#I have reached a point though: I made this set on my lunch break at work.

[iero]

src. 

[lil13]

FEELINGS - j. champion

You and Jack met during the chemistry reads for Scream VI. It was obvious that, from the beginning, you two were close. Your personalities went well together and everyone saw your obvious chemistry. The chemistry really helped, seeing as your characters were love interests. As time went on, you began to see Jack differently and he the same. And maybe, unlike your characters, the two of you would have a happy ending.

•

Filming for Scream VI was slowly coming to an end. You heard someone say that you only had about 2 weeks of filming left before everything wrapped.

It was bittersweet.

Occasionally, you'd find yourself reminiscing about all of the friendships and memories you've made this summer. Something about your castmates just made the whole filming process all the more better. Especially since this was your first real project.

The directors were taking a chance with you, hiring a newcomer was a risky move. But needless to say, they believed they made the right choice. You were a phenomenal actor.

"Earth go, Y/N." Jasmine was waving her hand in front of your face, bringing your attention back to the 4 sitting around you.

You, Melissa, Jenna, Devyn, Liana, and Jenna all sat in a circle in the grass. A break had been announced while they worked out some kinks in a scene and they let you all just chill together.

"Hmm?"

Devyn reached over and squeezed your hand, smiling sweetly at you. "We're rating our castmates 'cause we're bored."

She was the sweetest, just like her character.

"And it's time to rate Mason, and I don't plan on rating him because he's like my brother and that's weird." Jasmine laughed, earning laughs from the group.

You shrugged, "7.5?"

Most nodded, except for Jenna who scoffed and called out the number 4. Her response only elicited a fit of laughter from the group. Jenna loved picking on Mason, it was one of her favorite pastimes.

"Oooh, i've got one." Melissa clapped her hands in excitement. "Y/N, rate Jack."

You swallowed harshly. Suddenly very thankful that the boys weren't around instead of being mopey like you had been before. You actually had been wishing that Jack... and Mason were there. But now that they'd asked that? Their absence was actually a blessing.

"3."

Jack was your best friend.

"Bullshit!" Liana yelled.

She was right, you'd lied straight through your teeth. You'd met Jack while doing chemistry reads months ago. Your characters played love interests so you'd gotten to meet the boy before the rest of the cast so the directors could ensure the two of you had believable chemistry.

"Um." you mumbled, you'd actually fallen for him as time passed.

When you got to set in June you thought the constant butterflies in your stomach were from being excited and nervous to film. It wasn't until a week or two later and you were grabbing lunch alone with Jack that you realized that the butterflies only showed up when you were in his presence.

Jenna playfully pushed you by the arm, "C'mon, tell us the real answer."

You hated how they knew about your real feelings. You had never admitted them, though. So, their knowledge was pure speculation at this point.

"10." you'd said it almost too quiet for them to hear.

But when they erupted in screams and Devyn tackled you in a hug, you knew they'd heard you.

"No one can tell him! He definitely only sees me as a friend and i'm not ruining the friendship." you instructed from your spot below Devyn.

They all agreed to not tell, but also told you that you were wrong. Apparently they knew that your feelings weren't 1 sided.

"Who likes who?"

You all froze.

It was the familiar voice of Jack that made your stomach drop. Devyn crawled off of you, helping you sit up. You couldn't bare to look at Jack. You were sure your cheeks were bright red and he'd know immediately.

"Chad likes Tara." Jenna blurted, attempting to get Jack off the topic.

The grass looked very interesting all of a sudden.

"Well, I knew that. That's boring." he scoffed.

You mentally cursed when he sat down next to you on the grass, his knee bumping with yours. It took everything in you to not look at him still. Jack was your best friend after all, his brown eyes always brightened your day.

"Jackson, wanna play our game?" Jasmine broke the silence.

Your eyes snapped to Jasmine's, she wouldn't.

You looked around the circle, realizing that all of the girls had smirks on their lips. They knew what Jasmine was up to.

"Sure?" he laughed nervously.

Jasmine rubbed her hands together, never looking back at you. "We're rating our castmates, so, rate Y/N."

"Easy, 10."

What?

You looked right at him as all of the girls went crazy. Did he say what you thought he did?

He wouldn't look at you though, his cheeks burning crimson. You couldn't tell the reason behind the blushing, though, sometimes Jack would blush when he had too much attention on him.

But it still made you sick that he wouldn't look at you.

"I don't feel good." you mumbled, jumping up and running off.

Jack was oblivious though.

While you were basically dry heaving in your trailer, he had texted and wished for you to feel better and to ask if you were still on for your movie night. You sighed, actually thankful that he didn't get the hint as to why Jasmine had asked or why you ran off and simply texted a "thank you, and yes."

The Jasmine texted, checking on you and apologizing for asking Jack. Even adding the disclaimer about how at least he thought you were a 10. You forgave her and told here there were no hard feelings. It was just a simple game.

A few hours later and you had all returned to your apartments for the night.

You were freshly showered with your hair in two braids down your back, body clad in pajamas. Your pajamas consisted of a pair of boy's boxers and a tshirt Jack had given you of his. The two of you were at his apartment one night and you saw an avatar shirt he had on the arm of his couch and you had geeked out over it. In that moment, Jack knew he had to give it to you.

The shirt had brought you more joy than it probably ever would him, and he'd definitely smile every time he saw you in it.

"Knock, knock!" Jack called out as he walked in using the key you'd given him in case you lost yours — well that and you didn't want to have to let him in every time he came over.

He held up a bag of takeout, "I still got the tacos in case you were hungry. Feeling better?"

You nodded, walking over and taking the bag from his hand, leading him to the kitchen.

"I don't know what happened." you lied, taking the containers out of the bag. "But i'm much better now."

The two of your stood in the kitchen eating your tacos. For some reason, every time Jack came over he'd bring tacos from this place you two had found at the beginning of filming. You'd stand around in the kitchen and chow done, catching up on any time spent apart before eventually finishing and going to watch your movie of choice.

"Do you mind if we watch in my room? I'm exhausted." you sold your story by yawning.

You were telling the truth, you were absolutely wiped today. Jack shrugged, lunging toward you and picked you up. You let out a scream of surprise as he carried you, walking you back to your bedroom.

He carefully sat you down on the covers and let you crawl into your spot while he took his shoes off. Without hesitation, he crawled in next to you, propping himself against the headrest.

Your heart started beating closer at your proximity. You tried to ignore it be cueing up the movie, Scream (2022) tonight. The two of you had been on a Scream kick lately.

"This one's gonna be weird to watch since we know these weirdos in real life." Jack chuckled, getting more comfortable, which only brought him closer to you.

Was that on purpose?

You couldn't tell.

As the movie went on, you suddenly became super aware of how close the two of you were sitting. Your head was only inches from Jack's shoulder, so you gave in, letting your head fall onto him.

You'd done this countless times before, but this time felt different. You could've sworn you heard Jack breathe in sharply.

A couple minutes passed before you felt something touching your hand under the covers. You focused for a second before realizing that Jack was tapping the back of your hand with his fingers. Without thinking, you flipped your hand so your palm was up, Jack quickly intertwining his fingers with yours now.

You'd never been more thankful that it was dark, because he wouldn't be able to see how red your cheeks were now.

You got more comfortable, enjoying both the movie and Jack rubbing the back of your hand with the pad of his thumb. Once again, he'd held your hand before, but this time felt different.

Your mind was going crazy and so were all the butterflies in your stomach. Oh what this boy did to you.

You'd met him about a month after you had turned 17, about a week before Christmas. His birthday about a month prior to that. The two of you had bonded over being "late 2004 babies" and the rest of your friendship was history.

But what if it changes tonight?

Jack squeezed your hand.

You lifted your head, looking to him, your hands staying connected. Jack had a different look on his face, once that you'd only ever seen when he was playing Ethan and he was looking at you. This was a look you'd seen Jack portray when looking at his girlfriend.

But this time the look felt entirely genuine.

"J?" you questioned quietly when you noticed his eyes flickering to different places around your face, one of them being your lips.

It was like you were nervous.

Almost questioning if this was real.

Jack didn't say anything, instead he ducked his head and connected his lips with yours. You gasped slightly, not expecting his abruptness.

But you didn't hesitate to kiss back.

Sure, you'd kissed before while acting, but this right here? This was real. This was Jack and Y/N. Not Ethan and Y/C/N.

Your free hand held the back of his neck, fingers fiddling with the curls at the nape of his neck. Jack smiled into the kiss and you swore you almost lost all composure.

How could he be so cute?

His hand broke free of yours and you faltered for a second. Only regaining your composure when you felt his hands grips your hips to pull you on top of him. You forgot how strong he was.

Jack's hands stayed on your hips while your hand not on the back of his neck decided to rest on his chest. You hadn't realize how toned he was and you could definitely feel the muscle under his tshirt.

He pulled away, letting you sit up slightly as you both goofily smiled at each other. "I'm assuming this is okay since you so willing let me pull you onto my lap?" Jack raised an eyebrow, the slightest smirk playing on his lips.

You couldn't help but peck his lips, heart fluttering when you saw his smirk falter into a pout when you pulled away so quickly.

"I mean, we both rated each other 10s earlier and i'm pretty sure i've liked you for a couple months now."

He seemed proud of himself, the cutest smile now on his lips. "Good, good. Glad I didn't read the signs wrong and ruin the friendship."

"That'd be awful."

You hand slid around from the back of his neck and up to his cheek, your thumb rubbing over his cheekbone. You couldn't help but admire him.

You've done that time and time again. But never this close or with these feelings.

He was looking at you the same way. His hands had found their way underneath your shirt, sitting on your bare waist and thumbs caressing the soft skin underneath them.

"Kiss me again, your lips are addicting." he mumbled, his voice quiet from being mesmerized by the situation he'd found himself in.

You happily obliged.

You quickly leaned in and connected your lips, both of you moving together in sync. It was like your lips were created to be together.

Jack's hands stayed put, never once wandering. And same for you. The two of you were content with doing exactly what you were doing. Maybe the rest will come a different day.

"Stay over tonight?" you mumbled against his lips.

You felt him nod, "I'd like that."

You were ecstatic. The thought of falling asleep in Jack's arms had you beyond excited. He always made you feel safe, so you had a feeling you'd sleep like a baby tonight.

"Good, good." You let a finger lightly trace his jawline, down his neck, down his chest, and then stopping when you left your hand to rest in his lap.

Jack caught you hand, breaking the kiss and looking you dead in the eye, his eyes wider than usual. "I'm going to need you to not do that again, because i'm really trying to be respectful and only kiss you tonight and that's not helping."

Your cheeks burned red, "Oh." You patted his chest, "Then let's stop this for now and finish the movie."

You crawled off of him, Jack saying something about how that was a good idea before kissing you quickly once more. You tucked your body into his once more, except now your head was rested on his chest and his arm fell lazily around your body.

You could get used to this.

[soobszzn]

distant affection

synopsis: doing everyday tasks wasn’t a hassle when jungkook was with you - even if that meant you were miles apart.

pairing: ldr!jungkook x reader

genre: fluff, established + long distance relationship

content/warnings: long distance relationship and all things associated, mentions of food, jungkook is still an idol, brief (lol) mention of jungkook and his sexy calvin klein endorsement, use of “my love” in a teasing (& affectionate) context

wc: 1.8k

a/n: sorry this is so late!!! love u, S🌸

-

you knew navigating a long distance relationship with the jeon jungkook would have its ups and downs. obviously, the time difference messed with you both. one person would be asleep when the other was awake, and even if you were awake at the same time, one of you would usually have to attend to other things.

the both of you made it work, though. you’d send each other pictures throughout the day and squeeze in video calls wherever you could. you’d mail each other gifts when you couldn’t be together for special occasions. when jungkook had a couple days off, you’d use it to have long movie dates online in which he would usually fall asleep first. but you didn’t mind.

during his longer breaks, he’d always make it a point to come visit you. the two of you would go sight-seeing in your own city or take a short trip to the next town over. you loved doing anything and everything with him, but the most enjoyable moments were in the mundane. you loved moments where you’d scroll on your phones together on the couch or tease each other while you brushed your teeth before bed.

saying goodbye was always the hardest. there wasn’t anything that could really make missing him hurt less. but while helping him pack during his last visit, you took advantage of when he snuck off to the bathroom and stole a hoodie out of his suitcase. you’d hoped he hadn’t noticed.

munching on your midday meal, you scrolled on your phone before getting a video call from your boyfriend. it was a welcome surprise, so you answered right away.

“hey! what are you doing awake right now? isn’t it like five in the morning?” his phone was looking at the ceiling and you heard music playing in the background. colorful lights speckled his ceiling, and you knew he was again enjoying the galaxy light projector you gifted him last christmas.

“i have a free day tomorrow! and i really wanted to talk to you!” he yelled, indicating he was far from his phone.

you smiled to yourself, appreciating your boyfriend and his sweet gesture. you guessed that with how busy he was recently, he’d be dead tired by the time he came home. but, the fact that you were the first thing on his mind made your heart leap. you then heard the faint music in the background cease, and watched as jungkook propped his phone up, front camera now facing him.

he was leaning on his kitchen counter, sleeve tattoo fully on display. his hair was long and fluffy, his bangs reaching his eyes. you could tell he was tired, but nothing could hide how handsome he was.

you noticed him stare intently into the phone screen. “what are you staring at?” you questioned with a laugh.

“you’re eating lunch right now, right? i’m hungry! let’s eat together!” he said excitedly. jungkook then adjusted his phone so that you had the perfect view of him busy at his stove. you watched as he began tossing things into his pan. you chuckled softly.

“what are you cooking?” you asked curiously, your head now resting in your hand.

“i’m just throwing stuff together, see?” he answered, now panning his phone to what looked like fried rice.

you giggled, now panning your phone to the makeshift fried rice you made for yourself just earlier. the two of you erupted into laughter.

“pretend i made that for you, okay?” you teased, setting your phone back down and taking another bite.

as jungkook finished preparing his meal, you asked him about his schedule for the day. he complained that he had a lot to do in the upcoming days because he had an international schedule set for next week.

“are you sure that’s not just code for coming to visit me?” you half-joked. you knew he was currently busy with solo activities, and it hadn’t been too long since he last visited. but there was always a small part of you that hoped any time he left korea, it was because he was on his way to you.

eventually, he ended up at his kitchen table, phone propped up as if you were sitting across from each other. after taking his first bite, he exclaimed with amazement at his own kitchen creation.

“wahh! wow!” he cried, intentionally being overdramatic. you laughed at his silly theatrics, but you found it all endearing nonetheless.

“want a bite?” he teased, holding a spoonful up to his phone. you proceeded to imitate receiving a bite, and the two of you laughed.

while enjoying your respective meals, you continued to chat about small and pointless things. despite the uneventful topics of conversation, eating together like this made you crave real dates with him. ones where he’d take you to a fancy restaurant for dinner or a small cafe for some coffee. you made a mental note to take him to a new brunch place that opened up the next time he visited.

“what else are you planning to do today?” he asked, making his way to his sink. you followed suit, thinking it would be cute to wash dishes “together.”

“whatever you’re planning to do today.” you replied warmly.

the two of you then washed your dishes simultaneously. your video call now filled with the sounds of water running and dishes clanking, with jungkook occasionally breaking into song or humming a familiar tune.

“i have some laundry i need to fold actually,” he mused afterwards, taking a quick scan of his home.

“i do too!” you replied excitedly at the convenient coincidence.

now, with both phones propped up in your respective living rooms, the two of you dove into your piles of laundry. you chatted about new music you were listening to, books you wanted to read, and the new spider-man movie that jungkook was excited to see.

when jungkook began tackling his pile of underwear, he started showcasing the new pieces he received from calvin klein.

“oh my god! what are those!” you laughed. the two of you giggled at the brightly coloured pairs that he was holding up to his phone. although not his typical style, you were glad one of his solo activities included being the endorser for such a popular - and sexy - brand.

you finished folding first, so you adjusted yourself comfortably on your sofa and watched jungkook continue. jungkook took a glance at you and smiled to himself.

“what?” you questioned with a pout.

“you look cute,” he answered with a soft chuckle. you were cuddled up on your couch, encompassed snugly within a throw blanket jungkook had previously gifted you. you hid your face in your hands bashfully.

as he finished folding his clothes, jungkook opted to play some of his music recommendations through his television. he’d softly sing along as you listened intently, chiming in with short remarks here and there.

“i like this one,” you commented after one of the songs ended.

“ah! why don’t i just sing for you, my love?” he suggested suddenly with a teasing tone.

“ew, no, don’t call me that!” you replied with fake disgust. you and jungkook would typically just call one another by your names, so the sudden use of a nickname both surprised and flustered you.

“but go ahead then, mr. jeon.” you continued, previous shyness now replaced with an intrigued arrogance.

after quickly setting up his karaoke machine, jungkook then turned to you smugly with his microphone in hand. he started out his late night - or perhaps early morning - performance with a couple songs related to inside jokes the two of you shared. you watched fondly as jungkook happily sang along to the upbeat pop music.

“don’t go overboard and strain your voice,” you gently reminded him.

“of course, my love.” he teased you again, with a wink this time. you playfully shot him a repulsed look in response.

following his high-spirited warm-up session, he then transitioned to singing his own music. in an attempt to impress your world-class entertainer of a boyfriend, you would sing along using bts fanchants and passionately wave around an imaginary army bomb. jungkook - while still seated on his sofa - would mimic the choreography as he ventured through his groups’ discography.

after running through a couple bts tracks, jungkook then transitioned to serenading you with songs he knew were your favourites. you gazed at him warmly, now completely immersed in him and his voice. although you’d hear him speak practically every day, you never tired of his soft and angelic singing.

through your now heavy eyelids, you noticed your boyfriends’ energy start to deplete as well. he had stopped dancing and moving around as dynamically as earlier, now only swaying back and forth on his couch. you were still comfortably curled up on your couch, now fighting the urge to slip into an afternoon nap.

“are you getting sleepy?” he asked softly after finishing another song.

“no, not at all,” you mumbled, shaking your head at him with a pout.

“alright, you liar.” he taunted playfully. you noticed him place his microphone down beside him, perhaps signalling that he was finished with his karaoke performance.

“wait! one more song!” you cried out in a sudden panic. you didn’t want this moment of bliss to end so soon. the two of you hadn’t had such a long call together in a while, so you wanted to indulge in this moment as much as you could.

“please. just one more song.” you implored, trying to persuade him with forced “puppy dog eyes.”

jungkook conceded with a sly smile, picking up his microphone again. then, ever so swiftly, you heard a slow and soft tune start to play. you allowed yourself to close your eyes, completely immersing yourself in jungkook’s melodic and affectionate final serenade to you.

before the song even concluded, you had fully fallen asleep on your couch. jungkook noticed this, finishing up the song quietly so as to not wake you suddenly. his lips curled into a soft grin as he watched you fall deeper into your slumber.

after tidying up his living room, he made his way to his bedroom with the hopes of getting some rest of his own. he propped you up beside him on his bed, as if the two of you were sleeping next to one another.

then, before succumbing to his own heavy eyelids, he jokingly whispered into his phone: “by the way, i know you have my hoodie.”

but he hoped you hadn’t heard.

[peakyswritings]

Heart, Body and Soul || Tommy Shelby x OC

PART IX

Summary: Tommy learns something more about Nina as she opens up to him about her past. Unable to ignore the feelings they have for each other any longer, they reach a point of no return.

Warnings: mentions of arranged marriage, slow-burn, small age-gap (Tommy’s 30, Nina is in her early 20s), time-typical misogyny, references to past attempted assault, harassment, violence, no proofreading, English is not my first language. This is set between season 1 and 2. This chapter is 18+, smut (it’s a spoiler but I need to say it). This is my first attempt ever at smut cause it isn’t my cup of tea, so it might not be that good. Also I didn’t want it to be just porn but I wanted it to be ✨functional✨ to the story and tell something, so I hope I did that.

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SERIES MASTERLIST

Gif credits

Dividers credits

Nina muttered a few curses under her breath as her elbow accidentally hit the bottle of milk standing on the table, spilling its content everywhere. She hastily grabbed some rugs, trying her best to contain the damage. Maybe deciding to bake so late at night hadn’t been her best idea. But she needed to keep herself busy or she would’ve lost her mind, because apparently sleeping was no longer an option for her.

She couldn’t sleep without having nightmares anymore, and all of them involved the same person. Stefano. Sometimes he had her pressed into the wall again, and no matter how hard she screamed, no one would come save her. Sometimes he was standing in her father’s study, arranging their marriage as if she weren’t there. Sometimes he was waiting for her at the end of the aisle, with a grin on his face and a glimpse of victory in his eyes. And every time she woke up feeling his weight on her again, and his breath on her face, and his hands up her legs. She told herself she was being dramatic, that she should’ve been glad nothing had actually happened and forget about it, but the feeling of disgust that had been pervading her since that fateful morning just wouldn’t go away.

What her father had said during the lunch had been the last straw. All that talk about leaving her free to make her own choice was nothing more than empty words, a way of keeping her sweet until he managed to persuade her. And she was scared, because she knew that if he made that decision for her, she wouldn’t have a say in the matter. Because the alternative would’ve been a break with the Spinietta family, and that was something they couldn’t afford.

She missed her nightly talks with Tommy. For almost a month, he had managed to take her mind off all the ugly things that were happening in her life. Talking came easy with him. She didn’t know how else to explain it except to say that they seemed to understand each other. It was surprising, to say the least. Sure, there were parts of him that stayed a mystery to her, and parts of her that she still couldn’t let show, but they felt more like something to discover rather than an obstacle. Still, that meant nothing. Those parts were not hers to discover, and he wasn’t supposed to get any closer to her than he had already done. So they had pushed each other away, and reduced their interactions to the bare minimum. But that didn’t make it any easier. She missed him, despite her attempts to keep him out of her head, and now that they didn’t talk anymore it was as if she was on her own again, trapped into a world that spoke a whole different language.

However, Nina wasn’t the only one who felt the weight of that distance. She was the one person who had made Tommy’s stay in Italy somewhat bearable, and her detachment had left him feeling… hollow.

It had also brought him back to the reality of his situation, though. There was a war going on on more than one side, and he needed to do what was necessary for him and his family. He was walking on a thin line that became more precarious the more he waited. He had two days left to propose, or else the deal would be off, and God knew what would happen then. The most absurd part of it all was that what rationally should’ve been his major concern was overshadowed by something else entirely. He was scared of what would happen to Nina once he’d be back in Birmingham with Agnese on his arm. He didn’t know what was exactly going on with Spinietta, but if there was one thing he had learned, it was that when a man there decided he wanted something, he’d take it, one way or another.

If he could’ve been sure it wouldn’t have started yet another war, Tommy would’ve taken his eyes days ago. And when It didn’t matter how much he told himself that it was the injustice that made him furious, deep down he was aware it wasn’t true. The truth was he cared about Nina. He cared about her in a way he wasn’t supposed to. He had no idea how it had happened, but she had managed to make her way into his heart with steps so light he didn’t even realise it until it was too late. And now thoughts of her filled his mind night and day.

He didn’t think he’d ever feel like that about someone again, after Grace. Grace had been the first person he had opened up to in a long time, he had allowed her to see those parts of himself he never let show, and he had realised there was still a small light inside of him, a sparkle that had survived the storm brought by the war. And he had thought that maybe there was still hope for him. When she betrayed him, the darkness engulfed him again, and any shred of hope he had left faded into dust. But just like a match, Nina had made that sparkle burst into a flame, showing him that it had never been extinguished in the first place. It overwhelmed him how much he wanted her. He could feel her in his bones, in his veins.

It would’ve been a lie to say that the thought of talking to her father hadn’t crossed his mind. But Nina was not something he could take for himself. He couldn’t rob her of her freedom. Even he wasn’t that bad. He could only be content with the little time he had with her, and carry it with him when everything would be over. Maybe that was the reason why he walked out of his room that night, in the hope that she’d be in the kitchen, making herself her terrible tea.

And there she was, except that - much to Tommy’s confusion- she wasn’t making tea. She was surrounded by bowls and pans, and there was flour spilled all over the table. Apparently unaware that she was no longer alone, she kept on stirring the batter with a whisk, with an aggressiveness that gave away her inner turmoil.

“What are you doing?” He caught her attention, earning himself a brief glance before she shifted her eyes back on her work.

“Baking,” she replied, her imperturbable expression clashing with her snappish motions.

Tommy frowned, walking further into the room. “It’s three in the morning, Nina.”

“I couldn’t sleep.”

Nina’s statement made him cock an eyebrow in disbelief. It didn’t take a genius to guess that she wasn’t baking in the middle of the night because she craved some sweet treat, and her short answers and dismissive behaviour were all Tommy needed to understand that there was, in fact, something going on in that mind of hers.

Slowly, as one would do with a wounded animal, he approached her, and he could’ve sworn her breath had hitched in her throat. “Are you alright?” He asked, coming to a stop next to her.

Her movements ceased, and her hand clenched around the whisk before she let it go. She swallowed, keeping her gaze on the table, and Tommy wondered whether that reaction was due to the question or their proximity.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” She recollected herself, sending him a sideward look.

Tommy knew better than to push her. Insisting would only cause her to shut down even more, and that was the last thing he wanted. So he pretended to believe her, and took a seat at the table without another word.

Silence fell in the room as Nina resumed mixing the ingredients, and a new feeling began to rise up inside her. It had been a while since they had spent some time alone, and she had started to surrender to the fact that it would never happen again. Yet, there they were. She would’ve liked to say that it was as if they had never been apart, but in truth it was different, now that she wasn’t lying to herself anymore. With the acknowledgment of her feelings, came the awareness that whatever was going on between them wasn’t destined to last, that the end was near, and that every moment they spent together could’ve been the last. And it didn’t feel right.

She had never felt that way about anyone. She didn’t even know she could be capable of it until she met him. He had made her question everything, even herself, and she despised him for it. She despised him for making all her certainties crumble, for taking everything she had ever known and turning it into an undefined mass of doubts, for making her feel things she was sure she could never feel for anyone else.

Nina could feel Tommy’s eyes on her has she put the chocolate cake in the oven, and that alone made her hands shake. Against all logic, his gaze on her was something she both craved and escaped, it made her feel uncovered and… seen. She wasn’t used to being seen.

Closing the oven, she pushed those thoughts away. There was no point in torturing herself over what could not be changed. She checked the time on clock on the wall. Forty minutes.

“I have to clean this mess,” she murmured, more to herself than to Tommy. One look at the disaster around her, and she already regretted her decision. She inhaled deeply as the thunderstorm of emotions she was trying so hard to contain threatened to slip out of her control, but soon tears welled up in her eyes. She turned her head away so that Tommy wouldn’t see them, but it was too late.

“Oi,” he furrowed his eyebrows, getting up from the chair. “What’s wrong, eh?”

Many things were wrong. Her family, Stefano, that. Whatever that was. “I have to clean this mess,” she repeated, her voice cracking.

“It’s alright, I’ll help you,” he said reassuringly, taking a few steps towards her, worry painted all over his face.

Nina shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest. “No, no I can do it. It’s…” she trailed off, the knot in her throat making it difficult to even speak.

Tommy’s heart painfully squeezed in his chest. It was overwhelming, to see the suffering she hid behind her mask of fierceness and wit. It was never about the tiredness, or the lack of sleep, or the fucking dishes. She had things eating at her from the inside. Just like him.

“C’mere,” he gently brought his hands to her face, forcing her to look at him. A few tears fell from her eyes, then others followed, like incessant stream that could no longer be held back. “It’s alright,” he said softly, wiping them away. “It’s alright.”

Nina closed her eyes, letting herself be soothed by Tommy’s deep voice and the tender touch of his rough hands on her skin. His fingers traveled through her soft hair, brushing it away from her tear-stained cheeks, before resting on the sides of her face again. “This pain that you have,” he whispered, “share it with me.”

She brought her hands above his, looking up at him through her lashes. Her thumbs faintly stroked his skin, and he could read a hint of hesitation in her features. But when she guided his hands off her face and took a step back, he was certain that she had closed off again, leaving him outside of her mind.

As though nothing had happened, she started to clean up, and Tommy with her, despite her protests. For a while, the clinking of pots and the rush of water were the only noises that broke the stillness of the kitchen. Then, unexpectedly, Nina started to speak.

“It has been going on since I was fourteen,” she said, scrubbing a bowl. Tommy stayed silent, afraid that she’d change her mind if he even made a sound.

“I was in the..” she broke off, looking for the right word. “…ginnasio. I don’t know what it’s called in English. It’s after elementary school,” she explained. “Girls stop at elementary school, they don’t get a higher education. It’s not like it’s forbidden, but it’s just how things are. So as you can imagine, it caused quite the scandal.”

Tommy grabbed a towel, drying the utensils that Nina washed as he listened.

“It caught Stefano’s attention. He studied at the liceo, which is after the ginnasio. He always came to talk to me, asked me questions. My brothers had already finished school at the time, so he was free to approach me without anyone saying anything.” She paused, taking her time to properly clean the whisk. “It didn’t bother me, at first,” she admitted, and Tommy caught a trace of shame in her tone. “He was good looking, a bit older, and he was fairly nice to me. Most girls in the village were in love with him and his brother. I had no idea about what they did.” She handed him a spoon, keeping her gaze on the sink. “Then one day I saw them beating a man half to death in his own shop cause he hadn’t paid for protection. I didn’t even know what protection was,” a laugh escaped her lips, but there was no humour in it. “I have my way of finding out stuff, and people talk, words spread. And once I learned who he was, I decided that I didn’t want anything to do with him. I thought I just had to be patient, cause he was on his last year of school. He asked me to be his girlfriend, on the last day before summer break, and I said no. I thought he’d leave me alone after that,” her voice lowered. “He didn’t. Even when he finished school, he’d always find the way to come to me, to talk to me. He became insistent, he thought I was being difficult, that I was saying no because I didn’t want to say yes right away.”

Fucking bastard, Tommy thought.

“The more time passed, the more I saw, and learned,” Nina continued, her eyes darkening at some distant memory. “And I found out Stefano and his brother had a habit of dragging girls into their car. I didn’t know what it was that they did to them, back then. But it was scary. I stole my brother’s pocket knife, just in case, and always took it with me.”

Tommy almost felt sick. It was even worse than he had imagined. It had been going on for years, ever since she was a little more than a child. Years, and she had never said anything. A question burned on the tip of his tongue, a question whose answer he feared, but that he needed to ask nonetheless. For the first time since she had started telling the whole story, he spoke. “Did you… did you ever need to use it?”

She fell silent, and for a moment he thought he had screwed up. But then she nodded. “Yes.”

His stomach dropped at her revelation, and he stopped what he was doing to take a look at her. He could read the effort she was making to talk about that on her face.

“I was buying groceries with Agnese, and she had stopped in a shop. He came to me while I was waiting for her, tried to convince me to go with him in his car. I pointed that knife at his throat the moment he tried to grab me.” Her voice had hardened, her eyes burning with the determination he had witnessed so many times. “That scar he has, it’s because of me.”

Tommy exhaled the breath he hadn’t even noticed he was holding. Although enraged, he was relieved that Nina didn’t share the destiny of those girls before her, that she had been able to hold her own. Something really close to pride swelled in his chest.

“Unfortunately, it didn’t make him stop. If anything, it made him worse. The fact that our families do business together didn’t help. Soon he was everywhere. At church, outside my school, he even helped my mum with the groceries. I only had some rest when the war came. His father sent him and his brother to their relatives in New York, so that they wouldn’t fight. I hoped he’d stay there, but he came back. And he started again.”

Having finished to wash the utensils, Nina began to put them back in their place. “Recently, he went to speak with my father. He wants to marry me. That was why he was invited here for lunch.”

Tommy felt the blood freeze in his veins. He had imagined the nature of Stefano’s visits to the Ferrante house, but knowing it for sure was an entirely different thing. The thought of Nina being married to that fucker made him sick to his stomach. “What you just said to me,” he said, “tell your family. They’ll understand.”

Nina shook her head, the shadow of a sad smile growing on her face. “I tried.”

She kept herself busy with the last things that needed tidying up, the topic clearly being a raw nerve. “The first time Stefano followed me home from school I went to my father,” she elaborated, wiping the table. “He asked me if I had, perhaps, done something to… encourage that behaviour. To make him believe that I wanted that kind of attention.”

She finally put down the rag, then she went to wash her hands, dismissing the subject as if it was nothing. But that wasn’t nothing. That was a lot, and she didn’t deserve it. It was no wonder she always acted as if it was just her against the whole world. She had to protect herself for years.

“I’m sorry,” Tommy said truthfully. It was the only sentence he could muster up. What could he possibly say, after what she had told him?

Yet, those words had an effect on Nina. All that time, she had felt like it was somehow her fault, or something she had to get over. But that short sentence, said with so much sincerity, carried a meaning of its own. I’m sorry that happened to you. It was the recognition that something had indeed happened, and that it wasn’t something she had done, but something had been done to her. Maybe she was overthinking that, maybe he had only said the first thing that came to his mind, but she needed to hear it.

After that, she let the conversation drop. She would’ve probably regretted sharing that much in the morning, but for the moment she felt lighter. The burden that had weighed down on her shoulders for so long wasn’t as heavy, now that she wasn’t carrying it alone. And even if it lasted just for one night, even if that weight came crashing down on her again the next day, it was enough.

Ten minutes later or so, she took the cake out of the oven, then covered it with a clean tea towel. It would’ve been fun to explain to her mother where it came from. “It’s late,” she murmured, glancing at Tommy. He was leaning against the table, an indecipherable look on his face. Her gaze was captured by the way the muscles of his shoulders showed through his undershirt, then lingered on his forearms, exposed by his rolled-up sleeves. A warm flush crept up her cheeks, and she found herself taken aback by her own thoughts. She really needed to sleep. And Tommy, who she had kept up with her. A sense of guilt pervaded her. Things weren’t easy for him either, and he needed to rest as well. She cleared her throat, hesitantly getting closer to him. “Thank you,” she whispered, resting her hand on his arm. “For staying.”

Tommy turned to look at her, his body stiffening. That contact was enough to send a chill down his spine. Only the thin material of his undershirt was separating his skin from her fingers, yet her touch burned, awakening all the sensations he had been trying to keep at bay. She was beautiful, and mere inches away from him, and her scent was making his head spin. His eyes drifted to her lips. He still remembered how they tasted, and that only added to his yearning. As though it didn’t belong to him anymore, his hand moved to delicately stroke her cheek, the roughness of his knuckles contrasting with the softness of her skin. Her eyelids fluttered closed as she almost involuntarily leaned closer. With a burning desire clouding his judgment, Tommy tentatively pressed his mouth on hers, testing the waters. When her lips started to move against his, his hand went to cup the back of her head, deepening the kiss. It was different than the first time, when his eagerness was so intense that he couldn’t bring himself to be gentle. He kissed her slowly, delicately, as if she might break in his hands.

Nina did feel like she could break at any moment. Vulnerable, exposed. And the craziest part was that she didn’t mind, not even a bit. Because she felt safe, in his arms. However, once again, reality set over her like a dark mist. She slightly moved away, shaking her head. “We can’t do this, Tommy,” she whispered.

He nodded, closing his eyes shut. They were still close enough for their noses to brush, and the tried to imprint that feeling in his mind, in his soul. “I know,” he rasped.

Neither of them moved for a while. Neither of them wanted to. They had been restraining themselves for so long. But it was too late. Inhaling sharply, Tommy took a step back, and a feeling of coldness engulfed both of them.

Nina paced back and forth in her room, fragments of what had happened less than ten minutes ago in the kitchen playing in her head again and again. It felt as if she had reached a point of no return. She couldn’t lie to herself anymore. She couldn’t go against herself anymore. She wanted him. It didn’t matter how much she tried to convince herself that she didn’t, that she should step aside before it became serious, that she’d forget about him anyway. None of it was true. She had tried so hard to put an end to that, to push him away, but she hadn’t been able to. She felt selfish, and cruel, and a traitor for that. And the worst thing was she didn’t care. In that moment, she didn’t care at all. She wanted to be selfish. She wanted to be cruel. She wanted to be a traitor. For once, she didn’t want to think about anyone but herself.

Fuck it, she thought. She walked out of her room, her pulse racing. It wasn’t fear, she wasn’t scared of being caught. With her parents’ chamber being in the other corridor and her brothers being away on business, no one would see her entering Tommy’s room. It was the anticipation for something she couldn’t quite put her finger on. She stopped in front of the door, pondering whether to knock, just open it, or simply leave, feeling her courage already slip away from her. What if he didn’t want to see her? What if he was already asleep?

Determined not to let the whirlwind of thoughts and panic scare her out of it, she brought her fist to the wooden surface. The seconds stretched into an eternity as she waited, nervously fidgeting with her fingers, and when the sound of his footsteps came to her ears, she thought her heart could jump right out of her chest. Tommy opened the door, confusion painted across his features, but before he could say anything, Nina pulled him in and crashed her lips against his. It didn’t take much for him to recover from the surprise and wrap a strong arm around her waist, pulling her inside as he closed the door with his free hand. She found herself trapped against the hard surface, enveloped by the warmth radiating from him as their bodies pressed together. Her hands slid behind his neck, bringing him impossibly closer, eager to feel more. The feeling of his strong frame all over her made her knees buckle, and she was pretty sure she would’ve ended up on the floor hadn’t he been holding her. His smell, which had become now so familiar to her - a mixture of soap and cigarette smoke, with a hint of whiskey-, invaded her nostrils, making her head spin.

His hands roamed down her body, covered by the cotton nightgown. He gripped at the soft material, feeling the last shred of his self control drift away from him. It was too much. She was too much. God knew how much he wanted her, but he didn’t want her to do something she was going to regret. Once they had crossed that line, they couldn’t go back. “Nina,” he groaned, breaking away from her. “We have to stop now. I have to stop now.”

“Don’t.”

In the dim light of the room, Tommy examined her expression, only to see there was not a trace of doubt in her eyes. He gulped, gently stroking her cheek. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

He leaned with his forehead against hers, rubbing his thumb on the skin of her jaw. “Tell me to stop and I’ll stop,” he husked. “At any moment.”

She nodded, but when he leaned in to kiss her again, she put her hands on his chest. “Wait,” she blurted out, causing him to take a step back. “I’ve never…” Nina didn’t finish her sentence, but she didn’t need to.

Shit. Tommy had imagined it, of course, he was no fool, but having it confirmed… He shouldn’t. He really shouldn’t. But there was a part of him that didn’t care at all. The bad he couldn’t help.

“Do you want me to stop?”

Nina pondered her answer, the reality of the situation washing over her. Theoretically, she knew what to expect. Practically, it was a whole different thing. And she knew that if she said yes, she’d be ruined. Still, she didn’t care. And she was hit by the overwhelming awareness that she’d let him do whatever he wanted to her. “No,” she breathed out.

She felt like she could melt right there when he raised her chin to capture her lips again. What started as a tender kiss became more heated, and soon he was basically devouring her, unable to restrain himself any longer.

Tommy had thought about that moment more than he’d ever admit, and now that she was actually there in his arms, it almost felt unreal. Yet she was there, and she was trusting him. And as he grabbed her waist to press her against him, he noticed his own hands were shaking.

Nina tilted her head as he started to leave a trail of kisses down her neck. A gasp escaped her lips when he reached a particularly sensitive spot, and an unfamiliar ache spread between her tighs, causing her to unconsciously rub them together. Her reaction didn’t go unnoticed, cause she felt his lips twisting in a grin against her skin. He moved down to her collarbones, then perilously close to her breasts. His fingers travelled up to the straps of her nightgown as he pulled back slightly, a silent question in his eyes. When she nodded, he slowly slid them down her shoulders, uncovering her inch after inch, until she was standing in front of him with nothing on but her knickers.

Her heart raced as she saw desire burning in Tommy’s eyes. Except it wasn’t just desire, or lust. There was something more, something she couldn’t read. No one had ever looked at her that way. With trembling hands, she shyly took ahold of the hem of his undershirt. Her fingers brushed against his skin as she raised it, leaving behind a trail of goosebumps and making his muscles twitch. Once the clothing was lying on the on the floor, she allowed herself to look at him, and explore him. She delicately traced the bullet scar on his shoulder, as if she might hurt him by pressing too hard, then the tattoo on his chest, then the lines of his abdomen, everything that told the story of his life. It was like watching a masterpiece. A torn, tainted masterpiece, but a masterpiece nonetheless.

Her hands reached his trousers, but she raised her gaze on him before unbuttoning them. A glimpse of something that looked a lot like surprise crossed his face, almost as though he wasn’t expecting her to ask. Then he gave her a single nod. After helping her remove them, he gently guided her towards the bed.

A mixture of edginess and anticipation took over Nina as Tommy positioned himself on top of her, one hand beside her head to support himself, the other ghosting over her breasts. She arched her back as he ran his thumb over one of her hardened nipples, the new, strange sensation becoming more and more pleasant as he fondled her flesh. He leaned down to pepper her chest with kisses, his lips warm and soft, then he trailed down to her stomach, her ribs, her belly. That new attention had her squirming under him, eliciting a deep chuckle from Tommy that caused her face to flush. His lips travelled up again to meet hers in a slow, sensual kiss that fogged her brain so much that she almost didn’t notice his hand making its way down to her most private parts. Breath hitched in her throat as he ran his fingers over her clothed sex.

“Do you trust me?” he asked her, his voice reverberating in her own chest. He raised his head to look at her, studying her expression.

Nina’s hand found its place on the back of his head, the short locks tickling her palm. She didn’t even need to think about her answer. One look at his face and she knew. She did trust him, with all her heart. She pulled him down to press a tender kiss on his mouth. “Yes,” she whispered.

Still close enough for their lips to brush, Tommy delicately rubbed his fingers over her heat, stimulating the area while allowing her to get used to the sensation of being touched. When his fingertip found her clit, she let out an involuntary gasp, her fingers tightening around the nape of his neck. He then pushed her knickers to the side, caressing the wet folds before stopping at her opening. Slowly, he inserted one of his digits, and she winced at the foreign, mildly uncomfortable feeling. Tommy stilled his movements, giving her the time to get adjusted.

“Is this alright?”

“Yes,” she breathed out.

He began to pump his finger in and out, careful not to go too deep just yet. Nina let out a ragged breath, pleasure building up inside her as she gradually got used to the feeling. His thumb rolled over her clit, the unexpected move eliciting a whimper out of her. Her breathing became more laboured as he added another finger, stretching her further.

Tommy took in the sight of her under him, eyes closed, swollen lips parted, her eyebrows slightly furrowed in a frown. God, she was beautiful. And she was his, even if just for one night. He moved faster and deeper, working her open until he felt it was enough. A whine of protest left her lips when he removed his fingers, and he smirked at the reaction. “Be patient,” he playfully scolded her, earning himself a glare.

He got rid her now inconvenient last piece of clothing, then took off his briefs. Nina couldn’t help but let her gaze wander to the newly exposed part, and a wave of concern overcame her. It couldn’t possibly fit.

Tommy gently parted her legs more to settle between them and hovered above her again, but he must’ve read the apprehension on her face. “Do you want to stop?” he murmured, running his knuckles over her cheek.

His attentiveness warmed Nina’s heart, dissolving any fear she had. She was safe with him. He wouldn’t hurt her. “No,” she shook her head.

He cradled her head in one of his hands and leaned in to place a sweet kiss on her forehead, then lined himself up with her entrance. Nina braced herself for what was to come, her fingers ghosting over his shoulders in a soothing motion. Tommy inserted his tip, and she couldn’t hold back a stifled gasp at the intrusion. He stood still for a moment, reassuringly rubbing her waist with a hand, then pushed a bit further inside her tight slit. Nina squeezed her eyes shut, the burning sensation almost unbearable.

“You alright?” he asked, the effort he was making to restrain himself showing through the rasp of his voice. Her velvety walls were squeezing him in the most delightful way, and it took all his self-control to stop there.

She nodded, silently giving him the permission to go on. Pain and pleasure mixed as he carefully worked his way past her resistance, until he was buried deep inside of her. He stilled again, giving her the time to adjust to his size. That feeling of fullness took her breath away, it was intoxicating. He was intoxicating. She pulled him impossibly close, eager to feel every inch of his skin on her skin, to melt into him until she could no longer tell where she started and he ended. A low groan reverberated into her ear as she pushed her hips up against his, encouraging him to move. Tommy started rolling his hips, setting a slow, sensual pace that allowed both of them to feel everything with the outmost depth. His lips claimed hers in a searing kiss, stifling the moans that threatened to escape them. Nina’s hands went to cup his face, the softness of his lips enough to distract her from the last shreds of pain and help her relax, thus allowing him to go even deeper. His teeth grazed her bottom lip, further igniting the fire inside of her.

So that was what Nina had been warned about all her life. That was the sin she had been taught she should avoid at all costs, the sin that would bring shame and ignominy upon her and all her family. And she was surprised to find out that it didn’t feel like a sin. It didn’t feel wrong. How could there be shame in that, when it felt so right? How could there be shame in being in the arms of someone she cared so deeply about, who made her feel so safe? Where was the shame?

Tommy’s hands rested on the back her thighs, fingers squeezing the flesh as he felt her tightening around him. He wanted to take it slow, to savour that moment, but it was getting harder and harder as her warmth, her scent, her shaky breaths clouded his senses. It felt like being in a bubble. Nothing else mattered, nothing else was real. Time had stopped for them to exist in that moment.

Nina hid her face in the crook of his neck as he quickened his pace, feeling her muscles tightening in her lower stomach. Tommy guided her to wrap her legs around him, the new angle making her see stars. His thrusts became more erratic, more frantic, causing that strange feeling in her abdomen to become even stronger. “Tommy,” she whimpered, overwhelmed by that vortex of sensations.

“Let it happen, love,” he whispered in her ear, his length twitching at the way his name sounded on her lips.

With a few more thrusts, he pushed her over the edge, and she had to press her mouth over his shoulder to silence the sounds she couldn’t hold back anymore. It didn’t take long for Tommy to follow her, his hips jerking as he spilled himself inside of her.

The world stood still as they stayed in each other’s embrace, Tommy’s cheek brushing against hers. He buried his nose in her dark hair, inhaling her lavender scent. For once, his head was silent. No nagging thoughts, no shovels against the wall. Just peace.

Nina gently stroked the back of his head, breathing deeply as her heart slowed down to a normal rate. Fuck, she had never felt anything like that. It had been… intense. And it had tied her to him more than she could’ve ever imagined. It was scary, to be so connected to someone. To feel someone that much. That was the right expression. She felt him. As if he were part of herself. As if there had been an empty spot inside her soul, and she had lived with it all her life, only to find that it was him the missing piece.

A sudden blast of cold hit her when Tommy got up, depriving her of his warmth and weight. She watched in confusion as he disappeared in his private bathroom, wondering whether something had happened. She sat up on the bed, bringing her knees to her chest. Had she done something wrong?

However, she didn’t need to worry for long, cause soon Tommy walked back into the room, with his private parts now covered by a pair of briefs and a fresh towel in his hand. Without saying a word, he climbed back on the bed, smiling softly at the puzzled look on her face. Slightly embarrassed now that the disinhibition brought by the feverish state they had previously been in had faded, she felt her cheeks grow hot when he gently spread her legs apart. He delicately ran the towel over her sensitive skin, cleaning her up from the sticky mess between her legs, his eyebrows knitted in a concentrated frown. Once again, his attentiveness made her heart skip a bit, and she was amazed by how easy it was to let him take care of her. She never let anybody take care of her.

As Tommy discarded the towel somewhere on the floor, Nina’s attention was caught by the blood stain on the white top sheet. Shit. She got up to remove it from the bed, doing her best to ignore what she’d prefer would stay tomorrow’s problem. “I’ll have to take care of it in the morning,” she murmured.

Tommy laid on the bed again, then reached for the cigarettes on his nightstand to light one. He watched her as she looked for her nightgown among the mess of clothes on the floor, naked, with only her long, ruffled hair to cover her a little. She was quite the sight.

Much to his dismay, she soon found what she was looking for, and covered herself. He exhaled a cloud of smoke, motioning for her to get back in bed, having had enough of having her away from him. “C’mere.”

Nina gladly took her place back next to him, resting with her head on his chest as he draped an arm over her shoulders. She could’ve stayed there forever. But she knew that it wouldn’t be long before the sun made its appearance on the horizon.

They stayed in silence as Tommy smoked his cigarette, his fingertips mindlessly grazing her arm. He didn’t want to think about tomorrow, or about what would happen next. He wanted to stay in that moment while he still could, because he knew he wouldn’t get it back. That thought stung. But he was aware they needed to have that conversation. This time they couldn’t just pretend nothing had happened, and the sooner they talked, the sooner they would clear things out.

“Nina,” he whispered, but no reaction came from her. She had fallen asleep.

Tommy stubbed his cigarette in the ashtray, then turned the small lamp off. He didn’t have the heart to wake her up.

They would think about it tomorrow.

NEXT CHAPTER

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Collision— Chapter 1

ᯓᡣ𐭩 Pairing; Stray Kids x afab!reader

ᯓᡣ𐭩 ᯓᡣ𐭩Summary; You’ve known him for years but you never would have guessed the charming guy you’ve been online gaming with has been an idol this whole time. (masterlist here)

ᯓᡣ𐭩 ᯓᡣ𐭩ᯓᡣ𐭩Warnings; implied afab reader (only they/them pronouns used for reader), mild angst?, pls I haven’t written fanfics since 2018 patience and kindness is appreciated

It was already getting late, the sun having set hours before and the soft sounds of the city’s night life stirred out his bedroom window. Felix had just returned from a long day of schedules but was finding it hard to wind down now that he was left to his own devices. He had already reached out in the group chat to see if any of the members wanted to keep him company only for them to turn him down in favor of sleep, working on things in the studio, or even extra practice time which didn’t sound appealing to the blonde at this point in time. Needing something to distract himself from his idol self, Felix sat at his desk and began firing up a familiar program.

A soft lullaby-like melody began to drift into his headphones as he adjusted them on his head, quickly logging into the popular open world game as the opening theme soothed some of the restlessness he had been feeling since returning home. At first he was just going to play solo but curiosity got the better of him and he decided to pull up his friends list just to see who out of his gaming buddies might be online. To his surprise he saw one of them, a player that went by the name Starlight, on and decided to send over the co-op request.

Just as the request went through he heard the familiar chime of a call coming through on his discord. Quickly, Felix turned on his voice distortion software and answered the call with an amused smirk pulling at his lips. “Now, what are you doing up so late Star?” He questioned, listening to their laughter ring through the line. “It may be late for you but I’m actually on my lunch break at the moment, sir.” They responded in a teasing manner. He laughed sheepishly in returned. “You caught me there- was having trouble sleeping after work so I thought I’d game for a bit.”

Star hummed in understanding. “What time is it over there, like midnight right?” “Half past eleven, but you were close.” The Aussie cringed slightly at the sound of his voice echoing slightly in his ears with the distortion. For the safety of his privacy he always made sure to use a voice changer when on calls with his online friends, and never accepted video calls despite the curiosity a lot of them had as to what he looked like behind the screen. Star was one of the only ones to never push him for any photos or a video chat. He appreciated them for respecting his boundaries, though it would have been hypocritical of them since they also refused to show themselves though to his knowledge they didn’t go as far as to distort their voice in any way. “So, got anything in particular you wanna do or just sorta fuck around for a bit? I could use some help farming for Wanderer you know~” Their voice in a sing-song tone at the end. Chuckling at them, Felix agreed to help them out and quickly followed their lead in game.

About an hour later, their game cut short due to his companions lunch break ending. “Sorry bud- I’ll have to catch you some other time and I can repay the favor! You know how much I hate farming solo so this was a big help.” He could hear their smile in their voice, wearing what he assumed was a matching expression as he shrugged though he knew they wouldn’t be able to see it. “It’s no big deal, really. I’m glad we could keep each other company. I should probably head to bed myself-“ “Oh! Before I go I wanted to tell you…I’m actually going to be in your neck of the woods soon so maybe we can play some in the same timezone for once!” Felix paused for a beat. They were coming to Korea? All of his gaming buddies knew where he lived, though that and the fact he is originally from Australia was as far into his personal life as he was comfortable going with any of them.

Starlight had been one of his longest Genshin friends, having started playing around the same time as him they had met in a server for newbies to the game and hit it off quickly. The thought of them being so close was exciting yet a bit nerve wracking. Curiosity at the reason for their trip from the states to South Korea itched in his mind. “Oh really? What’s bringing you all the way to Korea?” Star squealed a litte, and he could lightly hear the sound of what he assumed was their feet tapping at the floor with excitement. “Well- I’ve been wanting to make a trip there for a while….not to sound cliche or anything but I’ve been a huge fan of kpop and kdrama since I was in like- middle school and I’ve never traveled outside of the states before so it seemed like a fun place to start.” Felix had to keep himself from choking on nothing. A fan? Of kpop- they had never mentioned this to him before in the years they had been online friends. His mind began to wonder. What groups did they like? Did they know about Stray Kids? What if they were a Stay? He felt his heartbeat quicken and reflexively put his fingers to his pulse and took a deep breath to calm himself. “Oh that’s cool! Any plans for when you get here?” He questioned, finally feeling a bit calmer. This was fine, the odds they would be stay were slim, and besides there was no way for them to know who it was they had really been playing with this whole time as he himself went through multiple precautions to hide his identity online. Then, he felt his worlds colliding with a single string of words from their lips. “Actually, yeah! One of the groups I’m a fan of is having a concert I was able to snag tickets for! Not sure if you’ve heard of them but they are pretty big these days, Stray Kids?” His eyes felt comically huge and the blonde thought he may faint. “Stray Kids?” Was all that he could muster as a response, throat suddenly very dry. “Yeah! They are like so incredibly talented. I wasn’t able to see them when they came here on tour last so I couldn’t pass up the opportunity after I finally decided to book a trip to Korea and they happened to be holding a concert at the same time. I’m so excited! But- oh i really gotta go or I’m gonna be late getting back from lunch. I’ll talk to you later okay?” Felix blinked a few times before fully registering their words. “Oh uh- yeah definitely. Talk to you later Stay- Star! Bye Star!” And with that he abruptly ended the call. Fuck. He called them Stay- hopefully they didn’t catch it in their haste to get back to work. His next conversation was sure to be interesting if they had happened to hear him….

author’s note: I’m super rusty at writing so I hope this is okay…feedback is welcome and encouraged! I started this cause it has been super slow at work and I’ve personally never read a fic having to do with reader and Felix being genshin co-op buddies and I thought it would be a fun concept (as a genshin player myself lol) Again, I hope those of you reading enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to updating soon. ᕱᕱ⊹ ࣪ ˖

[leth-writes]

yandere CEO x reader

Summary: Your boss has never been anything like the rumours suggested. Maybe you should've listened sooner.

Warnings: My blog is 18+, though this piece is not explicit. As well, usual yandere content warnings apply.

So this is actually an original character I'm workshopping, and I wrote this piece to get the character down. If you'd like more, just let me know!

“Shh, shh, it’s going to be okay, my love…” he said, running a hand down your face gently, cooing quietly. You struggled, shifted, trying your hardest to break free, but you were stuck, locked in place by the soft leather straps keeping you tied to the bed. You were gagged with a silky slip of fabric, cushioning your teeth and preventing your cries from reaching even into the rest of the ornate room. You were trapped, completely unable to so much as shift, kept in place without the ability to set yourself free.

You hadn’t ever expected it to end this way, working for one of the best companies in the world. All you wanted was to be safe, to be able to pay your bills and finally enjoy some stability; working as his secretary was supposed to be a well-paying gig. Turns out that his behavior with you was unlike that of the myriad of people who had once held the position.

He had a reputation for being harsh and cold, incredibly analytical, with high standards and higher expectations. When you first met him, however, you’d seen a man with kind brown eyes and a bright, soft smile, staring at you as though you’d lit the room up just by walking in. Your work had been unexpectedly easy, and he’d paid you incredibly well. Now you suspected he’d done all of it just to prevent you from trying to leave.

He’d lulled you into a sense of false security, after all, building up a relationship and getting you to trust him. He’d been so kind, so loving, and you’d fallen for it. It started with the small things. First, he’d always brought you coffee in the morning, then breakfast, then he was always taking you out for lunch. Then he’d started taking you out to dinner, until every meal of every day was spent with him, including the times you weren’t even working. He started invited you over to his house, you were more of a personal assistant than a secretary at that point, and you started spending more and more time there. He loved cooking for you, making you delicious dinners you knew you wouldn’t be able to afford otherwise, ingredients costing more than a month’s rent for you. Then you started staying over in a guest bedroom, more and more, until you were barely ever even going home. You couldn’t help it, being around him was just so relaxing; the stress seemed to melt away in his presence until you couldn’t picture your life without him.

That’s when he first kissed you. It was soft and sweet and it made your heart pound, your feelings swelling until it felt they couldn’t fit in your chest anymore, until all you wanted was to be with him.

So, the two of you started dating, and the true gift giving began. The gifts grew more and more extravagent, clothing and jewellry costing more than a house being dropped in your lap, and something started to seem… off. But he made you so happy, and he was so nice! So, you buried your worries under layers of tulle and started enjoying the luxury of it all. After a lifetime of barely scraping by it was nice to be able to sample some of the finer things.

After only a month, he asked you to move in. At first, you refused, but soon you found your lease abruptly ended with your landlord; with no where to go, you had no choice but to stay with your gracefully accepting host. You should’ve guessed that was all his planning, it was too convenient, and it wasn’t like he didn’t have the money to make your landlord kick you out. Hell, even a threat would be enough to justify serving you up to him on a silver platter.

But then, the dynamic started to change. You felt bad, not contributing, and you started trying to insist on paying him rent or contributing in some way. He refused, you’d barely make a dent and he had more than enough, but you still felt off-balance. Eventually, he started giving you less and less work, until you mainly spent your days just reading in his office as he came in and out. It didn’t feel fair, not doing anything, and the two of you had plenty of fights just about work.

It all came to a head when you decided to move out. You wanted to be independent, to be able to support yourself, and you couldn’t justify leeching off of him anymore. of course, he didn’t see it that way, and the two of you got into a little spat. It worsened and worsened until suddenly, without even thinking, you blurted out that you wanted to see other people. Maybe you should’ve considered your words better.

Like a switch went off, gone was the bright, cheerful man you were used to, the analytical businessman emerging from the dust with a graceful smirk. He’d warned you, told you not to continue the sentence. You wouldn’t want him to think you were cheating, would you?

So, you doubled down. You insisted on a break-up. You couldn’t be around someone who could switch so drastically, who wouldn’t let you work, who was so… controlling! You felt it deep in your gut that this was a bad situation, and that you needed to leave. And just like that, the analytical version of himself was gone in a snap, and the gentle gleam was back, though it didn’t quite fit, like was wearing a too-big mask.

He’d agreed, smiling brightly, that you needed some space to think. You didn’t bother correcting his assumption. He implored you to at least stay for dinner, he wouldn’t feel right letting you walk out into the cold night after such a big fight… So you agreed. Maybe this way the break-up would be amicable, and you wouldn’t have to constantly look over one shoulder.

Halfway through dinner, he’d fired you. His face had been a facade of pity, lips slightly pouty as if to mock your shocked tears. Then, you’d started to feel a wave of exhaustion, and before you knew it, you were out.

It all led to this moment, him sitting beside your prone form as he smiled down at you. It was then you saw that crazed gleam, the one everyone had always described but that you’d never seen before. He’d informed you that you would be staying with him, that you could finally just be together without the pretense of work, and that you didn’t have to so much as lift a finger. He’d do everything for you.

You were starting to worry he was being literal.

[clown-friend-gt]

Up, Up, and Away Chapter 6

So I was kind of nervous about putting this chapter out because of one line in particular in it. You'll probably know it when you see it. I didn't want to sanitize any of the language that the bully used in this chapter, but I was still worried about if it was over the line to use that kind of language in my writing. Don't be afraid to reach out with any feedback or criticism.

Link to Masterpost

************************************************************************

Breaking Point

1.5k words

(CW: Bullying, violence, racism, police agression)

The more things changed, the more they stayed the same. That’s what Trevor had begun to realize. Because in addition to all of his other problems, Robbie Deckman refused to leave him alone.

For a week or so after Trevor had outgrown him, Robbie had given him a wide berth. He seemed worried that now that their roles were reversed, that Trevor would give him a taste of his own medicine. As satisfying as that sounded to him, Mr. Roberts, the institute agent, had been watching him like a hawk ever since their talk. And Robbie seemed to have caught on to the fact that Trevor was unlikely to get away with anything anytime soon.

He didn’t push him around the way he used to. Even Robbie wasn’t dumb enough to think that’d work. Instead, he switched tactics.

It started around the same time he visited the institute. Trevor had tried to squeeze himself into one of the tiny desks that every classroom in his school used, and it hadn’t gone well. The chair bent beneath his weight, and the sound of bending metal was loud enough for everyone to hear.

The room was silent for a moment. Then, from behind, Robbie yelled, “Nice going, fatass!”

A few laughs rang out around the room. Trevor was mortified but said nothing. He burned silently with embarrassment as laughter echoed around him. From then on, he just sat on the floor.

Then a week later, during a difficult math test, Trevor broke a pencil. Not just the lead, though that had become all too common for him. He had been feeling anxious and accidently gripped his pencil too tight, snapping it fully in half. Robbie spoke up almost immediately.

“Urgghhh, Trevor no like algebra,” he said, doing his best caveman impression. “Trevor SMASH!”

A few people snickered, and a few more shot him looks that read are you stupid?

“Robert, be quiet. We’re in the middle of a test,” the teacher reprimanded him. Robbie smirked and went back to work.

“And Trevor,” the teacher added, “try to be more careful.”

Robbie found every opportunity to torment him. He would even approach him at lunchtime, walking up to where he sat against the wall, away from everybody else.

“Go away,” Trevor told him once.

“Make me,” Robbie retorted.

Trevor shot him a look, considering it for a moment. Man, it was tempting. Robbie straightened under his glare, looking like he might bolt. Then Trevor sighed, turning his attention back to his lunch. Robbie sat down nearby, radiating smugness.

“God, you’re a pig,” he quipped as Trevor finished his first tray. He did his best to ignore him as he got up to grab his second. He made sure to sit somewhere else when he got back. It didn’t matter; Robbie got up to find him again anyways.

“Leave me alone,” Trevor told him, with more force this time.

“Aw, gonna cry, you big baby?” Robbie mocked him.

He’s not worth it, Trevor had to remind himself, setting his jaw.

He finished his second tray and went to put it away. Robbie followed him, eager to torment him more. Trevor did his best to outpace him, but Robbie jogged to keep up with him.

All of a sudden, with the worst possible timing, Trevor’s stomach growled. The cafeteria limited him to two trays a day, but it just wasn’t enough anymore. Robbie smirked wickedly.

“You’re still hungry after all that? You’re such a freak.”

Trevor whipped around, ready to smack him. It would’ve been so easy to wipe that smug look off his face. But as he lifted his hand, his eyes met those of Mr. Roberts. He stared him down, his thumbs on his belt. Roberts silently moved his hand to rest on his holstered gun. A warning.

Trevor turned and stormed off, leaving Robbie laughing cruelly behind him.

************************************************************************

Then the day came when Robbie pushed Trevor too far. He knew it was bound to happen sooner or later, but he never dreamed it would go so badly.

The last bell of the day rang loud and clear. Everyone in his last class began rushing out. Some left immediately, others trickled out slowly, chatting with each other as they left. Once almost everyone else had already left, Trevor stood up with a small groan, slinging his bag over one arm.

He’d gone through a particularly bad growth spurt last night. He was so sore, and the over-the-counter painkillers he’d relied on for so long just weren't cutting it anymore. He moved sluggishly, and the last thing he needed right now was people ogling him. So he’d waited until no one was around.

He bent over to squeeze through the door to the classroom. When he stood back up, his head smacked on one of the ceiling tiles. He was painfully reminded that he now had to hunch over slightly to avoid hitting the ten-foot ceilings at school.

People were staring. He could feel it as he brushed the dust that fell from the ceiling off of his shoulders. Sure enough, as he glanced around, there they were. He gritted his teeth and tried to ignore them as he walked away. But he could feel their gazes boring into the back of his skull.

He made his way over to his locker. He kept telling himself that all he had to do was get home, fall asleep, and he could forget that today ever happened. He tried to remove the door to his locker as discreetly as possible; he’d pulled the door from its hinges by accident a few days ago.

No such luck. Robbie spoke up from behind him.

“What the hell did you do to your locker, dumbass?”

Trevor sighed, setting the door down. So much for that.

“Not today, Robbie,” he warned him without turning around.

“Ooh, I’m so scared,” Robbie said in a mocking voice. “We both know you’re not gonna do shit.”

Trevor turned around slowly, glaring down at Robbie.

“I’m serious, Robbie. Stop.”

“RRRR, TREVOR ANGRY.” Robbie stuck his bottom teeth out as he did that dumb impression again. “TREVOR BREAK YOU, LITTLE MAN!”

Trevor rolled his eyes. “Seriously? Is that what this is about? You feel small?”

Robbie scowled. “You think you’re so much better than everyone now that you’re so big and strong, don’t you? What’s your fucking problem? Who the hell raised you?”

Trevor knew where Robbie was heading, and he did not like it one bit.

“Drop it. Now.” His voice was dangerously low.

Robbie smirked. He had him now, and he knew it.

“Oh right, your illegal whore mamí did.”

Trevor snapped then. Without another word he swung at Robbie, backhanding him across the hall. He hit a wall of lockers with a thunderous CLANG!

The lockers behind him crumpled, and he fell to the floor with a thud.

The few remaining students in the hallway fled. Trevor paid them no mind, striding over to wear Robbie lay wheezing. He bent over and grabbed him by his shirt, lifting him up to eye level.

“You keep your goddamn mouth shut,” he snarled. “You don’t know me or my mother.”

Robbie squirmed wildly in his grasp. His feet kicked uselessly in the air beneath him. Trevor held him firmly.

“L-let me go, you—you freak,” he sniveled, his voice cracking on that last word. Trevor chuckled darkly.

“You really don’t know when to quit, do you?” Trevor pulled him closer. “Shut. The. Fuck. Up.”

“Let him go,” a voice called from down the hall. Both heads turned at the same time to look. Mr. Roberts stood at the end of the hall; his hand perched on his holster.

Trevor shrugged and let go of Robbie’s shirt, letting him fall to the ground.

Mr. Roberts pulled out his gun and pointed it at Trevor.

“Whoa, whoa—” Trevor started, but was cut off.

“Hands in the air,” he ordered. Trevor slowly raised his hands in the air.

“On the ground, now.”

“Mr. Roberts—”

“NOW!” he yelled.

Trevor rushed to get onto his knees. Mr. Roberts cocked the gun, and he froze.

“No sudden movements,” he growled.

Trevor swallowed, lowering himself to the ground as slowly as possible. His sore muscles screamed in protest. He trembled as he sunk to the floor, both in fear and from the exertion.

Once he was on the ground, Mr. Roberts stomped over to him, putting his gun away and yanking one of Trevor’s arms to his back, then the other. He clamped a pair of those special cuffs onto his wrists, sized just for him.

Trevor had always wondered why the cuffs they put on supers had no chains connecting them. He got his answer when Mr. Roberts pressed a button and the cuffs clacked together like a pair of magnets. A jolt went through him, and a numb feeling spread throughout his body, starting from his wrists.

“This is agent Roberts, reporting a rogue super at St. Jude High School.” Mr. Roberts spoke to someone, presumably over the phone, though Trevor couldn’t exactly turn around and look.

“Suspect has been detained. Requesting a transport van.”

As it happened, Robbie had fallen to the ground right next to where Trevor lay now. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but only a pained breath escaped. Robbie winced, but when he opened his eyes, the look in them was unmistakable.

He had won.

First/Last/Next

[lemoncrushh]

Cubicle // 17) I Could Write a Book

STORY PAGE

Word Count: 2950

Monday // Roni

The next best thing to waking up next to Harry is seeing his smiling face as soon as I walk in the break room to get my coffee. Especially since Gerard had already left something on my desk for me to do, which he marked with a Post-It URGENT. With a huff, I dropped my bag on the floor next to my chair and quickly left my cubicle for my much-needed caffeine boost.

"Morning beautiful," Harry greeted me, planting a hasty kiss on my forehead.

"Good morning," I replied, my voice still sleepy as I reached for a cup. I felt Harry's hand slide down my back and pat my bum before I jerked around and gave him a look.

"What?" he mouthed just as I saw someone else arriving out of the corner of my eye.

"Morning you two," sang Alice as she came up behind me and opened the cupboard.

"Morning, Alice," said Harry. She looked up at him and smiled.

"Hi." It was then that I noticed her ensemble - a short denim skirt, pink cardigan set and pumps to match. She even had her hair pinned back, showing off her peaches and cream complexion. I raised a brow.

"You're chipper for eight a.m.," I remarked. "Good weekend?"

"Not particularly," she replied as she poured her coffee. "Just trying out a new attitude."

I grinned at her. "Good for you."

"What about you lovebirds? Did you have a good weekend?" Alice asked as she turned for the table.

"Lovebirds?" Harry echoed.

Alice chuckled, rolling her eyes as she sat down. "Please. Like I didn't know."

"Um..." I hesitated as I sat across from her. "What exactly do you know?"

Alice raised her brows over her cup. "That you two are dating? Like, a couple?"

"Oh," I said, dropping my shoulders. "Does everyone know?"

"I doubt it," Alice shrugged. "Most people here are either idiots or too worried about themselves to notice."

"Miss Graver," I suddenly heard behind me, and I jumped.

"Case in point," Alice muttered under her breath, but loud enough for me to hear.

I cleared my throat and turned in my chair. "Good morning, Gerard," I said through gritted teeth.

"Did you see what I put on your desk?" Gerard asked without greeting me.

I sighed. "Yes, I did."

"I need it ASAP," he remarked.

"You need everything ASAP," I spat.

"Excuse me?"

"I just got here, Gerard," I said. "I'm having my coffee. I'll get it done when I get back to my desk."

I heard him mumble something as he made his way to the cupboard, but I didn't bother to try to make it out. I turned back around in my chair, catching Harry's eye. He gave me a gentle smile and placed his hand over mine. I felt the tension slowly escape my body just from that one touch. I smiled back at him before taking a sip of my coffee.

"Miss Graver," I heard once again. I groaned as I turned around to face him.

"The next time you call me that," I nearly shouted, "I'm not going to acknowledge you."

Gerard sighed, though I didn't miss his eye roll. "Veronica. I would really appreciate it if you got that report completed for me by my meeting at ten."

"Fine."

I saw his mouth uncharacteristically twitch into a smile. "If all goes well, I'll take you to lunch."

I clicked my tongue. "No thanks."

"No? Why not? Don't tell me you're having lunch with Styles again."

"As a matter of fact-" Harry began, but I nudged him with my elbow.

"We're all having lunch together," piped up Alice. "We made plans already, before you arrived."

Harry looked between me and Alice, not quite sure what to say or maybe even what was going on.

"I see," Gerard pursed his lips. "Just have it on my desk by ten alright?" He didn't wait for me to respond before walking down the hall.

"What a prick," I muttered.

"What was the poke for?" Harry asked me.

I shrugged, not wanting to get into it as a couple of other people walked into the break room. After making sure they were out of earshot, he leant in to whisper in my ear.

"You don't want people to know we're dating, do you?"

I shook my head. "It's not that. I just don't...trust Gerard. He already seems to have it in for you."

"I can handle him," Harry scoffed. I raised a brow. "Roni..."

"I gotta get to work," I heard Alice announce as she rose from her chair.

"Hey, thanks for the save," I told her.

"Anytime," she smirked. Then she leant over the table, her voice low. "For what it's worth...I think you guys make a cute couple. Just...be careful."

"Do you think it's gonna be a big deal if everyone finds out?"

Alice shook her head. "It's not everyone I'd be worried about. It's someone."

"Holcomb?" Harry widened his eyes. "Really?"

"I haven't been here as long as he has, but I've been here long enough to know what his intentions are," Alice explained, folding her arms across her chest. "And he always gets what he's after. He's waiting for Roni to break. And if he knows you're standing in the way, he's liable to go to the boss with something about you."

"He's got nothing on me," Harry scoffed.

"Harry," I said, grabbing his arm.

"No, I'm fucking sick of him. He treats you like you're his personal secretary and insults you, and then expects you to go out with him? Fuck that."

"Harry," I repeated.

"You're my girlfriend. And I don't bloody care who knows it. And I'm not gonna let him continue to treat you that way."

With that, he kissed me. In front of everyone. Granted, there were only a couple other people, but still. When he released me, I felt my knees shake as I stared at him.

"Mine," he declared like it was a period at the end of a sentence.

I watched him start for the exit until he turned around and began to walk out backwards.

"Have a good morning, my love. I'll see you at lunch."

I beamed as he walked away, and I heard Alice chuckle behind me.

"Yeah. You guys are the cutest. Just be careful."

Harry

Although Alice's warning still rang in the back of my head, I was determined not to let Holcomb get to me. Roni was mine, we were in love. And I damn sure wasn't gonna let him get in the way.

After Nina gave me some busy work to do and Travis came by to chat about his adventurous weekend, I'd all but forgotten about Holcomb. That is, until I strolled down the hall towards Roni's cubicle to meet her for lunch. I could hear him arguing, his brazen voice echoing down the hall.

"You can't tell me you didn't do that on purpose!" he yelled. "You knew I had that meeting."

I stopped just outside the cubicle partition, not wanting to interrupt. Also, I was eavesdropping.

"It's one typo, Gerard!" Roni countered. "I apologised!"

"Oh, come off it, Veronica!" Holcomb spat. "You just don't wanna go out with me so you're doing everything in your power to make me look stupid."

"First of all, you're absolutely right. I don't wanna go out with you. I thought I'd already made that perfectly clear. Second, I don't need to make you look stupid. You do a great job of that yourself."

I stifled a giggle as I could practically hear Holcomb seething.

"Now if you have nothing more to do than to blame my silly little typo on why you couldn't close that deal," said Roni, "then I ask you to excuse me because I have a lunch date."

"Oh, it's a date, is it?" inquired Gerard with disdain in his tone.

"Mmm," Roni sounded before her voice dropped to a near whisper. "With someone who can close the deal."

My eyes widened in surprise, but I remained hidden from view.

"Oh, give me a break," said Holcomb, no doubt rolling his eyes. "You realise you're robbing the cradle."

Roni chuckled. "Am I now?"

"Styles is nothing but a kid. He's barely out of high school. What does he even do here? He's one step above an errand boy as far as I know. Is that really what you want? What can he even do for you?"

"Oh, a lot of things, Gerard. I could probably write a book already, just on how his eyes dance and sparkle when he looks at me. And our relationship has only just gotten started," declared Roni. "But I won't bore you with the details, seeing as you're such an important business man and don't have time for such nonsense."

I held my breath while there was a slight pause. My heart was beating so hard and fast in my chest, I was sure they could hear it. Finally, Roni spoke once more.

"I'll be back in an hour. Have a nice lunch."

Roni strode out of the cubicle, nearly bumping into me. "Oh! There you are!" she grinned when she saw me. "Ready?"

For a split second I was tongue-tied and merely nodded. She took my hand, threading her fingers through mine as we walked down the hall to the exit. Once outside, I got my bearings.

"Oh, I forgot something," I said, stopping just outside the door.

"What?" Roni asked, looking at me with quizzical, wide eyes.

Taking her face in my hands, I kissed her firmly. Roni stumbled back just a bit until I had her pressed against the wall. She opened her mouth to me eagerly, inviting my tongue inside while she let it wrestle with hers. Her arms wrapped around my waist, pulling my body closer. A tiny moan escaped her throat as I deepened the kiss even more. When I gently released her, her face was flushed, her lips slightly parted.

"I love you," I muttered as I gazed into her eyes.

An easy smile curved her lips. "You know you don't have to do this every time he makes a move on me. There's no competition, Harry. You don't have to prove anything."

I blinked slowly. "I know. But that's not what the kiss was for."

"What was it for then?"

"What you said about me," I licked my lips. "The book."

"Oh," she smiled bigger, her hands sliding around to my stomach and up my chest. "Well, it's true."

I beamed at her. "Are my eyes dancing and sparkling right now?"

"You bet they are," Roni giggled, giving me another soft kiss. "And I love you, too."

Roni

The rest of the workday flew by, and fortunately I saw no more of Gerard. I doubted he ever returned to the office after lunch because I didn't even hear his annoying voice bellowing like I usually would.

After another quick make out session next to my car, I said goodbye to Harry and drove home. My good mood was threatened, however, when I remembered Roland was coming to pick up his suit. I washed off my makeup, changed into my sweats and warmed up something quick for dinner. While it was in the microwave, I walked back to my bedroom and retrieved the suit out of the closet. Then I slung it across the back of one of my dining chairs, so that I wouldn't have to waste any unwanted extra moments with my ex.

I was eating on the sofa when my phone alerted me of a text from Harry.

We forgot to have Alice join us for lunch.

I smirked as I typed out a response. I don't think she was serious about that. She was just trying to save us from Gerard's interrogation.

I feel bad anyway. I didn't think to invite her to come with.

I doubt you were thinking about anything when we left except having your tongue down my throat.

This is true.

I laughed out loud.

Still, we should have asked her. She's a nice girl.

Maybe we can ask her tomorrow.

Okay.

I smiled and set the phone next to me while I continued to eat my dinner. A few moments later, I heard another chime.

Think she'd go out with Caleb?

What?

Harry didn't bother to type another response, instead my phone rang. I shook my head as I picked it up.

"You remember my friend Caleb?" Harry asked.

"Is that the nice one who looks a little like Ewan McGregor or the shorter one who was undressing me with his eyes?"

"Undressing you with his eyes?" Harry echoed.

"Oh definitely," I chuckled. "Didn't even try to hide it, that one. Probably didn't even care that I was with you."

I heard Harry groan. "That was Matt. He's...yeah, he's Matt. Sorry about that."

"It's alright," I said. "But this Caleb, he's the other one?"

"Yeah. I reckon he and Alice would get along, don't you?"

"Harry, are you playing matchmaker?"

"I dunno. Maybe. I was just thinking it would be nice to introduce her to someone. She's been nice to me since I started working there, and you as well. Although she seems very quiet and shy."

"Does Caleb like quiet and shy girls?" I inquired.

"He's crazy about 'em," Harry joked.

I giggled, deciding it best not to tell him that Alice had confided in me about having a crush on him.

"So what d'ya think?" he asked me.

"I think that's very sweet of you. Maybe we could have them meet us at Tom's or something."

"I like the way you think, baby," said Harry. "Those were my thoughts exactly. That way there's no pressure. Just friends getting together."

"You sound excited," I teased.

"I am!"

I giggled some more as I heard a knock at my door. "You're adorable," I commented just before I rose from the sofa, removed the latch and unlocked the door. My smile faded when I saw Roland standing across the threshold. He merely raised his eyebrows in greeting which suited me just fine.

"I know, that's why you love me," I heard Harry quip, my cell phone still next to my ear.

I didn't bother to hide my scowl as I stepped back to grab Roland's suit from the back of the chair.

"That's just one of the many reasons, baby," I said. When I turned around, Roland was standing inside the door, rotating his keyring around his finger.

"Here," I handed him the suit.

"Thanks," he nodded, taking it from me. "I knew you had it."

"What?" Harry sounded.

"I told you I did. You don't have to make a big deal out of it. Just take it and go."

"I'll tell Jamie and Tara you send your love," said Roland.

"Please don't," I rolled my eyes.

"Who are you talking to?" Harry inquired.

"Nobody, love," I replied, glaring at Roland. "Nobody important."

Roland gave me a look that rivaled mine before stepping out onto the landing. I mouthed a sarcastic goodbye and shut the door in his face, replacing the latch.

"Asshole," I muttered.

"Babe?"

"Yeah, sorry," I sighed, walking back to the couch. "That was just Roland. I had a suit of his he needed back."

"Are you okay?"

I smiled in spite of the burn in my stomach. Harry was more concerned with my well-being and state of mind than the fact that he'd just witnessed an audio meeting of the exes.

"Yes," I swallowed, running my fingers through my hair. "I'm great. Good riddance." My voice was still a little shaky though I tried to sound convincing.

"Want me to come over?"

I sighed again. "No, Harry. No, I'm fine. Really."

"You sure? I could bring soup."

I chuckled. "I'm not sick."

"Wine? Ice cream? Your favorite rom-coms on DVD?"

"Harry."

"Do I sound desperate?"

I made a contented sound. "No. You're incredibly sweet. And I appreciate you trying to make me feel better and take my mind off of him. But honestly, I'm fine. That was probably the closure I needed."

"I just want to know you're okay," said Harry.

"I am. I have you."

"Always," he confirmed in a low voice. "Any time you need me, baby, I'm here."

"I know."

Harry and I chatted for a while longer. He lightened the mood by telling me some stories of his mates, making me laugh. I shared some stories of my own, mostly about Patricia and me, and I promised to introduce him to her soon.

"It's probably a good thing I didn't come over," he finally said when I started to yawn.

"Why?"

"Because...we agreed to keep the sleeping over to just the weekends. And I wouldn't wanna leave."

"Harry..."

"I know I get to see you at work. And it's great. But it's not the same as getting to hold you and watch you laugh as you're lying next to me."

A tiny sound rose from my throat before he continued.

"Kissing your face just after we've made love. Feeling your soft skin under my fingers. The way you look at me," Harry sighed. "Oh, Roni."

I bit my lip as I felt my chest clench. "How you do always have the right things to say?" I choked.

"I uh..." Harry chuckled nervously. "I was afraid it was too much."

"No way," I blinked. "It's only too much if you don't mean it."

"I mean it, my love," he replied. "With all my heart."

"Good," I swallowed. "Just promise me something."

"Anything."

"Promise me you won't break mine."

MASTERLIST | KO-FI | FEEDBACK

[bonniebird]

Forgotten Part 3 (Smut)

Daemon Targaryen x Targ!Neice!Reader

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Warnings: Uncle/Neice sexual scenes, oral, male receiving oral, virgin giving oral, humping, Targcest, "Uncle" + "Sweet girl" Used like pet names.

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Forgotten masterlist

The tourney was awful. Nothing overly eventful happened, the heat bore down on the day as if it wished to starve Westeros of water. Daemon sat behind Viserys and Otto who spoke of the upcoming travel plans and what needed to be taken care of while the king was away. You sat up at the front with Rhaenyra who was pointing out which contestants were which.

Daemon even felt sympathy for poor Alicent, pregnant and expected to travel in such heat. Even with her hand fan, she looked as if she were struggling. It seemed cruel to him, to make her travel.

“Father must we stay much longer, the heat is dreadful.” You said as you turned to your father and gave him a pitiful look. Viserys sighed and waved to one of the servants who stood to the side of the balcony that overlooked the tourney arena. They hurried to fetch larger fans for you and Rhaenyra. Daemon noted that one was not offered to Alicent

“I am afraid we must.” Viserys said as he leaned forward.

“The tourney is almost over now. Only a few more rounds left.” Otto said and waved a hand to have you turn back around.

“Few more rounds! There is over half a tourney left. Pass this down to the princesses.” Corlys said from his seat. He and Rhaenys had brought cool drinks from the keep, having them prepared and ready for the hours in the heat. A servant hurried to bring the large jug from Corlys to you and Rhaenyra, pouring you both a cupful before taking it back. The servant Viserys had gestured to hurried over to fan you. By the time the tourney ended, you were tired and bored. Which meant the fuss over the carriages after a late lunch was all the harder to deal with.

“Why must I ride with you? There will be more room if I go with (Y/N) and Daemon.” Came from Rhaenyra several times.

“Why can I not ride with you?” You whined to your father who was holding his head in his hands. Daemon smiled and watched the chaos. Either way, he would be in a roomy carriage for the long ride. Eventually, Alicent shyly resolved the issue.

“You ride with your father and I because we have two stops to make on the way. (Y/N) and Daemon are not needed to make an appearance. Perhaps if we moved some of the supplies from there into the others it would work. It would mean we would not need to stop to catch food from the third carriage or be uncomfortable if one of us wished to rest before we stop for the night.” She smiled and looked relieved when no one could find an issue with her plan. The third carriage was emptied of its supplies which were neatly tucked under the bench seats in the other carriages and everyone began to prepare to move while you and Rhaenyra said a dramatic goodbye as if you wouldn’t see each other for years, rather than several hours.

“Is it just us?” You asked as you took a seat opposite Daemon who had already made himself comfortable.

“I suppose if you insisted Otto would join us. Though it would make us enemies for the rest of my life.” He joked. You smiled and nodded as the door to the carriage was slammed shut and the travelling party began to move.

“How long will it be until we reach our next stop?” You asked curiously.

“Until the sun begins to set. Then a little ways after that. We are to stay with an old friend of Viserys’.” Daemon spoke as if he wasn’t fond of your father’s friend though Daemon seemed to be fond of very few people so it didn’t say much about the friend in question.

An awkward silence fell between the two of you as you watched him curiously. You wished to ask him questions about the night before. He seemed to know and stared down at his hand in his lap.

“Alicent is upset with you.” You said suddenly with a desperate attempt to break the silence. “She hates me. So she is always upset with me.” He muttered as he shifted in his seat and leaned into the corner, legs spread and fingers drumming on the wall of the carriage. “Why is she upset?”

“Because she thinks you convinced Father to let me fly my dragon when we return from the tour. Father said he did not like the rule, to begin with, but only agreed to appease her. She is worried I shall fall or that you shall push me.” You explained. Daemon nodded slowly and the silence returned. Looking at him you couldn’t help but think back to what you had seen the night before. The warm feeling returned and you tried not to squirm about in case Daemon noticed. His eyes closed as he leaned his head back and a fluttering in your chest began to build.

“Did it feel… good?” You asked. He didn’t open his eyes but he hummed in acknowledgment. “To fuck her mouth?”

“If it did not feel good then I would not have done it. Did it feel good to watch?” He asked without moving. You went quiet and he opened his eyes smiling to himself. He knew very well that you had enjoyed it. He had seen how you enjoyed watching at the pillow house. When you said nothing Daemon closed his eyes again hoping to doze in the warmth of the afternoon. “Your sister certainly enjoyed watching… and touching too.” He muttered. He wasn’t sure if you had heard and he didn’t care. It wasn’t as if you would say anything. A few moments passed and then he jolted slightly when he felt your hand pulling at the string of his trousers and found you on your knees looking up at him.

“She is not the only one who enjoys it.” You said firmly and looked up at him through your eyelashes. He chuckled as he leaned down, holding your face in his hands and stroking his pointer finger over your lips. They parted for him and you took his finger into your mouth, suckling at it sweetly. He could tell by the way your chest rose and fell with heavy breath and the way you squirmed as if your core needed friction that you were riled up enough that you would not calm unless he intervened. Reaching down he lifted your skirts so that he could position his booted foot between your legs. He didn’t need to touch you to know that your small clothes would be ruined. His cock ached, twitching as he grew hard, revelling in the way that your hips moved so that you humped his foot without his guidance.

“Please, uncle.” You begged as you rested your cheek against his leg. “Damon please!”

He relented, pulling the strings of his trousers so they were fully undone. “Open your mouth, sweet girl.” He said as he pulled his cock from his trousers. It was hard, thick and veined. The head was heavy on your tongue as he guided himself into your mouth. At first, you spluttered and struggled but Damon carefully manoeuvred you so that you take almost his entire length with ease and a little assistance. The carriage ride was spent with him lazily thrusting his hips up into your mouth while you took all he was willing to offer. His rough fingers brushed through soft silver locks as he felt his cock twitch in your mouth.

“Such a good girl.” He said quietly. You moaned at the praise and sighed at the gentle way he stroked your hair and the back of your neck. "My sweet girl." Suddenly he was holding you more roughly. His thrusts became quicker and you struggled to adjust to his pace as he repositioned himself. He continued his new pace while whispering praises. His cock twitched again and you felt warm saltiness fill your mouth. You tried your best to swallow it all as he instructed you to do as he gasped out through a moan.

“Your mouth feels so good my sweet girl.” He sighed. Copying the maid you’d seen with him the night before you licked and sucked at his softening cock until his purring moans became higher and more sensitive. He pulled you up off your knees and sat you so you were straddled on one leg. You leaned closer, kissing his cheek, as he leaned back against the wall of the carriage. He could feel the heat of your needy cunt through his trousers as you began to hump his tight, soft little gasps filling the carriage and drowning out the squeak of rickety wheels.

“Will you take me now uncle?” You asked. The question was asked so sweetly that Daemon almost agreed right there and then. But he liked this begging, this need for him. Besides the first stop would be coming up shortly and no doubt someone would check in on the two of you.

“No sweet girl.” Was all he sighed out. You whined and pleaded, kisses pressed to his cheek as if to convince him. The wheels of the carriage slowed and he moved you to the seat opposite, fixing his clothes. There was still a glow about you that he hoped would look like excitement. After all, you had not toured all of Westeros before. As he thought the carriage door was ripped open and Aliecent gave him a dubious look. An innocent look, which must have been convincing, crossed his face and she turned her attention to you.

“Come (Y/N).” Alicent muttered and gently led you out to greet a gathering of lords who were already fussing over your father and Rhaenyra.

Daemon tags:

@the-caravello-post @killing-gremlin @aegonandaemondtargaryenslut18 @lchufflepuffcorn @lightqueen16 @savagemickey03 @evattude @kaitieskidmore1

[wanderingpages]

idk if you do requests outside of jurdan but its been in my head like tattoo artist Rowan and receptionist Aelin? and dating? and like...smut? ahhh thank you bye

∞

Rowan frowns when he sees her, sitting on the step just to the side of his shop. It’s been raining on and off all weekend, only now subsiding to a foggy mist, turning the small town as gray as Rowan’s reluctant to admit he’s been feeling. Aelin is under an awning, so she isn’t quite wet, but the damp strands of her hair is enough to let him know she’s at least ran through a sudden downpour from her car to where she’s currently at. She perks when he approaches, squinting but the pretty gem like hues in her eyes are still breath taking to him. She’s grinning wide and it breaks something in him, something he hates to even acknowledge he’s built up over the past few days. Aelin stands, bouncing from her tip toes as he nears her. Even heightened by the step, he still towers over her. She doesn’t mind tilting her head up, though.

“Hi,” She says.

His lip tilts upward, “Hi,” he responds. She takes a step to the side, and he reaches behind her to open the door. He gestures her first, letting her lead the way up the steps, to his apartment. Her shorts are high waisted, and he’d always tease her about her pairing it with oversized sweaters, much like she’s wearing today, because it made no sense to him - to be only partially warm. He does not point out the goosebumps on her legs, knowing he’d only get a narrowed eye response instead.

“Sorry I didn’t call,” She murmurs, ruffling her hair a bit. “Wasn’t sure if you’d answer, with your appointment today.” As his front receptionist, Aelin is well versed in all the clients booked for months in advance, so he’s not surprised that she knows he had an eight hour session, inking a regular customer of his. She probably also knows he should feel absolutely drained right now -  barely managing to remember to buy food before returning home - but he’s not. Rowan is absolutely zinging with unchecked energy.

It probably started the day she walked into his shop to answer an ad the previous receptionist had posted. Sparked when she’d ask him to pierce her not long after. Maybe it snowballed with her opting to stay behind after hours, using the break room for her class assignments, quietly keeping him company when sessions had flown well into odd hours. It definitely ignited when she’d kissed him goodnight on a whim, running off to her car before he’d even gotten the chance to comment.

It's been kindling when he’d gotten her chocolate during his lunch break one day and then every day after. When she'd left him a note the next day. When he had invited her up for dinner, when he had dropped her off to class the morning after, picked her up some time in the afternoon. When he thought it was cute when she eyed the women who get inked by him, flustered him when he felt jealous over a guy flirting with her.

They hadn’t been shouting it from rooftops. In fact, if Rowan’s honest with himself,  he’d been the one to keeping it under the radar – he’d felt bad enough because of the age gap, but to add the fact he’s her boss as well? Yet, roles applied still didn’t mean Aelin did not have complete control over him, mind body and soul. It took him a while to accept it, but he was all hers.

He just finds himself wondering if she was all his, too.

She reaches up to the ledge above the door, finding the spare key he’d shown her some time ago, and easily opens the door, jiggling the knob just right and giving it a quick kick after turning the key twice. She holds it wide open for him, toeing off her soaked kicks as he enters. He sets the food on the counter, before working on his boots and tugging off his hoodie.

“Were you waiting long?” She leans against the shut door, watching him undress like she hasn’t seen it more than a few times before, still it reddens her cheeks, despite the utter conservativeness of it all. She bites on her lip like she’s waiting for a show and he can’t help the small chuckle he lets out.

She shakes her head, coming back to the moment. “No." She shrugs as if its any consolation for her wait, "I missed you,” she smiles at him, almost shyly. It had been some time since they’d last been able to speak to each other properly. Despite her spending most nights with him, she had requested a few days off of work for finals, and he was at that point of the year where all him and his artists were booked until the end of summer. Still, he’d manage to find a few hours, and eager as he was to finally just be with her, Aelin had turned him down. He’d been too late, apparently, she’d already made plans. He frowns, trying not to think about it, hating the way it makes him feel, if he’s to be honest with himself.

“Missed you too,” he lets her know, heading to the cupboards to grab some plates. He divides the food, half for him and half for her, while she takes a seat at the table, tucking her cold toes beneath her. They talk idly, comfortably, touching when they can – hands, shoulders, knees. They seem to only gravitate closer to each other, stealing from the other’s plate, talking lower to have their heads meet in the middle, leaning closer to steal quick kisses – it’s all very domestic, so then why is Rowan feeling so goddamn feral?

They’ve managed to move to the couch, he’s leaned back watching a game he can’t quite say who’s winning or what sport it even is and Aelin is turned to face him, kneeling beside him, feet tucked like they had been before and she’s touching the ink on the side of his face tracing the patterns to the scruff of his hair. “When are you going to ink me,” she teases.

“When you know what you want.”

She rolls her eyes. “Your roots are growing,” she comments, tugging lightly at the overgrown locks where dark meets silver. He smiles but it's wary. His hand rests on her hips and he squeezes lightly, and without thinking, he leans his head on her, pleased to find that thump of her heart beating roughly against his ears. Aelin lets out a sigh, raking her fingers into his moonlight locks and finally asks, “Is something wrong?”

“Hmm?” he debates on bottling it up, because maybe this is a generational thing and dating means something different to him than it means to her.

“You seem… out of touch with me,” and her voice splinters at the end, going so soft, it almost gets drowned out by the insistent pumping of her heart in his ears.

He holds her tighter, and finally admits, “I… I walked by the bar after work that day.” Maybe she hadn’t meant to purposely leave out exactly whom she was planning to meet up with, but the guilt ridden look on her face tells him that she’d thought nothing good would come from Rowan knowing this information. “Did you think I wouldn’t know about your date?” he tries to smile but it feels all wrong – he had tried to be teasing, but he’s hurt – angry even. “Or did you think I wouldn’t have trusted you?”

“We were just talking,” she tells him, “It wasn’t anything serious.” Rowan holds his tongue, figuring maybe if he’d been more public with their relationship instead of sneaking in kisses during the day when no one’s watching, treating dates as secrets, and avoiding answering questions by their peers, maybe he wouldn’t feel as shitty as he does now. “I should have told you – but I didn’t think it meant anything – it still doesn’t mean anything.”

He tilts his head to look up at her, holds her steady and reaches with his free hand to touch the ends of her hair, twisting sunlight around his finger almost absently. “This is new – everything with you is new,” he confesses. He doesn’t want to be that guy – the one who’s insecure about his girl hanging with other guys, doesn’t want to second guess when she says she’s made plans. He traces down her arm, grabbing the tips of her fingers and leading them to his lips, kissing them lightly. “I trust you,” he lets her know, “So please,” he begs, watching the flush in cheeks, the tug of her bottom lip between her teeth, “Don’t make a fool out of me, Aelin.”

“I promise,” she says, not even a beat later and just the same, he’s tugging her on top of his lap. The television casts an array of colors like an aura behind her – godly, he thinks. She bends forward, her hair curtaining them, encasing them with a familiar scent. “Maybe I should have let you known,” Aelin says quietly, “That when I'm with you, I'm with you. No one else.” Rowan’s hand glides just under her sweater, fingers splaying where he knows birthmarks hide. His other hand weaves gently into her hair, pushing strands back, behind her ear, palm pressing to her cheek, holding her face steady when he shortens the distance and kisses her so softly. Her toes curl, knees on either side of him squeezing his thighs. He brings her closer to him, so close the fabric of their clothes begin to imprint and indent against their skin. “I’m sorry,” Aelin murmurs against his lips.

She’s rough when she’s kissing him again, desperate, like she needs to show him she means it and this is the only way she can think of. And when Rowan bites at her lips, he knows she doesn’t mind because her hands are at the nape of his neck, pulling him deeper against her, then she guides his lips down her neck when she can’t seem to get air in her lungs. His teeth scrapes against her flesh, her nails against his. He breaks only to get her sweater off, digits immediately at her navel, fingerprints covering the golden charm he had so carefully pierced into her skin. He mouths at her breasts, pulling her bra down enough to latch on to a nipple. She calls out his name in surprise, hips grinding hard against his. His tongue flicks roughly against the nipple before it flattens over her, soothing the ache while Aelin rubs her hips against his, frantic for more friction.

He should slow down, he thinks, biting at the swell of her breasts, blooming pink and reddening marks wherever he can. He’s never been this rough with her before, never thought of his markings as punishment - but she’s guiding his hand to her the buttons of her shorts, fumbling to get them undone, “Rowan… - I, ahh,” she doesn’t mind. More, she wants to say, but she doesn’t have to, his fingers are right where she wants them, working fast and expertise, having her panting and quivering and he’s not even in her yet, just rubbing her between her folds, soft then faster, and when he presses down on her clit, she’s screaming into his shoulder, trying to muffle her cries when she comes.

She’s still breathing rough when he has her on her back, her bra behind the couch, her shorts and underwear right at his feet. His shirt came off, but his jeans are just barely undone, settling below his hips, because he’s feeling so fucking frantic. “Wait – ah,” she throws an arm over her eyes, trying to settle the stars swimming in her vision, “need to breathe,” she tells him, though she lets him spread her legs wide and position himself right between her. Her stomach tenses on the contact alone. Her chest heaves up and down, she’s coming down but not quite there yet. Her body jolts and she twitches involuntarily, knees shaking when the tip of his cock slides right between her folds.

He likes her like this – he likes her in a lot of different ways, but especially this. Her hand flies to his bicep and he has a full view of how her face contorts, how her eyes screw shut so tight that her nose scrunches up. “Look at me, princess,” he murmurs, “let me see those pretty eyes,” she opens her eyes, a wave of colors akin to the sun meeting the ocean, and her lips part as he slides his cock up and down, pressing the tip to her clit. His breath is hot in her ears, “You can catch your breath later,” is all the warning he gives her when he pushes into her.

She cries out, fingernails digging into his arms, eyes rolling to the back of her head. “Ah!” she’s not yet fully back from her first orgasm, but it already feels like an onslaught of much more hitting her in succession, too quickly, too soon. One of Rowan's hand is holding a thigh in place, at angle just right, hitting her fucking womb with every thrust. His other hand is placed against her stomach, and she feels like she’s going to explode – at a loss for words, at a loss for all her senses, Aelin really only knows his name. “Ro – ah… ah! Ro...wan…” She manages to move her hands to his face, pulling him closer, heads touching when she gets lost in his eyes. Tears prick, and her breath catches. Her chest feels so tight but she just wants him to consume her. “Ah…” she manages just hoarse little noises, overwhelmed he’s fully inside of her, and he begins to just rotate his hips enough that his pelvis rubs against her swollen clit.  “Want… it…” she gets out, gibberish in her slurs, “Want you…”

Rowan moves out of her slowly, “You’re so good,” he murmurs, thumb moving to press her clit. She weeps, drawing blood when her nails scrape down the back of his neck. He feels himself sliding in and out of her, the palm of his hand practically caving into her abdomen. He’s fucking her so deep and so hard, he feels like he’s absolutely losing himself in her. “You look… so beautiful,” Rowan whispers, maybe for the first time with the way her eyes flash in surprise. “Look how well you take me,” he murmurs, in place of the awful possessive shit he really wants to say. "So good..." He’ll hold his tongue from saying, “this is mine – you’re all mine.” He makes sure to embed it into her skin instead, makes sure Aelin still feels him when this all over, makes sure he leaves his marks on her like lewd little tattoos.

[bts-hyperfixation]

Outside of the fox

Chapter 10 of maybe 30ish (2186 words)

Y/N longs for a new life when the one she'd been living comes to an abrupt stop. Without much thought to those she is leaving behind, the little fox packs a backpack and disappears. She stumbles across the shelter and makes an interim home for herself while she works out exactly what she wants from her second chance.

Last

"Day 1 are you ready?" Jimin asks as he hands you a brown bag.

You sneak a look inside to find it filled with snacks to get you through the day along with a post-it note that you can't quite read from this angle. You fold the bag closed carefully and thank Jimin for the lunch.

"Yeah, I'm ready, at least as ready as I'm ever going to be."

"It'll be great I'm sure. You said you already kind of made a friend right?"

"Taehyung? I'm not sure he was a bit hot and cold, but I'll be okay, I'm a big girl."

Jimin sweeps you into a hug before you can even reach for the door. You indulge him, allowing yourself to enjoy the feeling of being held close. He sends you off, standing at the door as you walk down the drive and around the corner, standing there until you can no longer see the door.

____________

The office is still relatively empty when you walk through the doors. The same severe-looking lady is standing at reception. You offer a smile which she returns.

"Y/N welcome back. Glad to see you got the position. I don't think I introduced myself the other day. My name is Ronnie and we will be working closely together."

Ronnie shows you officially around the office pointing out various essentials that you would need to know within your first few days. It feels as though you should have a notepad to write down all of the information you are being fed at lightning speed. Only about half of the information sticks in your brain.

It's not a humongous office. Maybe 10 cubicles and 3 offices with real walls. 2 conference rooms sit at the far end of the space. The company specialises in helping foreigners to move to the country assisting in work placement and visa procurement. You are introduced to the other two people that have already arrived in the office and then Estelle is setting you up with her at the front desk.

She hands you a brand new company-branded stationary set with your company ID tag and login information. Then she leaves you to breathe, fetching a drink from the break room. Slowly people filter in through the main doors, introducing themselves to you as they go. Everyone is extremely welcoming but you can't help but notice the absence of the asshole from the other day and Taehyung.

You set about answering phone calls and forwarding emails as Estelle had shown you, it was boring busy work but it certainly beat hanging at home alone doing nothing at all. Sometime just before lunch Taehyung finally strolls through the doors. He grins cheekily at your colleague as she chastises him for being late.

"Don't think you're special just because of how you got the job Taehyung-ah, you have to get here on time just like the rest of us."

"I know Estelle, I just didn't fancy getting out of bed this morning." He shrugs.

The panda grabs a handful of candy from the dish in front of Estelle and sauntered into the main room. The older woman grumbles under her breath about disrespect but the look on her face is one of pure adoration, not dissimilar to the look a grandmother might have when her grandson plays up.

"Don't go around getting ideas from him, that boy's trouble." She says to you.

"Am not!" Taehyung calls from behind the half wall that separates the main room from reception. "Hey Y/N we are going for lunch in thirty minutes okay?"

You don't respond to the disembodied voice as it calls out to you, opting to focus on the work you'd been assigned instead.

True to his word he reappeared in front of you exactly 30 minutes later carrying your brown bag and a bento box of his own.

"Come on there's a lovely little park for a picnic across the road. You get an hour for lunch."

You glance at Estelle but she just shakes her head and signals for you to go with him.

__________

The park is a very short walk away. Almost directly opposite the building, if your offices had been on the opposite side it would've provided the cutest view. Taehyung produced a blanket from a tote bag you hadn't noticed and laid it on the floor for you to sit on together.

It was a really beautiful day with no clouds, but it was a little chilly. This close to winter an outdoor picnic was an interesting choice. The breeze makes you shiver just a little. Before you even get a chance to shield yourself, Taehyung has produced another blanket to drape over your shoulders.

"I love the cold, my DNA is built for it, but I sometimes forget others aren't as accustomed... But this time I remembered!" He claps his hands together clearly proud of himself.

He opens his bento box and produces 3 courses worth of meals. He has white rice with some kind of marinated tofu, a salad with balsamic vinegar, and cookies. There is also a small Thermus from which you can smell the tea as soon as he twists it open.

"Go on then what did you bring for lunch? Maybe we can do swapsies, I don't really fancy tofu." He reaches eagerly for your bag, not giving you a chance to snatch it bag.

He pulls out your chicken sandwiches that Jimin had wrapped messily in the last of the tinfoil roll. Then he reaches in for the apple and crisps, coming back with the note that had been sitting in the bottom.

"Y/N have an amazing first day we are so proud and can't wait to celebrate again when you get home, Jimin." Taehyung reads aloud. "Who is Jimin? You're boyfriend? I'm hurt you would lead me on this way Y/N"

Taehyung mocks being shot through the heart, dramatically falling back onto the blanket as he clutches the pink note in his hand.

"I can't have led you on in less than two conversations Taehyung. And Jimin's no one... just a friend."

You reach to grab the note back from him but he keeps it just out of reach causing you to tumble into his lap.

"Well maybe I should try to make him my boyfriend, I want little notes in my lunch too." He pouts.

His breath tickles your face as you try to scramble back up without flattening him in the process. He just laughs at your efforts and makes no effort to help you get off of him. Although he does hand you the note back.

He takes your crisps and gives you his cookies as a consolation prize. He asks you various questions and you strategically avoid answering them directly the same way you'd done with everyone else. What you didn't expect was for him to be doing the same. You couldn't tell why exactly but you were fairly certain there were things he was omitting from his story as he told you how he came to work at the firm with you.

Lunch comes to an end very quickly and you help him pack up the blankets that don't seem to want to fit back in the bag they came from. Eventually, he just punches them until they are in enough to carry them back. He deposits you back at your desk dead on one hour after you left and then disappears for the remainder of the day.

_____________

Apparently, it would seem working takes a lot out of a person. By the time you trudge back into the cottage at 6:00 pm, you are shattered. It seems impossible not having done that much and yet you can't keep your eyelids from drooping and your ass hurts from sitting for so long.

Jungkook is the only one home when you walk through the door. The only part of him you can see are his ears peaking up over the sofa trying to determine who just walked through the front door. You expect them to droop a little when he realises it's you but instead they twitch excitedly.

"Hey Jungkook, did you have a good day." You ask, approaching the living room slowly.

"Yeah, iI didn't do much." He answers.

"Do you want some dinner? Or shall we wait until the others are home?"

You peer over the back of the sofa and watch him playing on his switch until he is at a point where he can pause and speak to you.

"I wanna wait." He glances up at you briefly and then back to his game.

"Okay in which case I'm going to change, work clothes still feel too weird to relax in."

You go to the study and change into sweats. You're pretty sure the front door opened at least twice since you went upstairs signalling the arrival of some of the others. Jungkook's caramel scent wafted happily around the house as it started to mix with Namjoon's campfire. No other scent came to you though leaving you confused as to who else might be in the house.

Hoseok is sitting in the big armchair in the lounge when you come back down. Yoongi wasn't due to be home for another half an hour but clearly, that didn't matter.

"I got lonely at my house, so I thought I'd wait for Yoongi here." He shrugged when you sent him a questioning look. "Anyway, how was your day? we are all dying to know."

He shuffles forward to literally be on the edge of his seat and Namjoon and Jungkook stop the conversation they were having to listen.

"It was nothing special. I didn't realise how tiring working was though."

"Surely you've had a job before though." Namjoon scoffs.

You shake your head and are met by three very surprised faces.

"Even I had a paper round when I was a teen." Jungkook baulks.

"I haven't really had the opportunity to pursue a career until now I guess... I studied a lot." You try to shut down the conversation before they go any further, still not ready to divulge a lot about your past.

Luckily Jimin and Yoongi make it through the door together. Each of the homeowners exchanged kisses before the two new arrivals made themselves comfortable.

"Are we supposed to be working on something today?" Yoongi asked Hobi, confused by his presence, although clearly not disappointed you notice.

"Uh-oh busted. I just had a lot of fun hanging out yesterday... I can leave if you want." The human's usually cool and collected facade cracking a little.

"No of course you can stay." Namjoon answers. "Now what are we thinking for dinner?"

______

Again the night goes on, Hobi is invited to stay once more, this time Yoongi offers his and Namjoon's room so Jimin can have his own bed back for the night. Although you suspect there may be alterior motives involved when Yoongi suggests they share the room and Namjoon share with Jungkook. Hoseok doesn't flinch, and happily finds his own way upstairs.

"Yoongi, darling, you seem to be getting a little... protective of your new friend." Namjoon points out carefully.

"So? I'm protective of a lot of my friends, I'm protective over you guys aren't I?" Yoongi gets a little defensive.

"I should hope we are more than friends." Jimin points out.

"Do you want to pursue Hobi?" Namjoon asks seriously.

"I don't know, maybe? I don't know it's been a long time since I've actively pursued anyone. And I'm not sure you even count Joonie." Yoongi contemplates.

"I think even if maybe you haven’t thought about it you should, clearly your hybrid parts are already starting to think of him as ours, or at the very least yours." Namjoon reasons.

"Yeah, you're right. I have definitely been feeling more anxious when he isn't around me." Yoongi stands and says he good nights, following Hoseok upstairs to probably work out exactly how he feels.

"So you guys consider new mates then?" You ask tentatively, although you aren't sure why it should concern you.

"When the right people come along who are we to turn down more love?" Jimin asks in reply, looking off dreamily.

"That makes sense I guess, I've always been told that more partners just results in more jealousy." You say, thinking about the things your ex used to say.

"Why would someone you love experiencing more love ever make you jealous? It always makes me so happy when everyone else is happy." Jimin moves on to the sofa next to Namjoon and Jungkook and cuddles in closely.

"That's... that's really lovely." You answer, and then fake a yawn. "I think I'm going to head to bed, goodnight."

You thought you'd be asleep as soon as your head hit the pillow but find yourself struggling to fall asleep. your eyes keep blinking open as thoughts of a pack of your own swim through your brain. A group of people who love each other so much that jealousy isn't even a thought in their minds.

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Please send asks, reactions, most to least, and general smutty thoughts to my ask box to keep me writing they do not have to be connected to this story. I just like giving myself extra work to do so. Please join in

[sweetswesf]

Hey, hey fam.

These past few weeks I have been onboarding. I let my insecurities get the best of me and didn’t want to take on an assignment early. I was dealing with some imposter syndrome and feeling the weight of being the new person. I felt like all eyes were on this little Black girl and wondering what she was going to do. I wanted to get better acclimated with my new environment and such, but also I was fearful. I’m glad I did take my time though. I extended my onboarding as much as I could and finally got started on my project last week. At first it all felt impossible, especially since my manager set an extremely aggressive timeline for it all (1-2 weeks). My teammates who I consulted about the project all told me it would take AT LEAST 3 weeks. I chatted with my mentor who I’ve mentioned to y’all who has never left my side about my fear and he suggested I ask exactly what I need to do. That encouraged me. It reminded me that I’m not even EXPECTED to know every step. Although I didn’t reach out to ask this, God heard me and a few people reached out directly with resources and help. They knew I was assigned this project and they reached out to part some wisdom and offer their continued support going forward. There was a moment when I couldn’t procrastinate anymore and I had to dive into things (a new language, a new code base, a weird interface, tangled code). I prayed to God to get me through and I felt him saying: one thing at a time. And I’m glad I did…I took one step at a time and soon things started to make sense. After a lot of time invested, I gained some confidence back and started to understand things. I made some code changes and made more progress than I thought. It’s all because I tried to face fear head on. I reminded myself that if God put me in this role, he wasn’t going to rip it away from me. He is with me at every point. If you aren’t convinced He exists, I hope you consider it, because if not for trusting Him, I wouldn’t have this praise report. I’ve written all my coding steps out in my tech spect. My team loves it! So much so, that my manager called my colleague and I his favorites on a call with the rest of the team! That was not appropriate, and made me feel like a target is now on my back from my team, but I was absolutely flattered. Some even DM’d me sharing their praise.

I felt so good I even took a work break and didn’t work after work for the first time in such a long time. I REALLY want to do well. I prayed to excel on the team quickly and I pray that is in God’s plan. I’m so used to struggling on my team no matter how agonizing it was. What was holding me back, no matter my prayers, was my fear and my inability to try as hard as I could. I want to try really hard, and I believe I can shock even myself, and that things will all turn out to be better than I expect, as long as I believe in God, pray for it, fight fear, imagine the best outcome, stop worrying, and trust HIM.

I thank God that He’s disciplined me. I want to also find balance. I haven’t worked out in a while just putting all my focus into delivering early, but I will pray for God’s help to make it a priority.

I pray yall are encouraged to fight fear and work for your wildest dreams as well.

On TOP of that, I work closely with a guy I think is kinda cute! Funny thing: my HRBP referred me to him, I reached out, he was kind, turns out were from the same city, he shared what he was working on, offered to meet with me 1:1 regularly going forward, we got paired in the same working group on our department’s offsite the next week, and then I ended up getting assigned to the project that works closely with what he is building! He doesn’t work in my office but is visiting soon and asked if I wanted to do lunch and whiteboard. I’m looking forward to it! I forget how to eat like a human when I eat in front of someone I like, so I’m going to try hard not to look like a weirdo! He has a girlfriend AND I am not going to entertain relationships nor romance with a colleague. I’ve learned from my past. I’m not even sure if I really like him or if I’m just THIRSTY. Ya girl has been deprived of male courtship for a while lol.

Anywho, I’m super grateful to God and things are going well. I have to stop bracing for impact and just continue to always expect for things to go well and know that if they don’t, it’s for a reason and God has a master plan. God bless yall.

[celestiall0tus]

Amaranthine - Chapter 11 - A Dragon's Treasure

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            Marinette stared at the dark ceiling. She listened to the raging storm and Juleka’s soft snoring. Regret and unease gnawed away at her. Longg had been away all day as the storm worsened throughout the day. After lunch, they had lost power and had to make due. It became awkward after that when Adrien joined them, unable to continue with his business calls as everything was wiped out. She and Juleka tried to keep the mood light, but the tension was thick between Adrien and Luka, though mostly from Adrien.

            Marinette sighed and sat up. She felt lost on what to do. She appreciated Adrien and considered him a friend, but he was aiming for more. He had already declared her his girlfriend and made it clear that he intended to take her as his bride. She was flattered, but something didn’t sit right. Not after last night with the snake villain.

            Marinette curled up in a ball as she listened to the downpour. Everything changed in that moment. She wanted whoever the snake was. She felt a draw to him she had only felt with Longg and Alya, but its pull was more intense than with Alya and as strong as Longg. Whoever he was, he was the man she had always loved. She would be with him now if not for Longg.

            Frustration tore through Marinette. She loved Longg, but she hated Longg’s petty grudge. Why did it matter what happened in their past lives? They were done, over with, living new lives. They had a chance to make things better, change things up, but Longg didn’t want to take those chances. Instead Longg would drive a wedge between them and push her towards Adrien because it was “safer.” She hated the idea, but hated more that Longg may have a point.

            Marinette still hated Longg’s grudge and inability to let go, but she wondered if there was more to it. Longg had pointed out before that this was a vicious cycle that went round and round. Could this possibly break that cycle? The snake, her soulmate, being her enemy. Her choosing a safer, secure future over the man that seeks to destroy the heroes. The one that may be working alongside Adonis to weaken them. To accept that her happiness may lie elsewhere and further down the line.

            Tears stung Marinette’s eyes as the thunder rolled. She clutched her fists and got up. She changed into a black set of undergarments before she headed out. She carefully crossed her living area where the boys were asleep. She headed downstairs and out the back into the alley behind her shop. The world around her was pitch-black and poured warm rain like stepping into a shower.

            Marinette turned her head up and closed her eyes. The darkness lit up to a dull gray as a dragon hovered above her. She reached out to the dragon, but it remained out of reach.

            “I’m sorry,” the dragon said.

            Marinette’s eyes snapped open. She took a sharp breath and fell to her knees. She sat in the rain when she heard banging from behind and the sounds of struggle. She turned her head as she saw a small flame and smelt cigarette smoke. She snarled, rushed over, and grabbed the light given off from the cigarette. She winced softly at the burn, but crushed and tossed it aside.

            “Hey! What gives?” Luka demanded.

            “No smoking near my store,” Marinette hissed.

            “What the-? Marinette? What are you doing out here? Are you actually in the rain?”

            “Yeah. Decided I could use a nice relaxing shower while I contemplate all my life choices,” Marinette remarked.

            “Do you want to talk about it?” Luka asked.

            Marinette ran her hands through her sopping wet hair and let out a sigh of frustration. “I just… so much is happening in such a short time, and I don’t even know if what I’m doing is the right thing. You know?”

            Luka grunted as he sat on the step beneath the awning. “Not exactly. What’s happening that’s got your song all jumbled and uncertain?”

            “Well, I… this stays between us, ok?”

            “You have my word, promise.”

            “Ok. Well, a large part of it is Adrien. He’s a good guy, probably what any woman would dream of being with. I mean, he’s rich, has a promising future, security, and, well, is very sexy.”

            “But.”

            “But I don’t know. Something doesn’t feel right. Maybe because he’s moving too fast. I mean, we hadn’t even talked about going steady, but he’s already claimed me as his girlfriend.”

            Luka grimaced. “And you haven’t corrected him on it?”

            “How do I? And especially after today. He was so, I don’t know, aggressive? Or something along those lines. Regardless, I didn’t feel very comfortable with him like that. And I have to wonder, if he normally like this, or is it a heat of the moment kind of thing. Even then, I don’t understand why.”

            “Well, he does seem a touch insecure when it comes to you. He did make sure to keep me away from you after the incident this morning,” Luka pointed out.

            “But why? I’m no real prize, at least to someone like him. I’m an apothecary, an alchemist. I mix potions and remedies all day while he’s basically a crown prince. He should have his eyes on the princesses before him, not me.”

            “I do agree. You’re not a princess, but you’re more than just an alchemist,” Luka commented.

            “Oh? What else do you think I could be? Do indulge me,” Marinette implored.

            “Gladly. Let’s see, your inner melody has been quite turbulent today with everything today, but I think I got a beat on what it usually is when you were teaching Juleka. While it primarily carried soft, serene music fit for mediation and communing with nature, there was a hint of something else to it. It took a minute to place, especially once we lost power and had to suffer Adrien’s company, but it was a complete contrast to the serene melody though it blended well until it picked up in tempo and intensity that I realized it was battle music.”

            “Battle music?”

            “Yes. It always plays softly in the background, but I’ve noticed it a few times with Juleka when you used your greatest of weapons, your wit. Though its been soft, quiet most the night since we lost power and had to deal with your… well, with your unfortunate plus one. I wondered why it had gone dead silent, but I get it now. There was no fight outside yourself after that point with everything you are going through.”

            Marinette sighed. “I don’t know what I should do.”

            “Well, you said you aren’t sure you like him like he likes you. Maybe you should end it, especially if his display made you uneasy. That usually isn’t the best of signs.”

            “Maybe, but should I still try? I mean, I don’t know if this is just a one-time thing with his anger. Though the entire evening should be more than enough of a ‘back out now’ kind of thing.”

            “And yet you’ll continue down this path?”

            “No. I mean, maybe? I mean, what else should I do? I’m in my mid-twenties. I’ve spent my entire life not paying a lot of people any mind. Just dedicated to my work and heart’s desire. It wasn’t until Xiulan pointed out I was wasting away my life. It was her that suggested, well, dating would be generous.”

            “Wait. She suggested Adrien, but not necessarily to date him?”

            “Yes and no. She may have suggested the idea of dating, but she’s… very primal. She runs purely on emotions and impulses, like the world around us. For long periods, she’s calm, but once there is a disturbance, she’s, well, like the storm that graces us now. She may have implied it, but I know what she was really thinking I should use Adrien for.”

            A long pause passed between them before Luka burst out laughing.

            “What’s so funny?”

            “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to laugh at that, but your roomie just sounds… how do you manage to live with her? You have that spark, that fire, but you are well-mannered and mature. Like, you enjoy the peace and still moments, but still you share your space with what’s basically a dragon.”

            Marinette chuckled nervously. “Oh, you’ve no idea. Though, I suppose it’s because Xiulan and I are soulmates.”

            A long pause. “Soulmates? Are you two… intimate?”

            “Oh, goodness no. Rather, she’s one of my closest friends, along with another. We have our fights, disagreements, and everything under the sun, but at the end of the day, there’s a comfort in each other. No matter the argument, we’ll always be there at each other’s side. Well, at least I can hope this time.”

            “What happened?”

            “We had an argument this morning before the storm. We have very differing stances on the matter, but where she wants me to take a safer route, I’m willing to throw myself to the flames.”

            “Why?”

            “Because I would rather life a short life of happiness than a life of regret and disappointment.”

            “And with Adrien is the latter?”

            A long silence. “Am I wrong? Should I want a life of happiness, or should I just shelf my happiness for the sake of others? Should I really be willing to walk to the fire or should I be afraid and seek to preserve my life?”

            “That depends on the happiness. Would you say you’ve been happy so far?”

            “Well, of course. I think. Maybe?”

            “Maybe?”

            “I mean, I don’t think I’ve been unhappy, why would I? I had a good childhood, loving parents, I survived school, I have a successful enough career, and the only friends I feel I need. Yet it feels like something has been missing since I was young, and I’ve always been searching for it but could never find it. Until recently. I found what I’ve been searching for. In a brief, brief moment, I was happy, until Xiulan ripped it all away.”

            “What are you going to do? Will you cave to her desires, or will you fight for what you want?”

            Marinette considered. She turned her gaze up to the black sky. She closed her eyes as the darkness faded to gray. She stared up at a dragon as she exuded defiance.

            “I will fight. I know what I want in my heart. I told her before, even if it leads to my death, I will take that happiness over a life of misery, regret, disappointment… and fear. I won’t live like that. I refuse.”

            Marinette couldn’t hear Luka over the snarl of the dragon that rolled with the thunder. She kept her glare on it when it smiled and laughed. She snapped back to her body as the laughing continued. She got to her feet as an arm was placed around her.

            “Big words. You know your opponent and I won’t give up either. Are you really ready to spend every moment complying with fate while I fight against it?” Longg asked.

            “You bet your ass I will. Not even you will stop me,” Marinette declared.

            “As you wish. We’ll see who wins in the end, which will be me.”

            Marinette laughed. “I know what I’m up against now. I won’t make it easy on you.”

            “Good. I expect nothing less from a valiant knight and warrior such as yourself. Now, excuse me while I kick the beast out of my lair.”

            Marinette raised a brow when Longg moved. “Beast? Do you mean Adrien?”

            “Well, I certainly don’t mean the noodle here,” Longg remarked as she clapped Luka on the back.

            “Ow! Easy! This noodle isn’t a brick now. Be gentle.”

            Longg laughed. “You are very much in danger, noodle. It’s your breed that I love.”

            “Beg pardon?”

            “Now, stay out here while I handle the beast,” Longg remarked and disappeared inside.

            Marinette trotted over near the door. “Well, you’ve met her. What do you think?”

            “Uh, terrifying would be a good start. Her music is just… epic? No, that doesn’t do it justice. Uh, perhaps, more like your battle music, but much louder and overwhelming. Almost felt like I was face to face with a war goddess with how grand it all was.”

            “Honestly that sounds about right. She probably would need to be if she’s going to face off against Adrien.”

            “How do you know-?” Luka started.

            Thunder boomed and shook the earth with a sudden sheet of rain that poured from the heavens. Luka jumped and swore at the sound while Marinette giggled.

            “For a rockstar, you sure get spooked by loud noises easy,” Marinette teased.

            Luka chuckled nervously. “Oh, yeah. Nothing quite like a raging storm compared to a deafening concern filled with thousands of fans.”

            Marinette giggled as more earthshattering thunder boomed. She felt around and took a seat beside Luka. “Hey, thanks for listening to me. It honestly helped with sorting out some of this.”

            “It’s no problem. This has always been kinda my thing. Would you believe it if I said I was my sister and mother’s therapist my entire life?”

            “I very much would. I may not be an empath like you, but I can tell you’re easy to get along with. You just… it feels comfortable being around you. I can’t quite place it, but I feel I could tell you anything. Well, almost. Even I have my secrets.”

            A long silence passed between them. Marinette pursed her lips as the storm began to die down.

            “Luka?”

            “Hmm?”

            “I didn’t say anything to offend you, did I? Just now?”

            “Huh? Oh. Oh! No. I’m sorry. What you said just got me thinking.”

            “Penny for you-?” Marinette started.

            The door swung open and crashed into the wall. Marinette squeaked and jumped up.

            “Come get rid of this beast,” Longg demanded.

            “Seriously? Can’t you do it yourself?” Marinette asked.

            “I’ve already tried. He won’t listen to reason.”

            “Reason or force?”

            “What’s the difference?”

            Marinette sighed. “Right. Xiulan, it might be best that we wait until morning.”

            “No. The homunculus leaves now,” Longg demanded.

            Marinette blinked, thrown off by the serious shift in Longg’s voice. “Luka, could you check on Juleka? I’m sure the noise would have woken her up and I-.”

            “Oh shit!” Luka yelled and ran inside.

            “He’s gone now,” Longg said.

            “Why do you want Adrien gone so badly? Just this morning, you were-.”

            “I will not tolerate man’s jealousy. Too long have I seen it tear me apart. Their jealousy and their greed. This homunculus is no different. No, he’s worse all because he feels entitled to you.”

            “Oh. I thought it was because he might have been from a previous life and you didn’t want him near me.”

            “If he is, I wouldn’t know. I’m not Psyche and the only way I knew about the snake man was because you were wearing me. No, I want him gone because I don’t want here because of his jealousy, greed, and entitlement.”

            “I see. Does this mean you won’t push me to be with him? You’ll allow me to be with my soulmate?”

            “Nice try. I won’t push after seeing the heart of the beast, but I won’t just step aside and let you die. Just as you won’t let me stop you.”

            “Then would you be willing to help keep him away? I feel like he won’t take ‘no’ for an answer.”

            “Oh, of course he won’t. After all that garbage yesterday, there’s no way in hell he’ll settle for anyone else. But you needn’t worry. I’m here.”

            Marinette smiled and hugged Longg. She moved away when she felt bare skin.

            “Put some clothes on,” Marinette said.

            “Clothes are for the civilized and oh what a beast I am.”

            Marinette groaned. “Fine. Just, I don’t know anymore. Let’s go take care of Adrien.”

            “Right behind you!”

[blinddreams24]

Romance

With Horror

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You heard sounds coming from the kitchen as you rounded the corner, letting you know that Horror had started lunch. Rounding the corner, you found him making sandwiches.

“Hey, Horror.” You greeted, coming up beside him.

He nodded back, “Hey.” keeping his eyes on his work. You leaned in, obviously not leaving anytime soon. Horror noticed and sighed. “Like . . . Killer.”

You gasp in mock offense, slapping a hand to your chest. “How could you??” He chuckled, pushing you away from the food. “Wait! I’m sorry! I want to help!”

Horror hummed at you and relented, pulling out a cutting board for you. “. . . Tomatoes.”

“Yessir.” You mock salute before grabbing a tomato and a knife.

“Hmm. . . Killer.”

“Oh my God!”

Horror chuckled.

You sliced tomatoes and cucumbers while Horror set up a snack tray to go with lunch. When you finished slicing, you reached into the fridge and pulled out turkey and cheese. Unfortunately, due to you being allergic to pork, the gang had supplemented ham for turkey. You insisted that it wasn’t necessary but everyone agreed that it was the safest option.

Handing Horror the turkey, you looked down at the cheese slices and had an idea.

“Hey, Horror?”

“Hmm?”

“Can I have a slice of cheese?” You said, before correcting. “Without eating it?”

Horror froze. His eye light shrank and slowly looked at you. You heard him start growling.

“I can explain!!” You said quickly. “I can explain!!”

He stopped growling and squinted suspiciously. “. . . Explain.”

You looked around before leaning in to whisper to him your idea.

His face slowly relaxed as he listened. When you finished, Horror huffed in amusement and turned back to making sandwiches.

“. . . Yes.”

You let off a sigh of relief and a nervous laugh. “For a second I thought-”

“But…”

You froze as Horror spoke, tensing back up.

A grin split across his face as he looked over his shoulder at you. There was no mirth in the expression. “No waste.” He growled lowly, pinning you with that one eye light. “Understood.”

Though he didn’t ask it like a question, you nodded quickly. Best not to anger him, even if it meant eating dirty cheese. “Yes, sir.”

“Good.” Suddenly, as if someone had turned on the lights, the room seemed infinitely brighter when Horror turned back to the food. He held out his hand. “Cheese.”

You quickly handed him the cheese and helped finish making lunch. Your idea could wait until later.

———

“I’m telling you! There is something in there! Every time I go in there, it’s different!” Killer exclaimed at Dust who huffed.

“Please.” He said, exasperated. “You rarely enter the library. Of course it’s different every time. Me and Boss rearrange the seating.”

Killer narrowed his eyes and pointed at an unaffected Dust. “That’s just what you’d want me to think if there was something going on in there!”

Nightmare sighed into his tea. “Must you be so loud?”

“Yes!” Killer said with a smirk on his face and his hands on the table.

Nightmare pinched the bridge of his nose from where he sat at the head of the table. You chuckled at the chaos Killer was already making as you helped Horror set the table. Supper was lasagna which you’d been craving for weeks before letting it slip to Horror who immediately made some. Turns out, Horror is exceptionally good at learning new recipes. He looked over the recipe once and you didn’t see him look at it again. You smiled, your skeleton friends are so cool.

“KILLER!!!!!!”

You and Killer jumped at the sound as Cross burst in the doorway. He locked eyes with Killer and shook a book at him. “WHAT IS THIS?!?” He snapped.

Everyone looked down at the book and you barely held back a snort at the cheese stuck to the cover. Horror’s mouth twitched upwards as he turned back to the food. Nightmare’s eye snapped between you and Horror as you composed yourself.

“I told you that was a cheesy romance, Cross.” You managed to say without breaking face. Nightmare’s face twisted into a mix between amusement and disgust.

Cross’s attention switched to you as he stared in disbelief. Killer broke the silence by laughing himself out of his own chair with a crash. Dust finally laughed, pointing at Killer’s vacant seat as Horror started chuckling. You even thought you heard Nightmare let out a small laugh at the whole situation.

You confidently held Cross’s betrayed look.

“Wh-What??” His face turned slightly purple as he tried to piece together what just happened. “Did you just… what???”

You took the book from his hands and pat his skull. “Don’t worry, I’ll clean it up.” He swatted you away with a glare. You laughed again and headed towards the doorway when suddenly Horror was in front of you. You stopped short of hitting him and looked up at him, confused.

He pointed at the cheesed book. “Here.”

You froze, realizing what he wanted. “Horror,” You lowered your voice. “In front of everyone? Can’t I eat it outside?”

Horror grinned widely, both in amusement and anger. “No.”

“What’s up, H?” Killer said, having recovered and noticed the conversation in the door. His comment brought everyone’s attention to you and Horror.

Horror’s grin got slightly more sinister and he pushed you towards the table. “Y/N has something… they need… to show you.”

Your face went red.

Killer noticed and the grin on his face spread. “Whatcha need to show us, kiddo?~” You glared at him, making him giggle.

Sighing, and seeing no way of escape with Horror towering over you, you resigned yourself to your fate and lifted the book. Most in the dining room watched in horror as you ate the cheese off the romance novel. Killer’s eyes widened before propping his chin on his hands with a smug grin on his face. The cheese wasn’t actually that bad, but it was very stuck to the book, making you spend more time than you intended in front of everyone. By the time you finished, the lasagna was much colder than you’d like. Horror nodded at you and moved back to serving everyone. You quickly left the room to put the book back in the library as laughter erupted behind you, making your face flash red again.

Maybe that wasn’t worth the prank…

[cantsaythetword]

Rugby Lad's Revenge

~A/N  - Another incredible prompt (2/2) from an anon I got WAY TOO LONG AGO IM SO SORRY!!

Charlie is just being a cheeky lil nerd and won’t stop teasing Nick the whole day. So when they return back to Nick’s house Nick just wrecks Charlie with tickles until he apologizes or agrees to stop, even though they both know that he won’t.

Heartstopper is always fun to write for cause these guys are just so cute together I love them.

I wrote another fic for the first prompt (A Good Turn Never Goes Unpunished) they sent me too if anyone wants to give it a look!

Again sorry this is so so so late I hope it is alright <33333333 lots of love to the you

- Enoy! ~

Tag List: @mysterious-marvel

Masterpost Link 

"Right."

With the door shutting behind him, and Nick's mischievously serious tone, Charlie knew he was screwed. His face was red before he even turned around, and nervous giggles bubbled in his throat as he made eye contact with his boyfriend.

"What?" Charlie asked, trying to sound innocent but it came out with a handful of laughter.

"Oh you know exactly what." Nick said, taking a step forward.

Charlie stumbled back, feeling the edge of the sofa pushing against his legs. His eyes were wide, ready for whatever Nick was about to put him through. He had his mind set on a certain punishment, it was only a matter of time.

"You've been winding me up all day." Nick smirked.

"I haven't!"

He scoffed. "Right. So teasing me about forgetting the maths homework doesn't count?"

"I literally texted you about it last night!" Charlie laughed. "You forgot cause you got side tracked by a Youtube video on Taoism!"

"I know, you wouldn't stop making 'universal balance' jokes about my algebra equations while I tried to finish them in homeroom."

Charlie chuckled at the reminder of his own joke.

"Then there was the cookie..." Nick glared, moving closer still. "My chocolate chip cookie at lunch time."

"Oh come on!" Charlie shrugged, his mouth stuck in a giggly smile. "I gave it back!"

Nick threw him a deadpan look. "After holding it out of reach and making me literally crawl on top of you to get it."

"Rewards are always better when you work for it." He said unsurely - Nick was almost at his breaking point, Charlie just had to push the right buttons.

"And then claiming you're the athletic one just cause you ran laps faster than me in PE?" He asked in a flat tone.

Charlie shrugged cheekily. "Whatcha gonna do about it?"

There was something about the way Nick's demeanor changed right before he tickled Charlie that always gave the poor kid butterflies. That tell-tale eyebrow raise, the tiniest of smirks just pulling at the corners of his mouth, and - of course - the look in his eyes, set off every alarm bell in Charlie's head.

But Charlie sat still, beaming that shit-eating grin at his boyfriend until Nick finally snapped.

"Come here!" Nick pounced, grabbing Charlie around his waist and immediately drilling into his death spot.

"NIHIHICK!" The boy screeched, crumpling like a faulty lawn chair and kicking his feet uncontrollably. The pair fell onto the couch, with Charlie ending up splayed out on top of his attacker.

"Are you gonna take back what you said?!" Nick taunted, hands scuttling up and down his boyfriend's sides and over his chest any time Charlie got close to escaping. "Are you?!"

Charlie tried to get words out, but ended up resorting to shaking his head. He was like a tickly lawn sprinkler with the way the giggles shot out of his mouth while his head moved side to side.

'Well we aren't gonna stop until you apologize!" Nick teased. As it usually does, his once cruel disciplinary tone had melted into complete adoration at his adorable boyfriend. He couldn't help it! It was like having a puppy on your lap and trying to keep a straight face.

Even though the tickling was absolutely unbearable, and Charlie could feel every fiber of his begging him to make it stop, he would never surrender. Never apologise. Never desist. Nick would have to tickle him for days on end, torture him til the end of time!

And Charlie would love every second.

[venusiancarbondioxide]

chapter 24 of surrender on no sides, in which there is some kind of conclusion. you can click here to read it on ao3, or just read below the cut. your pick.

The only way to end this is somewhat obnoxiously. Sorry about that. It’s not what I had planned; it’s just the way the cookie crumbled. So actors, exit stage left. Tech crew, start dissembling this set. Don't burn anything, but take everything apart to its smallest pieces. Burning would be a bad idea. After all, you know how it is with manuscripts and burning, right? Or maybe not. Don't worry. If you don't know, you'll learn soon enough. Oh, and while I'm talking to you, come on. Follow me. We're heading out of the theater; we should have a real conversation. 

I normally don't do fourth wall breaks. Or acknowledge the damn thing at all, unless I'm writing something for Pathologic. But here, it's come to this. If you know me, you might not be surprised. If you don’t, I know you’re surprised. If you know me very well, I think you might be flabbergasted. It's just the nature of this kind of thing. 

A quick introduction for the uninitiated: Hello. I'm Delaney. Nice to meet you. This is a story I started writing when I was 18, during my senior year of high school. Now I'm 23, and I have a degree and a full-time job and a place all my own, which is to say that things have changed quite substantially since chapter one. I've changed. You've changed. Even the setting's changed. Look at this, we're no longer in a theater at all! We’re in a cute little lunch room in an office complex. It's empty except for the two of us. We've got lots of windows to look out of, but it's a gray, drab sort of day. It rained, is raining, and is going to rain—all three are true at once. Wanna sit down?

I want to sit down. My feet are killing me. I'm in my favorite spot, the booth in the back left corner. I’m the sort of person who likes having their back to a wall. You can sit next to me, across from me, on the table, wherever. If you're not a fan of booths, there are plenty of other tables to choose from. I'll move. And hey, you know, you don't even have to sit at all! You can walk around, make yourself something in the kitchen, whatever you'd like. If you're hungry but don’t feel like cooking, I have food I'm willing to share. Not a drink, though. You can get whatever you want in the kitchen, but this peach passion fruit refresher is mine. I paid a very honorable $3 for it. 

Once you're comfortable, let's get back to the point. This story has problems. You've likely noticed several if you've made it to this point. If you're a fellow author, you've likely noticed several dozen. If you're me, you've got a number of mistakes that's not quite infinite, but far too high to count. To fix what needs to be fixed, this story would need to be broken down until it's no longer itself. There are too many problems for it to go forward on its own power, and too much to say to leave it as it is. Thus, it's come down to me ending things like this, in a way that's unfashionably direct. The story is over. The ending isn’t something I can string into an order that makes sense, but I know one thing about it for sure. Ready? 

This story ends happily. 

Because you see, there was this thing I was trying to communicate when I started writing it. Sure, it came off an intellectual branch, a split from canon and some extrapolating how things would change if I switched out one Kageyama brother with the other, but this story had a heart to it. When I first started writing, I truly believed that love was possible no matter what. That no matter how bad things got, the situation could be endured and that you would be loved and cared about. I was very earnest in this belief and determined to prove it by showing it to you. Love as not just possible, but permanent. Always within reach. Romantic, platonic, familial—it could all be there. It would all be there. Love existed. 

Now, let me be honest: that's not entirely true. Not all wrong, mind you, but not all right. You can be genuinely unloved—funny that I didn't know it then because by that point, I had survived it, but I didn't. I was oblivious; I'm still oblivious now, but less than I was. So I can say for sure that there may be a time in your life where no one loves you at all, or worse, where no one loves you in a way that matters. They'll love you, but not enough for it do you any good. 

I'm going to tell you that situation is survivable. Not just survivable, but worth living through. And I'm also here to tell you that love is coming down the pike, no matter which way you look at it. To be human is to love, no matter what form that love takes, and so no one can avoid it for very long. You’re going to love someone some day—chances are that you already do. Somebody's going to love you, too. Pinkie promise. I know it's true because I do, but someone else will. It'll be great. 

And I can tell you that life is worth living. No matter what. I haven’t believed in that the entire span of time between chapter one and now, but I believed it at the start and I’m here believing it at the end. Even when it feels too difficult to bear, life can be survived and enjoyed. It's worth it to stick things out and see life through. It's too interesting to give it up. Even the unloved life is worth living. And don't get me wrong, it's very preferable to be cared about, but there's a certain kind of independence that comes from surviving something wretched all on your own, the sort of situation where anyone who can help you doesn't want to and anyone who wants to help you can't. There's a freedom that comes from that. You don't even have to love yourself to feel it, and to carry it with you when love comes around again. Personally, I always keep it with me. I just didn't know I had it until I was rummaging through my pockets. It was hiding between a stick of bubblegum and my chapstick. 

So, this is the end of it. Life is worth living. Love exists. All things can be survived, and not just survived, but worth surviving. Even if the story is ending like this, I'll say that I don't regret writing it: every failure here has taught me more lessons than ten successes somewhere else. Considering all the ways I've failed in this, I can now consider myself quite an educated woman.

And I'll always be here, if you need me. Sitting in this spot on this overcast day, with food to share and words to say. You can stop in at any time. Hell, I might need to come in once or twice, just to remind myself that what I'm saying is true. But I'm here. I'm always here. I love you. I hope it does you some good. 

If you don't want to, you don't have to love me back.