#I will read the time stamps next when I'm able!

[deanstead]

Mistaken

Pairing: Jay Halstead x Reader, Rhodestead

Requested: no

Summary: As Will finds himself dealing with an unwelcome presence in his life, you disappear in the middle of shift.

Word Count: 5.3K+

Tags/Warnings: established relationships, stalking, kidnapping, hostage situations

A/N: First time I'm trying out writing for Rhodestead so I put this as a double pairing fic. Wasn't sure I was going to let this fic see the light of day but bestie @sheetsonfire gave her stamp of approval (and I haven't posted in a while) so here goes! Kinda (read: very) nervous about this so let me know what you guys think!

JAY HALSTEAD MASTERLIST

“Hey, you wanna grab dinner?” Will asked as he opened his locker next to you.

You glanced back at him, your eyes betraying the mental exhaustion from the day. Losing children was never easy, everyone knew that.

You gave Will a small smile. “No date with Connor?” You lightly teased.

Will chuckled.

Will and Connor had been dancing around each other for almost forever and it had taken you an unbelievable amount of self control not to literally bonk their heads together. Thankfully, they’d gotten off their asses before you had to.

“Connor got pulled into a surgery so I got stood up.”

You let out a small laugh, closing your locker. “Your brother’s on a case so… dinner’s on you.”

Will laughed, nodding. “I got you.”

The both of you ended up in one of the eateries you frequented that was near Med which opened late exactly for this reason - a place that had saved all of you from many late nights. Be it when Jay came to get you from a late shift, or when you, Connor and Will needed to eat after a shift before going to crash. All four of you had even been here together shortly after the shift in dynamics - you and Jay had just gotten married, while Will and Connor had finally started seeing each other officially.

In an effort to steer both your thoughts away from work, Will started a conversation about Connor, and you watched a light in Will’s eyes as he talked about Connor, a light that had finally let its way out into the world.

“What?” Will asked, angling his eyebrows at you before you realized you were smiling cheekily at him.

You shrugged. “Just nice to see you so happy.”

Will smiled, reaching over to ruffle your hair.

“You know you transitioned into this annoying older brother role way too smoothly.” You growled playfully, your eyes narrowing at him.

Will laughed, retracting his hand and chuckling.

“Y/N?”

Jay’s voice reached you first before you saw him but it still made you smile.

“You said you were going to be late?” You said but you were already looping your arms around his waist and pressing yourself into his embrace.

Jay let out a small chuckle. “Sorry, I know things have been a little crazy.”

You shook your head, burying your face deeper into his shoulder. “I just missed you.”

Jay leaned back before leaning back down to press a gentle kiss to your lips. “Shall we stay in tonight?”

You grinned back at him. “Sounds perfect.”

It felt like it had been a while since you and Jay had done this, just stayed in, the television turned on while the two of you had a cozy meal before cuddling on the couch with the wine glasses sitting just a little precariously on the small coffee table Will and Connor had gotten the both of you as a wedding present.

“Everything at work okay?” Jay asked quietly, his arms resting around your waist.

“You know, same-old. We have the bullies, the overbearing parents, but there are also families that remind me why I became a doctor.”

Jay rested his chin gently on your shoulder, his cheek resting lightly against yours before he closed his eyes.

“I think that if you’re here, if I know that I get to come home to you at the end of any day or case, I’ll be able to do about anything.” He whispered.

You knew that voice, the voice that told you he'd had a hard day.

You took his hand gently in yours. “I’ll always be here, Jay. At the end of every difficult case, or day, no matter what.”

Jay pressed a kiss to your cheek lightly and you leaned further back into his embrace.

“Dr Y/L/N, someone’s asking for you in the waiting room if you have a few minutes.” One of the nurses came up to you as you were studying a patient’s chart.

You looked around the ED, it was a quiet sort of day but you weren’t in the best of moods since you’d lost your card holder. Just thinking about having to replace your credit cards already made you feel tired and anxious. Regardless, you nodded with a smile at the nurse, thanking her for letting you know.

Putting on your best professional smile you headed towards the waiting room, scanning the crowd for someone who looked like they’d be waiting for you.

A woman who was about your age made eye contact with you, giving you a small smile. “Y/N Y/L/N?”

You frowned just a little in confusion although you kept your expression mostly neutral and nodded. She seemed a little familiar to you even though you weren’t fully certain where you’d seen her before.

The woman just smiled, handing you back a card case that was most definitely yours.

“I think you dropped this, this morning at the coffee place. I got your name from one of your cards and luckily the cafe said you were a regular so they knew you worked here.”

You felt the relief flood your system, the anxiety that had been clawing at you the whole morning finally seeming to let up.

“Oh my god, thank you.” You could even hear the relief in your voice bounce back at you but you weren't even embarrassed. “You saved me a lot of trouble and well... stress.”

You paused as you looked at her. “I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere before. Have we met?”

The woman just smiled and shook her head. “Maybe in the mornings, I get my coffee there too most days.”

It didn’t feel like a correct answer but you let it go, reminding yourself this was not the time to obsess over unimportant details.

“Look, you did me a huge favor today. Is there something I can do to thank you?”

The woman just smiled. “Maybe you can just buy me a coffee. Tomorrow morning?”

You studied her for a bit and then nodded. She smiled, extending her hand. “Grace.”

You smiled back at her and shook it, agreeing to see each other the next morning at the cafe.

As you watched her walk back out the main door with a friendly wave, you felt that weird feeling again, like something wasn’t quite sitting right with you.

You definitely knew her from somewhere.

As agreed, you’d met Grace the next morning at your morning coffee stop and it had gone better than you'd expected, so much so that you’d talked yourself out of that weird feeling in your gut, putting it down to that tinge of social anxiety you had with new people.

You’d almost caved and asked Will or Connor if they could come with you but decided you didn’t really wanna be a wuss. Besides, the rational part of your brain was telling you that your anxiety was being irrational once again.

Grace had been easy to talk to though, so you were glad you hadn’t overreacted.

But when you opened the door to the doctors’ lounge armed with coffees for both Connor and Will, you sensed something was off.

Will was sitting on the couch, his head ticked up just a little as the door opened and Connor’s arm was around Will’s shoulders, Will gently pressed up against Connor. Even though it was no secret, they didn't usually behave much like a couple at work.

“What’s wrong?” You asked, frowning as you quickly put the coffees down on the table and headed towards them.

Will glanced at Connor. “I’m fine.”

Connor gave him half an exasperated look, even though you could still see the frown lines tinged with worry.

Will might be your brother-in-law, but way before you and Jay had gotten close, the three of you had always been great friends so it wasn’t surprising you could tell they were holding something back.

You raised an eyebrow at Connor. “Someone better tell me what’s going on.”

Will exchanged a look with Connor before he gave him a small nod.

“She’s back.”

She.

You knew exactly who Connor was talking about. That was the part that really made you feel like shit.

Will had been reluctant to call it stalking at first, reluctant to put Jay on this even though the laws on stalking had already greatly improved the past few years. But now it seemed like Will was getting concerned too.

“Will, maybe we need to tell Jay about this.” You said gently, even though you understood why Will didn’t want to tell Jay and make it all official.

Will just nodded. “Maybe. I’ll talk to him.”

Connor glanced at Will before squeezing his hand gently. “I’ll see you later, alright? I've got a surgery."

With a quick kiss, Will and Connor parted and you nodded at Connor to assure him that you were here anyway.

Will had told himself that if it persisted he'd go to Jay but she'd suddenly stopped showing up. The notes stopped and the street was empty when Will left the house.

“Maybe she finally gave up. Like she had one last look and she left.” You said, even though just saying it sounded stupid.

Will just smiled back, asking everyone to stop worrying.

“Y/N, you’re wanted in the waiting room.” Maggie called across the ED and you nodded, patting Will on the arm before heading straight out, shrugging at Maggie.

You’d barely stepped out of the automatic doors when you saw her.

“Grace?”

She looked a little frazzled, like she was startled.

“Y/N, thank god. I didn’t know anyone else and…”

You frowned, stopping her with a hand on her arm. “Okay, slow down. What’s going on?”

“My friend, she got hurt and I don’t think I can move her. It’s just at the next street. Can you…”

You frowned. “How is she hurt, Grace? What happened?”

Grace shook her head. “I don’t know, can you just…”

You took a glance back at Leah, who nodded at you quickly disappearing back into the ED.

Feeling certain that whoever it was that Leah alerted would be able to catch up to you quickly, you let Grace lead you out of the ED, so preoccupied that you didn’t notice the shift in the look in her eyes.

“Anything?”

Will asked, jogging up towards Ethan who shook his head.

Having just gotten a bit of time between patients, Will and Ethan had come out after you almost immediately but somehow you were nowhere to be found.

Will already had his phone pressed to his ear but while it had been ringing earlier, it was now dead.

“Are we sure…” Will’s voice trailed off as his eye caught on something right by the side of the sidewalk. “Wait.”

Will bent down, picking it up. There was no mistaking it, Will thought, as the key-shaped pendant from your necklace lay in his palm. “This is hers. I better call Jay.”

The ringing in Jay’s ears hadn’t stopped since he’d heard from Will.

With no hesitation whatsoever, Voight had sent Jay and Hailey along to Med, while Kim went straight to try to track movements from traffic pods.

Jay frowned now as he leaned over the computer in the security office with Hailey, watching as you spoke to a woman in the waiting room, her face not fully visible from the angle she was standing at.

Hailey glanced at Jay. “She knows where the cameras are.”

Jay nodded absentmindedly, his eyes locked on the image of you leaving the hospital - the last time any of your colleagues had seen you.

Jay ran a hand across his face as he tried to empty his brain to think. Nothing made sense. It didn’t make sense why anyone would want to take you. There’d been no violent patients that you had mentioned recently and everyone Hailey had spoken to earlier couldn’t think of anyone from the past few months either. Sure, there’d been difficult patients and family members but no one that jumped out as being dangerous.

Which meant they had no starting point. And Jay was worried that his brain was too clouded with worry to even think straight. He felt like he was missing something.

“Jay. Here.” Will said, his voice quiet as he put the necklace in Jay’s hand.

Jay’s eyes lingered for a while on the pendant now and Will glanced at his brother worriedly, unable to even imagine being in Jay’s shoes right now.

“Jay, if you…”

Will was interrupted as Jay’s phone rang, his eyes wandering towards the screen of the image capture.

What the hell?

Will glanced up again where Jay was still talking on the phone, before his eyes found the screen again, feeling the knot in his gut seemingly grow in size.

“Will, I just heard.” Connor’s voice broke Will out of what was almost a trance, turning to look at Connor.

Connor registered the look in Will’s eyes almost immediately, his eyes flitting to the screen before he glanced at Will. “That’s…”

“What?” Jay asked now, joining them again as he finished talking to Kim.

Will could barely look his brother in the eye as he glanced up.

“Her name is Grace. Grace Turner.”

Jay frowned. “You know this woman?”

Will exchanged a look with Connor, who merely squeezed his hand. “She's been stalking me."

The room was still spinning but at least it seemed to be slowing down.

Grace had her back to you as she fiddled with something on her table. You knew you should have trusted your gut.

From the beginning, something had felt off about her, like she was being too friendly. But then you’d put it down to your social anxiety, swallowing it down like a bad pill.

Yet now, as you became more aware of the ache around your shoulders from your arms being pulled towards your back, feel the rough material of whatever she’d used to tie your wrists together, you knew your gut had been right all along. You should have just listened to it.

Just as you were trying to figure what the hell you were supposed to do, Grace turned to look at you.

Her lips curled up into a smile that you’d never seen on her face before, something that made the feeling of unease balloon up in the pit of your stomach.

“You’re awake.”

You frowned, your eyes scanning her expression for more clues.

“Grace, what’s going on? What… is this?” You asked, trying your best to keep your voice level and calm, as you’d done many times in the course of your work in the ED, regardless of what you were feeling.

Grace looked back at you, blinking. “I’ve been trying to figure out why he likes you. There’s nothing truly outstanding, you know?”

You frowned.

“What?”

You weren’t sure if she wasn’t making sense or if your head was still kind of spinning from inhaling whatever drug she’d soaked that cloth with before she’d pressed it against your mouth and nose earlier.

Grace turned back to look at you now and you didn’t like the glint in her eye. “I’ve been trying to figure it out for weeks, why he's been keeping his distance. And then I saw you with him, and then I knew. It was you. You’re the one standing between us.”

You frowned, your mind spinning as you tried to figure out what she was getting at. Jay hadn’t mentioned anything in particular and you were sure if there’d been someone following the both of you around, he’d have said something or changed up the routine for the both of you.

“You… what? Listen, if there’s…”

Grace didn’t seem to be listening though. “Is it because you’re both doctors?”

Both…

“You.” You couldn’t hide the contempt in your voice as you realized this was her. She was the woman who’d been stressing Will out.

Nervous as you were, your gut still feeling like it was flipped inside out, you also felt annoyance and the extreme urge to protect someone you cared about despite the situation you were in.

Even with the ache in your arms, you glared up at her. “If you really cared about him, you wouldn’t be doing this.”

Grace turned back towards you, the anger in her eyes more pronounced now. “No one cares about him more than I do!”

You didn’t avert your eyes, the anger you felt bubbling over in you overtaking the fear and uncertainty that was still hanging over you.

“Not even his brother?” Your voice was still even, as you looked at her. “You took me because you thought Will and I were seeing each other?”

Grace didn’t say anything, just narrowed her eyes at you.

“If we really were seeing each other, did you think taking me here was going to solve anything?”

Grace exhaled loudly. “I’ve been watching you with him.”

You studied Grace, feeling your thoughts swirl. She’d been so obsessed with Will, that she saw you when you were with him but she didn’t watch you any further. She didn’t see the times that you went home or on dates with Jay. You were actually more surprised she didn’t know about Connor.

“So what do you actually want?”

Your eyes flicked to the scissors she had in her hand as you finished your question, before she stepped towards you.

Jay was quite literally going out of his mind.

They’d matched the woman’s identity, and went straight to her last known address but the apartment looked like it hadn’t been lived in for months judging by the layer of dust that had settled on the furniture. What they did find was a bunch of photos of Will scattered along the walls and other corners of the apartment.

Jay could feel the anger building inside him. Even if this crazy woman hadn’t taken you right under everyone’s nose, the fact that this was somehow connected to his brother was pissing him off so much it was taking all his effort not to punch something.

The sounds of fingers dancing across keyboards, as well as the sound of rifling papers reminded Jay that he needed to keep his head in the game.

“Hey, Jay.”

Jay glanced up to see Connor heading out of the pantry where he’d been with Will, his eyes flicking towards the back view of his brother before he nodded.

“Listen, I was thinking. Will mentioned he’s seen her around his apartment a few times, so couldn’t we…”

Jay froze. “Wait, what?”

Connor frowned. “He didn’t say anything to you?”

Jay’s eyes flicked back in the direction of his brother. “He should have told me about this when it happened.” His voice was slightly reproachful but Connor could hear the tinge of worry as well.

Connor just nodded, realizing he needed to tell Jay almost everything.

“So, can we…”

Jay’s mind was already there as he nodded, leaning back down over his computer, trying to run matches between Grace’s known family and acquaintances with recent rentals near Will’s apartment.

Jay’s eyes scanned the screen in front of him quickly before he paused. “Ruz, what did you say her sister’s name was?”

“Kayla.”

Jay frowned. “I have a Kayla Lloyd here.”

Kim was right on it. “I think you’re on the right track. Kayla Turner married Nash Lloyd three years ago.”

The team exchanged looks. Hailey nodded. “It’s the best we got so far. I say we go.”

Voight was already standing at his office door before he nodded. “Let’s go.”

Connor glanced at Will from where they were sitting in the back of Jay’s truck.

Will was glancing out, his fist curled into a ball as it rested on the seat between him and Connor. It wasn’t that he was that affected by this woman, but the fact that he hadn’t done anything which ultimately got the people around him dragged in was really eating at him.

Jay glanced at his brother through the rear view mirror before training his eyes back on the road. He didn’t have the capacity to think of anyone else but you right now. He didn’t know how to. But he could feel the fear clawing at him, but he just exhaled slowly, turning the corner towards the address they’d found earlier.

You exhaled, hearing Grace pacing outside the bedroom she’d put you in.

Your eyes darted around the room, your brain feeling like it was finally clearing up enough for you to form thoughts that were coherent enough for you to take in other details you hadn’t noticed earlier, like your phone sitting on the dresser.

Grace had been a little out for it for a while, alternating between mumbling to herself or ranting at you about Will. You hadn’t exactly pointed out the fact that you weren’t Will’s girlfriend, like she’d been thinking when she’d grabbed you. Other than the insinuation that had seemed to pass right over her head, you weren’t sure if it was going to make things worse if you pointed out that there was nothing going on between you and Will.

But you needed to do something.

You struggled a little to get to your feet, especially considering that your hands and feet were bound together but you managed to stand a little shakily with minimal sound, feeling a bead of sweat travel down the side of your face.

Gritting your teeth to try not to make any other sound, you gently hopped, grateful that at least she’d put a carpet on her bedroom floor. You angled your body, wobbling backwards as you neared the dresser, your hands finally closing around your phone. You fumbled with your fingers trying to at least turn it on so that Jay could somehow find you. You felt like it was forever, trying to wait for the stupid logo to disappear and for the phone to start but you’d just turned around again to peer at the screen when the door opened.

You froze as you watched the look on Grace’s face shift to one of rage as she took in the scene before her.

She lunged and you threw yourself out of the way, your eyes not missing the fact that she was still gripping onto the scissors in her hand. Your phone slid out of your hands and onto the floor with a thud and you felt your heart sink with it as you tried to reposition yourself on the floor, trying to ignore the shooting pains from the shoulder you’d landed on.

But you knew it was useless, especially as you heard her frustrated breath and a low growl before you felt yourself get yanked up by the hair.

She was freakishly strong for a woman her size.

That was the thought that entered your mind as you tried to regain as much balance as you could. You felt your breath catch in your throat as the threatening cold metal blades hovered near your neck right before the door crashed open.

You’d never felt such a sense of safety overwhelm you until you saw your husband’s face now, his gun ticked up high, his eyes betraying a mixed look of relief and worry at the same time, if that was even possible.

“Y/N.” Your name left his lips like a reflex, his eyes locked directly on yours, even the unspoken words putting you slowly at ease.

Jay was here.

Jay’s eyes flicked towards the woman standing behind you who looked as startled as a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car.

“Put the scissors down.”

You heard the effort it took for Jay to keep his voice steady, knowing that it would just take something small for Jay to lose it. So you locked your eyes on his, even though you felt the anxiety once again eat at you.

Grace hadn’t reacted and Jay kept his gun raised, his trained eyes looking around the room.

“Stay out of this.” Grace forced the words out through her clenched teeth. “I wouldn’t have done this if she didn’t…”

Her words trailed off as your body froze, your eyes catching the flash of ginger at the door.

“Will.” You felt the jolt of worry hit you, interrupted only by a growl from behind you, the scissors that inched dangerously closer towards your neck reminding you that maybe you shouldn’t have said his name.

Will’s eyes lighted on yours and despite the predicament you found yourself in, you wanted to smack him upside the head for that guilt swimming in his eyes.

Your eyes moved back towards Jay’s and he nodded discreetly at you.

“Grace. Listen to me. Put it down and we can all talk, alright?” Jay said quietly, lowering his gun just a little as a show of faith.

Grace frowned, her eyes flicking up towards Will before she spoke. “All I needed to do was get rid of her, right?”

Will’s frown deepened just slightly as he absorbed what Grace was saying.

“I was just getting rid of the obstacles standing in our way.” Grace said, her voice cracking just a little. “I see the way you look at her, but if it wasn’t for her, we'd be together!"

Will glanced at you and you frowned just as his eyes flicked back to Grace, his head shaking slowly. “I need you to let her go. Can’t you see you’re hurting everyone?”

You heard Will’s voice crack softly, Jay’s eyes flicking towards his older brother as well.

“She’s my… she’s my sister. There’s nothing… You… you’ve misunderstood.”

You could hear how much it was killing Will to keep his voice even and steady, when he was just as close to losing his cool as Jay was.

You felt Grace’s hold on you loosen just a little as her focus shifted entirely to Will. “Your…”

She shook her head, her shaking hand once again inching closer towards you. “I’ve seen the both of you… you don’t have a sister, don’t lie to me!”

“It’s true.” Will said quietly, glancing at Jay who nodded, now lowering his gun even more, Hailey stepping just half a step forward in case.

“Grace.” Jay said quietly. “Look at me.”

As Grace turned her attention to him, Jay exhaled gently. “You know me, don’t you? If you know Will as well as you do.”

Grace nodded slowly. “I just want my wife back.” He said quietly and you heard the quiet crack in his voice, one that only you would have picked up on. “Just give her back to me, please.”

“Your…”

Grace angled her head back down to you and you nodded. “I tried to tell you.”

Caught off-guard, Grace looked like she wasn’t sure what to do next. In her hesitation, her hand holding the blade moved slightly away from you, hovering off to the side and Jay nodded at you.

You threw yourself in the opposite direction, falling back down onto the ground with a crash, the pain in your shoulder causing you to groan. Jay lunged towards Grace, the metal blades of the scissors clattering across the ground as she lost grip.

“Y/N, are you hurt?”

Will’s voice reached you first and you opened your eyes, the groan escaping your lips. “My shoulder. I think…”

Jay was back at your side as Hailey took over the arrest, slicing through the cables around your wrists quickly. The relief was almost immediate and a quiet sigh escaped your lips as the pressure of your arms being pulled behind you was released, even though your shoulder still gave a small throb.

“Are you hurt?” Jay’s voice was quiet but you could feel every single emotion that pulsated through those three words.

You winced as Will’s fingers applied pressure on your shoulder but Will glanced up a little guiltily at his brother, shaking his head. “It’s a little strained but I don’t think it’s a serious injury.”

“Chloroform I think.” You told Will, glancing a little worriedly at Jay for an impending reaction.

Instead, Jay just leaned in, pressing you gently into his embrace, as if worried you’d disappear right out of his arms.

You felt tears well up in your eyes as the adrenaline still pumped through your veins, the anxiety from everything that had happened pulling to the surface, a quiet sob escaping through your lips.

Putting a gentle hand on your head, Jay pulled you deeper into his embrace, soothing you quietly and as you felt your heartbeat slow, you didn’t feel like crying anymore.

The only time Jay had let go of your hand was briefly in the ambulance when the paramedics needed to put a line in, as well as when Ethan had asked him to wait outside and you’d nodded quietly at him with an encouraging smile.

But the moment Ethan had let him back in, Jay was once again next to you almost like a bodyguard while Ethan assured him that everything seemed to be okay except that your shoulder was slightly bruised from the fall and that you were getting an ice compress and they’d examine you again after.

As Ethan left the both of you alone in the room again, you leaned your head against Jay with a soft sigh.

“You doing okay?” Jay asked quietly.

You didn’t answer immediately before you nodded. “You heard Ethan.”

“You know that wasn’t what I was asking.” A reproachful tone crept into Jay’s voice despite his efforts to hide it.

You pulled away to look up at him and Jay took the opportunity to lower himself down towards you, sitting at the edge of your bed so he could be close enough for you to remain snuggled into his side.

“I remembered where I knew her from…” You’d barely begun when your eyes caught Will hovering at the entrance of the room.

Jay glanced up, nodding at his brother who was closely followed by Connor. Connor had Will’s hand protectively clamped in his own, which only made you want to smile.

“Hey, you doing okay?” Will asked. “Ethan said whatever she gave you was probably just a sedative and that other than a busted shoulder you’re…”

You smiled. “I’m fine.”

Will glanced at Jay, which made you look at your husband as well.

“Look, Y/N. I’m sorry. This is all…”

“Will Halstead.” You snapped, interrupting him. “I swear to God, if you take all the blame for this one I will smack you upside the head. Hard.”

You narrowed your eyes at him as Will looked a little startled, even though a smile was playing on the corner of Connor’s lips.

“How the hell were any of us supposed to know this was her? Or that this woman following you around would actually think I was your girlfriend and kidnap me in broad daylight?” You said, glancing over at Jay as if this was directed at him as well.

Jay just nodded at you before looking at his brother. “Will, I wasn’t blaming you, I just…”

Will nodded. “I know. I kept thinking if Connor had disappeared…”

Connor gave Will’s hand another reassuring squeeze.

“We done?” You asked, almost accusingly at Will.

Will’s eyebrows bunched together in slight confusion as he nodded.

“Now, get over here. I need a hug from my older brother.” You snapped.

Will let out the first real smile that day and stepped forward to pull his arms around you. “I’m sorry.” Will whispered.

You shook your head. “All of you came to get me. That’s what matters.”

Will pulled away and Connor reached for his hand once more. “Told you so.”

You smiled, leaning back into Jay’s embrace. “You almost induced a heart attack today. Don’t ever disappear on me again.” Jay whispered, pressing his lips onto your temple.

You just closed your eyes, letting out a soft hum of satisfaction at being safe with Jay, accompanied by Will and Connor, the ache in your shoulder barely even bothering you anymore.

THANK YOU FOR READING!! PLEASE TELL ME WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF THIS!!

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[suugarbabe]

omg so ur mattheo one about drawing is so cute and got me thinking about how next time they met up by the lake what if he went to show them a drawing and it was of them!!!!!!! like he drew y/n and wanted to show them because they had a bad day or something!! i love ur writing and it just made me think of that and blush teehee

we love little secret creative and soft Mattheo 🖤 read part 1 here

You figured you’d find him out there, especially since he had gotten in a screaming match with Draco a few hours prior. You didn’t even bother checking his other ‘typical’ spots like the astronomy tower or the back of the courtyard, instead you went straight to the Black Lake. 

Mattheo was hunched over, his shoes and socks sitting next to him and his trousers rolled up to his knees so his feet could hang over the edge of the dock into the lake. He didn’t move or look up when you started walking on the dock, you assumed he was just too enthralled in whatever it was that he was drawing. 

You slipped off your shoes and socks, sinking down to your bum beside him and dipping your feet in as well. You sat in silence next to him for a moment before trying to peer over his shoulder to see what he was working on.

He turned away from you, causing a slight scoff to leave your lips, "Teo, c'mon. You always let me see your drawings." You were pouting and it was evident in your voice.

He peers over his shoulder slightly, a smirk gracing his lips, "I'm almost done, then you can look. But be gentle, don't judge too harshly okay?"

You ran your nails against his back lightly in response. A few moments later he turned towards you, sketch pad facing down towards his lap. "No laughing," Mattheo held out his fist, his pinky and thumb sticking out.

"No laughing," you hooked your pinky finger to his. You each took a turn pressing your thumbs to your lips before pressing your thumbs together, silently symbolizing and stamping the promise.

Mattheo took a deep breath, grasping his sketch pad on either side before slowly lifting it up. You couldn't contain the gasp that left your lips at the image he was able to portray on paper.

Instead of his usual lake drawings, Mattheo had found a different muse for this creation; that muse being you. It wasn't a magical drawing in the traditional sense, nothing was moving around, but it was magical to you.

It wasn't a portrait of you dead on, more so like a candid picture of you looking down and smiling. You don't know how he did it, but his shading and shadow work made it look like it was an actual photograph.

"Mattheo..." your voice was barely a whisper. Mattheo, who was holding the sketch pad directly in front of his face, peered around the side, "It's terrible isn't? I'm sorry, I really did try I swear but then - "

"It's gorgeous," you cut him off, taking the drawing in your hands, "Can I have it?" You looked up at him from the drawing with hopeful eyes, you didn't want to overstep, but you also wanted to display it for everyone to see how talented he really was.

Mattheo nodded, giddy smile now displayed on his face, "Y-yeah, of course, I mean, it's you for Merlin's sake."

You know you two were just friends, but you couldn't help yourself, leaning over and grabbing his face, kissing his cheek gently and sweetly. Mattheo's face was on fire, burning a deep shade of red, obviously not expecting the display of affection. He made a mental note to draw more things that would get that reaction out of you soon.

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for deleting my classmate's online output in retaliation for previous grievances, & WIBTA if I kept this up?

📚🧪🗑️

(↑ so I know Tumblr didn't toss it into the void)

Take your time reading this before the poll. Trust me, everything matters.

I (16NB) am a student that migrated from the regular 10th grade sections into the top section of my school's STEM program via passing the admission test. I'm part of the very few that made it from the regular sections into such a prestigious senior high strand (which had only 3 sections and ±30 students per section), and the rest of my classmates and batchmates come from specialized programs that they were in since 7th grade. Naturally, they don't know me, and wouldn't think much of me due to my previously "mediocre" background. But really, I was only able to join the STEM strand this year because of financial difficulties during the lockdowns, so my parents could only afford to put me through the regular sections from grades 8 to 10.

Amongst my specialized program classmates was this girl, who I will call V for anonymity. V (16F) struck me as aloof and reserved at first. Our class seating arrangement dictated that I sit near the window farthest from the door, and V near the room exit, so we were 3 columns and one aisle apart, and had no one-on-one interactions so far due to this.

The entire school year in my school is split into two semesters, two quarters each semester, so four quarters. In Q1, I tried signing up for the strand-exclusive club that was practically a boost for report card grades, the STEM club, and we used printed forms. I filled in my form, and V collected the forms from everyone who signed up to give to the STEM club leader. We waited a week for confirmation of our acceptance (which was our forms being given back with a red stamp and the leader's signature) and everyone except me got them back. I asked V if she received my form. "No, you didn't give me any," she had said. I was denied another form by the leader, who accused me of lying about me having already given the form.

I didn't ask for a rivalry, but I had no choice but to be wary.

In Q2, our Earth Science professor gave us a lab activity and grouped us by random. I ended up in a group with V in it. I actively participated in the activity by helping prepare the materials and answering the guide questions on the activity sheet given by our professor, but I was stumped when it came to a question that required some research. Our professor allowed us to assign someone by group to take the activity sheet home and submit a picture instead when we ran out of time, so I went to my group's chat and asked them to wait for me as I finished the answer for that particular question. It took me an hour or so before I finally got the answer. I gave the answer to my groupmates, but V said that they had already turned it in, confirmed by my other groupmates. I asked them "Why did you hurry the submission? We had plenty of time left to refine and finalize the answers." They didn't reply, and they didn't answer me when I brought it up the next day in person. I went to my professor and explained the situation, even providing screenshots of my group messages as proof, but he didn't believe me. However, he did let me write down my answer to the question I was doing research for.

By then, I suspected V had convinced them to submit the activity sheet without me, and going back to Q1, also got rid of my membership form when she had the opportunity. I think she also might have lied to the professor that I wasn't even participating in the lab activity, and damn if he was gullible enough to fall for it.

Come Q3, this current quarter. Our professor in Literature gave us homework to be submitted in Google Drive. I did mine, converted it into the required file format, and had uploaded it to the Drive folder when I came across V's output. I figured it was time she got what was coming when she ruined my reputation to the teaching staff, so I deleted it. I secured my own folder so nobody but I can edit/delete it, just in case. The next day after that, V had nothing for submission and let's just say took some hits when the professor scolded her, and I have plans to get rid of more of her future outputs since we're relying on online tools for turning in homework.

On one hand, I feel a bit bad for doing that, and in addition I'm also scared I may be caught/traced. But on the other, I felt that it was only fair that she experienced even a fraction of humiliation that I faced during Q1 and Q2.

I dunno, Tumblr, AITA for that, and WIBTA for continuing with my plans?

What are these acronyms?

[bubbles-for-all-of-us]

Hello! First and foremost I want to tell you that I love your stories. You have a special talent for writing, and your stories bring me real comfort.

In all fae stories, the characters are described as very beautiful, but I would be very happy if you could write a story where the reader is described as plain. I was thinking of Helion's mate being described as plain by others, but she being the most beautiful being in his eyes. Thank you!

Thank you for all the sweet words! I hope you will enjoy this!✨🤍

Just the way you are

You always felt different. Not that there was anything wrong with you, at least you hoped not. But you just never felt a part. Growing up with your father being a scribe in one of the day court's libraries meant that you were almost always in between the dusty rolls, barely catching any sun, hands dry and cracked from handling so many papers. It didn't bother you. Not until you started to mature. Feeling weird while out in the city. Catching glances that were far from admiration.

That's when you started to notice that your dress was a dusty gray compared to the most astonishing yellows and blues, and golds that the other females wore. No bouncy curls, no radiant hair color. Your skin didn't look porcelain smooth. Nor were your lips and cheeks stained with an expensive blush, no diamonds and stones shone brightly on your body. Just dull straight hair that was rather in need of a cut. Toned-down features no sharp jaws or pointy noses.

And when the whispers and judgmental laughter started to fill your ears on a daily you grew distant. Opting to live between the library doors. Enjoying the company of the books way more. That's where Helion first saw you too. He had called for his scholars to find him an ancient scroll. And they to his surprise had not been able to satisfy their high lord's desires. But by all means, Helion was convinced that he had found something way more valuable as he stepped down the bottom steps of the library.

Oh, he was hard to leave speechless. Hard to impress. Hard to stagger. Because he'd lived so long. Seen and bedded, and loved, and touched so many different females and males that had long lost count but... Seeing you sat there with a book in your hands, low candlelight illuminating your face... Was he dreaming? Had he fallen down the stairs on his way here and now you were an illusion? How he had lived not knowing that such beauty had been living right under his roof?

And then your eyes shot up at him as Helion accidentally knocked a book from the shelf. Big eyes now looking at him as he watched you moving quickly to get up, bowing in front of him. But all Helion could think was how unimaginably beautiful your naked shoulder looked and how he wanted to run his fingers across your skin. "My lord, apologies. I did not know you would be coming here", your words pulled him out of the trance and he blinked at you. "I assure you there's nothing to apologize for, my lady", Helion's voice was smooth, sending ripples down your back. "I'm no lady, my lord", you giggled while shaking your head, but Helion only shook his head in return, "You are to me".

What happened next was both a blur and a bliss that left you constantly asking yourself why did you even consent to this, knowing well that it would surely leave you heartbroken. Yet the feeling of your fingers tracing Helion's muscles, the way his arms held you, the way he listened to you, the way he made time just for you. It all was so sweet. So much like the books you've read over and over again. You refused to believe that this could be love. Surely, a high lord would want a woman that was of astonishing beauty. Not some brassy library rat.

But all the little parts of yourself you hated Helion loved so much. Everywhere you saw flaws he saw beauty. One that matched no other. One that was so much stronger than the overly stamped stereotyped ladies that filled all the courts. Helion frowned every time you called yourself dull or not as good enough. His palms would cup your face tenderly as he would place loving kisses all over your face, nose, lips, eyes, cheeks you name it, muttering, "Your beauty is like no other, that's what makes you special. That's what makes one of a kind".

Of course, those words put the demons in your head to rest. Shushing them. Drowning out the barking. But... but bad days happened. Days were you felt so small. So small you wanted nothing more but to leave Helion behind and run. Like today when you stood in front of the mirror looking at yourself. The high lord meeting was only a handful of minutes away. Helion wanted you to attend. He counted you as his equal. Even if the relationship was private he wanted you there. Wanted you a part of the important decisions. Wanted others to show you respect. And you appreciated that. This selfless effort to give you power but...

All the high ladies were absolute works of art. You could tell why their partners or mates had chosen them. Knowing that no one would even question their authority or power. Yet it was Lady Autumn that held your attention the longest. She had been Helio's lover. You knew that beforehand and Helion himself had been open about his previous relationship and partners. You valued his honesty but right this moment you wished you could erase that knowledge from your mind.

She was drop-dead gorgeous. Plump figure shaped by the most beautiful sapphire silks. Her breasts nearly burst out of her tight corset. Lushes deep red hair fell down her freckled shoulders. She didn't have to move. Didn't have to speak. Her pose held power. She was true royalty. You watched Helion greeting everyone from a far corner. He hadn't yet been made aware that you had entered the room. And you were glad of it because the moment he took hold of lady Autumn's hand, kissing it softly you felt your heart breaking. "Tell the high lord I wasn't feeling well and won't attend today's meeting", you muttered quickly to one of the guards, brushing away your tears as you hurried up the stairs.

Helion felt your pain shooting through him. His brows scrunched as he quickly excused himself from the conversation he was having. Nor did he needed to hear the guard tell him anything. He knew when he stepped through your shared bedroom door. Finding you curled up on your side. The dress messily shrugged off, he didn't hesitate to climb next to you. You said nothing at first. But since you didn't fight him, Helion wrapped his arms around you, dropping his cape over your exposed body.

"You'll wrinkle your clothes", you muttered, voice raspy from all the crying. "I don't care one bit", Helion admitted, "What I do care about is you, and you, my darling, are not feeling well". Your bottom lip quivered as you gazed up at him. Mother, took her time sculpting him that was a fact.

"Why are you with me?", you breathed out, "And don't give me the sappy stuff. You bedded lady Autumn, I'm a cry for help in comparison to her", you stated, feeling angry at yourself. Helion's face shifted. He was clearly upset. Hurt by your words even. His lips thinned as he looked at you. "I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. Because I've never met anyone who was just as beautiful as their soul. You give lots of love to others but you forget about yourself, my dearest", his fingers brushed away your messy hair, "I loved you from the moment I saw you. You plagued my dreams. You consumed me. Every part of you is beautiful to me and I will not let you talk about yourself poorly", his words were firm. Struck truth as he looked straight at you, making your eyes sting all over again. "I won't let you do that because you are putting the love of my life down. You're hurting my sun. My brightest star. I won't let anyone dull her shine, you included", you draped your arms over Helion's neck as he spoke his last words. Clinging to him yet another wave of tears flowed down your cheeks. "I love you", you muttered, feeling your chest heating with the warm emotions, "There's no one I love more than you, my love", Helion turned his head to softly kiss your temple. Holding you firmly into his embrace.

[bvidzsoo]

Love Me Like A Rockstar (7)

Chapter 7: Figure It Out

Author: bvidzsoo

Pairing: Song Mingi x female reader

Warning: cussing

Word count: 5, 745

Summary: Love. You wanted none of it. You had already been heartbroken very badly once, you didn't wish to go through that ever again. But the Universe works in intricate ways and, somehow, you found yourself webbed up in a local rockstar's life, Song Mingi. He was everything you expected him to be, yet nothing like you imagined him he would be. What happens when you find mutual understanding and have heartful conversations? Will he be able to break down your walls? Will you be able to chase away his darkness?

A/N: Hey, lovelies! I'm back with another chapter, sorry for the longer wait, but I had to finish a veeery lengthy oneshot (you can check it out if you want, it's another Mingi one and it's part of my pirate series). I really liked this chapter, it isn't very charged with action, but I think we can finally see the progress in their relationship (or maybe it's just me haha). You know the jist, but please listen to this chapter's song Figure It Out before or while reading the chapter! Let me know your thoughts, and I hope you enjoy and have a nice rest of the week! <3

Taglist: @orshii @or5i @lovely-red2 @scarfac3 @sunaswifes-blog @voicesinmyhead-rc @teez-the-time @maru-matt @kyeos4ng @deathbyyeekies @chicksmoothie @mjlbn01 @xhexy @sharksandminhos

⟨Series M.list ↭ Previous Chapter⟩

♫Playlist♫

『Nothing here to see

Just a kid like me

Trying to cut some teeth

Trying to figure it out』

            Mingi’s studio wasn’t so big compared to how it appeared from the outside. But it felt cozy and rather homey with a few polaroid photos stamped up on the wall above a small dark green couch, which had a dozen of colored pillows, and a yellow blanket thrown haphazardly on it. I slipped the straps of my backpack off my shoulders and placed it by the couch, clearing my throat, feeling a bit awkward as I disregarded my jacket, and placed it next to Mingi’s on the sofa. There was a small window, but blinds were covering it, and the lights were rather dim as I turned to face Mingi. He was grinning, hands gripped together in front of himself, and I raised an eyebrow at him.

“Well, what do you think?” He asked as he gestured around, and I chuckled, letting my eyes roam around for a second time. His desk was long and seemed rather organized, a few notebooks opened and pens littered around it. His whole setup took up a lot of space, but you still had enough to be able to write comfortably. He had yellow little notes scattered all around his wall in front of his desk, and for some reason I found that adorable. Mingi tended to be forgetful, it wasn’t a surprise that he’d have to jot down his thoughts quickly while working on his songs.

“It’s cool,” I muttered with a shrug, pushing my hands in the pockets of my jeans, “I’ve never been inside a studio before.”

“Glad to be your first.” My eyes narrowed at Mingi’s words, and judging based on the cheeky smile on his face, he knew what he was doing. I huffed and rolled my eyes, feeling a little weird being cooped up in a small space, alone with Mingi. We’ve never really been on our own before, despite texting and talking at university as well, I couldn’t help but feel a little bit awkward still. It’s like the feeling never truly went away, but maybe it was just me as Mingi seemed rather relaxed and nonchalant. I cleared my throat when Mingi didn’t say anything else, suddenly a question pressing on my tongue.

“Uh, have you had lunch today?” I asked as I shuffled on my two feet, Mingi’s eyebrows furrowing in an almost adorable manner. And as if on cue, his stomach growled loudly, making me chuckle as I shook my head at him, “I’ll take that as a no, then.”

“Yeah, I didn’t get the chance.” He sighed, pouting, “I kinda overlooked the date of the deadline and now I really can’t afford wasting any more time.”

“Then why would you drive me home? Isn’t that wasting your time?” I asked as I went to retrieve my bag. I had bought some butter croissants this morning that I never got to eat as I had a smaller stomachache, to which the cure was a good, warm, soup. If I ate these croissants, it would’ve only upset my stomach more.

“It’s raining.” As if that was reasoning enough, but I stayed silent as I unzipped my backpack and dug into it, looking for the plastic bag, “And to be fair, I kind of need a break. I feel like I’m slowly losing my mind.”

“I thought you didn’t have a mind.” I teased with a pointed look, making Mingi roll his eyes as I finally found the plastic bag and grabbed it out of my backpack before I lowered it back onto the floor, “Here, eat these.”

Mingi’s eyes widened in surprise and he seemed reluctant for a second, “Just take it, I won’t eat them and I’d rather you eat it then I throw it away later.”

“Aw,” Mingi cooed as he took a few steps to come closer, batting his eyelashes at me in a cringe worthy manner, “Did you buy this specifically for me?”

“I bought them for myself, did you not hear what I said?” I deadpanned, and whiskey my hand away when Mingi went to grab the plastic bag. He quirked an eyebrow and I gave him a long stare, slightly glaring, “I wouldn’t waste my little money on you, you’re not special.”

“In that case, I don’t want it.” Mingi’s face slipped into a neutral mask, and I gulped, suddenly regretting my words. Perhaps I was being too harsh with him when he was always rather nice to me. I cleared my throat and grabbed his hand, ignoring the warmness of it, and pressed the plastic bag into his palm.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.” I muttered and quickly released Mingi’s hand, looking off to the side as Mingi tried to fight off the smile on his face, looking rather pleased with himself.

“You’ve been making progress.” He grinned, as he opened the plastic bag and grabbed a butter croissant out of it. My eyebrows furrowed as I watched him take a big bite, smiling in bliss as he quickly chewed the food in his mouth, basically inhaling the pastry in mere seconds, making me rather amused.

“What are you talking about?”

“You recognize when you make a mistake, and you apologize for it.” Mingi said through a mouth full of croissant, and I grimaced at his antics. He wiped at his mouth with the back of his hand and balled up the plastic bag, aiming for the trash can which was next to the door, just a few feet away from it. He made a show of throwing it, only for it to land on the floor merely two steps away from us. I snorted in amusement as Mingi cleared his throat, flashing me a small embarrassed smile, “Anyways, I want to show you something.”

“Won’t you pick it up?” I raised an eyebrow as Mingi ignored my question and grabbed my right wrist, dragging me towards his desk, “And don’t get too used to my apologies. I know you’re only pretending to be mad at me, so I’ll stop being apologetic.”

“I’m not pretending,” Mingi huffed, throwing a quick glance at me as we reached his desk, and he reached for a chair pushed off to the side, “You have a special way with your words and you always manage to hurt my feelings somehow.”

“You’re just too sensitive.” I quickly snapped, defensive for no reason. Or maybe not for no reason, but because I knew he was right. I couldn’t help myself. I might’ve started growing more accustomed to having Mingi in my life, in a very friendship sort of way, but I still couldn’t help but have my doubts about him. I could never know. He was Yunho’s best friend after all, and whoever associated themselves with that man, wasn’t the best kind. And I know judging Mingi based on who he’s friends with is rather wrong, but it only felt right as of now. We didn’t know each other too well yet.

“I’ve been told so before,” Mingi gently pushed me in the chair he had fetched for me, pulling his own chair behind himself to take his seat, “Yunho always says despite my tough exterior I have a rather soft heart, easily harmed. Hence why I cried a lot as a child—”

“You were a crybaby?” I asked with a chuckle, watching Mingi amused as he huffed, leaning back in his chair, looking as if he regretted admitting that.

“Of course you’d make fun of me for that,” He rolled his eyes before he leaned forward, pulling his chair closer to the desk, grabbing his mouse, “But yes, I still cry.”

“A lot?” I teased, biting my lower lip when Mingi gave me a pointed stare.

“Says the one who looked like a kicked puppy abandoned by the curb when I found you at the restaurant.” Mingi muttered under his breath as he turned his computer on, clicking through various folders rather quickly. I scoffed and crossed my arms in front of my chest, narrowing my eyes at him.

“You didn’t find me there, we just happened to be at the same place.” I corrected him, “Much to my dismay.”

“Yeah, right,” Mingi scoffed, pulling up a file of various recordings on his computer screen, “if I remember correctly, you were rather grateful that I drove you home that night.”

“You kept insisting.” I pressed, giving Mingi a look when he turned his head to look at me.

“You must always have the last word, don’t you?” He raised an eyebrow, not looking too impressed, “Even through texts.”

『Nothing better to do

When I'm stuck on you

And still I'm in here

Trying to figure it out』

I just shrugged and remained silent, not admitting to his correct observation. Mingi just shook his head with a quiet tsk and then went and unplugged his headphones from the computer. He licked his lips and grabbed his glasses off the desk, pressing them up on his long nose, ruffling his black fluffy hair. He seemed to be a bit nervous as he swiveled his chair around to face me, interlacing his fingers in front of himself as he rested his arms on the armrests of the chair.

“So, uh, this isn’t finished yet,” Mingi spoke up, chuckling almost awkwardly, “it’s just a sample, still raw and shit. I started working on the track this week, but I’ve been writing the lyrics for a few weeks now. Found some inspiration for it quite recently, actually.”

“Why’s that?” I found myself asking curiously, glancing at the screen of his computer before looking back at him.

“Well, just…reasons.” Mingi was evasive as he averted his eyes, but I didn’t press the matter as he clearly looked like he didn’t want to talk about it. So, I just hummed and nodded my head in understanding, waiting patiently for him to speak up again.

“Anyways,” He cleared his throat and clapped his hands, turning back to face his computer, “you’ll be the first one to hear it. And don’t laugh, like I said, it’s far from being perfect.”

“I would never laugh, Mingi.” I said seriously as my eyebrows furrowed, making Mingi glance back at me. He studied my face for a second before he nodded once, ruffling his bangs quickly as he pressed start on the player. The song started out as a steady beat accompanied by the guitar playing softly, the melody rather comforting. It was a delicate way of easing you into the song, and as it flew naturally, Mingi’s voice suddenly made an appearance, his rasp not as noticeable as normally as his vocals were soft, completely in tune with the music and the beat.

“My head is haunting me, and my heart feels like a ghost/I need to feel something 'cause I'm still so far from home/Cross your heart and hope to die/Promise me you'll never leave my side.” I gulped as I leaned back in the chair, eyes fixated on the big screen of Mingi’s computer, soaking in the words, trying to be less aware of Mingi sitting next to me, trying to ignore my unsteady heartbeat.

“Show me what I can't see when the spark in my eyes is gone/You got me on my knees, I'm your one-man cult.” Mingi’s leg was bouncing up and down rapidly, his lower lip between his teeth as his eyes were fixed onto the screen of his computer, something suddenly dropping in the pit of my stomach as I took a glance at him from the corner of my eyes, “Cross my heart and hope to die/Promise you I'll never leave your side.”

I gulped as my fingers wrung together, lightly bobbing my head to the steady rhythm of the song, enjoying the instrumental as I drunk in Mingi’s words, his deep voice warm and pleasant to listen to, feeling goosebumps erupt on my arms, underneath my long sleeves.

“'Cause I'm telling you, you're all I need/I promise you, you're all I see.” I took a peek in Mingi’s direction as was slightly startled to find him watching me, his eyes trained on me intently. His eyebrows were very lightly furrowed as his right hand was fisted, and he sniffed loudly, holding eye contact as the next words flew smoothly against the melody, my cheeks suddenly flushed for no reason, “'Cause I'm telling you, you're all I need/I'll never leave.”

The melody was light, instrumental smooth as Mingi’s voice almost faded with the next words, that is until the drums kicked up and the beat became heavier, Mingi’s strong voice easily accompanying the instruments, rasp harsh as Mingi’s voice audibly shook with emotions poured into the song, “So, you can drag me through hell/If it meant I could hold your hand/I will follow you, 'cause I'm under your spell/And you can throw me to the flames/I will follow you, I will follow you.”

And just as I blinked, the music stopped as Mingi hit the pause button, clearing his throat loudly as he rubbed at his chin, averting his eyes as I noticed a deep flush on his face. He swiveled his chair a little towards the desk, angling his body away from mine, “Uh, like I said, it’s still raw, so it’s not that good. I recorded the first two verses like yesterday, and was playing around with the chorus before I noticed you…yeah.”

I couldn’t help but smile softly as I looked at his profile, meanwhile Mingi quickly closed the folders he had open, “Mingi, it’s…like, really good. I have no idea what standards music majors and your professors have, but to my painter ears this is…a masterpiece or something.”

Mingi froze for a second, eyes wide when he faced me again, “Really? You think so?”

“Of course!” I exclaimed with a huff, growing embarrassed as Mingi continued to look at me with a surprised expression on his face. Perhaps I really should stop teasing and playfully insulting him so much, what if he doesn’t believe my compliments when I’m being genuine?

“I’m glad.” Mingi suddenly muttered, a soft smile settling on his lips before he chuckled, turning his head away, “I’ve have to finish the chorus and then we can go, is that good with you?”

“Sure,” I smiled, grabbing my phone from my pocket as Mingi went and plucked the headphones back into the computer, throwing it around his neck, “Take your time.”

『Getting hard to sleep

Blood is in my dreams

Love is killing me

Trying to figure it out』

He hummed and then put on the headphones, clicking away on his computer as the music file opened again, and I could hear the soft melody quietly slither through the headphones. I found myself looking at Mingi a second too long before I snapped out of it, clearing my throat as I unlocked my phone and looked down at it, checking for any unread messages. As expected, there was nothing from my mother as she preferred calling even for the smallest things. From Seulgi there was also nothing as she was on a date with Wooyoung, probably too preoccupied by each other to pay attention to anything else around them. I could only hope they would finally make things official, their feelings way too obvious to be beating around the bush for any longer. They were rather cute, but also extremely annoying. I’d rather prefer Seulgi gush to me about Wooyoung as her boyfriend, than the guy she just has a massive crush on, repeating the same things over and over again, completely ignoring the advice I give her.

As there was nobody else I would be texting, other than Mingi, I clicked out of the app and absentmindedly opened Instagram, scrolling through my feed, sighing quietly. There was a light tapping sound coming from Mingi’s direction, and I looked up to see him hitting his pen against the table rhythmically, following the beat of the song, probably. There were a few new words jotted down in his notebook, the page looking like a mess of jumble to me, but probably to Mingi it was quite organized, and clear what he had scribbled down there. I looked back down at my phone, smiling as cute puppy videos popped up in my recommended, watching the video until the end before I left a like on it, scrolling past it. There were a few other posts from my acquittances from my uni classes, and I liked them all as I sighed, realizing a little get-away sounded rather nice now that I saw pictures of people traveling. I scrolled some more down, and froze for a second as Yunho’s familiar username popped up, three pictures posted one after another. There was one of two coffee cups placed on a small round table, with the view over the city in the background. The second picture was of the sunset, the sky purple and pink. And then the third one was of two intertwined hands, and I didn’t fail to notice the tag on the picture. It was probably that new girl, but I found myself not wanting to actually check, to actually confirm that it was her. I sighed, eyes lingering on the last photo, yet quickly realized, rather startled, that I didn’t feel as bitter about as I once used to. It didn’t make me react as badly like the first time I had seen his story with his new girlfriend, and my eyebrows furrowed as I ruminated on the feeling, taking my lower lip between my teeth. Yes, I still felt rather bitter about it, but it left me rather…cold? Unimpressed, maybe? Unphased, even? My eyebrows furrowed further more at the sudden confusion of my feelings, and I went to scroll again, when a username down at the comments caught my eyes.

minkiprncess: u never invite me out on coffee dates, im jealous

YuYu🌻: i thought u liked picnic dates more?

I quickly shut the app off and cleared my throat, finding my eyes glued to Mingi instantly. Seeing him talk like that to Yunho…was strange, but certainly not unexpected. They’ve been best friends since kindergarten. Their bond ran deep, and the way Yunho would often gush about Mingi, it only seemed right to see those words typed out by Mingi. But I still couldn’t quite wrap my mind around their friendship, and how it worked, since Mingi seemed to be…quite genuine as days went by. I hated to admit it, but he really wasn’t as bad as I had thought at first. Perhaps I was prejudiced, but it felt too soon to let my guard down, to truly open up and let him in like I once had done with Yunho. That was a mistake, and I was scared of committing the same mistake twice. With my eyes on Mingi, and seeing as he was rather occupied at the moment, I allowed myself the luxury to truly look at him, to take him in as he was. His profile was pretty as his black hair fell over his forehead in soft waves, definitely not styled, as I had seen Mingi run his fingers through it numerous times since I had arrived. His brow bone was rather defined and it came more forward, his brows thick and dark, seemingly a perfect fit for his features. His nose was tall and long, the bridge straight and almost perfect, probably leaving many jealous for not having a nose like his. His glasses framed his face, and they were once again slipping down his nose, but Mingi made no sign of wanting to fix that, of pushing them up as you were supposed to wear them. The distance between his upper lip and nose wasn’t too big, even from the side, his cherry red lips were plump and had a rather pretty shape, forcing me to swiftly try and look down at my own lips, wondering why a guy had better and prettier lips than a woman. I followed the sharp line of his jaw, chin not too forward, perfectly aligned with his nose, his well-defined cheekbones visible even from the side. My eyes lingered on the small mole on his jaw, way too familiar with its placement already as I had drawn it numerous times in my portraits of Mingi. I gulped and subconsciously licked my lips as my eyes ventured further, slipping down his exposed neck, his tan skin soft looking in the dim lights, his characteristic silver necklaces hanging around the base of his neck. Mingi sighed loudly and I looked at his face alarmed, thinking that I had been caught, but his eyebrows were furrowed as he took the pen he held in his hand between his white teeth, biting down on it as he looked frustrated. I had noticed before already, but his front teeth were slightly more ahead, protruding a little, and I couldn’t help but chuckle quietly, finding this trait rather…adorable. Not wanting to linger too much on that thoughts, my eyes found themselves fixated on Mingi’s fingers, and I frowned upon just realizing something.

『I'll let it go 'cause I won't see you later

And we're not allowed to talk it out

I said I'd go, put myself on show

But I'm still trying to figure it out』

His nails were painted black, with rather abstract looking designs, and as I squinted, absentmindedly leaning forward in my chair to catch a better glimpse at his middle finger, I could read the words, fix on, painted on it. My eyebrows furrowed as it made me wonder whatever that meant, and I decided to ask Mingi about it later if given the chance. I allowed my eyes to linger on his nails longer, gulping as I noticed almost each long finger of his was decorated by a ring. I wasn’t foreign to his rings, I have noticed that Mingi loved wearing rings, and the one on his middle finger, with the big red gemstone seemed to always catch my attention. I hummed silently, taking my sweet time to closely analyze each one of his rings, noting which were new, to me, as I haven’t seen them on him before, and which were the ones he wore almost daily. He seemed to have two silver ones that he never failed to leave at home, both littered with small stones, prettily shining under the sunlight each time. Mingi’s fingers flexed for a second, tightening around the pen he was holding, and I watched as he started tapping the table, a low humming sound coming from his lips. I blinked as I realized what I had been doing, memorizing every bend of his fingers, every line and any scar decorating it, storing their shape and length deep in my mind for the time when I would have to recall it in order to draw his hands. In the process of all this, I couldn’t help but also notice that his hands seemed rather big, they would probably engulf mine nicely. The thought made me lightly flush as I remembered us holding hands in his car after we shared some personal stuff, and I shook my head lightly, trying to get rid of the memory. There was a light shuffle as Mingi cleared his throat, making me very slowly drag my eyes up, until they fell on his face. More particularly on his sharp and small eyes, which were on me, his eyebrows raised curiously as a smug smile seemed to be plastered on his lips. Fuck. I would’ve face palmed myself if it wasn’t for Mingi watching me, so, instead, I tried to flash him my best poker face while I totally, and absolutely, flushed red in embarrassment.

“Were you…” Mingi pursed his lips, narrowing his eyes playfully, “checking me out?”

“Like hell I was.” I snapped with a loud huff, definitely way too fast.

“Oh, you weren’t?” Mingi feigned confusion, “But—damn, then I must be mistaken. You certainly weren’t like…totally ogling my face and then salivating after my hands, right?”

As if to prove a point, he wriggled his fingers, making me clench my jaw as I forced a pathetic excuse of a laugh out of myself, giving him an unimpressed expression, “I wasn’t checking you out nor any of those things you just said—”

“Are you like, really sure?” Mingi huffed, tapping his lips in an annoying manner, “Because now you’re making me feel crazy—”

“Oh my God,” I exclaimed exasperated, eyes widening as I huffed at Mingi, “fine, I was looking at your hands, but before it gets to your head, bro, I just simply think guys painting their nails is hot, okay?”

There was a long pause, Mingi’s eyes boring into mine as a smirk made its way on his lips, looking all smug and pleased with himself, “So…”

I gulped nervously as he suddenly pushed his chair slightly back, and started leaning in towards me, the look taunting on his face, “You think I’m hot?”

“Not you.” I snapped, glaring at him, “That’s not what I said—”

“But you indirectly admitted that I’m hot—”

“No, Mingi. I didn’t admit anything, God, this is why I don’t talk to you.” I huffed and pushed my chair back, feeling uncomfortable as he was siting so close to me, making me gulp nervously. I quickly stood from my chair and went to walk to get my backpack, but Mingi quickly reached out and grabbed my wrist.

“Where are you going?” He asked, smugness and smirk gone from his face. I rolled my eyes at him, but didn’t pull my wrist out of his grip.

“Home, obviously.” I huffed, and Mingi very gently pushed me back towards the chair, making me sit in it.

“Let me finish this up, and we’re leaving.” He quickly turned and went back to clicking away on his computer, pursing his lips as with his left hand he closed his notebook, throwing the pen absentmindedly on his desk. I rolled my eyes and crossed my arms in front of my chest, but didn’t say anything else, waiting for him to do whatever he needed to do before we would finally leave. Some fresh air would certainly serve well for a wakeup call.

            The light drizzle had turned into rain after we’ve reached Mingi’s car and waited for the engine to warm up a bit. Mingi wasn’t as embarrassed about it as last time, and I found myself feeling the need to reassure him that I didn’t give a shit whether his car was a fucking rocket or a simple carriage, as long as it was safe to drive and shielded us from the rain. Perhaps it was one of the very few times when I heard Mingi’s rich laughter, his head thrown back against the headrest and mouth wide open as he repeatedly hit the wheel, prompting me to match his laughter until my stomach hurt and I had to ask him to stop, unable to breathe anymore as tears sprung into my eyes. The radio was playing softly in the background, neither of us actually paying attention to it as Mingi had asked about my art class, inquiring about the painting I was currently working on. I briefed him about it as we had taken off, the rain making it rather hard to see well, but Mingi was a careful driver and he didn’t speed at all, being extra careful as the wipers of the car were placed on the fastest setup, the rain hitting the car loudly, making us raise our voices in order to be able to hear each other well.

“I assume you know Wooyoung and Seulgi are on a date.” Mingi spoke up as we had stopped at a red light, people running as they crossed the road, umbrellas doing almost nothing to shield them from the harsh rain anymore.

“Yeah, I hope they chose to go somewhere indoors, this rain is merciless.” Mingi chuckled, but nodded his head in agreement, leaning his head against the headrest. The cars in the lane to our left took off, their traffic light having turned green.

“Wooyoung mentioned about them going to the cinema, or at least that’s what he had in mind two days ago.” Mingi explained, shifting into first gear as the light turned green for us.

“Seulgi said something about a new place opening up where you could paint pottery while enjoying their delicacies.” I said in thought, wondering which one they have chosen.

“We should go there sometime,” Mingi took a right turn, mindful of the pedestrians and the huge puddles on the side of the road, “just the two of us.”

I hummed, thinking about it for a second before I looked at Mingi, “Sure.”

“Sure? Did you just say sure?” Mingi’s voice slightly raised and I chuckled, raising an eyebrow.

“Yes, I said sure.” I repeated, Mingi’s mouth falling open.

“Did you just agree to going out with me?!” Mingi almost exclaimed, making me snort as I looked away, focusing on the road ahead.

“You didn’t ask me out.” I corrected.

“But I still could.” Mingi quickly said, making me shake my head with a small smile.

“Anyways, I hope Wooyoung makes his move soon.” I sighed, rubbing my forehead tiredly, “I’ve had enough of listening to Seulgi whine about how much she’s into him, but is confused of what Wooyoung wants.”

Mingi chuckled as he took a left turn, driving off the main road, barely three blocks away from my neighborhood, “Good to know I was right.”

I looked at him again curiously, and he quickly explained himself, “I’ve been telling Wooyoung she was into him, but he never believed me. He did say he’d ask her out today, but knowing Wooyoung…he might chicken out, again.”

I chuckled, amused by these two idiots, “Well, knowing Seulgi, she won’t chicken out. She also planned on asking Wooyoung out today.”

Mingi laughed, turning left, slowing down as he drove down my street, looking for my house closely. I smiled subconsciously and undid my seatbelt, planning to help him out by pointing my house out to him, but I didn’t have to. He was quick to come to a stop in front of it, placing the gear in neutral. He turned his head and looked at me, smiling, “Arrived.”

“Yeah.” I whispered and grabbed my backpack, looking out the window, eyebrows furrowing at the sudden downpour, the car’s windshield wiper good for nothing at this point, “Damn, why is it raining so hard?”

“I hate it.” Mingi whined as he looked ahead too, lips jutting out in a pout, “I can’t even drive home now.”

“Yeah, you shouldn’t.” I agreed as my eyebrows furrowed, “It’s not safe at all.”

“Yeah,” Mingi sighed and turned the engine off, undoing his seatbelt, “I’ll just wait for it to settle down, and then I’ll drive home.”

“Yeah, you should do that.” I agreed, looking at him, the rain hitting the roof of Mingi’s old Honda Prelude loud, “And text me when you get home, so that I know you’re safe.”

Mingi’s cheeks flushed, but just ever so slightly, and my eyes widened as he tried to avoid eye contact the more persistent I became, “Yeah, uh, I will. Promise I won’t forget this time.”

“You better,” I chuckled, rolling my eyes remembering all the times he would forget to text me that he had gotten to his destination safely, “I’m going now.”

“Okay.” Mingi’s head turned and we made eye contact for a second, before I offered him a small smile and pushed the door open, springing out of his car. It didn’t even take a minute for me to be completely drenched by the rainwater as I very quickly slammed Mingi’s door shut, gasping as my clothes got instantly soaked, hair sticking to my head. I turned and took off towards my house, running, but realizing it didn’t matter since I was already soaked. Well, so much for Mingi driving me home to save me from the freezing cold downpour. As I reached the middle of the driveway, I dared to take a peek at the sky, realizing that the almost black clouds looked menacing, and God knows when they’d pass, when the rain would stop. I stopped and turned, looking towards Mingi’s car as I bit my lower lip, having to blink my eyes fast to be able to see something. No car was driving down the roads anymore, no person out on the streets. What if the rain wouldn’t stop at all? It’s happened before, not even once. Would Mingi stay out in the car? He wouldn’t be able to leave if that were the case. Taking a deep breath, I made my decision as I raced back to his car, yanking the door open as I leaned down, Mingi’s wide eyes falling on my soaked form.

“Come inside, who knows when it’ll stop raining.” I called out loudly over the sound of the rain and the sudden rumble of the sky, making me shiver. I hated the thunder perhaps more than the flashing lightning. Mingi opened his mouth, probably to refuse my offer, but I didn’t leave room for him to argue, “Come on!”

And as I slammed the door shut again, he was out of the car in a second, closing his own door and locking his car quite clumsily, exclaiming as he got soaked in seconds, just like myself. I laughed as I took off towards the house, Mingi racing after me, giggling loudly as we reached the front steps of the porch, both shivering as I struggled to grab my keys out of my pocket.

“Oh my God, this sucks!” Mingi exclaimed just as another thunder shook the ground, and I jumped, throwing a glare towards the sky. Mingi saw it and chuckled, urging me to unlock the door, “Doll, I’m freezing my ass off, please open the door!”

“Who’s the drenched puppy kicked to the curb now, huh?” I asked with a teasing grin as I unlocked the front door, pushing it open. Mingi chuckled and rolled his eyes, but not before playfully pushing me forward, urging me on to step inside the house first.

We could only hope the downpour would stop soon enough.

❱❱ Next chapter

[ghouljams]

Ghoul I could read your posts abt omegaverse all day holy shit can I give you a forehead kiss

I'm stress baking because of it lol

I think heat/rut are just different terms for the same thing. It's just the high point of a person's hormone cycle. Heat and Rut are just gendered terms for it, men go through a rut and women go through a heat, or alphas go through rut and omegas go through heat idc. It doesn't matter really everyone just uses whatever they're comfortable with. I called omega!Ghost's shit a heat, but he'd probably call it a rut. I see it as a three times a year thing, four months between each cycle peak, and that's the best time to get pregnant but it can also happen any time during the cycle.

Also because people keep saying the same thing in my ask box: it's not mad dog horny must have sex time. It's just the height of the cycle, it's when they're most fertile, everyone reacts to it differently. Ghost gets aggressive during his heats, the best way to burn off the excess energy has been sparring in the past, but now that he has a sexual partner the best way to burn it off is with sex. In contrast I think alpha!Goose has a miserable heat cycle with cramps, migraines, and lots of irritability and anxiety. Sex helps the same way sex during your period would help, it releases endorphins to cover the pain.

Like I said in multiple other asks everyone gets heats/ruts no matter where they are on the spectrum. It's just the natural human reproductive cycle. It's bad for some people, easy for others, some people find it fun with a partner, other people need a partner there just to keep them alive through the vomiting and cramps.

Also again as I said in a different ask, I think endotypes have become more complex as humanity and medical scie ce has evolved. Originally people were just looking for stereotypes, "Oh this person is sort of domineering and anxious they must be an alpha, and that person is rather eager to jump into fights they're probably an omega" but because human personalities are so variable most people were just people. It was really only when folks started being able to test for hormone markers that suddenly there were a ton more alphas and omegas than first thought! Now you get a neat little designation on your driver's license next to your organ donor stamp! How cool! There are still stereotypes of course, (you know an omega will never start a fight, but they will finish one) but there are stereotypes about everyone and most people ignore them.

In my ideal little world the omegaverse has very little gender discrimination because it's just too much to keep track of. I mean think about it: you think alphas are really cool, but you don't like women, OK so now you're having trouble hiring a female alpha, then you're like no I want men and no omegas, OK but there's a bunch of omega men applying and. You get the gist. It just is too much to keep track of all that.

[startrekfangirl2233-writes]

I Vow

Part 5 of You Play Stupid Games, You Win Stupid Prizes

Jake ‘Hangman’ Seresin x Reader, Past! Bradley ‘Rooster’ Bradshaw x Reader

Description: A year long engagement wasn't in the cards for you at all. But when the US Navy calls, your fiancé had to answer the call. So for most of your engagement, you've been planning the wedding with Jake signing off on the wedding via video calls and phone calls snuck in moments between hops. It's draining on you. Even with your mom and Maria Seresin taking the reins, all you want is Jake by your side at the end of the day. When Jake suggests eloping the day after he gets back, you get a fantastic idea. Having a wedding in Maverick's hangar with all of your favorite people there. The only trick? Making it a surprise for Jake.

Disclaimer: Female!Reader

Warnings: None! This chapter is sweet and fluffy!

The content presented in this story is for audiences age 18 and over only. MINORS DNI. I will not be accepting taglist requests from Blank or Ageless Blogs for this story.I do my best to portray adult relationships in this fic. Please do not interact with this story if you feel you are not ready to read about these themes.

Word Count: 4815

A/N: I can't believe it, but this is the last official chapter of YPSGYWSP! My first series, almost over! You'll excuse me if you hear some sobbing in the background as you read this chapter, right? We'll have an epilogue for Jake and Bitsie, so look out for that in the upcoming weeks! The bold and italicized parts are lyrics from the song Steal The Show by Lauv. Kudos to @mayhemmanaged for introducing the song to me! I love you all, and thanks so much for reading this story as I write it! - XOXO Star

AO3: Cross-posted here!

My Masterlist

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"Bitsie, can you hear me?" Just the sound of Jake's voice makes you smile, grainy and choppy as it is. He's been deployed for nearly a year and you miss him so much that it feels like you're walking around with a missing limb.

"Yeah, Jakey. I can hear you. How are you, my darling? I miss you so much." You're so happy to hear from him that just hearing his voice soothes fears you only just seem to uncover every time you hear his voice.

"I'm alright, my Bitsie-girl. Tired all the time because apparently I can't sleep anymore unless you're in my bed. And I miss you too, sweetheart. So much. I'm sorry I left you to the mercy of my mom and sister while you're planning this wedding." He really does sound exhausted, his voice raspy in a way that makes you feel so fond.

"Don't apologize, Jakey! Your mom and Brianna have been amazing. Honestly, they've taken all of the planning out of my hands once I told them what I - what we - wanted. When my mom joined in, I really didn't have to do anything at all, other than stamp my seal of approval over everything." His love warms you from head to toe and is so apparent even just over the phone.

"Mmmm… God, I miss being able to see your pretty smile, baby girl." You can see the smile on his face and the look in his green eyes with every word he speaks.

"I miss you too, Jake. Home doesn't feel like home without you in it." 

It really doesn't. Your life feels empty without him in it.

"I really wish I hadn't been selected for this mission so soon after we got engaged. But, it's the Navy."

"It's the Navy." You blurt out in unison with him, gasping the minute you realized what you said. His quiet laughter sets you off until you're giggling giddily while lying in bed.

"I know our families have been making all of these plans, but I have a suggestion." You're intrigued despite yourself, because while you'd made plans for your wedding, all you really need for it to be the best day is Jake by your side. 

"What if we get married the day after I land? You grab Mara, I'll grab Javy and Mickey and his family and we run off to City Hall and get hitched. Cause Bitsie, baby, I can't wait another minute longer to call you my wife."

The more you think about it, the more you adore this idea. Jake is all you need.

"But won't you miss having your Mama there, Jakey?"

"Of course I will, sweetheart. She raised Brie and me all by herself while running a farm. But I don't want to wait a single minute longer. I just want to marry you, Bitsie baby." Just as you open your mouth to respond, you hear the beep indicating that your time is up.

"I love you, Jake."

"I love you, Bitsie. Goodnight, baby doll. Sleep tight."

When you hear the dial tone, you hang up, letting your phone drop down onto the sheets beside you. For all of the rumors about Jake, you know he loves his mom and sister. It doesn’t feel fair that you’ll be robbing the chance to celebrate with his family from him. Your own parents aren’t likely to be thrilled either. They love Jake and how happy he makes you. What if you plan to have the ceremony on the beach? Invite only your immediate family and your closest friends and have one of the admirals officiate?

You never thought your parents or Jake’s mom would latch onto the idea as well as they have, but they adore the idea. Before you can blink, it’s the day before Jake’s due to come home and you’re scrambling to make sure everything’s ready. You’ve called all of his squadron and Javy and made sure they all know the plan for the day after they get back. You’ve also found hotel rooms for your parents and Jake’s mom and Brianna. Everything is ready. All you’re missing for your wedding is your groom.

You wake up on the morning Jake’s due to come back to a voicemail. “Hey beautiful. I’m sorry, but it looks like we’ll be coming home a bit later than expected. There are storms which are slowing our progress. Everything’s alright. I miss you so much, baby and I’ll see you soon. I love you, my Bitsie-girl. Next time I see you, I’m marrying you.”

It’s with a heavy heart that you call your family and Jake’s informing them of the unforeseen delay. You head into work that day, vowing to keep your days off for your honeymoon, something else that you’ve planned extensively with flexible rescheduling policies. Everybody is more than a little surprised to see you, especially since it seems like everyone on base knows what you and Jake have planned. Admiral Simpson even pulls you aside, asking if everything is okay and that he is pulling all the strings to make sure Jake gets home to you as soon as possible.

His gruff concern makes you feel weepy, sad, and sorry for yourself,  so much so that you’re brushing away tears as you join Mara in your lab on base. Thankfully she keeps the conversation light and about the work you’re doing rather than focusing on Jake’s absence from your life. That’s how your day goes. It feels like time is passing by in a trickle and the worry deep in your gut feels more and more like a tempest in your gut. But somehow you managed to push the thoughts away, immersing yourself in your work. The day passes in a haze and you’re startled out of your meditative state to the feeling of someone patting your arm to get your attention. You push away from your desk and stretch, relishing in the pull of tight muscles that have been locked in the same position for far too long. 

“Yeah, Mar?” Your voice is garbled around a yawn as you turn around.

Mara hasn’t been shaking your arm at all. It’s Jake!

“Jake?” Your eyes widen in surprise, disbelief coloring your tone at the sight of him standing in your lab when you were least expecting him.

“Yeah, sweetheart. It’s me. Even a storm couldn’t keep me away from you.” You launch yourself into his arms before he even finishes speaking, kissing his smiling lips and sobbing into his shoulder.

“Jake! I missed you so much. How are you?” You’re babbling even as you’re examining everything about him. Other than the exhaustion on his face, and a few new lines he looks just like you remember him.

“I’m fine, Bitsie. Breathe.” His eyes twinkle in the waning sunlight as he tugs you close and kisses you, sweet and slow. Your arms rise to wrap around his neck unbidden even as your fingers grasp his curls tenderly. You’re breathless and weak-kneed when he pulls away and he knows it too, if the smirk on his gorgeous golden face is any indicator.

“Take me home, beautiful.” You’re only too eager to comply, shoving your files and laptop into your bag in such a hurry that Mara is laughing at you the entire time. Jake’s hand feels so good in yours that you feel like you’re dreaming the entire walk to the parking lot. You’re so thankful you have Jake’s truck on base because you can chuck his bag into the backseat and kiss him until your lips are spit slicked and red and all you can smell are the faded notes of his cologne and jet fuel.

“Home, baby. I want to feel you on my skin after so long without you.” You’re surprised you don’t break any speed limits on the way home, what with Jake’s hand on your thigh and the way it brushes closer and closer to the seam of your leg. You’re keyed up and nearly panting when you get home. It’s a huge deal that you manage to text Brianna and your mom to tell them Jake’s home, because that’s all the contact you have with your family and Jake’s until the next morning. 

Jake wakes you up the following morning with a cup of coffee and a huge smile on his face.

“Wake up, Bitsie baby.” You love that he’s a morning person, truly you do, but you maybe love it a little more when he hasn’t kept you up until 3 AM the night before.

“We’re getting married today!” Your eyes jolt open at his words, because for this, you’re just as excited as he is. Your wide smile matches his even as you snuggle into his side with your coffee in hand.

“I can’t wait, Jake.” Your voice is sleep-rough and soft, as you sip on the hot liquid, prepared how you like it. “M’gonna be yours forever soon. Sorry, there’s no return policy here.”

“I could never return you. I love you too much to do that.” Jake kisses your forehead before pulling away. “Javy’s picking me up soon, baby. I know I’m technically not supposed to see you until we actually get married, but I needed to kiss you good morning before I left and to tell you I love you.”

Your smile is soft as you take in the soft henley and shorts he’s wearing. You hadn’t even noticed he was dressed for the day. 

“I love you, Jakey. I’ll see you when we get married.”  His grin is as bright as the sun as you shuffle downstairs and wave goodbye to Jake and Javy as they leave.

You don’t get much time to yourself however, as Mara and Brianna pull into the driveway not long after. You have no idea what they have planned, especially since you aren't having a bachelorette party, but wanted to spend some time with your friends the day of your wedding as well.

"Where are we going?” When neither Brie nor Mara respond, you buckle in for the ride, content in the knowledge that Jake is alright and in the feeling of the sun on your face. You must fall asleep in the backseat because you wake up to Mara and Brie both grinning wickedly at you.

“Damn, Bitsie! Jake really must’ve worn you out last night!” Mara’s got a shit-eating grin on her face even as Brie gags behind her.

“I can neither confirm nor deny, Mar. Especially since his little sister is right there.” Your voice is wry as you get out of the car and take in the beautiful desert view. 

Brie just cackles before wrapping you up in a hug. “I know he fucks, Bits! He’s never hid that from me. I just like you too much to think about you and my brother like that. You’re too good for him, you know that?” Her voice is soft as she takes your hands in her own. “You make him so happy. I love seeing him like that. You keep him that happy and we’ll never have problems. And he’d better keep you that happy too. Or I’ll be having problems with him. He knows that, Bits.”

Your eyes are misty as you hug your soon-to-be sister-in-law for several long moments before wiping at your eyes and gesturing to the colossal building in front of you.

“So what are we doing here, you two?” 

“We’re having a spa day! So we’re going to get you all pampered and ready for Jake to sweep you off of your feet!” Where Brie leaves off, Mara continues. “We’ve got bottomless champagne, massages, mani-pedis, face masks, mud baths and more planned.”

When you just blink at them, because you’re sure you’re hearing things, they both just drag you into the facility after them. 

Six hours later, you walk out of the spa with your hair and makeup done and feeling more relaxed than you’ve ever been in your whole life. Every knot in your body has been pounded into submission and you’re so excited you think you’re likely to start crying if you think about Jake waiting for you in his service whites. You’re that happy that he’s home, that he’s safe, and that you’re finally going to be tied together for every struggle that life brings. The mood is light between Mara, Brianna and you as the three of you scream lyrics out the open car windows on your way further into the desert. 

The midday sun is just beginning to set when the three of you pull into the parking lot near Mav’s colossal desert hangar. It’s here that you and Jake will be getting married, officiated by Mav, with all the Daggers in attendance, as well as your immediate family, Jake’s mom, and Brianna. But you don’t get to see the magic Penny and both your moms have wrought on the hangar, as you’re immediately led by Mara into the trailer Mav has behind the hangar the minute the car stops. Your mom’s waiting there, to help you into your dress and Brianna and Mara into their bridesmaid dresses. 

Your dress is simple, knee length with lace all over and a flared silhouette. It’s not a conventional wedding dress by any means, but you feel like the most beautiful woman in the world when you look at yourself in the mirror. As a final touch, you wear the heirloom emerald necklace and earring set that Maria Seresin wore on her wedding day as well as the shoes that match. Your mom is misty-eyed as she draws the veil over your head.

“You look beautiful, sweetheart. Jake’s not going to be able to take his eyes off of you.” She wipes the tears from under her eyes. “Your dad’s waiting to walk you down the aisle, darling. He’s already made Jake promise to take care of you when he called to ask us permission to marry you. So this moment, it’s just about you and the man you love. We’re so proud of you. And we love you, so much.” Her voice cracks for the last few words and that’s when your own tears spill over.

You thank everything you know that the ladies at the spa used waterproof makeup on your face, because without it, you’d look a mess. You hug your mom tight and watch her go with the oddest feeling in your chest. You feel like you’re on the precipice of something unknown, and while you’re filled with the deepest joy you’ve ever felt, you can’t help feeling melancholic. You want to marry Jake, you love Jake, but marrying him feels like you’re shutting the doors to the life you lead before. It’s a challenge you’re willing to undertake, but it feels awfully final, taking this step.

“You look beautiful, honey. Are you ready? You can tell me, you know?” Your dad sounds so sad to give you away.

“Tell you what, dad?” You wrap your arms around your dad’s frail form and wonder when he started to grow old. This is the man who held your hand when you were learning to walk, the man who taught you how to ride a bike and drive a car.

“If this boy isn’t who you want to marry, just tell me and I’ll help you run away, okay?”

You have to laugh at his words, though your giggles are choked with tears. “I’m sure, dad. Jake’s the man I love, the man I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

“I had to try, honey. I’m so proud of you, of everything you’ve accomplished as a woman, and I look forward to everything you accomplish as a wife.” You’re nearly sobbing again at the soft kiss your dad presses to your forehead. You brush the tears away and ready yourself to walk down the aisle towards the man who will be the rest of your life.

You cradle the bouquet of pale pink roses and baby’s breath in your right hand while you loop your other arm through your dad’s.

“I won’t let you fall, honey. I didn’t when you were learning to walk, I won’t now.” You kiss your dad’s cheek softly, hearing the hitch in his breath as the first swells of music float through the open hangar doors. 

It’s a song you’d mentioned on the off chance to Jake and your heart swells hearing the tones as Mara slips through the open doors on Mickey’s arm. Then Brianna and Javy. You can hear Jake’s gasp of surprise at the sight of his sister from where you are. Then your mom and Maria walk through the doors arm-in-arm. Standing in front of those open doors on your dad’s arm, a sudden fear halts your steps. Can you be a good wife to the beautiful man on the other side of those doors? Can you take care of him through everything else that you’ll face in your lives? You pray you can, because you’re not sure you could live another day without him by your side.

Your steps are perhaps too fast as you walk through the doors, but the minute your eyes meet Jake’s all your fear and hesitation fly away. He’s looking at you with so much love that everything else fades to the background. With each step you take, he mouths the words, “I love you” to you, and you can’t help the giddy smile on your face as you look at him.

His smile is brilliant as he takes your hands in his after lifting your veil. You’re consumed with the urge to kiss Jake, and you can’t help how you peck his lips, chastely just once.

“Alright, alright, kids. Settle down.” It’s Mav whose words separate the two of you, even as Mara, Mickey and Javy heckle you.

“We’re gathered here today to celebrate the union of this young couple before me. I never thought I’d see Lieutenant Commander Seresin get married. In my time as his superior officer, I’m sorry to say that for much of it, I saw his reputation rather than the man he is. Until he met the beautiful woman he’s marrying, the woman he calls Bitsie. Their relationship has been far from easy. For Jake, it was love at first sight. For Bitsie, it took heartbreak to see his love. But whatever their journeys may have been to get here to this very moment, I’m honored to marry these two today. Our couple thank you for taking this time to witness their union, as do I.” He looks so proud to see Jake standing there in front of you. 

“I believe our couple have prepared some vows. Lieutenant Commander Seresin, if you would please?”

Your gasp of surprise is gentle and soft. You never discussed writing vows for one another.

“My Bitsie-girl. I know, you’re surprised that I prepared something, but in truth, I couldn’t see myself marrying you without telling you how much I love you. What Mav said earlier is right. I never saw myself marrying. It takes a special woman to withstand the stress and distance that the Navy can create in a relationship. I never thought I’d find that woman. At least, that is, until the day I saw you walk through the hangar doors in Miramar. You were breathtaking to me even then. It didn’t matter that you saw somebody else before me. I’m good, I’m very good and I had you in my target sights the minute I learned your name.”

Your giggle is watery at his words.

“It took another six months for you to see me, and Bitsie-darling, I would have given anything to change that day. I never wanted you to get hurt. I thought he was the right man for you, I truly thought he loved you as much as you loved him. So when I found you crying in the middle of the worst storm I’ve ever spent at sea, I took it upon myself to see your beautiful smile again. I don’t know when I changed in your eyes, but that day? That was the day when you changed in my eyes. I saw your strength, even when you cried in my arms. I saw the core of you. I saw how even when you were wounded you kept moving on. It never once affected your work, sweetheart. Your heartbreak never once kept you from excelling.”

“I’ve fallen in love with you more and more every minute of every day since then. Every day that I wake up to you in my arms, I’ll consider myself the luckiest man in the world. You mean so much to me, Bitsie-baby. I vow I’ll spend the rest of my life keeping you happy. I vow you’ll never want for anything. I know I’m only a man, I know I’m not perfect. But I vow I’ll do my best to make sure you’ll be loved everyday and every night. I love you, baby. It was the best day of my life when I asked you to marry me and you said yes.” 

You’re sniffling when he stops speaking, your tears welling over as he pulls a packet of tissues out of his pocket and hands you one. There aren’t very many dry eyes in the audience when you look out at your friends and family assembled before you. You pat your tears away before taking Jake’s hands in yours.

“Jake,” Your voice breaks just saying his name. “I can’t believe there was ever a time when I didn’t love you. I can clearly see the line in the sand of life, clearly marked before Jake and with Jake. It shames me to think of those months before we met, those months where I didn’t like you, where I treated you terribly, and thought the worst of you. Then he cheated on me, and fell from the pedestal I’d put him on, and I saw the truth. That rainy night was the first time I’d ever seen you as a friend, Jake, and I wish I’d accepted your overtures of friendship before then. You felt like home when I was far away from everything I’d ever known and when my heart was bruised, battered, and broken.”

It’s Jake’s turn to sniffle as you gather your errant thoughts and put them into words.

“Those first three months on the carrier were the happiest I’ve been in a long time. And that’s all because of you, Jake. You helped me find friends in people I’d only thought could be colleagues. You’re a better friend than anyone ever gave you credit for being, Jake. I’m still not sure when I fell in love with you, but I did love you. I loved you that day when I nearly lost you before I ever told you how I felt. I thought I loved my ex, truly I did. But the love I felt for you that day, Jake? It exceeded every milestone I thought love could ever possibly reach.”

At this moment, all you care about is Jake. You have tunnel vision, focusing on his face and only his face.

“So this is what I promise you. I vow to love you, through every earthquake and flash flood life throws at our feet. I vow that I will never again disregard your presence or its importance in my life. I vow that even when we’re gray and old you’ll still be my best friend. I vow that you’ll always be my partner in crime and my reason when all else is lost. I love you, Jake.”

Even Mav sounds choked up when you both turn to him. He takes the ring box from Javy and finally speaks the words it feels like you’ve been waiting your whole life for.

“This ring is an unbroken circle, with ends that have been joined together, and it represents your union. It is a symbol of infinity, and of your infinite love. When you look at these rings on your hands, be reminded of this moment, your commitment, and the love you now feel for each other.” 

Jake’s green eyes are just as teary as yours are.

“Jake, place the ring on Bitsie's finger and repeat after me: I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.”

Tears drip down your cheek as Jake utters the words before winking at you.

“And now… Bitsie, place the ring on Jake's finger and repeat after me: Jake, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love with the pledge: to love you today, tomorrow, always, and forever.” 

Mav’s voice wobbles at those last words, and you don’t sound any better as you repeat them.

“Before these witnesses, you have pledged to be joined in marriage. You have now sealed this pledge with your wedding rings. By the authority vested in me by the great State of California, I now pronounce you married! You may kiss your bride!”

Jake’s eyes glint mischievously as he tugs you in and kisses you, slow and sweet. He tastes like cinnamon and you kiss for several long moments before the cheering of everyone you love separates you.

Waiting for you as you turn to face your family and friends is a sword arch. Flower petals cascade over your head with each step as you walk towards the entrance of the hangar. You’re smiling from ear-to-ear as you walk down the steps with Jake’s hand securely in yours. You know exactly what you’re getting into when two swords bar the way.

“We challenge you, Lieutenant Commander Seresin. One kiss to pass.” It’s Mickey saying those words, and it’s a request you’re only too eager to comply with. 

When you and your husband, your husband, walk through the doors, you see a fairy tale scene. There are string lights festooned all over the place, shining merrily as Mav announces you and Jake as Lieutenant Commander and Mrs. Seresin. You spend several long moments hugging your friends and family before a familiar song has you turning in your tracks. It’s Jake, still wearing his Navy whites holding his hand out for you. You take his hand easily, gasping and laughing when he spins you out onto the dance floor.

Started out on a one-way train

Always knew where I was gonna go next

Didn't know until I saw your face

I was missin' out on every moment

You’re tearing up again, even as Jake spins you around on the dance floor.

So if it's real

Then, darlin', let me know

I wouldn't mind

If you steal the show

You had no idea that Jake could dance like this. He takes your breath away, even as the lights make his eyes glint mischievously and his hair shines golden. Your golden boy, your husband. You get lost, staring into his gorgeous green eyes, coming back to yourself only when your chest is heaving and applause peppers the night air. That’s how the remainder of your night goes, dancing with your friends, dancing with your family, dancing with Jake again, and again, and again. The sun is rising on the horizon when the party finally breaks up. Jake and you settle into the backseat of Javy’s convertible exhausted but ecstatic.

“Was today everything you hoped for and more, my Bitsie-girl?” Jake’s voice is slurring in exhaustion, his Texan twang blurring each rough syllable.

“Our wedding was everything I wanted and more, Jake. Honestly, I was ready to marry you in City Hall. But having our friends and family there made it even better. I know how important it was for you to have your mom and Brianna there for your wedding. I would’ve done anything to make sure your family was there.”

The wonder in his eyes still makes your breath catch in your throat. 

“Why, Bitsie, baby?” 

“Because I love you. And this?” You point to the ring on your left hand. “This is for forever. Your family is mine. And I love how much they love you. Your mom, and Brianna love you as much as I do. There was nobody else I’d rather have standing for you during our wedding.”

The rest of your words get muffled by the kiss Jake presses to your lips. This? You’re ready to kiss Jake and be kissed by him for the rest of your life. It’s a price you’ll readily pay. If only you could go back in time and tell yourself when you were hurting after Bradley cheated that something better is waiting for you, if only you open your eyes to it. It’s something you’re so glad you did. Jake’s the love of your life. You know that now.

Taglist:

✈️ @greenbaby12 ✈️ @mayhemmanaged ✈️ @desert-fern ✈️ @cassiemitchell ✈️ @eli2447  ✈️ @the-romanian-is-bae  ✈️ @luckyladycreator2  ✈️ @lunamoonbby ✈️ @daphne-turner ✈️ @angeliccks  ✈️ @dakotakazansky ✈️ @daisydaisygoose ✈️ @inky-sun  ✈️ @fighterpilothoe ✈️ @pulisvertz  ✈️ @wildxwidow ✈️ @angelbabyange ✈️ @chaoticassidy  ✈️ @kmc1989 ✈️ @sarahsmi13s  ✈️ @roosterforme ✈️ @lavenderbradshaw  ✈️ @bobby-r2d2-floyd ✈️ @lovinglyeternal ✈️@bradleybeachbabe  ✈️ @thedroneranger ✈️ @cherrycola27 ✈️ @roosterforme ✈️ @beccaanne814

I DO NOT CONSENT TO HAVE MY WORK POSTED, TRANSLATED, OR PUBLISHED ON ANY SITES OTHER THAN HERE OR ON AO3 BY ME. IF YOU SEE MY WORKS ANYWHERE OTHER THAN HERE OR AO3, THEN THEY HAVE BEEN POSTED WITHOUT MY PERMISSION AND I WILL BE WORKING TO TAKE THEM DOWN.

[da-birb-writes-sometimes]

Hello! how you doing?? may i request for your event , epel with a fluffy platonic ''long distance relationship" ?

and as my backup i thought of riddle with ''farmer's market'' , like a funny romantic outing

and i think you said 2 backups ... if you then stargazing with azul , romantic hurt/comfort

i'm not used to requesting so if i did anything wrong sorry oopsie i didn't mean too 😅

Long-Distance Relationship; Epel Felmier

Content; Fluff, gender-neutral reader, platonic

Word Count; 650+

AN; Everything looks great, no need to worry! I hope you enjoy this, and the friendship with Epel! As a reminder, do not put my work — or others for that matter — into AI as it steals. Link to Masterlist

This summer had been quiet, with Professor Trein basically threatening Crowley to let you stay with him. But it was nice. You had a nice room with overstuffed pillows and old quilts. And an actually nice bed that didn’t have any springs poking out of it. After the chaos that had been the school-year, it was nice having a stable home environment. Also Trein gave you the freedom you needed, and didn’t hover, but was there when you needed him.

“Another letter arrived for you,” the older man said while waiting for his morning cup of tea to cool down. “From Felmier.”

Epel couldn’t come to visit as often as the others, as he was busy at the farm and doing promotional work to help bring Felmier Farms into the public’s eye. But he sent a letter every week, each with an apple stamp.

You opened the letter, curbing your excitement. There was rarely anything super exciting in them, but it was still nice to read what Epel got into.

Meemaw says I should be able to visit next week! So be prepared for a lot of stuff; could ‘have sworn you’re her grandkid an’ not me. Hope you like kitschy apple-themed clothes.

Epel is coming. Epel is coming! You hadn’t seen him in over a month, and the last time you did he was working the family stand at the farmer’s market. You couldn’t really catch up then, but now, now you could. You could finally catch up with your best friend. “Is it okay if Epel comes over?”

Trein looked up from the book he was reading and gave you a curt nod before going back to his book and morning cup of tea

Places to go with Epel; 

You had started to make a list, but nothing was really coming to you. You didn’t know many other places save for Night Raven College, and the small village where Trein, and now you, resided. Sighing, you spun in your chair, thinking. Epel was arriving tomorrow and you had jack-all planned. And sure, just catching up and hanging inside the home or out in the yard was nice and all, but you wanted to do something. “Come on brain, be smart,” you sighed, plopping down on the bed and groaning. Maybe some sleep would hel- “Epel?”

And standing outside your window was none other than Epel Felmier, carrying a backpack and an amusingly large box. He was moving his mouth, but you couldn’t make out what he was saying. Getting up, you moved towards the window and pushed it up.

“-et me in, these damn skeeters are eatin’ me alive,” is what you heard upon opening the window. And there were indeed a few mosquitoes trying their hardest to make a midnight snack out of your friend. “Long time no see, huh?”

You moved aside so he could let himself in. he was early, in the letter he said he’d be arriving tomorrow right after lunch. But Epel was here, in the middle of the night, hauling a large wooden crate into your room. “Yeah, but what are you doing here Epel?”

He let out a grunt as the wood crate finally got through the threshold of the window. “Visiting, like I said… Pa dropped me off early but I had some runnin’ around to do.” He reached into his pocket and handed you a small bee keychain. “Gotcha this in town, since you’re a busy bee.”

You lightly punched his shoulder, as you knew Trein would give the both of you a questioning look, but you were happy to see Epel. “So, what horrors did Marja send?” You peaked into the wooden crate.

Epel grabbed out a cardigan made of granny squares with apples and apple blossoms instead of daisies. “Matching sweaters,” he said with mock fear in his voice.

The two of you laughed though, as it was a sweet action, and once it started to cool off, the both of you would wear them together; like the cheesy matching outfits parents put siblings in.

[runnning-outof-time]

Birmingham | Tommy Shelby x Reader (Part 13)

Previous Part

Pairing: Tommy Shelby x reader

Summary: Tommy and (Y/N) get closer than they ever have before, but then (Y/N) remembers something standing between them. Later, she is finally able to speak with Grace, which leaves her unsure of what to do next, so she goes to find the one person she can count on for the right answer.

Warnings: language, smoking, drinking, mentions of strained familial relationships

Word Count: 3883

A/N: this was an exciting chapter for me to write…I hope it’s equally as exciting for you to read. Things are heating up now. Enjoy! :)

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

Comment/Message me if you’d like to be tagged in the series!

Despite her several attempts, (Y/N) was unable to find the woman that she wanted to talk to for a handful of days following the incident that happened after John's wedding. All of her attempts turned up empty, and it seemed as though Grace had turned into a ghost; she was nowhere to be seen.

(Y/N) was working the late shift tonight. Harry had asked her to come back in and help with restocking and some inventorying, among other things. She didn't mind it. There was a strange sense of peace that overcame her as she watched the bar slowly empty as closing time grew nearer. She was going about filling shelves in the stockroom when she heard footsteps approaching her from behind. Her breath got stuck in her throat as she quickly whipped around, and she only let it out in a relieved sigh when she found that it was Harry.

"All good, (Y/N)?" he asked, noticing that he'd startled her.

"Yeah," she nodded, steadying her breathing, "I wasn't expecting you to come in here," she told him the reason why she'd reacted the way she did.

Harry nodded his head in understanding. "Would you be able to clean up the bar when you're finished here?" he asked her.

"Yeah, sure," she nodded her head, her answer making Harry nod as well.

"Thanks," he said to her before he turned and exited the stockroom.

(Y/N) went back to work on unpacking the box in front of her. It only took her a few minutes to empty it, and she made sure that it was discarded to the side before exiting the stockroom. She then got started with cleaning up the main room, first dealing with the floors, cleaning the tables and stacking the chairs. Then she moved to the bar and cleaned off the counter before making sure that the bottles shelved behind it were orderly and filled. She replaced those that weren't before she grabbed the broom and bucket and made her way over to the snug's door. She got a surprise upon opening it.

"Mr. Shelby. I'm sorry...I didn't know you'd be in here," she said, shock laced into her tone as she found Tommy sitting in his chair with a half empty bottle of whiskey and a glass sitting on the table in front of him.

Tommy looked up when he heard her voice, feeling slightly surprised by her sudden entrance. He didn't let that show though. "Mr. Shelby?" he instead questioned her, the slightest of grins appearing on his lips as he quirked an eyebrow upwards.

"It came out before I could catch it, Tommy," she responded, exaggerating her saying of his first name as a sheepish smile graced her features. "Harry told me to clean the bar up. I figured he meant in here too," she told him the reason behind her presence.

"Don't let me stop you then," he said to her, going about lighting a cigarette as he leaned back in the chair, watching her as she dropped the bucket to the ground and began sweeping.

(Y/N) was able to feel his gaze on her, and it was making her heat up more by the second. She carefully carried out her movements so that she wouldn't trip up and look like a dunce while doing it. "What are you doing here so late?" she asked, deciding to make conversation and break the silence when it became apparent to her that he had no intentions of leaving.

"Needed to clear me head," he answered her, stamping out his spent cigarette in the ashtray before he poured himself some more whiskey.

"Something troubling you?" the words left her mouth before she could stop them.

Tommy didn't seem to mind though. He just snorted and went about lighting himself another cigarette. "It's obvious?" he asked then, looking at her as he took a drag.

"You're in here...by yourself, with a half drank bottle of whiskey, and that's the second cigarette I've seen you light in the span of the five minutes I've been in here," (Y/N) pointed out what she'd observed, "and it seems as though they weren't your first two of the day," she then motioned to the ashtray that had a handful of cigarettes in it.

"It is obvious," he said, exhaling smoke as he dropped his gaze to the table, "I've got a lot on me mind," he added then, a solemn tone laced into his words.

(Y/N) stopped sweeping and looked at him for a moment. She said nothing as she propped the broom up against the wall and made her way over to the booth. She sat down and moved as close to his chair as she could. Tommy glanced over at her as she kept her gaze on him. "It may not be my place to pry, but I've found in the past that talking about it helps," she told him, watching intently for his reaction to her words. He said nothing, only taking a drag of his cigarette. (Y/N) decided to continue, "are things still rough from after the wedding?" she hazarded a guess, her eyebrows raising slightly.

"They are," he gave her a short answer, but those two words told her all that she needed to know.

She wondered for a moment whether or not she should clue him in on what she'd been thinking about the blonde barmaid that had practically gone missing since that night.

After a few quiet moments, she thought against it. "Ada'll come around. She's in a vulnerable place at the moment, and since there's a lot of unknowns in the situation, she's decided to place blame on what she knows," she tried to add some insight into the conversation.

"I don't see a way around the blame...how am I to show her that I wasn't the one that got Freddie taken when I have no fucking clue how he was found out in the first place?" he threw a question out this time. He didn't want to tell her that he'd met with the inspector a few days back and was told that he was the reason Freddie got taken because it made no sense in his mind. All he knew was that it was looking like there would be no way around this.

"Give it time for more things to come to light," (Y/N) gave a vague answer to his question. The exact answer was burning in the back of her mind, but she didn't know if she should let it out. Was it even the answer? She didn't know yet.

"And on top of all of this, my fucking father decides to come back into the picture," Tommy then added another layer onto the conversation.

"Yeah?" (Y/N) answered, phrasing her single weird response like a question so that hopefully he'd continue.

"Yeah," Tommy nodded, "he's proposed some grand fucking scheme to Arthur...hoping that he'd get some interest, but all he wants is money from us," he exhaled a sigh as he finished his sentence, picking the smoldering cigarette up from the ashtray so that he could take another drag from it.

(Y/N) nodded as she listened to what he had to say. "It's a fine line that you walk with family...forever wondering if their intentions are good or not," she said to him then, making him look over at her, "and some can see right through them; others have a hard time because they're family. Family isn't supposed to stab each other in the back."

"But they do," Tommy interjected.

"They most certainly do," (Y/N) was quick to agree with him, and she took a deep breath before continuing, "my father and I never had the best relationship. I was always cast aside because I wasn't one of his sons...I would never have a stake in the family business, and he was sure to remind me of that time and time again."

Tommy listened intently to her story, surprised that she was willing to open up about her past. "My father walked out on my family ten years ago; when we were at our lowest and had nothing to our name," he decided to give her a little bit of insight into his past. It was only fair since she was sharing hers with him.

"And now that you are making something of yourself, he comes back," she connected the pieces of the story.

"It can't be any more obvious," he remarked, snorting to himself as he shook his head, his eyes focusing on the snug's far wall.

"You seem to have it figured out then," she commented, no hint of malice in her words.

Tommy looked over at her again, seeing that her eyes were already locked on his. He noticed now just how close they were sitting to each other. He could practically feel the heat her body was letting off. He searched her eyes for a moment before letting out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "I don't know..."

"I do," she picked up on his unsureness as he trailed off, and she was quick to thwart it, "you'll do what you know is best for your family. Some may get hurt in the process, but that's what happens when money, business, and family intertwine. It's a tough line to walk, but you're doing it pretty well for the amount of shit you've got going on," she said to him, her eyes not straying from his to show that she was being honest with her words.

It was obvious to her. He operated things in a more strategic manner than her family did, and she took refuge in that...in the fact that things would run their course and end well. Things here were way different than in Sheffield. She actually felt safe.

Silence hung in the room until (Y/N) broke it. "Trust in the fact that you know what to do, Tommy," she said to him softly, the slightest of smiles forming on her face.

Tommy let her words sink into his mind. He looked over her features, studying them carefully as he tried to commit that small smile to his memory; so that he could go to it when things were going sideways. He let his eyes flit down to her lips just briefly, analyzing them too before their eyes met again. She was still watching him intently, and it seemed as though they'd gotten ever closer than they were before. He then gently, hesitantly reached out and brushed the side of his thumb down her cheek, feeling her soft skin sliding under his calloused hand. He continued to study her face, trying to pick up on its slightest of changes as he held his hand against her cheek, secretly loving the warmth she was giving off.

The breath hitched in (Y/N)'s throat as she felt his hand brush her cheek. Her mind was screaming; all of her cylinders were firing, but on the outside she was as still as stone; waiting, hoping for him to make the next move. She kept her eyes locked onto his, wondering what would happen next. And secretly, she was excited for it.

Just like with his hand, Tommy hesitantly moved closer to her. His eyes flitted to her lips one last time before holding her gaze again.

(Y/N) noticed this and immediately knew what was coming. But yet she still didn't move away. She instead let her eyes flutter closed and prepared herself for what would happen in a matter of seconds. It wasn't until she felt his breath against her lips that reality kicked in. She gasped and opened her eyes, moving her head back just as his lips brushed hers.

"Fuck, I'm sorry, (Y/N)," Tommy breathed almost instantly when he realized that she was staring at him with wide eyes. "I...I wasn't thinking..." he trailed off when he couldn't form a coherent sentence, exhaling another curse word as he brought his hand up and pressed his fingers into his temples.

"No, I'm sorry, Tommy..." (Y/N) didn't accept his apology, but instead gave one of her own, "I shouldn't have let it get that far. Not with you and Grace being together," she added, the woman's name almost tasting like poison as it came out. And Matthew too, her brain scrambled to add, but it didn't leave her lips. Truth is, she hadn't been thinking about Matthew at that moment. She was entirely focused on Tommy; on what was happening between them.

Tommy's gaze snapped back to her after she finished speaking. His eyebrows knitted together in confusion before he was able to get the words out. "What do you mean with me and Grace?"

"She'd told me some time ago that you'd kissed her and told her that you wanted to be with her," she explained it exactly as she'd remembered it, making sure not to add the part where it felt like her heart had dropped at the confession.

Another wave of confusion washed over Tommy as this was said to him. "I've never said such a thing to her, and we've never kissed," he told her, his eyes locked onto hers as he spoke.

Much like the night after the wedding, (Y/N) was able to see that he was telling the truth. She had more reason to believe him than she did the blonde woman who'd gone into hiding...this was now another lie that she'd have to confront her on.

"Oh, ok..." (Y/N) didn't quite know what to say, "I...I didn't know."

"Of course you didn't," Tommy told her, "but still...I'm sorry. I let my thoughts get the best of me," he admitted. (Y/N) smiled softly at him as she heard his statement. That damn smile, Tommy thought to himself, biting on the inside of his cheek.

"I...I think I just need some time," she told him after a few quiet moments had passed. She didn't want to say that he was out of line for trying to kiss her, because she secretly wanted it to happen too. She couldn't deny that.

"I'll give you all the time you need," he assured her, his words making her smile grow.

"Thank you, Tommy," she said then, feeling the need to do so. The fact that he respected her wishes and didn't continue to push her into something where she was uncomfortable spoke volumes to her. This never would have happened back in Sheffield. She shuddered slightly at the thought.

"Thank you, (Y/N)," he flipped the thanks back onto her, "for being here, for listening to me, for fucking everything."

She smiled at him as she set her hand on his forearm, "I'm always here," she assured him, rubbing her thumb against the tweed fabric of his coat.

They stared at each other for a few moments before (Y/N) broke the gaze to look at the clock on the wall. It was getting late, and she still wanted to make another attempt at getting things set straight. "I should go now," she said, finally removing her hand from his arm as she moved to stand from the booth.

Tommy wanted to frown from the loss of her warmth, but he knew that it was justified. "Would you like me to walk you?" he asked her, his eyebrows raised slightly.

"No, thank you. I'll be fine," she turned down his offer. How awkward would it be if she finally found the person she'd been searching for and he was with her?

"Ok," he let it rest there, "goodnight, (Y/N)," he said to her, the smallest of smiles quirking his lips upward.

"Goodnight, Tommy," she repeated his statement, sending him a full-on smile as she opened the door to the snug and exited it.

—

It wasn't until she was halfway to her apartment that she remembered the broom and bucket that she'd left in the snug. Although she kicked herself for forgetting it, she decided that it was too late to turn back now. There were other, more important things at stake now.

She tried knocking on the door next to her twice; waiting out in the hall for five minutes before coming to the conclusion that there would be no answer. Annoyed by another failed attempt, she turned and headed to her apartment. Just as she was about to open the door, the unmistakable sound of footsteps were heard down the hall. The breath hitched in her throat as she waited by her doorway to see who they belonged to.

Soon enough, Grace came into view. She was walking quickly, and with her head down, but (Y/N) could identify her anywhere. She looked up as she got closer to her door, immediately seeing (Y/N) standing in the hall. Her eyes widened at the sight and she tried to hurry and open her door, but it was no use.

"It's too late to hide now, Grace," (Y/N) called out to her.

"What do you want?" Grace asked, her eyes still focused on the lock that she couldn't seem to get open.

"I need to talk to you," she answered, walking over to the blonde woman, "as I'm sure you've noticed...I know some things, and I'd like to give you the opportunity to set the record straight."

"About what?" the blonde was still playing dumb.

"I think you know exactly what," (Y/N) quipped back, "would you like to come to my apartment or go into yours instead? I'd rather not air this laundry out in the hallway," she added then, her eyebrows raised as she waited for her answer.

Grace sighed before she was finally able to open the door to her apartment. Without saying a word, she stepped inside, allowing the other woman to follow her in before she shut the door. "What is it that you want to speak about?" she was the one to break the silence, still playing coy.

"Chester Campbell isn't your father, is he?" (Y/N) started with the first of her questions, her eyebrows raised as she waited for Grace's answer.

"What makes you think that he isn't?" Of course she wasn't going to give up the ghost that easily.

"He's a special that's been sent here to deal with the trouble in the city...he was the one who took Ada's husband away just moments after he'd met his son," she detailed what had happened a few weeks ago, feeling her blood begin to boil as she did so.

"And what of it?" Grace was quick to ask.

"You knew where Ada lived! You were the anonymous person who tipped him off!" (Y/N) couldn't stop her voice from rising. She knew Grace was smart, which made the stupid act she'd been keeping up even more infuriating.

"Do you have proof of that?"

"I..." (Y/N) stopped herself before she could continue. She didn't have concrete evidence that connected Grace to this inspector, but all of the arrows were definitely pointing in her direction. A smug smirk formed on the blonde woman's face as she waited for the answer. "So it's just a grand coincidence that this inspector was meeting you here?" she finally asked after a few beats had passed.

"You don't have any proof, do you?" Grace's one eyebrow quirked upwards as she asked her own question, her mouth opened slightly to show her intrigue in (Y/N)'s response. It frustrated (Y/N) even more that she'd just blatantly disregarded her question.

"That family's business is not for you to mess with," (Y/N) held her ground, trying to gain control over the conversation again. She hadn't made it through all of her points yet. "And I've already caught you in one lie, so who's to say that you haven't been telling others?"

The slightest bit of color drained from Grace's face as she heard (Y/N)'s veiled statement. "What do you mean?" she asked, wanting more insight into where she might have messed up.

"Tommy told me the truth...you two aren't seeing each other, and he didn't kiss you like you said he did. And I'm even starting to wonder about that spot in the company he offered you; since your job hasn't changed at the Garrison since I've started working there," (Y/N) laid out the facts that she'd been told not long ago.

Grace pursed her lips as she heard what (Y/N) had to say. How would she get herself out of this one? "I already have what I need," she finally said, raising her chin as she spoke to show (Y/N) that the accusations weren't bothering her.

"And what is that exactly?" (Y/N) asked, her eyebrows raised.

"You'd be surprised how much talking Arthur does when he's drunk, and how much faith these Shelby men put into me," she was happy to answer, her smirk growing with each word.

Now (Y/N) was back on the defensive. "What have you done, Grace?" she was almost afraid to ask, but the words came out anyway. The blonde woman said nothing in response, but her expression told (Y/N) all that she needed to know. This conversation had just looped into one, giant circle. "You'll have hell to pay for this...and if it's not brought by the hands of the Shelbys, then it'll be by my own," she spoke in a low voice, a deathly serious tone laced into her words.

"You've decided to be their keeper now?" Grace didn't seem scared, but (Y/N) could tell that her countenance was on the verge of cracking.

"They're my family...and I intend to keep them safe," was all (Y/N) said before she turned to the door and exited the apartment.

Instead of going over to her own dwelling, she exited the building and quickly began walking to Watery Lane. On her way, she tried to figure out what she'd do with this information; with the woman who gave it to her. A million different scenarios we're running through her head, to the point where she didn't know what separated one from the other.

She finally decided on a plan as she approached the house she was looking for. She hoped that the woman she had in mind would be inside as she knocked on the door thrice to find that it was unlocked. After taking a deep breath and hoping that she wouldn't get shot, she opened the door and stepped inside.

The woman she was looking for was sitting on the couch in the living area with a younger child's head laying in her lap. Upon hearing footsteps, she turned to look at the door and raised her finger to her lips in a gesture that asked whoever it was to stay quiet. But her eyes widened when she saw someone she wasn't expecting standing there.

(Y/N) was just about out of breath, but she was still able to get her message across: "I know who did it, Pol...I know who told the inspector about Freddie."

Next Part

Tagged: @mgcldydrms @the-anxious-youth @cloudofdisney @look-at-the-soul @elenavampire21 @mrsalwayswrite @julkaamazing @evita-shelby @lilyrachelcassidy @notyour-valentine @shelbydelrey @december16-1991 @onlydeadcells @peakyswritings @just-a-blackhole @watercolorskyy @strayrockette @peakyduchesss @alexxavicry @captivatedbycillianmurphy @yummycastiel @dark-academia-slut @tommystargirl @stevie75 @lyarr24 @signorellisantichrist @zablife @anotherblinder @midnightmagpiemama @cillmequick @l1-l4 @chlorrox @lostgirl219 @woofgocows @bdudette @mrkdvidal1989 @stephhevring @fictional-hooman @httyd-marauders @nataliewalker93 @rangerelik @thecraziestcrayon @lora21 @cilliansangel @shaddixlife

SERIES MASTERLIST

[alexanderlightweight]

I legit can't decide which amazing verse of yours I want to read more of currently so I'm gonna just do a little shortlist of themes for any that tickle your fancy, verse obviously is dealer's choice:

Legit anything that has Mirai being a badass in it.

The troublesome trio (Izzy, Jace, Clary) facing consequences

Alec realising more of the world loves him than he thought (could be Downworlders, could be Institute, anything)

The Fab Three (Magnor, Cat, Ragnor) up to shenanigans

I hope the new place is all set up and y'all are finally all settled in! Smushes to Nighshade.

we are settled in but i'm still unpacking for everyone so thats a bit slow.

Nightshade sends wiggles and cuddles!

okay so Magnus is mentioned heavily but this is the Fab Three (magnus is there in spirit) and it's in cider verse during the sequel it's a bit of insight because the first fic focused heavily on the problems alec was dealing with in the institute.

the sequel broadens out because alec's institute is stabilizing (except for the treason he's about to deal with) but he's got Mirai and is taking no shit so he's on a good path.

and so we start seeing more how the war and Magnus' actions are affecting those he cares about and how Magnus is dealing with valentine and how alec is working with him because honestly, they get more done together in a day than alec does with an entire clave retinue in a week.

this is kinda insight and also because imo it's why cat and ragnor were nearly completely absent season 1 (aka they were protecting magnus by not being targets and ragnor can't afford any interest in himself when he holds the secret keeping jocelyn unconscious)

<3 lumine

btw they are definitely having shenanigans and you learn about past antics

sequels name by saeth is: the choice of hope

-

Cat smiles at the fire message she’s still holding, fingers wreathed in magic delicately stamping out the gleaming cinders and preserving the piece of parchment so that it will withstand centuries to come.

Next to her, Ragnor is doing the same.

“Jem included the vows and the runes he was able to use,” Ragnor hums thoughtfully as he shuffles through the small file of notes that had discreetly been slipped to Tessa who then sent them to Cat who brought them to him. “It will add a magical boost to whichever of the rituals Magnus choses. I’ve narrowed it down to five that he can pick from.”

“If you were anyone else—” Cat teases, because it is true. If Ragnor and Cat were anyone else, then the liberties they’ve been taking with planning Magnus’ own consort ceremony without him would be considered scandalous. As it is, Magnus has left the planning to them because it is both safe and because he trusts them.

If they were anyone else, Ragnor and Cat wouldn’t be within a thought of this ceremony until it was ready to be witnessed.

“If he wants me to participate then he’s going to pick one of these five.” Ragnor crosses his arms over his chest with a huff, “I’m not getting bloody naked and romping on the meadow floor when Magnus is perfectly capable of gathering enough sex magic on his own without an entire orgy boosting him.”

Cat snorts, because he’s not wrong and from the small bits Magnus has had the time to share, she doubts he’s going to be willing to share quite that much of his nephilim husband with the Elders even without Ragnor putting his foot down.

“He won’t care what choices you give him,” she murmurs as she lets her fingers trace the penmanship of an old friend they now rarely see. It is a relief for all of them that despite eloping with a nephilim, Magnus had a friend and confidant there to take care of him and his boy. “At least this way, we won’t be trying to figure out a dual ceremony.”

“I would sooner kidnap them both and force an elopement than allow the clave and their minions to see how vulnerable Magnus is for his shadowhunter.” Ragnor gives anther sigh and then a softer smile crosses his face, “he looks happy. Content and healthy and this boy of his truly blesses us.”

Cat nods, because Magnus has become proactive in regards to his own safety in such a way that it’s stripped away the reckless anger he’s held since the Uprising. Magnus no longer wants to win at any cost, especially not if the cost involves himself. Magnus has a young, devoted husband who would be heartbroken and well, no one has ever denied or doubted the depth of Magnus’ protection regarding those he loves.

Magnus will not risk leaving his new husband vulnerable and alone, especially not one who is a shadowhunter. If something happened to Magnus, there is little doubt that the clave would do everything in their power to make an example of his husband for daring to marry a warlock, especially when the first ceremony was a nephilim one.

The knowledge and weight of that truth settles in Cat and Ragnor’s hearts with a deep relief. They cannot stay at Magnus’ side to protect him or ensure that he protects himself when their presence will only offer up more ways to target and hurt him.

Alec Lightwood is already in the spotlight of the coming war and he’s made it clear that his priority is Magnus’ safety, even to the detriment of his own position in nephilim society. He is a warrior. One who can and expects to stand by and fight at Magnus’ side. Guarding his back and his reputation and more importantly, his heart.

It’s a boon that Cat never thought she would be able to press as a balm to the worry she constantly feels for Magnus.

Aloe vera on a seething burn that soothes and cools and heals.

Meanwhile, Ragnor is frowning over seven different shades of warlock blue and Cat bites back a smile. Magnus will have no time to plan the ritual that will bond him to Alec as not only a spouse, but as a true consort of a High Warlock and an Elder, so Ragnor will take on that honor and Cat will help him when she has the time.

Well, she’ll come to Ragnor’s and watch him dither and fret while finally putting her feet up and taking a breathe and Ragnor will relax at the evidence that one of his dearest companions is safe and resting in his heavily protected home.

“He really is quite tall,” Cat frowns as she looks at the picture, “I think we should avoid anything too intricate. Magnus isn’t going to make it past the ritual and to the celebration if we don’t plan this carefully. He’ll complete the ritual and snatch his consort away to their bed if we don’t plan this right, and we need to plan this right. The Spiral isn’t aware yet that Magnus is bonding a nephilim, but you know they’re going to take this as an opportunity to see how sympathetic he is to warlocks in general, or if it’s only Magnus that’s an exception to his care.”

“You’d think they’d know by now that Magnus wouldn’t ever tie himself to someone who couldn’t respect and protect his people just as much as Magnus does.” Ragnor grumbles as he finally brings his choices down to a mere three pieces of fabric. “This one will bring out the gold in Magnus’ eyes, but this one will make his boy’s runes pop more.”

The third color he considers for a longer moment before he sneers and eradicates it from existence.

“Everyone is going to know he’s a nephilim. We don’t need to bring more attention to it. They’re already married by nephilim standards but we can add a few gold accents?”

“I suppose Magnus doesn’t have to wear platinum jewelry.” Ragnor wrinkles his nose, “oh dear, he’s going to want to go with abyssal metals, isn’t he? So he doesn’t clash with the gold.”

Cat can’t help her snort even as she takes the chilled glass of beer Ragnor has absently summoned and handed her. After the last few weeks, her favorite brew is a relief and refreshing in a way that Ragnor finds his tea.

“No one would ever believe that Magnus learned his fastidiousness and dedication to his fashion sense from you.” She teases and Ragnor takes the gentle mocking with a sniff.

“There is an art to being perceived.” Ragnor says — as he does every time this is brought up — “while we may not share the same flare or tastes, Magnus has ever been the most devoted and dedicated pupil. I’d say he’s far surpassed me in some ways,” here he chuckles fondly. “I am seen how I want to be and Magnus as he wishes to be. I’ll admit I was skeptical when he first created a persona for himself through how he dressed, but he’s long since grown into it and expanded it until it became the armor I hoped to protect him.”

Cat lets him have his memories as she summons several pictures that Magnus has sent her and enlarges them so she can better see the large hazel eyes and the soft expression full of adoration that she knows was directed at Magnus.

It’s a picture born from a memory after all.

“How much time do we need to allow between Valentine’s demise and announcing a date for the ceremony?”

Ragnor’s question makes her snort and then she laughs, unable to help it.

“We announce it at the same time? Depending on how involved they are with his death.”

“Oh, I do hope they manage to harvest Valentine’s heart—” Ragnor takes a sip of tea with a calm, happy smile, “one of my favorite rituals involves the heart of a mutual enemy. I’d love for Magnus and his hunter to be able to use it, all the blood makes it rather romantic.”

-

*my head canon is that ragnor is aro and therefore (like me) has a skewed sense on what romance is and because warlocks already have a skewed sense of romance... yeah. and he's who magnus went to for advice for a century or two before they realized that ragnor's understanding of romance was a little off even for warlocks. magnus doesn't care, his romantic inclinations may be different but ragnor was a good mentor and luckily alec is a shadowhunter, who have even worse understanding of romance

[heliza24]

Let's talk about the music in Young Royals! (Part 2)

This is the second part of a two part analysis. You can read part 1, which focuses on needle drops in the show, here.

I absolutely love Matti Bye's original Young Royals score. It is beautiful and immersive. It makes Hillerska feel like some place special. It shimmers and sparkles and draws us in to the emotions of the characters.

I've already talked about how effective the score can be at elevating certain scenes and creating intimacy in my posts analyzing the sex scenes in the show, which you can read here and here. But today I want to focus on another purpose of the music: the way that it emphasizes themes. Much like the needle drops in the show, the score helps emphasize the difference between public performance and genuine emotion. The conflict between the characters' assumed roles and their actual feelings is one of the biggest themes of the show, and the score helps establish this.

In order to examine how the score reinforces this theme, I want to break down the music in one small section of the show. The music that underscores Wilhelm's speech at the end of 2.6 tells us so much about what Wilhelm is going through in that moment, and it's the culmination of several musical motifs that we've heard earlier in the show.

In order to really be able to listen to the score, I ran this little clip through the program that I use for video edits, that separates vocals from background music. It is admittedly better at isolating words than it is music, so the audio here isn't perfect. But I think having the dialogue muted helps when you're trying to concentrate on the music and pick out melodies. I'm going to use time stamps based on this video for the rest of this post.

At the beginning of this clip, the score feels almost... familiar. There's a shimmery opening sound, and then a sequence of falling notes. It sounds so familiar, in fact, because it's a version of "Recomposed", one of the two tracks (along with "Harmony Theme") that are played most frequently throughout the show, and that together make up a kind of unofficial "theme song" for the show.

However, these two themes are used in very specific ways. You never hear them used in intimate scenes between two characters, or when a character is talking about their true feelings. Instead, they're used over montages of the students at Hillerska, when the class system of the school is on full display, or in moments of stress for our main characters. The best example is probably their wide use in 1.3 during parent's day. "Recomposed" plays when August is making a stink about letting Sara, Simon, and Linda eat with the boarders, and when August makes Wilhelm pose for photos with him. "Recomposed" is beautiful but it's also stressful, and it's used here to underline how arbitrary and discriminatory the Hillerska traditions are, and how uncomfortable Wilhelm feels adhering to them.

So, the first 55 seconds or so of the speech the scoring sounds like "Recomposed". But not exactly like "Recomposed". It's a little slower. The notes are more syncopated. It almost feels like the melody is breaking down. Just like Wilhelm's ability to maintain his facade and play his role is also breaking down. If you were to listen to this section of the speech with the words unmuted, you would hear Wilhelm struggle through and then abandon the scripted speech he's been instructed to give. So the idea of this oft-repeated musical motif also being slowly discarded is just perfect.

The next section of the clip, from around :55 - 2:05, is characterized by a series of ominous sounding chords and the lack of a clear melody, which reflects Wilhelm's anguish as he decides whether or not to tell the truth about him and Simon. I think this is a good reflection of the way the score in general shifts between seasons 1 and 2. Season 1 has a lot of complete, distinctive melodies. By comparison the season 2 score feels muddy. There aren't as many distinctive melodies, and the emphasis is on highlighting the stress and confusion that characters are feeling rather than creating a pretty song. This makes the season 2 soundtrack album less satisfying to listen to on its own, but works really well in context. Season 2 is full of amplified emotions and the score really captures that.

Ok, now we're on the last part of the clip, from 2:05 to the end. This is my favorite discovery that I made while working on these posts. For a long time I could not figure out where I had heard this melody before. The piano notes sounded so familiar. It made me think of Simon and Wilhelm in happier times. And then I remembered: the fish scene. This clip once again has (most) of the vocal track taken out. Can you hear how it's the same melody as the end of the speech clip?

So, we have a musical motif that is closely associated with Wilhelm and Simon's love that plays while Wilhelm is admitting to being in a relationship with Simon publicly for the first time. Makes sense, right? (Also thank you to @books-books-smolderinglooks for pointing out that this is on the soundtrack for season 1 as the track named "Dad"!)

Well I got curious, and did a full series rewatch, looking for this musical motif. And I found it in two more places besides the fish scene and the final speech. It also plays during Wilhelm's first two sessions with Boris the counselor. These sessions are so significant for Wilhelm. They allow him to actually feel his emotions in a safe place and realize that he does actually have agency over how he chooses to live. So while I was originally thinking about this as the "Wilmon Musical Theme", I had to revise my thesis about it a bit. Now I would describe it as the "Wilhelm Living In His Truth Theme", which of course includes Simon.

It's so meaningful that this music plays while Wilhelm is admitting that it was him in the video. He's doing what he should have done at the end of season 1, telling the truth and being honest about his and Simon's connection. And he's reclaiming agency over his life by refusing to continue to lie. The music subtly enforces this, without us even realizing, by using a motif that we have already associated with those themes.

I cut off the clip of the speech right before it transitions into "The Most Beautiful Boy" by The Irrepressibles, but I think the juxtaposition of that needle drop with this musical motif is so beautiful.

Those are all my thoughts on the score, and this particular musical moment in the show, for now. Do you have a scene where you think the score is particularly effective? Do you have more scenes that you want me to analyze? My ask box is open and I would love to hear your thoughts!

[sasusakucoded]

Sasuke and Sakura receive separate invitations with the same contents:

Greetings!

To: Sasuke/Sakura-chan

Where: The usual place

When: On Sunday

What: Annual fireworks display

Strictly: No other person allowed (including kids and pets)

RSVP: ___

Signed,

Uzumaki Naruto (official stamp)

7th Hokage, Hidden Leaf

Sasuke: He's really using the village's resources for silly letters like this. *folds it back*

Sakura: *laughs* Let him be! Hmmm. I thought we can bring Sarada with us.

Sasuke: Yeah. Even here he set rules. Let's bring Sarada to another festival with fireworks instead.

Sakura: Yeah. Give me your card for the RSVP then I'll send it back.

Sasuke: Too much of a hassle for something so simple. *shakes his head*

Sakura: I can feel the Team 7 spirit as early as now. *laughs*

Sasuke: Hn. *sighs*

---

Sakura: Naruto! *waves*

Naruto: *waves excitedly* Sakura-chan! Sasuke!

Sakura: We brought drinks and takoyaki pan. And.. *checks her carried bags* We also have some snacks here.

Naruto: Awesome! I've started the barbecue. I'm not sure if Kakashi-sensei would join us though. *fans the charcoal*

Sasuke: I think he will. But just like before, it will take him another hour. *unloads the bags*

Naruto: Right! *laughs* Some things don't change, do they?

The three prepare the food while waiting for the fireworks. Sasuke makes fire for the takoyaki pan using his fireball jutsu. Sakura takes out the onigiri and other snacks from their bag. Naruto takes the skewered meat and grills the squid after.

Kakashi: *arrives* Sorry, I'm late. Oh, that smells good!

Naruto: Kakashi-sensei! I really thought you're not coming. You did not respond to my letter!

Kakashi: Oh. I thought it's understood that all of us will come.

Sasuke: That's what I was telling Sakura the other day. The RSVP was so unnecessary.

Naruto: Hey, it's not! See? We were able to prepare enough food because of that.

Sasuke: We will still be able to even without that—

Sakura: Hey, stop bickering and focus on your takoyaki and squid!

Sasuke: *realizes they're too brown and flips them*

Naruto: *realizes the squid is sticking to the grill*

Kakashi: *laughs* You're all still the same.. After so many years.

Sakura: And just like before, you let us do all the work. *teases*

Kakashi: Well, that's not wrong. You all know I have no talent in cooking. So, excuse me.. I'll sit that out and will read my book instead.

Naruto: No problem, Kakashi-sensei! We will be done in no time!!

---

The four shared the food and drinks while reminiscing their old missions together.

Kakashi: What's that you're holding?

Naruto: Ah, this? *raises the tin can* This is where I put our firework messages.

Sakura: *gasps* I almost forgot about that!

Kakashi: So, that still exists..

Sasuke: Firework messages? I've never heard of it.

Naruto: Teme, it's because it's for you! *chuckles* You see.. When you left Konoha, we still watched the fireworks. We felt incomplete though..

Sakura: So we decided to write you a message every time we'd watch the fireworks..

Naruto: The three of us— Well, there were years where Kakashi-sensei was not available.. But yeah, we wrote messages and kept them in this tin can. *gives to Sasuke* I guess it's time for you to have them.

Sasuke: *takes it; realizes they're all staring at him* What?

Kakashi: You have to read it.

Sasuke: Now?

Naruto: Yes, and aloud!

Sasuke: Can I just read it at home.

The other 3: NOOOOO!

Sasuke: *realizes he doesn't have a choice* Fine. *opens the lid and unfolds and reads the letters one by one*

"Sasuke-kun, wherever you are, I hope you're also seeing fireworks there. Wishing that next year, you'll be right by our side."

"Sasuke! You're missing out a lot! If I were you I'd be back in the village in a heartbeat to celebrate with me and Sakura-chan. There's so much food here!!"

"I bet it's dark and gloomy there. The weather here is nice, Sasuke. You should come back to see the fireworks with your team."

"Teme, come back! Don't be stubborn!! Even the fireworks think you're stubborn!"

"I miss you, Sasuke-kun! The fireworks are specially pretty tonight. The red sparks remind me of your eyes."

"Sasuke! We prepared so much food Would you really rather spend events like this with that snakeman?? Be honest! Come back here, dattebayo!!!"

"Sasuke! I can't count how many years we've missed you. I know you'll be back. We will bring you back. Mark my words, dattebayo!!"

Sasuke: *opens another letter; reads with his eyes first*

Naruto: Come on, why did you stop?

Sasuke: *points to the sky* Th-The fireworks!!

The four of them look at the sky like wide-eyed children. Naruto remembers their first fireworks together.

"Next year for sure, I will see the fireworks together with them. The next year, and next year after, undoubtedly."

Sasuke: *secretly reads the last note he picked*

Sasuke-kun! How are you? Do you still think about us? I, for sure, always think about you. In fact, seeing the fireworks earlier made me realize that no matter how pretty something is, you won't appreciate it if your mind wanders elsewhere. I hope you're always safe and happy. Know that you're always in my mind and in my heart. And just like the fireworks, I always look forward to seeing you. I love you, Sasuke-kun!

Sakura: Anata?

Sasuke: *hides the note and puts his arm around her and kisses her forehead while Naruto and Kakashi are looking up* Thank you, Sakura.

Sakura: *blushes* For what?

Sasuke: For everything.

Naruto: Hey, will the two of you watch or?

Sakura: We're watching!! *laughs*

Sasuke: *whispers* Thanks to you too, Usuratonkachi, Kakashi.

[that-sarcastic-optimist]

Hey! Love your drabbles so much, and i was wondering if you were still taking asks? if so can i request a sequel to her first words, where the baby is grown up a bit and they're having family time or something? just a thought!

Combined this with another ask: KC+their child klaus beinga stern parent and caroline is laughing but trying not to show it.

Hope you like it!

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They're eating dinner at the table one night, Chinese takeout, Caroline’s favourite. Caroline picks around in her fried rice, trying to pick out the onions, but at Klaus’s stern glare towards her to be a good role model to Eve and eat all her vegetables, Caroline eats them, but not without a lot of grumbling.

Klaus is very particular about Eve eating all her vegetables, something she’s sure he’s picked up from years of babysitting Kol, Rebekah, and Henrik, and since Eve hates nearly all the vegetables Caroline does (which is a lot), he’s always the one to force both of them into eating them.

Caroline would have found it adorable if she hadn’t been forced to eat her onions all the time.

Eve hates beans. With a passion. She pushes them around on her plate, her little feet swinging below the table. Caroline suddenly notices her eyes light up and sneak a glance to her father, who’s busy on the phone with a consult. Eve slowly picks up her fork and scoots nearer to Klaus, and moves to dump her vegetables onto his plate.

“Don’t even think about it,” Klaus tells her, ending the call and pocketing his phone. Eve lets out a frustrated snarl and yanks her plate towards her, stabbing a potato.

“I hate beans,” she mutters, shoving the potato in her mouth and crossing her arms.

“We know,” Klaus says patiently, passing the gravy to Caroline, who’s watching their exchange with an amused look. “That doesn’t mean you don’t have to eat them.”

“Why?” Eve spits out.

“Because they're healthy, and don’t talk while you're eating, Eve,” Caroline reprimands her.

After dinner, while they're all in the living room, Caroline with Eve sprawled in her lap, braiding the ends of her hair like she does Klaus’s, and Klaus next to her, glasses perches on his nose as he reads the latest report his residents had sent over, Eve hops to the floor from her mother’s lap, and ignoring her protests, confidently states, “I think we shouldn’t eat vegetables anymore.”

Caroline snorts, and Klaus keeps his report aside and pulls Caroline’s legs to rest over his lap as she sprawls on the sofa. “And why do you think so?”

“Because vegetables are icky, Daddy. Duh.”

“We don’t say duh because it’s mean, Eve,” Caroline says gently. “And just because vegetables may not taste that good doesn’t mean they're not healthy.”

“How do you know if they’re healthy? Pop tarts could be healthy,” Eve challenges, hands perched on her hips.

“Eve, my love,” Klaus says, barely able to hold back his laughter. “We’re not having pop tarts for dinner every night.”

“But they’re so tasty,” Eve whines. She turns to her mother for support. “Mommy?”

“I'm with Daddy on this one, Eve. You have to eat healthy if you want to stay healthy, right?”

“Mommy,” Eve says, stamping her foot. “Daddy. Beans taste terrible. So do sprouts. I'm bored.”

With that, she collapses onto the couch next to Caroline dramatically, and Klaus does start laughing at that, and Eve pouts.

“Eve,” he says, reaching over to hold her hands in his and pulling her to rest on his lap. “Sweetheart, what do Mummy and I do? What're our jobs?”

“Doctors.”

“Doctors. And what do doctors do for you, love?”

“They take care of you when you're sick.”

“How do you get sick?”

“Playing in the rain when Mommy tells you not to, then eating ice cream.”

“That’s a part of it. But do you remember how you got sick last month and we had to take you to the clinic?”

“Uncle Kol gave me too many sweets to eat,” Eve answers him cheerfully, clearly recalling fond memories. Klaus’s face darkens at that, remembers how furious he had been with Kol for indulging so many of Eve’s whims when she had stayed with him for three days.

Consequently, Eve had gotten a bad stomach ache and Kol had nearly had his shoulder dislocated.

“That’s right,” Klaus says, rubbing Caroline’s thigh soothingly in an attempt to placate himself and Caroline nearly snorts.

The only person Klaus is just as protective of as her is their daughter, and Caroline can't wait to bring out the popcorn when Eve turns sixteen and starts dating and Klaus is forced to watch her kiss her boyfriends with murder in his eyes.

He would be capable of it, of course. But she digresses.

“So, moral of the story was that if you don’t want a stomach ache, you eat all your vegetables.”

Eve pouts, pulling Klaus’s glasses from his face and perching them on her own nose. “But that’s so unfair.”

Klaus grins. “Perhaps you and Mummy can commiserate about that together.”

Caroline whacks him with her book.

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Please do review!

[sequinsmile-x]

The Monster Mash

Halloween is a big deal in Emily and Aaron's house, especially because it also happens to be their daughter's birthday.

-x-

Hi friends!

This is the first of two Halloween fics I'm writing in the next week, the second of which will be posted on Halloween itself.

This fic is just.....pure pure fluff. That's it.

Hope you enjoy <3

Please let me know what you think!

-x-

Words: 3k

Warnings: None

Read over on Ao3, or below the cut

Aaron ensures he’s as quiet as possible as he walks back into Emily’s hospital room. He smiles softly as he looks at her, his love for her stronger than ever as he watches her stare at their newborn daughter. 

“How are my girls doing?” He whispers, his smile only getting wider when Emily looks up at him, her own smile sleepy but content. 

“We’re okay,” she replies, looking back down at the baby, desperately trying to memorise every little thing about her little girl, “Holly here just had her first meal,” she looks back up at Aaron and raises her eyebrow, “Mommy’s boobs hurt.” 

He chuckles as he sits on the edge of the bed. He leans in to stroke Holly’s soft cheek with his knuckle, smiling as she shifts slightly in her sleep, “She’s perfect.” 

“She really is,” Emily says, her gaze fixed on her baby, “Is Jack okay?”

“He’s excited to meet his little sister tomorrow,” he says, reaching for Holly, holding her securely in his arms, “And JJ and Will are taking him trick or treating tonight and he’s staying over at theirs.” 

Emily hums as she shifts in the bed, making room for Aaron to sit next to her, “We definitely owe them one,” she says, leaning her head on Aaron’s shoulder and looking down at their daughter, “I’ve had more fun Halloweens,” she says, smiling at the memory of the year before, how she’d spent all evening teasing Aaron with her Catwoman costume, “But at least she’ll always have something to do on her birthday, and it’s only two days before yours” 

As soon as they’d found out Emily’s due date was during the last week of October they’d joked about the possibility of their daughter being born on Halloween, something that Penelope, who had bought them a dozen Halloween-themed newborn outfits, had really leaned into. Emily’s waters had broken in the early afternoon of the 30th, leading them to believe their little girl would be born just shy of the date everyone had placed wagers on for months. 

Holly, it turned out, had different ideas. 

Labour had been long and drawn out, pushing Emily to her absolute limit until their daughter was finally born in the evening on the 31st, around the same time they’d leave the house if they were home to take Jack trick or treating. 

“She’s the best early birthday present, ever,” Aaron says, lifting Holly to kiss her forehead before he smiles at his wife, “You might struggle to top this next year.” 

Emily chuckles and winces at the same time at the discomfort it causes, rolling her eyes at the way her husband waggles his eyebrows at her. He’d made it no secret the last several months how much he loved her pregnant, how much he worshipped the changes her body had gone through. Even when she was at her most self-conscious, not able to recognise herself in the mirror, he was constantly telling her how beautiful she was, always showing her how beautiful she was. 

“Down boy,” she deadpans, squeezing his arm, “At least let me regain the ability to walk to the bathroom without assistance first before you think about having another one.” 

He laughs and presses a kiss to Emily’s forehead, and then her lips, “Love you.” 

“I love you too,” she replies, stamping another kiss against his lips before she looks back down at Holly, overwhelming love spreading through her, making tears press at the back of her eyes, “Just look at her Aaron,” she says, reaching out and stroking her daughter’s dark hair, “We made her.”

Aaron adjusts his hold on Holly, making sure she’s secure in the crook of one of his arms, before he hooks the other one around Emily, carefully tugging her closer. 

“You did all the hard work, sweetheart,” he says, running his hand up and down her arm, “She’s all you.” 

She hums, sinking into his embrace, letting the comfort it always brought wash over her, “You looked after me though,” she says, smiling as she tilts her head to look up at him, “You looked after us.” 

He smiles as he thinks about it. All the late nights over the last few months, and all the ones that were to come. All of the snacks he’d bought and stocked their pantry with, only then to donate them when she suddenly became opposed to something she’d been obsessed with for weeks. All of the back and foot massages she’d never ask for directly but hint at, large dark eyes Holly had inherited looking at him until he’d smile and sit next to her, pulling her feet into his lap so he could rub away all the sore spots. 

He’d do it all again, every little thing, just to make sure she was as happy and comfortable as possible. 

“That’s what I’m here for,” he says, kissing her, “It’s what I’ll always be here for.” 

Emily smiles but it turns into a yawn, her exhaustion finally taking over. She groans and rests her forehead against Aaron’s shoulder, “Fuck, I’m tired.”

“No cursing.” 

“She’s 3 hours old honey,” she says, pulling back to look at him, her eyes narrowing, “She doesn’t even know she has feet yet, it’s going to be a while before she can repeat things back to us.” 

He shakes his head and kisses her forehead before he unwraps his arm from around her, shifting carefully so he doesn’t wake up Holly.

“Why don’t you get some sleep?” He suggests as he stands up, “We’ll be right here.” 

Emily nods and kisses Holly’s forehead, “Mommy loves you, sweet girl.” 

Aaron sits down, and by the time he looks back up Emily is already fast asleep. He smiles and glances down at Holly, his smile spreading across his face at the sight of her, of the tiny pumpkin-covered onesie that Penelope had bought. It was the smallest size but still swamped the newborn, the baby tiny in a way he forgot was possible. 

“We’re so lucky, angel,” he says, whispering to the still sleeping baby, “Mommy loves us all so much,” he settles back in the chair and looks up the TV that was on in the corner, the volume all the way down. He chuckles as he realises a horror movie is on, a classic that was no longer scary, the special effects almost comical by modern standards. It reminds him of what day it is, the fact Holly’s birthday would always coincide with a holiday, one he hoped she’d enjoy, “And,” he says, turning his attention back to his little girl, “You’ll always have lots of candy on your birthday.” 

___

“I’m really not sure about her costume.” 

Emily rolls her eyes and turns to look at her husband, she adjusts her hold on their son, the 14-month-old content to be in his mother’s arms. Lucas was already dressed in his costume - a onesie with a glow-in-the-dark skeleton printed on the front, an outfit Emily had bought purposefully so they could double up as pjyamas, well aware that he would inevitably fall asleep in her arms as they were trick or treating. 

“Honey,” she says, tilting her head at Aaron, “It’s what she wanted to go as, and it’s her birthday.” 

He sighs, his hands on his hips, “It’s a horror movie. How did she even know who he is to ask to go as him?” 

She smiles, “You can blame Derek for that, he has the DVDs at his place and she saw him on the cases.” 

“I’m ready!”

Holly bounds into the room, the now five-year-old full of energy and excitement as she smiles at her parents. She has her dark hair up in pigtails and her face painted wide, a red swirl on each cheek that Emily had carefully drawn on for her. Her outfit is a red bow tie and a suit, and Aaron has to admit she looks adorable.

Even if she is dressed as the puppet from Saw. 

“Baby you look adorable,” Emily says, enough glee in her voice to make her husband raise an eyebrow at her before he turns his attention back to Holly. 

“Not adorable, Mommy. Scary!” She corrects, frowning in a way that makes her look impossibly more like Emily, and Aaron finds himself having to cover a laugh with a cough. 

“Sorry, Hols,” Emily says, pressing her lips together to stop herself from smiling, “You’re right you’re very scary.” 

Holly nods and turns to look at Aaron, her smile wide, “Daddy I’m Billy! I want to play a game.” 

“I can see that, angel,” he says, not wanting to know how she knew the catchphrase of the character she was dressed as. He opens his arms up to her and smiles as she runs towards him, giggling as he settles her on his hip. He smiles at his wife, but it slips when he sees how Lucas frowns, sinking further into Emily’s embrace as he looks at Holly, “Luke, it’s just Holly.” 

“It’s just me Lukey, it’s a costume,” Holly says, reassuring her younger brother. His frown only deepens, and he presses his face into Emily’s neck, and she shares a concerned look with her husband. 

Lucas didn’t have any of the enthusiasm either of his older siblings had always seemed to have for Halloween. He shied away from anything to do with it, even getting upset at the display in the local grocery store, and they were concerned about how tonight was going to go. If it wasn’t also her daughter’s birthday Emily would have suggested that she stayed home with their youngest like she had the year before when he was only two months old, but Holly had been insistent that she went too. Her eyes wide and dark as she looked up at her, desperate for her mother to come with them this year. 

Emily knew how it felt to be let down by her mother, and she never wanted her daughter to feel the same way. 

So they were going to try, and they’d figure it out as they went. 

Any further conversation is cut off as Jack comes bounding down the stairs, the 11-year-old’s smile wide as he greets the rest of the family.

“Happy Holly-ween!” He exclaims, his hands on his hips as he shows off his Spiderman costume. Holly giggles at the name their family had given Halloween since her first birthday, the play on words something that Derek had come up with initially. He looks at his sister and smiles, “Cool costume, Hols.” 

“Thanks,” she says, looking back at Lucas who is clearly still unsure, his fist tight in Emily’s jacket, “See Lukey, it’s just me.” 

“Mama,” Luke says, a slight whine to his voice as he looks at his mother who smiles encouragingly at him.

“You’re okay, baby,” she says, kissing his forehead. She catches Aaron’s eye and smiles softly at him, at the sight of their daughter sitting on his hip in the costume she’d insisted on. There were moments when she still couldn’t believe that this was her life, that she had a family whom she did beautifully normal things with like going trick-or-treating. She never wanted to take it for granted, to forget how unlikely this would have all seemed not that long ago, “We should get going.”

Aaron nods, the way he winks at her letting her know he was thinking the same thing, that he was once again awed by their family, a feeling that often visited them both on their children's birthdays. 

“Okay, now remember the rules-”

“No pushing in front of the other kids, wait our turn, don’t leave your sight,” Jack says, cutting off his father before he could go through the familiar instructions, a smirk on his face that was all Emily. Aaron presses his lips together to stop himself from smiling too widely and he opens the front door as he puts down Holly, who is now so excited she is practically vibrating with it. He smiles at his wife as they all stand on the porch and he locks the door behind them, and he raises his eyebrow at her. 

“He never used to do that before you lived with us,” he says as Jack and Holly run slightly ahead of them, their pails that would soon be full of candy hanging from their hands. Emily chuckles and looks at him, tightening her hold on Lucas. 

“Don’t act like you don’t love it,” she replies, leaning in to stamp a kiss on his cheek before they catch up with their children, only a few paces behind them as they go from house to house in their neighbourhood. 

They barely make it a block before Lucas is crying, the toddler scared and upset by the variety of costumes and decorations that they see. His grip on Emily only gets tighter as they go, and even her proximity doesn’t seem to soothe him. She exchanges a look with Aaron and he nods, nothing having to be said as he gets the attention of Holly and Jack. 

“Luke isn’t having a good time,” he says as his children turn to look at him, “So Mom is going to-”

“No, Mommy, you can’t leave,” Holly says, her eyebrows furrowing, her arms crossed over her chest, “It’s my birthday!” 

It was unlike Holly to throw anything close to a tantrum. She was calm and level-headed most of the time, something that had been true even when she went through the ‘terrible twos’. But Emily knew she’d missed her last year when she’d had to stay home with a newborn Lucas, her daughter’s eyes filled with tears when she realised her mother wasn’t going to go trick-or-treating with her like she had every other year. 

Emily feels a knot forming in her chest, suppressing her ability to breathe as guilt fills her lungs, a feeling she shakes off as she crouches down, Lucas still on her hip as she beckons Holly over. The little girl walks over, her eyes on the ground as she sticks out her lower lip in a pout. 

“I’m sorry sweetie,” Emily says, cupping her daughter's chin and encouraging her to look up at her, “But Luke is little, remember? He’s scared and he doesn’t understand all of this like you do. Either me or Daddy have to take him home, because it’s not fair on any of us if we make him stay. But one of us will stay with you and Jack. Now, how about because it’s your birthday, you get to pick which one of us stays.”

Holly sniffs and looks back and forth between her parents, watching intently as Aaron nods along, agreeing with everything Emily has said. She sighs like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders as she makes eye contact with her mother again. 

“I want Mommy to stay.”

Emily nods, expecting that would be the answer, and she stands back up straight, “Okay, then Mommy will stay,” she says, turning to walk towards Aaron and closing the small gap between them. She kisses Lucas’s forehead several times in a row before she passes him over to Aaron, smiling softly as he grips onto his father as tightly as he had been to her, “Daddy’s going to take you home, sweet boy.” 

“Text me when you’re on the way back,” Aaron says, stamping a kiss against her lips, “I’ll start making the hot chocolates.” 

She smiles and kisses him quickly, ignoring how Jack makes a disgusted noise behind them, and she pulls back, “Love you.” 

“Love you too.” 

Emily watches as he leaves, talking animatedly to Lucas to distract him as they walk back towards their home and cross paths with a realistic-looking zombie. She smiles as she looks back at Jack and Holly, their costumes, and the difference in them, making her smile only get wider. 

“Right, come on Spiderman and Billy,” she says, a hand on each of their shoulders as she guides them to the next house, “Let's get lots and lots of candy.” 

She has to suppress a laugh at the look on the face of the owner of the next house, her eyes going wide as she takes in Holly’s costume. It’s a momentary reaction she covers well as she lets Jack and Holly pick out candy, her initial horror turning to amusement at the sight of a sweet little girl dressed as such a recognisable character from a horror franchise. 

“What do we say, kids?” Emily asks, smiling as they both chorus a thank you to the woman in front of them. Holly hesitates as she turns on the porch, but before Emily can ask what is wrong the little girl is already speaking.

“Can I have some for my baby brother too?” Holly says, smiling as she looks between the woman still standing in her doorway and Emily, “He’s little so he had to go home because he was scared, but he should still have some candy.” 

The woman smiles, “You’re such a good big sister,” she says, the praise making Holly beam as she lets her pick out more candy. It doesn’t escape Emily’s notice that Holly purposely picks something she doesn’t like but she knows Lucas does, “Your brother is very lucky.” 

“Thank you,” Holly says again, walking away with a bounce in her step, and Emily smiles at the woman. 

“Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome,” she replies, leaning against the doorframe of her home, “Your kids are the most well-behaved I’ve seen all night, you must be proud.” 

Emily looks at her children and can’t help but smile as she spots Jack straightening Holly’s bowtie for her, with nothing but love and affection for his sister in the action. She hoped that they’d always be as close as they are now, that the care all three of her children had for each other would linger throughout their lives. Tying them together wherever they ended up, long after she and Aaron were gone. 

“Yeah,” she replies, love warming her from the inside out, making the jacket she is wearing all but obsolete, “I really am.”

-x-

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[willshipanything-blog]

Rules of the Game- Chapter 1

My first fanfic, so be nice (but I will gratefully accept constructive criticism) <3

Full Chapter Index here.

If you want to read and comment on AO3, it's here (I'm darkbelle on there).

More detailed tags and warnings over there. For now: dead dove, kidnapping, violence, non-con, you get the picture.

Chapter 1: Misdirection

“You’re not leaving, are you, Y/N?”. 

Ms. Rutherford, the librarian at Galesburg Community Library, looked up suspiciously, abandoning her book stamping duties to ask you this. She had always been very particular about the volunteers sticking to their scheduled hours. It was almost sinful you were leaving earlier than expected. 

You turned from exiting the front entrance to face the help desk, piled high with books waiting to be stamped for return and shelved with their neighbors. You thought you might have sneaked out without a fuss. You suppressed a smirk as she pushed her glasses up her nose slightly. She was a walking stereotype of your typical librarian, old and stern, but you had to admit her book recommendations were superlative. Recently you’d been on a Brontë binge and you and Ms. Rutherford had had several (admittedly) heated discussions over the better sister; she was Camp Emily, you Team Charlotte. 

“My ride let me down at lunch, so I need to set off home earlier today,” you replied “but I’ll be back right on time tomorrow!”

“What else can you expect from young men these days? Really, to let a young lady walk alone at night, and with that deviant on the loose, no less!” 

You stifled a laugh and instead exhaled through your nose in amusement. “Ms. Rutherford, first of all, it's 4pm, and honestly, it’s no big deal, it’s not the first time I’ve had to walk home by myself, I’m a big girl! See you bright and early tomorrow!” You turned quickly to avoid a tirade of criticisms about the current generation of young men, which you were very well aware of. As you pushed open the double oak doors of the library, you couldn’t help ponder that Jonathon, your boyfriend of just over a year now, had pissed you off when he had told you last minute he had plans with friends to drink beer and watch football. How original. 

These thoughts disappeared as you stepped outside. You weren’t going to let it bother you. Glass half full, Y/N, you thought to yourself: at least the weather was nice. Although lugging your bookbag in this heat wasn’t ideal, you weren’t going to complain about the weather being so pleasant this late into fall.

Hopping down the stone steps of the library, you thought about another thing that Ms. Rutherford had said- that deviant. It still made you uneasy thinking about the recent spate of missing young boys, especially when you had known one of them. Only distantly, but it still made your stomach turn to think about. It was hard to try and forget though, between the near empty streets at night and the endless rows of MISSING posters that desperate families kept pasting to every fence, streetlight and store window in Galesburg.  

At least at this time of day, most kids had gone straight home from school. Even with leaving the library early, you were able to avoid them. It seemed that all they could talk about these days was ‘the grabber’, as they’d so unashamedly nicknamed him. This moniker spread quickly throughout their friendship circles; it even started to be used by the police, newspapers and TV stations. The speculation about who ‘the grabber’ was gonna get next, the whispered dares to say his name three times in the mirror, as if he were some bogeyman, set your teeth on edge. He was real, not an urban legend to tell ghost stories about. Most kids seemed to forget that they were the ones at risk. Had it gotten colder or was it just these thoughts making you shiver? 

You started to drift away from these ruminations, thinking instead about the large takeout pizza you were gonna order and have with a cold beer once you got home. Extra mushrooms too, which Jonathon hated, to ensure he wouldn’t eat your leftovers. That’ll teach him. Whilst practically drooling over this thought, you heard a sudden rush of steps behind you. Too late to turn around, an arm collided into your own. 

A kid (barely a teenager judging by his size) had flown right into you. Knocking you slightly off balance, he turned but didn’t stop, holding out both hands in a ‘whoops, my bad’ sort of gesture. You noticed tape on the palms that he held up. Must have wrapped them up himself, probably he’d been fighting and had to bandage his knuckles. He did look like a scrappy little thing. 

“Hey, sorry guapa!” he called, turning forward once more and racing on ahead once it was clear you weren’t hurt. You smiled and shook your head, shouting after him down the street. 

“Be careful, kid!” He was already gone, turning the corner about 30 yards ahead of you. 

As you turned right at the same corner half a minute later, a strange scene presented itself, making you stop in your tracks. Crouched on the sidewalk a few feet in front of you was a man with ashy brown-gray hair down to his shoulders, muttering to himself as he tried to collect what looked like a litany of spilled groceries. Looking past him, parked on the curb a little way back was a matte black van with faint green text etched on the side. Even further up the road, you could just make out the young boy still in a rush to get someplace. The crouched figure looked less than enthused and didn’t see that another person was standing just a few feet away from him.

You regained your senses. “Oh! Here, lemme help you,” you volunteered, beginning to grab a couple of oranges that had rolled near to where you were standing.

“No, it’s fine, I got it,” a gravelly voice answered, clearly annoyed at the situation. And why wouldn’t he be? You saw the spilled milk and broken eggs over the sidewalk, things that would have to be replaced. 

“Are you sure? Sorry that kid knocked you over, but I don’t think everything’s ruined,” you said hopefully as you held up the oranges to inspect them. 

“The kid didn’t knock–” the surly voice ceased speaking as he looked up at you. 

A moment of silence followed as the man stood up slowly. You were taken aback by his appearance, his face covered in what seemed to be greasepaint, the top half of his visage hidden by a pair of dark, clunky sunglasses. He must have easily been six feet tall, wearing all black save for a blood-red turtleneck under his silk shirt. Your stomach shifted, suddenly feeling somewhat uneasy around this stranger standing mere feet from you. 

His voice was different when he next spoke; a friendly, almost childish intonation. “Uh, what I meant to say was, I’m sure that boy didn’t mean to bump me like that. I’m normally such a klutz without anyone helping me along!” he smiled goofily, a row of slightly crooked white teeth now visible.

Your silence and continued look of worry was evident, and he spoke again apologetically:

“Oh, uh, sorry for all this,” - here he held both hands up, ringed fingers outstretched, pointing towards his face in an exaggerated gesture - “but my costume isn’t complete. Would you mind passing me my hat, dear?”

Here he gestured theatrically with an arm, guiding your line of sight to a black top hat sat amongst the broken eggs. Feeling only a little reassured by his friendly tone, you stooped to retrieve it. You passed it to him, both of you stretching an arm to cover the distance between you, and as he grabbed the rim he flipped it expertly and it landed on his head. He gave a bow, the vaudevillian look complete, and you huffed out a half-laugh, exhaling a breath you hadn’t realized you’d been holding in. 

After explaining that he was a part time magician, hence the ridiculous outfit, and the van emblazoned with the line ABRACADABRA- ENTERTAINMENT AND SUPPLIES, you both started to pick up what was salvageable from the spilled mess on the sidewalk. He insisted you needn’t help, but you insisted even more that it was no bother. He put the rescued groceries into the back of his van and promptly slammed the door closed. 

“Well, thank you again, you’ve been such a good girl helping me out here.”

You were about to reply for the twentieth time with ‘no problem’, but sensed a strange look come over the man’s face, a vacant, contemplative gaze that you couldn’t place. Before you could speak he interjected, cognizant again.

“Say, you’re not my usual audience, but would you like to see a magic trick, dove?”

Once more, you were taken aback, this time by the strange nickname the man had used, but you’d concluded he was what your mother might have called ‘an eccentric’. You had also unabashedly concluded that this man was charming and (under the facepaint and glasses) really quite handsome, despite the fact he was old enough to be your father. You played ball, nodding at his request.

He chuckled almost imperceptibly under his breath and took a couple of paces towards you. With an elaborate wave of his hand, he reached towards the right side of your face, grazing your cheek as he tucked some hair behind your ear. You hoped you weren’t blushing too much at this spectacle. A shiny quarter was retrieved, and you couldn’t help but smile widely. 

The misdirection of this trick became apparent when you noticed too late the man’s other arm come swinging towards your face at full force, his fist making contact with your jaw with a thundering crack. 

Your body hit the hard sidewalk below you. White hot pain seared through your face. Too shocked to even scream. You felt yourself sitting up, holding yourself on unsteady, wobbling arms. Your vision spun furiously and you recognized the click of a car door opening somewhere in your mind. Whilst you willed yourself to get up and escape the situation, an arm grabbed your chest from behind and in an instant an acrid taste entered your mouth, preemptively choking out any screams you might have attempted. The same spray misted your eyes and it stung like hell. If your body was slow to react to the first hit, it was molasses now. You felt a tight pressure under both of your arms. It was him. He was dragging you to his van. This wasn’t going to end well unless your body at least attempted to move. 

You felt yourself hauled like a sack of flour onto the hard floor of the van. Last chance, both your feet still touched the outside ground, and your mind begged you to do something. Too late. You felt the man’s bulky frame straddling you as he climbed into the van himself, dragging you underneath him further into the vehicle. Your bare arms and legs were stippled with splinters as you were tugged roughly along the wooden flooring, but this pain hardly registered to you compared with the excruciating burning your face felt and the sting from the man’s initial blow. A thud of doors told you he’d now trapped you inside. 

Only now did your sluggish body begin to react. You flailed your arms wildly, though your legs were now firmly trapped under the man’s weight, and your voice was a raspy whisper, clearly from whatever spray had hit you full in the face. As you fumbled blindly with your hands balled into fists, you felt your left hand hit something solid and heard a vicious growl. You’d managed to hit the figure mounted on top of you. A small victory for only a moment; hands suddenly gripped both of your wrists, and bundled them underneath him with your fettered legs. 

As you felt another blow on the side of your face, followed by another, and another, you cursed yourself. Why didn’t you fight back sooner? Or run after that first blow? Why did you talk to a stranger at all? These questions and more exploded in your mind, but began to fade as you sank into unconsciousness.

Al thought it such a shame about that rude young boy. Running past without even offering to help him. Shame too; looked like he had some fight in him. He was going to chalk it up as a bad job, maybe even try another street elsewhere, then she came. This was unexpected. He had closed his van and was going to thank her for her help, when he had called her that- a good girl, he’d said. The idea struck him in seconds. Why not? If the game didn’t work out as planned, who would know? No one who would live to tell the tale. She’s older than the other boys by quite a margin, but he’s still bigger and stronger than her, maybe it could still serve his purposes for the game. And she was a woman- even if naughty boy didn’t work, there were other things that could be done before dispatching her in a shallow grave with the others. Al thought meditatively for a long time on the drive home, the sun just beginning to set on the warm Denver evening.

[seokka0o]

ɪ. ᴛʜᴇ ᴅʀᴜᴍᴍᴇʀ 

Goo Gunil ♡ Afab!reader

Synopsis: You fell into his trap. easy, fast, so trying to invent your quick escape seemed like the solution, somehow coming out on top, which causes your first mistake. being so strongly attracted to gunil certainly wouldn't work, you have to imagine that all that hate would go somewhere and it landed you in the seat of gunil's car.

Description: Band!au ; enemies to enemies that fuck :)

Warning: smut; manipulation; fingering, making out, protected sex, masturbation ; car sex ; strength kink

5.3k

Author: I suffered, but there's the first chapter. I think the hardest part was actually starting, I kind of didn't know where to go and that left me stuck on this chapter for a long time, so I believe the next ones come out better, I hope at least. About updating each one, I intend to do a cap per month, so I can focus on writing some other things as well.

Prologue | Moodboard

Not fully proofread

To read and understand this chapter, read the previous one

"wait!" you called before the door gave its ultimatum and closed. gunil looked at you over his shoulder, practically cutting you in half, his hands closed into a fist and you sighed deeply. maybe you were feeling too ripped off to quote the part where you were giving in to gunil's antics.

"Do you really think they'll believe you?" you snatched. gunil smiled mischievously and stepped inside, closing the door behind him again.

"I'm not sure... maybe" Gunil shrugged and walked back towards you, stopping again in front of you

“come on y/n, you won't need to try too hard…” gunil brushed your hair, dark eyes towards you, and then the beautiful smile broke out again “just one way on your people and I won't do anything… .well, nothing you don't want me to do ”

gunil had a very specific voice melody , it felt like hypnosis, the worst kind of man by far, you should have known from the start this wasn't going to end well, but it took until the last second, his speech silenced you, you maintained intense eye contact before he cut and trimmed his head on the side of your face, sighing the warm air close to your ears and smiling right away.

"Cat got your tongue?" He whispered bringing a warm shiver to your skin, your eyes fixed on the living room wall and your lips tingling from missing his kiss.

You stammered, not out of fear, but anger mingled inside you and became a bone-shaking, intense tangle. Gunil cast a sideways glance and noticed the tears that were gathering in your eyes and with an utterly boastful air he grabbed you by the chin and made you look into your eyes.

"You're an asshole" you said tearfully, still trying to demonstrate something that would be able to keep the gunil away from you, even if at that point you didn't know if you really wanted him away.

"Yeah, I know that" he replied with a pride stamped on his chest, he demonstrated the kind of person that made you attracted and then he took your lips as if minutes ago he hadn't threatened you in some way. "And you like it" he whispered.

You followed the fine line, you tended to fall into crazy talk easily, but you attest to that when you promptly received his lips, with a certain abstinence, but you accepted it willingly.

The sigh escaped your lips when you felt him using the strength he had to sit you down on the teacher's desk, that was the beginning of your headache, when you murmured as he pulled your lower lips and deepened the kiss in a way solid, grabbing you and squeezing your thigh over your pants.

Your hand traveling on the chest guarded by the tight t-shirt and you proclaimed that you would somehow make that place your fun spot, without thinking about the consequences of it, feeling the pressure of his body on yours firmly, eliciting a considerable moan from your lips.

The sassy hand traveling your spaces, the tongue invading your mouth in a wet, sexy kiss, gunil wanted to ensure your doom before the sun went down, or you even had time to think about the shit he were doing.

The pressure of the touch of the lips changing the measure of his good will; gunil took the necessary time, you felt like it wasn't something that grew just because of the alcohol itself, you could clearly say that you've never felt a kiss like that in your life.

When he felt it was time, gunil guided you to lie down on the table and broke the kiss to run his seals down your neck, making his breath warm over your skin to feel it.

"What's the good, kitten " whispered gunil against your skin and then he stood up to watch you, sly smile on his lips and he goes back to keeping his hands on your thighs, opening them for him little by little, pressing himself in the middle moving your bodie in a harmony of his, his awakened member touching your covered intimacy with such precision it made you roll your eyes "will you cooperate?"

Being too honest, you didn't give a shit, the clouded mind took you out of any condition to take in, the sight of him between your legs made you drip, the need for gunil inside you was overwhelming. Then you thought: "fuck it, he's already lying anyway, with some reason and some pleasure in it"

"I-I will" you stammered, feeling stupid, uncontrollably horny, a cornered animal

"Very well" he smiled again, leaned towards you, leaving a seal on the corner of your lips "see you around"

He whispered leaving you confused and then he left, definitively, your stagnant body only returned to reality when the door slammed deep, leaving you together with your thoughts, and your wet panties. It was something unavoidable to feel, you waited for the heat to subside and twisted your leg before getting ready to go outside.

Coming home was never so torturous in your entire life, nothing seemed to resolve your situation, so you thought a shower would help, wash your soul of all tension and go back to bed and rest. It seemed like it was too much for your body to take in so clearly, you still felt numb, neglected by the sense of the pleasure you'd been denied.

At that moment you were already under the covers, watching a movie trying to distract when you found yourself slipping your hand inside your pajamas. it wasn't all that intentional, you were full of the feel of his hand on your body in such an uncompromising way, and the tension he created didn't seem to match the things that came out of his pert mouth. what was it? you had no idea what you were getting into.

Your head was full of thoughts about him, good or bad you found yourself in continual despair. The moan carefully escaped your lips, you were so wet it was almost deplorable; it was inevitable not to think about the sensation of his covered member touching you, the sensation of the touch of tongues, the message of him descending your body in kisses to your wet intimacy.

There was no need for any visual or auditory stimulus, you had the image of gunil clear in your head, as if he were there to somehow touch you and take away all that despair that wanted to consume your body at any cost.

"Bastard" you whimper, part your lips with your fingers and start exploring. Touching sensitive points before reaching the destination. Your hips moving in tandem with his audacious hand, you moaned once more, remembering the arms adorned and protruding from the gym, clearly remembering the strength he used each time to hold you close, the firmness he used to open your legs for him. Your eyes close and you start circling, moaning in sync, feeling everything tense, you were in a deep rage, the feeling of emptiness grew, your head flooding again, I wish he would have done  the favor of fucking you in that damn room .

You started to circle faster, using your other hand to caress your own body, your back bending in a moment of pure despair and the damn gunil smile being the only thing you could visualize with the arrival of your limit, still an immense void to the end, but still an extreme desire to eliminate the drummer's life.

you didn't know what the hell you could do to get around that situation, even if inside you knew well that Gunil hadn't opened his mouth, the paranoia consumed you at gigantic levels and it's not because you were forbidden to talk about it or anything like that. you only had a problem with wanting to handle everything yourself, it seemed absurd to want to put the board in a situation where you clearly shouldn't be.

The fraternity still seemed reluctant, you presented articles and more articles about why not to close the club and even so they wanted to keep the final decision, for a deadline that was getting shorter and shorter and definitely! that was far from not being your problem, from what it seems Gaon has a beautiful photo of the day of the night that you and Gunil are kissing like a crazy, where supposedly you should already be in charge of the club, a photo that he made it clear that if by chance everything went wrong he was going to do it all under the pretense of informing all the type of harassers you are trying to take advantage of your position by threatening them and the club's security for favors

a pack and motherfuckers who now had a gun over your head

setting up facades on top of facades and so you're the damn band went on a warpath.

the chaotic practices were the worst, you and gunil got into a few arguments throughout the week, the kind of nerves getting heated while the others watched the circus burn with delight, maybe it was too late to back out? no, you could get a big problem with being accused of abuse of power if by chance all this fell apart, so you shut up, you would have to deal with it yourself, there was no point in so much headache, that would have to be resolved as soon as possible.

“It's been quite a week for you, I've barely seen you during breaks” you sighed in agreement and laid down on the cafeteria table, closing your eyes so you could have some mental rest even if it was just for a few seconds.

“The end of the month is near, besides the exams I have to deal with this damn club” you replied to your friend with some disgust, making her laugh poking your arm, calling your attention to drink the coffee you had ordered earlier

“I thought it was going to be easier, because your making out with gunil seemed to pay off” you felt the twinge coming from the back of your neck, you cursed to the winds and picked up your coffee cup, taking a good drink

"don't remind me of that, i hate to say i regret doing things" you muttered in displeasure making your friend laugh

“there are certain evils that come to the good, he shouldn't be so difficult to deal with if you use the right words y/n” she definitely didn't know what she was talking about, not even remotely, the whole situation made you nauseous and you didn't even have the desire to reveal such an atrocity in your friend's presence, is liable to bring the entire campus down and you are trying to maintain subtlety.

“I don't even know how to answer that, the occasion just drives me to despair, I can't let the fraternity close this club for anything on this earth” You finished your coffee, depositing it on the table

“I can try to help in some way and fit them into the closing event of the semester, but you'll need to convince the them to hold the club it until then… I think it can generate a good profit for the campus” you felt like a kind of nanny. it was as if everything in the lives of those blessed boys was now completely their business and that certainly wasn't in the plans. But that it was an idea to consider you wouldn't deny.

“I can see” you replied still lying on the table, keeping your eyes closed for your rest. "I need to go now"

you muttered under your breath getting up from your chair and pulling your backpack, it was time to go to that damn club and face the weirdos for a few more hours, hoping to keep your composure

“good luck” said your friend with a kind smile and you just waved your hand as you walked out of the cafeteria.

making your morbid way through the halls, pondering your attitudes and sighing heavily at the lack of encouragement, when did staying around become life's biggest current problem? maybe you should have stayed home that fateful night, but decided it would be a good idea to open the doors to a life full of adventure and now you had an unfortunate bastard threatening your reputation for nothing, you should have thought twice about considering that one Such a handsome guy would want something with you, because even if gunil says it was just a coincidence, you don't believe it, under those conditions everything should make you doubt it.

when entering the room you didn't look to the side, so you didn't notice who was there, or if there was even someone, you took your destination to your desk and sat down, lying on the table uninterested, a little frustrated in general terms.

you didn't want to have to deal with anything other than your persistent sleep, real life problems didn't need to be solved in your dreams, so you tried to try to get some sleep.

at least you were what I expected

"How rude of you not to say good morning" the drumsticks hit the drum hard, you felt that you were close to your end, maybe it was even a sign that you would finally be collected from this world to be able to have a good rest. But no, it was just Gunil, the damn drummer.

"Why should I if you don't care either?" You didn't look at him, you kept your head on the table and your eyes tightly closed, you felt like you might feel less scared that way.

" why should I care? You're going to be rude anyway, I just expected some minimal politeness at the very least." He objected.

You rolled your to gunil as if he had any right to demand some closeness from you, or to question your character in any way.

Obviously you pondered a lot what you should say at times like this, but nothing that came out of your lips seemed more effective, it was like fighting a wall.

"I don't want to fight with you today" you avoided looking at gunil quite often, the issues of that day seemed to stick in your throat every time "leave me alone for a while"

His drama time distracted your head, gunil was sitting right beside you  when you  jumped at his touch on your hair.

"What's the matter, honey? Are you still sad about that day?" Questioned Gunil, laughing at the not-so-gentle slap you gave over his hand

"No" you objected

"It's not what it seems, you barely challenge me now" gunil countered "I'm offended"

“Gunil, I'm not your kitten for you to be playing around like that” you said at last, without moving.

gunil was silent for a while and then he smiled without saying anything for a short period of time, you for a moment felt that he would have peace, but he was wrong again in an idea where he only did that out of desperation, not out of pure evil.

"Not really, but it's still interesting to see how you react to everything" gunil shrugged, it was an honorable way of demonstrating that at least he teased you that way because he liked it too.

"You're a fucking sadist" you mumbled and then exhaled through your lips. You held the silence without contesting, shrugged your shoulders and then moved your body to stand up "I'm leaving now, I don't want to deal with you for now"

You shouldered your backpack, looking at the gunil below you, with twinkling eyes in your direction and then you smiled in advance, as if he were a mutual friend of yours.

"I hear they are going to allow a new story in the newspaper, please be kind and give good feedback" said gunil one last time, smiling kindly. You cursed in response and quickly made your way outside. You didn't like the feeling of being alone with Gunill, or having to talk to him, even though the goofs in the rest of the club didn't offer you any security, it was better than being alone.

 Outside the room, your legs felt a little wobbly, you had to lean against the wall cautiously and then get some air before walking back out of there, maybe having another coffee to take care of your own club later.

The remaining days lasted too long for your liking, you weren't sure if it was because of any situation you had seen, but some rumors already started to grow, soon towards the end of the day you heard that some people were saying that you used the club to have some privileges with some guys, fuck with them necessarily saying.

You ignored it as far as you could, you didn't want to make a fuss about anything, but the chill in your spine ran in a way that already indicated the end result of this joke, you were confident, little by little you were managing to get around the situation, it could be that they would be accepted for play at the end-of-semester festival, but gunil's recurring fear and hatred wanted to make you trip over your own feet and fuck with everything you were entitled to.

You were in the hallway, near the door of your office, your deep circles said how exhausted you looked. Your friend was talking about the seminar for the next few weeks when he walked by, across the hall, he didn't even hesitate to look at you, but you didn't miss a frame, damn you gunil and your good looks; he looked real when he disappeared down the hall, you gurgled and cut the subject at once

"I'm going, see you later" you said without waiting for answers, questions.

The footsteps became restless, you stomped so hard on the ground you thought you might break the second floor, your eyes glanced catching the last gunil step before disappearing down the hall, it ended in the parking lot, the car whistled and as soon as he put his hand to open it you practically ran to meet him.

"Hey" you said firmly. He glanced at you over his shoulder and smiled as he contemplated who he was dealing with. "We can talk?"

"Sure, but do you want to do it here?" He asked with his hand still on the car doorknob. You looked sideways and shrugged "come in"

He dictated, opening the door and then getting in the car, you stood on the outside, and then he looked at you as if waiting: "Fuck it" you thought before looking around and going around the vehicle, opening the door and getting in at once, feeling the car smell invade your nostrils.

"And then?" He asked

"Y-you haven't been saying anything around right?" You asked "we have an agreement and I'm doing what I can to resolve it"

You didn't want to believe you were being made an idiot of, even though it had been a long time. Even if the neutral expression on his face made you want to die for not being able to predict the answer.

"Me? Not necessarily, but you have to consider that there are six of us, the problem is not just me" gunil smiled, leaning back on the car seat.

"Don't come with that shit now, you have full control over them, just your guidance" you ended up losing a bit of your control in this situation, hated this suggestive form of gunil, as he was always very evasive. It made you want to punch him in the face until you didn't have any remnants of that pretty face to make fun of you anyway, it didn't seem to be anywhere near over and you already felt at your wits end, exhaustion taking everything you had. has, both physically and psychologically.

"Calm down kitten, I already told you, the problem is not just me, do you realize how popular jiseok is? It wouldn't take long to deduce that anyway" he completed, looking at the parking lot in a relaxed way.

"Your lack of concern gets on my nerves" you silently cursed

"But only because I know you'll give your all to save our club," he replied.

"I should throw it all on the fire honestly, you are a bunch of bastards" you shook your head, seeing gunil tilt his head to the side and then lean on the bench you were sitting on.

"Would you have that courage? Now that we were creating a good relationship" he said with a certain authority, deep down you felt that he was trying to make something clear between the lines, almost a way of coercing your exorbitant idea to try to get out of the corner.

"Good for who? Sometimes I think you're seriously crazy" it took you to believe that crazy for too long, now you had about thirty thousand obstacles in your way.

"You need to relax a bit, y/n, I feel bad about the last event" gunil started, his palm landed on your leg in a very comfortable way, as if he was used to practice.

"What are you doing?" You asked and he sighed in a way of shutting you up.

"See?! You're so rude...just like I was saying. I think it wasn't fair the way I treated you, even if it wasn't a big deal it still doesn't seem like the most Courteous way to treat someone" he began a caress Subtly on your thigh, he rose and fell as he kept his eyes on yours, a form of hypnosis that already seemed too repetitive.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about" you got around

"You know, look how nervous your body gets…" he whispered, forcing his fingers against your flesh, making a snarl leave your lips without warning "I'm sorry, should I redeem myself? Did you happen to touch yourself thinking about me? Or slept sad about what happened "

Damn his ability to read your mind, you didn't want to feel guilty but your mind took you back to the night you played with your body thinking about the atrocities he could have done to you and didn't.

"Your silence says a lot my dear, please let's play a little, it wouldn't be any fun if you gave up so soon." He completed, using the hand that was on the bench support to hold your chin, lifting your jaw, you took a deep breath, each time it was as if your senses disappeared and then you fell again, in the warm sensation of his lips touching yours, in an explosion of feelings you murmured returning with the need of a million years.

His hand started to move more intensely and then everything started to heat up. He kisses you passionately, between his lips the taste of lip balm and the coffee he drank every day, the touch of tongues unifying and tumbling excessively, making you mumble and sigh in despair. The palm of his hand sliding towards your inner thigh where he left a strong grip, pulling open and your stubborn moan that came out between the kiss making a smile on Gunil's lips. You can feel and there was no greater anger in your being at that moment.

The car was a little further away in the parking lot, facing the wall, which got rid of your fear a little and certainly that would be your problem since gunil suddenly took the audacity to insert his hand in the pants you were wearing, in a hurry that only he felt, because at that moment he already knew that he shouldn't pass from there, having so many wasted opportunities made him go crazy.

His hand slid gently, you freely allowing access by opening your legs a little more, releasing the access that jeans would not give so easily, with that signal he just continued, entering your intimate piece, right after. Gunil's fingers had a unique feeling of longing, even if in this situation you never knew from intercourse, you were psychologically exhausted by abstinence from touching each other, maybe you more than him, but you couldn't deny that it was a situation that started from both.

You moaned at the touch of his index finger against your entrance, you still weren't exactly wet but he explored anyway, tracing his finger between your lips until he reached your clit, which he began to circle with mercy. You lost the rhythm of the kiss when the nerve was touched, everything in you trembled and you began to moan more consistently, Gunil's other hand went down to the back of your neck and there he held it, keeping you close.

When the air was lacking he released the kiss in a snap, his eyes in an intense glow and you could notice the way his arm made a certain strength to move the fingers inside your pants. You moaned low and released one of the buttons on your pants to relieve the pressure, your body leaned over the car seat and then the waves of pleasure began to emerge.

"It's cute how you get into a string of mistakes, y/n" the clear objective would be for you to avoid fucking or having any kind of contact with them, however it seemed that you were unable to keep your game, gunil had an exceptional lip and you couldn't keep up for long. You lose.

"I hate you" you mumbled, biting your lower lip to contain the noise, your right hand entered your blouse and then you started touching your own breast, trying to relieve of tension and touch yourself a little

"Oh dear, show me, don't be selfish" gunil asked lovingly as he stroked your hair. You gave him a friendly look and then pulled your shirt up, revealing the bare breast which was twisting the nipple, gently "you're so hot"

He growled and without prior notice he penetrated one of his fingers, starting to fingering your  very wet intimacy, even though it was a little uncomfortable there was nothing to do, you pushed yout hips and fucked with his fingers for a while, moaning softly avoiding fuss of people passing by the parking lot and the feeling of the body gradually losing strength.

"Please Gunil, I-I'm almost there" you didn't want to have to be pushed to an extreme without getting what you wanted, the clear objective was to get him inside you as soon as possible and the way he moved his fingers so patiently inside you made you squirm to the core, the force with which you bit your lips almost tearing them to hold back your own orgasm when he finally stopped.

"Are you sure about that?" He asked as he withdrew his fingers from inside you, feeling the texture of your liquid tasting him right after. You growled low and nodded in a desperate act.

"Please…" you begged containing the anger inside you and watched him smile smugly. Gunil lowered the car seat a little and hit his thigh 

"as you wish"

He held the pants up by the drawstring, you could notice the bulge marked by the pants, however watching them pop out made butterflies bubble, your mouth watered at the mention and from the urgency you started to remove your bottoms.

Opening the glove box from inside gunil takes out a condom which he uses. In a short time you turn over on his lap, careful to snuggle both bodies and then he fits over your entrance, a moment of pleasurable pain as you slide down feeling all the volume fill you and there you are, you exchange a kiss. measly eye contact, the eyes bright of empty gunil your body trembles and almost instinctively you bring your hand to cup his jaw.

"Don't look at me with that face" you complained, keeping your body still over his "you've done too much, now at least fuck me properly"

A bold statement like that was like music, gunil let out a genuine laugh in response to your understandable anger, not least because he wasn't going to deny his share of guilt and it just happened to be convenient to use this whole situation to get a good fuck with you. 

When you started riding he came to the aid, he held you by the hip and started to lift, the hot car started to muffle the windows which little by little gave you freedom too, moaning in a still restrained way, but in moments rocking on top of his dick and closely watched everything he could, inside that car he didn't have much freedom but the little that was given to him he used to climb his hip towards your , getting as deep as he could.

You in this out of control state, you were losing track, you wanted more and more while your moans rose in pitch. In a flash you felt the gunil's firm hand touch your neck, cutting off your breath and stopping your promiscuous sounds for him.

"Want to make a fuss? If you're going to act like a slut and swing on my dick, do it in silence" gunil growled, panting, sweat taking over his body and the gym days being put to the test for that whole insane process. You rolled your eyes in pure desire, your insides without any containment, you reached your limit for the first time, but still not feeling that it was enough, you continued to move, now making low sounds, with your hands on gunil's shoulders and his now on your ass, pulling and releasing still aiding in the movements.

The sounds of gunil came straight to your ear, low melodious sighs, nothing too fancy but you've been dreaming about it for so long you felt it on the edge of the abyss, the butterflies in your stomach and his cock punching as deep as it could inside from you, far from being friendly, it was a consensus, you were far from liking each other in any other way.

You felt his body tense below yours, the panting getting louder, Gunil punched harder this time, went up strong thrusts putting the bodies in impact, you ended up reaching your second limit first than him and right after the calm came up, you were huddled over him trying to come to your senses.

"I wish I wasn't in your shoes" gunil laughed, and you with no time for jokes got off him

"Shut the fuck up for God's sake" you said while getting dressed, already realizing your mistake but not regretting it one bit

"are you going?" He asks

"What? Want to take me out to dinner?" You ask as you finish getting dressed

"No thanks" he replied "I hope you are aware of what you just did"

"You won't say anything to anyone, you need me, I just wanted to make sure the sex was good" you dictated, watching him get rid of that disgusting condom and get dressed again

"I expected no less from you" said gunil

"Really, now use this favor as an incentive to keep those imbeciles' mouths shut, I'm going to settle this guild thing" you commented

"It won't come out that cheap you know that right?"

"I know I know, but at least for now do it there, like you said yourself, we have a deal" you pull the car handle and get out, making your way out of that parking lot as fast as possible.

Taglist : @tentenharuno