#1. she’s a weirdo and says ‘oh it’s fine you can go while I’m in here I don’t mind’

[parisbytaylorswift]

Today on roommate saga:

I have to piss so bad because I’ve been drinking a lot of water today after getting my booster in order to avoid any bad side affects.

But dumbass roommate I hate interacting with the most is fiddling around taking off her makeup and doing some kind of 20 step skin care routine in the bathroom and I want to KILL HER

[sweetimpurity]

Older Neighbor Miguel Part 3 NSFW!!

Part 1 Part 2

a/n: w.c. is 2.5k and it's longer than I thought it would be but I'm gagged and obsessed. Hope you like it! Might just tease you guys a little longer <3

The sun shines through the window, golden hues cascading over the blankets, your legs on the bed, the soft pillows warm after bathing in the light. It’s morning. It’s been a few days and you haven’t been able to stop thinking about that dream. It’s ingrained in your mind, the feeling of him, his voice, the look in his eyes. It almost makes the embarrassment of being seen half naked melt away. You’re almost glad it happened. It felt so real, making your thighs squeeze together at the memory. You head downstairs to start the morning, finding your parents at the kitchen table.

“Morning…” You smile softly, greeting them, walking over to the kitchen counter. Glancing out the window, at his yard. His house. Seeing if any of the windows are open, if he’s outside. Just a glimpse of him would get you hot. “Oh, honey…” Your mom starts, walking to the sink and putting her plate down. “I hope you don’t mind but I volunteered you to do some babysitting. Would you be up for it tomorrow, 3 to 8?” She asks kindly. You’ve babysat a lot of kids in the neighborhood since high school and your mom is close to a lot of the parents around. Figuring maybe it’s the Scott family again down the street since they have so many kids; always needing childcare. “Yeah I can do it. I’ll text Lisa and tell her I will.” You nod, taking a sip of orange juice and looking over at the breakfast your dad’s made. “Oh, it’s not the Scott’s, it’s Gabriella next door… O’hara?” She asks and you choke on the juice in your mouth, almost spitting it out. Your dad instantly asks if you’re okay when you suddenly start choking like an idiot. “Yeah- no yeah I’m fine-” You cough over the sink, eyes wide, clearing your throat, your mind spinning, heart thumping. 

“Miguel has a late meeting that day and I offered for you to help him out. And he said he’ll pay.” She says, but you can’t handle this. You wonder how he feels about that. He didn’t outright ask for your help but seems like he didn’t refuse it either. He’ll pay? What the hell is going on? “Uh… yeah. I can do it.” You say, feeling a bit nervous about it but also weirdly excited. To see him. To be near him. Gabriella is also a really sweet girl so you know watching her for a few hours will be a breeze. 

Your parents leave for their respective duties, leaving you at home. And all you can do is think about him. The dream you had. It’s embarrassing now, since he probably just thinks you’re a weirdo who walks around in her underwear. He probably got second hand embarrassment. You should be dreading seeing him again. But you can’t help but crave it. Crave him. 

…

“Shit.” He had muttered after talking to your mom across the fence. When she elected you to babysit his daughter after he mentioned in passing not having anyone to watch her after school tomorrow and his ex is out of town. He should have said no, to spare you both the embarrassment. He almost had a hard time looking your mother in the eye when she said it. Knowing he’d had a dream about fucking you nights before. He shouldn’t be having those kinds of thoughts, although they keep happening. You’re so pretty and young, fresh out of college and he feels like a creep for seeing you in your underwear like that. Even if it was an accident. What will you think? 

He can’t help but feel this tension across the fence. Like there's an electric current from your house to his, even though the two of you haven’t even seen each other since the incident. Maybe he’s imagining it. You’d probably never feel the same way. “What…?” He mutters, looking down at the mail he’s been absentmindedly sorting while he’s thinking all of this over. This isn't his mail. This has your dad’s name written all over it. 

He trudges out of the house, walking across the yard to your house. Checking your mailbox to see if his mail was also accidentally delivered here. A simple mixup, probably a new mail delivery person. When he sees the mailbox empty, he walks up the walkway to your front door. Preparing for your dad’s usual grumbles about the mail always being screwed up and packages being late. Knocking on the door. His eyes widening when your pretty face answers. 

…

“Oh sorry- hi good morning.” He says, a stack of mail in hand and like a deer in headlights. His and your hearts nearly stop. He should’ve known you’d answer the door, but it’s like he’s in a daze. You’ve been thinking about him all day and then he just shows up at the door? He’s a big man. Tall and broad. So seeing that look on his face and hearing his words just spilling out like he can’t stop them. It’s endearing. 

“Hi!” You reply once you find the voice to speak. Swallowing hard and looking up at him. Fuck, he’s hot. He looks like he’s on his way to work. Something smart with science in a tall office building in the middle of the city. White button down tucked into his pants, leather belt and sharp, handsome brown shoes; and the smell of his aftershave mixed with cologne wafts in through the open door. And here you are, in your pajamas, a tank and some little shorts. It’s the middle of summer, but why does this keep having to happen? He shows up all the times you’re barely clothed. This time there’s nowhere to hide. “So I… got your mail by accident. Here you go.” He says, reaching the stack of envelopes across the threshold. His dark eyes scan over your face when you look down. He wonders if you’re wearing those pink panties right now. “Thanks, wow must have just been a mistake then?” You look up and he nods, not even having heard what you said because he was distracted looking at you. Your hair, your bare shoulders and way your breasts sit so perfect and pretty in your tank top. He remembers seeing them spill out of that bra. Beautiful and soft looking. What the hell is wrong with me? I feel like I’m creeping on you.

“I think… you might have my mail too? I didn’t see any in the box.” He says after clearing his throat. Your mom got the mail this morning and she must not have had the chance to look at it very closely. “Yeah, maybe let me go see.”

When you turn away, he has to force himself to stop watching your ass, your hips and the way they sway. Is it obvious that I’m drooling over you?

It’s obvious. And you can’t stop the satisfaction you feel, grabbing that stack of mail off the kitchen counter and knowing you’ve got this big man on a leash right now. This could be fun. You take a deep breath, calming your thumping heart and return. “Here it is!”

He smiles when you return, his hands clasped in front of him because of the thoughts going through his mind right now. He’s a man, not a teenage boy. And yet here you are, you’re this young thing making him feel all horny and hormonal. 

“Thank you... oh and thank you for offering to watch Gabriella tomorrow, I know it’s short notice.” He adds, hoping you’re cool with it. Wondering what’s going on in your head. “No problem, she’s sweet, I’d be happy to help.” You nod, smiling up at him knowingly and it makes him feel a little warm. “Well she’s excited too” He nods. It’s not a lie. Gabi’s always trying to talk to you when she sees you around. She’s seven and loves asking about where you got your shoes, your new dresses and how you do your makeup. She’s a very cute little girl, very polite too. 

He debates bringing up what happened a few days ago. But it seems like things are cool and you’re not totally freaked out. That’s good. 

…

Tomorrow comes, and at three you head over to his house. Walking across the yard and to the door, using the spare key he gave to your parents in case of an emergency. Waiting a bit until Gabi gets home off the bus and making lunch with her. Talking about all the little things her mind comes up with. She thinks it’s cool to talk about girly stuff with a girl that’s older. She just thinks you’re the coolest. She was just waiting for school to end until she could come home and hang out with you. To feel like a big kid. 

It’s funny being in his home. You’ve never really been inside like this since they moved in. But you’ve also been away at college for most of that time too. You catch a glimpse of his bedroom as you walk by, the dark sheets and neatly folded blankets. His shoes at the door. Mostly dress shoes but a few pairs of beat up Nike’s, his shoe size impressive. You can’t resist opening the medicine cabinet in the bathroom, pulling the cap off his cologne and smelling it. The scent is like a drug to your brain. It just smells like a man. Maybe you’re creeping on him a little in return. 

Soon the time is nearly 8pm and you’re helping Gabriella into bed. She really is a sweet girl and you’ve learned so much about her and her life. A lot of things that let you know Miguel is a really good dad. All the memories she’d recall with him, vacations and school projects, along with little things like trips to the park and him taking her to work with him. You studied all the family photos on the wall. Most of them of Miguel and Gabriella, some with what looks to be Miguel’s parents and his brother maybe? There’s one photo with his ex in it. It’s in Gabi’s room next to her bed. She’s a beautiful woman, undeniably. Definitely his same age and you can’t help but wonder about the history. Would you have a chance with someone like Miguel who’s already lived a whole life? He’s got everything worked out already and you haven’t even started yet. 

You don’t even know why you have these thoughts. When did the thought of sleeping with him turn into spending your life with the guy? It could all just be fun. If you do manage to sleep with him, it should just be for fun. Because after listening to his little girl talk about how wonderful he is; looking at the pictures on the wall; even observing the way he sets up his home, the color of the pillows on the couch, the dish rack by the kitchen sink, the settings on the kitchen table. This man’s a man. You’d fall in love with him so quick and easy. 

Your thoughts are interrupted by the front door opening. Gabriella is settled in bed by now and your job here is done. Waiting in the kitchen and giving him time to adjust. Smiling to yourself. 

He stops at the kitchen door after walking in. His work clothes as attractive and sharp as always. His hair slightly less kempt than it probably was this morning. “Hey…how’d it go?” He greets, undoing the buttons at his wrist and rolling his sleeves up a bit, it’s been a long day. He leans against the kitchen doorway with his arms crossed. “Hi. Gabi’s in bed.” You smile, you could suck the soul out of him right now. 

“How was she?” He asks, unable to stop his eyes from roaming your pretty face. Could you be wearing those pink panties right now? Why must he have these thoughts? “She was perfect… She's so sweet. We painted our nails and I helped her with her homework.” 

“Wow… busy day.” He nods, walking across the kitchen, past you to the fridge. His cologne wafting past you. “What do I owe you? What’s your usual rate?” He asks, grabbing sparkling water from the fridge. “Oh it’s fine, you don’t need to pay me. You get the next door discount.” You joke.

“No, I insist. I said I would pay.” He chuckles softly, twisting off the cap and drinking some from the frosted cool bottle; your eyes flicking to his forearms, tanned and toned. “How about… $200?” He offers, and your eyes blow wide. “$200 for five hours? No way… that’s too much” You shake your head, but he pulls out his wallet from his back pocket. That’s like $40 an hour. 

“Here… I have it right here.” He holds out two hundreds from his wallet. The money just appearing. “No I… it’s too much.” You refuse, not taking it. He can’t believe this. He’d spend a thousand dollars on you to get you anything you want. He’d love to do it with the way he’s been thinking about you for days. It’s no issue for him. And here you are refusing. He places it on the kitchen counter between the two of you, sliding it across. Your heart thumps in your chest. Your hand goes out, hovering over the bills before sliding it back to him. “Just pay for my dinner instead.” 

“Dinner…” His heart pounds in his ears. He has to make a choice. If he takes the money back, he agrees to do as you ask. Pay for your dinner. Take you out. He’s hoping that’s what that means. He’d get a chance to get closer to you and know you wanted him too. He could entertain this little thing going on between you two. Or. He could slide the money back and insist you take it. Go home and that will be the end of it. Refusing the chance to have you, to take you. 

He slides the money back towards himself. Scooping it up and putting it back in his wallet. Success you think. You smile to yourself, feeling so satisfied. “We can be in touch?” You say and it’s at this moment he’s wrapped around your finger. “Yeah. Definitely.” 

“I guess I’ll be seeing you.” You say and grab your bag off the kitchen table. Slinging it over your shoulder. “Goodnight, Mr. O’hara.” 

If you hadn’t turned to leave, you’d have seen him blushing all the way to the tips of his ears. Mr. O’hara. Just like his dream. Your sweet voice as he sheathed inside you. This is too much. He hears the front door close, letting out a deep breath and rubbing his forehead. “Hah…” 

He checks on Gabriella who’s sleeping peacefully in her bed. Going to his bedroom and winding down for the night. Unbuttoning his shirt and pulling it off along with his tank top underneath. Walking to the bathroom in his boxers to brush his teeth. He stands in front of the sink, in the dim light of the bathroom, only the nightlight illuminating the tile. Opening the medicine cabinet to grab his toothbrush and something falls out. He looks down, flicking on the light when he sees it. A pile of pink and lace on the porcelain. He reaches down without a second thought, your panties dangling off of his fingers. What have I gotten myself into?

taglist: @miguels-cock-piercings @sana-4 @peachey-pie @milkyardbetter @chrissymodi-frost

@pxtched @izakopanyi2 @lazyjellyfish300

@nina-from-317 @bammzyboomy @naomihaha2099 @bruh-anator3000 @buttertubz

[midascrow]

Lucifer x GN!Reader

A Fan of the Devil?

———————//————

synopsis: Charlie’s father is introduced to the hotels “Gardener”, and comes to find out that they’re a fallen soul from above. He’s also surprised to learn that they’re a fan of his.

warnings: religious pressure(?)

an: Part 1? If this is well received ofc. This is told from Lucifer’s perspective and therefore his view and inner thoughts regarding what’s going on around him. I also threw in the idea that he’s bad with names cuz that feels very accurate to me lol

—————————————————————-

He hadn’t expected his daughter’s friends to be so….eccentric, upon meeting them. Of course he knew Charlie’s heart bled gold for any sinner around, but he thought-, more so he hoped that she would keep somewhat better company.

Especially in the revelation of this “RaDiO DEmOn”.

Baggie- Mag- Vaggie, was alright he supposed. She loves his daughter, perhaps just as much as he does,that much he was sure. And while he was a bit disheartened by having not known of their relationship prior, he was still content and moved by the way the two leaned towards each others embrace as they spoke.

His heart ached. Just a bit.

“Are they up in their room again?”

“I think they’re in the Garden again, hon.”

Garden? The hotel had a garden?

“Oh! Oh maybe we could-“

“I don’t know…you know how they can be about us going in there..”

“Pshhhh! I’m sure it’ll be fine Vaggie! Plus remember how they always talked about meeting him??”

Meeting who? Who’s meeting who??

Was there some kind of owl in here?

“Dad!”

“Ah!”

Charlie blinked down at her father in an awkward beam, watching his red eyes dart around nervously, for a moment or two. “Who?!-“ His throat dried and swelled in embarrassment, cracking his voice as he fixed his pride with a dust off his hat. “Uhm…Yes? Char?” Nailed it. Totally. Very cool and suave of you big boss.

His daughter smiled, a crease in her brow before she clasped his arm and tugged him forward, away from the peering eyes of the others and down a long corridor. “There’s someone- Well-there’s someone who’s been dying to meet you! Yknow ever since they arrived here it’s just be non stop-“

Someone wanted to meet him? Why??

Surely they were a weirdo.

His grimace must’ve given him away, because Vaggie, who he hadnt noticed following them till the moment of, gave a small hum, to cut through her girlfriends words.

“They were a bit of a fanatic on earth apparently.”

He dead panned.

“A cultist.”

“No.”

“A satanist?”

“That’s not even what satanists do!”

“…..”

“….A banker-“

“Just-!….Wait and you’ll see.”

He fell silent at that, a frown pulled onto his pale lips as his feet dragged him towards wherever they were headed.

He was a bit stumped when they came upon two large doors, both decorated in shimmering glass mozaics, depicting two dividing scenes. An Angel; hands carefully cupped around a beautifully red apple, kneeled down towards the other mural, was depicted on the right. And on the Left, in the same position, with the same red apple, a demon.

He shifted uncomfortably.

“Wow Honey! I uh- Didn’t know this door even existed! It’s very cool, yes yes very cool- now let’s head back to the-!” He called nervously, a half witted laugh leaving his sharp tooth smile as Charlie nodded vigorously, shiney eyes aglow as she took hold of the golden handles of the ornate doors, pulling them open with a mighty huff as a golden light spilled from inside.

It was startling to say the least, fact proven by how Lucifer felt his wings practically shoot from his back in defense, feathers cascading down in time with the petals and leaves that followed an imaginary breeze through the threshold.

His ears strained to hear the quiet sound of rushing water and leaves shaking, birds chirping and insects buzzing quietly somewhere in the back.

His skin warmed. Not in the way it naturally did from hells weather, but as if the sun was beaming down on his skin for the first time in eons. Of course, he knew it was fake. But it was so close.

“Oh- shit! Charlie!” A voice barked beyond the golden glow of the garden, a figure stepping out from the shadows of a large bush, covered in leaves and flowers as they stumbled clumsily through, racing towards the door and slamming it shut, completely ignorant to the king beside their hip, who’s gaze pierced them in silent wonder.

He hadn’t felt that in a while.

“What did I tell you about coming in unannounced! You could throw off the entire ecosystem! The slightest temperature shift might make one of the flowers wilt or one of the fruits shrivel! At least warn me before-“

“Ahem.”

The sinner paused, shoulders jumping stiffly as they froze, finger pointed towards Charlie rudely from their rant before their gaze shifted to the side.

He heard the way their breath hitched, and his chest puffed slightly in pride, wings fluttering just slightly.

“Hello there.” He was being cheeky, he knew that, though his smile felt a tad too genuine, caused by the sheer awe that glimmered across the sinners face at the sight of him. “Lucifer Morningstar, I don’t believe we’ve had the pleasure of meeting yet.”

He couldn’t find it in himself to dislike that look. He was the avatar of pride after all.

And a small part of him took a rather large enjoyment in the stuttering and stumbling of the sinner before him.

“Y-Your highness! Oh my gosh-“ He grinned “I wasn’t expecting your company- I would’ve dressed more- well I-“ Vaggie coughed from the side, redirecting their attention as they picked the stray foliage form their hair and clothes in a frenzy, towards the garden around them.

With a startled gasp they quickly stepped to the side, nearly tumbling in their haste as they held their arm out, presenting the garden to the king. “It’s..it’s an honor to meet you Sir.” Your voice was steadier, but still thick with anxiety that stuck like molasses to your tongue.

He watched your hand tremble, just slightly. Like his.

His wings fluttered again. A warm feeling bursting through his chest and into his eyes, giving them that shine that reflected the faux golden glow of the sun in the large green room. “The pleasures all mine, My dear. Do you mind explaining what it is you have-.…here”

His smile faltered, gaze stuck on the tree that stood tall and proud in the center of the spacious garden. Its leaves and branches stretched far, each adorned by beautiful red..apples, that hung and shimmered in the light. He expected the familiar ache of guilt to swarm his heart, but was surprised when he found himself breathless instead.

“I hope it’s..somewhat accurate. I’ve only seen recreations of course, never the real thing..” Your voice was a bit muffled in his mind.

He felt you step cautiously beside him, as he continued to gaze reverently at the scene before him. Shadows and memories danced past his eyes and through the patches of sun that decorated the floor. He swore he could hear quiet calls and whispers mix with the rustling leaves.

“You made this?” It wasn’t really a question.

Plants weren’t common in hell. Especially none such as this. They simply couldn’t grow in the rotted soil that spread across his kingdom. And there was simply no pure water to be found that could sustain them. So how-

“I might’ve take a few things before I fell.” You laughed shyly, cheeks warmed under the sun and the intense gaze of the King that snapped towards you.

Lucifer finally got a proper look at you. At your eyes and your features. Your afflictions. There was no denying you were a human soul. It was clear as day and still beat deep in your being. But..

“You were in heaven?” He gasped, eyes wide, mouth agape as he turned fully towards you, the grip on his cane tight as he scanned over the few demonic markings that lined your body, and the big golden X that flashed across your entire being. For only his eyes to see.

A virtuous soul cast out? Was that even possible? To turn away a true, virtuous soul, one of the few who had made it into heavens gate from their life on earth-

“It’s safe to say I didn’t truly agree with heavens teachings. It was too…polished.” There was an easy going smile that matched your tone, as you let your eyes wander towards the tree that wisely outshined every other plant in the garden. You continued.

“Heaven wasn’t my first choice. Frankly I didnt believe in it to begin with. But my folks were..somewhat of zealots. They wanted the best for me, I know that. But I missed…” You paused, seemingly thoughtful as Lucifer watched you with rapt attention, you both becoming ignorant to the two lovers that slipped out.

Charlie smiled softly to herself. Her dad needed this.

“I missed the free will that their religion took away from me.” Your gaze was knowing, almost wise like the tree when it peered back into his own, and Lucifer swore he felt something crack. Something lift from his shoulders and pulled his wings away, letting them spread proudly, in a way he hadn’t felt or experienced in years. Possibly ever.

“You know….I always enjoyed the story of you they told on earth.” Lucifer grimaced again, the vision of you dimming for a moment as he glanced away.

“Is that so? I’m sure they’re singing my praises.” It was a dry laugh, his hands gesturing in a faux confidence, but his lips quirked when he heard your muffled one.

“No, many aren’t. Most seem to align themselves with Heavens view…” You hummed thoughtfully and stepped forwards into the soft grass that peaked through the cracks of brimstone. Lucifer followed, instinctively. He felt leashed by your presence, though not necessarily in a bad way.

“Though there are plenty, who think a little more like me. There’s many versions of your story. I always knew that the original couldn’t be the full story. Too..one sided. Time on earth taught me that there was always a second side. Someone’s else thoughts-, perspective. Falling only confirmed that.”

You words tangled with your fingers that fluttered across the branches of a close bush, caressing a small flower that curled into your touch. “The first thing I did was look for the story. Of the garden. I wanted to replicate it, though admittedly there was never much detail to go off!”

You laughed again and the sound was quickly becoming a favorite of his. It was gentle..understanding. It almost hurt.

“And when I read the story..it was different. More romantic for sure.” You flushed softly, cheeks warm again as you recalled the way the story of Lucifer and Lilith warmed your soul. “But..more honest. Heart breaking even. I couldn’t believe how horrible it was must’ve been…and never knowing how amazing your gift was..” you turned to him again, your gaze so earnest and true that it made him step back.

Lucifer couldn’t deny the warmth in his own cheeks. You were pretty..pretty? That felt mundane. You practically glowed in the garden. And while it wasn’t a perfect representation of what Eden had been, it was better.

Eden had always been..one dimensional. It lacked the depth and feeling that Lucifer had hoped to give humanity. It was gorgeous, there was no denying that. But it wasn’t real.

This…This, is what he had hoped for the garden to be. Alive. Truly alive.

And…you brought it life…because of him? It didn’t feel right in a way. Having spent so many years locked away by himself and mourning the sin and ruin he had created from his own selfish wish.

Selfish? Had it been selfish? At the time, when he had done it, it didn’t feel selfish. He wanted humanity to live. To be alive! Truly, and honestly alive.

And you were so Alive. You were dead here in hell and yet you were breathing life into this gorgeous scene because you chose to. You chose to fall too. You chose to be in hell.

Because of him? Because of his…gift?

It was ironic almost. Laughable even.

Your lips pursed, a worried sweat on your brow as you lost that roaring confidence that bled into your words prior. “I’m sorry- I didn’t mean to preach or anything-“ He stopped you.

“So-.…you’re a fan?” His lips screwed into a wobbly smile, embarrassment creeping up his neck at his less then poetic comment, though the laugh you graced him with almost made the shame worth it.

“You could say that. I personally think I hold the title of number one fan, but you know beggars can’t be choosers I suppose.” You gestured animatedly, a small smirk on your lips as you professed your..favor towards the king, and he gleamed.

“Well!” His hands flew to his suit, straightening it out and letting his chest puff out from its slumped frame. “May I know the name of my, alleged, number one fan?” His words were coy, smug as he gestured to you with a flourish that he had shown to the other residents. (Of course till you had so rudely stunned him to silence)

The smile you gifted him was holy.

“(Y/N)…Your highness.” Your bow was playful, a little awkward and strained, but it made him laugh.

“(Y/n), hm? I’ll be sure to remember that.” His throat cleared briefly, “I…hope you wouldn’t mind me stopping by sometime again soon..I’d like to hear a bit more about your garden.” He liked the way you looked at him in this moment. Disbelieving but so hopeful. Like he was something, someone to gaze at in such a way.

“I’d be honored.”

Maybe you had a fan of your own now, as well.

———————☆

[lovelyyandereaddictionpoint]

Yandere Witch /// Part 2

Part 1

The great part about Rhiana the Witch’s cozy cottage outside that small town was the privacy. Not just when her most wriggly meals ran; but because it was purposefully hidden. The faerie circles just outside the town messed with maps and satellites making her little place a safe haven from the enemies and ex-lovers experiments she’d made over her many centuries of being alive. But now that she was leaving to get closer to you, she was uncomfortably exposed. 

“Hey Rhi-Rhi you okay? You’ve looked so nervous since I picked you up.”

“Oh I’m fine it’s just all these people make me so nervous.”

“I guess it is kind of overwhelming.”

“Maybe you can take me somewhere private. Like your place maybe?”

She thinks it’s worth the risk as she’s allowed to use the same excuse to cling to your side. Pretend to be distraught when she gets hit on to have you pretend to be dating to drive off desperate and confident weirdos. She eats that up. Unfortunately though, her open fawning over you leaves her unguarded from soul searches. An old technique lovers of olde used to unite over long periods. Naturally, trouble just happens to be in the 500-meter radius and is well off enough to get in close to foil her plans.

“Hello there. I’m your new neighbor. I wanted to introduce myself to everyone since I’m completely new to the area.”

“Oh hi, nice to meet you! I’m (Y/n) and this is Rhi–”

“(Y/n) you don’t have to introduce me I’m only visiting.”

“That’s such a shame Rhiana. I would’ve hoped we could…get to know each other better.”

Trouble is one of her craziest exes–Narciness. He was a nymph and she was a witch. Back then, it made sense that they were perfect for one another. Both were a gorgeous couple, immortal and with plenty of magic. Not to mention he didn’t even mind that she ate humans for her youthful appearance. But it just wasn’t right for Rhea. Just as his name would suggest there was a deep-seated and well-masked narcissism that showed its ugly head at the worst times. She ultimately took the very mature option that she’s learned over the centuries when it comes to major obstacles. She ran. 

“Nice to see you again Rhiana. It’s always nice to know my girlfriend decided to disappear from me the last few centuries!”

“Quit whining. I left you a note didn’t I?”

“A note cursed to explode with a memory-wipe spell the second I finished it. If I didn’t know any better I’d say you were trying to leave me.”

“Oh genius, you’re finally getting it!”

“That can’t be right! You and I…we’re perfect together! And you instead cheat on me with the most imperfect human!”

“Do not ever talk about my (Y/n) like that!”

She’s almost glad he’s crazy enough not to hide his intentions. Had he been cut from the same cloth as she-she would have kept silent until after she devoured her prey. But Narciness is an idiot who so clearly had it out for you that she wouldn’t let him live another day without singing your praises. Unfortunately, the thing about killing a nymph is that it wasn’t easy, a child of the old powers of nature. He’s survived a lot of things and can withstand some of Rhea’s most fatal potions. And especially when she’s far from home spending time with you, she’s a little shorthanded. So she’ll come up with another remedy. 

“Hey Narc, I didn’t know you went shopping here.”

“I think instead of solely getting the organic stuff I figured I’d swing by here every once in a while. The gallery is truly immaculate.”

“Good for you. C’mon (Y/n) we’re going to miss our movie.”

“Oh right! Well, it was nice seeing you, Narc!”

“Oh (Y/n) before you go, there's something I wanted to tell you.”

“What?”

“I just love your smile.”

“Oh, thanks !”

“Let’s go, (Y/n).”

The thing she found that sparked her attraction to him was his smile. It lit up the room like yours and in the end, it’ll be what protects you from his violent protections of ‘their relationship’. Unfortunately, now that she’s used a spell to shift his affection she’ll have to figure out some way to end his life before he turns violent against her. Too bad it’ll be hard to figure out in the span of two days. Now she can miss her plane and extend her stay a little while but it’s just not enough time. Not enough time for her to make sure ‘Narc’ doesn’t try anything, she’ll have to do something drastic. 

“Narciness I was hoping we could find some common ground.”

“With you? Babe, didn’t I tell you I was done? Your old news.”

“For you, I might be but I’m the hottest thing in (Y/n)’s world.”

“...I see. So we’re officially competing then. Would you like to fight this out now?”

“I’d like to try something new. A gesture of peace, if you will.”

“...oven mitts? You plan to make me bake? Why would I concern myself with such a lowly task?”

“Did I tell you (Y/n) has a sweet tooth?”

“...”

Rhea the Witch considers herself lucky her ex considered cooking for himself as a job for ‘someone uglier than him.’ She’s also glad she gets to stay another day due to food poisoning. Who knew nymphs gave witches so much nausea?

“Oh Rhea were you eating that bloody meat again? I keep telling you that rare steak is great but you got to make sure it’s at least cooked a little bit.”

“I know hon. I should really think about maintaining my diet better.”

“Yeah, I’m just glad this is happening now. Instead of on a plane or bus where I wouldn’t be there for you.”

“Yes…(Y/n) what do you think about me staying another week or so. So many things keep happening, it feels as though fate is telling me.”

She may have some serious indigestion but you were hers and the threat was…toast. For Rhea, her reward was being pampered by you. Finally able to rest with her love by her side. Nothing was better and nothing could bother her. Not even the distant thought of the new owner to the place next door. 

“I noticed your plants. I’m not a huge fan of nature but maybe you can show me the ropes. What do you say, neighbor?”

[wannaeatramyeon]

Gun Park x Reader: this is our place (we make the rules)

Chapter 1 Gun has a new neighbour. Index: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Epilogue

It’s not that weird, is it? 

Knocking on a neighbour’s door that you don’t know on a Friday evening, asking for a screwdriver as your kitchen sink is flooding, damp t-shirt sticking to you and a wet streak through your hair.

No. You shake your head. This resembles nothing like a terrible cheesy porn scenario. It’s fine. This is fine.

(And really, you should know who the maintenance people are in this building… Frankly. It’s your first night in this seriously upscale building. Do they even have maintenance people or is it just personal butlers?)

You self-consciously try to run your hands through your hair, already knowing you look desperately out of place in your new home.

But, god bless her soul, your estranged grandma has pretty much set you up for life. Leaving you a decent inheritance and an apartment in Gangnam. So what if it came with a dodgy sink where the water isn’t so much leaking as gushing out. 

No problem.

You have all the world’s information at your fingertips and countless NewTube tutorials. A lifetime of frugal habits and a can-do attitude means you’re not going to spend more than you need to.

So here you are.

Outside your neighbour’s door.

Putting off looking like a weirdo while every second your new apartment could be resembling more like a swimming pool.

You take a deep breath, steeling your resolve and ring the doorbell.

A faint chime from inside reaches your ears and you wait.

And wait.

And wait.

And just as you’re on the verge of leaving and trying someone else, you hear footsteps. Which, you think with unease, sounds irritable. You didn’t even know footsteps could sound irritable.

The door cracks open, just slightly, and the man peering through the gap narrows his black eyes at you. Needs must; you’ll just casually breeze past that.

With what you hope is a winning smile, the words tumble out. 

“Hi, I’m your new neighbour. This used to belong to my grandma but I’m here. Just moved in! Funny story actually, she didn’t take too good care of it so now I have a leaky sink. You can probably tell,” you signal to the state of your hair and clothing, “I’m sorry for disturbing you, I didn’t mean to-”

He cuts you off, words short and terse. “Why are you here?”

“Oh… uh, do you have a screwdriver I can borrow? Flathead please.”

The guy takes one more look at you and shuts the door.

Excuse me? Did he just? Wow.

You’re not really sure what to do, because who doesn’t lend their neighbour a screwdriver? You shuffle your feet, contemplating if you should try the neighbours on the other floor. But what if they shut their door in your face too?

And maybe you should have called a plumber or maintenance already like a normal person. But they likely won't get here for hours. Hindsight is a bitch.

Just as you’re about to skulk away, trying to concoct another plan, the door opens again. Fully this time.

“Here,” the man says, now revealing himself to you and handing over a toolbox.

Holy shit. You take in his tall lean frame, pretty sure you can see his muscles and abs through his shirt what the fuck, the strong jaw and the hair which is this side of mussed, obviously relaxing after a long week. He looks about your age and might be the hottest guy you’ve ever laid eyes on.

Cheeks flushing, you stammer your thanks and after he gives you a slight nod (was that a smirk?), you take your leave.

.

.

Fuck fuck fuck. It doesn’t work. Fuck NewTube and fuck this sink.

What if it floods fully and leaks through to the apartment below. You can’t afford to pay for damages of whatever fancy shit you may or may not have broken.

Your neighbour' door opens for the third time this evening, and the guy holds his hand out expectantly for his toolbox. 

In for a penny, in for a pound. You move it a touch out of reach, a hostage of sorts, as you start to ramble again, this time tears pricking at your eyes.

“I’m so sorry but I couldn’t fix it. Is there a maintenance or plumbing number you can give me?”

He frowns, your words sinking in and checking out your sorry state.

“Is this going to damage my apartment?”

“No?” The question mark is loud.

“Tell me what is wrong with your… sink.”

You mutter something about hopefully just a leaky valve. Which should be oh-so-simple to fix, according to your troubleshooting skills. Perhaps that is as lacking as your handiness.

With a sigh, he grabs the toolbox out of your hand, fingers brushing yours too quickly before you’re able to comprehend what’s happening, and moves with confident strides towards your place.

.

.

Gun, he answered after you asked his name. You thought he didn’t hear when you asked the first time. The second time he hesitated, a little shifty with his body language. As if his name is a secret.

And as he ducks under your kitchen sink with a screwdriver, head almost fully shoved in the cabinet, vascular forearms showing with his sleeves rolled up, tinkering with something or another; you wonder if anything ever looks out of place in those arms, held in those fingers.

His shirt, which looks painfully expensive with a designer logo plastered all over it, is completely soaked through (dear god, those were his abs that were showing clearly through), now looking tantalising transparent and clinging to his torso.

With his arms lifted, it rides up. Showing a pale strip of skin. All hip bones and muscles and fuck. Fuck.

This is your home. Yours. How are you so incredibly flustered in your own home?

“Wrench.” comes his voice, low and silky. 

“Uhh…” you rummage around and hand him the adjustable tool.

A twist, a creak, and the water slows.

Drying up to a slow leak, then a few drips, then… nothing.

Is this guy an angel or what? Your survey the puddles, body sagging with relief that in hindsight it isn’t too terrible. No lasting damage.

Gun stands up, dusting himself off and you gush your thanks. Pouring your gratitude.

His black eyes shift to you, aloof and apathetic.

“Don’t mention it. It’s a one off. I’m not in the habit of doing favours.”

Huh?

Your jaw hangs open at his attitude as he makes a swift exit without giving you a second glance.

So much for him being an angel.

[lvrs-street2mmorrow]

scary? my god, you’re divine.

| part 2

link to masterlist | part 1<

pairings: ghost! beomgyu x fem! reader, coworker! yeonjun x fem! reader

summary: you're excited to start a new chapter of life, moving into a relatively nice little place. though your landlord had said the place was old as rocks, it was remodeled and made new. you were never the type to be especially involved with the paranormal, but it becomes hard to deny that your new place has some quirks.

warnings: nothing really just a little angst and a small kiss

wc: 2.6k

a/n: i forgot to write so it’s way to late…but i hope you like it!!

Though you haven’t taken in the fact a random dead poet from the 1500s living in your home, you decided you’ll just have to get used to it because you’re stuck with him as long as you live there.

In the morning, you get up to get ready for your first day at work. Your eyes open to see the dead man, Choi Beomgyu, looking at you. You scream, “Oh, what the fuck—” You say, scared for a second, and the man laughs in his oddly attractive voice. You sigh, “If you’re gonna show yourself, at least try not to give me a heart attack each time.”

The man laughs again. “Just for that, I’ll do it just like that each time,” he says with a smirk you’re already tired of seeing, even after knowing him for only a short time.

“Well, I’m gonna shower.” You turn around to grab your fresh and clean clothes, and you see him again, but he’s moved positions way too fast, and you forgot he’s a ghost.

### 🕸️

During your first day of work, your boss and a co-worker, Yeonjun, talk to you for a while. Yeonjun is teaching you how to cook fries, and you ask him, "So, what town are you from?"

He hums, shrugging his shoulders with a sigh. "I grew up here, but the people here suck. But I know a few good people."

He helps you take out the fries because they’re heavy, and you get his number for "work purposes," but you only want his number because he's hot.

Your boss is being rude because you dropped a singular fry. Yeonjun tells your boss, Soobin, "It's fine. It was an accident," with a smile. You sigh in relief, and Yeonjun pats your back.

When you serve your first customer, a super nice old lady, she asks for simple tasks. Once you serve her, she thanks you, and you thank her for coming.

Once you turn around, Yeonjun is doing something with another co-worker, Taehyun. You roll your eyes because you want to be out of there as fast as you can, having gotten no sleep last night because of a certain someone.

### 🕸️

Once you get home, Beomgyu is sitting on your bed, and you’re confused about why he's there. He asks, "Why are you here so late?" with a look that suggests he's mad.

You shrug. "I had to go to work." You put your keys away, and Beomgyu watches your steps. You sigh.

Beomgyu stands up to watch over you, though you don't realize it because you can't feel him. He says, "Why were you gone for so long, though?" which makes you jump.

"I don't know, I left during closing hours—" He cuts you off with a roll of his eyes and a certain movement you can barely make out, but he moved further away.

He says, "I wonder why you aren’t married to anybody by now. Your father would’ve sold you off." He snickers when you scoff.

You say with a sigh, "Fathers don’t give their daughters away in marriage anymore. Now it’s normal to just get married because you love each other."

He says, "But why aren’t you married? You’re beautiful. I’m sure some men would love to have you as a wife or something like that."

You smile and laugh. "I don’t know, I’ve just never found interest in the men around because either they’re weirdos or they're super annoying."

"Then why don’t you try to find someone who could make you happy?" he asks sweetly, oblivious to the fact it’s making you self-conscious because you’ve never really been with someone since boys suck.

You shrug. "I don’t know, but all I know is I'm tired, so I’m going to try to sleep. And don’t you watch over me like you did last night because it gave me nightmares."

He snickers. "I’ll try not to do that," he says in a flirty tone. You sigh because you’re literally talking to a dead person, a ghost you've barely acknowledged has been there for less than

### 🕸️

after a few weeks of working there, you and Yeonjun are good friends and you two are talking a bit through text

he’s sending flirty texts and you giggle responding back playfully “I like your new hair😼” he takes a little bit to respond but he ends up messaging back anyways

he replies “Thanks doll i haven’t heard anyone comment about it yet” You’re already imagining his fox are grin and it has you blushing and giggling like a lovesick highschool girl

Beomgyu sighs while sitting on the chair “y/n what are you doing?” he asked and he seemed annoyed or some reason because he knows you’re probably talking to some guy.

You just shrug “it’s nothing” but you forgot beomgyu doesn’t know what a phone is because he’s from the 1500s they didn’t have anything like a phone back then

once you’re done texting yeonjun and you finally get up from your messy bed that you made not even around an hour ago beomgyu is looking at you

you sigh “what do you want i don’t have all day,i have to go out of town to see my parents soon” but for some reason after you said that beomgyus face turned to something other then what you normally which is no emotions

beomgyu looks like a bit disappointed “y/n,you know i can’t leave the house right?” you nod and he just looks into your eyes with a strange look you can seem to hook onto

and once you’re ready for bed he’s just sitting on your desk chair watching your movements and you sigh “stop watching me you creep” you say no actually bite in your words but he seems hurt by your choice of words but he’s probably heard worse back in his days

in the morning your alarm goes off and you groan and as soon as you open your eyes beomgyu is standing at the end of your bed and you almost scream and he just chuckles “you’re late aren’t you supposed to be there at 8?,it’s 9am”

you grimace going to get off your bed and you roll your eyes at beomgyu snickering “back when i was-” you just death glare him because you have a terrible morning attitude your mother and father always told you about

as your putting up your hair and putting on your outfit that will just be covered by a apron but you don’t care. your bed is always warm and comfortable as soon as it’s time to actually do something

as you’re putting on your makeup beomgyu is standing behind you and you can’t see him in the mirror and you sigh as your phone buzzes from the 4th call form your boss

you decide to awnser and you hear soobins voice blaring through your phone speakers “why aren’t you at work we need you here”

you just say to soobin your boss “i accidentally woke up late but i’ll be in like 20 minutes is that alright?” you hear a quiet hum of conformation.

during your shift your boss is super disappointed your late on at least maybe your 4th week on the job and in the kitchen

he has yeonjun helping you so you don’t mess even though you’ve already got what you needed to do down yeonjun is talking about something and the only you catch onto is “my favorite poet is Choi Beomgyu but he never got to make a lot of famous poet because he died pretty young”

you don’t reply but your mind is everywhere even if you can’t find the right words and you know you’re getting yourself in a situation with a dead man who’s from the 1500s you think that your situation is anything but right

#### 🕸️

You're lying in your bed, talking to Beomgyu, and something comes to mind. "Hey, Beomgyu? You’re 21 right?" He nods.

"You liked to write, but what did you write about? I've been searching for something you wrote, but there's nothing I can find of your work when I search your name."

He sighs, waving you over to the computer. "Just type in these words for me princess." You nod, walking over to the computer he's gesturing towards.

You haven’t used this computer since you first moved in a few weeks ago, so it's collected a bit of dust over time.

He whispers into your ear, "Can you type in “Scary? My God, You’re Divine?”That’s the name of my most famous writings .." He trails off, and you obviously can’t tell what he’s thinking, but you feel exactly what he’s feeling: sadness.

The poem is sad and about how a princess couldn't love a goblin even though she loved him. The poem is full of emotion, but you don't feel it. Instead, you feel blank and nothing at all.

he says “that poem always has made me sad because it reminds me of..” he trails off as he hears the door bell ring and he jumps because he got scared and you chuckle at him slightly going to stand up from your desk chair

as you open the door is just yeonjun there and he asks “sorry for coming unannounced, your house is closer then mine is and it’s pouring”

“Uh, sure,” you respond, trying to shake off the sudden emotional weight from reading Beomgyu's poem. You glance back at the ghost,thinking yeonjun can see beomgyu.

Yeonjun steps inside, his eyes sweeping across your cluttered living room. “Nice place,” he comments, flashing that fox-like grin that makes your heart skip a beat.

“Thanks. It’s not much, but it’s home,” you say while pursuing your lips, leading him to the couch. As he sits down, you notice Beomgyu reappearing in the corner of the room, watching intently.

You clear your throat, trying to push the ghost out of your mind. “So, what’s up?”

Yeonjun shrugs. “I just wanted to hang out, maybe watch a movie or something.” His eyes flicker to the computer desk where the poem is still displayed. “What’s that?”

You feel a lump in your throat. “Oh, it’s just an old poem I found. Nothing special.”

Yeonjun gets up and walks over to the screen, reading the poem silently. “This is really good. Who wrote it?”

“Choi Beomgyu,” you answer quietly, glancing at the ghost. Beomgyu’s eyes are fixed on Yeonjun, his expression unreadable.

Yeonjun turns to you, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “Never heard of him. Is he one of those obscure poets?”

You nod. “Yeah, you could say that.”

Yeonjun smiles and returns to the couch. “Well, whoever he is, he’s got talent.” He looks at you with a playful glint in his eyes. “So, movie?”

You laugh, feeling some of the tension dissolve. “Sure, let’s watch a movie.”

### 🕸️

As the night goes on, you and Yeonjun laugh and talk through the movie, the awkwardness and stress of the day melting away. Beomgyu, however, remains a silent observer, his presence a constant reminder of your unusual situation.

After the movie ends, Yeonjun stretches and yawns. “I should probably get going. Early shift tomorrow.”

You walk him to the door, and as he steps out, he turns back to you. “I had a great time tonight. We should do this more often.”

You smile. “I’d like that.”

Yeonjun leans in and, for a moment, you think he’s going to kiss you. But he pulls back, his cheeks slightly flushed. “Goodnight, Y/n.” your name sounds heavenly on his lips.

“night, Yeonjun,” you reply, watching as he walks down the hallway.

### 🕸️

The next day at work, you find yourself in the bustling kitchen, prepping ingredients alongside Yeonjun. He's explaining the nuances of seasoning while you focus on slicing vegetables with newfound skill. Amidst the clatter and sizzle, your boss, Soobin, eyes you both critically from afar.

"So, Y/n, how are you finding the rhythm here?" Yeonjun asks, deftly flipping a pan of sautéing vegetables.

You glance at him, a small smile playing on your lips. "It's getting better. Still trying not to drop fries though," you joke, remembering your initial mishap.

Yeonjun chuckles. "You're doing great. Just take it easy. Soobin can be a bit uptight, but he means well."

As if on cue, Soobin marches over, his expression a mix of irritation and impatience. "Y/n, you're lagging on the dessert prep. Pick up the pace!"

By the end of the day, as you wipe down the counters, Yeonjun approaches with a smile. "Not bad for a busy day, huh?"

You laugh softly, feeling a camaraderie that's grown since your first clumsy moments in the kitchen. "Thanks to you. I would've drowned in potatoes without your help."

Yeonjun grins, leaning against the counter. "Anytime, Y/n. Hey, how about we grab dinner after this? My treat."

You hesitate, glancing at Beomgyu, who's watching silently from the corner. His expression is unreadable, but you feel his presence weighing on your decision.

"I'd like that," you reply finally with a pink tint in your cheeks, turning back to Yeonjun with a genuine smile. "Let's do it."

As you lock up the kitchen together, heading out into the evening, you can't shake the feeling that this unexpected connection with Yeonjun might lead to something more than just a casual friendship. And amidst all the chaos of your unusual life, that thought brings a flicker of excitement and hope that you could finally find love.

### 🕸️

The evening with Yeonjun turns out to be unexpectedly delightful. Over dinner, you find yourselves sharing stories and laughing at each other's anecdotes. Yeonjun's easygoing charm and genuine interest in you make the hours fly by. As you walk home together, under the glow of streetlights and the patter of rain, you realize how comfortable you feel around him, despite the presence of Beomgyu lingering in your thoughts.

When you reach your doorstep, Yeonjun hesitates before speaking. "Y/n, I've really enjoyed tonight. I... I hope we can do this again."

You smile warmly, touched by his sincerity. "I'd like that too, Yeonjun."

He nods, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "Great. Well, goodnight then.but before you go can i ask you a simple favor?”

You nod, blushing softly at his closeness. He asks with a fox-like tilt of his head and a smirk, "Can you kiss me?"

Your insides feel like fireworks exploding. "Yeonjun..." you trail off as you lean closer to press your lips to his. His lips are just as soft as you thought they'd be.

As the kiss ends faster than you wished it would, it's slightly awkward as he says, "It's late. You should sleep."

### 🕸️

Back inside your apartment, Beomgyu is waiting, his expression a mix of curiosity and something you can't quite place. "So, how was your date?" he asks casually, though his eyes betray a deeper interest.

You shrug, trying to sound nonchalant. "It was nice. Yeonjun's a good guy."

Beomgyu raises an eyebrow. "Just nice?"

You sigh, knowing you can't hide much from him. "Okay, it was more than nice. He's funny, and we have a lot in common. But..." You glance at Beomgyu, hesitant to voice your concerns about dating while living with a ghost from the 1500s.

"But?" Beomgyu prompts, sensing your hesitation.

"But there's you," you admit softly. "I mean, you're always here, and Yeonjun doesn't know..."

Beomgyu chuckles, a rueful smile playing on his lips. "That I'm dead and haunting your apartment?"

You nod sheepishly.

He sighs, his demeanor softening. "Y/n, you deserve happiness. If Yeonjun makes you happy, don't let my presence hold you back. I'm just a ghost from the past."

You meet his gaze, feeling a pang of guilt mixed with gratitude for his understandings. "Thank you, Beomgyu."

As you end up just staring at the wall around 2 am, you keep thinking about your kiss with Yeonjun. But you know it's stupid to actually care about Beomgyu too.. right?

end part 2

taglist: @hyukascampfire

[fair-night-starry-tears]

Marron bullshit to put on @writing-heiress twst avatar au part 1

Bringing up the fact I made Jasir unique be the literal avatar. This man would be from the calmest reasonable prince Freya can respect to get influenced by her and Minako for a few moments of life to get involved in danger to not give a shit and be ready to spout out roasts out of no hesitation.

Probably also get his ass beaten for not telling Freya he learned to bend gold (I call this the gold bending/ he can find gold nuggets in lakes and caves and bend them into pure gold coins for currency), probably also knows bloodbending, somehow knows to glass bend for a split moment, and might’ve studied more medicine then his family to fucking mess with them.

But the Minako influence being rubbed off him thing? Yeah. YEAH HE WILL BE DEBATING TO TELL HIS FAMILY HE ACTUALLY HAS MASTERED FOUR ELEMENTS AND KNOWING HE COULD’VE RULED THE EARTH KINGDOM HE JUST CHOOSES TO WAIT FOR THE BEST OPPORTUNITY BUT REALLY LOVES TO SHIT TALK ABOUT HIS OWN FAMILY WITH NO HESITATION

Jasir, very done after being dragged everywhere: man I want to tell my shitty family bend every element just to fuck with them.

Freya: exCUSE ME WHAT-

Jasir: but I really…… really want to tell my brother I hooked up with his ex two weeks ago. She said i was the better twin.

Minako: *wheeze*

Jasir: I learnt to bend Gold by accident but I find it useful because if they disown me. I would be rich to steal gold from mines or lakes and no one will give a shit about it-

Yuu: WAIT YOU CAN WHAT-

Jasir: I am going to ruin my family some day…..

Srs he is ready to bend everything and probably destroy his own home and get away with it while also taking the family tiger too. Liliana is just suffocating Minako with her giant height and fur. She just a hint tiger who probably almost killed the twins few too many times and they accept that would be their way to go.

@adrianasunderworld @mangacupcake @writing-heiress @the-weirdos-mind @skboba-stars @nproduction626 @rose-tea-and-strawberries @anxious-twisted-vampire @yukii0nna @achy-boo @abyssthing198 @zexal-club @liviavanrouge

Jasir after Mina dared him to burn his house three times and this was his wanted poster which he refused to let it be changed:

Update to my tag: it’s actually 1 am now.

Ps: no I won’t fucking sleep I live for chaos

Me when my brain thinks of the stupidest idea yet so genius to me:

Funny thing is I’m fucking listening to “fun facts with Wan” on TikTok and next shit happen for me to think Jasir can actually see the avatar spirits and never fucking said a word of it and just waited on a very serious moment to just say “oh yeah. I see the avatar spirits. Yeah. Yeah for my entire fucking life.”

Freya: ….. ARE YOU KIDDING ME-

Jasir: im surprise as you, I ain’t the avatar but here I am bending four elements with no relations to any avatar or nomads in that order. My best friend who I confide secret is a tiger, my family dote on a boy who blood bends his way around anything, and I fucking can gold bend. My life should’ve been normal. I would’ve been fine if I was just an earth bender but granted someone said “hey let’s fuck up this kid” look where I stand! I stand on a wire!

I should be asleep but my brain just refuses so if anyone wanna talk about crazier ideas for au’s or somewhat. I’ll be open until my brain thinks about more info or how unhinged the avatars would be to guide Freya or encourage her to go apeshit on someone.

And maybe I’ll draw her about to bend someone existence out again, making it the third time I’ll draw her. Maybe. Unless I debate on drawing her smacking the shit outta Jasir for holding the boiling tea then so be it. Someone will be smacked on sight.

This post got too long then I expected but I can just say this.

I have no control, I am just the embodiment of chaos and I want to eat soup so late.

[thedeathdeelers]

my demon reactions on the plane part 2: omg (ep 10)

the way his fingers cover the wedding ring when the hobo tells him he can only get his powers back once dohee dies- like he’s protecting it (and by extension dohee) from whatever fate that is out to get her YEAAAAH

people on shows and movies finding out a person is supernatural and then immediately just…googling it…will always be hilarious

what are u expecting to find m8????

but yeah basically finance guy is bella swan. is what i’m trying to say

anyway i forgot about finance guy and star jin and im sad that im now having to be reminded that they exist

sir it’s illegal to stare at someone with heart eyes as big as those. sir. sir please

“what scared you then?” don’t say don’t say it don’t say it i will CRY

NO HE SAID HE WHILE SHES ASLEEP AND HOLDING HER HAND THIS IS EVEN WORSE

oh no- you just know when they show us one of the characters fully planning out their trip that something will happen and the trip will Not

AAAAAND THERE WE GO. OF COURSE OBSESSED #1 CALLS HER OF COURSE

FINALLY

HE FINALLY TELLS OBSESSED #1 STRAIGHT UP

lol obsessed #2 finally realising obsessed #1 is insane. welcome to the club

yeah im fine. i’m not crying in a plane like a weirdo. i’m cool lol (holy shit hOLY SHIT)

YAY BUT IM ALSO TERRIFIED ITS ONLY EP 10 MOM COME PICK ME UP IM SCARED

OK onto the next one (ep 11)

HE’S LETTING HER DRESS HIM AND SHES CHOOSING LIGHT COLOURS YAAAASS

man idk maybe don’t brag that u won against hobo deity. just a thought

“i would rather forget myself than forget you” ok. ok ok ok . cool (he did both. kinda)

no

noooo nooo wolsim can’t be obsessed #1 right??? she can’t be????? unless she somehow betrayed him in that previous life and it’s why he decided to become a demon- to erase all human emotions and why he’s always hated insignificant humans???

bruh

or it’s totally a mislead idk lmao

“i’ll never leave you no matter what happens” *stares at ‘ep 11’ and starts sweating*

OOH OH IS OBSESSED #2 GONNA GO UNDERCOVER RATHER THAN SWITCH SIDES

CAUSE IF SO HE CAN GO FROM BEING ‘OBSESSED #2’ & ‘FINANCE GUY’ to ‘SEOKHOON OPPA’

sir

SIR

MAYBE WAIT UNTIL YOURE NOT WITHIN EARSHOT TO CALL DOHEE JC IM STRESSED

i hate to say this but seokhoon (oppa 💀) and guwon’s bromance is now …my favourite thing ever. i love this. so much lmao

dammit obsessed #1 is also redeeming herself FFS

“if you ever hurt dohee i’ll become a priest and exorcise you” crap i like him.

DOES HE HEAL HIS ARM?????

….well then. that ending. was. ok. that’s cool. yup 👍🏻

[hannah-the-red-head]

Multiverse of Madness Pt. 1

Strife: *holding Tech at Gunpoint* ALRIGHT EVERYONE, STAY WHERE YOU ARE! CHILL THE F OUT!

Hunter: *aiming his blaster at Usopp, while holding him in a chokehold* I’m going to ask this one time, where is Omega?!

Strife: Yeah, I’ll do you one better. Who is Omega?

Wrecker: *on the ground with Redemption’s barrel shoved into his face* I’ll do you one betta! Why is Omega?!

Hunter: Tell us where the kid is or else I swear I’ll fry this long nosed weirdo.

Strife: Let’s do it, you shoot my guy and I’ll blast him! Let’s go! *transforms Redemption into his Ultimate form Cannon*

Wrecker: DO IT HUNTER! I CAN TAKE IT!

Echo: *in background tied up by Fury and Nami* NO, HE CAN’T TAKE IT!

Fury: He’s right, you can’t.

Hunter: Oh yeah? You lot don’t wanna tell me where she is, that’s fine! I’ll blast all five of you and I’ll beat it out of Lilith myself!

Hunter: *about to shoot Usopp* Starting with you!!

Kiryu: Wait what?… Alright, let me ask you this one time. What master do you serve?

Hunter: What master do I serve? What am I supposed to say? The Republic?

Strife: You’re from Star Wars.

Hunter: No, I’m from Kamino.

Kiryu: *puts his baseball bat away* Yeah, that’s in Star Wars, dipshit! What are you hustling us for?

Usopp: So, you guys… aren’t with Lilith and Palpatine?

Hunter: What? With Lilith? No! I’m here to kill Lilith, she kidnapped our sister! Wait, who are you?

Strife: Allies… apparently.

[torotoro0]

Enemies? Or....

`~Miles Fairchild x Reader~`

Part 2/?

{Click for Chapters}

word count: 1.5K words

Summary :  Kate isn’t that bad, she just left a first bad impression though, but Miles isn’t really fond of her.

A/N : Part 2 is here lolol

Your Pov

I was reading my book when I heard continuous bouncing of ball and I know, I surely know that it was Miles, so I went downstairs stop all this noise when Kate scolded him first.

“Stop it!” Kate shouted “Thank you” she said as she went back to what she’s working.

“Pfft” I let out a muffled laugh, Miles looked at me and rolled his eyes “weirdo” he mumbled, he then threw his last ball at the wall and walked away annoyed.

{T I M E  S K I P}

I went out of my room to find something that can entertain me in this boring house, as I walk around the hallways, I saw Kate following something, and you know for sure i follow her, after a moment of following her she turn her back to check and i hurriedly hid behind a corner

“The heck is she roaming around for?” I whispered, she then opens a door and I heard a faint song which seems to be a crappy one from the room “Ohhh miles’ room”

She enters the room like she had seen a ghost or something, “Miles?” she said ,I follow her but I stayed outside the room.

his room is messy as hell, I thought. “Don’t you know how to knock?” he annoyingly answered.

“Do you have... a friend in here?” she asked “what do you want” way to go spoiled brat, i thought as he didn’t even answer Kate’s question, “I thought..” she roams his room “I saw someone go in here..”.

This is getting really uncomfortable for me so- “Kate! Flora said she needs you!” I shouted, “Coming!” she answered, she dashes out the room. “Have you been there the whole time?” 

“Oh, no just got here” he rolls his eyes “Get out-”

“WAIT!” I said before he closes the door “Wanna go horse racing?” I ask “NO” aaaand he closes his door, damn-

“awww, why? does cute little baby Miles don’t know how to race with horses anymore?”

“Who says I don’t?” he opens his door, leaning on the door frame.

[ T I M E  S K I P}

“Can I come too pleaaase?” flora begged “Come on Miles flora wants to see me win you know?” I laugh, “Ugh fine-”.

“Can Kate come too? please please?”

“N-” “Of course Kate can come, lets go!” I cut him off lol.

We arrive at a track field we used to race horses with and theres a part at the field where you enter a hallway of tall bush of roses, Today I’m going to be riding Delila since she is the only horse left with Samson ofc.

{THIS KIND OF ENTRANCE, just imagine two of these paths}

“Go! Miles, Go Y/N!” flora exclaimed “Guys don’t get rough with each other ok? its just a game” Kate reminded, “Of course Kate we’ll REMEMBER that” I answered.

“3!” Flora starts the count down.

“2!”

“1!”

“GO, GO, GO!” flora shouted, we raced each other since the time quint taught us how to ride horses, sometimes me and miles would get a tie,but I hope we won’t get a tie and I would win this,

“Your getting slower Fairchild!” I shouted,

“Shut up L/N!” he shouted back,

We took a rough turn and he passes by me, later on we arrive at the roses path, I took the right tunnel of roses, while miles took the left one, we can still apparently see each other through the walls

 “This is looks prettier than the last time I saw this” I said as I look up, which i don’t prescribe to do because-.

“Yah!” I said as the horse launches me to the ground,

“Delila calm down!” delila was loudly neighing and jumping, she looks like she’s seen a ghost lol, like Kate,

“Delil-” as I try to approach her she jumps and runs away “Delila wait!” I run after her.

Narrator’s Pov

Her heart thudded in her chest. Her hands shook. Her feet tingled. As she puts her hands on her knees hyperventilating,

“hah, hah, hah” Y/N ran out of energy to run,

“d-delila”, she sits down on the dirt path calming herself down.

“The way back takes too long and the way to the finish line takes way more long, hah, hah” she struggles talking

“How am I going to get back then?” she needs to think of a way to get back dusk

“Shit- its almost night!” she says as she stomps on the dirt path.

Miles Pov

I arrive at the path of roses, I took the left turn because its the nearest one to the finish line, “ This is looks prettier than the last time I saw this “, damn it is, Mrs. Grose has been watering these everyday, I thought.

After minutes and minutes of tricks and turns I eventually reached the end of the path, “Miles is here! LOOK! he’s the first one to arrive!” Flora excitedly shouted.

“Congratulations miles” Kate said walking to me,

“Woah miles you won!” flora hugs me “damn right i did” I smile

“Wheres Y/N though?” Kate asked “I guess she”s still stuck at the roses part” I chuckled, Kate frowned, “I’ll wait for her here, you guys can go” she ordered “come on flora” and we flee.

{T I M E  S K I P}

Its been at least 2 and a half hours after the race, Kate and Y/N is still not home, “Miles have you seen the two?” Mrs.Grose said as she approached me and Flora

“No, I saw them last at the track field” I answer “I miss Y/N where is she?” Flora complained.

SLAM!

The door opens all of a sudden and reveals Kate.... and only her?

“Did Y/N come home?” she asked “Uhm, no? I thought you said you’ll wait for her” I replied as i play with my tennis ball.

“wait so....., she isn’t here?”

“No Kate she isn’t, where did you guys last see her?” Mrs.Grose said in a worried voice,

“I already said it, she was last seen at the track field” I roll my eyes “I mean where in the field?” “The pathway to the roses” Flora uttered as she plays with her dolls.

“I-I’ll find her” Kate shuddered.

{A few minutes time skip, like 15 minutes}

I throw my tennis ball at the wall again and again impatiently.

“I’m going to go for a walk” I mumbled “Bye Miles!” Flora waved good bye.

I ride Samson to find Y/N, “I can’t believe I’’m going to be helping” I roll my eyes, I saw Kate roaming around the track field.

“Aren’t you supposed to be finding Y/N?” I retorted

“Yes but I can’t seem to find her anywhere” she replied “Did you even check the pathway of roses?”

“Oh.. I did but i didn’t go that far i-” I went to the pathway of roses cutting her off.

As I venture to the path that Y/N took I saw delila eating one of the roses, “Delila!” I went down tying her to Samson and continued my search for that witch.

“Y/N! ARE YOU THERE!” I cringe as i shouted it.

Your Pov

“I am so tired huhuhu” I wept, “ANYONE THERE!” I shouted

“oh...how dumb of me, no one is present in this estate at night” I sighed as I continue walking forward.

“Y/N! ARE YOU THERE!”

OH! rescue is here! “I’M HERE!” I yelled “I AM HERE!” i yelled louder this time, I hear stomping of hooves and see the one and only MILES FAIRCHILD,

“of all people, you, fairchild found me” I wept

“At least I found you” He rolls his eyes

“come on Kate is SOO worried about your ass” I was about to climbed unto his horse when.

“you can’t ride mine” he blurted “what? then how do you expect me to go home? walk? nah, no way” I retorted.

“Uhm, no? I brought delila here, so you can ride her, do you expect me to be a prince charming and let you ride MY horse? ugh no way”

“Uhm, uh, no I don’t I-i just wanted to annoy you” I rolled my eyes and hopped on delila.

A/N: sorry it was a short chapter

[glitxhwayventeen]

The Cheating One

Jeonghan

Characters; Jeonghan x female reader

Warnings: mentions of cheating, future mentions of sexism (sexism can go both ways kiddos), lying, self image issues (kinda), mentions of smut, torn feelings, let me know if I missed any because I write these chapters during different days and I forget!

Author’s Note: Okay so this is definitely a long one. My bad. I tried to dumb it down and shorten it, but this was the result. Anyways I hope this made up for not posting for like two or three weeks!

Please remember that all of these chapters and the content within them are a work of fiction! They’re just for fun/entertainment!

Paved With Good Intentions Masterlist

Tag List- @babyminghao

Bold- Dialogue Italics- Thoughts

The Cheating One Part 1

After you felt… weird to say the least. You couldn’t quite explain it. You just knew that you felt much different than you had the previous day.

You were still very curious about the mark on your neck. It looked like it had healed over night and it freaked you out a bit because that had never happened to you before. But nothing freaked you out more than what happened when you went to school the day after.

-

As you found yourself setting foot onto campus, you recognized a familiar form in the distance waving you over. So of course, you made your way over, even though your feet felt like they had been placed in cement.

You didn’t want to face your own shame, and you certainly didn’t want to have the awkward talk you knew was coming your way the second you made it to your destination. But you decided to bite the bullet before the bullet bit you back. Oh well, here goes nothing.

“___! Where did you go? You had me worried sick!” Ani’s tiny body came in contact with your rather large one as she brought you in for a soul crushing hug while her mate stared at you from the side.

You had known Wonwoo for a long time, even longer than you had known Ani. But then he was just a classmate of yours. You didn’t know how… strange he could be sometimes. He’d go quiet out of no where. He’d stare off into space at random. And sometimes, you could��ve sworn you’d heard him grown.

So when he glared at you from beside his girlfriend, you really didn’t think much of it other than he was being awkward again. What a weirdo.

“I’m okay Ani. Really. It’s okay.” You tried your best to reassure your loving friend.

You were worried however, that Wonwoo had noticed any of the blooming bruises on your skin. You had thought you covered them relatively well considering you had literally bought out the whole drug store’s supply of concealer, color corrector, and foundation. You had taken a good look at yourself before you left and had made sure you wore a very conservative outfit, which was very much unlike you.

So you had figured you’d be fine, but the thought of being caught had your cheeks already burning with an embarrassing heat.

“That’s good. I’m so glad you’re alright!” She squealed, gently releasing you from her embrace to look at you.

Once Anya had pulled you out of the hug and took a good look at you, she smacked her petite hand into the back of your head without blinking, “What’s wrong with you!? You had me worried sick! I mean what the hell ___? No note? No text? Just an empty bed with all your stuff gone. I thought you had been kidnapped for Christ sakes!” The younger girl scolded you, making you cringe at her sharp tone with Wonwoo still gazing at you from beside her.

“I’m sorry Ani. I didn’t mean to scare you. I just… I had to leave for… reasons. I swear it wasn’t intentional!” You defended yourself, sticking your hands up in your own defense.

The smaller girl got up on her tippy toes to look into your face, almost to see if you were being sincere. You were used to it, she did it a lot to people. You were used to your friends strange antics.

She was almost as weird as her boyfriend in that way. But you found Anya a lot more personable and peppy than the male she was going out with. Hence why she was your best friend and not him.

Once she was convinced of your sincerity, she slowly lowered herself back to stand flat on the ground and narrowed her eyes, “Okayyyyy…. But next time shoot a girl a text God damn. I nearly had a heart attack when I thought something happened to you under my care!”

Well… something sort of did happen to you while under her care… but you weren’t one to poke the dragon. So you just left it alone and didn’t say anything about it.

“So-” She continued as she linked her arm with yours and started walking, grabbing her curious mate’s hand with her other arm.

But that’s when you once again felt the boy’s eyes on you, making you feel a tad bit uncomfortable and unsettled.

Why was he being so weird? Was it noticeable? Surely he would’ve said something or gave you some sort of hint that you needed to cover up better, right?

“So what happened to you anyways?”

Or at least Ani would have. She was a little too happy and liked jokes a little too much for your liking sometimes, but she’d never intentionally let you walk around embarrassing yourself with uncovered hickeys.

“___?”

He couldn’t have actually KNOWN what had happened, right? I mean, his room was pretty far away from your and Jeonghan’s little sexcapades. He shouldn’t have known… Or maybe he found out via Jeonghan.

You eyes couldn’t help but widen at the thought. He wouldn’t… would he have? Sure you didn’t necessarily KNOW the boy you spent the night with, but you didn’t think he’d do something that was THAT cruel. Ani wouldn’t have been friends with him if he would.

“Hello! Earth to _____!” Ani said as she nudged your side to help wake you up out of your little trance, much to your surprise.

“Wait what? Huh? S-Sorry. What did you say again?” You stuttered as you tried your best to keep your cool while your mind couldn’t help but race.

Ani chuckled slightly at your foolishness, “I asked you what happened. You know, like what caused you to leave so suddenly yesterday?”

You couldn’t help but stop in your tracks. You were never a very good liar, and you certainly didn’t want to lie to your friend. But you didn’t want to tell her, especially in front of Wonwoo. You didn’t even know if she would be okay with it or not.

You didn’t want to risk it, “Oh… that- I um- I-” You skeptically replied as you looked down at your watch. Saved by the bell, “Oh would you look at the time! I have class! Sorry guys! Gotta go!” You sighed a sigh of relief and gave Ani a small peck on the head while you whispered a short, “Bye guys!” and bolted down the campus square.

And just like that the mated couple watched as you tried to disappear from their eyesight as quickly as you could.

“Well she wasn’t being suspicious or anything. What do you think her problem was anyways?” Anya giggled to her mate as they both watched your tall figure completely disappear from there view.

Wonwoo waited a few moments before he spoke up, “I don’t know what her reason for leaving last night was. But I do know she had Hannie’s mark on her because his scent was ALL over her Ani.”

Anya jolted away from Wonwoo’s hand and stared at him in disbelief.

“Shut up.”

-

You sat down in your seat and exhaled a loud breath, not even caring where you had sat yourself as you were too deep in thought. It wasn’t until a group of ogling girls that were sitting in front of you mentioned Jeonghan’s name that your ears decided to pick up on their conversation.

Upon further inspection, you realized that one of the girls was the girl you had met last night at Ani’s place, Jeonghan’s ex-girlfriend Chaeyoung.

“I know he can be a dick, but I love Jeonghan. He’s my boyfriend.”

The words she used sent a sharp pang into your already conflicted heart. Boyfriend? Jeonghan had told you last night that they had broken up…

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Boyfriend this, boyfriend that. If you ask me he treats you like you’re an after thought and he doesn’t deserve you.”

What did she mean by that? And what did Chaeyoung mean by he’s her boyfriend? Was she just being delusional thinking she could get back with her ex?

You figured you were just Jeonghan’s rebound, which was fine because you sort of knew that going in. But from how he spoke of her, he really seemed like he just wasn’t feeling their relationship anymore and that he was completely done with it.

Was she crazy? Or were they actually still together and Jeonghan had just lied to you?

“He’s not that bad. Besides, he’s fucking amazing in bed. That’s reason enough to stay with him, if you ask me.” Chaeyoung joked with a laugh, much to the dismay of her less than enthusiastic friend.

You felt your hands ball into little shakey fists and your teeth begin to grind on themselves. You almost opened your mouth to say something, but the rational part of you refocused yourself.

She wasn’t really wrong about him being good in the sack. But why did her saying that piss you off so much? Why did you want to punch her square in the face for talking about sleeping with a boy you had really only known for a few hours when she was the one with the history with him and not you?

No matter what though, if what you thought was happening was true, she had every right to talk about her own boyfriend the way she was, even if it was disgusting to you. You had no right to be mad at her. If anything, She had a right to be mad at you.

In your situation, you’d be the mistress. The adulteress. The one at fault. The thought of doing something so dirty and horrible to another person made you feel sick to your stomach.

You hated cheaters. Now you could’ve been one. But you needed to find out for sure. There was no point in stressing yourself if the girl was just trying to get her ex back after all and wasn’t still with him.

“Good dick isn’t as hard to come by as you might think,” The friend reasoned with an unceremonious shrug, “I still think you should break up with him.”

There it was. The nail in the coffin. The hole in your heart. The end of your sanity.

Jeonghan lied to you about not being with her anymore. Had he really tricked you just so you’d sleep with him? Was he really THAT much of an asshole?

You quickly got up from your seat and made your way out of the lecture hall just as the class was about to start, not sparing your very confused professor, class, or Chaeyoung a glance.

-

“You marked ____?!?!?” Anya yelled as soon as she found her way to the older wolf’s scorching hot room.

She had pushed past her very overprotective mate in order to get to him. But there was good reason that Wonwoo insisted on going into said room with his mate to protect her.

Normally, he wouldn’t ever think Jeonghan would hurt a fly, but as he was in heat and wolves in heat can be a bit… extreme, he figured it was best that he be there as muscle for his mate just in case.

Jeonghan, who’s wrists were chained up with sweat sticking to his forehead, couldn’t help but gulp in response to the younger girl’s accusation. Oh boy, here we go.

He laid there, unsure of how to address her remark or if he should even try to lie his way out of it, “Oh- I take it she- she told you then huh?”

Anya let out a disgusted scoff, almost too upset to hold herself back from slapping him dead in the face.

“No, she didn’t tell me a damn thing! Wonwoo did. He could smell you on her,” She waved the rutted wolf off in annoyance, “Why did you do that? HOW could you do that? Wolves can only bite their mate and-”

It was her last statement that had Jeonghan hanging his head low with a solemn face, refusing to look his newest sister in the eyes in knowing that the gig was up.

“Oh my god Hannie,” She exclaimed in compete disbelief as she backed up from him slightly in shock, “Why didn’t you tell someone? We could’ve helped you. We could’ve figured it out and found a better way of going about it. But now you’ve already marked her and she doesn’t even know what the fuck it actually means!” She groaned in aggravation at the wolf’s antics.

Because of her own health, Wonwoo hadn’t actually marked her yet. He was too scared to. And while she couldn’t blame him and completely understood his decision, that didn’t stop a small part of the foreign girl’s brain from being just a little ticked off that a mate newer than her had been marked before her.

Still, Anya was happy for her brother. And she was really quite ecstatic that his newly found mate just so happened to be her best friend, but she was angry.

He marked you already, without even telling you. Not only was it just plain rude of him to do such a thing without explaining it to you first, but it could cause trouble for you.

You knew nothing about werewolves or the dangers of dating/being mated to one as far as they knew.

Your feelings for Jeonghan were going to get stronger now that the bond was solidified. And with his scent all over you and that mark on your neck, you were practically painted with a bullseye telling everyone you were part of their pack.

Their pack was always in constant fear of being attacked by hunters or bad moraled packs. Now those worries had to be your worries, but you didn’t even know they needed to be. Needless to say she was worried about you.

“I know, I know,” He chanted in front of her, salty streams of sweat sliding down his heated face as he did his best to collect himself enough to hold a conversation, “I was going to. It’s just, with everyone being there and her staying at the house while Chaeyoung was hanging over me, there wasn’t much I could do that wouldn’t have alerted the both of them to us being wolves.”

Ani groaned while pinching her nose and patted her mate’s shoulder, telling him to speak her thoughts for her as she was too disgruntled to on her own, “We know that Hyung,” He declared as he rubbed her arm slowly to soothe her, “But you should’ve still found a way to let someone know before hand. You should’ve had us send ___ away if you knew she was your mate and you were going through rut. Or you could’ve at very least waited to mark her! Now what are you gonna do?”

Jeonghan huffed out a defeated puff of air. He knew they were right. And he knew he had created a giant mess for not just himself and his pack, but for you as well. He just… couldn’t help himself.

You were his mate and you were so beautiful and right there in front of him. He was going through rut and wasn’t in his right mind when he slept with you, not that that was any excuse for what he did.

He couldn’t turn back time and unmark you, but he could do his best to rectify the situation he had created.

“What do you suggest I do?”

-

“He’s still got a girlfriend! Can You believe it!?!” You hastily let out to your cat.

But she just meowed back at your harsh tone, almost as if she was warning you to calm down before you got yourself too worked up.

“Hey don’t call ME names! He’s the one who lied! It’s not my fault he lied to my fucking face!” You growled, imaginarily arguing with your beloved pet.

Not that it mattered as she just waved her tail over from her left to her right watching you ramble on.

“What do you mean I should’ve waited to sleep with him if I liked him? I’m a grown ass woman. I can be sexual if I want to be!” You stomped, pulling at your hair once you noticed her bob her head.

If you hadn’t known any better, you’d have taken it as her almost shaking her head in shame at your actions.

“Stop it with the guilt already! It’s not my fault!” You tried to convince her with pleading eyes, knowing you failed when she just blinked her icy blue ones back at you slowly in judgement.

You could feel the familiar prickly feeling of your sadness finally managing to hit you.

You threw your hands up in the air and huffed, landing with a soft thud on your bed. Your sweet furry friend came over and sat herself on your stomach, causing you to automatically start gently petting her fur to soothe yourself.

There was a reason she was your only friend for years before you had met Ani, she knew you better than anyone ever had. Your parents and brothers never cared for you, you left home when you turned of age and never looked back.

One of the first things you did was buy yourself a pet to keep you company once you got your own place. You worked hard to get to be where you were, and she knew that. And she always knew how to comfort you, even if that meant just laying on your belly and allowing you to pet her and vent to her.

“What am I gonna do Shadow?” You asked almost defeatedly as you played with her tag on her cherry red collar while mindlessly stroking her, causing her to purr, “Why did he have to lie to me? Why do I have to be a good enough person to care that some rando guy just used me to become an adulterer? Why can’t I just be as heartless as most people are in this day and age?”

Your beautiful feline just raised her soft white head at you and looked you in the eyes, “Why do I even like him this much? I JUST met him. So why does it hurt that he betrayed me like this?” You whined to her while doing your best to hold back hot tears that were threatening your line of vision and made your cat’s elegant form seem to blur out.

“W-Why am I like this?” You rhetorically asked weakly as a salty stream finally found it’s way down your reddened face.

“Why are men like this?”

-

You laid low over the next few days. You didn’t even go to class, which was really unlike you as you hadn’t ever even gotten below an A average before.

But you just didn’t feel like you could face the world after what you had done. You had just spent your days crying over and over into your welcoming pillow or Shadow’s soft fur and stuffing your face full of comfort food.

You had even been dodging Anya’s calls and messages, which you also felt very bad for. But every time you thought of her, you thought of him by default and your heart started to feel like it was caving in on itself.

You just didn’t want to think about it. You felt guilty enough for sleeping with another girl’s boyfriend.

After your boyfriend did something similar to you, you swore you’d never even speak to someone you knew had cheated on someone or was a cheater. Now here you were: a living breathing hypocrite.

But you had to go onto campus today. You had midterms and, even though your professors had been very accommodating since they found out you were “sick,” they couldn’t change school policy for you.

Unfortunately for you, the midterm class also just so happened to be the same class you’d shared with Chaeyoung.

You weren’t sure how you’d be able to get through the next few hours without telling her what you’d done, but you had to try for the sake of your future career.

So you managed to pull yourself together and throw just enough makeup onto not look dead before you headed out the door, the sense of hypocrisy and gut wrenching guilt laying down heavily upon you.

-

Jeonghan’s rut had passed a few days ago and, while his physical body was back to normal, his mind was a mess. He had finally broken up with Chaeyoung so you’d think he’d be feeling better now that he could be with you freely.

He hadn’t seen you in days. Neither had Ani. You weren’t answering her messages or calls. And she said you weren’t going to your classes. He knew he shouldn’t be too worried because he didn’t feel like you were in danger. So you must’ve been safe.

But he was worried. According to Ani, you skipping your lessons and being a flakey friend was completely out of character for you. So he couldn’t help but worry for your wellbeing, it was in his nature.

You were his mate, whether you knew that or not. And he wanted you to be happy and healthy and safe all the time. With no contact, he had no way of knowing how you were doing.

“Do you think she’ll come today?” He asked, peaking as much as he could above the head around him in order to search for a familiar body or smell a familiar scent to no avail with Joshua, Wonwoo, and Ani not too far behind him.

Anya shrugged her shoulders while also gripping onto her mate’s hand, “I don’t know. She’ll end up failing her class if she doesn’t and she’s someone who’d usually hyperventilate at the THOUGHT of getting anything less than an A so I doubt she’d just not show up. But you never know.”

“Is she that much of a nerd?” Joshua snorted, causing Jeonghan to turn around and smacked the younger boy in the back of the head.

Anya and Wonwoo just chuckled, “Don’t call her that! It’s a good thing to care about your grades and future!” Jeonghan all but growled to his snarky younger brother, much to his delight.

“Oh yeah?” Wonwoo challenged with a knowing smirk, “How come you never come back home with anything higher than a C then?”

Jeonghan gulped a bit in hesitation, “Well- I- um dont need those things. We’re wolves, what kind of normal jobs could we possibly have without getting caught?” He asked rhetorically, mentally wiping the anxious sweat off his brow as he continued to look for you.

“Yeah well, that excuse isn’t a very good one considering-” Joshua’s voice was interrupted with Jeonghan’s letting out a quick “There she is!” and dashing off to greet you.

He bolted in your direction, his brothers and sister getting lost in the crowd of tired college students easily, but he didn’t care. He had finally seen you after almost of week of being apart from you.

It was hard for him. It was hard for any wolf to be away from their mate for long. If he hadn’t had found you soon, he assumed he’d probably had started to deteriorate from rejection.

“___!” He called for you, doing his best to gain your attention as he pushed past all the people around him to get to you. But you just kept walking.

Huh? That was weird. Maybe you just hadn’t heard him?

Jeonghan tried his luck again and this time yelled it a bit louder than he probably should’ve as the people around him gave him death glares.

But he didn’t care about them. The only thing he cared about was you and seeing your gorgeous smile again.

“___!”

But again you just kept walking away from him. It confused him. He didn’t understand why you kept on going. He figured maybe you just had your earbuds in or something and couldn’t hear him over your music.

Finally, he managed to use his faster speed to overpower the growing crowd and reach your position on campus. But when he grabbed at your elbow to get your attention, you swiftly turned around and smacked him straight in the face.

With him being a wolf and all, of course he hardly felt it and knew such a small action wouldn’t ever even leave a mark on him. But the mental pain behind it came soon after when he saw your glossy eyes, swollen face, and reddened nose.

“Stay the fuck away from me Jeonghan! I don’t want anything to do with you and your lies!” You seethed through your gritted teeth before walking away quickly, leaving him standing in the middle of the quad holding his cheek in utter shock.

Just as you walked off, his brothers and sister finally caught up with him and seemed to be in just as much bewilderment as he was in as they had watched the whole scene take place from afar.

“Woah, Hyung. What… was that about?” Joshua asked, a bit concerned as they all stood in the middle of the quad dumbfounded.

It wasn’t until the resonating sting from his cheek had him touch his face that he figured out why he had just gotten slapped. His eyes widened in horror.

“She knows.”

-

You were absolutely disgusted with yourself and with him. How could he possibly think you’d want anything to do with him after the bullshit he pulled?

Sure your heart shattered when you slapped his face and the thought of seeing the sadness spread over his features after you did it made you want to burst into tears again.

But he deserved it for hurting you. And for hurting Chaeyoung. Your heart just needed to get in line with the reality.

Did you end up hurting yourself when you hit Jeonghan? Of course you did.

The pain in your hand was almost as stinging as the pain in your chest. It felt like you had actually crumbled your hand the way you had destroyed your heart.

You may have sprained it but you’d never know, you couldn’t go to the doctor as you didn’t have insurance. You figured you’d just have to wrap your hand when you got home. But you didn’t regret it, you wanted to show him how mad you were.

You wanted to rip into his chest the same way he had torn his way into yours. Part of you wanted to cuddle into it for the warmth you knew it would provide you. Part of you wished you would’ve actually punched him so you could’ve potentially broke his nose.

But another part of you absolutely hated yourself for laying one finger on him in a negative way.

You were at a loss. It felt like someone was playing tug of war with your mind and heart and you weren’t sure why.

You were tired of feeling like you had a hole where your heart should be and a parasite of guilt raking through your brain. You were tired of the hot tears flowing down your face and the dryness in your practically permanently red eyes. You just wanted to sleep.

Part of you wanted to just say forget it and just go home, but you had a midterm. And you weren’t gonna let anyone get in the way of your schooling, not a pretty guy you slept with or yourself.

You had to see it your day through. You worked too hard for too long to not.

-

“How the fuck did she find out?” Jeonghan asked frantically to his pack as he began pacing back and forth from their front door to their couch while he racked his exhausted brain.

He had to take his own midterms earlier, and he knew already that he had probably failed them all.

He was too wrapped up in you and worrying over whether or not you’d ever even speak to him again.

But failing tests and classes didn’t matter to him, he never cared much for school to begin with. He only continued going because it was expected of him. But you came first. You’d always come first now.

Jihoon huffed from his place on one of the couch cushions next to Omi and Chan, “I hate to state the obvious but considering you guys only just NOW decided to share all this shit with us, I’m not sure I care.”

Clearing his throat to catch everyone’s attention, another in the pack spoke up.

“Are we not worried that Jeonghan Hyung’s gonna die from rejection? I mean didn’t she basically tell you to go fuck yourself?” Mingyu asked seriously, genuinely concerned for his older brother’s health and how your earlier encounter would affect him.

While Jeonghan himself hadn’t really thought about the possibility of rejection, he was glad someone had. Thought now he had another thing to add to his monumental list of worries to worry about now.

Seungcheol shook his head from across the room in certainty, “It wouldn’t matter if she did. She’s already marked. Rejection happens during the imprinting stage, not the mating stage. They’re already bonded with her bite so she could literally tell him she hates him and wants him to die and it wouldn’t matter. According to the universe, once wolves and their probable mate fully mate with each other, they’re pretty much stuck with each other.” He shrugged and leaned over to place a chaste kiss on the side of his anxious mate’s head to comfort her.

The explanation from his alpha had helped ease him some. At least you telling him to leave you alone wasn’t gonna kill him. But he hated the idea of you being stuck with him if you didn’t want to be.

In his mind, you should be with him because you were in love with him, or at very least liked him, not because fate decided you didn’t have a choice. Now he felt even more guilty for marking you. Because now it meant you didn’t have an option to leave.

“Okaaaaaay… So we’ve established he won’t die, great,” Soonyoung acknowledged, “But that doesn’t mean he can’t still go crazy from not seeing her/not being around her.”

“Oh that’s not a big deal,” Junhui let out a dry chuckle in sarcasm, “So we have to figure out how to get her to understand why he did what he did without actually telling her what he is. No problem!” The tall Chinese boy rolled his eyes at the situation with his arms crossed against his chest.

Cherry stood up from her place next to her mate to face the lovesick wolf, “Look Hannie,” She declared, getting close to his face in an effort to bluff her strength to him, something that he found completely terrifying, “You fucked up. So what? You want her to talk to you? Then you need to go to her and beg for forgiveness. Explain what happened, she’s your mate right?”

Jeonghan slowly and weakly nodded his head to the smaller American girl.

It took them all by surprise really. Cherry was a very quiet girl by nature but clearly, being around the loud pack had really been an influence on her.

She was the mate of the pack’s alpha. She knew she’d have to take a bit of a motherly role to most, if not all, of the pack because most of them looked to her mate as a parental figure. It only made sense that they should do the same with her.

So she must’ve figured now would be the perfect time to step up and show the pack just how well she could fit into her role.

“Then you need to wolf the fuck up and go to her and tell her the whole truth so she’ll understand.” She declared with a bit of triumph behind her tone.

“But-” Jeonghan tried to argue with her as he figured telling you he was a wolf when you were already such an emotional mess was just a recipe for disaster.

Though Cherry was having none of it, “But nothing. She’s your soulmate. She’s your other half. The only one in this world who’s supposed to be able to understand you the way you understand her. If you could handle it, then she can too. Now go before you go crazy because I refuse to listen to you cry about her anymore when this is a 100% fixable solution.”

-

The early next morning, you woke up to a loud, consistent knocking on your front door, something to caused your Snow White pet to screech in it’s direction.

Part of you thought you should’ve been afraid as someone was banging on your door before the sun itself had yet to rise, but for some reason your heart rate picked up in a way that made it feel as if it was lightly fluttering rather than heavily pounding.

Before your brain could really even process what was happening, you had thrown a warm sweater on over your pajama shorts and sports bra and your feet found their way to your front door.

When your cat noticed your fingers going to unlock the metal keeping the door firmly against the wood frame, she pounced behind the couch to hide with a hiss.

In hindsight, you probably should’ve looked through your apartment’s peephole first. But, as you had slept with a taken man only a little over a week ago, you clearly weren’t making the smartest decisions in your life in your current state.

Once you had opened the door, you were met with a sight that made your chest want to both yearn and heave.

“Jeonghan?”

His eyes were bloodshot and his hair was greasy and disheveled. You could tell by the bags under his eyes that he hadn’t slept either, probably for longer than just the one night. His light eyes were now sunken into his skull and his toothy smile had dissipated into a fallen frown.

His appearance made your stomach ache in a way you had never experienced before. You just wanted to pull him into a hug and kiss away his tears.

But you had to remind yourself that there was a reason you were mad at him. There was a reason you slapped him and hurt your hand as badly as you did.

His lifeless eyes seemed to lit up a little with energy with the way you said his name, “H-hi.” He softly spoke as he rubbed the back of his neck with w shakey hand.

“What are you-” You cleared your throat to stop yourself from stuttering and pushed a piece of hair behind your ear with your injured hand before looking down, “What are you doing here?”

You wanted to be mad at him, you wanted to yell at him and tell him to leave. You wanted to be the strong woman you had trained yourself to be and tell him to fuck off.

But you just… couldn’t. You couldn’t push back your surprising mysteriously deep feelings for him.

“I’m- I’m sorry for coming over so early I just- I just needed to talk to you.” He earnestly responded, “I know you probably want to hit me with the door and I couldn’t blame you. But please just… hear me out before you do?” He pleaded, a near flinching smile on his face, “I just need five minutes.” He promised, “After that, if you never want to see me again you won’t have to. Just… Please.”

He gave you puppy dog eyes in the hopes that you felt you couldn’t in good conscience leave him hanging in the hallway of your apartment complex.

After a few moments of thinking, you opened the door enough to let him in, “Fine. Five minutes. After that I need you gone.”

And with that, you pushed yourself aside so he could squeeze himself in your tiny home, which he did with a small thankful nod. You caught him taking in your apartment’s decor, something you notice that brought a smile to his face.

“Your place is lovely,” He complimented you, picking up a small wolf statue you picked up at a flea market a while back while you brushed past him and sat on your couch.

“Thanks… I guess,” You replied, doing your best to try and lower your heart rate at the little contact you had with him only seconds ago.

He placed your wolf figure back down and made his way over to you, jumping when your cat seemingly came out of no where and charged at him with her claws out

“Shadow! Stop it!” You whisper shouted at her and did your best to collect her and throw her in your bedroom before you went back to him, “I’m sorry about that! I dont know what happened she’s- not usually that aggressive with people…”

Jeonghan just laughed off his newly formed leg scratches, “It’s alright. It’s not like I don’t deserve it or anything.”

And that’s when you felt the awkward tension that must’ve been lingering in the air the whole time finally hit you.

“About that… you said you wanted to explain yourself?” You brought him back on topic, bringing your legs up to your chest to make yourself comfortable and to feel protected at the same time.

You noticed him visibly shift in his seat, “Right… that,” He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose, “I- you have to forgive me _____. I’ve never had to explain something like this before to someone who doesn’t understand it, so it’s probably gonna come out fairly stupid.”

“Believe me when I say, I couldn’t possibly think you’re more stupid than I already think you are.” You mentally slapped yourself for using your sharp tongue already.

Even though you knew he deserved it, you still didn’t want to upset or hurt him for some reason.

His demeanor noticeably changed and hurt filled his eyes, but you could tell he tried to play it as if your words didn’t affect him as much as they did when he let out a little chuckle in return, “I never meant to hurt you ___. If you believe anything I’m about to say today, please believe that.”

You rolled your eyes at the older male while grabbing a throw pillow beside you and cuddling into it, signaling him to continue.

“___, what happened was- well I never meant for that to happen. At least not that way…,” He gulped and tried to search your face for any indication of an emotion other than anger on your face.

When he found none, he sighed quietly and kept going, “You see… I’m- well, I couldn’t exactly control myself.”

You scoffed in his direction, “Couldn’t control yourself. Right. Makes perfect fucking sense.” You muttered, getting ready to stand up and force him out of your home, regardless of how much it hurt your heart before he quickly stopped you.

“Wait no! Please that’s- that’s not what i meant!” He spoke frantically, the fear of losing you evident in his eyes as he pleaded for another chance to rephrase his words.

You abruptly halted your movements and gave him an angry glare, allowing him to continue while showing him your discontent for the entire situation.

“___, this is gonna be hard to believe but I’m-” He paused while nervously looking back into your glossed over eyes.

He took a deep breath in. No point in beating around the bush now, “I’m a werewolf.”

You found yourself crumpled over, laughing hard enough to have tears forming at the corner of your eyes. Jeonghan just sat there, watching you hold your stomach as you all but gagged at his statement.

“You’re fucking kidding me right?” You questioned rhetorically, finally finding your footing again and forcing the chuckles bubbling in your chest down, “Jeonghan that’s- that’s gotta be the dumbest excuse I’ve ever heard for reasons why someone cheated. Next thing your gonna tell me is that fairies are what brought you to my door.” You snorted, in disbelief that a grown man would actually use a fairy tale creature as an excuse as to why he cheated on his girlfriend and put you in the middle of it all.

He just looked you in the eyes, almost as if he was taking in your appearance for the last time, before he shook his head, “___, if I show you I’m serious, you have to promise me you won’t freak out, okay?”

At first, you thought he was fucking with you. From what you’d heard about him, it definitely wouldn’t be the first time he had messed with someone to the point of absolute hilarity. But you figured you’d humor him and see where his strange continuity would take him.

“Okay bet. Better yet, if you can actually show me you’re actually a werewolf, I’ll even consider giving you a second chance.” You smugly replied, crossing your slim arms over your chest.

He stared at you for what seemed like forever while biting his lip nervously, anxiously shaking his leg up and down while picking the beds of his nails in the process.

Finally, he stood up from his seat on your couch and found his way to your cramped bathroom, all but forcing you to follow his actions.

You watched while he felt at his eyes, trying shakily to get what you could only assume were contacts out as he closed them and turned to you.

“Please don’t freak out.” Was the last thing you really comprehended before he opened his starry orbs, showing you a glistening honey color that looked as if they could light up the nights sky.

You could all but see your own jaw drop. You felt like your feet were cemented to the scenery around you. Your stomach tied itself in a rough knot, making you feel queasy and light headed all at once.

You blinked your eyes to make sure what you were seeing was real, “Jeong- Jeonghan… what- what the actual fuck is happening right now?” You managed to stutter out, feeling your knees begin to buckle as the world around you went black.

-

“Just like that?!?!” You heard Anya’s usually bubbly voice panic as you sensed what you figured was some sort of movement in the background.

“But you caught her right?” A younger male’s voice spoke from a little farther away before you felt a pair of hands roaming along your body, probably checking to see if you were hurt.

Usually you’d have moved at random unwanted touching, but you still felt too weak to do much of anything let alone shift away from someone.

“No I let her fall to the floor,” you could hear Jeonghan say sarcastically, “Of course I caught her! She’s my mate I’d never let her get hurt if I could help it. You of all people should know that!”

You heard a guy with a deeper voice close to you clear his throat, probably the same guy that was touching you, “Guys she’s waking up. I suggest you do this later.”

And with that, you started to slowly blink your eyes to adjust themselves to the room’s light around you.

Once they began to fixate themselves, you noticed you were around a very Jeonghan, a confused Anya, a Wonwoo who had been clinging to his girlfriend’s arm, a boy who was probably just barely old enough to shave who you thought Ani mentioned to be dating her older sister (but you weren’t really sure), and a guy closer to your age who was giving you a polite smile that you found oddly comforting given the circumstances.

“Hello there! Glad to see you’re back with us ___. How are you feeling?” The polite one asked while he helped you slowly sit up from your previous laying position.

You could feel your heart start to race as your body began getting itself accustomed to sitting upright again, but just as it went up, your eyes locked onto Jeonghan’s and you could sense it beginning to slow down to normal again.

“I’m- im okay i think. What- what happened? Who- who are you?” You managed to slur out, narrowing your eyes solely on Jeonghan for some reason and zoning out on most of what was going on around you, including the sound of your hissing cat in the distance.

“It’s okay. Everything okay.” Your friend gave you a simple nod as she held onto her boyfriend’s arms.

The kind boy gave you a small chuckle, “I’m Seungcheol. From what I understand, you collapsed. Jeonghan called us over to make sure you were okay.” He reassured you calmly as best as he could.

Jeonghan seemed to take notice of your attention on him as he gave you a warm loving smile in return. But you could tell by the vacant look in his eyes that he was still very much concerned for you and your little fainting episode.

“Oh. O-okay…” you groaned and sucked in a breath once your hand found it’s way towards the new lump forming on your head, causing you to rub at the area thoroughly, “And no one thought to take me to an actual hospital to check for a concussion or…?”

Before anyone could respond, Anya quickly took their awkward silence and moved it to some form of answer that she figured would answer just enough of that question to cause your own worry to subside, “I- I told them not to. I remember you telling me you didn’t have insurance and well- hospitals can be expensive. So we decided to lay you down here and wait and see what you’d be like once you woke up after Jeonghan prevented you from falling!”

You thought for a moment. It seemed to make sense in theory, but one thing wasn’t adding up to that logic, “But if he caught me, why do i have an egg sided lump on the back of my head?”

You finally saw the younger boy you thought to be dating Anya’s sister in the room speak up and shyly raise his hand, “Oh that was me, sorry. I was told to move you on the couch but I may have accidentally hit your head on your coffee table while doing it…”

You turned your attention to the kid in the room, “uh huh… You accidentally bash people’s heads in on their furniture a lot or do you just do it when the day of the week ends in day?-” You snarkily tried to joke at the now blushing younger boy, but another voice quickly pierced through your teasing.

“Do you remember why you collapsed?” Wonwoo questioned from beside your friend, eyes probing into your soul like they usually did, making you feel the need to cover up and like you were completely exposed.

As much as you disliked his randomness, You decided to go with his subject since you found Wonwoo to be the most intimidating one in the room.

Better to make him happy than angry, “N-No not really. I had a funny dream though. Jeonghan said he came over to explain and then-” you started to laugh a little to your self as much as you could, thought it probably wasn’t much because you were still reeling from being passed out and hit in the head with a coffee table, “Then he said that the reason he cheated was because he was a werewolf. A werewolf! I mean, can you believe what crazy shit the human brain comes up with when it’s asleep? Wild right?” You continued chuckling, quickly seeing that no one else was laughing and that they looked rather serious at you. Especially Jeonghan.

“So she does remember? Great. This’ll be fun.” Wonwoo sighed as he rolled his fingers into his temples, causing Ani to deliver a fast smack to his abdomen from the obvious annoyance laced in his voice.

“Not now, Wonu.” She griped, chastising her partner into compliance before everyone, even Jeonghan, looked at her for some idea on how to continue.

“What are you all staring at me for?”

The boys all ended up looking down towards their feet or laps as you undoubtedly looked at your friend with a confused expression.

“It’s probably best that this comes from you since Hannie failed so miserably before.” The kind boy- now known as Seungcheol to you- broke the news to your best friend.

She just internally groaned and stared at you for a moment. You could tell she was in deep thought about what she was gonna do next, “Alright fine. But you bitches all owe me!” She shouted as she moved to your spot, grabbed your hand, and lead you into your bedroom where you again found yourself ignoring a hissing sound coming from your closet to focus your thoughts on your friend.

She sat you down abruptly on your bed before she plopped herself down beside you and grabbed your hands in hers after shutting the door behind her, “Okay ___. So i- i know this is gonna be really hard to believe. But that Jeonghan thing wasn’t a dream.”

Your head must’ve been hit harder than they originally had thought because it sounded to you like she said what Jeonghan told you was real, “W-what do you mean it wasn’t a dream?”

“I mean he is a werewolf. All the boys are. Well obviously not ALL boys are, but the boys living with me are at least.” Anya began to ramble, listing off different versions of her story like some sort of encyclopedia you couldn’t manage to read or understand.

It wasn’t until you actually raised your hand near your head that she gained the courage to stop her nervous stumbles, “Okay. But werewolves aren’t real. They’re fiction. They’re fairytales and campfire horror stories to keep kids in line and enchanted with mystery. How could they possibly be werewolves? You can’t actually believe this charade can you?”

They couldn’t be real. That’d be like saying dragons and mermaids and evil witches exist. And at least those things didn’t seem to be a huge threat to humans in stories.

But werewolves- Werewolves ate people, like in little red riding hood. She couldn’t possibly be right… could she?

“___, I hate to break it to you love, but I’ve seen them shift first hand. They’re the real deal. They’re massive ass wolves with shiny gold eyes and super strength and shit. Trust me” she guided you to lay down gently on your bed as you had had a rough couple of hours and she could see that you were about ready for another collapsing episode.

Your eyes couldn’t help but widen at the realization of her confession possibly being true. You remembered Jeonghan’s eyes.

They were as sweet as honey and as piercing as a knife. She couldn’t have known what your mind had made up when you were asleep.

So you must not have been asleep, and her werewolf idea must have had some sort of merit to it. How else would you explain what had happened?

“Okay- okay so… so what does this mean exactly?” You managed to muster out to your best friend, grabbing her little hand in yours as a way for you to stay grounded and in touch with reality.

It still felt so… unreal. Everything you had been taught when you were younger had suddenly become something that could be true.

If werewolves were real, vampires could be real. If vampires could be real, witches and evil angry beings of the supernatural type could be real.

Your hands and feet seemed to turn numb, your head felt as though the pressure had been sucked out and it had been spinning in circles on your shoulders. And to top it all off, Your breathing was beginning to speed up. Needless to say, you were in shock.

“It’s hard to understand. And we can answer any questions you may have about it once you wrap your head around the whole idea of werewolves being like a thing. But there is something else we need to talk about…” she drifted off, glancing down at your intertwined hands with a shy smile.

“And- and what would that be exactly? Why did you guys need to tell me this?” You choked, still reeling from all the realizations that just hit you.

She let out a defeated sigh, “Because ___, Jeonghan needed you to understand why what happened happened…”

You jetted up from your laid position in terror, “He told you?!?!”

Anya gave you a little chuckle, “No love. He didn’t tell me- the mark on your neck did. Wonu could smell it. We put two and two together.”

“Mark? You mean the bite mark he gave me? He just got a little… too into it, that’s all.” You shrugged with tinted cheeks as you did your best to move your hair over to cover the now healed over teeth marks.

“Yeah about the bite mark… There’s a reason Wonwoo could smell it. There’s a reason all other wolves can…” she searched your face for any sort of hesitation or need for a break, but she only found you staring at her with curious eyes, so she continued, “___ do you- do you know- have you ever heard of mating?”

You snorted at her question automatically, a small portion of your usual personality rearing it’s head, “You mean that weird territorial thing dogs and bears and shit do to claim their… animal significant others? Yeah I’ve heard of it. What’s that got to do with anything?”

She paused and put her other hand over yours that was already cupped over her other one protectively.

“You’re sort of right. Wolves have a lot of primal or animal instincts because- well- they’re part animal. They struggle with mating seasons, supreme hunger issues and being territorial.” Ani informed you carefully, “But ___, mating is something that werewolves can’t really control. Once they start shifting, they’re able to find their mates.” She iterated slowly, hoping the speed was enough for you to keep up with, “Once they see their mate for the first time, a mating pull/bond forms and it makes it to where they can find you anywhere. Mates can feel the mating pull the wolves feel too, it’s just not as strong because we’re human. Mates are people they’re supposed to end up with, like a soulmate.” Anya squeezed your hand for support and continued.

“When wolves want to finally fully claim their mates, they leave a mark on their neck to signify that that person is their’s and their’s alone. It shows other werewolves that that person is taken.” She breathed while you tilted your head at her, not fully understanding the situation but allowing you friend to keep speaking anyways, “The mark on your neck…” she prodded as she moved your hair back to show you she knew the bite mark was there, “That’s from Jeonghan. Wolves can only do that to their mates. And since He- well he DID mark you already, that would mean that you’re his soulmate…”

You thought for a moment. Were you mad that Jeonghan did such a supposedly intimate and cliche thing without your permission or knowledge? Yeah a bit. But we’re you more confused than anything else? Absolutely.

“Okaaayyyy… but that still doesn’t explain why he decided to sleep with me while he was in a relationship or why he lied to me about it.” You finally got the courage to say aloud.

You could see Ani visibly tense at your statement, but you knew she knew you had good reason to be pissed. At least with the only knowledge you currently had.

“Well… in a way it does.” She quietly reasoned with you, “Because wolves are very primal, they go through heat, or for the males rut, and it can be difficult for them to control. It kind of makes them sex demons honestly.” She tried to joked to lighten the mood but soon realized you were not in the mood to be messed with so she went into a deeper explanation, “For males, it only really happens like twice a year and you just so happened to meet Hannie during the start of his. Usually, he was actually in better control of his urges than most of the other boys i guess. But when he met you, He couldn’t control what his instincts were craving because he just met you and you happened to be his mate, so he gave in.”

You couldn’t help but stare at you friend. This wasn’t happening. You weren’t actually a werewolf’s mate. You didn’t actually have feelings for a werewolf. You couldn’t.

But a part of you couldn’t help but see the validity of the information Anya was giving you. As much as you hated it. Everything added up.

His eyes. The bite mark. Why you liked him so much when you hadn’t even known him. Why such a usually timid guy would cheat on his girlfriend.

You weren’t sure if you actually agreed with and believe what she had been telling you or if you were just looking for a way to feel better about the situation. But either way, everything sort of made sense and fit together enough for you to slightly go with it until information proved otherwise.

“Okay but-” and before you could finish your sentence, a soft knock at the door interrupted you.

Once Anya gave the okay, Jeonghan ended up popping his head into the doorway and making his way towards you, managing to keep a respectful distance between you two so you wouldn’t be uncomfortable. Which you appreciated.

“I think Hannie can cover the rest of this for me. I’m gonna make Wonwoo and the guys take me home. You guys have a lot to talk about.” She causally threw out a mischievous glance towards Jeonghan before standing and exiting your bedroom.

There was an awkward silence that lurked in the air between the two of you. Normally, you would say something about almost being able to cut the tension with a knife. But you weren’t sure if making a joke at that particular moment would make things better or worse, so you just left it.

After what seemed like ages of just blankly staring at him and having him gaze back at you lovingly, you decided to be the first one to break the ice, “So….” You trailed off, not really being sure where you were even planning to take your sentence. You really just wanted the deafening silence to stop.

“So….?”

“So you were really telling me the truth. You’re like… actually a werewolf?” You scrunched your nose at him, something that seemed to take him by surprise as he didn’t think that you would’ve been so blunt about it so fast.

“Umm- I- I mean yeah. I wasn’t lying to you or anything. I- I was trying to tell you the truth.” He stuttered shyly as he sweetly rolled his eyes.

“Okaaayyyy… we’ll maybe you could’ve been a bit more convincing and not just came out and straight up said ‘I’m a werewolf’ but alright.” You teased him, “Still doesn’t explain much about what happened. I mean Ani tried to explain it to me, but I guess I just still don’t understand.” You shrugged playfully at the nervous boy in front of you.

Jeonghan managed to clear his throat and surpress some of the butterflies that were forming in his stomach from your new attitude and warmth towards him, “Well if you weren’t so stubborn maybe it would’ve went through that thick skull of yours,” He quipped with a smile, “But what don’t you understand?”

“Well, I think I understand that I’m your… mate? Is that right?” You questioned him carefully, trying your best not to trail down any unwanted paths.

He let out a small chuckle, “Yes ___. You would be my mate.”

Rather than roll your eyes back or get a bit blushy like he thought you would have, your demeanor turned to that of a sad one, “But I don’t really get why you would cheat on your girlfriend with me. Why would you ever do that?”

Jeonghan managed to run his shakey hand through his hair before he took a seat next to you on your bed.

“___,” He spoke softly while taking your hands in his, “I never meant for that to happen. I mean, I did want that to happen, but not like that and not then.” He explained softly, “When a werewolf goes through their rut after finding their mate, we can go through a sort of… frenzy.” He answered earnestly, trying to convey the information to you as simply as possible so you could understand him, “I started mine the day I met you and seeing you just triggered something in me.” He darted his eyes away from yours, “I’m gonna be honest, I usually lie to my friends for fun. But I never intended nor did I ever want to lie to you.” He added almost in an ashamed tone, “It’s just… rut can change things and make us into wild animals that will do anything for some sort of relief.”

You narrowed your eyes at him trying to be playful, but Jeonghan could see the partial seriousness and worry behind your eyes, “So that means whenever this happens I’ll just have to pray you’re still at home alone so you don’t go out and fuck some random person?”

“No!” He all but shouted in your face very quickly, causing you to jolt back in place, “I- I mean no. It’s not like that. I mean I will be crazy, but only for you.” He smirked whilst giving the back of your hand a peck.

“But why me?”

He couldn’t help but be taken slightly aback by your statement. What the hell did you mean by why you?

“What do you mean why you?”

You looked down at your shattered cuticles, trying your best to distract yourself from the angelic looking man sitting in your room, “It’s just I’m- I mean, if all that mythical and supernatural stuff is real, why would I have anything to do with it? I’m just an average plain old girl. I’m nothing special. So why would the universe in its infinite wisdom, or your and yours for that matter, think it would make sense to have someone so regular in such an irregular world? Why would you only like or go crazy for me?”

Truthfully, Jeonghan couldn’t believe one word that was coming from your beautiful mouth, “___, you’re anything but plain to me.” He gripped your loose hands tighter and brought your chin up to face him, “Mates aren’t decided by anything. It’s all randomly assigned by the universe by whoever our fits us perfectly. And that person is you to me. So of course I’m gonna go psycho for you and only you. You’re my soulmate. Nobody else will ever compare to you in my eyes.”

Your eyes couldn’t help but well up at his sweet words. You ended up pulling your hands away from his and wrapped your arms around his lanky neck while burying your face into his chest.

“You know,” You squeaked out once he folded his own arms over your torso in reciprocation, “I think I’m gonna like being a mate.”

“I sure hope so. Because now you’re kind stuck with me baby. Literally.” He purred once you both ripped yourselves away from your hug.

Just as he managed to put his hand on your cheek to try and ring you in for a kiss, you heard another hissing noise coming from your closet.

“I-is that Shadow?” You gave him a confused look, “Why the hell did you guys put my cat in the closet?”

He reached to scratch the back of his neck with a tint of pink slipping onto his face, “Well…”

(Edited 10/31/2022)

[luci-in-trenchcoats]

By Your Doorstep (Part 1)

Summary: When the reader is looking for her teenage sister’s service dog one day, she runs into Dean Winchester who thankfully saw him run past. When she arrives, her sister is fine aside from a sprained ankle but Dean’s decided to follow along and help get her sister home...

Pairing: Doctor/Neighbor!Dean x reader

Masterlist

Word Count: 3,200ish

Warnings: language, minor injury, mention of car accident/death

A/N: Parts of this series are told from two different POV’s. Dean’s POV are written from limited third person. Reader’s POV are second person (like a typical reader insert). Please enjoy this first part! …

_________

“Toast! Toast!” you shouted as you ran down a street. “Toast boy!”

“Uh, you okay?” said a guy walking on the other side of the street. He was raising an eyebrow and you shook your head.

“Toast is a dog,” you said.

“Oh, gotcha. I thought you were nuts for a minute,” he chuckled.

“You haven’t seen a german shepard around have you?” you asked.

“I saw one run down the block a few minutes ago,” he said. You looked the direction he pointed and you started sprinting. “Hey!”

“Sorry! Can’t talk!” you shouted back. You ran down the block and across the street over to the park. You ran over to the basketball court and saw Toast there next to Tessa. She was sat up and holding onto his vest when you jogged over to her. “Tess. Are you okay? Did you have a seizure?”

“No,” she said with a laugh. She was holding her ankle and you saw the swelling. “I think I broke it playing. My phone’s over in my bag. I told Toast to get it but I guess he ran home and got you instead.”

“He barged in through the doggy door, I thought he was just nuts at first,” you said. You heard footsteps behind you and the man from the street was there panting.

“You found your dog,” he said as he caught his breath. 

“Yeah,” you said, the man wincing when he saw Tessa’s ankle. “We’re all set.”

“She needs a doctor,” he said.

“Tessa, you okay here while I run home to get my car?” you asked.

“Yeah I’m fine,” she said. “Toast’ll stay.”

“I can carry her,” said the man. You both stared at him and he shrugged. “Save you a trip.”

“Are you some kind of weirdo?” you asked. 

“Says the woman running through the neighborhood shouting Toast,” he smiled back.

“Alright. Tess if you’re cool with it…” you said, the man nodding.

“Dean Winchester.”

“Dean will carry you back to the house and I’ll drive you to urgent care,” you said. “If you do try anything though Dean, Toast will rip your face and junk off, just to be clear.”

“Got the message,” he said. Tessa climbed on his back and he was careful of her ankle while you grabbed her bag. You walked with Toast by Dean’s side back the few blocks towards home. “I think it’s just a sprain actually. I wouldn’t worry too much.”

“You play basketball?” you asked.

“No. I’m a doctor is all. First glance it doesn’t look too bad.”

“Are you single? Y/N’s single,” she said.

“You’re a little shit, Tessa,” you said. Dean chuckled and Toast bumped his leg. “He wants you to get on the sidewalk.”

“Will do,” he said, Toast giving some space once he’d stepped up off the road. “He’s very intelligent.”

“We’ve only had Toast two years but he’s been very good with us,” you said. “He’s Tessa’s. I just feed him and pick up his poop.”

“I have school, loser.”

“I have work, loser,” you said. 

“You guys must be sisters,” he said. “I’m a big brother. I would know.”

“If your younger brother is single and half as good looking-”

“Keep it in your pants, Tess,” you said. 

“I like you two,” he chuckled. “Sorry Tessa but he’s probably a little too old for you.”

“They always are,” she sighed.

“You’re seventeen. You’re fine,” you said. “Besides college has way more attractive guys and stuff.”

“Oh yeah, Elmdale community college. Known for it’s hotties,” she mumbled.

“Elmdale University has some good choices,” you said.

“I thought it was too expensive,” she said.

“Well I was gonna tell you this at dinner but I applied for a different job awhile ago. I heard back this morning. I accepted. It’s double what I was making before.”

“Really?”

“Yes. With your grades you can get a half-ride and I figure between inheritance and my new salary, you can do your four year out of the gate without loans,” you said.

“Thanks, Y/N,” she said quietly. “Really.”

“You still need your part-time job if you want to get stuff for yourself though. I’m sorry. I can’t make it work if-”

“S’okay,” she said. “I can’t believe I can go to the university.”

“I called up the school earlier and talked to your guidance counselor. We gotta work on your application but we can make it work,” you said.

“Can I get a car? I know I can’t afford room and board but maybe I can get something used so you don’t have to drive me all the time?” she asked.

“Tessa…” you sighed. You knew you couldn’t afford insurance on two cars at the moment and everything else and she wouldn’t make enough part time to cover all the car expenses herself. “I-”

“I can pick up more shifts,” she said.

“Tessa, I want you to enjoy college. I sure did. I’ll give you rides whenever you want. I’ll drop you off in the morning and pick you up at night. That would work, right?”

“Yeah,” she said. “I don’t even care about my ankle. I can get my art degree!” she said.

“Tessa.”

“I’m joking,” she laughed. “Art minor?”

“You can minor in whatever you like but please for my sanity major in something you can get a job in?” you asked.

“Yeah, yeah,” she said. You rounded a corner and started to walk up a driveway, Dean setting Tessa down in the passenger seat of your car. You opened the back and Toast jumped in, Dean smiling when you shut both the doors.

“Thanks,” you said. “For helping us out.”

“Sounds like you two know how to solve problems on your own,” he said. “Happy to help. Here.”

He dug in his back pocket and pulled out a card.

“If you ever need a doctor, I’m two blocks over,” he said. “Or just to talk.”

“Thanks,” you said. “I’ll see you around, Dean.”

It was around nine when you were sitting on the front porch with a glass of whiskey in your hand. You drank slowly, eyes catching a man in a baseball cap and reflective shirt jogging by.

“Do you always run at night?” you called, Dean stopping at your front walkway. “Cause I never see you run at night and I sit out here a lot.”

“Whew well let’s stop that charade cause running is so not my thing,” he said. He breathed hard for a moment as he walked up the steps. You nodded to the other chair and poured him a glass, Dean drinking it down. “Your sister okay?”

“Yeah. Just a sprain,” you said. “Still gotta pay the deductible for the x-ray though.”

“How old are you?”

“How old are you?” you asked.

“Thirty one,” he said.

“Twenty eight.”

“Where are your folks?” he asked.

“They and Tessa were in an accident two years ago. It’s just us two now.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’m slowly getting used to be a guardian,” you said.

“I raised my little brother. My parents are still around but they fought a lot. I get becoming the parent when you’re not ready.”

“Do you ever get to just be a sibling again?” you asked.

“Yes. But they have to grow up first and you got a few more years ahead of you before it happens,” he said.

“I figured.”

“What does she have? Toast is a service dog I saw.”

“She gets seizures sometimes. It’s from the accident. She hasn’t had one in seven months. Fingers crossed we got her on the right mix of meds finally,” you said.

“So who takes care of you?”

“My buddy Jack Daniels. Sometimes I hang out Jim Bean too.”

“I’m partial to Johnny Walker,” smiled Dean.

“Very nice. I don’t drink much. Too tired most of the time,” you said.

“So nobody takes care of you then.”

“Who takes care of you?”

“Good point,” he said. “But I didn’t have it this rough.”

“We’re getting by. We always do.”

“I have no doubt that you can,” he said. “Take care of yourself every once in a while is all.”

“When she’s done with school I will.”

“She’s got five years left. You won’t last that long,” he said.

“Watch me.”

“Who worked on your sister at the urgent care tonight?”

“Dr. Novak. Why?”

“Cas is a good friend. I’ll see about getting that x-ray test off the bill,” he said as he stood up.

“Dean, you don’t have to do that.”

“It’s no trouble,” he said, heading down the steps. “You want me to leave you alone from now on?”

“...No.”

“You want to go on a date tomorrow?”

“Okay,” you said.

“I’ll pick you up at noon? I’m buying. Nothing too fancy,” he said.

“Okay,” you said. He smiled and nodded, spinning around and sliding right off the last two steps to his bottom. You rushed down them and he groaned, shaking his head. “Are you okay?”

“Yup,” he said, grunting as he stood. “Oh my ass hurts.”

“That’s what she said,” you said, Dean laughing.

“I definitely like you,” he said as you helped him take a few steps. “I’m alright. I’ll swing by tomorrow then.”

“Bye Dean,” you said.

“Bye Dean!” called Tessa from her bedroom window upstairs.

“Oh my God, go to bed!” you shouted back.

“It’s nine and I’m not twelve,” she said.

“Goodnight ladies,” chuckled Dean, waving as he headed back down the path. You gathered up the bottle and glasses, bringing them inside and locking up for the night. A few minutes later you were upstairs in Tessa’s room, frowning as she giggled while looking through her phone.

“Oh come on,” she said as she rolled her eyes at you. “He’s cute, he’s a doctor, he’s single and he’s a dork that just fell on his butt in front of you cause he’s so nervous and trying to play it cool. Like what is wrong with him?”

“Nothing. We have a date tomorrow,” you said, leaning against the doorframe. 

“We used to talk about guys,” she said. 

“I know,” you said. You picked at the wood, Tessa putting her phone down.

“Y/N. You’re not my mom. I know you gotta act like her sometimes but you’re not. Mom and dad would want you to go on dates and stuff. I haven’t seen you do anything fun in years.”

“I barely knew how to be an adult for just me,” you said. “You’re my priority now.”

“I’m not in a hospital bed anymore. My seizures are under control and I got Toast to watch out for me just in case. Dean had a point. You gotta take care of yourself,” she said. “Including me going to community college.”

“Tessa-”

“It’s both our inheritance and you can’t spend all of it on me. I can do two years at community and transfer to the university after.”

“Tess. You don’t have to do that. I did the math and it’ll work out.”

“When’s the last time you bought something for yourself? Seriously when?”

“I bought a new bedspread two weeks ago.”

“You needed one. That doesn’t count. When-”

“Before mom and dad died, Tess. Is that what you want me to say? They made good money but you had medical bills. Do I want a new winter coat? Sure. Do I want to splurge and by myself a nice pair of leggings? Of course. I want things. But I want us to stay in this house. I don’t want us to get shoved in a tiny apartment. I want you to be able to go to college like I did and not worry about this crap. I’m the grown up, not you. I choose how to spend the money.”

“Fine,” she said. She grabbed the crutch by her bed and got up, going to her dresser. She opened her jewelry box and grabbed a wad of cash, holding it out to you. “It’s three hundred. I want you to have it.”

“Tessa, no.”

“I earned it. I get to choose how to spend it,” she said. “You’ve always told me that. Buy a coat and leggings and whatever else you want.”

“Tessa. It’s yours. You were saving up to buy an iphone.”

“I don’t need a fucking phone. I need my sister to stop looking like she cries herself to sleep every night. Just take it,” she said. You shook your head and she shoved the money in your hand. “Y/N, take it.”

“Alright,” you said. 

“Good.” She waited a beat before pulling you into a hug. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” you said. “You got plans tomorrow night?”

“I was gonna sleepover Hailey’s house if that’s okay?” she said.

“Yeah. You guys have fun,” you said. “Just be careful on your ankle.”

“Duh,” she said. “Do you want to watch a movie or something?”

“I’m kinda beat. Sunday for sure?” you said. 

“Okay. Night,” she said.

“Night, Tess,” you said. You went next door to your room, opening your desk drawer and opening the envelope inside. You counted the money she’d given you and added it to the front. You definitely had enough for her phone now and her birthday was only a few weeks away. You smiled and put it away, writing out a few bills before you gathered up your pajamas and walked down the hall to the bathroom. You kept going though, down to the shut door. You pushed it open, the room cold and dark. You flipped on a light, a coating of dust on everything again.

“Y/N?” said Tessa from the other end of the hall. You turned off the light and shut the door, Tessa by the bathroom when you walked back. “You okay?”

“Yeah. I’m gonna shower quick before bed. Shout if you need something.”

“Yeah. Night.”

Dean POV

“Hey, Sammy,” said Dean after he’d gotten out of the shower and was laying in bed. 

“Hey, Dean. What’s up?” asked Sam on the other end of the phone. 

“I think I just went full on weirdo on this girl I met today.”

“Well that’s obvious but what’d you do? You didn’t like stalk her or anything.”

“She lives in the neighborhood. I kinda went jogging past her house tonight and she was sat on the front porch.”

“Okay that’s kinda creepy,” said Sam. Dean ran his hand over his face and sighed. “Did you talk to her?”

“Yeah. I don’t think I gave off creeper vibes but she might have just been polite. I don’t know. We’re going out tomorrow,” said Dean. He was quiet as he shut his eyes. “Which sucks cause I really like her too. I hope she doesn’t think I’m weird.”

“Maybe she’ll have pity on you and let it slide. Where’d you meet her? I thought you swore off women after your last hookup went bad,” he said. Dean didn’t speak and ran his hand over his face again. “De I know something happened that night.”

“Sammy I got tired of hooking up. I’m too old for it. I just want a girl to go home to at the end of the day and laugh with. That’s all there is to it,” said Dean.

“Dean I was still living with you at the time. You were off for days. I know-”

“If you’re gonna bring this shit up again-”

“I’m just saying it’s nice to hear you excited about a girl again...and you can tell me anything. Anything, Dean. I’m not a kid anymore.”

“You’re twenty seven. You’re a kid,” said Dean. He rolled over on the bed and lay on his stomach, putting his hands under his chin. “Some things I just don’t tell you about, Sam.”

“Dean, I asked you to stop raising me awhile ago. You’re not my father anymore.”

“I still gotta protect you from stuff,” said Dean with a shrug.

“I get that. But my mind has gone to the worst case scenario on this more than once. Just promise it wasn’t that,” said Sam.

“Sammy, I called to talk about a girl.”

“You want things to work out with her? Then figure out whatever the hell happened in the past so it doesn’t happen again.”

“You don’t understand,” said Dean. 

“Whatever. Just crack a joke next time you see her,” said Sam. He hung up and Dean looked at his phone, sighing before he jammed his face in the bed. He gripped the sheets tight and felt his heart rate pick up, bile rising up in the back of his throat.

“Stop. It,” he said to himself, forcing himself to sit up. He wiped off his eye and dropped his head to his chest. “It’s just a fucking girl. It’s just a girl, it’s just a date. It’s all it is.”

He saw his phone light up and Sam’s name appear. He swiped and put it on speaker before he faced away from it.

“I’m sorry,” said Sam. 

“It’s okay,” said Dean, freezing when he sniffled. He stared at the phone and Sam cleared his throat.

“You alright?” Dean stared at the phone and shook his head. “De, you there?”

“Are you alone?” he asked.

“Yes…” said Sam. “It’s just me.”

“You repeat a word of this to anybody or you laugh or you tease me or-”

“Hey. I’d rather we not have this conversation over the phone. I can be there in an hour.”

“...Fine but you better bring some pie with you.”

“I’ll see you in an hour, Dean.”

______

A/N: Read Part 2 here!

[legends-live-in-memories]

Super-Rockin’ Wedding of the Century

AYO! Day 2 of MGI Trope Tussle! Team Enemies-to-Lovers for the win. I bring you another oneshot. but this time i used 3 prompts like a dumbass.

Fics Masterlist

Daminette Oneshot 4.3K words (no warnings except slight cursing)

Summary:

“Marinette is invited to the Super-Rockin' Wedding of the Century and she needs a date. Alya is both her best and worst wingman.”

Day 2 of MGI Trope Tussle, I used 3 prompts to make this thing: 1. "You don't have to like me, you just need to pretend you do." 2. "I like your costume. You look very cute." "Are you making fun of me?" 3. 'Write about a very unusual wedding proposal.' this is the culmination of all my efforts.

without further ado:

It was the biggest news on the internet. Global sensation, international rockstar, Jagged Stone, was officially engaged to childhood friend turned manager, Penny Rolling. Memes and fan theories stormed every corner of the web. Trending topics including #rockstar_wedding and #RollingStone permeated every social media platform. Guest lists were speculated, dress designers were tagged in every post that even mentioned the words ‘wedding’ or ‘bride’. It was total mayhem but none felt it worse than up-and-coming Parisian designer, M. D. Cheng, privately known as Marinette Dupain-Cheng.

The young adult was up to her neck in design templates, and was drowning in half-baked ideas and sketches. While the internet has only heard about the proposal for a solid two weeks at this point, Marinette was in the know for six months. Jagged Stone had contacted her in advance because he needed her help with the proposal itself.

And what a proposal it was.  

Jagged had outlined his idea in simple terms but it was still so mind-boggling that Marinette needed him to draw some visual aids to completely convey his idea. Initially it sounded simple enough but the more the man spoke, the more Marinette felt her brain fry at the mental picture. It first involved recreating a scene from Penny’s favourite movie. Which sounded rather romantic, if you ignored the fact that her favourite movie was Bride of Chucky. Then it involved Jagged dressed as the Tinman from Wizard of Oz. Oh, and the proposal had to happen on Halloween because that was the anniversary of their first date apparently, and based on everything else this plan entailed it might as well have been. Marinette’s role in all of this was to simply re-make the white wedding dress Chucky’s bride, Tiffany, wore because Penny already had the leather jacket to match. Of course she did. She didn’t even want to know how Jagged acquired the Tinman suit. Not her barrel of monkeys.

While many thought Jagged was the eccentric one of the pair, due to his loud personality and being an actual rockstar, the more Marinette worked for the two of them over the years, the more she learned how absolutely wrong they all were. It turned out it was Penny’s idea for Jagged to dye his hair purple, and she was the one to ask him out on Halloween all those faithful years ago. Her calm and collected demeanor was an impressive cover for the absolute weirdo she actually was. And Jagged had planned a proposal that was undoubtedly perfect for her. Regardless of how abso-fucking-lutely bizarre it was.

To each their own and let’s move on.

The set-up for the proposal started with Jagged, dressed as the Tinman, playing the part of Chucky, who begins the body-switching chant from the movie. Everything from that point on was resting on Penny’s love for the movie. Without hesitating, Penny, dressed as Tiffany, and playing her part, knew the lines by heart and immediately began reenacting the scene with Jagged. Her lines involved telling ‘Chucky’ to kiss her while she reaches for a knife that’s supposed to be in his pocket. Instead, as Jagged was still dressed as the Tinman, Penny pulled out a slip of paper. On said paper, the words ‘All the Tinman wanted was a heart’ were written in Jagged’s almost illegible chicken scratch. When Penny was distracted with the piece of paper, Jagged had gotten down on one knee and pulled out the engagement ring. The actual words of his proposal were never actually said because, upon seeing the ring, Penny flung herself into the man, clipping her chin into his metal-plated shoulder, but she wasn’t complaining.  

So that was how the proposal went.

Wedding planning started almost immediately since the newly engaged had already picked a theme. And this is where Marinette began to regret every life choice she has made since she was thirteen; starting with opening the mysterious box she found on her desk and ending with agreeing to being the main designer for the Rockin’ Wedding of the Century. One thing that wasn’t well-known but not a secret about Jagged was that he was a superhero fan. He grew up enjoying the fictional ones in his childhood comic books and he adored the real ones he witnessed in his adult life. His song that he dedicated to the teenage Ladybug was only one part of his… appreciation. His hero-worship went so far as to beieve that a hero-themed wedding was appropriate. Or he didn’t, but also didn’t care about adhering to societal propriety and went with that theme anyways. So the Rockin’ Wedding of the Century was now the Super-Rockin’ Wedding of the Century. And twenty-three year old Marinette was incharge of the entire wedding party’s outfits.

Perfect.

As a small mercy from some god, both the bride and groom to-be had a rather short list of people in their parties. Marinette was also able to design appropriate hero-themed outfits for all of them and scheduled them for fittings in the coming weeks. That, surprisingly, was the easy part as there were plenty of heroes to draw inspiration from. However, that wasn’t the cause of her current crisis right now.

No. Marinette was up to her neck in unnecessary designs and ideas because she’s been avoiding one particular contingency in her acceptance of the wedding invitation.

She needed a date.

She needed a date because she had promised Penny that she wasn’t overworking herself and to prove it, she would bring a date to the wedding. Rather than call any of the people who expressed interest in her at some point in time, she designated herself to wallow in her situation and distract herself with designs. In the midst of her one person pity party, her phone rang under the sea of ripped out pages. She scoured for the device and hastily answered before she could accidently send the caller to voicemail.

“Hello?” She didn’t check the caller ID and was delighted at the sound of her best friend answering her.

“Marinette! How’s it going over there?” Alya’s voice was mixed in with the busy street life of Metropolis. She had moved there immediately after high school, snatching an internship with the Daily Planet and attending the local community college. She and Marinette don’t call often due to time differences, but when they do it’s like they’ve never parted. She always looked forward to her calls.

“It’s going great, Als,” if she ignored her current dilemma, then yeah, everything was perfect. “But you wouldn’t happen to have an available bachelor willing to be my date to the ‘Super-Rockin’ Wedding of the Century’ in your back pocket, would you?”  

Alya’s answering laugh was both comforting and teasing and Marinette felt herself missing her even more. What she said next, however, took Marinette by surprise.

“Actually I do.”

“Pardon?”

“Well,” she took a pause to build suspense. “I know a guy who knows a guy. But it’s nothing shady, I swear.”

“That’s not comforting.” Oh god. What has she unintentionally signed herself up for?

“You know my coworker, Jon? The guy who does the photography for all my field work?” Alya had met Jon as soon as she had started her internship. Both of his parents were top journalists at the Daily Planet so he volunteered to act as tour guide for all the new interns. He and Alya, from the exasperated stories Marinette has heard from Nino, got along like a house on fire. If he was involved, Marinette was starting to doubt even further that this was going to end well for her.

“Yes, I know Jon. How is he by the way?”

“He’s fine, but I remember him telling me how he tried to set up his best friend on several dates over the years and how they all ended poorly. He’s as approachable as a brick wall; not just a prick but the whole damn cactus. Or so Jon says.” How does that sound like someone Marinette wanted to bring along with her to the wedding? “But he’s totally your type so I could ask Jon to wrap him up in bubblewrap and send him your way whenever you want.”

“How,” and Marinette said this with a lot of feeling, “is he my type exactly?”

“Green eyes with daddy issues.”

“ALYA!” Marinette was absolutely floored at her bluntness. She wasn’t even sorry about shouting into the receiver.

“Am I wrong? You have a type and he fits that type. Jon mentioned how this guy and his dad hit several roadblocks when they first met. And I’ve seen pictures of him so ‘green eyes’ checks too.”

“That is not my type of guy.” She can’t believe this was how this conversation was going.

“Adrien.”

“I didn’t even know who his father was at the time, Alya.”

“Felix.”

“His dad is dead! That doesn’t count as ‘daddy issues.’” She can feel her cheeks flaming as the call went on. Any hotter and she was going to set her sketchbooks on fire. “Besides, I dated Luka so he doesn’t fit the criteria.”

“He’s an outlier and that’s only because his eyes are blue.” Okay, fine she had a type. “And besides, you don’t even have to date the guy. You only need him to accompany you to the wedding and you both go your separate ways after. No harm, no foul.”

Right. That was true. No strings attached. She could do that.

“I can’t believe I’m saying this but,” she held her breath and let it out loudly, ignoring Alya’s chuckle at her dramatics.” Give Jon my number to give this guy. And send his number to me.”

“Wahoo! Look at you, girl,” Alya was hooting and hollering over the speaker and Marinette found herself going along with the theatrics. “Okay, I will. But I gotta go, my cab is here. Bye!”

“Bye! Stay safe. Oh before you go, what’s Jon’s friend’s name anyways?”

“Uh, Damian, I think.” The call ended before Marinette could respond, but it was okay she mused. Tossing her phone onto her couch, she flopped down onto her floor and stared at her ceiling contemplatively.

What could go wrong?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Alya had described this Damian guy as ‘not just a prick but the whole damn cactus,’ she was right. Marinette had been texting back and forth with Damian for a month, and the guy was making this idea seem less and less worth it by the day. Whenever Marinette tried to learn more about the guy, he would ghost her for days on end before replying with a half-assed response at best. She knew nothing about him other than that his first name was Damian and that he was from Gotham. She had no idea how the ball of life that was Jon was even friends with someone like Damian. She asked as much to Alya in their most recent call.

“How did they even meet?” She was pacing the floor plan of her apartment, ready to tear her hair out. “Did Damian bully him in school or something?”

“Apparently their dads knew each other and introduced them,” Alya sounded half awake, stifling a yawn; probably because Marinette had called her at 1 am, Metropolis’s time. “Their brothers being friends also forced them to get along.”

“And that’s another thing!” Marinette had paused in her pacing and was now staring intently at a potted plant in the corner of her living room. Any more rage in her glare and the plant would have wilted and died. “He doesn’t tell me anything about him. I don’t need to know all his personal information, but if he’s going to be flying out to Paris on my behalf, I think I at least deserve to know his last name.”

“Hey, M,” another yawn echoed through the speaker, “I love you, truly, but maybe this could wait for holier day time hours?”

“I guess,” a vindictive part of Marinette felt like this was payback for all those inopportune calls when Marinette was busy with clients. “Sorry for interrupting your sleep.”

“It’s no big deal. But have you tried talking to him about it? If he’s ghosting your texts, try calling him. If he ignores you then too then maybe you should try finding another person to be your plus one.”

“The wedding is in two weeks, Alya!” Marinette partially regrets waiting so long to vent her frustration about the situation but she had tried to tough it out. “I would have much preferred if you were my plus one. You sure there’s no way to convince your parents to skip out on the family trip?”

“Sorry, M. Once the news about the proposal hit the internet, I tried everything. I even tried to use work, saying that I could cover the ceremony for the newspaper. My folks won’t budge though. My dad’s aunt is important to him and he wants us all at the funeral.”

“Right, right, I forgot about that.” Now she felt like an ass. “Send you dad my condolences when you see him again.”

“Will do. Good morning, Marinette. And don’t worry too much about the guy. Everything will turn up great. I can feel it.”

“Thanks, Alya. Good night, get some sleep.”

The line went dead and Marinette let out a rather weary exhale. She had no idea how this was going to work. She pulled up her contacts and searched for what she had Damian saved as.

‘Douche’ flashed on her screen and she hit the call button without remorse. She didn’t care that it was also currently 1 am in Gotham. He didn’t deserve that much consideration from her.

“What?” His voice was gravely and deep. And also really pissed if his clipped tone was anything to go by.

“Damian? Hi, this is Marinette, the girl you’re accompanying to the wedding in two weeks?” Her voice was pitched as if she was dealing with an irritating customer. Fake and polite.

“I know who you are. Why are you calling me at this unreasonable hour?” Fair, but Marinette was still aggravated at him so she wouldn’t concede.

“I’m calling because we need to talk.” She heard him scoff over the line and she felt her blood boil even hotter. She took several calming breaths to reign her temper in. “Don’t hang up.”

“Look,” She didn’t give him a chance to refuse and kept talking, getting everything off her chest. “This wedding is important to me and I promised the bride I would bring a date. After that you can delete my number and we never have to speak to each other ever. You don’t have to like me, you just need to pretend you do.”

“Whatever,” he sounded less annoyed from when he first answered the phone. “I will act as cordial as the situation requires, and nothing more. I also have my attire secured for the wedding and accommodations in Paris already prepared. I will see you at the wedding.”

“Than—” The sound of the call ending interrupted her and her frustration was back tenfold. With a cry in anguish she flung her phone onto her couch and stomped into her kitchen to channel her rage into baking.

Three loaves of bread and a dozen eclairs later, Marinette felt calm enough to finish the final touches on her outfit for the wedding.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was the day of the Super-Rockin’ Wedding of the Century. The Rolling-Stone’s, as they were asking to be called, had kept the ceremony small. Relatively. Only two hundred invited guests, few of which were asked to bring a plus one. Marinette was over the moon at the array of outfits people were sporting. Some chose full-on cosplay while others, like herself, went for more subtle nods to the heroes. In honour of a previous Ladybug, Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons, Marinette based her outfit off of Wonder Woman’s uniform, Hippolyta’s daughter. A navy blue sequined halter top bodice that flows into a blood red A-line skirt. She paired it with a thick silver belt, silver gladiator heels rather than boots and broad silver arm cuffs. It was simple but effective. Besides, all attention should be on the bride and groom today.

A tap on her shoulder caught her attention and she turned only to come face first with red with black spots. Ladybug. Someone chose her as inspiration. How flattering. Looking up to see who was wearing the Ladybug-themed suit jacket, she stared at a pair of deep forest green eyes and a sneer to ruin that ridiculously handsome face. She recognized him from the photo Alya had sent some time ago. Damian.

“Hi, Damian,” at least one of them had to be civil and Marinette knew it was going to be her. But the idea that of all the heroes for him to choose from he chose her sent her into poorly stifled fits of giggling. Images of him going ‘Lucky Charm’ and ‘Miraculous Ladybug’ were almost too much to bear.

“I don’t know what’s so amusing about my choice of attire,” his face was starting to flush in similar shades to his jacket and that made Marinette laugh harder. “Ladybug is a well respected heroine and I thought it appropriate to pay homage while in her home city.”

“No. No no. There is nothing wrong with it. I like your costume, you look very cute.”

“Are you making fun of me?” His irritation was rather cathartic for the still giggling woman.

“No, I just didn’t think you would have put that much thought into your outfit for today. You always gave me the impression that you were ready to back out at any time.”

“I made a commitment and I had all intentions to see it through the end.”

“Could have fooled me.” And her snark was back. Now was not the time to pick a fight with the guy, he did fly all the way to Paris on her behalf after all.

“I’ve been meaning to ask,” and Marinette wanted to know how he managed to sound so condescending with that statement. “How did you even get an invitation to this wedding anyways? You’re not a celebrity and you don’t look like family either.”

“Actually,” she said it with more force than what was probably necessary but his slightly accusatory tone was just so irritating. “I am the lead designer for the wedding party,” her chest was swimming with confidence at the chance to talk about her job. “I’ve worked with the bride and groom for years; M. D. Cheng, Marinette Dupain-Cheng.”

Marinette will deny to her grave the rush of satisfaction at the absolute gobsmacked look on Damian’s face. A real fish out of water. Mouth open wide ready to catch flies. She wished she could capture this moment forever.

The moment was over too soon because Damian was regaining his composure and slipping into his default stoic expression. He cleared his throat and fixed a look at Marinette. It was rather intense.

“I believe I owe you an apology then.” He looked put-out at admitting something so menial. “I believed you were nothing more than a socialite chain climber.”

“A what?”

“When Jon reached out to me saying that a friend of one of his coworkers needed a date for an event, and when that event turned out to be the wedding of someone of such popularity, I figured you were only trying to increase your own social status by showing up with me on your arm.”

“And you said ‘yes’ anyways?” Marinette was confused but pieces of the mystery that is Damian were starting to fit in place. But something else stuck out as odd to her. “Also, how would you being my date increase my social status anyhow?”

He scoffs before answering. Bitch.

“What? It wouldn’t be the first time one of Jon’s set-ups ended that way. Besides, we’ve had an agreement that I can’t turn down an offer until meeting the person face to face.” Weird deal but some friendships are just like, Marinette supposes. “And being seen with me is enough to make anyone more popular.”

“...And you are?”

“Damian… Wayne…” He spoke as if he was talking to a small child. As if it should be obvious who he was like he was some celeb— Oh shit.

A name had flashed into her mind. On the finalised guest list, Marinette had only seen it once in passing, there was a name that belonged to someone Jagged was rather excited to see. He said the friend was an old college buddy. She remembered that much. She had completely forgotten that ‘a billionaire playboy’ was also attached to the name. Damian was the son of Bruce Wayne. Suddenly everything in the past few months made perfect sense. The cold shoulder, the ghosting, and his prickly disposition. He was overly guarded because he had justified reasons to be. Now she felt like an ass.

“Oh.” Real intelligent, Marinette.

“Oh? What, you didn’t know?” He sounded incredulous at the notion and he had every right to be. Marinette could only shake her head. Words were failing her now, her brain trying to rewrite the memories of every interaction the two ever had.

She was saved from further mortification by a call for everyone to find their seats. The wedding was about to begin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The ceremony was beautiful. Penny’s dress was a silver grey, tied back with a golden belt. Instead of a long train, Marinette had attached a black cape that shimmered in the right lighting. Penny wore a tiara with two peaks to imitate the ‘bat-ears.’ A Batman-themed wedding dress was not something she ever saw herself making, but she was proud at how beautiful and confident Penny looked in it. Jagged was adorn in a royal blue suit with bold red lapels. He also had a matching red cape. His hair was styled in the familiar sleek way Superman wears it. The two made quite the pair.  

The reception was a lively affair. Jagged had dedicated several songs to his new wife and they dazzled the crowd on the dance floor. Marinette didn’t pay much attention to the speeches beyond a quick glance at Damian when his own father stepped up to the podium. He had buried his head in his hands, looking like he wanted the floor to swallow him whole. A courtesy pat on the back was all Marinette gave to him.

The two hadn’t really spoken much since the revelation that they had completely misjudged each other. The awkward tension was almost palpable. As Marinette was gathering the courage to speak to him, to try and officially clear the air, she was being dragged by one of the bridesmaids onto the dancefloor. It was time for the bride to throw the bouquet. All the unmarried women were being corralled into a tight cluster and Marinette got swept up in the tide.

Marinette wasn’t focusing on the actual game, trying her hardest not to get trampled, when she saw something move in her periphery. Years of being Ladybug had left her with finely honed instincts so she could not be blamed when she immediately jumped and caught the incoming object. The bouquet. She had caught the bouquet. Oh that was just her luck. Deafening squeals of delight brought her out of her own head and she was suddenly being embraced in Penny’s arms. She returned the hug, sharing in her delight, before breaking away to sit down.

“Nice catch.” His voice had surprised her, she hadn’t expected him to speak to her for the rest of the night.

“Uh, thank you. Just lucky, I guess.” Damian didn’t get the chance to respond because he was being dragged by his own father to join all the bachelors in catching the garter. Marinette was equally uninterested in this spectacle and had let her mind wander to other things.

A loud uproar caught her attention again and her eyes zeroed in on Damian holding the tossed garter. He made his way back over to her, dropping himself into his seat gracelessly. The two sat in silence, contemplating the implications of them both catching the garter and bouquet. The games were done purely for tradition’s sake, with total disregard of what it was supposed to symbolise. Still. One’s mind couldn’t help but wander. Minutes ticked passed and Marinette was beginning to wonder if someone was going to talk about the elephant in the room.

“So,” Damian’s voice was slightly strained, like he wasn’t used to being this flustered. It was kind of endearing. Wait what?

“So.”

“While marriage seems far out of reach for right now,” Oh god. He was going to talk about it. “How does dinner sound, next Friday?”

“Wait,” he wanted to spend more time with her? After their disastrous first impressions? “Really?”

“Really. I believe we started off on the wrong foot,” he let out a soft chuckle, almost self-deprecating. “Which isn’t really new for me, but it’s not everyday I meet someone who doesn’t recognise me at first glance. I think you’re someone who I would like to get to know better. If that is something you are also interested in.”

“Yeah,” Marinette knows all about wanting to get acquainted with someone who she’s had a bad first impression of. Just look at her past relationships. Wow, she really does have a type. Damning thoughts for later. “Friday works for me. Seven pm?”

“Perfect. I’ll text you the details then.”

“Wonderful, I can’t wait.”

The rest of the evening was spent in companionable silence with small bouts of conversation in between. They shared a couple dances on the floor and parted ways at the end of the night with budding anticipation for Friday.

As Marinette was preparing for bed that night in the comfort of her apartment, she sent a text to Alya that her friend would see later in the day.

You were right, I do have a type :(

[superhero--imagines]

Part 1 Here! / Part 2 Here! / Part 3 Here! / Part 4 Here! / Part 5 Here! / Part 6 Here! / Part 7 Here! / Part 8 Here! / Part 9 Here! / Part 10 Here!

A/N: I apologize for all the profanity in this part ahead of time. I think I’m going to do M/W/Sat updates, as long as my writing permits, and then maybe Wed/Sat updates. I got the day off because it snowed so I thought I would post this since it’s ready haha

* Well you’re royally f*cked

* There’s a big stupid smile curled on your face, and every time you try to hide it, it just comes back wider

* You really shouldn’t be happy right now

* “What has you in such a good mood?” Edward’s got a matching smile of his own.

* Oh shit. It’s fine, you’ll just play dumb.

* “How do you know I’m happy?” How about the dumb grin you’ve got on your face you stupid b*tch.

* You would have smacked your own forehead if you weren’t aware Edward was watching your every move

* You’re lucky Edward’s nice and he doesn’t call you out on it

* “Whenever you’re happy it kind of radiates off of you,” his voice lowers “you know because of your powers”

* Ah, you didn’t know you did that

* “So what do you think about the new girl?” You blurt it out like it’s an intrusive thought

* F*ck. Just-okay just play it cool. Play it cool.

* F********ckkkkk what’s wrong with you.

* Is being happy making you act like a moron?

* He shrugs

* “Just another human, I kind of wish everyone would shut up about it though. Having to hear people talk about her and think about her is getting annoying. It’s like being in a tunnel with one too many echoes.”

* Ah, so he hasn’t noticed yet.

* “I wonder what she’s thinking about.”

* Edward just shrugs again.

* What the f*ck Edward take a hint!

* “Edward?”

* “Yes dear?” He has the nerve to grin after using that pet name. The criminal is teasing you. Some best friend.

* And still it makes you outrageously happy

* You have to force your smile into a straight line

* “What’s the new girl thinking?”

* He looks over to her, Tyler and Mike are fighting for her attention, both of them a moment away from tugging on each arm and shouting “mine!”

* You see him search, you’ve heard enough about his powers to know right now it’s like mall food court level of chatter for him, but in a few seconds he’ll focus on her and realize he can’t hear her thoughts.

* Knowing how prideful he is though, he’ll probably deny it.

* “I don’t know I can’t read her mind” he says bluntly. “Do you think the school music teacher would teach me how to play violin if I asked?”

* “What?!?”

* “I know it’s kind of inconsiderate to ask but-“ you click your tongue

* “No not that!” You gesture towards Bella “you can’t read her mind?!? Isn’t that kind of a big deal?”

* His eyebrows thread together

* “I can’t read your mind either”

* Yes but you’re from a completely different world, in a body that radiates despair (and apparently joy now). You’re basically like some type of eldritch being from another dimension. 

* Edward doesn’t see it that though

* “Honestly it’s a relief, one less mind I have to tune out.” He walks ahead of you as you stay motionless in the middle of the hallway

* What the f*ck is happening?

* “Are you coming? We’re going to be late for Biology if you keep lagging behind like that.”

* How could you forget? The whole story starts because Edward is super into Bella’s blood! He fantasizes killing her for like- the entire class period.

* You were worried for nothing, just because they didn’t have the cafeteria moment isn’t that big of a deal

* The thought makes you both relieved and a little sad

* Still it’s for the best, this is the way things are supposed to be

* And who knows, if you have to leave maybe you can poach Rosalie and Emmett to leave with you

* And maybe Jasper, he won’t like having a human around the house all the time

* “Mr. Cullen, Ms. Eleazar” Mr. Banner hands you each a worksheet.

* Oh right the onion cell worksheet. Ah right the mitosis crap. Well hopefully Mike remembers enough that you both can hobble through

* “New year means new seating arrangement!” He tells you both excitedly. The seating arrangements on the projector.

* “Why am I next to Edward isn’t the seating arrangement supposed to be alphabetical?”

* “I decided to go by grade this time, you should be happy! Aren’t you two...friends?” You can tell your teacher is confused by the nature of your relationship, almost as much as you are. 

* “Super happy Teach.” You mumble taking your seat next to Edward who’s grinning like an idiot

* “You can’t say he’s picking favorites when it’s merit based.” He grins and you roll your eyes

* Angela’s sitting next to Ben Cheney, they seem to be discussing the trigonometry homework, and how it’s basically impossible

* Oh right, he’s supposed to be her boyfriend this year. 

* Personally you think Angela could do way better. But love is blind, you’ll ship it if you have to. 

* And right on cue Mike walks in, Bella following close behind. He takes his seat on the table behind you while Bella talks to Mr. Barnes

* “Why didn’t you guys sit with us at lunch today?” Mike is practically leaned over the entire width of the table.

* Before you can say anything Edward snorts

* “Because (Y/N) was getting lectured for staying out all night again”

* Mike looks like his eyes might pop out of his head

* “W-what? Out all night?! Without inviting me!” You roll your eyes.

* “He’s making it more dramatic, I went out for a run early in the morning because I couldn’t sleep and everyone was freaking out because they thought I got kidnapped.”

* Like any vampire or human stood a chance against you and your violent mood swings

* Mike’s so caught up in lecturing you about how you need to be more careful

* “There’s a lot of weirdos out there!” Yeah you live with them

* That he doesn’t even notice Bella’s taken a seat next to him

* Now that you get a better look at her, she is kinda pretty. She’s the kind of person who probably always looks good in photographs, no matter what the angle. Nice cheekbones and big brown eyes. Modest on boobs and butt, but she’s skinny so it works for her.

* “Hey, you’re Bella right?” You give her your friendliest smile, and you don’t miss the light blush that blooms on her face.

* You’re not sure whether it’s from your beauty or because she’s just not used to so much attention. She just nods.

* “Have you already seen the three whole things there are to do in Town on a Friday night?”

* Bella actually laughs at that. She’s got dimples, and little wrinkles that show up at the corner of her eyes. It’s cute.

* “One of those things is going to the library, so really it’s only two things.”

* She giggles again.

* “Is the other one going over to your house to play monopoly?” Mike asks, a grin arching onto his face

* “No my house is out of town, the other thing is to go to the school football game”

* “I’m not really a big fan of football” Bella hesitantly says, and Mike and Edward laugh

* “Yeah no one here does, everyone goes for the half time show, or just to hang out.” 

* You’re pretty sure your entire friend group only goes to the games to see your cheer routine, especially this year since you’re captain now. The first junior captain in a long time apparently. The news actually made the local newspaper.

* Everything is going good, and you’re starting to think maybe you and Bella might be friends.

* “Why don’t we have a board game night at our house again? Last time was-“

* You stop sentence, you were having so much fun you almost forgot why Edward was so obsessed with Bella.

* The slight breeze from the air conditioning brings her scent to you.

* You cover your mouth and nose with your hand

* Her scent is REVOLTING

* “(Y/N), are you okay?” Mike asks

* You vaguely feel Edward’s hand on your shoulder, has he not caught her scent yet?

* It’s pretty hard to miss

* Like gym socks, with a overly sweet base, it’s like-

* Your head snaps up, and your hand clamps over your mouth and nose even harder, but not because the scent is revolting

* She smells like cheese, perfectly aged Gorgonzola cheese, or maybe Brie?

* You smell the sweeter undercurrent stronger now, it’s like warm juicy peaches

* Roasted peach salad tossed with Gorgonzola and olive oil

* How many times have you dreamed about eating that while basking in the warm sunlight

* “I knew you shouldn’t have eaten those leftovers at lunch,” Edward says, but you know it’s performative, thank god he’s still got some sense after smelling her.

* “Mr.Banner, I think (Y/N) ate something bad, is it alright if I help them to the nurses office?”

* “Yes and hurry!” He’s practically shooing you out as Edward pulls you by the arm

* Nooooo, you wanna smell her moreeee

* You have the sense to not wine and keep your mouth covered.

* Edward doesn’t take you to the nurse, you both don’t stop walking until you’re at the parking lot

* “What the hell was that?” He asks, it’s the first time he’s seemed even remotely angry with you

* He seems more confused then angry though, you’re so shocked you actually sit down on the curb.

* And after a moment of hesitance Edward sits beside you, placing his hand over your own

* “She smells good Edward, like really good.”

* Edward laughs

* “Yeah I gathered that” he shakes his head. “I thought you were supposed to be a picky eater”

* “I aaaaamm” you moan, your head is cradled in your left hand. “She’s like one in a million”

* “You’re one in a million” you lift your head to see Edward looking at you with that stupid sh*t eating grin.

* “Really Edward my life is falling apart because I want to eat someone, and you think the appropriate response is to flirt?”

* To be fair, he’s always flirting, it’s basically apart of his personality at this point

* “You’re being melodramatic.” He chuckles and throws an arm over your shoulder. “Worst case scenario you kill her, Carlisle doles out his funeral punishment-don’t ask, and then we have to start over as freshman again somewhere else.”

* You groan, you finally worked your way up to a junior, you were just starting to get used to this crappy town, you don’t wanna start all over again in a new one

* “What’s the best case scenario?”

* Edward thinks hard for a minute.

* “Best case scenario...the music teacher agrees to teach me how to play the violin and I impress you with my magnificent playing.” You smack him on the arm.

* “Not the best case scenario for you!” You know he’s doing it on purpose. He just wants to make you laugh

* It works, you do laugh. How much more absurd could this situation get?

* “Everything’s going to be fine, if Jasper can handle having to smell 300 students he thinks smell good, you can handle 1.” 

* He’s got a point

* “Wait-didn’t she smell good to you?” Wasn’t that like, the whole d*mn point?

* His eyebrows thread together and he shrugs

* “Um, she smelled alright, no better or worse than the others. I’m not sure what you smelled-“

* What you smelled? The rich but refreshing flavor profile is sublime

* The f*cking heathen doesn’t even know what he’s missing

* “But to me she smelled like peaches”

* Well he kinda knows what he’s missing

* “She’s definitely anemic though, there’s a sever lack of iron in her scent” ah that must be that cheesy smell you’re getting

* Well ain’t this ironic. The girl who’s going to steal your best friend is only getting noticed because of you.

* “I don’t know, personally I prefer Henrietta the 3rds blood, but that’s just me” he’s lying, your blood is good and all, but it’s definitely still not on par with a humans blood

* He’s just trying to make you feel better.

* He rubs your shoulder, before patting it and moving to stand up.

* “Now come on, we have to make you eat some human food so you can throw up in front of the nurse and she lets us leave school early”

* You roll your eyes, anything to leave school early huh?

* “Yeah all right, lead the way Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Brooding”

* “Why do you always say that? I don’t brood that much anymore!”

* “You know how some people have resting b*tch face? You have resting brood face.”

* “Says the person who literally radiates despair” you shove him as you both walk towards the vending machine

* You take a deep breath as you watch Edward fumble with the vending machine

* The dork literally sticks a credit card up to the glass and demands the machine give him chips. 

* (Y/N/N) why isn’t this working? Am I supposed to insert my card through this slot?” 

* You laugh. You’re pretty sure he’s not doing this on purpose.

* “You’re supposed to use cash Edward.”

* You watch as he fumbles with his wallet muttering:

* “Do you think it’ll take a twenty dollar bill?”

* You watch in amusement as Edward tries - and fails- to use a twenty dollar bill, and then proceed to use obscure profanities to curse “this vile wretch of human technological advancement” 

* You feel a sigh of relief escape you.

* Yeah, everything is going to be fine. 

Tags:  @moonlights27 @thebluetint @the100thtwilight @awesomebooklover17 @oneofthepotterheads @smileygirl08 @imdoingathingmom @iconicgguk @yrawn @alyciaswhore @little-horror-show @wicked-watering-can @lazydreamers @xxxmuxxx @puritanicalhypocrite

[puppiesandnightlock]

Breakdancing and Romancing Chapter 3

Hiiiii! Here’s the next part!!

“Ok, nooshy. We are going to see how much work we need to do. Repeat after me.” Rosita and Meena lead her on a series of vocal warm-ups, and to their surprise, Nooshy wasn’t as bad as she made herself out to be. In fact, she was pretty good! Seeing the looks on her friend's faces, she groaned. “That bad?” “No, no, it’s actually really good! You have a naturally lower voice, but a wide range.” Meena told her. “You have clear vocals, and very good posture and breathing......you’ve sung before, haven’t you?” Rosita asked. “No!” Nooshy exclaimed suddenly. “I mean, no. No, I haven't sung before. I’ve never had vocal lessons ever.” It was painfully obvious she was lying, but the two decided not to pry. However, they would ask Johnny about it later. “Ok then. Your voice is a bit out of shape, so we can start with some simple pieces.” They practiced for about 2 hours until Buster came into the room and said, “Looking good, ladies! Hate to interrupt, but Nooshy, you have acting lessons with Gunter that start in a few minutes.” “Ok thank you.” “Well, it’s sounding good! Tomorrow, we’ll start practicing with the songs that you have to learn for the show.” Meena said. “Thank you, guys! Welp, gotta run! See ya!” Nooshy sped out the door towards the stage. When she arrived, only Porsha was there. “Hey, Porsha! What’s up?” “Just waiting on Gunter. He’s giving me acting lessons.” the wolf replied. “Me too! I just came from vocal lessons.” “Really? Sing something.” “I’m not as good as you!” “I don’t care. I just wanna see!” “Fine. What is your request, oh great one?” Nooshy said sarcastically, bowing. “Baboon 5, Memories.” “Dude, how long were you waiting to say that?” “I also workshopped a few more to ask. I’ve been trying to get the others to sing for me.” “Well, get ready for your ears to burn.” Quietly, Nooshy began to sing a very soft version.

🎵Here’s to the wish you were here

But you're not

The memories bring back memories

And the memories bring back you🎵

Porsha started to clap, and Nooshy immediately shut her mouth and felt her ears start to burn in a blush that crept into her cheeks. “No way. No freaking way!” ‘Crap.’ Nooshy groaned inwardly. It was Johnny, coming in from backstage. “Oh, shut up! Shouldn't you be in a studio playing the piano or something?” “I’m glad I wasn't or I would have missed this! You never told me you were a good singer!” “ 1. You never asked. 2, I am not a good singer. Rosita and Meena are miracle workers is all.” Porsha scoffed. “Miracle workers, my tail! That’s all you girl!” “All you!” snickered Johnny. Nooshy hit his arm and said, “Get back to your studio, ya big weirdo.” “Sure thing.....Nosiwe.” “SHUT UP!!” she squawked. Pounding him with her fists(playfully, but still hard), she yelled every insult she could think of while he yelped in mock pain. “I’ve had enough of this!” snatching her from his back, he started to tickle her. She burst into uncontrollable laughter “No! Stop it!” Nooshy gasped. “Nope!” “What’s going on?” Ash came in, bewildered by the scene. “It’s complicated....” Porsha moaned, ever the drama queen. Instantly, Johnny stopped tickling Nooshy, who got up and pretended nothing happened. “Hi, Ash. What can we do for ya?” “Um, Gunter won’t be here today or tomorrow. He caught a cold.” “Thanks for the update!” Johnny and Nooshy went back to squabbling, while Ash leaned over to Porsha. “You saw that right?” Porsha snorted. “It was a little hard to miss. I can’t believe I wasn’t recording that!” “No, no. Did you see IT?” Ash whispered, subtly motioning to the two. “Ohhh. OHHHH. Omigosh I SHIP IT!!!!!” “Let’s keep an eye on them, see where it goes. If necessary we move in. BUT ONLY WHEN NECESSARY!” “Yes’m. Hey nooshy, we've got about 2 hours of free time. Wanna grab some lunch?”  “Sure! You two want anything?” “Nah. I’ve got to go back to practicing.” Ash responded. “Same goes for me. Thanks anyway.” Johnny and ash both went back to their studios. Strolling out of the building, Porsha said, “So where are we going?” “How do you feel about the roundabout?” “Sure! Can we stop by Starbarks on the way back?” “Definitely.” Walking towards a little cafe about two blocks down, Porsha’s phone vibrated. She pulled it out and saw it was a text message from Ash. ‘Ik what ur doing.’ it said. ‘If ur gonna pry, don’t get caught. I repeat, don’t. Get. Caught!!!!!’ “who is it?” Nooshy asked. “Oh um, it’s ash. She wants a dark chocolate caramel frap from Starbarks.” Porsha lied smoothly. ‘Yea yea Ik Ik. You wouldn't happen to want a dark chocolate caramel frap from star barks would u?’ ‘Oddly specific, but ok.’ “Great, we are all set.” Porsha said as she put away her phone. The friends walked into the charming little diner. “Hello! Welcome to the roundabout!” a waitress walked up to them. “Hi! Can we have a booth for two, please?” “Sure thing! Right this way!” Porsha and Nooshy sat down near a small garden with a baby waterfall. “What can I get you two ladies?” “I'll have a strawberry lemonade.” Porsha responded. “I’d like a Dr. Pepper, please,” Nooshy said. “Sure thing!” the waitress went to the kitchen while Porsha started what she had came for. “So, how do you feel about the show?” “Well, I’m not hating it like I thought I was going to. I’m doin’ ok with vocal lessons, and my designer is really nice.” “That’s good. How do you like your role?” “The more I hear about Cindy, the better I feel. This character sounds like my double, but it’s gonna be really weird considering her romantic interest is played by my best friend.” ‘Oh yeah, now we’re getting somewhere.’ Porsha thought. “Really? What’s so weird about that?” “He’s my best friend!! I’m gonna have to kiss my best friend!” Nooshy nearly screamed. “Whoa, chill!” “Sorry. It’s just gonna be so awkward, you know?” “I know. But you can’t let it get to you.” Nooshy sighed. “I guess. Why all the questions anyhow?” “Ummmmm...I was just curious.” the waitress came back and they ordered food. When they got back to the theater, drinks in hand, it was already time for some line memorization. Handing Ash her frappuccino, the cast gathered on one of the finished sets. “Ok guys. I’m going to start you off.” Buster said. Handing everyone who was there the script, he started. “On the outskirts of a little city lived a rich man and his daughter......”

Lol did ya catch all the stupid animal puns I put in there??

[thedistantdusk]

Arcadia, Chapter 1

My submission for the 2021 Hinny birthday challenge for the HG discord! Thanks to Liza for organizing, to @accio-broom for the Brit-pick, to @secretkeeper13 for the beta, and to anyone else who helped (I'm probably forgetting a few folks, apologies).

The challenge theme this year was content based on TV! This is an (extremely loose) X-Files AU, but you absolutely don’t need to be familiar with X-Files to understand this :D

TW (spoilers): swearing, references to (severe) mental health concerns, (eventual) consensual relations

___________________________________________________________

D A Y  + O N E

The woman probably finds herself charming as she stands in their driveway, her hands clasped in frozen excitement.

But Ginny just finds her creepy.

Really fucking creepy.

Harry drops hired car into first gear as they pull in. This woman— the head of the village council, Ginny reckons, the one she spoke to on the phone— wears perfectly-pleated Chino pants with a lavender jumper draped across her shoulders.

Her attire is standard for a posh village… especially a new-build village, one with a covenant and loads of stupid rules. It’s the woman’s eerie, opened-mouthed grin that shoots a chill up Ginny’s spine.

Her stark white teeth glint in the sun, but her smile doesn’t move an inch… and the longer Ginny stares, the more unsettled she grows. The only thing larger than her grin is the mane of yellow hair that surrounds her face like an ersatz halo.

Harry clears his throat as he turns off the car; Ginny realizes this is the first sound either of them has made since leaving London.

Awkward.

She reaches for her door handle, but the random woman gets to it first.

“You must be Jenny and Henry!” she shrieks, yanking on Ginny’s shoulders before she’s even unbuckled. “Oh, sorry! Love, do let me get the strap!”

Ginny’s on her feet and pressed to the stranger’s perfumed bosom before she has a chance to tell her she can manage just fine herself, thanks.

“Lovely to meet you in person!” the woman cries, nearly shaking with enthusiasm. It’s not until Ginny’s returned a weak squeeze that the vice-like grip around her middle weakens.

Rubbing her aching shoulder, she sneaks a glimpse at Harry; while she fought for air, he apparently climbed out of the car, only to stare at the two of them like a deer in the headlights. Now his elbow’s at an awkward angle, his hand behind his back, which could only mean one thing: he’s reaching for the wand in his back pocket.

Shit.

Ginny shakes her head and hopes her eyes convey what her lips can’t: She’s just a standard Muggle weirdo. Relax.

“I’m Jane. Jane Connors. In the flesh!” The woman (whose voice Ginny now finds painfully familiar) throws her hands in the air and twirls on the spot. “I take it you’re Jenny and Henry Petri!”

Harry interrupts with a booming chuckle before Ginny says a word; in three quick steps, he’s wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “That’s Pee-tri, actually. Like the dish,” Harry— Henry— adds with a wink. “And speaking of dish…” His eyes travel over Ginny, his voice going all deep and silky.

She bites back a shudder, hating the way her stomach drops as his fingers graze her arm. All that keeps her grounded is knowing the truth: Harry’s good at his job, nothing more. The only reason he’s suddenly become a skilled actor is that his career demands it.

Hers does too, she reminds herself firmly. And if she has any intention of successfully completing her first solo mission, she needs to get her shit together. Now.

Ginny blinks up at Harry, appropriately sobered; his eyes glimmer with mirth. As suspected, he’s only doing his job. Touch is just part of the assignment description. He has no way of knowing what it does to her— because really, truly, it shouldn’t.

And maybe if she keeps telling herself that, it’ll eventually come true.

Harry winks at Jane, tugging Ginny against his side. “My new wife and I had a long journey from the city! We were hoping to get some alone-time before tucking in, I’m sure you understand.”

Jane looks puzzled. “You— but it’s 5:43!” An uncomfortable giggle burbles from her lips. “You must be moved in by 6. Surely you’ve read the covenant rules?”

“Erm… may have missed that one,” Ginny lies. “There’s quite a few, see. We’re used to—”

But Jane shoves her fingers into her mouth, cutting her off with an ear-piercing whistle. Just as quickly, another chill races up Ginny’s spine. People up and down the street emerge from their semi-detached homes and race towards them, their faces in downcast unison.

They’ve all been watching. Waiting for the signal. Ready.

Ginny’s not sure how long ago the Department of Mysteries delivered the moving van and left it on the street, but the horde of random people aren’t fussed with the details, either. Within five seconds of Jane’s whistle, the strangers throw open the back door and begin an unloading process that reeks of military precision.

“Here’s the house key!” trills Jane, pulling it from her pocket. “Oh, and Petris!” She turns to Harry and Ginny, wagging her finger. “I’ll also need a copy of your car key, ASAP. We’re firm believers in the buddy system here in Arcadia.” She returns her attention to the stone-faced neighbors, who are now scurrying to the door. “This way, friends— right this way!”

“I— that’s really unnecessary,” Ginny says, bewildered, as people rush inside their new house, boxes in arms. “We’re perfectly able to—”

“Nonsense!” cries a man with grey sideburns as he takes a box from the back. “We’re neighborly here. You’d better get used to it.”

“Yes!” chimes another voice. A chubby man wearing a Polo and a golden necklace emerges from behind the lorry, hurrying up the walk. “We’re like a family here. We all— oh no!” He lets out a startled cry as a box labeled FINE CHINA topples from his arms and lands on the pavement with a thump.

He rushes towards it, face falling, but Ginny’s main concern is the box’s silent descent; she runs over, making a mental note to have a word with the designer of these props. Would something noisy and fragile have killed them? For fuck’s sake...

“Sorry,” the man says with a pained wince. “I’m just so clumsy. I-I promise, I’ll—”

“It’s fine,” Ginny soothes, dropping to her knees. “Don’t worry, really. We aren’t too big on dishes.”

Maybe if she keeps him talking, he won’t realize it’s bloody empty. Seriously, this is amateur shit. Luckily, he’s too distracted to notice.

The man offers a sheepish smile. “I’m Mike. Mike Snodgrass. You may have seen Mike and Jess in the resident guide, but erm…” He trails off, sadness in his voice.

Ginny cocks her head to feign confusion, but of course she’s familiar with Jess Snodgrass, 25, reported missing last November. Her photo’s been on Ginny’s desk for almost as long. Even now, Jess appears in Ginny’s mind with such startling clarity that she can almost see her beside Mike... all 5 feet of her, with curly red hair, bright blue eyes, and a lopsided grin.

Jess Snodgrass… Arcadia’s third missing person. The first to disrupt the couples-only disappearance pattern.

Mike shrugs. “But erm… it’s just me now,” he repeats. “I’m a primary teacher at Saint Julian’s, just up the road.” He nods to his left. “So if you’ve got any homework or school questions, give me a ring!” He pastes on a smile that doesn’t match his eyes; it’s an expression with which Ginny’s well-acquainted.

“I’ll have to remember that, Mike Snodgrass,” Ginny says, shaking his hand.

She immediately regrets it.

Seeing Mike Snodgrass on paper is one thing, but touch makes him human. His hand feels big and warm, his smile earnest and sweet; he reminds her so strongly of Neville that her stomach aches. Ginny breathes through her nose and focuses on the way his necklace — a medallion of Saint Julian, appropriately enough — sparkles in the sun.

“Like I said, I’m all alone,” Mike repeats, offering his hand to help her up. “If you ever need anything, Jenny, don’t hesitate to ask!”

Ginny taps her chin. “Actually, I do have a question! I reckon it’s just a rumor, though. You don’t have to confirm or deny.” She winks at him and leans in as a woman in a fleece jumper rushes past.

Mike’s smile widens, his face brightening… and ah fuck, that one hurts, because she’s about to break his heart.

“Mike…” Ginny murmurs, studying his expression. The more she says his name, the less he reminds her of Neville; she wants to keep it that way. “With everyone being so bloody hospitable here, how come there are so many disappearances?”

Mike stops bobbing. His smile vanishes as quickly as the former occupants of Jenny and Henry’s new home. When Ginny looks back into his eyes, her gut plummets with a sensation of wretched familiarity.

Because she expected sadness on his face… the same type she saw when he mentioned Jess’ name. Sadness she can deal with; sadness is painful, but she sees it all the time.

She sees something worse, though.

Fear.

And not day-to-day fear. This isn’t like hating needles or avoiding clown movies. Mike’s face is filled with the sort of wide-eyed, gripping, primal terror that seizes your insides in a vice. This is how you’d feel if your entire family were held captive in a dungeon, and a single word to the wrong person would spell their deaths.

Or how you’d feel if your ex-boyfriend were the corrupt government’s most desired fugitive… and you still fancied him very much, indeed.

“I… n-no idea,” Mike finally stutters, blinking. Then he sucks in a deep breath through his nose, his expression brightening again.

“So what do you and Henry do for work?” he asks in a booming voice, his grin now unnaturally wide. “We’ve got a carpool to the city if you’re interested. Reducing our carbon footprint is of utmost importance here in Arcadia!” He finishes by spreading his hands in each direction before placing them on his hips, that shit-eating grin still plastered across his face.

In another life, Ginny might’ve laughed. There certainly would have been a lot to cackle over, if she had the luxury of easy laughter. After all, she may as well be living in an am-dram nativity performance, complete with an overeager Joseph beckoning her to the stables after her harrowing desert journey.

Now, though, his reply only fills her with sad, professional detachment. Because fucking hell, how much did this poor man rehearse to get that line right?

She takes pity on him and snaps the bait. “My husband and I work from home,” she says, matching his volume. Someone’s clearly listening; it’s the least she can do. “You won’t see us out much.” Ginny brings the box to her hip. “And seriously, don’t worry about replacing the dishes, either. We mostly do takeaway.”

“No, let me bring you new ones,” Mike insists, his eyes pleading. “Tomorrow? Would that be—”

“What is this?” a voice demands from the back of the truck. Ginny peers around Mike’s shoulder. The man with the gray sideburns stares inside the lorry with a look of disgust.

“A trampoline!” Harry says, stepping aside as another neighbor races past. “We’re thrilled to put it in the garden, aren’t we, Jenny Cakes?”

Jenny Cakes. Is he fucking serious? Two can play at this game, prat.

“Indeed we are, Hen,” she croons, leaning into his side. “Jen and Hen.” She heaves a dreamy sigh and stares into his eyes. “We even rhyme!”

“Rhyming or not, this isn’t allowed,” the man barks, crossing his arms over his chest. “You’d have to apply for a special exemption with Mr Gogolak, but in the meantime…” He checks his watch. “5:53. Seven minutes. It’ll have to go in the garage tonight. I’m Oliver, by the way— Oliver Skinner.”

Harry gives him a theatrical scowl. “I’d say nice to meet you, but those who are enemies of trampolines are generally enemies of mine.”

Ginny bites the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing, but Oliver remains unamused. He raises his pointer finger as if to say something, but Harry gets there first.

“Onnnnly kidding!” Harry winks and claps his shoulder. “Hope we can be fast friends, Oliver.”

Oliver just glares back. “Count on it.”

_______________________________________________________

Ginny’s taking this whole thing very seriously. Not that Harry blames her.

Her voice echoes against the walls of the empty home as she paces around the sitting room, her camera flipped outward to record.

Despite his five-year Auror career, Harry has no real concept of what Unspeakables do. Which, he supposes, is by design. He knows they… know things. Secret things. Things you’d be happier not knowing. He also knows that Kingsley isn’t fond of them. Or perhaps it’s Attica Monkstanley, Ginny’s boss, who King dislikes in particular. Attica’s famous for her refusal to disclose anything — ever. This ranges from potential terrorist plots to her favorite type of sandwich. Thus, Attica isn’t particularly popular. After a career built on helping absolutely no one outside her department, the request for Auror backup on an undisclosed, top-secret endeavor went over about as well as a hippogriff stampede in a posh tea room.

Harry sighs at the blank walls of their would-be living room. King’s in charge now. Big in charge. He or Robards were the obvious choices to accompany Ginny — sorry, Unspeakable GW — on this mission, but when you’re Big In Charge, you call the shots. The shot King called was to pass the assignment to Robards, who in turn passed it to Harry; Robards decided he didn’t need to (direct quote) “take off a week from pre-existing assignments for some fake marriage, new-build village bullshit in the arse-end of Muggle nowhere.”

Admittedly, Harry’s in a bit of a lull at the moment. He’d been assigned to track and recover Yaxley, but that trail went cold on the border of Romania. Harry’s certain he’s just beyond their reach, maybe hiding in a cave, but seeing as how Harry’s not Big In Charge, his opinion doesn’t exactly matter.

Which is precisely how he’s found himself in this bland house in the village of Arcadia, pretending to be married to his ex-girlfriend… who, incidentally, he’s still hopelessly infatuated with, even five years after he ended things.

Because Harry Potter is nothing if not pathetic.

There’d been no realistic way to decline the assignment, though. Not that he’d tried. Seriously, imagine explaining that to your boss: “Mm yeah, sorry King, I can’t do my job because I still wank to the memory of Unspeakable GW riding my—”

Ginny’s narration jerks him from his thoughts. “It’s 6:15 PM on our first day of the assignment,” she dictates into her phone. “Auror Potter and I are secured in the home, posing as Muggle couple Jenny and Henry Petri.”

“Pee-tri!” Harry corrects, throwing his voice across the room.

He hopes he’s loud enough for the camera to detect, but he isn’t exactly brave enough to find out. Harry picks up their empty curry boxes and scampers into the kitchen without so much as a backward glimpse. He may have been forced into this assignment, but he’ll be damned if he can't have a bit of fun.

Her narration stops as he dips out of sight; if Harry were the gambling sort, he’d bet all the gold in Gringotts that she shot him a two-fingered salute away from the camera.

For some fucked up reason, the thought stirs something warm and exciting that lies dormant in his stomach. What’s worse is this feeling almost makes him smile.

No.

Harry draws a breath as he enters the kitchen.

As Kingsley’s told him several times, this arrangement is strictly business— regardless of his past with her. And in retrospect, yeah, the whole setup is an easy way for King to A) refuse responsibility himself, and B) put Monkstanley in a tough spot if it goes pear-shaped.

Harry pops open the rubbish bin. This is just the sort of liability King’s always looking to avoid, really, but— wait. He blinks down into the bin to make sure he’s not just seeing things, but nope… for some reason, the interior is divided into three sections, each in a different color.

Huh! Harry mulls this over before picking the blue bin at random and tossing the containers in. Maybe he’d know what each color meant if he bothered to read the covenant rules. Fortunately, he had much more exciting plans that particular evening involving Ron, loads of butterbeer, and a Canons/Falcons match from hell.

Whatever. Surely Arcadia would make an effort to clearly explain their recycling system if they really cared about the planet.

He returns to the living room just as Ginny’s providing a more in-depth introduction. “Right. I’m Unspeakable GW, badge number”— her voice becomes garbled gibberish, an extra level of concealment, before slipping back to normal speech— “and we’re here to investigate the series of unexplained Muggle disappearances in the village of Arcadia. As this may involve a potential escapee from the Thought Chamber, the Department thought it best for me to investigate. The Thought Chamber’s been my area of expertise for four years…”

Harry sinks into the sofa as she continues; he’s unsure if he should be sad or impressed that this is teaching him more about her job than she ever shared. Not that she did this for long while they were actually together, mind. Nonetheless, his chest flutters again with that stupid bittersweet pride as Ginny scans the room with the phone camera. All of this pageantry is necessary for her job, he knows. Careful documentation. Detailed recordings.

But for fuck’s sake, look at how much she’s done! She’s the youngest Junior Unspeakable in history, soon to become Senior, if this mission works out. She’s composed, she’s eloquent, she’s graceful. Another smile threatens to break through before Harry suppresses it; he just hopes that there’s someone in her life to remind her of how special she is.

She’s really dressed for the part, too. Harry’s certain that none of this is actually in her wardrobe. Seeing her out of jeans and a jumper is off-putting, but she’s done it so damn well. She once told him that most of her clothing choices were based on how easily she could wear them flying.

He swallows the sadness creeping up his throat. He doesn’t even know if she still flies, but she doesn’t in this outfit, that’s for damn sure. Her trainers are impeccably white, with a floral button-up blouse done up to her neck. She’s a bit like a young, beautiful Aunt Petunia; Harry reckons this is more or less the goal, but when she turns around to describe the stairwell, his eyes drop to her arse.

Shit.

He glances away as quickly, but he got a good look. Her casual trousers are rolled at the ankles, but they’ve done nothing to make her look… plain. Harry shuffles on the sofa, desperate for anything else to think about. Somehow, Aunt Petunia’s face still puckers in his mind’s eye, but now he can’t escape the mental image of her bent over the oven of 4 Privet Drive, only this time sporting a round, perfect—

“Potter’s here for backup,” Ginny says, returning to the sitting room. “I’m on primary investigation.”

Thank God; he sighs at the welcome distraction before remembering that bantering with her has always been an effective palate cleanser. So he does that, instead.

“Well, you know what they say,” Harry calls, leaning back against the cushions. “There’s nothing less interesting than the suburbs. Which is why I could never do your job, Jen.” He ends with a wink, resting his hands behind his head.

Ginny arches a brow, holding the camera in front of her. “And please take note, Attica, that the next time this happens, I’ll be the one to choose the names.”

She means it casually… he knows she means it casually. But something in her words pricks him. Irritates him. Wedges beneath his skin.

“Quite an assumption I’ll ever spend this much time with you again,” Harry mutters under his breath.

Shit.

He freezes. He didn’t mean to say that out loud, at least not so… bitterly. Once upon a time, he possessed the social graces to think before replying like that— but days of interpersonal nuance are long gone. They belonged to a carefree teenager with few thoughts aside from the next time he’d run his fingers through the thick, red hair that currently swayed in a long ponytail.

By the time he looks back up at her, Ginny’s face is filled with disappointment. And she’s closed her phone.

“I’ll have to redo that last bit of filming,” she says with a sniff. “But for what it’s worth?” She raises her chin. “You didn’t mind spending time with me in the distant, distant past, Auror Potter.”

Ha!

That was a tremendous understatement.

He’d been in love with her. Stupidly. Disgustingly. The first six months after the war were a blur of sex and mourning. They’d been so punch drunk and delirious that they probably used each other’s bodies more than either of them knew. He really thought they’d have a future, though… that they’d end up getting married and buying a house. Except theirs would have been different than this one. Filled with far more character and history and warmth. Their home would have smelled like baking bread and sounded like kids giggling and felt like a soft blanket on a cold night.

But none of that had anything to do with the way he snapped. So why bring it up, really?

“Sorry,” Harry whispers, tucking his hands beneath his bum. “That… I didn’t mean. I’m sorry. I just meant that we don’t see each other much, and…” He lets out a slow breath. Best to stop talking before he digs himself deeper.

“I forgive you,” Ginny says quietly. A full second passes before she offers him a smirk. “As long as I can still call you Pookie Pie in front of the neighbors.”

Harry blinks at the carpet with a sad smile. “Deal.”