#(and obviously offer extends to hana too ^_^)

[goddessofblood]

@valkiliar So looking into these claims… First I checked your examples (and a few others) of similar designs. One Eevee-like Pal was just a fluffy dog, the other was pretty eevee like I'll admit, though eevee is just like, a dog lol. And the Lucario-like pal is Anubis. Like even named Anubis. I don't see them as particularly compelling examples of plaigarism since theres pretty good non-pokemon reasons most of these look like their uh, lookalines. I think the only really compelling ones is the blue eevee with a vest and the Meganium lookalike, and having 2-5 fairly similar mons out of 100 is not unreasonable I think. I would personally have preferred more interesting & unique designs, but I wouldn't say the palworld designs are 'immoral' or plagiaristic. I then looked into their older games. The game from 3 years ago is called Craftopia… and uh, its just worse Palworld. So yeah thats extremely shitty development practice. Almost as bad as the Don't Starve Together debacle, I'd say. Whether or not they'll continue updating the old game is unclear though- it got two updates last year, one in January and one in December. I wouldn't be surprised if it has been genuinely abandoned, and fans seem to believe it has been, but a studio big enough to create palworld probably has more than one team- and thus palworld and craftopia could be worked on by separate teams concurrently. Not completely damning, and frankly I do understand the decision to create a new game in a different engine, but if craftopia doesn't get any updates this year then i'd say its indicative of a scam (or at least scammer behavior).

As far as AI generation goes, I've not seen anything that actually suggests this game uses any kind of generative AI. I wouldn't be surprised per say, but it also isn't obvious to me that such things were used. The dev has worked with AI before, but afaik has not indicated its been used in this project. Now the game that has AI is just, a copy of a jackbox game but with generative AI instead of doing it yourself which is. you know, interesting to say the least. Theres a pattern of behavior emerging lol. But that isn't something I'd consider proof AI was used for Palworld.

Finally, regarding NFTs, I found one not-trustworthy source saying Palworld already has NFT integration? But since nobody else is saying that I kind doubt this is the case. However I did see that the CEO is a tech weirdo, including have built an entire crypto exchange. So previous scam experience for sure and a definite possibility that NFTs are integrated in the future. Just no concrete evidence that I've seen.

In all I'd say there is compelling evidence that the company (or at least CEO) behind Palworld is fairly likely to be scummy & I wouldn't recommend people support them (for their own sake, given the NFT stuff and possibility this game might be abandoned). That said, there isn't really anything super concrete there, so its largely speculation as to how & why they might be scummy. I can't say I'd blame anyone for playing it, but I do think its a bad idea nonetheless.

Not the least of which is because Cassette Beasts is right there! Its good! Better than Pokemon! Go Play It!

personally I am very turned off by the concept of a mon' catcher where you shoot & kill the monsters. That said, I also don't personally see the validity of the "plagiarism" accusations. From what I've seen, most of the monster designs are fairly unique & the actual gameplay is obviously substantially different. Theres a couple designs I'd say are obvious homages (the luxray like in particular) but for the most part similarities tend to be like, oh thats a sheep. Yeah thats what sheep look like. Not really plagiarizing from pokemon as much as... god?

[oddeyevibes]

Choso x Reader but y’all are also rivals because both of y’all are fighting for their position to be seen as Yuji’s older sibling/guardian.

- You being a recent graduate that operates like a TA for Gojo aka doing most of the teaching cause that man is not qualified.

- You’re someone who very much likes to position themselves as an older sibling the first, second, and third years can look up to and confide in.

- This especially extends to Yuji who is completely and utterly new to this. Plus, he reminds you of a classmate that didn’t make it.

- Of course, this comes to ahead when Choso realizes that Yuji is his little brother and he doesn’t appreciate someone threatening his position.

- You two actually meet after his fight with Yuji and when Choso insinuates he did something to him, you go off.

- It’s such a catty and petty start when he switches sides.

“You almost killed him but your his older brother now? If he has to rely on you for protection then I’ll pray for him.”

“Semi-grade 1…*looks you up and down*…sounds about right.”

- Choso is jealous because obviously Yuji does come to you more often than him. Yuji doesn’t see the smug look you give Choso.

- But Choso is the smug one when Yuji attempts to refer to him as his brother.

“Yuji is my responsibility, you aren’t needed, sorcerer.”

*Holds back from saying “what happened to your last two responsibilities?” cause even you know that’s a bit too far*

- You and Choso team up against Naoya and it just turns into a “one-up” competition. It ends in a draw….not for Naoya, he got fucked up.

- Your rivalry fizzles out since both of you realize you offer different things, Choso being a protector and you being a mentor…that and Yuji realized what was happening and his desperate attempts for you two to get along was pitiful but earnest.

-Making sure Yuji was ok extended to making sure you were ok because if something happened to you (especially after Shibuya) Yuji would be devastated.

- It around this time that Choso realizes that Gojo was a bad influence on you (and by extent Yuji) because he believes you’re WAYYY too reckless.

-Now he’s scolding you for it constantly.

“One of these days, you’re going to never get back up. Think of how…Yuji would feel.”

- Depending on your technique, you and Choso work great together in battle.

- Choso obviously doesn’t know everything when it comes to Jujutsu society outside of what Kenjaku and the Disaster Curses taught him. So you take charge in informing him about certain aspects since he’s gonna be working with y’all (and we don’t really need him thinking randomly killing folks has been greenlit.) He might not think that but there’s no telling when Mahito is a potential influence

- Choso stays with Tengen but you head off with Yuji and Megumi. He even bows to you while he asks that you take care of Yuji. Then he tells you to be careful too with a blush on his face.

- When you’re reunited, he sees you’re injured (how injured is up to you) and upset about Megumi being possessed by Sukuna, feeling like it was your fault for not better protecting Yuji, Megumi, and Hana. Choso is there for you, able to be a sympathetic shoulder since he knows how you feel.

- You insist on being in this ultimate battle against Sukuna despite your injuries. So he has a request…

“Stay alive. I would like to…spend time with you under different circumstances.”

[taestefully-in-luv]

The Island | KTH (Five)

Summary: You’re just two strangers waking up in a room on a lonely island where a company in the business of love has placed you. They believe that thanks to their in depth research you two are destined soulmates. What happens when your ‘soulmate’ and you want nothing to do with each other but falling in love is the only way to leave?

Pairing: Taehyung x Female reader

Genre: strangers to lovers, very slight enemies to lovers, soulmates au, roommate au, slow burn, fluff, smut, angst, slight crack, and drama.

Word Count: 10.2k

Warnings: swearing, sexual tension (?) panic attack, miscommunication, fingering ( female receiving)

Notes: here’s ch5! Hope you guys like this chapter. Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist, or send an ask if just want to chat about the stories!:)

Taglist: @ggukkieland @monvieesdaebak @707sblog @peacedreamer14 @dopedreamfireparty @everythingnamjoon @taebae19 @typicalgenzworld @mooniyooni @getmemyfries @helenazbmrskai @justinetingball @jpeachytaev @marplest @calling-dips-on-j-hope

© taestefully-in-luv

Previous --- Next

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The silky robe is a deep burgundy and it looks divine draped over your skin…Taehyung watches as you stand between his spread legs and the silky material begins to slowly slip off your shoulders. He can’t help but gulp when the robe falls down your arms and your matching lingerie set is finally exposed. The material that covers your breasts is lace, he can see your hardening buds and he sighs out in satisfaction… the rest of the lingerie top is sheer and flowy. He only observes as the robe finally falls to the floor and you step closer to him, bending down giving him the most immaculate view of your cleavage…god, he can’t wait to have your tits in his large hands. He is a man of self-control though. He just wants to watch you for a while before he even touches you, which ultimately drives you crazy.

You finally begin to crawl into his lap, settling over his bulge. He leans away from you, his head hitting the cushion of the sofa when you continue to bend forward until your lips are on his neck. Taehyung smirks and releases breath after breath when he feels your tongue run up his throat.

“Taehyung…” you whisper, “Taehyung, what are you thinking about?”

“Taehyung what are you thinking about? Hello?”

“Taehyung? Earth to Tae?” You continue to wave your hand in front of his face. You both are sitting on the living room couch watching a Disney movie when Taehyung obviously stopped paying attention. The boy is completely zoned out.

“Tae?”

“Huh? What?” his eyes zone back in and he’s whipping his head in your direction. “What?”

“I asked what you were thinking about, you really zoned out there.” You giggle. Taehyung’s eyes skim over your body, you’re wearing a t shirt and some shorts…definitely not the lingerie set he was just imagining you in. Yet somehow you still look sexy and it’s driving him nuts.

“Oh nothing.” Taehyung grins, feeling himself grow warmer at the memory of his imagination.

“Movie night is boring you, huh?” you steal the blanket from Taehyung’s lap and wrap it around yourself. “We can play a game instead? Or maybe, hear me out, just maybe, you can show me that song you’ve been working on.” You eye him, waiting for his reaction.

“It’s not ready.” Taehyung pouts, “I promise I’ll show you when it’s ready. I’m just stuck.”

“Maybe I could help? You never know.”

“y/n…” he whines, “Just wait.” Then he’s scooting a little closer to you, “Patience isn’t really something you’re good at, huh?” he teases then his voice goes lower, “I’ll have to teach you.”

“Fine, fine. I can be patient.” You roll your eyes at him, you unwrap the blanket from yourself and put it out in front of you, offering to share with your roommate.

Taehyung accepts the invitation by inching closer to you and going under the blanket, his body heat sticking to your skin.

“Want to go for a walk?” Taehyung asks, snuggling further into the blanket.

“A walk? It’s so dark out?”

“I bet the moon looks nice over the ocean.” Taehyung points out softly, “I bet it feels nice and cool.”

“Hmm, okay.”

~

Taehyung was right, the moon looks absolutely hypnotizing over the water. You two are sat in the sand near the shore and you can feel the mist of cool water greet you as the waves come in. It feels amazing.

“Can you believe it’s been a little over 6 months?” you sigh, “Time is flying by.”

“You don’t sound as bitter as you usually would.” Taehyung playfully bumps his knee into yours. “You like my company that much?” he teases.

But you tense at his words…he isn’t that far off and you know that’s dangerous, almost as dangerous as him.

“I’m tired of being so bitter.” You admit, “Doesn’t mean I love this situation. I want to return to the real world…I have a lot of things to take care of. I can’t use the island as an excuse anymore.”

“What do you mean?”

“My life is a mess, Tae. This island was like a break from that…I know that sounds crazy—”

“No, I get it.” Taehyung says softly. “I get it.”

“But can you believe we are still here? I mean, we flirt but I don’t know if it’s getting us anywhere.” You whisper. “And are they really taking us seriously?”

“What’s that mean?” Taehyung raises his brows, “Take us seriously?”

“We don’t view each other that way.” You say as quietly as you can, making Taehyung’s heart race. “We never will.”

“Oh.” Taehyung drops his head low, “Right.” Then he raises his head. “So are you saying you would never view me in any way besides a friend?”

“Obviously.” You chuckle, “That’s what we agreed on.”

Taehyung let’s your words marinate for a second…you’re right you two agreed to get along and nothing more. But things change? Taehyung is the type to realize things pretty quickly and go for it. He’s questioning a lot right now. Is he just super fucking attracted to you? Or does his feelings run deeper than that. And he just got his answer.

The fact that you say you would never view him that way has him feeling down, like a major state of depression is coming, like a large storm cloud is making its way over his body.

He wants you to change your mind. He wants you to like him. Why? Isn’t it obvious? He likes you.

“I guess.” He finally says after a long while, he doesn’t know what else to say honestly. He knows you aren’t anywhere near ready to hear his feelings and honestly he isn’t ready to say them out loud yet either. He knows he isn’t technically dating Hana but he still feels like he’s doing something wrong…like he’s cheating or just straight up betraying.

“Let’s walk.” He says standing to his feet, he leans down to help you up by the arm.

“Okie.”

You two begin walking down a path underneath the starry sky, his hand keeps bumping into yours as he talks and you grow nervous at the small contact. You can handle it, or so you think but when his skin touches your skin you feel a bolt of electricity fly down to your lower belly.

“And Jimin is my favorite.” He chuckles, “I mean, don’t get me wrong…I love all the guys but Jimin and I go way back. He can read me like his favorite book and vise versa.”

“That’s awesome. I wish I could meet them.” You admit shyly and Taehyung smiles down at you.

“You can!” he grins, “When we get out of here, I’ll fly you to Korea so you can visit me and you’ll meet the guys. Trust me, they’ll love you.”

You nod your head blushing like a middle school girl who just confessed a crush, you can’t help how rosy your cheeks get.

“You really think you’ll want to see me after this? Aren’t you tired of me yet?” you joke.

“Why? Are you tired of me?” Taehyung’s voice dips down an octave. “You can be honest.”

“No, Tae. I’m not tired of you….yet.” You bump your shoulder into his side and he chuckles.

“Good. Because…” Taehyung pauses, not entirely sure of what he was going to say. “Because…” he begins again. “I think I’m just getting used to you.”

“Only now?” you half joke, teasing him. “We—”

“I just mean,” Taehyung clears his throat, cutting you off. “I think I mean like I’m used to you in a way that I look forward to spending everyday with you.”

Oh. Oh. You stop walking abruptly making Taehyung stop as well, he blinks at you in confusion like ‘why the hell did you stop so suddenly?’.

“You look forward to spending time with me?” you swallow down your spit as you try to speak. “That’s…really sweet of you.” You admit.

Taehyung walks to you and stops just when his toes hit yours, “I can be very sweet.” He whispers to you. “I can show you.” Then he’s taking your hand in his and intertwining your fingers, you only stare up at him confused by his action.

“For the cameras?” you ask as quietly as possibly.

“Not everything is for the cameras y/n. When are you going to get that through your pretty head?”

~~~~~~~~

Lately, Taehyung is confusing the hell out of you. He’s doing things he wouldn’t normally do, you think. You can understand flirting for the camera but why is he doing shit even when the cameras aren’t around? It’s not like you hate it…no, it’s not that. You hate to admit it but you fucking like it. A lot. The way he leans into you, the way his hands grip at your waist, the way his touch absolutely melts you. But it’s dangerous. You can’t get attached to him. He’s the first real friend you have in so many months…and that makes you feel pathetic. Poor guy is forced to be friends with you, flirt with you and so on.

You can feel the anxiety start to build…you hate this. You hate how easy it is for you to break, for you to crumble. It’s one of those days, right? You’ve barely made much of an appearance downstairs and you know that worries Taehyung. But today is just one of those days. The heartbreak of your real life seeps into the joyous façade of your island life. Fuck, you hate this. You hate how messy everything is and how nothing feels right or feels real.

It feels like your old life is becoming more and more out of reach, like you run after it, extending your hand out but it’s too far away from your grasp and that has you feeling helpless.

And that overwhelming dread suffocates you. Its hand wraps tightly around your throat, threatening to cut off your air supply. You’re sat up in your bed, your knees pulled into your chest as you try your hardest to level out your breathing, but it’s no use. No fucking use. The dread is too strong, its fingers leaving bruises around your neck.

“Breathe…breathe.” You repeat the words over like a mantra but your throat burns as tears threaten to pool your eyes so you keep them screwed shut.

Suddenly, you hear soft knocks on your bedroom door. Your head snaps upward. Shit.

“Y-Yeah?” You manage to choke out.

“Can I come in?” Taehyung’s voice is muffled on the other side of the door, his voice laced in concern.

“Uh…” you try to calm yourself down so you can respond properly.

“C-Can you just come by later?” You weakly suggest.

There’s a few beats of silence, you start to think he’s given up on you and left when you hear his soft voice once again,

“I have strawberries.”

You feel the pounding of your anxious heart relax just the tiniest. He brought me strawberries…of course he did.

“Umm sure, come in.”

Taehyung slowly creaks the door open, exposing himself.

He walks to the side of the bed, approaching you carefully, one hand carrying a bowl while the other carries a can of whipped cream.

“Snack?” He shakes the can in offering.

You try to smile, you really want to at least. But you feel your chest growing heavier and tighter, your breathing once again becoming uneven. Images of your family and your friends—the ones who didn’t totally shun you—come to mind and you just can’t take it anymore. Everything is too much. Tears well deep inside and before you realize it, tears are racing down your cheeks. You look up at Taehyung, without say anything you are begging him to comfort you. You weakly smile.

“Its…hard.” You admit between choked sobs. It so fucking hard. You miss your old life—believe it not—and the life you have now…is just playing pretend. Everything’s just too much for you right now.

Taehyung seems…surprised. He looks like he’s being torn apart.

“Woah, woah.” He rushes to set the bowl and can down on the nightstand.

“Hey, shh shh.” Taehyung sits on the edge of the bed, facing you. He reaches for your shoulder and begins rubbing it soothingly. “It’s okay, I’m here.”

You cry even harder at that. You reach your hand towards your shoulder and grab his, holding it tightly. You try your best to calm down, his touch relieving some of your pain.

“That’s it… In and out…good.” He continues rubbing your shoulder, even with your hand attached to his. He then releases your hand and finds his way into your hair, massaging your scalp, slowly and tenderly. A long sigh escapes you.

“I…I’m sorry for this…” You take a deep breath, “I just miss them so much.” You laugh pitifully, your head falling into your hands. “I know it’s pathetic.”

“No!” Taehyung’s stern voice startles you. “Don’t you say that. It’s understandable y/n…if anyone understands you, it’s me, right?” He reaches for your hand. “And I think you’ve been amazing, it’s okay to break down every once in a while.”

You manage to nod your head, as you stare down at your connecting hands.

“I know I can’t make up for the people we’ve been ripped from…”

“Don’t do that.” you say, squeezing his hand. “Don’t compare yourself with people from my old life.”

“I…sorry.” He breathes out, squeezing your hand back.

The two of you let long moments of silence pass between you, they are comfortable moments though. Just feeling his hand in yours is enough to make you breathe easy again.

“We have each other.” He says out of nowhere. He gazes into your swollen eyes and he can’t believe he didn’t notice before…he always thought your eyes were dark, plain, boring but he sees how gorgeous and deep they are. They look like the setting sun, they look like they could hold stars, they look mesmerizing.

“Yeah, we do.” You try to smile. “Will you…will you stay with me tonight?” Your voice is small and timid. Taehyung is surprised to say the least, that you would request such a thing but he’s softening his features and smiles for you.

“Yeah, of course.” Taehyung breathes out. He rises from the bed and walks to the other side, he makes his way to the spot he is supposed to occupy.

“This is okay, right?” he asks, making sure.

You can’t help but swallow hard as you answer. “Yes.”

Taehyung slips into the bed, sliding underneath the sheets…yours are way softer than his, he thinks. He lays on his side, facing you.

“I miss my sister.” You whisper. “She could be so annoying and over protective but,” you pause, trying not to cry again, “But I do miss her.” You laugh as Taehyung stays silent.

“My-my mom’s cooking, it’s the best. We may not always get along and we kind of fight a lot…but her way of apologizing or making sure I am okay is by cooking me some amazing meal.” You turn to your side as well, your back facing him. You’re too embarrassed to look at him.

“My dad…he always comforts me…he always has my back when I fight with my mom…” you chuckle and then you feel Taehyung’s hand on your back. He begins tracing circles on the fabric of your shirt.

“You know I use to go to this coffee place almost every single day. I miss it. That routine. It’s called Cozy Coffee…a small, family owned shop. Only one of its kind. I would read, write, journal. Just relax. Every day.” You breathe out, missing your comfort spot.

“My friend Layla…who isn’t really my friend anymore…she used to give the best advice. She would probably know exactly what to say to help me get through this situation.” You say a little bitterly. Taehyung feels his heart start to ache as he listens to you.

“You have me to get through this.” Taehyung whispers.

“I know I have you, Tae.” You move from your side to your back. “It’s crazy…I’ve only known you for 6 months but I…” you pause, hating yourself for admitting this. “I feel so close to you.” You quietly admit. “Can I ask you something?” you don’t wait for him to respond as you begin speaking again. “You think if we had met organically…we would get along?” you swallow hard before continuing, “Or are we only getting along because we like, have to? Because face it, you have no one else to talk to and—”

“y/n.” his tone is firm. “Don’t.” he warns. “Don’t think of it that way.”

“Just because you say that doesn’t mean I won’t.” you snap, surprising him.

“We will still talk after we get out of here…we will visit, we will make this work…” Taehyung tries but you scoff.

“If that’s even possible.”

“What do you mean?”

“We live so far from each other. And sure, we have texts and video chats but what about the time difference? Huh? This isn’t going to work afterwards. I’m already…” you take in a shaky breath, “I’m already getting so attached to you.” you then release that same shaky breath. “It’s going to hurt like a bitch when I don’t hear from you months at a time…” you shake your head, “and that’s okay! Because you’re just living life.” You clear your throat, he can tell you’re on the verge of crying. Fuck, what does he do?

“I’m sorry.” You wipe your face with your hands, “This convo took a turn, I’m sorry.”

Taehyung feels his heart aching still, it hurts. He hurts because you’re hurt. He just wants you to feel better.

“C’mere you baby.” He says while tugging on your arm towards his body…you barely even think about it as you scooch closer to him and you let him hold you in his arms for a short hug. You pull away just as quickly as you get comfortable in bed again.

“Get some sleep y/n. You’ll feel better in the morning, I promise.”

~

The A.C is kept rather low, and the buzz of the spinning fan keeps things cool…so, Taehyung’s arms wrapped around you is more than welcome. WAIT. Your eyes shoot open now, realizing your position. Your back is facing him, and your-your butt is shoved into his crotch. If the word ‘shoved’ was too aggressive you apologize but shit is true. Your ass is shoved deep into his crotch, you mean, you can feel everything. It’s an awkward position to say the least…you mean, or is it?

You glance around the room, your eyes fluttering all the way open. It’s now just hitting you that you two really slept in this room together.

His limbs are heavy, slung over your smaller body. His body is acting like your own personal heater, it’s pretty nice, not gonna lie. And his scent—don’t get started on his scent. His breathing is calm, each fan of his breath tickling your skin. Should you try to escape his hold? Or just let it be? Is it weird if you intentionally stay? Your mind is starting to race with a thousand questions, your overthinking getting the best of you. You lay still while your mind drowns in thoughts of Taehyung. Suddenly, you feel Taehyung stir behind you, so you immediately slam your eyes shut in panic, pretending to be asleep.

You can feel Taehyung sit up, just the slightest , one arm still under your head. But then Taehyung slips down further into the sheets once more, his body moving even closer to yours. His arms engulf you into a tight back hug, you can feel his face nuzzling the back of your neck. And the worst part is you feel him inhale you, snuggling impossibly closer. This makes you tense and melt at the same fucking time. He just nuzzled and inhaled you like you were what? He fucking safe space? You feel pulled into him, drawn to him. So you sleepily turn over in his arms, you wrap an arm around him while keeping your other arm safely tucked into your chest. You open your eyes to take a look at Taehyung’s sleeping face when you are met with two wide eyes. He looks…shocked at first but then the corners of his lips turn upwards. He gently squeezes your body into his and slowly closes his eyes again.

How can he sleep again?! Your mind is racing, your heart is racing, your body is racing even if you are frozen. Your nerves are very present, you feel your stomach turn, you feel butterflies flying, you feel restless. But Taehyung? He is absolutely fine. And that makes your body feel an ache you wish it didn’t.

~~~~

“Uh, can I help you?” You wait impatiently for an answer…you were just falling asleep!

“Sleepover.” Taehyung says nonchalantly while pushing past you, entering your bedroom.

“Um, sleepover?”

“I can’t sleep. I want to cuddle. Very innocent stuff.” Taehyung says as he pulls back the covers on your bed.

“Tae…” you hesitate to close the door, “What do you think you are doing?”

Ever since your little panic attack and your little sleepover with Taehyung, he has gotten used to the idea of snuggling closer to you even on places like the couch. And now tonight, he is here in your room requesting to sleep with you. You go red just at the thought.

“Don’t be a brat, y/n.” he says slipping into the bed and patting the spot next to him, “Now come over here.” He grins at you and you flush.

“Fine…” you can’t say you hate the idea…after getting a taste of cuddling once you have been yearning for his touch…just a little. You turn off the lights and step over towards the bed, sliding inside and snuggling in the blanket.

“No, come here.” He softly commands, “Lay on my chest…ah, wait.” He stops you from moving. “Do you mind if I sleep with my shirt off?”

“Nothing I haven’t seen before so sure.” You mumble. Taehyung winks at you before he’s lifting his shirt over his head, sliding back down into the bed. “Now come.”

Taehyung slips an arm underneath your head as you lay down on his bare chest…you won’t lie…his warm skin on your cheek has you melting.

“So you think you and Hana would be a couple by now?” you decide to ask but you cringe at your own question. Why the hell did you bring up Hana? Taehyung’s face falls into a frown.

“Probably...maybe…I don’t know.”

“I’m sorry…”

“Why are you saying sorry, it’s not like it’s your fault.”

“Somehow it feels like it is.” You admit, you lean a little closer to Taehyung, your body feeling heavier and heavier.

“It’s not…” he wraps his other hand around your waist, “I don’t regret meeting you y/n.”

“Do you mean that?”

You lean away from him and scoff, “Your life could be perfect right now but I’m ruining it.”

“Hey, don’t do that.” Taehyung warns, “It’s not you—”

“It is me! This company paired you with me! A complete and total stranger!” you whisper, “You’re stuck here with me, Taehyung. You’re forced to be what, friends with me?”

“No one’s forcing me to do anything. I genuinely enjoy spending time with you…” Taehyung tries to explain, he’s becoming really confused. Where is this all coming from?

“y/n…”

“What?” you snap and he flinches, “sorry…what is it?” you ask more softly.

“I could say the same about me, that I’m ruining your life too—”

“My life is already a mess before you.”

“We’re friends y/n. When we get out of here I will find you on twitter or what—”

“I don’t have social media.” You say.

“Fine, we will eventually exchange numbers. You get the point, we’re friends. Real friends.”

“Sorry I’m just overwhelmed…” you finally admit, “We’ve been here over six month Taehyung…why are we still here? How hasn’t anyone found us yet? Aren’t they looking for us?”

“I’m sure people are trying.”

“I don’t hate being with you.” You say, “But I want to go home.” You begin to sniffle and Taehyung panics. He tightens his hold on you, he wishes he could bring you in even closer.

“I know. Me too.” He admits, hugging you tight. “But at least we got each other, right?”

Taehyung is the closest thing you’ve had to a friend in months…you don’t want to get this attached to him. When you guys get sent home…he’s going back to Korea and you back to your home and he will move on with his life and you won’t have him anymore.

“Sure.” You reply weakly, “Sure.”

“Let’s not talk about this anymore.” Taehyung whispers.

“What should we talk about then? Or should we just go to sleep?”

“No, I want to chat.” He chuckles. “Why do you seem nervous around me sometimes?” he decides to ask, his hand loosening around your waist.

“Me? Nervous? You’re just imagining that.” You breathe out, “and if I have been it’s not like you have never been nervous around me…right?”

“Who says I haven’t?” His chuckles come out dark and low. “I think I make you nervous.”

His hand slides down until he grips at your thigh before he’s letting go and gliding his fingers across your thigh and up to your hip. Your bare legs feeling the electric touch of his fingers. You suck in a long breath at the contact.

“W-Why would you make me nervous?” your eyes flutter shut and you bite down on your bottom lip as he continues to stroke your thigh. Your breathing picking up unknowing to you, your chest rising and falling faster than before.

“Your body tells me I do.” He says slowly, his voice deep.

Your quick breaths fan across his chest…he obviously knows you are getting affected.

“What does that mean?” you sigh but Taehyung doesn’t answer he just continues his ministrations on your skin. The way your shorts ride up gives him access to your thighs and hip. He lightly strokes you over and over, making you lose some of your composure. It’s been so long since you’ve been touched. And Taehyung knows this. He knows he should probably stop…but your skin feels so warm, so soft. His fingers skid across your upper thigh again and he notices how you exhale deep long breaths at his touch, how you close your eyes, how you bite your lip.

“If I don’t make you feel nervous,” he begins, his light touch never stopping, “then what do I make you feel?”

“Good.” You breathe out, “You make me feel good.”

Taehyung raises his brows in amusement, clearly liking your admission.

“You don’t know how good I can make you feel y/n.” Taehyung’s voice goes low, it makes the goosebumps on your skin rise.

“Taehyung…” You open your eyes again and find his, his gaze is so dangerous you could honestly feel the torture of it forever.

His hand travels lower to caress your calf, then he’s sliding it back up again this time closer to the inner part of your thigh. Without thinking you slightly spread your legs apart, letting his fingers play with your more sensitive skin.

His touch is sending heat waves throughout your body and God, you are melting at his burning hot touch. You start to dance your hips around, too turned on to actually feel embarrassed.

“Jeez…you’re really getting worked up.” Taehyung darkly chuckles. He stares down at you with dark, intense eyes. He knows exactly what he’s doing to you.

“S-Shut up.” You breathe out. “We probably…we probably shouldn’t do this…” you say, your voice strained.

Taehyung only smirks. “Do what? What exactly is it do you think we are going to do?”

His fingers slide closer and closer to the place that he shouldn’t. Your inner thigh is dangerous enough…but he lightly strokes you closer anyway. He knows exactly what he is doing.

“Do you think I’m going to make you come?” he teases. You hate how deep his voice gets when he talks to you like this—not that he’s ever said anything this bold.

“Lay on your back for me.” You nod your head until realization hits you.

“WAIT WHAT?” you sit up. “I am not going to like, have sex with you! Plus how can you even be sure I would come during sex?” You cock a brow, “You are a real cocky bastard, you know that?” Taehyung rolls his eyes all the way to the back of his head.

“We aren’t having sex.” He assures you. Oh. A little tiny voice in your head is asking why not. “And I definitely could make you come during sex. Jeez y/n, what type of incompetent guys have you been with?” Taehyung smirks, sitting up as well.

“T-Then how would you make me come?” You ask, suddenly feeling shy under his intense gaze. The gaze that drives you fucking nuts.

“With my fingers?” He shrugs.

“Aren’t you afraid this will ruin our friendship?” you pull at the ends of your hair, you know, a bad fucking habit.

“Not at all.” He says with total nonchalance. Jesus this guy is something else.

His features soften as he stares down at you, “Just let me take care of you.” He says.

You need to say no. This crosses way too many lines. But you can’t. You won’t. You figure you can just forget about it because that’s your only choice since you are already nodding your head in agreement.

“Then relax for me.” Taehyung uses his hand to softly push you down by the shoulder. “Please.” He licks his lips watching you ease yourself back on to the bed. You never break eye contact with Taehyung as your chest heaves again. How does he affect you this quickly? You are full of nerves, no shit, but you are so turned on by Taehyung’s low voice and sharp gaze that you nod your head, going along with his words.

“Good.” He says and you let out a long, harsh breath in response. Almost a moan.

“Taehyung…” your voice comes out more breathy than you intend and you immediately blush. You can feel his erection struggling in the confines of his sweats, poking the side of your thigh, you hope you calling out his name is making him suffer even more. Taehyung hasn’t made another move yet, just staring at you like he’s never seen you before.

“Please…” You reach for his hand and set it between your inner thighs. Wow, when were you this bold? He immediately smirks.

“Patience, baby.” The pet name has you rolling your eyes and not in a sassy way. Your lips part and your eyes are half lidded, you are a goner. And from what? This barely counts as foreplay! You are just so deprived of sexual attention. Taehyung watches you and you feel him rut against your thigh, God he feels so big.

“Sorry,” he says weakly, his own breaths sharp.

He takes a moment to compose himself, but to be honest you wish he wouldn’t. Taehyung lets out a long breath becoming even more serious, if that is possible. His hand is already dipped between your thighs and you are sure he can feel how desperate you are by the way you squirm. Even though he hasn’t even touched you. But you ache for his touch, it honestly hurts.

Finally, he cups you in his large hand. “So warm.” He says lowly. He wastes no time, using his fingers to move your shorts and panties to the side and swirls two fingers over your aching clit. You are dripping in arousal, his fingers getting coated in your juices within seconds.

“Did I make you this wet? Just by barely touching you?” He sounds genuinely surprised. Taehyung continues to glide his fingers between your folds.

You try to stay quiet, not trusting your voice at this point. It’s been so long since you’ve been touched that the feeling of his fingers, his long, beautiful fingers has you struggling to keep quiet. But you choke out when Taehyung slips a long finger inside you, pumping in and out very slowly. You whine at the sudden contact.

“I asked you a question.”

He enters another long finger into your greedy cunt. You want more of him. You are starting to think his fingers aren’t enough, but that’s your horny haze talking. His fingers begin thrusting into you, twisting his fingers in a way that has your body rutting against him. You can’t help the long dragged out moan that escapes your parted lips. Maybe they are enough, holy shit.

“Who made you this wet?” he asks almost like he genuinely wants to know like it’s not obvious.

Taehyung inserts another finger. Fuck. You moan over and over, loving how he explores you.

“Huh, baby?” he questions while you squeeze your eyes shut, while your mouth hangs open.

“I need you to use your words.” His fingers come to a sudden stop, he pulls them away from you. You gasp at the loss of contact. How un-fucking-fair. Your eyes shoot open, looking at him with eyes on fire.

“Y-You!” You finally choke out, “You made me this wet! Please Taehyung, please don’t stop.” You are a whining, withering mess. Taehyung just watches you, a dark smile appearing on his face.

“So greedy.” He says, his wicked grin taking over his face. “So fucking greedy.”

And before you know it, his fingers are back inside you but this time moving at a greater force than before, leaving you fucking breathless. His long fingers are reaching places so much deeper than you ever could.

“There…there. Don’t stop.” You pant.

The slick sounds of his fingers pushing into your body is delicious and disgusting. Between your moans and his harsh breaths and the sound of his fingers inside your body…it’s music to your ears.

“Need…need more…” you pant, your hand coming to your mouth.

“More? I got you babe.” His fingers leave your core, leaving you frustrated. How was this more? But then suddenly those same fingers are on your clit, your most sensitive bundle of nerves.

“Gonna—gonna make you feel so good…” You glance Taehyung’s way to see him with his gaze directed towards you already, his dark eyes somehow even darker.

You bite back a moan, your hand still covering your mouth.

“Let me hear you. Don’t cover your beautiful sounds.”

His fingers rub your aching clit even faster, harder, added pressure that is making you see stars and you aren’t even coming yet.

“So close Tae, I’m so…so”

“Yeah baby? Wanna come?”

“Yes yes yes” the coil twists tighter between your legs, already ready to snap. Taehyung repeats his motions, pulling you closer and closer to the edge. Taehyung watches with parted, panting lips as you lose all composure.

“Fuck, y/n.” Taehyung grunts under his breath, his voice taking you to the end.

Your body is twisting and turning, your hair is stuck to your forehead as the sweat builds up. Your eyes are slammed shut and your lips are apart releasing moan after moan. His other hand is at your core as well, two fingers entering you.

“Come all over my fingers, y/n. Let go baby, let go.”

Taehyung’s words has your vision going white, your entire body goes tense and then you are letting go. Cumming all over Taehyung’s fingers as his pumps slow and you begin to come down from your high. Your hand reaches up and grips his left arm, you whine at the feel of his muscles underneath your touch—only further turning you on. You clench your thighs together, bucking your hips into his slowing hand. Finally, you grind against his hand one last time, letting out all your last moans.

“You did so good.” Taehyung teases, his fingers leaving your body.

“Shut up.” Your breaths are heavy but you smile. Taehyung’s breathing isn’t much better. What do you do now? Say thank you?

“I’ll wash up and bring you a towel.” Taehyung informs you, breathing out roughly. He is painfully hard, you could feel him rutting against you the entire time he fingered you. Probably why you came so fast, honestly.

You hear Taehyung in the bathroom washing his hands. The sound of the running water giving you time to think. Sooooo what the fuck just happened? Did you just let your friend, your roommate, your fellow victim…finger bang you? Finger bang…what are you, 14? Either way, what the fuck? This is a lot to take it…you didn’t hate it. What do you do with that thought? No guy has ever made you come that fast and just from his fingers? Dear Lord, dear sweet baby Jesus. This is obviously because you haven’t come in so long…you mean, you’ve touched yourself, don’t get it wrong but it only ended in frustration. But tonight…you met a different fate. A fate that was in the hands of your friend. Your fucking friend. All the sudden tears prick your eyes—you’re just friends. You quickly pat your eyes dry with your T-shirt and shake your head to rid yourself of these thoughts. Why are you disappointed you’re just friends?

Before you know it Taehyung is back in the room, he’s holding a towel in his hand. He walks to your side of the bed and crawls on top…he looks hesitant. He almost looks afraid of you.

You reach for the towel, its warm and damp.

“No, I’ll do it.” Taehyung smiles softly, his eyebrows creasing as he does so.

He takes the damp towelette and begins cleaning up. You hiss at the contact, you are still incredibly sensitive. He only takes a few seconds to clean up the mess you two made before he’s pulling back.

“Thanks…” you mumble. Him cleaning you up was oddly intimate. Maybe it’s not that odd how intimate it felt actually. Because you know what? It was fucking intimate! This whole fiasco was intimate as hell! And it’s all your fault.

Taehyung sits on his knees, awkwardly might you add. You don’t know what to do with the towelette so you just throw it behind him. He looks at you with slight disgust before he’s smiling.

“Really?” he gives you a pointed look.

“What? I’ll throw it in the dirty clothes basket in the morning.” you smile back, then you become shy. Yes, fucking shy. Like you weren’t just a moaning mess for him minutes prior. You don’t know what to do with yourself. What do you say? What do you do? A sigh of relief is pushing past your lips when you realize Taehyung probably feels the same. He is looking at you like you might break. Suddenly you don’t feel relief, you feel guilt. This is your fault, you did this. You allowed this. What does he think of you now? You don’t just usually let your friends finger bang you—uh, you really need to stop saying it like that—this is bad.

“Aren’t you going to lay down?” You gesture to his side of the bed real awkwardly.

“Yup.” He then rolls his entire body over yours, like his weight wouldn’t crush you, landing in his previous spot on the bed. He sinks down into the sheets, leaving like a foot of space between you both. He is literally on the edge of his side of the bed. Shit. You did this. Now you’re fucking awkward.

“So.”

“So…”

Taehyung isn’t one to get weird after a sexual encounters but this is you we’re talking about, the girl he is stuck on an island with, the girl who is apparently his best match, the girl he definitely wants to fuck and last but not least, the girl he has real romantic feelings for.

He had the fanfuckingtastic idea of fucking you with his fingers…yeah, real smart on his part. He feels himself fill with pride that he was the first and only to make you come since you’ve been here.

He knows you two need to talk. What could this mean? He knows you enjoyed yourself…he knows you loved every moment his fingers were inside you. He is well aware of that fact. Your moans and cries of pleasure are indication enough.

He needs to talk to you though, he needs to hear how you feel. He wants you. He wants you so fucking bad. Taehyung smiles because he has a feeling this will turn out alright.

“So about what just happ—”

“Thanks for that,” you’re quick to cut him off, “but can we pretend that never happened?” you laugh, humorless.

Oh.

“Okay.”

~~~~~

It’s been a week. A fucking week. And you have hardly even looked at Taehyung much less spoke to him. It’s kind of hard to ignore the one person you live with but he guesses in such a big house he’s able to stay out of your way. Because that’s what you want, right? He thinks that’s what you want. You’ve been spending an awful amount of time in your bedroom and your dance studio and not a whole lot of time in the common areas. So basically fuck Taehyung, right? At least that’s what he’s thinking.

You…you regret it, right? Letting things escalate? You want to forget all about your little sleepover—like it never happened. And he has no one to blame but himself. But he couldn’t contain himself…touching you felt so good, felt so right. And the way you reacted from his simple touches…you want him, don’t you? At least that’s what he thought. He knows this is his fault. And he wants to take responsibility, as a man, as a decent human being…but he doesn’t know how to talk to you. When you two do pass each other, you either look at him with a tense, tight lipped smile or you don’t even acknowledge him at all. Both fucking hurt him. He feels like if this was the real world this is where you ghost him and he hates people who ghost.

Taehyung is just lying in bed, chest being crushed by a massive fat man as he wishes you would just talk to him. At this point that’s kind of all he wants. He has to accept this fact...this is an unrequited love, isn’t it? He groans in frustration, a heavy hand dragging down his face.

“y/n…” He whispers your name like a secret. It escapes past his lips without him really realizing. Why did the company set him up with a girl who will never feel the same? The thought rings in his head. The more he thinks about it the more he hates the company. He fists his hands in the sheets beneath him until his knuckles turn white. This fucking company is the one to blame for everything. He could be home, he could be making music, hanging with his friends and maybe even have Hana to call his. But no, he’s here. With the most amazing person he has ever met and it’s all one sided.

Would he change things? Wish he never came here? He honestly doesn’t know. But he can’t change things so why even ask that stupid question. Does he really wish he was back home and maybe be with Hana? But Hana didn’t do this to him. Didn’t make me feel lost and crazy and so fucking happy to even be in the same place as her. He loosens his grip on the sheets, flattening his palms on the bed. No, Hana was never the one for him. That he is certain of. But if you don’t feel the same way then you’re not the one for him either. And that fucking crushes him.

He huffs out a long breath and sits up, he tangles his fingers in his hair trying to soothe himself. It doesn’t really work but it was worth a shot. He gets off the bed and heads toward the door, he wants to wash his face with cold water, he needs a refresher, so he exits the room and begins walking towards the bathroom. As he reaches the door, he hears the sound of your bedroom door opening. You are leaving your bedroom for the first time today he believes and you immediately stop in your tracks when you spot him. Your eyes go wide and your mouth falls open just the slightest. He stares at you, just stares at you. His expression hardens when he remember this is you ghosting him but you speak up. Actually speak up.

“Hi.” You squeak out.

Explosions. Taehyung feels explosions everywhere. His heart is exploding, his mind is exploding, the world is exploding. How does one girl manage to rile him up this much? All you said was say hi…

“Hey.” He grumbles, not really doing much to hide his bitter tone.

You can’t help but wince at his response.

“Umm,” you start, your eyes darting all around the hallway. “Wanna…” your words get lost on your tongue.

“Wanna what?” he says harshly, folding his arms over his broad chest.

“Wanna watch a movie?” you whisper, your eyes down at your feet.

“Do I wanna watch a fucking movie?” He scoffs. Loud and clear.

“Oh.” You say, your eyes finally meeting his.

“Oh.” he mimics, his stiff expression never letting up.

“Taehyung—”

“What?” there’s a bite in his tone.

“Please watch a movie with me?” Your eyes are pleading. God, that’s when they are his favorite.

Taehyung stares at you from across the hall, just staring, he lowers his arms to his side and stuffs his hands in the pockets of his sweats.

“What movie?” He finally asks, his tone still tight.

“Any movie, it doesn’t matter.” You rush to say, feeling hopeful he will take you up on your suggestion. You shift from one foot to the other, your nerves spiking. He loves seeing you nervous like this, he can’t help it.

“Can we talk first?” He takes a few steps towards you but you clumsily move backward, backing away from him.

“We’re talk-talking right now.” You breathe out, your eyes never leaving his.

“You know exactly what I am talking about y/n.” his voice goes lower.

“Just wanna watch a movie.” You take another step back.

“Jesus y/n,” Taehyung rolls his eyes at you, “you really suck ass at confrontation.” He bites back.

You’re quiet for a moment, your eyes still on Taehyung. You suck in your bottom lip between your teeth, biting down hard. You are lost in your thoughts, trying to focus on the specific one you need. You’re swaying from side to side, clearly thinking of how to respond to him.

“You fingered me, big deal.” You finally huff out, rolling your eyes.

“It’s not a big deal? Then why haven’t you talked to me all fucking week?” He takes a few steps closer, closing the major distance between you two. This time your feet stay planted on the ground.

“Was worried you might take it… the wrong way.” You say, your eyes slide to the side. You understand this is a weak ass excuse but…

“Take it the wrong way?” He takes another step forward.

“Yeah. We’re just friends, right? Friends don’t let friends get them off. Didn’t want you to think this was something more.” Your words slice through him, cutting him up. Something more. Of course that’s what you were worried about. You just didn’t want him to catch feelings for you or whatever the fuck. Well too fucking late babe, he thinks bitterly.

“Right.” He finally says, taking one last step forward. He won’t lie, his heart doesn’t feel good. It feels sick probably, like it has an aching fever. Taehyung leans forward until his lips are barely touching the shell of your ear. His warm breaths tickling your skin.

“Just friends also don’t moan out for them over and over wanting to come.” He whispers, “And just friends don’t enjoy what we did as much as we did.” His deep voice sends chills across your body as you sigh out. “But right, we are just friends.”

“Yeah.” You release a shaky breath, “So…A movie?”

“Sure, y/n.” he leans away from you and he gives a half smile, he looks pained. And it hurts you. You nod your head towards the stairs and he nods in agreement.

But there’s still a lingering tension in the air, you can feel and you are sure Taehyung feels it too. There’s no way you are imagining a tension this thick. Somethings not right and after all of this, and you aren’t sure it ever will be.

~

You’re full of regret. Don’t get it wrong, you don’t regret crossing the line with Taehyung…you regret telling him to forget about it. You just got so scared…he is closest thing you have to a friend and you hope you didn’t ruin that. But there’s more. You feel something more and that scares you too. What happens if you tell him you liked it and you want more but he rejects you first? He beats you to it.

“Should I make some popcorn?” Taehyung asks, his hands fiddling with the TV’s remote as he lowers the volume.

“Sure.” You respond a bit awkwardly. You find your way to the couch, sitting on one end, pulling the blanket to your lap.

Taehyung takes his time in the kitchen, he gulps down a glass of water as he waits for the popcorn to finish in the microwave. Once the timer is going off he takes it out and pours the popcorn in a large bowl and makes his way to the living room finding the sofa and taking a seat on the other side of it.

“You can sit closer Tae…” you shyly offer, your hand gesturing towards the spot next to you but Taehyung stares at you with hard eyes.

“No thanks. I’m good here.”

“Seriously Taehyung? You pout, “Can we try to be a little normal?”

“Don’t know if that’s possible.” He quickly retorts, staring straight ahead now.

You frown at that, your lips turning downward in the most animated way. This is a mess. Everything is a mess. And it’s your fault. You feel bad, so fucking bad. You feel like Taehyung hates you. And that thought breaks your freaking heart into a million and one pieces.

“Taehyung?” you start to inch closer to him and he whips his head in your direction.

“”What?” He leans away from you, confused why you are scooting closer to him.

“Taehyung…” you sit as close to him as possible and he looks at you with a face void of emotion. You eye him carefully and he looks numb. This just makes you feel worse. Tears start to prick your eyes and your face scrunches up…Taehyung’s features soften when he realizes how close you are to crying.

“Cry baby.” He states, his voice much softer than he intended. “Come.” He pulls you by the arm, bringing him to his body.

“Taehyung.” You sniffle.

“What is it?” he replies back easily this time, no harshness in his tone…like, instead it’s the sound of comfort.

“I’m sorry.” You choke out, burying your head into his chest. You inhale him and his scent makes you feel dizzy. You breathe him in again, getting high off of him. You start to silently cry, your tears wetting his shirt…he doesn’t say anything though, he just rubs your back soothingly.

“What are you sorry for?” he asks, almost hesitant.

“Everything.” You admit. “Sorry for what I said in the hall…sorry for…” you cry a little more.

“For?”

“I shouldn’t have asked you to forget about that night.” You finally push out, sliding your eyes to the side. Taehyung blows out a puff of air and offers you a small smile.

“Why did you?” he asks softly.

“I don’t know.” You answer with a half-truth. Taehyung creases his brows, pulling them together so dramatically as his expression hardens again.

“You don’t know?” he pinches his nose with his fingers. “Listen…did you enjoy it?” he asks bluntly. His eyes finding yours again and it’s that same gaze that drives you insane.

“Taehyung…”

“Did you enjoy it y/n?” he asks again, this time more demanding.

“I…” the words get lost in a lump in your throat.

“Words y/n.” His hardened expression intimidates the fuck out of you to say the least. “Is that what you are afraid of? That because you liked it so much…you’ll want more?”

Bulls fucking eye. You swallow down your response. You just let your mouth open and close and open and close again, unable to say anything.

“What did I say about using your words y/n?” Taehyung scoots closer, making you feel fucking suffocated…but not entirely in a bad way.

“Tae…” his name escapes you in a breathy moan.

Taehyung stares down at you, his eyes narrowed and serious. He breathes out roughly before scoffing.

“I think we’re done here.” He states coldly, he stands to his feet and begins walking away, leaving you confused and breathless.

Done? How? What does he mean? Taehyung then continued to avoid you for several more days…until…

~~~~~~

“I’m not doing it.” Taehyung yells out, loud enough for you, who is in another room to hear.

“What?” You shout back, wiping your forehead with a towel. “Did you say something?” It would be the first time he’s saying something to you in several days.

“I said I’m not doing it!” and with that you hear him bolt up the stairs and after a few seconds the sound of his bedroom door slamming shut could be heard throughout the house.

“Jeez…” You step out of your dance studio, sweat patted dry into your skin. “What’s he throwing a tantrum over?” but somehow you have a feeling. You walk into the living room towards the bright TV, you face falling at the sight. The TV is bright white with black letter painted across, showing the ‘Request’ that has your face as white as a ghost.

Request: make out for 1 Minute.

Penalty: no power for 5 days.

You reread the words at least 30 fucking times, letting each syllable sink in,

you sigh to yourself, feeling fucking lost. You know you have to talk to Taehyung, his reaction also repeating in your crazy mind. You slump your shoulders as your head bows down in defeat. He fucking hates you, wants nothing to do with you right now. It’s just some kissing right? You both have literally done worse. You have to talk to him. You lift your head and look in the direction of the staircase, your lips pulling into a pout. How would this go?

~

“I said we’re not doing it.” Taehyung plainly states. He sits on the edge of his bed, fists balling up the end of the blanket. You look between him and his cool statement and his fists of frustration.

“Taehyung we—”

“We can just take the penalty.” His tone is firm.

You look at him incredulously. Take the fucking penalty? 5 days without power?

“You’re saying you would rather have 5,” You lift up your hand showing him your five fingers in case he doesn’t know what 5 looks like, “5 fucking days without power then to just kiss me? Like really?”

“Really.” He stands from his bed, stepping in front of you, walking you backwards. You step back until your back hits the wall next to the door. Taehyung stops only a few inches away from you, looming over your body.

“So…I’ll be taking a nap now.” He says flatly.

Is he serious? He really won’t do this with you? You have seen each other naked for Christs sake! You’ve never not done a request! You get that he’s mad at you, but 5 days? 5 whole days?

“It’s just a minute Taehyung…” You murmur more to yourself than him. Hurt probably written all over your face. You are feeling absolutely rejected. A feeling you hate the most.

“Yeah.” he takes a step back. “A minute I don’t want to be a part of.” He spits out at you.

Fucking ouch.

Things with Ben hurt. Bad. But Taehyung wanting nothing to do with you? Hurts worse.

You look down at your feet, fidgeting with your digits.

“Why are you being such an asshole?” You say between deep breaths. You can’t cry. He’s quiet. Too quiet. You suck in a shaky breath, “I already said sorry so why are you treating me this way?” You don’t mean to sound so pathetic but you do because well, you are. He lets silence linger in the air. You can’t muster the courage to look up at him, he’s probably void of all emotion, probably will give you some robotic answer. If you are even lucky enough to get an answer.

You hear Taehyung exhale through his nose but that’s it. Without even sparing him a glance, you turn towards the door to take your leave but then you feel Taehyung’s hand on your arm stopping you.

“Wait.” His voice is rough. He clears his throat and releases his grip on you.

You turn to face him, finally lifting your head to see him. His eyes are narrowed and his lips are set in a firm line. At least he has an expression.

“What?” you mumble, your eyes glossy.

“Don’t cry.” He crosses his arms over his chest, his eyes narrowing even more. His gaze is not one to fuck with.

“I won’t.” you say, unconvincing.

“y/n…” his gaze begins to soften.

“I won’t” you repeat, still just as unconvincing. Your eyes gloss over even more and you feel your throat beginning to tighten.

Taehyung relaxes his features even more, and to your surprise he reaches forward and rubs your shoulder.

“Please don’t cry.” His voice loses its edge, all softness now.

“I won’t” You choke out, barely able to keep your lip from quivering. A single tear falling from your eye.

“If I agree to do the request will you stop?” he asks, still rubbing your shoulder.

“If you-if you stop being an asshole I’ll stop.” Another tear.

“Okay, I’m sorry. I just…I just had to be firm with you.” He admits, his voice low.

“I don’t understand…” You cry out. More tears fallen on your cheek.

Taehyung looks at you with an odd expression you can’t decipher.

“Trust me, I know.” He says, defeat lacing his tone. “Can you just…respect my decision?” he adds on.

“I just don’t see the big deal…” you sniffle, “We’ve done worse.”

“And look where that got us.” He laughs bitterly.

He’s not…wrong. But still, for some reason you keep pushing it.

“It’s just a minute Tae.” You try again, wiping your flushed face of tears.

Taehyung raises his brows at you and sets his lips into a firm line again, he places his hands into his pants pockets and rocks back and forth.

“Wanna do it that badly?” he lightly snaps. “Fine.”

You feel the shift in his mood again, he’s been a roller coaster lately—it’s so unlike him. Are you doing this to him? Damn, girl you toxic as fuck.

You step forward and reach for his hand, he lets you.

“What’s wrong?” You finally ask.

“What’s wrong?” he mocks your voice.

“Taehyung please—”

“I want to kiss you.” He states. “And…and...” he tears his gaze away from you, looking all around the room instead. “And you just don’t get that.”

Taehyung steps forward, a fire in his eyes as he speaks up again.

“It’s cruel for me, don’t you think? I get to kiss you until that timer goes off and then what? I have to pretend we didn’t just do that? Have to pretend we didn’t do something I have been wanting to do for god knows how long! I have to pretend we’re just fucking friends?” he shouts, laughing bitterly again.

You’re…stunned. Taehyung takes a step back again, his eyes never leaving yours. You look up at him with pinched brows and a confused mind.

“But yeah, let’s do the stupid request. That’s a great idea.” He rolls his eyes.

“Taehyung…” You start to feel guilty, like maybe and by maybe you mean obviously, you struck a chord.

“No y/n, we’re doing the request.” He cages you with his arms on either side of you, he leans forward until his nose is brushing yours. “I’m going to kiss you, and I am not responsible for what happens after that.” He leans away again, “So, I’ll see you tonight.”

[hxseok-honee]

blossom | part 16

blossom [part 16] || 'Hoseokie'

[‘cause all i need is to see you blossom out, blossom out, blossom out]

previous || masterlist || next

a/n : I cant tell if this is a hobi chapter or a yoongi chapter but i am very in love with them both thats for sure -- lmk what you think!

“Hobi, hi!” Y/n had practically slammed face first into the front door in her rush to answer it, and she’s a little breathless when she finally greets him. She’d honestly been expecting maybe a different, more confident Hoseok than the one she’d become familiar with to be standing there -- after all, he certainly looks the part today. But she’s pleasantly surprised to find that he’s still the same old Hoseok, rocking back and forth on his heels on her porch while he takes in the exterior of her home with bright, wide eyes.

He turns those eyes to her now, his smile boyishly charming as his red ears poke out cutely from beneath his winter hat.

“Y/n! Your house is so cute!” The compliment rolls off his tongue immediately, because frankly it’s all he could think about as he’d walked up the path to her door. It suits her perfectly, this lovely little home on the outskirts of town. He holds up a bag when she thanks him, shaking it lightly while he steps inside, following her into the entryway.

“I know you said no gifts, but I couldn’t show up with nothing!” He sets the bag into her waiting hands, pulling out four flower crowns -- they’re perfect, clearly crafted with care and delicacy that borders on professional. Each one is unique in size and style, somehow a set of matching winter crowns but created with individual intent. She can’t even bother to hide the look of endearment she shoots him.

“Hobi, you really didn’t have to do all of this.” He waves her off while he removes his hat, and she sets the bag down so she can take his coat while he explains.

“It’s nothing, seriously. I didn’t know what I could possibly buy you and your family because I don’t know what they like, so I thought I’d stick to something I know… I tried to make the one for your dad a bit more, uh -- manly? It was hard, though.” He laughs off his slight embarrassment, but Y/n’s mind is stalling on what he’d said. She turns to him with an awkward smile.

“Ah… I thought the big one might have been to fit Yoongi’s massive head… I think it still would fit him, to be honest.” When Hoseok blinks at her in confusion, she only offers an uncomfortable laugh. “My dad’s not around, actually… There’s only three of us.” Hoseok’s eyes go wide, and he finds himself swearing internally. He hadn’t even noticed that she’d never mentioned her dad before.

“Shoot, I’m sorry -- I didn’t even think about it--”

“No, you’re fine! It’s okay, it’s my fault for forgetting to mention it.” When he tries to apologize again, Y/n only sets the larger flower crown on his head to silence him. It hangs low on his forehead, making her smile. “Seriously, Hobi -- you’re sweet for even thinking of all of this.” He opens his mouth, still feeling unsure, but another voice cuts in before he can say anything.

“Yoonie’s here! Oh-- you’re not Yoonie…” Sliding into the doorway with small socked feet is a literal carbon copy of Y/n -- granted, she’s about a head shorter and very clearly a child, but the resemblance is uncanny. Hoseok blinks at the girl, and she only blinks back, hands on her hips in what can be described only as disappointment. Y/n rolls her eyes playfully.

“Hoseok, meet Hana, my 8-year-old sister. Hana, meet the boy that brought you a handmade flower crown -- so be nice.” Immediately, Hana’s arms are dropping in surprise, her eyes wide as she glances at Hoseok’s hands. He smiles kindly, picking out the crown with the smallest circumference and handing it to her. The girl’s eyes almost sparkle with excitement as she moves to take it from him, fingers delicate as she sets it on her hair.

“I had to guess at what size your head would be, but I hope you like it!” Y/n’s sister blinks up at him with an expectant gaze when he’s done talking, clearly waiting for an assessment.

“Do I look nice?” Hoseok warms immediately, finding the girl entirely endearing. He nods, handing Y/n her own crown while he responds. He has to stop himself from doing a double-take when she puts hers on.

So pretty…

“Yay! Thank you for the pretty crown!” Hoseok blinks, realizing he’d definitely just said that out loud. Luckily, the sisters had taken it as a response to Hana’s question, and he feels relief flood his body at the coincidence. He’s so busy thanking whatever higher power had just saved him from that awkward moment that he misses the sound of the front door opening behind him.

“Yoonie!” Coming back to reality, Hoseok barely has time to jump out of the way as the 8-year-old barrels past him, charging with purpose for the person entering the home.

“Monkey!” The voice that hits his ears is familiar, but it’s entirely unlike the person he knows it belongs to. Looking up, Hoseok can only stare lamely as Hana all but flies through the air, caught securely in the arms of one Min Yoongi. The Slytherin laughs loudly at the sudden attack, swinging the girl around in greeting before taking a good look at her.

“Jeez, do you ever stop growing? I’m getting nervous over here, kid.” Yoongi sees Y/n and Hoseok then, and he greets them with nothing more than a nod and a cool grin.

“Happy Christmas, nerds--” Somehow managing to hold onto Hana with one arm, he extends the other out to Y/n, passing her a large bag of gifts. “The one on top’s for you -- don’t even think about it, loser.” Y/n had peered curiously at the topmost gift when he’d said it was hers, eyeing it with excitement. She rolls her eyes now, letting the bag hang at her side as she waves Hoseok into the next room -- a living room, decked out in warm blankets and an even warmer fireplace. There’s a staircase on the far end of the room, the wooden steps uneven from years of use. The home is small but very clearly lived in, and Hoseok’s happy to think that he’s been allowed into Y/n’s childhood home.

There are a few picture frames on the fireplace mantel, and he can’t help but wander over to them while Y/n sets the gifts under the decorated tree in the corner. He looks over the photos with a smile, listening as Yoongi and Hana catch up behind him.

“What’s that on your head, Monkey? I like it.”

“A flower crown from Y/n’s boyfriend! He said it looks pretty on me.” Y/n chokes on her own saliva when she hears those words -- Y/n’s boyfriend -- and Hoseok finds himself overheating just slightly. He swears it’s from the crackling fire in front of him, and he tugs a few times at the front of his dress shirt in discomfort. Y/n glares at Yoongi, who’s barely managing to contain his laughter.

“Hoseok’s not my boyfriend, Hana--” The girl turns, maneuvering her way out of Yoongi’s arms and onto his back while she responds, clearly confused.

“But the last boy you brought home was Stinky Koo, and he was your boyfriend!” Hoseok’s immensely glad that he’s still facing the fireplace, because the name Stinky Koo is much more amusing to him than it should be. He turns to face them only when he’s got his face under control, but he almost cracks when he sees how proud Yoongi looks -- it must have been him that had nicknamed Jungkook for the young girl.

Desperate to change the subject, Hoseok gestures at the photo in the middle of the mantel -- a portrait of the sisters and their mother.

“Your mom’s beautiful, Y/n. Like a queen.” Y/n smiles shyly, Yoongi nodding appreciatively behind her. He's doing just fine, Yoongi thinks to himself, seeing how obviously nervous Hoseok is.

“Well, thank you, young man! Y/n, I like this boy.” The photograph in question is nothing compared to the woman that enters the room, and Hoseok swears the genetics in this house have seriously won the lottery. Y/n’s mother has the kindest eyes he’s ever seen, and he feels like all he wants right now is to see those eyes look at him with approval. It would mean the world, honestly.

She steps toward the group of kids, smiling sweetly at Hoseok before immediately turning to Yoongi with an evil glint in her eye. The boy never stood a chance, only having enough time to inhale sharply before her fingers are coming down on his cheeks, pinching with all her might. Y/n snorts when Yoongi lets out a pained wail.

“Release me, woman!” Hoseok’s shocked at the tone Yoongi takes with her, but Y/n’s beside him in an instant to do damage control.

“My mom’s favorite pastime is antagonizing him -- Yoongi’s been around long enough that formalities just… don’t exist… You get used to it.” Hoseok only nods as he watches her mom start in on the Slytherin.

“Never in my life have I seen a boy with so little meat on his body -- do you even eat, or is the sickly look in style these days?” The woman pinches at Yoongi’s torso for emphasis, and he starts to wriggle away from her, Hana barely managing to hang onto him for dear life.

“This is why I never come here -- the bullying is insufferable!” Yoongi hops around the living room with the 8-year-old glued to him, racing for the doorway into another room when he sees that Y/n’s mom isn’t giving up anytime soon. She almost follows the pair when they disappear, deciding instead to stay in the room with Y/n and Hoseok, an innocent grin on her face.

“You look much healthier than that bag of bones over there--” Hoseok realizes she’s addressing him and smiles, extending a hand to greet her and ignoring Yoongi when he lets out an enraged ‘hey!’ in the other room.

“You have such a lovely home, Ma’am-- Oh! I made you this!” He’d almost forgotten about his gift, but it’s hanging from the wrist he’s using to shake her hand, making him look both awkward and cute as he struggles to hand it to her with some semblance of elegance. “I hope you like it-- I can mend it if it’s too big! But… I left my bag at home, so I’ll have to run to get the scissors and twine-- Oh, it fits!” Y/n’s mom had watched him stumble over his words for a moment before decisively setting the crown on her head with a smile.

“I love it, Hoseok -- thank you.” He blinks, realizing that she knows his name although he had forgotten to introduce himself, and it clicks that Y/n’s talked about him to her mom before. The shy smile on the Gryffindor’s face only confirms his suspicions, filling him with joy. He smiles brightly, following Y/n’s mom when she waves him into the room where Yoongi had gone.

It’s a kitchen, small but comfortable, with a dining table positioned in the middle of the room. When they enter, they find Yoongi bent over the open oven door, lifting a large dish out of it and setting it on top of the stove. Hana’s clung tightly to his back, but the Sytherin moves around the kitchen with ease, dropping the oven mitts on the counter on his way to grab plates from one of the cabinets. It’s obvious not only that he’s very used to having Y/n’s sister stuck to him, but also that he’s comfortable in this home, fully aware of how the house functions.

“What in the world do you think you’re doing? Get out of my kitchen -- you’ll break something!” Y/n’s mom makes a beeline for Yoongi, swatting him away with an oven mitt scooped up from the counter. He complains loudly, grabbing at it and arguing with the woman.

“Will you please just sit down and let me do this?! You’re in my way -- go sit down, Mom!” It looks like a fight -- by all standards, it’s a mother and son arguing and nothing else. But Hoseok looks around the room, taking in the table full of homemade food, the sink full of dishes from the cooking. He sees the light sheen of sweat on the woman’s face, knowing just by looking that she’d been working tirelessly to make Christmas dinner for them. And when he looks to Yoongi, he sees that the boy knows this, too -- that he’s urging her to sit down and relax, that he’s just making it seem like he’s annoyed instead of openly caring for her. That, along with the fact that Hana is very clearly emotionally attached to the Slytherin, makes it obvious to Hoseok that Yoongi belongs here. That this Yoongi belongs here, not the promiscuous one that the entirety of Hogwarts knows. Hogwarts doesn’t know this Yoongi.

“You’re doing that thing again.” Hoseok jumps, realizing when he turns that Y/n’s watching him closely. He smiles, cocking his head to the side in confusion. The chaos of the room never stops, happening in the background while he and Y/n stand in the doorway.

“What thing?” She grins, pointing at his face.

“That observant badger thing. You’re just watching and taking mental notes.” He flushes slightly, not even realizing that he does this often enough to classify it as a ‘thing’. He gestures to her best friend, a question slipping out in the form of an observation, something he’s apparently good at.

“I didn’t realize Yoongi was good with kids.” Y/n snickers, shaking her head.

“He’s not, actually. One time, he tripped over a kid at the store because he hadn’t seen them walking past, and for the rest of the day he kept saying ‘children are the evil groundhogs of the world… waiting to pop their little heads out of the ground and scare you’. It was kinda dramatic.” Hoseok blinks, utterly dumbfounded by that story because it sounds exactly like something Yoongi say, but the Yoongi in the kitchen right now is not showing any of that malice.

“So… then how did this happen?” He gestures to the pair hopping around the dining table, Hana now clinging to Yoongi’s leg while the boy sets out utensils, all the while bickering with her mom. It’s not hard to imagine, seeing how the girl hangs off of him, why Yoongi calls her Monkey.

“Well -- Hana’s 8, which means Yoongi’s been in her life for… almost the entirety of it. And, although I doubt he’d say it, I know he feels some sense of responsibility for her since our dad’s not around. He’s just kind of always looked after her, so she definitely relies on him a lot.” Y/n looks at peace when she says it, and Hoseok gets the feeling that she appreciates Yoongi’s involvement with her family more than she’s letting on.

“They’re pretty cute… It’s nice to see.” Y/n smirks at Hoseok’s final assessment before beckoning him further into the kitchen, commenting in a low voice as she moves to the table.

“Don’t let Yoongi hear you say that -- his ego needs to be kept under control as it is.” Yoongi looks up when he hears his name, lifting an eyebrow but asking no questions as he examines Hoseok and Y/n. Letting it go, he glances down at the child sitting on his foot.

“Let’s wash our hands, Monkey. I dont need your dirty germs getting in my food.” Hana protests loudly but allows Yoongi to haul her off to the bathroom to wash up. He sets his phone on the table when he goes, and Hoseok can only imagine how much trust he has in Y/n to leave her with it -- especially because it keeps buzzing with notifications, and Hoseok can tell even from here that Yoongi has his message previews on.

When they return, Y/n passes the boy his phone, but not before it lights up again in her hand. Without meaning to, she glances down at it, and Hoseok’s not sure what she sees, but it has Yoongi looking at her with wide eyes once he’s gotten a chance to read it, too. He eyes her almost guiltily, but she only smiles knowingly and turns back to the table, taking the seat next to Hoseok.

“Let’s eat!”

--

Dinner passes surprisingly easily for Hoseok -- he’d been nervous all day, changing and re-changing his clothes until finally he’d just given up and left his apartment. But now, sitting here with Y/n and her family, he feels welcomed, included immediately in the chaos of the group dynamic while they eat. Her mother insists on piling his plate high with insanely delicious food, although it’s not nearly as much as she feeds Yoongi, who looks disgruntled at being called a walking skeleton but eats it all with vigor, anyway.

Just as they’re finishing dinner, Hoseok jumping to his feet to help clear the table, Hana rests her elbows on the wood, peering up at him curiously while he moves around the room. He has to purse his lips to stop himself from smiling when he spots her legs swinging back and forth from her chair, not yet able to reach the floor.

“Who’s that other flower crown for? Is it for you? It’s kinda big on you!” His eyes widen just a fraction, and he looks to Y/n for help as he hums. Y/n starts talking at the same time he does.

“Oh, it’s just an extra--

“He just accidentally made it too big--”

“It’s for me!” Yoongi cuts them both off with finality, sticking his hand out almost childishly for the crown hanging low on Hoseok’s head. Hoseok looks at him in shock, forgetting to mask his emotions for the young girl in front of him. But it’s fine because Hana’s only looking at Yoongi, something the Slytherin's clearly aware of when he waves his awaiting hand, dramatically impatient for her sake.

“But then why haven’t you been wearing it the whole time?” The girl’s questions are straight to the point, and Y/n’s mom starts to tell her not to pry, but Yoongi’s always ready for Hana’s inquiries.

“Obviously, Hoseok’s a little shy about giving me a Christmas gift -- he’s been waiting for the right time!” He sounds so sure of himself, like he actually believes it. But as Hoseok’s lifting the crown off of his head and setting it in Yoongi’s hand, he sees the look the boy gives him, and he knows that Yoongi’s aware of the assumption he’d made about Y/n’s father.

And of course Yoongi knows -- he’d made the exact same mistake the first time he’d visited the home at 11 years old, walking in with expensive gifts for both parents because his mom had always stressed that ‘you never go to someone else’s house empty handed’. Hana was much too young then, only a year old, and Yoongi’s not about to let the girl catch on now and risk souring the Christmas spirit. He knows how insecure she gets sometimes about not having a dad, so he saves Hoseok from the moment with practiced ease.

Looking away from the Hufflepuff and turning to Hana while he sets the crown on his head, he points up at it.

“How’s it look, Monkey?” The girl hums, squinting for a moment before nodding.

“It fits! Probably because you have a big head.” Y/n snorts loudly, even Hoseok coughing out a laugh while he sets dishes in the sink. Yoongi only nods, accepting that he’s just been blatantly insulted by an 8-year-old, made worse by Y/n’s mom running her hand over Hana’s hair in amused approval.

“That’s my girl -- you tell the skinny boy how it is.” Yoongi opens his mouth to protest, but the woman’s standing to retrieve something from the fridge, and immediately his complaints are replaced by an excited gasp.

“Is that--”

“Well, someone’s gotta feed you your favorites!” Hoseok only glances over his shoulder while he and Y/n clean up, seeing that the woman’s setting a pumpkin pie on the counter and reaching for a knife to cut it. Another glance tells him that Yoongi’s argumentative nature’s been won over by the dessert, and he’s standing to help her serve 5 plates of it, shy smile peeking through.

“Thanks, Mom…” The woman grins, bumping him with her hip but not saying anything about the embarrassment on his face. She turns, holding two plates and gesturing toward the fridge while she heads for the living room.

“Grab the whipped cream on your way, will you, Hoseokie?” Hoseok almost drops the dirty plate he’s setting in the sink, all the hair on the back of his neck standing on end when he hears the name Y/n’s mom calls him. Y/n notices that he stills suddenly beside her, but before she can mention it, he’s blinking, the moment gone as he moves to the fridge with a smile.

The group migrates to the living room, Y/n’s mom taking the armchair by the tree while Y/n and Hoseok share the couch. Yoongi’s sitting on the floor with his legs crisscrossed, Hana seated comfortably in his lap. The plates of pie sit on the table next to Yoongi’s head, and he keeps glancing anxiously at them, like he’s wondering if he can sneak a bite without anyone noticing. Y/n’s mom’s voice rings out, and he knows he’s been caught.

“Not a chance, Yoongi -- presents first!” Rolling his eyes but nodding anyway, he turns his attention back to the group, where Y/n is passing out presents to everyone. The biggest ones always go to Hana, who seems very excited but is somehow even more enthused about finally giving everyone her own gifts, small trinkets she’d picked out with immense care during her school’s holiday field trip. Y/n has to stop herself from snapping a photo of Yoongi’s face when he unwraps a snake plushie, watching with amusement when he cradles it close to his chest, eyes full of adoration as he mouths "I love her" to the Gryffindor. Hana doesn’t even notice how dramatically sentimental he is, her short attention span having her already turning to Hoseok with a large smile and a small gift.

“This one’s for you, Hoseokie!” Hoseok chokes on his saliva, paling slightly when he hears that name again. Y/n picks up on it for sure this time, but she doesn’t say anything, not wanting to interrupt his and Hana’s moment.

Hoseok takes the gift with shaking hands, masking whatever’s running through his mind with a shy smile.

“You didn’t have to get me anything, Hana -- thank you!” The girl watches with intense interest while he peels the wrapping paper off, revealing a pink ballpoint pen in the shape of a flower, explaining when he holds it up in the light.

“Y/n told me you liked flowers when I asked! Do you like it?” Hoseok smiles brightly, pressing down on the center of the flower with a quiet click and running the tip of the pen along the knuckle on his thumb to test the ink.

“I love it! I’ll use it every day!” Y/n smiles then, thinking how endearing he’ll look, using a pink ballpoint flower pen in a school that still standardizes quill and ink. But she knows he means it and won’t even think twice about using it. Hana beams up at him, but her eyes become curious almost immediately.

“But -- do you not like the name ‘Hoseokie’? You looked a little sad when I said it…” Y/n cringes, cursing the fact that her sister is both extremely observant and completely lacks a filter. She’s like the perfect mix of Hoseok and Yoongi, something that would be really funny if the situation hadn’t just gotten really uncomfortable.

Hoseok gapes at the girl, letting out a breath of laughter when she only tilts her head to the side curiously. It’s fine that he’d been caught -- it’s just a little embarrassing that it had happened here at Y/n’s family dinner, where he’d been trying to make a good impression and leave only good energy behind. With a slight sigh, he shakes his head to answer Hana’s question.

“I don’t not like ‘Hoseokie’ -- I actually really like it… it’s just--” He glances quickly at Y/n, feeling a bit awkward. “My little sister used to call me that…” Immediately, Y/n’s looking to Yoongi out of the corner of her eye, finding that he’s doing the same, the alarm in his eyes matching her own. Hoseok had never mentioned a sister.

“It’s a little… uncomfortable, so I feel bad…” Hoseok looks to Y/n’s mom then, watching carefully for her reaction when he continues. “My parents run an apiary -- they’re very big nature types, all about the ‘way of the natural world’ and stuff like that… that's why--" He cuts off, gesturing vaguely to the crown on the woman's head. That's why I know how to do this, he means. Clearing his throat, he continues. "So it didn’t really… go well… when I turned 11 and got the letter saying I was a wizard.” Y/n hears Yoongi inhale sharply from where he’s sitting, and she knows he’s putting the pieces together like she is.

When Hoseok sees that Y/n’s mom is watching him with a guarded expression, almost worried about where he’s going with him, he bites at the inside of his cheek nervously. Y/n had never explicitly said it, but he could tell the minute he walked into the house just a few hours ago that she’s also a muggleborn. Wizarding homes always show signs of magic -- dishes that wash themselves, hanging plants that can’t be found anywhere in the muggle world, that kind of thing. He hadn’t seen anything to give away a magical upbringing, almost shocked at how much Y/n’s home reminded him of his own childhood.

He can see now that the woman is glancing at her own daughter, and he knows what she’s thinking. Y/n and Hoseok are the same, but his world had been entirely different. He sees her making that connection, so he just decides to rip off the metaphorical band-aid and finish explaining.

“My parents didn’t want something ‘unnatural’ living in the house, influencing their innocent daughter, so they kicked me out. Agreed to help me pay for an apartment and bills as long as I promised to never reach out to them for anything else -- Dumbledore helped me out the first few summers, let me stay on the grounds since I wasn’t old enough to be on my own. I moved into a place not far from here when I turned 15.”

He’s got his eyes screwed shut now, terrified of the pity he’s going to find when he opens them again. It’s too quiet, and he feels his ears warming, knowing that it looks like he’s been thrown away, discarded. He doesn’t feel that way, having accepted his situation when he was still young -- having decided to accept his situation because it was better than being bitter. But he knows what people will see when they find out, so he’d gone to great lengths to hide it. Because he doesn’t need pity, he’s happy as he is.

While he’s thinking of how to ease everyone’s tension, he’s completely unprepared for the arms that wrap around his neck. Cracking his eyes open, he realizes these arms are quite small, that the person hugging him is quite small.

“Will you come back for family dinner every year?” Hana’s question is muffled in his neck, but the words have his heart stuttering because he really hadn’t been expecting this. Glancing quickly at Y/n, he finds that the pity he’d been preparing for isn’t there. She looks completely heartbroken, her eyes shining with unshed tears, but more than anything she looks mad.

She blinks it away when they make eye contact, and she nods while reaching for his hand. He’s not sure what she’s nodding at, and he gets the feeling she doesn’t know either, but he takes it as her understanding. Understanding that he doesn’t want to talk about it further, understanding what he’d meant in the forest that day about being happy alone.

Just past Y/n, Yoongi’s standing from his spot on the floor with a groan and a crack of his spine. He moves for Hana, who’s still clinging to Hoseok’s neck.

“Of course he’ll be back, Monkey. He’s not goin’ anywhere.” It’s said so simply, without any particular feeling to guide it, but Hoseok’s so immensely grateful for Min Yoongi in that moment. Not only because he hadn’t changed at all in the way he’d looked at Hoseok -- his eyes are still even and calm, if not laced with slightest bit of emotion when their gazes lock -- but because Hoseok had just received clear and direct approval from the one person in Y/n’s life that he’d been most nervous about.

It’s one thing to be nervous about family or the entirety of her friend group -- those things are normal. Min Yoongi is not normal, not to Y/n. He’s the only person that knows Y/n better than she knows herself, and Hoseok hadn’t even realized just how terrified he’d been that Yoongi wouldn’t accept him suddenly appearing in Y/n’s life the way he had. But he sees now, while Yoongi is slowly peeling Hana off of him and carrying her to the staircase, claiming that it’s ‘way past her bedtime’, that Yoongi’s just let him in. The girl waves goodnight to the rest of the group, almost immediately sleepy now that Yoongi's carrying her to bed.

When Hoseok looks to Y/n, eyes wide with surprise, he sees that she’s noticed Yoongi's behavior, too. Because she’s got her eyes closed, but she’s smiling fondly, like the telltale signs of Yoongi’s respect have finally revealed themselves, decidedly giving Hoseok his stamp of approval.

He’s so busy reveling in the fact that he’d just gotten all the reactions to his life story that he’d been expecting the least that he barely feels Y/n’s mom set a hand on his shoulder when she stands. He looks up now, taking in her kind eyes, and he thinks she’s going to say something sentimental, but--

“I like you a whole lot more than I liked Jungkook.” Hoseok’s jaw drops, and Y/n’s scoffing loudly beside him.

“Mom!” The woman smiles, leaving the two them there on the couch while she grabs the plates of pie, mumbling something about ‘needing to pack Noodle Arms a plate to go’ before heading into the kitchen. Hoseok can do nothing but laugh when he looks to Y/n, who’s still completely scandalized by her mom’s comment.

“I can’t tell if I should feel highly approved of, or just regularly approved of since Jungkook is apparently low on the Family Opinions list.” Y/n nudges him with her elbow playfully, and they sit there quietly together on the couch for a moment. He finds himself reaching out to brush his fingers across her knee insecurely.

“You know, you don’t have to feel bad for me. I really am okay -- I said it before, but I just… I’ve been okay not having anyone. It never really haunted me or hurt me or anything I’m sure you’d expect an abandoned child to feel. I just… took the bad with the good and decided to focus on the happy moments of my childhood because, believe it or not, I had a lot of them. It’s just easier to remember my parents as they were before, so that’s what I do.” Y/n nods slowly when he’s done, feeling a lot of things but wondering if maybe it’s not her place to say it. He sees it anyway, because he sees everything.

“You’re angry. That they left me.” Y/n glances at him quickly, wondering if he’s upset at all -- this is such a delicate subject, and she doesn’t know if she’s allowed to feel this mad for him. But he’s smiling, like he can tell she’d been trying to hide it and he’s finding her incredibly endearing for it. She purses her lips and nods shyly, confirming his suspicions.

“That they left you… yes. But I’m angry that they kept your sister from you.” It’d been obvious in the way Hoseok had talked about his parents that he’d become purposely detached from them, that he’d accepted the situation and doesn’t feel any certain way about them. But the name -- ‘Hoseokie’ -- it had set him on edge in a way she’d never seen in this carefree, sunny boy before. His sister’s a sore spot, probably the one thing that hurts most. His smile tells her everything she needs to know, because she’s never once seen him smile bitterly. And yet there it is, forcing his dimples to make an appearance in a way that isn’t as heartwarming as it usually is.

“The last time I saw her, she was Hana’s age… she probably looks so different now.” If a person could physically deflate into nothingness, Y/n would have successfully done it. Hoseok can’t help but snicker, the image of Y/n almost melting into the couch too endearing.

“I -- I can’t even imagine… not knowing what Hana will look like in a few years.” It breaks her heart all over again, the way Hoseok nods, because he knows exactly what that feels like. But he refuses to dwell on it, clapping his hands down on his knees decisively and shaking Y/n from her stupor with the noise.

“Spend New Year’s Eve with me!” Y/n’s brain stalls, trying to process what he’d just said. He waits patiently, smiling while she switches mental gears and catches up to him.

“Huh? I mean -- sure? Yes? But, huh?” He laughs under his breath, finding her confusion almost obnoxiously cute.

“I’ve never had anyone to spend it with. Now that I do… I really want to spend it with you.” Y/n swallows hard, wondering where these butterflies in her stomach are coming from -- maybe it’s the way he’s watching her, eyes curious as he waits for her reaction. She only nods, suddenly very shy under his gaze.

“I’d love to, Hoseok…” He warms at how low her voice is, and now he’s the one feeling shy, pressing his palms into his thighs and staring down at his lap. They’re quiet for a moment, the soft crackling from the fireplace filling the silence, until--

“Oh, just kiss already!” They both turn quickly toward the voice, finding Yoongi standing at the bottom of the staircase, a look of disgust filling his face. He shakes his head when they gape at him, going so far as to wave his hand quickly, his palm passing through the air with intent. “Look, I even helped.” He’s looking at the space above their heads, and when she and Hoseok follow his eyes, they find a piece of mistletoe growing from the ceiling, hanging down between them.

Y/n groans in annoyance while Hoseok sits there, blushing brightly at Yoongi’s forwardness. As if to make things worse for him, Y/n’s mom enters the room again then, noticing the mistletoe right away as she’s handing the comically large stack of to-go containers over to Yoongi.

“Oh, cute! Did they kiss?” She looks at Yoongi when she asks, and he shakes his head in disappointment -- Hoseok gets the feeling they’re enjoying pretending he and Y/n aren’t right here when they start snickering in unison.

“Well, I gotta go--” Yoongi stops to glare at Y/n when she looks at him knowingly, eyebrows raised. Hoseok wonders if maybe this is about the messages she’d seen on the Slytherin’s phone earlier. “-- but I’ll catch you guys later. Happy Christmas, nerds!” With that he’s heading for the entryway, and Hoseok can hear him bickering with Y/n’s mom all the way to the door.

“Yes, I brought my coat--”

“You don’t have a hat! I’m sure they make hats for big-headed people, too--”

“That is so offensive on so many levels--”

“I’ll just have to make you one myself--”

“Mom! Stop working so hard, I promise I’ll go buy a damn hat!”

“Don’t you take that tone with me, Big-Head!”

--

“I got us takeout!” It’s the first thing she says when Hoseok opens the door to his apartment, emphasized by the large bag she’s shaking in his face with enthusiasm. He pokes his head around it, smiling brightly at her.

“I also got us takeout!” Lowering her bag in surprise, she follows Hoseok into the small studio when he beckons her in, slipping her shoes off at the door as she looks to the kitchenette, where an equally large bag of food sits. She only looks to Hoseok, dumbfounded, and she finds he’s giving her the same look.

“How are we gonna eat all this--”

“No idea.” Y/n snorts when he looks between their two bags, face deadpan as he reaches for hers and sets it on the table beside his. He looks at them for a moment longer, finally speaking.

“Did we get takeout from the same place?” Y/n hangs her head with a groan when she realizes the bags look exactly the same. When she looks up again, he’s heading for the cabinets to get plates, his shoulders shaking with laughter. It’s infectious, and soon she’s shaking her head, turning to look around the apartment while she laughs openly. Her breath is cut short almost immediately when she looks at the living area.

“Holy plants.” Hoseok glances over to where she’s looking, a nervous laugh leaving him.

“Too much?” To put it simply, they’re everywhere. Floor plants, hanging plants, windowsill plants -- everywhere. There’s even a massive plant overtaking the table next to his bed in the corner, not an inch of space for him to put anything else. She feels like she just walked into a jungle.

“Your air must be really clean…” Hoseok laughs loudly, not having expected that to be her one assessment of his plant collection.

“You’re lucky I haven’t covered the couch in plants, too -- where are we gonna sit to watch TV?” As if the universe has decided to test him at this very moment in time for absolutely no reason other than to make him suffer, the apartment goes dark with the booming sound of the entire room powering down.

Hoseok barely manages to hold in his groan when he hears Y/n turn in his direction in the dark.

“I wasn’t watching anything good on TV these days, anyway.”

--

“Come on, come on -- where are they--”

“Hoseok, it’s fine--”

“I swear I had candles--”

“Hoseok--”

“Aha!” He pokes his head up from where he’s crouched by the closet, holding a stack of small candles triumphantly. Y/n’s sitting at the dining table, having cast lumos long ago and unpacked their copious amounts of food with nothing but the light of her wand. She’s smiling at him fondly now as he shows her the candles.

“Are you feeling better now?” Hoseok lowers his candles, sending her a sheepish smile as he rises to his feet and moves to join her at the table. He’d immediately started apologizing to her when the power had gone out, thrown into a panicked rush to fix things as he flitted around his apartment. She’d tried to reassure him that everything was okay, but he’d still felt really bad for messing up their night.

“I’m sorry, Y/n… I told my parents that I’m still in school until the spring, but I don’t think they heard that part when they said they were gonna stop helping me pay for stuff after graduation… I’ve been applying for jobs all year, but they just don’t really start accepting people until they see our NEWT results and transcripts and stuff, so--”

“Hobi.” He stops at the nickname, realizing when she levels him with a hard stare that he’s devolving into anxious rambling again. She reaches across the table, taking his hands in hers.

“Stop apologizing, Hobi. This isn’t your fault, and you haven’t ruined anything. I promise.” He’s slow to nod, but eventually he accepts her words, seeing how insistent she is.

“I do have one question, though.” He blinks, humming curiously when she continues and wondering what she’s going to say. “Do you… have spare blankets? Because it’s going to get very cold in here very fast.”

--

“I don’t think I want to eat anything ever again.”

“Mmm… Mmmm…”

“So you agree.”

“Mhm… Mmm…” Hoseok throws his head back against the couch, completely unable to form words after the meal they’d just had. Y/n snorts, nodding as she gets used to his various sounds of exhaustion.

“Me too, Hobi.” They sit there quietly for only a moment before Hoseok is lifting his head, urgent. Y/n looks at him, wondering what’s happening in his head when he turns to her, face deadpan yet again.

“I bought us ice cream on my way home with the food.” Immediately, she’s groaning, and he joins her in flopping around on his couch dramatically. Y/n takes a moment through her food-induced haze to appreciate their little setup.

The candles are set strategically on his coffee table and counters, clear of any plants because the last thing they need tonight is a fire. She’d been right in assuming it’d get cold, and they’d eventually stopped trying to manage with small blankets, dragging his comforter right off the bed and curling up together beneath it as they ate dinner. She can’t even recall what they’d talked about, the entire thing a confused fog from the food.

She knows they’d been giddy the whole time, on a weird high from the collection of ridiculous things that had happened in the first five minutes of her being here. That, along with the sheer amount of food and the wine Hoseok had pulled out for them, ended up creating nonstop laughter over the smallest things. She’s comfortable here, never having experienced a bubble of quiet happiness like this. She feels no pressure and she’s worried about nothing -- everything had fallen away when she’d walked in the door, the rest of the world blocked out from this safe space, here with Hoseok in his apartment.

“Oh! It’s almost midnight!” Hoseok’s squinting at his phone in the dark before showing her the screen -- 11:55pm. She glances at her own phone, sitting peacefully on the table in front of them, and she hates that the only thing she can think of is Jungkook. She’s scared that this period of silence between them will have done nothing, that as soon as the new year starts, he’s going to be back to badgering her constantly. She just wants everything to return to normal, and she’s scared that she only has five minutes left before that dream falls apart.

“Hey… Where’d you go just now?” Blinking, she sees that Hoseok’s peering at her, brow furrowed in concern. His phone toggles when he moves closer to her, a small pout set in his features, and the screen lights up again. 11:57pm. She hates that, after such a good night, it had taken only this to have them both frowning. She hates it.

“I just… I really just want all of this to be normal again. I want Jungkook to be normal again. I want the new year to be something good again, and I’m terrified it won’t be. I just want to forget everything bad from this year and start fresh.” She rolls her eyes at herself, hating that she’s ranting to Hoseok about her love life again, when they’d just wanted to have a nice New Year’s Eve together. But his mind is elsewhere, a thought crossing his mind suddenly. He checks his phone again. 11:59pm.

“Maybe I can help with that?” Y/n looks to him when he says it, confused.

“What do you mean?” He blinks, trying to decide if he’s really going to do this. The nervous feeling building in his stomach is somehow telling him this is a bad and good idea. He turns to her quickly.

“With that fresh start… forgetting the bad from this year… Maybe I can help…?” Y/n’s not sure what he means, but she doesn’t see why she would say no. Hoseok’s never done anything but help, even when he doesn’t realize it. If anyone’s going to help her forget, it’s him.

So she nods, waiting for him to explain. And then she’s gasping, because he’s leaning in, and she can see even in the dim lighting that he’s looking at her lips -- that he’s going to kiss her.

He pauses for a second to give her time to push him away. When she doesn’t, he’s glancing up and finding that she’s looking at him nervously, her gaze flicking back and forth between his eyes and his mouth. With a small inhale, he lets his eyes drift shut, closing the gap between them carefully.

Y/n’s not even sure she’s kissing him back -- she’s too focused on the feeling of his lips on her, how gentle he’s being as he applies just the slightest pressure to her mouth with his own. But she must be kissing him back, because he’s responding to something, his lips pressing harder when he feels her reciprocating.

It’s only one kiss, one that he pulls back from slowly after a moment, their breaths mingling warmly in the small space he’s created. Neither of them makes a move, eyes hooded and noses brushing in his dark apartment as they try to make sense of this haze long enough to figure out if this has really just happened. If Hoseok’s really just kissed her on New Year’s Eve.

And then her phone is lighting up on the table, celebratory texts from her friends pouring in, and they turn at the same time to glance at the screen. 12:00am.

Hoseok turns back to her then, eyes searching hers for something -- he’s not really sure what it is, but when a shy smile starts to dance at the edges of her lips, he knows he’s found it.

“Happy New Year, Y/n.”

[sunaswife]

Summary: It’s been five years since you’ve seen your ex, Rin. He’s still not over you and you’re not over him. When he finds out you have children he thought he didn’t have a chance. Then he finds out they’re his? All of a sudden you’re teaching Suna how to be a single dad.

note from denise: hi hii 🥺 I’m so happy and i love this chapter even though it’s all over the place so I’m sorry plz forgive me 🙇‍♀️

Warnings: Fluff, angst I guess, drama, and cuteness twin overload

Previously Up Next Masterlist

Chapter eight

You heard Hana and Jamie bickering in the living room as you took the burnt part off of the bell peppers you roasted. You were looking out the window in front of the sink every once in a while to check up on the kids. They were having fun playing with their father and uncles. You’ve never seen them smile brighter.

You were happy that they finally had their father, Tobio was a good figure but obviously not their real father. Earlier Rin gave his first scolding to your son for shoving Akira and he also told Akira that calling people idiot wasn’t nice. You couldn’t help but snicker behind your cardigan since he was obviously nervous and a bit awkward but it all worked out in the end. The twins and your best friends were peering through the door at the scene and they were in awe.

It just looked so natural. You, Rin and the kids. All that’s missing is a pet dog or cat. Jamie thought if you and Rin really try then you both could fall in love again and be a nice family all together. She grew up with divorced parents so she knew how tough it could be. She doesn’t want to hear you and Rin fighting in the future about upcoming holidays. Or maybe eventually having to separate the twins.

“Hana do you think you could ask the guys if they want to stay for dinner?” You said from the kitchen. “Oka-“ “No y/n, I think you should do it.” Jamie popped in. “Huh? I’m literally cooking.” You said as you reached into the bag of roasted peppers. Your fingers were stuck onto the black crisps. “You’re trying to avoid them.” She squinted and you rolled your eyes. “No I’m not.” You defended yourself. “Yes you are.” She deadpanned. “You never say no to setting for your kids. Even if you’re busy you tell them to give you five or ten minutes but when Rini asked you straight up said no since you needed to cook. I think that stung him a bit. He probably wanted to show off his skills to his dad.” She said and you frowned slightly. “I mean it’s fine, she’s probably uncomfortable which makes sense. The worst people in the world are just chilling in her house. It makes sense that she’s on edge.” The familiar voice said and you turned to see Atsumu leaning against the breakfast bar between your kitchen and living room. You didn’t want to say he’s right..but I mean..he’s right.

“...would you like to stay for dinner?” You asked awkwardly as Jaime sighed and walked away. “Mmm depends, what are you making?” He teased to try to help you ease up. “Food, either take it or leave it.” You said plainly as you flipped the pepper on the stove. “I miss your cooking so I think I’ll stay. Let me call Osamu so he can help.” He said and you immediately protested. “No it’s fine, you guys are the guests. I’ll feel bad.” You said and he chuckled. “Y/N-Chan..” he started, “Osamu owns his own restaurant, all he does is eat, cook, and work out. He would want nothing more than to help you cook. It’s in his DNA.” He said and you rolled your eyes. “Fine ask Rin if he wants to stay too.” You said. “Oh he’ll want to stay, plus we all carpooled together.” He said and you nodded and he left.

“Yo, we gotta go.” Jamie said from the doorway. “Did you say bye to the kids?” You asked and she nodded. “Sorry Y/N, we have a doctors appointment.” Jamie frowned slightly. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll call you later.” You smiled and she nodded sadly. After a quick goodbye hug they were out the door and Osamu was waiting in the kitchen to help you cook.

“Alright boss, let’s get started.” He said as he washed his hands and you chuckled.

Dinner went good, the kids mainly talked and were the stars of the show. After dinner they wanted to show their uncles and dad their Minecraft worlds on their tablets, courtesy of Tobio.

Suna offered to help clean up but you insisted it was fine and to spend as much time with the kids and he reluctantly agreed and you were left alone.

Your phone buzz after you sat on the breakfast bar to enjoy yet another cup of tea and you almost spilled it when you saw who was calling. “Holy shit, holy shit.” You muttered and the guys immediately turned to you from their spots on the couch. “I’m going to take this phone call I’ll be right back.” You said leaving Rin in charge and you answered while you made your way down the hall.

“Hello?” “Hi is this Y/N? This is Natsuo, the songwriter and director for the soundtrack for Kimetsu No Yaiba. From my understanding you are voicing Nezuko and Shinobu, correct?” “That is correct, sir.” You replied, “Well I stumbled across your portfolio and resume and I phone called your old vocal coach and he said some things about you.” He said. “Well I hope they’re all good.” You chuckled nervously.

“Yes they’re more than good actually and I wanted to offer you the opportunity of singing the opening for the anime, if not then maybe the outro. Would you be interested? Of course you’d have to come to the studio and sing for us and we’ll decide but I wanted to ask first since I know you also work as a volleyball commentator as well.” He said and you gasped.

“Yes sir of course, I would be honored...” you said happily. “Great! I see that you come in the studio on Monday for the read through of the script. Can you come earlier to audition?” He asked and you agreed and set up a time.

Normally any other person would want to audition after but if it’s singing, you can’t eat or drink sweet stuff before because it messes up your throat and you can accidentally burp and embarrass yourself. So you’d rather do the singing audition before and eat whatever is at the snack bar during the read through.

When you hung up the phone you squealed and did a little happy dance. You quickly took a deep breath and you made your way out of your office back to the living room. “Um...where are the twins? The Miya’s I mean.” You asked when you saw that only Suna was chilling with a kid on each side of him. “Osamu needed to check up on his shop and Atsumu had to go to the gym. I decided to stay behind because I didn’t know how long you would take.” He replied.

“But didn’t you all carpool?” You asked and he nodded. “I can Uber. Don’t worry.” He said and you nodded and sat next to Rini. “Kids guess what.” You said happily and they both looked up from their tablets. “I go to the studio on monday—“ “THE STUDIO CAN WE GO?!” They immediately asked with bright eyes. “Uh—I don’t know guys, I’m working and Jamie has work too i don’t know if someone can watch you guys at the studio.” You said. “What time and I’ll go. I can keep them entertained.” Suna spoke up.

“I’m gonna be there for a few hours..I’ll have a read through of the script and a song audition before that..” you told him. “Wait what do you do anyways?” He asked curiously and the kids gasped. “You don’t know what mommy does for a living?! She’s the coolest mom in the world.” Rini exclaimed with extended arms to emphasize the world. “Listen to the voice of the narrator.“ Akira said and shoved the tablet in his hands. It was Peppa pig. Honestly they couldn’t find a cooler role you played in? Even the side characters were fine, but Akira had to choose peppa pig.

Rin listened to peppa as she scolded her little brother Georgie. And finally he heard your voice narrate what happened and his eyes widened. “No way, you’re a voice actor?” He asked and you nodded. “Wow imagine that. You were always so shy and now your voice is heard by millions across the world.” He teased and your face tinted.

“Well when you put it like that it freaks me out!” You snatched the tablet from his hands and the kids looked at each other with raised brows. “I’m only kidding. But it’s pretty amazing that you do that. Any big roles you’re playing soon?” He asked. “I may or may not be acting in Kimetsu No Yaiba.” You said which was a manga series you both were obsessed with when you were together. “Say sike right now.” He gasped and you gave him that I’m serious face.

“Congrats Y/N. That’s freaking amazing. May i ask who you’re voicing?” He asked and you shook your head. “That’s a secret.” You said and he sighed. “Man got my hopes up for nothing.” He muttered causing your kids to giggle.

“Momma we invited dad to the field trip tomorrow he said yes.” Akira spoke up and your eyes widened. “Wait what—“ “I didn’t necessarily say yes. I wanted to make sure it was cool with you, first. They told me that they were homeschooled and you take them to different places for field trips all the time.” He tried to correct Akira and you nodded.

“Well...I mean..if you want to go then it’s fine. We’re going to an aquarium.” You said and the kids gave him puppy dog eyes. “Alright I’ll go then. It’ll be fun and you guys can show me what you’ve learned.” He smiled softly and the kids cheered. Is this really a good idea? You don’t know. But if your kids are happy, then you’re happy.

“Rin It’s getting late they have bath time and then they need to sleep.” You told him as the kids ran up and down the hall racing with Rini’s toy cars. “Alright then I’ll leave.” “I’m not kicking you out of anything-“ “No it’s fine I get it. I’ve intruded in your territory long enough.” He chuckled and you nodded. “Children of the corn! I’m leaving.” He called and immediately the kids emerged from the hallway and began whining and protesting. “You need to take a bath then go to bed. It’s late. I’m seeing you tomorrow anyways.” He knelt down on his knee to be of eye level with the kids.

“But we don’t want you to leave. I won’t sleep if you don’t read me a story.” Rini pouted and Akira nodded and you both sighed. “Fine, I’ll read you a bed time story and you will go sleep.” He told them and they nodded.

You rounded up the kids for a bubble bath and Rin was sitting on the counter as you explained what kind of kids soap you use and such. But he was mostly watching the kids play with the bubbles. “Hey Akira do you think I’ll look cool with my hair like this?” Rini asked with his messy wannable mohawk, he looked more like the grinch. Akira looked at her brother and snorted. “You look like a troll.” She muttered causing Rini to pout. “You’re so mean.” He mumbled. You got the shower head and told Akira to close her eyes as you finished washing her hair and body and she was finished. “Do you wanna try to finish Rini while I change Akira?” You asked Suna and his eyes widened. “I only know how to bathe my dog, I don’t know how to bathe a kid.” He protested. “Weren’t you watching me?” You asked. “I was distracted with the bubbles, okay.” He deadpanned and you sighed. “Rini help your dad.” You said plainly and left despite Suna’s protests.

“Alright princess, let’s get you dried up and ready for bed, yeah?” You asked the shivering girl in your arms and she nodded. You placed her on the bed and dried her hair a bit and you began to put on her lotion. You helped her into her underwear and she wanted to wear her fox onzie so you began helping her feet in when Rini stumbled in naked with Rin chasing after him with a towel. They were both soaking wet.

“Oh my god.” You sighed. “Boys.” Akira mumbled and you nodded. “You’re worse than washing a dog.” He said as he held him and dried his hair. “Woof.” Rini snickered and Suna flicked his forehead. “I’m soaking wet now.” He deadpanned to his son. You zipped up Akira after successfully placing her in her onzie and you moved on to your son. “Stop giving your dad such a hard time, he’s new to this whole parenting thing ya know?” You told him as you began to rub his face with lotion. “Akira go brush your teeth.” You told her and she pulled her dad along with her. “What do you want to wear to sleep?” You asked. “Can I wear my Fox onzie too?” He asked and you nodded. “Of course.” You replied and helped him into it too.

Rini went on his way to brush his teeth and you were met with the view of Rin helping his daughter floss and you just wanted to melt. This was so freaking cute. You don’t know if your heart could handle the cuteness. “Alrighty next victim!” Rin said and picked up Rini. He began to help him brush his teeth. You helped Akira down from the counter and she went off to look for a good book. You decided it was best to get one of Tobio’s shirts and shorts he had lying around for Rin so he wouldn’t get sick.

When Rini finished brushing his teeth, he went out to help Akira search for a book. “Are you still soaked?” You asked and Suna nodded. “Here wear this so you won’t get sick.” You tossed him some gym shorts and a random T-shirt. He gave a small thanks and you closed the bathroom door to leave him to change. “Alright where are my little foxes?” You hummed and you found your little demons kids jumping on your bed and patiently waiting to read. “Why aren’t you both in bed?” You asked and they stopped jumping and turned to you. “We wanna sleep here with you and daddy!” Rini said and you almost choked on air.

WITH RIN?! ARE THEY CRAZY OR CRAZY?

“Baby he’s not spending the night. He’s only going to read you a bedtime story then leave. You’ll see him tomorrow when you wake up.” You told them and they both had the saddest look on their faces. “But we wanna sleep with you and daddy. Please can he spend the night. Please please please!” Akira begged.

“I don’t mind if you don’t. It’s only for the night.” Rin almost whispered in your ear and you turned your head to him. “Are you sure? What about tomorrow? What are you going to wear?” You asked, “We can stop by my apartment in the morning before we head out.” He said and you raised a brow and turned back to your kids they were already comfy on the middle of your bed and you released your nth sigh of the day. “Fine, one night.” You answered and grabbed your pajamas and left to the bathroom to change.

When you returned Rin was on the left side of the bed with Rini right next to him. Akira patted your spot on the right side and you sat against the headboard of the bed. The twins had two books they wanted you both to read but they all fell asleep while you read the second one. You looked to see Rin, Rini and Akira sleeping and you can never get over how similar they looked like Rin. You quietly hopped out of bed and put the books away and turned off the lights.

You woke up to the sun shining on your face and arms around your waist. You felt a weight on your chest and you sighed and opened your eyes. You blinked a few times to make sure you weren’t seeing things but sure enough, Rin was sleeping on your chest. Just like old times and you tried to control your breathing. You don’t want to be the type of ex who yells and they fall off the bed. You realized the kids were not on the bed too and if Rin was cuddling you, then they must have been gone for a while.

“Rintarou—the kids—WAKE UP!” You quickly shook him and he opened his eyes and quickly moved away. He felt around him and he noticed the kids weren’t there. You both paused in silence to see if you can hear them but when you didn’t you quickly yeeted yourself off the bed with Rin following right at your tail. You opened the door to the twins room and you saw them in their own bed hugging their plushies. You held a hand over your chest and you leaned against the doorframe. “My heart literally dropped.” You turned to Rin.

“Mine did too. Do they usually do that?” He asked. “No, never.” You sighed and closed the door.

The twins opened their eyes and they looked at eachother from across the room. “I told you mom would get a heart attack. We’re lucky she didn’t cry.” Akira whispered. “Whatever at least they cuddled together like a nice married couple.” Rini whispered back and Akira nodded. “I hope mommy and daddy get back together.” Akira said. “They will, our plan is perfect.” Rini whispered mischievously and Akira smiled.

TAGLIST IS CLOSED

🏷: @therealwalmartjesus @differentballooncollection @aaesuki @atsunflower @dope-squish @prettysetterboiss @june-phantom @tomo-uwu @austriasmariazelle @xrnia @katsulia @aprettyfruit @shut-your-eyes-kiss-me-goodbye @tvbiio @sun-daddy-yoriichi @kamenoyaki @ppangiiroo @loeyprivvv @kmskj92 @lovinnoya @sarahvvictoria @tris-does-stuff @mokkeguts @sunaluvr6969 @bara-rose-would @sempiternal-amour @volleybloop @leykyuu @bokutoichigo @stfucanunot @iloveanime69 @tpwkatsumu @ohshirabu @shoutosimp @mqrinqcele @bokutosdivineass @anngelllla @toworuu @hidden-otaku-stuff @seijohiselite @caxsthetic @aquariarose @hhwanggu @bakuhoetoedoroki @yoozuku @osamus-onigiri @akaashi-todorki @donica95 @kakaokenma @airheadpillar

[procrastinatorimagines]

Take The Leap

Fandom: Chicago PD / FBI: Most Wanted

Character/s: Jess LaCroix x Reader, Hailey Upton,

Warning/s: none

Word Count: 1,712

Request:  Hey! If you like the idea could you do a Jess LaCroix one where he finally comes to terms that he likes the reader and just goes for it? And maybe the reader is also from CPD and came to New York with Haley? Thank you!

Summary: Y/N’s been offered a spot in the FBI, but Chicago’s her home, is she really ready to leave it all behind for New York?

When your Sergeant, Hank Voight, had sent you and Hailey Upton to New York to work with the FBI, you thought you’d want nothing more than to head back to Chicago as soon as possible. Hailey had been sent to one team, parted with a guy called OA, and you’d been placed with the Fugitive Task Force Unit.

You didn’t know who was least thrilled by the arrangement at first, you, or the unit. God, those guys were a tight knit group, they’d all been together for years, and you were some outsider who they’d been forced to play nice with. It probably didn’t help that you weren’t even an FBI agent, and everything they did was so different from what you were used to, so overwhelming, that you didn’t entirely blame them for wanting you gone.

The head of the unit, Jess LaCroix, had probably been the least welcoming, he’d been actively against adding anyone to the unit that wasn’t picked by him personally, and that’s how it always had been until now, but he had his own masters to answer to so there you were. Needless to say it had taken him a while to get used to you, much longer than the others, especially when you’d all found out that your assignment had been extended. 

Hailey would be heading back to Chicago soon but you had been told to stick around, in a city you were barely getting to grips with and with a unit only just getting used to your temporary presence. You just hoped they realised you had as little say in this as they did.

It was around this time that LaCroix, with no small amount of convincing from Barnes you were sure, decided to try and get to know you, team bonding he called it, though you were also sure they were more Hana’s words than his. 

But then it kind of stopped being team bonding, and started being... well, you weren’t entirely sure. You started getting used to the team, it’s rhythm, your place in it, and suddenly it started to feel like you were supposed to be there. You still spent a lot of time with LaCroix, probably more than you should, and it started to feel easy, relaxed... nice, to just grab a drink or catch up after a case.

Okay fine, you had a thing for your boss... Hailey was never going to let you hear the end of this. 

The problem was, besides the obvious, that you had no way of knowing if LaCroix felt the same way. He’d always been difficult to read, and he hadn’t gotten much easier, no matter how long you staying in the unit. You’d asked Crosby about it once, but he’d told you that he was just like that, he kept everything very close to his vest, he was still figuring it out himself and he’d been there a lot longer than you. 

You knew he’d lost his wife, and from what Clinton let on he hadn’t been up for dating since, so the last thing you were going to do was even make him aware of your feelings unless he made any kind of move first. He’d dealt with a lot, and the last thing he needed was you piling this on him if he didn’t feel the same way.

So you shrugged and tried to accept it, but a part of you still wanted to know.

You were grabbing a drink tonight in fact, and you were more nervous about it than usual. Word had reached the unit from up on high that they were considering transfering you back to Chicago, but they’d not so subtley let on that at the end of the day, if you wanted to stay on, there was a place at Quantico with your name on it.

You wanted to talk about it with LaCroix tonight, clear the air about whether they’d even want you in the unit, but you were still conflicted, Chicago was your home, Intelligence was your family, could you really give that up for the FBI?

“Hey,” he greeted you as you arrived, giving you a friendly yet professional pat on the arm that had you no closer to figuring out how the hell he felt. You took a seat at the bar and he slid you a drink as you took off your coat. You thought his eyes lingered on you a little longer than they should but by the time you had put your coat down he was taking a drink, so maybe you’d just been seeing things. Maybe.

“Thanks,” you said, taking the drink as you considered how to start the conversation, not sure what he thought about your offer from the Bureau. “How’d Tali’s science fair go?” You decided to ask instead and he grinned, somehow looking equally grateful to not have that conversation yet.

“Second place,” he told you, “apparently baking soda volcanoes are pretty hard to beat.”

“Uh huh,” you replied, “especially when they’re made my the principal’s son I’m guessing?” LaCroix laughed. You’d talked about Tali’s project last time you’d grabbed a drink, and he’d gone full dad mode ranting about the favouritism that went on in the talent show, you figured the fair wouldbe no different.

“Well she’s happy, she knew it wasn’t going to be perfect and it wasn’t quite everything she wanted, but she did what she wanted to do so she has no regrets,” he told you and you shook your head.

“Wow,” you laughed, “I didn’t even know it was possible to turn this conversation around to me, well done.” He grinned and signalled the server for another round, holding out his hand to stop you when you reached to grab your money.

“On me, really,” he told you, “I did ask you here, we should talk about your offer.” He sounded hesitant, but also serious, much more like work LaCroix than off work Jess, so you nodded, sitting straighter in your chair.

“It wasn’t a done deal, I can either go back to Chicago at the end of the month, or apply to stay on with the FBI, it’s obviously contingent on me getting through Quantico if I did agree, but the idea would be for me to stay with the Fugitive Task Force when I got back... if I wanted to, and if you wanted me to of course.” Damn, you thought, that started off so strong and you ended up blabbing. 

“You don’t think we’d want you?” He asked, almost teasing you.

“Well, it wasn’t exactly the warmest welcome,” you remind him.

“Well you’ve kind of grown on me- grown on us I mean, it’d actually be a shame to see you leave,” he said slowly, as if chosing his words very carefully.

“Yeah? Because I was considering taking the offer,” you admitted, staring into your glass.

“But something’s stopping you,” he figured, “Chicago?”

“It’s my home Jess, the people there are my family, even if they aren’t my blood,” you explained, “I’m just not sure if I can leave them.” 

Disappointment flicked across his face. “So what do you want, really, is this conversation you trying to convince yourself to stay, or trying to convince yourself to leave?”

You thought about his question, knowing exactly what he was asking. Did you feel like Quantico was an opportunity you should take? That the fact that you were even offered such a once in a lifetime opportunity meant that you had to take it? Or did you feel like you owed Intelligence? That you should go back, regardless of what you actually wanted because they were your family?

You looked at LaCroix and shrugged, your head had been spinning all day with those questions, and you were still no closer to actually figuring out the answer. 

LaCroix regarded you carefully, like he was debating what to say based on your answer. “What do you want Y/N? Without thinking about anybody else, what do you want, right now?”

What did you want?

You finished your drink, staring into the bottom of the empty glass as you thought. This wasn’t an easy decision, and you hadn’t been given very long to decide, application for Quantico were closing fast if you wanted a slot in the next class. 

You thought about your time in New York, your time with the Fugitive Task Force, all the work you’d done, all the good... Who were you kidding, you knew what you wanted, you just knew it was going to be hard.

“I’m going to grab some air,” you told him, getting out of your chair before he could say anything and head out into the evening. The sun was just setting on the city, and from where you were stood you could see the lights on the towering skyscrapers and hear the sounds of the city starting to come alive. 

You felt LaCroix standing behind you, but he didn’t say anything as you look on at the city. “They won’t be happy,” you told him, thinking of all the family you had at home, not just in Intelligence, but 51 too, and Med.

“But will you?” He replied and you turned to face him as he stood before you, the look on his face told you he’d had at least some idea of what you were going to say, but you appreciated the fact that he’d let you make up your own mind.

“Yeah, yeah I think I will be.” You said after a long pause, the feeling in your gut easing as you finally admitted to yourself what you truly wanted. 

“Good,” he smiled, “because this would have been a little awkward otherwise.” You barely had time to even look confused, let alone say anything, before you found his lips on yours, pulling you into a kiss.  

He stopped almost as suddenly as he started, looking at your shocked expression. For a second doubt rippled across his face as your brain tried to process what was happening, “I-” He started, but you grabbed his collar and pulled him back in, his arms finding their way around your waist as the kiss deepened. 

No, staying in New York wouldn’t be so bad at all.

[ft-dads-au]

Cat-alyst

Gratsu Week 2020 Prompt: “I’m ready to die if necessary” Pairing: Gray x Natsu

A Collaboration by @mdelpin​ and @oryu404​

AO3 | FF.Net | Takes place after Break Free

Summary: Watching a horror movie late at night probably wasn't the best idea Natsu and Gray ever had. Combine that with scary noises coming from the basement and you have a recipe for a night neither one of them is likely to ever forget.

0-0

August 17, 2021

Natsu and Gray had just finished putting the kids to bed and were settling in for a quiet night at home. They had turned off all the lights to create ambiance; that part had been his bright idea. The blanket that covered them as they cuddled on the sofa watching TV had been Natsu’s. Gray wasn’t sure who had decided on the awful movie they were watching. It had probably been a result of their usual bickering and constant challenges. Either way, there they were watching a scary movie like two stupid teenagers, neither willing to admit that it was making them nervous.

Gray didn't know much about horror movies, but he could tell by the eerie background music that something terrible was about to go down. The first time it had happened had been funny, Natsu had squeaked loudly and leaped into his lap at the jump scare, and Gray had a great time mocking him, but now that was coming back to bite him in the ass. The suspense was killing him, and he held his breath as he watched the protagonist walk around her house.

Agonizingly slow, eyes wide open in fear, she reached the basement stairs and descended into the darkness. Gray found himself gripping Natsu tighter against him as if he were his only tether to reality. He tried to remind himself that it was just a damn movie by taking comfort in his boyfriend’s presence, solid and real by his side.

"Hello?" the young woman on the screen called out, her voice quivering in fear, "I-Is someone there?"

Gray held his breath as she took another step down, the old wooden stairs creaking beneath her weight. The camera focused on a dark corner of the basement, slowly zooming in while the ambient sounds that were giving him the creeps intensified, and then…

CRAAASH!

Gray jumped to his feet at the clatter, wincing as he heard the thud that immediately followed, realizing much too late that he’d just dropped Natsu on the floor. However, instead of the loud complaint that he’d expected, Natsu had only scrambled to his feet, his breathing shallow and fast.

“What was that?” he asked as his eyes darted around the ample open space of the first floor of his house.

“Probably just our overactive imaginations,” Gray chuckled nervously, “how about we watch something else?”

CRAAASH!

Jingle Jingle Jingle

“Overactive imaginations, huh?” Natsu grumbled as the jingling sound continued.

“Should we check it out?” Gray asked although he wanted nothing to do with whatever might be in the basement.

“Sounds like a great idea,” Natsu approved, “thanks for volunteering!”

Gray felt himself being nudged forward and instantly dug his heels, “Hell no! It’s your damn creepy house.”

“My house is not creepy!” Natsu huffed.

Gray raised an eyebrow as another noise rose from the basement. This one followed by even more crashes.

“Ugh, fine!” Natsu turned on the living room light and walked over to the small closet that sat at the bottom of the stairs. He opened the door and grabbed one of Erza’s foam practice swords, closing the door as quietly as possible.

He quickly walked back over to Gray and handed him the sword.

“Me? What do you want me to do with it?”

“I don’t know. You’re the big bad martial arts 100th level Master or whatever, go martial art!”

“That’s not even a thing, you dimwit,” Gray scoffed, looking at the foam sword with dismay. Seriously? What was he supposed to do with that? He gave a practice swish and reluctantly started to move forward, not wanting to look bad in front of his boyfriend.

It was at that moment that the protagonist let out a piercing, blood-curdling scream that made both of them jump again.

He handed the sword back to Natsu, “Fuck this, it’s probably nothing.”

The scream seemed to have affected whatever was downstairs as well because the noises started up again, that eerie jingling speeding up with every sound.

Natsu sweatdropped, “Are you for real?! Fat lot of good you are.”

“Hey, I’m injured, remember?” Gray pointed at his broken nose, a souvenir from seeing his ex the previous weekend.

He grabbed the TV remote from the sofa and turned off the TV, eliminating one source of stress as they debated what to do.

Natsu gazed at Gray in disbelief, sighing when he refused to budge, “Fine, I’ll go.”

He took two small steps, obviously waiting for Gray to change his mind or, at the very least, come with him. When neither happened, he turned to Gray, his eyes imploring, “I’m ready to die if necessary.”

“My hero,” Gray deadpanned, ignoring the blatant attempt at manipulation, he gave his boyfriend a small shove towards the door that led to the basement stairs.

“What in the world is going on down there?” They both looked up to see Erza coming down the stairs in her pajamas. “I could hear your bickering from my room. You’re going to wake up the kids.”

The warning came too late for the kids had already woken up. The sounds of little feet padding on the floor and coming out of their rooms attesting to that fact.

“I think there’s something in the basement,” Natsu informed his sister, having the decency to look embarrassed now that everyone was awake to witness their cowardice.

“I see,” Erza eyed both of them before shaking her head in disappointment at their behavior.

“Give me that.” She demanded her sword, and Natsu was quick to hand it over.

“I was just getting ready to go, you know,” Natsu protested, sounding much braver than he had just a minute earlier.

“Yes, I heard,” Erza smirked but refrained from saying anything else.

“Gray, why don’t you go check on the kids? Natsu, you’re with me.”

Natsu grabbed another sword from the closet, swinging it around as he followed his sister down the stairs, glaring when he noticed Gray laughing at him.

Gray hurried upstairs, herding the kids into Atlas’ room, which was the closest to the stairs. It wasn’t two minutes later when he heard an unmanly squeal.

There was a loud metallic sound followed by the sound of footsteps on the stairs.

“Everything’s fine, we found the culprit,” Erza called out, and there was something in her voice that piqued his interest. Was it amusement?

He hurried down the stairs, all three kids following close behind.

Erza was putting her swords back in the closet, and there was no mistaking the crinkling in her eyes. Gray turned to look for Natsu, who had yet to reach the living room.

“Where’s Natsu?”

“He’s having a little chat with our intruder,” was all she would say.

Gray was about to go after him when the basement door opened, and Natsu finally made an entrance holding a rather unhappy looking kitten by the ruff of its neck. The kitten had managed to get itself tangled up in some sort of Christmas decoration that was mostly made up of bells.

Jingle Jingle Hisss

Gray was about to tease his boyfriend when he noticed the scratches that littered his arms and hands, some deep enough to bleed. He set out to find some antiseptic instead. Natsu continued to hold the kitten speaking to it in a soft voice as Erza carefully freed it from its bonds. Once his part was over, Natsu handed the kitten over to his sister so she could examine it. Hana gasped loudly as she got a better look. She clapped her hands over her mouth in surprise before rushing over to Natsu and Erza. “Kitty!” she squealed in delight, bouncing on her feet. “It’s so cuuutteee!!! Can we keep it, Daddy?” “I don’t know,” Natsu thought aloud, “we’d probably need to get it checked by a vet, and we’ll have to buy all kinds of stuff for it...Pets are expensive…” Although he had a good point, Gray knew it the second Atlas, and Aki joined in with their oohs and aahs, and all three kids unleashed their combined attack of puppy eyes. Natsu was screwed. “Pleeaaassseeeee?” they all chorused, delivering the final blow, and judging by the defeated groan he let out, Natsu had accepted his fate.

“Your father is right,” Erza tried to intervene on Natsu’s behalf, “We can’t make that decision until we have a vet check to make sure it’s healthy.”

The kids groaned at her words, but they didn’t let that ruin their enthusiasm. Little hands reached out to pet the small creature who seemed to take the attention in stride for the most part.

Erza chuckled and carefully petted the kitten’s head. “It is cute, though, isn’t it?” she smiled as the kitten relaxed under her touch, offering her sweet little purrs in return.

Gray couldn’t help but agree. Even though its fur was matted down with dirt, it was a pretty blue-gray color, and now that it wasn’t scared anymore, the kitten was looking around curiously and mewling.

“Yeah, adorable,” Natsu grumbled under his breath, somehow managing to examine the scratches on his arms while deftly evading Gray’s advances with the antiseptic.

“Stand still,” Gray complained, “we need to get those cleaned up.” Natsu obeyed reluctantly, wincing at the sting of the antiseptic as Gray dabbed the scratches, “What happened anyway?”

“I forgot to close the bulkhead after I finished clearing the yard, apparently that hellion snuck in and knocked the Christmas decorations over.”

“Hellion? That little guy?” Gray couldn’t help but laugh at Natsu’s choice of word, “Don’t you think you’re exaggerating just a tad? Besides, you might as well get used to it. We both know you’re stuck with it now.”

Gray had always loved cats, and he was itching to get a closer look, so when he had finished tending to Natsu, he joined Erza in the kitchen, where she was giving the poor thing a warm bath in the sink while the kids watched in awe. He carefully extended his hand to let the kitten sniff him before attempting to pet it, quickly springing back when it hissed at him.

“You know, now that I think about it,” Natsu smirked at Gray’s wounded look, “I guess he’s not that bad.”

“Oh yeah? Let’s see if you still think that tomorrow when you’re getting a nice tetanus shot.”

“A what?!” Natsu complained, “You’re joking, right?”

“I suppose you don’t have to,” Gray shrugged, pretending to give the matter no importance, “You did say you were ready to die if necessary.”

“At least I wasn’t a big scaredy-cat, Mister it's your damn creepy house.”

“Oh, please, like you were any better. The only reason you went was that your sister didn’t give you a choice, and you know it.”

"Oh yeah? Let’s finish that movie and see who the bigger wuss is. You know, the one you turned off because you were too chicken to keep watching it!"

Gray was about to remind Natsu about who it was that had jumped into who’s lap when Erza put an end to their squabbling.

“That’s enough! You’re both wusses,” Erza retorted matter-of-factly.

“Honestly, getting so worked up over a little kitten. Here, hold it while I get the bathroom set up,” Erza handed the kitten over to Natsu and recruited Hana to find some dishes they could use for water and food.

“I didn’t notice any fleas, but we can’t let this little guy run around unsupervised all night,” Erza reported before running upstairs in search of some old towels and blankets.

Natsu nodded his understanding and grabbed the blanket from the couch, tossing it to Gray so he could spread it out on the floor. Once that was done, Natsu sat down and let the kitten walk around on the blanket.

Atlas and Aki soon wandered over, fascinated by the small creature, but to their great disappointment, it seemed to have eyes only for Natsu. It walked right up to him and sniffed him curiously before rubbing its head against his hand and licking one of his fingers.

Gray still had a hard time believing that the little guy had freaked them out so much, even though that stupid movie had been a significant factor. He watched a small smile spread across Natsu’s face at the gesture, and he felt all of his previous irritation vanish, replaced by a warmth in his chest that still caught him off guard after years of feeling nothing but sadness.

He joined them on the blanket, placing his arm around Natsu’s shoulders as Aki settled on his lap, shyly trying to pet the little cat and giggling when it purred in response.

Hana placed two small saucers at the edge of the blanket, one filled with water and another with tuna. She looked overjoyed when the cat went over to explore her offerings.

Gray watched the kitten devour the tuna messily, smiling at how easily Natsu had accepted the creature who had scratched the crap out of him. It reminded him of the way he’d accepted him despite how much of an asshole he’d been in the beginning.

Natsu was a lot of things. He was incredibly loud, loved to bicker about the stupidest stuff, couldn’t sit still to save his life most of the time. God, there were so many things about him that drove Gray completely up the wall. But for every one of those shortcomings, he had discovered a dozen other things that kept him coming back for more.

Real love is warm and unconditional.

Gray’s cheeks flushed as he remembered those words, spoken so earnestly just days earlier. Breathed into his skin and burned into his soul by the man he held in his arms. He hadn’t been capable of responding then, not with all the negative feelings that had been flowing through him after their encounter with Siegrain. Still, Gray knew he’d felt that warmth for a long time now— flowing through him as it cautiously worked its way to the surface, present in every one of their interactions until he felt heady with it. And he knew it was time to let go of his fear that once he said the words, they would be used against him again.

Gray gazed down at the man he’d fallen in love with - the one who had taught him so much about love from the moment he’d asked him to dance a year earlier, who was everything he could've ever dreamed of and more.

It was time to trust in what they had built together and finally make his feelings known.

“I love you,” he spilled quietly, but loud enough to know Natsu would hear him.

Natsu turned to him, and Gray could tell he was surprised by his sudden confession. His eyes glistened, and his face was swiftly turning a pleasing shade of crimson, but still, he managed a cheeky grin as he confessed his own feelings for Gray.

“I love you too, dumbass.”

Gray snorted, recalling how he’d responded to Natsu’s awkward confession when he’d returned from Crocus. “I suppose I deserve that.”

Natsu lay his head on Gray's shoulder, neither one capable of suppressing their smiles as together they watched the now tired kitten curl up in his lap.

"Alright, the bathroom is ready for our guest," Erza announced as she walked in, her expression once again turning into one of amusement when she saw them all sitting on the blanket. "What's with those goofy grins of yours?"

Their smiles widened as they looked at each other, "Oh, nothing," Natsu replied, “ Just happy, that's all."

[nitewrighter]

High Elf Cleric

A Fic for @the-legion in exchange for some AMAZING art of Aedan.

This fic is taking place after the events of Breach but before Dragonback.

----

The Lindholm’s workshop on the watchpoint was always a little stuffy. The cold fluorescent lights battling it out against the warm glow of the boilers and the smelter. Brigitte chewed on her thumbnail as she studied the schematics before her eyes flicked back up to Aedan, Rei, and Rajeev sitting across the desk from her.

“Did any of you guys clear this with Winston or Jack?” she said, tucking one of the locks at her temple back.

“Well--” Aedan glanced off awkwardly.

“We cleared it with Marti. We figured Jack would be more open to the idea if we came prepared,” said Rei, “Plus, now that Marti’s strike team is down a medic...” Rei trailed off.

“Down a--?” Brigitte glanced up at Rei, “..you’re taking Hana’s offer?” 

“Just until I can get the dragon back,” said Rei, “It’s what’s best for the strike team.” Rei’s gut still stung with the words, but she knew the whole watchpoint knew by now. 

Brigitte raised her eyebrows and brought her hand up in a ‘No judgment’ gesture before she looked over at Aedan. “You’ll be taking her place?”

“Not replacing her,” said Aedan, “Just...making sure we’re not short-handed in the meantime.”

“He’s been training with us, he’s got inside knowledge on Talon, and he’s well past the vetting process,” Rajeev added.

“And I know he can handle the pressures of the field,” said Rei.

“And you made Rei’s and my armor!” said Rajeev.

“I only made 40% of your armor, Rajeev,” said Brigitte with a slightly wry grin, “The rest is hard-light.”

“Still...” Rajeev trailed off.

Aedan nervously ran a hand through his hair. “What are your thoughts on it?”

“Well, speaking as a medic, one of the most important aspects of your job is having your team’s trust, so if Marti’s cleared you, that’s all the reassurance I need.”

“And... speaking as an engineer?” said Rei, pointing at the schematics.

“Oh!” Brigitte glanced down, “It’s pretty solid. The uh... color scheme’s interesting.”

“I just figured it was easier than spray painting, ‘Not with Talon’ on my chest,” said Aedan, “And well.. I’ve thought a lot about Samir saying we should treat our mission fatigues more like a uniform, and we can’t exactly wear the blue of the old Overwatch... so...”

“If I could make a suggestion?” said Brigitte leaning forward.

“Please,” said Aedan.

Brigitte set the holo-tablet down in front of her and pressed a button on it, turning the image on the screen into a 3-dimensional hologram. “Your... rig, you called it?”

“Biotic rig,” said Aedan.

“Well you’ve obviously been able to scale it down from your Mother’s model,” said Brigitte, “Less bulk, that’s good, but it’s more delicate. The thing about the Valkyrie armor is that it’s designed more around speed than protection. With your fade, you don’t need to worry about that as much. You’re modeling your armor after Doctor Ziegler when you might be better off modeling it after...um...”

“...Reaper,” said Aedan, glancing off.

“Marti based a lot of her uniform on old Blackwatch armor,” said Brigitte with a shrug, “You go with what works.”

Aedan still looked troubled. 

“Well, we don’t need to give you a big edgy cloak,” said Brigitte, “But..” she picked up a tablet pen and traced out some pauldrons in three dimensions in the hologram. “A bit more protection here on the shoulders and back. Protect the main node of the rig. And the boots--we could change those. You’re not going to be prancing on valkyrie shock-absorbing boots. We could get you some armor there, too.” Brigitte traced out some greaves on the model’s shins as she spoke.

“...That doesn’t look much like Reaper,” said Aedan, leaning forward.

“Different looks, similar functionality,” said Brigitte.

“I like the shin guards,” said Rajeev, “Null Sector slicers can be hell on the shins.”

“I like the pauldrons,” said Rei, “They make you look... heroic.”

“Heroic?” Aedan repeated. He never really imagined himself being remotely associated with the word.

“Yeah! You’re a High Elf Cleric!” said Rajeev.

Both Aedan and Rei gave him an odd look.

“What?” said Rajeev, “I mean--I’m not the only one who sees it, right?”

“Well ‘cleric’s’ a lot less pressure than ‘Angel,’” said Brigitte, a slight chuckle shaking her voice.

“So you’ll help us make it?” said Rei.

“Been a while since I’ve been able to work on something more than just repairs,” said Brigitte, “Yeah, I could do with the challenge.”

“Thank you,” said Aedan.

“You’re a lifesaver, Brig,” said Rajeev.

 “Oh I know,” said Brigitte with a smug wave, “I’ll make it so long as Rei here promises not to forget about us when she’s a big-time movie star.”

“I’m just going to be an intern,” said Rei, folding her arms, “And even then it’s just until I get the dragon back.”

“Right,” said Brigitte, making eye contact with Rei, “Right...”

----

“...so you’re really going through with the Glitchbot thing,” said Rajeev. He was sitting on her bed, leafing through one of her manga volumes as late afternoon light streamed through the window, watching as Rei cleaned out her closet. It had been a few days since the workshop.

“You were there when I told the whole strike team,” said Rei.

“I know it’s just... the fact that Brig knows... that makes it feel more real,” said Rajeev, setting the book down at his side. He pushed some of his own long hair back from his face. “Is it because you don’t think you can fight without it? Because y’know, even without it, wings and a sword... still pretty good combo.”

“Like I told the strike team, if there’s an emergency, you can call me back,” said Rei, “But fighting without the dragon it--it--” she huffed, “I don’t know how to explain how... hollow it feels. It would be like you fighting without knowing Samir’s watching your back.”

Rajeev’s face dropped. “Does it feel like that... all the time?” 

“No, sometimes it doesn’t hurt as much but... Dad and Uncle always acted like... because the dragon healed, it meant I was making a new future for the Shimada clan,” she pulled an armored headband out of the closet, one of her Father’s old ones, and lightly ran her fingers over the contours of the battle-scuffed steel, “One where we’re good. Without it--I feel wrong. I feel like I don’t have a right to lift a sword. And I can’t just make Mom’s wings a vehicle for a sword. That’s not what the Valkyrie wings are for. Getting the dragon back is the only way any of this will feel right again.”

“...you think you’ll get it back in Hollywood?” said Rajeev, standing up from the bed.

“No--I mean--I can’t stay here. I can’t stay here and watch everyone else fighting when I’ve had this--this chunk taken out of me,” Rei pressed a hand to her forehead, “I can’t give up on it, but I can’t stay here. Does that make sense?”

“Hey--hey--it’s okay,” Rajeev touched her arm, “Yeah. It makes sense. And Jack’s always saying this fight was never meant to be ours.”

“But it is our fight, and it is our home---” said Rei, “But--” her voice dropped a little, “If... if it never comes back... maybe it’s a sign. Maybe staying in this, we’ll just end up repeating our parents’ history...”

Rajeev’s fingers mindlessly went over his prosthetic eye, just barely brushing against his wadjet tattoo.

“And I know it’s this... big awesome legacy for you,” Rei went on, “But for me, it’s all assassinations and vengeance on my dad’s side, and death and grief on my mom’s. We should have a chance to be our own people.” 

“I get it,” said Rajeev, his fingers lowering from his tattoo.

 “And that’s why it’s important that Aedan should be the medic while I’m gone. He’ll do great things with you guys. I just know it. He shouldn’t have to live in his mother’s shadow,” said Rei.

Rajeev gave a huffing chuckle, “You know you’re going to break his heart when you go, right?”

Rei reddened and then huffed, “Oh come on, he’s all... science-y. He understands. I’ve already talked to him about it.” She thumped her knuckles against his chest, “Plus keeping you alive is going to be a full time job for him.”

“Hey, I’ve gotten better!” said Rajeev.

Rei put her hands on her hips skeptically.

“A little better,” Rajeev conceded, “And... I’m going to miss you, too, but I support you. I’ll keep them safe while you’re... doing your thing.”

Rei smiled. “Thank you, Rajeev.”

Rajeev spread his arms and Rei snickered and fell in to the hug. His hugs were second only to Reinhardt’s--big, tight, and all-consuming. Rajeev held up a fist as they broke away.

“‘Got-Our-Ass-Handed-To-Us-By-Talon’ Club?” he said.

Rei bumped his fist with her own. “ ‘Got-Our-Ass-Handed-To-Us-By-Talon’ Club,” she said with a smile.

----

About a week and a half after that first workshop visit, the four of them were back in the workshop, Aedan standing with his arms spread out awkwardly as Brigitte made sure the plates of his armor moved as intended.

“It’s not too heavy on the chest?” said Brigitte.

Nothing a bit of strength training won’t fix, Aedan remembered his own mother’s voice as he looked down at the armor, but it wasn’t as heavy as the Talon armor. He gave a glance to Rei--right... that morning he was trying on his armor was that same morning when she had come crashing into his life with all the beauty and catastrophe of a comet.  Try fading, Moira’s voice still sounded in his mind in the memory.

Aedan thoughtlessly turned to smoke and Brigitte winced back from him, hard, the word “Fan!” escaping her.

“Sorry!” Aedan said as he reformed, “Sorry, just... wanted to make sure it, uh... fades.”

“A little warning next time?” said Brigitte.

“Right,” said Aedan, rubbing at the back of his neck. 

“Try out the rig!” said Rajeev.

Aedan flicked his wrist and sent out a plume of biotics with one hand, then reabsorbed them in a vortex of nanites with the other. “Seems to be in working order,” he said, alighting biotic orbs on both hands, “I don’t suppose anyone has a mirror?”

“Athena?” said Rei, “Can we get selfie mode on the big monitor?” Athena extended her biggest monitor in the Workshop. The screen blipped and Aedan saw himself projected, caught in the glow of the white of his own outfit.

“...High Elf Cleric,” Aedan said a little dumbly, looking at his projection.

“See?! That’s what I said!” said Rajeev, moving into the frame of the monitor to swing an arm around Aedan’s shoulders.

“I like it,” said Rei, stepping into frame on Aedan’s other side, “It suits you.”

“Let’s just hope your mum doesn’t kill me for cribbing the Valkyrie color scheme,” said Aedan with a nervous chuckle.

“Eh, she’s had her own suit upgraded for a while, and we did say we wanted to give our strike team more of a uniform look,” said Rei with a shrug. She smiled. “Besides,” she added and ruffled his hair, “This one matches your hair.”

[pug-bitch]

That’s not why I’m going (19)

Big Beaumont

Book: The Royal Romance

Pairing: Drake Walker x Amara Suarez

Rating: some foul language, some extremely suggestive, and a VERY steamy scene right at the beginning + another one later on. This is absolutely NOT appropriate for people under 18.

Word count: 4,450 (let me know if the ‘keep reading’ cutoff isn’t working well!)

Notes: This picks up where we left off, with Amara’s POV. I’m sorry this has been in standby for a little bit now and I have not been sustaining the same pace. I do not want the quality of the plot to go down and as it complexifies, I may have to slow down a bit to make sure the plot points are under control :)

*****

‘Oh, Drake!’

Amara loses her grip and waves of pleasure wash over her. Drake is truly good with his mouth, she thinks. She loves how dedicated he is to her pleasure, because she feels the same way about him. Tonight, he made it very clear he wanted to make her come, and got to work right away. She couldn’t get enough of his hands on her hips, his lips on her core, his tongue flicking her clit. Still, now that she climaxed, she needs more of him.

‘Come here,’ she whispers, pulling him on top of her. He had carefully undressed her, but he had kept his jeans on. She’d have to remedy that right away. He moans as her hands unbutton his pants, dangerously close to his hard, throbbing cock. Once she sets it free, she grabs it in the palm of her hand, and flips Drake onto his back. Surprised, he lets out a gasp, and then another one when Amara takes his cock in her mouth. It’s not because she wants to return the favor, no, it’s because she loves the feeling of his dick twitching between her lips, and the taste of his pleasure. She sucks on it relentlessly, drawing multiple sounds from Drake, which would have been muffled had they been at the Capital. But here, at Ramsford, they both felt more comfortable, and even though they would never dream of taking Maxwell up on his offer to just have sex anywhere, they still felt like they could let go a little more.

‘Fuck, Amara,’ Drake pants, ‘I want you now…’

She strokes his balls one last time, and straddles him, eager to take all of him inside her. Drake bucks his hips, and she starts riding him, her lips firmly stuck on his. Drake’s hands roam all over her hips and back, sometimes stopping on her breasts. She rides him slowly at first, wanting to take in all of him, to take her time, but soon enough, Drake’s moans become more urgent, and she feels like he is getting close to orgasm. So, she quickens the pace, until he can’t take it anymore and flips her onto her back once again, fucking her as deep as he can.

Afterwards, they both lie in bed, their legs intertwined, their breaths short.

‘God,’ Amara whispers, ‘I’m so glad you came. Pun intended.’

Drake chuckles. ‘I wouldn’t have wanted to stay in the Capital for anything in the world. Of course I came.’

*****

Madeleine is satisfied with what she’s found on one of them. For now. What she has on the other will cost more, it’s not as simple. She’ll have to contact him and demand more money. Not that she can’t afford it, but she shouldn’t be the one financing, after all. She’s not the only one benefitting from all this sabotage; the person who approached her was also eager to get rid of the others.

In the meantime, some good old-fashioned snooping could work. The Mexican isn’t at the Capital tonight, she’s at Ramsford getting ready for tomorrow’s big event. So, let’s start with her room.

Madeleine opens the door carefully. What if someone had the same idea as her? Well, no, no one did. The room is eerily silent and dark, and Madeleine lights it up with her phone. The woman took basically everything with her, or so it seems. There are a few outfits in the closet. Madeleine goes right for the tag. Most of the dresses are from retail stores, and they are several sizes bigger than Madeleine’s, which makes her smile. Of course, she could see that the woman is not as skinny as she is, but having it confirmed by her outfits was an added bonus.

So much nail polish. How many colors does she need? If there are so many in here now, how many did she have total? Madeleine shakes her head. Truly, she could not relate to this peasant.

The bathroom is almost empty, just a few cosmetics remain, nothing to write home about. Well, this has been disappointing.

The nightstands are her last chance.

Nope, empty. Damn, either this woman is a great packer and she brings everything everywhere, or she truly does not have any more secrets.

Madeleine types up a text.

Tell him I looked everywhere for immediate leverage on A.S., no luck. I have something big, but it will require more time and more money.

She walks back to her room, discreetly, when she sees her phone light up.

Carte blanche.

*****

The next day, Drake, Amara, Maxwell and Hana are seated at the breakfast table. Drake feels rested and excited for the Beaumont Bash. Those events have never felt really courtly and they were one of the few moments when people could really let their hair down and not worry so much about etiquette.

‘Did you end up watching that movie, Max?’ Amara asks.

‘We did, Hana had never seen The Birdcage,’ Maxwell responds.

Hana nods, and shares a knowing smile with Maxwell. ‘It was fun. We also talked a lot, and I told Max what I told you guys the other day.’ She blushes and looks down. ‘I don’t know what I did to deserve friends like you three.’

‘Aww Hana!’ Maxwell yelps as he gets us to wrap her in a bear hug. ‘The real question is, what did WE do to deserve you, honey?’

Amara extends her hand and offers it to Hana. ‘Exactly,’ she says. ‘I’m glad you told Max. I’m happy for you, opening up can only be good.’

While she said that, she looked directly at Drake, which sent shivers down his spine. If anyone had told him, a couple of months ago, that he would open his heart and his past to a near stranger, he would have laughed in their face. But now… ‘They’re right, Hana. I’m happy for you, too.’

Hana wipes away a tear and says, ‘Thank you guys. But I do think I’ll remain discreet for the remainder of the competition. Just you three is good for now. Baby steps.’

They chat for a while and devise plans for the Beaumont Bash, which they have to prep without Bertrand, held back in the Capital. Because of the dire financial situation, they will have to make some of the appetizers themselves, which Drake is thrilled about. Sure, he’s gonna have to make them bite-sized and fancy for court, but making food is always a joy for him. He misses his cabin, where the kitchen truly is the heart of the home. He can’t wait until he can bring Amara there, hopefully sooner rather than later. Does she enjoy cooking? He doesn’t even really know. Sometimes he forgets how little time they have known each other, despite the deep truths they know about one another. It’s ok though, they have time to figure those things out.

As they all walk to the grand ballroom to help the very few staff members set up, Amara grabs Drake’s arm and holds him back. ‘Hey, come here for one second,’ she whispers.

He nods and checks on Hana and Max, who are a few feet ahead, entangled in a very lively conversation of their own. ‘What’s up?’ he whispers back.

‘I’m gonna go look into Bertrand’s study, while everyone is carrying chairs out. Max wouldn’t mind, I’m sure, for the sake of the Savannah case, but...I’d rather keep it discreet, ok? Just in case Bertrand knows more than he lets on.’

Drake nods and lets her go. He’ll manage the others if they asked questions. Drake loved seeing Amara so excited about this. Not just because it meant she was adamant about finding his sister, although of course that was an important point. He also loved how motivated she was about investigating again. It was clear that detective work and criminology were passions of hers, that she gave up when Sergio died. Drake is glad that she is finally letting herself do something she is passionate about, instead of punishing herself. He’s obviously never met Sergio, but if he was anything like Amara, he wouldn’t want his little sister to be miserable on his account.

‘Hey, where’s Amara?’ Max asks, turning around.

Damn, that was fast. These two were really attached at the hip.

‘Um, she got a phone call from the guy from New York, you know, for the bank account info?’

Phew, that was quick thinking. Maxwell nods and says, ‘Ok, that’s great! So, what are we thinking for the decor, guys?’

*****

Amara doesn’t know where to start. Bertrand’s study is just like him: stiff, stressful, well-organized, neat. The walls are all mahogany, and so is the desk. She almost expected one of the chairs to have a vest. Just like the little secret Beaumont baby.

The good thing about him being so organized was that everything would be labelled. So, she’d have to go back to files from about 2 years ago to see if he ever sent her money, or if there was documented correspondence. Easy enough.

Her eyes stop on the massive portrait on the wall. An oil painting of a happy, younger Beaumont family. The patriarch, Barthélémy, was not smiling at all, faithful to Maxwell’s descriptions of him. The mother, Hélène, was very beautiful, all smiles, and Maxwell is very blatantly all her. Teenage Bertrand was wearing, surprise surprise, a vest, but his smile was a little more relaxed than the one he usually had on these days. And of course, little Max was just as adorable as Amara had imagined. Tears fly to her eyes as she studies the portrait, in part because it reminds her of her own incomplete, reconstructed family, which does not look like the old pictures either, which still had both her mom and Sergio. But also, the tears are coming for Maxwell, for all that he has lost. She desperately wants him to reconnect with Bertrand, she wants that for him, for both of them. Maybe this little baby represents hope? Maybe Savannah does too?

Alright, she thinks, let’s get our shit together. She opens the files one by one, no money wired internationally so far. She spends a while looking through bank statements, and catches herself thinking, ‘that’s not what I call broke, but I guess it’s broke for nobility’.

Then, she notices a pattern. Something amiss. Some lump sum, going away every month, in addition to the Savannah fund, carefully hidden by Maxwell.

Maxwell had explained to her how he hides his wiring. He takes out the money on a different pretense every month, with a different denomination, so as to not draw any attention to the fact that it is indeed the same amount. The pretenses are ridiculous, but they are believable for someone who knows Maxwell. Ostrich fund. Peacock fund. Fireworks fund.

What could seem inconspicuous to someone like Maxwell, who doesn’t care about boring jargon? Upkeep funds. A lump sum each month for something different: roof repairs, chimney maintenance, coal supply.

Except that Amara cannot find any receipts to back any of it up. And knowing Bertrand, king of receipts -there is one for a pack of batteries in there-, that would definitely be in the file.

Also, why does everything cost the same amount? Someone is definitely pulling the same crap as Maxwell was for Savannah, and Amara is determined to find out where it’s going.

*****

Olivia adjusts her dress, and puts the thin dagger back in her chignon. She truly enjoys these sexcapades with her bodyguard, but today, her heart wasn’t in it. She had asked him to drive her to Ramsford a little early, and then, when they’d been far enough away from the Capital, she told him to pull over and fucked him while he was still in the driver’s seat.

She needed to get away from Liam. From the entitled bitch he had been for the past couple of months, he had turned into a sad mess, ever since Suarez had told him she wasn’t interested. He’d asked to spend more time with Olivia, especially since Suarez, and Drake, were both in Ramsford already, and Olivia did not like being second choice. She realizes she’s been a tad pathetic, sleeping and making out with a man who was taken with someone else, but she had hoped that maybe, he would come to his senses and acknowledge that she is the right match for him. But now… Now he asked for her specifically last night, and it felt...wrong. She had sex with him, but felt used afterwards. As if he’s using her to either forget Suarez, or pass the time until Suarez changes her mind and accepts him.

But Olivia knows that Amara Suarez has made her choice. She chose Drake Walker, and Olivia can totally see why, although she would rather cut off her own tit than admit it. The two are good together. It warms Olivia’s icy heart to see those two bastards and their blooming love.

So, she slept with Liam anyways, because she can’t say no to him. She’s strong in every single category of life, except when it comes to this damn boy. It’s always been like this, even when they were kids. Whenever he asked her for a favor, she would roll her eyes but she would do it anyway. That’s exactly what happened last night. Except that, when they were 10, the favor was usually something along the lines of giving him her last baklava, or playing with him at a game that bored her.

Last night, the favor hurt her. He has to know how she feels about him, and yet he took advantage of it. She had slept over, although ‘slept’ is a strong word. She’d tossed and turned until dawn came, and then she was gone, before tears could well up in her eyes. She’d gone to her room to pack the essentials, and then she’d called her hot bodyguard Ilya, and the rest was history.

Once arrived at Ramsford, she gives him her bags to put in the hallway, until she’s assigned a room, and she goes to explore and see where the others are. Lo and behold, she catches Amara sneaking out of Bertrand’s study.

‘Well well well, hello Suarez,’ she whispers.

Amara jumps up, visibly surprised. ‘Oh! Holy shit Liv, you scared me.’

‘Did you and Walker christen the tweed desk of Big Beaumont?’

Amara chuckles, ‘Ha! No, and please don’t call him Big Beaumont, it makes me wanna barf.’

‘So what were you doing?’

Amara looks all around her and gets closer to Olivia to whisper, ‘I think I found something about Bertrand.’

*****

Amara had filled Olivia in, and then Drake, sneakily, before they all went to the kitchen to make the appetizers. She had made them both swear not to say anything to Maxwell until she finds out more. She didn’t want to crush his opinion of his big brother, in case it was nothing.

But it didn’t seem like nothing.

She shakes it off and tries to keep it off her mind, just for tonight. After all, she’d never experienced a legendary Beaumont Bash before, and she was determined to have the time of her life.

She turns to Drake, who’s already working hard on some type of baked soufflé. She can’t believe her eyes - her man, the very same man who had been complaining non stop about the tiny bites the court functions had to offer, was baking a tiny appetizer. She opens her mouth to tease him about it, and changes her mind. No, she thinks. That’s not what she should be doing. He’s clearly enjoying something he’s really good at, so why make him feel self-conscious about it? She smiles fondly, watching him shape the little rounds of dough, and fill them with some sort of mushroom deliciousness.

Olivia’s voice pulls her away from the moment. ‘Alright bitches, what can I do?’

Amara glances at her and laughs openly. Olivia is wearing a red bodycon dress, a dagger in her hair in lieu of a barrette, and a very frilly apron with a gnome on it. ‘Jeez Olivia. The apron softens you,’ she teases.

Liv grimaces, ‘That’s all I could find, Suarez. Because you bastards snagged all the good ones.’

Amara looks at her own, which reads ‘Kiss the chef’, and smirks. ‘That’s right. Although I really love the gnome, actually.’

They get to work, and manage to bake and prepare a flurry of small canapés and appetizers. When Drake’s come out of the oven, he looks at them with a satisfied look on his face and says, ‘There we go. Pre-baked. The staff will just have to reheat them a few minutes before the party and we should be golden.’

Amara can’t help herself, she closes the few steps between the two of them and throws her arms around him. She plants a massive kiss on his lips, which he returns gleefully.

Olivia snorts, ‘Ugh Suarez, keep it in your pants. You’re the one wearing the ‘Kiss the chef’ apron, not him.’

Amara looks at Drake, who is giving her the most earnest smile. ‘I just can’t help it, he’s so handsome when he’s baking.’

‘Hm,’ Drake responds, raising one eyebrow, ‘you have a baker kink, good to know…’

‘Guys, you will fuck later,’ Olivia says curtly. ‘Can someone look at my tartines? What the fuck am I doing wrong?’

Amara steps back and looks at Olivia’s canapés. While they are supposed to be simple bread squares topped with a pâté spread and a cornichon, Liv seems to have butchered them, and they look like they have been stabbed by Brienne of Tarth.

‘What...Olivia? What the hell? What kind of knife did you use?’

Olivia’s face reddens. ‘Well, my knife!’

‘The dagger that was in your hair?’

She nods vigorously. ‘I washed it first, obviously. I’m not an animal.’

Amara has to stifle a laugh. ‘Well it sure does look like an animal made those. You’re supposed to use a butter knife, this is delicate!’

They all burst out laughing, while Olivia sulks. ‘This is why we hire help, Maxwell. I don’t know about this shit!’

Drake muffles his laughter by pursing his lips, and says, ‘Hey no worries, I can fix it. Let’s put more pâté on these bitches to hide the massacre.’

*****

They had barely finished preparing the food that it was already time to go get ready. Olivia’s gnome apron was definitely not going to cut it for a Beaumont Bash. Amara had bumped into Bertrand on her way upstairs. He was back, which meant two things. One, she and Drake would have to be discreet. And two, Amara would have to tread lightly when going back to his study to pick up the employee files. She had to go through them to see if the account number corresponds to any of them, before expanding her investigation. She’d thought of confronting him directly, but what if it wasn’t him? She’d instantly expose herself as having snooped, and he wouldn’t trust her anymore.

She put on an olive dress with a full skirt, and a deep neckline, and opted for a partial updo. She was ready to party.

Downstairs, everyone had already arrived, and the music was loud and festive. Maxwell was DJing, as expected, and was also already pounding drinks. Drake had just come out of the kitchen, probably to finish helping the staff with the apps, and was looking especially dashing in a gray shirt and dark blue pants. Amara felt her stomach flutter.

‘Hey Suarez,’ he approaches her with a wide smile. ‘You look beautiful,’ he whispers. ‘Olive green is definitely your color.’

She smiles. ‘You’re extremely handsome in this. You know what I’m thinking?’ He shakes his head and she continues, ‘We haven’t christened any bathrooms here.’

He smiles even harder. ‘I’ll have to take you up on that once everyone is hammered enough not to notice…’

He holds out his hand, gesturing to the dance floor, and she takes it. They both get closer to the crowd and start swaying and dancing to the music. Hana joins them shortly, followed by Penelope, who already seems pretty lit after one drink.

When Amara finishes her drink, she takes her empty glass and Hana’s for a refill. Liam is standing right next to the bar, looking wistful. Oh crap, she thinks. She’s gonna have to talk to him, especially after he’s been so understanding. And she’s gonna have to pretend she never heard what he told Drake when she was in the closet, which is gonna take more than one drink. She pours herself and Hana another glass of champagne, and smiles at Liam. ‘Hello there,’ she says hesitantly.

His face lights up. ‘Hi Amara. It’s so good to see you. How are you doing?’

Damn, it’s even more excruciating than the time she had to serve her ex, Rick, at the bar, and make small talk. ‘Doing great. Ramsford is treating me well. How about you?’

He gives her a sad smile. ‘I’m fine, thank you. I wanted to say, thank you for being honest with me. Not everyone is. I appreciate it.’

She nods uncomfortably. He was being nothing but pleasant, but something about this interaction was making her queasy. Maybe because she was not, indeed, being honest. Maybe because she had left out a huge chunk of information, which would change the way he views his best friend. ‘Thank you for being so understanding,’ she finally responds. ‘Are you enjoying yourself? You should come dance with us.’ She instantly regrets saying this, but at the same time, who was she to exclude him from his own kingdom? Plus, Amara is inherently an inclusive person, who does not want anyone to feel left out.

‘Thank you. I might just do that. I need another drink, though.’ He pours himself another whiskey. Weird, she thinks. He’s usually a wine drinker. ‘And Amara? I’m not saying this to make you uncomfortable, but I just wanted to tell you that you look ravishing tonight. This dress is wonderful.’

She thanks him politely and they both advance to the dancefloor where they get lost in the crowd.

*****

Drake is taking a break from the champagne. He’s not quite used to the bubbles, and they make him dizzy. He looks over to where Amara is standing, dancing with Maxwell, having an amazing time. He hates to break this moment off, but he can’t stop thinking about her, about her touch, her smell, her lips. He approaches the two of them, and joins their dance. Maxwell is almost in a trance, and half of his shirt buttons are undone. Almost time to breakdance, Drake thinks.

He whispers in Amara’s ear, ‘I’m going to the bathroom, babe. Join me in two minutes if you want.’

He wonders whether it was too directive, but judging from the way she smiles from ear to ear, it’s not very hard to see that she’s on board.

He waits for her inside the bathroom, the one farthest away from the ballroom, right by Bertrand’s study. A minute or two later, he recognizes her knock.

She comes in swiftly, biting her lip, and locks the door instantly. ‘God, you’re so handsome,’ she whispers before capturing his lips in a long, deep kiss.

‘You’re driving me fucking crazy in this dress,’ he replies, whispering in her ear as he kisses her neck.

Soon enough, she turns around to face the mirror, and drops her panties to the floor. Drake feels his pants tighten around him. ‘Fuck, Amara…’ He holds her close, still kissing her neck, along her spine. The smell of her hair is intoxicating. What is it exactly, he’s always wondered. Jasmine maybe? To him, it’s simply the smell of Amara. A smell that drives him nuts.

He slips his hand under her skirt, and strokes her bare ass, and with his other hand, caresses her breasts. She moans quietly, and bends over the sink a bit more. He gets the cue. His hand wanders between her legs, where he teases her slit, which is already wet from anticipation and desire. He finds her clit and strokes it, before sliding one finger inside her.

It doesn’t take very long for her to be soaking wet, ready for him. He frees his cock from his pants and boxers, and enters her softly. He knows they’re gonna have to be quick, but he cannot help but savor the moment, and he knows she can’t either. Her soft moans do not lie. He fucks her from behind for a little while, until she turns over and hops on the sink, their position of choice in this type of rushed situation. Thank God for sturdy marble sinks, otherwise they would have been discovered long ago.

He enters her anew, and they both gasp again at the sensation. They’re gonna have to pick up the pace and they know it. Amara wraps her legs around Drake’s waist, drawing him closer and deeper, and he fucks her faster, until waves of pleasure wash over him, and he cannot blame the champagne anymore for his dizziness.

‘That was amazing,’ she whispers, kissing him once more, for the last time until they can be alone again.

*****

Amara had let Drake get out first, since he had left before her, and as she walks into the ballroom, she notices several people staring at their phones in disbelief. She doesn’t have hers, it’s in her room, and Drake doesn’t seem to understand what’s going on either. Oh no, she thinks. They share a brief glance, full of worry and tension. What if someone saw them? They had snuck out multiple times before, sometimes drunk, but maybe not as drunk as they were today. What if they had been less careful than usual?

Amara approaches Maxwell, whose expression has gone from ecstatic to defeated. ‘Max, what’s going on? Why is everyone looking so weird?’

He looks at her, suddenly sobered up. ‘Oh my God Amara, it’s bad.’

He hands her his phone.

In a group text from an unknown number, a picture, sent to basically everyone at court.

A picture of Hana, kissing a blonde woman.

*****

Taglist:

@andy-loves-corgis @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria @jovialyouthmusic @alesana45 @drakesensworld @mariahschoices @notoriouscs @thequeenofcronuts @emceesynonymroll @drakewalkerisreal @nikkis1983 @iplaydrake @simsvetements @drakewalkerwhipped @drakewalkerrosenberg @drakeswalkers @drakxwalker @drakelover78 @silviasutton1989

Thank you for your encouragements, everyone! Let me know if you want to be added to the taglist :)

[thequeenofcronuts]

Uncertainties - A Royal Romance AU Story Chapter 2 Gifts for Confidence

Uncertainties- AU The Royal Romance

Uncertainties main location Silicon Valley California.

AU Summary - Career life is busy for a group of six friends when they meet a captivating woman with a beautiful soul. New friendships are forged and new romances revealed. All the while hearts are torn and closets are cleared of skeletons. True love always wins in the end, right?

AU Warnings - This Stand Alone will include the following 18+ subjects: Language, NS*W, Verbal Abuse, and Abortion. If ANY of these subjects will cause pain or hardship in reading, please skip reading Uncertainties. That being said, each chapter will include its own specific warnings.

AU Uncertainties Pairings and Characters: Pairings and Characters: Drake x Riley / Liam x Riley / Liam x Olivia / Drake x Olivia / Maxwell x Savannah, including Hana, and Madeleine, and OCs **All characters from the Choices Book: The Royal Romance are owned by Pixelberry Studios (Any other characters are the product of my brain…I probably should apologize now. 🙃😉)

Chapter 2 Summary - Liam meets Riley and thinks she may be a great fit for a friend. Meanwhile Riley’s long time friend sees something different.

Chapter 2 Warnings - None

Chapter Word Count: 4,240-ish

Tags: @client-327 @dcbbw @carabeth @drakesensworld @purplegreyshrimp

 ----- The next day Riley receives the call from Liam’s assistant requesting a meeting to discuss a possible donation and also possible fundraising gala with the CEO of Innovative Toy Box. After the call ends she immediately starts a call with her long time friend and after two rings Kammie answers. “Kam, you are not going to believe this. I got a random call from a major company that might donate to Gifts for Confidence! For once I wasn’t making a cold call, they called me! Crazy exciting, right?!” “Riles, I have to say that is pretty wicked cool. So what’s the company?” “ Innovative Toy Box. It’s a technology company of some sort that makes futuristic toys, or something like that. I obviously have to really do my research. Which, my dear sweet friend, oh the lovely and kind Kammie, wou-“ Kammie finishes Riley’s question. “Would I help you mine information? Of course.” Kammie hears Riley exhale a deep breath. “Thanks! I mean this could let the charity partner with way more orphanages!”

“Riles, I can’t even begin to imagine what this will do for everyone’s dreams in your office.” “Except Kam, I can’t let myself get too excited yet, I don’t even know what’s really going to happen.” Kammie sighs at her friend’s ever present practical mind. “Well then, I’ll be excited for both of us, and you be the serious downer you’ve been since the first day we met.” Riley takes a playful tone, “You didn’t just go there Miss ‘I had planned on sending my four years of college into oblivion as I partied like no tomorrow.’ Heh, how does our friendship continue to survive since we were randomly thrown together freshman year as roommates?” Kammie scoffs in reply, “Simple Riles, I made you way more exciting and you made me-” “Kam if you say ‘way less exciting’ our friendship is done at this exact moment.” They both burst out laughing.

“Okay Miss ‘Operation Save the World’ I’ve got the About Us page up from the company’s site. What’s the plan here?” Kammie hears the frantic clicking of Riley’s fingers on her keyboard already. “You read me important information, and take notes, from the pages on the website while I find any public financial statements, board reports, etc.” “I like this Riles. My job is actually simple enough this time around. Okay. Here’s the beginning of what they say about themselves on the ‘About Us’ page.

‘The mission of Innovative Toy Box is to provide children, alongside their parents, ways to use technology for enhancing life skills and lessons needed while still having fun. We believe it’s important to harness the future of technology, today, while we encourage the “good old fashion get out and play” style many of us remember from our own youth. From our app games, one for example, focusing on preschoolers, alongside their parents, learning to speak fluently in multiple languages, to our programming kits for older children teaching the most current coding skills while building robots as individual as their designer, we provide a plethora of toys for your child’s own technology toy box. ……’

“Riles that’s impressive! I think I want to build my own personal programming robot while learning coding, and I have no idea how that even works! What have you found?” Riley doesn’t answer right away. Still silence. “Um, Riles…Riley…” Riley’s tone is one of wonder when she finally speaks. “Their publicly released financials are incredible! I can’t believe a company like this would even hear about us, let alone call us!” Kammie laughs, “Well my little unbeliever, get ready cause it’s happening. Hey, when is your meeting?” “Friday morning. So I’ve got a lot of research to do. I want to know this company inside and out so they know we’re serious about this relationship. My only problem is…” “I got Riles, I’ll help in anyway I can. I know you’ve gotta keep your main job to pay the bills.” “Yeah, well that’s the life of girl with a degree in human services. Social Worker by day and charity worker … still by day. Gotta have two jobs. Heh. I’m just living the dream, aren’t I?” Kammie’s tone gets serious. “Riley Grace Brooks, you are wicked remarkable! You are the most compassionate, giving person I have ever known. You work to make a real difference in this world while loving unabashedly. Since our freshman year at USC I’ve seen that this has always been your dream. So you are living the dream. Keep living your damn dream girl.”

— — — — — Friday Morning

Riley’s voice is shaky as she talks to the receptionist in the lobby of the Innovative Toy Box offices. “Welcome Ms. Brooks!” Riley sees the woman’s name tag and mentally notes her name is Kelly. Kelly beams at Riley as she says, “Please take a seat while I check you into the system and contact Mr. Rys’ assistant. If I don’t have a chance to see you again before you leave, I wish you a wonderful day!” “You do the same, Kelly.” Wow, super nice and friendly lady. Riley thinks as she sits taking in the massive pure white lobby decorated with touches of more colors in the spectrum than she has ever seen at once. This would be completely intimidating if it wasn’t so carefree and…. happy? She continues to look around in awe as she realizes it feels like she is lost in a child’s imagination. All of the sudden a kind looking gentleman greets her. “Ms. Brooks, Welcome! We are quite excited to have you here with us today.” Riley feels some of the nervous tension release as she takes in the gentlemen’s kind smile. “My name is Thomas and I’m Mr. Rys’ assistant.” He extends his hand and Riley accepts a firm hand shake. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, ma’am .” “Likewise Thomas.” Riley replies as she still glances at the magnificent lobby.

“Thomas, this lobby is almost indescribable. The only possible description I could come up with would be that I’m lost inside a child’s mind. A child that is still pure of from the worries of this world. A child that is just allowed to be a child.” Thomas looks at the lobby and nods appreciatively. “Exactly what Mr. Rys was going for while in the designing stages of the building. He’d be quite pleased to hear you say that. You’d be amazed at how many people don’t take the time to ‘get it’. Even more of our own employees than you’d probably expect don’t either.”

Thomas motions for Riley to follow him and they begin to walk out of the lobby. “Allow me to escort you Mr. Rys’ conference room.” As they walk to a bank of elevators Riley looks around stunned. Somehow what should be stark white and uninviting is warm and cheerful. The colors of the furniture against the white background makes it unlike any corporate office building she has ever been to. That’s including every single company for children she has visited. As she and Thomas pass employees they all nod or say hello to Riley in recognition of the their visitor. By the time they reach the elevators Riley’s nerves have calmed immensely.

Thomas presses a call button and soon elevator doors open with Riley in awe again. Even the elevator is decorated wonderfully within the theme. Who thinks to decorate something as mundane as elevator in such detail? This is a fabulous place. I do wonder what this Liam Rys is actually going to be like. I can’t imagine someone who cultivates this kind of atmos- Thomas pulls her from her thoughts. “Ms. Brooks, the entire top floor is Mr. Rys’ office and I’ll be escorting you directly to his conference room.” Riley nods and can’t help but respond with a smile as she sees Thomas’ genuine one.

The elevator doors open and Riley walks out seeing nothing but white. White modern furniture, white walls. Such a drastic look and feel from the rest of the building. Thomas gives her a small knowing look as if he can read her thoughts while leading her into the conference room. “Please take any seat you wish. May I offer you some water, coffee, tea…” Riley tries to clear her parched throat. “Water would be lovely.” Thomas retrieves a bottle of water from the bar fridge and hands it to Riley while telling her, “I’ll let Mr. Rys know you’re here.” Riley takes the bottle of water thanking him and turns to the huge conference table. It's…round. I’ve never seen a CEO conference table be round. No head seat at the table for the someone of importance to sit. Again this whole room is white as well. She pulls out her laptop, notes, and charts from her carrying bag, and opens the bottle of water bottle while her laptop powers on.

Soon there is a gentle knock from a door she hadn’t noticed almost in the back corner of the room. As it slowly opens a very handsome, tall, well built man with blonde hair and deep blue eyes takes a few steps while clearing his throat. “Ms. Brooks, it is a delight to meet you.” He closes the door and takes the few steps his long legs need to reach Riley and offers a firm but considerate handshake, “Liam Rys.” He says as he takes the seat next to her with a wide, warm smile. Did the CEO really just knock on his own conference room door? That’s a first. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Rys.” “Liam, please.” Riley nods, “Then Riley please.” Yep, he is easy on the eyes and charming. Soon Riley realizes she may have been gazing too long so she immediately says the first thing on her mind. “I have to say, Mr., er Liam, I have never seen the CEO of a company knock on his own conference room door before entering.” Meanwhile Liam sits back and is quite taken by Riley’s long raven hair, porcelain white skin, and bright blue eyes. Her eyes are in such contrast to her hair and skin. Hmmm, I think she is definitely Drake’s type…at least from what can be seen. I’ll have to make a point of describing her and telling him about her tonight. As he registers that she had mentioned him knocking before entering he realizes he may have been gazing too long. “Well Riley, I try not to be a ‘normal’ CEO. I feel it’s rather startling to be siting waiting for a meeting and have someone just barge through a door without warning.” Another wide smile is on his lips. “Shall we begin?”

Liam first gives Riley a slightly more detailed description of his company than the high level information that is on their website. Shes glad she completed the more in depth research herself, as understanding exactly what he is expressing helps her to relax even more. I’ve never felt more comfortable asking for money. She internally snickers. “So Riley, I’ve done a little bit of research on the charity you work with, but I’d like to hear about it from your view point first.” Huh, that’s a different and nice way to words, ‘tell me why I should give your charity a lot of money.’ Liam continues, “I also want to hear why you, Riley Brooks, chose to work for this particular one.”

Riley takes in a quiet breath as she realizes she’s not going to be giving her usual presentation to a large corporate donor, and begins like it’s just comfortable chatting. “Well, Gifts for Confidence works directly within a number of orphanages that our funds can sustain. No matter the age of a child when they enter an orphanage they have many different ranges of emotional needs, and while the orphanages do their best with the funding they receive, the obvious lack of funds do not allow for much more than the basic necessities. What our charity does is create and send a sort of…comfort ‘bundle’ that are age appropriate for new children entering the orphanage. The bundles include security blankets for little ones and popular character blankets for the older children. Also, they include age appropriate toys, books, coloring/school supplies, clothes, and some personal items which are given to the child so they have items that are ‘theirs’; belonging only to them. When you’re scared, alone, and confused receiving the comfort of these items that are specifically for ‘you’ makes a world of difference to these kids. It gives them confidence in the people taking care of them and in the new, scary place they’ve found themselves in through no doing of their own.”

Liam looks at Riley with amazing kindness. “This is a brilliant cause. I have to say I never thought of this kind of need specifically until my my best friend, Drake, and I found this charity online. To hear from someone so passionately explain it all, it truly makes me realize its importance. Now, if you wouldn’t mind, please tell me about why you have chosen to be involved in this particular area of need and this exact organization.” Liam notices Riley’s body slightly tense. “Please Riley, you don’t have to give any deeply private or personal information. I just want to understand this from another person’s perspective. While I have a passion for children too, my mind works with that passion in a completely different way.” His smile is so authentic and warm hearted Riley is certain he is definitely not the typical Silicon Valley quick dollar CEO.

With a sip of water Riley begins measuring her words, as there are multiple, very personal, reasons for who she is and the choices she makes in her life. “I have my bachelors degree in Human Services and my primary job is working with children coming into Hope Children’s Home from Child Endangerment situations. That work led me to hear about Gifts for Confidence, and I was soon volunteering at the charity until the need arose for a new Philanthropy Director and apparently they think I have the temperament for it, so here I am.” She shrugs her shoulders while grinning. The room is silent for a minute while there is a look of astonishment on Liam’s face. So giving, and a difference maker. Ok, so definitely Drake’s type with her beauty inside and out. “So you work two jobs with very emotionally situations? That sounds like a lot of stress. I’m sorry if that’s too personal.”

Riley smiles and shakes her head no. “Not at all. I love and believe in what I do. For as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted to make a difference and do something worthwhile. Yes, working at two organizations of this type does take an emotional toll, but to be frank, I also need to have more than one job. These kind of organizations pay as much as they can with the limited funds they have for operational and employee costs. Donors, and also our staff members, want as much of the money to go to the cause, the children who are the whole reason. It’s just that people forget it does cost money to run a charity. I’ve always believed that one of the most important factors in understanding the true measure of a charity is to understand their breakdown of funds. It’s sad that in a lot of organizations too much of the funding goes to fancy operating expenses and top employee salaries. But, enough about all that.” Riley looks at her charts and financial breakdowns she brought for her presentation.

“Liam, I do have our finical breakdowns and breakdowns of areas where funding is needed most. I can show you anything you might want to know or answer any questions you have.” Liam shakes his head as he tells Riley, “No, that won’t be necessary. I think we’re good. Is there someone I need to direct my staff to for contacting the charity so our organizations can begin working together?” Is he saying ‘yes’ with just this one conversation and not look at any of our numbers? “Well, when you’re ready to decide I’m the contact…for all of it actually.” She laughs. “Philanthropy ‘Director’ may sound like I’m over a department or something, it really just means that me, myself, and I direct the entire process.” Her laugh is harmonious, and her eyes are brilliant. Drake would be enthralled by her. “Riley I’ve already decided. This charity is amazing and if those working at it have the same passion I can’t wait to put this in motion. I’ll get my contact here in touch with you soon so we can start working on the donation, and the fundraising gala.” Riley’s head is spinning. “I’m sorry, but I am understanding correctly. You’re really serious about going all in, after just this conversation? What about your board of directors? I don’t mean to sound ungrateful…” He flashes her a bright smile. “The answer is yes, from just this conversation you have this company’s support, it’s my decision alone. When it comes down to the board, numbers are all that matter. Do you have any questions for me right now?”

Riley contemplates. Do I ask him my completely non-related question I’ve been curious about since walking out of the elevator? Why not, he seems nice enough. “Well I do have a question but it’s not about the funding it’s about this building.” Liam raises an eyebrow with an encouraging smile. “By all means Riley, ask away.” “I was telling Thomas as he escorted me up here that being in this building feels like you’re in a child’s imagination.” “That was my goal, Riley. Not many notice. You must be kind, caring, and smart.” Riley feels a blush to her cheeks. “So, when we reached your floor and I stepped off the elevator seeing all the plain whi-“ Liam interrupts. “Why is it so different up here? So, plain? I have two reasons. First, everyday it reminds me that I have a fresh canvas for this company in creating the forward thinking toys and programs we want to create. Second, the stark difference reminds me to never let my imagination go. To never let my ideas lose the magic.” Wow. Quite the cerebral thought process. “I understand. Everyone I’ve seen around here today seems to show that those sentiments trickle down from the top.”

Liam smiles and sighs. “Not every place is perfect, as I’m certain you know that well Riley, but we do our best.” He looks at his phone. “Well, I’m sorry to have to go-“ Riley stands up for a handshake. “Don’t apologize, you only have all this,” she gestures in the air around the building “to run and manage.” She lets out a short laugh. There’s that smile and laugh again of hers. She could be great for Drake. “Liam, I’m so thankful that our organizations will be working together. Have a great rest of your Friday.” “Thank you Riley. Enjoy your Friday as well. I couldn’t be happier that our company will be supporting such an amazing charity.” And woman. As Liam leaves the room Riley packs up her things with a large smile on her face.

Leaving the conference room Thomas asks if she would like to be escorted down to the lobby. “I appreciate it Thomas, but I’ll be able to find my way out. Have a great Friday and weekend.” Thomas returns the well wishes as Riley steps into the colorful elevator thrilled with the way things turned out today. The elevator stops on the next floor down to let a blonde woman with piercing green eyes enter. As the woman pushes the button for her desired floor Riley gives her a warm smile and says hello. The blonde just stares at the doors tapping her foot with her arms crossed. As the doors open she looks Riley over and obviously isn’t threatened. “Coming from Mr. Rys’ floor I see. Whatever for I wonder.” She walks out of the elevator without another word. Riley knew it wasn’t a question just a statement, and from the blonde’s tone she obviously didn’t appreciate her being on Liam’s floor. Like Liam said. “Not every place is perfect…but we do our best. She shakes her head on the rest of the ride down to the lobby.

*** Friday Night - Riley and Kammie

Riley is waiting for Kammie at their favorite dive bar for their end of the week tradition when she hears a friend from behind the bar, “Hey Riles. Celebrating making it through another week? How many fingers of whiskey are we needing tonight?” Jeff teases. “I’ll decide that when, and if, my partner in crime shows up.” Just then Riley feels a playful slap on the shoulder. “Speak of the devil.” Jeff chuckles while he ducks under the bar before Kammie can reach him. “Kam you’ll never get me.” He sticks out his tongue. “Oh sweet, naive Jeff,” Kammie cackles, “one of these days you won’t be fast enough, or won’t have this bar to hide behind. Then you’ll be oh so sorry.” Riley gives Jeff a feigned look of worry. “Kam may look sweet Jeff, but damn the girl can pack a punch.” Riley raises her hands as if leaving the conversation completely. “But hey, it’s your life Jeff, not mine.” She and Kammie chortle together.

The ladies order and head to their usual table sipping their drinks for a minute. Finally Kammie gives Riley a devious look. “Sooooo, Riles. I confirmed something today that you didn’t even know you wanted confirmed. You can thank me later.” Riley eyes Kammie suspiciously. “I know that look Kam, and whatever it is you ‘confirmed’ I most certainly haven’t had enough to drink yet to find it out.” Kammie smacks Riley on the shoulder. “So first, about today. Do you think you’ll lock in the donation?” She notices the telltale smile forming on Riley’s face. “Actually Kam, he committed to it today.” “Great! But ok Riles, I know that smile. Spill, because I’m sure it’s about a certain CEO!” “Fine. Liam is incredibly kind, and smart, and -“ Kammie interjects. “Ohhhh, first name basis. Nice! I like it.” Riley rolls her eyes. “He also is easy on the eyes. Blonde hair, blue eyes, tall,-“ “Ok, Riles, that leads me to the information that I confirmed today, because I love you. So maaayyybee after searching images of Mr. Rys, anndddd you’re correct, oh so gorgeous by the way, and a possible lengthy afternoon spent on a search engine, I can say, Riles he is most certainly single.” Riley raises an eyebrow. “So what I’m saying is, Riles, Liam Rys is quite the catch, and you, my dear, just stumbled into his life.”

*** Friday Night - Liam and Drake

Drake is sitting on Liam’s couch waiting for him to get home with a drink already in his hand. Not too long after he settles in he hears Liam come in the door making his way around the corner while concentrating on his phone screen. When Liam catches movement out of the corner of his eye, he about jumps out of his skin. “Drake! What the hell?!” He lets his breathing slow. “Why the hell did I ever give you a key?!” Drake tries to talk though his fits of laughter, “You should have seen your face, man. Priceless, and I wasn’t even trying.” Liam plops down on the couch as he finally laughs along with Drake. “And you gave me the key because I’m your best friend.” Drake shrugs. “So then, Drake, why don’t I have a key to your place, best friend?” Drake looks around the penthouse. “With this, why the hell would you want one?” Liam nods and stifles a chuckle. “Point taken.” Drake tries to look mad but can’t pull it off. “Anyway, drinks and tell me about the charity thing. From what we read, the charity sounded pretty great.” Drake says after taking a pull of his drink.

Liam gets up and pours himself a scotch, returning to the couch. They clink glasses and Liam starts talking. “Oh yeah, the charity is fabulous and I’ll tell you all about that later. I’ve already decided it’s the one we’re going with.” Liam pauses for just a beat. “But what I really want to talk to you about is Riley.” “The charity worker?” Drake quirks an eyebrow. “Don’t look so confused Drake. Sip your whiskey and listen. Riley is kind, generous, smart, and definitely has a sweet soul. She is a dedicated to her causes and loves working to make a difference. In fact wanting to make a difference for others seems to be what drives her. Are those values sounding a bit familiar, Drake?” Drake puts up a hand. “What does this have to do with anything, and why do I feel like your pitching an idea to me?” Drake takes a sip of whiskey and Liam rolls his eyes. “Just let me finish. She is absolutely stunning with raven black hair, porcelain skin, and these compelling blue eyes that brightly stand out against her other features.” Drake sits further back into the couch looking quizzically at his friend. “I mean she sounds great and all, Liam, but you’re not really a dark hair, blue eyes kinda guy.” Liam gives him a devilish smirk. “Precisely brother, but you are.”

[lazualazua]

Aren’t You Not Charming

Pairing: Subaki/Hana

It looks like I was your secret santa @sshining for @fe-holiday-exchange and I really hope you enjoy it. I haven’t written a fanfiction in more than a year hopefully this is somewhat decent and I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas. 

With the festival picking up, an exhausted Hana walks out of the booth ready to have fun with her shift ending. She loves helping Sakura, she does, but carrying lots of boxes just hits the limit. Hana can feel her back aching, but who cares she’ll forget it once she gets some adrenaline from the games. Taking her hoodie from the table, she wears it before heading out the door.

Hana is glad that she brought the hoodie as she shivers from the brief gust of wind. The brunette just isn’t used to the cold like some of her friends are. The colorful lights illuminate the place, and each attraction is just as eye-catching as the next. As she wanders around her eyes pick up on a booth with a pink neon sign with the title “Kissing Booth” and her eyes land on the last person she expects to work there other than Sakura.

“Subaki, you’re working here?!” Hana exclaims at seeing the “perfect” man at the kissing booth.

Sure, she knew that there was going to be a kissing booth, but Hana would never expect him to be the attraction. It is such an absurd idea that she blinks twice trying to make sense of it.

“Why should you be surprised? The others agreed I’d be the best for this attraction especially with my charms.” Subaki flaunts as usual. Does the man never get bored of praising himself?

“Yeah, I’m sure that’s the case. Not because your partners wanted to get rid of you and pile all the work on you.” Hana lamented.

The red-haired man rolls his eyes and makes a gesture of shooing her away.

“Whatever, I was going to play some games anyway,” Hana says.

“You’ll run out of money before you even win a single game. You suck at them.” Subaki comments just before applying the chapstick. He has to always be ready for any potential customers especially with his shift being at the peak.

“As if you don’t too. Last time you played you kept losing until you didn’t have enough money to get home.” Hana reminds him of a previous incident.

“Can we stop bringing that up.” Subaki always tries his damn hardest to forget that memory, but someone like Hana would never let him live it down.

“Nope.” Hana pops the p with emphasis smiling at him with her “angelic” smile. Subaki believes that if the devil ever took a form of a human, it would be Hana.

“Some customers are coming so you better get out of the way.” The long-haired man presents a different demeanor when he turns to face the incoming people.

Hana moves but watches out of curiosity to see who’s in line. She bets that most of the people in the line are people who are forced to do this as a dare or a loss of a bet.

The first one was a girl in her class. She’s the tallest girl the brunette’s ever met, and the girl’s wavy hair almost obscured the moment the kiss takes place as the lady bent down to kiss him. Hana placed a hand over her mouth stifling her laughter when she notices the long-haired man’s shaky hands after the kiss. Hana’s got to give it to him, he manages to compose himself and keeps up with the customers whether he or she was frivolous or not. As soon as the kiss hungry people leave the short girl sees the taller man slump in his seat placing his hands in the pockets of his jackets; seemingly worn out. Their eyes meet and she couldn’t help herself but smirk at how the usual confidence has disappeared into thin air.

“Are you just going to stand there and mock me,” Subaki asked trying not to get angry then after a pause his confidence reemerges his smile broad and continues, “Unless you’ve wanted to kiss me. It’s a cheap service for once in a lifetime chance.”

Hana lets out an unrestrained laughter, and it further embarrasses Subaki. She clutches at her stomach as tears formed in the corner of her eyes.

“Oh, that’s the best thing I’ve heard all day. Repeat that please, I need to record this.” The brunette asks taking out her phone.

“Forget it, can you just go away,” Subaki mutters and looks away scowling. The guy just feels exhausted after trying to present a calm persona towards many people and Hana is not helping.

“Aww, fine as a little apology gift why don’t you come with me and play the games. I want to find someone to utterly demolish at these games.” Hana offers leaning against the booth support.

“I guess I can make time for you. I’ll just let someone else take over.” The taller of the two says getting up. A few games surely will help the man out, and he seizes the opportunity faster than Hana seizes the first dumpling.

Subaki leaves his post and came back with someone else to take his place.

“C’mon let’s go. I’m ready to kick your butt. Let’s start with a game of knocking pins.” She urges and gets to the booth before he could utter a word and paid for the first game too.

With a game of rock, paper and scissors the first to go would be the taller of the two. He takes the ball in his hand and shot with accuracy, and his smug grin wipes off his face when it fails to barely knock one pin off. The other two times he managed to get more down, but still, half the number of pins are still standing.

“Let me show you how to actually play this game,” Hana claims taking the ball and pulls her hand back and uses a lot of force similarly to how a pitcher would with a baseball.

“You’ll only mi-,” He didn’t complete his sentence as the ball hit its mark knocking all the pins down.

Luck is not in his favor at all. The loser sighs and accepts his defeat, and the winner receives a cherry plushie. Subaki looks around thinking of the next game that they’ll play and spotting the dart game he just knew he was going to wipe the floor with her.

“I bet you wouldn’t be able to win a dart game. You have the aim of a drunk person, and still, that drunk person would win over you.” Subaki taunts her knowing that it’ll rile her up.

“You’re on; I’m not losing especially not to you.” Hana declares following him to the place.

Subaki pays the poor bloke managing the place and notices a couple of bandages on the guy. Probably from the mishaps. The brunette grabs the darts from his hands and clenches the first dart. The first two shots bounce and hit the edge of the dart board, and just before the last shot, Subaki holds her hand back.

“You monkey here let me show you how to actually shoot one.” Subaki positions her hand to help her throw the dart.

“You know what I’ll let that insult slide. Let’s just get on with it.” Hana replies just trying to get him to shut up by not making a fuss.

Usually, in this circumstance, there would be an occurrence where the female protagonist such as Hana would blush and stutter. Instead, she focuses on how to position her arm to beat him at his own game. Her competitiveness was overpowering the cliché of a romantic comedy. This moment really highlights the reason Subaki is often called a perfect man proving his claims. The position and angle are adequately coordinated, and she could see his eyes switch between the dart and her hand. With a push, the dart manages to land right on the bullseye thus winning the game. Subaki ultimately won, and when given the plushie that was of a creature with buggy eyes he hands it to Hana straight away.

“Why did you give it to me when you won?” The shorter of the two asks.

“Toys are for kids, and I know just how much you love cute stuff.” The red-haired guy replies.

The brunette shrugged and held it close to her. The two walk around, and it became packed to the brim to the point that they are sweating in this weather. Escaping from the crowd the two go behind one of the tents and into a vacant area. The two didn’t really pay attention to their surrounding rushing to get out of the place. Subaki trips and falls over from the wire that extended from the tent. He groans not from pain but that Hana will never let him forget this incident. He groans even louder when he hears her laughing.

“Here take my hand,” She says as she extends her arm towards her.

He does something unexpected and pulls her down next to him and she grunts but the ground was surprisingly softer than one would expect.

“You’re such a child,” The brunette laments.

“Look who’s talking,” He retorts exasperated by her usual behavior.

Hana rests her chin against his chest and looks directly at him as he stares at the star. She could feel his heart thudding and slowing down as the adrenaline wears off. It’s a beautiful feeling.

“It’s too bad we can’t see the stars properly from light pollution. Not like in tv shows where the two love interests just lay and look at the star-filled sky,” The man mentions as he extends his arm before placing it back down.

“But there’s always one star I can always see even with light pollution,” She says looking straight at him.

Something is compelling her to say those things. A moment of emotional courage if one had to name it.

“Obviously some stars are brighter than others,” He informs offhandedly.

“I meant you,” The words escape the brunette’s mouth and there was no going back.

Subaki suddenly choked on his saliva not expecting what she said at all. Hana pats his back, and he sits up. She chuckles as he tries to compose himself. Although her heart is thudding from anticipating his, she still manages to look calm.

“Do you hear yourself. That’s so cheesy, I’m going to throw up,” Subaki says with fake disgust, but the look on his face made Hana calm down. At least she isn’t the only one feeling embarrassed.

“But it got a reaction at least. I’m sure your heart is racing isn’t it,” She teases getting closer to him.

“Regardless of those horrible lines taken out of a drama, I do want to go out with you,” Subaki admits tilting his head as he looks at her.

“I accept as long as you don’t act any different with me. With a bit of romance of course, but you’ll never catch me repeating that,” Hana replies.

The two decide to go back and to see who really will be the superior at the festival’s games. Although that's what they claim is their current reason for doing so instead of their actual intention to just have fun together.

[arc-17]

Darkness - Part 1

A Choices Whodunnit Fandom Fanfic

Introduction: This is set within the Alternate Universe @rr-roe-es aka @choiceswhodunnit 's game here within the fandom, starting right before the third murder and prior events are covered in flash back here. Before continuing on in the other parts, 2, 3, etc. of this fic series. This is VERY AU obviously since some of these characters lived at different times (Kenna Rys specifically) and well… have, or will be dying LOL! Since the premise of this whole event has sparked my interest, and I’ve really loved working with everyone on these mysteries, and gotten a bit of my old Role Playing skills up and running again, I decided to write the events as if they were really happening to the characters, within this AU, from Ryan’s point of view. So… without further ado, here it goes. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Darkness. It was within and without, in his thoughts, his dreams when they did happen, and in the room around him. He’d never felt anything like this, but… he’d also never experienced anything like this before. Not before coming here that is, to this castle, before getting trapped in this… psychopathic murderous game. Hollywood Actor Ryan Summers rolled over in his bed, unable to sleep despite the ridiculously posh and warm surroundings, had the situation been different; it would have been a dream trip. But instead, his fellow guests have been getting killed one by one while he and the other survivors get to play Sherlock Holmes and figure out how the killer has been committing the murders. Obviously it’s one of them, Kenna was the only person he knew coming here and he’d trust her with his life. It could be the staff, but knowing Kenna, she’d only have people she’d trust with her life, so no, it can’t be one of them. “…I am among you...” The first note had said, and it was the first of many he was to find out. Ryan got up and walked over to his window, reflexively testing to see if it too was locked from the outside, just in case. It wasn’t, and he opened it a crack and left it open. Moving back he sat on the edge of his bed as the previous two day’s events replayed them in his mind.

~

Stepping out of the limo, Ryan pauses to take in his surroundings, the crisp fall air of the open country estate surrounding him as he took a deep breath, enjoying the lack of city smell as he took a moment, straightening the cuffs of his Armani Tuxedo. With a soft whistle he took in the sight before him of the sprawling age old structure, a castle built in a by gone era “Haven’t seen a castle like this since I was in The Prince of Dragons! You ever see that one Jeffrey?” He says to the valet as he closes the door for him. “I cannot say that I have sir, but you’ll find the lady of the house inside, just this way.” He motions for Ryan to follow, another servant taking care of his baggage. Upon entering the grand foyer he spots her immediately, closing the distance to give her a hug. “Kenna! It’s been to long!” Ryan grins, planting a kiss on her cheek as they parted. “Ryan, it’s good to see you, tell me how is Cassandra?” She smiled though, it didn’t reach her eyes which he should have noticed, like there was a sadness she was hiding, but he discounted it entirely. “She is doing wonderful, as always, has her Pilot’s License now, I think when the examiner found out what she did in that damaged Jet with Dave and Sam it helped.” He chuckled. “That is good to hear” she said looking over his shoulder at some more guests arriving. She then gave his had a slight squeeze. “Maybe… if,” she shook her head. “I’d like to hear about your friend’s Sam and Dave, later some time if you don’t mind.” “Of course, It’s quite the tale, the adventure that those two get themselves into” he chuckled and then moved aside as she went to great the others, watching the other guests arrive, taking an offered glass of wine as a waiter walked by. There were a few faces he recognized, though didn’t know them personally, such as Leo, former Prince of Cordonia. The tabloids were alive with the goings on there and the “contest” for his Brother’s hand in marriage and the crown. He knew personally how unforgiving the press could be, and how hard it was to keep one’s personal life private. And then there was also Benjamin Park, the writer. He was a fan, though he tried to keep it low key. And he’d heard rumors through his friend Dave that one of his comics would wind their way to the big screen, where Ryan hoped he’d get the chance to get a part. He made a mental note to talk to him later. Having finished his glass while surveying the group, Ryan sets it aside and taps who he supposed was a passing waiter. “Pardon me son, when you have a moment, I’ll take a Manhattan, but eh, make it the top shelf stuff” He says with a wink. The young man furrows his brows, “I am off the clock. Get your own drink!” he says briskly then, pauses realizing who was in front of him he beams and the next words almost fell out of his mouth all at once. “Oh boy! Love your work sir! I’ll be back in a second with the Manhattan, sir!” Ryan laughed, resting an arm on his shoulder to have him wait, having given him a full look to see he wasn’t dressed like Kenna’s staff, and had a drink of his own. “Woah easy there friend! My apologies, I mistook you for one of Kenna’s crew here, but I see that is not the case. My name’s Ryan Summers but I guess you already knew that.” He smiles extending his hand in greeting. “I’m Daniel, waiter by day, and family friend of Kenna’s… any other time!” Daniel says, grinning ear to ear as he shook his hand. “And say, let’s work together! I’m game for an alliance” Ryan chuckles again, the young man’s infectious enthusiasm for this adventure impressing him. “An Alliance eh? Excellent because I have no idea why we are here, other than this is some sort of special Mystery game, event, thing, with mandatory attendance.” “Hey, any excuse for a party is a good one, am I right? Cheers!” Daniel clinks his glass against Ryan’s.

It looked as if this kid, Daniel, was a ball of anxiety and excitement. He probably was relieved to not only have a night finally off, but to have something to do on top of it. “Well said!” Ryan grins. “Cheers!” He returns, meeting his glass to his. He then pauses; taking a sip as he took a glance around the room then motioned with his glass. “You know anyone here? I only know Kenna, our host, though I recognize a couple of the other guests.” “Some of them are familiar. But, I’ve worked so many places, I’m not sure if we met or it is just Deja vu.” Daniel answered, looking across the room, taking it all in. “Mhm! True” Ryan nodded, taking another sip. “The faces do start to blur after a while, after so many get-togethers and shindigs. Well, it’s been a pleasure,” Ryan said extending his hand again, “I’m gonna go see if I can speak with our hostess and see where they took my luggage. I’ll be seeing you around Daniel.” He says with a warm smile, which Daniel returned as Ryan left; weaving is way through the guests. While he was looking for Kenna, he stopped when a tall young man tapped him on the shoulder. “Excuse me, Mr. Summers? I was wondering if you had a moment. My name’s Sean Gayle and-” he was saying, extending his hand in greeting when Ryan interrupted him, his face lighting up as he recognizes the young man, taking his hand and shaking it, clapping him on the shoulder warmly as well. “Hey! Sean? As in The Sean Gayle #5?! Heck yeah! I’m a big fan of yours!” “Yep, that’s me- Wait, you’ve heard of me? That’s awesome! I’m a big fan of your work!”

“Awesome buddy! So uh… got any clue what’s going on here? Kenna is being all… mysterious about why she invited us here, other than the whole mystery thing. Personally I think she’s been reading too many Agatha Christie Novels.” Sean shook his head “To be honest, I’m pretty confused by it all. Half these people are from my college, but the rest I don’t know. Do you recognize anyone?” “Kenna’s the only one I actually know, but I recognize Benjamin Park over there, he’s the one with glasses. He’s a writer.” Ryan said with a quick nod. “I think I’ve seen some of Benjamin Park’s work. He works in comics, right?” “Yes, comics, and good ones if you haven’t read them yet.” Sean nodded. “I’ve read a couple here and there- a friend of mine is a collector.” Ryan smiled “Really? Hmm... I’d like to meet him some time then. Keep this on the down low but I am a fan too. Just like to keep a few things away from the paparazzi, if you know what I mean.” “I’m sure my friend would love to meet you- he’s a great guy. And oh, I understand. It’s hard when everyone seem to know every detail about you.” Ryan nods in agreement, looking around a moment, taking a sip of his wine when he spots another face he knew. “So as far as others I recognize… hmm ah! And over there is one of the Princes of Cordonia, I believe the one that abdicated the throne. The cute one with him in the pink dress looks familiar too but I can’t place where I’ve seen her.” Sean looks over at Leo and the Lady Hana, as he later found out was her name, frowning slightly in thought. “I thought he looked familiar- he used to be on all the gossip websites. I’ve no clue who the girl is, though. His girl, maybe?” he said with a shrug then turns slightly, and points across the room. “The red head over there is my friend Quinn, and the girl with her is Michelle. We actually just got back from…. an Island getaway, so we nearly missed out on this.” Ryan smiles as he looks over at Sean’s friends. “An island getaway with those two? That sounds rather romantic. Reminds me of the time I played a down on his luck smuggler in the South Seas, got the worst sunburn though.” Sean laughed, “Romantic is the farthest thing from it I’m afraid- we were with a group, and some of the people there weren’t our biggest fans… ” He laughs again, “And sunburn is something I’ve been lucky enough to avoid in life.. You got to always slip slop slap!” “Yeah, you got that right! And the natives were restless eh?” Sean grins slightly “Just a little. But they turned out to be pretty great people once they got to know us. Sean then looked around, brows furrowed for a moment. "On a serious note… any clue what we all have in common? Seems like a weird group.” Ryan shrugged. “As for this group, your guess is as good as mine. You know Kenna our host?” Sean shook his head, scratching the back of his neck. “I know of her, but we haven’t met until tonight. I thought tonight may be something to do with Hartfeld, like a fundraiser… but it doesn’t seem like it.” Ryan nodded “Same impression I had, fundraising but… no long winded speeches and checkbooks spotted yet, guess we’ll find out together then” Sean laughs warmly “Yes! And so far nobody has come over to shower me in compliments, which is usually the big sign they’d like me to be generous.” He then goes quiet a moment, sipping his drink thoughtfully before changing the subject. “So tell me, how do you know Kenna?” “I met Kenna a ways back at a promotional event for one of my films, her and my friend Cass knew each other and kind of went from there, been friends since. She’s also lent the studio some of the artifacts in her collection for use in the films I’ve been in. And I think they want to use this castle at some point as well.” “Oh wow, that’s great!” Sean grins. “It would be amazing to see some of the artifacts she has- the history behind them would be incredible. I’m surprised they haven’t already used the castle- have you been here before?” Ryan nodded his agreement “Honestly I would like to see them as well. May not look it but a bit of a history buff myself. And no, this is my first time here actually.” Sean smiled thoughtfully as he continued “I think we’re all secretly a history buff. I only just recently became a fan of it myself.” He pauses, sipping his drink and he looks around at the others. “From what a few of the others here have said, nobody has been here before.” From what Ryan could tell, Sean clearly had some misgivings of this whole event, and was on edge, looking around and this crease of a frown always at his temples, something was nagging at him, but it wasn’t for Ryan to pry into. He’d only just met the guy after all. “Then it shall be a new adventure for all of us then.” He responded. Sean sighs, running his hand over his forehead. “I guess I should check in on Michelle and Quinn, see how they’re doing.” He smiled slightly to himself as he looks over at them. “If I’m honest, I hate this kind of thing, so I’m glad to have them here.” Ryan follows his gaze and smiles, then with a final sip he emptied his glass then setting it aside, he extends his hand again. “Well, I’m going to go do the rounds and see if I can’t sweet talk one of the servants into telling me when dinner is going to be served and when I find out more I’ll let you know. And maybe later we can get a chance to see that famous Number Five throwing arm in action!” Sean flashes a smile, shaking his hand firmly. “Sounds great- if you find out, let me know. I’m starving.” He laughs slightly. “And if you can find a football I’ll be more than happy to throw it around! Might break a few things in here though, so best take it outside.” “It’s a deal then! I’ll find a football, and then introduce me to your friends over dinner.” Ryan smiles with a wave as he moves off to continue his search for Kenna or one of the servants. “I’ll see you at dinner!” Sean nods in response, smiling back before moving off to meet some of the other guests. The rest of the night was a little blurry for him at the moment; he remembers meeting a couple other people, James another student at Hartfield University, a writer, who had written the script for that Indi Film that Hollywood was buzzing about. Brandon, a nice kid who worked the coffee shop at the same School, he too wanted to team up for whatever “Mystery Event” Kenna had planned. He also met Quinn, Sean’s friend, her smile was infectious, as was her laugh, and Jess, who went on this amazing cruise and had this crazy to do list with her family from her Grandma’s will. Also a girl named Brooke, a friend of Benjamin Park’s, who at last he also finally got to meet and plug his name in for a role in the upcoming adaptation of one of his comics. None of that mattered anymore though, not after the events that happened at dinner… That scream will stick with him for the rest of his life, which if things continue as they are, won’t be for much longer.   (Parts 2, 3 and 4 coming soon!)

[latestoracleexamdumps-blog]

Oracle vs. SAP

By Charles Homs, Oracle Vice President, Competitive Intelligence

In its 2018 final quarter profit declaration, SAP told financial specialists that the organization would take a $1 billion rebuilding charge in 2019, shedding around 4,400 occupations around the world. As per Reuters, "key markers hinted at shortcoming in the final quarter, with development in new cloud appointments easing back to 23 percent from 37 percent in the second from last quarter."

This does not shock long-lasting SAP watchers like me. Late news inclusion has not been complimenting.

"Elvis," an SAP venture did by the German discounter Lidl, is the latest case of an expansive scale establishment that bombed fantastically. Prior to stopping the undertaking in August, Lidl had been attempting to present another stock administration framework utilizing SAP for a long time. Specialists gauge that in excess of 500 million euros were sunk into the undertaking. Lidl had needed the SAP framework to help its development activities, particularly in the US. Yet, it unexpectedly pulled the attachment. In an inner letter to its representatives, Lidl stated: "The key objectives that were initially characterized for the task can never again be accomplished at a worthy cost."

The Deutsche Post, Germany's national postal administration, has additionally needed to discount consumptions in the half-billion-euro run as of late. It needed to improve its business procedures and supply chains [in its current SAP environment]. The SAP venture was at last dropped.

A repayment installment to US vitality organization National Grid came to about $70 million after a pointless endeavor to supplant a current heritage application with SAP.

Source: automotive, Jan. 2, 2019

What's more, SAP's issues don't finish there. The media inclusion of fizzled or agitated SAP ventures peruses like an's "who" of the business world: Under Armor, the BBC, Target, Aurizon, DuPont, MillerCoors, and some more. The US Army, a current SAP client, wrote in an ongoing RFI: "The Government will engage choices to gradually decrease its reliance on SAP just as non-SAP alternatives so as to maintain a strategic distance from an expensive move up to the SAP S4/HANA stage."

The message is clear: SAP has turned out to be excessively expensive, excessively mind-boggling, and too huge a security chance.

What SAP is Selling

There is much disarray in the market over what, precisely, SAP is selling, and why clients ought to put resources into it. Propelled in 2015, S/4HANA is SAP's new leader ERP. It comes in two flavors:

1. S/4HANA Public Cloud. This is accessible just for expert administrations firms and part producers. It seems to have a constrained subset of usefulness contrasted with the private cloud form.

2. S/4HANA Private Cloud. Accessible for every single other industry, this is the full-included adaptation. It is basically an SAP item facilitated in SAP server farms, rather than on the client's premises. Accordingly, the conveyance model of the product—including customizations and extensive updates—is for all intents and purposes equivalent to what most clients at present face with their SAP heritage items. S/4HANA Private Cloud does not have the ordinary updates that accompanied an open cloud; overhauls stay protracted, excruciating and costly, and require huge downtime.

Custom ERP code, specifically, was called out in the automotive story:

By and large, each SAP framework is contemplated 2 million lines of individualized code. Just the client, at last, assumes liability for it, not SAP. An investigation of in excess of 370 client frameworks demonstrated that there is one security hole for every 1,000 lines of code inside their programming. At the end of the day, the normal SAP framework has around 2,000 security holes, every one of which is fit for bargaining the framework.

Furthermore, moving up to another ERP—as an individual who's at any point done it can let you know—is a long, agonizing and costly project. Since this is custom code, composed by the client or a paid advisor, SAP assumes no liability for fixing or looking after it. The client must bear this weight, which is one of the fundamental reasons that a "lift and move" alternative isn't altogether less expensive than facilitating ERP on premises.

To add to the unpredictability, a move up to S/4HANA involves moving to the HANA database. Many SAP clients gripe that the move to another database isn't just troublesome and without business merits, however, the HANA permit alone is exorbitantly expensive.

Prophet Open World

Many SAP clients presently run Oracle Database and are content with it. They see no convincing motivation to move. Credit Suisse stated: "Individuals running gigantic SAP applications on Oracle are remaining with Oracle—subsequent to taking a gander at SAP HANA. Not seeing a movement to any non-Oracle database." (Source: Credit Suisse, "Medium-term Success 40 Years really taking shape", Oct. 6, 2017)

Get All the ERP You Need in the Cloud

In the event that you, in the same way as other SAP clients, see a database movement as costly and pointless, it's an ideal opportunity to take a gander at the Oracle Cloud suite. Prophet ERP Cloud, Oracle EPM Cloud, and Oracle SCM Cloud offer a complete arrangement of uses to run your accounts and inventory network; you can even include HR and client experience. These cloud applications keep running on Oracle Database utilizing a solitary information show, decreasing multifaceted nature and giving you a clearer perspective on the information that issues to your business.

In contrast to SAP's open cloud, the Oracle Cloud offers a total suite with full usefulness crosswise over ventures. Since it's an open cloud, there is no custom code, essentially lessening the danger of security breaks. It additionally costs considerably less to keep up, since Oracle deals with all the fixing and updates. Also, it offers consistent advancement, with Oracle taking off new abilities in its cloud applications once a quarter. Not any more holding up a very long time between redesigns.

AI Made Simple with Oracle

A standout amongst the most critical developments accessible in Oracle Cloud is AI. Numerous product merchants make AI confused, selling an advancement stage, (for example, SAP's Leonardo) that the client must use to fabricate their very own ML applications, or convey an ML toolbox, which just information researchers and IT would realize how to utilize. Prophet adopts an alternate strategy, implanting ML straightforwardly into its cloud applications. For instance, the AI capacities in Oracle ERP Cloud can prescribe potential markdown rates to offer providers:

In this precedent, Oracle ERP Cloud suggests three distinct choices, giving the client a chance to choose the best one for the circumstance. AI in Oracle Cloud:

Enables clients to settle on the correct choices

Gives setting to clients to make the data progressively reasonable

Reveals examples and shows exemptions

Utilizations organization and outsider information (cost of the product, return on value, financial assessments, and so on.) to make proposals

The prophet is additionally inserting computerized associates, the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain into its cloud applications for significantly more uses, for example, helping workers record cost reports, following and following merchandise and ventures, and checking the state of products over the inventory network.

These new advancements are not only for information researchers. Each client and business can profit by them. AutomotiveIT cites Oracle Chairman and Chief Technology Officer Larry Ellison: "AI allows the programmed formation of business exchanges, the activating of requesting forms, or the programmed installment of provider solicitations—all without human mistake." Ellison proceeded: "No ERP framework is as high-executing as our [ERP Cloud] suite."

Best Practices Evolve with Constant Innovation

Furthermore, Oracle Cloud applications are based on best practices, which keep on developing utilizing AI. A common business process, for example, shutting the books toward the finish of consistently, may include eight unmistakable advances. Soon, as ML computerizes more errands and gains from past collaborations, the number of steps may be packed to three. Such a development in best practices is essentially unrealistic with a static, facilitated ERP framework.

automotive finishes up, "Prophet obviously has the edge with its wide-extending cloud activity in the region of ERP."

With a genuine cloud suite, refreshed routinely, injected with the most recent innovations and based on developing accepted procedures, Oracle offers a cloud ERP that can help you future-verification your business. It might conceivably be the last ERP overhaul you'll ever do.

[whirlpoolcabrio64]

What Is SEO Hosting and Multiple C Class Hosting?

What Is SEO Hosting and Multiple C Class Hosting?

Of late, SEO facilitating has been getting a great deal  trade schools near me  of buzz. I have perused a couple of articles about it, and they neglect to let you know precisely what it is, the advantages and the destruction it has on your sites. Also, I am will really expound on it, when it ought to be utilized, and how it ought to be utilized, in the event that it by any means.

What is SEO Hosting?

Search engine optimization facilitating enables you  movie jackets  to spread your area names over different c class IPs, making them look interesting and isolated. Website design enhancement facilitating makes everything conceivable to deal with these IPs under one control board. It would be a tedious bad dream to need to login physically to every IP.

On the off chance that you don't know  whirlpool cabrio  what an IP c class is, well, every IP has four classes. Recorded beneath is your run of the mill numerical IP format, and underneath will be the way it is spread out in letters in order classes:

111.222.333.444

A.B.C.D

The model above demonstrates  quickbooks classes near me that, "111″ speaks to the IP "A" class, "222″ speaks to the IP "B" class, "333″ speaks to the IP "C" class, and "444″ speaks to the IP "D" class.

Presently, if you somehow managed to utilize web optimization facilitating to have your sites, this is the way it will investigate diverse c class IPs.

111.222.333.444 (site #1)

111.222.334.444 (site #2)

111.222.335.444 (site #3)

111.222.336.444 (site #4)

111.222.337.444 (site #5)

Do you see the distinction? As I would see  cell phone repair certification it, despite the fact that you are facilitating on various c class of IPs, it is obvious, when they are in numerical request, as in the model above. For this to be as novel as could be allowed and not to be obvious, the c class IPs ought to be stirred up, not in numerical request like above.

You may have no way out, in how technical schools near me the c class IPs are conveyed. There are a restricted measure of website design enhancement facilitating suppliers, and may not offer that, but rather it never damages to inquire. In addition, there are a not many that offer diverse c class website design enhancement facilitating, and in numerous geological zones, yet they are extremely costly.

Conventional facilitating may offer you extra IPs at an expense, however more  scratch and dent appliances near me than likely they will be on the equivalent "D" class, making them on a similar system and close in range. The following is a case of your sites spread out over various d class IPs.

111.222.333.444 (site #1)

111.222.333.445 (site #2)

111.222.333.446 (site #3)

111.222.333.447 (site #4)

111.222.333.448 (site #5)

Reason for Multiple C Class Hosting

The reason for website optimization facilitating, is to get leeway over your opposition by boosting your web index rankings and   jaguar dealership houston  connection esteem.

Individuals that for the most part utilize search engine optimization facilitating, are website admins that have a substantial system of sites, with the reason for crosslinking to support their rankings. On the off chance that you utilize customary facilitating techniques, and crosslinking inside a similar system, this will get you restricted from the web crawlers quick. Keeping in mind the end goal to escape with it, you sap hana training should have each site create the impression that they are one of a kind and are on an alternate c class IP.

The more remarkable your site seems, by all accounts, to be to the web crawlers, the more esteem your connections will have. Web crawlers are extremely meticulous about the estimation of connections, and on the off chance that they are on a similar system, they are for all intents and purposes have no an incentive by any stretch of the imagination. Like I said previously, the more special your site gives off an impression of being, the more  sap hana security training esteem your connections will have.

Before you purchase a search engine optimization facilitating plan, there are a ton of different elements to represent and stay away from, or this entire situation is pointless.

Nameservers

Another critical factor in website design enhancement facilitating that is barely at any point said, are nameservers. Web indexes utilize the whois data, and  python certification  they assemble something other than who claims the site, however where it is facilitated, the IP, obviously, and the nameservers.

On the off chance that you don't know about what nameservers are, let me clarify quickly. Every server is alloted to an IP address. At that point, that IP is appointed to an extraordinary arrangement of nameservers or "ns". All together for your site to  audi houston show up, you should set your nameservers to point to those specific nameservers. I trust you comprehend, I would not like to get into it excessively.

Returning to the significance of nameservers, regardless of whether you have numerous c class IPs, yet they are utilizing a similar namerservers, that isn't web optimization facilitating. There are a couple of website design enhancement facilitating suppliers that "guarantee" it is search engine optimization facilitating, on the  wedding sherwani  grounds that it is on numerous c class IPs, however it's most certainly not. The issue is, if the nameservers are not extraordinary for every IP, at that point, that is not website design enhancement facilitating. That is customary facilitating, plain and basic.

Having a similar arrangement of nameservers for your c class IPs, is telling the web search tools that every one of your sites are facilitated on a similar system. Accordingly, in the web crawlers eyes, the servers are the equivalent and not one of a kind. That one  bmw houston  little critical factor will nullify the point of search engine optimization facilitating and your website design enhancement endeavors.

For the best outcomes, you should ensure that every IP is on a different c class, and has it's own custom nameserver for every IP.

Whois Source

The whois source is another imperative factor. The web indexes give careful consideration to the whois source, for some reasons. As specified over, the nameservers and who claims the site. Web indexes have been keyword tool dominator  slithering the whois hotspot for quite a while and is a main consideration in their calculations. It causes them know who claims what, and battle web spam. The whois source directly affects the manner in which your site is positioned.

On the off chance that you are utilizing open whois data, and every one of your sites are utilizing a similar data, at that point I would make them private. On the off chance that you get website design enhancement facilitating, however keep them open  vocational schools near me the equivalent, you will raise a warning to the web indexes. You don't need that, invalidates the point.

Make your whois private, or you can utilize a companions or potentially relatives data, however get consent first. Ensure you reveal to them that their name, address and telephone number will be open. You additionally need to recall that individuals do information mining of the whois source, despite the fact that it is unlawful and it is expected for instructive purposes as it were. Simply ensure you utilize a legitimate name, address   black men in suits  and email address, on the off chance that their is an issue. You can maintain a strategic distance from this, by simply going private.

Despite the fact that privately owned businesses are utilizing the equivalent whois data over and over, yet they are excluded from this.

Reality of SEO Hosting

The truth of search engine optimization facilitating is that it is costly and may not be reasonable for sites, the outcomes may fluctuate and may not be justified, despite all the trouble.

Search engine optimization facilitating is costly. It can cost you up to $8 per IP, in the event that they are shared or devoted. On the off chance that you run with various c class shared IPs, it normally costs around $4 per IP, which isn't too awful. Presently, committed numerous c class IPs are much more costly, particularly on the off chance that they offer various geological areas, that can cost up to $10 per IP. To locate the best cost and plan, you should search around.

Website optimization facilitating isn't as dependable as customary facilitating, and you could have a great deal of downtime. The website optimization facilitating idea is still generally new, and over the long haul and the interest, it will improve. I have attempted a couple search engine optimization facilitating suppliers, and they are not awful. I haven't had any terrible encounters, yet.

Website optimization facilitating isn't appropriate for everybody. On the off chance that you just have a couple of sites, at that  medical records and health information technicians point, I wouldn't considerably trouble. You may not see much, if by any stretch of the imagination, any distinction in your outcomes.

Besides, on the off chance that you have a system of 20 sites, at that point truly, website optimization facilitating will be extremely gainful to you. One thing to remember, I wouldn't have your whole system from the equivalent search engine optimization facilitating supplier, I would utilize different organizations. You don't need every one of your sites originating from the equivalent topographical territory and c classes. The best  sap fico certification  outcomes are to utilize numerous suppliers, with one of a kind IPs, not simply c class, but rather an entire diverse IP extend.

I will be totally legit here, there is a plausibility that search engine optimization facilitating may not support your rankings by any means. Your outcomes may differ contingent upon the opposition in your specialty and the span of your system of sites. On the off chance that your specialty is each aggressive, you may just build your  scratch and dent appliances  rankings a couple of spots. Be that as it may, in the event that you don't have barely any opposition, you could help your rankings significantly.

Notwithstanding the promotion encompassing website optimization facilitating, results will differ and a ton of elements become an integral factor. Web optimization facilitating is anything but a speedy web optimization settle, yet amazingly, one more factor to add to your website optimization hones. Search engine optimization resembles  seo company preparing a cake, on the off chance that you set up all the correct fixings, your outcomes will sparkle.

End

On the off chance that you do plan to actualize web optimization facilitating, reach the organization first and solicit them an arrangement from inquiries. Never expect that they offer this and off that. I have been reaching website design enhancement suppliers, and I was amazed by a portion of their reactions. Comprehend what you are getting, before you get it.

To enable you to out, beneath are a progression of inquiries I generally ask, and you ought to as well, before purchasing any kind of website design enhancement facilitating plan. A portion of these inquiries may appear easy decision, yet they are imperative.

Are the IPs devoted or shared?

What is the area of the IPs?

What is your client bolster reaction time?

Does every IP have it's own custom nameserver?

What is your downtime?

Is there an unconditional promise?

I trust that this assistance answer a few inquiries you may have had about website design enhancement facilitating. Web optimization facilitating can be a decent lift for your rankings, and awful, in the event that you apply it's logic off-base. Be savvy, before you hop the weapon.

[njawaidofficial]

'The Glass Castle' Review: Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts Star in Book Adaptation

http://styleveryday.com/2017/08/07/the-glass-castle-review-brie-larson-woody-harrelson-and-naomi-watts-star-in-book-adaptation/

'The Glass Castle' Review: Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts Star in Book Adaptation

Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts star in the big-screen adaptation of Jeannette Walls’ best-selling memoir about her unconventional upbringing.

The ties that bind often embarrass or even shame, a near-universal reality that writer Jeannette Walls explored, unforgettably, through the extreme example of her childhood. Her book The Glass Castle — plainspoken, vivid and unputdownable — is equal parts loving tribute and pained confessional, resisting sentimentalism at every turn. Director Destin Daniel Cretton mostly manages to do the same, though his concessions to the expectation for big movie moments deliver occasionally strained results.

But the feature, which reunites the filmmaker with his Short Term 12 breakout star, Brie Larson, successfully captures the essence of the memoir, with exceptionally potent work by Woody Harrelson and Naomi Watts as the spirited, self-involved and willfully impoverished bohemians who subjected their four kids to a peripatetic, hardscrabble life but also, in the process, taught them to fend for themselves.

Cretton and his co-writer, Andrew Lanham, zero in on the relationship between Jeannette and her father, Rex, who rails against capitalism, environmental degradation, racism and hypocrisy in all its varied forms, but is also sometimes simply a mean drunk, blind to his own tyrannical ways and the impact of his alcoholism on his family. As good as Harrelson is in the role of the charismatic, damaged idealist — and as good as the two young actresses are who play Jeannette in the sequences set in the 1960s and ’70s — other family dynamics get lost as the story veers into the realm of character study. Yet whatever its imbalances and flaws, the movie is sure to strike an emotional chord with the book’s many fans as well as newcomers to the remarkable tale.

The film moves back and forth between the childhood memories of Jeannette (Larson) and her life in 1989 Manhattan as a successful gossip columnist. With her parents living in a squat on the Lower East Side and scavenging through garbage in the streets, her denial and dissembling of her past are reaching a tipping point, spurred on by her engagement to financial adviser David (Max Greenfield), a standard-issue Wrong Boyfriend.

This element of the screenplay, the most significant departure from the source material, finds the story at its most generic and forced. That might be Cretton’s point: Jeannette, with her carefully coiffed hair and awful ’80s power dressing, is forcing herself into a role that doesn’t quite fit.

Yet if the storyline involving the adult Jeannette is all too obviously building toward catharsis, it offers the opportunity to see Larson and Watts face off across a restaurant booth in a pitch-perfect scene. The daughter sits ramrod-straight; her mother, Rose Mary, slurps up lo mein noodles and, stabbing the air with her chopsticks, declares, “Your values are all confused” — an apt response, if not a tactful one, to the way Jeannette flashes her ringed hand to announce that she’s engaged.

While Rex, brought to quicksilver life by Harrelson, falls on and off the wagon and in and out of employment, endlessly perfecting his blueprints for the glass, solar-powered dream house he swears he’ll build one day, Rose Mary makes her artistic expression as a painter her priority, bar none. Not even her children’s hunger can pull her away from the easel, as the very young Jeannette’s misadventure with a stove makes clear.

Cretton uses the harrowing domestic accident and the girl’s subsequent hospital stay as a way to introduce the family. Set to Joel P West’s upbeat, twangy music, the sequence has a somewhat overplayed comic energy, but it establishes the movie’s refusal to be maudlin. That reflects Rex and Rose Mary’s refusal to indulge the slightest whine from their kids, whether the family is fleeing creditors in the dead of night or the household has been devoid of food for days. Neither will they step in to protect their kids, the hands-off policy extending, disturbingly, to profoundly alarming complaints involving a horrid grandmother (Robin Bartlett, at once terrifying and pathetic) and, later, a barroom lech (Dominic Bogart).

The character of Jeannette, so prematurely parental, comes into focus through the exceptionally sensitive performances of Chandler Head, playing the 6-year-old version, and Ella Anderson as the alert, determined tween. By contrast her siblings, portrayed in adulthood by Sarah Snook, Josh Caras and Brigette Lundy-Paine, remain vaguely defined, with the experiences of youngest sister Maureen (Lundy-Paine) noticeably unexplored, her ordeals alluded to in a late scene that feels truncated.

But by and large, Glass Castle proceeds with a stripped-down fluency that suits Walls’ straightforward prose and sometimes draws directly from it. The nonintrusive camerawork by Brett Pawlak (one of several returning creative collaborators from Short Term 12, as is Moonlight editor Nat Sanders) is in sync with Sharon Seymour’s superb production design. The settings shift along with the emotional terrain: the expansive desert of the family’s more hopeful years crisscrossing the Southwest; an oppressive darkness when they return to Rex’s native West Virginia, with its down-and-out economy and their barely functioning house; the well-appointed interiors of the high-powered New York where the grown-up Jeannette comes to terms with the complicated truth about her family.

However engineered certain aspects of the film are, however de rigueur the feel-good documentary material that caps the narrative, Cretton honors that complicated truth. Even while gesturing toward a redemptive sacred altar, a default mode for parenthood in many mainstream movies, the director lets the messy realities stand. And his fine cast makes them ring true — the selfishness and neglect, the confrontations brutal and tender, the pained silences and, not least, the gusts of pure, jagged joy.

Production companies: Lionsgate, Gil Netter Productions Distributor: Lionsgate Cast: Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson, Naomi Watts, Max Greenfield, Sarah Snook, Robin Bartlett, Ella Anderson, Chandler Head, Josh Caras, Shree Grace Crooks, Brigette Lundy-Paine, Charlie Shotwell, Iain Armitage, Sadie Sink, Olivia Kate Rice, Eden Grace Redfield, Joe Pingue, A.J. Henderson, Dominic Bogart Director: Destin Daniel Cretton Screenwriters: Destin Daniel Cretton, Andrew Lanham; based on the book by Jeannette Walls Producers: Gil Netter, Ken Kao Executive producer: Mike Drake Director of photography: Brett Pawlak Production designer: Sharon Seymour Costume designers: Mirren Gordon-Crozier, Joy Hanae Lani Cretton Editor: Nat Sanders Composer: Joel P West Casting director: Ronna Kress

Rated PG-13, 127 minutes