#[ I know I shouldn't apologize but a habit so I'm sorry for how slow I've been lately

[wxtchpilot]

[btsxmalereaders]

♡ Meant To Be

Pairing: Hwang Hyunjin x male reader

Fluff ♡ | Requested

Word Count: 2,8k

Masterlist

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"Aren't you even a little curious about it?"

You've heard this question thousands of times already; yet, the answer for it has never changed.

"No, not really." You shrug while your friend stares at you in disbelief. "Why do you ask knowing my answer?"

"I just had the hope that you changed your mind," Jeonghan says. "You know, out of everyone in our group of friends, you're the only one who hasn't found their soulmate."

You take one last sip of your tea and sigh, "And you're telling me this to make me feel bad?"

"No! It's just... I thought that would make you feel at least curious of the person whose name is written on your wrist ever since forever."

Your eyes immediately go to your wrist, and your other hand covers the name with your sleeve.

"And I still don't get your habit of covering it, as if you don't want us to know." He laughs. "Are you trying to ignore it and expect to find them like people picture it on dramas?"

Inevitably, you roll your eyes, "I don't know what to tell you. I just think that if we're really meant to meet, then it's gonna happen... someday. I'm in no rush."

Jeonghan nods in understanding, "I guess you're right."

"I am always right." You chuckle. "Now keep telling me about Injae, how is it going with her?"

That's exactly the way you would always dissociated yourself from the topic every time you were asked about it. It wasn't something you really cared about, unlike to your friends. You were happy with the way things are right now.

"... we are taking things slow, and it's all going great. I am really happy about it." He puts on a goofy smile and his ears and cheeks quickly covers in a tinted pink.

"Aw, my little Jeonghan is in love, who would've thought?"

"Shut up, who said anything about love?" He tries to act cool, but he's still smiling and feeling nervous.

"Please," You scoff. "That smile tells me you're head over heels about her. And the way your eyes shine whenever you talk about her? Seems like love to me."

"Ha, ha, ha, you really like to make fun of me, don't you?" He sarcastically blurts. "I am dying to see how you're gonna be once you meet your soulmate. "

"Mmh, we'll see about that..."

Just when you're about to continue reading your textbook, your phone buzzes over the table. You already got distracted by talking to Jeonghan when you both were supposed to be studying for the upcoming exams, but you decide to read the messages you received.

"What's better, keep studying or going out to grab lunch with Sihwan?" You throw the question in the air, to which your friend hums.

"Your friend that works at JYP entertainment?" You nod. "I mean, anything is better than studying for socials, so if I were you, I would go."

"You say that because you want to bump into an idol, don't you?"

"If you meet Twice, could you ask them to  autograph something for me?" He says with a pout, making you laugh.

"I am not that lucky." You say and quickly start gathering your belongings to put them on your backpack. "You're meeting Injae later, right? I'll catch you up at the dorm?"

"Sure, I'll see you later."

With that being said, you start walking to the building. Even when your friend has invited you a couple of times already, you couldn't help but feel nervous. That weird feeling in your stomach and the tingling in your skin, like chills. Trying to ignore it, you pass by a nearby restaurant and order Sihwan's favorite food, carrying the bags carefully until you reach the entrance of the building.

After a few messages letting him know you're already there and a few more minutes of waiting, your friend greets you with a smile and a pat on your back, helping you with the bags in your hands and guiding you to the elevator. Unusual, but you don't say anything about it.

"I have more work than usual today, I hope you don't mind eating in my studio."

"You won't get in trouble?" You ask, feeling concerned,  but he only denies with his head as he presses a button.

"Don't worry, it's fine."

You silently follow him, trying to not look at anyone in the eyes when you walk through the hall, all the way to the studio. Anyway, no one seems to be aware that you are a regular college student. Lots of people work in there and it's hard to keep track of everyone in there.

"Come in, seriously, it's okay." He chuckles by seeing how you look around and slowly walk inside. "I've been working on the melody and guide for a new group these past hours."

The door is closed and Sihwan sits on the office chair and signals the sofa behind it for you to do the same.

"You brought food from that new restaurant down the street? Sweet." He says and opens the bag, placing the food containers on the wooden table between you two. "I've been starving."

"Working for a new group, you said?" You ask with interest, grabbing what you ordered for yourself and start eating as well.

Sihwan nods, "A girl group, they've been working hard and will debut soon, I hope you can listen to them."

"I am kinda old school, but for you I can do it, I guess..."

You two continue having a conversation about music and how you've been doing at college while sharing food. The last time you met with him was a couple of months ago, so the conversation keeps going for a while until he decides it's time to go back to work.

"Well, in that case I'll leave you. I've got to go back to study too." You say as you stand up and clean the desk.

"Mmh, okay. Thanks for this, how about we go have dinner next week? It's gonna be on me."

"Sounds great to me. Text me the details later?"

"Sure thing." He promises and smiles. "You know how to get back, right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. See you!"

As soon as you step out of the studio, you look around to make sure no one is walking in the hall, so you almost run to the elevator, not expecting that someone would bump into you as they exit one of the offices.

You fall to the ground and start apologizing immediately, feeling embarrassed.

"I am so sorry, I didn't see you." You hear them saying.

"No, I am sorry, I shouldn't have ran here." You say, and as you try to stand up, they're extending their hand to you to help you up.

You take the help and do a reverence as a thank you and clean the invisible dust on your clothing, and as you're about to walk to the elevator, their voice stops you.

"Y/N L/N?"

You stop on your tracks and finally have the courage to stare at them in the eye and realize that it's a guy, and a very handsome one, you must add. Your legs tremble at the sight, clearly stunned by seeing someone so good-looking. Your immediate thought is that he's an idol or trainee.

"Uh, do we know each ot-?"

Your question is interrupted as he shows you his wrist, and that's when you see it clearly. Your name tattoed on his skin.

"I am Hwang Hyunjin... your soulmate."

You're at the loss of words. The only thing you can do is get lost in his eyes staring back at you, looking for whatever to say, but the situation feels unreal. It's like your body is frozen.

"Hey, Hyunjin, is everything okay out there?" A third voice coming from the office brings you back down to earth.

"I am sorry, I gotta go." You quickly say the second he is distracted, running as fast as your legs allow it and get in the elevator, pressing the bottons and seeing him run in the hall one last time before the doors finally close.

You exit the building and walk to the bus stop, looking back from time to time only to realise that Hyunjin has not followed you. With your heart beating like crazy and your hands shaking you get to text Jeonghan to let him know you were on your way back to the apartment and that you had big news. He was definitely not going to believe it.

"Ow! What was that for?" You groan as Jeonghan grabbed a pillow and threw it to you.

"You just ran away?!"

"I panicked, okay? You can't put the blame on me for that!"

"With all due respect, you're an idiot." He sighs. "You met your soulmate and just ran, oh god... What are you going to do?"

"Uhh... nothing?"

Jeonghan grabs the pillow again just to throw it at you, but your hands stop him.

"Okay, okay, I'll do something about it. I'll go see him again!"

"That's a big lie, you say that as if I don't know you." He rolls his eyes.

"Yes, I am a coward. I don't know what should I do, help me." You say with a pout.

"Your friend? He may know him, don't you think?" He states as if it's so obvious.

"Ooh, you're right! I am going to have dinner with him next week, I can ask him..."

"See? It's like the universe is conspiring for you to meet again... Properly meet, I mean."

You stop listening to him as he starts complaining and making fun of the way you reacted earlier.  Your mind is now finding a good way to reach out to him.

"...And I could finally finish that song." Sihwan says with a grin and takes a sip of his beverage. "I was practically isolated and had no proper human contact for a while, so thanks to our talk and delicious food I could finish in no time after that."

You giggle, "Really? Then I am happy I could be helpful, don't forget to add me on the credits."

He laughs at the joke and continues talking, "You didn't get caught on your way out, right?"

"Well... about that."

"Wait, are you serious? Did you get in trouble?" He asks, concerned.

"No, no! It's just that... Do- do you know Hwang Hyunjin?"

It's now or never.

Sihwan seems to think about it for a second, feeling confused. "Yeah, I mean, our team is not working with them, but I've talked to him and his group a couple of times. Why? You ran into him?"

"Yeah, but also..." You lift the sleeve of your shirt, letting him see the name written on your skin.

"No way! Really?" He says with a big smile. "Hell, congratulations! How- wait, why don't you look happy about it?"

"Because I panicked and ran away before I could say something to him." You say and hide your face behind your hands out of frustration. "I need your help, hyung."

"Okay," He chuckles. "Of course, what can I do to help?"

You sigh and take out a folded paper from the pocket of your ripped jeans, looking at it for a second before handling it to your friend. "Could you give this to him?"

Sihwan takes it and nods. "Of course, I'll give it to him as soon as I can."

Now all you have to do is wait.

You plop down in the sofa and stare at the screen of your phone for the millionth time today, feeling hopeless at this point. It has been one week since you asked Sihwan to give that letter to Hyunjin, and ever since, you couldn't help but wait for a message from him, or even a call, despite you don't knowing what would you even say.

"Hmm, you haven't heard anything from him?" Jeonghan asks and sits next to you. You deny with your head and sigh. "Maybe he's busy. I heard his group is going to do a comeback soon."

"A what, now?" You ask, and your friends looks as you in disbelief.

"Don't tell me you haven't looked up for him on internet. I mean, he was in JYPE for a reason."

"Uhh..."

"Oh my god, I swear you are..." He doesn't finish his premise. Instead, he takes the phone from your hands and looks up for his name on the web. "Stray Kids, you didn't look up for him? I can't believe this, are you even on social media?"

"Shut up, let me see this."

You quickly read their information, going directly to the names and pictures of the members, quickly finding Hyunjin and realizing your friend is right. How come you didn't think of it?

"Oh yeah, here says they're releasing an album in a few days..."

"Told you." He murmurs. "Are you still going to wait for him to text you?"

"Do I have another option? I don't think I can go around the building just looking for him, even if I am with Sihwan."

"Hmm, you're right. I hope you can talk soon, though. Imagine this: you and Hyunjin together, we become friends and he gives me a tour in JYPE to meet Twice."

You roll your eyes and stand up, "You're being delusional. I'll go to sleep now, goodnight!"

"That's rude!" He groans and sees you walk away. "I hope you panick and run away again next time you see him!"

The next morning when you wake up, the first thing you do is check your phone, and your heart almost stops when you see a new message from an unknown number.

You go clean your face and take a deep breath to gather the courage you needed to finally read the long-awaited message.

With trembling hands you unlock your phone and click on the notification.

It was no surprise to see how easy was to talk with him. You two started talking on regular basis, when he was free from his schedule and when you weren't studying, which happened really late at nights.

Soon, those thousands of messages became frequent phone calls and videocalls that lasted hours, and to say that you both trusted each other with your lives was an understatement. You were still getting used to the idea that your soulmate was an idol; and it was weird to see him constantly on the internet, as of course you started following every other fan account you found on social media. Hyunjin, on the other hand, was trying to be very supportive of your studies and kept sending you messages of encouragement as well as listening to your ramblings about your career and complaints about your professors.

"So you've caught feelings for him, right? It was about time, Y/N" Jeonghan says with a shrug. "I know some soulmates only work as friends and all that, but it was pretty obvious to me that you'd end up in a romantic relationship."

"Really?"

He nods and smiles. "Of course! Are you going to ask him out?"

"I was planning to, but what if he doesn't feel the same? What if he just sees me as the friend type?"

Jeonghan hums. "Well, I think it's gonna be okay. You're soulmates for a reason, don't you think?"

You hesitate to grab your phone and open the message bar, typing a question and hoping things will go well after pressing the send button.

"Hyun, is it okay if I ask you out?

Like, on a date?"

A few minutes later you receive an answer,  needless to say, you didn't expect him to reply now, so you feel as if your heart is about to make a hole on your chest right now.

Hyun ♡

God, I was really hoping I wasn't the only one feeling this way.

Of course it's okay

I would love to go out on a date with you, Y/N ♡

You now feel at ease, the butterflies flying in your stomach and your body feeling so light as if you were floating. Is that how being in love feels like?

"He said he'd love to go on a date with me." You announce with a smile.

"See? There you go, my plan of meeting Twice soon is going awesome." He says and you give him a deathly glare. "I am kidding! But I have to say, who's smiling and blushing like a dumb right now?"

"Jeonghan!" You groan and grab a pillow to throw it at him, but he's quicker to stand up and walk away, still laughing.

Hyun ♡

Now you're not being shy, eh?

You won't run away from me when we meet?

You're the worst, you text back.

Hyun ♡

I may be

But I am your soulmate, so pretty much you can't get rid of me

He was right, but you were not intending to do that.

Because, now more than ever, you were sure things were meant to be this way. Right next to him forever.

[oneshotdream]

Kim Taehyung,BTS(One Shot)

LOVING MY BULLY

I woke up as usuall and getting ready for school. I actually hate school. But sometimes I'm happy to go to school because  of my bully.

Mom:You'll be late for school!

Y/n:Okay, mom. I'm coming now.

I got in the car immediately and we left for school.

(At School)

I went straight to the school and went inside the school building, everyone there looking at me. I bowed in shame. Everyone started to whisper about what happened yesterday.

Last night I had a big fight with taehyung.

Yes, he is my bully. He always had problems with me. I don't know why there are so many people in the school, so I aim for it every day. But it's been such a habit that I've fallen in love with him. Anyone who knows Taehyung, will fall in love with him.

But I still can't forget what he did to me last night. He poured water on my head!!

But at the same time I feel guilty for him because I scream that 'he's a useless human being'.

On my way to class I came across taehyung. And he didn't look at me. His face was a bit angry. I calmly reprimanded him.

Y/n:Hi, taehyung. How are you today?(while walking next to him.)

He looked at me with strange eyes.

Suddenly, he pulled my hand into an empty classroom.

Y/n:Why did you bring me here?

He grabbed my shoulder and pushed me against the wall.

I was a bit scared of his behavior until he came close to me slowly.

Y/n:Taehyung, what are you doing?

He looked at me with quiet eyes.

Tae:Does that hurt you dear?

I was surprised that he called me dear and cared about me.

Y/n:In fact, it hurts a lot. But why are you acting this way?

Tae:If you don't like it so I'll use it this way.

He reached up to me and held both my arms. And I started to feel his face too close to me. Then he kissed me.

I was very surprised at that time. I could feel his lips soft.

He let go of me.

Y/n:Taehyung ...

Tae:Do you hate me that much?

Y/n:I didn't mean to....

Taehyung: You don't have to say that.

Y / n: I didn't mean to ...

He cut me off.

Taehyung: It hurts me.

Y / n: I'm sorry. But why are you so good to me now?

Taehyung: Because I think I was a bit late last night and I want to apologize.

His voice was slow and his voice was like crying.

Y / n: But you don't have to do this. You can just come and apologize.

Taehyung: Sorry, Y / n for making you uncomfortable.

Y / n: It's okay.

(Ringing bell.)

Y / n: Oh, I'm going to be late for class.

I ran out of that empty classroom.

Taehyung: Wait!

I was in a rush and I had to ignore Taehyung.

(Time Skip)

There was too much school work today. I was just about to go to the cafeteria and I remembered that Taehyung had something to tell me.

I entered the cafeteria and immediately looked for a seat. I saw Yeji waving her sign. I'm heading towards her. But I see Taehyung eating with his friends. I turned to go to Taehyung's dinner table.

Y / n: Hi, Taehyung. Earlier today did you ever want to say something to me?

He looked at me strangely.

Taehyung: I don't know what you're talking about. He spoke without looking at me.

Y / n: But you really want to say something ...

Taehyung: I said, I don't understand what you're saying!

The chase made a canteen look at us including Taehyung's friends in the same place.

Jhope: You don't have to scold her, Taehyung.

I ran out of the cafeteria without looking back in shame.

Jin: Taehyung, that's how you talked to her all this time?

Taehyung: Yeah ..

RM: Are you kidding?

Jimin: Didn't you say you liked her?

Taehyung: Yeah, I'm trying to get close to her by bullying her.

Bts: What ?!

Jungkook: Are you crazy? You shouldn't do that.

Taehyung: That's the only way.

Suga: You're just embarrassing her.

Taehyung: I know. But I tried to have fun with her this morning and she was very good with it.

Jin: Then why did you get angry with her?

Taehyung: I just ....

RM: You're just an ego.

Taehyung: I'm sorry.

Jungkook: Don't be sorry to us, sorry to Y / n. Don't know her as an angel.

Taehyung recently realized his mistake on Y / n and ran out of the cafeteria in search of Y / n.

 I was in the upstairs corridor to calm myself down. In 

fact, I don't understand why Taehyung is acting weird today. I wasn't angry because he was yelling at me but I was just worried.

???: Y / n!

Y / n: Taehyung?

Taehyung: I want to apologize to you for what happened.

Y / n: It's fine. I'm just worried about your condition.

Taehyung: You ... are you worried about me?

Y / n: Well ... that's why I'm worried about the person I like.

I just noticed what I said earlier. I immediately shut my mouth in embarrassment.

Taehyung: You like me, right?

He took my hand from my mouth. And my face was red.

Taehyung: HAHA. Cute.

Taehyung: You wanna know Y / n. I love you.

We stared at each other.

Y / n: Me too.

I threw a smile.

He kissed me.

We started to love and understand each other.

Everyone is happy for us.

                                     -끝났어-

                                태형 오빠 사랑해!

[postmortem-bookworm]

Bright - Bucky Barnes - Part Five

Fandom: Avengers

Type: Series

Word Count: I've given up keeping track

Character(s): Bucky Barnes, Natasha Romanoff, Steve Rogers, Shuri, T'Challa

Warning(s): Cussing, Mentions of attempted suicide (but shouldn’t be anything triggering), smut (maybe), mentions of X-Men, Steve is crushing

A/N: This picks up almost right after Black Panther, but before Bucky is awake, there is no Thanos, and everyone is alive.

After that lunch, Maeve was more relaxed, and back to her usual self. Working in the garden more, painting, making dinner for herself and Bucky, sometimes T'Challa and Shuri would joining them, but most of the time it would be just the two of them. Therapy seems to work for the two of them, they feel a lot more free and relaxed after each time they go, and the change is noticeable. Almost a month goes by, and a couple nights after Natasha and Steve's annually scheduled visit, she arrives on his doorstep as the night weighs heavily on the land around them.

"Maeve?" Bucky yawns out as soon as he opens the door, she finds herself blushing at the sight of his sculpted abs. She hadn't thought about the time when she walked over, she just couldn't sleep, and she definitely didn't think he'd answer the door in only his sweatpants. "Hey, is everything okay?" He asks as he rubs his eyes, letting out another large yawn, and she snaps out of her stupor, aware of how much she was staring. It's not like she's blind, she knows how much he works out, and takes care of himself, she just never really puts much into liking the way people look.

"Oh, yes." She answers softly, shifting in place as she rubs her arm shyly, looking pointedly at the ground. "I-uh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize it was so late, and I just came over. I shouldn't have done that without thinking about the time, and I know that we don't really do this sort of thing a lot, and I just couldn't sleep. I thought, hey maybe Bucky can't sleep either, so I walked over and I'm really sorry, I really shouldn't have-"

"Hey hey, It's okay." He places his hands on her shoulders as he ducks his head down to look up at her face. "I understand, it's nothing to stress about." He states as she bites her bottom lip, nodding as he gestures her inside. "You have something on your mind?" He asks as he closes the door behind them, walking over to the kitchen as she stand by the front door awkwardly.

"Well, I..." She pauses as he lights a lantern for a low amount of light, opening the fridge to pull two cans out. "I just couldn't sleep, I was thinking a lot." She explains as he turns, walking over to his couch.

"You can sit down." He says as he pops the top on one of the cans, setting it on the coffee table before him, and she sits on the chair at the edge of his living room. "Why couldn't you sleep? What were you thinking about?" He asks as he pops the tab on the other can, setting it before her as he takes a drink of his own.

"I..." She pauses as she grabs the can, taking sip of the carbonated drink, the bursts of bubbles leave the aftertaste of beer on her tongue, and she takes a larger drink, before resting the can on her knee. "It's about when Nat and Steve were here, a couple days ago." She starts to explain as the can in her hand slips a bit do to the perspiration rolling down the sides of the metal. "Nat and I were talking about it, but..."

"Talking about what?" Bucky asks after she trails off, causing her to glance at him, before taking another long pull from the can, draining the contents halfway. "Hey, hey." Bucky touches the table, as though it were an extension of her. "Breathe, and talk to me." She let's out a slow sigh, setting the can on the table as she picks at her cuticles, something he's noticed is as much a nervous habit for her as biting her lip, before she looks up at him.

"I don't like Steve, like he likes me." Bucky blinks in surprise, studying the girl before him. "I know it seems like it might be otherwise, but I've been trying to treat him like my family- it's hard when you hardly ever know what your own feelings are around others. I just don't know how to explain it to him, without hurting him, and I-"

"Breathe!" He's quick to remind her, causing her to pause, taking a deep breath and relax her shoulders as she looks up at him pleadingly.

"I need help." She explains.

"Why?" He inquires as she blushes, biting her bottom lip as she looks away from him.

"He uh... Sorta asked me out?" Her words drip down into a question at the end, causing Bucky to look at her quizzical as he takes a drink, and she takes the opportunity to do the same. "He said "next time we come to visit, is it alright if I ask you on a date? You don't have to answer now." and I was so thrown for a loop, he took the opportunity get into the Quinjet." She finishes her explanation, causing Bucky to let out a growl, shaking his head as he drops his head into his hand.

"What the hell punk?" He mutters as she twists the can of beer between her hands, studying the golden glint in the light of the lantern. "Look, you mentioned something about a teacher at your school, that you had a past with?" She nods sheepishly. "How did you end things there?"

"Uh... He ended things." She answers quietly, sipping the rest of her beer, before getting up to throw the can away as Bucky leans back on the couch, watching her. "He said he didn't need the burden that I provided." She explains as she settles back on the chair.

"I see..." He observes her as she stares at her hands in her lap, anger biting at him like a puppy nipping at his heels. "So, how do you know that what you feel for Steve is different?"

"Because, I have the ability to shut others emotions out, Steve's emotions a just a bit harder, like yours, because of the enhancement of the serum." She explains as he watches patiently, listening. "Anyway, the Professor taught me, because if I went around feeling everyone's emotions and hearing their thoughts, it would be like how they found me, all over again." She slaps a hand over her mouth at those words, causing him to observe her for a moment, before he clears his throat.

"A-And how did they find you?" He asks softly, almost hesitantly, as if he does and doesn't want to know. She mutedly shakes her head and he nods. "Alright, if you would like, I can talk to Steve for you." He offers, feeling slightly bad considering that he's the one to encourage Steve to express his interest.

"No no no. I should be the one to talk to him, I just... don't know how. I don't want to hurt him." She explains, causing Bucky to watch her as she fidgets nervously in her seat, and he sets his beer down, standing to round the coffee table, and squats before her, looking up at her face.

"You speak honestly, and explain that while you care for him, it's not the same affection as he feels for you. Express that you don't want to ruin your friendship, and you hope that he'll stay in your life as a friend." Bucky explains as he places a hand over her own that are clasped in her lap. "Steve's an understanding guy. He might hurt for a while, but it won't end your friendship. If it does, I'll be here for you, I promise." He says, causing her to look up at him with tears shining in her eyes, before she nods in understanding.

"Thank you, Bucky." She murmurs, causing him to smile as he reaches up to tussle her hair, and stands as he holds his hand out to her.

"Come on, I will walk you back. Then you need to get some sleep." She nods as she takes his hand, yawning as the beer helped relax her more than she knew, lethargy seeping into her bones as he pulls her to her feet. The two of them cross the grassy expanse between their huts, and he opens the door to her hut for her, causing her to smile sleepily as she leans up to kiss his cheek, before she walks into her home. He watches her disappear into her room, before he shuts the door, walking back to his hut as he places a hand where she kissed him. It tingles under his touch, and before he realizes it, he's smiling to himself, causing him to shake his head, mentally scolding himself. You are not getting sweet on Steve's girl! He repeats in his head over and over as he lays down in bed, falling fast asleep.

Three weeks to the day, or night, as the case may be, Bucky finds himself being roused from his sleep again by a night terror of his own. The feeling of flesh beneath his hand causes his tiredness to be wiped away instantly as his eyes snap open, the flesh under his hand is a throat. Not just anyone's throat, but Maeve's throat as she claws weakly at his wrist, tears in her eyes as she softly murmurs his name. "It's okay. Bucky, i-it's okay. I'm here, it's okay." She chokes out as he jerks his hand away like he's been burned. She drops to the floor from the wall he had her pinned against, she chokes, rasps, and gasps for air while coughing.

"Maeve! Darlin', I'm sorry!" He cries as he drops to his knees before her, reaching for her only to stall as she holds a hand out to stop him, her other hand rubbing at her neck as she coughs. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" He repeats as she shakes her head.

"No!" She manages to choke out, swallowing and choking at the same time. "N-No apologies." She shakes her head again. "I understand more than anyone." She manages to breath out as she looks up at him in the darkness. "So, no apologies." Bucky watches with a hesitant hand held out to her as she clears her throat twice, rubbing her neck as she looks up at him with damp eyes. "I heard you screaming." She finally confesses, causing him to hesitate, struggling to remember when he had started. "Do you... wanna talk about it?" His silence echoes between them as he becomes lost in thought, struggling to remember what he was dreaming about, or what lead to him pinning her to the wall. "Or we can just sit together," She offers softly, looking in his unfocused eyes. "we don't have to say anything, alright Bucky?" He snaps out of his thoughts at the sound of his name.

"I-I'm fine." He stammers out as she softly reaches out, pausing when he flinches away from her touch, and she rests a hand on his arm, even though it looks like it pains him, and he vaguely wonders when either of them had moved.

"Bucky, I'm fine." She promises as she watches his expression on his face. "You didn't hurt me, I'm made of sturdier stuff than that." He hesitantly looks up at her with sorrowful eyes, causing her to sigh. "Look, Bucky, I've honestly had worse things happen to me. Logan is a vet from both world wars and Vietnam."

"Wh-Who's Logan?" He asks curiously, causing her to pause.

"Logan was the teacher's name." She confesses, before she unbuttons the front of her shirt from the bottom to up a few buttons, before she tugs the plaid material to the side, and up a bit past her beltline are three slash marks, between the bottom two ribs. "He has adamantium embedded into his body, and the ability to eject claws from his fists. One night he had a really bad nightmare, and I woke up to his screams as he had his fist plunged into my abdomen. I had to have four surgeries, but I didn't care. I was glad he was alright." Bucky gapes openly at the scars on her skin, silvery and pale, all three are pulled in on themselves in the slightest way. "My point," She says as she clears her throat, buttoning her top again. "is that I'm a victim of PTSD, and I lived and shared a bed with a victim of PTSD. You can't always control your actions when you're asleep, or having flashbacks." She reaches out to rest her hand on his arm again. "I understand that. So, if you want to talk, I'm here. If you just want to sit in silence together, I'm here. If you want to be alone, I'll be waiting for you in my hut, willing to talk. It's your choice." He observes her, looking deep into her eyes as she moves to sit next to him. "And, if you need someone to hold, or hold you, so you can go back to sleep, I'm willing to be here for that as well." She explains softly as he drops his gaze to his hands in his lap. He glances at her for a moment, before she moves to stand before him, and he wraps his arms around her waist, pulling her close as he rests his head on her sternum.

"I'm still sorry." He murmurs, but she just shushes him softly, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, absently carding her fingers of one hand through his hair. It isn't long until he's closing his eyes, enjoying the close proximity of another person, who isn't afraid of him, and Maeve's gentle and caring nature makes him unwind from the tension that remained from his nightmare. She hums softly, almost like she's soothing a child, making him feel a bit silly, but willing to accept it as he tightens his hold around her. The two of them eventually move as he starts to doze off. At his insistence, he pulls her into his bed, curling around her with his arms like a steel cage as she lays there, his face buried in her hair as he falls asleep almost instantly. She lies there, remembering when Logan had held her like this, barely a week before they discovered Jean's alter-ego, the Phoenix existed, after which he never held her again.

"Good night, Bucky." She murmurs as he holds her closer, her own eyes slipping closed from the comfort and heat his closeness provided. Morning comes soon enough, rousing Bucky from the most peaceful sleep that he's had in the last 70 years. The plush body in his arm let's out a soft whine as his arms tighten around it for a moment, before the realization hits him, causing his eyes to snap open to find a head of soft burgundy hair before him, the female mutant's face tucked against his chest, as though struggling to escape the morning light. She settles in his arms once more, a soft smile on her sleeping face as a long lock falls across her face, and before he can find himself, he is brushing it away, rousing the sleeping woman in his arms. She gives a tired smile as she blinks drowsily up at him, reaching up to rub a heavy eye, when realization seems to strike her as she bolts upright. Her hair flies everywhere as she looks around, before scrambling to get off the bed, when Bucky wraps his arm around her waist, holding her to the mattress.

"It's alright." He promises in a warm and husky voice, his arm moving once she relaxes. "You'll hurt yourself, jumping about like that. You didn't do anything wrong." His words seem to sap the panic right out of her, she gracefully relaxes in his arm. He allows himself to smirk as he moves to stand, unwinding his arm from her waist as she slowly goes to stand up. "Breakfast?" He offers, causing her to nod mutedly, shyness over coming her as though they had done more than just slept in a bed together. Breakfast is quiet, but comfortable even with her picking at her food sheepishly, but soon after they're done with their food, they're doing the dishes together.

"How did you sleep?" She finally asks as she rinses a dish, stacking it in the dish drainer.

"Better than I think I've ever have." He answers as he focuses on scrubbing a dish, pausing as he looks up at her. "Thank you for being there for me." He says as she nods.

"There is no alternative. I'm not going to abandon someone in need." She replies as she takes the dish from him, running it under the water, then stacks it as well. "We're in this together, Bucky. If we can provide even a modicum of comfort to each other, then we should." She smiles at him, unlike her usual toothy wide smile, it's a small one, lips pressed tight together, it's one that he's never seen before, but makes him sad and happy at the same time, as though she's wearing it for his sake, more than her happiness. He reacts without thinking, splashing some water at her, suds smacking her in the arm, causing her to gasp, grin widening into something real as she flicks water at him. It's a water combat of retaliation, ever did flung her way is met with water smacking him in the chest, until the two of them are soaking wet and laughing as they finish the dishes.

"Thank you, again." He replies as she dries off with her hand towel as much as she can.

"No," She looks up at him with a smile, a real one, as she shakes a damp lock from her eyes. "thank you, Bucky." He glances at the door, before offering her his arm.

"Let me walk you home. Never know what kind of ruffians or thugs might be in this neighborhood." He gives her a cheesy grin as she throws her towel in his face. It falls to the floor, revealing his chuckling face, which makes her heart give an excited thump.

"You might as well. You always do, even if I say no." He nods in confirmation as she loops her arm through his own, and he directs them out the door. "Typical, a girl wakes up in her bed, and you send her home." She teases as he nods, chucking beside her.

"Yes yes. A terrible womanizer." He plays along as the cross the field towards her hut.

"So, how's the goat business coming along?" She asks, glancing back at the goats all snoozing in the morning sun.

"Goat business?"

"Goating?" He bursts out laughing at her inquiry, causing her to smile as his laughter echoes through their small two person village, bouncing off the woods along the side, startling a few of his goats awake. Something in her feels good at the sound of his genuine happiness, a warm feeling builds in the pit of her chest, but she just casually waves it off as something Bucky is feeling. "What?" She finally asks as he doesn't stop. "What's so funny? I dunno what it's supposed to be called."

"Darlin', you just made my day!" He chuckles as he wipes a tear from his eye. "Alright, the "goating" is going just fine." He places a hand on her head as the get to the door, messing up her bed head even more as she puffs her cheeks out in feigned annoyance, batting at his hand. "The cheese should be ready in a few more days, if you'd like some." He says as he drops his hand, looking down at her with a wide smile.

"I'd appreciate it." She replies, smiling up at him as she leans against the door behind her. "I've got some basil coming in, I'll dry some for you." She offers in return.

"I'd like that." He says as she nods.

"Okay, have a good day. See you in a bit." She opens the door to her hut, stepping inside before she pushes it shut, resting her back against it as she looks down, struggling to get rid of the smile on her face. In the other side of the door, Bucky is resting a hand against the barrier, smiling to himself before he shakes his head, and turns to walk away.

Guys, lemme know what you think! Am I doing Bucky justice? Is the story good so far? Also, Happy New Year! Let's make 2020 a good one! Enjoy!

[evapunk333]

Confession/Confession-Confessional Sex (NSFW)

For @ghostbcfandomevents. I strongly recommend that you do read my ongoing FanFic if you want to know more about the characters...but if you just want smut..that's fine too. But here's the link if you want to read that first..

"Forgive me Cardinal for I have sinned, and it was not one of the good ones. It's been…uh..shit, I guess about 6 months since my last confession. Probably too long, but what I did this time was really bad." The Sister delayed telling him, it was hard for her to say.

"Your Cardinal can't forgive you if you don't tell me child."

"Yes, of course. Sorry. Uh, well..what I did was not tell a lover of mine about a previous lover that I was still seeing, well 2 previous lovers I was still seeing if you want to get technical about it."

"This is a grievous sin my child. Even if people call our Lord Satan, The Great Deceiver, he values honesty, even if it does hurt."

"Yes, I am aware. But it's not like I deliberately tried to deceive anyone. I was just waiting for the right time, and I guess time got away from me. Plus, I was not sure of my feelings for my newest lover until now. But now I realize that I care for him SO much. And I'm SO sorry for not realizing I was being so stupid! So please Cardinal, I beg of you, can you forgive me?"

Tears started to well up in her eyes. She could hear a sigh coming from the other side of the thin wall. Suddenly, the door to the wall opened. She quickly ducked over to the other side and prostrated herself at the feet of the seated Cardinal and began to cry in his lap.

"Please Copia, forgive me. I didn't know that Dewdrop would get so incredibly jealous. I figured that he would understand eventually since he knows I love him too. I'm just SO sorry he hit you." She looked up at Copia and noticed his bruised nose and slight scratches on his face. She knew that he had a black eye as well, but it was hard to see under the paint around his eyes.

Copia just looked at her not quite knowing what to say. But he knew that he hated to see her in tears, practically begging for his forgiveness.

"I don't know Gwyn. I can forgive Dew for his impulsiveness, but why did you not tell me? Or him for that matter?"

"I don't know, I knew I would eventually but just kept putting it off. I guess I was just afraid. Afraid you wouldn't be ok with sharing me with your 2 guitarists. Afraid Dew would break up with me. Afraid you wouldn't understand that I still had feelings for you even if I did also have feelings for Aether and Dew. Ugh…I just fucked up! I'm so stupid to have let it go on this long! I just don't want to choose..I want all of you. Please don't make me choose..."

She put her head in his lap again. Copia ran his hand over her head to calm her. He also didn't quite know what to feel. He could tell she was sorry for what she had done, but he didn't really envy the thought of sharing her with 2 other people. This was completely new territory for him. However, the thought of not having her around hurt far more than knowing he had to share his time with her. He knew what he had to do.

"Tesoro, look at me please."

Gwyn followed his command and looked up at him. Her eyes were red and tears still streamed down her face. Copia took her face in his hands and used his thumbs to wipe away some of her tears.

"I will not make you choose. But I cannot guarantee that this will work. However, I care for you too deeply to lose you." Copia sighed again, "so..your Cardinal forgives you."

Gwyn was so ecstatic that she almost squealed as she hopped up onto Copia's lap and wrapped her legs around him. Copia grunted at the sudden weight he was not prepared for.

"Oh Copia, thank you, thank you, thank you!"

She proceeded to kiss him all over his face amidst her expressions of gratitude. Copia tried to kiss her back when he could, but her lips were moving around on his face so much that he could only make awkward attempts. Finally, when he'd had enough, he stopped her face with his hands and kissed her properly. As the kiss lengthened, he noticed that she was grinding her hips into his groin. He could feel himself harden a little due to the friction.

He broke away from the kiss, "Gwyn, what are you doing. We cannot do this here."

"Why not?"

She went back to kissing him and grinding her hips into him. It was starting to drive Copia a little insane.

He broke away from the kiss again, "Because I still have confessions to take."

"No you don't. I waited until everyone was gone. We're alone." She went back to kissing him again while unbuttoning her habit dress to get it more easily over her head.

Copia stopped the kiss again, "Are you positive?"

"Sweet Satan, yes!"

She kissed him again, but this time Copia didn't kiss back, he just did his best to speak with her mouth on his.

"Gwyn, we really shouldn't do this here. What if someone comes back and hears us?"

She stopped and gave him a glaring, annoyed look.

"Cardinal Copia!, please do not make me wait. I waited all day to apologize to you and I've also spent most of the day worried I might never get to see you again. I need you so bad right now!"

She stared at him with the biggest doe eyes and most pouty bottom lip that he had ever seen on her.

"Please?"

Needless to say, Copia caved…

He shrugged his shoulders in acceptance and went back to kissing her while unbuttoning his cassock. Gwyn finally removed her habit dress, she was wearing nothing underneath. Copia also didn't bother with wearing much of anything under his cassock today so once his arms were free, he only needed to pull the rest down over his knees, a process that was aided by the Gwyn. Once disrobed, Copia's cock throbbed between the two of them. Gwyn wasted no time and immediately mounted herself on him. They both let out a guttural moan at the feeling of finally becoming one.

"Fuck, you were not kidding."

Gwyn wrapped her arms around his neck for leverage and lifted herself up and down in his lap. "I missed you so much Copia."

Copia gripped her ass in his hands and squeezed, his hips thrusted to meet her every motion.

"I missed you too tesoro."

Gwyn moaned deeply when he spoke, "Fuck I love it when you call me that!"

Copia grinned at her and drove into her deeper, her pace quickened on top of him. The chair Copia sat in creaked dangerously, like it might fall apart any second. Realizing that they were putting too much stress on the chair, Copia made a decision.

"Wait, ugh..stop."

Gwyn stopped, but was confused since she was getting so close to what she needed. Copia lifted her off of him and they both stood up as best they could in the small space. He bid her to bend over the chair and grab ahold of the ledge behind it while he stood behind her. He entered her again, but this time he set the pace of their lovemaking. He was slow and methodical, reaching as far as he could inside her and backing all the way out to leave her aching for more. To make sure that her clit was not abandoned, he bent over her back and reached around her waist. His fingers slipped between her lips easily and he found what he was looking for. As he thrusted inside her, his fingertips worked on her engorged clit, playing it like one of his Ghoul's played guitar. With his other hand, he cupped her breast and felt the hardness of her nipple against his palm. He allowed the sensitive nub to rub gently against his hand as they moved in rhythm.

With multiple erogenous zones stimulated, he could feel her tighten around him. He moved faster, sweat dripping from his brow at the exertion. Soon a strained noise escaped her lips and her hand slapped harshly against the wall of the confessional. He could feel her stomach clench and then her entire body went slack.

Copia knew it was his turn now. He put both hands on her hips and pounded into her relentlessly. Gwyn whimpered, but Copia continued chasing his release. As he dug his fingers into her hips, he could feel his thighs ache. But then finally the wave washed over him and he spilled all of his love inside her.

In the aftermath, his knees nearly buckled but he steadied himself on Gwyn's back who was still bending over in front of him. Once recovered, he kissed her back and stood up, as did Gwyn. She turned around to face him and they kissed again, this time much more languidly. When the kiss was over, they both just stood there naked holding each other. They were both sweaty and hot in the cramped space, and their skin stuck together. But none of that really mattered because neither of them really wanted to let the other go. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Copia spoke up, "Now how on earth are we going to fix your relationship Dewdrop?"

[spicycreativity]

Soft-Shoe Shuffle - Ch 9

Chapter: 9/12 Additional Notes: See Ch 1 for more information. Read on AO3 under "WizardGlick." Any formatting/italics errors are holdovers from AO3 that I was too lazy to fix. Chapter Content Warnings: N/A; ask to tag Excerpt: "You don't think he's in love with you, do you?" Roman asked in a strained tone. Silence. "Do you?" Roman demanded. "Oh my god," Virgil said through gritted teeth. Janus could practically hear his jaw creaking. "Virgil!" Roman whisper-shouted.

That's my story and I'm stickin' to it

That's my life and all that I've got

Call me a liar, call me a writer

Believe me or not, believe me or not

The sound of a door open and closing startled Janus out of his dreams so violently that he jerked and gasped before falling still again.

Silence followed, but he kept his eyes closed and tried to orient himself. He felt like Remus had used him as a training dummy and remembered very little of the reason why .

Roman's voice broke the silence. "It's not your shift yet, Smoke on the Water."

"I thought you could use the company," Virgil said. "And maybe I missed you."

"Oh, don't lie." Roman sighed and his breath ghosted over Janus' cheek. He was close, then. "That's his job."

Virgil scoffed. "Not anymore, apparently."

Janus focused on keeping his breathing even. It wouldn't do to get caught now of all times.

"You don't buy it?" Roman asked.

"I don't know!" Virgil exclaimed, loud enough to make Janus flinch. In a softer voice, he continued, "I guess people can change. I mean, I did. But it was gradual, and this seems… It seems awfully sudden for a change of heart, especially for someone as stubborn as him."

"You don't think he's in love with you, do you?" Roman asked in a strained tone.

Silence.

"Do you?" Roman demanded.

"Oh my god," Virgil said through gritted teeth. Janus could practically hear his jaw creaking.

"Virgil!" Roman whisper-shouted.

"Have you noticed Patton calling him 'honey'?" Virgil whispered back.

"Wait… You don't think--"

"I don't know!"

"But Patton wouldn't--" Roman tripped over the end of his sentence. "Not him-- "

"You don't just fall in love overnight. What if this some… some campaign for Patton's love?"

"Like a quest?" Roman asked.

Janus nearly laughed. Leave it to Virgil to land three steps to the left of the correct conclusion. And leave it to Roman to spur him on.

Despite the ache in his joints and desperate dryness of his mouth, Janus could feel his mind sliding back toward sleep. There would be no fighting it unless he moved, and he couldn't move without giving up the game.

Oh, well.

"It makes sense, doesn't it?" Virgil asked. "Janus doesn't apologize. Janus doesn't do anything unless it serves some sort of end."

"And where does collapsing in my room factor into this master plan?"

"I don't know," Virgil said. "Maybe this part was just bad luck." He sighed and pulled the covers higher up Janus' chest. "It's weird seeing him like this?"

"...Asleep?"

"No, genius. Vulnerable. He doesn't show weakness either."

"Ah, Virgil," Roman said delicately, after a moment's silence. "Not that I'm the best at math, mind you, but something isn't adding up."

"What do you mean?"

"According to Logan, Janus knew he was sick when he came to visit me. Nearly fainted in the kitchen, from what he said. If he's so averse to showing weakness, as you say, why wouldn't he just, you know, wait?"

"...Huh."

"And why would he apologize to me in private? If he wanted to look good in front of Patton, surely he would have found some way to confront me in front of Patton. Janus is still a part of Thomas; he likes an audience. "

Virgil let out a short puff of air through his nose and said nothing for a few moments. "Well… Maybe I shouldn't jump to conclusions like that."

"It's good that you want to be careful," Roman said with undisguised fondness in his voice. Janus almost frowned. Roman and Virgil, really?

"I guess I'll have to wait and see. I really want to know why he keeps calling my name. Rem-- Uh. Okay. Remus said he did it a bunch yesterday."

"He's not Voldemort; you can say his name around me."

"I don't want to make you upset, that's all."

Virgil's words spun lazy circles in Janus' mind, and whatever Roman replied was lost in the rolling fog.

He had expected Virgil to be mistrustful of him; he had every right to be. Janus had expected him to make conspiracies out of nothing and it didn't hurt his feelings.

It also didn't make him happy, not at all, that Roman had defended him with nothing to gain from it.

Sleep came languid and slow, and for once not accompanied by tongues of fire.

--

Maybe it was luck or maybe it was Virgil's sense of duty, but the next time Janus opened his eyes, it was Virgil that he saw.

Virgil's eyes widened almost comically and he froze.

For a moment, they just stared at each other. Then Janus regained his wits and said, in a tone like they were coworkers who had just passed each other in the hall, "Good morning, Virgil."

Virgil opened his mouth, closed it, opened it again. "It's afternoon."

"Well. Forgive me for not counting the hours when I was unconscious," Janus said with venom. Because he was scared.

Virgil scowled at him. "Whatever. Glad you're not dead. I'll go get Patton now."

"No, wait." Janus tried to sit up, hating how his arms shook. He brought out another set to assist, as Virgil seemed disinclined to help, or do anything other than just stare at him. "Force of habit."

"Yeah," Virgil said. "I heard you were on an honesty campaign." The disdain in his voice was almost painful. "Let me guess: You're so sorry for how you treated me in the past. You were jealous because I got what you always wanted and you didn't know how to handle it so you lashed out like the snake you are. And then you couldn't apologize because you were trapped in the image you'd created for yourself, only now, now it's falling down around you and you don't even have your precious pride to stand on, and now there's only one thing left to do." Virgil broke off, a little out of breath. "So you come crawling on your belly to me. The last item on your little 'good person' checklist."

Janus shook , and no amount of blankets could melt the ice that crawled down his veins. Virgil's image blurred, cold tears threatening to spill over. And really, what did Janus have left to lose? Hadn't he earned this? At the end of the day, he was the architect of his own demise.

"For what's it's worth, Virgil," he said, his voice so cracked and rasping he barely even recognized it, "I am sorry. I was jealous. And… I tied my own hands. I see that now."

"So you're saying…" Virgil straightened a little. "You were wrong?"

"Yes, Virgil. I was wrong."

Virgil laughed.

He doubled over, shoulders spasming, and laughed until his face turned red and tears ran down his cheeks. "I can't-- I can't believe this…"

"Um, Virgil?" Janus' humiliation gave way to concern as Virgil's breaths became more and more erratic.

"You have no idea how long I've been waiting to hear you say," Virgil said. "I had so many ideas for how I was going to throw it back in your stupid, smug snake face." He wiped his eyes even as more tears fell.

Janus just stared at him.

"Here's what's funny," Virgil continued. "Now… Now that it finally happened and I have you right where I want you, I don't want to do it ."

"You--" Janus' heart leapt. "You believe me?"

"I believe you." Virgil looked at him, eyes still shining. "But only because you look so sweet holding that teddy bear."

"What?" Janus looked down and realized with a jolt that he did indeed have a stuffed bear tucked under his arm. It was pale brown with white felt on the paws and ears, and was wearing a little T-shirt with 'get well beary soon!' printed on it. "Patton."

"Patton," Virgil said with a nod.

Janus looked around properly for the first time and he realized that Patton was not the only one who had left a gift.

A magnificent bouquet of white roses dominated his nightstand, nearly overshadowing a smaller bouquet of baby's breath and hydrangeas in a Mason jar. Behind the vases stood a 6-pack of blue Gatorade, and balanced on the lids was a small, handmade book.

Virgil noticed him staring and passed over one of the Gatorades, breaking the seal on the lid so Janus wouldn't have to struggle with it.

"Um, Virgil," Janus said, taking a shaky sip and realizing he wasn't wearing his gloves. He grit his teeth and tried not to mind. "I do understand if you don't want to be around me right away."

Virgil shook his head. "I'm done being mad."

"...Just like that?"

"I…" Virgil bit down hard on his lip. "I'm making the choice to forgive you. And maybe I'm being naïve and maybe you'll sink your fangs into my neck the second my guard is down, but… Well, you know, maybe for once the best-case scenario will happen and we'll all be best friends and Thomas will never have problems again."

Janus smiled. "You've changed, Virgil. A lot."

"Yeah, well." Virgil shrugged. "So have you, I think."

Janus raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Virgil leaned in, his grin wolfish and wide. "You're still holding the teddy bear."

Janus' face burned, but he for once made no effort to hide it. "It was a gift, Virgil, it would be rude to--"

"Stop snuggling it and put it with your other gifts?"

Janus closed his eyes and let his head rest against his headboard. "Yes."

"Airtight argument," Virgil said, but the laughter was gone from his voice. "I should get Logan. And you should finish your Gatorade. You probably feel pretty shitty, huh?"

"No, Virgil, I feel fantastic."

"I'm gonna let that slide because you're half-dead."

"Mm." Janus slid further down, gently aware of the Gatorade bottle tipping in his hand.

"Okay." Virgil grabbed the bottle. "No spilling. I'm gonna leave this here with a straw in it. You'd better drink some."

"Okay," Janus said, though he had no intention of doing so. Exhaustion washed over him, a rising tide promising to drag him under.

"You know, once word gets out that you're… not, like, delirious anymore, everybody's going to come running."

"Then don't tell," Janus mumbled, rolling over and pulling the covers up over his head.

"Are you really going back to sleep? You just woke up!"

"Just readjusting."

"Sure."

Janus sighed and wriggled so just his face was poking out from underneath the covers. "Happy?"

"I just don't think you should go back to sleep without drinking something. And no, one tiny sip of Gatorade doesn't count."

"You want to talk to me." Janus was too tired to properly revel in his information, so he settled for a smirk. It was difficult to do with half his face smushed into the mattress, but he was well-practiced.

"Keep pushing and I'm gonna start reading to you from Remus' book of dirty limericks. He hand-wrote that for you, by the way."

"What?" Janus fought to keep the nervous edge out of his voice.

"He said it was an inside joke."

With a concentrated effort, Janus sent the booklet to the top shelf of his closet. He doubted even Remus was reckless enough to expose Janus'... total lack of romantic feelings for Patton in such a careless manner, but still. Better safe than sorry. "Virgil?"

"Hm?"

"What did you get me? I assume the roses are from Roman and the Gatorade is from Logan."

"And the blue flowers are from Patton also."

"Surely they guilt-tripped you into livening up my deathbed as well?"

"My gift was more... abstract."

"Not smothering me to death with Patton's teddy bear does not count as a gift."

"Oh, no." Virgil smirked. "I told Patton how you really take your coffee."

The uncomfortable feeling of being not only seen, but known made Janus hide his face under the comforter again. "You didn't."

"Oh, I did. He knows all about your whipped cream addiction."

" Virgil."

"You're welcome, honey."

Janus went completely still. Half-formed memories of Roman and Virgil conversing in his room swam around his head and oh. Virgil had guessed it. Part of it, anyway. Janus had thought he'd let it go with the rest of his little conspiracy theory, but… And now he'd just completely missed his chance to bluff. He tried anyway. "If this is your way of calling me sweet--"

"Busted," Virgil interrupted.

"Go back to being scared of me," Janus muttered into the blankets.

"Look," Virgil said, voice deadly serious. "I can't tell you what to do, but I swear to all things dark and stormy, if you break Patton's heart, I'll break you ."

"I don't--" Janus tried. "I-- We're not…" He made an exaggerated, high-pitched coughing sound. "I'm going to tell Logan that you antagonized me while I was trying to sleep."

"Oh, please."

"And Patton and I aren't-- He doesn't-- He doesn't feel that way about me."

"That fever must have evaporated some of your brain cells," Virgil said.

Janus was inclined to agree, although for different reasons-- He couldn't think of a single way to change the subject. He settled for a long, drawn-out hiss.

"Just talk to him, okay?" Virgil said. "Or don't. Actually, don't."

"I don't need your permission to start dating Patton," Janus spat, forgetting himself.

"So you do want to date him."

"...No."

"I believe you."

"I'm going back to sleep now."

"Gatorade first." Virgil drew the covers back and held the bottle up to Janus. There was a straw in it now, a purple bendy straw that poked Janus in the lip. He fixed Virgil with a death glare and was privately relieved to see Virgil shrink back under its intensity. Like a river changing course, the parts of Janus that made him who he was were still there, even if his direction had altered.

That was good enough for him.

But he still wasn't going to let Virgil nurse him like he was some kind of helpless baby animal.

Careful not to drop the teddy bear, Janus sat up and took the bottle from Virgil. He drank half of it before his shaking hands gave up on him.

"Go to sleep," Virgil said, setting the bottle on the nightstand. "I'll tell the others not to crowd you." He turned to leave.

Janus almost let him. "Thank you, Virgil. And…" He'd had quite enough of showing his belly, and yet…. "I really am sorry. For everything."

"I know, Janus. Get some rest."