plants a kiss on the tip of your nose, “We’ll take a shower and it'll be fine.”

“Are you busy tonight?” You hum as you take her hands in yours. It sounds a little more eager than you intend it to, and your face warms at the sound of it. You can sense the rejection before she opens her mouth. It's the way she interlocks her fingers with yours, the subtle squeeze she gives, and– of course– the way that she sighs heavily before she finally looks you in the eyes. You've been getting rejected by Abby for so long that it barely registers enough to sting anymore.

“I need to finish packing tonight,” Abby finally murmurs, pouting just enough that you know she's worried she might be making a mistake. You’re not sure if she’s regretting turning you down or reminding you that she’s leaving you soon.

“Don’t look at me like that,” You say, giving her hands a reciprocal squeeze. “It's fine. It's just a show.”

Abby lets go of your hands to pull you back into her by your waist. “A show?”

“Yeah, remember a few months ago when we went to Ellie Williams’s listening party?” You wait for her to nod before you continue, “Well, I talked with her bass player, Dina, and I asked her to save me a ticket for opening night. I was joking, of course, but she found my Instagram. Next thing I know, I’ve got two tickets to the first night and an invite to the after-party they're throwing to celebrate.”

Abby frowns at you as she mumbles, “Oh, an after-party for Ellie.”

“Oh,” you mock, the beginnings of a smirk tilting the corner of your mouth, “why didn't you tell me you and Ellie are on a first name basis?”

“We should go,” Abby suggests, happily ignoring you. She seemingly has no idea her hopes of appearing casual about the ordeal have already disappeared with the way her grip on you tightened at the mention of Ellie.

You smile up at her, your voice filled with faux innocence as you reply, “Abby, baby, you have to finish packing tonight.”

“It can wait. Everything can wait.” Abby pauses to think. “Everything but you. Aren't you always saying I need to learn to have fun again?”

“Is that what this is? You having fun?”

“What else would it be?” Abby questions.

“Well,” you pretend to think for a few beats. You wait just long enough for her to begin squirming under your gaze. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think you’re jealous.”

“Good thing you know better,” Abby replies as she lowers her mouth back to your neck to give you one more kiss.

9:15 PM

There’s always a moment right before she steps onstage when Ellie can convince herself she has stage fright. It crawls up her spine, a burning sensation along the skin urging her to just start running.  And yet it freezes her in place with her guitar pick heavy against her palm and her mouth dry.

When she first stepped on stage, she was an awkward teenager clinging anxiously to Joel's leg, secure in the knowledge that they were there for him. Even still, she’d always check for exits, and think of every way she could possibly fuck up. Where do my hands go? What am I supposed to say first? Maybe I’m not supposed to be here.

Now, with the lights down and the crowd buzzing, she wondered momentarily if she could make a run for it. Apparently, it didn't matter if she was fourteen, trailing behind Joel with her handed-down guitar slung over her shoulder, or twenty-four, with the whole world at her fingertips. She’s nearly jumping out of her skin as she forces herself to look at her band. Dina’s eyes are already on her, warm and wide and reassuring. She feels herself nodding in response before her eyes meet Jesse’s. His are just as welcoming, but loud with excitement as he spins a drumstick in his hand absentmindedly.

For a long time, she’d tried to convince herself that each show would be the last time it happened. She swore that the next time, her hands wouldn’t shake and her palms wouldn’t sweat. Next time, she wouldn’t feel her heart pounding in her throat as she surveyed all of the bodies in the audience. Next time, she would feel ready. Eventually, she let that dream go.

She was destined to step onto the stage prepared to escape, but a glance at Dina, the weight of the crowd’s excitement to be there– with her– turned into something as the lights came up. Suddenly, that white-hot fear was chased up her spine by something even warmer. It was intoxicating; the heat of the lights focused on her, and all of the eyes staring up at her, excited just to share a space with her. All of her fear melts into excitement.

One second she’s drowning, then the first gasp of air, and suddenly, she’s above water again, and that’s when everything shifts; she isn’t just Ellie anymore.

“We all know why we’re here tonight,” Ellie breathed into the mic. She was golden, center stage, her guitar in her hands like an old friend.

She lets the audience clap and scream like they always do, their excitement like rainwater washing over her. As she surveys the faces in front of her, everything feels like a good omen. How could she have doubted making the first tour stop in the city she now called home? How could she forget why she loves it so much? It’s finally quiet again when she opens her mouth to continue, “For those of you who don’t know, I put out a little album not too long ago. Archivist was a bit of a passion project. For a long long time I wasn't sure it was ever going to be anything until I wrote this one song, and I knew I had to finish it.”

She can taste the next few hours on her tongue as she hears Dina’s steady bass strumming. It’s the absurdly priced water she will drink in between songs, the salt in the sweat she’ll lick off of her lips, the sticky, sweet lip gloss she will lick off of someone else’s– maybe something even sweeter at the end of the night if she’s really good.

Ellie allows herself to laugh along with the crowd at all of her jokes. Over the years, she's gotten better and better at pretending she hasn’t practiced playing coy for them, with only the eyes of her bandmates watching.

She'd almost forgotten the euphoria of a packed show. It’s a good audience. Their eagerness to be part of something chases away any leftover apprehension in Ellie's body. She can tell they’re itching to sing along to her new stuff, not just waiting for her to play old duets she wrote with Joel. For the first time in her life, this was all hers.

It all makes her feel silly for ever doubting herself. Yes, their last rehearsal had been terrible, but that was clearly a sign that tonight was going to be good. They are going to be perfect.

It's the first night of the rest of her life, and she is going to be perfect.

11:00 PM

“You deserve a shot.”

You do, don’t you? It’s hard to argue with a beautiful blonde staring at you, holding out tequila like something holy. She looks so good, and you do too– you can feel it. You’re covered in glitter and sticky with a new layer of sweat to replace the one you’d worked up during the show. Before you know it, you’re tipsy on top of it all. All in all, it was a great day to be you. Especially now that Abby is preparing to pour another shot down your throat.

You allow yourself to close your eyes, melting into her touch when she grabs your jaw with one hand to guide your head back. Your mouth opens up for her involuntarily to swallow back the liquid. She could do anything– lead you anywhere— in this moment, and you probably wouldn’t care. She presses a firm kiss to your mouth when you finish. It’s all a good reminder of how much you love having her like this. This Abby, free and eager to touch you, is the one who taught you what it meant to have a muse. She keeps her hold on your head firm as she trails sloppy kisses along your neck. 

“I think you have a little stalker,” Abby teases, her breath warm against your ear. She taps two fingers to your jaw to make you open your eyes, “and she looks real excited to see you.”

You swing your head with enough force that Abby almost jerks her hand away from your face, and there she is: Ellie Williams in the flesh again.

She looks just as good as she did a month ago- maybe even better. She’s leaning into her shiny, new rocker persona heavily; her eyes are shielded by sunglasses, but her hair is tied back, leaving her freckled face nearly unobscured. 

You turn to say something to Abby, but she’s already slipped away by the time you’ve shaken yourself from your Ellie-induced stupor. You can’t help but be thankful she’s gone, though. It means you don’t have to be embarrassed by the way you grin when Ellie finally reaches you. A few months ago, she barely knew you existed, but now she’s holding her arms out to hug you as if she’s known you her whole life.

You let her take you into her arms, finally returning the hug as she greets you loudly. Her voice is just barely loud enough to compete with the music playing as she says, “Well aren’t you a sight for sore eyes, rockstar.”

@macaroni676 @diddiqueen @lmaoo-spiderman @ravyaryn

 ◁ II ▷

[strawbeerossi]

Let Me Hear You

Pairing: Fem!Reader x Unit Chief!Spencer Reid

Description: You and Spencer pull an all nighter to get caught up on paperwork. However whenever you decide to break to eat, you find yourself with some free time before the food gets there.

Content/Warnings: Talking about sex, food mentions and being hungry, unprotected sex, creampie

Word Count: 1.1K

Kinktober Day Twenty Five: Sound Kink

Navigation || Kinktober Masterlist || AO3

One thing you learned about Spencer was that he liked to let the world know what was his. For instance, he was proud for everyone to know he was the newest acting unit chief after Emily passed the baton so she could be the first female director of the FBI. It was a big achievement for him after spending years dedicating his time to his career. Another thing he liked to tell the world was about his academic career, all his PHDs and academic excellency being a proud achievement he was happy to let everyone hear about.

He wore these achievements like a badge of honor. Anyone in his shoes would. His personal life was more quiet, although one part of it was something he was far too proud to show off. You. You’d begun dating while you worked in a separate sector of the FBI, your transfer being about a year after you both started seeing each other. You enjoyed having a man as strong as him as well as a job where you did important things.

You’d currently been pulling an all nighter at the office, catching up with the shocking amount of paperwork you let pile on your desk. Spencer had planned on staying as well, so it worked out a lot better than you’d expected. You were both sitting in his office, the both of you having coffees filled to the brim for the night ahead. “You can summarize things, you know.” Spencer had commented with a chuckle, eyes looking over the huge statement you were writing. “This is a summary. Oh, my god. Is it too long?!” You asked while lifting your head to face your boyfriend, who chuckled. “No! I was just letting you know, that's all.”

As the paperwork dragged on, Spencer was eventually closing the file in his hand. “What do you say we take a break? I think we’ve earned it.” Which you didn’t object, your eyes crossed from all the reading and writing you’d been doing. As you placed the completed files to the side, you leaned against your boyfriend’s desk. “Should we order from that all night burger place in town? I’m pretty sure they deliver.” You inferred while Spencer was tapping his pen against the desk. “Yeah, let’s go ahead and order from there tonight. Seems easy and quick enough.” He chuckled. Which was exactly what you both did. After calling in your orders and confirming they did deliveries, it was a waiting game now.

“I know something that’ll pass the time.” Your boyfriend teased, eyebrows wiggling while you laughed and rolled your eyes with a smile. “Is sex on your mind all the time?” You asked in a teasing tone while he put his hands up in self defense. “Look at my girlfriend. Any guy would be lucky enough to be able to put their hands on you.” He was pushing himself to stand while offering a hand in your direction, tugging you up and to his chest when you took it. “Besides, don’t act like you aren’t jumping on me any chance you get.” He wiggled his eyebrows with a laugh, head dipping down to press a sweet kiss to your lips.

The sweetness eventually escalated though, your bodies pressed flush against one another as your kiss had deepened. You were backing up with Spencer’s assistance before your body was hitting the couch towards the left side of the office. With both of you giggling due to your eagerness causing you to fall back, your head was lifting as you could feel his hands moving to bunch up the skirt you were wearing. “We don’t have much time.” He murmured, which you nodded as you were pushing your panties to the side as Spencer pulled his cock from his slacks.

After giving a few lazy tugs, the thick head of his shaft was plunging into your hot, leaking cunt. Your hands were quick to grasp at his shoulders. “Fuck.” You hissed, biting your lower lip as his hips were snapping into yours. You were making an effort to keep it down, already knowing there were cleaning crews as well as other agents working late on the floor. Last thing you needed was to alert everyone.

However Spencer seemed to realize, his hands squeezing your hips as his head was dipping in order for him to whisper in your ear. “Let everyone know who’s making you feel good in here. I wanna get complaints.” He murmured against your ear, a moan tumbling out of your mouth at the request. “Tell the office that you liked getting fucked by your unit chief like the whore you are.” The words had your hands clutching his shoulders tighter as you were letting your head tilt back. His hand had slid down your body, thumb rubbing at your clit before he was pinching it between his fingers to elicit a cry from you, knowing exactly how to get you crying and moaning loud enough for every floor to hear.

“That’s right. Fuck. Take my cock so well. I know you love it when I pound your sweet pussy.” He hummed in her ear. “Bet you want me to fill you up too. Don’t you?” The words were enough to help drive you both closer to the edge, your eyes falling shut as the moans and whines just fell from your lips. Once the filter was taken away, you made it known that you were getting fucked in the office. As you’d both approached your orgasms, Spencer had managed to get rougher on you.

With his grip tightening on your hips, he’d let himself go overboard as he was jackhammering against the spongy button that he’d been prodding within the past few minutes.

The force had a fire spreading all throughout your body, louder moans and pleas for him not to stop now filling the once quiet and peaceful office space. As you were being fucked into oblivion, it wasn’t long until your cunt was clenching tightly around his cock, sucking him in as best as you could as your orgasm was making you see stars. Your body jolted with a few more rough thrusts before you could feel a warmth gushing inside of you, chest rising and falling rapidly as you were clutching your boyfriend tighter.

However it wasn’t long until you’d gotten a text, Spencer being the one to gently pull out of you before approaching the desk. “The food is here. Why don’t you lay here and relax? I’ll be right back.”

“Yeah.. Might be best..” you commented, face flushed as you were pulling your panties back into place and smoothing out your skirt.

“I’m starving anyway.” You laughed.

[argumate]

I had invested a fair amount of work at the beginning of last week researching and writing a note on the potential impact of the “reciprocal” tariffs across different societies and industries. By Tuesday evening, I was seriously thinking of pulling an all-nighter to get the note out as quickly as possible. Fortunately, I did not bother, because the policy was abandoned paused for 90 days by midday on Wednesday.

After waiting a bit, I decided to write about the potential for bilateral China-U.S. trade to adapt to punitively high tariffs by re-routing via third countries such as Mexico, Singapore, and Vietnam. But then the administration announced that it would be exempting large categories of goods from its tariffs on China, including the goods that my preliminary research had shown were among the most attractive to transship through Vietnam. (There have since been further announcements muddying the picture.)

While my experience was annoying and demotivating, it was not macroeconomically significant—by itself. But many other business owners and operators have also been affected by the violent capriciousness of the policy changes of the past few months, and together, the combined impact of our reactions probably is significant.

Leave aside the question of whether the tariffs are good or bad. How can any manufacturer, retailer, or user of foreign goods make plans under these conditions? Why should any other business believe that the capriciousness will be limited to tariffs? And if executives cannot feel confident making plans, what can we expect them to do besides hoard cash?

Matt Klein wants to write about the tariffs but they're changing quicker than he can write

[bumblesimagines]

i think we cuddled.

should we talk about it?

- Lexi Howard

should we talk about it?

i think we cuddled.

Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs, GN!Reader

There were many ways to fuck up in life. 

Pull an all-nighter knowing you've got an exam the next day; Pick a fight with someone twice your size; Talk shit about your boss while they're within earshot; Knock over your grandmother's ashes. Or, as you had spectacularly done, sleep with an ex-girlfriend's younger, nerdier sister in her house and her room. Granted, it was inevitable sleeping in her room considering Cassie and Lexi shared a bedroom, but it remained part of the grand fuck-up. 

Throughout your whole life, Lexi Howard had remained strictly off limits. Your beloved twin sister, Maddy, had set strict ground rules for how you were to interact with her friends and by extension, Lexi which ranged from never flirting with them to never laying an even slightly suggestive finger on them. You'd followed the rules to a T during middle school and ninth grade but then Cassie Howard showed her interest and Maddy could only give in and allow it. Like most of Cassie's relationships, it crashed and burned in just over a year. 

Cassie loved hard and with her whole heart but if she felt even just slightly abandoned or ignored, she leaped into the arms of whichever interested guy was closest to her. It'd been a whole ordeal that'd nearly threatened Cassie and Maddy's friendship until you managed to calm the waters and enter a genuine, and somewhat awkward, friendship with Cassie to keep the peace between the girls. By then, you had become pretty acquainted with Lexi, even going as far as calling her a friend. Which made everything about your situation worse.

"Should we talk about it?" Lexi's meek voice asked from the bed, the covers and blankets scrunched in her balled-up hands. Her big, doe-eyes watched you get dressed and you couldn't quite tell if her reddened cheeks were from embarrassment, shame, or lingering alcohol in her system. Horrible, it was horrible. Lexi should've lost her v card to some smart loser who was head over heels for her, but instead, she got you. 

"What is there to talk about? We got tipsy, I drove you home,��I think we cuddled, one thing led to another, and shit happened." Her lips pursed and her gaze fell onto the covers. You winced and slid on your shirt. "I don't want to be mean, Lex. I think you're great and you deserve better. You probably expected the big day to be roses and candles and an expensive dinner with someone from Harvard or Yale who would be ready to pop out the engagement ring right after. I'm sure you'll find that person eventually, though."

"What... What makes you think I expected or- or wanted all that?" Lexi frowned and you wondered what great sin you had committed to get into this situation. "Maybe- Maybe I did envision it being with you. What would be so wrong about that? I mean, you're single and-"

"Cassie would be furious, and not to mention how Maddy would react. She'll get mad on somebody's behalf and it'll be hell for both of us. It's just- It..." You sighed heavily, running a hand over your face. "Maybe if I had met you first... things would've been different, Lex. But I didn't. I dated Cassie and that breakup was a fucking mess. It wouldn't be fair on her to storm back into her life like that. I'm sorry."

[fivestar-outlaw]

New Horizons (Park Seonghwa) (Ch. 4)

Chapter 4: Dreaming [Final Chapter]

Pairing: Park Seonghwa x Fem!Reader

Words: 16.5K+ (OOPS)

Warning(s): Discussion of insecurities, some swearing, Ateez is a menace (lovingly) to reader and Hwa.

SMUT (18+) WARNINGS: Multiple orgasms, oral (M/F receiving), a hint of cockwarming, condoms and birthcontrol are used (not sure if this is needed here, but i know some people enjoy reading characters hitting it raw), PiV penetration, cumshot??? (i dont know if thats the correct term for what happens LMAO). I think thats it here.

A/N: FINALLY CHAPTER 4 IS HERE. Life kept throwing curveballs but I came through!! I. Love. This. Chapter. SM. A lot went into it and its just fluffy, silly fun time with some spice. I originally was going to write a smut scene for the epilogue but it just works here. also apologies if it isnt good, im a lil rusty with smut writing. ANYWAYS enjoy! <3

Reader is implied to be living in the US bc uh TIMEZONES ARE FUCKY and i didnt realize how reliant i was on mine (PST) when looking up KST

Summary: Attempting an all-nighter while playing Animal Crossing alongside your bias, you didn't expect your turnip prices to be such a high amount... nor did you expect Park Seonghwa to actually accept your offer to sell his turnips on your island.

Series Masterlist | Navigation

"Can you stop pacing?" Jongho sighed, watching Seonghwa going back and forth in the living space of the MinSanHwa dorm. Everyone in Ateez were currently residing there, waiting for your arrival in this somewhat warm afternoon.

He felt confident with you coming over. He was excited and ready to start laying down hints about his feelings and hopefully catch any signs from you. But the second they got the text from their manager and you that you'd been picked up from the airport, Seonghwa was up on his feet nervously spot cleaning and pacing. He felt confident at the start of the day, but now? He was on edge.

"What if she suddenly doesn't want to see me?" The eldest asked out loud, feeling anxiety creeping up his spine. "What if she'll not want to stay with me then?"

"Well, she'll still want to see me and stay with me then." Wooyoung teased. Seonghwa shot him a glare.

"Not helping, Woo." Mingi hissed to the younger male. "What happened to the confidence you had earlier?"

"I don't know why I am freaking out this bad." The eldest groaned and started pacing quicker.

"Hwa, you should sit down. Pacing isn't going to help your nerves." San suggested, getting up from his spot on the couch. He gently grasped Seonghwa's arms and pulled him over to take the spot he once inhabited. The younger male made him sit and gave him a reassuring squeeze to one of his arms.

"(Y/N) is just as excited and probably just as nervous to meet you too." Hongjoong attempt to reassure. The eldest nodded, taking a deep breath, as a smile grew on his face.

"Thank you, guys. I am feeling a little less stressed now."

"And if you two need San and I gone, just give us a heads up and we will bunk with the others." Mingi cheekily grinned. Wooyoung bursted out laughing, with San and Yuhno chuckling. Honjoong, Yeosang, and Jongho had a scandalized look before they too laughed along.

"Why would we- Oh my god." Seonghwa groaned loudly. Everyone smiled at flustered expression on their oldest friends face all while Mingi looked proud.

A series of rhythmic knocks had the room go silent.

All of Ateez looked at Seonghwa, who simply stared at the front door with wide eyes. No one moved a muscle. Wooyoung, who was sitting next the eldest male, practically pushed Seonghwa to his feet. He gulped and approached the door. Taking in a deep breath, he turned the several locks and opened the door.

There you were, with a half drank beverage in one hand and your phone in the other. Your suitcase rested just behind you and your carry on hung over your left shoulder. You wore clothes comfortable for travel yet still looked as good as ever. Neither of you spoke. You both just stared at each other.

"(Y/N)!" Hongjoong's voice snapped the two of you out of your trances. He walked through the threshold and grabbed your suitcase with a grin. "Come inside."

"Hey everyone!" You smiled walking into the dorm, waving. All of Ateez stood up from their spots with wide smiles. Wooyoung was bouncing in his spot; San, Mingi, and Yuhno excitedly waved; Yeosang and Jongho looked calm, though one could easily discern some nervousness in their glances; and Hongjoong went and set aside your luggage so it was out of the way for now.

"(Y/N)..." Seonghwa's soft voice stole your attention. Before you could speak he pulled you into a tight embrace. You easily melted into him, the smell of his cologne and the warmth of his body invading your senses. You immediately wrap your arms around him just as tight and you could hardly hear the faint awws from the others.

"It's good to see you in person, Hwa." You whisper.

"Likewise." He slowly moved away, though kept his hands resting on your shoulders.

"Stop hogging her, hyung!" Wooyoung was almost instantly right by your side with a pout on his face. He removed Seonghwa's hands from your shoulders like a child and once they were off you, a big grin broke out on Woo's face. "We are so happy you're here!" He placed his hands on your cheeks, squishing your face, before pulling you into a hug.

Soon enough, everyone was around you. Each member took turns greeting you and pulling you into a hug. Seonghwa couldn't help but smile at the friendliness between you and the others. Even Jongho gave you a very brief hug with a gummy grin on his face.

"It's almost surreal being here with you guys." You admitted, wide eyed, looking at each one. Although, your gaze lingered on Seonghwa's form more so than the others. "It feels like just yesterday I invited Hwa to sell turnips on my island."

"Yeah, and now he won't ever stop talking about you." Yeosang teased with an almost deadpan expression, which soon melted into a smile.

"You all live to embarrass me." Hwa rolled his eyes while fighting the urge to smile himself.

"Not to further embarrass you, or you (Y/N), but we should probably settle sleeping arrangements. I assume your staying in our dorm." San inquired.

"You can always stay with me." Wooyoung suggested, leaning against you.

"I figured I would be taking the couch." You shrug.

"No, you can have my bed. I'll stay on the couch." Seonghwa asserts.

"Hwa, it's your bed."

"(Y/N), your our guest." Hongjoong interjected. "You should sleep on the bed."

"He is the idol. He should be well rested and the best shape, especially if you guys are practicing and learning new choreography and he can't do that if he isn't able to sleep comfortably."

"Ah, well, you aren't wrong there."

"Joong." Hwa gave him an incredulous look.

"You guys could always take turns." Yuhno suggested with a quiet chuckle.

"You both could always just share the bed." Mingi interjects with a cheeky look on his face. That resulted in a light smack to the back of his head from Hongjoong. Mingi yelped and glared at Joong.

"Seonghwa and I can figure it out when we get there. I have a feeling we will be here all day." You say, feigning slight exasperation. "We talked briefly about ideas of what to do, but now that we are here..."

"Well, we would love to bring you to the dance studio while you stay." Yuhno smiled.

"And I asked my vocal coach, he said it was alright for you to listen in on a practice if you still want to." Jongho beamed.

"We can also take you places for sight-seeing and to grab food. We will have to be careful and go in small groups after practice but it should be fun. We have a photoshoot Thursday, which you're welcome to join us for." Hongjoong added. "There are limits as to what we can do outside the dorms and the KQ building, but overall we want to spend time with you."

"We all have Switch's too, so don't think about playing only Animal Crossing with him." Woo playfully glared at you and Seonghwa. This had the others wanting to already play games like Mario Kart or Smash Bros with you.

After a day of playing different party games, laughing at how competitive each of the guys were, and having delicious takeout from one of their favorite places, the nine of you were crowded around the tv in the MinSanHwa dorm. You decided on what movie to watch via rock, paper, scissors; the winner got to pick the movie and sat out from the rest of the game.

You won the first pick. You decided on a movie you enjoyed that you have been meaning to rewatch. San won next and he picked out a film no had seen before. Yeosang was after him and decided on a classic Korean film that you hadn't watched. Now Yuhno's choice was playing, which was Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse.

You were practically forced to sit on the couch, right in between Seonghwa and San, while the others occupied desk chairs brought out from either San, Mingi, or Seonghwa's rooms or the floor. They insisted it was because you were the guest, but Ateez really wanted to make sure you and Seonghwa were seated next to each other for movie time.

After all, operation 'Hwa+Y/N' (Wooyoung's idea) was officially set in motion the second you knocked on the door. It was their way of helping you and Seonghwa to hopefully confessing to one another.

It was midway through the film when you started feeling like you were about to fall asleep. Lingering drowsiness had been present since Yeosang's movie but you were able to keep it at bay. Now, it felt like you were struggling hard to keep your eyes open. Travel exhaustion and your sleep schedule now being thrown off further must have finally caught up. You felt your breathing start to slow as you couldn't keep your eyes open any longer.

Seonghwa's eyes widened when felt weight on his shoulder. Craning his head, his face softened and his heart fluttered at the sight of your head resting on his shoulder. He couldn't help the large smile on his face as he stared, not paying any attention to the movie.

"Aww." Wooyoung cooed softly. He held up his phone and leaned away from you and Hwa to snap a few pictures. 

"Send me those." The eldest murmured. Wooyoung nodded and made sure to send them to Hwa. He also sent them to the group chat he created without you or the oldest male he lovingly named the ship name he and Yuhno coined for you and Hwa.

"Here, I'll pause it-" Yuhno lifted the remote to pause the movie but Seonghwa cut him off.

"Let her sleep through the rest of it." He kept his voice low as to not wake you.

"You just don't want her off you, hyung." Jongho teased. Hwa simply rolled his eyes and focused his eyes on the screen. He would be lying, though, if he were to say the rest of his attention was focused in on you. He wanted nothing more than to place a chaste kiss to your hairline and interlock his fingers with yours, and he almost would have if he wasn't keenly aware of his friends not-so-subtly watching him.

When the credits for the movie started playing the tv was shut off. Everyone awake except Seonghwa got up from their spots and stretched, a few yawned in tandem. San and Mingi started moving their desk chairs back into their rooms. Seonghwa blinked back the sleepiness creeping up on him as he ever-so-slightly shifted, reaching over with his free hand. He gently tapped and shook you as he called out your name.

"Hmmm?" You mumbled, your eyes slowly opening. You lazily raise your head from his shoulder but shift your body closer to his. If you weren't half-awake you would have caught how flushed his ears were becoming. "Damn. Did I sleep through the movie?"

"Just half way through."

"All the excitement and traveling must of finally caught up to me." You gingerly move away from Hwa, much to his disappointment, and lift your arms about your head. Your stretched them and your spine as a big yawn escaped your mouth. "We never did figure out sleeping arrangements."

"Seonghwa-hyung, you can have my bed and (Y/N), you can have his for the stay." San smiled as he came back into the living area. "I'll stay with one of the others."

"San-"

"You guys can't argue against me on this." He held up his hand, effectively cutting you and Seonghwa off, and eyed the rest of the group. "Who am I bunking with first?"

"You can stay in my bed tonight, Sannie. I have some work to do anyways." Hongjoong offered. "Oh, by the way, we are going to be heading out early tomorrow for practice, (Y/N)."

"Sounds good. I can't wait. Thanks for," Your own yawn interrupted you, making the others faintly chuckle, "the heads up."

You slowly stand up from the couch alongside Hwa and start to make your way to your bags, but the more awake Seonghwa beat you to it. He lifted your carry-on over one of his shoulders and already started moving the suitcase towards his room. You simply roll your eyes and smile before bidding the others goodnight.

"As you know I got the smallest room but its still nice." Hwa said as he set your things down near the end of his bed. "All I ask is just make the bed each morning and be careful around those." He gestured to his display cases of his Lego figures, which he had lovingly showed you many times over video calls. "You seem like you're about to pass out. Do you need anything before you sleep?"

"I think I am good for now, thank you Hwa." You smile. He gives you a soft smile and turns to leave but you stop him. "Wait, can I... can I have another hug before bed?"

"You don't have to ask, you know." Hwa gingerly wrapped his arms around you. One of his hands rested on your upper back while the other found purchase on the back of your head. You took a deep breath and held him close. It was a warm hug that lasted for a good moment. You both slowly pulled away.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight, (Y/N)." He exited his room, closing the door.

You exhale and quickly got changed. You quickly exit the room to the bathroom to brush your teeth. When finished you promptly went back to Hwa's room and pulled back his covers, slipping into the soft bedding. The mattress was extremely comfortable and as you nuzzled your face into the pillow, you smiled and drifted off to sleep.

---

It has been a couple of days since you had arrived and its been a joy. You've gotten to try different foods and snacks with Ateez and got to have a tour of the KQ building. You even got to meet some of  BBTrippin briefly which was amazing.

You mostly were with Ateez when you went to the building, just like now. You were currently sitting on the floor of one of the dance rooms, sipping on a drink you and Wooyoung went to get in the canteen area. The boys were all dancing to older choreography before they started working on their newer songs.

You could feel the floor shake when they danced Hala Hala, which made you quietly giggle.

It was something else seeing them dance in person. Your eyes wandered to each person. You admired how each person moved and danced as if they were on stage performing for thousands. Your eyes stayed on Hwa's form the most. Everyone was extremely skilled in Ateez, but something about his presence while performing drew you in.

When Hala Hala finished, the boys decided to take a five minute break right as the choreographer walked in. Wooyoung and San decided to collapse by you while the others talked to their choreographer.

"What did you think?" Woo asked, practically draping his sweaty self over you.

You grimace, "I think your getting me all sweaty."

"You probably stink too." San teased, poking the younger males arm.

"I do not stink!" Woo gasped while pretending to be offended. His lips formed a pout as he laid down on the floor, resting his head on your lap, his face was towards your stomach. He glanced up to your face. "I don't stink, right (Y/N)?"

"No, you smell like your cologne." You patted his head and chuckled at his behavior. He shifted his head a bit so he could glance at San, letting out a small 'hmph' before returning to his previous position.

San moved himself closer to you and leaned in to talk to you both quietly. "How are you holding up with the whole crush thing?"

"Shh!" You hissed, glancing over to Seonghwa. He was still conversing with the choreographer. San had asked if you had a crush on Hwa when you both went and got snacks together during your first time at KQ. He knew the answer since that phone call Woo had in front of everyone but needed to set it up like he figured it out on his own. You tried to deny it but the knowing smile on his face told you he already knew the answer.

"Have you thought about confessing?" Wooyoung asked.

"I...I thought about doing it sometime over this stay but being in person has made it a bit more intimidating."

"How so?"

"I don't know. I think it makes it feel more real?" Your brows furrowed as you tried explaining the feeling you have been experiencing. "It felt real through our chats and video calls, but now that I am here in person... I feel like it'll hurt more if he-"

"Don't be negative." San gently reprimanded. "Just follow your heart, okay? The right moment will appear so don't ignore it."

"Okay, your right." You exhaled and were about to say more when Hongjoong and the choreographer called everyone to start practicing the new dance. Wooyoung got up with a groan but a big smile on his face. San followed suit and you gave them playful taps to their calves as they walked to the middle of the room.

You look to the mirror wall and you suddenly lock eyes with Seonghwa in the mirror. He gave you a sheepish smile, his ears and cheeks blushing faintly from being caught staring. You give him a reassuring smile and thumbs up, mouthing the word 'fighting'. He bowed his head with a bashful smile before returning eye contact with you, repeating that same word.

The choreographer began teaching them the next steps to Ateez. You watched intently, following the instructors moves and then looking at Ateez mimic him.  You noticed Wooyoung, Mingi, and Yuhno were quick in picking up the new dance. Though, you were aware of how much the choreographer was correcting Hwa today as well. You could see him deflate more and more which would cause him to make more mistakes. You could feel your heart clench when you saw his dejected look.

Two and a half hours of teaching passed. An extended break was called by the instructor for the guys to refill their energy. You got up from the floor and stretched, wincing at how numb and achy you butt and lower back felt. You were about to head out with the others who were going to get snacks and food, but stayed still when you saw Seonghwa wasn't joining. He seemed to be lost in thought as he stared at the hardwood floor.

You took tentative steps towards him. Your chest tightened as you got closer. You slowly reach out and place hand on his bicep. Your touched snapped him out of his stupor. His blinked rapidly before he glanced towards your face.

"Are you okay, Hwa?" You asked softly.

"Yeah... I am." His tone and a smile were anything but convincing. You didn't want to push him but you wanted to make sure he was alright.

"You don't have to tell me what's bugging you. And yes I can tell something is." You smile. "I just wanted to let you know I am here for you. Hwa."

"Thank you." His smile this time was genuine. Although, that smile quickly turned into a frown. "I am just angry with myself for how much I am messing up. I was doing fine yesterday and the day before but today... It's like I can't get the steps or the timing down like the others. I know I can do it but for some reason I am just not getting it."

"I see..." You took a moment to think when an idea came to mind. "Why do you teach me the new stuff yourself? Maybe speaking out loud will help the process and you can catch where you've been having trouble."

"Do you think that will really help?"

"Can't say for certain, Hwa, but it helps me when I get stuck writing essays or doing homework."

"Then lets try it."

You felt sweat drip down your face as you danced the first section of the new choreography with Seonghwa. Your advice did indeed help him. As he went over the steps with you, you saw how his eyebrows would raise on certain steps. His face would brighten each time he taught the counts and steps. He was patient with you, especially since Ateez dances were very intense. When he gave you the counts you noticed him catch an error he had been making beforehand and would proceed to explain it the right way.

Now, he smiled proudly at himself in the mirror at the end of the small practice session while you tried keeping your labored breathing to a minimum. The build up of sweat at your brow made you want to swipe it off with the back of your hand but you resisted. Though you did you feel your heart flutter when you saw how proud Hwa looked about himself.

Seonghwa looked at you and his eyes widened. "Let me get you some water and a towel." He hurriedly went to the edge of the studio and picked up a clean towel from the bench and then the half drank bottle of water he'd been drinking from. He made his way back to you, handing off the water. You expected him to give you the towel.

Instead, his free hand rested on your shoulder while the other gently dabbed your face. You tried your best to mask your shocked expression and hoped he couldn't discern the heat from your face was from his actions and not from the dancing. Seonghwa's touches were gentle as he cleaned your face. You felt your breath hitch when he dragged the towel around your neck.

You couldn't help but stare at him, his face concentrated on dabbing your skin. He eyes flickered to yours which caused his movements to halt. You swore you saw his attention briefly moved to your lips before they were back on your eyes. You both ever-so-slightly move closer to each other and again, his eyes wandered to your lips and neck.

He leaned in, eyes hooded, and you couldn't help but follow along-

"(Y/N)! Hwa!" Wooyoungs loud voice deeply cut through the moment. Instinctively you both moved away from each other and looked to see the younger male carrying in two paper bags. "We brought you guys lunch since you weren't there."

"(Y/N) was helping me out with the new dance. I think I got a good grasp on it now." Hwa quickly went to join his members while you followed along, your throat dry. Both of you missed the pointed glares Yuhno, San, and Jongho sent Wooyoung as they pulled out their phones.

'We told you to wait Woo. They were clearly having a moment!' Yuhno messaged their (Y/N)/Hwa-less group chat. Jongho and San quickly followed up his message with angry cat emotes.

---

It was the day of the photoshoot. Apparently, it was for a big magazine that would come out during promotions for the new album.

You were hustled into the building with the stylists while Ateez went in elsewhere. Tiredness lingered on you while you still adjusted to the time zone difference but you didn't let that stop the excitement. You hardly caught a glimpse of the boys when their manager had you sit in the back corner of the shooting room. He gave you a smiled, handing you a badge that shows your allowed to be there, and placed a chair next you for himself before going off to the dressing room.

You waited for a while until you heard the people working the photoshoot call for the boys. Your eyes widened when you saw them walk out of the room. Every single one of them almost too handsome to be human.

Your attention, though of course, stayed on Seonghwa. He wore a loose, knitted grey sweater that was purposely distressed in some areas. The sleeves were long and reached past his hands but the hem was short, exposing just enough of his stomach. If he were to raise his arms, more of his midriff would be shown. His hair was styled down and loose and his charcoal grey top was matched with a dark belt and blue jeans.

You couldn't stop staring. Seonghwa always looked handsome to you, but this look? It was as if the stylist wanted you to keel over. The whole look made your heart race as you scanned over his figure again. 'Is he aware how hot he looks right now?'

You didn't even realize Seonghwa was watching at you. Your face immediately heated up. You gave him a sheepish smile and look away, an embarrassed warmth spreading through your being at being caught obviously checking him out. You focused on one of the studio lights. 'What a neat brand...' You glance back at him in the corner of your eye and immediately looked back at the light when you saw he was still looking your way.

A small, shy smile grew on Seonghwa's face. There was a mix of feelings within him. He felt bashful his crush was eyeing and admiring him so openly, but he also a sense of pride. His heart beat fast against chest.

Seonghwa always brushed off any thought he had of you loving him back. He never could tell over video calls you were ever admiring him in the way he wanted you to, and despite the small glances he had caught you stealing, he tried not to over think it... which actually was him overthinking it. His past insecurities coming up to tell him he was wrong. That little voice in his head always downplayed it. A part of him believed you wanted to kiss him back in the dance studio. However his internal voice dismissed it.

But now? Now he feels almost certain. This had to be one of those signs the others were telling him. There was no denying the expression you wore... how your eyes trailed over his figure... the way your barely sucked in your bottom lip between your teeth... or the embarrassed look as you put your focus elsewhere when he caught you. His smile turned into a faint smirk.

"What's up with you, hyung?" Wooyoung asked with a raised brow.

"I apologize." Seonghwa said in a low voice, that small smirk still present.

"For what?"

"For always doubting you about (Y/N)'s feelings towards me."

"What finallygave it away?"

"She was checking me out." Seonghwa looked to his friend while crossing his arms over his chest, the bashfulness starting to kick in at what he was about to say. "We also may have almost kissed the other day-"

"What?!" Woo shouted, making a silence wash over the room. He sheepishly smiled and apologized. The two waited until the photoshoot crew was talking again as they got the final lights ready. The rest of Ateez huddled around them with curious gazes. Wooyoung made sure to fill them in quickly before signaling for the eldest to continue.

"Listen. I wasn't sure whathappened then. I just... moved on my own and she leaned in too before you guys came back in." Hwa raised a brow when both Yuhno and San smacked Woo. "But I just watched her blatantly check me out."

"You two havebeen affectionate with each other since she got here." Yeosang notes, soft hums of agreement were heard from the others. "Whether each of you recognize it or not."

Seonghwa nodded slowly to that. His mind recalling all the light touches between you both, the nightly hugs before bed,

"Haven't we been telling you she is into you for how long?" Mingi said while crossing his arms.

"I know. I feel foolish now. I know that feeling of doubt may come back up- and I hope it doesn't because I feel really happy right now- but I do feel sure about it now." The elder sighed.

"What will you do now?" Hongjoong asked

"I haven't thought that far." Seonghwa looked away from his friend.

"Leave it to me, hyung." Woo winked.

"Jung Wooyoung-" Hwa started to protest but the photographer called him up for a few solo shots. The eldest gave Wooyoung a pointed look before making his way to start the shoot. Woo grinned and immediately went over the wait by you. The others followed, both curious and excited to see things finally progressing forward.

You were watching Seonghwa get into position for the first picture they wanted when you saw in the corner of tour eye the rest of Ateez joining you. Wooyoung sat in the managers unoccupied chair and gently bumped you. The rest of the boys were able to grab chairs of their own to join you.

"Oh hey guys." You smile. "You all look great. Thanks for inviting me."

"We appreciate you coming." Jongho smiled.

"I caught you checking out Seonghwa~" Wooyoung said in a sing-song voice, cutting straight to the chase. You were unaware of the lie.

"Woo!" Your eyes widened and you looked to the others.

"(Y/N), you haven't been exactly subtle. Well, at least to us. Hwa is oblivious." Yuhno told you, slightly relieved you never figured out Wooyoung told them back in February.

"And don't take this as the rest of us teasing you like Wooyoung, okay? Because we aren't." San added.

"So not only Seonghwa saw me, but you all did too." You groaned and tilted your head back, closing your eyes as you felt the familiar feeling of embarrassment creep up in your system.

"If it makes you feel any better, he didn't seem to mind it." Woo shrugged. "Anyways that's not the only reason why I came here. I wanted to do a dinner party tonight."

"Dinner party?"

"Yes. After the shoot I want to cook everyone a meal, share some soju, and have fun. I plan on keeping my makeup on a dressing up, and I'll make sure the others will be dressed up as well. You should too."

"Sounds like it would be fun, as long as I get to help."

"You are our guest..." Yeosang tried to argue but it trailed off at the look you gave him.

"I want to help. I think it would be fun to learn from Wooyoung."

Your eyes wandered back to the shoot as the others discussed the dinner plans and who all would go shopping for ingredients.

Your eyes widened when you watched Seonghwa raise he hands up and place them behind his head. The hem of the grey sweater indeed raised up enough to show off more of his waist and stomach.

"Close your mouth, (Y/N)." Woo nudged you, but your eyes stayed on Hwa posing. "You'll catch flies."

---

"Wash the rice and vegetables, hyung." Wooyoung gestured to Hwa, his voice firm. However, he switched to an overly sweet tone when addressing you."(Y/N), my dear, can you start cutting up vegetables when he is done."

You laugh and grab the cutting board. You moved to stand next to Seonghwa so you could easily get ahold of what needs to be chopped. You eyed the overly cutesy apron Woo made him wear. You glanced down at your own, it was simple with a cute cat printed on it.  Seonghwa gently leaned over and bumped you with a smile before setting down a bell pepper for you start cutting.

Hongjoong, Yeosang, and Mingi were in the living area working on different things on their laptops while Jongho, Yuhno, and San say on the barstools at the kitchen island. Mingi also offered to help but Wooyoung said three people in the kitchen was enough.

The close proximity with Seonghwa in this moment had you recalling your stay with them thus far. Small moments of affection from Hwa were really becoming obvious to you.

Thinking back to when he got done with his solo shots, he practically pulled Woo out of the chair next to you and sat down, much to the younger male's and their manager's (who got the chair for himself) dismay. His arm stayed against yours until he had to get up again for the group pictures. When he came back from the dressing room after getting changed into a new outfit and hairstyle, he stood behind you and rested his hands on your shoulders until he was called again.

When you all left the photo studio and were crammed into the large van, Seonghwa had you both in the very backseats with San. You were sat in the middle, away from windows, but he kept himself close to you. He was showing different things on his phone all while leaning against you. This wasn't the first time either. Sitting next to each other while playing Animal Crossing, during a movie, or simply sitting next to each other for mundane things... he'd lean against you whether or not he was aware of it.

Then there were the times you'd be coming back to the dorms. You and Ateez would get back from KQ, he would rest his hand on your upper back whenever everyone loaded into the small elevator up to the dorm floor. He would keep himself close to you, which you assumed at first was due to limited space. However, even when it was just the two of you, he'd stay close with his hand between your your shoulder blades.

And then the dance studio moment. If the others hadn't of came in, you almost swore he would have kissed you and you would have definitely kissed him back. Your mind at first tried playing it off as your imagination but the more you thought about it, the more it seemed likely.

And you were ecstatic.

You had to keep yourself calm as you helped out in the kitchen but the blooming smile on your face gave you away.

"What has you all happy, hmm?" Woo asked quietly. You glance over your shoulder and saw Hwa was conversing with the others at the island.

"Just thinking how much I was a fool."

A smug look came over his face. "Explain."

"Woo..." You whined.

"You have to be specific because I don't know what you mean." He simply shrugged and focused on stirring one of the sauces.

"You were right, I think, about Hwa... I think he likes me."

"You think?" Woo gave you a deadpan look. You smacked his arm, which made him yelp and laugh.

"What's happening over there?" San laughed and grinned at the two of you. Seonghwa sent you both a curious look.

"Nothing, Wooyoung is just being Wooyoung." You sent the younger male a glare to signal he should keep quiet. Thankfully he didn't say anything further but he still held that smug look.

There came a point where Wooyoung didn't need any help further so he shooed you and Hwa out the kitchen. You decided to head back to Hwa's dorm to change into a nicer outfit and to freshen up your appearance. It didn't take you long and you went to the bathroom to go over your appearance in the mirror. You heard the front door close and heard Hwa's door close as well. You couldn't help but smile when you thought of him.

You felt your heart beat quicken as you thought about your feelings and confessing to Hwa. You were sure now he returned your feelings, but now taking that next step seemed daunting. You were also not fond of confessing in front of the others, if you had the courage to confess at all.

You smoothed out your clothes and left the bathroom, only to run right into Seonghwa, who had his hand up as if he were about to knock on the door.

"Oh sorry."

"My bad." You both laughed.

"Wooyoung sent me to get you and grab the soju we have here." Hwa lifted up the bottle of the yogurt flavored soju from the fridge. "You look good."

"You do too." You noticed he also changed his top. You gulped when you saw it was very similar to the grey top he wore at the photoshoot. It was black, not a knitted looking top with a purposely distressed look. The hem wasn't as short and the sleeves weren't as long as the photoshoot top, but it still looked good. His hair was worn down now and his face was bare, having took a quick shower when everyone got back from the photoshoot.

There was awkward silence as you both stared at each other. You felt your phone buzz, which you were sure was one of the guys telling you dinner was ready.

"We should probably get back." Hwa spoke in a soft voice, his eyes never leaving yours as a small smile appeared on his face.

"Y-yeah, we should." You nod. You both quickly left and re-entered Wooyoung, Hongjoong, and Jongho's dorm. You saw the others were already sitting at the table. It looked cramped but there was enough room for everyone and most of the food in the middle. There were two spots open next to one another.

You both took your spots, Yeosang was next to you while Hongjoong was by Seonghwa. Once you both joined, everyone started putting food onto their plates. You felt giddiness for some reason whenever Seonghwa would get food for you when he got his serving. The soju bottles started getting passed around for those that wanted to drink. You decided to partake, hoping it would calm your nerves.

Your very belated revelation had you feeling more at edge around Seonghwa than ever before.

You hadn't realized you were tapping your fingers against your thigh until you felt Hwa's hand clasped around yours. You tensed but relaxed when he gave your hand a light squeeze.

"Are you okay? You seem on edge." He asked as quietly as he could. Everyone else chatted and some were loud, but he wanted to make sure you had some privacy. You appreciated that.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just really happy to be here." You smile and lean against him for a few moments. He unfortunately let go of your hand so you both could eat with ease, but he shifted in his seat so his thigh stayed pressed against yours.

It was getting later in the night now.

You stopped drinking alcohol when you felt a nice buzz. While drinking with your friends sounded fun, you also didn't want to potentially embarrass yourself in front of them. Besides those who weren't as drunk as Hongjoong, San, Mingi, and Wooyoung, who were all flushed in the face and neck, needed to keep an eye on them.

"Sannie isn't that strong of a drinker." Hwa chuckled next to you as you both watched him and Mingi sing loudly to some ballads.

"Hyung you have no room to talk." Yeosang rolled his eyes as he sat next to you. He crossed his arms and rested his head on your shoulder.

"Hwa's a lightweight?" You ask with a smirk, looking to the man in question.

"He gets as bad as Sannie." Yeosang wore a faux pout. "At least San doesn't scream in your face."

"Hey, we were playing a game. Don't make it sound worse to (Y/N)." The eldest grumbled and followed the younger in resting against you. You simply chuckled at their antics.

You nearly busted out laughing when Wooyoung and Hongjoong loudly joined San and Mingi's singing. Their voices were very loud and their singing was slightly slurred. You watched as Wooyoung climbed onto the wooden coffee table, singing his heart out to the room.

"Woo get down before you hurt yourself." Yuhno sighed, approaching the scene.

"Let him perform!" Mingi and San said at the same time.

"I don't want to hear it from the two that got us a jumping ban." Yuhno struggled to get Wooyoung off the coffee table but managed to do so despite the younger one's squirming.

"Ah, he is such a handful even when he is drunk." You heard Jongho say from behind you.

"Glad I stopped when I stopped drinking when I did." You chuckled. "I probably would have been up there with him."

"Oh that would be fun to see." Hwa acted like he was about to get up off the couch. "Should we get more to drink ?"

"I don't want to be yelled at." You scrunch your nose at him teasingly.

"I would never." He places his hand on his chest and faked offense.

"Although I wouldn't mind one more shot from that bottle with the purple cap. That stuff is delicious."

Yeosang decided to get off the couch and grabbed the bottle and three of the shot glasses. He poured you each a glass, the bottle now empty. You tilted back the small cup and down the smooth liquid easily.

Yeosang chose to sit back at the table, leaving just you and the eldest on the couch. You moved in your spot so you could rest your head on Seonghwa's shoulder now. You started to feel tired, likely from the alcohol in your system, but you felt at peace. Well, for the most part. When four men were loudly singing ballads right in front of you, it was hard to actually fall asleep.

"You should get some rest, (Y/N)." Jongho spoke softly. He was resting his arms on the back of the couch where Yeosang was once residing.

"I don't want leave you alone with dealing with the drunks though."

"Don't worry about us. We got this handled." Yuhno grinned. His arms were still around Wooyoung as they swayed to the song playing.

"Alright. I'm heading back over then." You pat Hwa's leg and got up from the couch. You stretch your limbs and start the head over to the door when you noticed Seonghwa got up and was following you.

"I'm tired too." He had a light blush on his cheeks.

You both told everyone goodnight as you went back to the MinSanHwa dorm. You didn't catch how the rest of sober Ateez gave Hwa a thumbs up before the door closed.

"Ugh, I don't want to take off my makeup." You groan as you both walk through the front door. Seonghwa chuckled from behind you as he closed the door.

"Why don't you sit on the couch. I'll be back out." You gave him a questioning look but he was already heading into his room. You sit down on the couch and take in a deep breath. You felt a little more buzzed now that your last shot had been in your system for a bit.

A few minutes pass when Seonghwa came back out from his room. He appeared to have changed into nightwear. In his hand was a bottle of makeup remover and two clean towels. He sat next to you on the couch, his legs crossed as he faced you.

"Hwa, what are you doing?" You ask with a slight chuckle.

"Turn and face me. I'll take off your makeup." You gave him a puzzled look but did as he asked.

"Why do you want to take off my makeup? I have two hands, you know?" Your tone was playful, but there was genuine curiosity there. "You're always taking care of me."

"Is it an issue?"

"No, it isn't."

He uncapped the makeup remover and dabbed it onto one of the face towels. He gestures for you to close your eyes and you do.

"I am about to touch you." He murmured and just a moment later you felt the expected cloth on your face. You felt him start to clean off your forehead first. His fingers of his free hand gently held your jaw as he moved your head when he needed to. His touch was electrifying. "Let me know if I am too rough."

You mumble a response. Both of you sat in silence as he slowly and carefully cleaned your face. Your mind was taken back to that day in the dance studio when he cleaned your face then. It made your heart flutter.

"I like taking care of you." His voice cut through the silence between you two. He carefully started removing your eye makeup. "That's why I wanted to take off your makeup right now."

"Oh." Was all you could say. Your mind swam with different thoughts and feelings, all clouded by your buzz. You gulped and took a deep breath. "Why?"

"You can open your eyes now." You did so and saw he was smiling at you. With his free hand, he tilted your head back, making sure to clean under your jaw and your neck for any left over makeup. His motions were careful, his free hand stayed at the base of your neck. "I like taking care of you because I carefor you. I like seeing you happy. Hongjoong told me it's my love language for those I am close with."

Seonghwa finished cleaning off every part of your face and neck. He set the towel down on the coffee table and placed both his hands on the sides of your head, guiding you to face him. His hands lingered for a second longer before he moved them to rest on his legs.

Hwa gave you a look full of fondness and sincerity. His smile was warm and you felt safe under his gaze. You smile back and scoot closer to him. You caught his dark brown eyes staring at your lips, and this time it was blatant. Your breath was caught in your throat and your face felt on fire. And yet, your mind, while racing, wasn't telling you to overthink. It wasn't downplaying the situation like it would do before. Everything in the moment, you and Hwa alone having a sweet moment, felt right.

This has to be the right moment, like San told you.

"May I?" His voice was almost a whisper but you heard him loud and clear.

"Yes, before someone interrupts again." Seonghwa let out an amused 'hmph' sound. He scooted himself closer to you, one of his legs now was angled off the couch. As if you were made of glass, Seonghwa gently placed both his hands on your jawline. His thumbs softly petted the skin of your cheeks while his eyes roamed over your face. Your hands found their spot on his waist and you smile.

He gave you a look, asking for permission again. And when you slowly nodded once his soft lips were pressed against yours. You smiled against him, your heart raced and beat rapidly against your ribcage. You could feel the corner of his lips curl up words. The kiss was almost fleeting, a quick moment between you two.

Seonghwa pulled away, only to rest his forehead against yours. He let out a shaky breath, his eyes were still closed.

"I've wanted to do that for a while now." He let out an airy laugh.

"Me too, Hwa." You chuckle, your voice trembling ever-so-slightly.

"Can I...?"

"You don't have to ask, you know." You repeated that phrase he told you your first night there.

Seonghwa kissed you again. This time it wasn't short. It didn't have a tentative feel to it. He kissed you passionately and you returned the feeling. He swiped his tongue against your bottom lip, making your lips part slightly. His tongue slowly slipped inside your mouth. You both move to be closer to one another.

You could feel him press himself more against you. Hwa briefly broke the kiss to place softer kisses from the corner of your mouth to your jawline. He pulled his face away from you, his warm smile still on his lips. You expected him to make out with you more, but you notice him glance back at the front door.

"I want to continue..." He started to speak.

"But the risk of a drunk San or Mingi coming in tonight is the issue?" You finish.

"Exactly." He laughed. He hugged draping himself over you with his face nuzzling into your neck. "I'm sorry. The risk of nosy roommates."

"Don't be." You hum, moving your hands. You rested one on his back and the other at the back of his head.

"How are you feeling?"

"Honestly? Tipsy and over the moon." You felt his chest rumble with his laugh. Seonghwa pulled his face from your neck and his hands were back to cupping your jaw. He stared at you for a few moments. He took in a deep breath, building up his confidence for what he was about to say.

"I figure the kiss would show you but let me tell you." He smiles. "I have feelings for you, (Y/N). I care immensely for you. I find you charming and so, so beautiful. I enjoy talking to you and being in your presence. I am glad to have taken that chance when we first met. You've become such an important person to me."

"Oh, Seonghwa." You felt stinging in your eyes and tears quickly filled then.

"Why are you crying? Did I say something wrong?"

You lean in and place a soft kiss to his lips, effectively silencing him.

"I am just happy you feel the same as me. You know, I always pushed away my feelings for you. I was worried you only saw me as a friend. Which would have been fine by the way." You add with a slight nervous inflection. "I feel like an idiot though. When I look back at it now, everything seemed so obvious we both felt the same."

"I had the same revelation today when I saw how you were looking at me today at the shoot."

"Ugh, don't remind me of that." You groan and lean forward, resting your forehead in the crook of his neck.

"Don't be embarrassed." You felt him laugh and rest his hands on your back, one rubbing small circles. "You should of heard all the teasing the others did towards me.".

"Yeah, they teased the hell out of me too." You couldn't help but chuckle, now knowing the rest of Ateez knew about both yours and Seonghwa's feelings. "No wonder Wooyoung was so adamant you liked me back."

"It all makes too much sense now." Hwa almost scoffs, his shoulders shaking in a silent chuckle. There is a pause in the conversation. The silence didn't cause any discomfort between you two. Though, Seonghwa had a question he needs your answer to. "It may seem like a dumb question but..."

"But?" You prompt him to ask.

"Would... Does this mean you'd like to be in a relationship with me?"

You pull away from him, just enough to look at his face. You initially wanted to tease him, ask him sarcastically if it wasn't obvious you were head over heels for him... But you saw the vulnerable look in his expression. You knew he needs reassurance right now.

"Park Seonghwa." You gently take his face with both of your hands. You inhale and shakily exhale, a tender smile on your lips. "I love you, okay? I would absolutely love to be in a relationship with you."

"I love you too." He smiles brightly, almost making you melt on the spot. He wraps his arms around you, one snaking up so his hand could cradle the back of your head, before kissing you again. You slid your arms around his neck in the moment.

"How can you be so perfect?" He murmurs against your lips.

"I should be asking you that, Hwa." He chuckles softly in response to your words.

"How are you feeling now?" He asks again. "You did take that extra shot."

"I still feel a little on the tipsy side, but I am doing good, Hwa... And everything I said and every kiss I gave was of clear conscious too. I would do those things again, just less confidently."

He chuckles, "Well, we should probably get you some water and start getting you to wind down."

"Hwa, I don't think I can wind down after finding out my crush loves me back and now we are dating."

He tilted his head back and laughed in response, making your chest feel warm at the sound.

"Come on." He stands up from the couch and helps you to your feet. He hands you the bottle of makeup remover while he holds onto the dirty towels. "Get some comfier clothes on, do what you need to before bed, and I'll meet you in my room."

You gave him a curious looks but did so. You popped back into his room for some nighttime clothes and went into the bathroom to take a very quick shower. You didn't know you could get as clean you did that fast but you did. When you entered back into his room, you saw Hwa sitting in his desk chair scrolling on his phone. He looked up and smiled seeing you enter. He gestures to his bed, which already has the covers pulled back.

"I figure we could watch something before bed. If you would like to."

"I would love to, Hwa." You smiled and laid down on the side closest to the wall. Seonghwa followed suit in the spot next to you and pulled the covers over both of you.

He grabbed his tv remote and turned on the screen, putting on something you've both seen at a low volume. He kept his back propped up by the headboard while you had an arm wrapped around his midsection, curled up next to him with your head on his chest. He had an arm wrapped around your shoulders while his hand softly traced patterns into the skin of your arm.

It was quiet except for the tv playing, but two questions lingered in Seonghwa's mind.

"(Y/N?)" You glance up when you hear him softly call your name. "When did you realize you started having feelings for me?"

"When I had that shitty week at the end of last semester and your voice helped calm me down enough to sleep... why do you ask?" You felt a tinge of anxiety peaking through. "Is it because I was a fan-?"

"No, don't worry about that." He placed a soft, short peck to your hairline. "I could tell from the start you didn't have any negative intentions and I always appreciated you letting me initiate things."

"Oh, I didn't realize you picked up in that. I just never wanted you to be uncomfortable."

"I pick up a lot, as untrue as that seems." He jokes, making you snort. "No. I was just curious. That night was when I realized I liked you more than a friend as well." There was a shared silence between you two for a moment, though it felt like minutes, until he spoke again. "If you liked me then, why did you agree to go on that date with that guyfrom your class?"

You blink and shift to sit up so you could look at his face. You scan over his features but didn't catch any sign of anger or any negative emotion. He was genuinely curious.

"Insecurity mostly." Your voice was quiet. Hwa nodded his head for you to continue and gently took hold of your hand. "It seems silly now, but I was just insecure about a lot of things, which made me so sure you never liked me more than as a friend. I saw it as a way to hopefully get over my crush."

"Oh, jagiya." He hums softly. "I got too wrapped up in my mind to think you'd want to pursue a relationship with me as well." He leans in and gently kisses you. "Looks like we really were fools... and Wooyoung is going to remind us whenever he gets the chance."

"Why don't we hold off on telling the rest of them as-"

"What?" He furrowed his brows, a look of confusion and a flash of hurt was on his face.

"Don't over think and let me finish" You gently 'tut' and move to hold his hands. He gave you a sheepish smile. "Since they knew about both our feelings, have gotten super invested in getting us together, Woo's going to gloat, and I know if we ever attempt to go on dates one of the others will try and tag along... let's just have a short time period of just us. Would that be fine?"

"Having one over the others? Not letting Wooyoung say he was right? A pinch of privacy?" He raised his brows, a smile growing on your face. "More than fine."

That made you laugh.

---

Yuhno sighed as he took Mingi's dorm keys from his drunk friends grasp. He would have just let him crash in his room since Jongho had his hands full with Hongjoong, Wooyoung, and San, but Mingi was insisting on sleeping in his own bed. Plus, you had left your cellphone behind. He just hopes neither of them will wake Seonghwa or you.

He got the door open and with Mingi's arm around his shoulder he walked through the dark apartment.

"YuYuuuu." Mingi mumbled.

"Shh..." Yuhno whispered, helping him to his room.

"I'm not drinking again after this."

"I'll help keep you to that, let's just get you to bed for now." Yuhno got the younger male to his room, turned around as he changed into his pajamas, and tucked him in.

"Thank you."

"Uh huh, go to sleep, princess." Yuhno snickered and patted his friend, leaving his room with a yawn. He fished your phone from his pocket and approached Seonghwa's room. When he saw the light was still on and heard the tv faintly playing, he figured you were still awake. He glanced back to Sannies door and saw it was dark there.

"That last shot must of done him in." He mused to himself with a small smile.

Yuhno did a quick knock and opened the door.

"(Y/N), you left your- Oh." Yuhno's eyes widened, not expecting to see you and Seonghwa mid kiss. You both were sitting up against the headboard, your hand on his neck while his hand was on your side. You and Seonghwa were frozen and heads slowly turned to the taller male. There was a big grin on Yuhno's face. "I was just, uh, dropping Mingi off and your phone."

"Yuhno sit down, please." Seonghwa sighed pulling away from you. His ears were bright red.

"No, no. Don't let me interrupt you both." He waved his hand, gently tossing your phone onto the foot of the bed, and went to leave.

"Yuhno." The eldest uses a serious tone, making the younger male sit.

"What is it?" He looked between you two, his voice soft.

"We wanted to keep this secret, just for a bit. You know how the others get, we just wanted to have this to ourselves for the rest of the trip."

"Plus," You add. "Wooyoung can't gloat and you get bragging rights of knowing first." You offer to him, making Yuhno laugh and Seonghwa roll his eyes with a chuckle.

"Your temporary secret is safe with me. The thought of telling everyone didn't even cross my mind. You guys decide when you want to tell everyone." Yuhno states sincerely. "But I am curious when this happened."

"Tonight, like 20 minutes ago."

"Ah, I'm happy for you both." Yuhno grins and gets up. "I'll leave you both alone now, I need to check on Jongho before going to bed. Goodnight and make sure to sleep."

"Goodnight, Yuhno. Thank you." Seonghwa smiled at the younger male, who simply smiled and shook his head before leaving the room. You both looked at each other and sighed.

"That went well. At least he knocked..."

"No privacy." Seonghwa rolled his eyes and moved enough to flop on his back.

"Hey, he is keeping it to himself. He was sweet about it."

"I don't care." Seonghwa turned on his side with a slight pout, wrapping his arms around you to pull you down to lay partially on top of him.

"Hwa!" You quietly yelp.

"I'm getting all the intimate affection I can in our alone time." He chuckled, and holds you tightly. "And we are locking my door every night until you leave."

---

Wooyoung and San practically cornered you the next day during a break in practice, asking if you two confessed. You were getting a drink from a nearby vending machine when you felt Wooyoung's arm wrap around your waist while San's was around your shoulders.

"So, (Y/N)... Did you two do anything last night?" Woo asked in a hush tone in your ear.

"No, Wooyoung. He practically passed out when we got to the dorm and I didn't have the confidence to talk to him about my feelings." You sigh, finally deciding on what drink you wanted. "I don't think I can confess at all this trip."

"Let me help you." Woo whined.

"No, it's fine. Maybe one day it'll happen... but not now." You shrug off their arms and squat down to get your drink.

"Don't worry about it. Just don't neglect your feelings." San patted your back as you stood back up. "We are going to get drinks for the others, would you mind helping us?"

"Sure!" You were grateful San took the attention off you. The older of the two tapped his card to the machine and the three of you started picking out drinks for the Ateez members and the BBTrippin crew. Once there were five drinks, San delegated Wooyoung to get them to the studio, which left you two alone.

"So how did you confess to him last night?" He asked while picking up a drink.

"I told you, nothing happened." You try and give him your best confused look. He kept a knowing smile on his face as you both stared each other. It felt like a minute and it was clear he wasn't relenting. You groaned, making him laugh. "How do you know?"

"You both just seem very happy today and I can tell there is something different. You both don't look at each other with hesitation. It's sweet to see." He pats your back again. "You didn't tell me how it happened... though you don't have to. I'm just curious."

"It was the right moment, like you said would happen."

"I'm glad it worked out. Like we all told you it should."

"Ugh this is why we are waiting to say anything." You whine, playfully smacking his arm which made him laugh. "Do you think anyone else knows?"

"Hmm, I'm not sure. I haven't heard anything from the others."

"Good." You huff with a laugh. You and San gather up the rest of the drinks and head back to the dance studio. "You're not allowed to say anything."

"Cross my heart."

---

Later in the day it was just Seonghwa and Hongjoong in his studio. The captain wanted his older friends inputs, both because he valued Hwa's opinion and because Mingi wanted to take some time freestyle dancing with Yuhno and Yeosang, on some of the final minor edits he made to the tracks. The others were still in the dance studio while you joined Jongho for one of his vocal lessons.

"I like the addition to the dance break for this one, though I think the end should be tighter." Seonghwa gestured to the screen.

"I was thinking the same." Hongjoong hums and focuses his attention on the small changes. Seonghwa felt his phone buzz on the table and he quickly unlocked it. A smile grew on his face at the cute selfie of you and Jongho sent to the group chat. He quickly saved the picture and couldn't help but stare at your face.

The call of his name had him looking back up.

"Yes, Joong? Is there something else you need help with?"

"You confessed to (Y/N), didn't you?" The younger male smiled.

"What? No. She passed right out once she got her makeup off." Seonghwa furrowed his brows and hoped he was convincing enough.

"Hwa, you are terrible at hiding your emotions and secrets. Your eyes always give it away." The captain laugh and playfully flicked the older males arm. "I can see it in the way you look at her and how you 'try' to act shy. Your eyes don't hold the same longing. They say something different now."

"Please don't tell the others." Hwa sighed and looked to his friend, silently pleading to him.

"I won't... but why keep it a secret?"

"We just want some privacy about it. Everyone is so integrated with one another. We do plan on telling everyone soon."

"I see." Hongjoong nods and then smiles, a hint of smugness there. "So we were right? You both overthought everything between you two and now everything fell perfectly into place."

"And that's also why we don't want to tell everyone yet."

"Ha! You're just prolonging the inevitable teasing." Hongjoong grinned. A curious glint was in his eyes now. "So how did it go?"

"The moment is ours alone so I won't share any details, but..." A fond smile grew on the eldest's face. "It was sweet... really, really sweet."

"I'm happy for you, truly, Seonghwa, even if I plan to tease you about it. You deserve this, especially with (Y/N)." Hongjoong reached over and gently grabbed Hwa's hand, giving it a firm, quick squeeze before slowly dropping it. Seonghwa couldn't help the bashful smile on his face. The two scooted close to each other, nudging each other as they got back to working on the finishing touches of the song.

---

It was late at night. You were laying in bed, watching Youtube on Seonghwa's tv before you fell asleep. You heard soft knocks on the door. Pausing the video, you get up and open the door, revealing Seonghwa. You let him in and make sure to lock the door. You felt him wrap his arms around your waist, his chest flush against your back.

"Mingi went to bed." He leaned in and placed a chaste kiss to your temple. He removed himself from you and flopped onto his bed. "What were you up to?" 

You laughed and joined him. He wrapped his arms around you and pulled you close to him. "Just catching up on some Youtube. I can put something else on-"

"No, this is fine." You nodded and started the video over for him to watch. It was nice, curled up under the covers with him, feeling warm and comforted in his arms; and you were sure he felt the same when you rested your arm over his stomach. You didn't want to break the peacefulness but you knew he should know that another members knows.

"Hwa? Can I tell you something?" You pause the video again.

"Go ahead, you can tell me anything."

"Sannie knows about us." 

There was a brief pause before he chuckles.

"Hongjoong knows too. How did San figure it out?"

"He said he could see us acting different around each other. How did Hongjoong?"

"He told me my eyes gave it away." He then rolled his eyes for dramatic effect. "At least he said he won't tell the others."

"Sannie promised too. So that's a relief."

Another moment of silence.

"You're leaving soon." There was a sadness to his tone. Seonghwa briefly tightened his arms around you. 

"I know." You sigh, snuggling into his hold more. "But, there will be more visits again."

"But now that we are together... now that you're in my arms..." He shifts away from you. You felt his hands on your shoulders as he gently maneuvers you down the bed so he could guide you onto your back. Hwa then moves himself to hover over you. "I don't want to let you go."

"Hwa." You smile, placing a hand on his cheek. "No matter the distance, you have me, okay?"

Seonghwa smiled sweetly though you could see a hint of something else in his eyes, something lustful. 

Honjoong was right. His eyes do give away a lot.

 He lowered himself down, pressing himself against you and you could feel he wasn't putting his full weight on you. He pressed a soft kiss to your lips and trailed his lips along your jaw and down you neck with opened mouth kisses. You hummed pleasantly, giggling softly at how he focused on kissing your neck, his teeth grazing your flesh.

"Seonghwa, weren't you concerned about nosy members?"

"Front door and bedroom door are locked." His breath felt hot against your neck, making you pleasantly shiver. "Mingi sleeps like a log." You felt his teeth gently nip your skin, not hard enough to leave a mark, and then his tongue swiping over the area. You couldn't deny that there wasn't arousal slowly building inside you. He pulled his face away from your neck and stared down you. "I can stop if you want me to."

You stare into his eyes. You can see the love and adoration he holds for you. Your heart flutters in your chest.

"Keep going." You murmur, placing your hand on the back of his neck and pull him back down. His lips met yours in a feverish kiss. His tongue explores your mouth and brushes against yours, all while you feel him press himself against you. Your hand stayed on the back of his neck while the other was on his side, gripping the fabric of his shirt.

Seonghwa lifted himself from you again now straddling your hips. His fingertips grazed your stomach, barely moving underneath the hem of your shirt. He gave you a look as if he was asking for permission, in which you nodded slowly. You take in a sharp breath of air feeling his hands glide against your skin under your shirt.

His soft hands slowly cupped both your breasts and he starts to gently knead them. You take in a deep breath and smile up at him, enjoying the feeling. You see he was biting his bottom lip and suddenly you felt a small shiver run up your spine when his thumbs brushed over your nipples. You can see he was getting lost in moment. Slowly he removed his hands from your chest and you missed feeling his warm hands fondling your breasts.

Seonghwa helps sit you up and them assists pulling your shirt off your body. He stared at your bare torso with wide eyes, a blush creeping up on his cheeks and ears. 

"I'm feeling a bit under dressed here." You laugh, making him blink out of his dazed state. He chuckled, and took off his shirt as well. 

"You are gorgeous, jagiya." He speaks softly. He wrapped his arms around you, pulling you against him. He placed more wet kisses in the crook of your neck. He shifted himself so he could go lower, until he guided you on your back again. He trailed his kisses from your neck to your collar bones. His mouth moved lower and when he got to your breasts he started biting and sucking on your skin.

"Seonghwa, love..." You murmured, worried about the others seeing the hickeys.

"Don't worry. I won't leave any in visible places." He kissed where he bit. He left scattered little marks of your breasts and along your stomach, kissing each one when he was done while his hands caressing your body. When he was finished he took a moment admire all the little marks he left in his wake and you knew they would show up more prominently tomorrow. He smirked as he stared at your body.

You let out a soft gasp when you feel his mouth latch onto your left nipple. His hand went to your other breast and squeezed your flesh, his fingers played with your other nipple. His eyes looked to your face as he gently sucked and you feel his tongue swirl around the harden bud. He kept his mouth latched to you as if his life depended on it. You comb your fingers through his dark hair which caused him to make a noise similar to a hum. You made a soft moan at the sensation.

He released his mouth with a slight 'pop' noise, a string of saliva still attached to the pebbled skin and his lips. He moved over and repeated the process to your right tit. You let out a soft whine when you felt him gently bite around your nipple, making him chuckle and remove his mouth. He looked down at you with pride on his face, seeing how worked up by his actions you were.

"Too bad we have to be quiet, I would love to hear what noises you make." Seonghwa trailed his fingers down your stomach and shifted so they rested at the hem of your sleep shorts. 

He craved to taste you and further use his tongue on you.

You glance down to where he now sat on your thighs and saw a clear bulge in his pajama bottoms. You bit your bottom lip knowing you weren't fairing any better, you could feel how wet your panties were already. His other hand rested on your hip and he gave you another look. You nodded and appreciated his subtle way of asking for permission. He smiled and started pulling down your shorts and underwear. You raise your hips to help him and soon enough, you were completely bare.

A sense of heat flushed your face at the realization, shivering at the lack of covering over your core. You move to close your legs but Seonghwa's hands gripped your thighs and gently keeps them parted. You saw the tip of his tongue peak out of his mouth. 

"Don't be shy." He breathed, taking in everything. "I'll get fully undressed in a moment... Let me admire you first."

"Seonghwa!" You huffed. The embarrassment you felt was clear as day on your face, which made him smile more. His hands gently squeezed your thighs as he took in how wet you were. He never felt this turned on before, he could feel his cock throbbing against his underwear.

"Let me have a taste first." He murmurs, almost too quietly. He maneuvers himself to lay on his stomach, his arms wrapped around your thighs. His face was mere inches from your soaking cunt and you swear you could feel his breath against you. "May I, my love?"

Your face felt on fire at how seductive he looks right now with his head between your thighs. It was such a turn on to see how eager he was to eat you out and please you. You could feel a sensual heat pooling in your lower belly.

"Hwa, please touch-" You couldn't finish your sentence as you let out a low whimper; Seonghwa licked up your slit with his tongue. He delved in and his tongue flicked over your clit. He practically buried his face in your pussy as he worked your sensitive nub just right. You cover your mouth with your hand as you tried to suppress the noises threatening to escape from your lips.

Seonghwa groaned as he lapped your cunt and messed with your clit. His eyes stayed watching your face and he nearly smirked seeing you cover your mouth. Never had he tasted something sweeter. His arms around your thighs tightened, though he was so tempted to start using his fingers soon. He moved his mouth from your clit, nuzzling his nose against it, before he plunged his tongue into your wet hole. 

"Oh God, Hwa..." You moaned quietly, muffled by your hand. You glance down and see he was still staring at you with his face buried into your cunt. He was devouring you as if you were his last meal. The sounds coming from his mouth on your soaked pussy were downright sinful. The feeling of his warm tongue thrusting inside you with the tip of his nose brushing against your clit felt almost too good. Your other hand found purchase in his dark hair, gently gripping it with your fingers as you start to roll your hips against his face, making him hum. You could feel an orgasm inching closer and closer.

Seonghwa felt euphoric as your started losing yourself to the pleasures he was providing you. He loved the feeling of your hand in his hair and they way your hips moved. He let out a moan of his own as he kept going, paying no mind to the tiredness he felt in his tongue. His mind was only focused on getting you to come. 

Hwa moved one of his arms from holding your thigh, barely moving his mouth off your slit for just a moment, before he went back in with his tongue playing with your clit. You felt him slowly enter one finger, feeling around, before entering a second one given how he further turned you on from his ministrations. He curled his fingers just right inside you as he started thrusting them at steady, quick pace, causing you to nearly cry out. Your voice was strained to stay quiet whilst your hand over your mouth kept it even quieter.

He pulled his mouth away again. 

"That's it, jagiya..." His voice was low and smooth. He resumed his tongues motions on your clit, and the spring that was coiling tightly in your lower stomach finally came undone. 

You squeeze your eyes shut, tossing your head to the side as you whimpered as quietly as you could; you came hard. Seonghwa could feel you clenching around his fingers and he could hardly contain the moan of satisfaction. He slowed his fingers down, prolonging your orgasm, before slowly removing them and his mouth from you. He sat back up on his calves, your juices and his saliva coating his chin.

He slowly inserted the two fingers into his mouth, sucking them clean. Hwa's dark eyes never left your face as he slowly crawled over you. His mouth met yours in a sloppy kiss and you could taste yourself on his lips and tongue. You whimpered softly into the kiss. Your shaking hands gripped his shoulders and you pulled away to take in more air, recovering from your climax.

"How the fuck are you so good at that?" Your frazzled brain had you slip back into English for a moment. Seonghwa laughed and admired your face for a moment. You stared back, your breathing soon falling back into a stable rhythm. 

A thought popped into mind when you glanced down.

You shifted yourself downward ever-so-slightly and placed your hand at the hem of his sweatpants.

"Can I return the favor?" You ask, your voice barely above a whisper.

"You don't have to." He smiled softly as he felt a pleasant shiver up his spine.

"I want to, Hwa." You smile when he then answered a soft 'yes.' You gradually dipped your hand into his sweatpants, your hand going over his underwear. You cup his hard cock, feeling a patch of wetness from precum, and give him a very gentle squeeze. You heard him take in a sharp breath which made you smile and bite your lips. You palm him for a few moments and capture his lips in a heated kiss. His hips rocked, rutting himself against your hand.

You remove your hand from him, leaving him softly whining for your touch again. You guide him to sit up and take your spot against the headboard, not before his sweats underwear joined your discarded clothes on the floor. You smile at his blushed cheeks and ears. You straddle his lap and press yourself against him.

Your hands gently cup his jaw and you lean into a passionate kiss. You could feel his hard erection brush against your pubic mound and lower belly, making him softly moan into your mouth. You repeated what he did to you earlier and started trailing kisses from his lips, all the way down to his collarbones. You had to move yourself continuously to go lower. You didn't dare leave any marks that would be visible, much to your disappointment.

Soon enough you found yourself on your stomach, face dangerously close to his dick. You kept your eyes on his length while you could feel his eyes watching you. In a teasing manner, your fingers gently messed with his velvet-y soft tip. Seonghwa moaned softly and he caressed the side of your head. You collected his precum onto your fingers, letting it coat your your hand, before wrapping your fingers around his shaft. You stroke him at a languid pace and you could feel his member twitch in your hand.

You lean in and place a tentative kiss to the crown of his cock. You glance up and see him watching you intensely while biting his bottom lip. You give him a few teasing licks before slowly engulfing him into your mouth. What you couldn't fit comfortably in your mouth you used your hand on as your slowly bobbed your head, hollowing your cheeks in the process.

Seonghwa let out a low moan and swallowed hard at the sensation around his cock. His hands could hardly stay still. He managed to keep one against the side of your head but his other hand caressed and gently squeezed your shoulder, his fingers brushing against your neck. Your tongue would swirl around the tip as you continued to move your head. You couldn't exactly look up at him from where you were but you could tell by just how hard he was breathing he was feeling good.

"You're so beautiful..." Hwa tilted his head back against his headboard and quietly moaned. His eyes peered down at the sight of you with your now swollen lips around his cock. He admired how your nude body looked right now and he wanted to reach down and give your ass a firm squeeze. You bobbed faster, taking him in a little deeper, and it nearly drove him crazy. Seonghwa's hand found itself on the back of your head. He gently guided your head but didn't push down harshly.

He carefully took hold of your head in both hands and lifted your head, stopping you from sucking him off.

"Something wrong?" You swallow and sit up.

"If you kept going I wouldn't have lasted." Hwa helped you sit up on your knees and pulled you into a tender kiss. "I wanted to go further, if you want to."

"I want to but," You murmur against his lips. "Well, this may be a bad time to ask but do you have condoms?" He chuckles and rests his head against your collarbones. He placed a soft kiss to your neck, moving away from you and getting off the bed. You watched him walk to his closet and reach inside on the upper shelf. He grabbed a box near the back and came back, sitting on the edge of the bed. In his hands was an unopen box of condoms.

"Before you think I was presumptuous with these, Mingi and Woo bought them for me before your visit." He snorts. "I think they are the right size... I'll be slightly concerned if they are."

"I'm on birth control if we just want to forget the condoms-"

"If they make you more comfortable, I will wear one for you." He gave you a reassuring smile and looked over the box. Hwa hummed softly as he opened the box, taking out a wrapped condom. He tore open the rapper and slid on the condom with ease. He then kissed you deeply, moving you back on your back. You didn't need words to know where things were going now.

Seonghwa placed one of his pillows under your lower back and helped maneuver you into position, his hands gripping the backs of your thighs. He teased you by dragging his tip up and down your slit. You whine softly and playfully tapped him with your foot, making him laugh.

"Alright, jagiya." He smirked and lined himself up at your entrance. Slowly he pushed himself inside, inch by inch, until he was fully buried inside. You moaned quietly as he deliciously filled you up while he groaned, feeling pleasant tightness and heat around his length. Your hands squeezed his shoulders briefly as you took a moment to adjust. He stayed motionless for a few moments and you both were enjoying the moment. "Feels good."

"Move, Hwa." You pleaded, desperate to chase a second orgasm. His hands found themselves holding your hips as he pulled almost all the way out and, languidly, he rolled his hips forward.

His thrusts were slow and sensual to start, slowly building up that arousal between you both again. His cock gently massaged your walls and it felt so good. You were having a hard time already keeping your noises at bay... you were worried you wouldn't be able to stay quiet if he went faster. Still, you crave more.

"How are you feeling?" He asked, his voice slightly hoarse and strained.

"Feeling good... Feeling really good." You moaned. You wanted to feel more. You threw out those previous concerns. Your voice was a hushed whisper, but the needy tone was clear. "Faster, love."

"Of course." Hwa rasped. You feel him pull out, making you whine. He softly cooed and re-adjusted himself and yourself so his face was barely above yours. Your hips were at more of an angle now with your legs folded into your chest and your calves on his lower back. Your arms were loosely around his neck.

Seonghwa captured your lips in a bruising kiss, his tongue rolling against yours, as he entered you with one quick thrust. Your moan was muffled by his mouth or else it would have been loudered than you meant.  His set a quick rhythm as his hips snapped against you, the not-so-subtle sound of flesh slapping against flesh filled the small room. His cock was hitting a new, deeper angle and it felt amazing.

You both broke from the kiss to breath. You bit your bottom lip in an attempt to control your whimpers and moans.

"Shh... you're doing so well." Hwa praised, his voice a hushed whisper by your ear. Though his own moans and groans indicated to you he was also struggling to stay quiet.

"Hwa-!" You cried softly. You feel his arm move and next thing you knew his hand was cradling the back of your head, pushing your face into the crook of his neck. He pressed his upper half against yours, further folding your body together, as he fucked you at a fast tempo. Your noises were muffled by his flesh and you could feel the vibrations of his strained moans against your face. You could feel heat slowly crawling up your legs and you knew a second orgasm was close.

"God, I'm close, love." You murmur, your lips brushing against his hot skin.

"Me too, jagiya... Me too." Seonghwa whispered. "Can... Can I come on you?"

As you were about to speak Hwa just barely shifted his hips, his cock hitting your g-spot just right.

"Y-yes!" Your moan was low. The build up had you feeling like your nerves were on fire. You felt your breathing quicken a numbness-like feeling crawl up your legs

You pushed your face further into Seonghwa as waves of pleasure washed over you. You choked out moans against him and without realizing, you bit on his flesh. Your body trembled and your walls clenched around his length as you came hard.

Seonghwa continued his thrusts, though you can tell he was just about to lose it too. You felt your muscles twitch and tremble with every stroke of his hips as he prolonged your orgasm. Hwa is chasing his own release and you could feel his thrusts getting sloppier and his moans were getting huskier.

Suddenly, he pulled out of you, your walls fluttering around nothing. He got the wet condom off of his length and he moved his upper half to hover over you. You watch, nearly breathless, as he strokes his cock at a fast pace. He lets your lower half drop against his thighs. His eyes stayed trained on your dazed face, biting his bottom lip.

Seonghwa's body went rigid and soft, whiney moans escaped his lips. You can see eyes roll slightly back as he came. Pearly white ropes of his cum lands on your stomach and chest, a little even lands on your neck. He slowed his hand down as he came, stopping once all of his seed was out.

You both were breathless, feeling hot and tired. Seonghwa moved and let your body lay straight down before he hovered over you again. His lips met yours in another kiss. It was soft and tender, full of love and adoration.

"How are you feeling, jagiya?" He asks softly, kissing your cheek and forehead. "Do you need something? A warm towel? Some water?"

"All of the above, love." You lazily smile, making him laugh.

"I like you using that English pet name for me."

"I thought was fitting with you using a Korean pet name." There was a pause in the conversation. "I think we need a shower actually."

"Agreed, I made a mess." He gave you a cheeky look, as if he was proud of himself, lifting himself up to sit on his calves. His eyes roamed your body with a small smirk tugging on his lips. "You look beautiful."

"I'm covered in sweat, cum, and probably look like a mess." You deadpanned.

"And you still look beautiful." He smiled and placed a chaste kiss to your lips. He got up off the bed and slowly helped you to your feet. He grabbed you some new clothes from your suitcase before grabbing clothes for himself. "Mingi should still be asleep, so we need to be quick."

"You... You want us to go out in the rest of the dorm and to the bathroom without any clothes on?" He simply nodded and you sighed but nodded. You didn't want clothes on right now until you were clean. 

Seonghwa peaked his head out of the room, noticing all the lights were still off. With haste, the two of you get to the bathroom with ease. Hwa started the shower and you both waited for it to warm up. Your fingers trace the small red mark you left right by his right collarbone.

"Hopefully that doesn't linger. I'm sorry, I tried not to leave any marks on you." You mused, not sounding all too apologetic.

"I don't care if it does linger. Idol image be damned." He joked. "Come, the water should be warm now."

The shower was quick but it was very much needed after an intense moment. Seonghwa took it upon himself to wash you off. His hands gently caressed your skin, his gaze on you was caring. You closed your eyes whilst savoring the moment. 

It was sweet and it made you two all the more closer. 

---

You groaned, covered in sweat, in the dance studio. Wooyoung insisted you join him, Yuhno, and Mingi for dance practice while the others were off doing lives or something else. You probably would be in better shape to dance if you weren't feeling the least bit sore from last nights activities with Seonghwa. They were teaching you the choreography to Wave in an easy manner, but the ache in your hips and legs made it difficult.

"What's the matter, (Y/N)?" Mingi chuckled, handing you a water bottle. He and the others were sweating, but they weren't

"I don't know how you guys dance like this all the time." You pant and take a sip of water.

"We are teaching it to you slowly though, you seem more tired." Wooyoung remarked. He approached you and placed both hands on your cheeks, his eyes scanning over your face.

"I'm fine, just a little tired is all." You move out of his hold and gave his shoulder a gentle pat. He gave you  a inquisitive look but dropped it. 

After a small pause, the dancing resumed. Yuhno stood by you as he taught you the next steps. The move had you moving your arms up in the air and you followed almost perfectly. Though, when you repeated the motions your hand caught the hem of your loose shirt, exposing some of your midriff. You hoped that no one in the room saw your blemished skin from a particularly big hickey Hwa left on you. However, hoping got you nothing.

"(Y/N), what the hell happened?" Woo gasped. "Why do you have a bruise on your hip?"

Your face flushed with warmth and you saw Yuhno in the mirror press his lips together as he tried not to laugh. Clearly, he immediately figured out were the mark came from. Mingi also looked at you in concern. You wanted to send a glare to Yuhno but kept your cool. 

"I needed to use the bathroom last night and bumped into the handle in the dark is all." You replied smoothly.

"Dummy." Woo laughed and so did Mingi.

"I didn't realize you were so clumsy, (Y/N)." Yuhno teased. You rolled your eyes and insisted they keep teaching you the choreography before you die from embarrassment. 

---

Seonghwa and Hongjoong finished up their live together. Hwa had fun though he wanted to help teach you a dance to one of their songs. He and Joong got up from the table in the small room and left with the staff member who was behind the camera. The two went off on their own to Hongjoongs little studio room.

"Something happened between you and (Y/N) last night, huh?" The younger male asked with a teasing tone. 

"What? No." Hwa replied, almost too quickly, as he took a seat in one of the chairs.

"I can tell by your eyes-"

"What can you tell now?" The eldest quirked his brow and gave his friend a glare, his ears and neck started to blush.

"Oh... did you two..." There was a mischievous look in Joong's eyes.

"Kim Hongjoong, do not finish that sentence." Hwa leaned back in the chair, not realizing the motion pulled his shirt in a way where the collar of his shirt exposed more of his skin.

"Well if that little mark right there didn't confirm it for me, your reaction did. Congratulations." Hongjoong teased. Seonghwa looked down and quickly readjusted his shirt more. His face felt on fire as he looked to his friend with a flustered glare. "Sorry, my teasing may have went a little far there. I'll buy you some ice cream as an apology."

"Two ice creams."

"Fine."

---

It was nearly time for you to head out to the airport. Ateez's manager texted everyone earlier he was on his way to the dorms to get you. Wooyoung practically clinged to you as you sat on the couch while Seonghwa's hand lingered on your knee. Everyone was already throwing out ideas and plans for when you could visit next. You felt sadness knowing you were going away after having an amazing week with them... you were going back to your job and your classes across the Pacific ocean. 

Another text came and their manager was outside the door. He told you in his message he will give you guys time to say goodbye. 

You stood up by the door and everyone practically lined up to see you off. First was Yuhno.

"It was fun having you here. We should do dance video calls, you were fun to teach and dance with." He smiles and pats your head before hugging you. 

"Yeah we definitely should." You reach up and ruffle his hair making him laugh. Next up was Sannie.

"I'm going to miss you. Please, visit as soon as you can." He had a large grin, eyes full of unshed tears, as he pulls you into a tight hug.

"I will definitely try." You say softly in his ear, returning the tightness of his hug. Mingi approached you next.

"I'll definitely miss your presence in the dorms." Minig hugged you, his hands patting your back.

You pulled away and smiled. "It's going to be hard not having one of my favorite giants around anymore." That made him and Yuhno laugh. Hongjoong was up next.

"If you ever need something, (Y/N), don't hesitate to call me." He placed a hand on your shoulder and squeezed it. He then gave you a quick hug as well.

"You too, Joong. I'm all ears if you need something." 

Next in line was Yeosang.

"I'm glad we got to spend more time together." He spoke softly with a kind smile, hugging you. "Please visit us again, I liked having you around over those two." He pointed to Wooyoung and San, teasing them both as they looked fake offended.

"Of course, Yeosang." You laughed as he joined the others.

"Ah, it was nice having you with us, (Y/N)." Jongho smiled. He wasn't sure what to do with himself. "Hopefully I can call you when I am doing my vocal practices?"

"Of course you can... Would you like a hug goodbye?" You asked him and he nodded. You two hugged and you took a mental note of how nice his hugs were. It was brief but he gave you another smile and stood off to the side.

You nearly lost your balance when Wooyoung hugged you tightly, his cheek pressed against yours. You chuckled and held him tightly, neither of you said anything. You could feel his shoulders shake ever-so-slightly.

"Aww, Woo, don't cry. You'll make me cry." You cooed softly.

"I'm not crying." He mumbled and pulled away. He had tears in his eyes as he smiled. "We'll text everyday, right? Even if it's just a random meme or a simple hello?"

"Of course." You rubbed his back as he hugged you again. He reluctantly moved away and stood with the others.

Now it was just Seonghwa left.

He slowly approached you and those who didn't figure out what happened between you two watched in bated breaths.

"This isn't goodbye, you know?" You ask softly as you noticed his eyes were also close to leaking tears. You could feel the stinging sensation in your own eyes as you stared at his face.

"I know." He replied with a smile. He took your hand in his and gave it a squeeze. "Still, I will miss you."

"I'll miss you too, Hwa." You smiled and he stepped away. You glance over to the others and saw how disappointed Wooyoung, Mingi, Yeosang, and Jongho looked. You look back to Hwa with a slight smirk. "You want to tell them or show them?" You say quietly, making him laugh.

Seonghwa stepped forward again and immediately cupped your cheeks, brining you into a kiss. You heard Wooyoung and Mingi exclaim in surprise and you just knew Jongho and Yeosang looked shocked. The eldest pulled away and peppered light kisses to your face. 

"Alright, love. I think they get the idea." You giggle, your face feeling flush with warmth.

"What?" Wooyoung shouted. "How long- When did-." He was almost in shock. "And neither of you told me?!"

"I figured it out first." San said smuggled.

"No, I think I did." Hongjoong playfully crossed his arms. The two were about to start bickering but then a certain someone spoke up first.

"I actually did the night they got together finally." Yuhno said with a smug tone. "I walked in on them." That made even more chaos and loudness between everyone now.

"Yuhno!" You nearly shrieked from embarrassment, poor Seonghwa's face was pink. "You didn't need to word it like that."

"What? You said I had bragging rights for being the first to know." He teased. 

"He simply saw us kissing." Hwa tried to clear up.

Wooyoung started to scold you for keeping this from him but he expressed his happiness for the both of you. You felt bad for their manager, who was still outside the door and could probably hear all the commotion. 

"Can we say we told you both so, now?" Yeosang asked with a raised brow, making you and Seonghwa groan. Despite the teasing and the 'we told you so's' coming out, you and Hwa were happy. Hongjoong and San still argued between who out of the two of them figured it out first.

You held his hand and leaned against him as you both observed the rest of Ateez. Despite the embarrassment of their statements and jokes, you two felt satisfied at having one over on most of them. That lingering sadness was no more despite your soon departure. Never did you think you would have such a close knit friend group like this nor did you think you could find someone as lovely as Seonghwa to be your partner.

All thanks to some high turnip prices and a little squirrel in a video game.

-----

Taglist: @stopeatread @hee0soo @tridkeys @pocketjoong-reads @seonghwaddict @lelaleleb @acciocriativity @h-nji

[hyunniesgirl]

Empty heart

Summary: you're just tired of waiting for your boyfriend that's never there for you.

Word count: 912

Warnings: just angst, sad ending

Masterlist

A/N: I was listening to a sad song and just wanted to write something heartbreaking, I hope I could convey what I had in mind.

It has been five days since you last saw Chan. You live together, is it normal to not see someone that lives in the same house as you for so long? You should have realized it isn't a long time ago, now you're seated on the couch, waiting for someone you're not sure is even coming home.

You have your bags ready, you're just waiting for him to come home so you can say your goodbyes, it's the least you can do after three years together.

When you hear the beeps of the door, you know it's him. He's earlier than usual. The moment he opens the door and see the bags on the floor, you know he can tell what's happening, he just can't seem to believe it.

"What's this, babe? Are you going on a trip?" He asks, dropping his bag on the couch and smiling slightly at you. You shake your head, taking a deep breath and gathering the courage to start.

"I can't keep doing this", you say staring at the floor, you just can't look at Chan's eyes, if you look at him you know you'll want to give up.

"What do you mean, Y/N?" He asks, confused.

"I want to end things"

"Why? Did something happen?" You can tell that he's hurting by the way his voice is coming out, but you were already expecting that.

"I just… I don't want to be alone anymore, I don't want to wake up to an empty bed or sleep to a silent home", he knows it not just that, but there's so much you're not sure if you'll be able to talk about it without bawling.

"I can do better, I- I can be better", he steps closer to you, but you step away, shaking your head.

"You can't Chan, and you know it", you finally look at him, seeing the tears threatening to fall from his eyes. "It's not your fault, I knew what I was getting into when we started dating", you sniff, whipping your tears, "I just didn't think it would be this hard"

"Please… please Y/N, we can work this out, I know we can", he grabs your hand squeezing it and trying to kiss it but you pull it back.

"I really don't think we can, you have to prioritize your career and I have to prioritize myself, it's best this way", you turn around, throwing your bag over your shoulder and walking towards the door but his voice makes you stop in your tracks before you can grab the doorknob.

"Run away with me", you turn around, looking at him with a frown. "Let's leave everything behind"

He walks towards you, taking your hands on his.

"Let's go to the beach, you always want to go there", he suggests and you're swayed for a moment.

You want to stay, you really do. But you're just tired, you can't have a normal life, you can't tell people you have a boyfriend because you'll get questions about him and you can't tell people who he is. You can't put a picture with him on your lock screen or even post it somewhere because people can see it, you can't hold hands outside because of the dating rumors, you can't go to dinner together if you're not wearing a disguise, you can't show off the handsome and sweet boyfriend you have.

You spend days alone because of his crazy schedule, long trips and all nighters producing. You have to store the dinner you made for you both to eat together all the times he sends you a message telling you he won't be able to go home before midnight even though he promised he would make it. You have to sleep in a cold empty bed and wake up to a cold empty bed.

Everything was worth it every time you saw his smile, the songs he made and showed you first hand, all the times the boys came over to make company for you. But that just stopped being enough some time ago and now you can't bring yourself to stay because you know you'll keep being alone, it's not something he can control and it's not something he can change, not while he's trying to make his name.

Maybe one day someone will be lucky enough to meet him when he's already settled, he'll be good to them, come home on time and cuddle them to sleep. They'll wake up to his breathing hitting their head while they snuggle into his embrace. He'll be able to take them out, date them in broad daylight and be there for them.

But that's just not going to be you, not anymore.

You smile at him, throwing your arms around his neck and squeezing him into a hug, he feels relieved for a moment before you speak again.

"You made me happy, Chan, you really did. You taught me that I deserve to be loved and I'll always love you for that", you say, before stepping aside, "I hope you can find someone better than me", you turn around and open the door before you have the chance to give up.

Chan stays there, looking at the empty space you left. You're wrong, he's not going to find anyone better than you, no one will ever love him the way you did and he will never love someone the way he loves you.

[rivaldreamer]

House of Malignant - CH 1

Crossover between House of Wax & Malignant

What happens when one pair of conjoined twins meet another?~

CHAPTERS:

CH2 , CH3

——————————————

Madison sighed, leaned over the opened hood of her car and inspecting the smoking engine.

“There’s no fixing that…” Gabriel’s voice buzzed from her phone sat beside her.

“Not now Gabriel…” she muttered, leaning over to get a closer look.

“You should have pulled over an hour ago when I told you.”

“And since when were you the car expert?”

“It doesn’t take a genius to hear that engine begging to be put out of its misery…”

Madison groaned, slamming her head against the hood.

“…ow”

“Sorry…” she rubbed her forehead and by proxy the back of Gabriel’s head.

“Come on, Gabe,” Sydney spoke up, stepping out of the car with a bottle of water, “it’s not like we could have just stopped, we’re in the middle of nowhere.”

That’s true, stopping your car in the middle of nowhere is one thing. Stopping it in the middle of nowhere when you were a bunch of wanted criminals was another.

It had been several months since Gabriel’s awakening and the ensuing bloodbath that followed as they took revenge on those who wronged them and cut down anyone who stood in their way.

Madison had regained her control over them, stopping their rampage, about to seal them away once again. But her twin, practically wailed in fear at the thought of being trapped in the darkness again, cold and alone.

Madison couldn’t find it within her to hate them despite everything they had done. They were still their sibling, their twin and literally a part of them. Gabriel didn’t ask to be born this way and they certainly didn’t ask to be mutilated and cut up like a tumor. So, here they were, on the run, sticking to the remote country roads where no one would find or recognize them.

Madison told Sydney she didn’t have to come along, that this blood was not on her hands. She could continue to live a normal life. But Sydney refused, insisting on coming with them. It was actually Sydney that formulated their plan for life on the run; picking the remote routes to take, getting them burner phones even pulling all nighters to drive them across state lines.

As much as Madison didn’t want Sydney sacrificing her future for their sake, she couldn’t deny the help Sydney’s been.

Sydney turned up, hand to shielding her eyes from the blazing sun.

“We probably picked a bad time to drive through these parts though.”

Indeed, the Louisiana heat was unforgiving in the summer. Madison had changed into a black tank top and tied her hair into a bun, as no doubt the heat would be getting to Gabriel as well.

As Madison went back to looking over the engine in vain, Gabriel eyed Sydney chugging down her water, the blonde taking notice.

“What’s up Gabe?”

“Give me some of that,” they ordered bluntly.

But Sydney took no offense. “Oh I’m sorry Gabe, you thirsty?”

She went and retrieved a straw from their things, coming back and delicately pushing away the strands of hair in order to allow Gabriel to drink from the bottle.

That was another new development, Sydney overly doting over Gabriel. Despite everything, and especially despite them trying to kill her, Sydney still tried to make an effort for them. Madison didn’t know what Gabriel felt about the constant coddling but they hadn’t voiced complaints, and for Gabriel that’s saying a lot. Gabriel didn’t sugarcoat things, if they had an opinion, they’d say it. They were about as blunt a rock being bashed against your head.

After Gabriel had finished drinking, Madison slammed the hood with a defeated sigh. “Welp… we’re not going anywhere…”

“We’re especially not going anywhere in the middle of nowhere…”

Sydney sighed, closing the cap on the bottle. “According to the map, the next town is still 5 miles away. And I specifically picked this route because it’s the most remote and longest, meaning most people will definitely not drive down this way.”

“So what? Do you expect us to start walking?”

“Oh please, like you’re gonna be doing any work,” Sydney smirked, lightly jabbing Gabriel.

Gabriel let out an annoyed grumble, making Madison chuckle.

“Okay you two, settle down,” she crossed her arms, “we still have a lot of food and water packed with us. We could camp here for, give or take a couple of days, see if any cars drive by during that time.”

“And when no cars pass by? Then what?”

Madison smirked. “Then you can start pulling your weight and start walking.”

Sydney laughed as Gabriel caused the static to kick up and screech from the phone, clearly annoyed.

“I will walk us both into traffic!”

“Sure you will,” Sydney giggled, patting Gabriel’s forehead.

“Don’t chastise me brat!”

Madison shook her head, smiling to herself as her siblings bickered behind her.

It was then, she heard something.

“Hey guys…” she called, getting their attention, “can you hear a-?”

“An engine!” Sydney exclaimed, dashing to the other side of the car.

Sure enough, driving down the highway road, approaching them at a leisurely pace, was a beat up old truck.

“Looks like we didn’t have to wait long at all!”

Madison jogged over to Sydney, grabbing her phone and apologizing to Gabriel as she had to let down her hair in order to hide them.

The girls wasted no them flagging the truck down, the car pulling up beside theirs.

Out of the driver’s side popped a scruffy, filthy looking man, eyeing the girls over with a toothy grin.

“Well I’ll be, what’s two purdy ladies like you’s doin’ out in a place like this?” He asked, his southern accent heavy.

Sydney stepped forward, always the more social one. “Hi, uh- sorry… we’re having car trouble, the damn piece of junk broke down on us. Can you give us a ride? We have money, we’ll pay you for your troubles.”

The man tipped his cap. “Hey, it’s no worries, my brother, Bo, he got a mechanic shop in town. He can get ya fixed right up.”

“Really? Are you sure it’s no trouble?”

“Eyy it’s no problem, just headin’ down that ways myself,” he waved his hand dismissively, scratching the back of his head.

Sydney smiled. “Thank you so much, you’re a real life saver!” She was about to turn, “oh wait-… I uh- didn’t get your name?”

The man grinned, a wide toothy smile. “The name’s Lester little lady.”

Sydney gave a soft smile, nodding. “Nice to meet you, Lester.”

Just as Sydney was about to run off to grab her things, Madison caught her arm. “Wait Sydney…” she lowered her voice, “are we just going to hop on a car with this guy? He seems a bit… shady.”

Sydney frowned. “Maddie we don’t have a lot of options right now, and also it’s not nice to judge someone based off appearances. Besides…” she nudged Madison playfully, “I’m not scared, I got my 2 in 1 guard dog with me.”

“You’re delusional if you think I’ll be bothered saving your ass,” Gabriel muttered, voice low so as to not be heard by the truck driver.

Sydney ran off, calling over her shoulder; “You know you love me!”

Madison shook her head, smiling as she followed after her sister.

As Madison leaned into the passenger seat, collecting her things into her backpack, Gabriel’s voice buzzed over the phone.

“Get my dagger…”

Madison blinked. “What…?”

“I have a bad feeling. Just take it. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.”

Madison didn’t think long on it, since she too had a bad feeling. Opening the glove compartment, out fell Gabriel’ signature dagger, make-shifted from the trophy Dr Weaver earned from the research and suffering subjected onto them.

She quickly shoved the weapon into her bag.

In no time, they were piling into the truck. Sydney hopped in first but Madison hesitated upon seeing the interior of the truck. It was as worn down and rusted as the rest of it, with various suspicious looking stains, torn seat cushions, strings of bones, shells and feathers hanging from the dashboard and if the smell outside was bad, the inside was another story. Imagine a bunch of animals squeezing into a clown car and dying at once, that was the best way to describe it.

Sydney was well aware but being the ever polite and friendly one, she made a face Madison’s way, a face that said; ‘Yes, I know just please bare with me and don’t make a big deal out of it.’

Madison sighed, hauling herself up. She could practically feel Gabriel squirming in the back of her head. Even they were bothered by the smell.

The truck then took off, driving down the road.

“I gave you’s mah’ name, but I don’t thinks I got yours…?” Lester asked nonchalantly, trying to start conversation.

“Oh uh…” Sydney and Madison exchanged a look. They couldn’t give their real names they were in hiding after all.

“You can call me…Sunny, and this…uh…is my sister…Emily!”

Madison felt a wave of smugness from Gabriel and she had to cover her mouth to hide her smile.

“So, what you ladies doin’ around these parts?”

“Oh,” Sydney perked up, “ya know, just a road trip with us gals, driving around parts of the country unexplored. Really, though, we were real lucky when you drove down this way. I thought this whole route was remote and empty.”

Lester grinned over at her, posture relaxed, one arm on the steering wheel and the other resting on the window. “Ain’t no luck about it, I work around these here parts.”

“Oh? What’s your job?” Sydney asked, genuinely interested.

Lester stuck a thumb over his shoulder. “That’ back there.”

The girls turned and Madison felt like she was gonna throw up. So that’s where that smell was coming from.

In the back of the truck was a rotting deer carcass.

Madison slapped a hand over her mouth, her face going pale, nausea traveling over to Gabriel who, with all the commotion and out of curiosity, peeked through her tresses of hair and saw what had upset her. Lo and behold, both May twins became nauseous.

“Maddie, are you okay?” Sydney asked, concerned.

“No-…they-…I-!” She aggressively pointed to the back of her head then to her mouth.

Sydney quickly rummaged in her bag while Lester looked on, confused and a bit concerned. “Ya’r sister doin’ okay there?”

“Yeah! Just-… a weak stomach!” Sydney carelessly dumped the contents of her toiletry bag, handing the empty item to Madison who wasted no time emptying out the contents of her stomach into it.

Gabriel didn’t really need to eat, sustaining themself on whatever nutrients Madison took in. Sadly, that also applies to expelling nutrients.

Madison could feel the waves of guilt wash over from Gabriel’s side at putting her through this.

Sydney rubbed her back, surreptitiously patting the back of her head as well to give Gabriel comfort.

Lester furrowed his brow at them, pulling over by the side of the road but when Madison went to open the door, she found there was no handle.

“Sorry, thin’ fell off a while ago. Here, lemme get that for ya’…” he hopped out of the truck, walking to the other side and opening it for them.

Madison practically leaped from the car, gaining distance in order to communicate with Gabriel without rousing suspicion. She hunched over, gasping and wheezing. “Gabriel… what the hell? Of all things, I didn’t expect you to be phased by rotting animals…”

“I don’t kill animals…” Gabriel huffed, “they’re better than people anyway…”

“…

you got me there…”

Sydney hopped out of the car, sheepishly looking over at Lester who stood by with his hands in his jacket pockets. “I’m so sorry about all the trouble…”

“Ain’t nothin’ to worry about missy’,” he waved her off, “seems like yu’r sister can’t handle a little bit of roadkill.”

Sydney perked up. “Roadkill…? You mean… you didn’t kill it?”

Lester let out a laugh, shaking his head. “No! Whatchu’ take me for? That right there’s mah job, I go around collecting roadkill offa’ the roads.”

“Huh…” Sydney looked down, “I didn’t realize that was a job…how long you been doing it for?”

Lester seemed taken aback by the genuine interest in his work. “Well uh…” he cleared his throat, “picked it up while back when’s I was still a teen. Ya don’t need no special trainin’ to be doin’ the work. Money was tight around the home so I’d figured I pull mah’ weight around and help out likes mah’ brothers .”

Sydney frowned. “And you’ve just been doing it ever since?”

“Well… mah’ brothers still be livin’ in our hometown and I cant’s just leave em’. They… still need mah’ help…” he trailed off.

There was a distant look in Lester’s eyes.

Sydney frowned, reaching over and setting a hand on Lester’s shoulder.

Lester jumped at the contact, not expecting it, looking at her with wide eyes.

Sydney smiled, eyes soft and caring. “I think it’s sweet you want to stick around for your brothers.”

Lester’s face went red, quickly turning away and clearing his throat. “W-well- thank’s you very much!”

Sydney recoiled back, her own face turning red at realizing how close she’d gotten to him.

“Uh…you just work by yourself-? Y-your job I mean!” She stuttered , trying to change the subject.

Lester immediately nodded, suddenly too shy to make eye contact with her. “Y-yeah! Just long hours patrolin’ the roads around these parts…” he scratched at his neck.

Sydney chuckled awkwardly. “And I thought I had it rough with my job…”

“O-oh? What d’ya do?”

Sydney’s face got even redder, shaking her head. “It’s-…it’s really stupid really…”

Lester finally looked back over to her, giving a goofy grin. “Ey no worries, I ain’t one tah’ judge.”

Sydney gave an embarrassed smile.

“I…dress up as a princess…and go to kids birthday parties…”

Lester stared at her long and hard before he burst out laughing.

Sydney looked offended, swatting at him playfully. “Hey! You said you wouldn’t judge!”

“Sorry! Sorry!” Lester wiped a tear from his eye, snorting, “that just ain’t what I was expectin’ at all…”

Sydney crossed her arms, pouting.

As Lester settled down from his laughing fit, he grinned her way. “I wouldn’t mind seein’ ya all dolled up, little princess…”

She perked up, turning to him with wide eyes and a blushing face.

Lester realized what he had said, becoming awkward as he tried to back step. “I-I mean-! I think you’d look real nice-! …B-b-bein’ a princess and all!”

“Uh…th-thanks…” Sydney was finding it really hard to make eye contact right now.

“A-anyways! Ya shud’ probably go check on ya’r sister over there!” Lester was literally pulling his cap over his burning face by this point.

Sydney nodded dumbly. “Y-yeah! Right! I should do that!”

As Sydney ran off to Madison’s hunched over form, putting a hand on their back and checking on them, Lester watched the girls from a distance.

None of them noticed the guilty look in his eye…

——————————

(I know, I know, I’m sorry that the Sinclair Twins didn’t show up in this chapter. I just started writing an opening and I was worried that it was too long. But I hope you guys did still enjoy the appetizer and stick around for the main course 🙂)

[cursedkeyboard]

PATIENCE ● Tutor!Geto Suguru & Student!Reader

You've been struggling with school for the past month, in more ways than one, and your parents finally decide to hire a tutor to help you with your exams. Despite your hesitation, Suguru seems to be hell bent on helping you with more than just studying.

Pairings: Platonic tutor!Suguru & Student!Reader

Warning: NOT beta nor proofread! Expect mistakes!

Let's say school is kicking your ass, high school or college, doesn't matter, you are getting your ass kicked anyway

Pulling all-nighters, skipping meals, watching youtube study hacks, you tried it all but only succeeded in making yourself utterly exhausted

Your parents, watching you get more and more desperate and no closer to achieving your academic goal, finally decide to hire a tutor to help you

The tutor? Suguru Geto, of course

At first, you were wary of the handsome guy

C'mon, now, a handsome young man in his early twenties, already busy with college and a side job, just decided to pick up another gig as a private tutor?

No one could be that smart, handsome, and kind

But after the very first day, you were proven wrong

Suguru was unlike anyone you ever met, unlike any teacher you ever had the distaste of knowing

He was patient and understanding, decided that the two of you should talk and get to know each other first before any lessons

Which, although you were a little awkward and shy, helped so much

Getting to know him allowed you to relax and learn a couple of things about the seemingly flawless man

Suguru hates bitter food, likes the smell of flowers though he is allergic to them, and has a best friend with the brightest eyes known to man

That, you doubted, but it was fascinating to watch his eyes soften when he spoke about that friend

Once you two found a good rhythm, you found yourself more comfortable sharing your struggles with him

The subjects you couldn't get, the teachers who never really helped, the exhaustion and anxiety

Suguru, to your surprise, related

He opened up about how he also doesn't get things right away, always has to study for hours on end, and sometimes skipped a couple of meals on accident when he found himself struggling with something

Which helped you relax

To know someone as smart as him also struggles like you allowed the tight coil of shame in your chest unwind slowly

He told you, with a soft gaze and gentle words, that you might just be forcing yourself too hard to understand the entire subject rather than working the small kinks here and there that caused the entire thing to sound nonsensical to your brain

You were skeptical

Of course you here, you'd been studying for weeks without any reward, but Suguru sounded so hopeful and kind that you couldn't help but give in

And so you two started studying for a couple of hours every two days

Now, three weeks later

A couple of days before your not-so-dreaded-anymore exam

You find yourself gliding through the exercises

It makes sense, and every time Suguru smiles at you, ruffling your hair with a proud laugh when you finish yet another paper easily, you feel an all-consuming warmth in your chest

You aren't a fuck up, you're not a failure or dumb

You just needed someone who took time and was patient with you

Suguru didn't force you to study a certain way, he worked with you to find the best way to allow you to understand the problems

And when he found it, he adapted to it

He encouraged you after every correct answer and soothed your worries when you found yourself struggling with anything

Shoulder pats, hair ruffles, his terrible candy

Sometimes, when he found you with red rimmed eyes and eyebags, he'd tell you to lady on your bed, him on your desk, and you two would just talk for an hour until you relaxed

"There's no point forcing yourself to study if your brain is too full of other worries, sweetheart. We can start when you feel better."

Seriously, the guy is the best

Suguru, unlike so many teachers and professors out there, understands that every person's learning experience is unique to them, and made sure to understand how yours worked

He never called you slow or acted frustrated

He would repeat the same explanation ten times over if you needed it

And now, as he praises you once again for effortlessly finishing the exercise sheet he'd prepared, you think you really should ask your parents to hire him as a full-time private tutor

You just hope he will confess to his so called best friend soon

The best friend he talks about every study session

For all his genius, Suguru sure is slow when it comes to romance