#I finished everything in engineering (a class that I didn’t wanna take in the first place… my schedule got messed up) | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

teasty · 4 years

Text

hold on tight || b.c (m)

"hi! can you write something about streetracer!chan x f reader where things got heated up 🥺🥺 i really like your works by the way, kiss yourself really is one of my jisung’s fav fic !!" - anon

a/n: holyashjdljzhldsa just the thought of streetracer!chan makes me... omg i don’t even KNOW, i'd actually go crazy... and omg tysm! that means so much to me :,( and you're gonna have to excuse me since there's so many things heated could mean i'm just gonna make it angsty and smutty,, also kinda went off for a fluffy ending because it's bang chan, the christiano bangnaldo, how can i not???

● pairing: bang chan x (fem) reader

● genre: a lil bit of fluff at the beginning | angst | smut (mdi!)

● requested? yes!

● words: 8.7k

→ summary:

You’ve never known about your boyfriend’s secret and very illegal job, if you could even call it that.

"Shut up, buckle up and hold on tight 'cause it's gonna be one hell of a night for us, darling."

It’s a cold, rainy night. You’re waiting comfortably on the couch, sitting there wrapped up in one of Chan’s blankets, waiting ever so patiently for his return. He’s not usually out this late, neither did his job usually end this late. Your mind was getting the worst kinds of ideas as you held your phone in your hand, more worry than anger coming over you. You couldn’t be mad at him, really, you were just worried something happened to him, since he wasn’t picking up your calls or even looking at your texts.

It’s around midnight, and you swore you wouldn’t sleep until you watched Chan, in all his glory, walk through the front door of your guys’s shared apartment. You’ve been dating Chan for years, ever since high school. And, now, even after graduating college and finding a stable job and apartment, Chan still tended to keep things from you. It was a bad habit of his, yes, but you couldn’t really be too mad at him for it. Besides, you’ll be able to help him out of that habit. Once he comes back, at least.

To wait, you decided to watch a bit of television to let your mind wander from the thought of something bad happening to Chan. Of course, the subtle thought of him cheating crossed your mind a few times, but Chan’s only ever been the most loyal and dedicated boyfriend, even past his pretty hard shell. He acts pretty tough sometimes, but you know that he’s just a little bit insecure about himself on the inside. Which, to you, is completely normal. Everyone’s at least a little bit insecure. You couldn’t blame him for that.

Getting with Chan was actually very difficult at first. You both had a rocky start before you started dating, since Chan was kind of like the cliche popular bad boy, and you were the snarky book nerd. You both started off arguing and bickering about everything. But, when you both got closer and closer, you began to see a softer, kinder side to him. And, like magic, you two started dating. You don’t really remember how it happened. It might’ve been just Chan saying, “Wanna date me?” or something like that just ‘cause it’s simple. However, getting it past your parents about your relationship with Chan was the most difficult in the world. They did not approve of him whatsoever. Even today, they’re still cautious of him even though Chan’s already proven his loyalty to you and swore to your parents that he’d never lay an aggressive finger on you.

You’re parents didn’t really like him because of his choice of outfits and friends, which was a stupid way to judge somebody in your opinion. So, no matter how many times they tried to break things off or distance you from Chan, you two always found your way back to each other. Though it was fun, all the sneaking out at three in the morning, saying you’re going over to a friends house when you’re really going to go see Chan and all the late night calls in a hushed tone, you’re glad you can finally relax about it and live peacefully with Chan without the need to sneak around.

But, your mind hasn’t been so peaceful these last few hours. There’s still no sign of Chan and no opened messages. You gave up on calling him after the fifth call had gone unanswered, and just decided to wait. Clutching your phone to your chest in case he were to call or text. Your eyes switch between the screen and the front door (which led into the living room).

You nearly jumped out of your blanket when your phone started ringing obnoxiously loud. Your heart beat loudly as you scrambled to look at the caller’s I.D. And, thankfully, it’s Chan. You’ve never answered so quickly.

“Chan?” Your excited voice squeaked out when you brought the phone close to your ear, a bright smile etching over your lips. Just happy that he’s in contact with you.

“Hey, darling,” Chan’s voice was husky and tired, and a little deeper than you remember. He must be exhausted, and you wondered if he had to stay late at work, “I’m so sorry for being out late. I’ll be home soon.”

“Alright… Is everything okay? What were you doing out so late?” You ask carefully, wrapping the blanket tightly around you.

“Work. My boss had me work over time. I would have texted you, but I was pretty busy,” in the distance, you can hear the sound of his car’s engine. He must be driving pretty fast. Chan also has a really nice car he saved up for and worked really hard for. It’s a smaller, good looking and really, really fast car. You could recognize that engine anywhere.

“Oh… I’m sorry about that,” You respond after a moment.

“It’s alright. Nothing to worry too much over,” you can hear Chan’s smile even through the phone, “And, by the way, could you do something for me before I get home?”

“Sure.”

“Could you make me something small to eat? I didn’t have the chance to eat dinner at work. If you could do that, that’d be so great, baby.” Chan says, and you get up off of the couch. Already heading for the kitchen.

“I could make you some jjajangmyeon? We have all the ingredients,” you say, surfing through your pantry.

“That’d be great, (Y/N). Thank you,” Chan sighs through the phone, and you pull out the ingredients.

“Of course. When will you be home?” You ask before he could hang up.

“I’ll be home in the next ten to fifteen minutes, at the least.” He says, and you can hear the engine get a little bit louder behind him, “I have to focus on the road. I’ll be home soon. I love you, baby.”

“Love you, too, Chan.” You respond, and hang up. Now with the satisfaction and the relief of knowing Chan’s coming home, you separate the ingredients out and start cooking (thank god you took that home economics class back in high school. You couldn’t cook for shit before that). Since Jjajangmyeon is a pretty slow cooked dish, you try your best with temperature control to fit it into the timeframe for when Chan gets home, wanting it to be ready for him.

You had your hair tied back as you cooked, occasionally looking up to watch the television, which was still on the random news channel from before. It talked about things you weren’t too interested in, so you only kept it on for background noise.

You were so immersed in cooking, you didn’t even notice the door slamming open and closed and a pair of heavy footsteps walking up to the kitchen. You jumped when Chan’s arms wrapped around your waist, his chin planting itself on your shoulder. He laughs tiredly at your reaction, and you turn to give him a subtle glare, but your smile deceived you.

“Hey, baby. I’m sorry for coming home so late. I promise it wasn’t my intention,” Chan grumbles out, his words low and slightly slurred, mostly because he’s tired.

“It’s alright, don’t apologize,” you chuckle softly as you arrange two portions of the jjajangmyeon into two different bowls. Chan watches silently over your shoulder, “I’m just glad you’re home. You worried me. Please text me next time, before you stay overtime and don’t bother texting me. I worry a lot, you know?”

“I know, (Y/N). I know you worry too much for your own good,” Chan smiles softly, chuckling tiredly, “It’s one of the reasons I love you so much.”

You smile, flustered, and raise a warm hand to press against Chan’s cheek, turning your head to press a loving kiss to his temple, which is cold, even in the warm kitchen. “Dinner’s ready. Do you want to eat in bed?”

“Not if you’ll make me do the dishes directly afterwards,” Chan lets go of you to take his dish, and you take yours.

You cock a brow at him, “I was going to make you do them anyways. You’re not getting out of it that easily.” You giggle and tap his nose with the tip of your finger. “Come on. Take mine, too. I’ll shut everything down.” You hand your bowl to Chan, who takes it quickly as you scurry around, turning off the television. Turning off lights and putting the dishes in the sink.

Once Chan’s changed into more comfortable wear and you’re both comfortable in bed, watching some show on the TV while eating. Time at home was usually like this; relaxing. You’re cuddled up to Chan while he ate slowly. Once you both finished, you placed them on the nightstands for the time being.

Chan was asleep instantly. You were up a bit longer, still a bit run on adrenaline from worrying so much earlier, despite knowing you have to be up early for work. Chan didn’t have to work till the afternoon, but you had to be up early since you’re a librarian at the local public high school. Chan’s an assistant producer and works under a decently big entertainment company. It’s quite the drastic difference, but you being a pretty big book worm yourself, you decided it would be fun to be a librarian (mostly using your literature degree), even if it’s stressful at times. Chan’s work, however, is much more tedious than your own. Where you can usually go at your own pace, he has more strict deadlines and sometimes more difficult work.

So, you let Chan sleep on your stomach. His arms wrapped around you securely as his face nuzzled into the soft fabric of the oversized shirt you were wearing. You were up a bit longer, watching the TV while running your hands through Chan’s soft hair. Enjoying the moment for the time being before you, yourself, drifted off into a deep sleep.

┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

You were the first one to wake up the next morning, per usual. You woke up to your alarm that Chan thankfully slept through. You got ready as quickly and quietly as you could. Since you work in a pretty professional environment, you wear something modest, but fits well with the fall weather and your fashion style. You wore a white long sleeved shirt and a pair of black slacks under a jacket with your university’s logo on it and a pair of sneakers. They weren’t too big on dress code for the teachers at the school, but the students still had to wear uniforms.

Before you left, you made Chan lunch for the day and yourself a lunch. You even bothered to wake him up briefly to give him a kiss goodbye and that you’ll be back early afternoon, although he’ll probably be at work, then. Chan, although three fourths asleep, gave you a tight hug and a kiss with a slurred ‘Love you’ before plopping back onto the bed and instantly falling back asleep.

Although Chan had quite the expensive car, he wasn’t quite fond of you driving it. You have your own car, and it’s fine. Mostly used to drive to and from work and nothing more, since most other things you were with Chan, so you both usually took his car. It’s not so much a matter of richer and poorer, his car just had more little trinkets and things that are just more convenient. You’re not completely sure what model his car is, all you know is that it’s expensive.

The school isn’t too far. It’s actually a ten minute drive from your apartment. You have to make it there pretty early, so the roads aren’t jam packed like they would be when Chan has to drive to work. So, you have a bit of an advantage there. When you get there, you’re met with the people in the front office, who bow respectfully to you, and you make your way to the library.

You set up at the large, round desk. You especially like being a librarian, because it’s quiet. You don’t think you’d do too well as a teacher, so you settled for a librarian since it was a good and easy way to use your literature degree and put it to good use, other than the fact you’re writing a novel, but that’s a whole other story (hehet).

It’s about half an hour before some students pile in, bidding you good morning and sitting down at the tables to study for whatever assignment or test they have, or to finish homework. Some of them go around to look at books, but most just sit by their lonesome and work on whatever while blasting profane music into their poor ears.

You were busying yourself going through overdue books, and emailing parents about student’s overdue books. You were immersed in your work, so you were somewhat shocked when someone tapped your shoulder. When you turned, you were met with the smiling face of your coworker. A middle aged, pretty woman named Jung Migyeong, who gave you the permission to call her ‘unnie’. She’s considerably your work - best friend. She’s the only person who really delved into conversation with you, unlike most of the other teachers who only talked to you about whatever book they’re class reading or for book suggestions (and you just choose the first book in the library that comes to mind).

“Oh, you scared me!” You giggle in a hushed tone, and Eunmi smiled brightly, her motherly aura giving you a sense of calmness.

“Sorry, sorry!” Eunmi sits on your desk, more leaning against it. Eunmi is really a pretty lady. Her hair is cut short to her shoulders, and she never wears makeup. Her natural tone is without blemishes or acne. She always wears pretty dresses to work, and she always carries around her purse for some odd reason. “I wanted to catch up with you. I didn’t realize you were so immersed in your work. I should’ve known, you’re more responsible than half the teachers here.”

“I try, I really do,” You respond, leaning back in the chair and smiling up at her, “Do you have a free period for the first hour?”

Eunmi nods, “Yes, I do. They switched it up just ‘cause of something wrong in the student's schedules. But, that’s past the point. How have things been going? In the home life?”

You shrug a shoulder, your smile dropping, “It’s… going. My boyfriend didn’t come home until, like, twelve - thirty last night. He said he had to stay late for work, but I don’t get it, Eunmi. He wouldn’t answer my calls or texts, and I don’t think his job prevents him from at least opening a text until he gets off, you know?”

“You said he’s a producer, right?” Eunmi asks, her head tilting down to look at you more clearly. You nod, “Well, he might’ve been busy with the idol. It’s pretty difficult work, I’m surprised he’s been able to keep up with it well.”

“Well, he came home hungry and tired,” you sigh again, “Which is weird because if he stays late he usually grabs something from the kitchen at the company building or fast food and eats it before he comes home. But, he was hungry… not super hungry, but I made him jjajangmyeon.”

"Jajangmyeon?" Eunmi’s head tilts, and one brow lifts and she scoffs, “That’s like a fifty minute dinner.”

“Not if you toy around with the temperatures, no,” you smile, and Eunmi shrugs a shoulder, “Eh, I was the one who suggested it to him. It’s one of his favorites, and he sounded exhausted and overworked so I though, you know, might as well. But, after eating, he was out like a light. You wouldn’t think that producing would make someone so tired.”

“You never know,” Eunmi reassures, “You seem to be really worried about this. You don’t think he’s cheating, do you?”

You quickly shake your head, “No, no! I know him, and I know that he would never do that to me. I think he’s just trying to hide something from me. I’m not mad at him, I just don’t want him to keep anything from me.”

“You’re not mad… yet!” Eunmi corrects, and your lips purse, “If he’s really hiding something from you, it must be pretty big. I would personally be surprised if you were able to keep your temper if you found out whatever it is he’s hiding. Cheating or not.”

You’ve never really been one to get extremely mad or even start arguments. As said before, you and Chan did have petty arguments back in high school, but since then, you’ve both matured. Chan always shut down a fight if you were getting too agitated, and you were usually never the first one to start up an argument, since your patience isn’t as thin as before. You will admit, though, you’d be decently upset if you found out Chan really was hiding something from you. You trust him so much, you thought there should’ve been nothing to hide.

“I suppose you’re right,” you lean your head against your hand, resting your elbow on the desk, “If there’s a good chance, I’ll talk to him about it tonight. If I want things to really work out with him, then there has to be complete trust and honesty with each other.”

“That’s the spirit,” Eunmi proudly says, placing a gentle hand on your shoulder.

“I want to spend the rest of my life with him, unnie,” you admit shamelessly, and Eunmi smiles wistfully, “I want to grow old with him. But I don’t want to live waking up every day at four in the morning and coming home to no one for hours on end. And, sometimes he won't come till midnight or morning.”

“Well, my husband and I used to have a lot of secrets, too. That we kept from each other,” Eunmi admits, reassuring you that you’re not the only one going through something like this, “The only way we were able to sort things through was by sitting down and talking to each other. Just telling all of our secrets to each other, even if they’re embarrassing or stupid. Just knowing the fact that we can trust each other with everything gives us that reassurance that we’re meant to be. Honesty is everything.”

You look down, thinking about the advice Eunmi had just given you, and you swallow down the growing lump of frustration in your throat, “Thank you for the advice, unnie. It means a lot to me.”

“Of course. I’m always free to talk, and you have my number if anything happens,” Eunmi smiles fondly, “And my doors are always open to you. I’ve spoken to my husband about you and he said that he’s always willing to keep our doors open. Just in case anything happens. You can’t be too careful, right?”

“Right,” you smile, flustered by Eunmi’s kindness, “Thank you so much. I’m… you’re right. If the worst of the worst happens and I’m booted out of my own apartment, then I’m at least glad to know that there’s some place I can go to that’s not three cities over.”

Eunmi laughs softly, and you laugh along with her, “I’m glad. Anyways, it’s about that time. I’m going to start heading back to my classroom. Let Chan know that I said hello, and that I wish you both well. Good luck, (Y/N).”

“Thanks, unnie. I’ll call you later,” you wave briefly as Eunmi makes her way out of the library, students bowing briefly to her as she passes.

You’re glad to have a friend like Eunmi. You’re lucky to have someone open their doors to you. Sometimes, you wonder if Eunmi views you as a younger sister, since she constantly rambles on and on about how she loves being called unnie or noona by her younger coworkers, even if she’s among the younger teachers. She’s like the sister you’ve never had. Sure, things had to be professional, but you’d like to spend more time with her out of the workplace. That would be fun.

The rest of the day is pretty slow. You had a few classes come in to pick up literature books, math books and to check out some books, but that was really it. You didn’t see Eunmi again, and left a few hours after the school closed. There was a bit of traffic on the way home, but it was mostly cleared up.

When you got home, you weren’t surprised to be met with an empty house. No sign of Chan, except the lunch you made him was gone, meaning he took it with him, thankfully, and he left a cute little note on a sticky note saying his thanks to you for making it for him. Which he usually did for you (you never bothered to throw them away. You actually kept them all in a little cigar box for safekeeping. Why? You didn’t know. You just felt like it.)

Like every day when you come home, you change into a pair of more comfortable clothing, which was just one of Chan’s hoodies you took out of his side of the closet, and a pair of ripped jeans. Since Chan didn’t do the dishes before he left, like you thought he would, you decided to do them to pass the time. In doing so, you turned on the TV for some background noise as you rolled up your sleeves to start scrubbing the dishes.

However, your attention was soon caught by the TV when the regular news anchor started talking about crime. At first, it was just about a robbery that took place in uptown, and that didn’t really suit your interest. What did catch your attention, enough to turn off the faucet and ignore the dishes to watch the TV, was when an all - too familiar black car with tinted windows and no license plate appeared on the screen, and there was a red car, too, but you didn’t recognize that one.

You turned up the volume, “Today, police are trying to look for these cars with no license plates caught on camera last night. They were suspected to be illegally street racing and gambling last night at around eleven o’ clock at night before being caught on security footage of a hotel nearby. If you can identify these cars, please contact the police immediately. One has been identified as a black Ferrari SF90 Stradale. The other has yet to be identified. If you see anything suspicious on the streets, please contact authorities. Here’s a clearer picture of both cars.”

And, that’s when it sparked you. One of the pictures of the black Ferrari was of the front. Despite the tinted window, you could clearly see a black ice Little Tree air freshener hanging from the mirror and a familiar hand gripping the wheel tightly. How could you recognize it? Despite the low quality, you can see a familiar ring on the middle finger. A celtic design Chan loved so much.

“Oh… my fucking god,” your mouth drops open as realization hits, and you immediately dash to the bedroom to yank open Chan’s dresser drawer, one left vacant for paperwork to “keep things safe”, and you pull out his insurance for his car. And, there it is, in plain sight. Ferrari SF90 Stradale. Color; black. Windows; tinted. At first, shock pools through you. Doubt climbing up. There’s no way Chan’s a criminal. There’s no way that he’s the one in the Ferrari. It has to be someone else.

But, there was only one way to find out. You had to be sure it was him.

So, you grabbed your purse and your keys and threw on a pair of slip - on vans. The sun was already setting, and you nearly forgot to lock up before running to your car. Barely unlocking it before you throw yourself into it, not even bothering to buckle your seatbelt before driving off to god knows where. Your gut leading you, immediately driving towards the area shown on the news. You pull out your phone, trusting the wheel in one hand as you pull up Chan’s profile and call him, pressing the phone to your ear.

The ringing carries on and on until the familiar voice of Chan speaks up, telling you that he’s not available and to leave a message after the beep.

“Oh, fuck off!” You scream at your phone before trying to call him again. Again and again it led to voicemail. Voicemail after voicemail. You couldn’t text him, not with you driving.

After the tenth call, you let out a frustrated yell, hitting your wheel with your palm and trying your best not to cry. You might be overreacting, since there’s a large chance that it isn’t Chan. But, for some reason, you believed it. You believed, at least somewhat, that it was Chan’s car. That it was Chan in the car. You didn’t want to believe it, but you did.

And your questions coursing through your mind were soon answered when you pulled up to the spot from the news, it now twilight, the sun just being set over the city’s horizon. You pulled onto an empty freeway, and parked in an alley between two buildings. There’s a group of people and a ton of expensive cars around the freeway. There were people crowded around a table. Some girls sat on top of cars, talking and laughing to each other while wearing vulgar and revealing clothes. Your brows furrow, deciding to stay low for a while. You turn off the engine to your car and watch carefully, gripping your phone in your hand. They seemed to be enjoying themselves, popping beer bottles, laughing and talking amongst themselves.

But, it’s when the sound of a loud engine came into earshot, and everyone, including you, turned to see the source of the sound. The moment the crowd of people see who it is, they start to cheer loudly. Throwing up their hands. However, your mouth falls open once more as the black Ferrari SF90 Stradale with tinted windows and a black ice Little Tree air freshener hanging from the rear - view mirror. It pulls up to the crowd, and they all part to make way for it.

Instead of shock or sadness, anger and rage begins to boil inside of you, and you grip your steering wheel tightly as you watch Chan, Christopher Bang, step out of the car. People pat his shoulder, and he smiles widely at them. Giving a few people hugs and even smiling to some of the women, who tried to steal a hug from him, too. He’s wearing clothes you don’t ever remember seeing. He wears a black leather jacket over a white button up and black skinny jeans. You’d be impressed by how good he looks if you weren’t so upset.

You didn’t even have to look at your phone as you pulled up Chan’s profile and called him, pressing the phone roughly to your ear.

“Pick up… Pick the fuck up,” you grumble under your breath as you watch Chan. He pulls his phone out of his pocket, and looks at it briefly.

Not even hesitating to hang up.

As you heard the familiar sound of Chan’s sweet voice telling you he’s not available at the moment and to leave a message after the beep, you finally have enough courage to get out of your car. Slamming the door shut and making your way out of the alley. They’re not too far, but it's a long enough walk for you to catch the eye of some people. You don’t even pause to rethink your decisions when a girl taps the chest of one of the guys, who glares at you with a raised brow.

The man that glared at you stepped away from the crowd, and you could barely see Chan over the people. He walks over to you, and you stop when the man is right in front of you, peering down you. The smell of cheap beer oozing off of him.

“And who the fuck are you?”

“Chan’s girlfriend, now get the fuck out of my way,” you try to push past him, but he grabs you by the arm. Tightly, too. Probably tight enough to leave a bruise after a while. “Hey! Let go of me.”

“No can do, princess,” the man says, smirking mercilessly down at you, his grip not loosening one bit, “Whether or not you’re Chan’s bitch doesn’t matter to me. It’s either you leave or I take you home and we have a good time. Well, I will, at least.” So, you tried to yank your arm from his, trying your best not to use your free hand to punch him in the face.

“Where’s Chan? Bring him to me.” You demand, and the man scoffs, chuckling.

“Fine, have it your way,” the man turns his head towards the crowd, a few people watch, and he says, “Grab Chan. This chick says she’s his girlfriend.” A few of them laugh at him, thinking it’s a joke. But, you stand your ground, glaring through the crowd. One of the people that laughed pushed through a few people. It takes a minute, and there’s a tense silence between you and the man as you try to pry his hand off.

But, as you suspected, a smiling Chan pushes through, but his smile instantly drops when he sees you.

“Hey, Chan. This chick’s babbling on about being your girl. Should I kick-”

“Get your hands off her right now before I shoot you in the face.” Chan interrupts, anger lacing his dark, deep voice. The man holding your arm instantly lets go and steps away, his hands rising in defense. Mumbling something about just ‘trying to keep things safe’. Once the man is away, Chan walks up to you, now being the one tightly gripping your arms. Leaning down so his face is close to yours.

“Why are you here, (Y/N)? Why the hell are you here?” He asks harshly, his voice full of surprise and desperation. He even shakes you slightly.

“You seriously thought I wouldn’t find out?” You snap, ignoring his question all together, “You thought I was dumb enough to let this go under? Well, I’ve been dumb for too long, Christopher. I’m not going to be like that anymore.” You know he’s not too big a fan of being called by his real name, but you do it anyway.

“Go home (Y/N). I’ll explain everything to you afterwards.” Chan says, placing a hand on your shoulder, trying to turn you away.

“No!” You yell, pushing his arms off you, “I am not going home, Chan! I am staying with you. I need to know what the hell all of this is. Right. Now.” You demand, and Chan shakes his head.

“No. You’re going home, (Y/N),” Chan tries to push you away again, his hands gripping your shoulders tightly and trying to turn you from the curious crowd. However, you weren’t going to be let off so easily. You swiftly turned around, letting your flying hand come in contact with Chan’s cheek. Smacking him. You made sure not to backhand him, knowing how much that could hurt. Besides, you don’t want to hurt him too much, you just want to get your point across, and he wasn’t listening to your words. He lets go of you again, his head flinging to the side because of the impact.

“I said no. I’m staying here,” You repeat yourself, and Chan’s eyes no longer lace with aggression, but worry. He doesn’t seem upset that you hit him. In fact, he seems to gloss over it. “I need to know what’s going on-”

You weren’t able to finish your sentence until Chan grabs you by the wrist and pulls you into the crowd. They part to make way for him, and you aren’t able to muster out a sentence before Chan unlocked his car and shoves you forcefully into the passenger seat.

“Chan, what -”

“Shut up, buckle up and hold on tight ‘cause it’s gonna be one hell of a night for us, darling,” Chan snaps, and your lips clamp close at his harsh words. You didn’t expect that out of him. You could nearly cry right there. Chan backs away and slams the door shut, and you quickly scramble to put the seatbelt on as Chan yells something at the crowd, and they erupt in cheers. A few people scramble to get into different cars, and the rest stay back, keeping their distance. However, Chan didn’t seem too pleased as he walked around the car and into the passenger’s seat, locking the doors.

“Chan…”

“Quiet,” Chan snaps, revving the engine of the car. You can faintly hear the cheer of the onlookers behind as Chan pulls alongside the other three cars. A young woman wearing small shorts and an exposed shirt too small for fall walks ahead, and pulls a red cloth out of her back pocket. Her red lips smile bright as she lifts her red cloth. She holds up one finger, and Chan’s engine growls from behind, the car shaking along with it. Your hands go to grip the first thing, which is the cup holder in the center console and the door. Bracing yourself for what’s about to happen.

“Chan!”

“I said quiet!” Chan yells, sparing you a glance and your brows creased with worry as the woman holds up a second finger, and Chan’s hand grips the wheel as the other rests over the buttons.

She doesn’t hold up a third finger. Instead, she throws down the red cloth, and the moment she does so, Chan is off on the road. His foot slammed against the gas as he pushed his back against the seat and used one hand to effortlessly steer. You feel so impossibly scared in the car. A small part of you was debating whether or not you should have gone home, but you knew that it was the right decision to stay. To truly understand what’s been going on and what this is all about.

You try your best not to scream as the loud engine nearly bursts your eardrums.

“Chan… Chan, stop the car!” You scream, the need to vomit creeping up, even though you try to gulp it down.

“I can’t, (Y/N). I really can’t right now.” He says loudly over the engine.

“Please, Chan, just stop the car…!” You yell out again, and Chan finally glances at you, seeing your distressed look before his head snaps ahead again.

His hand swiftly reaches over to grip your thigh, as if trying to prove that you’re secure, “Calm down, (Y/N). You’ll be fine. We’re fine. I’m not stopping the car. Sorry, but I just can’t.”

“I should hate you for this, Chan!” You say, and you can see the way his knuckles turn white from gripping the wheel. “But I can’t… I just… Goddamn it, why!?”

“I can’t tell you that right now!” He yells back, looking over briefly before making a sharp turn, making you clutch onto the seat belt for protection, his hand now back over the buttons, “You just need to sit there until this is over, got it? I don’t care how scared you are, you’re gonna get through it like the strong woman you are, (Y/N), and I’m not taking no for an answer.”

You look over to Chan, and his lips are downturned, his brows furrowed and his eyes glossed over, as if he could cry right there.

“But why didn’t you just tell me?! We wouldn’t be like this right now if you just told me, Chan, and that’s the truth.” You yell over the engine, and Chan bitterly and breathily chuckles, shaking his head as an angry smile casts over his lips.

“You wouldn’t have stayed with me if I told you, (Y/N), you know that.” His voice is a little softer. If any softer, you wouldn’t have heard him. “You would’ve left me.”

Your mouth falls open, and you shake your head, “Never… Never! Never, ever, accuse me of that. I would never leave you even if you killed a man, Chan, and that’s the truth!” He doesn’t respond. He doesn’t even look at you as he turns another sharp corner, and you can see the other cars following behind, closing in. He sees it, too, and he presses some buttons you didn’t bother reading and slams his foot on the gas again. You let out a deep breath, still clutching the seat belt, “I just want to know why, Chan. Why are you resulting to this even though you have a stable job at the entertainment company, I-... I just want you to be honest with me.”

“I’ll tell you later, (Y/N). Just sit tight and keep your mouth shut. I need to focus or we’ll fucking crash, you got it!” He yells, and you flinch at his harsh tone. Finally keeping quiet.

The race seems like it lasts forever, when it was probably only five minutes. With sharp twists and turns and screeching of the engine in wheels, it feels like torture. You hate this, but there’s no backing out yet.

Chan doesn’t utter a word. Only cursing at the other cars when they do something that they weren’t supposed to do, or somehow start catching up to him. You let a few tears slip as you watch his hands and Chan as he focuses solely on the road. The lump in your throat is growing bigger and bigger, and swallowing it down seems to get more and more difficult.

But, it’s over at some point. You let out a breath you didn’t know you were holding and Chan finally slowed down after reaching a pathetic excuse of a finish line. Your trembling hands grip the hem of the hoodie you were wearing as Chan comes to a steady stop. People come cheering as the other three cars pull up behind, being careful not to bump into anyone from the crowd. You breath heavily, and look over to Chan, who rolls down his window, plastering a triumphant smile on his lips.

“I don’t even get why I race against you, mate. You always win. Just take the money and get outta here,” says one of the racers playfully, tossing Chan a briefcase through the window.

“Thanks man. Good race,” Chan says, “Now, I have business to attend to. If you’ll excuse me.”

He rolls up the window, and the man who handed Chan the briefcase smacks the window playfully as Chan rushes off, his smile instantly vanishing as he goes through backgrounds to try and get to a main road without drawing too much attention. Chan’s smile drops, and he hands you the briefcase.

“You want to know so badly? Open it and be careful. It’ll be hell to clean up if you drop it,” Chan grumbles, looking over as you look to him for reassurance. He only gives you a cocked brow as you look back to the case in your lap before unlocking it and opening it. Your jaw falls as you look at the thousands of bills stacked on top of each other, rubber bands holding equal stacks together, and you gawk at just how much money Chan won from one race.

After a minute of you staring at the money, Chan slams the case closed in your lap, locking it with one hand and tossing it in the backseat making you jump at how hasty he is.

You both sit there, Chan driving to god knows where in tense silence. You're holding your head in your hands as Chan shifted his gaze between you and the road.

It’s about fifteen minutes until you look up, surprised that he’s still driving and nowhere near home. It’s an emptier city, but Chan seems to know the area well.

“Chan, where are we?” You ask, but Chan gives no answer. Only driving a bit further before pulling into an alley between two old buildings. “Chan, I said -”

You were quickly by Chan yanking off his seatbelt and leaning over the center console to firmly grab your face and pull you into a rough kiss. It isn’t too rushed, but it’s not at all gentle. You’re caught by surprise at first, but couldn’t help melting into it. It’s almost instinct at this point to kiss him back, but you push him away after a moment. “What… What the fuck are you doing?”

“Kissing you,” Chan answers briefly before grabbing locks of your hair at the back of your head and pulling you into another kiss, his other hand creeping down to unbuckle your seatbelt, and you let it slam against the car as it flies off you.

“No, Chan… We need to talk,” You grumble out as you try to pull away, and he presses wet, sloppy kisses to the side of your mouth. His eyes are fluttered shut, and your’s are half lidded. You will admit, you love this. The kisses and how unnaturally aggressive Chan is being. But, you knew that you have to talk things out, or you’d never get to figure out how the hell things turned out like this, “Chan, I’m serious right now.”

“Then relax, baby,” Chan breathily whispers out, and your thighs squeeze together, “Let me make things up to you, okay? I’ll fuck you so good, baby.” He pulls away for a moment, and he stares at you with a teasing smirk, “Think of it as my apology, alright?”

“Chan, I’m… I’m - ah! Chan!” You gasp when Chan’s lips come in contact with the side of your neck. Your neck is already tilting to give him more room, despite trying pathetically to push him away. There’s no getting through to him anymore. You’ve passed the point of no return, and there’s not much you could get past him without slapping him again. And that didn’t seem like a very good idea to you. Your hand flies up to grip the back of his neck, the other loosely clutching the hem of his button up.

“You know that… ah… that we are going to talk about this at some point…” you groan out, and Chan only groans against your neck, sucking on the sensitive skin. “You can’t get out of it like this…”

“Shut it, (Y/N),” Chan snaps, and your head falls back. Chan leans his seat back, aggressively grabbing you by the thighs to pull you over and sit on top of him. Straddling his waist despite it being such a tight environment. He pulls you down by the hoodie, into another kiss. You could feel how frustrated Chan is by the way he grips you tightly, as if you’re going to magically vanish, and by how he talks to you.

It’s rushed, too. Chan is impossibly quick to pull up your hoodie, his hot, sweaty hands creeping up your warm back, caressing it with a different, quick sense of gentleness. His lips connect with yours once again. His tongue already pressing against your lips. The quick, sloppy kiss all too lust filled. The erotic sounds coming from the both of you almost making you gloss over the fact that you should still be very mad at Chan. But, you just can’t find the need to pull away from him. You need to let off the steam, too.

You flush your body firm against him, one hand on his chest and the other by his head, holding onto the head of the seat for support. Breathing as slowly as you can through your nose to savor the air Chan so selfishly takes from you from the heated kiss. Your thoughts begin to vanish and your worry and concern for Chan’s life choices begin to falter for the time being. So immersed in the heated kiss to forget about it entirely. All your focus is now on Chan. You can tell how stressed he is, and the loving part of you wants to help him let off that steam. But, now, you’re in the same boat. So, he’s going to have to do so much for you as you’ve been doing for him.

Chan’s hands don’t bother to hesitate before they loop underneath your jeans, not caring to unbutton them as he tries his best to pull them off by himself. Because of how restricted you both are because of the size of the car, you had to do it yourself. You parted from the kiss and pressed your head against his shoulder to unbutton your jeans and pull them down as quickly as you could before throwing them in the back (along with your shoes and socks. You can already see how hard Chan’s gotten as his rough hands massage and knead your ass, only covered by the thin, black cloth keeping you at least somewhat covered. But, if this was like any other time, they’d be gone quicker than you’d imagine.

Your hands fly up again once your pants are thrown to the back, resting on either side of Chan’s head as he grips your hips, grinding your womanhood against his clothed hardon (you’re also clothed, but it’s so wet from your juices that it basically attaches itself to your skin). His head throws itself back, his eyes closing and a pleasure filled smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. You press yourself against him, now propped up to be looming over him, sitting on him.

When you do press against him, his head snaps forward again, and his dark eyes glare up at you, “Don’t start getting proud, (Y/N). I’m gonna fucking break you.” His hand crawls up to grip your face in his hand. One of your hands weakly comes up to grip his wrist. His hand moving down to grip your throat, and your lips part blissfully as his fingers press into the sides of your neck, still allowing airflow through you. “Oh, fuck. You like being choked, huh? You like being choked like a slut don’t you?” You don’t answer, too nervous to and too caught up in the pleasure to actually let something other than a moan escape your lips.

“Talk to me, (Y/N). Use your fucking words,” Chan growls, and you swallow. The lump in your throat pressing painfully, yet blissfully against Chan’s hand.

“Fuck me, Chris. Fuck me…” You utter out his name, and Chan’s brow raises. But, he smirks nonetheless and lets go of your neck, and you let out a breath as he undoes his jeans and pulls them down to his feet. His hand palming his clothed cock briefly before pulling it out. His hard dick already leaking with precum.

“Condom…” You mutter, and Chan shakes his head. You look up to him with worry.

“Trust me, baby,” he mutters, and you sigh, leaning against him, pressing your body against his as Chan moves your panties out of the way before he aligns your throbbing cunt with his dick, and slowly pushing himself into you, raw. As his raw cock slowly becomes engulfed by your heat, Chan lets out low groans. Your face nuzzles into the side of his neck as Chan slowly guides you down until you’re sitting on his cock.

At first, he stays there like that. Not moving. You suspect it’s because the sane part of him wants you to get used to the feeling of his cock so deep in you without a condom, but Chan seems to keep you there for a few moments just for the sake of how good it feels without a condom. The way his head is leaned back, his lips slightly ajar and his eyes fluttered shut.

But, it doesn’t last long before Chan’s strong arms wrap around your waist, holding you up and starts ramming into you. His hips move so quickly, yet so efficiently as he burns your wet walls. You erupt in a series of loud moans, mixtures of Chan’s name and curses spilling out, too. Chan groans sometimes, right next to your ear. The sound of skin slapping against the fabric of Chan’s boxers echoing through the air tight car.

Your pussy burns from how fast Chan thrusts into you, keeping you at a steady position so he could have an easier time ramming himself into you without the difficulty of it being such a confined and restrictive place in the car (especially in the driver’s seat). The burn is so good for you, though. It’s such a numbing, euphoric feeling that you’ll crave later. A type of burn you could never provide yourself, only Chan.

Chan’s hands go from gripping your body to sliding up your side to gripping your hair and yanking your head back so he could look at you. A judgemental, sexy smirk adorning his lips as he sees how fucked out you are. Your mouth open as you moan, and your half lidded eyes occasionally closing from the bliss.

“Fucking hell… you’re so good for me, (Y/N). You take my cock so fucking well, don’t you?” You let out a choked moan as Chan’s hand grips harder on your hair, craning your neck. “Mmm… Baby girl can’t even talk to me… I know I said to shut it…” he laughs darkly through his moans, and your moans get louder when Chan lets go of your hair, letting your face fall back onto his shoulder as his hands grip your ass. Kneading them as he fucks himself into you. You clench helplessly around his cock.

“Oh… fuck, you’re gonna cum, aren’t you? You wanna cum around my cock, baby girl?” You nod frantically, your climax climbing up as you push your body back to meet with Chan’s aggressive thrusts. Your overstimulated cunt only being destroyed by Chan’s cock as he thrusts harder into you, his hips staggering slightly as you clench around him. “Mmm! - Cum for me, baby. Cum for me.” Chan growls out as his hand grips your face again, forcing your head up as your eyes roll into the back of your head, a loud string of moans escaping your lips as you cum all over Chan’s cock, and he pulls out just quick enough to spurt out a string of cum along your ass.

He lets go of your face, and you breath heavily as you rest your head on Chan’s chest, closing your eyes to catch your breath. A burning sensation still resting in your core as you relax, your womanhood’s muscles contracting every now and then from the orgasm.

Chan cleans you both up with a napkin he had in the center console and helped you put your jeans back on (deciding to toss your soiled panties) and he slipped his jeans back on silently. It’s not until you’re sitting on his lap, resting your head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat when he speaks.

“You know I love you so much, right?” Chan mumbles out, and you look up to him. “I was so mean to you today… when you must’ve been so confused.” His head falls back, and he looks out the window with a longing look in his eyes, “I’m the worst boyfriend in the world, aren’t I?”

“No, you’re not. Don’t even think things like that. Yes, I am still a bit upset, but you know what? We’re going to get past this because I love you, too, Channie.” You stare at him with an adoring expression adorning your sparkling eyes (trying to ignore the burning in your core).

“You… You want to know the real reason I’m a street racer, (Y/N)? Why the fuck I'm doing this?” Chan asks softly, his hand stroking your hair.

“If you could… I’ve been asking all day,” you chuckle softly, and Chan smiles bitterly.

“Well… I… I’m doing this all for you.”

“What do you mean?”

“No job will pay for the things I want to give you, (Y/N).” He turns over, reaching into the center console to pull out a black box, and your eyes widen as he opens it. You can’t see it, but you can barely see the sparkle of a something reflective. “I… I couldn’t pay for this myself. I knew I couldn’t. I hate how this is how I’m asking you… but, (Y/N), will you-”

“Oh my god, yes!”

1K notes · View notes

wayward-dreamer · 3 years

Text

Life’s Lessons - Good Enough

Pairing: Mechanic!Dean x Female!Teacher!Reader

Word count: 6,372

Summary: Y/N and Dean are planning their wedding, but a reminder from the past gives him doubts about his relationship and whether he’ll ever actually be good enough for her.

Warnings: Swearing, Dean’s past with Lisa comes back to haunt him, ANGST, Tears, Dean’s self deprecation rears its ugly head, Making up, Fluff.

Music: Love Of My Life - Queen (Dean bar scene)

Life’s Lessons Spotify Playlist

A/N: The next time stamp is here! Stay tuned for another announcement soon about the saga! Hope you all like the time stamp! As always, happy reading and enjoy! :)

Life’s Lessons Saga Masterlist

Divider by @firefly-graphics.

Y/N pressed the ‘end’ button on her phone, throwing it beside her on the couch with a loud groan of frustration.

Looking down at the coffee table in front of her, she shook her head at the sudden overwhelming feeling. The whole surface of the table was covered in bridal magazines, brochures, printouts of venues, her laptop with multiple tabs open, and everything else that came with planning a wedding. She kept hitting brick walls with every place she was looking at being unavailable for the date that she and Dean had decided on. The only thing she had managed to do was finalize the guest list, which was at 80 people. It wasn’t a big number, but knowing she would have to do the invitations as soon as a venue was decided, it was a lot of people. Luckily, it was everyone she or Dean cared about, without having to make sacrifices for their special day.

Y/N heard the key in the door and Dean’s boots on the wooden floors as he walked through the house. He smiled when he saw her, walking over quickly and leaning down, kissing her softly.

“Hey, sweetheart,” he muttered against her lips, kissing her again.

“Hey,” she sighed, a relief washing over her now that he was home. “How was work?”

He huffed out a breath as he leaned back against the couch. “Busy. Having the new guy on today didn’t help. I felt like how you must feel with the kids in class, keeping an eye on him most of the time.”

“He’ll get better soon enough, don’t worry,” she reassured him, leaning over and kissing his cheek.

Dean glanced over the coffee table, leaning forward and resting his forearms on his knees. “That looks like a lot. You okay? Anything I can help with? Not that I know a damn thing about weddings.”

He smirked with a small laugh, kissing her cheek. Y/N smiled and shook her head, looking down at the table and sighing heavily.

“I keep hitting dead ends with venues, that’s all,” she stated, shrugging.

“Hey.” Getting her attention, he cupped her face in his hands and looked into her eyes. “Everything’s gonna work out. We’ll find something and it’s going to be amazing. I know it.”

She nodded, even though she didn’t really feel better despite his comforting words. “I guess I’m just worried about a lot of this.”

“You know whatever you need from me, I’m here, right? Say the word and I’ll do it,” he told her, his hands leaving her face and taking hers.

“I know,” she whispered, smiling softly at him.

“Don’t worry about anything, sweetheart,” he said, smiling at her. “We got this, okay?”

“I know, I just…” she stopped herself, unsure of how to express herself.

“Something’s wrong,” Dean frowned, sensing something wasn’t right. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing,” she reassured him, smiling softly. “But… I just need to know you want all of this. I know you keep saying you want me to have the wedding I want, but I want us both to have that, Dean. I want what you want too.”

“Don’t go thinking I don’t want all of this. I wanna do this for you. For us.” he said, smiling reassuringly. “I do. I promise you, I do, sweetheart.”

“Okay.” She nodded, her worried expression morphing into a soft smile.

“Okay, good. Now, take a break from all this stuff and let’s make dinner. Sound good?” he asked, smirking.

“Yeah,” she replied, smiling wide as she leaned in and kissed him.

As they got up from the couch and walked into the kitchen to start cooking, Y/N breathed a sigh of relief, as she felt a pressure lift off her. Dean always had a way of doing that. It was incredibly cute to see Dean so excited, even if he didn’t understand what she was saying when she mentioned something to do with the wedding, but he secretly loved getting involved.

They couldn’t wait to get to the big day and start the next part of their journey together.

The doorbell rang, alerting Y/N that her guests for the evening had arrived. It was a Saturday, and unfortunately Dean had to go into work because of some problem with one of the cars, so Y/N was left to do more of the wedding planning herself. Dean felt guilty as he left, but she had assured him that it was more than okay.

She walked to the door and opened it, smiling wide as she saw Mary and John on the other side. They all hugged each other, before Y/N led her into the house.

“So, how are things going?” Mary asked, as they walked into the kitchen where Y/N had been making dinner.

“Things are… stressful,” Y/N replied, huffing a small laugh. “Though I managed to book a venue yesterday, and that’s taken a lot of pressure off. I was going to tell Dean first, but do you guys wanna know?”

“Oh, that’s wonderful!” Mary exclaimed. “Yes, absolutely!”

Y/N opened her laptop that was kept to the side on the kitchen bench, bringing up the photos of the outdoor venue. “Dean was telling me once that you guys used to drive up here a lot when he and Sam were kids, and I thought I’d try it out. The land is owned by the ranch close by that’s a wedding venue and I asked if we could use this space. They said they had an opening for our date, so I booked it straight away.”

She showed them the photos of a beautiful location, surrounded by trees and a lake. It was perfect for the ceremony, and the clearing nearby would be perfect for the reception.

“Y/N, this is…” John shook his head, speechless as he looked over the photos. “God, the boys used to love going there.”

“Y/N, it’s stunning! Oh, it’s going to a beautiful wedding,” Mary told her, her smile radiant as put her arm around Y/N and brought her close.

“Do you think Dean will like it?” Y/N asked, nervously.

“He definitely will. We used to take the boys fishing there. They never caught a damn thing, but they always loved going,” John replied, reassuringly.

“Okay, good.” Y/N nodded as she closed her laptop. “Because we initially thought about having it here, we don’t have room for 80 people.”

“Well, this is perfect,” Mary said, smiling.

“It is. I can’t wait to show Dean,” Y/N smiled, before standing up and walking into the kitchen to finish preparing dinner.

“Anything I can help with?” Mary asked, leaning against the kitchen island.

“Nope, almost done,” Y/N replied, smiling over at her. “John, there’s beer in the fridge. Mary, wine?”

“I’ll take care of that,” John insisted, taking a beer out before finding the wine Mary liked on the small rack.

In the garage, Dean pulled the Impala up and cut the engine, turning off the car. He sighed tiredly as he leaned his head back against the seat, closing his eyes. It had been a long day, and the last thing he had wanted was to go into work on a Saturday, but being the boss, he was needed. He hated that he couldn’t stay home and help Y/N out with whatever she needed and enjoy time with her, but at least he was back in time to have dinner with her and his parents.

Getting out of the Impala, he locked it and walked around the back of the car to the other side. He tried to slide past his work bench, but rammed right into it, cursing as the edge dug into him, sending a few tools flying to the floor.

“Fuck,” he groaned, closing his eyes.

He blinked a few times, crouching down and picking up the screwdrivers that fell on the floor. As he did, something that had fallen behind the bench caught his eye. He reached behind it, taking out the notebook that had gotten stuck. Opening it, he flipped through the pages, seeing old calculations and notes of his, knowing that they weren't of use now. Suddenly, a page fell out, falling at his feet, with unfamiliar writing on it.

“What…” he mumbled to himself as he held it up, reading over the page properly.

His face fell as he read over the words that were no doubt written by Lisa, recognizing her handwriting now that he could see it properly. She must have used this from his office in their house when she couldn’t find anything else.

Stubborn. Too close to his family. Doesn’t earn enough. Just a mechanic.

It was a pros and cons list. She had made reasons for whether she should stay with him or not. The only thing written on the pros list was that he was a good father figure to Ben. However, the cons outweighed everything as he read over them again. He didn’t earn enough. His job wasn’t good enough. And if that was true then that meant he wasn’t good enough. He knew he shouldn’t care what it said considering he was with Y/N now, and they were engaged, with his relationship with Lisa practically ancient history by now. Yet he couldn’t stop reading over her words.

Crushing the paper into a ball and shoving into his pocket, he shut the notebook, tossing it in the paper basket kept next to the bench. He walked over to the door that led into the house, closing it behind him and walked down the hallway, hearing Y/N’s infectious laugh coming from the living room.

“Hey!” she exclaimed, seeing him enter the room.

“Hey,” he said, walking over to her, kissing her softly as he leaned down. He went over to his parents and hugged them before sitting down next to her.

“How was work?” she asked, smiling at him.

“Tiring,” he replied, huffing slightly, but offered her a smile. “But good. Glad to be home though.”

“Well, I was telling your parents, but I can tell you now,” she started, sharing a smile with John and Mary before she turned back to him. “I found a venue for the wedding.”

“That’s great, sweetheart,” he said, smiling softly as he kissed her again.

Y/N frowned slightly as he pulled away, sensing something wasn’t right with him, but she let it go for now. She hoped that he was just tired from work and that was it.

“Do you want to hear about it?” she asked.

“Yeah, of course,” he replied, too quickly. “Actually, I’m gonna wash up and why don’t you tell me over dinner.”

“Sure,” she agreed, nodding. “Well, food’s ready. We were just waiting on you.”

“Okay,” he muttered, standing up and walking out of the room.

“Does he seem a little off to you?” John questioned, frowning as he looked between Mary and Y/N.

“Something must’ve happened at work,” Y/N sighed, worriedly.

“Well, let’s just hope it’s nothing too serious,” Mary added, her expression matching Y/N’s.

Dean returned after freshening up, just as Y/N, Mary and John walked over to the dining table. They all sat down, each of them taking turns to put food on their plate. They ate in silence, worried eyes glancing between each other and discreetly looking at Dean as he ate. Sensing they needed a distraction first, John and Mary exchanged looks, before she cleared her throat.

“So, we actually have something for both of you,” Mary announced, looking at John, giving him a firm nod.

The elder Winchester took out a small, folded piece of paper from his shirt pocket, and slid it across the wooden table to his son. Dean frowned curiously and Y/N’s eyebrows furrowed, as she looked over Dean’s shoulder. He opened it, both of their eyes widening as they saw what it was. He opened and closed his mouth several times, unable to speak.

“That’s from us, and after we spoke to your mom and dad, we decided to split things between us, so there’s should be coming to you soon,” Mary told Y/N, smiling.

“Mary…” Y/N trailed off, shaking her head as she was still in shock. “We can’t accept this cheque-”

“Guys, this is insane,” Dean finally said, frowning as he looked up at his parents.

“I thought you’d say that, but-” Mary started but Dean cut her off.

“We’re not taking it, mom,” he interrupted, his frustration getting the better of him.

“Dean,” Mary sighed, thinking about how to make him understand. “We’ve been sitting on this money since before you started renovating this place. We tried to hint then too, but you didn’t take it, wanting to do everything yourself. Had you never had this place we would’ve given it to you on your wedding day to put towards a house, just like we did with Sam and Eileen. Considering you have this place now, the least we can do is help with the wedding.”

“You’re really sure about this?” Y/N asked, completely unsure if this was a good idea. Clearly Dean wasn’t accepting this.

“Absolutely,” Mary replied, smiling. “And don’t even think about paying it back, it’s for both of you to use, however you want. Put it towards the wedding, if there’s anything left, put it towards the honeymoon, or savings… whatever you want.”

Dean shook his head, the frown still evident on his face. “So what? This is a pity offer?”

“No,” Mary gasped, eyes wide with shock. “Of course not, Dean. How could you think we would do that?”

He scoffed, turning to glare at Y/N. “I don’t make enough money, right? That’s what this is. You asked them for money.”

Y/N looked at him, unable to get over her shock at the way he was reacting. “What? No. No! Dean, how can you think that?”

Dean chuckled bitterly. He looked down at his food, suddenly losing his appetite. He quickly stood up, pushing up his sleeves as he pushed his chair out. Y/N felt her heart banging repeatedly against her ribcage, as she watched him get up.

“We’re not taking this. No fucking way,” he hissed, pushing the cheque back across the surface.

“Dean,” John’s voice bellowed around the room, staring up at his son with a stern expression.

“Dean, we just wanted to contribute, that’s all, honey,” Mary reasoned, trying to calm the situation. “If this is how you feel, then it’s put to bed. Let’s just enjoy dinner.”

“Yeah, damn right that’s how I feel,” he snapped, as he turned to face her.

“I’m sor-” Mary started but he cut her off again, turning to Y/N.

“Do you think I can’t do this for us?” he asked, his voice eerily calm but the shakiness gave away how upset he was, as he faced Y/N.

Her eyes narrowed in upset as she stood up too, looking at him. “Of course I think you can do this, Dean. How could you even question that?”

“Because it’s exactly what it looks like, Y/N!” he yelled. He scoffed and shook his head, scrubbing a hand down his face. “What I do isn’t good enough. I’m not good enough.”

She visibly flinched; her eyes widened as she looked at him. She had never seen him this upset. She felt tears brim her bottom lids, threatening to fall. John and Mary watched on in horror, unable to understand what was going on with their son.

“What?” she scoffed, shaking her head. “How could you possibly think that?”

“Because it’s true,” he muttered, looking away from her, his jaw clenching tight. “And if you haven’t already, you’ll realize it one day.”

“Dean,” she breathed, a tear rolling down her face as she saw how dejected he looked.

“That’s not true.”

“If you don’t want this anymore, Y/N, there were easier ways to tell me,” he spat, turning away from her and storming off.

“Dean, stop! What’s gotten into you?” she yelled, following behind him.

“I can’t fucking do this right now,” he scoffed.

Mary and John were hot on their heels too as they stopped in the entrance, watching Dean pick up his keys and make his way to the door.

“Dean, where are you going?” Y/N asked, choking as a wave of sadness washed over her.

“I can’t be here,” he muttered, shaking his head. “I need to think.”

“Think about what?” Her voice was cracking, the tears finally falling down her face. Everything was falling apart in the span of a few minutes, and she had no idea why. Why was he acting like this?

“I don’t know, Y/N, okay?” he snapped, turning to pin her with a scowl. “I just… I gotta get outta here.” Gesturing around him, he turned to open the door.

His mind was cloudy with all the doubts he was having at that moment. He needed a drink and some time to cool off. He walked through the threshold, not looking back at Y/N.

“Dean, wait-” she started but the door slamming as he left, cut her off.

Y/N felt knots in her stomach, tightening and moving into her chest. She tried to breathe normally but started to feel as if her throat was closing off, cutting off her air supply. Tears stung her eyes as they continued to flow down her face. She began hyperventilating, her hands cupping over her mouth as she began to cry. Her body shook with the force of her sobs. Her legs felt like jelly, like any minute she would collapse and wouldn’t be able to get up again.

“Oh, honey,” Mary whispered, as she wrapped her arms around Y/N tightly.

“I don’t… k-know what I did to-to make him think-” she stuttered, stopping as she sobbed.

“You didn’t do anything, sweetie. I just… There's something wrong. I didn’t think he would act like this. At most, he would be annoyed and then eventually give in. But this?” Mary tried to figure out what was going on, but shook her head as she couldn’t think of what could be wrong with her son.

“I’ll go talk to him,” John offered.

“No, he just needs space to process whatever’s going on in his head,” Y/N sniffled, pulling away from Mary as she looked between them. “You can head home if you want to. I’m so sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologize for,” John stated, wrapping his arm around her shoulder, and hugging her as she was between him and Mary. “Everything’s gonna be okay, don’t you worry.”

The silence made her mind wander off into irrational directions. Had she done something to make Dean this upset? Had she said anything to make him think he wasn’t good enough? She loved him so much, and she wanted nothing more than to be his wife, but if she had really made him feel that way, then she was the one who wasn’t good enough for him.

She managed to convince John and Mary that she was fine enough for them to leave, insisting they take some food home with them. They said their goodbyes, and Y/N headed upstairs, completely exhausted after the whirlwind evening. As she got changed in the walk-in closet, she felt more tears sting her eyes. They rolled down her face, but she didn’t make a move to wipe them away as she changed.

She just wanted Dean to come home so that they could talk and forget about what just happened.

Dean drove around town for a while, the words he said to Y/N plaguing his mind. He was just so angry after finding that list from Lisa, it just came out in the worst way possible. He reached the regular bar that he would go to with the guys, needing at least one drink to calm himself down.

Sitting down at the bar, he ordered a whiskey double, neat, and gulped the first one down in one shot. Asking for another, he nursed it as he thought about everything that had happened in the past half hour. His anger had dissolved quickly and had morphed into fear. Fear at what he would or wouldn’t find when he got home. As a Queen song played in the background from the jukebox, he quickly realized how much it was mirroring the situation they had found themselves in.

Love of my life, you’ve hurt me

You’ve broken my heart, and now you leave me

Love of my life, can’t you see?

Bring it back, bring it back

Don’t take it away from me

Because you don’t know

What it means to me

He realized how he had overreacted, that his parents, just being the people that they are, would just give the cheque to them. He shouldn’t have taken his anger out on them and Y/N. Hell, she didn’t even know what he was upset about. That considered, he knew that he wasn’t good enough for her, especially now. Taking out his phone, he looked at the screen and saw a few missed calls from her and a few texts. Gulping the lump in his throat, he opened the messages and felt his heart sink into his stomach as he read over them. There were three, and as he read the words over again, he felt tears prick his eyes.

She had nothing to be sorry for. He was the asshole that let things blow out of proportion, all because he let one stupid note get to him. Determined to make it home and fix everything, Dean paid for his drink and left the bar.

He hoped like hell that he hadn’t ruined his whole future in one evening.

Dean entered through the door from the garage. Not a single light was on as he walked further in, seeing the kitchen, dining and living area completely dark. Taking a deep breath, he turned towards the stairs and began the climb to the second floor, knowing he had to face whatever came next, even if he was fearing it so much that his stomach was in knots.

He walked towards their bedroom and stood at the threshold, his heart breaking at what he saw. Only one of the bedside lamps was on, providing the only light in the room. Y/N was lying on the bed, her back to the door, her knees drawn up as she laid in the foetal position, her shoulders shaking. She was sobbing quietly, the sounds low but somehow so loud in the quiet room. With every cry, a piece of his heart felt like it was shattering into smaller shards.

He moved slowly towards the bed, sitting down on the edge, watching as her head slowly turned. Her eyes were red and puffy, wet from the tears she had shed. She looked at him, sitting up slowly, their eyes meeting. Suddenly, she launched herself into him, wrapping her arms around him tightly, crying into the crook of his neck. He felt tears prick his eyes, letting a few escape as he felt his sadness wash over him.

“Y/N,” he choked out. “I’m so sorry, sweetheart. I never should’ve said the things that I did, I shouldn’t have reacted that way.”

“I was so scared,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “I’m sorry for whatever I did, please, just tell me.”

“Sweetheart,” he whispered, pulling her away and cupping her face, looking her deep in the eyes. “I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m so sorry.”

“How could you ever doubt how I feel about you?” she asked, her voice croaky from how much she had cried. “How could you ever think you’re not good enough for me? What did I do to make you think that?”

“You didn’t do anything, sweetheart. I promise. This was… this was all me and my crap,” he said, shaking his head.

“What did I do to make you doubt me?” she cried, fresh tears making tracks down her face.

“Nothing, sweetheart,” he reassured her, frantically moving towards her, grasping her shoulders. “You didn’t do anything, okay? This… this is the reason I overreacted.”

She frowned as he handed her the paper, but opened the folded page and read over the words written on there. She was confused, knowing she didn’t write this, her eyebrows lifting in realization as she read over the “pros” column.

“I’ll kill her,” she growled, looking up at him with a ferocity in her eyes. “I’ll… God, I wanna hurt her!”

Y/N stood up from the bed and paced the floor, her whole body shaking with how angry she was at that moment. She couldn’t believe that something like this could come between them, showing that Lisa still had a grip on Dean’s mind.

“She doesn’t get to do this to you anymore, Dean!” she yelled, holding up the piece of paper. “She doesn’t get to ruin our future!”

He scoffed a chuckle, shaking her head. “I nearly let her.”

“So, don’t,” Y/N said, walking up to him. She cupped his face in her hands, making him look up at her as he sat on the bed. “You are good enough for me. Every part of you. I love you for exactly who you are, and if I have to spend the rest of our lives together trying to convince you that you’re my one, my everything, that there’s not a doubt in my mind that you’re so right for me, then I’ll do it.”

Wrapping her arms around him, his forehead rested against her chest as she laid her cheek on his head. She held him tightly, neither of them wanting to move away from the other.

“I’m sorry, I’m an idiot,” he muttered, his hands on her hips, feeling the material of his black t-shirt she was wearing against his skin. “I just saw that cheque, and I thought about that list, and I just overreacted.”

“No, you’re not,” she stated, kissing the top of his head. “You were upset.”

“That’s no excuse,” he whispered, hating himself for taking it out on her. “You didn’t deserve that. I uh… I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to end this-”

“Dean, stop,” she choked out, pressing her forehead to his, combing her hand through his hair.

He shook his head, lifting it to look into her eyes. “I’ve been… I’ve been thinking about this even before finding that list. I’m always scared I’m gonna say or do something to give you a reason to leave me. If that happened… I know I wouldn’t survive it.”

Y/N frustratedly wiped her tears away, looking around the room for her sweats. Finding them, she roughly pulled them on and slipped on her sneakers, putting on a light shirt over the black t-shirt she was wearing. Dean watched her; confusion riddled his face as she moved around the room.

“Sweetheart, what are you doing?” he asked, his voice wavering as his mind started to make up horrific scenarios.

“Come with me,” she said, firmly, a determined look on her face as she held her hand out.

“Where are we-” he started but she cut him off, grabbing his arm and pulling him away from the bed.

“Shut up,” she muttered, scowling as she dragged him behind her, down the stairs and out of the house, just as she picked up her keys from the table at the entrance.

Knowing he couldn’t argue when she looked so distressed, he followed behind her as they made their way to her car.

“Get in,” she demanded, harshly.

He was shaking, wondering what the hell had come over her suddenly but again did as he was told without saying anything that would possibly make her angrier than he already had. He couldn’t tell what he had done, but she was upset with him.

Dean looked on in silence as Y/N backed out and turned the car, the tires screeching as she sped off down the road. He gulped as she drove, his mind trying to talk itself out of thinking she was possibly going to kill him and dump his body somewhere. However, he also found her anger strangely arousing. They drove ten minutes before he recognized that she wasn’t going to do that, and that she had turned down a very familiar street. They drove past several houses before she stopped, pulling the car up to the curb and cutting the engine.

“Get out,” she ordered, leaving the keys in the ignition and opening the driver’s side door, slamming it shut as she stood on the road.

He got out, closing the passenger door and following behind her, looking around the dark street and quickly realizing they were standing in front of her previous rental house, just across from his and Lisa’s, all that time ago. She pulled at his jacket and he stumbled, straightening when she pulled him to stand in a specific spot next to the curb. She looked up at him, standing directly in front of him as the deep glare, her eyes riddled with sadness, was still on her face.

“Do you remember what happened here?” she asked, her eyes welling with unshed tears.

Frowning, he shook his head as he was unable to think straight, his mind clouded by the sudden change in her demeanour. “Y/N, I-”

“Do you remember what happened here, Dean?” she repeated, her voice cracking slightly as she raised it.

He sighed, glancing between the two houses, giving her a curt nod. “Of course I do.”

“Tell me,” she ordered, not breaking her eye contact with him, the scowl still present.

“It’s…” he cleared his throat, pushing down the lump in his throat as he looked at her. “It’s where I helped you with your stuff. It’s… it’s where we met.”

“Yeah,” she whispered, a tear rolling down her face as she nodded slowly. “And it’s also where my life changed forever. Even if I didn’t know it at the time.”

“Y/N,” he breathed, trying to reach for her hand but she pulled away, making his heart sink. She had never done that. Never.

“Do you remember what was happening in that house?” she asked, the tears flowing freely down her face as she looked across the street.

He looked over, breathing heavily, his breath shaky as he exhaled but said nothing. He remembered all too well.

“You thought you were happy. You thought everything was fine… but you were losing yourself because of-” she choked, shaking her head, overwhelmed as she thought about those early days and her first impressions of his relationship with Lisa. “Because of her, and you didn’t even know it.”

He was silent, unable to say anything or even try to deny it, because he knew it was true. Turning his head to Y/N, he saw her looking up at him, the glare finally disappearing, her eyes holding a determined look despite the tears.

“And now, you could lose yourself because of her again if you don’t stop yourself from thinking that she's right,” she stated, stepping closer to him. “She was never right and she never will be. She didn’t know you like I do. She didn’t love you like I do. She’s gone from our lives… so don’t bring her back into it by going back into the shell she put you in.”

His jaw clenched as he shut his eyes, squeezing them tight as a tear slipped down his right cheek. Lifting her hand, she cupped his cheek and brushed it away with her thumb, stroking his jaw. She pushed up on her tiptoes, capturing his plump lips between hers, kissing him hard and desperately. She needed him to see there was nothing there to leave him over.

Pulling away from the kiss but keeping close, she looked at him as her thumbs stroked along his cheeks. “You’ll never give me a reason to leave you. Not now, not ever.”

“You got a lot of confidence in me, sweetheart,” he muttered, a slight scoff in his tone.

She smiled softly, knowing that if he couldn’t see it himself, she’d spend forever showing him he was worth more than he gave himself credit for.

“Yeah,” she said, nodding. “I do.”

“I’m so sorry,” he whispered, leaning his forehead against hers.

“Don’t be,” she whispered back, her eyes closing, content to be close to him again. “We’re going to be okay.”

“You think so?” he asked, his voice laced with hope, as he lifted his head to look at her properly.

“I know so,” she replied, a soft smile on her face. “You’re not getting rid of me any time soon, Winchester.”

“You still wanna marry me after that?” he asked, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“Yes,” she said, simply as she pushed herself closer into him. “You can’t let something she thought affect you because it’s not true. It doesn’t matter what she thinks. So… promise me, right now, that you’re going to let this go. All that matters is you and me.”

Looking deep into her eyes, he remembered everything they had been through together, and thought about all the amazing things they still had to experience. He wasn’t going to let someone from his past ruin his future.

“I promise,” he said, firmly.

She smiled up at him, moving in and capturing his lips, kissing him passionately. “I love you.”

“I love you, too, sweetheart,” he whispered. “So fucking much.”

“Let’s go home,” she whispered back, stroking her hand lightly over the back of his head. “I think I need to show you just how much I love you.”

He hummed against her lips, kissing her softly. “Yes, please.”

She laughed, biting her lip. “I scared you a little, didn’t I?”

“Well, when I didn’t think about how you could be plotting to kill me,” he joked, smirking as she chuckled, “it was kinda hot to see you pissed off.”

She shook her head, rolling her eyes as she giggled. “You’re crazy.”

“Hey,” he called out, pulling her closer, his hands sliding down to her hips. “I can’t help the fact that it turned me on, sweetheart. It’s just the magic of you.”

She felt her cheeks heat up, pressing her lips together as she tried not to smile. “Let’s go before someone sees us out here.”

Hand in hand, they walked back to the car, separating as they got in. He glanced back at the old house once more, feeling an enormous weight lift off him as he looked at the place that held a lot of pain before Y/N came along. That weight had resurfaced when he saw that list that Lisa had made, but as she always did, Y/N had been there to stop him from losing his way. She was the one who built him back up to the person that he used to be, the one who reignited his spirit. He had known early on how special she was, and she proved time and time again that she was there to stay.

And now, he was never going to lose sight of that. He let Lisa get into his head again, but for the final time, he was putting an end to that. He had someone by his side who wanted to be with him forever, and he was never going to forget that ever again.

Y/N sat at the dining table the next morning, her coffee in hand, all of her plans for the wedding spread out in front of her. She smiled as she sent a few texts out to the girls, asking them if they were available the next weekend to start looking for her wedding dress. As she was looking at photos, she flinched slightly, feeling Dean’s lips against her neck, moving down to her exposed shoulder, the sleeve of his t-shirt she was wearing having slipped down.

“Oh my god, Dean, don’t look!” she yelled, hiding her screen with her hands.

He chuckled, shaking his head as he sat down beside her. “Babe, you haven’t even found a dress yet. I’m pretty sure it’s okay if I can see those.”

“I know, but I don’t want you to see in case I do find something like this,” she explained, smiling sheepishly. “I want to surprise you.”

He smiled as he leaned forward, kissing her softly. “You’re gonna knock me out no matter what dress you pick. Just sayin’.”

“Even if I look like a frosted cupcake?” she teased, giggling.

“Well, yeah,” he agreed, his lips hovering close to hers. “‘Cause then you’ll look good enough to eat.”

“That’s so cheesy,” she snorted, laughing.

“You love it,” he grinned, chuckling along with her.

She pressed her lips to his, kissing him lightly but he had other plans, his arms wrapping around her and pulling her off her chair, onto his lap. She moaned softly against his lips as his fingers ran lightly over her bare thighs, the t-shirt riding up as she straddled him.

“So…” she pulled away from the kiss, reaching for the cheque on the table and showing it to him. “What do we want to do with this?”

“We use it,” he replied, nodding confidently as he smirked. “If there’s any left, we save it for the future, including anything your parents are sending.”

She beamed, brushing her knuckles against his cheek. “Sounds good.”

As they sat there together, having breakfast and coffee as they talked about the plans, Dean was leaving all the negative thoughts behind with the confidence that the woman sitting next to him wasn’t going anywhere. With the promises already made the previous night, he smiled as he thought about all the new ones he would make on the day she finally became his wife.

On the day the next chapter of their lives started.

A chapter he couldn’t wait to explore with Y/N by his side.

-x-

Tags: @deanwanddamons // @winchest09 // @downanddirtydean // @jensengirl83 // @wonder-cole // @that-one-gay-girl // @whatareyousearchingfordean // @flamencodiva // @danneelsmain // @ellewritesfix05 // @roonyxx // @akshi8278 //@hobby27 // @michellethetvaddict // @spngirl05 // @kyjey // @440mxs-wife // @stoneyggirl // @stoneyggirl2 // @deanswaywardgirl // @redbarn1995 // @marianita195 // @babypink224221 // @deans-baby-momma // @parinarain // @thoughts-and-funnies // @mandalou29 // @jerkbitchidjitassbutt // @supernatural-love14 // @vicmc624 // @prettyboyswow // @lunarmoon8 // @irmcpar // @compresshischest09 // @weepingwillowphoenix // @xlynnbbyx // @whiskey-infused-dreams // @perpetualabsurdity // @verytoadpapersoul // @pink-sparkly-witch //

#Life's Lessons Saga #Life's Lessons Time Stamps #Dean x Female!Reader #Dean x Female!Reader Series #Dean x Female!Reader Fanfiction #Female!Reader Insert #Mechanic!Dean #Teacher!Reader #Dean x Reader Fanfiction #Dean Winchester Series #Dean Winchester Fanfiction #Dean Winchester Fanfic #Supernatural Fanfiction

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tom-holland-parker · 4 years

Text

Begin Again

Summary: 8 months after you broke up with Peter, you finally agree to meet up with him, but you’re still unsure if he deserves a second chance

Pairing: Peter Parker x Stark!reader

Warning: none

Word count: 1409

Masterlist

Notes: Wow another fanfic inspired by a Taylor swift song (did you honestly expect something different coming from me). Anyway this is Part 2 to “The Moment I Knew” which you can read here. Also shout out to @hommyy-tommy for asking if there's gonna be a part two because once they asked about it I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Side note: If you’re ever in The West Village in Manhattan I 100% recommend eating at Bus Stop Café, they have THE BEST bacon egg and cheese and don’t even get me started on their orange juice. Plus the people who work there are SUPER NICE. I pretty much spend every Saturday in the summer there and it’s really worth it.

You took a deep breath as you looked in the mirror. You couldn’t help but second guess your outfit as you adjusted your dress. “Maybe it’s too much” You shook your head, “I’ll wear sneakers instead”

“What’s wrong with the shoes I picked out?” Wanda asked, watching as you moved back and forth from your closet to your mirror. “He hates it when I wear heels”, you shook your head again in frustration as you looked through the piles of sneakers you had, “He knows I’m clumsy so he gets scared I’m going to break my bones if I wear them”

“Since when do you care about what he thinks?” Nat asked as you put on your black vans. You didn’t really know how to answer that question. It had been 8 months since you even talked to Peter. You ignored him for the rest of the school year and spent the summer vacationing through Europe so you didn’t have to see his face. You both ended up at the same college but lucky enough you had different majors and hardly ever saw each other. When you received that phone call last week you nearly threw your phone out the window. You couldn’t stop repeating that conversation in your head.

“Don’t hang up” He said as soon as you picked up. You took a deep breath, “What do you want?”

He sighed in relief, “I know you probably hate me right now but-” he paused trying to find the right words. You paced back and forth in your room trying to relieve the sudden anxiety that had built up inside you. “I wanna see you, I wanna try and explain, maybe make things better between us”

You remained silent trying to process what he was saying. “Hello?” he asked, disappointment filled his voice. “I’m still here” you whispered, “Fine, next Wednesday, Bus Stop Café, how’s 5?”

“Yeah 5 is great” You could practically hear his smile through the phone, “I’ll see you then, bye”

“I don’t know Nat” You sat on your bed, rubbing your temples in hope that it’ll relieve the headache forming in your head, “I just thought if I didn’t see his face, the problem would go away” You felt Wanda rub your back as you pulled you in for a hug, “Sweetie, sometimes you just need to face things head on”

You sighed, “I don’t think I can do this”

“You got this kid” Nat said as she crouched down in front of you, patting your leg, “On the plus side you can always kick his ass and he won’t stop you”. You chuckled as you checked your phone for the time, 4:20, “I need to be in leave now if I'm going to make it to Manhattan on time”

///

You’d always been the type of person to take everything as a sign, maybe that’s why you became extra nervous when you noticed the rain outside. Maybe it was the universe telling you this was a bad idea. Happy dropped you off earlier than you expected but you didn’t mind, it gave you time to prepare for what you were going to say. “I’ll call you when we’re finished” You waved goodbye as you walked into the warm café.

“Still using Happy?” You jumped when you heard Peter’s voice coming from the table next to you. You stared at him for a second, the fact that he was early took you by surprise. If you were being honest you expected him to be late. He stood up, pulling out the chair for you as you walked towards him. “If I didn’t he’d be out of a job” You smiled awkwardly as you sat down, “besides getting my own car would require me being able to pass a drivers test”

“Well you always were the bad driver”, Peter smiled as he sat down, his fingers fiddling with the straws, “I ordered your usual. I hope that’s okay”

You nodded your head looking around the room. You weren’t sure why you had chosen here, it was the place you and Peter had your first date. Maybe after talking to him for the first time in a while your brain subconsciously chose the place where you first fell in love with him. Funny enough it was in the same booth.

“So how’s school?” You asked, ignoring the thick tension that was growing between the both of you. “Oh schools great, engineering is kicking my ass but it’s fun, How are design classes?”

You shrugged wondering how he knew what classes you were taking, “They’re good I hate my professor but it is what it is”

“Alright we got one large plate of fries, one bacon egg and cheese with extra ketchup, one grilled cheese with avocado and tomato” the short waiter places the plates on the table, “and two large cups of freshly squeezed orange juice. Let me know if you guys need anything else"

"Thank you" you both said as the waiter walked away. You sipped on your drink as awkward silence filled the room. The fact that you were the only ones at the café didn't help. Maybe you should've chosen another day, at least then you'd have some background noise to distract you.

"So how was your Christmas?" Peter asked as he took a bite out of his sandwich. "It was fun. Finally convinced dad to buy everyone matching pajamas" you chuckled, remembering how annoyed your father was at your constant begging. "And you? Did May force you to watch love actually again?"

He rolled his eyes, "yes and it's still as boring as I remember". You laughed, "I could say the same about star wars"

He gasped sarcastically, "I see you still have terrible taste in movies"

"I'm just saying" you smiled, "all those movies and not one of them are good". He rolled his eyes, "you haven’t even seen all of them"

"That's because I've seen enough bad ones to know there isn't a good one" You laughed, watching as he rolled his eyes. You always loved to annoy him with your, in his words, terrible opinions.

He smiled reaching across the table to grab your hand, “I missed your laugh”. You pulled away, looking down at your sandwich, not sure how to respond to him. Peter took a deep breath watching as you stuffed your mouth to avoid the conversation, “Look I’m sorry if I could go back and change it all I would”

“But you can’t” Your foot tapped on the ground nervously. He let out a heavy sigh, “I called you because I wanted a chance to explain myself”

“Well-” you sipped your juice, “Explain”

“I let everything take over my life, The suit, the responsibilities. I was blinded by everything that I forgot the important people in life and I didn’t realize how much I was pushing everyone away until I lost the person who meant the most to me. Those 8 months were hell for me because i didn’t have you”

“For months I thought you didn’t love me anymore”, You bit your lip, looking down to avoid eye contact. “No it’s not like that” Peter reached for you hand again, “I loved you, I still love you”

You looked up, watching as his face turned pink with embarrassment. “Peter-” Your voice was barely above a whisper, “I can’t do this”. You stood up quickly, leaving 20 dollars on the table before rushing out the café.

“y/n wait” Peter shouted chasing after you, “Just let me make it up to you”. You shook your head not bothering to look back at him. It wasn’t hard for him to catch up to you, you cursed yourself for being a slow runner. He grabbed your elbow gently pulling you to face him.

“Just give me a second chance” he said with pleading eyes. You stared at him for a second debating what to do. If you were being honest with yourself, having Peter back in your life was something you really wanted but you just had a hard time admitting it. You let out a deep breath as you rolled your eyes, pulling him in for a quick kiss. “Don't think because we’re back together that I’m not mad at you” You whispered as you pulled away, “You still have to make it up to me”.

He smiled giving you another kiss, “I think I can handle that”

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labyrinthsofyou · 4 years

Text

lucky number nine

pairing: wong yukhei & female reader

genre: fluff & smut

warnings: blowjob, cumplay, fingering, oral, riding and a little holiday celebration

words: 30, 186

summary: yukhei unwraps his favorite present.

author’s note: this is a little late or extremely early for christmas.

wong yukhei is quite fond of christmas.

he likes the festive decorations. he enjoys the atmosphere. and whether it is morning or night, he thinks some of his most unforgettable memories have been on christmas.

yukhei remembers the christmas when he was five.

it was too early, but he had jumped out of bed that morning. he had ran down the hallway with his little brother trying to keep up with him. his mom had been chasing after them with the video camera. into the cozy living room with the decorated tree and the handful of wrapped presents he had zoomed straight to. yukhei had looked expectantly at his mom because he was dying to open the presents already. she sat on the couch and held the camera steady to record everything while his brother had taken a seat across from him. then a nod she had given him. and because he was the big brother, yukhei had made sure he found a present with his brother’s name written on the snowman sticker tag before he reached for one of his own.

yukhei hadn’t noticed the missing person in the living room.

too immersed into ripping wrapping paper he had been. his excited scream had filled the small space at the reveal of the box of building blocks. all he had focused on for a long minute was the image of the built fire station, the tiny yellow characters and the fire engine to make his firefighter dreams come true. his mom had lightheartedly asked if he liked his present. in response, yukhei had turned to her and hugged the box with his smile so wide it showed his teeth and made his eyes closed.

but as quickly as it had appeared, it disappeared.

the sound of bells jingling and a loud voice booming through their apartment had made him freeze. yukhei had turned his head and there stood santa. tall and big, his eyes had grown two sizes bigger while his breath caught in his throat. in santa’s hands had been two more presents all wrapped up. then the man in the red suit had let out a low and deep laugh that sounded like something yukhei swore he heard before. the bells in his hand he had rung again and yukhei remained motionless as his brother scurried to his mom. one step and another and another santa had begun to take until he was just a foot away from him.

the face underneath the white beard had been unmistakable.

without hesitation, the present in his arms had dropped to the ground. yukhei had jumped enthusiastically onto his dad with a big grin. the hug had been strong. his dad had laughed. his mom had never stopped recording. and yukhei had spent the whole morning loudly and proudly declaring he known all along and no one could fool him.

he remembers the christmas away from home in a new country.

homesick yukhei had been, missing the aroma of his mom’s cooking and the tree from his childhood that was still in good condition. he called home in the morning when he had a moment to himself in the bedroom he was sharing with two others.

it had been nice to speak in a language he was familiar with because yukhei wasn’t going to lie. learning a new language had been difficult. he had learned to order food first, making sure to eat after tiring lessons and classes. but the many ways to say one thing and the varied ways to describe what he was feeling and thinking had been a struggle and felt like a tongue twister sometimes.

still he had been trying and despite the struggles, yukhei reassured his parents he was well. he had been working hard to make them proud and in no time he would be successful to buy them a bakery or house or anything else they wanted.

they hadn’t need to worry at all.

after yukhei hung up, he had found everyone else in the living room who was missing home like him too. it had been their first day off in a while. the group of them had spent the day lounging around the dorm eating, playing games and sleeping because all of them had lacked that. and when everyone was finally awake from their naps, the secret santa gifts they all had exchanged. the small box of building blocks yukhei had unwrapped when it was his turn. he had giggled and smiled. memories of childhood christmases had flooded his mind.

home yukhei still missed, but a bit better than earlier he had felt.

he remembers the christmas when it was just the seven of them.

two languages instead one yukhei had been trying to be fluent in now. the plans to debut in the new group had already been set. regardless how they all had trained together and some of them even performing together already, their own group they were now. there had been a bit of awkwardness of getting to truly learn about one another. yet it had felt strangely comforting to know each of them was nervous and excited about the whole new journey they were going to embark on.

in the living room of the new dorm they had moved into and amongst the mess of clothes and boxes they didn’t finished separating and organizing, they had decorated a small tree. the secret santa that had started from the years before in the other dorms with everyone else they skipped. there had been no time to buy presents. so instead their hands had been filled with lots food deliveries of everyone’s cravings.

the delicious dishes varying from spicy chewy noodles to grilled pork belly had settled in their stomachs with joy. then a christmas cake with decorations of sweet cream snowmen and edible white chocolate pine trees their manager had presented to them. he had wished them success for their soon to be debut as a group. they had ended up digging their forks into the dessert like little kids. and when he finally climbed into bed in the early morning because they had stayed up watching movies and talking about home and their future together, happy and grateful yukhei had felt to be with them.

there are a lot christmases yukhei remembers. there are a lot christmases he won’t ever forget even after a life full of them he is certain.

yukhei believes this christmas will be another that will be an unforgettable memory. this christmas will be another that will be stamped into his brain and etched onto his heart.

it is not his first christmas together with you. he has spent past christmases with you.

after he wakes up midday because a day off it was after all, yukhei celebrates with his members. they eat and play games until the winter sky gradually changes colors. then he comes over to see you and it is a celebration with just you and him. a dinner of what your and his heart desires, a mix of take out and a dish or two you cook, is shared and cherished. and when dinner is done, yukhei helps you clean up before you and him exchange and open the presents to one another.

yukhei always ends up staying until the clock strikes midnight and the new day begins. the minute longer he always wishes to stay with you always becomes hours and he leaves when the moon is still illuminating the dark sky.

but this year, this christmas is different from the past of what he has had with you.

today is the first christmas since yukhei has moved in with you nearly eight months ago. it is the first christmas since he has began calling this apartment his home too. it is the first christmas of him opening his eyes in the morning to find you laying beside him still in your slumber shielded by the comforter and blanket because you don’t care much for the cold.

his hand rises from underneath the cozy covers and yukhei rubs the sleepiness from his face and eyes. a sudden yawn comes out. slowly he turns and lifts his head up the slightest to take a peek pass you at the half burned candle and clock on your bedside table.

it’s just half past seven. another yawn comes on strong and yukhei covers his mouth this time.

“you want to sleep in tomorrow?”

that was what he had asked you in the early morning after the snow and snacks.

it had been fitting for the first big snow of the season to be on christmas eve. the wet flakes had begun falling in the early afternoon. when yukhei returned home from the late dinner and secret santa with his friends, the city had been blanketed in white. it had looked like a magical winter wonderland as you gazed out the large window of the living room. and even though he had showered and was dried and toasty now, his arms wrapped around you and his mouth rested beside your ear.

“do you wanna build snowman?”

his question had came out in a singsong voice with light giggles following immediately.

you couldn’t resist.

so out into the snow you and him went. yukhei had laughed so loud, the sound ringing through the cold quiet night while he had ran in the snow of the courtyard. it had been below freezing, but seeing him carefree and happy made it worth every second. then with your mitten clad hands and his bare hands because he had insisted he didn’t need them, you and him set working on the snowman. the body he had made while you made the head. the long broken branches from the nearby tree he picked up for the arms. the leaves of the bushes you had put in place for the eyes and nose.

“i told you we make pretty good team,” he had told you once the snowman was completed. “first we built furniture and now we built a snowman.”

the tender kiss you had pressed onto his cold smiling mouth was warm.

once pictures and videos were taken together with the masterpiece as yukhei had called it with a chuckle, a walk around the neighborhood you had suggested. your hand he had taken and put inside the pocket of his padded jacket. the nearly similar matching black beanies on your heads had been covered in snowflakes. and when you were just half a dozen blocks from home, from walking through the snow covered streets, the convenient store he had pulled you into. just to warm up for five minutes he had whispered with a small grin. but the five minutes turned into fifteen because the small plastic basket yukhei had picked up.

regardless of the snacks that filled the cabinet next to the refrigerator and placed on the counter in the kitchen at home, the basket in his grasp had quickly filled up. the cola shaped bottle jelly candies yukhei had chosen. a box of strawberry cream covered biscuit sticks you had reached for. bags of sweet and salty chips you and him had never tried before were dropped in. a lip balm he picked up because the cold had made his lips dry. then the items were paid for and the short trip home begun.

once you had stepped foot into the heat of the apartment, the wet padded jackets were hung up to dry properly and a shower was taken to warm up. on the couch you and him had stayed. the snacks purchased were enjoyed and savored with glee as an animated movie of your choice played in the background. when your stomachs were full, too tired and too comfortable enjoying the closeness of each other, neither of you had wanted to make a move into the bedroom. so you had stayed snuggled in his arms with your head resting on his shoulder as you tried to focus on the movie.

“hmm? are you up for it sleeping in?” yukhei had sleepily questioned again. “i know we talked about opening presents in the morning, but at this rate i don’t think we will be able to wake up properly.” he had quietly chuckled and a kiss he placed on your head.

“sleeping in sounds nice.” you had turn to look at him with your gaze soft and sleepy too. “and like i told you already, i’m just really happy.”

to be with him here and to celebrate the first christmas together in this apartment that had your and his things side by side had made you happy. the whole day tomorrow had been planned to be just you and him. that had been why the secret santa exchange and diner with his members were a day earlier.

yukhei had bobbed his head faintly once and pushed up the glasses that were now on his face. “me, too.”

his strong arm around your middle had tighten and soon enough, half a dozen wet kisses were peppered around your face. a bit more awake you had become with your squeals. when he drew back, the sparkle in his eyes had been there. the curve of his mouth had been beaming and contagious. “and technically since we are already…” yukhei had glanced at the time hanging on the wall. “an hour into the new day… happy merry christmas,” he had softly whispered.

instantly you had giggled, sitting up properly then so you could press a soft sweet kiss to his pillowy lips that were soothed by his earlier purchase. “happy merry christmas to you too, baby.”

a little longer on the couch both of you had stayed to finish the movie. once the credits begun rolling, he had begun yawning continuously and you knew you wouldn’t be able to fight off the sleep much longer either. the coffee table had been cleaned up. the christmas tree decorated with colorful glass and glittery ornaments and twinkling white lights had been unplugged.

after brushing your teeth side by side in the bathroom with the pink toothbrush in your grasp while the green was in his, you had simply put on your moisturizer before climbing into the bed he was already in. yukhei had tugged you close as the snowflakes slowly stopped falling down from the sky outside. you had fell asleep to the sound of his soft snores. he had ended up falling asleep with your back pressed against his chest.

however though, in the middle of the night, you had slipped away from him.

no longer in his arms you are. instead you are curled on your side and facing him with your head lowered a little. a hand is tucked under the pillow beneath your head. the other holds into the comforter. he listens to your steady breaths while turning a little until his body takes the same position as yours.

yukhei should sleep. he can sleep. he can sleep until the afternoon every day if he was able to.

but the thought of it being the first christmas with you in this home shared now together gently echoes in the back of his brain. there won’t be another first christmas morning for the first time together. so yukhei thinks he can sleep later. maybe all afternoon if he wishes because there is no schedule. it will be just you and him today. and when the new year begins, there will be four free days where he will most definitely catch up on more sleep. it is a mini break he cannot wait for before they will begin prepping for their next comeback afterwards.

the thought in his head wins.

with a small smile forming on his face, yukhei reaches for you. his hands slips underneath the white sweatshirt with the red printed snowflakes on the front and settles on your naked waist. your body feels so warm compared to his hands and he is certain you feel the difference because a soft whimper you let out. he can’t help but chuckle breathlessly. then slowly and carefully yukhei moves closer and pulls you to him until his arms encircle you. he lowers his head for a moment and presses one and two puckers of his pillowy lips to your forehead.

“wake up, baby.”

within seconds you’re stirring in his hold. the smile on his face grows a bit when you gradually settle back down with a deep breath. he bends his head a little more and like a lion to his mate, yukhei gently nudges and nuzzles his nose against your warm skin. his thumb strokes your back. he places one and another kiss onto your left cheek.

“it’s christmas morning.” his calm and raspy voice draws you out of your slumber and dreams. the tip of his nose caresses yours as your legs kick away the pillow under your feet and begin tangling with his long limbs. “wake up for me, baby,” yukhei murmurs in a singsong voice similar to last night.

slowly your eyes open. in your half asleep state still, you register his deep low laugh that tickles your heart and makes you sigh. you stretch in his arms with a tired moan as he draws a few inches back. your own arms come out from between the warmth of your bodies and covers to erase the faint blurriness of your sleepy gaze on him. and when you can see a bit clearly, you meet his soft stare underneath a few falling strands of hair and his handsome fresh face. the sight makes your cheeks heat and you grateful for mornings with him. a hand of his dances and strokes your back. the little shiver yukhei feels from you. he is about to lean into you to kiss you properly, but you twist your neck slightly and note the time.

your brows wrinkle and you blink a handful of times to make sure you’re reading the numbers correctly before you turn back to him. an arm shifts to wrap around his shoulder while your other hand grips onto the white t-shirt he wears. you bury your face into his neck. the combination of spring fresh detergent, vanilla and a scent so uniquely yukhei that reminds you of home and comfort fill your senses. he chuckles when he hears the deep breath and exhale from you when his fingertips go higher up your spine.

“your hands are so cold,” you whine faintly against his skin.

a grin with eyes crinkling you can picture forming on his face at your complaint even if you cannot see it.

he giggles quietly. “sorry.” the apology rolls out softly, but yukhei makes no indication of removing them.

“i thought you wanted to sleep in,” you mumble, eyes falling close again.

yukhei loves his sleep. he can fall asleep anywhere at anytime even if only for five minutes. he can sleep until mid afternoon even when he is able to sleep early the night before. he would rather sleep than eat sometimes and it is a big deal because he loves to eat. he takes advantage of his days off and the holidays to sleep so he can make up for all the days he does not get enough.

and you do not forget how he had even asked early in the morning about sleeping in.

so right now, you expect it to be at least noon or perhaps much later. you expect the roles be reverse and it would be you waking him up instead.

yukhei laughs once more while your hand reaches for the nape of his neck. your short nails scratch him lightly and it makes him hum. “that was the plan.” he remembers it was his own suggestion to do so. “but then i realized i have all afternoon to take a nap if i wanted to later. so i thought it’ll be okay to wake up early.”

it is then your eyes open. the sleepiness in you disappears and you are more awake than you were a minute ago. your fingers stop moving. you pull back and his boyish smile greets you. an eyebrow of yours rises up as you eye him suspiciously because what he says isn’t believable.

you know him too well.

“you’re up to something.”

the accusation immediately makes him giggle, the familiar sound echoing in the quiet bedroom. one arms comes out from underneath your sweatshirt and yukhei reaches for your hand grasping on his t-shirt. he places it over his heart and you feel the steady beats of it.

“i’m up to nothing. i promise, baby.” the arm still around your middle firms. yukhei lowers his head and kisses you gently on your mouth, making you sigh and want a bit more. he pulls away and you can’t help but lick your lips. the grin on his face is tender and almost bashful. “i was just thinking about it being out first christmas morning together. we can’t get another. i thought this was special,” he whispers with the glint in his eyes.

a sappy romantic at heart yukhei is even when he likes to deny it.

you chew on your bottom lip for a moment. the idea of staying in the warm bed with him cuddling and sleeping doesn’t seem like a bad idea. but what he is saying tugs on your heart too hard. “are you trying to sweet talk me right now so i will agree?” you quietly tease him.

his chuckle is low. “is it working?” he gives you another soft kiss and your gaze fixes on his mouth as his tongue peeks out lick it.

“you’re not tired?” your eyes meet his once more.

yukhei hums. “i’m okay right now.” the curve of his lips is boyish and charming. “but you are up now.” even if it is his doing. “so what do you say we get out of bed and we can celebrate our first christmas morning together. hmm?” he looks happy and relaxed. his soothing voice and words are laced with nothing but calm and sincerity. you find yourself inhaling slowly because yukhei’s hard to resist.

the tiny distance between your mouths you close for your lips to graze his. “promise you’ll get a little extra rest later,” you whisper alongside them.

he rolls over a bit then, keeping you between him and the bed. his forehead presses to yours as he stares at you. your arms encircle his neck and his other arm slithers back underneath your sweatshirt for the material to rise. the corners of his lips twitch up and you feel more tugs on your heart.

“i promise.”

you tilt your head. your fingers run up the back of his hair. “hmm, okay. you win,” you surrender.

sweet he always is and you are certain you will forever remain smitten.

yukhei lets out the tiniest triumphant cheer that makes you shake your head with a giggle. he leaves a quick yet tender peck on your mouth and lowers his head into the crook of your neck. he holds you closer as if he’s not laying on top of you currently. a minute longer you and him stay wrapped in one another’s embrace until you turn your head. you dot three kisses on his temple before moving your hands to tap on his shoulder blade.

“you go get ready first,” you tell him softly.

he shifts after a moment and presses a handful of wet kisses to your cheek that make you smile a little too much. his arms come out from below that sweatshirt of yours. at once you miss the closeness and his warmth. yukhei sits up and pushes the comforter and blanket away. the pillows at the foot of the bed for your and his feet and the matching red plaid pajama bottoms come into view.

it had been his idea and his surprise.

“you got us matching slippers, babe.” his reason had made him grin shyly and you laugh sweetly before accepting the article of clothing with sugary kisses and murmured words of gratitude.

the fabric of your sweatshirt rises up even more when you stretch again. the soft skin of your middle he has been holding and caressing catches yukhei’s interest. a few more centimeters and a little higher, he will get a really nice view of you. his stare and his motionless body makes you chuckle faintly. you watch as he swallows the tiny lump in his throat as if he’s never seen you naked before.

but he has. he has also touched you like no one else has ever touched you too.

you clear your throat to get his attention. “you’re staring,” you inform him with your eyes shining.

his gaze meets yours and you shake your head slowly. you tug your sweatshirt back down as yukhei is moving over you and leaning forward. a hand rises to palm his cheek. your thumb brushing back and forth his heated skin.

“i’m distracted,” he counters.

the butterflies flutter in your stomach.

a final parting kiss he gives you on your mouth and the tip of your nose, yukhei pulls away again. he gets out from the bed and stretches. an inch or so his t-shirt rises. it gives you a peek at his v line and the leopard print band of his boxer briefs. he catches your stare and wiggles his sculpted eyebrows playfully. you chuckle as he threads his long fingers through his tousled hair. he’s been letting it grow a little before he will cut it again for the next comeback. he pushes his hair away from his face and bites his lip teasingly. mischief and satisfaction resides in his gaze as yukhei watches you lick your lips.

“now you’re staring,” he states with a smirk.

you playfully roll your eyes even while your face warms. the teasing act he was moments ago turns giggly and he puckers his lips and sends a kiss through the air. he releases his hair, the strands falling down stylishly with a few pieces over his pretty eyes. he slips his feet into the fuzzy gray slippers and turns to you one last time with another wiggle his eyebrows.

“i will see you in five,” yukhei declares before he saunters happily out.

but the five minutes is really eight minutes before he exits the bathroom for you to use.

his glasses he retrieves from his bedside table. his phone he turns on to check for any messages. a quick swipe of the lip balm he brushes across his lips. then yukhei makes his way into the kitchen.

yukhei is confident in many things. but the better cook than you these days though he is not. he’s still working on that, remembering and practicing all he learned from his parents when he isn’t too exhausted to make something else besides ramen and his special homemade chili sauce.

regardless though he gets to doing something. yukhei fills the kettle with water. when it’s three fourths full for a quicker boil, he places it on the stove and turns on the burner and the range hood.

two slices of soft and fluffy thick cut bread yukhei puts in the toaster oven and he sets it for a light golden toast. he opens the cupboard for the white bowl decorated with navy polka dots and its matching plate. he pulls two spoons and a knife from drawer. the large container of yogurt and the butter he takes out from the refrigerator. the bag of frozen blueberries he gets from the freezer. then yukhei spoons the yogurt into the bowl, doubling the amount because this will be for you and him. a banana he peels, slices and fans along one side of the bowl. the handful of frozen blueberries he piles neatly on the opposite side. the toaster oven dings as he reaches for the oat and honey granola in the cabinet. the slices of bread he takes out and places on the plate. he goes back to the yogurt and sprinkles a spoonful of the granola on the top.

since living together, yukhei has watched you make yogurt bowls for breakfast or for a snack. he grins proudly at what he has made now. but when he holds up the bowl, the white cookie package with the festive silver ribbon glued to the top sitting between the coffee machine and the little pile of snacks on the counter catches his eyes.

maybe this needs a little something else.

and once you come out of the bathroom, the sound of the opened range hood gives you an indication of where he might be. your feet in the pink fuzzy slippers pad quietly across the wooden floors into the tiled floors of the kitchen. the kettle you notice on the stove but your presence he doesn’t realize. something else has his focus. you walk up to him, your touch sliding to his lower back and yukhei doesn’t jump or seem surprise. calm he is and you rub gently on his back.

you peek around him and within seconds you’re chuckling. “what are you doing?” you question amusingly.

a gingerbread man is tucked amongst the blueberries in the bowl of yogurt, resembling a man in a hot tub. you watch entertained as he gives the bag of cookies in his hand a little shake to find another gingerbread man with a slightly different design. he does moments later and puts it right beside the other, slipping it between the pieces of fruit.

yukhei lifts the bowl and shows his creation. “tada! it’s a christmas version, babe.” his beam is bright and so is yours.

you reach for the gingerbread man, scooping up some yogurt and a semi soften blueberry with the legs and take a bite. yukhei stares at you proudly for a reaction and the nod of approval you give him has him laughing and pumping up his fist victoriously. with the remaining half of the cookie, you scoop up a bite like before. but this time you put it in yukhei’s open mouth. his eyes widen in delighted surprise because it really isn’t half bad with the faint notes of spices mixing in and the extra crunchiness of the cookie.

“i’m genius,” he declares after he swallows the bite with a grin.

the kiss you give him in agreement tastes of cinnamon and blueberries and you deem this yogurt bowl one of the best you have ever had.

then in the warmth of the kitchen, you scramble eggs and pan fry the sausages that is one of his favorites to go with the toast and butter he spreads on. the water eventually boils. an iced americano you make for him. the green tea and rice tea bag yukhei puts in your mug before he pours the boiling water in. the ivory colored curtains he pulls back and the living room and the cozy dining space floods with natural light despite the overcast sky.

for the first christmas morning together, breakfast is enjoyed.

“thanks for the food, babe.”

this meal together isn’t an everyday thing even after he has moved in. not when his schedules and practices vary daily or he is gone for weeks if there are promotions or filming. but it’s a little more often than before. so every time it is possible, at the table for two (and more) you and him sit to savor breakfast together.

“anytime.”

and the clock slowly ticks with quiet murmurs and satisfied hearts and stomachs. the last spoonful of yogurt with another gingerbread man yukhei leaves you while the last scoop of eggs and two sausages you pass to him. the plates and bowls you clear away and wash after. the table and countertop he wipes clean of crumbs.

then with the morning drinks in your hands, into the living room area you walk to with yukhei’s footsteps right behind you. the glass and mug are set on the coffee table. in front of the christmas tree you move to sit. you hug your legs to your chest as yukhei makes his way to the tree, kneeling next to it. he reaches behind it for the plug.

you’re silent and stare at the sudden brightness and glow shining in front of you. even if this tree has been lit up every night for the last two weeks, it feels different today. you believe it just might be the prettiest now on this christmas morning.

two feet away, yukhei thinks the same thing.

his gaze shifts between the lit up tree and the sight of you staring in awe. you look so pretty bathe in a soft glow. he feels the fullness of his heart. he has no regrets of not sleeping in right now.

quietly then yukhei moves to where you are and sits right behind you with his long legs on either side of yours. he presses his chest to your back and his strong arms come up to wrap around you. instantly you melt against him, your hands rising to grasp onto his forearms. his head he rests beside yours. his mouth stays next to your ear before he speaks.

“happy merry christmas, baby.”

his similar words from when he first told you hours ago, his calm and loving voice pulls on your heartstrings. it has you embarrassingly chuckling at yourself while blinking back the haziness building in your eyes. you feel him smiling so wide beside you. a moment passes before your head is turning to find him staring at you. the shine that is always in his gaze are magnified from the lights. the beam on his face is brilliant.

the love you feel for him is beyond words right now.

“happy merry christmas, babe.”

the mere centimeters between your mouths disappear. a few short and sweet kisses are shared before yukhei bestows one to your nose and cheek.

so many more christmases you wish to have with him.

yukhei presses his lips to your temple. “are you ready for presents?” there are notes of excitement in his tone and you laugh softly as you squeeze his arms and bob your head. you’re about to tell him to start because always he insists on you opening presents first.

but yukhei beats you to it with a grin.

he gives you a victorious wink when you playfully glare at him. “ladies first.”

his arms drops and yukhei scoots away from you for his drink. you move to reach for the present placed between the tree and your present for him.

he had brought it home three days ago and made you promise not to peek or touch. you had chuckled and nodded before agreeing with a sweet tender peck to his excited grin.

you look at the pretty present. the neat and rich ruby red bow with a white stitching outline ties the gold matte gift bag closed. the bag is big yet it isn’t that heavy in your grasp. you briefly glance at yukhei who’s smiling confidently as he slides himself to lean against the couch.

a long sip of his iced americano he takes before setting the glass back down. “what can it possibly be?” he jokes, his voice turning light and high with dramatic curiosity.

you giggle and hum before turning back to the present. the thick ribbon you’re about to pull on, but then you hear yukhei clearing his throat. your movements stop and your attention lands on him again. he nonchalantly and faintly juts his chin towards something. you remain frozen and stare at him.

yukhei does it again. this time your eyebrows wrinkle slightly, unsure of what he’s trying to tell you. however he thinks the third time might be the charm.

it’s not though.

he gives up with a defeated sigh.

you watch him scratch the back of his neck a bit shyly while laughing almost embarrassingly. he pushes up his round gold rimmed frames. “you didn’t read the tag,” yukhei finally says with his cheeks warm.

and it takes a second to understand what he is referring to once you look down again. underneath the ends of the ribbon hides the shimmery cream colored rectangular tag with a simply designed green christmas tree embossed onto the surface. it hangs on the handle by a silver twine. you flip it over and immediately recognize his handwriting.

so you won’t be lonely, baby.

the thing about yukhei is that he is not one to often write romantic messages or love notes. awkward perhaps a little embarrassed he feels at times. even his texts to you when he is working or away in another country are simple declarations. he loves you. he misses you. he wants you. then he ends the messages with hearts and kissing faces or every now and then, a picture of his pouting or smiling face.

because really, for the most part, yukhei thinks written words are not enough. he believes his written words don’t convey as much as what he really wants to say.

instead yukhei favors in telling you, calling and video chatting in hopes his words in his voice will echo in your mind long after the conversation has ended. he rather whisper his desires to you when the morning rays slip through the curtains and he is holding you close. he prefers when the moonlight is illuminating the bedroom and you can feel his heart beat in rhythm to yours.

so this feels different.

you read the words again and gaze up at him. yukhei’s a little bit more shy and embarrassed now and you cannot control the skips to your heart or the wide upward curve of your lips forming on your face. you nod slowly and move closer to sit right next to him. his hand settles on your thigh, squeezing it affectionately as you turn back to the present.

it’s silent in the room while he watches the end of the ribbon you gently tug on. the bow unravels. the knot you work on. then soon enough you’re pulling the ribbon out from the slits and opening the bag. you are greeted with the sight of sparkling red tissue paper. one layer and then another you remove and suddenly your soft laughter is filtering into yukhei’s ears and filling the space. your eyes settle on the present nestled in a bed of more layers of tissue paper.

the trip to the home and furniture store to buy his bedside table you recall. the birthday surprise from a few months ago flashes through your mind. the words you had confessed to him he remembered.

he really is something else.

you take out the lion plush and move the bag to the side. the harmless wild animal is remarkably soft, feeling like velvet. the color of his body reminds you of golden honey. the mane and tail are silky. the muzzle is white like snow. the black stitching of a smile makes it look more adorable than ferocious. you hold it up like the famous animated movie you have watched too many times before and yukhei laughs warmly besides you.

“he is absolutely the cutest and softest thing ever,” you gush, hugging it to your chest as you turn and press kisses on the infectious curl of his plump lips.

yukhei chuckles and reaches out to pat the head of lion peeking out from between your arms. “i was going to go back to get the one we saw at the home and furniture store.” his eyes meets yours. “but when i had went out with winwin a few weeks ago, i saw it by the window of a cute novelty store. i thought this looked so much more cuddly and cuter,” he tells you with his eyes shining.

you hum. “i love him already.” your thumb brushes over the black stitching for the eyes and nose. “thank you,” you hug him with the plush crushed between the two of your bodies.

his arm wraps you waist and his fingers plays with the softness of your sweatshirt while yours go around his neck. when you pull back, your forehead is against his. one hand runs through his hair and creates a fluffy wave.

“so he’s the meaning behind the tag,” you murmur with a small smile that makes him beam wider and giggle softly.

yukhei nods and the tip of his nose nudges yours. “just don’t forget about hugging me?” he whispers, his tone playfully sad yet affectionate.

you chew on the inside of your cheeks. “you’re still my favorite lion,” you quietly and teasingly reassure him. you lean forward and give him two kisses. but then his hands rise to cup your cheeks and he’s encompassing you with big, sloppy and sweet kisses that has you laughing, squealing and feel so loved.

“yukhei! it’s your turn!” you gasp out between giggles and every press of his soft mouth on you.

one, two and three more kisses and finally he stops with a bright and almost sneaky grin. a peck he places on your lips. but your attempt to move away from him so he can open his present fails because his arm drops back down to wrap around your waist. his hold is firm and yukhei slowly shakes his head. he pushes up those glasses adorning his happy face with his long fingers.

there’s mischief in his gaze. “now what kind romantic would i be if that is all?”

always you tell him he is. always he tries to deny it.

you stare at him, watching the curve of his lips grow and the corners of his eyes crinkle. “keep looking.” he gestures back to the gold matte gift bag. the lion he takes out of your arms, hugging the soft plush to his chest. yukhei pats your thigh once and then again to get you going.

the puzzled on your face has him chuckling and nodding at you. but slowly you shift a little away from him to get to the bag again. you glance up at him and he’s waiting. the open bag you turn to and you get to removing more tissue paper. it isn’t long before hidden beneath several more layers you find what he means. you can’t stop the quiet surprised noise escaping from your mouth.

the present is wrapped in a shiny champagne colored paper. it is tied together with a thin smooth red ribbon and adorned with the faux holly berries and green leaves. you take it out and you feel the curl of your mouth and the warmth in your chest. when you turn to him he sees the glittering sparkle in your gaze.

“did you wrap this?” you question, holding the present in your hands up.

yukhei chuckles and shakes his head. “i wished i could take credit but the auntie at the shopping center gets it all.” it looks too perfect to unwrap, but his gentle voice you hear again. “open it.”

his words register into your brain. but before you do, you move back to him first. you sit criss cross beside him. a hand yukhei settles on your knee, rubbing small circles on your pajama bottoms. the fleeting look you get of him and he’s smiling faintly and raising his eyebrows urging you to continue.

then you’re pulling the ends of the ribbon and putting the decorations aside. you gently rip the wrapping paper and the maroon red box comes into view. you feel your eyes widen and he hears a soft gasp when you see the name in cursive and gold on the cover. the beats of your heart feels like some is using it for a drum as you shimmy off the lid to reveal another box with a gold embroidered frame around the top of it.

yukhei looks on in a mixture of nervousness and excitement. he feels the warmth in his face and the flips of his stomach while you take the box out and place the bottom next to your knee. he stares as you push open the tiny tab that gently pops open the lid. the eighteen carat signature gold bracelet and the accompanying mini screwdriver nestled in the black cushioning come into your view.

it shines, glows and looks absolutely gorgeous.

you feel the strong pounding of your heart. “yukhei...” the awe in your voice he doesn’t miss as you turn to look at him.

“do you like it?” the hopefulness lingers in his quiet question with his gaze shifting between the affectionate look on your face and the present in your hands. “i’ve been wanting to get you something really nice, but simple because i know that’s what you like.” always he is attentive and paying attention to everything of your preferences. you give him a faint nod. “and i saw this when i went shopping with winwin earlier this year. i just thought it would be perfect for you and that it would be your taste.” he hums softly. “you could probably wear this with anything too.”

the tugs on your heart are stronger. your gaze turns downcast again. “it really is beautiful,” you remark quietly, your fingertips running over the piece of fine jewelry.

a nervous chuckle from him draws your attention back up to find him looking at you intently. “and if you take out the bracelet...” his tone is gentle and soothing as he gives your knee a tender squeeze. “tell me what you think about that too.”

you follow his instructions, pulling off the security rubber band that holds the bracelet in place. you think that he is talking about the simple circle designs on the outside. but a moment passes before you see what he is really referring to. yukhei hears the tiny sound of surprise. your bottom lip gently catches between your teeth. the box you put down. your eyes slowly begin to blur as you read it once, twice and then even again.

you and me.

your thumb runs over the engraving, feeling the faint curves and cuts of words that mean a lot to you and him.

“do still remember what you said to me when you asked me to moved in?” yukhei brings you closer until you’re pressed to his side and he’s holding onto your waist.

they had also been the words he repeated that night when he moved in too. words he silently tells himself when he walks through the front door and is greeted by your smiling face, your sweet kisses and your cuddly hugs. words that make him dream of so many more awaiting adventures with you.

his mouth rests next to your ear. “it’s you and me, baby.”

a shaky breath you draw in as a slow nod you manage to offer in response because you remember it so vividly. the first time you said it and the look of surprise on your face when he remembered them weeks afterwards. and now, months later, the words are more real than ever.

you wonder how he does it. how the simplest thing he can turn into the grandest of gestures that make your heart pound uncontrollably and make you feel like the luckiest person in the universe.

yukhei hums once more. a smile you sense from him. “i would have had the whole thing on it, but unfortunately there is a ten character limit on them,” he jests quietly with a laughter.

his love for you is incomparable to anything and anyone you have ever felt in your life.

finally you look up, and your watery eyes are unmistakable and it makes his heart swell while his deep laughter warms your soul. yukhei leans his forehead against yours.

“i’m always with you no matter what, baby. you’re surrounded by me now...” hoodies for each day of the week and more. a lion to hug to sleep when you really do miss him too much. a golden reminder with words that are priceless to you and him. the small sniffle you can’t stop. “so you don’t ever have to miss me too much,” he whispers tenderly and sweetly even if he knows every now and then the separation will still be difficult.

“what do you think? do you like it?” he teases even if he is certain of your answer.

and before yukhei can joke that the present can’t be returned, you’re throwing your arms around him. his laugh is infectious as the lion falls from his hold so he can envelop you in his arms too. your face you hide into the curve between his neck and shoulder. he’s not sure if his arms holding you are tighter or it’s the other way around.

“you’re going to crush me,” yukhei softly murmurs into your heated skin with a too wide grin.

but you don’t care.

you will hold onto him just a minute longer and harder because despite his words, he makes no effort to find his breath or push you away.

he is unbelievable. the way he stolen your heart makes you certain he will have it forever. and once you eventually draw back, there is a glittering and playful twinkle in his eyes. he clutches his chest dramatically.

“i can breathe again, baby.” his declaration makes you let out a breathless giggle as you make a quick dab at the corner of your wet eyes with the sleeve of your sweatshirt. yukhei straightens his glasses and fixes his hair.

you look at him, head titling a bit. “romantic,” you whisper.

yukhei hums with a sweet tender grin. “maybe just a little.” the small space between your mouths he erases with a short, soft and loving kiss.

the lion yukhei lays on the coffee table before he takes the bracelet from your hand. “here, let me put it on for you.” he reaches for the screwdriver in the box, carefully digging it out of the little nook it is cradled in. he turns his body to face you.

“i had to ask the man at the store to show me how to put it on.” he chuckles and you stare at how the screwdriver looks minuscule between his long fingers. yukhei holds the bracelet delicately as if he is afraid too much pressure would bend it. “i hope it fits.” he says once he pulls the bracelet apart. “i didn’t realize there were many different sizes for this and i didn’t want to get the wrong size.” yukhei glances momentarily up at you with a sheepish grin and his cheeks warm. he motions for your hand. you raise your right arm and push up the sleeve to your elbow. “so i ended up trying to measure your wrist in the morning when you were still sleeping.”

yukhei recalls circling his thumb and index finger around your wrist so cautiously in fear of waking you. he remembers winwin shaking his head in disbelief and quietly laughing at him as he showed the salesman the circle size of his measurement.

you chuckle breathlessly and place your free hand on his thigh. the light squeeze you give it has him turning back to the task at hand. it’s quiet as yukhei’s brows furrow. the bracelet he carefully encases around your wrist, making sure it is upright so you can read the words inside whenever you need to.

and to his and your delight, it fits perfectly.

he lets out a soft cheer and giggles, proud that his unconventional measurement worked out. yukhei secures it back with the screwdriver. soon enough he’s moving the bracelet freely back and forth on your wrist while you admire how pretty it looks.

“i’m so good at this,” he says with a beam, putting back the screwdriver in the box. yukhei turns to you, finding your gaze on him before you’re closing the gap between your mouths. you palm his warm cheek. a finger he tucks underneath your chin and you sigh into him when he pushes a little forward.

you hope you will get to kiss him on more christmases to come.

and when you part a minute later, noses nuzzle together. your thumb brushes his smooth skin. his tongue comes out to swipe across his wet lips and you squeak happily with a tiny smile.

“thank you.”

yukhei hums, turning his head to pucker a kiss into the center of your palm. “always, babe. i just want you happy,” he reminds you.

your hand trails down to his chest to softly pat it. “is it your turn yet?” you question shyly.

he smiles wide and merrily like an excited child within seconds. you pull away from him as he moves forward with a clap of his hands. the bracelet box you close and place on the coffee table beside the lion. the wrapping paper and tissue papers you push to the side into a small pile that will surely grow. yukhei reaches for the present that is his. the playful rise of his eyebrows and the way his eyes grow a bit bigger in shock when he lifts up the box surprises him. big the present is, but not as heavy as he had assume it would be because he had too promised you not to touch it when you finally taken it out of hiding from the storage closet three days ago. yukhei goes back to the spot he was sitting in previously and places the present between his spread out long legs.

“what is this?”

yukhei counts the three different vibrant green bows in various sizes placed on the top. the glossy and glittery red and white diagonally striped wrapping paper reminds him of candy canes.

but your head you shake, a small and bashful smile forming on your face. “babe, you have to open it,” you tell him, taking a seat beside him once again.

he gives you a silly questioning look. his fingers slide underneath the tape and the paper he rips off. the simple black box that took you a week to find is revealed and he’s giggling with his curiosity heightened. you take the wrapping paper and pile it to the rest to discard.

yukhei pushes up his glasses before his large hands grips onto the sides of the box. he slips his fingers between the lid and inner section. a light shake he gives it for the lid to gradually loosen and easier to be lifted off. he drops it beside him and the white layers of tissue paper he peels back. his eyes are widening because suddenly he’s transported back to his childhood days. his laughter is loud and thrilled and you’re pleased with the reaction.

a mini plastic toy claw machine in a bright sunny yellow sits inside the box. it’s surrounded by presents of many sizes in a matte green wrapping paper with tiny white snowflakes.

yukhei runs a hand over his mouth and turns to you. “this is seriously all mine?” he questions incredulously with a grin.

you nod with a chuckle. “it’s all yours.”

“does this thing really work?” yukhei asks inquiringly while taking out the claw machine up and lifting it up easily to study the item in his grasp.

you lightly swat his thigh and notice the childlike shine in his gaze. “of course it does! i even tried it out to make sure it does. what do you think?”

his gaze finds yours and the smile and nod thrown your way makes you happy. yukhei leans over and presses a fleeting kiss on your cheek. then he’s bringing the claw machine closer to his face.

inside is filled with tiny plastic capsules with colorful covers just like he recalls from his childhood days. but instead of the inexpensive prizes inside them, what he sees in each of them is a folded up piece of paper.

“why does each of them have paper inside?”

“because…” you reach for a present from the large box he seems to have forgotten for a moment and show him the number written on the reindeer sticker tag. “each of them is numbered. the presents... like i said, they’re all yours.” yukhei laughs softly and connect his eyes to yours, listening carefully to what you are saying him. “i remember you telling me once about going to the arcades when you were a kid and how happy you were.” your voice softens and your hand rises to brush at his fluffy hair. “you’ve been nonstop working recently and pretty much almost the whole year. i thought maybe this would be a bit fun for you to do. this is nothing like the real thing, but i thought this wasn’t such a bad substitute,” you finish with a tiny grin.

it’s quiet and yukhei’s is simply staring keenly at you. his heart is about to burst from the love and appreciation that is soaring through him. he leans towards you, kissing you shortly and sweetly twice before smiling against your mouth.

“i think this might be the most creative way anyone has ever given me anything,” he murmurs, wondering how long it had taken you to think of and do this. “thank you.”

his nose touches yours affectionately for a moment before he pulls away and returns his attention to the present in his hands. “how does this turn on then?”

your hand goes over to the back of the claw machine, feeling for the black button tab to slide over. immediately there’s a sound of a brief beep as a row of tiny blue lights outlining the top cover of the machine light up. there's a look of giddiness on his face. yukhei eyes the coin slot.

“is this taking real money?” his wondering and curious question makes you laugh and shake your head. you place the present you are holding back into the box and take out a cute bear head coin purse that has been buried within everything else.

“here.” yukhei steadies the machine on his lap and takes what you are offering to him. he unzips the pouch and the handful of silver plastic coins he sees.

more than amazed he is right now with you and this present.

“you have to open the little compartment on the bottom to get all the coins back.”

your voice brings him back to focus and yukhei shoots you a quick glance with a bob of his head. he takes a coin and places the pouch on the floor. then he pushes the coin in to the slot. a carnival melody instantly fills the living room along with his cheerful laughter. the small screen next to the red control stick begins flashing a fifteen second countdown that turns yukhei’s laughter into a sudden scream.

“babe, this is timed!” he yells with a beam.

it’s your turn to laugh then as the seconds disappear and he’s hurrying to place the claw machine on the table for better stability. your gaze shifts between his concentrated face and the claw he’s moving. the time ticks away and when it’s two seconds remaining, yukhei presses down on the lime green button. the claw descends down towards the capsule with an orange cover. it grabs onto it and slowly it rises up and you give him a round of applause that has him chuckling. it drops down the opening as the music stops and his prize is rolling into his awaiting open palm.

the cover he removes. the folded piece of paper he opens. your handwriting he recognizes.

“three,” yukhei says aloud.

his eyes move from the paper to the open box filled with presents. you remain quiet as yukhei finds it tucked behind number seven and number one. he drops the paper in his hands on the coffee table before his lips are curling upwards at the wrapped present. it's a bit longer than his hand and shaped like a cylinder. he gives it a gentle shake and the sound of something solid rolling back and forth is heard.

yukhei thinks for a second and looks at you. “it’s candy,” he surmises confidently with grin. but instead of confirming his prediction, you playfully shrug and move to reach for your mug of tea.

“open it, babe.”

the curve of your mouth you hide as you take a sip of the warm liquid. you watch him tear the paper, the familiar purple and pink tube coming into his and your view. his guess is correct. yukhei lets out a shock and excited yelp because the sweet treat from his childhood is something he hasn’t had in what seems like ages.

“i haven’t had these in forever.” he remembers trying to make the candy last as long as possible, but finding it nearly impossible. it was too good not to be immediately devoured. he hasn’t found this candy sold anywhere here. “where did you find this?” yukhei asks, turning to you.

“there is an online market i found that sold candy from different countries. i remember you talking about this. but you didn’t remember the name. when i saw this, i wasn’t so sure. i didn’t think it could be that different so i took a chance.” another sip you take before putting mug down.

the perforated plastic wrapper around the neon yellow cap yukhei rips off and puts on the table next to the paper. “have you tried them yet?” he asks.

you shake your head. “no, i wanted to try it with you.”

yukhei pops off the cap and in an instant, there’s a sweet scent of sugar and black currants. he shakes out the little purple gumdrop size gummies covered in sugar crystals and brings it to your mouth to eat. when the candy touches your tongue, it’s hardly a second for the flavor to fill your mouth. your sweet tooth is satisfied and you can’t help but squeal. yukhei chuckles at your pleased reaction and pops one into his own mouth. he lets it soften for a moment before he’s chewing on the candy that is transporting him back to his youth.

“i might eat this whole thing today,” he exclaims with a smile and pours out two more pieces into his palm. yukhei holds his hand out and you take one while he eats the other.

the sugar melts against your tongue. “go ahead. i ordered four of them as a just in case,” you inform him with a laugh. the information has his eyes growing big before he plops a kiss on your cheek that makes you giggle gleefully.

two more gummies he puts in his mouth and then yukhei puts the cap back on and places it on the table. he claps his hands once more and gets another coin, ready for more presents.

you look on at him. “what’s going to be next, hmm?”

the coin goes in. the music starts up once more and the countdown begins. he has his eye on the capsule with the neon purple cover. just a bit to the back and right, there’s four seconds left when yukhei pushes the lime green button and the claw goes back down. successful he is again and within moments another capsule is in his hand and another piece of paper he unfolds.

“number eight,” yukhei notes to you.

he finds this present in the corner of the box. it’s soft, small and rectangular like his phone. he looks at you questioningly with raised eyebrows when he hears your short and light giggles. you move closer, draping a leg over his. the wrapping paper he tears open and he’s giggling and snorts now too.

yukhei holds up the pair of cobalt blue boxer briefs with the black band embroidered with the designer name in golden yellow. his love for colorful underwear you never forget. your love of seeing him in them hasn’t changed. he pulls off every color that touches his body like no other.

“i saw them when i went shopping a few weeks ago and i immediately thought of you,” you tell him with soft chuckles.

he turns to you and looks at you amusingly. “i’ll model these for you later, baby.” the wink yukhei throws at you makes you playfully fan yourself and he leans over and places a quick chaste kiss on your lips. then his pinky he holds out between you and him. you hook onto with a grin and without hesitation.

the underwear goes besides the tube candy and lion before he is focused on the claw machine again. another coin yukhei picks up and pushes into the slot. it’s the capsule with the hot pink cover he aims for and gets. you remain mum, pressing your lips together and stare at him.

he opens it for the paper inside. “it’s number six, baby.” yukhei says while locating the present easily among the rest of them.

whatever the item is, it is inside a box. this present is light and almost feels like nothing. then similar to present number three, yukhei hears something sliding inside when he gives it a shake. his fingers threads through his hair, brushing the strands back while he wonders what it could be. another shake and he rips the paper. his laugh is loud and he snorts once again. his chest vibrates with those happy sounds as he focuses on you with raised eyebrows and a teasing glint in his gaze.

the sleeves of your sweatshirt you pull over your fingers. your arms go around his neck, trying to hide the expanding beam overtaking your face. yukhei holds up the box of condoms and gives it another shake.

“we are running out anyway,” you reason with a shy chuckle. “i wanted to make sure we had enough.”

yukhei nods knowingly. the box in the drawer of his bedside table because that’s where they are kept now, has just two left.

he pulls you close, snaking an arm around you while taking a deep breath of the faint scent of vanilla on you. “you think we can use some now?” yukhei hums, almost begging wishfully.

for the last few weeks, exhausted yukhei has been after the long days of practices for the end of the year performances and filming content to be released later. plans for a comeback are being laid out on top of that too.

it hasn’t been any better for you either. the work load on your desk seemingly building daily. he has come home to find your desk scattered with open books and papers surrounding the computer. and once you and him finally lay in the bed that always is warmer when he is there, sleep won the battle each time.

yukhei has missed you.

your face turns until the tip of your nose is tickling his warm cheek. “soon, baby,” you murmur, smiling against his skin.

and that is all you say. your response, your voice is soft and seductive and yukhei is honestly ready to abandon the remaining presents for a little while and use what’s in his hold.

he doesn’t though.

because it’s the opposite of present number eight. you hold out your pinky for him. his charming and boyish laugh filters into your ears. he nods slowly and lifts his pinky to hook onto yours, energized and anticipating for the soon. you are about to release his finger, but he doesn’t let go of it. instead he draws a few inches back so he can look at you clearly. yukhei sees your eyes sparkling and that beam on your face is sugary sweet.

a playful defeated sigh he lets out. “such a tease.”

his pout and accusation make you chuckle and kiss him softly, sucking on his bottom lip for a second longer. and it satisfies him for now because you stay close with your arms wrapped around him too. your head tilts towards his and the present for later is set aside because he wants to try at another gift.

“you’re liking this so far?” you inquire as he gets another coin.

the tiny plastic circle yukhei pushes in. “i’m loving this so far,” he cheers with the music playing once more. even with the seconds disappearing, he turns away briefly from the game to give you a quick peck.

you hum happily as he returns to the game. the control he moves strategically. you’re wondering which one he is going to pick up and he’s speculating what else is in store for him. the lime button he presses. within moments, the capsule with the turquoise lid is in his hand. you are silent and watching as yukhei opens it and takes out the paper.

“it’s number eleven,” he announces with glee despite you seeing the number yourself.

you shift a bit to let him search for the present he has won. your nerves start to act up. there is a flip to your stomach.

then the correct present yukhei finds underneath present number two. it’s a box again. but this one is flatter and just a tad bit smaller than the previous gift. it’s light too, almost weighing like nothing in his hand. he shakes it but no sound is heard. his brows quirk up, glancing at you because his curiosity heightens. down he looks. the first tear of the wrapping paper he makes. you unconsciously chew on the inside of your cheek. a second rip to the paper has your heart skipping a beat because the box is revealed.

it’s the same maroon box like his gift to you and when he flips the box over, he gets his confirmation.

yukhei is staring at the gold cursive name printed on the top. he’s chuckling softly in joyful wonderment and disbelief. he gazes up briefly, the faint bob of your head thrown his way encourages him to continue. his focus returns to the present. the lid he takes off and puts underneath the bottom. the black velvet fabric he pulls back and he’s beaming at what he sees.

“do you like it?”

it’s your turn to ask now.

the hope and nervousness is laced in your question. yukhei takes the bracelet out and puts the box on the coffee table next to everything else. your fingers run up a soothing touch along the nape of his neck and the ends of his hair. you stare at him as he feels the cord band of the bracelet. he notes the three intertwining rings of gold, silver and rose gold that is a replica of the ring that is currently in his jewelry box on top of the dresser in the bedroom.

your eyes lower a little to the item in his hands. “i wanted to get you something that you could wear even during performances and promotions… if you wanted to. this was light and i thought you could wear this comfortably.” because more jewelry he sometimes has to wear for the stages. “and unless someone is looking closely, it is simple that it shouldn’t draw too much attention to anyone.” as much as he loves you and you love him, the world doesn’t know it yet. you clear your throat slightly. “you probably noticed too that it’s the same trinity winwin got you. i thought it would look nice with how they matches,” you finish quietly, keeping your gaze steady on the present in his hands.

love, fidelity and friendship, yukhei has them all with you.

the quiet encompasses you and him for minute. he takes in your words, feeling amazed at the present and you. then suddenly you feel the gentle bump against your temple with his head. your eyes lift to meet his. yukhei nods and gradually leans forward to connect your mouths together.

this kiss is slow. your hold onto the back of his neck, tilts his head the slightest for your mouth to mold so perfectly along his. the want and need is there. his tongue teases his way into your mouth and you release a little whimper of bliss. yukhei drags you closer, a hand gently gripping onto your waist. he pushes forward, intensifying the way he is sucking on your lips.

but air and a little more time you need.

you tenderly nip on his top lip and pull back. dazed he looks as he catches his breath. you press your forehead to his while his thumb rises to wipe the wetness from the corners of your mouth.

“so you like it?” you breathe out quietly.

the chuckle yukhei releases is airy and carefree. “yeah, i love it. thank you.”

his whispered words of gratitude makes you beam bashfully. he moves back and you watch him roll the bracelet onto his left wrist. once it’s on, yukhei straightens the cord properly. he tugs on your right hand to bring it to the front and intertwines his fingers with yours.

your presents to each other are side by side. the sight makes him proud. the warmth blooms in your chest.

“great minds think alike, huh, baby?” he whispers.

and it doesn’t take long for you to giggle lightly and bob your head in agreement. you shift and reach for the bear’s head still filled with a few more coins next to him. a little shake you give it and the tiny jingle is heard.

“you’re still not done yet. there’s more for you.”

your voice is sweet and cute and it has yukhei looking between you and what you’re holding. the grin on your face is bright and excited, but the tiniest hint of mischief in your eyes he catches.

“are you up to something?” he questions, narrowing his gaze playfully.

and your question from this morning you recall. you laugh while shaking your head. slowly he takes what you are holding.

“no, baby, i’m not. you just have more presets. that’s all,” you reply with ease.

but your words and tone are unconvincing because yukhei still eyes you suspiciously. there really is that sweet trouble in your gaze. the smile forming on his face can’t be stopped as he turns his attention on the mini claw machine in front of him again.

a coin is taken out. he mentally counts the eight remaining capsules left. yukhei deposits the money into the slot.

“what color is next?”

the music plays.

“how about...”

however the sentence yukhei doesn’t complete. instead a little to the left and then to the right before he moves the claw back. one second remains and then he pushes the button for the claw to descend. you watch as it opens to grab hold of the capsule with the fire engine red cover. your face warms. the claw rises up with his choice and in a matter of seconds, it is drop into the opening again. your heart beats quicker. he opens the capsule and takes out the piece of paper to unfold.

“number nine,” he says with a charming smile.

yukhei shows you the written number with a bright smile that makes his dimples faintly appear. he turns to the presents that still remain, looking for the what he has won.

his search will be fruitless though.

you watch along, bringing a hand up to shield the smile you are having some trouble controlling. he lifts and turns presents over a few times to double check the numbers.

there’s the faintest of a frown on his plump lips. “babe, i think you forgot a present cause i don’t see it,” he informs you.

yukhei turns to look at you and waits for a response. you do your best to suppress the grin on your face and avoid his gaze. but he doesn’t miss it because he can see the slight crinkle at the corners of yours eyes. his eyes narrow suspiciously at you once more. that frown present moments ago disappears.

“did you hide it?” he accuses you with a giggle.

you finally lift your head up to meet his gaze. you let out an airy laugh and shake your head.

“i didn’t hide it,” you tell him with your smile steady.

you shift, taking the capsule and paper still in his hand and put it on the coffee table.

“i really didn’t hide it.” you reassure him again.

then with your hand intertwining with his, you get onto your knees. you move until you are straddling his thighs with your knees against the floor. yukhei pushes his glasses up with his index finger and he sits up straighter. his free hand settles on your waist as you bring his hand you are clasping up to your lips. a sweet kiss you press on the back of it once and twice.

before yukhei has a chance to speak and question you again, you beat him to it. “i didn’t hide it. i promise, babe.”

the reassurance you give him is followed by a tiny curve of your mouth that widens in seconds.

“you’ll get it. but just humor me for a minute because i just want to ask you something first.” yukhei’s nodding slowly, his mind wondering and confused what this is all about. “what do you think of my sweatshirt?” you ask him coolly.

the way his brows furrow, the puzzled look that suddenly etches across his face has you softly chuckling and finding him absolutely adorable. he stares at you because you are serious. the nod in encouragement to just go along with you and answer your question he gets from you.

his eyes moves to the article of clothing in question. yukhei recalls commenting on it when you and him had decorated the christmas tree together two weeks ago. the bright white reminds him of the clean snow of last night. the thick material makes you look warm, cuddly and huggable. it increases his desire to just cozy up with you.

“i told you i liked it. maybe next year we can find a matching shirt to go with our pants,” he responds, wide eyes meeting yours once more.

another short bob of your head you give him. “and the snowflakes?”

yukhei glances down again, his gaze sweeping over the printed on red snowflakes in varying sizes all over the front. “they’re cute…” he answers. “but not as cute as you,” he teasingly adds in.

you giggle at his cheesiness and embarrassment before you’re gently pecking him on his grinning mouth. it takes a moment to regain your composure as he rubs a little at your waist through the sweatshirt.

“last question...” yukhei stops laughing but the boyish smile is still present. you give his hand a tiny squeeze and he nods because he’s ready for the question. “can you count how many snowflakes you see?” your final question you ask him.

and to say yukhei isn’t more baffled about what you are doing than he already was sixty seconds ago is an understatement. the inside of your cheeks you chew on momentarily. his hand you release as you lift both arms up just to make sure he sees them all.

despite how curious he still is about where this is all leading to, yukhei trusts you because he does what you ask. you’re silent staring at how his pillowy lips move the slightest as he murmurs off the numbers. he counts it once, his eyes going from snowflake to snowflake. then he counts them again just to be certain he didn’t miscount the first time. his unoccupied hand rises and the tip of his index finger touches each red snowflake.

after he is finished, yukhei looks at you again. “there are nine snowflakes.”

your lips you press together and the bob of your head is faint. he stares at you, eyebrows wrinkled a lot because the mischief and sweet trouble in your eyes has returned.

nine snowflakes.

you intertwine your hand with his again and bring it to your mouth, placing another kiss on the back of his hand. a lot lost yukhei is right now, wondering about what connection this has to do with his missing present.

nine snowflakes.

your free hands settles on the back of his neck. you brush back and forth his warm skin. your bottom lip catches between your teeth, certain his mind is in overdrive trying to understand.

nine snowflakes. nine snowflakes. nine snowflakes.

it’s silent. a minute and another passes. then you’re watching with delight at how his puzzled expression disappears and is replaced with one of shock and surprise as his brows relax. his hand leaves your waist and covers his wide open smile before it rises and threads through his hair. yukhei lets out a slow deep exhale. a low groan then laugh quickly follows out as he shakes his head. he pushes his frames up and stares at you in amazement.

you are truly something else.

yukhei really cannot believe it. your hand he releases. he should have realized earlier. your cheeks he cups. forehead against yours, the proximity between your and his growing beams are just centimeters apart.

“are you my present?”

his question is shy. the short faint nod in confirmation is even shyer.

“yeah, i hope you’re not disappointed.”

your hand reaches to grip gently at his shirt. his thumbs are stroking your cheeks. the shine in your gaze is obvious and the warmth is expanding in his chest. yukhei tips forward and breathes in deep.

he shakes his head slowly. “no, i’m not disappointed at all,” yukhei murmurs truthfully because with you, never he is.

then his nose bumps and grazes yours. he erases those centimeters, teasing your top lip between his. but you’re pouting ever so slightly and he chuckles breathlessly and yukhei gives you what you want.

the kiss is soft and intense.

his hold on your cheeks lowers a touch to tip your head up. your hand grips gently on the hairs on the back of his neck. his tongue little by little slides into the warmth of your mouth. your tiny whimpers come out between the wet sounds of your hungry mouths. a hand drops and his arms circles your waist to push your body closer as if you aren’t already sitting on him.

but as much as you want this to continue, there is just one more thing.

you reluctantly break away, reaching to tenderly grasp his face to pull him away. you are feeling dizzy in the best possible way and yukhei groans and chases after your mouth with an airy drunk laugh. breaths are ragged and hearts are racing. your arms move to drape over his broad shoulders while his hands move to rest on either side of your middle. he stares at you like he’s a little tipsy and a lot lovestruck. his wet plump lips are turned up into a charming smile on his face.

yukhei hums. “is that all, babe?” he teases because he’s not done.

he wants more.

always with you he is insatiable.

your laughter is light while you give him a shake of your head. your tongue peaks out to lick at your lips. “no...” your words trail off and his hands you reach for.

slowly you guide them to underneath your sweatshirt, his touch still slightly cold on your bare skin like earlier in the morning. your head turns and then your mouth is beside his ear. his hands begin to slowly roam around your skin because like a habit yukhei can’t break from. and when his touch gradually goes higher and higher until he’s grazing alongside something that was not there this morning.

your seductive chuckles tickle his skin and heart.

“unwrap me, baby.”

your lips nip the shell of his ear. the tip of your tongue teases his skin. he feels it again to make certain he isn’t hallucinating. then you slowly lean back to get a better look at his lit up face. the way you are licking your bottom lip has him doing the same. the quiet whine and the innocent pout as you flutter your lashes make him raise an eyebrow.

slowly yukhei removes his hand from underneath the sweatshirt and lifts it up. the faint and low groan escapes from his mouth as he stares at your floral laced covered breasts that are pushed very up. they look so full and perfect in the vibrant holiday red color that is so pretty on you. he wants to touch and he does, holding the sweatshirt with one hand as his other runs his tender touch over your chest. yukhei angles his head a bit and bites his lip. the delicate mesh material that wraps around you he likes too and this combination of lace and mesh has him chuckling in joy.

regardless if you have worn seductive and teasing pieces, he is still excited each time.

you’re beautiful and absolute perfection.

a little squeak you let out from his gently squeezes. your back arches a little, hoping for more of his touches. and yukhei swears he feels the slight twitch in his pajama bottoms as he smiles and laughs lowly. he is pleased at the sight of you and your reactions. both his hands work then to fold and bunch up the sweatshirt for it to not fall and cover you up. his large hands run gently up and down your sides, cherishing the softness and warmth of your flesh until he cups both of your breasts. he tears his eyes away from the flawlessness and look up to meet your eyes.

your beam is sugary and unashamed at how he is enjoying himself right now. “i know you like the tops with the zippers...” you start.

yukhei chuckles and nods within seconds because he knows exactly what you are talking about. the tops you exercise in. the tops he can’t get enough of seeing you in. the tops he still fucks you in after the exercise sessions together. the tops he leaves unzipped because you’re still the prettiest thing he has ever unwrapped.

“but it’s christmas and i wanted to give you a proper wrapping... bows and all,” you whisper with a mischievous grin.

he quirks an eyebrow. the curve of his mouth grows. “bows?”

and it takes a second for yukhei to notice the small and delicate satin bow in a matching shade sewn in the center between the cups.

yet he only sees one.

just like before you guide his hands. but instead of traveling up this time though, you shift them lower until his fingertips slip below the waistband of your pajama bottoms. yukhei gets the hint because you let go of his hands for him to undo the knot of the white drawstrings. the sweatshirt you hold up with one hand as he grabs onto the top of waistband. you grip on his shoulder gently with the other as you get on your knees. your bottoms he push down and again he’s letting out an airy laugh because he really likes what he see here too.

to your knees yukhei pushes the fabric and you’re giggling as you sit back down on his thighs. your slippers fall from your feet when you lift your legs for him to pull the pants completely off your legs. he discards the article of clothing beside him while you settle back comfortably on him. the combination of lace over your breasts and mesh wrapped around you covers your pussy as well.

the matching bow in the front of small triangle he stares at, swallowing the lump in his throat. you spread your legs. your feet move to plant firmly on the wood floors. and yukhei truly thinks you are trying to kill him because the fabric that is over your core is barely an inch wide. he gets a glimpse of your folds peeking alongside the edges. you watch as he wipes the corner of his mouth with the pad of his thumb because he’s not sure where to start and what to unwrap first.

yukhei feels another twitch in his pajama bottoms as he groans under his breath.

“this is like a two in one present, you know that?” he whispers in awe and in jest.

but to your ears, he sounds slightly amused and desperate. it has you briefly tilting your head as you laugh softly.

his hands move to grip gently your thighs before they slowly slide back. yukhei grunts lowly, happy to feel just the flesh of your soft ass because there is no back coverage. both your hands rests on his chest while your knees drop to either sides of him once more. with a sugary smile, you settle right over him. you feel the slight bulge and gasp quietly as you roll your hips again and again. he grunts again. his eyes turn downcast, watching your hips roll like waves. your movements has him growing harder and you a bit wetter while he stares.

once you stop a minute later to catch your breath, you loop your arms around him. an eyebrow of yours arches. your eyes twinkle. “so what do you think? do you like it?”

for the second time today you’re asking him. however you are simply teasing because you feel his reaction even if he does not explicitly tell you his thoughts.

regardless though yukhei nods. he really does because he’s latching onto your mouth again. the kiss is fervent and wet. your sweatshirt bit by bit falls down. you bite his lower lip while his hands squeeze your ass to elicit a moan before one them shifts a little. suddenly you feel his fingers running along the delicate fabric between your supple ass cheeks. you mewl into his mouth and he grins when he slowly pushes the barrier aside to touch your wet core.

you feel a little too warm.

your hands clutch onto his shirt. your mouth falls from his as you rise a bit to give him more room to access you. his eyes finds your still twinkling gaze. yukhei strokes you. so soft, smooth and wet you are. after a minute, he slowly pushes a finger into your pussy. he coos when you whimper against his skin. he pulls it out and pushes it back in before repeating it a handful of times. you bite down on your lower lip suppressing the pleased noises when he slides a second digit in. and the two fingers feel better than one as he continues to gently work your pussy and squeezes your ass with the other. the wet sounds of him playing with you makes you moan happily.

“mmm, i miss this,” you breathe out slowly with a tiny smile. carefully you push down on his fingers when he retracts them a little.

yukhei chuckles, letting you fuck yourself on his fingers for a moment. “you’re so wet, baby.” he slowly stops you and removes his fingers and shows the shiny coat on his skin. “look at this.”

before you can react or move forward, he licks the digits clean with a satisfied groan. your ass drops back down while your arousal shoots into your pussy watching him grin blissfully when he is done. you lean in and kiss him, hoping for a little remnant of yourself. it's faint and he hears the little sighs into his mouth.

when he breaks from you, foreheads press together. you bring a hand to his lips and outline his wet lips with your fingers.

“is the soon now?” yukhei quietly asks with a teasing lip bite.

your laugh is breathless, remembering what he had asked before. his eyes sparkle.

“just one thing,” you reply serenely.

he nods, the beam on his face so brilliant and charming right now. you back away. what you so desperately want is already in your mind as you move down his long legs a bit to get to the drawstrings of his pajama bottoms. yukhei watches your eager fingers work on the knot while he threads his fingers through his hair to push back the strands. he fixes his glasses just as you pull down the front of his pajama bottoms to reveal the black fabric of his boxer briefs. he hears the light sounds from your smiling lips while you stare in awe at the bulge.

yukhei grunts and you push up your sleeves of the sweatshirt and palm his straining cock. the gold around your wrist against the black fabric makes him moan proudly.

you look up. “can i baby?” your request is sugary and the small tilt of his head he gestures lets you know to continue on.

his t-shirt you push up, revealing to you the leopard print waistband that you hook your fingers onto. you work to bring the front down. it takes a few tugs of the tight material and his cock is released. his groan fills your ears and you feel another rush into your pussy.

he's hard and looking delicious and your mouth begins to water. but before you make your move, you work again to get the fitted fabric pushed down enough for his balls to come out too. you want them as well. and once you are successful, you glance up briefly at him. the curve of your pretty and slightly swollen lips is so sweet and innocent as yukhei spreads out his arms against the seats of the couch. he can’t stop his soft chuckles at how you look and what you are going to do.

“go ahead.” he whispers lovingly.

your eyes turn downcast at the green light and you reach for his cock. the soft grip has him grunting again but much louder this time. your touch starts from the base to the tip in slow and tantalizing strokes. he inhales deeply and lets it out slow. your wrist rotates up and down around his cock that is growing with every twist of your hand.

you let go of his cock and t-shirt and scoot down his legs a bit more until you are comfortable in a position to your liking. then you lower yourself, the front of your sweatshirt grazing his pajama bottoms. yukhei holds onto the hem of his shirt against his torso as you grip his cock again. sliding your hand up and down repeatedly once more, you shoot him a fleeting teasing smile. your free hand presses on his thigh and your tongue darts out. your gaze stays on him when you take your first leisure lick of the underside of his length like it’s an ice cream cone.

how you have truly missed this with his recent schedules and practices and your own work.

you hum with happiness at his pleased grin. then one and two more licks you take before your lips eagerly cover the tip. you gently suck the head and yukhei sharply sucks in a deep breath. but then the way you put a bit more suction has him letting out a moan. you feel the confidence in you swell. a little lower you go until your mouth reaches your fist still holding him. your mouth feels so warm and he shudders while you pull back and go back down again.

“baby, your mouth feels so fucking good,” yukhei moans without restraints.

you freeze for a moment.

as much you love how his cock feels in your hands, it does not compare to the feeling of him in your mouth. it feels so much more. you relish the heaviness in your mouth. you enjoy the veins and ridges against your tongue. you move back again, the wetness from your mouth visible on his cock as a lone line of saliva trails from your mouth to his tip. you giggle and yukhei chuckles lowly at the slight messiness whenever you blow him. he watches your hands begin to stroke him using the wetness you left behind. you tip forward, your tongue coming out again. this time it’s to swirl around the head while your touch works the base. his moans echoes the wet sounds of your touches on his cock.

soft laughter slips from your lips. “mmm, do you like that baby?” another swirl of your tongue. yukhei groans, staring intently at you and the curve of your ass slightly in the air at this position. “missed this so much.”

you tilt your head a bit and press your tongue flat on the underside and drag the wet muscle up. you repeat it a few of times and the moans from deep within his throat pleases you too much.

“you like being licked like that? hmm? tell me what you want,” you tease.

the groan yukhei releases is his only response because the base of his cock firms a little. your mouth wraps around the head again. a handful of soft tantalizing sucks, you slowly start descending down on his cock once more. inch by inch he disappears into your mouth. he wants to shut his eyes for a second at the pleasure, but he doesn’t want to miss a moment.

he groans. “fuck, babe.”

you bob your head, moving your mouth on him the way he likes before popping him gently from your mouth. yukhei notices the bit of saliva on your chin when you look up at him and reaches forward to tenderly wipe it away. you hum softly in appreciation while your hand moves up his cock while the other rub at his thighs. his hand rests on the back of your head, caressing you affectionately. your thumb brushes back and forth over the slit as your hand gently moves his cock up a little more so you can have a taste of something else for a minute.

your head angles a bit, nearly laying on his thigh when you lean forward and kiss and kitten lick his balls. he huffs loudly when you delicately suck on them and curses when your mouth widens to carefully cradle them in your mouth. the warmth combined with the tender swipes of your tongue around them, you feel the tiny bit of stickiness on the pad of your thumb that has been rubbing his slit. yukhei tears his eyes away from you and shifts his gaze to his cock.

it’s reddening and he is desperate for more.

and yukhei thinks you might be thinking the same because you release his balls. you sit up for a second. then eyes connect as you bring your thumb up to your wet lips and suck on what’s there.

his laugh is warm and soft when your lower lip juts out in a playful little pout. “i want more, yukhei.”

you turn back to his cock, your mind imagining how he will be releasing into your mouth. then yukhei watches with pleasure at your enthusiasm as you lower yourself again. he stares at your smiling lips encasing over his cock. he is halfway nestled in the warmth of your mouth before you start bobbing your head.

yukhei lifts his other arm away from the couch, both hands settle on the back of your head while your mouth moves up and down. he doesn’t push you forward or keep you down. he just wants to hold you someway somehow right now. the loud wet sucking sounds of you enjoying his cock fills his ears and makes him feel bigger in your mouth and pride in his chest. after a minute you pull back for a few deep breaths. the smile on your face when you make eye contact with him is sugary and satisfied before you return to the task of sucking him.

but as much as yukhei always enjoy his cock in your mouth and he feels the slightest tightness in his stomach, the box on the table catches his attention.

he really has missed you.

yukhei wants to feel you differently for now. he wants to feel more than the warmth of your mouth.

“babe...”

your eyes turn up to him when you feel the gentle pats on your head. you reluctantly take him out and hum softly. he pushes his locks back. “can you stop and sit up?”

he chuckles at the faint frown on your face. regardless though you obliged but not without one parting lick from the base to the top with a light kiss to the tip. then you’re sitting up and slowly dragging yourself up his legs to his thighs with your knees grazing the wood floors. his hands cups your heated face and brings you closer so he can kiss you.

it’s chaste and sweet despite what your mouth has been doing the last few minutes.

you break apart from him. “you know, i was enjoying that,” you murmur in teasing sadness alongside his grinning lips.

yukhei laughs and it makes the bottom of your lip jut out. but then the brushes on your skin makes you feel a bit better. “i was too, baby.” you whimper in response because you want him. “but i was thinking of something else we can enjoy first,” he whispers softly.

you shoot him a questioning look. the box of condoms yukhei reaches for and holds in front of you. your lips break out in a bright beam. you place a peck on the tip of his nose and hum quietly.

“i can still finish later though,” you insist with a twinkle in your eyes.

he nods, laughing once again. “most definitely, babe.”

your delighted squeal thinks maybe he shouldn’t have let you finished. but then you fist his cock again, going up and down as his fingers are sliding underneath the glue flaps of the box. you lean back a bit and place your feet on the floor to spread you legs a little wider. how wet you were before, you are more now because he sees the faintest darker shade of the fabric. his fingers gradually freeze and yukhei can’t help but smirk when you shift a few inches closer. one hand rest on his knees behind you and carefully you lift your hips up.

then yukhei watches, entranced at how you begin to rub the underside of his cock alongside your cloth pussy. he feels the slightest graze of your folds. you whimper. your hips roll. your face warms. you are ready, excited and know exactly what you’re doing to him because his hand moves to rest on your hips.

“when are you going to unwrap me, baby?” you mewl seductively. “mmm, yukhei, i want your cock.”

and reluctantly his eyes leave the teasing show to look at you. what he finds is a sweet yet wicked look etched on your face. you whimper once more; the sound so enticing and desperate.

yukhei shakes his head and bites his lip. “you’re going to kill me,” he chuckles almost bashfully.

his words instantly make you giggle and you stop the motions of your hips. but you continue with tender caresses of his cock as he focus on ripping what he needs. the box he places back on the coffee table and you sit back down on his thighs, knees falling to the floor again. you watch in anticipation while he rips the foil. you let go of his cock for him to slowly roll the condom over his harden length. he grunts under his breath at the sensitivity.

you rise on your knees. “can i ride you?” you request.

the tip he pinches as he glimpses between you and the wooden floor. he pats your thigh. “stand up,” he says gently.

hands on his shoulders, you push yourself up to stand. yukhei glances up at you. for a moment you think he’s going to pull your underwear down. but he doesn’t. instead he reaches to rub you tenderly in the front, feeling the lace and mesh.

“so pretty,” he quietly murmurs with a smile.

your face warms and yukhei brings himself up. his pajama bottoms slightly falls and he pushes them down until they’re at his feet. he steps out of them and his slippers before he takes a seat on the couch. his legs spread and a hand goes around his cock. you watch him give it a few long strokes and pumps.

yukhei looks up, the ends of his mouth curling up. “come here, baby.” he tells you, patting his thigh.

you walk the short distance and your hand he takes as you climb onto the couch and straddle his thighs once again. your feet on either side of him, he throws his head back a little. his hands massages your thighs and you hum at the tender strokes on your skin and the soft look on his face.

“is this okay? i didn’t want you hurting your knees on the floor. i thought it would be more comfortable like this,” he whispers.

your head tilts a bit. the warmth on your cheeks intensifies.

always sweet he is.

yukhei slowly begins folding up your sweatshirt again. his thumbs brushing over your lace covered your nipples. “yeah, i’m good,” you reassure him with a little grin.

you lift one of his hands and press a kiss to the middle of his palm. soon enough your eyes turn downcast. his cock you are holding gently and firmly again. you rise, crouching with your legs parted and your feet placed against the couch because this angle will be better. immediately yukhei cups your ass, massaging the exposed soft flesh. one hand grips onto his shoulder.

his long finger hooks onto the fabric between your ass, pulling it to the side again and away from your core. you hum happily at the slight coolness.

he gives you a soft nod. “let’s go, baby.”

with eyes connected and matching beams on your faces, you guide yourself down onto his cock. you mewl at the tip entering your pussy. the stretch feels too good and you can’t stop from huffing. he grunts lowly in his throat at the different kind of cozy his cock is surrounded by right now.

“yeah, keep going,” yukhei encourages faintly and affectionately.

when you are halfway down, you rise up until it’s just his tip is in you again. a deep breath you take and he watches you lick your lips before you sink back down just halfway. you repeat this once and then again, each time making him groan and want you a little more.

then the base of his cock you finally let go. his eyes lower and your hand goes to your knee. yukhei manages to settle a hand on your waist to steady you without looking away. his plump lips are slightly parted at the sight of his cock little by little disappearing.

your walls feel like velvet and his cock feels at home.

and slowly but surely he fills you up, making you chew on the inside of your cheeks at the wonderful feeling of his cock finally and completely in your pussy after the last few weeks. you stare at him and his face is in awe. his cheeks puff out and his tongue sweeps across his curling lips. your body shifts and stills to adjust to him. he looks at where you and him connect and his hands rise up to make certain your sweatshirt will stay up so he can see your bouncing breasts. his head lifts to find you watching him with a sparkle in your eyes.

you giggle softly. “did you enjoy the show?” you coo.

yukhei wants to laugh. he wants to tell you he can watch you sinking down on his cock every day. but then you suddenly bounce once and twice and he thinks what he wants to tell you can maybe wait until later. your hands move to fist his t-shirt and his hand wipes across his mouth before they fall to his side. he’s watches the tiny smirk form on your face as you pant and fuck yourself down on his cock.

“mmm, yukhei. you feel so big, baby,” you whine, the sensations spreading through your body.

your covered breasts bounce with each of your movements despite being still covered and yukhei thinks the sight is absolutely hypnotizing. he huffs before smiling almost dreamily at you. he reaches for them, his light massages on your breasts makes you whimper.

you slow your movements as his large hands cups them. gradually your knees lower and it takes a moment to steady your heavy breathing. his eyes find yours and you hum. within seconds then you start to roll your hips.

yukhei grunts and you grin. a deep breath you take to start up a consistent rhythm that makes him drop his hands from your breasts to grip onto your hips.

he moans loudly. “yeah, baby, ride me. you like this, don’t you?” he swallows the large gulps of air as a sweet giggle suddenly escapes from you. your hands spread on his chest for better balance. never too slow and never too fast, you keep the nice and enticing pace going for a few minutes.

his half lidded eyes dance around you. he is mesmerized by the blissed look on your face and your slightly open mouth with the whines rolling out.

a hand rises and he cradles your cheek. yukhei leans forward and his lips finds yours in a bit of a messy and wet kiss. you moan into his mouth. he nips at you and the roll of your hips gradually halt so you can savor the kiss. noses brush against each other. his tongue glides into your mouth and your hands slide up to slither your arms around his neck loosely.

you pull back first, needing air and he hums softly and approvingly at how you lick your semi swollen lips. the upward curl of his wet lips is charming while yukhei settles his hand on your hip again. he nudges you gently and you laugh lightly before you start up once more, rocking down on his cock. you feel so full. your arms remain around his neck. a little quicker you move. your face stay so close to his. he watches you with fascination and love. it has you feeling heat spread over your cheeks.

yukhei coos with each of your moans that you let out. his hands reach behind and he squeezes your ass. he closes the small distance between your mouth and this time the kiss is quick, but sweet. he smiles so lovingly yet you see the way his eyes darken a little.

he hums. “do you want a little help?”

you can’t help the tiny squeak that comes out. you can’t stop yourself from slowly grinning a little bit too much as you nod faintly because you like what will be happening next. you angle forward. he sits up a bit. your forehead is just mere inches away from his. your arms are still around him, but your hands are fisting his shirt by his collar behind his neck.

within seconds, he grips on your ass tightly. faint crescent moons are pressed into your supple ass.

and yukhei is helping you along.

he moves you up and down, making you fuck yourself on his cock harder and faster. your mind is suddenly in a blur. the pace you had before is nothing like this. this is what he wants after the time apart. he is relentless and you feel yourself sink into the euphoria of his cock stroking your walls.

you whine. “fuck, yukhei. baby, fuck .” your face and your sounds are desperate. “mmm, oh yeah, baby. fuck, baby.”

the air around him feels thicker. his breathing becomes heavier against your skin. the sounds from you grow higher and come out quicker. the tingling builds in your stomach. the sweatshirt falls once more and it’s hot. you want to open the window for the cold winter air. but you can’t utter a word of it because all you want is to get to your high.

“oh fuck,” you moan. “faster, baby.”

and for a split second yukhei manages to chuckle. “are you close?” he groans out.

he is. he is so close because that slight tightness from when you were blowing him has been increasing ever since. but he wants it for you first. you nod, your whimpers begging him for more.

yukhei smiles softly. “don’t look away, okay? stay with me, baby.”

and with eyes remaining as steady as possible with one another, he grants your wish. you’re fucking down on his cock quicker and with more force. his grip tightens and the muscles on his arms are more apparent. the pressure in your stomach grows and grows.

“come on, baby. you got this.”

yukhei encourages into your skin until you do.

your body is trembling as you sob out his name. there is a slight wetness at the corners of your eyes. your pants are heavy as you lean towards him, your damp forehead pressing against his own damp skin. you can’t fight it as your eyes shut for a moment. yukhei holds you tight and tries his best to breathe through his nose as he relishes the quick and sweet squeezes of your walls around his cock.

slowly your gaze find his that has remained on your face and you stare with a small and almost shy smile at how he’s licking his lips.

a little more pressure he needs.

yukhei hums. “you okay?”

a nod you give him and leisurely he begins to guide you back and forth on his cock. you’re so sensitive and the adorable whine that slips from you makes yukhei let out a breathless chuckle. your arms unwrap from around him and you place them on his board shoulders. a deep breath you take. your heart still thumps a little bit quicker than normal. but you shoot him a sweet grin.

“let me, babe.”

he had given you your high. you will give him his.

yukhei bobs his head as your knees dig a bit into the seat below him while the top of your feet anchors onto his thighs. his hands settle on your hips. soon enough they moving, alternating between deep circular motions and hard thrusts down.

he huffs, his release just around the corner. “mmm, yeah. keep fucking yourself on me, baby.”

your eyes stay connected and breaths stay ragged. the living room fills with quiet whimpers and low grunts. the pressure in him builds with each of motions of your hips. you let go of his shoulder and he nods and chuckles as you work to push up the sweatshirt that has fallen.

one of his hand reaches to cup your breast and you let out a tiny squeak. the added visual of just how truly beautiful you are to him, the remembrance that he is the only one who can touch you, does the trick. yukhei is digging his fingertips into your hips. his head he throws back and he lets out a string of whispered curses. he feels himself throb inside your faintly clenching walls.

you feel happy and tilt towards him to bestow kisses on his cheek. you shift, burying your face into the crook of his neck and take a deep breath. you rest for a minute and he lets you stay like this until you lift your head away and turn to him. yukhei does the same. he pushes up his glasses and you can’t help but notice how he looks a little fucked. the laugh you let out is like sugar and too infectious. he lazily removes himself from the back of the seat to get closer to you. his arms wrap around your waist, sneaking underneath the sweatshirt as your hands cup his face for a short moment before your arms go around his neck. you feel his thumb caressing lazy circles on your skin.

your eyes take in his content and relaxed face. you tip forward to place a chaste affectionate kiss on his puckered lips.

you smile alongside his mouth. “hi.”

his eyes shine. “hi yourself.”

a few inches you draw back to get a better look at his face once more. your gaze sweeps over his features and his soft look.

“you know you were suppose to unwrap me before you fuck me,” you murmur with a teasing and sweet curve of your lips.

yukhei shakes his head faintly. the curl of his mouth expands in front of your eyes and matches yours. “i thought it would be better to unwrap you on the bed,” he tells you with his voice soft and tone just as teasing.

the way your face lights up is unmistakable yukhei lets out an airy laugh that makes you feel warm. “but let me pull out first.”

you nod and shift back a little. he holds the base and you watch as he tugs himself out, a thread like string of your high is visible before it breaks. you pout at the lost connection. yukhei holds his cock, careful of not getting anything on his boxer briefs or his t-shirt even if he is certain laundry will be done at some time today. he leans forward to place a gentle peck to your lips.

“i’ll clean this up and meet you in the bedroom, okay? go wait for me.” yukhei whispers to you, giggling when your frown turns upside down.

one more fleeting kiss and he rests a hand on the side of your thigh as you unfold your legs and turn on his lap. you place your bare feet on the floor and stand, giving him a view of your smooth ass. but your legs feel like jelly and you are wet and sticky in between your legs. you hear the amused sound behind you and you freeze briefly to steady your balance. his hand holds on your elbow to steady you.

a second passes before you takes a step, giving yukhei the space to stand up himself. he lets go of your elbow and your feet slip into your slippers while he does the same. you turn around and press a slow and intense kiss to his mouth. yukhei pushes forward a bit, making you sigh and feeling a little bit more wet than you already are. but before he has a chance to slide his tongue into your warm mouth, you pull back. he watches the faint glimmer and mischief flickering in your eyes as your tongue peeks out to lick your lips.

yukhei nods with a twitch of his own wet lips. “i’ll be quick.”

walking through the wrapping paper and mess on the floor, you part ways. to the bathroom he turns to while you move towards the bedroom.

the bed you usually have made in the morning is still messy. a holiday you tell yourself. and besides, it will be messy soon again anyway. you go to the large window to pull back the matching curtains from living room. you turn around and take the handful of steps to the bed. your slippers drop from your feet when you crawl on the mattress. two pillows you haphazardly put on top of one another before you lay down. you quietly sigh, curling onto your side as you bring your hand up. you eye the eighteen carat gold wrapped around your wrist.

you feel the flips of your stomach. the words engraved you whisper to yourself. you feel the warmth spreading from your chest to the tip of your toes.

he is something else entirely in a league of his own.

and when yukhei comes in a few minutes later, he finds you staring and enamored at the present. your fingertips graze the jewelry while the box of condoms he has brought in from the living room is placed on his bedside table. your gaze finally turns to look up at him. his cock is tucked back into his underwear. his hair is tied back in a little ponytail on the top of his head. combined with the frames on his face, you love this look on him.

yukhei tilts his glasses up on his handsome face. a faint smile ghosts your face. “i love my present,” you tell him in the quietness.

how in love he is with you no one will ever understand.

yukhei chuckles in response. “and i love mines.”

your face heats up within seconds. he climbs onto the bed, the mattress dipping a bit at the added weight. your eyes never break from his as yukhei moves to sit on the heels of his feet. he places his hands on your knees and twists you around until you’re laying flat on your back.

you hum, the sparkle shimmering in your eyes. yukhei drops tender kisses on your knees. “come on baby, let me see,” he whispers.

and then your legs he parts. the vibrant holiday red of the fabric against your core is no longer because it is soaked in your wetness. it’s darker now and the pleased laughter rolls out his grinning mouth. you tilt your head. he runs a hand over his lips.

you chew on the inside of your bottom lip. “i’m so sticky.” you jut your lower lip out playfully.

yukhei chuckles because he knows what you want. he shifts, reaching for the thin band of your underwear. slowly but surely he unwraps you. the fabric he drags down your legs and once it’s completely and finally off of you, he drops it on the floor. you spread your legs open immediately. you let out the sweet sighs of relief and contentment as cool air grazes your pussy. it really feels so nice and yukhei thinks it really looks so nice because he marvels at the glisten of your folds and core.

he licks his lips. “tell me what you want, baby?” yukhei asks, grabbing a pillow besides him.

for a moment he fluffs it before he’s tapping on your hips to rise. he tucks it underneath your ass. his hands rub your thighs softly as you shift a bit, adjusting to the angle and added height to your bottom. the sweatshirt still on your body has risen and the peek of lace and mesh underneath yukhei sees when you stop moving. he pushes up the white material a few inches to watch the steady rise and fall of your lace covered breasts. he reaches up and cups both of them. soft massages and light caresses over your nipples has you humming.

no matter how powerful his hands can be, lifting up twenty five pound weights to boxing and hitting punching bags, his touches are the softest and most affectionate.

yukhei brings his attention back up to your face. you play pretend, thinking for a second to an answer for his question. the sweet trouble and the teasing returns.

“i want your cock again, yukhei,” you state so calmly and innocently.

the void between your legs and the emptiness in your pussy you want and need to be filled once more.

yukhei smirks and feels the satisfaction in him while letting out an airy laugh and nods. it’s a simple request that he can definitely do again. he gets comfortable sitting on his heels and you stare as palms himself. he has a slight bulge already from what you can see. excited you are once more.

“but how about…”

he parts open your legs a little wider and pushes them up. his large hands presses down on the underside of your thighs. your gaze he finds again.

“i just take a taste first, okay?” he smiles because he really cannot resist.

not when you are so wet. not when he hasn’t eaten you in so long.

you don’t hesitate to quickly nod, the curve of your lips widening because you love his tongue in your pussy as well. yukhei watches as your hand goes to your still slightly sensitive pussy. you whimper, sliding two fingers alongside your folds before parting them from the stickiness and inviting him. the sight has him beaming foolishly, eyes fixated at you teasing yourself and him. then his body lowers and his face descends between your legs. your hand you remove and you lightly hold onto the corners of the pillows underneath your head. you let out a content purr when you hear him take the deep breath against your pussy, inhaling the scent of you.

it should make you shy. but instead it makes you feel simply wanted and loved.

the first lick yukhei bestows upon your pussy has you whining. he hums in satisfaction as your juices coat his tongue. he listens to the heavy breaths you’re taking from above and another lick he takes.

how much you enjoy sucking him, he enjoys eating you just as much.

“baby…”

yukhei chuckles at your neediness, the air tickling your core. a handful of kitten licks he gives it. then gradually he begins to suck, taking your clit and folds between his plump lips. you’re whimpering now, your hands moving to grip onto the bedsheets. you try rolling your hips or closing your legs around him. but it is impossible. his hold on you is tender yet firm as yukhei eats your pussy like he’s kissing your lips.

sweet yet intense.

slow but desperate.

and when his tongue is diving deep into your heat and your back arches off the bed with a loud gasp, you are reminded of the way his tongue slides into your mouth.

smooth and hungry.

it draws loud moans from your open mouth. “fuck, baby, fuck.”

yukhei does it again before his wet muscle retreats a little. he goes back to licking and sucking your clit, the sounds echoing in the bedroom. you lift your head a little and move your hand to his head.

you gently flick his tiny apple ponytail and lightly tap him. it takes a moment to pull his attention from eating and enjoying you before he actually looks up. you let out a tiny pleased squeal at his pillowy lips that are shiny and his chin that is glossy. the charming smile his mouth is forming makes your face warm and you desperately want a taste.

you playfully scrunch up your nose. “sharing is caring.” your voice is sweet and your eyes twinkle.

yukhei laughs lowly and bends his head down to your core again. he sucks on your clit a few more times and laps up what he can before he pushes himself up. he hovers over you within seconds. your arms circle his neck and you bring him closer to capture his lips in yours. you moan into his mouth, your essence you are savoring on him sends a rush to your pussy. the kiss is messy and frantic. your hand threads up his neck to hold and angle him a bit. your tongue slips into his mouth. your feet lowers and your toes graze the back of his legs.

he pulls apart a minute later for air to fill his lungs. with a delighted smile, you take a quick swipe across his plump lips and pepper a handful of soft kisses and short licks over his chin. it has you and him giggling incessantly.

a faint tug you feel on your sweatshirt. “you ready to take this off?”

you playfully hold out your arms. “i’ve been waiting,” you answer.

yukhei shakes his head in amusement, grabbing the hem of it. it takes a little effort for it to be over your head and off your arms. the heat is on, but there is still the slightest hint of winter air in the room. you feel your nipples hardening. he drops the sweatshirt besides you on the bed and turns his gaze down, fixated at just how beautiful you are and how lucky he is. his wide eyes shine brighter than the lights on the christmas tree in the living room. he bends down until he’s over you once again.

“i didn’t want you getting cold,” yukhei informs you truthfully and shyly.

his response makes your face heat and your heart skips. you tilt your head, moistening your lips while your fingertips trace the boyish grin etching on his face.

you nod faintly. “then keep me warm,” you challenge him.

his breath fans your skin when he laughs lowly. his nose brushes yours and yukhei grazes your lips like feathers tickling you until you’re pouting a little. he kisses you again, but it isn’t for long because his mouth detaches from yours with a parting bite and travels down to your neck. you inhale deeply to calm your thumping heart as your head turns and eyes close. he’s licking and sucking at your damp skin for a moment and then journeys lower. he bestows kisses from your collarbone to your right shoulder before starting the path to the lace and mesh he has yet to discard from your body.

sweet sighs leave your mouth when your feel the light sucks to your covered nipples. your hand reaches to stroke the back of his head and the nape of his neck. yukhei works them until there is a very wet spot over the tip of them. his face he buries between the valleys of your breasts and he breathes in deep. he smiles faintly to himself, loving the scent of everything on your skin right now.

slowly your eyes open just as his hands cup your breasts to give it a gentle squeeze. you whimper when he’s moving back. yukhei sits on his heels once more. you push and prop yourself up on your elbows as he palms himself again.

you fix your eyes to where his hand is. “how hard are you right now, baby?”

the question comes out with a sugary beam. the look you give him is sweet.

you turn your attention back to his face momentarily. yukhei coolly adjusts his glasses with a confident lip bite, signaling you to be prepared. but you playfully swoon and it makes him break out in a light fit of giggles. he rubs over his shielded cock and your gaze directs back down. the hem of his t-shirt he lifts. his fingers hook onto the front of the leopard print waistband of his boxer briefs. the black fabric he lowers and his cock gradually comes out until it is in full view.

he smirks so boldly. “yeah, baby, i’m good.”

yukhei tells you as if you don’t see it for yourself. he tells you as if the faint little squeals aren’t slipping from your smiling mouth at how hard his cock is again. he tells you as if you aren’t admiring at the reddening head.

you mewl in anticipation and stare with delight as yukhei pushes his underwear all the way down and shifts on the bed to take them off his long legs. he drops it on the floor and turns back to you. he kneels in front of you again and you stare at him. the grin on his face is mischievous and his eyes are filled with want and teasing trouble. he reaches for the hem of his t-shirt and pulls it over his head in one swift motion. he tosses it to the floor too. then he looks at you from atop his round gold frames before he tilts them back up and runs his tongue over his teeth. a beam full of coolness and a quirk of his brows, yukhei places his hands behind his head like a model for you.

he’s beautiful inside and out.

the muscles on his arms are visible and you can outline each of the curves with your eyes. the lines on his torso are prominent. the v line you had a sneak peek of this morning when he stretched is now fully visible. and then he is flexing. you’re left chuckling softly with very heated cheeks, sparkling eyes and another quick rush to your pussy when he also throws a wink in your direction.

“still think i’m hot, babe?” yukhei questions teasingly.

you nod with a wide smile, going to him in seconds to erase the short distance between your bodies. you lick at his hard nipples. kisses you dot over his chest and down to the head of the lion inked onto his pretty and smooth skin before moving back up. your fingers reach up to grasp his jawline, pulling him to your mouth to kiss him eagerly. his hands drop and he slips them between your bodies. you part away in time to see him fist himself.

his strokes move up and down smoothly. your stare dances between his hand and his dark gaze that is watching your reaction. glee and enthusiasm color your face and fills your eyes. there is a tiny amount of precum sitting at the head of his cock. when he is able to hold eye contact with you for a mere moment longer, yukhei gestures to the box of condoms on his bedside table with a jut of his chin.

he huffs. “can you get one for me?”

you hum, shuffle back to get it. you open the box and tear one from the rest and shift back towards him again.

his free hand extends for the item in your grasp. you put it in his palm and his words of gratitude is soft. within a second of his hand letting go of his cock so he can open the package, your touch replaces his. he’s so heavy as always in your hands. the feeling of those ridges and veins you had against your tongue earlier are prominent under your gentle strokes. the penny sized amount of precum that grows makes you swallow the dry lump in your throat. you shoot yukhei a quick devilish look as he pulls out the condom.

“how about i just take a taste?”

and the question he had asked you rings in his ears now. his deep laughter makes you sweetly bat your lashes at him because a taste of his cock you already had. yukhei nods with the small smile appearing on his face soon afterwards.

you make sure he is looking at you as you move forward and your lips wrap around the head. you moan in satisfaction at the stickiness that coats your tongue. you feel the wetness pooling in your pussy. yukhei’s deep laughter turns into a deep groan above as you suckle on the tip like a lollipop. he gives you a minute, staring at your hands caressing his length that is not in your mouth. gradually your lips moves back and your tongue twists and sweeps around his tip that is growing sensitive. he pats you on your head.

there’s a little love drunk smile on his face. “baby, you ready?” he pants out.

you nod. “i will finish later,” you declare because you want him painting your mouth and throat. one last flick of your tongue across the slit has yukhei chuckling.

“we can both finish, later.” you hum in joy at the thought of his tongue and lips against your pussy again. you lean up and press a kiss to his chest right above his beating heart and the action warms his soul. “can you lay down for me?” he requests lovingly.

a bob of you head you give him and you move away and back. the corners of your mouth twitch up. you return to your previous position and get comfortable with the pillows underneath you once more. your arms you throw over your head in a little stretch as yukhei rolls on the condom over his cock with a sharp breath. when he pinches the tip, he glances up at you. your legs are folded, lifted and spread like before. your glistening pussy is inviting him once more to be loved and filled.

“fuck me, yukhei,” you sweetly command.

the way you are staring at him with your eyes and smile shining is blinding. he licks the ends of his lips and smirks as he moves across the bed, closing the space to get to you. then one hand he holds onto you hip while his other grips the base of his cock. you reach out, softly clutching his hard muscles. your head rises, hoping to get a glimpse of him sliding into pussy.

but he doesn’t.

yukhei ends up rubbing his cock over your aching core. you whine. “babe, you’re teasing me.” the pout on your face is cute. he shakes his head with a giggle before kissing it away gently.

then yukhei shifts, pumping his cock with a few swift strokes before he’s over you once again. you and him watch and moan together as he carefully and gradually guides himself into your wetness. despite the session on the couch and his mouth, the stretch remains tantalizing.

yukhei grunts. “you like the show, baby?”

halfway in and he remembers your question in between the dizzying feelings. your tear your eyes from the connection of your bodies to twist it up at him. his lips are pressed tightly together, his dimples making an appearance. he draws in some air for his lungs and exhales slowly.

little by little he pulls out. you whine and chew on your lower lip. yukhei pushes forward again, deeper than he had been in before.

“hmm, you feel so fucking good,” you gasp out.

your attention lowers back once more to finish watching him sink into you. the pride spreads in him as you shift and whimper, your head falls back down on the pillow. you're panting and feeling full. his free hand sets on the underside of your thigh, gently rubbing it. he smiles softly at you. a deep breath you take as you relish the feeling of him in you again. gazes connect and glow with want and love.

“yukhei, please move, baby,” you’re nearly begging.

he is chuckling but he does.

his thrusts are slow and affectionate. his grip on your hip tightens a touch. the pretty melody coming from you mixes with the huffs from him. the hand on your thigh continues to stay, helping to keep your legs open and spread wide so he can see so clearly how he is fucking you.

“yeah, you like this, baby?” yukhei coos, his pace steady. “me fucking you again?”

you moan, you body feeling warmer. “mmhmm, yeah, baby.” your hands drop, fingers clutching to his forearms before they go to the pillows beneath your head firmly. “yeah, fuck, baby. faster, yukhei.” your request is sweet and needy and he watches the teasing smile appear on your face with each of his thrusts.

so fucking good he feels. so fucking good it feels to have his cock stroke your walls.

yukhei looks down, his eyes outlining at how your legs are. deeper he can go into you like this. your pussy is swallowing each of his thrusts. he tears his eyes away from the beautiful image to look at you. your face is so pretty with your sparking eyes and your parted mouth. whimpers roll out without abandonment.

“harder, baby,” you gasp out.

it feels so amazing. you feel so amazing right now.

he picks up a little speed and puts a little more force into his thrusts at your words. beyond the pride and confidence he feels spreading in his chest, yukhei feels the love. only he can fuck you, feel you and make you release the prettiest melodies.

“yeah, baby, like that. mmm, please don’t stop,” you whimper.

your covered breasts still bounce despite their confinements. he lets out a low devilish laugh under his breath before a smile spreads across his face. he lowers his eyes again, moaning and fixating on the beauty of his cock sliding in and out so smoothly.

yukhei swallows the thick air around him. “you take my cock so well. look how fucking deep you can take it.” you wished you can, but you can’t. the pleasure coursing through you feels too wonderful for you to want to do anything but to let him fuck you over and over. his gaze finds yours, his hips pushing forward quicker and harder. “this how you want me to fuck you, baby? you feel so amazing.”

you nod, the sound of his cock pumping into your wetness combining with your whimpers turning into desperate moans fill the bedroom. it's feeling too hot and the pressure again starts up in the pit of your stomach.

“you fuck me so good,” you pant. your fingers tighten on the pillowcase. you lick your lips. “mmm, yeah, so good.”

yukhei groans. his cheeks puffing up momentarily at the sudden heat in his own abdomen. the sight and the noises of you he can be surrounded with all day. his hand leaves your hip and goes to your breasts. you watch and expect him to slide his hand underneath and flick on the tiny hooks. but he doesn’t. instead his large heated hand tugs out your breasts in two quick motions. your bouncing breasts are exposed and you gasp out loudly. within seconds your nipples are hardening a bit more from the air. yukhei chuckles and moans at how they jiggle so freely.

he reaches for them. a light squeeze to your supple flesh and brushes over your nipples elicit a needy whine and yukhei grunts. his thrusts quicken even more, his hips snapping so rhythmically and in an instant the whines from you come out higher.

yukhei smirks, the confidence soaring through his body. “yeah, baby. you’re doing so good for me,” he groans out.

despite his praise, you feel the position getting to you. the soreness is starting to set in. you let go of the pillow. your hands grip onto your thighs, keeping them open for him.

your world is spinning. “fuck, baby. make me come, yukhei.” your desperate words sound so beautiful.

the tingling in your abdomen is really undeniable. you can’t stop your eyes from falling shut. the air around you feels too heavy.

so close. so close. so close.

the hard and deep thrusts, his cock dragging against your pussy walls relentlessly contrasts to the way yukhei softly coos. “babe, look at me.” your heart beats rapidly and your breaths are uneven. “come on, baby, eyes on me.” and his gentle words coax you and bit by bit until your eyes open to meet a charming and adoring smile on his face.

he leans down. his hips slow just a touch so he is able to press a full and soft kiss to your mouth. you let go of one of your thighs to reach up and cup his damp cheek. the pad of your thumb brushes his bottom lip momentarily when he pulls away. yukhei puckers his mouth against your skin.

“are you close?” his question is quiet and you manage out a long high whimper. he starts to fuck you faster again. the ends of his mouth curl up. “i got you,” he tells you affectionately.

then both his hands grasp your hips while your hands pull at your thighs once more to hold them apart. his goal to make you reach your high he sets to as his pace becomes so fucking sweet and delicious.

“yukhei, yukhei, mmm, baby.” the moans roll out of you and it fans the fire in his stomach. “fuck, yukhei.”

and when your velvet walls begin to contract and the cry of his name echoes in the bedroom, you try your hardest to keep your slightly glazed eyes steadily on him. yukhei smiles warmly and so proudly at the you. he slows his movements, but never stops. his praises are gentle and loving. he watches the quick rise and fall of your chest as your hands fall beside you, unable to hold your trembling thighs.

but yukhei catches them.

softly he brings them to wrap around his waist. he rubs and massages at your flesh until you calm a bit, the walls of your pussy pressing around his cock between longer periods. he inclines forward again. the tiny shift of his cock still nestled inside causes you to squeak.

half a dozen short and loving pecks he presses on you. “just a little more,” yukhei murmurs with a tiny glint in his gaze.

a soft beam appears as he moves back into position. he takes a deep breath and watches that despite how spent you are, you reach up to cup your breasts. he chuckles, staring as you play with them. those slow movements he had kept going turns into a solid pace and before yukhei realizes your sweet whimpers are filling the bedroom again.

it feels like a sweltering summer afternoon in the room. your skin is sticking to the bedsheets so bad. you roll your nipples between your fingers, the curve of your pretty lips teasing.

“yeah, mmm, faster. fuck me harder, yukhei.” you stare up at him with a nod faintly.

yukhei feels a sudden clench of your walls and groans loudly. “fuck.” he is close.

his thrusts a bit harder and deeper. he watches through labored breaths as your hand leaves your breasts and descends. you find your clit, rubbing it with each smooth roll of his hips.

an airy and uneven laugh comes from his plump lips. “baby, you want more?”

yukhei stares at you as if you aren’t real. he’s fucking you as if you aren’t already so fucked. you manage a breathless giggle in between your satisfied moans, ready to come together with him.

“meet me,” you whimper with a grin and for a minute the room once more is filled with only the desperate and proud sounds of you and him.

it doesn’t take too long then. you watch the slightest change on his damp handsome face and his curses echo. the noise from deep within his throat resembles a growl and yukhei freezes momentarily, admiring you through half lidded eyes and a pleased smile. you chew on your bottom lip and lift your fingers from your clit. you hold them up to his mouth and he moves forward. yukhei sucks on them gently as you mewl and give him the slightest nod.

he begins to rock his hips once more, still feeling his cock pulsating a little. his hands squeeze your flesh and in seconds you’re clenching so hard around him again. yukhei laughs lowly and in delight as you moan quietly.

your shaking thighs he’s caressing once more. “shhh, you’re so good, baby,” he whispers.

the bedroom suddenly fills with the softest shushes and more praises. his eyes on you are glowing with nothing but love and you can’t control the sugary curl of your lips while trying to catch your breath. it takes a few minutes before the waves in your bodies subside. his hands glide up your sides and he’s leaning down to capture your mouth and kiss you tenderly. your hand cups his damp and hot cheek and you kiss him back with a soft giggle.

yukhei hums. “you okay?”

your head angles a bit and you bob your head. your other hand rises, fingertips moving to brush up and down his strong arms.

“yeah, i’m really good right now.”

there’s teasing in his gaze. “are you warm though?” he chuckles.

the sheen over your bodies is too visible. “it feels like summer right now,” you tell him in sweet jest.

yukhei snorts faintly, the sound making you laugh even more as he taps your sore thighs lightly before unhooking your legs from his waist. carefully he places them on the bed. your tired legs fall open instantly with a whimper from your mouth.

“i’m going to pull out,” he tells you softly.

the cute little whine yukhei hears and he chuckles. as much as he would love to be nestled in you, he cannot. he presses a tiny peck to the tip of your nose and nearly drags his cock out, causing a light shiver through your body. you wipe your hand across the light layer of sweat on your forehead as he slowly moves away from you and stands. you watch in silence, appreciating everything about his naked form while he carefully pulls off the filled condom and ties a knot on the top. yukhei wraps it up with a tissue and finds the foil packaging on the floor too before discarding it. once he turns around to you, he is met with a bashful smile on your face. he steps back towards you.

yukhei bends down and places a short and affectionate kiss against your mouth. “i’ll be right back,” he whispers quietly.

“okay.” you palm his cheek and he turns his head and puckers his lips into it.

a tiny hum escapes you before your hand drops. he stands and twists away. you stare at his retreating back with ink across his shoulder blades and back as he steps out of the bedroom.

yukhei walks across the wood floors and enters the bathroom. he flicks open the lights. the faucet he turns on and he works for a moment on cleaning himself up once more. when he is done, he goes to the bathroom closet and takes the neatly folded yellow washcloth off the bottom shelf.

for most days showers are afterwards. but on some days when it is a slow and lazy day like today, it is option two. yukhei wets the washcloth with the almost hot water until he can’t handle it anymore and squeezes out nearly all the excess water. the light he shuts off and the bathroom he exits with the washcloth in his hand. into the living room with wrapping paper still scattered on the floor, he pads through it to retrieve your mug of green tea and the discarded pajama bottoms. he throws both pairs over his shoulders and into the kitchen he walks to.

the water in the kettle is no longer hot, but still it’s very warm. yukhei fills the mug back almost to the brim before he takes two long sips. the liquid is soothing on his throat after everything. he refills it again and cautiously makes his way back to the bedroom and you.

and once he gets to the entrance of the room, yukhei finds you with your eyes shut and your legs closed. your breasts are still exposed and your nipples remain hard from the exposure. his presence you immediately sense even after he takes a quiet and cautious step in. you open your gaze to find him moving to you. the mug of green he extends forward and slowly you sit up. there’s a slight soreness in your body as you lift your hand to take what he is offering. you are certain the tea is probably cold, but some liquid down your throat will feel nice right now.

you are surprised though.

when the tea touches your lips, the tugs on your heart you feel.

he knows.

unless it is suppose to be iced, your tea hot or warm you prefer.

“the water was still warm,” yukhei informs you. he watches with a small smile as the ends of your mouth curl happily.

another sip you take. “thanks, babe.”

you are about to shift back to place the mug on his bedside table, but yukhei stops you. he takes it from you instead and drinks a little more before placing the mug besides the box of condoms. he turns back to you, tossing the pajama bottoms on his shoulders by the corner of the bed. the now warm washcloth in his hand you finally notice.

“can you lay down for me?”

and why and how yukhei says it now differs than before. you hum and do so as he climbs back onto the bed. gently then he spreads yours legs with your pussy coming into his view again. he licks his lips and his eyes darts from your wetness to the way you are staring at him with a little twinkle in your gaze. then in sweet silence and with the utmost care and love, yukhei cleans you up.

there are faint little wrinkles forming on his forehead. you feel and hear the thumps of your heart.

you reach for his hand that is resting on your thigh, covering it with your own. “so attentive,” you whisper with a faint curve of your mouth.

yukhei can’t stop himself from giggling shyly while glancing up at you for a quick second. “i like taking care of you,” he tells you with his voice low, deep and full of sincerity.

just like how you like taking care of him.

and when he is done and sure you are clean, yukhei drops the washcloth on the floor besides your underwear. he will put them in the washer later. his thumb brushes softly over the sides of your pussy and grazes your folds. you let out a quiet gasp at his touches and it takes you a moment to clear your throat and flick at the little ponytail that still is in good shape on his head.

“you know, it is pointless cleaning me if you do that afterwards, babe.” you remark teasingly.

his fingers can make you come and mixed with the sensitive state your pussy is currently, he knows it will not take long.

yukhei tears his eyes from your core with a breathless chuckle and his face warms. he smiles boyishly. “sorry.” it's a soft apology and immediately you and him are softly laughing because both of you know he doesn’t fully mean it.

his arms snake around your waist and it makes you giggle because yukhei moves from one part of your body to another. he presses kisses over and between your full breasts. he gives you a quick glimpse pass the top of his gold rimmed frames and you hum happily and watch as his lips shift over to one of your harden nipples. you sigh and hold the back of his head. he bestows gentle sucks and flicks of his tongue between the tender nibbles.

he moans against your chest and small pleased sounds roll out from your mouth. the tiny suctions noises lets you know how much he is enjoying himself as you bring your feet to press against the back of his calves. after a minute yukhei switches, lavishing your other breast with the same and equal amount of love and attention.

two parting nips he leaves on the peaks before he shifts back. yukhei rolls your wet nipples between his index finger and thumb like they aren’t hard already. he grins and you whimper as he cups and pushes your breasts together. so soft and absolutely perfect they are in his grasp. he gives them a soft jiggle that makes you whine a little and wonder if all that cleaning up he has done will really be for nothing.

a little spent you are, but you can go again.

then to your surprise, you stare as he tugs back up the lace cups. he tucks your breasts back in, making sure the mesh is against your skin so nicely. your brow arches and yukhei thinks your breasts are looking like a present again for him bow and all. his eyes connect to yours, fixing his glasses.

yukhei is smirking faintly. “remember this is like a two in one present.” he wiggles his eyebrows, the pad of his thumb swiping across his lips. “so for later, babe.” his laughter is light and infectious.

all day he has with you.

your own laugh echoes his. you nod, your eyes twinkling with eagerness of what will come of later, of how he will fuck you once everything is truly unwrapped.

yukhei strokes your thighs and you close your legs and stretch with a sigh. he climbs off the bed and turns to walk to the dresser. the second drawer he pulls open and the vivid red pair of boxer briefs he knows you like very much and that goes with this holiday he takes out. yukhei spins around and you chuckle softly when you notice the color in his hand. his eyes connect to yours as he pulls the underwear on with a wide grin on his face. he tucks and adjusts himself and you wink and gesture your approval of how he looks.

the drawer he closes. “do you need anything?” he reaches for his pair of pajama bottoms and slips his long legs in them while glancing at your naked lower half with a tiny crooked smile.

you know what he’s wondering but you just smile and shake your head. he pulls the hair tie off and you chuckle at the way his hair stands up. then slowly you shift to pat the empty space beside you because he’s really all you want and need right now.

yukhei giggles, threading and fluffing back his hair. “yeah, that i can definitely do,” he replies, moving back to you.

the pillow underneath your body you finally tug out while he rearranges the others on the bed. he tucks one under your feet. another he places for his own feet to rest. your discarded sweatshirt he notices and fans out. your pair of pajama bottoms he tosses onto the spot where your sweatshirt had been. when you shift to give him the space to share the same pillow even if he can have his own, yukhei drapes the sweatshirt over your middle.

“thank you.”

he nods with a soft beam and brings up the comforter and blanket next to cover your bodies as he lays on his back. even if you’re feeling still feeling a bit warm and there’s still the faintest dampness on his body, it’s still winter. the sweat of your bodies will dissipate. he doesn’t want you getting cold.

you erase the few inches between your bodies and cuddle up to him. yukhei slips his arm around you, welcoming the feel of your body against his. he appreciates the curves of your form and the way your legs begin to tangle with his. you look at him, your fingertips grazing back and forth on his chest and brushing over his nipples. he sighs in contentment and presses a long pucker to your temple. when he pulls back, he is smiling foolishly and you raise a hand to adjust his glasses.

yukhei hums. “how are your legs?” he quietly and humorously inquires.

“sore,” your response is quick and your voice is playful. “are you going to do something about it?” your lips purse together in a tiny frown that has him releasing a light little chuckle.

his free arms crosses over. his touch glides over your ass and yukhei gives it a small squeeze before it settles on your thigh. his grip is gentle and he tugs on your leg until it’s over his own thighs. in seconds he’s massaging and caressing your flesh in soothing circular motions that makes your pout disappear.

yukhei stares at you. “how’s this, hmm?”

“yeah, it feels better, babe.” you hum delightedly.

he leans closer and kisses you quickly yet warmly. “good.”

then he turns his attention towards the ceiling. his eyes close momentarily as yours turn downcast to his chest and your hand on it. for a little while then, his touch continues on and time ticks away as your bodies eventually cools down. you and him stay in bed in this position and in the quiet that is calming.

you think you can get used to it. you want more of this.

christmas mornings with him.

you snuggle a bit closer to him. the sheets and covers rustle a bit with your movements. yukhei open his eyes and you feel a light little nudge from him. you turn your attention back to his face that is shy and grinning.

“can i you a question?”

he pulls back just enough to get a clearer view of you. his hands stops moving. there is curiosity in his gaze and interest in his tone. you nod.

“when did you put this on?” and then you feel his arm unwrap from your waist, his hand traveling up the small of your back to the clasp of the bra. you hum. “cause when we were in bed this morning, i swear i didn’t feel this.” he finishes with a happy but disbelief laugh that has you giggling.

you shake your head. your eyes widening teasingly as you bring a finger to your smiling lips. “secrets, yukhei,” you inform him. then a wink you throw his way.

he nods slowly and his eyes narrows at you in sweet suspicion. the curl of his lips undeniably expands. “how did you know i would get it so soon?”

another shake of your head you give him while you giggle even more. “i didn’t. i was going to make you play until you would eventually get it. i really didn’t expected it until much later.”

yukhei lets out a loud and playful chuckle before he is tipping forward to place a kiss on your mouth. it’s gentle, warm and makes you sigh into his mouth. he backs away a minute later with a sweet grin and licks at his lips.

“just so you know, my intention this morning when i woke you up was really to just spend christmas morning with you,” he murmurs boyishly.

your giggles turn into sugary laughter. “and now?” there’s a spark glittering in your eyes.

yukhei moves to press his forehead to yours as his body twists a bit. he’s over you, sandwiching you between his warm body and the bed as the sweatshirt falls. lace is pressed against his skin. the tip of his nose grazes yours. an arm you throw over his shoulder. he feels nothing but love and want for you. the butterflies inside of you flutter once more. the kiss he gives you is soft.

“and now i’m thinking of waking you up early next christmas, too,” he whispers with the ends of his mouth twitching up. “what do you think of that?”

a lifetime of christmas mornings he wants with you.

the playful shocked expression colors your face. “you’re going to give up more sleep for me?” you joke softly and dramatically. and it makes him laugh for a long moment because yukhei wonders if you realize, if you know how he will give up so much more for you. the sounds from him little by little quiet down and his gaze fixes on yours and he nods.

the small beam across his face glows. “for you, baby… anything.”

you can’t stop the sudden light sting in your eyes and roll your them playfully to rid of the faint blur. then it’s your turn to nod, the images of a future with him building in your head. “i think that sounds like a plan.” and your whispered words tickle his lips and his heart.

three more kiss yukhei gives you and the plan is official. he shifts to lay on his back again. you move until your head is right next to his and soon after, you and him take back the same position. the sweatshirt he brings back over your cooling skin while touches over one another’s body resumes.

yukhei draws in a deep breath. “i can’t believe the year is ending already,” he sighs, taking a peek past you to glance out the window.

still cloudy it is outside. too cold he is certain. a whirlwind it has felt like. the months have passed too quickly. the seasons have changed before he truly enjoyed them thoroughly. and now there are six more full days left to the year. there are still things left to do.

“it went by so fast, didn’t it?” he whispers almost longingly.

you look at him and yukhei still stares at the world outside. “hmm, you’ve had a busy year, babe,” you murmur with the ends of your lips twitching.

participating in multiple albums. practices all day. promotions and interviews with news stations and magazines. going on a tour around the world. meeting fans in different countries. he has been on a constant move and everything he deserves he is getting.

your fingertips stop moving on his chest. you gently nudge him with your forehead until he tears his gaze away from the sky. yukhei hums softly and gives you a sweet closed lipped smile. “but it was a good year for you and i’m very proud of you. you know that, right? always i am proud of you.”

yukhei doesn’t waste a second before he leans over and kisses you lovingly.

he knows.

you tell him even when he feels it. you remind him when he forgets. you reassure him when he doubts himself.

“thank you.” yukhei hugs you closer to him, grateful and appreciative doesn’t come close to how he feels with you by his side. “and you too… you had a good year.” a new job you had started nearly four months ago to make all the years of university worth it. “i’m proud of you too,” he says, his words laced with sincerity. “always i am proud of you, too.”

your cheeks warm a touch and you chuckle lightly. as much of a supporter you are to him, he cheers for you like no other. “thanks, baby.” he nods and places his mouth to your forehead.

it grows quiet for a minute before yukhei speaks against your skin. “and you know, i think we had a good year, too.”

a moment it takes for you to register that what he means.

you and him together this past year.

yukhei is certain his love for you has grown. deeper and deeper he continues to fall in love with you. weeks apart at times you and him have endured. the adjustments of living together has been filled with conversations and understanding. and what yukhei had told you that day he moved in he still means it.

he is happy as long as you are happy when he walks through the front door.

yukhei puckers his mouth and kisses your forehead again. when he shifts back to look at you clearly, there’s light in his eyes. it’s the same light when he gets to perform. it’s the same light when he’s too excited about something he loves. the warmth spreading over your cheeks is intensifying because with every passing second he continues to stare intently at you.

“thanks for asking me to move in,” yukhei finally whispers, his voice soft and a little shy.

the thumps of your heart are stronger. the corners of your eyes crinkle with the soft beam appearing before him. you can’t stop the soft surgary chuckles.

this new adventure that has started nearly a year ago still feel like an adventure to this very moment. so much more with him, of him there is left to explore. each moment with him you continue to cherish. those kisses shared when he wakes with his face soft and relaxed makes you feel lucky. the kisses before you close your eyes in the night when he smiles faintly and dreamily makes you feel safe.

you bring your hand up, brushing along his jawline. “thanks for saying yes.” your voice matches his and it makes him laugh, the sound sending light vibrations from his chest.

yukhei's hugging you again. it’s tighter than before and giggles are slipping pass your curved lips. he bends his head to leave sweet loving kisses on your mouth and the tip of your nose before he buries his face into the crook of your neck. he stays in place for moment, just pressing and feeling your body against his. you twist and tug your arms out so you can wrap them around his neck just as tightly.

loving him, being in love with him remains magical and wonderful. it makes you feel ridiculous and powerful all at once.

you tilt your head, resting beside his ear. your lips graze the shell of it just by his earring and yukhei softly grins to himself. a deep breath he hears. slowly it is let out.

“do you think we’re going to have a good year next year, too?”

yukhei is not completely sure if it’s fear he hears a twinge of. but he hears something that pulls at his heartstrings and makes him shift so he can look at you. and you do for a fleeting moment before you avoid his gaze and fix it at his pillowy lips that you can never get tired of kissing.

he lets the seconds pass by, feeling your light strokes on his skin while he waits. quiet you remain though and he has no choice but to lean forward. his forehead presses against yours and you have no way out. those lips you have been staring at twitch up faintly. he bobs his head shortly.

“i think we’re going to have a great year,” yukhei states softly yet firmly

the slight tightness forms in your chest and your eyes sting a touch because it is not your intention to make him concern. you nod almost embarrassingly as the apology rolls out. “sorry… i didn’t mean to make you worry.”

and yukhei shakes his head because he wants you to tell him what is your mind. even if it’s a passing moment like this and you need the smallest of the reminders, he wants to know.

he pauses for a second. “what are you thinking about?” his tone is soothing and warm.

you hum, hazy gaze dancing over his face. “i’m thinking about how ridiculously in love i am with you,” you whisper with a tiny smile and heart beating rapidly.

yukhei chuckles. “well that’s good because i’m ridiculously in love with you too.” you bite on your lower lip, watching him nod. so much more he is anticipating with you within the new year. “we, we are going to have a great year next year. i promise.” the spark and love in his wide eyes is very apparent.

“it’s you and me, baby.”

the gentle words of what you had said to him once upon a time ago, of what he has engraved into the gold on your wrist makes the quiet content sigh escape you.

the fullness you feel in your heart makes you want to burst with joy.

yukhei gives you a light peck. and then you watch the change of his expression. the tenderness of the moment turns almost playfulness within seconds because his teasing grin appears. “and i think that as long as you are my first kiss when it’s the new year, you and me will be smooth sailing,” he states with a sweet giggle.

he's winking and suddenly you can’t stop your laugh mixing with his warm sounds. you reach up to stroke his cheek and slightly tilt your head a bit. the giggles and laughter gradually subside and the bedroom grows quiet. you chew on the inside of your cheeks momentarily.

“under one condition though…”

your words shock him. his sculpted eyebrows raise so quickly and his eyes grow bigger. yukhei stares at you in incredulously. the frames on his face he pushes up.

“and what would that be, babe?” he laughs in shock.

there are stars in your eyes. you're smiling mischievously.

“you have to promise to be my last kiss before the year ends.”

how you want your year to begin, you want it to end the same.

with him and his kisses.

then his expression changes once more. the beam etched on his face is brighter than the sun that’s missing from the sky today.

“what do you think? can you promise me that?” you challenge him.

yukhei chuckles because it’s a promise he can make you every year. “yeah, i can definitely promise you that.”

and it’s another three kisses to make this agreement official as well before he rolls off you. almost instantly he tugs you back to him. you tuck your head by his shoulder. the sweatshirt he is draping over you once more. the comforter and blanket he fixes too to make sure again you are completely covered and warm. you curl and snuggle into his side with legs intertwining.

silence fills the room. comfort and at peace you find in the moment. his arm that is around you provides the security. your hand rest on his chest and yukhei covers it with his own. then you feel the slow and steady rise and fall of it with each breath he takes.

it means one thing.

you are certain he is asleep. you glance at him and you get your confirmation. for a second you stare at his handsome profile and the way his lashes curl up softly to the way his pillowy lips are slightly parted, there is no denying it. he is asleep. his glasses you want to help take off so he can sleep comfortably. but you don’t want to wake him though. not when he looks so calm and relaxed. you lean over and brush your mouth against his cheek and for a moment, you swear you see a little twitch up of his lips. you freeze. you wait for him to look at you through half lidded eyes and give you a sleepy smile. he doesn’t. instead he releases a slow exhale that makes you hum quietly. then your gaze lowers and you close your eyes as well to join him in slumber.

but suddenly he clears his throat a bit and shifts.

“so what would you like to do now?” your eyes open at the sound of his deep voice laced with sleepiness. you lift your head and turn your attention to him as yukhei does the same to you. “hmm, anything in particular? i think me waking you up early gives you the choice of what we should do next, babe.” he chuckles quietly, a few strands of his hair falling over his eyes.

you erase the short distance and place a light peck on his smile. “how about we stay in bed for a little while and sleep for a bit?”

yukhei nods in approval. his hand covering yours begins caressing your skin. “and after?” he questions curiously with a grin.

you know how he is like after his naps. “and after… all the rice, steak and shrimp in the world for you.”

a meal of some of your and his favorites to eat has been bought and ready to be cooked. yukhei laughs, swallowing hard and thinking about the delicious food as bobs his head against the pillow.

you know him too well.

“then maybe you can open the rest of your presents,” you suggest with a tiny curl of your mouth. you haven’t forgotten the wrapping paper filled living room floor or the rest of his gifts that still need to be open.

yukhei shakes his head slowly though. the arm around you moves and his touch travels up your back like before. regardless of what else you have wrapped up for him, ready to be chosen with the plastic toy claw machine, yukhei is certain nothing will compare to what he has right now in his hold.

“i still have one more here to open.” he murmurs teasingly while his fingertips graze across the mesh on your skin.

immediate sugary, light and embarrassed giggles are surrounding him. your face heats. “i can’t wait, babe.”

you really can’t.

yukhei closes the space between you and him, bestowing a kiss that is affectionate and warm.

“i love you,” he whispers alongside the beam on your face.

your hand rises up to cup his jawline and cheek. you return the kiss he gives you just mere seconds ago.

“i love you more.”

and yukhei smiles too wide and too bright that it makes his cheeks hurt because always he is the one to tell you that.

“ready for a nap?” you ask and almost on cue, yukhei yawns and provides you with his answer. you’re chuckling and he stretches a little. “you want the curtains closed a bit?” another yawn he lets out and tries to cover up. but he fails. he’s laughing too deeply with the corners of his eyes crinkling.

yukhei sluggishly nods. “yeah, let me do it,” he says tiredly.

but you shake your head and pat him gently on his chest. then you pull away from his arms and warmth. he’s watching after you as move away and stand with your back to him. yukhei props himself up on an elbow and adjusts his glasses with a tiny grin while you cross an arm over your chest, your fingers rubbing your skin to create a little heat because your body has cooled and winter it feels like once again. his eyes stay on you and outline the curves of your near naked body. the few steps you take to the window. you look out into the city and then down to the streets. some of the snow has been cleaned from the roads. however the sidewalks still look so pretty with the white powder.

the curtains you grasp and yukhei catches the glimpse of the bracelet shimmering on your wrist as you pull on them. you leave just enough light from the outside world to seep into the bedroom without it being too dark. when you turn around, that tiny grin on his face has broaden. regardless of the little light in the room, you can see the love drunk and all too happy smile on his face.

“you’re distracted.” you remark, remembering his words from this morning.

yukhei hums contently. “no, i’m just staring.”

you huff and playfully roll your eyes. he pats the empty space you had occupied before with a charming giggle as you make your way back to him. the bed you climb onto and the sweatshirt you put back on. the sight of lace and mesh is hidden from his view again. the nine snowflakes he counts in his head once more. he expects you to pull on your pajama bottoms. but instead you crawl to him and lay down, your feet landing on the pillow by the foot of the bed. yukhei looks at your naked lower half like he had done so before and arches an eyebrow in curiosity.

you quietly chuckle. “just keep me close, baby.” you poke him on his chest. “and besides, you’re not even wearing a shirt.”

yukhei laughs, the sound so contagious as he pulls up the comforter and blanket. he twists a bit and takes off his glasses to place on his bedside table next to that mug of green tea. he slides under to the coziness, resting his head next yours.

and he does what you say.

yukhei keeps you close like you’re puzzle pieces that fit so perfectly together. his arms slips below your sweatshirt. you snuggle into his side and throw a leg over his. he places a soothing kiss to your forehead that makes you grin. a slow deep inhale he takes in and releases. his eyes close and the images of the morning flashes in his head. and when what is to come once you and him wake starts to flood his mind as the need to sleep is so strong, your voice cuts into the stillness of the room and pulls him out.

“yukhei?”

he hums lazily in response.

“you think our snowman is outside?”

once your question registers in his sleepily brain, yukhei quietly chuckles. he opens his eyes a little to find you staring at him with a shy beam. how much he loves you right not is indescribable. he leans forward and the kiss he places on your mouth is affectionate and warm.

“we’ll go check later.” he says alongside your lips.

you make a pleased happy small sound and nod. “i love you,” you whisper almost dreamily.

even if you told him mere minutes ago, yukhei doesn’t ever get tired of hearing it. his chest shakes a bit as the soft and low laugh slips from him and surrounds you.

yukhei bobs his head once then twice. “i love you more.” and he says it back with the love drunk smile again because it can never be said enough. “now let’s go to sleep, okay?”

one more kiss is shared. it is gentle and of sweet dreams and it makes you sigh. then your mouth parts from his while your body moves closer. he hugs you tighter. your warm breath tickles his skin. eyes quietly close together.

the minutes on the clock change. christmas morning ends for the afternoon to begin.

yukhei falls into his slumber like how he wakes.

with his mind and his heart full of you.

he doesn’t want it any other way.

#lucas smut #lucas scenarios #yukhei smut #wayv smut #nct smut #yukhei scenarios #wayv scenarios #nct scenarios #lucas fluff #yukhei fluff

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sunnysviolin · 4 years

Note

Sometimes, when sunny visits kels house for a sleepover, (or just anyones house except for basils) the host would always wake up to:

A missing sunny (who is most likely in some weird ass place like the roof)

A sunny that it staring at you from the foot of the bed or beside it

A sunny that stares from the doorway (he stares alot)

A sunny that is playing bo en my time at an unreasonable hour but at a reasonable volume (or vise versa)

Alright so a different nonnie also sent me “How many times do you think sunny scares people by staring at them from the foot of the bed / beside them when they wake up?” So I’m....combining these two XD Also if you guys like....resend things can you say they’re a resend LOL bc if I have another Cho double take situation I’m going to backflip into the sun. Also don’t resend more than twice (i’m gonna be putting that in my bio bc....yeah don’t do it makes me anxious D:)

Okay mini housekeeping thing aside! This got long it’s under a read more because it’s long, but it’s full of shenanigans, sleepovers, and our local fave cryptid Sunny

I’m going to focus this in on post-canon, because I think that Sunny’s ultimate cryptid energy flows forth in his teen years. Also I really want to include the hooligans in on this (I’m...love them)

So pre-canon Sunny and Mari’s house was the go to location for their group of six. They were almost always there, but there was some unspoken rules.

You called before you came over (Only Kel didn’t follow this rule, but he always knocked and waited patiently at the door) and you had to be invited to stay for dinner. If not you went home when Sunny’s mom called a fifteen minute warning before dinner. There was also no arguing within the house. If there was an issue that needed to be addressed, Mari and Sunny’s parents would immediately send everyone home.

Post-canon Mari is gone and the house has been sold. Hero and Kel’s house becomes the go to hang out house after that. Their house is nearly night and day to Mari and Sunny’s

Mari and Sunny’s house was always neat and tidy and very quiet. Their parents generally left the TV off and didn’t use the radio, so unless one of the two children were making noise, everything would be silent. Kel and Hero’s house is in constant motion and activity. Sally is usually either babbling or screaming, music is always playing on the radio, and their main form of communication is friendly yelling at one another. Kel and Hero’s house also has an open door policy- anyone can walk in at anytime and they all know where the spare keys are hidden.

Post-canon I see a quick friendship building between Aubrey’s gang and Basil Sunny and Kel. Hero enjoys them all, but it’s not really his scene now that he’s spent a year or so at college. He will get brought along for some adventures, and he’s always up for hanging around the house with them, but when it gets to be a bigger group he prefers to just let them have fun.

When it’s just his four kids, Hero is always a part of the group though.

OKAY ALL OF THAT BUILDUP ASIDE LETS GET TO THE ACTUAL POINT OF THIS ASK

So this is when school is in session and Hero is back at college. Kel tells Aubrey that Sunny is coming up for the long weekend, and they should all do a sleepover at his house like old times. She agrees and they arrange it with Basil. Kim overhears their plans and she has FOMO so she arranges herself to be there when they tell Basil

Normally Kel makes it a point to try and include Aubrey’s friends (who are slowly just becoming friends) but this time he just pretends she isn’t there and tells Basil to come right after school and they can drive together to get Sunny.

Kim weedles it out of Aubrey later that day when they’re alone in gym class. The reason that they didn’t immediately invite her and the others? Sunny is apparently weird at night

Kim fires back that Sunny is always a little weird, but Aubrey is being fully serious. Unfortunately all that does is make Kim more curious. She goes to find Kel afterward and half asks/half demands an invitation to the sleepover. Kel seems a little awkward about her involving herself, but he agrees that she and the others can join in if they like.

Aubrey and the others arrive

Kim soon finds out that Aubrey was 100% right. Sunny is...weird at night.

At around 10:00 pm, Sunny disappears. Basila nd Aubrey went into the kitchen to make popcorn, and Kel was busy fiddling with the TV to get the movie to start. When he turns back to the couch, he asks where Sunny is. They realize Sunny has vanished.

Aubrey and Basil come in with the bowls of snacks, and Kel asks them if they’ve seen Sunny. Basil says to check the roof.

The roof. The hooligans all laugh (Basil is a sweet kid when you get to know him, but his nerves make even his jokes strange) The other three don’t laugh. In fact Kel gets up and goes to the door.

The hooligans follow out bewildered, and Sunny is o n t h e r o o f. CASUALLY. JUST THERE PETTING AN ORANGE CAT WHO IS LOUNGING PURRING NEXT TO HIM. AND KEL AND AUBREY AND BASIL DONT REACT??? Kel just waves?? and Sunny waves back???

“We’re gonna watch Insidious now, I know you haven’t seen that one before. Wanna come in?” “Kay” “Do you want to bring your cat in with you? I’ll put Hector on his leash” “Yes please”

Then the three just walk back and tell the hooligans to follow them in. Sunny got himself up so Sunny can get himself down.

It’s only the beginning of the madness. Sunny walks in holding the still purring orange cat and settles himself down in his specific corner of the couch (They were prewarned not to sit in Sunny’s spot) Aubrey cuts Kim off before she can ask about the roof, and starts the movie. Kim looks over at the cat, and it locks eyes on her, hissing.

The movie begins and Sunny will randomly speak but only to say when a character is going to die/be scared. Right before it happens. Every single time. Didn’t Kel say before that he hadn’t seen this movie?? It doesn’t matter Sunny keeps going

A ghost. A ghost. Lost in an alternate dimension by shamanic journey. It’s bizarre. The cat continues to purr a rusty old engine noise in Sunny’s lap, periodically looking at one of the hooligans and hissing, choosing a different one every time. Who’s cat is that????

They finish the movie and start to play board games. They pick monopoly and decide to divvy up into teams. Kim immediately claims Aubrey, Vance decides to go with Kel and Kel grabs Mikhael to create a trio. Charlie and Sunny silently sit beside each other, and everyone assumes that makes them a team. Angel pulls Basil to his side and they’re prepped to play the game.

Kim likes to consider herself a pretty good monopoly player, and Aubrey is a whiz with money and numbers, so she assumes they have this in the bag.

She did not account for the Sunny factor.

Sunny stares her down through the entire time. Kim is sure he doesn’t blink. She forgets to bid on auctions for properties and gives him extra rent money. They go bankrupt first, and Sunny turns his eye onto Kel who just laughs and gives Sunny finger guns. Sunny finger guns back (his face still a blank slate) and proceeds to also take all of Kel’s money.

They go to bed shortly after, and Kim is relieved. Nothing also weird can happen. Now she just has to sleep.

She wakes up in the middle of the night and adjust her position, turning over to face the other side of teh room. Four shining eyes stare back at her, catching the dim light from the kitchen. Kim shakily grabs her phone and turns on the flashlight, whirling around to see Sunny staring at her, his orange cat on top of his head.

She wakes all the rest of them with her shriek of terror. The group of four quickly settle to sleep once more, even Sunny crashing down next to Aubrey and Basil. hissing cat caught firmly in his arms.

She and the other hooligans stay up for a bit, frantically whispering about the oddness of the situation. They resolve to leave early in the morning, and to distance themselves as much as they can from...whatever Sunny is. They’re certainly glad he doesn’t go to their school anymore.

The next morning, the group of four wake up before the hooligans and cook a big breakfast. They put the phone on speaker and chat with Hero as they do so, catching up on his latest college stories. Bo en is playing from the cd player in the corner of the kitchen, kept low so as not to wake the others.

The hooligans creep downstairs and peer inside. The scene is shockingly...normal.

Sunny is still carrying his cat, but now Kel is feeding it tiny bits of bacon and it is stretching out of Sunny’s arms to reach the next delicious morsel. He’s chatting with Hero over the phone, speaking in full long sentences which is a rarity for Sunny. He even laughs quietly at a joke Hero tells.

Kim tries to translate the horror she felt last night into this morning, but it’s not there. Sunny doesn’t seem like an eldritch horror during the day. Just another teenager happy to be with people he enjoys.

Hero hangs up shortly after, and the group of four settle back into a placid silence. Aubrey breaks it by turning to the others

“I know it was weird, but I’m glad that they came for last night.” the three boys agree, and Sunny leans against the counter near Aubrey so she can scratch one hand under his cat’s neck while still flipping pancakes. When he speaks, his voice is near silent, but they all hear it anyway.

“They’re nice. They didn’t treat me different.”

The hooligans share a look and simultaneously agree to stay for breakfast.

#omori #omori headcanons #omori headcanon #omori sunny #omori basil #omori kel #omori aubrey #omori hero #mentioned lol #omori kim #omori scooter gang #hooligans #omori hooligans #cryptid sunny

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mummybear · 4 years

Text

Borrowed Time - Chapter One - The New Guy

Words: 3173

Warnings: Swearing... think that’s it for this chapter :)

Characters: Dean Winchester, Reader, Mark (OC), Tiffany (OC), Mentions of Sam Winchester

Pairing: Dean Winchester x Reader

A/N: So this is the first series I’ve written in a while or at least the first one I’ve posted! So I hope you guys like it! The next chapters will be out every Friday, until it’s finished :) The series will probably only be around 6 chapters long, but I really hope you enjoy it! Let me know If you want to be tagged in this series or in any of my other taglists :D

Beta: @negans-lucille-tblr Thanks babe ❤😘

Kofi: https://ko-fi.com/mummybear

Series Masterlist

You let out a shaky breath as you take your seat at the back of the class, hoping that he will just leave you alone today. One of the new guys at school had developed a thing for you, ever since you’d ignored him on his first day, it was like he was determined to get you to talk to him. Lately though he’s been getting under your skin, and you’re so close to giving in. Sure the guy was hot, in fact, he may have been the hottest guy you’d ever seen, but he was also one of the biggest players in the school. The exception being in the last two weeks, where he had barely spoken to another girl who wasn’t you. Safe to say that had started the rumour mill. Then you hear the murmuring starting in the room, and that unmistakable feeling prickles across your skin.

You fight the urge to look up, but it’s like your eyes are drawn to him, like some kind of magnet is connecting the two of you. You finally give in and look up to find him already watching you, gorgeous green eyes locked on yours. Trying to look away is pointless, you know that by now. You do you best to calm your nerves enough so that you’re finally able to drop your eyes to your desk, and start pulling out the things you need for the upcoming lesson.

That doesn’t stop your entire body tensing when the chair beside you scrapes along the floor loudly as it’s pulled out. It’s almost like you can feel the eyes of everyone in the hall turn on you. You can’t control the way that your body responds to the sound of his deep voice.

“Mind if I sit here, Y/N?” he asks quietly. You try and ignore the gasps that practically echo around the large room, as you force yourself to look up at him again.

Swallowing around the lump in your throat you nod.

“Um, yeah, sure. If you want to,” you answer shakily. You hate how your voice sounds, but if he’s noticed then he doesn’t let on. He gives you one of those panty dropping smiles as he takes the seat next to you, and you could swear your entire face flames bright red.

You inwardly roll your eyes when you see Tiffany Chase heading over to your table. You never understood how she had come to be the most popular girl on the campus, but clearly dating every guy in existence was a good trait to have these days. That was yet another reason you were glad about not being “popular”, whatever the hell that even meant.

She leans on your desk, until her tits are practically in Dean’s face, but to his credit, and your surprise he doesn’t look. Instead he sits back in his chair, eyes immediately fixed on hers, not wandering her body, or the cleavage she's so blatantly offering him. She makes a point not to even spare you a glance, which is completely fine since you have no interest in what she’s giving away.

“I thought you were gonna show me your car, baby? Why don’t you ditch the charity case and come and have some fun with a real woman?” she purrs seductively, curling her fingers around Dean’s loose tie.

You wish you were anywhere but here, but you know there’s no other seats in class now, so your only other option is to pray for the ground to swallow you whole. You’re a little taken aback though when Dean’s large hand wraps around her tiny wrist and pulls her hand away, still remaining surprisingly gentle, especially with the look of thunder that’s overtaken his features.

“Sorry, Tilly. Change of plans, I told you last week, and a few times this week… if memory serves. Besides, there’s only room for one woman in my life.” As he says this you feel his hand resting on your knee, and you turn to look at him to tell him to move. But you stop yourself when you see the pleading look on his face.

Tiffany scoffs in disbelief, and has a look on her face like he just slapped her.

“It’s Tiffany,” she corrects him sharply, before she turns her gaze on you. And you have to fight every instinct not to push your body back into your chair, instead you sit straighter, trying to keep your face neutral.

“Can you like… move or something. Dean and I really need to talk, I think you’re making him uncomfortable,” she huffs, as if your mere presence disgusts her.

“Sorry, Tiff. I think you're the one who’s making my boyfriend uncomfortable, actually. He’s just being too polite, could you please just leave us alone now? I believe he’s asked you enough.”

It takes everything you have not to throw up the contents of your stomach, where the fuck did that come from?! You inwardly scold yourself, trying to hold your nerve. But to your surprise, Dean takes your hand and gives it a squeeze, and throws his other arm over your shoulder.

His lips press to your ear, and you can’t hold back the shiver.

“Thank you, I owe you,” he whispers, and you can already feel the blush creeping up your neck, the entire class is staring at the three of you like you’re aliens. But Dean’s currently more than enough of a distraction.

Her shrill laugh echoes around the room, followed by most of her bitch club behind her.

“Oh sweetie, no. Don’t be silly now. There is no way on this planet that you could be his girlfriend, you’d be extremely lucky to get a pity fuck with a normal guy, but Dean? No way. Now move, before I move you.”

Your heart drops into your stomach, but you refuse to look away from her. However, before you can even utter a word, Dean’s voice drops to a low growl.

“I don’t give a shit about your name, or you. You don’t get to talk to her like that, and you lay a finger on her, I promise you’ll regret it. So, whatever your name is, unless you want me to tell Mark that you’re trying to fuck me... and just about every other guy you set your eyes on, I suggest you go back to your own seat. But first, I think you owe my girlfriend a fucking apology.” You watch the colour all but drain from her face.

You lick your lips nervously as you turn to look at him, seeing the fire burning in his eyes, but his eyes don’t move from Tiffany’s face.

“Dean, it’s okay. It doesn’t matter,” you whisper sounding a little desperate even to your own ears. You rest your hand on his tensed bicep, trying to ignore the way you're clamping your thighs together, because this might just be the sexiest thing you’ve ever been a part of. Even if you had only started this ruse to get him out of an awkward situation. Nobody had ever defended you like this before, especially not this publicly.

“Oh, it does matter, baby girl. Isn’t that right?” Dean asks, mock sweetness in his voice and his arm tightens around your shoulders.

“F-Fine. I’m sorry, Y/N,” she responds the best she can with the amount her voice is shaking, before hurrying back to her friends.

The teacher walks in the classroom, forcing everyone's attention to the front, and you try to ignore the sense of loss you feel when his arm leaves your shoulders. But that feeling is quickly replaced when he takes your hand and links your fingers with his, and rests them on the table top between you.

“Dean, we should talk,” you whisper, when the teacher turns back to the board.

“Later, sweetheart, wouldn’t want you getting in trouble,” he smirks, pressing a lingering kiss to your already flaming red cheek.

Unfortunately, you don’t get time to talk to Dean, and you don’t see him after your last lesson either. You try to ignore the snickering and staring as you start to walk through the parking lot to make your way home, though it affects you more than you’d care to admit. When you don’t see any sign of him, you continue to walk lost in thought, knowing that it will take you at least half an hour but it’s worth it, because you can’t stay here.

You’ve been walking for about ten minutes when you hear a car roll to a stop behind you, the soft purr of the engine calming slightly as the window is wound down. You can’t help but smile as you turn around, and sure enough, there he is. Sitting in the driver's seat with a cocky smirk on his face. He leans over to the passenger side and pushes the door open, “you gonna get in, sweetheart? We can talk while I drive you home.”

You walk closer and fold your arms over your chest, raising your eyebrows at him through the now open car door.

“And what makes you so sure I wanna get in your car?” you ask through your own smirk.

“Come on now, is that any way to speak to your boyfriend? Just get that sexy ass in the car so that we can talk.” There’s a teasing note to his voice, and your smile widens despite yourself.

“Fine. I’ll get in… but only because we do need to talk,” you tell him, trying not to laugh as you climb in the front seat and close the door behind you.

“Whatever you have to tell yourself, princess,” he laughs, tossing his sunglasses in the backseat. You give him your address, and he quickly works out the new route, before starting to drive again. He clears his throat and shifts awkwardly where he sits, before glancing between you and the road.

“I owe you, for what you did today in class. You didn’t need to save my ass, but you did it anyway. I really appreciate that.”

You blush shyly as you look at him, “I was going to apologise honestly. I don’t know what came over me, I guess I just wanted to help out… somehow, I know people can be a lot for anyone, no matter who you are,” you laugh awkwardly, rubbing your clammy hands over your skirt.

Dean shakes his head, and a smile crosses his plump lips.

“Sweetheart, don’t apologise, you did me a massive favour and I really can’t thank you enough,” he sighs regretfully, as he pulls into your driveway.

You thank him for the ride, but before you move to climb out of the car he grabs hold of your wrist gently, and you turn back to him questioningly.

“Is everything okay, Dean?” you ask nervously, wondering what he might say. You’re not sure whether to lean in or turn away when he turns in his seat to face you.

He pulls his phone out of his pocket and hands it to you with a smile, “can I have your number?” You’re a little surprised at how shy he sounds, but you smile as you take his phone.

“I just think it might be a little odd trying to play along with this, especially if we can’t even get ahold of each other.”

“You make a good point there, Winchester. But for the record, I would’ve given it to you anyway,” you smile fondly, phoning yourself from his phone, so that you have each other’s numbers, before handing it back.

“So… How long do you wanna play boyfriend and girlfriend?” you wonder aloud, noticing the way that he blushes and scratches at the back of his neck, before focusing back on you again.

Dean clears his throat and shifts closer to you.

“About that…” he trails off, and you feel a blanket of nervous confusion settle between the two of you.

“What about it?” you question nervously.

“Would you be okay if we stayed together, at least until I have to leave town, I know it’s a lot to ask, but…” before he can continue you cut him off, resting a hand on his thigh.

His eyes snap to yours, and you quickly pull your hand away and clear your throat.

“You don’t need to explain, Dean. Besides, it was my dumb ass that got us into this mess. It’s really the least I can do,” you smile genuinely, and an obvious moment passes between the two of you, a moment which is completely unexplainable. But there’s a knock on the window closest to you that pulls the two of you out of it.

You jump back harshly, your back practically slamming into Dean’s shoulder when someone leans against his car, and his head is already half way through the window.

“Damn, I almost didn’t believe it when Tiff told me you were seein’ some frigid bitch, Dean. You hit that yet?”

Dean growls, and you can feel him stiffen beside you as he wraps a protective arm around your waist, like he can shield you from Mark’s words. It’s actually really sweet of him.

“Maybe you should tell your girlfriend to mind her own fucking business, and you should do the same, Mark. Before I put you on your skinny little ass.”

Mark lets out a deep boom of a laugh, and leans further into the car, his eyes sweeping over your body, clearly not taking Dean’s words seriously. It makes you feel nothing like Dean makes you feel when he looks at you, this guy makes your skin crawl and your stomach lurch.

“Shit, that’s gotta be one sweet pussy if she’s got you so whipped already.”

Before Dean can speak, you sit up a little straighter, and glare at Mark. Feeling Dean stiffen behind you gives you the confidence you need to get these words out.

“Why don’t you tell your whore of a girlfriend to stop trying to fuck my man, it’s really kind of pathetic. He’s not interested,” you huff out, hardly able to stand looking at him, so you turn to face Dean who’s smirking right at you, and way closer than you’d first imagined.

Mark starts to grumble something behind the two of you, but neither of you are really listening, and you can’t stop staring at Dean as he cups your cheek in his big hand.

“What she said,” Dean agrees easily, his husky voice sending shivers up your spine. You let his thumb brush your bottom lip, “you’re even sexier than usual when you’re jealous,” he smirks confidently, leaning in a little closer.

You swallow thickly, your fingers just barely manage to wrap around his wrist.

“Kiss me,” you whisper, watching as his eyes flick down to your lips, and he licks his own. There are so many reasons this is a bad idea, but for the life of you you can’t currently think of any.

Dean doesn’t even hesitate, before you can blink his lips are pressing against yours. The kiss is firm and his lips are so soft that you quickly lose yourself in the kiss, and you feel like your entire body is being drawn in by him.

He pulls back all too soon. His eyes are lidded as he looks at you, and his hand moves from your jaw, to cup the back of your neck. His hands feel huge, as he tugs lightly at your hair and you gasp against his parted lips.

“I s-should probably get going,” you whisper shakily, letting your fingers trace over the skin of his chest, where his shirt buttons are undone.

Neither of you even attempt to move, and before you think about it too much your lips are brushing against his again. He pulls you against him tightly and deepens the kiss, making you all but melt against him, and his hands remain firm against you as he effortlessly takes control of the kiss. You feel yourself edging closer, heart pounding in your ears and your head foggy, it takes everything you have to pull away from him, but you just about manage it. Looking up into his lidded eyes as you both pant hard, you swallow thickly and look over your shoulder, relieved to find that Mark has gone.

Dean cups your cheek when you turn back to him, his face the perfect picture of lust.

“You should go in, sweetheart. Or I might change my mind about letting you go… but I’ll text you tonight, okay?” he rasps, pecking your lips.

You can feel yourself blushing as you nervously bite your lip.

“What makes you think I want you to let me go?” you giggle as he leans in closer again, he’s so warm and smells incredible.

“Oh trust me, if this had anything to do with what I want to do, you’d already be screaming my name,” Dean all but growls.

“Dean.” His name is a whisper on your lips, and you can hear the blood rushing in your ears again.

Dean lets out a deep groan and shifts awkwardly in his seat.

“Shit, you don’t make it easy on a guy, sweetheart,” he smiles, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ear.

“You live here by yourself?” he asks suddenly, nodding over to your house, clearly trying to change the subject.

You shake yourself from your heady daze, trying your best to concentrate on what he’s saying. Clearing your throat you give him a small nod, unable to stop the smile from crossing your lips.

“At the minute, yeah. It’s usually me and my best friend, but she’s away visiting family this week. It’s good though, much closer to campus than my parents’ house,” you explain happily, remembering the way that she had told you to take advantage of the free house, but then you notice a strange look crossing his face.

“Sounds nice. I’ve never really had anywhere like this, my family didn’t really stay anywhere too long, not since my mom died. My dad has to travel a lot for work, and I’m learning the ropes, so I can take over one day.”

Your heart aches for him, and you have no idea how it’s even possible to feel this close to someone you’ve only known for a little over a month.

“I’m so sorry, Dean. It doesn’t sound like you’ve had much time to just be you. If you ever need to get away, I have no intention of moving any time soon, you’re welcome to stay here,” you tell him softly, resting a gentle hand on his arm, until he finally looks at you again.

“Thanks, sweetheart. That means more than you know, and I promise I’ll text you later. We can talk more then, okay?”

You lean in close and press your lips against his, the kiss lingers a little, before you finally pull away and whisper against his lips, “I’ll be holding you to that, Dean.”

Bold wont tag guys sorry!

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#dean winchester #dean winchester supernatural #dean winchester x reader #dean winchester series #dean winchester SPN #dean winchester smut #dean winchester x you #dean winchester x y/n #supernatural #series #au #SUPERNATURAL AU #SPN #supernatural fanfiction

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threecrowsinatrenchcoat · 3 years

Text

Plant Your Hope With Good Seeds

Dukeceit Week Day 3: Snakes/Bugs

Remus and Janus break up. But literally everyone knows that's not what they want. Everyone, including their plants.

AO3 Link: [here]

Word Count: 4337

Warnings: n/a

@dukeceitweek <3

Unknown Number

hey so i kno i said i wouldnt text u but rupert isnt doin good. can i bring him back? he misses u

Janus stared at the text for several minutes. Rupert was, of course, the Monstera Variegata that he and Remus had raised together all the way from propagation. It had been one of the pride and joys of their plant collection. Losing Rupert in the split had hurt almost as much as losing Remus.

...Almost.

Janus

Is it getting enough light? Remember it needed the grow light even next to the window.

Janus texted back against his better judgement. He and Remus were broken up. They’d agreed not to text for a while. They’d agreed to give each other space, get used to being apart.

It sucked, though. The apartment felt empty without Remus and half their plant collection.

Unknown Number

ya i kno. but i don’t have any south facign windows here. our place is better

Unknown Number

i mean ur place

Janus sighed morosely. Well, if it was for Rupert…

Janus

Fine. Rupert can come back.

Unknown Number

yay! ill be in town this weekend. ill bring him ok?

Janus

Ok.

And then Janus promptly threw his phone across the room.

Because here’s the thing. Janus and Remus were broken up. Remus had moved eight hours away and everything. He’d been accepted into the Nuclear Engineering graduate program a state away, and they had both heard too many horror stories about long-distance relationships to brother trying. So they’d had a very civil and mutual split. Janus kept the apartment. Remus took the TV. And they’d divided their plant family between them: they each kept their favorites, and Remus had taken the hardier plants, while Janus kept the ones that were likely not to survive an interstate move.

And then… Remus left.

And Janus had not immediately wanted him back. Not at all.

(And, of course, Janus was lying to himself.)

Remus texted him Saturday morning that he was on his way, and Janus spent the first few hours of the wait stress-cleaning. He then checked on every single plant in the apartment. Watered the ones that needed it. Rotated some of the more vivacious growers so that they wouldn’t lean full-body toward their light source. Moved his small army of Sansevierias out to the apartment balcony for some extra sun.

Then, when all that still failed to fill up the entire eight hours of waiting, he started stress-cooking. So by the time Remus texted that he’d just gotten off the highway, Janus had himself a pot of minestrone soup simmering on the stove, a tray of made-from-scratch lasagna in the oven, and was mixing up a batch of double chocolate chip cookies.

There was no way he was going to eat all this food himself, he realized. He was so used to booking big meals like this, because Remus ate like he was three people. And lasagna was his favorite.

“Oh, Jake, what am I doing?” he groaned to the N’Joy Pothos that cascaded down the side of the refrigerator. And then his doorbell rang.

Janus opened the door to find Remus, dancing awkwardly from foot to foot, with his face half-hidden behind the green-and-white leaves of Rupert.

“...Hey,” Remus said, sounding sheepish. Janus’ heart clenched.

“Hi,” he said. They stood there in the doorway for a full minute before Janus stepped back and motioned for Remus to follow. Remus hesitated, but obeyed.

“Uh… I’ll just…” Remus looked around. Janus hated how uncomfortable he looked. Until about two weeks ago, this had been Remus’ apartment, too. “Can I put him in his old spot?”

“Sure,” Janus replied with a nod. Rupert’s old spot had been in the bedroom, where the big, beautiful south-facing window let in a ton of light. He’d moved Venus de Milos, his Marble Queen Pothos, and La Hoya Jackson, the finicky Hoya Carnosa that Remus had wanted but didn’t expect to make the 8-hour drive without going into shock, to free up Rupert’s spot. Remus hesitated again, before he nodded awkwardly and wandered off to the bedroom, all three feet of plant and two gallons of soil in tow. Janus went to the oven and took out the lasagna.

“Howl looks good,” Remus said when he came back into the kitchen. Janus glanced up from where he was laying balls of cookie dough out onto baking sheets.

“Thank you,” he replied. Howl was their dramatic fiddle leaf fig tree, which had decided to throw a fit just before Remus left. “I switched it to a terracotta pot with peat moss and pearlite, and doubled its water intake. It seems to be tolerating it well.”

“Good.” There was a long pause. Then,” How are you?”

Janus looked back to the cookies. “I’m doing well,” he lied. “And you? Do you start class soon?”

“Next week,” Remus answered. “And, uh. Yeah, I’m doin’ good.” Another long pause. “Uh… I’ll just. Head out, I guess.”

“You could stay,” Janus blurted out. Shit. “For dinner, I mean.” He gestured to the tray of lasagna, fresh from the oven. “If you want.”

Remus gave him an uncharacteristically shy smile, then nodded slowly. He didn’t say anything, though, so Janus just gestured for him to take a seat at the table. And then he joined him, a plate of lasagna for each of them.

“So tell me, how’s living with Roman again?” Janus asked, a few bites into the meal, because he could not take the awkward silence a moment longer.

“It’s ok,” Remus answered. He shoveled another forkful of lasagna into his mouth. “This is really good, Jan.”

Janus smiled softly. “Thank you.” A pause. “Roman doesn’t mind all the plants?”

“Nah, he’s dating this guy Patton who apparently loves plants, so the apartment being full of houseplants is a huge plus to him now.”

“Good for him.” The oven timer went off, startling him slightly. He started to get up, but Remus waved him off.

“I got ‘em, you did all the cooking.”

Janus didn’t protest. Remus got up and took the cookies out of the oven. And he even moved them to a cooling rack like Janus had taught him to do. He came back to the table.

“How’s work?”

Janus sighed. “Oh, terrible as always,” he answered. “I really must start looking for a new job.”

“Finally getting fed up?” Remus teased. Janus rolled his eyes. More seriously, Remus continued, “You deserve better, Jan. You gotta find some place that treats you right and pays you what you’re worth.”

“Thank you, Remus.”

“And hey, just sayin’, I still think you’d make an excellent stripper.”

Janus snorted at that. “I haven’t fully ruled out that particular career change.”

They fell easily back into their usual banter, lingering late into the night over a dessert of milk and cookies. It was pushing 10pm when Remus glanced at his phone and cursed softly. Janus glanced at his phone as well.

“Ah, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to keep you so late,” he said. Remus shrugged.

“Nah, it’s cool. Thanks for dinner, Jan. It was real good, as always.”

“Where are you staying?”

“Uh… well, the plan was to stay with Logan, but I guess he had some kind of family emergency, so I don’t wanna trouble him. I’ll probably see if I can find a hotel room.”

Janus’ brow furrowed at that. “Why don’t you just stay here?”

“Oh, uh. I don’t wanna trouble you. I kinda feel like I already overstayed my welcome a bit?”

“Nonsense. A hotel room will cost you at least $100 for the night, and that’s simply ridiculous,” Janus insisted. “You should just stay here.”

Remus worried at his lip, which Janus knew meant he was mulling over his options. Then, he nodded. “If it’s not a bother?”

“Of course not. You’re not a bother, Remus.”

Remus’ eyes softened, and he smiled. “Ok. Thank you. Oh… lemmie go get my overnight back outta my truck.”

When Remus came back inside, Janus had just about finished making up the couch.

“Hey, you don’t gotta get all fancy,” Remus teased. “You know I can sleep basically anywhere.”

“This is for me,” Janus replied. He fluffed up one of the pillows a bit more. “You take the bed.”

An odd look flashed across Remus’ face. “No way, Jan. I’m good on the couch.”

“Remus, you just drove eight hours, and you’re doing it again tomorrow. I am not letting you fuck up your back.”

‘I don’t-”

“Yes you do, no matter how often you say you can sleep anywhere,” Janus scoffed. “You can’t lie to me.”

Remus’ eyes softened, and after a moment, he sighed. “Ok, Jan. But what about you?”

“I’ll be fine.”

“You hate sleeping on couches.”

“It’s only one night-”

“And don’t you work tomorrow?”

“Yes, but-”

“You’re going to be so grumpy at work without a proper night’s sleep.”

“I’m usually grumpy at work anyway,” Janus pointed out. Remus snorted.

“Ok, that’s true. But I don’t want you to be even grumpier,” he said. “Let’s just share the bed.”

Janus eyed him for a moment. This was a terrible idea. They should not do this.

“Ok,” Janus said anyway.

They got ready for bed in awkward silence, which just made Janus miss Remus’ long, rambling chatter that much more. When Janus finished in the bathroom, he found Remus sitting gingerly on what used to be his side of the bed. Janus came over and sat down on the other side.

“Hey, uh… thanks,” Remus said. “For lettin’ me stay.”

“Of course,” Janus answered. “I… I still think of you as a friend, Remus.”

At that. Remus grimaced slightly. He didn’t say anything, seeming unable to find the right words. Before he could, Janus pulled back the top blankets on the bed and laid down. After a moment, Remus did the same.

“Good night, Remus,” Janus said quietly.

“...Good night, Janus,” Remus answered. Then he reached over and shut off the light.

Remus played that night over and over in his head in the days after he got home, and each and every time, he was just as stumped.

He knew, in his brain, why he and Janus had broken up. It had been the only thing that made sense at the time, when the facts were just that Remus was moving away to pursue a lifelong dream, and Janus would never ever try to stop him from doing so. So they broke up. It made sense… right?

But… That morning, he’d woken up to Janus curled up in his arms, face smushed against Remus’ neck, and… Remus had completely forgotten why they had even broken up in the first place.

Remus was back at Roman’s apartment, now. Eight hours away in his own cold bed, arms empty of the man he loved, just staring at the ceiling. A sharp knock on his door snapped him out of his daze.

“Rise and shine, Sleeping Beauty,” Roman called. “Don’t you have class in like an hour?”

“Fuck!” Remus scrambled to get up, but succeeded only in rolling out of the bed.

“Don’t forget to lock the door when you leave,” Roman added. Clearly he was unconcerned by the loud “thump” of a body hitting the floor.

“Yup, got it,” Remus groaned in reply. He staggered, successfully this time, to his feet.

Getting dressed was a rushed affair of ‘grab whatever’s closest,’ and soon he emerged from the bedroom with one shoe on, the other in his hand, and his backpack slung over one shoulder. He rushed into the kitchen to grab the travel mug of coffee Janus always set out for him in the mornings. And then the realization hit: Janus didn’t live here.

Remus dropped his shoe.

The rest of the day went about as well as it could have gone without any coffee- that is to say, terribly. He got lost trying to get to campus, then he got lost again trying to get to class. Then he got stuck in traffic on the way back to Roman’s apartment. And then, to top it all off, the grocery store had been out of his favorite chips.

So here he was, mopey and chip-less, and fucking exhausted. He dumped his backpack and collapsed face-first onto the couch. Roman, who happened to be sitting on said couch, made a noise of protest.

“Move, I need to sulk,” Remus mumbled, though his voice was thoroughly muffled by Roman’s thigh, since that was where his face had landed.

“What on earth do you need to sulk for?” Roman asked incredulously. He moved to shove Remus off of him, but Remus went full ragdoll, and Roman couldn’t do a damn thing. “You are a grown man, you know.”

Remus turned his head just enough to stick his tongue out at Roman. Roman stuck his tongue out back.

“I had a terrible day, I earned a good sulk.”

“Didn’t like your classes?”

“Nah, they were great.”

“Professors?”

“Great.”

“Classmates?”

“Great.”

“Then Zeus Almighty, what are you so mopey-dopey about?” Roman remanded.

Remus squirmed around so he was laying on his back, head still in Roman’s lap, to look up at his brother. “So… uh… you promise not to get all, like. I told you so and shit?”

“You miss Janus!”

“No! I-”

“You do!” Roman crowed triumphantly. Remus rolled onto his side so he didn’t have to look at his brother’s dumb gloaty face.

“...Maybe,” he groaned. Abruptly, he clamored to his feet and started for the stairs. “I gotta go build a chair.”

“Carpentry won’t solve your relationship problems,” Roman called after him.

“I know,” Remus called back. “Wrong type of wood.” If Roman had a response to that, Remus was already out the door and didn’t have to hear it.

Patton found him out in front of the apartment building some time later, a jigsaw in hand, and a pile of cut wooden dowels at his feet.

“Hey, kiddo, what are you up to?”

Remus looked up from where he was balancing a plank of wood precariously across a milk crate, because his work table was one of the things he’d had to leave behind at Janus’ place.

“Oh, hey. Ro-bro’s upstairs.”

Patton gave him the sort of smile teachers gave to the kid they caught eating glue for the fourth time. “That doesn’t look super safe. Do you want any help?”

Remus took in Patton’s soft blue sweater and the dad-jeans from the nicer end of his closet, as well as the reusable grocery store bag that smelled suspiciously like some kind of lovely home-cooked meal; he shook his head. “You look dressed for a date night,” he said. “I don’t wanna fuck up two relationships this week.”

Patton’s eyes, impossibly, got even bigger and softer than they normally were, which honestly was quite the feat. He walked over to the stairs but, instead of making his way up to Roman’s apartment, he plopped down on the third step, facing Remus. Remus stared, bewildered.

“Uh, what’chu doin’ there, pops?”

“Well, it just sounded like you needed to talk,” Patton replied cheerfully. “So here I am.”

Remus stared a moment longer, somehow even more bewildered than before. “Uh…”

“I know I haven’t known you very long,” Patton continued. “But something tells me you’re the type of person who busts out the power tools when you’re upset.”

“How the hell can you tell that?”

Patton glanced over his shoulder, then leaned forward slightly. “Because,” he said, voice lowered conspiratorially. “I’m like that too.”

Remus blinked. “You?”

“Yup! I replaced all the tables and chairs in my house with ones I made myself after my last breakup,” Patton giggled. “Only two of them collapsed when I sat in them, too!”

Remus glanced down at the jigsaw in his hands, and then he sighed. He set it down, and went to sit next to Patton on the steps.

“Ok, well. Yeah, maybe I’m kinda upset.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Yeah? No? Maybe?”

“Yup, those are your three options!” Patton teased. Remus rolled his eyes.

“Ok, fine. You win, daddy-o. I’m upset because I miss my boyfriend. Or, well, my ex-boyfriend. I want him to be my boyfriend again.”

“Have you told him that?”

“Of course not,” Remus whined.

“Why not?”

“Because… I mean. It wouldn’t change anything. I still moved away. And I don’t even know if he’d want to be my boyfriend again either. Maybe he’s happier now.”

“You don’t know that,” Patton said gently. “Sure, maybe the circumstances aren’t the best right now, but if you both want it, things have a funny way of working out. But you have to talk to him.”

“I…” Remus paused. And then he sighed deeply. “I guess you’re right. Hey thanks, that did actually sorta help.”

Patton offered him a gentle smile. “Of course, Remus! Any time!”

“Hey!”

They both turned to see Roman standing at the top of the stairs, arms crossed.

“My own brother, hogging my boyfriend like this! The betrayal-”

“Relax, Ro, he’s not my type,” Remus shot back. “I prefer sarcastic little menaces.”

Patton giggled at that. He stood up and patted Remus on the shoulder. “I hope things work out,” he said. Remus smiled back.

“Yeah, I hope so too.”

Really, he just wanted Janus to be happy. Ideally with him, but if Janus was happier without him, well… so be it.

- - -

Janus was miserable.

“Dude, c’mon,” Virgil grumbled, immediately upon seeing the state of the apartment. “You’ve been watering your plants and filling the humidifiers, but you can’t be bothered to throw out your gross pizza boxes?” A pause. “Wait, you don’t even like pizza, what the hell.”

Janus just shrugged. After letting Virgil and Logan into the apartment, he’d gone straight back into blanket-burrito-on-the-couch mode. And really, he’d only bothered to get up and let them inside in the first place because Virgil had threatened to axe down the door- and Janus knew for a fact that Virgil owned multiple axes.

“I believe he is engaging in what is described as ‘emotional eating,’ or using food as a coping mechanism in a time of stress and emotional turmoil,” Logan said helpfully. Virgil just huffed.

“That’s fine and all, but Jesus Christ, dude.” He gestured around the livingroom where… ok, yeah, it was a mess.

“Did you two come here just to insult me?” Janus grumbled. His face was half-mashed into a pillow, though, so who knows how much of that was actually discernible.

“We came to make sure you were still alive,” Virgil snapped, indicating that at least most of what Janus had said was discernible. “You weren’t answering any texts.”

“Yes, and you called out of work three days in a row,” Logan added. “We are concerned for you, Janus.”

“I’m perfectly fine,” Janus lied from the comfort of his depression blanket burrito. He was not particularly surprised when neither Virgil or Logan looked even remotely convinced.

“Alright, drastic measure time,” Virgil growled. He walked over to the window, and picked up the young Burgundy Rubber Tree Janus had yet to name. Janus sat bolt upright.

“Virgil? Don’t you dare-”

Virgil walked past him and vanished down the hall. When he came back, his hands were empty, and he had a smirk on his face.

“Oh, fuck you,” Janus hissed. He dragged himself up off the couch to go rescue the poor thing, finding it stashed in the dark, windowless bathroom. When he came back to the livingroom, Virgil and Logan were sprawled across the couch.

“Ha ha, very funny.” Janus set the rubber tree back on the windowsill alongside the Snake Plant Army. “Ok, I’m up. Are you heathens happy now?”

“I take offense to that,” Logan muttered, while Virgil just crossed his arms and said, curtly, “Spill it.”

“Spill what?”

“Why are you so upset?”

“I’m not upset-”

“Falsehood,” Logan interrupted. “I have known you since high school, Janus, and I have never seen you like this before. It is highly alarming.”

“Is this about Remus?” Virgil asked.

“No,” Janus said immediately. “Of course not.”

Virgil and Logan exchanged a Look. Janus groaned.

“Fuck. Ok, fine. Maybe it is.”

“Was that so hard?” Virgil asked.

“Yes.”

“You-”

“Janus,” Logan interrupted Virgil’s retort. “It is my understanding that emotional distress is often alleviated through, as they say, ‘talking it out.’ It is clear you are not handling the break-up as well as you initially believed-”

“Of course I’m not!” Janus snapped. He took a deep breath, and turned back to the plants on his windowsill. Kaa, the Sansevieria Moonshine Remus had gotten for Janus as an anniversary present last year, was already leaning slightly toward the window again. He rotated it, and a few of the other snake plants on the sill. And then he realized the others had been quiet for far too long. He turned to find them both watching him with sympathetic expressions. “What?”

“Keep going,” Virgil prompted. Janus sighed. He felt exhausted.

“Of course I’m not,” he said again. “Because I love Remus.”

“And?” Virgil prompted.

“...And I didn’t want us to break up,” he finished, feeling glum. Wordlessly, Virgil stood up, and approached Janus, arms out. Janus stepped into the embrace. Nobody said anything; Janus didn’t cry, but he stood there for a long time. Then, he stepped back.

“Thank you,” he said, and he meant it. Virgil gave him a small smile. Logan cocked his head, seeming confused.

“I don’t understand. You just… needed a hug?”

“Hugs are great, Logan,” Virgil replied. “You should try them sometime- hey, where are you going?”

Janus strode past them both, beelining for his bedroom to find his laptop. Over his shoulder, he answered, “To fill out some job applications.”

- - -

Remus was outside building a new bookshelf- because Patton was moving in, and Roman's teenie-tiny sad little excuse for a bookshelf, which held only Disney DVDs and no actual books, wouldn’t suffice for all of Patton’s cookbooks- when his phone rang. Which was weird, because nobody ever called him, because he never fucking answered.

“Not interested, Mr. Spam Man,” he crooned over the sound of the generic iPhone ringtone. He was learning how to do kerf bending for this bookcase, and goddamn it he wasn’t going to be distracted by-

His phone started ringing again. He swore and ripped off his gloves to silence his phone. But as he did so, he realized the number flashing across his screen was a familiar one.

“Janus? Are you ok?” he answered the call, half panicked, because Janus hated phone calls almost as much as he did.

“Hi. Yes, everything’s fine.” Janus sounded slightly hysterical, which made Remus feel even more frantic. “Where are you?”

“I’m at Roman’s. Are you sure you’re ok-”

“Great, don’t leave. I’ll be right there.”

“What does that mean-” Remus demanded, but the line was already dead. Remus swore again. He briefly considered calling him back, because what the actual fuck was that all about, but he was only about 30 seconds into that brief consideration before a familiar car tearing through the apartment complex parking lot caught his attention. He quickly brushed as much of the sawdust off his clothes as he could because holy shit Janus had just parked right there in front of Roman’s apartment.

Remus watched, dumbfounded, as Janus scrambled out of his car- dressed in his very nice black suit and pale yellow button-up- and came running across the lawn toward where Remus was working. He had a tiny plant clutched to his chest.

“Uh, Jan, you good?” Remus asked. Janus stopped in front of him and doubled over, breathless, for a few moments. Then, he straightened up, and fixed Remus with a look of sheer determination.

“Remus. I want to get back together.”

Remus’ heart, the traitorous bastard, leaped up into his throat and blocked all his words from coming out.

“It’s… it’s ok if you don’t want that,” Janus continued. His look of determination faltered slightly. “It’s ok. But I needed to tell you. Because I love you, so much. And I… I didn’t want you to think I didn’t, even if you don't-”

Remus found his words abruptly. “Jan, fuck! I do! I do love you. I never stopped loving you. All I want is to be with you.”

Janus’ eyes softened. “Really?”

“Really.”

“Good, because I’ve just been offered a job here.”

Remus choked. Janus was eyeing him smugly. “You. Just like that, you got a job here?”

“Just like that,” Janus grinned. “I just came from the interview. They offered me a position on the spot.”

Remus couldn't help himself any longer. He lurched forward and pulled Janus tightly into his arms.

“Hey, be careful,” Janus said, though he made absolutely no effort to get out of Remus’ embrace. “You’ll crush our new son.”

Remus pulled back just enough to look at the small plant Janus held in his hands, and only then did his brain register what it was.

“Is! Is that-”

“Yes,” Janus replied, holding up the tiny Drosera Capensis seedling. Remus had wanted one of these for ages.

“For me?”

“Well, for us, ideally,” Janus answered, with a shy smile. “But, mostly for you, yes.”

Remus gently plucked the baby octopus plant- their new son!- from Janus’ hands, and placed it carefully on top of the milk crate that was serving as his carpentry workbench. Then, he hoisted Janus up off the ground and spun him around.

“Oh- Re-” Janus exclaimed, though he was laughing. “Put me down!”

“No!” Remus trilled. He spun Janus around once more. Then he just stood there, holding Janus, gazing up at him. Janus’ eyes grew soft. Slowly, he carded his fingers through Remus’ hair.

“Hey,” Janus said.

“Yeah?”

“I love you.”

Remus set Janus down, but kept his arms still wrapped tightly around him. His heart felt warm.

“Hey.”

Janus looked up at him. “Yeah?”

“I love you, too.”

#dukeceit #dukeceitweek #remus sanders #janus sanders #sanders sides #sanders sides fic #kye writes

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datleggy · 4 years

Text

Albert Plots aka coda to 4x02

One of Bucks house rules is: don't barge into my room unannounced.

It only becomes a house rule, of course, after Albert inadvertently interrupts his therapy session as he's mid sentence.

"Oh crap, sorry sorry, I didn't realize--I mean, I thought--sorry." Albert finishes lamely, cringing at his own intrusion.

Buck practically chucks his tablet across his bed, face down, in his surprise. “Dude, knock.”

Albert shrugs, grimacing apologetically. “You don’t have a door though?”

Buck sighs, running a hand through his hair nervously. “Just...announce yourself next time, ok? Like, yell ‘I’m coming up’ or whatever.”

Albert nods. “Sorry.” he mutters again.

Buck decides the kid looks contrite enough that he can brush the whole thing off--it’s not like he overheard anything. “It’s ok, don’t worry, we’re good. What’s up? You needed something?”

“I wanted to see if you wanted to order pizza but um,” Chimneys little brother pauses and scratches the back of his head. “Are you ok?”

Buck gulps. “Uh, yeah, I--why wouldn’t I be?” Well shit, Buck thinks, maybe he did overhear a tidbit or two, after all...

“Well,” Albert purses his lips to one side. “What you said just now, about hiding your feelings? Sorry, I really didn’t mean to eavesdrop--I was hungry and didn’t think before running up here. But um, listen, if you ever need an ear or a shoulder,” he shrugs delicately. “You’ve been there for me before a few times now. I like to think we’re good friends, so I want you to know you can always count on me to be there if you need someone. That’s all.”

Buck would be touched if he weren’t also kind of mortified over having been caught spilling his guts to Dr. Copeland. Albert must see that, because he immediately moves to change the subject. “So, pizza?”

“Yup,” Buck clears his throat. “Sal’s is the best joint in the area, their menu’s on the fridge, call and order whatever you want. I’ll umm, I’ll join you in a little bit.”

"Ok." Albert scurries off quickly enough and Buck feels a little bad for not being more reassuring that he's not upset with him. But it's hard; being vulnerable, that is.

********

An hour later dinner is silent and just a tiny bit awkward between the two men.

It's only after a couple of beers that Buck loosens up enough to blurt out, "I'm in love with Eddie."

Albert blinks up at him in surprise. "Oh shit." His face breaks out into a happy grin. "Dude, that's awesome! I always thought you two would be good together. Actually, I gotta admit, I thought you two were dating when we first met at that bar. So it makes sense." Albert's voice trails off upon realizing how red Buck's face has gone. "Wait, did you not--you know? Know?" Albert's eyes grow wide.

Buck shrugs. "I kinda always knew? But I mean, the Eddie thing is..." He groans, "How am I supposed to tell my best friend I'm in love with him? It would ruin everything."

Albert shakes his head adamantly. "No way man, you said it yourself, Eddie's your best friend, your feelings for him wouldn't 'ruin' anything. Even if by some crazy chance he doesn't feel the same way it's not like he'd stop being friends with you."

Buck rubs a hand up his shoulder and bites on his bottom lip. "But what if that's exactly what happens? I don't wanna hide my feelings anymore, from anyone, but I don't think I can take that risk--it's too big, I could lose too much."

Albert has seen the way Eddie looks at Buck when he thinks no one is else is paying attention. “Look man, I’m not exactly the observant type--Howie can tell you that--but even I can see Eddie’s heart eyes when he’s looking in your direction.”

Buck groans, hiding his face in his hands. “I just don’t wanna mess up what we have.” he looks up, his expression sullen. “We’ve got a good thing going.” he shrugs. “If I confess my feelings there’s a chance--” he sighs, hanging his head. “I can’t do it.”

Albert reaches over and squeezes his shoulder in support. Suddenly an idea strikes him. “Hey,” he jumps up. “What if I could prove to you that Eddie’s just as into you as you are, into him? Would you say something then?”

Buck lifts his head to look Albert in the eye, “How would you go about doing that?”

Albert waves him off. “You don’t gotta worry about that part. Just trust me.”

Buck raises a brow, dubious. “Ok, but you need to promise you won’t say anything about my feelings to Eddie--or to anyone, for that matter. Not even Chimney can know.”

“I swear, not a word!”

*********

Albert strikes over the weekend, during a friendly game of basketball with the 118. Albert had originally only been intending to play one on one with Chim, like usual, but had convinced him to invite everyone at the station, too, last minute.

“Buck’s on my team!” Albert declares, before anyone can even truly get settled.

Chim glares at Albert. “Oh yeah, call dibs on our tallest guy.”

Albert shrugs, throwing an arm around Buck and pulling him close. “And let’s not forget the most handsome.” he winks at Buck with the subtlety of a fire engine racing across town.

Chim raises a questioning brow at his brother but otherwise doesn’t comment. “Uh huh. Anyway, then I want Eddie on my team.”

Eddie steps up beside Chim, giving Buck a look. “Ready to get your ass handed to you?”

Buck scoffs. “I have the power of youth on my side, thanks.” he says, pointing to Albert.

Bobby clears his throat. “This is starting to feel a lot like a middle school gym class, where I’m picked last for teams.”

Hen bumps his fist in camaraderie. “Preach, Cap.”

“Hen, I call Hen!” Chimney immediately announces, practically dragging his best friend over to his side.

“Good, cause I was gonna pick Captain Nash anyway.” Albert sticks his tongue out.

Buck grins when Bobby walks over to stand beside him. His parents never let him play sports when he was a kid--he had to forge their signatures for whatever ‘dangerous’ activity he wanted to participate in, and so he and his dad had never gotten to toss the ball around in the backyard the way most of his friends had, growing up.

Being on the same team with Bobby now kind of feels like that. Not that he’d say it out loud. He’s way too old for that stuff now. Not to mention the fact that now he has to focus on both the game and on whatever Albert is plotting with him and Eddie.

Buck sighs. He should’ve kept his big mouth shut.

The game starts out friendly enough, some playful jabs thrown here and there, but Buck can tell Albert and Chimney are out for blood, knocking elbows and teasing the other when they miss a shot. Though, he concedes, they are siblings, and well, he and Maddie, even at this age, can still get a little overly zealous when competing with one another. So he’s not too worried.

They take a break about half way through the game, sweaty and tired from running around so much, when Albert starts to speak. “Man, I can’t wait for that double date next Friday.”

Chim glances up at him from the bench, where he’s rehydrating. “You’re going on a date? First I’ve heard.”

Albert nods. “Yup. With Buck and these two really cool chicks I met at the coffee shop a couple of weeks ago.”

Eddie furrows his brows. “Did you say Friday?”

Albert nods, knowing exactly where this is going.

Eddie turns to Buck, who’s trying his best to telepathically communicate with Albert to cut it out before he strangles the kid. “Uh, Friday’s game night.” he says, his tone slightly accusatory.

Bobby’s eyes dart between the two men curiously. Hen presses her lips together. “Game night?”

Eddie nods. “Every Friday we get together at my place and do a game night. Christopher looks forward to ‘em every week.”

Albert cuts in before Buck can say anything. “Wow, you two sound like a married couple with a kid.” he teases. “But I mean, what’s the big deal, missing one game night? Buck could meet the love of his life Friday night. Isn’t that a little more important?”

Eddie makes a face none of the crew can really read. “Guess you’re right.” he agrees reluctantly, picking up the ball and passing it to Chimney just a tad on the rough side. “Break’s over, let’s get back to it, yeah?” He steps out into the court without looking back, his shoulders set rigidly.

Albert grins at Buck, whispering as the others head to the court as well, “It’s working!”

“He looks like he wants to kill someone.” Buck half whispers back, eyes wide. “Your plan sucks.”

“Shh, you’ll be thanking me later, now c’mon, let’s go!” Albert runs into the court and takes his position at the front, between Buck and Bobby.

Buck can’t help but focus entirely on Eddie’s sour mood during the game, which is probably why he doesn’t notice the uneven asphalt as he goes to catch Bobby’s toss until it’s too late. He loses his footing and goes down hard.

Buck’s back and side hit the pole connected to the basketball net and the damn thing actually shakes with the force of the collision. Bobby is on him instantly, helping him up and asking if he’s alright. Buck tries to say he’s fine, but the moment he’s standing he bends over, wrapping an arm around himself, wincing in pain. “Hurts.” he admits.

Eddie sprints across the ball court to help Bobby get Buck to the benches where he can sit and they can see what’s going on. Hen lifts his shirt and grimaces tightly at the humongous ugly bruise already forming against his back and part of his chest. “Jesus, Buck.” she feels around that area.

Buck gasps at the onslaught of pain and tries his best not to flinch away from her.

“Definitely some bruised ribs, Buck,” Hen tells him sympathetically, pulling down his shirt as gently as she can. “Possibly fractured. I would definitely get this checked out in the ER, in case they’re broken. They’ll need to do an x-ray and a CT just to rule it out.”

Buck groans. “Can’t I just ice it?”

“C’mon,” Bobby shakes his head, helping Buck get up. “I’m taking you--”

Eddie interrupts, his hand on Buck’s shoulder. “I can go. Christopher’s at a sleepover today, so I’m free anyway.” he volunteers.

Buck is in too much pain to argue with either of them, and ends up in the front passenger seat of Eddie’s truck. Bobby makes Eddie promise to text the team updates.

**********

Eddie fills out Bucks form so he can hold an ice pack to his side while they wait in the ER. Once he’s done he hands it to the nurse at the front desk and sits down next to Buck. “How ya’ feeling?”

Buck knows there isn’t a point to lying, not when he needed to lean the majority of his weight on the other man from the car to the waiting room, after all. “Like the whole left side of me got hit by a car.”

“Here, gimme that, I’ll hold it for you.” Eddie takes the ice pack and places it gently against his side, grimacing when Buck cringes. “Hurt a lot?”

“Only when I breath.” Buck jokes, though it’s not too far from the truth. “You know you don’t have to stay here with me, I can call an Uber to drive me home. The place is packed, we’re probably gonna be waiting for hours.”

Eddie rolls his eyes. “I’m not leaving you, so this had better be your first and last attempt at getting me to go.”

Buck sighs. “Fine.”

“Good.” Eddie clears his throat. “So...”

Buck turns his eyes towards him. “So?”

“You’re really not coming to game night Friday?”

Buck looks away. He doesn’t want to lie to Eddie, but how crazy would he look if he told him Albert made all that up--in order to admit the truth he’d also have to confess his feelings for his best friend, and there’s just no way in hell that’s happening. “Yeah,” he says instead, “Sorry, I was planning on telling you later today, it just kinda slipped my mind.”

Eddie hums, pursing his lips. “No it’s cool, Albert’s right. She might be the one.” he says, though it’s said dryly.

Buck looks up at him from underneath his long lashes, curiously. “And uh, if she is?”

“Then,” Eddie shrugs, “Good for you.”

Buck nods.

An uncomfortable silence falls upon the two men and it’s another half hour of awkwardness before Eddie picks up the conversation again.

“You know what,” he starts, turning to Buck, “I lied. Not good for you.”

Buck blinks at the bluntness. “What?”

“I don’t want you to go on that date. And I don’t want to cancel game night. I know it’s selfish and I’m being kind of psycho right now, but I think I’m jealous?” Eddie’s mouth snaps shut, as though he hadn’t meant to say any of that out loud. Like the words simply spilled forth without his brains permission.

“You’re jealous? Of...what?” Buck doesn’t dare to hope this is what he thinks it is.

Eddie groans, putting down the ice pack for a moment and turning his chair completely to the side so he can face Buck fully. “I know I said Christopher looks forward to game nights, and he does, but so do I. I look forward to spending time with the two of you together and I get excited when our shifts line up on certain weeks and I’m getting tired of saying goodnight and watching you walk to your Jeep, all because I’m too much of a coward to just say--” Eddie stops himself, his chest aching, the words caught in his throat.

“I’m in love with you.” Buck blurts out.

“You--” Eddie stammers. “You are?” he asks in disbelief.

Buck gulps, his cheeks heating up. “For a while now, I think. I just...hadn’t realized until recently.” Dr. Copeland had been a huge part of figuring that out.

“Christ,” Eddie doesn’t waste a second more. He takes Bucks face in his hands and brings their foreheads together right then and there. “Can I...?”

Buck nods, their lips brushing slightly with the motion. “Please.”

Eddie kisses him, softly, tentatively, before pulling away just a bit. “I love you.” he confesses breathlessly.

Buck thinks his heart might actually burst out of his chest.

Man, Albert is never gonna let him hear the end of this.

#hurt/comfort #buddie #albert #buck #eddie #911 fox #4x02 coda #bobby #hen #chimney #fic #writing #hurt!buck #jealous!eddie #albert has zero chill #dr. copeland has her hands full w buck

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ascalonianpicnic · 3 years

Text

so the twisted marionette is back and it seems like a good time for this~ @mystery-salad requested I do an essay on Scarlet and discrimination in STEM so~

Warning: discussions of sexism, racism, and ableism. If I got anything wrong (in terms of real world issues) or was disrespectful in any way about certain subjects please let me know

Hey, let's talk about Scarlet Briar.

More specifically, I wanna talk about Ceara, and how she became Scarlet Briar. Because I'm a gay mathematician and former computer science major, and I think Scarlet is cool.

So let's start here. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is a heavily male dominated set of fields and career paths. A few decades back in the real world, there was this deep set societal belief, at least in western society, that cis women were just "worse" at STEM related things like math and chemistry. It's not as visible of an issue now, but, like I said, STEM fields are still really male dominated, and that's because STEM fields still have a massive issue with sexism. Women have full on left the field due to the sexism they faced in workplaces in just the last decade. Trans women in STEM share really interesting and important personal accounts about how before transitioning, they were treated with respect, offered high level jobs, and entrusted with loads of responsibility, and how post transition, despite having even more experience, are offered significantly lower level jobs, worse pay, and are all around treated like they know less. STEM has a sexism problem.

So, why is this important to Scarlet? Well, her backstory and her life before Omadd's Machine actually tie in to this real world issue in a really fascinating way. It's about Respect. And Scarlet's story is about how she was denied respect over and over, because she was a sylvari, because she was a woman, and because she was neurodivergent. Let's talk about Ceara.

Ceara was a sylvari secondborn, and an engineer from the start. She emerged from the Pale Tree when her race was still brand new to the world and largely unknown. She spent 8 years of her life studying all the Grove had to offer her about mechanics and nature and the universe. She was born curious and as such, was determined to learn everything and anything she could get her hands on. After her time in the Grove, Ceara left, off to find new teachers and extend her knowledge further. After the Grove cane Beigarth, a famed norn smith. He gladly took Ceara under his wing, seeing her genius and potential. For a year, she trained under him, his best student. Then, much to his dismay, she left, feeling she had learned all he could offer about what she wanted to know. She moved south, going to study under iron legion gladium and demolitionist Asagai. Asagai was an old charr, and it took some convincing on Ceara's end, but she eventually took the sylvari in and taught her about gunsmithing and artillery. And after two years, Ceara moved on again, this time heading for Rata Sum and its colleges.

The asura of Rata Sum did Not like Ceara. She had to fight to be allowed to study at the colleges. She won in the end, being admitted into the college of Dynamics. Within a year, she finished the course work, and, feeling like she was finally getting somewhere, she applied again, this time getting admitted to Statics. Two years and two colleges down, at the top of her class both times, Scarlet still wanted more. The Arcane council was curious now if she could keep this streak up, so they let her enter Synergetics. This was what she had been looking for, and she got deep into her studies, taking her time. The Arcane council was unimpressed with her work at best. While not driven from the colleges, she found herself being walked off and looked down on more and more, so she sought other sources. These other sources, both of knowledge and support, came from the inquest, and it wasn't long before she fell in deep. It didn't last, however. When the krewe she was working with ran into trouble, she was abandoned as a scapegoat, and thrown out of the asuran colleges. She wandered on her own for a while, taking the time to study alchemy with the michotl hylek, but mostly keeping to herself. Until Omadd found her, pulled her back into his personal research, and, with her help, built Omadd's machine. Once it was finished, Ceara walked in, and Scarlet walked out.

Sexism in STEM means that people perceived as female are often perceived as knowing or understanding less than they actually do. It's because of this that you'll find young cis male students in STEM classes trying to correct or speak over their female presenting professors. It's why you'll find men at science conferences telling the women presenting for certain topics that they don't seem to understand the topic they're covering or grasp the basics that well, and then recommending or referencing books and research papers written by these women. It means that women will often be overlooked for internships, research positions, and grants. And that is the sort of thing Scarlet faced as a young woman trying to learn everything she could. She had to work for the apprenticeships she could get, and with Beigarth, despite how highly he thought of her, she had to work harder to prove she was ready for more each step of the way. Finding anyone to teach her at all among the charr was a struggle, until an older woman took her in. And no one in Rata Sum took her seriously.

There was more than just the fact that Scarlet was a woman at play with Rata Sum though. As stated, STEM has a bad sexism problem. But that's not all. STEM isn't just mostly men, but also mostly white men, and as such, the fields have a bit of a racism problem as well. Personally, I can only speak so much to this as I myself am white, have never faced racism, and never will face racism. I do know that the intelligence, skill, and effort of people of color goes largely unacknowledged. They will be denied the same opportunities and respect that their white peers receive, and their work and contributions will be ignored, exploited, and stolen.

Racism in Tyria isn't the same as it is in the real world, though it is still present there, and prevalent. And it is something Scarlet has to face and struggle with repeatedly as a sylvari. The sylvari are young and new to Tyria. Because of this, the other prominent groups all tend to think of sylvari as innocent, ignorant, and overly naive. The asura are especially bad about this. They already think of themselves as the smartest of Tyria's inhabitants, above everyone else. And when they first encounter the sylvari, the asura refuse to believe this new group could even be sentient. So, when 11 year old Ceara shows up at the colleges, the Arcane Council and the asura in general doubt she could possibly understand asuran studies. She's a sylvari, after all, and just a girl on top of that. There's surely no way she could keep up.

So when this young sylvari girl finishes at the top of her class in just a year, not once but twice, the Arcane council is intrigued. They don't respect her. They don't hold her work in high esteem. But they do want to know if this is some sort of fluke or if she can do it again. So she's admitted into the third and final college, and when she gets caught up in her studies, genuinely interested and invested in what she's learning and wanting to take her time to take it all in, the Council is disappointed. Never mind that Scarlet has already done what no other non-asura has. She took too long doing what she loved, learning, so the Council dismisses her, and dismisses her hard work. Her theories are looked down upon and ignored, and she is left with only support from Omadd, who can use her and her theories for his own gain, and the inquest. Omadd and the inquest make her feel valued and respected. The inquest let's her try anything she wants, it lets her really explore the fields of study she's most drawn to. The inquest makes sure to profit off her hard work and, when it comes down to it, the inquest leaves her to take the fall for everything. It's easy, after all, to pin the blame on someone already so looked down on by the society she's in. Scarlet is kicked out of the colleges and the city. She loses her access to information, her belongings, and even her own research and findings. All her hard work, taken from her because the inquest was more than glad to use a sylvari.

And then of course, there's Omadd. He was glad to have Scarlet as a lab assistant, and endlessly fascinated by and supportive of her work. So once she's gone from Rata Sum, he leaves too, taking her research and starting on his own personal project. He gets stuck, he seeks Scarlet out, and he convinces her to help him again. Once Scarlet is back on board, the project goes smoothly and the two construct Omadd's Machine. Omadd's. Despite being built off Scarlet's theories and research, despite her being integral to the construction of this machine, it's Omadd's and it carries his name. Funny how that happens, isn't it? And once the machine is up and running, he thinks Scarlet should test it first. Who knows what could happen in there, better to leave it up to the assistant to try it out, and frame it as her getting the honor of the first try. As we all know, it goes poorly. Scarlet learns so much more, all the knowledge she had been seeking for over a decade, but in return, the seeds of Mordremoth are planted in her mind and slowly take over, destroying her.

Now Scarlet, who has been used and devalued and disrespected and infantilized every step of the way, her whole life, is going to start tearing down the things that held her back for so long. She just needs a plan, and with the help of a certain sleeping dragon, one begins to form.

There's something I glossed over earlier that is so important to note, and that's how Scarlet was treated in the Grove. Now, it's been stated explicitly by Scott McGough, a narrative designer for the fame, that Scarlet emerged with lacking empathy. Low empathy doesn't make Scarlet, or anyone, a bad person. It's sometimes a symptom of autism, as well as some personality disorders, and it does affect how Scarlet is treated. As an autistic person myself, Scarlet very much reads as autistic to me, between low empathy, a one track mind, and an intense special interest in the universe and its mechanics. She has a hard time connecting with others, is easily bored by subjects that don't relate back to her special interest, can focus intently on and get caught up in her work, and doesn't really get social graces or expectations. Regardless of any diagnosis she would have if she existed in our world, Scarlet is treated differently due to her low empathy, a trait she cannot help about herself.

From the moment she emerges in the Grove, she is treated differently. She is talked down to. Her desire to take in her first sights and how it overwhelms her is dismissed as overconfidence and rudeness. Her own brother, barely older than her, talks like he knows so much more than her. Scarlet is an outsider among her own people. How does it feel to have low empathy among a race connected to each other deeply through empathy? Probably not great. Her studies in the Grove are limited, she is treated as rude and prideful for wanting to be independent and needing space. Rather than being accommodated, rather than being understood, Scarlet is infantilized, dismissed, and disregarded. She isn't neurotypical. She was born different. She's punished for it.

When she emerges from Omadd's Machine, made from her own hard work and creativity, Scarlet Briar is a young woman who has frequently been overlooked and rarely understood. All these thoughts and ideas, all this passion, and the only people who have ever even seemed to understand her have used and betrayed her so thoroughly. Scarlet Briar has always had to look out for and take care of herself, as a woman, as a sylvari, as someone who is neurodivergent and is in a field that doesn't respect a single aspect of her identity. The world won't accommodate her and the world won't take her seriously. So why shouldn't she show the world what she can do? Why not force everyone to recognize her for who she is? Why not give in just a little to that voice that has been calling to her in her nightmares since she left the machine? After all, it promises power and recognition and a sense of belonging.

#gw2 #guild wars 2 #scarlet briar #my essays #anyway uvu

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binunus · 4 years

Text

college bf!jinjin

a/n yes yes yes 100x yes, here's the next installment of the college bf!astro series hehe, hope you enjoy it love 😙

{request: Would it be possible to get a college boyfriend Jinjin too?? I super loved the Bin one you did!!!! Thank you in advance 💜}

→ genre: fluff, smut

→ word count: 3k

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alright theydies

jinwoo–like everyone else in astro–makes me hella hard and soft at the same time so this is gonna be fun

major: music engineer technology

i saw that one ddoca where he was directing all the members for his song and just !!! grr bark bark

literally a fucking sweetie

one of the kindest people you will ever meet in your life

his face is so gentle, especially when he smiles

and then you hear his voice and you're like woah why is it so deep and raspy hey

and then he laughs or giggles and you're like ahh that looks more like you hehe

roommates with university famous dancer!rocky bc i love rap line

such a good roommate and hyung omg

will always make sure rocky eats dinner or takes a shower before going to bed even though he’s exhausted from dance practice or whatever

always shows off how talented rocky (and the rest of the boys) is

very chill

which is a bit of a surprise to everyone bc one of his best friends is literally myungjun

anyway, how do you two meet??

you're a vocal performance major

coincidentally, the same major as myungjun

oh god so you can bet he really played matchmaker for you two

you and myungjun were doing a duet together for one of your final projects during your second year

and you two were joking around like

damn, we should record this, we sound pretty fire

*cue myungjun immediately calling jinjin*

mj: ARE YOU AT THE STUDIO?? ARE YOU FREE RIGHT NOW??

jin: hyung why are you yelling it's literally 6 pm

anyway, it was spontaneous but you and myungjun end up going to one of the recording studios in the music building where jinwoo very often frequents at

you're like a bit shy, like wtf myungjun you didn't tell me that your friend was cute?? you would have worn something better than sweats and a tank

jin's so nice ugh, just imagine him smiling at you as he introduces himself

literally you melted

his fit? bucket hat, glasses, shorts and a tee

it was so casual, but why did he look so cute??

myungjun convinces jinwoo to let you guys record in the studio

it took him just 10 minutes to set up the equipment and everything

you were just looking at him like ooo looks so professional

sksksk im gross

myungjun goes first bc you were nervous

and yeah duh he was a natural, but you couldn't help but admire jinwoo in his prime

he looked so attractive in the producer chair just like instructing mj in the booth

he didn't even know what kind of song you guys were singing, but he directed him so smoothly so that the best parts of myungjun's voice came out

mj joking around: why's your mouth open, y/n? amazed at my voice?

you roll your eyes: sure if that's what you want to believe

your thoughts: ah haha i was totally not oogling your best friend myungjun, totally not

and then it was your turn to go in the booth

you don't know why, but you were hella nervous singing in front of them–or more so, in front of jinwoo

which is dumb bc you're literally a vocal performance major, you sing in front of strangers all the damn time

but you really wanted to impress him for some reason??

okay, you had no reason to be nervous because as soon as you opened your mouth?? jinnie?? literally awestruck

he's heard a lot of singers, obviously bc he's had to record so many of them

but you?? your voice?? a literal siren for him–but in a good way!

your singing entranced him

and then you looked out of the booth to see him just staring at you and your throat went dry

your voice cracked, you've never felt more embarrassed in your life

you: ah! oh my God I'm so sorry, that was horrendous

myungjun's laughing at you, what a nice duet partner

but jin just smiles bc you're whining and hiding your face in your hands

you were so cute??

jinwoo: it's okay y/n, you were doing really good. let's try that again, okay?

he was so sweet about it, ugh you were blushing

you end up recording again, and this time you made the smart decision to close your eyes and just try and focus on the lyrics

and shit, if jinjin wasn’t already a bit interested in you before, he definitely was now

because the way you looked completely immersed in the song and lyrics

his heart skipped like ten miles i dont know

myungjun just knew from the way jinwoo was staring at you

you didn’t get his number from the first meeting

bitch you were too shy, you just squeaked out a “thank you, hope myungjun and I weren’t too much of a bother”

jin: hyung’s always a bother, but you were totally fine

mj: hey!

anyway you leave with a bit of regret, like you should have at least gotten his snapchat or social media or something

or make a dumb excuse to try and see him again

ah but mj was already ten steps ahead of you and jinjin ;)

when you get back to your apartment, there’s a text from myungjun like

“come back to jinwoo’s studio tomorrow for the final mix of our duet”

you immediately jump at the opportunity: okay! what time?

damn could you be any more obvious??

this time you actually tried to look cute, like you were going to see jinwoo again, you couldn’t look like a rat

you get to the studio at the time myungjun told you and you’re like?? oh it’s just jinwoo here?? maybe myungjun’s running a bit late??

jinwoo: oh hey y/n! wasn’t expecting to see you again so soon

you: ???? myungjun told me to come here to listen to the final mix...

jinwoo being shy: he didn’t tell me about that haha

you’re embarrassed, about to turn on your heel and book it

maybe also thinking of murdering myungjun on the way back to your place

but then jinwoo grabs your wrist before you could leave

and you literally felt a spark at his touch, it made you jump a little bit

jin: you can stay if you want–I mean, you came all this way already, I’d be a bit of jerk if I just make you leave

you: I-uh-don’t wanna intrude

he just shakes his head with a smile: you’re not, don’t worry. besides, I’m actually working on your song right now, you can tell me what you think

and that’s how you end up hanging out with jinwoo alone in the studio

you were obviously very awkward and nervous at first

what do you say to him? should you ask him questions? what if you’re bothering him? god you don’t want to sound like an idiot

jinwoo noticed your nervousness––and yes he was nervous too, but he just hid it better than you

he hands you a pair of headphones: here, listen to what I have done so far

you’re like pleasantly surprised??? you and myungjun sound so professional?? like damn put this out on spotify or something

you’re smiling and jinwoo just feels like a huge sense of relief like phew okay you like it so far

and then you two just get to talking while he’s still mixing

you ask him how he got into music and his major and all that fun stuff

you find out that jin’s always loved music and the actual producing aspect of it, he hopes to be a music producer one day and he just flirts with you like

“hey maybe one day you can sing my songs on stage”

and you’re like ??? me???

jin: you have one of the best voices I’ve ever heard, it would be an honor for me

ugh jinwoo stop im blushing

you two end up ordering food and eating at the studio bc he promised himself that he wouldn’t leave until he finished your duet and you didn’t wanna leave him alone tf

you and jinwoo exchange numbers this time hehe

before you leave, he’s like “this was nice y/n, you should come over and keep me company more often :) if...you want of course”

you: i’d be happy to! just text me any time :)

internally you’re screaming like yes !!

you can bet that you start spending a lot of your free time with jinwoo in the music studio

sometimes it’s just you two

sometimes myungjun and their other friends make appearances too

and that’s how you get introduced to their friend group

myungjun to either of you: you’re spending a lot of time with jin/yn lately ;)

about a month after meeting each other, jinwoo asks you out on a date

with the encouragement of astro

it was all expected let’s be honest

cliche first date at the movies, but like you both loved it

wouldn’t be surprised if astro was spying on you two, sitting like a couple rows behind and watching your every move

but shhh if they did, you and jinwoo didn’t notice

the transition from liking each other → going on dates → making it exclusive went so smoothly

you and jin were hooked on each other after the first couple meetings that it just seemed so right

myungjun will never stop saying that he’s the reason why you two are in a relationship

you and the other boys grow very fond with each other–particularly sanha

and that was important for jinwoo bc the guys are like his family and it’s basically a dream for him that his partner and friends are close too

sanha is his child do not @ me

so by osmosis, sanha becomes like your baby too

the two of you literally coddle sanha, it’s cute okay

they all go to you and jin for relationship advice sksksk

bc to them, you two just seem so made for each other :’)

the !! sweetest !! most perfect !! boyfriend

will walk you to class in the morning even if his class is all the way across campus

and you’re like: jinwoo it’s okay, i can see you after this class, you might get late!

jin being pouty: i just wanna spend more time with you :(

im in love with jinjin

loves holding your hand, even when you two are in the studio and he’s mixing something for class or just for fun, he’s still holding your hand

whenever he makes a composition, you’re the first person he shows

really values what you think of his work

vice versa, when you have a song you need to sing, you always ask him to listen to you first

you don’t sugarcoat with each other when it comes to music

will ask you to sing literally all the time

jinwoo gives the best hugs :’)

it’s just so comforting, one of his hands strokes your hair, while the other one rubs your lower back

you know what kind of picture im creating?? yeah

ooooof baby you go with him when he gets his tattoos

you hold his hand through it the entire time even though he probably didn’t feel much pain from it

and like his big ass chest tattoo??? are you drooling??? 1000%

when jinwoo realizes that you get ??? turned on?? by his tattoos, you bet he begins to walk around shirtless in your apartment

is this my transition to down and dirty? yes it is

your first time with him was mmm rough and it’s all thanks to that chest tattoo

you and jinwoo have been steamy before, like makeout sessions and dry humping, and oral (both receiving), but the actual action of fucking? y’all haven’t done it before that night

ofc he’s being a little tease and walking around shirtless

he was always touching you though, not explicitly, but like say you were washing the dishes, he would walk past you and brush his hand passed your waist and he’d whisper in your ear like: sorry baby excuse me

and like he’s done this the whole day so just at one point you lose it and literally push him against the wall and start making out with him

ah he knew you were gonna crack

and god you were so turned on at this point that you were not having any of that soft shit, like you needed him to fuck you asap

jinwoo fucks you so hard your first time together that you couldn’t walk the next day

hehe

oh boy he likes to bite

yes he’s the sweetest, but in the bedroom?? lowkey a bit of a masochist

it’s okay bc you don’t mind a little bit of pain ;)

daddy!! kink!! i dont make the rules

will call you baby girl/boy

he’s the dom, like will very rarely let you dom him

very private with your sex life, you won’t catch him teasing you in public with other people around

and if you try, like say if you whisper daddy in his ear or something while you are hanging out with the guys, oof it’s gonna be a rough night for you

alright but studio sex

has he recorded your moans before?? or you two having sex in the booth?? yes

debatably, studio sex happens more than bedroom sex, but that’s only because most of jinwoo’s time is literally in the music building

jinwoo dirty talk !! with his sexy ass raspy voice !!

ugh jin moaning in your ear what a good girl/good boy you are for him while he’s just fucking you

will slightly degrade you?? like yes you are his cocksleeve

but he also praises you a lot during sex too

ooh you better hope you don’t have a gag reflex bc he’s all into throat fucking

favorite position is actually missionary, believe it or not

he loves seeing you come undone for him

eye contact during sex?? yes

like he will make sure you’re looking at him when you cum, periodt

favorite place to cum is your face oops

also very much into cockwarming

most of the time, your sessions are rough just bc your vibes are like that

but when they’re soft and slow?? and like making love??

literally the most passionate man ever

jin makes it all about you and your pleasure when he’s being gentle

after care is full of kisses and cuddles and I love yous

always makes sure you drink water after having sex

stay hydrated kids

and jinwoo’s back to being the bestest boyfriend :’)

first i love you was when you two were in bed together

you both just woke up and were cuddling

jin was watching the video you sent him of you practicing this one song for an upcoming performance

and you were still drowsy, so you were literally drifting in and out of sleep while he was listening to your video

and jinwoo was just awestruck, he’s always been in love with your voice from the get go, but the way you executed this song? even though it was just practice? his chest was constricting

you’re like mumbling when the video stops: i still need to work more on the bridge, my tone gets a bit flat during it, right?

and he just smiles softly at you even though your eyes are closed and you can’t see him

he thought it was perfect already, you were perfect already

and he just calls your name: y/n

you: hmm??

jin: I love you

and suddenly you’re awake and meeting his eyes

they were so genuine and serious and full of love, you don’t even hesitate to say it back

honestly not the jealous type, he’s so patient and trusting and knows that you’re crazy about only him

will constantly reassure you about any of your insecurities: body, voice, school, your relationship, anything

jinwoo just has such a calming aura around him that you can’t help but feel like, as long as he’s by your side everything will be okay

the two of you have many deep talks together, especially at night before going to sleep, it’s what makes your relationship so solid

jinwoo just knew that he wanted to marry you, even early on into your relationship

there was no one that supported him more in his dreams, no one that he’s ever truly felt connected with, no one that he’s shared all his deepest fears with than you

and like after a year of dating like he couldn’t picture a future without you in it

he’s a romantic :’)

shortly before graduating, he makes a song about you and he’s actually singing in it

ugh main vocal jinjin rise

and he shows it to you in the music studio where you first met

and it’s about how much he loves you and admires you and treasures you

basically a proposal but not really

and you’re so touched, like literally moved to tears because it was so beautiful

and lowkey he was cringing at hearing his singing voice but you still loved it nonetheless

and afterwards, jinwoo was like: I wanna spend the rest of my life with you y/n, I’m not asking you to marry me right now, obviously I’ll propose to you in a better way in the future, but I’m serious about you and I can’t imagine being with anyone else.

you jump into his lap and kiss him and just keep saying I love you in between kisses

and jinwoo’s all smiley and giggly like: do you feel the same??

and you hit his arm all jokingly, yes of course you do

you just sit on his lap and he’s hugging you while the two of you are listening to more of his projects and jinwoo’s just thinking like wow I love this person so much

maybe the two of you do owe it to myungjun for playing matchmaker

i guess mj can be the best man at your wedding

y’all this was so soft??

but yes jinnie’s the best bf/husband material out there

im in love with him

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2-8-21

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twistedtummies2 · 3 years

Text

The Mad Doctor of Night Raven (Commission)

Another commission; this is from the same person who created Tock Crockwork and Caelyum in past stories. This time, we introduce another OC of theirs: Xavier Madoc, based on The Mad Doctor from Epic Mickey. This is also my first time properly writing for Idia and Ortho! :D

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“You sure this is everything you need, me hearties?”

“Nya! It better be! Some of this is heavy!” You smirked as you adjusted the box of electronic equipment in your arms. You checked on your companions, who were carrying similar boxes. To your right strolled Grim, the fire-eared, trident-tailed, cat-like imp. He was carrying a very small box - fitting for his size - while yours was more medium sized. A box matching the size of yours was in the arms of your more human comrade: a tall, slender young man with long, fuschia-colored dreadlocks, dressed all in brown. “Thanks for the help, Cael,” you said to him gratefully. Caelyum De Macabre shrugged cheerily. “Don’t mention it!” he chuckled. “For one thing, helping you get this stuff was part of my job at the Mystery Shop. Sam prides himself on having everything; if I couldn’t find something like all this, he might dock my pay.” “Would he?” you blinked. “Probably not, but he MIGHT,” huffed Cael. “And as for carrying some of this…” His smile became more bashful. “...I owe you both. If it weren’t for you all...I might not have been able to reconcile with Mia.” “How is she, by the way?” you asked, tilting your head, then smirked teasingly. “Have you proposed yet?” “Well...um...yes and no?” chuckled Cael, pausing to flick a stray dreadlock out of his face before continuing. “We had a talk about that, actually, and...we decided it would be best to wait to get married till after I finished school.” “Well, as soon as you have your wedding, make sure you guys send me and Grim an invite!” Cael nodded to say he would, then both of you paused as you heard a sort of growly groan come from Grim. “Having trouble, Little Monster?” Cael asked, tilting his own head this time. “I wish people would stop calling me that,” grumbled the imp, and continued to march onward, tail flicking angrily behind him as the blue flames in his ears crackled faintly. “I’ve got it. The Great Grim won’t be defeated by a box!” He paused, blinked, then mumbled: “That’s something I didn’t think I’d say today…” Both yourself and Caelyum snickered.

“Why’d the otaku guy ask for all this, anyway?” Cael asked as the three of you continued on. “It’s for the science expo!” Grim said. “Science expo?” frowned Caelyum. “Idia’s final exam,” you nodded, and explained: “Crowley is holding a science expo here in a couple of weeks, and Idia has to create something for it for one of his classes.” “Well...cool, but why are YOU guys getting it?” “Because the thought of leaving his room multiple times to take multiple trips nearly made Idia have a heart attack,” you answered, dryly. Cael blinked...then sighed. “Yeah,” he muttered. “From what little I’ve seen of Shroud, that sounds about right.” “I hope he appreciates the help,” huffed Grim, and bounced the box of equipment in his little arms as he continued to march forward, moving ahead of you both. “It’s not easy hauling all this from the Mystery Shop all the way Igni-YIPE!” Grim let out a shrill yelp, and fell back onto his bunce; he’d bumped into something, which hit the floor with a crash. The box full of equipment fell to the ground. Yourself and Cael quickly but carefully put down your own boxes and hurried to gather the fallen items and inspect them swiftly, while Grim growled and rubbed his sore haunches. “Nothing’s damaged,” Cael sighed with relief. “Are you alright, Grim?” you asked. “No,” pouted Grim. “My dignity is wounded, and it’s hard keeping it intact as it is.” You smirked affectionately. “Oh my gosh!” exclaimed a new voice. “Are you okay?!” The three of you looked up to see a new figure rushing towards you all. The figure was a young man, dressed in the black-and-blue, informal, leather-jacket-clad dorm costume of Ignihyde. His skin was pale, and he had moppish hair, which had been dyed mint green with blue tips. His eyes were heterochromatic, and similarly colored: one was emerald, the other cobalt. He was somewhat gangly in build, yet handsome in features. “Nya...I’m not hurt, if that’s what you mean,” Grim muttered out, stumbling back onto his hindpaws and dusting off his fur. “I wasn’t talking to you!” the young man snapped, catching Grim off-guard...then knelt down to what Grim had bumped into. “Abe! Abe, are you okay?” The figured Grim had bumped into, you soon realized, was a robot. It was dressed like a porter, and - in contrast to the synthetic skin and almost fully human appearance of Ortho Shroud - had a decidedly mechanical, industrial look: all metal plates and gear-twisting joints. Its face was mask-like, with two yellow lamps for eyes. The robot shook its head with a whirring noise, as if to clear it, then the mute bot - it had no mouth - nodded to the young Ignihyde student. The mint-eyed boy sighed with relief, and smiled at the bot as if it were an old friend, patting its shoulder. Then, he glared at Grim almost childishly. “Why don’t you watch where you’re going?!” the lad snapped. “Me?!” snapped Grim, stomping one foot angrily, ear-fire flaring up. “Your stupid robot was the one who bumped into me!” The green-and-blue-haired youth gasped, looking deeply offended, and hugged Abe close. “Don’t listen to the mean little raccoon, Abe,” he crooned to the bot, stroking the back of its head like it was his child. “You’re perfect just the way you are.” “I AM NOT A RACCOON!” screamed Grim. “I don’t even LOOK like one; why does everyone keep calling me that?!” The student from Ignihyde was too busy fawning over his robot like it was a spoiled child to answer. The robot squirmed, its yellow eyes flickering; you got the feeling that if a machine had the power to blush, Abe would have been doing so from all the attention. Grim pouted and grumbled while yourself and Caelyum stepped closer to address the newcomer, who helped the robot to its feet. The machine called Abe clattered and clanked a bit as the young man pulled a screwdriver out of his pocket and began to check over the mechanical wonder’s form. “Buddy, I keep telling you, you have to make sure to look both ways,” whispered the young scientist. “Maybe some of your circuits need rewiring; it’s like your memory bank has a hole or two in it somewhere. Tch. My fault for using-” “Excuse me,” you spoke up. “Who are you?” The Ignihyde student looked to you...then smiled. “Oh, hey there!” he said, waving with the hand that held the screwdriver. “Name’s Xavier. Xavier Madoc, if you, ah, wanna get all formal and stuff, heh. I’m a, uh, first year here in the dorm. I was just taking my buddy Abe here for a tour around the campus!” He patted his robot’s back; Abe stumbled forward, and rubbed his arm, looking a little nervous as he nodded to you in greeting. Sensing the AI’s anxiety, you gave a disarming smile of your own and bowed your head in return. This seemed to make Abe perk up a bit. “Nice to meet you both,” you said. “Speak for yourself,” mumbled Grim. “Hey, not Abe’s fault you’re an imperfect specimen of biology,” frowned Xavier. Before either yourself or Grim could point out Abe was clearly not a perfect machine, either, Xavier’s eyes lit up with recognition as he noticed the other member of the party. “Oh, it’s you again! Kale, yeah?” “Cael,” De Macabre corrected, with a mild smile. “Is this your presentation for the science expo?” “Pffft! Oh-ho, yeah, like...c’mon. Making artificial life? That’s, like, SO twenty years ago,” Xavier snorted. “Nope! I’ve got somethin’ a whole lot bigger in mind! It’s gonna REALLY put me on the map!” “After how much all those parts cost you, I should hope so,” mumbled Caelyum. “Hold on, back up,” you said, giving a “time out” gesture. “The two of you know each other?” “Only peripherally,” admitted the shopkeeper’s aid. “Just like you guys, I helped Xavier pick out some items for his project.”

“Cool,” you commented. “They work perfectly, by the way!” Xavier butted in, and then giddlily clapped his hands. “Ohhhh, this is gonna Rock. The. World. Like, if there was a world, and my new invention could hold it, it would just…” He made explosive noises as he mimed shaking something in his hands, then puffed them out with a long, whining “Aaaaaah!” noise. “...That would be it,” he declared, grinning from ear to ear. “Nothing is gonna top this one, nothing!” “Well, you seem pretty confident,” you chuckled. “Trust me, if there’s one thing I know...well, actually, I know, like, a lot of things, I guess?” Xavier frowned, turning his eyes heavenward as he counted on his fingers. “I mean, there’s, like mechanical engineering, alchemy, anatomy, welding, potion making, computer science...basically, yeah, if there’s one thing I can do, it’s how to make something awesome. With SCIENCE!” The last word was spoken with great melodrama, complete with Xavier lifting one hand theatrically, throwing his head back with pride and puffing out his chest arrogantly. Abe seemed to roll his eyes at his creator’s hammy attitude. “I wouldn’t get too cocky,” Cael said warningly, as he stepped back to lift his box up off the floor. “Yeah! Especially with all this to contend with,” Grim grinned a little smugly, picking his own box back up as well. Xavier frowned as he saw you lift the third and final box, now looking both curious and perhaps borderline suspicious. “Yeah, about that...what’s with all the toys?” he said, pointing to the box with a slight frown, as if the items within were beneath him. “Is there, like, a kid entering the expo, or are you cleaning out trash…?” You blinked, and the three in your party shared looks. The strange part about that comment was it didn’t sound like it was meant to be an insult. Xavier seriously seemed to see the tools in the boxes as inferior. “These are for Idia. Your dorm head,” you said, slowly. Xavier’s eyes widened, and so did his smile. “Oh! Oh, COOL! So, wait, holdupholdupholdup...you’re saying Idia Shroud - THE Idia Shroud - is gonna come outta his hideout and tussle with the muscle at the contest?” “That’s...one way of putting it, yep,” you answered unsteadily. “That’s TERRIFIC!” Xavier exclaimed, clapping his hands and bouncing on his heels with giddy delight. Abe tilted his head with curiosity, and Xavier, noticing the robot’s reaction, decided to explain. “When I beat Idia, that’ll be, like, the best thing ever!” Madoc told Abe. “I can finally show just how perfect and brilliant my machines are! Abe, it’s gonna be DA BOMB! HA HA HA!” Xavier cackled with almost unhinged delight, pumping his fists. Abe turned his lamplike eyes towards your group. You see what I have to put up with? he seemed to be saying. “Be wary,” Caelyum warned. “You shouldn’t underestimate Shroud: he’s dorm head for a reason. He literally made his own brother, you know; have you made anything that impressive before?” Xavier looked to Cael...and his smile fell. A sudden coldness came over his expression, and his eyes narrowed. “Are you saying my machines aren’t impressive?” he whispered, his voice lowering an octave. “No, I don’t think he’s saying that at all!” you interrupted, sensing the tension and wanting to cut it short. “Just...um...Idia’s not half bad either, you know.” Xavier smirked, but his eyes were still glittering like emerald daggers. “Hmph. He may be dorm head, but he’s got nothing on The Madoc,” Xavier boasted, jabbing a thumb at himself...then, his eyes brightened, and his whole being became exuberant once more. “Hey! Hey, you should totally come see the expo! All of you! That’d be great!” “Then we could see you win, huh?” you smirked right back, already sensing his thoughts. “Well...or see the others lose,” he said with a sinister laugh. “Your choice of how you wanna word it.” “Nya...that seems a jerky way to put it,” grumbled Grim, but no one paid attention to him. “Well, Crowley is probably gonna ask us to do something there anyways, with his track record,” you muttered. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw you there.” “Perfect,” smiled Xavier, then cocked his head innocently. “Uh...right, I, ah...yeah, just realized I never got who YOU were?” You gave your name quickly. “I’m Prefect of the Ramshackle Dorm,” you explained, and pointed to Grim. “This is Grim.” “Aww...nice that your dorm allows pets.” Grim looked like he was pondering the many ways he coil make life excruciatingly painful for Xavier Madoc. “Why do you say that?” Cael spoke up. “Does yours not?” “Honestly, I dunno,” shrugged Xavier. “I’ve never had a pet. Never wanted one, really.” He tapped Abe on the chest; the robot - who had been staring off at something on a wall - jumped at the clanking on his abdomen. “I just deal with machines,” he said. “Pets are so...fussy. And unpredictable. You have to feed them and clean up their mess...my machines are clean and easy to handle. A machine can’t leave you or get sick; if there’s a malfunction, just a touch of oil or a twist of a wrench, and it’s all fixed, usually! And, hey, if something breaks, I can just rebuild it!” Abe looked hurt. “Oh, not you, buddy,” Xavier chuckled, patting his metal shoulder. “You’re irreplaceable.” Abe seemed to smile, but since he had no visible lips, you couldn’t tell. “I think it’s a good thing to have pets,” Caelyum argued, then gave a joking smile. “Maybe you should buy a lab rat or something?” Xavier shuddered. “Right, and be around animals AND people? Thanks, I think I’ll pass.” “And you were teasing Idia about leaving HIS hideout?” Grim taunted. Xavier glared at him. “I’m not scared of people,” he protested. “I just...don’t like crowds. I don’t like most people, either.” “You seem to be chatting easily with us,” you observed. “Well...yeah, but…no offense, I’m not gonna be inviting you to my lab anytime soon,” Xavier smiled weakly. “I like my privacy, that’s all.” You weren’t quite sure how to respond to that. “Speaking of,” Xavier went on, without waiting to see if you WOULD respond, “I gotta get back to work: I’ve gotta work out some clibrations for my new invention, then maybe see about modifying Abe’s storage banks, not to mention figuring out a few blueprints for future projects…” “Jeeze, don’t you do anything fun?!” Grim exclaimed. “Science IS fun,” huffed Xavier, sticking his nose up snootily. “And I don’t see a reason to stand here and be insulted by a furball.” While Grim sputtered, offended, Xavier looked to Abe. “Come, my friend!” he called out, theatrically. “Back to the laboratory!” Abe saluted, and he and his creator turned on their heels before marching away. The metallic footsteps of the robot echoed down the hall for several seconds after they vanished from sight. “I don’t like him,” grumbled Grim. “We gathered that,” Caelyum smirked. “He seems...eccentric,” you murmured, then shook your head. “Then again, I guess it’d be hard to find anybody at this school who ISN’T at least a little bit odd.” “He seemed like a good sort to me,” Cael nodded, then frowned thoughtfully. “Perhaps a bit too sure of himself for his own good...not to mention a little too antisocial…” “Hey, I’ve dealt with Idia; trust me, that was nothing on the antisocial level,” you scoffed, as the three of you went down a side passage and headed off to find Idia’s room. “That’s not quite what I mean,” mumbled Caelyum, and then went on, aloud. “You know the donation jar at the Mystery Shop?” “You mean for the Medical Center?” “Yeah,” Cael said. “He didn’t donate anything. That’s not surprising, I guess, and it wouldn’t have really bothered me at all - donations from customers are hit and miss, always - but when I asked him if he’d like to make a donation, his response was…unsettling.” “Nya?” Grim meowed, one ear flicking with curiosity. “And what did he say?” “He said, ‘Sorry, but there are too many people out there to worry about the sick ones.’” You blinked...then scowled. “Okay...that’s...not very nice...and a little confusing,” you murmured. “Yeah,” Caelyum said. “The weirdest part was he then started rambling about the machines in the Medical Center. He seemed more interested in how the machines worked than what they actually did to help people.” You glanced back over your shoulder. Now, you were starting to feel worried. A person that strange, that obsessed, and that sure of his own superiority… ...Suddenly, Xavier’s eccentricities were starting to take a more sinister undercurrent. “Let’s just forget about him,” snorted Grim. “Come on, the scaredy-cat’s waiting!” “Right,” you muttered, then shook your head to clear it, and picked up the pace, this time taking the lead yourself. “Come on, you two...if Idia’s going to have any shot at that science expo - Madoc or no Madoc - he’ll need these parts.’

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Several weeks later, the science expo at Night Raven College commenced. Various students from across the campus were readying their inventions and projects. You had been right, of course: the Headmaster had, indeed, demanded that you attend the expo. As custodians, your job was to help those preparing their experiments, and to clean up any messes that might come up. By some miracle, not a drop of an acid, nor a bit of any base, had yet to stain the floor, and nothing solid had broken. Of course, that could change at any time, so yourself and Grim wandered around the expo, peeking at different experiments on display. A lot of what was being shown you didn’t fully understand - science had never been your strongest point - and, truth be told, the majority of the students involved were not ones you knew personally. There were, however, two familiar faces you were hoping to see. “Nya...where are the Shrouds?” meowed Grim, flicking his tail from side to side and blinking his big blue-green eyes up at you. “Shouldn’t Idia and Ortho have set up their panel already.” “Yeah, they should have,” you nodded. “Maybe they just didn’t get things ready in time?” “Not the way I heard it.” The voice caught your attention, and both yourself and Grim smiled as you saw who it belonged to. “Oh, Cael! So you came here after all, huh?” you grinned. “Yup. I actually invited Mia, but she couldn’t make it; some kind of royal business,” the shopkeeper’s assistant shrugged. “I wanted to see how the items Sam and I sold were being used, so I asked him if I could get out of my job at the Mystery Shop a few hours early to check things out.” “I see. I’m sorry to hear Mia couldn’t make it,” you said, sympathetically. Caelyum smiled gently. “For years I lived without her,” he said, faintly. “Even if we’re not together, my heart will always be with her...and hers with mine…” “Ugh...gag me,” sneered Grim. “You don’t have to make it sound so dramatic, you know; you’re a bigger ham than the guys at Pomefiore!” Cael blushed and you giggled. “Anyway...Ortho told me he and Idia had finished their work,” Caelyum informed you and the imp. “They actually have it stored here at the hall, since they felt that would make it easier for transport and setup.” “That’s strange, then. Even Idia usually isn’t late for these things,” you murmured, looking a little concerned. “He’s not?” Cael asked, curiously. “I would have thought, with his reputation, he would try his hardest to avoid them.” “Well, Idia usually has Ortho attend the Dorm Leader Meetings - and other events - and then uses his computer to do a voice stream from his room,” you explained. “That way he can make his presentations without having to face the crowds directly. There should be no reason for at least one of them to not be-” “Excuse me! Pardon me! Coming through! Thank you!” “Idon’twannagoIdon’twannagoIdon’twannagohelphelphelp…!” Grim turned around fast at the sound of the familiar voices, and tugged on your leg, pointing in the direction they were coming from. Both you and Cael quickly looked in the direction he had indicated, and saw the crowd of students and helpful staff members parting… ...Revealing the form of Ortho Shroud, who all but skipped merrily along through the campus convention hall where the expo was being held, dragging along what looked like an enormous black-and-blue bag. You quickly realized the “enormous bag” was really Idia Shroud, who was lying belly down on the floor. His dead-white hands were holding up his hoodie in a steel-knuckled grip, while his glowing blue, ethereal hair spilled across the floor from under it. Ortho noticed your group soon enough; his cybernetic eyes widened, and he waved, trotting over to three of you. You looked to Caelyum, who was staring bug-eyed, stunned by the bizarre tableaux. You had to admit, it said something that, somehow, you were a lot less weirded out. “Hi ya, Prefect!” Ortho chirped in his electronic way, as he stopped a few feet away from your trio. You could see that, now at a standstill, Idia was shaking like a leaf. “Uhhhh...hi,” you greeted awkwardly. “Nya! Why are you two so late?” Grim grimaced. “And what exactly is going on?” Cael asked, sounding like he was trying not to shout that out in confusion. “Oh! Well, um, Big Brother’s thingamajig that he uses for remote conference? It, uh...kinda had a malfunction,” Ortho said, an embarrassed smile flickering behind the mask-like apparatus on his android face. “Malfunction?” the three of you repeated, looking at each other, and then back at Ortho. “Yeah,” Ortho said, and scratched the back of his head. “My brother convinced a stray cat into our room so he could give it some food...but when he tried to snuggle it, it bolted back out the window, and knocked the device off a table and onto the floor. We...didn’t have time to fix it.” A keening whine from Idia made it hard from you to determine if you should laugh or just feel sorry for the poor, anxious noble son. “Yeesh...and that’s what all this is about, huh?” “Yep!” Ortho siad, cheerily. “Big Brother still has to attend his final for the class, after all! So I made sure to get him here with enough time to set up shop!” Ortho’s chest was puffed out with pride; you swore, if he had a tail, it would have been wagging like a puppy’s. You couldn’t help but smile, even as Grim and Cael both rolled their eyes, crossing their arms over their chests. “Well, good job, Ortho; that’s being responsible!” you said, and playfully patted the boy-like droid’s head; you would never understand how that fire-like hair DIDN’T burn your fingers, but no matter. “I’m sure once he’s done having a panic attack, he’ll be proud of you.” Ortho giggled happily and his eyes crinkled with another sweet “smile.” You now turned your attention to Idia, as Ortho released his leg. The instant, Idia felt his leg being let go, he stopped shaking and froze. Slowly, he rolled onto his back...and huge amber yellow eyes, glowing like warning lights, peered out from behind the hoodie. Idia took one look at the crowd in the hall, and the faces looking at him...and squeaked like a mouse before hiding his face. He clumsily tried to get to his feet and run away...only to let out a shrill, strangled sound as he tripped on his own feet and fell over. Ortho let out an “eep!” and rushed to catch hold of his brother before the computer genius could eat tile. “Nervous, Idia?” Grim drawled with a smirk. Cael couldn’t help but chuckle as Idia whimpered with terror, quivering once again. “P-People,” came Idia’s voice behind his hood. “Too...t-too many people...please...t-take me back to my room...I-I’d rather watch the English dubbing of Ghost Stories than do this…heck, I’d rather play Iron Gear: Survive than be here...!” “Not till you finish your presentation,” Ortho said. “Come on, Big Brother! Show everybody how cool you are!” “I don’t wanna be cool!” Idia nearly sobbed. “Please, not this! Not…” He gulped and nearly choked on the next words. “...T-Talking to people...having them judge me...no, no, not that…” Idia shook his head behind his hood stubbornly. Ortho looked at you helplessly. You sighed and knelt down to Idia’s level. You cautiously reached out to the trembling socially anxious scientist, who whimpered as he felt your hands brush against him, and curled up tightly, as if afraid of being struck. With a sympathetic smile, you carefully parted his hands and pulled down his hood. His face now fully exposed to the outside world, Idia blinked his giant yellow eyes at you with real fear. His dark lips were trembling, and you swore those golden irises were getting a little misty as he looked on the verge of crying with fear. You could hear his shark-like teeth chattering as if winter had come early that year. “Idia,” you said softly, “It’s got to be done, and you’re the only one who can do it.” “Why is that?” peeped Idia, childishly. “Because it’s YOUR creation, Idia,” you said, with an encouraging smile. “No one knows it better than you do.” “Yeah! It’s not like we can talk about all this science-y junk!” Grim broke in...then subsided when Idia reacted by looking hurt, while Ortho gave him an almost murderous glare. “The presentation only has to be a few minutes long,” Cael thought to put in helpfully. “A few SECONDS is too much!” Idia said, and hurried to try and hide his face again...but you prevented it with your hands as you carefully held his wrists. His black-nailed fingers twitched with mortal dread as he looked into your earnest, honest eyes. “Idia, does Ortho know anything about the project?” “Well...n-no, not enough to tell them everything,” Idia admitted, squirming uncomfortably and almost guiltily, like a child admitting he’d stolen five cookies from the cookie jar. “Is there anybody else who could give the presentation on your behalf, with the knowledge you have?” Idia blinked. Those last few words seemed to have stirred something in his breast, and he looked at you anew, blinking a few times, as realization dawned on his pale face. “...No...I guess not,” he said, softly. “Well then?” you urged, tenderly, raising one eyebrow. Idia bit his lip; his sharp teeth almost drew blood. (Almost.) “...But...b-but I’m scared,” he cheeped out, like a wounded baby bird. It took all your willpower not to kiss his forehead. How could a denizen of the Underworld be so friggin’ cute?! “It’s okay to be scared,” you assured him. “Being brave means doing things even though you are scared.” “No, being brave means enduring unpleasant situations without showing fear,” Idia droned. “That’s literally in the dictionary.” “And how brave do you think the Lord of the Underworld was when he fought the Mighty Hercules?” “A lot braver than I am!” Idia replied, without missing a beat, and promptly hid his face again, rolling onto his side, like a child refusing to get out of bed. “I’m not doing it!” You bit your own lip, and looked around awkwardly. A LOT of people were staring, and that was only going to make Idia feel worse. You had to pacify this quickly. “Mr. Shroud.” You blinked up at Caelyum, who knelt down beside you with a reassuring smile of his own. Idia peeked out of his hoodie timidly. “Wh-What?” “Once this is over, I’d be happy to give you a free Jumbo Jar of Jelly Babies from the Mystery Shop as a reward for your efforts,” Cael offered. Idia’s eyes went wide at the mention of so much candy. “...F-Free?” “Yes,” Cael nodded. “I’ll just put my own money back into the shop to make up the expense. BUT,” he said, in a stern, almost parental tone, holding up one finger, “You have to at least try to make your presentation first.” Idia licked his lips, but he still looked uncertain. “...What if they don’t like my creation, though?” he whispered, shivering a little. “They’ll love it, Big Brother!” Ortho declared. “It’s the best thing ever! You’re so smart, it has to be!” “And all three of us,” you thought to add, “Will be there. Myself, Cael, and Grim: we’ll be watching and cheering you on.” Idia squirmed again. “...The watching part I could live without, but…” Finally, at long last...he gave a scared, small, hesitant smile. “...The cheering part...I-I’d appreciate it,” he chuckled, and seemed to perk up a bit. “And, h-hey...I get lots of candy out of it, yeah?” “Sugary gummies galore,” winked Caelyum. Idia paused once more, and took a deep breath, before finally relenting: “F-Fine...I’ll...I’ll try not to screw up...” “That’s the spirit, Brother!” cheered Ortho joyously, and helped Idia to his feet. Idia gave a nervous nod to his brother, then gave you a shy wave and a smile that showed just a hint of his pointed teeth, as the young android led him away to another part of the hall. Both yourself and Caelyum stood to your full heights and sighed with relief. “Sam’s gonna kill me,” he mumbled. “He gets pretty strict with inventory; I think it’s the con-man in him…” “Just don’t make a deal with him, and you’ll be fine,” Grim giggled. “You know, maybe another incentive we could have used was a chance for ‘snuggle time’ with a certain ‘Little Monster,’” you said, airily, giving Grim a teasing smile. The cat-like little beast blushed bright red, and his ears flared up. “Th-That’s not funny, Minion!” he snapped, huffishly, while Cael chortled merrily at the thought. Just then, another laugh was heard from the far end of the hall; you recognized it instantly. “Xavier?” you murmured, remembering the strange scientist from a few weeks ago. “Sounds like the judging has begun,” Caelyum remarked, as he noticed a group of official-looking gentlemen, along with some students, gathered in the area. “Nya! Let’s go see what’s up!” Grim suggested, and loped off on all fours to do exactly that. You and Caelyum shrugged to each other, and followed at a casual pace. You soon came to the panel hosted by Xavier. To one side stood Abe, who had traded out his porter’s costume for a buttoned-up labcoat...although, amusing, he still wore his porter’s cap upon his head. The mechanical man’s mask-like, expressionless, featureless face somehow still managed to look rather bashful as he waved shyly at the mob that now surrounded the corner spot. It was Xavier Madoc himself, however, who most arrested your attention. He stood in front of a table, over which was draped a light gray table cloth...and on top of that was a large, oddly-shaped...something. No one could tell what, exactly, for a second tablecloth - also colored gray - was covering it. Xavier was dressed in a long labcoat, which stretched past his knees and halfway down his shins. Underneath this, the eccentric inventor wore blue jeans and white tennis shoes; the former was held up by a peculiar teal-colored belt. A light gray midriff shirt, with black pinstripes, was perhaps the weirdest part of his ensemble; emblazoned on his chest, upon this shirt, was an unusual design: a black-stenciled image that, on one side, resembled a skull, while the other side resembled a clockwork gear, the two parts meshed together unsettlingly. With his wild, wide grin and the way he bowed to the crowd - more like a circus ringmaster than a distinguished scholar - one couldn’t help but find him a most uncommon figure. “Ladies and gentlemen...and undecided!” he greeted, and laughed at his own joke (no one else did, but he didn’t seem to care) before continuing: “Allow me to introduce myself: I am Xavier Madoc! Also, allow me to introduce my trusty counterpart, Abe! His name stands for Assistant Bot Extraordinaire. Yeah, ha, not the most, uh...SCIENTIFIC name I could’ve come up with, but what can I say? I liked the acronym.” Abe rolled his electronic eyes and nodded to the judges, who nodded back before refocusing on Xavier, who rubbed his eyes as he moved to the opposite side of the table from Abe. “Friends and colleagues of science, let us talk about emotions, shall we?” he began, still speaking in an almost carnival-esque tone of voice, which made Cael roll his eyes and scoff. “He sounds almost like Sam at times,” the Swamplands native mumbled. You and Grim smiled at him, then looked back at Xavier as he began his spiel. “Emotions are a fickle thing,” Madoc said, lifting a finger in emphasis. “Emotions can be our strength, but they can also be our weakness. What a beautiful world it would be if we could all be logical, without those...pesky things like jealousy or greed to spur us in the wrong direction. Even here, in a school of black magic, love is just as revered as vengeance. There is a reason, of course...two, really. One, I would argue, is human frailty. We cannot help ourselves; we are, very tragically, made to be feeling creatures more often than thinkers. But another is perhaps more practical, in this particular world...and that, my friends, is that we need it as fuel. Magic is a powerful entity in our world, arguably more than science, and while it is not uncommon for the two to mesh together, no one has found a way to properly harness the power of the human spirit that allows our magic to work. Well, my friends...I, Xavier Madoc, have found the solution to that quandary!” So saying, Xavier through out both arms in a grand gesture and sang out: “TA-DA!” Silence. Nothing happened. The judges and the crowd just stared at Xavier awkwardly. Xavier blinked, then looked to Abe, who was looking around the room blithely. He frowned and whistled, getting the droid’s attention. “Abe,” he said, and pointed to the table. “You’ll want to take off the tablecloth on that cue, ‘kay, buddy?” Abe nodded, and scooted closer to the table. “Thank you,” whispered Xavier, and tried again, louder: “TA-DA!” A horrible grinding sound was heard as Abe grabbed the tablecloth on the table, nearly knocking over the item under the second veil as he gave it a tug. Xavier yelped for him to stop, and swooped in just in time to right the object before it could crash to the floor. You forced yourself not to laugh; Grim and Caelyum were not inclined to do the same. “So much for ‘the perfection of machines,’ huh?” the fluffy little imp whispered. “Hush!” you scolded...but internally, you conceded he had a point. Abe shuffled sheepishly as Xavier brushed his mint-and-cerulean bangs from his face and gave him an impatient, toothy smile. The dark doctor-in-training could hear some of the crowd snickering, and he hated it. “Not THAT tablecloth,” he said through clenched teeth, and pointed to the device under the covering. “THIS tablecloth. Got it?” Abe nodded, looking like a scared child. “Thank you,” Xavier sighed in frustration, and took a deep breath before trying one more time: “TA-DA!” Finally, Abe swirled off the right tablecloth with great panache. Underneath it was unveiled a strange machine, about the size and shape of the average backpack. Most of it was covered in white leather, but several mechanical apparatuses were jutting from it. Among these were two large copper tanks on either side, several steel cylinders, and two long tubes of tough, transparent rubber, which led from one of the sets of caps into the copper tanks. Two beige-colored leather straps were attached, and it was into these straps that Xavier slipped his long, lanky arms, putting the strange pack on his back. “Introducing my newest invention!” Xavier declared with a beaming, proud smile. “The Emotion Reservoir Power Converter - or ERPC, if you want to shorten it. We can’t all have cool acronyms like Abe, heh...ANYWAY! I would argue that negative emotions have more importance here than positive ones: Blot is the result of an overabundance of black magic use, and much of dark wizardry involves the channeling of negative power. The ERPC can drain small doses of negative emotional energy directly from the subject, and then convert them into magical energy, without the user suffering a state of Overblot!” “Can you give us a demonstration?” one of the judges spoke up. He was a portly man, with spectacles perched upon a crooked nose. “I hoped you would ask that, Dr. Alcott,” Xavier answered with a Devil-May-Care wink, then looked to his robotic companion. “Abe? The book, please!” The robot nodded, and reached into the folds of his labcoat, before handing his creator a small book with a bright pink cover. On it was the title “Princess Pony and the Island of Fluffy Squirrels,” by Lorina Faustus. Xavier blushed bright red and swatted at Abe, who hurriedly put the book away while giggles and chuckles once again came from the audience. “I told you not to…! THE OTHER BOOK, ABE!” Abe quickly fished a second book out: this was a black leatherbound volume with the image of a galaxy festooning its front. Xavier took it and sighed, shaking his head before flipping to a bookmarked page. “Here,” he declared, pointing at the page in question and tapping it with a finger, “Is an excellent example. Keep in mind, gentlemen and ladies, I am but a first year here. The spell I’m about to perform is typically a fourth-year level spell, and I have taken no classes on the subject. Should you wish for confirmation of this later, simply consult the members of the staff on standby today.” Xavier thus cleared his throat, and lifted one hand, extending his thin fingers towards the ceiling before mumbling the incantation in the book. He closed his eyes, furrowing his brow and gritting his teeth, trying to concentrate...his fingers clawed as he flexed them, arm trembling as he forced all the power he could muster into his spellcasting… A dim, murky cloud of purple - shapeless and formless - hovered over the heads of the judges. Specks and blotches of many hues, like splatters of watercolor on a half-burned piece of parchment, appeared and disappeared...before, finally, Xavier gasped and relinquished the attempt, and the colors all faded, the cloud dissipating in an instant. “Haaaaah...a-as you can...ahem...as you can s-see,” Xavier gasped out, wiping some sweat from his brow. “That was hardly an easy task, gentleman...and hardly a good demonstration of that spell. Thankfully, my new invention can allow me to ‘upgrade’ my abilities, through use of my Unique Magic…” He lifted his left hand, the one that he had first used to try and enact the spell, and flexed his fingers as he recited his magic words. “...Paint & Thinner.” There was a flash of turquoise-toned light...and suddenly, Xavier’s left arm had undergone a startling and somewhat disquieting transformation. The fingers and thumb of his left hand had turned into a set of what looked like syringes, the needles resembling claws, his whole hand now seemingly mechanical and metallic. “My power,” Xavier smirked, flexing his taloned hand, “Allows me to extract emotion from a person. This is the ‘Thinner’ part of the equation. The emotional energy is converted to a liquid state. I can, of course, also return the emotions to their original owners, in a gaseous state: this is the ‘Paint’ aspect. Now, I know this is, uh...you know...a little freaky, but...I’m going to need a volunteer.” He handed the spellbook to Abe and added: “My assistant doesn’t exactly have veins to target.” Naturally, at first, nobody stepped forward. Xavier’s expression shifted, and he started to seem crestfallen, perhaps even a little scared… You sighed, shook your head, and stepped closer, raising one arm. “I volunteer,” you said. Xavier grinned, and nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Prefect,” he said, and addressed the audience as - with the clinical care of a master surgeon - he pulled you closer by one arm. “Everyone watch closely, please.” He then looked back at you; his voice was the professional, bland calm of a medical expert as he said the timeless refrain: “This won’t hurt a bit.” The syringes were inserted into your arm. You closed your eyes, trying to relax, remembering all the injections you had gotten. You did not feel the slightest prick as they did their work, and soon, bright green fluid - the color of some toxic acid - was drawn from your very body into the syringe fingers. “Sit down,” whispered Xavier, in the same clinical, almost cold tone, easing you into a nearby chair which Abe had prepared. His actions seemed more dismissive than in the vein of proper bedside manners. You sank into it gratefully. You felt...lightheaded. Cold. Almost ill. You didn’t know it at the time, but before the congregation of onlookers, your skin had suddenly turned very, very pale, and your hair and eyes had lost all color. Even your clothes seemed to have become more faded, causing you to look like a monochrome character from a black-and-white movie. You hoped the sickening, hollow sensation inside you wouldn’t last long as Xavier turned to the audience again. “Generally speaking, draining the emotion from the victim will leave them feeling weakened; enough power drawn can lead to them being rendered unconscious. My machine allows me to withdraw more than I would usually be able to manage in a single dose without even touching the subject, should I wish...but for safety purposes, I think we had better focus on the OUTPUT demonstration. Observe…” He closed his eyes...and suddenly, the syringes emptied, as if the power was being drawn through his arm and into his core...then, the same green fluid bubbled through the pipes, and a slosh came from the copper tanks as your emotions filled them with liquid energy. “Now,” said Xavier, and waved a hand for Abe to open the book and show him the page, as his syringe hand lifted to the ceiling. “Let’s see if the emotional energy I’ve drained from my volunteer can be converted to enough magical power, via the ERPC, for the spell I attempted earlier. Remember, everybody: first year here…” Once again, Xavier lifted his hand to the ceiling...and this time, as he spoke the incantation, the purple cloud became a beautiful circle of deep indigo, revealing the boundless reaches of outer space. Splashes of color became perfect images of planets and stars, so real in appearance one swore they could touch them. In fact, one student DID try to touch one...and yelped, as the sun actually burnt their finger slightly. “Careful,” chuckled Xavier, and then flexed his fingers...and the beautiful image disappeared. He then turned to the judges and, without a word, bowed. He had rested his case. The judges seemed most impressed. Dr. Alcott and the others applauded and smiled, looking quite pleased. However, they had other presentations to attend to, and after a few more perfunctory questions, they moved on. As the judges moved on, and the crowd went with them, Xavier looked two, kneeling down to look at your face. You felt dizzy and queasy, and the look on his face indicated he could tell. He extended his fingers. “Breathe normally,” he instructed, and a faint blue mist poured from the needle like fingers...and you sighed as you felt the ill feeling go away. Steadily, the color flooded back into your being at the same time. “Oh, dear Gods...wh-what was that?” “That was what it was like to be drained of emotional energy,” Xavier said, and gave an anxious sort of smile. “Pretty icky, huh?” “You said it,” you grumbled. “That was a bold decision, Prefect,” Cael observed, as Grim nodded in agreement. Both he and the imp looked rather concerned; they had lingered behind to check on you. Abe placed a mute hand upon your shoulder. You glanced up briefly at the featureless mechanical man, then smiled weakly back at your friends. “Well, he needed someone...who else would have done it?” you reasoned, then shuddered. “I really don’t like needles though…” “Not my fault it’s how my power works,” chuckled Xavier, but obligingly lifted his hand and spoke the counter-curse: “Thinner & Paint.” Another flash of blue-green light, and his hand returned to normal. He gave it a shake, then extended it to you. “Thank you for the help,” he said, sincerely. “Gotta admit, I didn’t expect anybody to put their best foot forward for me like that…” “I’m glad I could start a new custom,” you said, and shook his hand before shakily standing up. “I still don’t feel quite ready for work though…” “Give it a couple short minutes, and it’ll wear off on its own,” Xavier said sweetly. Just then, more applause came...louder than before. The four of you looked; Xavier frowned and the rest of you perked up as you realized who the next contender was… “The Shrouds!” exclaimed Grim. “Let’s see what they are up to,” suggested Cael. “Right,” you nodded, then smiled at Xavier. “Really cool invention. I hope you win!” Xavier’s eyes widened as he looked back at you, seemingly taken aback by the compliment and well-wishes...then smiled awkwardly. “Heh...uh...th-thanks, um...enjoy the rest of the expo. I mean, no one else is gonna be as awesome, but...you know…” You just laughed, and joined your friends, giving Xavier a wave as you strolled towards the Shrouds’ panel. You never noticed how Xavier’s smile faded into a cold, almost lifeless expression behind you while your back turned away. “No one else is gonna be as awesome,” he whispered to himself, forebodingly. Unaware of the ominous moment that had passed, your gaggle descended with the rest of the onlookers to see what the Head of Ignihyde and his “Baby Brother” had in store. Said “Baby Brother” was brushing humming in a vocoded-sounding way (he WAS an android, after all) as he brushed down a machine on the table. The device was not hidden by anything, the way Xavier’s power pack had been, which meant you and all and sundry could take a peek at it. It was...difficult to describe. The shape of the thing vaguely resembled a small ice maker, colored black and gray, but with three glass tubes on the top, each filled with strange fluids in primary colors: red, yellow, and blue. While Ortho dusted it off, Idia, was standing off to one side; his knees were almost knocking together, and his fingers fiddled endlessly with the dangling pullstrings of his hoodie as he stared at the judges, brow bathed in cold sweat. “Okay, Brother-o’-mine!” cheered Ortho, and looked to Idia happily. “It’s all set.” Idia said nothing. He didn’t move. He stared straight ahead, like a statue, still focused unblinkingly on the judges. “Uh...brother?” Idia whimpered, still frozen and shaking. “BROTHER!” shouted Ortho, fire-hair flaring up and turning orange for a second as he stomped his foot in frustration. Idia yelped and jumped about a foot in the air. “IWASN’TTHINKINGABOUTHIDING!” he exclaimed in a jabbering sort of way...then blinked when he saw Ortho’s pouty expression. (How the android could pout with no visible lips was anyone’s guess.) He flushed; Idia never blushed red or pink, but his cheeks turned a sort of bluish-purple color. “C’mon!” Ortho urged, and gestured towards the group. “They’re waiting.” This did not seem to encourage Idia, who flinched and looked nervously at the impatient judges. “I...um...uh...w-well, uh...aha...er…” You frowned, glancing with concern at Grim and Caelyum; the former matched your expression, while the other mostly looked bored. This was not going well. A thought came to you, and you stepped forward slightly. Idia must have heard your approach, because his eyes quickly darted to see you, and the encouraging smile you gave. Suddenly, he seemed to relax...but only VERY slightly. Idia was the sort to fear he was BREATHING too loudly and that would get on people’s nerves, he could only be so calm. Still, it helped enough for him to clear his throat and begin talking. “Ahem...s-sorry, ladies and gentlemen,” he said, with a nervous smile, tapping his fingers together childishly. “I’m, ah...not used to this sort of...front and center kinda thing, heh...honestly, I wish I were hiding under my blankets right now...BUT! But, ah...I think the device I’ve made will at least be of interest…” So saying, Idia seemed to pluck up some courage. Your own smile widened as he placed a hand on the machine, and his stance straightened. If there was one thing that Shroud could talk about with SOME pride, it was his work. “I don’t need to tell all you that, uh...th-that the source of magic for m-many wizards and witches is their magic crystals, right? Right. So, ah...I, well...I got to thinking: the problem with the crystals is they can...well...run out. We have to mine for them, we have to dig for them, and there’s always a chance that someday...y’know...th-there might not be any left. Which would...kinda suck, ha. SO! I decided to try and create SYNTHETIC crystals…” He tapped the tubes on the top of the machine. “With these three simple potion compounds, mixed together in the right order, I can...well...do that. Using this machine.” “Would you say there are other advantages to this idea?” Dr. Alcott spoke up. “Oh, y-yes!” Idia said, starting to smile as he realized he had someone’s interest, though he seemed a bit nervous when he noticed the way the other judges scribbled some quick notes down. “Ahem...yes, sir. See, with synthetic crystals, not only do you not need to dig them up, but...well...if you have these compounds, and this machine, you can make as many as you like.” “Well, yes,” Dr. Alcott nodded, “But are they any more advantageous than natural crystals?” Idia paused, as if to think on his answer, then nodded slowly. “There is one other thing,” he said, almost shyly. (Well...there was no “almost” about it, this was Idia Shroud, but you gave him the benefit of the wiggle room anyway.) He paused before steadily elaborating: “Synthetic crystals do have a couple of weaknesses. They are not as physically strong as natural ones, for a start, the same way synthetic gems are not as strong as real jewels. You also can’t make them as large as natural crystals, because with the compounds being used, they can become unstable. But, at the average size of the average magic crystal…” He pointed to the one he wore himself, on his arm, before continuing. “...It can actually last longer than a natural crystal. It...well...um...I don’t know how to explain it, actually, but my experiments have shown that...well...you can use them for a longer period of time before worrying about Overblotting.” “Well, that’s definitely an advantage,” smiled Dr. Alcott, seemingly impressed, then turned serious as he scratched a few notes down before speaking again: “Can we see how this machine works?” “Y-Yes! Yes, of course!” nodded Idia...then tapped Ortho on the shoulder. “Little brother? Um...w-would you do the honors?” He then added in a whisper, “I’ll probably mess up…” Your smile became slightly less proud: Idia was still Idia. Ortho just giggled. “You can’t mess up turning the machine on, Big Brother!” he teased quietly, but still obeyed, pressing a button on the contraption. A loud whirring sound was heard, and the potions in the tubes bubbled and then began to lessen in volume; you could hear the sound of fluid being stirred and mixed, followed by the low humming buzz of another item either cooling or heating the stuff inside the machine… ...It only took about two minutes - during which the judges’ attention was raptly focused on the device, and several in the crowd mumbled to one another with interest - and then, with a rattle and a clatter, a teardrop-shaped, transparent, pale blue crystal dropped into a tray inside the machine. Idia opened the lid and pulled the crystal out of the tray, holding it up for everyone to see, then offered it to the judges, who inspected it closely. Finally, Dr. Alcott handed the artificial crystal back to Idia with a smile. “Fine work, young Master Shroud,” he nodded in approval. “Fine work indeed.” The other judges and the audience applauded. Idia smiled bashfully, tucking his head down and mouthing a quiet word of thanks as he hugged the crystal to his chest. Ortho, noticing the way his brother was shaking, gave him an encouraging hug as the mob and the judges - still chatting betwixt themselves - moved away. Once again, yourself and your friends stepped forward, all of you wearing matching grins. “I’m so proud of you!” you cheered, and gave Idia a hug. You felt the eldest Shroud freeze up in your embrace, and couldn’t help but smile still wider; Idia, bless his heart, still wasn’t used to much physical interaction, and you could feel him starting to twitch. You gave him a very gentle, comforting squeeze, and rubbed his back reassuringly. Only then did his arms steadily move upwards to gingerly return the hug. “Nya!” Grim called out happily, trotting over with a wide grin, purring up at the fire-haired Ignihyde head. “You did a lot better than I expected!” “An interesting invention, too,” Cael complimented. “I’m sure you’ll end up with first place!” “Oh, I-I dunno,” mumbled Idia, rubbing one arm and squirming slightly with embarrassment. “I thought Madoc had a pretty cool creation, too…” “His was neat,” nodded Grim, “But I think yours is better.” “His energy converter DID have one noticeable issue,” Cael thought to add, glancing back towards Xavier’s panel - by now, the odd scientist and his assistant had turned their attention away, and were seemingly polishing the power pack. “It depends on HIM in order to work. No one else would be able to use it: it’s not something you can mass produce, because no one else has his Unique Magic.” “That’s true,” Ortho spoke up. “But hey! The basic idea isn’t bad; with a little adjusting, he could make it something really special for everyone to use!” “If he cares enough to try,” mumbled Grim; he subsided at the look you gave him. “It’s up to the judges, and the contest has just started,” you said, crisply, then smiled at Idia once more. “Whatever happens, you did good. Don’t doubt that.” Idia smiled sweetly. “Th-thank you,” he whispered, then glanced at the crystal in his hand and back up at you...before offering it cautiously. “Would you...like a souvenir? Heh…” You chuckled, and took the crystal, placing it in your pocket. “Sure,” you said. “Thanks, Idia.” “Y-You’re w-w-welcome,” stuttered Idia, looking like he was scared of feeling too happy. He paused and cleared his throat with a cough before reaching into his hoodie’s pocket, pulling out his cell phone. “Well, um...I wanna catch up with a new show I’m watching, so...I’m, uh...y’know...gonna go find a nice, safe corner till the judgment call comes, and...well…ju st, uh...exist, heh…” “Can I watch with you, Big Brother?” Ortho peeped hopefully. “Sure,” Idia said with a smile and a nod, then gave you the same gestures before scurrying away, looking like he couldn’t wait to get away from everything that had the power to breathe. Yourself and your two companions chuckled and gave a collective mock salute to the Shroud brothers, as Ortho followed Idia quickly. Then, still chattering amongst yourselves, you hurried to rejoin the group and see what else was at the exposition… None of you were aware of Xavier Madoc’s eyes following the mob’s movements, before glancing back at Idia’s device. One could have sworn his one green eye flashed.

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The exposition had come to an end, and after two hours of deliberation, the judges were ready to deliver their verdict. The contestants had lined up on either side of the room, while the audience sat in chairs before a podium. Yourself, Caelyum, and Grim all took seats in the second row (the front row had filled up too quickly) and watched as Dr. Alcott approached the podium, adjusting his spectacles and shuffling some papers in his hands. You glanced to the right. Along with the other contenders at the expo, Idia and Xavier were naturally lined up, both on the same side of the hall. Xavier stood with a cocksure smile, arms crossed, while Idia was nervously twiddling his fingers, biting his lip with his dagger-like teeth. He looked towards Xavier and smiled nervously. “S-So, uh...may the best man win, huh?” he said, awkwardly. Xavier didn’t even look at the dorm head as he narrowed his eyes and simply said, “Don’t worry. I will.” Idia looked a bit befuddled. Abe and Ortho - who stood beside their corresponding creators - looked at each other and shrugged. The sound of Dr. Alcott brought your attention back to the podium. “It’s time,” Cael and Grim murmured at the same time, as the lead judge addressed the audience, crooked nose pointed high. “Friends of science,” the doctor began, “I am not one for grand speeches or over-sentimentalizing the talents we’ve seen on display here today. Virtually every experiment we viewed today, every invention created or formula concocted, was of interest.As far as those doing this for an assignment go, my supposition is you will all pass with flying colors. However, there can only be one winner: one person to leave this exposition a proper champion.” He snapped his fingers and one of the other judges stepped up beside him, and handed him a trophy, with a golden ornament resembling a ringed planet. “Ladies and gentlemen,” Dr. Alcott intoned, “The winner of the Annual Science Expo is…” Xavier smirked, and straightened up his labcoat, taking a deep breath, as if ready to thank everyone… “...Mr. Idia Shroud!” Xavier froze, the smile seemingly slapped from his face as his eyes widened. Idia’s eyes widened too, and he gasped in surprise as the crowd applauded. One could almost see tears in his eyes as he realized what had happened. Yourself and your party cheered as Ortho nudged Idia up to the podium to accept his trophy, which he did with trembling fingers. You were grinning from ear to ear, and so was Idia; his shark-toothed smile had never been wider, you felt, nor more genuine in nature. His amber eyes sparkled like a pair of glittering gold coins. As Dr. Alcott began to congratulate Shroud - who was hugging the trophy to his chest almost like a teddy bear - you turned to see the other contenders. Most of them - including Abe - were clapping politely. The only exceptions were Ortho, who was literally dancing with joy… ...And Xavier Madoc. He looked absolutely livid. His face was almost as red as Riddle Rosehearts’ could get, his fists clenched, one eye twitching as he gritted his teeth angrily. His mismatched eyes were burning… You felt your blood run cold as the blue eye was surrounded by a matching aura. “Grim!” you hissed, tapping the feline-like creature on the side. Grim turned fast...and his ears flattened back and he mewed as he saw droplets of ink dripping from the magic crystal Xavier wore… “Oh, no,” he gulped nervously. “What’s wrong?” Caelyum whispered...then frozen when he saw the same. “Oh, barnacles...is that…?” “Overblot,” you replied, gravely. “Here we go again…” Just as Dr. Alcott shook Idia’s hand, and was about to dismiss him, Xavier suddenly let out a screeching cry of apoplectic rage, which startled everyone present. All eyes watched as the white labcoat of the first-year science master flapped behind him like the wings of a huge war bird, as he flew back towards his panel, and hurriedly strapped the ERPC to his back. “Unacceptable!” he shouted. “I will not allow it! I WILL NOT ALLOW IT! No one outsmarts me! NOBODY! My machines are perfect! My work is superior in every way! And if you doubt that - if ANYONE STILL doubts that…!” A feral grin came to his face as he extended one arm. “...Then I’ll just have to prove otherwise, won’t I? Paint & Thinner.” A flash of turquoise light was immediately followed by an explosive sound. KA-ZAM! A gale wind ripped through the hall, as a swirl of black mist surrounded Xavier Madoc; you cursed violently under your breath as blue and green light burst through pockets in the spiraling cloud of inky darkness. No doubt Xavier’s strong emotions and the level of magic he had put out earlier had blended together, and with the power pack on, he could burn through magic and cause damage with greater force and strength than you could guess. “Brace yourselves!” you called to Caelyum and Grim, as everyone else in the hall dove or ducked for cover. “This isn’t gonna be easy!” “Is it ever?!” Grim yowled, while Cael simply squinted, watching with you as the mist began to clear… ...And soon, you could see the change that had come over Xavier Madoc. The right side of his body had seemingly not changed at all...but the left was another story. Not only was there now a blue aura surrounding his left eye, not to mention the metallic, syringe-tipped left hand...but his whole left side seemed to have become a cyborganic nightmare. The left side of his face was covered in metal plates, and his entire left arm and leg had become robotic in nature; the clothes on the left side of his body were seemingly frayed and shredded, exposing portions of a metal chest and clockwork-esque innards. In-between the joints of his limbs and face, black ink oozed like oil. Xavier’s one green eye was feral looking; bloodshot with a pinprick pupil. He grinned in a manic way, and let out a cackling laugh that rebounded off the hall walls. “HA HA HA HA HA! You dared to overlook my creations?! You spurned my talents, eh?! Then let me show just how powerful I can REALLY become!” he roared, and the ERPC roared to life as he thrust out his syringe hand. “I told you, I can extend my unique abilities without proximity! So now...NOW, ALL OF YOU, GIVE ME YOUR POWER!” In horrific fashion, the needles extended...and five members in the crowd collapsed as they were pricked, turning gray and pallid. Their entire being became monochrome as, in a split second, all emotion was drained from them and into Xavier’s being. Xavier shot out his claws again, the protracting talons jabbing into another five people and rendering them the same. Now, panic set in, and people screamed as they raced for the door. “Don’t leave in such a rush!” laughed Madoc, and snapped the fingers of his one human hand. The doors suddenly shifted, becoming solid walls, and all the windows clicked as they were locked into place. “The party’s just beginning!” Xavier’s claws lunged at you now, but yourself, Grim, and Cael all quickly dropped, ducking the attack. Three other people who had been standing behind you, along with two more, were drained in your stead. Xavier shuddered, a toxic aura surrounding him as the tanks were filled with more and more emotional energy. “More...MORE!” he bellowed. “If I can’t have your respect, I will have your rage...your despair...your panice...fuel me! FUEL ME!” Idia and Dr. Alcott ducked behind the podium with twin yelps. Ortho hurried to check on his brother, and barely avoided the needles as they shot out. The other judges weren’t so lucky, and crumpled in an unconscious, grayscale-colored heap as their emotions were drained. Abe rushed forward to try and stop his creator, desperately grabbing hold of Xavier’s one human arm. Xavier snarled, gnashing his teeth. “Imbecile and traitor!” he roared into the droid’s pleading face. “I have no further use for YOU!” Xavier jerked away his human hand, then, with a sneer, thrust it out again...and - THOOM! - a magical shockwave slammed into Abe’s chest, sending the robot flying. He crashed down beside your trio, the three of you still lying on the ground as Xavier continued to stick his needles into everyone who moved. The room was in a panic, the other contestants’ creations smashing on the floor as people dove for cover. Slowly, Xavier began to make his way through the hall, laughing dementedly. “All this over a freaking trophy?!” hissed Grim. “I think there’s got to be more to it,” mumbled Caelyum. Abe nodded, as if to confirm this, and then gave you a look as if to ask, Now what? This was the burning question; you had to figure out a way to keep Xavier from hurting more people, as well as remove the power pack. As long as he still had the converter on, his power wouldn’t drop. He could potentially stay in Overblot for a much longer period of time, burning the power almost as quickly as he got it...growing just strong enough to overwhelm… “Okay, I’ve got a plan,” you said at last, and whispered to your compatriots. “Listen closely…” Xavier, meanwhile, grinned as he approached a group of people, huddled together. “Let’s try an experiment,” he hissed, a mad grin on the young doctor’s face as he lifted his syringe hand. “I now know how swiftly I can drain an organism...now, can I make it more slow and painful?” He cackled, his victims babbling pleas for him to stop as he lifted his hand, preparing to shoot out the razor-sharp needles and drain them dry. “Every emotion in your body...slowly siphoning into mine...let’s see how long it can really-” FWOOSH! “Nya! Back off, crazy-coat!” Xavier jumped back with an almost animalistic sneer, and swirled his ragged cape around as he looked towards the source of the fire that had distracted him. Grim was standing in a ready pose, balls of blue flame held in each forepaw as he smirked challengingly. “Insufferable hairball!” shouted Xavier. “I WILL NOT BE DENIED! I WILL HAVE MORE POWER!” He lunged at Grim, swiping with his robotic talons, but Grim moved aside quickly. As Xavier plunged towards him, a loud smashing sound was heard from behind. The mad doctor turned quickly, and his one good eye widened in surprise as he saw that Abe had kicked a hole clear through the wall, and was ushering people through the hole and out of the area, Idia and Dr. Alcott leading those still conscious to safety. “NO!” shouted Xavier, and shot out his needles...but he was just too late as Abe blocked him, giving him a determined glare as they scratched helplessly against his armored plating. Then, giving Xavier an almost pitying expression, the robot leapt through the hole himself. Xavier moved to try and give pursuit, but Grim thrust out his arms, and formed a wide ring of fire that blocked the scientist’s path. “You think this will stop me?!” Xavier bellowed. “You can’t defeat me! My invention gives me power beyond yours!” “Good to know. I’d hate to have to refund anything.” Xavier stopped short and glanced about, trying to find the source of Caelyum’s voice...before, suddenly, he felt a strange sensation brushing up against his legs. He looked down...and screamed in a mixture of panic and rage as a horde of marble white Locker Crabs began to swarm over him, their pincers latching onto parts of his clothing and the edges of his inkstained metal carapace, trying to drag him to the floor. “GET OFF ME, YOU CRETINOUS CRUSTACEANS!” yelled Xavier, trying to kick and swat away the crabs, unaware of the shadow that stepped through a gap that formed in the flames, and approached from behind. The crabs snipped their claws at the leather straps holding the ERPC in place. Xavier slapped them away...then jerked as, suddenly, the weight of his invention was pulled away. “WHAT?!” he spat, and turned around fast, pupils pinpricks as he saw you jump backwards, holding the device in your hands. “NO! NO, YOU-GACK!” He hit the floors as the crabs tripped him up. You scampered back through the gap in the flames, which Grim soon closed up. The little monster was jumping up and down, pumping his forepaws/fists and cheering. “NYA! Get ‘im, Cael! Pin ‘im down!” the cat called. “We’ve won now!” A low laugh from under the swarm of Locker Crabs knocked the smile from Grim’s face. “Won? Hardly. I’m still getting warmed up!” ZAM! Xavier sent out another shockwave with a loud shout. You toppled onto your back, the ERPC falling from your hands and thunking onto the floor. The crabs scattered, and the flames were extinguished as Grim was sent rolling across the hall. You quickly sat back up...and shuddered. Xavier loomed over you, the acid-colored aura around him showing his fury as trails of spilling ink traced his steps. You snatched up the ERPC and scrambled to your feet, making a dash for the whole in the wall. “NOT SO FAST!” roared Madoc, and lifted his human hand. He screamed some foreign incantation, and the shattered section was suddenly patched up, the debris flying back into place, stitching together like a jigsaw puzzle’s corners. You swerved and made a dash for a window; you could break it, after all, even if it was locked. Xavier snarled out another incantation, however...and teleported directly in front of you. You skidded to a halt, but not fast enough as he grabbed hold of your arm with one hand, and lifted his syringe claws, a wild grin on his cyborganic face. “HA HA HA!” he cackled. “What a foolish attempt that was! You truly thought you could defeat me?! I will drain you till your very soul is rendered inert! Nothing can resist my power! With the ERPC, I can remain like this for eternity! And when the world grovels at my feet, I will build more machines! BRILLIANT machines! My mechanical creations will-!” FWOOMPH! A burst of flame slammed into Xavier, bowling him over and singing his labcoat. You fell back down and scrambled away as you held tightly to the power pack. Xavier snarled as he stood back up, his mechanical pieces clicking and sparking...as the two of you saw who had re-entered the room. It was Idia Shroud; Ortho had evidently picked the lock on one of the windows, and the pair had climbed through. Idia was visibly trembling, but tried his hardest to look brave, twists of orange curling through his ethereal blue hairdo. “Leave. Them. Alone,” Idia intoned. Madoc sneered. “First you steal my prize, now you RUIN MY MONOLOGUE?!” he yelled. “Alright! Just for that, I WILL OBLITERATE YOU!” Xavier charged at Idia, but the head of Ignihyde narrowed his eyes, gritting his sharp, jagged teeth. His hand shook as he held it, as if showing doubt… ...Then, his stance and expression hardened, and the shaking stopped. Just as Xavier Madoc leapt through the air, swiping his syringe claws through the air...he snapped his fingers. KRAK-KOOM! An explosive blast of fire and noise, like a grenade had gone off, erupted directly before Madoc. The explosion sent the mad scientist flying backwards, his labcoat tattered and scorched, black marks on his skull plates. Xavier cried out as he slammed headfirst into a wall...then crumpled to the floor, and fell still. He was out like a light. The mad doctor was done. You sighed with relief and stood up as Ortho cheered. “WOO-HOO! Way to go, Big Brother!” he exclaimed, and gave Idia a smack on the back. The hunched head of Ignihyde flinched and smiled shyly at his artificial sibling. “It was nothing,” he whispered faintly, visibly blushing. “Are you okay, Prefect?” Ortho asked. “I’m fine,” you nodded as you approached them, and glanced around. “Where are the others?” Right on cue, a low growl was heard. The three of you looked to see Grim was just sitting up, massaging his skull after evidently banging his head during his tumble. “Me-owwwww…! That creep hits way too hard!” he moaned out. “Did anybody get the number on that-MREOWR?!” He was cut off as Idia scooped the imp up and began to snuggle him, crooning and planting chaste, loving kisses on his head. “Awwww, the poor wittle kitty!” he cooed sympathetically. “Did you get an ouchie? Did the mean cyborg hurt you, huh?” “HISSSSS! I’M FINE!” Grim spat, kicking and squirming. “L-Lemme go! For the last time, I DON’T LIKE SNUGGLES, STOP!” Idia just let out a happy hum, squeezing Grim, repeatedly crooning, “Awww, poor thing, you poor little dear…!” over and over again. Ortho giggled sweetly, while you just rolled your eyes and smiled. A skittering sound heralded the reappearance of Caelyum, who reformed out of a pillar of white sand crabs. He stumbled on his feet as he returned to his normal state, and you placed a hand on his shoulder to steady him. “You okay?” you whispered. “No,” mumbled Cael, and smiled wearily. “When I use the power that way, a fraction of my will - my mind - is in every single crab. I feel like I just got thrown through the loop-the-loop of a roller coaster seventeen times.” You gently patted his shoulder and smiled back, gratefully. “Walk it off, matey,” you said softly with a wink. Cael chuckled. “Aye,” he nodded, as your group moved to look down at the defeated Xavier Madoc. “I will.” For several seconds, the ink-leaking cyborg lay on the ground, unmoving. But that was alright: none of you were expecting him to move. By now, you knew the drill of how things worked after Overblot...and sure enough, after a few seconds, wisps of silvery-white mist began to drift up from the defeated scientist, as his whole body began to glow a blinding white. All of you shielded your eyes from the light, watching as the mist began to spiral, and soon enough, images formed in the center of the floating cloud. Pictures from the past… “Dad! Dad, look at this!” A tall, thin man in white, with a pointed goatee, looked down from the workbench he was stationed at. He smiled as a small boy - with mismatched eyes of blue and green - came waddling into the room, holding a piece of paper. “What is it, Xavier?” “I made a blueprint, dad! I wanna make a robot! Like one of yours!” squeaked the young Xavier, and held out the paper to his father. “Do you think it’s any good, Dad? Do ya? Huh?” The older man lifted the paper and looked; he chuckled at the untidy crayon scrawl drawn on the page, the acronym “A.B.E.” accompanying a childish drawing of a metal man in a porter’s outfit. “Not a bad idea, Xavier,” he complimented his son, and handed the “blueprint” back to its creator before ruffling his son’s hair. “You’ll make a fine inventor, at this rate.” Xavier giggled, playfully swatting at his father’s hand, then gave him a wide but shy smile. “You promise?” he peeped. “Could I...could I be as good as you, Dad?” “No,” the man answered, and leaned down, kissing his son’s forehead. “You’ll be even better.” The child’s happy hum was interrupted by the shifting of time, as a new image spun into view: Xavier was a little older now, and working in a laboratory. He whistled as he fitted a screw into place on a device he was building...only to freeze as he heard voices coming from outside the shop. Curious, he trotted over to the door, and peeked outside. He could see the shadows of two men, arguing not so far away, and heard what they were saying. One of them he recognized as his father’s voice… “Oscar, you can’t be serious!” “I’m sorry, Xander,” the other voice said. “All I know is that Charles got to me first. What would that tell you?” “That Charles is a faster runner,” droned Xander. Xavier giggled softly, but clapped a hand over his mouth to avoid being heard. “Very funny,” Oscar’s voice drawled. “I’m serious, Oscar. You KNOW me, we’ve worked together for years! Are you going to take his word over mine?” “Right now, I haven’t got a choice. His patent has been in development at my company for a while; all that’s left are i’s to dot and t’s to cross. Even if what you say is true, Xander, he finished his work more quickly; I’m not seeing a lot of incentive here.” A pause. “...So that’s it then?” came the terse voice of Xavier’s father. “What about my family, Oscar? What about my son?” “Relax, Xander. You’ll come up with more inventions, you always do, and I’ll be just as willing to buy!” “Forget it. I’ll find another person to sell to.” Another pause. “...Okay. Okay. If that’s how you feel about it,” came Oscar’s weak reply. “Goodbye, Xander.” “Goodbye, Oscar. Tell Charlie he knows where to stuff it.” Oscar’s shadow disappeared, and a few moments later, the sound of a door was heard opening and closing. Xander was heard sighing, and Xavier saw his father’s silhouette slump into a nearby chair. Curious, the boy trundled out of the room to his father’s side; the older inventor was sitting with his head in his hands, massaging his brow. “Dad?” peeped Xavier. “What was all that?” Xander blinked at his son. “Oh. You...heard that, huh?” Xavier nodded slowly. Xander blinked...then sighed and picked his child up, placing him in his lap. “Listen to this, Xavier, because it’s very important,” said the doctor to his son. “Not all inventors are good. You must guard your inventions well, and you must always do your best to make sure no one can top you. People will try to steal what you make, people will look for weaknesses in it. Never let them find any way to stop you.” He placed a hand under his son’s chin and gave a sad smile. “You’ll be brilliant someday...but with brilliance comes danger. You can’t trust anyone, understand?” “I can trust you.” “Of course,” chuckled Xander. “And I can trust my machines,” added Xavier. “Well, yes, but a machine isn’t a person,” Xander said. “Machines only exist to follow their programming. Machines will always do what they’re supposed to. Machines will only let you down if people making them make mistakes. People aren’t like that: people are flawed, and people are foolish. They will pass you over and cheat you if they find a way or reason. Never let that happen. Okay?” “Okay, Dad. I’ll do my best.” The scene shifted again. Xavier was now much older, nearly the same age as he was now. Abe now stood at his side as he worked on a project in his laboratory, building a new machine. “This is going to be the greatest thing ever!” he cheered, grinning to his mechanical companion, who nodded in happy agreement. “Just think of how much fun the science fair will be with this completed! Ha Ha! Man, Abe, we have this in the bag!” “Hi, Xavier!” The pair looked towards a new face that had entered the lab: a fellow youngster in red. “Oh, hey, Gus! What’s up? Shouldn’t you be getting ready for the science fair?” “I haven’t figured out what to do yet,” sighed the boy sadly, then smiled weakly. “So, uh...I thought, well...maybe you could help me come up with an idea. I mean...you’re like a billion times better at this stuff, heh…” “Sure, I can help!” smiled Xavier, helpfully, and clapped his hands together, dusting them off, waving for Abe to go fetch a few books. As the robot marched off, the teen in red noticed the item on the workbench. “Hey, what’s that?” “Huh? Oh! It’s my project for the science fair. Looks pretty cool, right?” “Yeah! What’s it do?” Xavier explained quickly. The lad looked envious of his science-savvy friend. “Wow...I’ll never figure out how you can do all that stuff...you’ve gotta be the best inventor ever!” “Awww,” blushed Xavier. “It’s just a knack.” “Can you show me how you make it?” the teen asked, hesitantly. “Sure, if you want,” Xavier said, blithely shrugging and smiling. “Then I’ll help you figure out what you’ll do yourself. Sound fair?” The boy smirked; Xavier didn’t notice the cunning in his eyes. “Yeah. That sounds fair,” the classmate answered. The scenario changed once more. Xavier now glared with absolute hatred at the boy in red...who was smiling, chest puffed out with pride, as he showed off his machine to the judges, who cheered and applauded. It was a machine identical to the one Xavier had made...and the boy had made it first. Xavier had been forced to change his plans, and the experiment he’d come up with at the last minute had been sub-par. The cheat got first place. Xavier got nothing. Xavier snarled, fists clenching as the boy in red smirked in a sidelong way at him, and mouthed the word, “Sucker,” before continuing to bask in adulation. Xavier Madoc scowled as he packed up his items. He was shaking a little. “You can’t trust anyone,” he whispered to himself. “Well, you’ll see...you’ll ALL see...I’ll come up with something no one else can top. I will PROVE to you how good my science is. Just wait and see…” His mismatched eyes burned as he turned his back on the laughing classmates and applauding teachers...and stalked back to his lab. Alone. With his machines. “...I don’t need anybody. Just my machines.”

The mist cleared and evaporated, and the white light faded...revealing Xavier Madoc had changed back to normal on the floor. He was still unconscious, but the glow was gone from his blue eye, and the machinery parts had vanished. Silence reigned for a few seconds. This was not unheard of. By now, you had accepted there was always a “digestion period” where everyone was taking in what they’d just learned. This time, however...the silence stayed unbroken. No one spoke a word, looking like they were trying to properly form thoughts, even as Xavier began to stir again. As he did, he reached out with a hand, fumblingly, mumbling incoherently… ...And froze as someone knelt down and took that hand. Xavier looked up...and seemed stunned when he stared into the wide yellow eyes of Idia Shroud. For a moment, the two looked at each other...then Xavier pulled away with a sneer. “Cheat,” he hissed. “I never cheated,” whispered Idia, sounding surprisingly confident for once...confident, but careful. “It’s not that no one recognized you, Xavier; no one was trying to neglect you. It’s just...there could only be one winner. And I happened to be it.” “It wasn’t an easy decision, either,” added Ortho. “Oh, no?” Xavier grimaced, looking skeptical. “No,” Idia answered. “Dr. Alcott spoke to me before I returned: you would have been second place. Your invention really impressed him and the other judges, they just...felt mine was more easy to use widespread. Yours needed a few tweaks for them to give it the topmost prize.” “They said they couldn’t have asked for a better start to the expo than you,” added Ortho, in a quiet, helpful voice. The bitterness in Xavier’s face had faded slightly, leaving his expression blank and cold. He turned away quietly, and hugged himself, curling up against the wall. “You can’t shut yourself out because of one bad incident,” whispered Caelyum. “Trust me: I know what it’s like when you seal off your heart. It doesn’t get pretty.” “No one is invincible,” added Grim. “Well...except for me, but...that’s because I’m awesome.” You rolled your eyes at the hubris of “The Great Grim,” and knelt down beside Idia, looking into the heterochromatic eyes of the mad scientist. “Just because you’re brilliant doesn’t mean everything is going to be perfect. Similarly,” you said, “Just because one person did something terrible, it doesn’t mean you can shun all people. Everyone and everything has flaws. The important thing is to learn from them.” Xavier furrowed his brow and looked down at the floor for several seconds...then looked back up at both of you. “...I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I...I shouldn’t have lost control. That was...that was childish of me. And...I’m sorry for what I did.” He looked to Idia and smiled shyly. “Your invention was...not too bad.” “Thank you,” Idia said, with a slight blush, and helped the scientist to his feet. Just then, the sound of metallic footsteps echoed out. The group of you turned...and Xavier’s heart seemed to sink as he saw Abe re-enter the hall, yellow eyes fixed on his creator. “Abe, I’m so, SO sorry,” Xavier said, seriously. “I shouldn’t have-EEP!” He was cut off as the metal man crushed him in a solid bear hug, nuzzling his steel cheek against his creator’s hair. Ortho and Grim both giggled, while yourself and Caelyum smirked. Idia, for his part, didn’t seem to know what to make of the scene. “I think he already forgives you,” you said teasingly. Abe nodded to show this was the case. It was obvious he was just happy his maker was back to normal. Xavier smiled bashfully and gestured for the metal man to put him down, then looked to Idia. “So, uh...y-you’re the head of the dorm,” he said, and rubbed his arm. “Do you, uh...like...have any ideas on how to make the ERPC better? More...accessible?” “I can think of something. You know...maybe,” Idia said with a timid smile. “I mean...I’m r-really not the best choice, I...I got the whole idea for MY thing from an anime-” “Anime?” Xavier asked, and perked up visibly. “What anime?” “Oh! Uh...Magica Marocca. It’s...um...a Magic Girl series? You, ah, probably don’t know what that is-” “YOU WATCH MAGICA MAROCCA?!” Idia blinked, stunned, at the sudden look of exuberant excitement on Xavier’s face. “You...you’ve seen it?” the otaku nearly squeaked out. “I love that series!” exclaimed Xavier. “I mean...okay, it’s not, like, the GREATEST thing, in terms of story? Kinda rushed...but I really love the art style, a-and the way it plays with the themes and ideas of a typical Magic Girl series! It’s like Watchmen, but for...that!” Idia looked like he’d just found his soulmate. “I feel the same way! A-And have you seen Glitter Cure?” “Rascal is one of THE best villains ever.” “I AGREE!” squealed Idia, clapping giddily, that wide, almost manic smile you saw so rarely stretching across his face, matching Xavier’s instantly. “Oh, my gosh, no one EVER knows about that one! This is great!” “It is!” nodded Xavier eagerly...then took his turn to blush. “Um...d’ya think we can...oh...I-I dunno...maybe watch some together?” “I mean...only if you want to,” peeped Idia, ducking his head anxiously. “I’m...n-not used to people who...WANT to watch it with me, heh...normally I-I can only talk about it online…” “I’d like to watch it with you,” Xavier promised. “And...and we can talk about our inventions in the meantime. Does...does that sound fair?” Idia nodded slowly, and began to smile wider once more. “Yeah...yeah, it sounds like a plan,” he said, then looked to Ortho. “Is...is it okay with you, Little Brother?” Ortho gaped. “...You’re asking me if YOU can have a VISITOR in the apartment?” “Yes.” “Like...you WANT to HANG OUT WITH SOMEONE?” “Yuh-huh.” “...Okay, who are you, and what have you done with my Big Brother?” You snickered. So did Xavier, as Idia smiled awkwardly. “You wanna come with, Abe?” the mad scientist asked his robotic companion, who saluted in response. “Great!” Idia laughed. “Let’s go then!” And with unusual, uncharacteristic joy, the otaku and the eccentric sauntered off together, their androids following them as the exit door reformed and they left the convention hall. You smiled. “Well,” you sighed happily. “All’s well that end’s well. Looks like Idia’s found a new friend at last.” “I’m happy for them,” smiled Caelyum. “Finding a person who you can connect with is important.” “Uh-huh,” nodded Grim. “Now, there’s just one problem.” “What’s that?” both you and Cael asked. Grim wordlessly pointed to the mess of chairs, scorch marks, busted machines, and dented walls that the hall had become. You went pale. “...Ohhhhh...right...I forgot...we’re the janitors.” “Uh-huh,” Grim said again, drably. “Well, good luck with that!” Caelyum chirped, and began to saunter off towards the door. “Hey! HEY! Where are you going?!” snapped Grim. “Back to the Mystery Shop,” Cael called over his shoulders. “I have a job of my own to do, me hearties! Take care!” “But-!” Your call was unanswered. Cael disappeared, leaving you and Grim standing alone in the mess. You both looked around, then at each other. “...Grim?” “Yeah, Minion?” “It’s moments like these where I wonder if helping people is worth it.” “I never wonder, Minion,” sighed Grim. “Moments like these, I know it isn’t.”

Your feet shuffled as you went to find the broom and dust pan. From saving the day to cleaning up the wreckage, a Prefect’s work was never done.

The End

#fanfic #story #commission #disney #twisted wonderland #oc #mad doctor #epic mickey #xavier madoc #idia shroud #ortho shroud #idia #ortho #caelyum de macabre #caelyum #cael #grim

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