#My fixation comes back once a month. Explodes

[residentialsinyomakai]

Yeah ill post these here too,,,

Folklore Frenzy.... ●°u°●

[cornertheculprit]

okay along the lines of my last reblog because i've been thinking....alright. i am a big disliker of aa5/aa6 for their complete character/storyline annihilation alone. if you've been on this blog for like a day it's probably obvious. that being said! i'm one of those people who's just like. welp. whether i like it or not it IS canon and i just gotta work with what i'm given. it is what it is.

now! that being said. i fucking love the complicated relationship between phoenix and apollo. i think it's fucking awesome and i hate how badly it was nuked in aa5/aa6. so one idea i love to play hot potato with in my head is that while apollo is in khura'in, thalassa finally gets her shit together and she and phoenix break the news to apollo and trucy that they're related. and the main thing i'm really fixated on is the idea that phoenix withholding information from apollo, AGAIN, after phoenix seemed to be getting better and things weren't like they were in aa4 anymore, kind of moves apollo more towards the idea of bouncing back and forth between khura'in and the states once everything calms down, as opposed to being gung-ho for completely settling back down in the states one day like he said he would at the end of aa6.

and i think this change would come as a result of the difference between apollo in aa4 and apollo after aa6, which is that apollo now has options—in aa4, apollo is completely and utterly on his own, with the exception of clay (who wasn't even in the game. and there's only so much a best friend can do). he spent two months unemployed because he literally didn't want to ever see phoenix wright ever again after the disaster that was his first trial. he said it himself:

Apollo: Two months have passed since Mr. Gavin's arrest. My first trial, and I lost both my mentor and my job. Yeah, I'll admit it. I was screwed. But even when I hit bottom, I told myself I'd never come here. Honest.

he was desperate and STILL didn't want to go there. he only came to the wright talent agency because phoenix literally called him on the phone (And Still Did Not Tell Him A Damn Thing Except "Help! We're in big trouble here at the office! Big!"). but in aa6, he has his own law office and he's reconnected with his long-lost brother, who cares about him, wants to work with him and is also A Literal Prince. even if everything in his life were to explode at once, apollo now has the forever option of fucking off to khura'in and just hiding in the palace for the rest of his life (not that he would do this. but the option is There). he's in a far more comfortable position than he was in aa4 to sort shit out, and phoenix hiding the knowledge of his mother from him is something different than the shit phoenix was pulling in aa4, because. well. it's personal!

the shit phoenix pulled in aa4 can be rationalized; for example, kristoph was the killer in 4-1, but they absolutely needed a piece of conclusive evidence and apollo just so happened to be collateral. which sucks, but phoenix had trucy to think about, and i think he would understand that even if he's still rightfully pissed at phoenix for pulling a move like that (side note: apollo would not have had any legal papers when he got sent to america. i think about that a lot. the entirety of his paper trail background is a lie). but it's one thing to be getting jerked around like a puppet on a string for the greater good—it's another to make an effort to put the past behind you and believe that your boss is doing it too, and for everything to calm down for years, only to discover that he's been hiding the secret of your own fucking mother from you this entire time (regardless of whether or not he actually wants a relationship with her, but that's another post). which just gets worse after aa6 because phoenix was right next to apollo when he was breaking down on the bench about dhurke being dead. like. it's personal this time, and it's even more of a backstab because they're supposed to have moved on from this by now! things were better! everything was fine! and then the rug was pulled out from under him, again, and it's not necessarily a final nail in the coffin because phoenix's daughter is his half-sister (and he cared about her despite that. i don't think it would even really change anything) so of course he's going to be back, but. it's something damn close to it.

so...i think apollo's priorities would shift. i think he would stop planning to come back and properly work at the WAA unless they really needed him for something, like Big One-Off Dramatic Cases or whatever (because athena and trucy are still his friends). i think he'd start to lean more into the fact that he has a foot in both worlds. but i just cannot see apollo going back to working under phoenix after something like that gets dropped on him, because again—being jerked around and stumbling in the dark in aa4 sucked, but at the VERY least, apollo and phoenix weren't that familiar with each other at that point. it sucked but they could only go up from there. and, in line with canon, they did! and then phoenix and thalassa dropped the bomb. and. well. apollo is no longer at rock bottom and out of options. if phoenix tried to pull another phone call trick like he did in aa4 on him i'm fairly certain he'd just get punched again.

[worldeaterart]

Merlin, my Wizard OC. Drawn again in God's year 2025 so I can look at him again. One day I'll design his robes.

I got frustrated with my last WIP, so I am employing the old take a break strategy until I am no longer made at the part of it that has me stumped. Until then, I have been making smaller sketches to keep my hands busy and keep myself in practice.

I made a new portrait of my Wizard character, Merlin, for the first time in like three years give or take a month. Fun fact about Merlin is that is not actually human, but frequently takes a human form because he just thinks humans are Neat. Man likes food, good conversation, and he loves studying what humans are coming up with all the time. He tends to over think things - drawing them out FOR WAY TOO LONG to perfect a plan. And he looks serene and elegant until he opens his mouth and talks almost entirely through his nose and is an eccentric weirdo.

He himself likes to study human Wizardry because its just absolutely neat what people come up with in their shorter lives. If I ever did him as a PC he'd have a curse or something that is keeping him in human form - but I would probably run him with a different stat block. He misses flying.

I know I am being vague, but presently the man is my back up character for if my Current Water Genasi Oath of The Watchers Paladin explodes and dies (Which might happen because its not a real fight unless Undine goes down at LEAST once in the combat) and I know one of my friends in that game is on here sometimes and he does follow my main page. But anyone who knows the things I am hyper fixated on or just knows a lot of monster lore can probably figure out his character gimmick quickly.

I almost rolled up to the game with him outright, but I like Undine a lot and definitely the Paladin was much better for team comp early game. Divine Smiting the boss of the midway point of the game for everything Undine was worth was one of the reasons we won that fight. Also I do think Merlin has a name fitting of his actual race, but people kept fucking it up so he was really like "I'll just change my name to most human Wizard name known in the realms, its fine." Though, in the original Urban Fantasy setting I used him in he literally WAS Merlin Ambrosius of Arthurian Legend. Obviously I would not bring that as a PC to DnD - that'd be overstepping my bounds I feel.

[whitexwolfxx310]

Time Goes On

Pairing: Bucky x female reader

Summary: Bucky gets called to go on a Hydra mission

Warnings: Y/N, 18+, Cursing, Light sexual content, super fluff, and angst.

Word Count: 5304

A/Ns: I'm starting to have a bit of writers block. If anyone has ideas please let me know! I would love to incorporate them into the storyline.

Previous Part

Master List

Life with Bucky has become the new norm. It’s easy for him to slip into his typical routine, but every once in a while you like to stir things up. Although you live together you’re still able to each have ‘me’ time when missions come up. He has his job and you have your own. He spends his time doing what he does best and using it as his outlet to get rid of rising feelings and emotions that he can’t always talk or think through.

The morning sun shines through the window, warming your skin and the surrounding sheets; Making it nearly impossible to find the motivation to get out of bed. But the sweet breakfast aroma you’ve become accustomed to fills the air, beckoning your empty stomach. Your eyes fixate on the 8x10 frame on the nightstand that holds a picture of the two of you from your friend Elena's wedding a few months ago. Bucky holding you closely to himself, looking down at you-only you, smiling while you're laughing. The most perfect candid, and accurate, depiction of your relationship; The simplicity of love.

Sauntering out to the kitchen, your stomach rumbles-eager to see what he has prepared to start your day together.

"Morning, Sunshine" Bucky says, standing at the stove with his back to you; Not even having to turn around to know you're there.

"Morning, babe." You say in return as your arms wrap around him from behind.

"Babe?" He mimics, sounding slightly repulsed.

"What? It's not fair that you get to call me Sunshine and yet you hate every single nickname I try to come up with for you-"

You're interrupted by the suddenness of Bucky turning around and lifting you up from behind your thighs. Both laughing he takes a few steps forward and sets you down on the counter. Instinctively your legs wrap around his waist bringing him closer into your body. Bucky leans into your face just so that the very tips of your noses barely touch.

“What’s wrong with my name?” He asks softly.

Hooking his index finger under your chin, he coaxes you to tilt your face up just a little more; Lips barely touching.

“I like when you say my name.” His voice deep and low. His lips barely brushing against yours as he speaks.

It feels as though all the air is sucked out of the room. The more than welcomed waves of arousal erupt from your core, simultaneously spreading out through your body like fireworks exploding. Biting down on your own tongue in hopes the sting of pain would suppress the instantaneous neediness you feel; It doesn’t. His hips press into yours just a little more- and all bets are off. Your chest arches into his as your lips touch.

“Mmm…” The small sound emerges from your throat as you breathe into the kiss. There’s a sudden coolness on your right cheek from his hand. But something else catches your attention.

“Bucky…” You say between kisses.

“Yes?” He replies, feeding into the moment.

“You’re going to burn your French toast.”

Lips still locked, his eyes flash open. It takes him a second but he breaks away.

“Fuck-“ Spinning around back to the stove you can’t help but laugh as you bring your legs up against your chest and wrap your arms around them.

“These were about to burn…” He gives you a sarcastic side eye. “How did you know?”

“I think it’s time that you just accepted the fact that I’m a better cook than you.” You reply sarcastically, reaching into the bowl on the kitchen island you're sitting on and take out a red plum.

“First of all, I’m a hard man to break. I’ll never admit that. And secondly-“ Bucky snatches the plum from your hand and takes a bite, smiling. “These are mine.”

“They just looked especially tasty today!” You lean forward and take a quick bite of his plum also and laugh. “Delicious…” You taunt. Bucky’s nose scrunches up as he laughs, showing his perfect white teeth. At ease, relaxed, playful Bucky. My favorite. He plants a soft, wet, plum juice kiss on your lips.

“You better start getting ready for work, Sunshine.”

Looking past Bucky you see the time on the stove.

“Shit!” You jump off the counter and dart in the bedroom, still hearing his laughter behind you.

In record breaking time, you’re hopping out of the bedroom on one foot back into the kitchen trying to get your other flat on. All aboard the hot mess express. Completely unphased, Bucky is sitting at the table top; French toast hot and ready with powdered sugar, whip cream, and freshly cut strawberries. If the whole Avenger thing doesn’t work out for him, he could always go into culinary.

Chef Bucky? Baker Bucky? Butcher Bucky? The options are endless…

Stumbling one last time, you finally make it to the bar stool which is being stabilized by Bucky’s right arm as he takes a sip from his coffee mug with the left. Even he has become accustomed to your clumsiness.

“Wow…” You say in amazement after your first bite. “Did you do something different?”

“No, same recipe as always.”

“Really? You didn’t add extra cinnamon or vanilla…?”

“Nope-“

The conversation is interrupted by a knock at the door. Looking over at the digital clock on the stove, you quickly shove a few more bites of breakfast in before giving Bucky a small kiss on his cheek.

“Love you!” You say, heading for the door.

“Love you too. Oh and y/n?”

“Yeah?” You call, stopping at the apartment door before opening it.

“I have a few missions coming up, routine stuff. When I get back would you want to go further upstate and rent a cabin? Just the two of us?”

“That sounds amazing… we can talk about it later when I’m done with work.” Smiling at the thought you open the door to find Natasha.

“Oh hey Nat! I’m just on my way out but-“

“Hey, is Bucky home?” She’s quick to cut you off, barely making any eye contact as she looks into the apartment passed you.

“Um.. yeah he’s in the-“

“Thanks. We have some… training to do.” She pushes past and walks into the apartment.

You’re left standing there, confused as Nat walks over and starts talking with Bucky in a hushed voice.

Weird.

A little bit later you’re sitting at your desk, breakfast sitting heavily in your stomach. I knew he did something different.

There’s a polite knock on the open door and you look up to see Steve standing in the doorway.

“Morning y/n.”

“Hey Steve! I’m sorry, did I forget we had an appointment today or…?”

“Oh, no.” He shakes his head and laughs lightly. “I’m here on my own free will. Mind if I come in?”

“Of course! Come on in and make yourself comfortable!”

Steve walks in and sits on the couch opposite of your desk. He’s so timid and light footed always. The complete contrast to Bucky. They’re the yin to each others yang.

“So…” Steve starts, seeming slightly nervous as his hands rub in circular motions on his jeans.

“So…” You reiterate. What is the reason he’s here?

“How are things?”

“Things are good…” You laugh nervously.

“Ok!” He says more to himself for motivation than to you.

“There are some pretty important missions coming up and I’m going to need Bucky by my side.”

You’re confused. They go on missions pretty frequently so this isn’t out of the unusual.

“Okay…?”

“Well,” he starts, sitting up further to the edge of the couch cushion. “We think Hydra is trying to make a come back, underground.”

Hydra?

“The Soviet Union is the last place I’d want to bring him but… we need him. I need him.”

“Oh.” Was all you could manage to say.

We’ve made so much progress, what if going back to its place of origin sets him back?

“It will be fine,” Steve tries to reassure. “We’ll be back before you know it. And you know I'll always have Buck’s back, no matter what.”

You ever feel like you’re being delivered bad news but it’s done in such a way that feeling upset is...wrong?

"Well..." You start, knowing what you got into when you took this position; knew what a life with Bucky meant. Danger, long periods of not seeing or being able to talk with one another. To the world he was just one person, but to you he was your world. "I guess that explains all of the extra training he's been doing with Nat." You try justifying the some-what dodgy behavior he's shown.

"Extra training?" Now Steve is the one who is confused. He is quiet for a moment as his brain attempts to process what the secrecy is about. "Well, in these situations that could never hurt." He brushes it off. "Anyway, thanks for your time, y/n. We'll be heading out soon."

"Bye, Steve..." It came out so low that you aren't even sure he heard you as he made his way out of your office.

Now you're left even more confused, with more questions and more worried about this particular mission.

The work day seemed to drag. Constantly looking at the clock thinking hours had gone by when in reality only 20 minutes had passed.

How do I go about bringing up the topic of Hydra? Would it be selfish to beg Bucky to stay behind? For yourself? For him? Will this bring him closure? Will this do more harm than good?

The questions are endless and there is no certain answer until he’s already there. Long periods of time with no contact is something you grew up with and accustomed to. But this? It could destroy everything. Bucky, your relationship, your career, even you.

Passing by the common area, you see Bucky with Natasha again.

He’s been spending a lot of time with her recently…

This time they’re accompanied by Nick Fury, Tony, and Steve. Seeing them all together makes you feel insecure all of a sudden, although it never has before. It makes you feel like an outsider, an intruder of some kind. It’s hard to feel anything but ordinary around so many people who are extraordinary.

Bucky came home late tonight, again. He's been doing it more and more. It's hard to try and enjoy what time you actually have together when in the back of your mind you're already building the wall. Emotionally distancing yourself in fear of getting hurt. Something can't hurt you if you don't care, right? Wrong. It actually makes it worse.

Already changed into comfy clothes, you're sitting curled up at the end of the couch, Alpine keeping your lap warm. The release of the additional serotonin from petting her is helping your anxiety from turning into a full blown panic attack.

"Hey, Sunshine!" Bucky calls from the hallway, the front door closing behind him rather loudly.

"Sorry I'm late, I was just tr-"

"Training with Nat. Yeah... I know." You cut him off. The words come out sour, draped in jealousy. It takes him by surprise. He stops in his tracks, a confused look on his face.

"Are you...okay?" Bucky asks, cautiously.

"Yeah...I'm great." You shift your body slightly on the couch which causes Alpine to jump off and scamper over to Bucky. He reaches down, picking her up gently and petting her with his free hand.

"Really? Doesn't sound like it. "

"I don't know, Bucky. I'm just-" You sigh in frustration, get off the couch and fold your arms across your chest- still unintentionally keeping distance. "Worried... I guess."

"About?"

Here we go with the reverse psychology. He gets short with his speech, trying to get you to open up. It's something he's all to familiar with in his experience.

"When were you going to tell me about the Hydra mission?" You ask, exasperated.

“That’s what this is about?” He answers your question with a question. Classic Bucky.

“Well…” When he puts it like that. You leave it open ended, feeling uneasy.

Bucky gently places Alpine down on the floor, taking a few short steps forward.

“You’ve always known what kind of work I was in.” His response is monotone. Why is he being like this?

“Yeah, but Buck this is different-“

“It’s not. Hydra has been the root of everything; War, killing so many innocent people, dipping their dirty hands in and getting involved with the infinity stones which lead to the blip!”

He’s enraged, and who could blame him?

“And me.” Bucky admits, looking down at the floor in shame. “I cannot truly atone myself until they’re gone- All gone and have no chance of coming back.”

“But what if making sure Hydra doesn’t resurface means… losing you?” It’s hard to keep your voice from cracking and even more difficult to focus on him through watery eyes.

“I would do it. Without thinking twice.” Again, he admits. Ouch. Keeping his posture, Bucky looks up through hooded eyes.

“Bucky… no.” Your arms grip around yourself tighter, wishing that you were holding onto him instead.

But it’s hard to move and even breathe, at the realization that he is going on this mission and there is nothing that will prevent that.

“What about… me?” You offer, feeling like a child willing to barter anything you have. It’s a last ditch effort, knowing full well it won’t change his mind but praying it will be enough for him to make it back home.

“Y/n…” Bucky’s voice now remains soft. In two strides he is now standing in front of you, hands placed delicately on your elbows- Closing the distance. “I will do everything within my super soldier serum power to get back here…to you.” He says half serious and half joking to try and lighten the mood. It doesn't work.

Your jaw clenches down as you solely focus on trying not to blink. Such a simplistic, mundane action like blinking your eyes, will be your undoing. Blinking is the only thing standing between you and a breakdown. Both are inevitable.

Making the mistake of looking up slightly, you're met with Bucky’s ice blue eyes- already searching yours. He has mastered the art of conveying his thoughts and feelings through looks, being a man of few words that he is.

What is he showing now? There, in his eyes, is sympathy- an understanding how difficult this is going to be for you. And him.

“It’s going to be okay…” he says gently.

So much for avoiding the whole blinking thing as it turns into a full on, uncontrollable sob. If Bucky hadn't already been there you would have collapsed, due to the feeling of the floor being swept out from beneath you. Here you are in this situation, yet again. Showcasing your heart as though it is breaking into pieces like glass, heavily collecting in your stomach. Piece after piece, layer on top of layer, making it impossible to breathe in fear that it would be too painful.

Not a word is spoken.

It doesn't have to be. Am I overreacting? Maybe. But you can't help feeling as though this mission is unalike from the others. This mission is going to have an impact.

Bucky's shirt is tear stained, sticking to his chest in the more dampened areas. He shifts his weight ever so lightly causing you to press into his body more, as if trying to pull apart two strong magnets. Grabbing a fistful of the fabric, you hang on for dear life. For now, it is just you and a few threads being the only thing between you.

You know when you're excited for something, like a concert or trip, so you start a countdown? Marking off the days with a bold black marker on a calendar as time seems to move at a snails pace to said event? Waiting for Bucky to go on this particular mission was the same. Except time seemed to be flying by at lightspeed and instead of enthusiasm, you felt dread.

Over the next week, kissing became a temporary lock and key. The sleepless nights were filled with intense, intimate sex. Followed by cuddles that kept your bodies so close to one another, that only being able to somehow crawl underneath his skin would suffice. Even then, that might not be enough. Not a moment went by wasted. After all, you can sleep when you're dead.

The darkness of the bedroom gradually started to lighten. Moment by moment, the twilight hue of the room became brighter; Acting as a wire cable slowly being reeled in, each second closer to him leaving and away from you.

“Y/n…” His voice startles you, although he spoke softly into your ear. The Combination of the break in silence and his warm breath meant you were about to hear the words you have feared over the last few days.

“I… have to go.”

You could tell that he waited until the very last millisecond to get out of the bed. Just a small nod of your head against the pillow is your response.

There’s a sudden chill the length of your entire body as he gets up. Something I need to get used to. His usual morning routine is eerily quiet. It feels impossible to try and peel yourself out of the comfortable, sinking imprint in the bed.

If I get up out of this bed, it’s one step closer to him leaving.

If I get up out of this bed, I don’t know if I’d be able to let him walk out the door.

If I get up out of this bed, I’ll try to be a stowaway.

If I get up out of this bed, I might resort to getting on my hands and knees, begging him not to go.

If I get up out of this bed, he won’t choose me over this mission.

If I get up out of this bed… I might lose him.

While the thoughts are irrational, you’re about to be forced to accept the fact that your heart is going to walk out the front door and may not return as the same person. Or if at all. The greatest fear for you both.

For the time spent with your mind racing with trying to find the reason he should stay, Bucky was ready. The weight of him sitting down on the bed is what brings you back to the here and now.

“I’ll make it back, Sunshine. I promise.”

“You can’t make that promise, Bucky.”

There’s no rebuttal, no usual playful banter back and forth. It’s impossible to look at him; To think that this short goodbye could be everything.

Not pushing, he gives a reassuring squeeze on your thigh.

“I love you… so much.”

He pauses waiting for your reply that doesn’t come. His head falls down in slight disappointment, feeling defeated as he goes to stand up. Without even being able to think about it, you throw the sheets off of yourself, jumping into his lap and wrapping all limbs around the trunk of his body. In return, he wraps his arms around you- keeping you as close as possible. Even if only for a moment.

To get through these times, you remember the saying: “It’s not goodbye, it’s seen you soon.” Using this mantra to tell yourself that this won’t be the last time you see Bucky. There is still so much undiscovered territory in the world that is him and yet you can’t shake the awful feeling of something being wrong.

And then it was time for him to go.

Cupping your face gently, he brings your lips to his. Bucky holds the kiss steadily, taking in the last bit of the warmth and softness he’s become accustomed to before he slips away. That’s one thing about him that you can appreciate, he never lets anything drag out for too long. Just like that, he’s gone.

All the weeks worth of worry, anxiety, and fear were front and center; Teasing to make its physical appearance. It takes every ounce of what little energy you barely even have to choke down the acidic bile climbing it’s way up your throat.

A low rumble throughout The Compound is a giveaway that their jet has taken off and on its way to the Soviet Union.

The days turn into weeks. There is limited contact as everyone has gone completely off the grid. An occasional update from FRIDAY is all the information you're given (and it's not much). The living quarters are quiet, spookily quiet. The silence is almost worse than the typical chaos surrounding this place the majority of the time.

And still, there is this uneasy feeling. Deep within the corners of your mind where you keep pushing it further and further down in hopes to ignore it completely... Which only makes it worse. Escalating all your fears to the extent of making you physically ill.

Then, on a random week day, you hear commotion. Arguing voices, multiple footsteps running through the halls.

He's home.

It takes everything in you, and some more, to show some restraint and not to run out of the apartment, rush to the main entrance and jump into Bucky's arms- A scene straight from The Notebook.

Forcing yourself to do an incredibly fast walk instead of a full on sprint, you make your way to the medical bay. It's always the first stop coming home from a mission; To take care of any injuries, even the internal ones that might have gone unnoticed.

It's busy, like bees buzzing around a hive. Bruce is triaging each individual, some with minor cuts and bruises, others with broken bones. And thankfully that's the worst, physically extent. Quickly dodging between people, standing on your tippy toes trying to look over heads, you still haven't found Bucky. Instead you're met with Sam blocking you from going any further down the hallway.

"Y/N..." He starts, his tone calm.

"Hey Sam..." You respond, barely taking notice to him as you continue to frantically look for Bucky behind him. But being pointed in the right direction wouldn't hurt. "Have you seen Bucky?" You ask, hopeful he knows the answer.

His lack of response causes you to become tense, your vision quickly changing from rapid movement among the herd of people to solely focusing on Sam. His face. It’s a look I’ve never seen before. At least, not with him.

"Sam...? Sam! Where's Bucky? Is...he okay?"

“Well technically yeah-“

“What do you mean by ‘technically’?”

Steve appeared next to Sam at some point, which wasn’t even noticed due to your tunnel vision on Sam.

“Hey y/n…” Steve says in a sort of stoic manner, having a hard time but forcing himself to look at you.

“What the fuck is going on?” Your patience is as thin as a strand of hair.

The two men exchange a worried glance between one another after Steve had a small moment to process the profanity.

“What is it?!” In any other situation, a 5’3 woman yelling up to Captain America himself might be funny. But not here. Not in this case.

They're still looking amongst one another searching for words. With an annoyed sigh, you push passed between Steve and Sam like an old western bar door with no sort of hinderance from them.

Looking in each clinical room as you lightly jog down the hallway, it's becoming harder to ignore the distressing looks on each persons face as you progress further. There is only one more place to look; the quarantine room.

Quarantine? Why is he secluded from everyone else?

Narrowing vision takes hold as your pulse starts to race faster the closer you get to the bright white room. It's clearly under intense surveillance but see through what looks like thick, clear glass. You let out a sigh of relief once Bucky comes into view. But he seems...different.

Bruce is also in the room with him, having what seemed a firm, yet concerned conversation that you cannot hear. Bucky is sitting completely upright on the exam table. While he is covered in purple bruises, some of them are already turning a dense yellow as a sign of healing. It seems as though he is barely listening to Dr. Banner, staring at the wall and straight through him. Bucky is wearing an expressionless face as he continues to not talk, his chest barely expanding as he breathes and hardly blinks.

You're taken aback; This is not the Bucky you know. Not the playful, kind and loving man that you have become accustomed to. Your jaw ever so slightly drops open at the sight and pure shock.

Without realizing, Natasha is standing at your side looking into the room as well.

"What happened out there, Natasha?" You ask softly. She takes a deep breath, her eyes not being taken off of Bucky for a millisecond.

"Hydra." She says plainly.

Turning your body to now face the Black Widow herself.

"Care to elaborate on that... I don't know, just a little?"

The sarcastic tone normally causes an overwhelming anxiety to be stored in the back compartment of your mind; Until you've had time to reflect. But when it comes to Bucky? Defense mode is instantly activated.

"They..." She sighs, still not looking away from him.

"They were somehow able to manipulate his mind. He's waiting...for orders."

Your brow furrows with worry and confusion as your eyes bounce between Bucky and Natasha.

"So... you're saying that..."

The words were impossible to form. There is no way. No way after years of working on redemption, and using every method possibly known to man to reverse anything and everything that Hydra instilled in his mind is still...there?

"I'm saying, Barnes is compromised. He has to stay in quarantine until we can be sure he's not a danger to anyone."

"That's it? That's all that you'll tell me?"

"That's all that we really know, y/n."

For the first time, Natasha looks at you with her traditional, unemotional gaze. There are many ways a person can react to such news. But this is hard, too hard, to accept.

Your blood starts boiling within your body. The heat congregates and pools in your cheeks as your hands tense into fists at your side.

"Bullshit!"

Her eyebrows raise and her eyes widen from your shout, but she doesn't move.

"Excuse me? What, you think that I am keeping something from you?" She responds, seeming the slightest bit annoyed.

"Yeah, Nat! What the actual fuck?! You two have been spending all this time together and have gotten so close and yet you know nothing about what actually happened?!"

The loudness and cracking of your voice catches the attention of some people in the hallway but they're polite enough to pretend as though they didn't. Behind your eyes starts to sting from the suppressed tears; refusing to once again blink in fear of letting them out.

Blame. Someone has to be held liable for this. And unfortunately, that's Natasha. She was the bearer of bad news and there has been this underlying, embarrassing tinge of jealousy. Although it's completely unwarranted.

"Finished?" She asks, flatly. Nat sighs as she crosses her arms as her shoulder leans against the glass, her attention solely on you.

"Are you that naive?"

Naive? The word itself feels like a slap across the face. You're left standing there, breathless for the first time in the conversation.

"I-..." You try to mumble, but it came out more like a sound than any attempt of a word.

"There's nothing going on between Barnes and I."

That's a relief and yet... kind of not really?

"You really have no idea, do you y/n?"

Nat unfolds her arms and pinches the bridge of her nose in frustration. She exhales deeply, maintaining composure as she falls back into her relaxed position against the window.

"Don't ask me why he would come to me of all people-"

You're finally getting an explanation and yet your eyes are drawn to Bucky as he sits on the exam table. His lips moving gently as he speaks with Bruce, his body stiff, his face emotionless, and his eyes seemingly....dead.

"The trip?" Natasha asks. "Upstate? Camping?"

She's spelling it out, but for some reason dot A is not connecting to dot B. Reluctantly, you look away from Bucky and back to Nat, almost becoming numb to the situation at hand. Annoyed, she blurts out;

"He was planning on proposing to you..."

Your world feels as though it is crashing down harder, faster. How is that even possible? The life that we planned, dreamed, and fought so hard for, is just gone? It's not fair. Life isn't always fair, but Bucky had his second chance. He completely turned his life around and chose you, loves you. Loved? The thought that his love for you is in the past is almost too much to bare.

Nat seemed to still be talking, but at this point it just sounds muffled; like being outside of a concert venue. Your vision wasn't focused on anything in particular, just out into the abyss of Bucky's new temporary home.

Bruce walking passed the window where you're standing brought you back to the moment. He and Bucky continued conversing as he was getting ready to exit the quarantine room when the two of you make eye contact. You felt stuck, as if your legs had been cemented to the floor.

Holding your breath, you wait to see what his reaction is. Will all his memories come flooding back? Is he that lost? Can he be pulled back from this corruption again?

Bruce opened the exam room door to leave; Bucky had a frantic look on his face although he did not get off the table.

"Banner!" He yelled out, his eyes staying locked on you.

Bucky jumps off of the exam table to be met with quick and strong Hulk hands holding him back as he struggles. Kicking, yelling, punching; it is his once abandoned darkness that is coming out.

There was no hiding the evident panic on your face. It's like a train wreck that you want nothing more than to look away from but can't.

This is too much.

Without realizing, there is a sudden warmness wrapped around your shoulder. Steve is now standing with you, watching along at your side as Bucky becomes undone.

In his swiftness to contain Bucky, Bruce had left the door open. You can hear the agony in his voice, the confusion, the rage. Looking down in defeat, Steve coaxes you to turn around.

"Let's get you upstairs, y/n." He says in a sorrowful tone.

You allow Steve to lead you, unable to form a coherent thought or even begin comprehending the situation. There are no words, no preparation in the world for something like this.

"Bruce!" Bucky yells as he continues to struggle. "Who is she?! Tell me! I know her! I KNOW HER!" His voice echoes down the hall and swarms around in your ears.

You aren't sure how you got home but honestly didn't care. The mind tends to just go through regular motions when something traumatic happens. It's your body's way of protecting itself. But laying in bed, you cannot help but fixate on the 8x10 frame with the picture of Bucky and yourself from your friend Elena's wedding from just a few months ago. Laughing happily and the camera happening to catch the moment. You're safely tucked into Bucky's arms as he smiles, looking down at you as if you were the only person in the world. In his world.

The most perfect candid...

The accurate depiction of your relationship...

The simplicity of love.

@peaches1958 @aquabrie @elsie-bells @pono-pura-vida @redbloodedgurl @almosttoopizza @beware-my-thorns @prettylittlepluviophile @annoyinglythoughtfuldestiny @calwitch @ozwriterchick @roofwitty779 @lessersole @lil-darhk @agoddoesnotplead

Next part

[yourtamaki]

i’m here

ushijima x f!reader

word count: 2k

warnings: angst, hurt/comfort, neglect, oral fixation, fingering, unprotected sex, creampie, cockwarming

you never knew what to tell your friends when they asked what wakatoshi was like as a boyfriend. everyone wanted to know how the stoic man acted around his significant other. does he melt when he sees you? they’d ask with hearts in their eyes. does he turn affectionate behind closed doors? you never understood their fascination or why they expected him to be a different person just for you. 

no, that was a lie. you don’t know why you expected him to be different. 

it was coming up on your second year with toshi and you’d been friends throughout your high school years. you knew what he was like before you’d bitten the bullet and asked him on a date. so you had no one but yourself to blame now as you lay alone in your bed that felt far too big, wracking sobs so powerful your whole body trembled from the force. 

a month. that’s how long it’d been since you last felt like toshi was a part of your life. you woke up alone, did the chores alone, made dinner alone and went to bed alone. his absence wasn’t the worst part, much to your surprise. it was the signs of disturbance around your shared home. a used plate in the sink. a new load in the laundry. signs that toshi was there, he just wasn’t there with you. it made you feel all the more empty. 

you didn’t know why your body decided tonight was the night to give out but once the first tears slid down your face, you were helpless to stop the tidal wave of stress and loneliness and utter sadness from escaping. your only solace was how good it felt to finally cry. to get these corrosive feelings out of your system instead of continuing to let them eat away at you the way you had for weeks. 

if only your cries were a bit quieter. maybe you would’ve heard the bedroom door creak open in time to wipe away your tears and feign sleep. 

for a moment, toshi just stared at you, drinking in the details of your face illuminated by the light from the hallway. 

“it’s late.” the deep timber of his voice made you oddly nostalgic. the two of you hadn’t exchanged more than a scarce handful of sentences during this period, all your communication being limited to dry texts. you’d never minded his texting habits, had even found it endearing once. but when the brief, one word answers became your only lifeline to toshi, how could you not feel as though you were only bothering him with every text sent?

when you didn’t respond, toshi carefully closed the door behind him. you didn’t need any light to know exactly what he was doing. he was nothing if not a creature of habit. you could picture him first placing his gym bag in your shared closet then methodically undressing. but instead of heading to the bathroom to get ready for bed, you felt the mattress dip as he sat next to you. 

“you’re crying. why?” he said. you had to stamp down on the urge to reply with sarcasm. if you’ve learned anything from the years you’d spent with toshi it's that he was genuine to a fault. if he was asking you what was wrong, it meant he truly didn’t know. you needed to spell out your feelings for him on more then one occasion but once you did, he would be more than understanding, going above and beyond to rectify the situation. so why did you feel so hesitant to open up now? he could sense your hesitance though he didn’t understand the cause for it, his hand reaching out to find yours in the dark. “i can’t help if you don’t tell me.” 

the dam broke, fresh tears streaming down your face. “toshi i miss you. i know you’re busy but it feels like we’re not even together anymore. i don’t hear from you, i don’t see you and i’m stuck in this house all day. i’m just— ‘m just lonely.” 

your voice trailed off in a whisper quickly swallowed by the silence of the room, only broken by your sniffles. toshi was still as you cried before leaning over to turn the bedside lamp on. the sudden light stung your eyes and when you adjusted, you could see him already gazing down at you. 

“i apologize, y/n.” he kissed the back of both your hands and brought them to his forehead, head bowed. “there is no excuse. my priorities should always include you and they haven’t as of late.”

“it’s ok. i understand you’re busy, toshi i just wish i could see you a little more.” he nodded, lifting his head and his eyes piercing yours.

“i will work to change my behaviour and become a boyfriend more deserving of your love.” 

just like that you remembered why you fell in love with him. others saw toshi as someone incapable of understanding emotions, an apathetic person with only volleyball on his mind. it couldn’t be further from the truth. it was true he had difficulty reading your emotions but as soon as you put them in plain terms, he was there for you in any way you needed. “thank you.” 

“that is for the future. but that doesn’t change that you feel hurt right now. is there anything i can do to ease your pain?” the look in his eyes told you no ask was too large, the single minded focus that made him one of the top volleyball players in the country was now directed solely on you. 

“i just want to be with you.” you crawled into his lap, his arms coming up to hug you close to him. 

“you’ve got me.” he murmured into your ear. “for as long as you’ll have me i’m yours. and i’m sorry i haven’t been here to tell you that.”  

“you’re here now.” 

“i am.” 

“toshi…” it has been so long since you were last in his arms you couldn’t help how needy it was making you, desperate to feel him as close to you as possible. 

“what is it, love?” instead of replying, you rolled your hips against his, kissing his neck. with only his briefs you could feel his bulge harden slightly with the pressure. “if that’s what you want.” 

he lifted you both up off the bed, turning and laying you down carefully. he helped you out of your clothes, leaving you in your plain cotton panties, bra already removed for bed. if you’d known you’d be sleeping with your boyfriend you would’ve worn sexier pieces but judging by toshi’s ravenous expression, it didn’t matter to him. you felt beautiful in his eyes. 

toshi kissed his way down, latching onto one nipple and rolling the other between his fingers before switching over, giving each the attention they deserved. he brought one hand to your face and said, 

“suck.” 

you sucked his fingers into your mouth, glad to finally have something to make you feel full. he watched you, mesmerized by how your lips looked stretched around his fingers. 

“do you know how beautiful you look right now? my y/n. always need something in your mouth, don’t you?” you hummed, mind going blank as all you could do was focus on the slightly salty taste as you licked his fingertips.

once toshi deemed them wet enough, he snaked his hand down into your panties, teasing your entrance before dipping inside. 

“you’re so wet. can you hear yourself?” you could, the wet squelch as he pumped his fingers inside you made your face heat up with embarrassment. it wasn’t your fault nothing came close to how toshi felt inside you. toys, your own hands, nothing compared to what you were feeling now, so stretched with only two of his fingers inside you. they curled inside you, pressing against that spot that had your legs quivering, gripping toshi’s forearm hard. 

“where do you want to cum first, my fingers or my cock?” 

“your cock please toshi wanna feel you.” you begged. a moment later, your panties were pulled off of you. toshi took off his briefs and knelt between your legs, his blunt tip resting over your pussy. he tapped it against your clit a few times, smiling softly at how you jumped at the contact before pushing in slowly, rocking back and forth until his entire length was inside you. 

you expected him to move but he kept still until your eyes met his. he took one of your hands and placed it over your lower stomach, covering it with his own large hand. 

“do you feel that?” he asked quietly. you could, there was a bump there from where toshi was buried inside you. “i’m here.”��

“i know.” 

“i’m here.” he repeated with more emphasis, head lowering until his forehead met yours. “and i’m never leaving you again. okay?” 

an overwhelming tidal wave of love came crashing in, choking you so all you could say was, “okay.” 

why did it take you so long to understand? what toshi didn’t say aloud, he said with his actions. the brush of your clit with his calloused thumb was an apology, the squeeze of your hip a reassurance. toshi spoke his reverence into your skin with every open mouthed kiss on your neck and his worship with each roll of his hip against yours. all you could do was lock your ankles around him and accept the torrent of love he poured into you. 

“kiss me toshi please ‘m gonna cum.” his lips crashed against yours and you were gone, creaming over his cock as it continued to piston in and out of you. 

“does that feel good, love?” he mumbled against your lips. you nodded frantically, still feeling the effects of your high. “tell me what you need.” 

“more please.” your voice came out a whisper. you didn’t care about the overstimulation of your poor cunt. you weren’t ready to let go of this moment, of knowing you have toshi here with you, safe in your own small world together. 

toshi gave you a tender kiss before pulling back. he gripped the back of your thighs and pinned your knees to your chest, your pussy gushing from the new position. his cock was pushing even deeper now, hitting a spot within you that made your tongue loll out at the pleasure. toshi was fucking into you at a brutal pace and you knew he was close by the small grunts he was letting out. 

“hold yourself open for me.” you did as he asked, flushing at how dirty you felt with your pussy so exposed. with his now free hand, toshi placed his fingers back in your mouth. your eyes widened as the taste of your own arousal exploded on your tongue. 

“do you like how you taste?” he asked. you sucked at his fingers greedily, licking them clean and he hummed, “i knew you would.” 

the pressure in your abdomen was steadily building with every pump of toshi’s cock. his fingers were keeping your moans muffled and he seemed to realize he was missing out. he pulled his hand back, small trails of saliva stringing out as he did. he slammed his hips into your as though he was trying to make up for all the sounds he had missed out on and you did not disappoint, babbling praise for the man fucking you senseless. 

“you’re close i can feel it. can you cum with me y/n? can you do that for me?” 

“yes fuck toshi i love you i wanna cum for you.” 

“go ahead, my love. let go.” you threw your head back as you let go and came for the second time, the erratic clenching of your walls pushing toshi over. you held each other through your highs, chests heaving together as you caught your breaths. when he tried to pull out, you tightened your legs around him. 

“stay?” you wanted this moment to last, to be with toshi, connected for as long as you could. he shifted until you were both laying on your side spooned together, careful to not pull out of you. 

“go to sleep, my love.” there were still things you both needed to work on in your relationship but you chose to embrace the peace that was sleeping with the arms of your boyfriend wrapped securely around you. 

[bvidzsoo]

Now or Never

 Author: bvidzsoo

 Warning: cursing, slight adult themes, underage drinking

 Pairing: Kim Mingyu x female reader

 Word count: 20, 363

 Summary:  Kim Mingyu and you are both demigods and you attend Camp Half Blood. But your connection goes way back as the two of you grew up together. However, your relationship hadn’t been the smoothest one as you are both strong opiniated and hot headed people. A dare one night might change the whole dynamic between the two of you.

 A/N: Hello lovelies! I know, I know...I’m supposed to be writing my racing series, but this month I was quite busy as my best friend returned home and I wanted to spend my time with her. Besides, I’m taking part in this amazing collab and this is my little piece of contribution. I’m also writing another one shot for Wonwoo as part of this collab, so look forward to that too! I hope you enjoy this little piece and stay tuned for Seungkwan’s part in the racing series! Enjoy now!

~Camp SVT~

           Serenity. The only time I truly experience it was when I am asleep. Nothing can bother you; no one can come to get you…supposedly. I was one of the few lucky ones who was spared of too much action; there are demigods out there whom are constantly fighting off monsters, even during the summer break. Maybe they just don’t live around us, but I can call myself lucky for getting away unscratched for seventeen years.

There was a distant buzz that made me stir in my peaceful sleep and I sighed as I rolled over, pulling the silky sheets over my head. I wasn’t fully asleep anymore, but if I didn’t focus on anything, I could still go back to sleep. But it seems like today wasn’t my lucky day as someone started knocking loudly on my bedroom door.

“Sweetie! Get up!” My mother’s voice was loud as it came through my closed door, and I groaned loudly, trying to ignore her, “You have on hour before Mingyu comes over!”

My eyebrows furrowed as I pushed my face further into the pillow, trying to ignore my mother’s words as my brain was now starting to wake up as well. Just hearing that boy’s name was enough to fuel the always lingering anger in me and make it explode. My temperament wasn’t the best and I had serious anger issues, but they couldn’t be exactly fixed, especially when so many things around me could so easily trigger it. I tried to focus on the sounds of the waves coming through the opened window, but my brain fixated on one single thing. Kim Mingyu. And the calming crashes of the waves started to drown out as I groaned loudly, kicking my legs in frustration that I had to wake up and see his face in an hour. My morning plans were all screwed now, all because of one damned person, Kim Mingyu.

The little white dress I had on was flapping around me as I raced down the beach, avoiding the seagulls that were stationing next to the water, afraid of them. I had a weird phobia of seagulls, which was quite ironic, as I live right by the sea. I could hear the thuds of the other boys running after me, so I quickened my pace. It was always hilarious how I would outrun every single boy, at daycare, but also the ones I was friends with. My mother would always tell me it was a secret talent of mine, and that she’d tell me more about it when I grew older, but for now, I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone of the stamina I had. Which I didn’t understand why, it was always funny when I could boast about it to boys and make them cry once they realized I was faster and stronger than them. My mom, of course, didn’t know about this; I could be really sneaky if I wanted to be. I took a sharp turn and my feet touched the grass area as I ran up to the tall willow tree, hugging its trunk once I finally reached it. My breathing was uneven and I giggled as the other boys finally reached me, tapping the trunk and immediately laying onto the grass, trying to get air in their lungs. I giggled as I watched the tallest one, Mingyu, who came in second and was now leaned over, supporting his arms by placing them over his knees.

“What’s so funny?” He asked with furrowed eyebrows and I grinned at him widely, releasing the hold I had on the trunk of the tree.

“I outran you once again!” I exclaimed with another giggle, which only made Mingyu’s frown deepen. He was a boy who lived down the street, so we also go to the same daycare as our moms are good friends. I didn’t think Mingyu was a nasty boy, like the other boys from daycare, but he would sometimes break my toys and then I would hate him. His mother always made him apologize and the next day she’d bring me some cookies, but I knew Mingyu was having lots of fun as he’d always stick his tongue out when his mother wasn’t watching after apologizing to me. He wasn’t nasty, but I didn’t particularly like him. Which gave me a thought I knew the taller boy wouldn’t be able to refuse, he hated backing down from a challenge, especially one that was coming from me.

“You cheated!” Mingyu exclaimed as the other boys who were playing with us were on their feet, circled around us now. They had questioning looks on their faces, their eyes on Mingyu as he straightened his stance, trying to look angrier than he was. It made me giggle and I quickly covered my mouth when the blonde boy who I had a crush on gave me a goofy smile. He was the prettiest boy from our street and after I started letting him win when we’d run down the beach, he started speaking to me, which made my fair cheeks blush numerous times. My mother would laugh at me and say that this love wouldn’t last long, but I didn’t believe her.

“I don’t cheat, Mingyu,” I said with a chuckle, feeling my cheeks burn again as the blonde boy kept looking at me, “I’m just better than you.”

“You’re not!” Mingyu snapped annoyed and a few boys who stood closest to him nodded in agreement, making me cross my arms in front of my chest and give them a look. They just gulped and backed up a little bit. I might have been a little girl, but I could look scary when I was angry.

“Prove it then,” I challenged Mingyu, grinning at him evilly, “Climb up that tree and then come down.”

Mingyu’s eyebrows furrowed as he looked up at the willow tree, the branches weren’t the best ones to climb, but he didn’t say anything. He just looked back at me and then glanced around him, suddenly aware that the boys were looking at him with an amazed glint in their eyes. Mingyu realized at that moment, that there was something about him that drew people in and made them fascinated about him. He couldn’t back down from a challenge made by me.

“Fine, what do I get if I win?” I squealed in happiness, giving Mingyu the widest grin ever. His eyebrows furrowed at my reaction, and I didn’t miss the glare he gave the blonde boy, who was smiling at me again.

“I’ll admit that you’re better than me.” I said with a chuckle and it was all Mingyu needed, because he rolled his shoulders a little bit before nearing the trunk. I stepped out of his way and gave him an encouraging grin, knowing well he wouldn’t be able to climb that tree. Even I wasn’t able. Mingyu looked up at the tree and with a sigh, he started climbing it, holding onto the trunk with his tiny hands. He was careful and slow in climbing, calculating his every move as he would glance down from time to time. I watched with a grin and arms crossed in front of my chest as he climbed higher and higher, his arm visibly shaking as he pulled himself up onto a thick branch. He leaned against the trunk and looked around before looking down at us, a wide grin on his face.

“I climbed it!” He exclaimed and I chuckled, shrugging.

“Not all the way to the top!” Mingyu’s eyebrows furrowed and he looked around, eyes falling on the top of the tree. It was hard to reach for any branches from his spot, but he wouldn’t back out now. The boys even started cheering for him, fueling his confidence, as he gripped a smaller, thinner, branch which seemed safe to him. The blonde boy next to me tensed and as he opened his mouth to call out to Mingyu, the tall boy was already falling. Everyone gasped as he fell, and we stepped back, afraid that he’d fall on us. Mingyu made no sound, until he hit the ground. A loud cry left his mouth and he started whining as he lay on his back, not moving. Everyone panicked and I was the first to approach him with wide eyes, looking for the cause of pain. His leg was bent in a weird angle and even if I was little, I knew it wasn’t supposed to be like that. Mingyu’s face was contorted in pain and he bit his lip, silencing his whines and gasp as he tried to sit up.

“No! Don’t move!” I yelped, kneeling next to him and pushing him back down. He closed his eyes in pain and yelped, gripping my hand, which was pushing against his delicate chest.

“Someone call his mom, now!” The blonde boy finally snapped out of the initial shock and the other boys ran off to get Mingyu’s mom. I looked at Mingyu helplessly, feeling guilty for making him climb that tree.

“Are you alright?” The blonde boy asked as he approached Mingyu on his other side, eyebrows furrowed.

“My right leg hurts a lot—” Mingyu whimpered, opening his eyes to look at the blonde boy, “I want my mommy.”

“The others went to get her—” I started saying, but Mingyu’s head snapped in my direction and he growled, pushing my hand off him and giving me the dirtiest look a kid his age could have.

“You evil witch!” He exclaimed and pointed a finger at me, whining when he moved his body too much, “It’s your fault!”

I felt helpless and guilty, “I—I’m—sorry! I’m sorry, I—”

“No, you’re evil!” Mingyu exclaimed and his voice broke, turning into a quiet sob as he pressed a hand against his right hip. He started crying and my lips started trembling as I watched him lay on the grass in pain, finally crying. It didn’t take any longer for me to cry as well, my tears were rolling down my cheeks as I couldn’t contain the feeling of guilt. I wasn’t even evil, I just wanted to have fun!

“You’re—you’re stupid!” I screamed as both Mingyu and I were now loudly crying, “Why did you—climb-climb the—tree?!”

“You told me to!” Mingyu screamed back and the blonde boy looked lost as he tried to calm us down both, but it did nothing as we continued to cry loudly, attracting the attention of the people who were passing by.

“Oh, dear,” An older woman even quickly approached us once we started screaming, her eyebrows furrowed, “Don’t move, son, that leg looks broken—”

“Broken?!” Mingyu hollered and started crying even harder. The lady looked at me and touched my cheek, checking my body.

“You seem fine—”

“She’s a witch!” Mingyu pointed his finger at me again, making my tears fall faster, “She bewitched me to climb that tree—”

“I did not!” I screamed and went to kick him, but the older lady gripped my arm tightly and gave me a stern look.

“You shouldn’t hurt him more, where’s your mother—” But before she could finish her sentence, the boys we played with were running back, out of breath, and a woman with long, brown hair was running behind them.

“Mingyu?!” She shouted panicked and when her eyes fell on her son laying on the ground, crying and unmoving, she panicked even more. Her phone was in her hands and when she reached Mingyu she cradled his head and started kissing his forehead, trying to calm him down. Her eyes fell on me and once she realized I looked alright, she relaxed a little.

It’s safe to say that Mingyu and I have hated each other ever since that day.

           That memory of Mingyu and I in my half-asleep state definitely woke me up. I was ready in half an hour, as I had packed last night everything I needed, now all I had to do was eat my breakfast and wait for Mingyu and his mom to come over…much to my discomfort. Not that I had a choice, Mingyu and I always went together to the Half-Blood Camp and came home together as we literally lived on the same street. This is where I reveal that both Mingyu and I are demigods, what a surprise, huh. That’s what my mom had to tell me once I reached the age she considered me mature enough to tell me who I really was. Not as if sometimes I still don’t question the whole story and existence of these Olympian Gods; but then we get to the Camp and I realize it is all true, after all. My anger issues haven’t gotten any better since I was a kid and once my mother told me my father is Ares, I realized the issue might’ve been blood related, not just me. And in case you were wondering, Mingyu is Zeus’ son, honestly, the worst father he could have. No wonder his personality is shit.

I stirred the cereal around lazily in my bowl, sighing loudly when the door bell was rung. My mom ran through the house, opening the door for the incoming people. Loud chatter instantly flooded our usually quiet house and I realized it was Mrs. Kim just being overly excited about Mingyu and I leaving for the Camp as the summer break was over. I sighed again and continued to quietly eat my cereal as my mom and Mrs. Kim passed by kitchen to head to the living room. Mrs. Kim was telling my mom about the pictures she had to show her and that she brought a surprise gift for her. I smiled at her excitedness and took another spoonful of the cereal. However, my tranquility didn’t last long as I heard stomping and a person appeared in the doorway. I didn’t turn my head to see who it was, I knew it only could be Kim Mingyu. I wasn’t ready to see his face yet, let alone hear his voice. But he had something else in mind as he entered the kitchen and walked by my back, tsking, as I felt his eyes on me. I scowled but continued to stare into my bowl, pushing around the cereal, before taking another spoonful.

“Not even a ‘good morning, Mingyu’?” His deeper voice made me gulp that cereal down harder, taken aback by the change. I haven’t seen him in over a month, and his voice got deeper? Wasn’t he done with his growing phase already?

“It was a good morning, until you showed up.” I muttered with a sigh; appetite gone as I took another spoonful of the cereal. Mingyu chuckled as he leaned against the counter and I saw something fly up in the air before it came down into his palm. With a scowl, I finally looked at him. He was holding an apple, he was obviously smirking, but it wasn’t what almost made my jaw drop. He was very visibly a lot taller than he used to be a few months ago, which was alarming as Mingyu had always been a tall guy. His brown hair was brushed back, which definitely was a new style he had going on. And without meaning to, my eyes remained on the biceps he was flexing as he bit into the green apple, his eyes on me. I gulped and rolled my eyes, ignoring the sudden warmth inside my body, as I took another spoonful of the cereal. So, apparently, Mingyu hit the gyms during this summer break. Great, something else he’d have to gloat about, amazing for my poor ears.

“I’m a sight for sore eyes, you shut up and eat.” Mingyu said with a chuckle as he loudly chewed his apple, irritating me furthermore. I scoffed, but remained silent as I tried finishing my breakfast quickly. It would be ironic to say that Mingyu looked like he was sculpted by Gods, but as his father was an actual God, it seemed fitting to think of him like that. The glow of his even tanner skin, which he definitely acquired by going to the beach over the summer, was eye catching. He looked like a different version of himself, yet the same old Mingyu. I sneaked a glance at him, again, but realized he caught onto my actions and was giving me a smirk.

“Yeah,” He chuckled, standing up straighter, “The transformation is pretty obvious, isn’t it?”

I shrugged, gulping, “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”

A lie, we both knew it.

“That’s why you’ve been continuously checking me out since the moment I stepped inside the kitchen?” He raised his eyebrows smugly at me, knowing he was right, and I rolled my eyes.

“If you expect me to fall to my knees and kiss up your ass for working out and getting a tan, you’re not getting that, Mingyu.” I deadpanned and it made him chuckle as he pushed off the counter and walked closer to me.

“Wasn’t expecting that from you, actually,” He chuckled and my eyebrows furrowed as I looked at him, “I just love seeing you flustered—”

“I’m not flustered!” I snapped, a little too defensively, making Mingyu chuckle to himself. From up close, I could see that his nose was still a little red from the sun, and so were his lips. Redder, than they usually would be. Realizing that all my staring was boosting Mingyu’s, already over the roof, self-confidence, I averted my eyes and focused on the milk in the bowl as I had eaten all the cereal already.

“Mom insisted that I don’t come back empty handed,” I was glad that Mingyu diverted the conversation as I was about to start an argument with him, “Even though I told her you wouldn’t want anything from me…”

I looked at Mingyu curiously, placing the spoon in the bowl as I finally saw his enclosed fist raising as he placed it on the counter, next to my hand, “It’s yours.”

He opened his fist and I was met with a necklace full of shells. Some were a soft pink while some were white, lined up and arranged in a way that they fit each other. I stared at the necklace for a second longer, realizing it was really beautiful. It was the first time I got anything real from Mingyu; he would give me gifts which would turn out to be just pranks…like a simple ball which if you kicked it blew up and made you stink for a few days. Or once he gave me a colorful lamp, which slowly melted away and stained my nightstand to the point that I had to throw it away with everything it contained because they got stuck to it. I sure sneaked inside his cabin the next day and gave him bangs he’d never forget. I had precious items inside that nightstand which deserved to be avenged.

“Thank you.” I said quietly and took the necklace from his hand a little clumsily, feeling the awkwardness between us. Mingyu was quick to clear his throat as I pushed the necklace in my back pocket, not giving it anymore attention.

“Greece was amazing,” He said as if I asked anything about his vacation, “Lot’s of hot girls and amazing food—”

“Right, the two things that matter most to you in life.” I gave him a very wide and fake smile, standing from the chair to wash away the bowl I used as I didn’t want to eat the remaining milk.

“Exactly, Y/N,” Mingyu gave me an annoyed look for interrupting him and I chuckled, amused at him, “Anyways, the beaches there are a lot nicer than here. I also tanned faster than here, weird—oh! And when we went to visit one of the museums—”

“Kim Mingyu in a museum?” I mocked with a laugh, glancing back at him as I washed the bowl clean, “Hopefully you learned something which will raise your grade in Ancient History this year—can’t have you failing again, right?”

Mingyu gave me a glare and he crossed his arms, his biceps bulged and I had a clear view of them as he wore a purple sleeveless shirt, “You’re not funny.”

“I’d like to contradict you, but it’s too early to bicker with you—oh, did you say hi?” I asked with a wide smile, faking excitement and confusing Mingyu furthermore.

“To whom?” He asked confused, looking lost.

“To daddy dearest, of course!” I started cackling loudly when Mingyu’s look of confusion turned into one of a not impressed glare, “I mean…you sure saw a Zeus sculpture. I hope you said ‘hi!’ to him as it was your first time meeting him in person—well, almost in person.”

I laughed as I walked around Mingyu, who just gave me the dirties glare ever, showing how unimpressed he was, “Unfortunately, I didn’t see daddy dearest. But that one Ares sculpture did whisper to me that even he doesn’t know how he made a child like you—”

“Hey!” I exclaimed and turned to punch Mingyu’s chest, but our moms entered the kitchen.

“No fighting!” My mom exclaimed, eyes wide as she looked between Mingyu and I.

“But he—”

“Y/N, sweetie, are you seven or seventeen?” My mom raised her eyebrows at me and Mingyu started giggling underneath his breath, until his mom gave him the stink eye.

“Kim Mingyu, don’t start it now.” Mrs. Kim gave him a warning and he instantly shut up, making me smirk. My mom rolled her eyes and gave us an unimpressed look before glancing at her wrist watch.

“Go get your luggage, you need to head to the train station soon.” She informed us and I sighed, starting to walk off towards my room.

“Mom, I told you I could just drive there—”

“No, out of question,” I heard Mingyu and his mother argue as they headed to the living room to wait for me to bring my luggage out, “You got your license recently, I’m not letting you drive to Montauk.”

“But mom—” Mingyu started whining, but Mrs. Kim never let him throw any tantrums.

“Son, I said no.” I snickered to myself as I pulled the luggage out of my room, struggling a bit as they were heavy. My mother caught my reaction and gave me a small glare, telling me to stop. I chuckled and went to the front door, kicking Mingyu’s luggage out of the way, but they didn’t move much.

“Do you have rocks in there—”

“Hey! Don’t kick it—”

We spoke at the same time and we heard our mothers sigh behind us loudly as Mingyu almost pushed me over in order to pull his own luggage away after I kicked it.

“Pussy.” I muttered underneath my breath as I opened the door and Mingyu growled, pushing me forward and out of the house so smoothly that to our mothers it looked like I tripped. I huffed and gave Mingyu a harsh glare, but he ignored me as he kissed his mom on the cheeks, before he joined me outside.

“You’re still mommy’s boy.” I teased with a low voice, making sure our moms wouldn’t hear me as they stepped outside the front door, giving us wide smiles.

“And you’re still a dickhead.” Mingyu muttered back and I chuckled, waving at our moms.

“Bye, see you during the winter holidays!” I said before turning away and taking off, wanting to drop the happy act and just sulk since I had to ride a train with Mingyu for three hours and fifteen minutes.

“Take care!” Mingyu’s mother called after us as Mingyu caught up with me, matching my pace.

“And behave yourselves!” My mother lastly called after us and Mingyu and I rolled our eyes at the same time, scoffing just as loudly. Oh boy, let that train ride pass by quickly.

           Even though the train ride took ages, my earphones were my savior as I listened to music for the whole time, snuggled into the train seat. Mingyu sat to my right, taking up most of the space as he let his legs spread wide as he sat low in his seat. He slept for almost two hours and his loud snores caught a few annoyed glances, but after nudging him three times and getting no reaction, I gave up and closed my eyes as well, pretending to be asleep to escape the annoyed looks others were giving us. After he woke up he took out his phone and started texting with someone, simultaneously watching videos from YouTube to which he’d have to stifle his loud laughter. I said a quiet prayer when we finally arrived to Montauk and pushed past Mingyu as I hurried off the train to take a deep breath. He gave me a small look of discomfort, but didn’t comment anything as he stretched before looking down at his, very expensive, wrist watch. He scratched his head and I waited patiently for him to speak up.

“We should hurry, I say.” He said as he grabbed his luggage, shooting me a glance to do the same.

“Why?” I mumbled and started pulling the three luggage I had after me, cursing when the strap of my backpack kept falling off my shoulder.

“It’s almost one o’clock, Mr. D. gives the welcoming speech at around two o’clock usually.” Mingyu explained absent mindedly as we crossed the street, hurrying when the light turned red.

“I know, that’s why we have plenty of time.” I said with furrowed eyebrows and looked at Mingyu as he continued making way for us in the crowd with his humongous frame. I caught myself taking in the sight of his well worked back as I followed behind him quietly, and cursed at myself for the sudden interest I have in his body. Which is unfair…considering the fact that when we started summer break, Mingyu was just a scrawny tall dude with too long hair; not that he looked very bad, I could just smell what was to come at Camp, he’d get even more attention.

We remained silent as we walked through the city, down the beach where I enjoyed the sound of the waves crashing, as we made our ways to the outskirts of the forest. Less people were in this area, but we made sure to look around before we wandered inside, quickly getting covered by the green leaves of the tall trees. There was a path which lead off from the original path and both Mingyu and I struggled with our luggage as we hurried down the path, the forest getting darker the further inside we went. Twigs snapped and birds chirped loudly as we went, yet we weren’t scared. We grew familiar with the path and this side of the forest as we’ve been doing this since a young age. I could feel excitement creep up in my body once we hit the misty path, knowing that we were even closer now. I was walking next to Mingyu and when I gave him a quick glance, I saw him grinning widely as he quickened his pace. Something I couldn’t do as my three luggage were constantly getting caught in the fallen twigs and I jumped when a crow flew by us, crying out loudly. I had nothing against this side of the path, but I hated how the mist made everything harder to see and even Mingyu was slowly disappearing from view. I groaned loudly and pulled harshly on the handle of one of my luggage’s as it got caught in something. I looked back to see it blocked by a bigger rock and I sighed, letting go of the handles of the luggage. I walked to the one causing problems and a little too forcefully kicked away the rock, making it crash into a tree nearby. Suddenly, a loud sigh could be heard and I knew it didn’t come from Mingyu or I, so I bowed my head a little and apologized to the tree I just hurt, gripping the handle of two luggage with my right hand, reaching for the third one with my left. I yelped when I touched skin and looked up alarmed, shocked to find Mingyu standing next to me. When did he turn back and how did I not hear him?

“I’ll pull this one,” My eyes widened as my left hand dropped next to my torso, taken aback by Mingyu’s kindness, “you’re moving like a slug and I’m not going to wait around for you.”

I rolled my eyes as Mingyu took off, pulling the luggage after him fiercely, making it bounce everywhere. There goes the thought of Mingyu being kind…and he’s also destroying my luggage. But I decided to keep quiet as I took off, glad that I only had to pull two luggage after me now, the heaviest one being at Mingyu. I strolled after him quietly as he took the lead and acted like pulling four luggage after him wasn’t a big deal, making me roll my eyes at him. The veins on his arms were bulging and his back muscles were flexed and I gulped as I shook my head and cursed at myself again. I swear getting woken up so early in the morning after the summer break was a horrible idea, it’s got me thinking all crazy stuff now. But before I could dwell more on the newfound attraction I had towards Mingyu, the entrance to the Camp came into view and with a wide grin I pushed past him and basically ran inside, looking around for familiar faces. Mingyu had a scowl on his face and very rudely dumped my luggage before we shared one last look. Then both of us took down a different path to where our friends were at. The big group of girls were being loud, not louder than the dudes on the other side, as I made my way towards them and my best friend, Irene, let out a loud screech when she spotted me. I laughed loudly when she took off towards me, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug. I let go off the handles and hugged her back just as tightly, smiling from ear to ear.

“I missed you so much!” She exclaimed as we separated, pinching my cheeks, “Look at this sun kissed skin—”

I swatted her hands away and rolled my eyes, fixing the hair clip which was keeping her bangs out of her eyes, “I can’t believe you cut your hair!”

Irene’s cheeks warmed and she touched the ends of her hair with a chuckle, stepping back to show off her new look, “I felt like a change was needed for this year.”

“Yeah, but short hair?!” I couldn’t take my eyes off her new hairstyle, unbelieving how good she looked. The ends reached her shoulder and were dyed black. It was the original Cleopatra look and she was rocking it!

“I never had short hair before.” Irene answered with a shrug as I grabbed the handles of my luggage again.

“Thank God you decided to cut it, honey, you look amazing!” I told her with a laugh and Irene’s eyes lit up as she pranced towards the rest of the girls. Irene loved getting compliments, especially if they were concerning the way she looked. She was Aphrodite’s daughter; you couldn’t blame her after all. The rest of the girls were looking at us and I spotted my cousin, Seulgi, who was grinning at me.

“Look who finally made it.” She said loudly and I rolled my eyes as I came to a stop next to her, bumping her hip with mine.

“I don’t have a private jet to fly me here, Seulgi.” I mocked her and she chuckled, throwing her arm around Irene’s shoulder as the rest of the group of girls all greeted me. I waved at everyone with a small smile before directing my attention back onto my two closest friends.

“You came in with Kim Mingyu though.” Seulgi raised her eyebrows at me and I gave her a pointed look.

“You say that as if I don’t come in every year with Kim Mingyu…” I said with an exasperated sigh and Irene chuckled, turning her head around.

“Sure, but have you seen the way he looks?” I didn’t miss the smirk on her lips as she took in Mingyu’s form and I rolled my eyes, slapping her arm.

“Careful, your droll started to drop, Irene—” I hissed as Irene’s arm collided with my stomach as she sent me a small glare, making Seulgi laugh loudly. Which caught the attention of the group of boys a few good feet away from us. Jeonghan happily waved at us, he was Aphrodite’s son as well, therefore Irene’s brother. We all waved back at him and I gave Mingyu a scowl as he winked at me before turning back towards Seokmin, his best friend. Seulgi chuckled and gave me a playful look before clearing her throat.

“Well, damn…” She hummed and I gave her a warning look as a smirk appeared on Irene’s lips, “I’d definitely bang him—”

I yelped and jumped onto my cousin, catching her head in a headlock, making Seulgi squeal in laughter, “What did you say?!”

Irene’s loud laughter echoed around us as she tried to cover her mouth while she watched Seulgi and I put on a show.

“You can’t blame me!” Seulgi shouted, trying to get out of the headlock, “He got ripped! And he’s got a new hairstyle too!”

I made a loud gagging sound before finally releasing Seulgi, laughing at her tangled hair, “Whatever, he’s still Mingyu and he’s still disgusting and I still hate him—”

“What a lovely speech, Miss Kang,” Mr. D, the administrator of Camp Half-Blood, spoke up behind me, making me stand up straight with an embarrassed expression, “I truly missed your presence.”

I chuckled and gave the man a sweet smile, “I can hardly believe that Mr. D, but I’m glad to be back.”

“Glad to have you back.” He offered Seulgi and Irene a smile before walking past us, making me groan quietly. Seulgi and Irene chuckled as they took ahold of my arms and pulled me towards the little stage Mr. D. was walking toward. Mingyu, no doubt, heard my outburst and Mr. D.’s subtle scolding too as he gave me a wide grin before turning his back to me, walking to the very front…where even more people would see him. Disgusting, I rolled my eyes and let my two friends hold my arms as they stood on each side of me.

“Welcome back to Camp Half-Blood, it is lovely to see so many familiar faces, but also new faces! Those who are newcomers, I ask of you to gather here at the stage in thirteen minutes so that I can show you around and explain the rules, and those who are accustomed to the Camp can go accommodate into their cabins. I hope you’ll all find something to excel in this year as well and that you’ll return home a little stronger and a little wiser than last year. Classes and training start tomorrow, so enjoy your last day of vacation and…if you make a ‘welcome back party’ tonight, make sure to keep the alcohol away from the minors, yes? I’ll be checking.” Mr. D. was looking at the group of students who had turned eighteen already and they were quick to nod back at him with smirks, high fiving each other. Seulgi chuckled next to me and I looked at her when I felt her nudge me.

“As if that would keep us away from the alcohol.” She muttered to me amused and before I could laugh, we felt Mr. D.’s eyes on us, as if he heard what my cousin said. Irene gave him a weird look before turning to us.

“I swear it’s like he can hear us.” She whispered quietly, creeped out, before Mr. D. clapped once and smiled at everyone.

“Well…don’t just stand here, you’re all dismissed!” Loud chatter erupted again as everyone went to head to their own cabins and I detached myself from my two friends to get the three luggage’s before heading to our usual cabin. Seulgi had less luggage and my eyes widened when I saw how much stuff Irene brought this year, thanking the Gods I could fit everything inside a backpack and three luggage. And just like that, our last day of summer break was on the verge of ending.

           Our cabin was buzzing with noise and chatter as everyone touched up on their looks. I started getting ready an hour ago, after I heard music coming from outside, knowing the party started. I threw on some denim shorts and a multi-colored linen crop top. I let my hair fall in waves and kept the makeup minimal, applying peach colored lip gloss on my lips and mascara to elongate my eyelashes. My cheeks still had a reddish tint from being out on the beach the whole summer and I decided to apply a little bit of highlighter too on my cheekbones, puckering my lips in the mirror at Irene when she came to stand next to me, drawing perfect winged eyeliner on both her eyelids. She grinned at me as I turned to walk to my dresser to search through my jewelry to find something that would match with tonight’s look. Sana and Dahyun, the other two girls we shared the cabin with, were singing loudly along to the song that was being played through Seulgi’s speakers, and I shook my ass in their direction, making Sana laugh loudly as she swiftly landed a slap on my ass. I widened my eyes playfully at her before reaching my dresser and opening the little chest full of my jewelry. I sighed as I scanned through it quickly, my eyes getting caught on the necklace Mingyu gave me. I reached for that and a beaded colorful choker before closing the little chest and clasping both necklaces around my neck. I touched the shell on the necklace and Seulgi gave me a questioning gaze, which I shook off, realizing I started smiling. Dahyun threw my sneakers at me before I could ask where they were and I laughed as I put them on, thanking her by blowing a kiss in her direction. She smiled cutely at me before she went back to painting her nails a neon green, wiggling her already finished toenails at Irene, who was commenting about how that color didn’t match her skin tone.

“I’m heading out, see you around!” I called out loudly for the girls to hear and Seulgi waved at me before throwing her pajama shirt onto her bed to change into a black, strapless, leather top. I closed the door of the cabin behind me and shivered a little bit due to the cool air that surrounded the camp, due to it being in a forest. But I knew I wouldn’t feel it for long as I marched towards the bonfire with a grin, spotting Jongdae, a guy above me in classes, kicking around some dirt. Usually he was the alcohol supplier and when I spotted the juice stand next to him, I knew he took care of it this year too.

“Hi!” I greeted him with a big smile once I reached him, thankful for the bonfire as my skin was covered in goosebumps.

“Hi there, Y/N.” He greeted back with a grin, resting his hands on the stand as he leaned forward, “What would you like to drink tonight?”

“You know,” I glanced around, leaning in too, “I heard you make some amazing pink punch.”

Pink punch, it was the code name for whatever kind of alcohol he snuck inside camp just for the ‘Welcome back’ party. Jongdae nodded once before taking a tall blue plastic cup. He held it with one hand as he opened up a cartoon of juice and filled my cup to the brim with it. He grinned then glanced around, holding out the cup for me.

“Word of advice? The third cup will knock you out in the best-case scenario.” I chuckled as I took the cup and Jongdae gave me a serious look, “No, seriously, I made it fucking strong this year. Mr. D almost poured himself some but thankfully Seungcheol noticed and distracted him, leaving enough time for me to switch the punch with actual juice.”

I laughed as I listened to Jongdae’s story and raised my cup in a cheers motion before taking a big gulp. Damn, it really was strong. The taste of rum was strong despite the cola in it and I chuckled before winking at Jongdae and turning around. I looked around to find familiar faces in the crowd and my face lit up with a smile when I noticed Lia and Yugyeom chatting by the bonfire, their cheeks having a red tint from the heath. I sauntered over as I took another gulp of my juice, shaking my head at the taste. Yugyeom spotted me before I could reach the bonfire and a wide smile appeared on his face as he quickly raced towards me, wanting to take me into a big hug and spin me around, that is until he noticed my drink.

“Y/N! You’re back!” He said excitedly and I laughed, pulling him in a bear hug, waving at Lia as she approached us with an excited smile of her own.

“Damn, did you grow taller?” I asked with furrowed eyebrows as Yugyeom and I pulled back from the hug, taking in his aura. He definitely got taller and changed his style.

“Well, you’re the fifth one to ask me that, so it’s possible!” He answered with a smile and I chuckled as Lia finally reached us, she was holding a cup similar to mine, except hers was yellow. She was a year bellow me, while Yugyeom was the same age as me. Lia and I shared a quick hug too and she sniffed my drink, giving me a cheeky smile as we started chatting, catching up about our lives during the summer break. Being finally back made me realize that I have indeed missed this place.

After five more drinks, not all alcoholic because I could barely finish my second cup, I found myself dancing up on the stage as various lights flashed around us. Irene was wasted, but no one cared, as everyone was here to have fun. She held my hand as she danced around chaotically yet still somehow made it look attractive, and she squealed when she almost fell off the stage. Seulgi was nearby, having been making out with the guy for an hour now, but her head snapped up when she heard Irene’s shrill voice, her red lipstick long gone. She whispered something to the guy before I saw her make her way towards us and I rolled my eyes, twirling Irene around to have her back face me as I sneaked my arms around her shoulders. Irene giggled and wiggled her finger at Seulgi in a ‘come here’ motion and once she joined us, we danced along the music, swirling our hips around sensually.

“He’s staring!” We heard Irene yell over the music as she twirled Seulgi’s hair with one finger while looking past my shoulder, she was still sandwiched between Seulgi and I.

“Who’s staring?!” Seulgi shouted over the music, whipping her head around, unsuccessful in seeing the guy Irene was talking about.

“Everyone!” Irene giggled drunkenly and I laughed, slapping her ass playfully, before turning around and shaking my ass at Seulgi and Irene. Irene’s loud squeals were loud and Seulgi quickly covered her mouth with her hand, giving her a glare. But she quickly dropped her hand when Irene bit her palm, giving her the middle finger with a giggle. I laughed and intertwined my fingers with my cousin’s, dancing around with her as we started teasing Irene as she tried to join us, but we wouldn’t let her.

“Come on!” She whined loudly, but I stuck my tongue out at her and continued to ignore her, “Whatever!”

Seulgi laughed and released her hold on me, giving Irene a back hug as they swayed around, looking at me with drunken expressions. I quickly fished my phone out of my pocket and snapped a few pictures of the two as they started making faces at me. I laughed before putting my phone away, ready to take a break from dancing as I had been at this for four hours now.

“You were really making out with Kai?!” Irene questioned over the music as she stepped out of Seulgi’s hold, standing still as she gripped her forehead.

“That was Kai?!” I asked shocked as I hadn’t been able to get a good look at his face.

“It was about time, don’t you think?!” Seulgi asked cheekily and Irene rolled her eyes, gripping my forearm.

“I need water right now, Y/N, I’m dehydrated and feeling sick too!” I sighed and sent Seulgi a flying kiss before I helped Irene off the stage, maneuvering our way through the crowd to reach Jongdae’s stand. Irene kept singing along to the music that could be heard very well from here too and I chuckled when she started mumbling nonsense, her eyes narrowing when Jongdae came in view.

“I’m drunk because of you.” She mumbled and pointed her finger at Jongdae, making him laugh and me roll my eyes.

“Give us a tall cup of water, please.” I asked of Jongdae and he nodded, undoing the lid of the water bottle.

“Don’t blame me, gorgeous,” He told Irene with a chuckle as he poured water in a cup, “I warned you the drink was strong.”

Irene rolled her eyes but thanked Jongdae when he handed her the cup; Irene’s eyes fell on me, “Do you think Mr. D. knows I’m drunk?”

I chuckled at her question and turned us around to walk Irene to the bonfire, “He probably does, honey, but don’t worry about him now.”

“Damn,” She muttered, her grip on my forearm loosening as we reached the bonfire, “That guy knows about everything, it’s freaky.”

I laughed and let out a little sigh of relief when I spotted Jeonghan, with a cup in his hands, sitting on a log next to the bonfire, talking to his friend Joshua, who held a guitar in his hands. I helped Irene walk over to them and Joshua gave me a friendly smile as Jeonghan looked at us curiously. Before I could say anything, Irene plopped down next to him and cuddled up into Jeonghan’s side, letting out a loud sigh, resting her cup on the ground, between her legs.

“Your sister is totally wasted.” I said as Jeonghan turned his head to look down at his sister and he chuckled, carefully brushing the hair which fell on her face behind her ear.

“Somehow it doesn’t surprise me.” He said amused as he patted Irene’s cheek before looking at me, “My jacket is at the smaller bonfire, could you bring it over? It’s the soft pink one with the rose prints on it.”

“Sure!” I offered Jeonghan and Joshua a smile as Irene remained cuddled up into Jeonghan’s side with her eyes closed. I turned my back and looked around for the smaller bonfire, spotting it right behind the stage, towards where the main building was. I started walking over with a smile as the people I knew kept greeting me or asking me to dance with them, but I nicely refused and promised to join them once I had given Jeonghan his jacket. The music wasn’t very loud behind the stage as the speakers were facing towards the big bonfire and I was surprised to see how many kids were here too. There was another stand of drinks here and I even spotted candy, which could’ve been very easily spiked. As I continued walking towards the smaller bonfire, I realized most of Jeonghan’s friend group was sitting around it on logs, which meant Kim Mingyu was also there. Explains why I hadn’t seen him around for almost two hours, he must’ve been here. Suddenly, the weight of the necklace he gave me felt like an extra weight around my neck and I cleared my throat, hopeful that I would pass by unnoticed while retrieving Jeonghan’s jacket, which sat by Soonyoung, a very loud guy who could make this easy mission really hard. I sighed as I slowed my pace and took in the faces sat around the bonfire, realizing I knew everyone as they were Mingyu’s friends. My eyebrows furrowed for a split second as my eyes fell on the blonde girl who was sitting on Mingyu’s lap, her arms circled around his neck tightly, and I suddenly realized I didn’t know her. But not wanting her to sense me look at her, I averted my gaze back onto the jacket and grinned as no one even offered me a glance as I stopped behind Soonyoung. I crouched down and grabbed Jeonghan’s jacket, knowing it was his as I had seen him wear it before and it was just as he described it to me. The sudden voice next to me, however, took me off guard and my eyes snapped to Soonyoung, curiously listening to him.

“Mingyu, never have I ever…” Soonyoung paused dramatically and a smirk pulled onto my lips once I realized what they were playing, “Sent a naughty picture to someone.”

The guys around the bonfire started making ‘ooh’ sounds as I stood with a loud snort, finally attracting attention onto myself. Eyes were on me and I couldn’t help but chuckle again, looking towards Mingyu, who was giving me a glare.

“What a spicy question, Soonyoung.” I said teasingly, making him give me a drunken grin, “But it’s funny of you to assume that Mingyu has anyone to whom he could send any naughty pictures.”

Everyone started laughing and I grinned at Mingyu, giving him a wink, as his glare could burn down anything in a second. I shrugged when Soonyoung gave me a questioning look and waited just to hear Mingyu’s genius answer, but the girl sitting on his lap spoke up just as Mingyu opened his mouth to speak.

“This game is so boring, oh my God!” She whined loudly and I rolled my eyes with a few guys. Mingyu was fuming by this point that he couldn’t fire back anything and when he opened his mouth again, Seokmin cut him off this time. I laughed loudly, getting odd looks, but Mingyu’s glare still directed at me meant that he knew I was laughing at his poor attempts of defending himself.

“Let’s switch to Truth or Dare then!” Seokmin proposed and the blonde girl got excited as she perked up on Mingyu’s lap, giving him sweet eyes, making me roll my eyes at them. Mingyu looked down at her and gave her a smirk before locking eyes with Soonyoung, mouthing to him, ‘You know what to dare me.’ Of course, I had a few things in mind, but they were disgusting so I didn’t entertain the idea furthermore and turned to walk back to the big bonfire. But after the three steps I took, Seokmin called out to me, stopping me in my tracks.

“Yo, Y/N,” I turned back to face them and raised my eyebrows at Seokmin curiously, “Truth or Dare?”

I chuckled loudly and looked around the bonfire, checking out the guys that were there. The handsomer bunch of Mingyu’s friend group were here, so I shrugged and decided to play along this time, “Dare, Seokmin.”

Vernon grinned and elbowed Seungcheol next to him, locking eyes with me before he looked towards Seokmin. I licked my lips feeling a little nervous for what was to come as Seokmin rubbed his chin, looking around, searching for something. Soonyoung let out a short laugh, looking at me.

“You’re fucked if he’s thinking this hard.” He said, making a few guys laugh and my eyes to roll.

“Let me guess, you want me to go shirtless—”

“Not really,” A mischievous glint appeared in Seokmin’s eyes as he looked towards Mingyu, making me give him a threatening look, “let’s see…sit on Mingyu’s lap for three minutes. He can’t touch you and you can do whatever to him—no, you have to do something to him.”

“What the fuck?!” Mingyu and I exclaimed at the same time loudly, giving Seokmin an incredulous look mixed with glares that could kill. The guys started laughing and Vernon sighed disappointed as he leaned a little forward, tapping the blonde girl’s thigh.

“It’s your cue to get off, sweetie.” He told her and the blonde turned her head, giving me a furious look. I scoffed and threw Jeonghan’s jacket at Seokmin as I walked around the bonfire to get to Mingyu.

“Don’t look at me like that, blondie, it’s not like I enjoy this dare more than you.” I told her with a glare as she sneered at me, but very shamelessly sat on Vernon’s lap, even though she had plenty of space on any of the loges. I gave Seokmin a last glare as I hesitated to sit on Mingyu’s lap, heart beating fast as everyone was watching us with amused expressions. But when Mingyu’s shit eating grin appeared on his lips, I sat on his lap forcefully and very unladylike, making him grunt and grab onto my hips, his warm hands and fingers pressing into my skin. My back straightened involuntarily at his firm grip and our eyes locked as I felt Mingyu’s thighs flex underneath me as he scooted me closer to his body. There was a good inch between our bodies and I was scared he could hear how loudly my heart was beating as that was the only thing I could hear at the moment. I felt my cheeks burning and blamed it on the fire as Mingyu was sitting close to it, its warmth radiating against my body. I’ve never been this close to Mingyu and for such a long time, I could feel his cologne, which carried the familiar scent of the ocean mixed with the alcohol he had consumed throughout the night. Before I could get lost in my inner panicking, Seokmin tsked and raised his voice as he spoke up.

“I said no touching, Mingyu!” Seokmin sounded very amused and I snapped my head in his direction, making sure to give him the scariest glare I could, eyes falling quickly on the phone he had in his hands thinking he’d record us. But he hit the timer and the clock went off just as Mingyu’s hands left my hips, leaving goosebumps on my skin as the warmth from his hands left my body even though the fire was slowly burning my skin at this point. I turned back to look at Mingyu and gulped, feeling hesitant about doing anything…what was I even supposed to do? They never specified, but I wasn’t going to look like a fool in front of Mingyu and his friends, I took the dare after all, forgetting to expect the worst from these guys. Our eyes were locked onto each other and I could tell by this point that towards Mingyu’s pupils the brown of his eyes was lighter, creating a beautiful color I haven’t seen in anyone’s eyes before.

“Come on, Y/N!” I heard someone whine behind us, probably Jun from his impatience, “Do something!”

I took a deep breath and let my eyes run over Mingyu’s face to analyze him, just to realize that he looked nervous. I noticed how tense his body was and how sweat started to form around his hairline. He wasn’t touching me in an obvious manner, but his balled-up fists were touching on each side of my thighs the bare skin as I wore shorts, and it made goosebumps erupt on my skin once I realized this. I had no idea where the sudden confidence came from, maybe the alcohol or maybe the quiet shudder of Mingyu’s body, but it ignited a fire inside me that couldn’t be controlled. It came from the same place where all the anger and frustration erupted every time Mingyu and I started fighting, it wasn’t a foreign feeling, just unexpected. I couldn’t exactly explain what it felt like, but it made me lean my body against his as my right cheek touched his left. I pressed a soft kiss underneath his ear, just barely letting my lips touch his heated skin and I felt Mingyu’s body tense even more. I didn’t give him time to get used to the feel of my lips against his kiss as my teeth bit into his right earlobe, pulling on it slightly. Mingyu had surely chocked up as I had never heard him make a sound like that one before and I smirked as I released his earlobe from my teeth but gave it a playful lick, making a few guys laugh. I wasn’t even focusing on them anymore; I was just enjoying the full control I had over Mingyu and that for once he couldn’t say anything to me as he was left speechless by me. Seokmin didn’t alert us that time was up, so without thinking much, I started kissing down the smooth skin of his neck, making sure to press my lips firmly against his skin this time. I felt movement next to my thighs but didn’t react as the scent of the ocean hit my nose, creating a wave of nostalgia. If there was anything I missed while I stayed at Camp Half-Blood, it was the ocean and the inability to go surfing. I found a spot I enjoyed more and kissed at it, giving it a slow lick before I let my teeth sink into Mingyu’s skin again. He hissed and the sudden grip on my thighs and Seokmin’s shout that ‘time is over’ alarmed me and without realizing, my teeth sunk deeper into his skin, making Mingyu stand up in a heartbeat, almost dropping me from his lap. I had to hold onto his shoulders to steady myself and realized only now that most of the guys had averted their eyes from us and the blondie looked very angrily at us before she stood and stormed off. I gulped and realized I was still holding onto Mingyu, so I tried to step away but Mingyu held me against his chest, taking deep breaths.

“You’re wearing the necklace.” He muttered when we made eye contact and I finally broke out of his hold, running a hand through my hair as my body tensed up once I realized what I had done. I refused to look at Mingyu’s neck and I quickly walked up to Seokmin and snatched Jeonghan’s jacket from his hands.

I looked around, feeling embarrassed, but I cleared my throat and mustered up a smirk as I looked down at Seokmin, “Not making me go shirtless was really your loss, Seokmin, I’m not wearing a bra.”

I chuckled when half of the guys looked at me with dropped jaws before I wordlessly took off, not sparing anyone another glance, wondering what was going through my mind for giving Mingyu a hickey.

           There’s certain reasons why having a roommate, or multiple, is a good thing. One of them is that they can wake you up if you don’t hear your morning alarm, which was the case today. I guess everyone forgot to tell us that even though we’d party all night, our first class would start at 8 am today. And I wasn’t ready…it was sword fighting class too. But thankfully to Seulgi, I got up in time and somehow got ready for the day, ditching the thought of dressing cute as Irene wanted me to. On days when we had training, I would just throw on my leather pants, a crop top or sweater depending on the weather, and my combat boots. I held the bottle of water in my hand as we walked down the path towards the training grounds, shivering in the cold air of the morning. Fog covered the camp and Irene kept muttering things behind Seulgi and I as she wore a skirt without any stoking.

“We told you to dress up, Irene.” Seulgi said as she turned and walked backwards to face our friend.

“Yeah, and I said it will warm up later on.” Irene sassed back and I chuckled as I untangled the blanket I had around my shoulders, throwing it backwards at her.

“Take it, I brought it for you anyways.” I said and Irene chuckled, nearing me to give me a kiss on the cheek.

“Ugh, think they’ll pair me up with Seokmin continuously this year too?” Seulgi wondered once the field of the training grounds came to view. I chuckled and glanced at her, adjusting the collar of my see-through sweater, realizing I was still wearing the necklace from Mingyu when my fingers collided with the shell. The thought of Mingyu made me sigh and I looked at Seulgi, knowing that I would have to face him really soon.

“Maybe.” I said with a shrug, biting my lower lip nervously as we went to sit on the fallen trunks of trees, waiting for everyone to gather.

“It’s unfair!” Seulgi snapped, crossing her arms in front of her chest, “I should be fighting with someone like you! Or Mingyu! Or someone who’s parent has anything to do with war and fights.”

“You don’t want to fight with Mingyu.” I mumbled as I rested my chin in my palm, feeling Irene cuddle up in my side as she wrapped the blanket around her exposed legs. At least she wore a fluffy white cardigan.

“Why not?” Seulgi gave me a look, which I returned as I crossed my arms in front of my chest.

“Because he’s constantly trying to cheat and he plays dirty. I can beat him because I already learned his moves and intentions, he’s really predictable after a while, Seulgi. I think being teamed up with Seokmin is a lot more entertaining.” I explained to my cousin, but realized I was getting riled up by the thought of Mingyu and his way of fighting. It wasn’t the only thing that bothered me, I forgot to take off the damn necklace and everyone could see it, him especially.

“I want to fight against you then.” Seulgi announced and I chuckled, but my short-lived good mood was gone the second my eyes fell on Mingyu’s approaching form. Seokmin and Jeonghan were by his side as they talked about something, but Mingyu seemed distracted as his eyes fell on me. I looked away and pretended like I didn’t see him, but when Irene started waving at her brother, I realized they would come over.

“I’m Eris’ daughter, who is Ares’ sister, seriously, I deserve to be paired with you or—” Seulgi was still going on about why she should be paired up with anyone but Seokmin and I tuned her voice out as Seokmin stopped in front of me. I looked up at him with a glare and he just grinned back, either acting oblivious or he really was oblivious as to why I was giving him a dirty look.

“Good morning!” He said loudly and bounced back and forth on his feet, his eyes falling on Seulgi, “Oh, you’re here? Good! I should let you know that I injured my ankle a month ago and I can’t fight that well yet, but that shouldn’t be big of an issue—”

“Oh, you know how to fight well?!” Seulgi snapped before standing up and storming off towards the armory.

“Don’t mind her,” I tried to quickly save the situation as the happy expression on Seokmin’s face started to slip off, “She was grumpy all morning. I’m sure you’re a great partner.”

Seokmin didn’t say anything else as he took the seat next to me and busied himself with his phone, making me sigh. Jeonghan cleared his throat and looked at his sister, rising his eyebrows at him.

“You’re wearing a skirt? Seriously?!” I chuckled and glanced at Irene, who was glaring at Jeonghan.

“Your problem is?!” She raised her eyebrows at Jeonghan, “It’s not like I will fight today.”

“You’re not?” Jeonghan’s eyebrows furrowed, “Who told you that?”

“I made a slip which I handed in to Mr. D. yesterday before the party could start…I’m not going to train for at least two months, just participate as an audience.” My mouth hung open as I listened to Irene talk, even Jeonghan looked impressed as he fisted his joggers before crouching down in front of Irene.

“Tell me, sister,” A smirk crossed his lips and Irene returned a smirk of her own, it was an uncomfortable sight to see the two siblings smirk evilly at each other, “What must I do for you to forge a slip like that one for me too?”

Mingyu scoffed and I felt his eyes on me as he grumbled, “Of course, he’d do anything to skip training.”

I didn’t look at Mingyu, however, just cleared my throat and stood when I saw our professor walk to the middle of the little arena in front of us. He clapped his hands five times, bringing the attention onto himself as Irene and Jeonghan huddled together to make arrangements about the slip for Jeonghan. Mingyu and I had our arms crossed in front of our chests as we sauntered closer to the professor, muscles tense as we stood side by side, trying hard to ignore the heath coming from the other. It was the first time Mingyu and I stayed quiet without throwing jabs at each other, it usually didn’t matter what time of the day it was. Apparently, we were still processing the happenings of last night. Something I’d rather forget, if I’m being honest, I don’t like the way my heart picks up when I think of what I did and how Mingyu reacted.

“Good morning,” The professor greeted loudly, his deep voice booming around the place, “Welcome back to another year and I hope you will show us the progress you’ve made over the summer, if not, the progress you will make during this year.”

Mingyu sniffed and I sneaked a glance at him, my throat closing in on me when my eyes fell on the dark purple spot almost at the base of his neck. I did that. Mingyu sensed my eyes on him and glanced down at me, making me look away and clench my jaw, palms turning into fists.

“I see many familiar faces,” The professor continued with a chuckle and I nodded my head at him as his eyes fell on me for a second, “I see Mr. D. decided not to mix the age groups this year anymore, smart choice…maybe. I will have to ask a few of you to come help me demonstrate to the newcomers how a fair fight is played. But now—”

My heart started thumping fast when the professor’s eyes fell on Mingyu first then slowly glided onto me, “Let’s have Mingyu and Y/N demonstrate for us, sounds good?”

I gulped and nodded wordlessly as I stepped back to pull my hair in a high ponytail as Mingyu chuckled and swiftly pulled his hoodie over his head, “Go easy on us professor, the summer break was long.”

I glanced at Mingyu before fixing the ties of my combat boots, making sure they were tight and wouldn’t come undone as the professor chuckled at Mingyu’s words and winked at us, stepping out of the little arena. Mingyu took off first towards the armory and I took a shaky breath, cracking my neck as I followed after him. Mingyu remained in a black t-shirt and black sweats as he grabbed his silver sword from the wall. I stopped beside him and stared at my familiar sword for a second, taking in its design. It was a heavy sword, bearing the color of gold littered with intricate fire red lines which glinted underneath the sunlight. It was a gift from my father when I turned five, way too young to be playing around with a sword, yet I was able to halfway lift it. Upon seeing the gift from Ares, my mother sent it here to the Camp and asked them to store it for the time I would attend and start my training. Mingyu’s sword was a gift from his father as well, he found it on the beach one day after surfing. He says it was the first and last time he saw Zeus or spoke to him. I liked to make fun of him, but only because I was envious that he got to meet and talk to his father, while mine never bothered to show up and just left the sword underneath the Christmas tree, how cool. Therefore, only the two of us had our own swords at the Camp and no one was allowed to touch them either besides us. I grabbed the metal finally and sighed at the familiar feel of its harsh clutch. Subconsciously a smile appeared on my lips as I turned it around in my hands, mumbling a quiet ‘Hello’ to it. I heard Mingyu walk away and knew it was my cue to join him in the little arena, but this time it was different, I was nervous. I wasn’t ready to face him yet, to look at him yet…but in a fight, you have to face your adversary. The sun was slowly poking out from behind the clouds and the fog was slowly clearing up as well, but you could see the breaths we let out through our mouths. I grabbed my sword firmly and took a deep breath as I looked at Mingyu, noticing how tense he looked. His posture wasn’t the best and I knew it wasn’t because he forgot over the summer, fighting might’ve been in my blood, but Mingyu was the best opponent I had ever come across…even though I refuse to say that out loud ever. I moved the sword in my hands a little bit, letting Mingyu know that I was ready to fight. To me, it seemed like he didn’t get the signal, so I was about to lift my sword again a little bit, but the first blow came. Mingyu had jumped forward without any warning and had it not been for my quick reflexes, my skull would’ve been slashed in two. I gasped at the force when our swords collided, straining my arms as I pushed against Mingyu’s, blocking his unfair attack. It was quiet around us and as my heart continued to beat quickly, our eyes connected for a split second before I felt rage take over my body. His first blow was unfair and unasked for. When you attack first, it’s never sudden as your opponent might not understand well your first intention, that’s what we were taught to do here, at the training grounds. And Mingyu didn’t respect that. I pushed against his sword with mine, untangling them, before quickly striking a blow which Mingyu managed to jump away from. I whipped around quickly, blocking his next attack and instantly attacking back multiple times, not giving him any time for mistakes. My body was tense as I let loose of my senses to focus on Mingyu and his own sword, the outside world getting lost around us. My feet were firmly planted into the dirt ground as our swords continued clashing against each other, the metal against metal echoing around the little arena viciously. My chest was rising and falling quickly, a few stray strands of hair stuck to my forehead as I started sweating. Mingyu’s blows were harder than ever, more powerful, and the expression he had on his face was almost scary. His face was blank except for the constant furrow of his eyebrows and with each blow a grunt left his lips, his muscles on the verge of ripping with every second blow. My muscles were tense, so much my hands started shaking from the force, but I wouldn’t give up. The fact that Mingyu was bigger and stronger meant nothing to me as I had taken him down almost every single time we trained. Going to the gym helped him, but he couldn’t overdo my gifts. With a frustrated cry, I ran towards him and sent a low left blow towards his calf, which he blocked skillfully and even managed to tangle our swords, so if I were to attack first I’d leave myself undefended. Our bodies were close to each other as we pushed our swords towards each other, going in circles, staring each other in the eyes. We were both breathing hard and covered in sweat, but neither of us wanted to back down. Being this close to Mingyu again reminded me of last night and my jaw clenched as I gave his sword a hard push, taking Mingyu by surprise, but he gained his balance back quickly. His eyebrows were furrowed and for a second he just stood there and studied my face, but I had enough of this chasing game, and quickly detached my sword and ran backwards, clutching the sword with both hands. Taking a deep breath, I ran towards him and with all the power I had in my body, I jumped up and brought the sword down over Mingyu’s, making his body tremble as metal collided with metal, creating a loud resonance around us. Mingyu seemed shocked for a second as I gave him a sneer, when our professor spoke.

“Uhm, that was—intense, but impressive! Thank you—” But before he could finish his speech, Mingyu growled and brought this hand down, his fist and the clutch of his sword colliding against the right side of my torso. I audibly gasped at the pain that shoot up my whole torso, eyebrows furrowing at the instant burning sensation. I glanced down, half expecting to see blood pouring out of my body, but when I realized I wasn’t cut, I looked back up at Mingyu furiously.

“Well, that’s unnecessary, you two are done for today—” But the professor’s words fell to deaf ears as I sneered at Mingyu again before kicking his stomach with my leg, making him lose his steady grip of his sword and taking advantage of that, I kicked the sword out of his hand. Quickly, I picked it up with my left hand and held both swords towards him as he went to catch his breath, glaring at me as he breathed hard. I didn’t play fair, but he didn’t either. He pressed his tongue against the inside of his cheek, a sign that he was close to blowing up from anger, and I chuckled as I dropped both swords to the side, pushing up the sleeves of my sweater as I gave Mingyu a smirk.

“Miss Kang and Mr. Kim, that is enough—”

“Come get me, mommy’s boy.” I taunted with a chuckle, talking over the professor as Mingyu scoffed once and licked his lips, giving me a smug look.

“You sure you can take me?” I laughed shortly and then took off, already swinging one fist at him. Mingyu quickly blocked it with his arm and I was already swinging at his torso, which he wasn’t so successful in blocking, so I took my chance and swung at him with my right hand again. But Mingyu blocked it again with his arm and swung back, almost hitting me if I wouldn’t have ducked. He chuckled but didn’t hesitate, even tried to kick my legs out from underneath me, but I jumped back quickly, realizing what he was trying to do.

“Why are you so frustrated, Mingyu?” I raised my eyebrows at him, voice raspy, as he came swinging at me at the same time, aiming for my torso, which I was protecting quite obviously as I could still feel the burning in my side.

“It’s time I show you what it feels like to be unable to do anything when someone is coming at you.” My eyebrows furrowed but I didn’t ponder much on his words as I ducked away from his swings again, lungs screaming for a break. It’s been long since I fought this hard and this vendetta Mingyu had against me was starting to turn annoying. That is until I finally realized what his words meant as he almost knocked my nose out of its place. I hissed and caught his fist as he tried to quickly get a blow in, bringing his arm down and twisting him around until he couldn’t move away from me, sticking his arm against his lower back and circling my other arm around his neck.

“You think I would’ve done that if it wasn’t a dare, Mingyu?!” I hissed in his ear and groaned when he gripped my arm around his neck with his free hand, gripping it firmly, “We were playing Truth or Dare, for God’s sake!”

Yes, Mingyu’s problem was that I left a hickey on him, accidentally, and that I so easily humiliated him when they were playing Never Have I Ever dirty version. It’s not my fault he wasn’t quick enough to comeback at me with something or that Seokmin dared me such absurd thing. But I rolled with it, it was just for fun…but apparently Mingyu couldn’t handle a little fun in his life. I yelped when he yanked on my arms and quickly freed himself, turning around to face me. My eyes widened when he grabbed my neck and yanked me uncomfortably close to him, his eyes burning into mine.

“This isn’t a friendly match anymore; I demand you both stop!” The professor sounded on the verge of running inside the arena by the tone of his voice and I gave Mingyu a smirk, preparing to bring my knee up to free myself.

“Won’t you be a good boy and listen to our professor?” I taunted with a pout, gripping Mingyu’s wrist as I tried to peel his fingers off my neck when he started applying pressure.

“And miss proving a point finally?” He chuckled and my eyebrows furrowed as I hauled myself up and kicked myself away by his thighs, freeing myself from Mingyu’s hold with a cough as he almost didn’t let go of my neck. I rubbed the skin around my neck and my eyes went to the hickey which stood very visible underneath the morning sunbeams despite the soft glow of Mingyu’s sweaty skin. I gulped and my fingers touched the shell and I decided in that second to call the match off before we get seriously injured. Mingyu’s eyes seemed to trace the action of my fingers, a movement I found comforting since the day started, and his jaw clenched. We made eye contact again and as I opened my mouth to tell him that I was done fighting with him today, he took off towards me, taking me off guard. All I knew is that the next second I was in the air for a split second held by both shoulders and then the next my back hit the dirt covered ground, knocking all oxygen out of my lungs. I gasped, everything going white around me as I frantically grasped onto something, yanking on it as I panicked. Pain, something I wasn’t used to at all, shot through all of my body and my lungs started aching as slowly my vision returned. Mingyu’s face was the first thing I saw and when I could finally breathe again, I gasped loudly and yanked on Mingyu’s shirt, bringing his face inches close to mine. I was unable to say anything from the shock and pain, but I made sure to give him a glare he’s never seen before, conveying everything I felt into it. Mingyu’s eyes searched my face quickly and his big palms panickily grabbed at my cheeks, but just as I tried to slap them away, Mingyu was lifted off me and I saw a few people stand around us. I closed my eyes and tried to keep in the tears which threated to spill from all the pent-up frustration and the pain as I took deep breaths, listening to the professor as he started scolding Mingyu very loudly. I ignored their voices and groaned when I felt a shoe poke my left side, nudging my eyes open. I had to shield them from the harsh sun, but my lips pulled into a lazy smirk when I spotted Seulgi with an unimpressed scowl on her face.

“You’re alive?” She asked, her arms were crossed in front of her chest, and Irene gave her arm a strong slap.

“Are you alright?” She asked worriedly and crouched down, the blanket was still around her, as she started inspecting my face.

“You tell me, nurse.” I teased her quietly and Irene chuckled, nudging Seulgi’s leg to help me stand up. I sighed loudly and gripped my cousin’s hand and let her haul me up. I groaned loudly once I was on my feet, lightly touching my torso, until I saw the professor looking my way. I quickly evened my expression and looked away as he shook his head at me before taking Mingyu by the collar of his shirt as he pulled him towards the forgotten swords.

“I’m going to murder him.” I muttered with a glare as I gave Mingyu a last murderous look, before I let Seulgi and Irene walk me back to the fallen trunks, my training for the day being over. At least someone kept Irene company.

           The day went by and there wasn’t a person who didn’t hear about the fight between Mingyu and I, and how it got out of hand. It was a big sensation…Kang Y/N was finally defeated. I was supposed to feel ashamed, but all I felt was anger towards Mingyu. He didn’t proceed the fair way and it angered me rather than made feel ashamed, because I knew he didn’t earn his victory fairly. The deep-seated rage I felt in the moment has subsided as soon as Irene started chatting with me the second I joined her on the trunk, it was her way of distracting me, and it was working. Irene always knew how to approach people and what to say, that’s why she was so widely liked. But no matter how many subjects she found to speak about; my mind stayed glued to one thought only. Have I actually gotten weaker during the summer? It wasn’t the first time Mingyu cheated, yet it was the first time he actually won. At the thought of him, as if it was a reminder for my body, my right side of torso started throbbing and I just nodded with a smile at whatever Irene was blabbing about currently, I stopped paying attention to her at least an hour ago. Seulgi was nowhere to be seen since our last class and we didn’t bother looking for her, she’d show up eventually. She was still sulking because she was paired with Seokmin once again for training. At the moment I wished someone like Seokmin was my partner too.

“And then Mr. D. actually had the audacity to ask me if the letter was forged or not—which it is, but still! When have I lied to him?!” I finally tuned in to Irene’s voice and chuckled as I glanced over at her. Classes were done for the day and we were headed back to our cabin. It was five in the afternoon and the air was chilly once again, the blanket was around Irene’s waist still.

“You’ve lied to Mr. D. many times, Irene.” I reminded her and watched as her eyes widened.

“I prefer the term outsmarted, but sure…you could call it lying too.” She admitted and I chuckled again, shaking my head at her. The cabin came to view and I abruptly stopped walking, grabbing the straps of my backpack tighter. It was still early, we had no homework for tomorrow, I didn’t want to return to the cabin yet. Irene noticed my lack of presence beside her so she stopped and turned, giving me a questioning look.

“I’m not going back yet…” I told her, “I think I’ll head to the training grounds for a bit.”

Irene sighed and nodded, “Don’t overwork yourself. And if you see Seulgi, tell her I said that she can find a new cabin for herself if she’ll sulk all day and ignore her friends, because she was paired with Seokmin for training classes again.”

I laughed and gave her a thumbs up, the pain in my side becoming almost more obvious. But I pushed away the thought of pain and hurried down the path leading towards the training grounds. The metal, and hay, dummies were taken out already and I was thankful, because I was too lazy to bring out one myself. I left my backpack on one of the trunks and tied my hair in a ponytail again, cringing at the burn in my right side. The pain just wouldn’t go away. But ignoring it, I went towards the armory and opened it up, eyes falling on my sword. It was put back in its usual place and the thought of Mingyu touching it, carrying it, angered me as I harshly grabbed it off the wall and gripped the handle of it firmly. I turned and walked back out, dragging the sword after me, glaring at the metal dummy. I didn’t have to hold back now; I couldn’t hurt anyone. Taking an attacking stance in front of the dummy, I brought up my sword waist height, and let the weight of it settle in my hand for a second. Then I swung, hard. It clashed loudly against the metal, but I paid no attention to it as I continued swinging hard at it. I used the same attacking tactics I used on Mingyu today and realized I wasn’t putting in the usual force I was using. I stopped for a second, taking a breather. The first jab in my torso only made me groan and push myself harder as I raised my sword and swung it so hard against the dummy that the clanking of metal echoed around me and made my hands shake. It made me groan loudly as sharp pain shot through my whole body and I dropped the sword, taken aback, doubling over as I felt sick to my stomach. I closed my eyes and took deep breaths, waiting for the pain to subside. I was afraid to touch my torso, I was even afraid to look at it. I knew I had a nasty bruise and I knew I shouldn’t have pushed myself this much. But I also knew I wouldn’t go to the infirmary; no person would see the daughter of the fighter God himself willingly walk inside an infirmary to get treated. That’s what would’ve made me feel ashamed, not losing to Mingyu, who was cheating. And because I could have no piece of mind, a twig snapped behind me and I hoped it was Seulgi coming to drag me back to our cabin. But when I leaned down to grab my sword and turn around, I saw that it wasn’t Seulgi. It was the person I wanted to see least right now. I sighed and trudged back to the armory, surprised that my torso hurt at every step I took. I couldn’t feel the chilly air of the evening anymore, my body was warm and my blood boiling. I had so much to say, but nothing wanted to come out. It was the first time I wasn’t screaming and throwing punches at Mingyu despite how mad I was. When I walked out from the armory, Mingyu was sitting on a trunk, his backpack placed beside mine. He was holding a smaller package and I walked closer to him, despite not wanting to; he was right next to my backpack after all. His eyes were glued to me ever since I stepped out from the armory, but my eyes were solely focusing on my backpack. When I finally reached him, I went to grab my backpack to leave, but Mingyu’s extended hand made me pause. I looked at what he was holding and realized, now from up close, that he was holding a big ice pack. I took a deep breath and without reconsidering my actions, I gripped the ends of my see-through sweater and pulled it overhead, remaining in my sports bra. I didn’t look at Mingyu’s face to see his reaction, he’s seen me in less clothing when we met on the beach. I took the ice pack and finally let my eyes fall on my torso and I bit my lower lip at the sight. The skin against my lower ribs has turned a sickish color of green with the edges blue and purple and I quickly pressed the ice pack against the huge bruise, hissing at the contact. The silence stretched on between us and it was getting hard to handle.

Mingyu took the initiative as he cleared his throat and finally looked away, “Sorry about that, I didn’t mean to hurt you. And for almost knocking you out too…”

I gulped and stared down at the dirt ground, debating how to answer him. It was clear that I wouldn’t scream his head off right now, but it was also the first time he apologized for something. I didn’t know how to react to that, and I was still angry, so I let bitterness flood my voice.

“Yeah, I blacked out for a second there.” I said sarcastically, cautiously letting my eyes fall on him finally. Mingyu didn’t look very pleased by my answer, but he nodded.

“You should go to the infirmary.” Mingyu suggested and my eyebrows furrowed as I shook my head.

“That’s the last thing I’ll do. It’ll heal, it’s no big deal.”

“It looks really nasty, Y/N.”

I rolled my eyes and sat down next to him, keeping the ice pack pressed against my side as I winced at the pain again.

“Whatever, seriously.” I muttered and Mingyu rolled his eyes, giving me a small glare.

“I guess our professor wasn’t joking when he said not to take out on each other our personal vendetta when training.” Mingyu muttered quietly and I scoffed, looking at him.

“Really? You started it.” I snapped and he turned his head, eyes locking with mine.

“Can you blame me?!” His voice raised the slightest, “You’re always provoking me in some way and I finally had enough of it; let’s not forget the hickey you just so casually left on me. Thank God mom isn’t here to see it—”

“It was a dare for God’s sake, Mingyu!” I exclaimed, eyes going wide from frustration, “You think I wanted to do it—”

“No one told you to give me a hickey!” Mingyu snapped, eyes narrowing when I quickly opened my mouth to snap back at him, but I had nothing to say. He was right. No one told me to do that…I just did it. I got carried away. I knew it would’ve bothered him, so I did it.

“Yeah, I—” I cleared my throat and looked away awkwardly, finding this the weirdest conversation we’ve ever had, “I guess…I’m sorry.”

I heard a scoff and quickly looked at Mingyu, but he was smirking. He looked amused and I tried to fight my own smirk, but it didn’t work, and we found ourselves smirking at each other amused. This was the most decent we’ve ever been to each other. First time the we apologized too! Someone should note this down in the history books. And it seemed like Mingyu was thinking the same thing.

“You realize this is the first time we apologized to each other.” He said with a chuckle, shaking his head. I rolled my eyes playfully and pressed the ice pack a little harder against the bruise, abs contracting at the sharp pain shooting through my torso.

“You should be glad I decided to act decent…because I wanted to shout at you and fight you.”

“Nothing unusual.” Mingyu muttered bitterly and I raised my eyebrows at him, “Our fights can get really tiresome, you know?”

I scoffed and then sighed, “I know, I’m the one participating in them.”

Mingyu gave me a pointed look and I just shrugged, glancing down at the ice pack. The ice was melting already, but it was still cold and it soothed the constant burn of the bruise. I looked back up at Mingyu’s face, but his eyes were glued against the bruise and his jaw was clenched. I sighed quietly and in the spur of the moment, grabbed his left hand in a reassuring manner, alerting him. Mingyu’s eyes went wide as he straightened his stance and I suddenly felt a warmness against my cheeks, but I refused to acknowledge it.

“Hey, the bruise will go away, alright?” I spoke up before it could get awkward between us, and to my utter surprise, Mingyu’s fingers gripped at mine, keeping them in a secure hold. He didn’t say a word, he just nodded his head once and then his eyes searched my whole face, looking for something. I gulped and was about to look away, but a small grin appeared on his lips and I raised my eyebrows at him curiously.

“You’re wearing the necklace.” He muttered to himself quietly before giggling like a little boy, making me scoff playfully.

“It’s a pretty necklace, alright?” I gave him a look, raising my eyebrows at him, “I’m not wearing it because it’s from you.”

“I wasn’t expecting you to.” His answer was very quick and we shook our heads at each other before letting go of our hands. I looked down and carefully pealed the ice pack away from my skin, placing it between our legs as I leaned down to grab my sweater. The chilly air started to get to me and I didn’t wish to catch a cold. As I quietly, I only hissed once when I had to stretch out my right hand, pulled on my sweater, Mingyu sighed loudly, his shoulders slouching forward.

“You remember,” He spoke up very quietly, his voice getting lost around us, but I heard him still, “the first time we walked through the gates of the Camp?”

My eyebrows furrowed as I shivered at the warmth that spread through my torso due to wearing my sweater, “I was so nervous that I was shaking. Our moms dropped us off at the edge of the path and told us to continue walking straight until we’d see the gate.”

Mingyu nodded, lips pulling into a fond smile, “We even held hands. I tried to act brave and excited, but I was more scared than you were—”

“Remember when the bunny jumped at us?!” I exclaimed, eyes widening at the sudden memory I thought I had forgotten.

“I was just about to bring that up!” Mingyu giggled, shaking his head as he glanced at me, “You threatened to beat me up if I were to release your hand, remember?”

I narrowed my eyes at him as a smile spread onto my lips, “Don’t act like you weren’t enjoying that.”

“I wasn’t that impressed—”

“Mingyu,” I giggled, leaning closer to his face, “Next summer we went back home you told all the boys that I was into you because I held your hand.”

A smirk spread onto Mingyu’s lips as he leaned in too, our faces almost as close as at the bonfire, “Come on, at some point you were into me…every girl was.”

“Disgusting.” I pretended to gag as I pulled back, faking a shudder as I went to undo my ponytail, “That’s why Seokmin came running to my cabin two years ago in the middle of the night to tell me that you were whispering my name in your sleep—”

“I was not!” Mingyu exclaimed, his eyes going wide as his shoulders straightened once again.

“Mingyu,” I chuckled and started laughing when he gave me a harsh glare, “Everyone knew you were into me—”

“I was not! Seokmin was fucking around!” Mingyu exclaimed offended and it made me laugh harder, “And you believed him! It’s not funny—stop laughing!”

But I only laughed harder and Mingyu groaned, looking up at the darkening sky with an exasperated expression, “Fine, believe whatever you want to believe.”

I chuckled, finally calming down, “Why? Would it be so bad if you liked me?”

I gulped nervously, averting my eyes when Mingyu’s fell on me, pretending like I didn’t ask a stupid question just now. Why did I even ask that? What was I thinking? The pain was getting to my head, I should head back to the cabin before I say anything else—

“No. It wouldn’t be bad.” Mingyu’s quiet words interrupted my internal panic and I hummed, biting my lower lip. I started playing with my fingers as I placed them in my lap, looking up at the darkening sky as well.

“You’re egoistical and arrogant, but, you have your positive traits as well.” I muttered wonderingly and Mingyu scoffed, stretching his long legs out in front of him.

“Thanks.” He was being sarcastic and I smirked, eyes falling on the first star. It made me wonder, if there was anyone beyond them. If there was anyone looking down at us right now…if our fathers even cared about us at all.

“Do you ever…” I gulped and let my eyebrows furrow as I tried to show no reaction, scared of opening up to Mingyu. I didn’t know how he’d react; we’ve never had a conversation like this one. It’s like someone replaced us, “Think of your father? Want to be with him…just know what he thinks of you? If he’s proud or disappointed? Sorry, I’m saying non-sense—”

“You’re not,” Mingyu quickly interrupted, looking up at the sky as well, “I wonder all the time. I wonder if I’m the son he wanted. If I’m good enough to call myself Zeus’ son. That day…on the beach when he gave me the sword…it was so surreal. I couldn’t even react, I thought I was knocked out by a wave and was dreaming.”

“Did you…talk?” I whispered, brining my arms around my torso, careful with the bruise.

“I couldn’t say anything, I was so shocked. And he didn’t say anything either. He just handed me the sword and gripped my shoulder firmly, giving me a wide smile…then he disappeared and people were staring at me because—a thirteen-year-old boy was holding a real sword on a beach…” We both chuckled at the same time and I turned my head to look at Mingyu.

“What did he look like?”

“Uhm,” Mingyu’s eyebrows furrowed as he faced me, licking his lips, “He was really tall and very tan. His hair was longer and it was blondish and despite his eyes being brown they were glowing almost a honey like color. He was dressed like any other man, actually, but his presence was everywhere. It was so captivating; you couldn’t look away. And he looked so powerful, if he were to demand something from me, I would’ve done it in a second.”

I smiled at Mingyu, listening to his description, “You’re a lot like him, you know? Anywhere you go, people notice you and want to be around you. You’re authoritative and people just naturally follow you. Once when you came over and my mom bought strawberry ice cream for us, you told her you only ate pistachio flavored ice cream and she just left and bough them for you…my mom, Mingyu. You know that woman, she doesn’t listen to anyone…let alone tries to please a man.”

“I was a kid—” Mingyu started to laugh, but I gave him a pointed look.

“This was last year, Mingyu.” His laughter slowly died down and his eyebrows furrowed as he fell in his own thoughts. I remained quiet and looked away from him, trying to stretch out my limbs. My lower ribs protested and I didn’t force it anymore, but carefully found a new sitting position on the trunk. I crossed my legs in front of me and steadied myself on both sides by my hands.

“I’ve read a lot about Ares, you know.” Mingyu’s words caught my attention again and I looked surprised at him, “Last summer Mr. D. told me to catch up on some history or else he’d fail me in class this year, very funny, I know…”

He rolled his eyes as I giggled, giving him a teasing look, “Anyways, you’re a lot like him too—”

“You don’t know that; we’ve never met him.” I cut him off sharply, feeling the bitterness return at the thought of my father. I was always jealous of Mingyu for meeting his, “For all I know, I could be an abomination—”

“Y/N, you’re not.” The big palm that suddenly covered my right hand made my cheeks warm up again, but I continued to ignore it this time too, “You always jump at the aid of others. You value your principals and you always fight for the right cause. A lot of guys like how straightforward you are and I don’t think I’ve ever seen you trying to please someone—”

“That’s Irene’s job—”

“I’m trying to be serious,” Mingyu gave me a small glare and I quickly shut up, looking away, “No one can live up to your combat skills. The way you handle your sword amazes even our professor, I’ve heard him whisper to himself about it so many times when you were showing us something new. Every guy from our year admires you, Y/N, some are even jealous…”

I chuckled and shrugged, feeling pleased to hear that, “As they should be, I’m pretty awesome.”

Mingyu chuckled and bumped his shoulder with mine before reaching for his backpack, “I’m still jealous that you got to meet your father, you know.”

“I had a hunch you were,” Mingyu gave me a playful look as he took his backpack in his arms, “otherwise you wouldn’t have colored my shampoo with the pink gel.”

The reminder of the memory instantly made me burst out into laughter as Mingyu stood up, throwing his backpack over his shoulders, “And you broke my favorite surfing board—”

“It was an accident!” Mingyu exclaimed offended as he helped me off the trunk.

“Mingyu.” I gave him a pointed look as I leaned down to grab my backpack, hissing in the process.

“I swear I didn’t know the wave would be so big—”

“Yeah, I don’t believe you.” I said as I carefully placed the strap around my left shoulder, straightening up.

“I might’ve asked Poseidon to send bigger waves a day prior, but I really didn’t think he’d do it—ow!” Mingyu started pouting as I punched his hard chest, giving him a glare.

“Don’t worry, I knew you were allergic to tomatoes and of course didn’t put them into your sandwich when we went hiking with our moms—”

“What?!” Mingyu’s eyes grew into saucers and I cackled as I took off, “You did that?!”

“You didn’t think I’d let it slide that you broke my favorite surfing board, did you?”

“I could’ve died!”

“Not really, your mother always carries around the shots, I made sure she had them with her.”

“Still?!” Mingyu looked horrified and I started laughing as we left the training grounds together.

“How about that time you traumatized me for life by calling me a witch in front of the whole beach? And continued to call me one for five years?” I raised my eyebrows at him as he matched my pace.

“I broke my leg because of you.” His stare was piercing and I scoffed.

“You just couldn’t climb a damn tree, anyways, at least you breaking my dolls was a good thing. I got a new one every few weeks—”

“Your mom was pissed though and talked to my mom; I was forbidden to see you for a whole week.” Mingyu said shaking his head as we headed down the path and I chuckled, learning something new.

“That’s why I didn’t see you for a week—ah, how nice it was.” I smirked at Mingyu and he rolled his eyes, stopping when we came to the end of the path. I was headed left and he was headed right.

“I made up for it though when I had to stay over for two weeks because my mom left on a business trip—God, best time I’ve ever had!”

“Closest you were to death daily too.”

“At least I managed to put out the fire before your mom got home.” I cringed at the memory of us almost burning down my mother’s house as Mingyu chuckled loudly, amused at it. Yeah, we had many close calls in those two weeks Mingyu spent over. I felt like I had a lot more to say and when Mingyu lingered, I realized him too, but neither of us said anything else.

“Well then—” We started at the same time and the chuckled, looking away embarrassed.

“Good night.” I said first, offering Mingyu a friendly smile.

“See you tomorrow.” He returned it before turning around and walking away, me doing the same thing. This changes so much. Our dynamic and our fights. Our moms would be proud of us for finally having a decent conversation.

           “And then we just sat there and talked for a little while, can you imagine?!” I whisper-shouted as Irene, Seulgi, and I were making our way to our first class today, History. When I returned last night back to the cabin Irene was already asleep, as she needed to fix her sleeping schedule, and Seulgi came back later, when I was already asleep. Now was the perfect time to tell my two friends what has happened after I went to the training grounds by myself. Seulgi was impressed as I continued on with the story and Irene kept smirking, as if she knew something the two of us didn’t, it was really annoying.

“And you didn’t fight for one second?” Seulgi asked confused, her eyebrows furrowed as we lazily trudged down the path leading towards the main building. It was cold again and thankfully all three of us were dressed adequately, even though Irene was wearing her fur coat. Seulgi gave her a side glance before we could leave the cabin, but Irene acted like she didn’t see it and took my arm, pulling me out after her, making me hiss in pain at the sudden movement. I decided to wrap up my torso with some fabric to keep the bruise warm, but also from making direct contact with anything, even my clothes.

“We didn’t.” I answered Seulgi with a grin and Irene’s eyes traveled between the two of us before she chuckled to herself. Both Seulgi and I looked at her with our eyebrows raised, but Irene just shrugged and fastened her pace.

“What’s her problem…” Seulgi muttered as she caught up with her and I bit my lower lip, spotting Mingyu with his big group of friends almost at the entrance of the building. My heart jumped in my chest and I cleared my throat, catching up with my two friends. Sleep didn’t want to come to me last night and so I had a lot of time to think, and I realized something. It was embarrassing, but I still wasn’t sure if it was the case or not. But my discovery is that I might like Mingyu more than a friend, not that we can classify as friends. I might have feelings for him…as in a crush. Having that decent conversation last night and the small touches we shared made me realize that my reactions weren’t exactly normal if I were to not like him. And when I looked at the hickey I left on him, it made me smirk, because I knew that every girl knew I left that on him. Maybe it was time I opened up more about my feelings and talked to Mingyu more openly and more directly about what I wanted to happen between us. No more hard feelings, no more stupid bickering, no more fights for no reason.

“You’re blushing, Y/N.” It was Irene who snapped me out of my thoughts and I found ourselves almost next to Mingyu’s group. I could see Jeonghan and Mingyu from here, and I realized my heart was beating very fast.

“It’s from the cold…” I lied quietly; eyes focused on the back of Mingyu’s head. I wanted him to turn around and look at me, but at the same time I didn’t. How would we act now? After the talk we had last night? What will our relationship be like now?

“Sure, it is.” Seulgi said with a scoff and I gave her a quick glare as she let her arm rest around my shoulders, just as we came to a stop behind Mingyu’s group of friends. Irene tapped her brother’s shoulder and Jeonghan turned his head, offering us a wide grin.

“Good morning, ladies!” He said cheerfully and we all returned him a small smile, greeting him as well. Suddenly, all the attention from the group was on us and as Mingyu slowly turned around, my heart thumped faster and faster. My lips stretched into a friendly smile when we made eye contact, but he didn’t return it.

“Oh, if it isn’t Y/N!” The guy who said that had a mocking tone and my eyebrows furrowed as I looked at him questioningly. He was short, but had a malicious smirk on his lips.

“And you are?” I asked absentmindedly, making Seulgi and a few other guys chuckle. The guy didn’t say anything else, but Mingyu chuckled, and I looked confused at him. What was his problem? And what’s with these reactions?

“It’s her, isn’t it?” He spoke up with an amused look on his face and took a small step towards us. I narrowed my eyes at Mingyu, having a bad feeling about where this was going. I didn’t expect him to act like a dick after last night and I felt a jab inside my chest as the next words left Mingyu’s lips.

“I heard you had gotten out of shape over the summer, Y/N—oh, wait! You even showed me how bad you had gotten!” His friends started laughing as I watched Mingyu emotionlessly for a few seconds, feeling Seulgi’s hand squeezing my shoulder. I shook her arm off and straightened my back, ignoring the pain in my torso, as I looked Mingyu in the eyes. He was expecting an answer, and his group of friends was still looking my way mockingly, but I had nothing to say. I was tired of this. I let my eyes stay on Mingyu’s face for a second longer before I took off, slamming my shoulder hard against his as I pushed past him, raising my middle finger at Mingyu’s friends. I didn’t miss the confused look on Jeonghan’s face as he looked at Mingyu, but I didn’t care as I walked inside the building, warmth spreading over my body. But the warmth I felt on my cheeks came from the feeling of embarrassment due to the fantasies I started making up in my head.

“What a dickhead.” I heard Seulgi mutter next to me as her and Irene followed after me quickly, and I felt Irene’s hand patting my arm reassuringly, but I shook it off and went inside the classroom, sitting by myself in the first row. The girls didn’t say anything as they took a seat behind me, understanding that I wanted to be left alone. Soon, Mingyu and his baboons entered the classroom as well, but I paid no attention to them as I had long opened up my notebook to draw on the first page meaningless symbols. However, I didn’t miss the confused and pissed off glances between Irene and Jeonghan…they knew something, and they weren’t telling us.

           The day went by and I felt bad for pushing Seulgi and Irene away, but I felt horrible, and I wanted to be left alone. Besides, I didn’t want to bring down their moods with mine, and I knew they’d understand me. I would tell them everything once I had figured out my feelings and how I felt about everything that has happened in the spawn of a week. Why couldn’t I have just one tranquil year at the Camp? Currently, I was inside the library, looking for the mythology book Mr. D. asked us to read. I wanted to read it as fast as possible in order to have time to focus on everything else we were given by him. Mr. D. takes history very seriously and therefore we always have a lot of workload. These past years I barely managed passing his classes, but this year I was determined to be one of his top students. But the frustration I was feeling at myself was distracting and I found myself wandering around the library aimlessly, totally forgetting what I was here for. The mythology book; Miss Won told me it was towards the back, where mythical creatures could be found. Yet I was wandering around in the human history section. I heard the doors opening just as I adjusted my backpack and took off, leaving the section. But when my eyes fell on the tall guy, I paused. I didn’t want Mingyu to see me here, but if I were to leave I’d have to pass by him. Not that it would’ve mattered much, because he just had to turn around and spot me. I took a sharp turn and took off hurriedly towards the back of the library, praying that he wasn’t trailing me. I quickly found the section I needed to be in and started tracing the books with my fingers, searching for the book I needed. I felt goosebumps erupt on my skin when a pair of eyes started watching me, but I just gulped and continued acting oblivious to Mingyu. I was getting frustrated that I couldn’t find the book, but just as I was about to give up, I spotted it. I pulled it off the shelf with a chuckle and held it firmly with both hands, staring down at it. The cover of the book was firm and decorated with golden symbols, similar to the ones I had been scribbling around in my notebooks today. Taking a deep breath, I faced Mingyu, because it was the only way I could leave. I didn’t look at him as I took off, making sure to look past him and ignore his gaze as well.

“Look at that, I was looking just for that book!” His whisper was amused as I neared him, he crossed his arms in front of his chest, “You made it easy and found it for me!”

My jaw clenched as my grip tightened on the book and I stopped in front of Mingyu, slamming the book against his chest. If he wanted the book, I would give it to him and come back some other time to search for another one. I wasn’t in the mood to hear him mock me furthermore, he’s done enough for today. His baboons had the audacity to follow me around all day and mock me, making my blood boil so much that I broke the glass of water we were served for lunch with my hand. Mingyu was looking at me confused as I went to walk past him, holding the book to his chest. But before I could even get behind him, I was stopped by the grip on my arm. My jaw clenched again, but I didn’t move.

“What’s wrong?” I scoffed at the question and stepped back to be able to look Mingyu in the eyes.

“You’re an asshole.” I snapped and tried to pull away from Mingyu, but he had a firm grip on my arm.

“I don’t understand—”

“The audacity you have!” My voice raised as I gave Mingyu a harsh glare, getting all up in his face, “I don’t want to argue with you anymore! I’m sick of it all! I thought having that decent and meaningful talk last night meant something to you, but it clearly didn’t as you proceeded to mock me all day for losing at a fight at which you gave me a bruise and almost knocked me out—”

My voice choked up on me and I gulped down nothing, hating myself for showing him this much emotion. I didn’t want him to know something so little affected me this much. Mingyu’s hands moved at the same time, the one holding the book went to place it on a shelf, and the one holding me pulled me into his chest. My eyebrows furrowed and I had to blink away tears as his arms went around my middle, holding me close in a hug.

“No, let go of me and leave me alone—” I muttered as I wrestled out of his hold, he didn’t want to let go of me. Mingyu’s eyebrows were furrowed and he looked very guilty as he blocked my way, pleading me with his eyes to listen to him.

“I didn’t mean to, I just thought that the conversation meant nothing to you…I didn’t think it would bring a change between us, I—”

“It did!” I cut him off, stepping backwards, putting distance between our bodies, “Because—I think—I don’t want to argue with you anymore, alright?! It’s tiresome. And stupid. And I just—I have feelings for you and it’s confusing, because I don’t know what they mean or if they are genuine at all. It can be a confusion of the moment—ever since the bonfire party I’ve just been seeing you differently, I don’t know—”

“You like me?” Mingyu sounded shocked as he watched me with wide eyes and I gulped, shaking my head.

“It’s just a confusion of the moment, but I need time. Leave me alone, because I have to figure out some things for myself—”

“I won’t.” Mingyu answered quickly, his eyes still wide, but filled with panic, “I won’t leave you alone, not now.”

“I’m sorry if you can’t live without mocking me, but—”

“No, I like you, Y/N.” That made me pause as I looked at Mingyu confused, “I don’t want you to get over it, because I like you. I’ve always liked you.”

“No, you didn’t.” I shook my head at Mingyu with a scoff, and he walked closer.

“Don’t tell me how I feel about you.” His eyebrows furrowed and I wanted to turn into a ball when he cupped both of my cheeks, “I won’t give you time, but I will stop annoying you. I want you to like me back.”

My thoughts were all over the place as I couldn’t process this information yet. I felt angry and happy at the same time, confused and almost betrayed. Why has he never told me? And what if he was playing with me still? But Mingyu leaned in and pressed his lips against mine, shocking me. This clearly can’t be a prank. I was shocked for a second before I pressed my lips back against his, closing my eyes and relishing in the softness of his lips. It felt genuine and real and my heart started thumping quickly as I abruptly pulled away, eyebrows furrowed. Mingyu remained silent with his eyes closed as I looked at his face from up close. His cheeks were red and a small smile spread onto my lips and I pressed a swift kiss against his lips before pulling away.

“This just makes me even more confused.” I whispered as Mingyu’s eyes opened to look me in the eyes.

“You have one week to figure out what you feel for me.” He whispered and I couldn’t fight the smirk that came onto my lips as I licked them. Mingyu’s eyes followed the action and I blushed without wanting too. He brushed strands of hair behind my ear before holding onto the side of my neck.

“Will you give me more kisses in that one week?” I raised my eyebrows and Mingyu smirked back, eyes glinting in excitement.

“Will it help?”

“It might.” I teased and pulled away from him as I took the book off the shelf again, “But don’t tell anyone yet.”

Mingyu chuckled and leaned against the bookshelf, arms crossed in front of chest, “Jeonghan predicted this would happen, but I didn’t believe him.”

I chuckled and took off, glancing back at him, “No more useless fights, alright?”

“It’ll be hard to replace that habit, but I’m sure making out will be more pleasurable and effective in making you shut up—”

“Ha-ha, don’t be a dick.” I gave him a glare before taking off, and I heard Mingyu chuckling as I walked away from him.

A long journey of dynamic change and figuring our feelings out for each other was ahead of us, but at least our mothers would be happy with us for once.

[sunflowerharrington]

What’s the deal with uou liking Jeff Pfister. Why?? You coula have chosen any other but you picked HIM

don’t call me out like that omg 🫣 but here is why, or, well, kind of. sort of. warning; your teeth might rot from how fluffy this is (said nobody ever)

hear me out, he’s kinda cute and he likes soft rock music, and he’s smart

also i can like whoever the hell i want to 💕 at least he hasn’t murdered over 20 people like tate and james lol

Love Can’t Be Chosen.

warnings - none, this is all fluff x

notes - i wrote this all in one sitting. gn!reader x jeff pfister

words - there are words, yes

It has been a month since you joined your new highschool, the usual drama had been unfolding about who’s with who and which clique had the so-called Queen Bee. But you didn’t care about any of that, which landed you in the nerdy group, which you didn’t mind one bit. The nerds were a lot more low-key than the popular bunch after all. More genuine and had better morals.

Every lunch you would sit with them; Wilhelmina, Mutt and Jeff. Sweet sweet Jeff, you liked to call him. Mina didn’t get your appeal towards the blonde but to be quite honest you didn’t either. Just something about him made your chest want to explode every time he entered the classroom or cafeteria.

You watch in a hazy daze as he walks through the lunch hall with Mutt by his side, arm in arm joking about something. Mina unsuccessfully tries to grab your attention, as you have all of it fixated on the two boys, or rather just one of them, your brows furrowing and your stomach churning. Is it jealousy? More than likely.

You absentmindedly fiddle with the ends of your sweater as the two boys take a seat, your heart skipping a beat as Jeff sits next to you. Normally he would choose the seat next to Mina, or you’d be sitting next to her so he’d sit next to Mutt. But not today. No, something about today feels different.

Mina watches you closely as you listen carefully to every word that Jeff says, rolling her eyes at the way your cheeks blush when he glances at you. She slowly rises from her seat and drags Mutt away with her without another word, leaving you and Jeff alone.

“…cool, right?” He asks, waiting for your reply.

“Hm? Yeah… Totally…” You say, smiling at him, that lopsided grin spreading across your lips.

The corners of his mouth turn up into a grin, and he looks away from you for a second, before catching your gaze again. Your skin burns as he lifts his fingers to your face, brushing loose strands of hair behind your ear that had fallen out of place. As he continues talking about whatever project he was working on in his computer science class, a robotic arm or something, you can’t help but rest your chin in the palm of your hand, your elbow against the cafeteria table— and then the obnoxious sound of the bell rings through the cafeteria.

You huff, but the smile returns to your face when Jeff gives you a shy wave goodbye. Is there a possibility that he could feel the same way about you as you feel about him?

—

After school you take a seat on the steps leading to the front entrance, taking out your phone to call your [mom/dad/sibling/guardian] to pick you up. You watch as Jeff and Mutt pass you by without an acknowledgement, but then the blonde turns on his heel, and when he notices you sitting on the steps alone, he doubles back towards you.

“H-hey, Y/N,” he says once he reaches you, outstretching one of his arms to help you up. “What are you still doing here?”

You feel a surge of electricity shoot through your arm as your hands make contact. They’re a perfect fit, and the fact that they are makes your heart beat faster than it has ever done before.

You place your hand on his upper arm and gently squeeze, as if you’re checking to make sure he is real, that this isn’t another one of your dreams. You pick up your school bag and you walk toward the school gates with him. “My [mom/dad/sibling/guardian] hasn’t come here yet and they’re not answering their phone.”

“I could walk you home if you want,” he blurts out, covering his mouth with his hand right after, blushing brighter than a tomato.

You giggle, taking him up on the offer. “That would be nice. Thank you, Jeff. For uh…helping me.”

Slowly the tension in the air begins to fade, and it’s as if you’re seeing him clearly for the first time, subconsciously finding his hand as you walk, and you’re relieved when his fingers immediately lace with yours.

Oh my god okay, this is happening. Everybody stay calm. Stay fucking calm!

Your insides and chest burn and flutter as his deep brown eyes meet yours, and you daringly swing his arm back and forth as you walk.

“I- I can’t do this anymore,” he sighs, dropping your hand and he turns to face you.

Your heart thrums in your chest as his gaze locks with yours, and it feels like you’re in a movie, where the whole world stops around you. The bees hover in the air, everyone around you is frozen in place, and it’s just you and him, your matching energies dancing together like the flames in a fire.

“Do what?”

“I can’t keep hiding my feelings like this. They’re consuming me, Y/N. I lose my shit every time I see you, and I even fainted after that one time in gym class when… When uh…”

“When my leggings ripped and my ass was out?” You giggle, cheeks burning when the memory courses through your mind. “You fainted?”

“Mutt thought I died, Y/N,” he laughs. “But I uh… Um… I uh… I like you.”

Hold the phone, did he just—?

“You like me? This better not be a dare.”

He smiles and shakes his head. “It’s not, and this wasn’t a bet either. I do like you, like, a lot.”

“I—” your heart has never beat this fast before, and you lunge yourself towards him, barrelling him into a slightly awkward hug, but you don’t care. “You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to hear that. I like you too,” you breathe out, feeling your knees begin to weaken as he wraps his arms around you, the warmth of his body radiating around you both as you stand there, time stopping all around you as you bask in the moment you two have, all before everything resumes back to normal.

Well, everything except now you and Jeff have both confessed, and you’re holding his hands in the holes of his sweater.

@sympathyforher @xxlangdon @langdon-cumslut @quickiesgirl <3 wanna be added? let me know!

[wakaoujisenhime]

Ah!~ I fall in love with your Takao headcanons! Can I ask headcanons about Takao from best friends to lovers?

A/N: But OF COURSE, you can, the more Takao you guys want, the better for me! ٩( ᐛ )و 

So this will be a continuation from his best friends headcanons I made a while back and for those who’d like to see a spicier version of the more or less same troupe, I linked a similar request I got below! Hope you’ll enjoy this! ❤️

Tags: Takao x reader ✅  fluff ✅  friends to lovers ✅  slight angst ✅

☞ 𝕡𝕒𝕣𝕥 𝟙    ☞ 𝕤𝕡𝕚𝕔𝕪 𝕧𝕖𝕣.

━━━━☆ ━━━━☆ ━━━━☆

living with your best friend didn’t change your relationship as much as you thought it would

the two of you were still clinging to each other like leeches, supporting the other during hard times and in general providing a shoulder to cry and lean on when needed

now that you were roommates and not only neighbors you saw Takao every single day and that came with many advantages

you both shared the housework and came up with cooking/cleaning/laundry schedules that made your joint life so much easier

Takao had decided to start working after graduation while you continued your studies (and occasionally worked at a part-time job close to your apartment)

it heavily depended on your individual schedule, but in general, the two of you had agreed that the first one home should be the one to prepare dinner and help the other one out a little

usually, Takao would be the first one home and every time you came back he greeted you like some kind of butler, helping you out of your jacket, taking your bag, leading you to the kitchen where he showed you that evening’s dinner, and lastly he’d conclude his small tour at the bathroom where he had run a bath for you

both of you were so close that all of your neighbors (especially the older ones) continuously teased you, saying what kind of cute couple the two of you were and some even went as far as to ask when you’re wedding was going to be

in the beginning, your and Takao’s cheeks would flush ever so slightly but the longer you lived there the more used to it you got, and in the end, it even reached a stage where you’d counter their remarks with your own witty and comical ones

comments such as theirs didn’t bother you that much, or at least that’s what you thought ...

a couple of months after moving in you invited some members of Shuutoku’s basketball team over for a friendly get-together and a warm dinner

it had been a lot of fun

people were teased, embarrassing situations were denounced as hilarious, compliments fell left and right, and what not

at some point though Miyaji - the club’s former captain - raised the question of whether Takao and you had finally started a romantic relationship

it was just a well-meant question and perhaps a subtle hint and yet your best friend began to deny that so strongly that you couldn’t help but feel aggrieved from his over-exaggerated reaction

the evening was kinda ruined for you and some of them noticed it and felt bad for you

in the end, Miyaji actually came up to you and apologized, saying just how much he’d regretted asking you something that was seemingly a taboo-topic

since then the relationship between your best friend and yourself was quite shaky, you began avoiding too much body contact with him, tuned down your clinginess, and even started avoiding him at times

some people think that Takao isn’t the brightest and assume that he’s quite dense, but you knew better

it didn’t take him even a week to notice that something was wrong with you and before you knew it he waited for you to come back home and asked you to take a seat across from him on the couch

“(Y/N)-chan...I’m aware that something’s been bothering you for the past few days and I know that some topics are better left unsaid, but I really hate seeing you suffer because of maybe something I did.”

his words stabbed your heart like hundred knives and even if you’d planned to keep your hurt pride to yourself, you knew that communication was key in any kind of relationship so with a bitter smile you told him about everything, how his reaction had hurt you more than his captain’s harmless question and how these new and yet unknown thoughts had begun to cloud your mind with masses of doubts

there was a brief break during which Takao’s expression grew unbelievably sad, he had expected anything but this

and then finally after what felt like hours he whispered out your name, got up from his chair, and slowly walked towards you, kneeling in front of your seated figure

“I’m truly sorry...I-I wasn’t aware of how much this actually bothered you,” he paused as he took your hands into his own and continued, “all I wanted was to make Miyagi drop that theme fast since he’s the type to talk about one topic for hours and I really didn’t want to make you uncomfortable since that evening was meant for recollecting and updating each other about our daily lives and not a relationship counseling...”

with a sigh you shook your head and couldn’t help but laugh at just how ridiculous this situation was, Takao joined you not long after

after that small misunderstanding, you two needed a bit until your relationship had normalized, but you’d be lying if you said that everything was back to how it used to be

once the imagination of Takao as your boyfriend had entered your mind you began to realize just how close the two of you truly were

him tending to your needs every time you came back home late, resembled that of a worried father-to-be whose wife was to go into labor soon

the way he always jokingly offered himself as your dinner was a cliché joke and sometimes an invitation one would often see in romance series that once again fell between lovers

and the worst for your heart was how the word ‘personal space’ wasn’t even present in his vocabulary, he’d hug you whenever he could, lean himself on your back and leave his chin in the crack of your neck at every given opportunity, and let’s not mention whenever he had trouble falling asleep (which was basically almost every day)

all those small and seemingly irrelevant gestures which didn’t usually affect you were now the trigger for a deep-red blush along your cheeks and an increased heart rate

and it didn’t help that Takao would constantly tease you whenever he noticed your flushed face

.

as time went by though you noticed that something between you two had indeed changed

now his mere presence was enough to make your heart thump wildly against your chest

the only comfort you found was that he himself had started blushing more often as well

you thought that nothing of deeper meaning was behind it and just blamed it on your behavior, but what you didn’t know was that Takao was experiencing the same thing as you

for him, it was as if every single touch - no matter how featherlight it was - set his skin on fire

every ever so small and gentle smile or grin you directed his way, immediately brightened up his mood

and let’s not even talk about the small things you do for him, like cooking, preparing some late-night snacks for whenever he has to work on a project until very late in the evening, folding his laundry, ironing his shirts, and so on...

both of you were slowly starting to acknowledge the other as an essential part of your respective lives

on top of that, innocent and sweet thoughts such as kissing each other on the lips, taking a bath together, or just doing silly things such as hiding from the people outside so that you can feel each other’s lips began dominating your minds

and what choice did the two of you have but to bottle these feelings up and hide them from each other just because you didn’t want to ruin your friendship

it was painful of course, but you continued to put yourself through with it, determined to keep this a secret for as long as necessary

unfortunately, Takao wasn’t made out of the same cloth and was slowly but surely feeling how everything was about to explode pretty soon

and then finally one day when the two of you went out shopping together some of your elderly neighbors stopped you yet again and began interrogating you guys as usual

“Have you two dears finally admitted your feelings for each other?”

there it was, their favorite question, that was strangely accurate this time

you were ready to debunk it yet again, but Takao suddenly took a hold of your hand, squeezed it slightly, and announced: “Not yet, but I’m about to!”

three pairs of wide eyes were fixated on the slightly blushing young man who stood beside you and while you were still trying to decipher whether you’d heard him right he faced you and even took a gentle hold of your second hand

“(Y/N)...I feel like this should’ve happened sooner, but my fear of losing you as my constant pillar of support was too big. Your presence was always something extremely helpful and soothing, but as of late I started to truly notice just how much more it was for me and my life. The sheer imagination of me being without you hurt me more than any game my team lost, any missed promotion chance or anything negative for that matter,” he paused and took a deep breath before continuing, “what I’m trying to say is that...(Y/N), I’d like you to become my lover.”

silent gasps could be heard, but you were too overwhelmed to pay any attention to it

the fact that he’d felt the same way and was stuck in the same situation as you were truly unbelievable, but now that you knew it all those small things you’d denounced as an effect of your own unusual behavior made sense

you looked up into the slate blue eyes of the man you’d fallen for and slowly removed your hands from his tight grip, only to then wrap your arms around his neck and bring him closer to you

Takao immediately seized the opportunity to do the same, he was anxious about what you were about to say so he at least wanted to savor what might be his very last embrace from you

“Took us long enough now didn’t it?” was all you said before you confidently took a hold of his cheeks and brought his face closer to your lips until they touched

while you two kissed ever so passionately and drowned in the liberating feeling of mutual love, the two older women next to you smiled while commenting on how they’d always known and how bad you two were hiding it

after you’d finally separated from each other you gave him your obvious answer to which he simply giggled and out of happiness began cuddling and kissing your face all over

this was truly a wonderful moment, it might not affect your relationship all too much but it was nonetheless a step towards a new and yet unknown experience that the two of you would live through while constantly supporting each other ...

[mcyt-imagines]

hi! i’m like 80% sure requests are open but if they aren’t feel free to ignore this! i was wondering if i could get some fundy confessions? like a similar piece of writing to what you did with ranboo? which by the way was very good and your writing is super neat :]

I’m so glad you enjoyed the lil Ranboo confession hcs, I hope you enjoy these just as much! :)

Fundy Confession HCs 

Realising he likes you 

Fundy knows he’s crushing on you immediately. But he doesn’t understand how deeply he cares for you.

Fundy finds himself surprised when he doesn’t have to chase you, you actively pursue him as much as he pursues you.

Fundy usually doubts himself when he finds himself crushing on someone, unsure whether he should pursue them. But with you it’s different, your support makes him feel confident in his feelings.

Sometimes he feels as if he could never confess, scared he could ruin your friendship in case you don’t feel the same way. (Even though you very much do, he just thinks you deserve someone better too)

Fundy spends a lot of time contemplating his feelings for you, mostly in his head whilst the two of you are hanging out. He finds himself zoning out while you’re speaking, his eyes wandering between your vibrant eyes and your gesturing hands, landing somewhere in between, usually on your soft lips. However, if your back is turned to him, he will simply fixate on your hair, his hands desperately wishing to feel it. He knows that it's soft from the few times he’s fixed a stray lock of hair to a spot behind your ear. Basking in the pride he feels when your cheeks tint a soft pink, wondering whether it was real or just a cruel trick played by his imagination.

Fundy often finds himself thinking of you whilst streaming, he’s mentioned you a few times. Not enough to raise any questions about what your relationship with him is, just enough so his chat can try and appreciate you as much as he does when he allows his mind to wander mid-game.

Fundy finds himself slamming into an epiphany late one night when he realises that dating you isn’t about whether he thinks he deserves you but whether you do. And he hasn’t even given you the chance to answer, all this time he’s made the decision for you because he’s too scared of what your answer would be. He makes a promise to himself that night. That you deserve to make that decision yourself.

The Confession

Fundy knows that if he’s going to confess, he needs to make it extravagant and perfectly tailored to you.

This man plans out his confession to you for MONTHS, meticulously crafting props, making bookings, and trying his best to coordinate far away friends. Meanwhile, your friendship continues to strengthen with each night chatting until the both of you fall asleep in lone discord calls.

You know that Fundy has been busy with a project he refuses to tell you anything about, changing the subject with nervous stuttering whenever you bring it up.

You have let it keep you awake for a few nights before concluding that perhaps he finally managed to snag a partner and he was unsure how to tell you. So, the next time you meet up you make a note to drop some hints about knowing what his little project is. This freaks Fundy out instantly. How the hell did you figure it out? And you seem super okay with it? Was he wrong, do you actually feel the same way? Fundy’s head is spinning as you continue your casual conversation alone, “But don’t worry, I can wait. I only want you to tell me when you feel comfortable.” Your words snap Fundy out of his spiraling thoughts as your warm hand squeezes his knee and he forgets how to breathe.

Fundy spirals yet again that night after he gets home. You seemed okay with him liking you? But you didn’t confess either!? What does that even mean!? Fundy groans loudly before stuffing his pillow over his face, wishing that his love life could be easy.

He sets to work the next morning, finalizing all of his plans. When once again, he is struck by another epiphany. You wouldn’t want this. Some big extravagant show with the pressure of your mutual friends watching from the sidelines. You’d want something sweet and personal. That only you and he would understand, or even care about. He doesn’t bother cancelling the plans and bookings, instead of texting you to meet him at his place for dinner. If tonight works out the two of you can still experience the more extravagant side of his confession, but if this whole encounter goes sour it can go sour in private rather than public.

You arrive promptly, as you always do. Happy to spend time with him and perhaps seduce him you dress a little cuter than usual. Hoping he takes notice. He definitely does, and you can tell. The second he opens the door to reveal your frame he’s grinning, a light pink rests at the tips of his ears almost immediately. He is quick to greet you and lead you inside.

Fundy spent all afternoon regretting that he had sent that text to you. As he had to frantically run around the kitchen trying to come up with a meal to cook because there was absolutely no way, he was going to feed you takeout! Normally of course he wouldn’t have minded doing that, but not the day he plans to confess! That’d just be embarrassing. He spent a good thirty minutes deciding on the menu, thinking he’d do something Dutch to show off a little. And then he promptly realised that over half of the Dutch dishes he knew required no cooking but days of prep-work. Which took out a lot of what he knew how to cook.

So, by the time you arrived, he actually hadn’t finished cooking anything yet. And he was internally screaming as he heard your knock upon his door. So, to distract you he invited you into his room for some Minecraft. He repeatedly thanked his past self for furiously cleaning his room even though he originally had no plans for you to come in here.

As you play your eyes wander around Fundy’s room, allowing yourself to be distracted by his nerdy décor. “Creeper!” You scream as you’re brought back into reality as Fundy’s character jumps in between yours and the exploding mob. You gasp dramatically, “Fundy, my hero!” You pretend to swoon, grinning as he chuckles at your antics. “My shield is now practically broken.” He whines, “Take mine.” You drop it in front of him before moving your character back over to the iron ore you’d spotted in the cave earlier. He readjusts himself beside you, shimmying his shoulders as he mutters out a quick thanks. You lean against him softly, “No worries.”

It is at that inopportune moment that he remembers he had been cooking before you showed up. Thank god his oven had a safety feature to turn off after a certain amount of time. He ducks out for a few moments to quickly check on the mess of ingredients he’d chucked into a casserole to find it charred black. He repeatedly slams his head against his countertop as he began to enter both yours and his usual order of Chinese takeout into his phone. “You good with Chinese takeout?” He calls towards his room, wishing a hole in the ground would open and swallow him up pulling him straight down to the ninth circle of hell for his crimes against love. “Hell yeah, I am!” You respond with an enthusiasm that allows him to unclench his jaw and unfurrow his brows. God, you were definitely too good for him. Even as a friend.

Hours soar by with ease as the two of you play, trying your best to speedrun Minecraft and absolutely failing. Fundy does manage to make a nether portal pretty quickly using the lava pool strat. He allows himself to puff out his chest, pride swelling as you cheer him on with a grin. You don’t stop playing even when the takeout arrives continuing to communicate through mouthfuls of rice and complaints about trying to not get grease on your keyboards. Fundy cant remember that last time the two of you spent time like this just hanging out with no pressure from his stupid feelings and you absolutely glowing with joy beside him. He knows you need to do this more often.

“YES! FUNDY HIT HIM! AHH!” With one final blow, the dragon is slain and you finally beat Minecraft. You throw your arms around Fundy laughter bubbling from your lips, his arms grip you tightly pulling you close. His own laughter reverberates against his chest causing you to realise just how close he was holding you. You gulp down your rapidly growing nerves before looking up to meet his gaze, finding his face a lot closer to yours than you had expected. Fundy looks down at you as his cheeks burn a bright crimson and he tries to stutter out the words he’s been dying to tell you for the past six months.

And that’s when it hits you like a tonne of bricks. The bullshit he had been hiding this whole time wasn’t a partner, he wanted you to be his partner! Your mouth falls open in surprise for a few moments as Fundy continues to gape at you. “Holy shit Fundy.” That causes his gaze to snap to yours, eyebrows furrowed and lips in a firm line. “I thought you were hiding the fact you were with someone from me!” You laugh at your own absolute stupidity, hand coming to press high on Fundy’s chest. “Wait, what!?” The exasperated expression on his face only causes you to laugh harder, “Yeah, I thought that’s what you were being super cagey about. Sorry my bad, misjudged that one.”

Fundy finds himself chuckling too, his shoulders relaxing as he does so. “Yeah, a real good read love.” He laughs, your gaze rises at the pet name. “Real presumptuous of you Fundy, I haven’t even said if I feel the same yet.” Your teasing tone doesn’t even stop him as he pulls you even closer to him, pressing your body flush against his. “I think I can read you pretty well now. Not to mention you’ve been blushing this whole time.” He grins into your hair, squeezing you with an unbridled joy you find so contagious. Or perhaps you’re feeling that way because it turns out your crush isn’t actually dating someone else but instead likes you back? 

“B-but like, just checking you actually do really like me-“ Fundy begins, feeling his nerves inevitably creep up his spine. Before he can even finish you cup the back of his neck with your free hand, the other clenching his shirt as you kiss him with all the intensity you can muster. “That answer your q-.” You begin to respond against his lips only from him to silence you, which maybe you deserved. Fundy can’t help but smile into the kiss. Somehow things actually turned out alright. Squeezing your warm soft hips, he ponders who the hell is looking out for him upstairs. But as your hands tangle in his hair, he makes a silent promise to himself he’ll consider praying to them tomorrow.

~Requests are always open!~

[ckbookish]

BATMAN BINGO MASTER POST 2020

1 "I thought you were dead.": I Still See Your Ghost 

Today was just not Dick's day. First he overslept his alarm and was late to work. Amy had been less than impressed at his tardiness... Then He had bungled what should have been an easy take town... But the straw that broke the camel's back was Tim. Dick had forgotten to call Tim. 

2 Friendly fire: Fratricide 

Jason was pissed. No, Jason was enraged. Yeah, he was enraged at the whole mess his family-- if that’s even what they were to each other anymore-- had gotten him in. It was meant to be a simple night. Break in. Torch the drugs. Maybe shoot a couple of people and go home. But no, Batman heard about his plans and decided that arson was too extreme. “Someone could get hurt.” Well someone had gotten hurt, a lot of someones. 

3 Hypothermia: Weekend Commute 

Dick Grayson makes his way home during the first snow fall of the year, when he finds himself confused and cold, miles from home.

Chapter two Bruce's perspective.

4 Superman: Bringer of the Dawn

The Aftermath of when the Joker shoots Dick.

or

Where do you go when your family tells you to get out?

5 Shot: The Gratitude Trap

Bruce finds himself in the dark, a place he never thought he would be when it came to Clark Kent and Dick Grayson. Yet here he is digging for answers, because he is too scared to pick up the phone and call. 

6 Two-face: The Better Choice 

How do you reconcile the man who was once your friend with the monster he has become? Bruce reflects on how the man he once called his best friend changed. How could the man who helped him foster Dick, hold that baseball bat? 

7 Drowning: Omori’s Law

Deep in the sewer's under Gotham, Batman is trapped. There is no back up, no Robin. He is faced with the single truth that he tried to teach each of his partners... You have to save yourself. 

  8 Found Family: A Restoration from a Resilient Heart

Dick just wants to not be alone with the shadows in the house. Bruce doesn't realize he has lived with them for far to long, and maybe he doesn't have to anymore.

9 Adoption: The Irrefutable Truth

When he reached the reception, he found himself looking around a fairly empty room. There were a few call girls in the corner filling out forms, an older woman holding a dog, a kid that looked about twelve and a middle aged man who looked like he was ready to cry. He knew no one. Dick was about to turn around and head back to his desk when the on duty officer called out to him. Officer O’Conner was one of his fellow rookies, he had a thick accent. Dick thought he might be from Louisiana. “Grayson! Why didn’t you say your brother was coming to see you?” Dick looked at him with his mouth slightly open. There was no way he heard that right. “My what?” 

10 Bruises: Mr. Wayne

Tim is new to this. He's only been Robin for a little over six months. It was going well. But now he was going to be fired. Batman wouldn't want a partner who got caught at school with a black eye. Would he?

11 Bruce is dead: You Have One Saved Message 

Gotham gossip columns spread lies and smear good people's names. But yet Damian can't help but think maybe this mornings article was true.  That despite all his claims of being the true son of Bruce Wayne, he was in fact the only unwanted one.

12 CPR: Vital Signs 

Robin wakes to find him and Batman in an exploded factory. With Batman injured and the building burning around them, Dick struggles to get them both to safety.   

13 Dad:  Storge 

Bruce could have sworn his spirit had left him momentarily.  The sudden hollowness that filled him couldn’t be explained in any other way. 

 “Your dad must have his hands full with you.”  Elizabeth Ribbons leaned forward and patted Dick’s shoulder, as he reached for yet another slice of cheesecake from a passing waiter’s tray.  

Bruce fixed his eyes on the ice sculpture that hid him from view.  It suddenly seemed like the most interesting design in the world.  The soft lines of the ice on the otherwise insignificant over sized swan seemed like a lead shield...  Because Dick would read it easily in his expression. He wanted to be Dick’s dad.  But he wasn’t. 

14 Stealing the Batmobile: T-Minus Six Hours

Some days Tim is sure that he’s gonna be killed. Usually it’s some luck shot or near miss that made his life flash before his eyes. Not today though. Today he was positive Bruce was going to kill him. Yes, today was the day that Timothy Jackson Drake was going to be put down. He’s not sure that even Nightwing could save him. He was going to go down in history as the first sidekick to be murdered by their mentor. Because the Batmobile was definitely not where he’d parked it.

15 Wayne Enterprises: Amidst the Absence of Meaning 

Bruce is worried. He's running on less than three hours of sleep, and way too many cups of coffee. He had messed up. That much was obvious. The question was would Dick forgive him?

A gruesome night on patrol bleeds into Bruce's work day and now all he can wonder is if this is the thing that will push Dick over the edge? Had he finally seen to much pain?

16 Ransom: Sum of My Worth

The ring of the phone seemed to echo through the manor’s still too quiet long, winding halls, and everyone present collectively held their breath. Bruce lunged for the phone.   

17 Secret Injury: Hiding in Pain Sight

“What?” Dick asked sharper than he meant to. He was tired.

“Nothing.” Tim said with a small smirk. “Heavy is the head.”

Dick closed his eyes, glad that Tim couldn’t see them. He was so sick of this. Tim, Jason, Damian and Cass all didn’t think he was good enough, well Cass hadn’t said that, but Dick could read her. They didn’t think he was up to the job. Well they didn’t need to tell him that. He knew it.

18 Superboy: An Interlude in Breathing 

Tim looked out over the water in a daze. Bruce and Dick had gone somewhere below deck and he was alone. Well there were strangers on the ship mingling and talking excitedly--but Tim gave them no notice. Instead he watched the water lap up against the hull and crash down back to meet the dark, cold waters. They were far enough out that he could no longer see the shore. It was just endless expenses of sea and sky. Something tickled his neck and he started, only to realize he had been crying. It was only a tear slipping under his collar.

The days after the battle of Infinite Crisis

19 Betrayed: Smother

She took another drag of the cigarette, letting the smoke roll in her lungs for a long moment before allowing it hiss out between her teeth. The screams from the warehouse weren’t completely muffled by the distance, or the walls. Perhaps she was only imagining them. But then, sounds like that, she didn’t think she could dream up. She jumped after a particularly high pitched yelp. “Get a grip.” She dropped the cigarette and pulled out another. Her hand shook as she lit it. “It’s just some random kid. He’s not--” She bit back a sob. She didn’t deserve to cry. She had no right to tears, not when it was her fault.   

20 Crowbar: Breaklights

The mail fell to the ground and the paper smacked the tiles hard.  The sound in reality couldn’t have been all that loud, but it seemed to echo around the entryway.  Bruce didn’t look at the dropped bills and the invitation to a fundraiser for the new Gotham women’s shelter.  He was too fixated on the small stamp with the queen of England's head on it.  Wolverhampton.  

The large envelope was far heavier then it should have been.  Bruce could feel bile crawling up his throat.  

He had forgotten.

21 Deathstroke: Debts and Dues

There were some things that were never pleasant, getting caught in the snow without socks, losing your keys, and not being able to remember the name of a song. Having a gun pointed at your chest, Dick felt, qualified as extremely unpleasant. He stood stock still. The barrel of the gun was still hot, it burned slightly as it dug into his sternum. Even with his uniform he could still feel the heat left over from previous rounds fired. He didn’t flinch. He couldn’t flinch. “Move.” “You know I can’t.” Dick wondered if Slade had the guts to do it.   

22 Mission Gone Wrong: Murmur in the Quiet Hours

Superman? Clark froze. He knew that voice. But-- he had never heard it sounding so sad. Was that-- no. Clark dove for his phone, still on the counter from when he got home last night. The screen was black. Dead. Clark swore and dropped it. He was in his coat and shoes before it hit the counter top.   

23 Kidnapped:  Chum 

Dick trumped through the leaves, stopping his feet roughly. He relished the sound of the crunch beneath his shoes as he tread on the brown, dead leaves before him. He felt rather justified in his satisfaction. After all the world had taken so much from him, why wouldn’t he do his best to crush it in return. The woods were cool and as he went deeper into them they grew darker. The sun had long set, and the sky was quickly vanishing as the trees grew thicker. Wayne Manor was far behind him. He was never going back. He hated those pristine walls, those old floor boards. He hated the quiet. He hated the stuffy furniture and the rules and the vases and pictures. He hated his new guardian and that… that… Dick couldn’t remember what Alfred was called, but he hated it. The bag on his back felt heavy. It had everything Dick owned in it. Well and a toothbrush that Alfred had given him. But he didn’t think that was really stealing. 

24 Riddler: Seeking Silence on Shortwaves

Normally Dick would be happy to listen to Tim talk. In fact, Dick thought it was one of his favorite sounds in the world. Tim rarely allowed himself to be excited about things. Hearing him speak so freely and openly to Bruce and him about his plans was refreshing. Dick only wished it wouldn’t be at the cost of his life.

Batman hadn't always been so strict about talking unnecessarily over comms. When it was just two of them it hadn't mattered, their walkie talkie system had always worked. But now that Nightwing and Robin were in Gotham, it seems insane that they never realized: if only one person can talk over the radio at a time... how could they call for help?

25 Mr. Freeze: Glimpsing the Sun While Trapped in the Rime

He almost called Bruce between his fourth and fifth class. He pulled his phone out, leaning against his locker, and half dialed his number when a warm hand fell on his shoulder. “Hey.” Dick spun around and blinked back black spots as his body protested the sudden movement. A blaze of red hair filled his vision and Dick felt a small fire build in his chest. His face split into a wide smile.

After a run in with Mr. Freeze Dick finds himself feeling odd at school, but he can't go home, not when Barbara's asked him to drive her to Betty's party after school.

[sillydg]

Unfulfilled Hunger: Tobias X MC

Book: Open heart, somewhere in book 3

Rating: 18+ (Adult content!)

Pairing: Tobias X MC ((Elisabeth Sarah Hughes (Liz))

Title: Unfulfilled Hunger

Rating: Explicit NSFW 18 + Only

Wordcount: 6500

Summary: Thank you so much for your request, @kachrisberry, to write what happens if they get back at Tobias’s apartment, after him carrying her out of the Laser tag game. A follow-up, for “Foul Play”.

Category: Explicit Smut

A/N: First of all, I find it important to say that both Liz and Tobias feel safe to protect their own boundaries and to speak up if something is not too their likings. They're both adults and both are completely comfortable and wanting to engage in each of these activities. A/N: This one ended up a bit longer than anticipated (Pun intended). But I got my hands on Tobias.. and maaaaaybe got a little bit carried away... But no, nah, not going to apologize for that 😉. Please let me know if you guys enjoyed the ride and please sent me an ask if you want to request something for OH or The royal romance, because I loved writing this and I'll hope you enjoy reading it.

Warnings: Foul language (sexy talk and swearing), Explicit adult seksual content. IF you read this FF, you confirm that you're 18 years or older.

Tobias and MC belong to Pixelberry.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Unfulfilled Hunger

Tobias opens his door with one hand, pulling Liz through with the other. “It’s a goddamn miracle that we got home in one piece, Hughes." He slams the door and pushes her against it, crashing his lips against her...

Murmering he continuous; “You almost fucking killed me by touching yourself like that in the car." His hands drifting over her body. "For god's sake, you already came once and I almost caused an accident by just looking at you trembling like that in the frontseat.”

Liz grins as he moves his kisses to her neck. “I had to do something, since I was not allowed to touch you. Besides, I simply HAD to touch myself at the sight of you.” She kicks off her boots.

Tobias bites her neck with a groan. “Ohhh, you dirty, dirty girl.”

Grinning she pushes him away, making him bump into the wall across from her.

“Off with the shirt, Carrick.”

“So commanding.” He gives her a cheeky smile. Such a turn-on.

“For a woman who was first complaining about me getting my shirt off… you changed your mind pretty quickly.”

“Oh save it, Carrick.” She tugs at his shirt, trying to take it off herself.

He grabs her wrists, turning her around. "Oh. I don't think so, Liz." He pins her against the wall with her hands up in the air.

“Now, I believe I was enjoying myself.” His lips find her neck again.

“For god's sake, T. Stop torturing me. I haven't been able to stop thinking about you all week after that little stunt you pulled .

Standing bare chested in front of me, but holding my hands so there was no way of touching you. Brushing your delicious lips against mine, without giving me the slightest taste of your tongue. All I could think of was touching, tasting, savoring you. For god's sake, I know you've noticed me undressing you with my eyes.”

Tobias looks up, meeting her eyes with a twinkle. “Ooooh, was that what you were doing during our daily meetings. I already wondered what you were thinking about when you stared at me like that, biting on your pen. Licking your cherry red lips.”

“Ohh, You very well knew, T. Because you were walking around 24-7 with that goddam annoyingly sexy, self-conscious smirk on that way too handsome face of yours.

God. I had to touch myself every night, when I was lying in bed. Desperate attempt, after desperate attempt to satisfy the hunger you released in me. But it never seemed enough. I'm so fucking hungry for you, Carrick. ”

He leans back to meet her gaze, his eyes filled with longing and frustration. She feels her knees getting weak at the intensity of him staring at her, glad to be pinned against the wall. “Well, it serves you right, Liz.”

He breaks the gaze and unbuttons her short with one hand, letting it slide onto the ground. His hand moves into her red lacy panties, softly stroking her lips, teasing her inner thighs. He smiles at the feeling how wet she already is for him and he lowers his mouth to her ear, whispering; “Now you know how I felt over the past few months, Liz. It started when I first saw you in that deli, with your messy bun and yoga pants.

It became worse after the fire I saw in your eyes when we met at Bloom. You were so snarky at me, Liz. I wanted to bend you over the table, pull up that way to the tight dress of yours, and give you a good spank, just to let you know who’s the boss. And believe me... It sure isn’t Ethan.

But things got really messy from the moment I saw you in that short at the baseball field." He lowers his voice to what almost sounds like a deep growl; "You know why I missed every freaking ball that day, Liz?”

She groans as he moves his hand out of her string.

“Because every time you threw the ball, your shirt would come up ever so slightly and showed this little part of your belly and the fucking lacy edge of your little pink thong.” He moves his fingertip over her sensitive skin right above her panties and she lets out a soft moan.

His hand disappears again in search of her clit, moving softly and slowly. Taking his sweet, sweet time to find the right spot.

The roughness of his stubble, the tickling of his husky voice, and now him touching her at her most sensitive spot... She feels a warmth quickly spreading through her body.

“You ruined me that day, Hughes.” He gently moves two fingers inside her, still drawing slow, sweet circles over her clit with his thumb. Her breath enhances, and he feels her contracting around his fingers.

“I’ve been touching myself ever since at the thought of dropping the bat and taking you right there on the field. Not caring who sees me, trusting into you, making you mine.

So it serves you right.”

He leans back again to take look at her. Her eyes are closed, completely at his mercy. His lips find hers in a slow, deep kiss, and he feels how close she gets to release. He murmurs to her lips. “Not yet, Hughes.”

He abruptly lets go of her wrist, letting his hand slip out her briefs. Leaving her breathing hard as her arms fall, startled at the sudden movement.

He walks away towards the living room, and right before he disappears, he gives her a million-dollar smirk over his shoulder. And after just a second she sees his shirt flying into the hallway.

Trying to compose herself from almost getting pushed over the edge, she leans against the wall. After a few deep breaths, she kicks the short off her feet, following him into the living room. So, we're still playing dirty.

She finds Tobias casually leaning against the counter, a drink in his hand. She swallows as she takes him in. Her eyes drift over his toned brawnylicous abs, moving down to his pants which are hanging dangerously low on his hips, just enough to make her thoughts go wild, but not enough to reveal anything.

She smiles cheekily, trying to hide how taken she is with the sight of him. God, his ego might explode if he only knew. “So, where Is my drink?”

He gives her his signature smirk. “Well, I thought, since I’ve taken my shirt off, I’m going to enjoy a drink while I watch you take your shirt off.. and after that, we can talk about you having a drink.” He moves towards the large breakfast counter and jumps to sit on it, clearly expecting a show.

She turns around, smiling over her shoulder. "Careful what you are wishing for, Carrick. Sure you can handle me?" She starts to move her hips slowly from side to side.

Tobias bites his lip as he looks at her perfectly shaped ass, dressed ever so little by the red lace string she is wearing. As she lets her hands drift over her rounds, he follows her hands up as they grip onto her small tank top. And with one fluid pull, it falls on the ground, right where he likes it to be.

He glances at her as she turns around, showing off her matching set, with all the curves in the right places. He is surprised to see that her bra is practically one small piece of fabric, adoring the sight of her nipples shining and peaking through the red lace.

Smirking, he moves his hand over his chest. “You cheeky Minx. You planned this, didn’t you? Or are you always wearing these matching lingerie sets..”

She sways forward, smiling seductively. Tobias's eyes are completely fixated on her breasts, slowly moving down to her swaying hips and back up, not able to determine where to look.

“I think I’m going to let you find that out for yourself. It might surprise you how diverse my lingerie is… So I suggest you undress me every day from now on…”

He swallows; “God, where have you been hiding, Hughes?”

Shrugging casualy, she cocks up an eyebrow.

“Now about that drink, T.”

He gets ready to jump off the counter, but she stops him. “Oooh no Carrick... you stay... right there, like the good boy you are.” She moves to stand between his legs. “Now, let me take care of this for you.” She tucks on his jeans, pulling them off.

“My, my, what a treat.” She moves her hand over the big bulk in his boxers and smiles. "And you dare to ask, where I've been hiding, T?"

He lets out a deep moan as she keeps caressing him. He leans backward on his hands, giving in to the feeling. She gives him a cheeky smile, puts his legs together, her hands onto the counter, and straddles him after one effortless jump."

Caught off-guard he starts to stumble, looking at the woman suddenly at his eye-level. “What the..”

“Ohh Carrick, Carrick, Carrick” She kisses him softly, teasing his lips with her tongue. Holding herself steady with her hands on his chest, slowly grinding her pussy against his hard cock through his boxers. After a few minutes of exploring, she encourages him to lie on his back. Tongues still dancing and she feels him gasp, the moment he touches the cold marble with his bare skin.

While pulling back, she keeps the friction going, and not only for his pleasure. “I might have forgotten to tell you… But I love yoga, it’s not just the comfortable pants for me. And I might have done gymnastics for a big part of my life. So if you keep up the good work, Carrick, you might get the chance to find out how flexible I really am.”

“For god’s sake,” he murmurs under his breath. She keeps rubbing herself against his hard length, not quite enough to take him over the edge, but enough to let him balance on it...

“Now, I need you to move up, Carrick. I want this whole divine body of yours onto this counter.”

He smirks; "What makes you think that you're the one in control, Hughes? Remember what happened earlier when you tried to command me? Or do I need to refresh your memorie?"

A sly smile appears on her face; "It must be nice, living in that head of yours T. Still convinced you're the one in control? Let me give you a piece of reality, mister." She removes his boxer, throwing it through the living room.

She smirks as they lock eyes, anticipation noticeable on Tobias's face. Of course, the moment he saw her at the deli was the moment where she completely gained control over him. Haunting his dreams, fantasies, and even in bed with other women she regularly popped up in his head, making stuff a lot better. But that doesn't stop him from one last desperate attempt to keep the facade up.

She encircles him with her soft hands, slowly moving up and down, while teasing his tip with a few small, fast licks.

"Nnnghh."

"What was that, Carrick?"

"Oh for fuck sake."

She moves her hand down, following the line under his tip firmly with her tongue. It makes his muscles tense, and he moves his ass slightly up as a deep grunt escapes his throat. “Ohhhhh, Yes Liz.”

Smirking she looks down at the man beneath her. "Now, If you want me to keep doing that, you better move that delicious ass of yours right now, T!"

He starts moving while muttering some swear words under his breath, while she keeps teasing him with her hands and tongue.

Her eyes twinkle and she puts on a naughty smile;“God Carrick, I’m going to have so much fun with you now we have established who is the one in charge.”

She leans in, one hand on the counter and the other one exploring his neck, down to his chest. Licking his lips, inviting his tongue to meet hers. He opens his mouth and lets her in. His hands slipping under her bra, softly teasing her nipples, drawing small moans from her mouth.

Without him noticing she grabs his drink off the counter and she gently pulls back. Their blues meet and she bites her lip. “Now, about that drink.”

His breath stops as soon as the golden liquid hits his chest. She pours it, bit by bit, between the gap in his abbs, slowly moving down to his belly button, her eyes never leaving his.

“Hughes, you’re unbelievable.”

“You better know it, T.”

She puts the glass down, moving her attention to his chest as she softly let her fingers drift through the scotch. She moves her finger to cover his full lips, kissing him softly after.

“Mmh... That’s the good stuff, Carrick.”

She moves her tongue, licking the liquid of his chest, feeling his muscles flex under her touch wherever she goes.

He looks at her, hypnotized, his breath fastening as she slowly moves further and further down. Skin getting more sensitive with every lick, bite and suck as she savors the scotch off him. Oh my god.

His muscles tense as she arrives at his belly button, and when there is no drop left, she moves her focus to his lower abdomen. She looks up, as she hears him moan, smiling at the sight of his glistering abs and the pleasure showing on his face.

He groans; “Oh God, you really are enjoying my body, don't you Hughes?”

“Every fucking part of it..”

"Good, 'cause it's yours to use from now on. Whenever you want, I'll even get you your special beeper for emergencies."

"I'll hold you onto that. Now... ready for some fun, Carrick?"

He smirks contently as she moves her head further down and starts teasing the top of his hardness again.

But then he realizes that it probably would take nothing more than a few sucks to release, given how worked up he already is.

And nothing was further from the truth. Without warning, she stopped teasing, taking his full length in her mouth. After a few seconds of settlement, she starts deep throating him, and before he gets the chance to protest it turns black before his eyes, pushing his head back and he releases in her mouth.

She teases him with a few more sucks, making sure that every drop of him gets savored while enjoying the feeling of his body trembling under her mouth. For a minute he lies on the counter, breathing hard. "For fuck sake, Hughes."

She shrugs with a sly smile "Oops, got a little bit carried away there."

He slowly starts to get regain his senses and he looks up to a smirking Liz, sticking out cheekily the tip of her tongue.

“But, damn, that tasted even better than the scotch T.”

He hides his face behind his hands to hide a satisfied smile at her bold words.

After just a few more deep breaths, he manages to collect himself and jumps off the counter. “Glad that you enjoyed that, Liz, but now it’s my turn.” He scoops her up from the counter and throws her over his shoulder without any effort. Oh, I’m taking back control now.

After a few satisfying smacks on her butt, he sits down on the bed, letting her slide down on his lap. His lips find hers and he starts to unhook her bra, throwing it into a corner. He takes one of her nipples in his mouth while teasing the other with his hand. Her head falls back as she starts to grind once again in his lap. “Oh, God Tobias I already feel you grow again.” She reaches out to stroke him, but to avoid losing control once again he stands up, grabbing her at her thighs, and he throws her onto the soft bed.

“No more touching me, until I’m done with you, Liz. That means AFTER two orgasms, I’m going to fuck your brains out. But now. You’re completely at my Mercy." She nods, biting her lip. "Good girl. Now, grab the headboard, and don’t let go.”

Her eyes start to glister at the commanding tone in his voice and she completely surrenders. Obediently she grabs the headboard.

“And Liz... Don’t make a sound, until I tell you to.”

She swallows and a hot shiver runs through her body, by hearing those words, setting her body on fire. Such a turn-on.

He rips her panties off in one tuck, drawing her in for a deep kiss, while teasing her entrance with his erection. He starts to rubs his dick against her clit. Taken by the urge to feel him closer she starts to shift her hips up, urging him to enter her. Without thinking she sighs between kisses. “God Carrick, I... I need you inside me. I need to feel you deep inside me.”

He immediately stops. “What was that? I believe I heard some sounds coming out of that delicious mouth of yours. Yeah, you want me inside you?”

Realizing that she spoke, her eyes snap open, sucking in a breath while waiting for Tobias to react.

“Three orgasms, it is now.” And without further notice, his lips crash against hers again. His hands firmly exploring her body before they find the place where he started tonight.

He wastes no time, knowing how worked up she was before. His thumb finds her clit, and he sees her biting her arm as he enters her with three fingers, suppressing a moan. God, that’s sexy. He catches the encouragement and starts to moves his fingers faster and faster while sucking on her swollen nipple, caressing her other boob with a firm squeeze.

She trembles, more and more under his touch, finding it harder and harder to keep her moans in. God, she wants to scream his name so badly.

Then he softly bites her nipple and a flick of pain runs through her body, turning quickly into pleasure as she tumbles over the edge, biting even harder in her shoulder, only intensifying her orgasm.

He smirks at her, impressed, but also totally captivated by the look on her face as she comes, shutters and shakes, by his doing. Yeah, I’m never going to get enough of this.

He gives her a few seconds to catch her breath and damn she breaths hard, releasing her arm from her teeth, leaving bite marks.

He gently moves up to guide both of her arms down, which are still clenching to the headboard. He kisses her softly as she opens her eyes to meet his. “You okay?”

She smiles softly and nods. “Good. Ready for me to taste you?” She mouths “Ohh God Yes” without making a sound.

They keep staring into each other’s eyes as the mood shifts 180 degrees. Tobias frowns at her as she takes his face in her hands, knowing very well how much she actually adored this man.

His eyes turn soft and he smiles at her. "You're amazing, you know that, Liz?"

"Show me."

Tobias moves in for a tender and long kiss, cupping her cheeks in his hands. Liz feels her heartbeat rising, now by the soft touch of this man. He covers her body with hers completely as they start to lose themselves in each other. Her hands drift over the back of his head, enjoying the tickling of his soft short hairs, before letting her fingertips drift over his bareback. He slowly undoes her hair and drapes it over the mattress. Their hands meet and fingers entwining. The pillows and sheets are long found on the ground. He drops soft kisses on her neck, murmuring "God, youre beautiful."

He gently lets go of her hands and starts moving, teasing his stubble against her sensitive skin on his way down, breathing in her warm scent on the way. He looks at her glistening clit and gives it a few quick licks.

She directly moves her hips a bit up and he realizes how sensitive she is.

“I can’t wait for you to scream my name, Hughes.” She smiles at the permission to make sounds again.

“Then make me, Carrick.”

He moves his hands up to her hips, pulling her softly towards the edge of the bed as he gets on his knees, laying her legs over his shoulder. He starts licking her softly and slowly, savoring her smell and fluids.

“I need more, T.” She softly grabs his head urging him to come closer. He smiles cheekily and pushes his head back up; “I’m sorry? I believe I missed two magic words?”

“More, PLEASE Carrick, give me more.”

"That's what I'm talking about."

He starts licking and kissing again, but still moving his tong teasingly slow and soft while looking cheekily up to her.

She looks down to meets his eye, and he gives her the sexiest smirk she has ever laid eyes on. “For god's sake Carrick, if you’re going to smirk like that every time you taste me..” He suddenly moves up the pace of his tongue, forcing her to stop talking midsentence. "Nnnngh."

“Yes? Then?” He smiles against her clit, back to teasing her.

“Now you're the one who is unbelievable, T."

"Don't tell me things I'm already aware of. Now, finish that sentence, Hughes."

She sighs, longing for more tongue. "We are going to need a private conversation like this at least two times a day.”

He keeps his smirking up; “Then that's settled” He pushes his head down and lets his tong flick expertly, fast, and firm, letting his fingers assist by moving in and out of her.

“Nnnnhhhhgggg… T..” Her hands grab the sheets and he lets his finger slip out of her, to pull her even closer, steadying her hips. He picks up pase, encouraged by the deep moans. She trembles more and more, urging to move her hips, but his stern grip keeps her in place. You’re not getting away, Hughes.

She starts to move her hands, looking for something to grab as the sheets are not enough to hold onto. Her hands find his head again.

“Fuuuuuuck Carrrrrriccck.”

Yes, that’s it.

She pulls up her knees, body shocking and sweating, and he feels how she comes with his mouth still on her. Seeing her tremble like that...

God, I can’t wait any longer.

“You taste so good, you know that Hughes. Here. Taste.” He kisses her slowly, his hands encircling the back of her neck to draw her even more in, his dick rubbing against her still sensitive pussy, causing her to keep shuttering her body from time to time.

“Are you ready? You've been such a good girl, so I will fuck you towards you’re third orgasm, Liz, don’t you worry.”

Still with her eyes closed, she nods and lets out a satisfied sigh, letting him lead her up on the bed again.

As he completely covers her body with his again he places his dick before her entrance. Theirs eyes meet, both filled with longing to finally get close. She softly moves her hands behind his neck, teasing him with her nails. Maintaining eye contact he slowly starts to move inside her, until his eyes roll back at the feeling of how tight she is.

Her breath enhances, and she smiles, enjoying the visible pleasure on his face. He keeps slowly moving against her until he fills her completely.

Her eyelids start to flicker as he slowly starts thrusting into her.

“God, you’re big, Carrick.” She matches the movement of her hips to his rhythm, moving her legs around his waist to encourage him to go deeper. His lips find hers as he picks up the pace until he is not able to hold his upper body up, with the pleasures running through his body.

He lets out a deep, almost animalistic moan; "So tight Liz, you're so tight."

Leaving her lips and he hides his face in her neck, sucking at her sensitive flesh, leaving his mark.

Her nails slide from his shoulders to his back and smiles against his ear. “Fuck, this is so much better than in the dreams I had about you... T, you fill me up perfectly.”

She feels how he starts to lose control, picking up his pace, more firm with his thrusts as she speaks.

His voice sounds low and gruff. “Ahhh... You've dreamt about me, Hughes? So what did I do to you in these dreams?”

With him putting more power in his thrusts, she feels how he is hitting the right spot over and over again and she moans. “O god yes, Tobias… You... you fucked me in the middle of the diagnostics room on the round table, the next day in the supplies closet, NHHHGGG, on fucking Ethan’s desk, when the rest was out for lunch.”

“Ohhhhh Yes Hughes.” He moves his hands between them, as he keeps thrusting harder and harder, faster and faster while massaging her clit.

Liz is unable to talk as she feels how her body is taken over by the pleasure, quickly rising from her toes to her head, closing her eyes and she certainly was not able to think straight anymore... “Youuu... You… yyy… test nnnnhg lab”

“What are you saying, Hughes?” He smirks, leaning on one arm looking at the woman crumbling to pieces under him. He tries to stall his orgasm, but it gets harder and harder at the sight of her losing her mind, combined with the sexy talk rolling over her swollen lips.

He takes her breasts in his mouth, murmuring “Come on baby, let go once more. Show me that beautiful look on your face.”

His words were enough to push her over the edge, he notices, leaving her breast and again hiding his head in the crook of her neck. Biting, sucking as she encourages his thrusting, drawing blood with her nails on his back.

“Fuuuuuuck yeah, Carrick.”

He feels her pussy contracting around him and lets out a deep groan. He wants to savor the feeling, but the damn release was so close, it was unfightable.

“I need you to fill me up, T. Please... I need you to come.”

He keeps thrusting, barely managing to hold it together as she keeps stumbling each time he slams into her. "Nhhhhhhgggg, Liz, God Liz."

She grabs his head out of her neck, to make him look up, straight in her sparkly, wanting eyes and he keeps thrusting into her, while barely able to hold his own body up while leaning on his hands.

“Fulfill the hunger, Carrick… still my appetite. ”

Holy fuck.

That was it, he feels how he is not able to fight it anymore and he releases, A deep groan escapes, filling her up, like as she wanted it.

His eyes rolling backward “Gnnnnnggg Hughes, for fuck sake…” He sinks through his arms and after a few more thrusts he holds still, both breathing hard, clenching onto each other. After a few minutes, he gives her a bunch of soft kisses on her forehead, before rolling to the side.

“You’re something else, Liz.” He gently grabs her arm, to place soft kisses on the bite mark.

She smiles, still out of breath. “You know, I expected more oooh Lara and ooooh Miss Croft.”

He snorts and she looks at him in surprise.

“You know what Hughes…” He moves his fingertips over her bare body, encircling her nipples before ending at her lips. He smiles softly and just stares at her in awe.

“Seriously, you’re not going to finish that sentence?”

“I’m sorry I got distracted. You know what it is... I lied to you that night we were drunk. You were my fantasy, but I couldn't just say that right. You are my colleague and I've never had the idea I could be something more until I saw the look on your face when you looked at me last week with my shirt off."

She sighs; "Well, It's already hard to hide it with your shirt on Carrick, but it appears to be a real-life mission impossible when you're standing bare-chested in front of me. It does weird things to my brains and body you know."

"Soooo, me suggesting to Ethan that the new work outfits should be shirtless is not an option?"

She giggles; "Oh no, you do that, please. As long as I get to watch when you ask him. Imagine the look on his face."

Tobias bites his lip at the thought; "True, though, I cannot imagine him saying no to a shirtless you...Miss Croft." He winks and pulls her close to his chest, softly caressing her arm.

"O God, I made a total fool out of myself didn't I?"

"Not at all. Never apologize for looking that delicious. Besides, she was my fantasy until you knocked her off her throne, Hughes."

"Oof, so I've drawn some bad blood there, or what?"

"Nah, actually you might have teamed up a few times.”

She laughs; "Well I'm always open for suggestions Carrick, so if you bump into her...never hurts to ask."

His eyes start to glister at her words. "I never dreamt of you being this naughty, Hughes."

"Is that right, Carrick? So, how did I actually do compared to fantasy Liz?"

He smirks “You’ve proven from our first kiss that reality can beat fantasy by a long shot.” He turns to his side to give her a sweet kiss on the lips.

"I don't think I dared to dream that kissing you would feel this good Liz."

Her eyes start to flutter a bit, relaxing at his words. "So I guess there will be a next time, ha?"

"For me, absolutely. I can't wait to get caught with you day after day, making out in the supply closets until they just give us our own, with our names on it, to have a little fun in."

She smiles softly, barely able to keep her eyes open, murmuring; "I would love that, Tobias"

He removes his arm gently from under her neck to get up. He grabs the blankets, covering her and he lifts her head gently to lay it onto a pillow.

"Mmh, thank you T."

He smiles and plants a kiss on her forehead as she gets comfortable, shifting around, moving on her side.

He returns to bed, drawing her in to spoon.

“So about that whole yoga and gymnastics. Care to show me tomorrow in the shower?”

She smiles gently with her eyes closed. “Absolutely. And after that, you might want to show me around in your apartment... I might have missed everything except for 'naked you' and the breakfast counter.”

He laughs and looks at her in all his tenderness. He closes his eyes and moves hides his nose in her hair, breathing in her warm scent, focussing on the sound of her breathing.

Murmuring on the brink of falling asleep. “Deal, Miss Hughes. Besides you can have anything you want from me, anywhere. Because it's very clear that I was never the one in control, and hell, I love it."

------------------------------------------------------------------

Please let me know if you want to be added or removed. Also please let me know if you want to be tagged for OH, but not for smut like this. Taglist: @schnitzelbutterfingers @kachrisberry @jerzwriter @gkittylove99

@choicesficwriterscreations

[absinthe-over-tea]

💫 FAKE PRETEND RELATIONSHIP BC THEY'RE IDIOTS IN LOVE AND I ADORE THEM A LOT 😭😭

COMING RIGHT UP, QUEEN.

*** 

Kaz is going to regret this. 

He walks into the ballroom with Inej’s gloved hand resting in the crook of his elbow, his crow’s head cane replaced with a standard one that would draw less attention. 

Get past security. Break into the servant’s quarters. Have Inej scale the servant’s elevator shaft up to Druiminn’s office while Kaz lets the others in through the window. Nina and Matthias would create a diversion to distract the guards, allowing Inej to escape. Wylan and Jesper would be waiting to drive them away in a valet carriage outside. 

They just had to get past security. Together. While pretending to be a giddy couple madly in love. 

Inej had been opposed to the idea initially. But her desire to find information on Druiminn’s trafficking operations had won out against her pride. Or maybe it was her disgust. He couldn't tell these days. 

“No.” 

“I don’t recall asking for an opinion,” Kaz responded, not looking up from the layout of the mansion. 

“I’m not giving an opinion. I’m telling you no.” He ran a gloved hand over his face. Only Inej could get away with such a statement, and she damn well knew it. 

“It’s the only way we’re going to get past security to let the others in.” 

“Then send Matthias and Nina.” 

“Last I checked, neither of them can scale an elevator shaft or pick a lock in under 60 seconds. Think logically, Inej.” 

“I am thinking logically,” she retorted. “And logically, we won’t be successful if we use this ruse.” 

He studied her then — the set to her jaw, the way her hands sat stubbornly on her hips, the fire dancing behind her eyes. She’d been an entirely new person since she began her hunt for the traffickers that plagued The True Sea. He missed his Wraith more than he was willing to admit, but there was something equally captivating about the woman she’d become. 

Kaz pushed aside the harsh whisper in the back of his mind reminding him that she was clearly better off without him in her life. 

“Do you have so little faith in your ability to pretend to love a demon like me?” he said quietly, standing up and crossing the room so that they were only a breath apart. 

He expected her to scoff at him, or perhaps fire back a sarcastic response about his own acting abilities. 

But she surprised him instead when she reached a hand out to rest against his chest. He closed his eyes at the contact. There was the fabric of his vest between her skin and his own, but he could feel her warmth seep through to his very core. He yearned for it to consume him.

“I’m more concerned with my ability to pretend not to once the ruse is over.”  

He sucked in a breath at the boldness in her admission. But when he opened his eyes, she was gone. Out the window as if carried by the wind. 

In the end, she’d agreed and Kaz had felt vindicated. 

But now that she stands beside him — dressed in a deep green silk dress that covers the daggers he knows are strapped to her thigh, her long hair flowing uncharacteristically free behind her, he’s beginning to think she was right. 

The first hour of the evening goes off without a hitch. They make idle small talk with other partygoers and dance when the band plays 

He holds her hand more than is strictly necessary, equally grateful and despising of her elbow-length silk gloves and his black leather ones. Over the past months, his desire to feel her skin against his has started to encroach on his repulsion of being touched. He’s awoken in the middle of the night, images of her lips against his cheek, his hand at her back lingering in his mind.  

Kaz tries his best to push those thoughts from his mind as they make their way to the side of the ballroom. He has a job to do, a mission to complete. His unrealistic fantasies would have to wait for his dreams. 

Even if he could have Inej, she deserves much better than the bastard of the barrel. She may have changed, but he has not. Not enough. Never enough. 

In his distracted state, he doesn’t register the guards headed for them. But Inej does. She pulls him quickly around the corner, pushing him against the wall. The move itself is so surprising, his body doesn’t even react to her nearness. 

“You wanted this to be the ruse, so now it’s time to put it to the test. Kiss me, Kaz Brekker.” 

“What in Saint’s name—” But he’s cut off with her hands on his lapels and pulling him down to her. Her lips touch his, and sensation explodes like one of Wylan’s demolition sticks beneath his skin. 

He expects to feel that familiar overwhelming need to pull away. He expects a wave of nausea to consume him at the contact. But instead, he feels an inextricable want to draw her closer. He wants to hold her against him. He wants to never let her go. He wants. He wants. He wants. 

One of his arms wraps around her while one of his gloved hands cups her cheek, his cane forgotten as it clatters to the floor. He has half a mind to spin so that he can press even closer. But before he can move, a harsh cough sounds nearby. 

Inej pulls away, an uncharacteristically ditzy smile plastered on her face. “So sorry, officers,” she croons. “Just got carried away with the music and the wine.” Woman must have been taking lessons from Nina in her spare time. 

“Back to the main ballroom, both of you,” the guard cautions, pointing back around the corner to the crowd. She nods quickly, and both men continue on their patrol as if they’d never seen the two of them. 

Kaz is stunned silent the entire exchange, eyes wide and fixated on Inej. Their exchange seems to not have phased her, and she smoothes out his lapels and picks up his cane. 

“If only I had known how easy it was to shut you up,” she comments, a smirk pulling up one corner of her mouth. Her tease riles him into action, and he straightens himself. His hand reaches out to grab her arm as she passes in the opposite direction from the guard’s instruction. 

“Inej...”

“Without armor, Kaz Brekker,” she says, her silk-clad hand tapping his own. “Until then, we have a job to do.” 

She walks away in the opposite direction from the guard’s instruction, and he’s left standing there wondering when he’ll finally muster the courage to stop letting her go. 

[iridescent-petrichor]

we’ll meet again, chapter six

Pairing: Peter Maximoff x Reader

Warnings: not really? it just follows the plot of Apocalypse from here on out

Words: 1.5K

Previous Chapter - Next Chapter

1983.

It had been almost ten years since you last saw Peter. You kept planning to take a trip down to visit him, but every time you thought you’d be able to make time, you had to help Hank or Charles out with something involving the now growing school. A ton of kids were staying there now, and it never felt like an appropriate time to leave for a vacation.

Eventually, you stopped thinking of him as often. You stopped wondering how he was doing, stopped wondering how his sister was doing. Sometimes weeks or even months would go by without you thinking of Peter at all, and the realization scared you less and less the more it happened. Maybe you were finally moving on from your childhood crush and best friend.

  You stood next to Hank, watching Charles anxiously as he searched for Erik Lehnsherr. The red glow of the mutants shown on Cerebro illuminated all around the room, casting a scarlet gleam on you and everyone else.

“Hello, old friend.” All heads snapped to the professor as he spoke to Erik. You looked from him to Hank, a mixture of fear and hope in your eyes. “I’m sorry, I am so sorry.” Frowning, you turned back to Charles. “I feel your pain, and your loss.”

His face hardened, all of you waiting with bated breath for his next words.

“What happened to them, it was terribly wrong.” A tear falling from his eye was the only indication of his emotions. “But come back to us, I can help you.”

He paused once more, briefly.

“Think of your wife, think of your daughter. What would they have wanted?”

He stopped for a long time, shock slowly growing over his face, brows furrowing.

“Hank… He’s not alone.” Your eyes widened, glancing towards Hank. He didn’t look towards you, however, his gaze was fixed on Cerebro. The machinery was going wild, numbers jumping all over the place.

“Hey, Ch-Charles wait,” Hank said, trying to get Cerebro under control. Charles sat stock still, staring at seemingly nothing.

“Oh my god…” He muttered; eyes fixated on the wall as if watching a movie you couldn’t see.

All of a sudden, the red glow of the mutants began being covered by a film of purple. It slowly ate away, covering the whole room. You jumped back, eyes darting all around. What the fuck was going on?

“Charles. Charles, get out! Charles?” Hank’s plea fell on deaf ears as he tried to get Charles out of Cerebro, to safety.

“I’ve never felt power like this before.” Charles’ voice sent a chill down your spine, knowing what he was capable of.

“Charles- Charles, get out of there.” Hank’s voice was quieter now, trying to calm him into leaving.

“What’s going on, what’s happening?” Moira’s voice cut in. You glanced at her before Hank continued to speak.

“I-I think… Someone’s taken over Cerebro. They’ve taken control of it.” Your blood went cold, taking a hesitant step away from the machinery.

“To do what?” Raven asked.

Hank turned back to her, fear in his eyes. “To connect.”

The three of you stood there, trying to figure out what you could possibly do to help, when Hank reached for Cerebro, flinching back when it sparked, and Charles began to scream in pain.

Raven ran to his side, “Hank do something!”

He looked around for a moment before using his strength to smash and pry open the panel that held the wires. “It won’t shut down!”

“Alex, Y/N!” Charles yelled, having managed to get back his own mind. “Destroy it. Destroy everything- destroy Cerebro!” He gave Alex one final look before muttering, “wreak havoc.”

You watched as Alex wound up and exploded the pulse of energy from his chest, following suit with your own power. You ripped off the gloves you wore to restrict your powers, using all of your energy to focus the fire on the walls of the room. Alex raised his arm, shooting energy from that as well. The panels of the wall began falling until eventually it was all crashing down. The two of you stopped, and as soon as Hank ripped the helmet off of Charles, he and Alex were wheeling him out of the room behind you, Raven, and Moira.

“Charles.” Hank knelt down once the doors to Cerebro shut, checking over the unresponsive professor. “Charles, are you okay?”

Before he could even attempt to answer, you heard a warping sound behind you. Spinning around, you found a purple portal beginning to close as five mutants walked out, one of which was-

“Erik.” Raven’s voice was quiet in disbelief.

Erik, however, didn’t pay her any mind. He raised his arm, bringing the wheelchair Charles sat in across the room towards him.

“Charles!” She called out, attempting to run after him before he flew across the room. It was useless, but Alex continued to run ahead of the group.

“Alex-” Hank started.

“Hey!” He yelled, not slowing down even as the purple portal appeared once again. “Hey, asshole!”

“All will be revealed, my child.” The head mutant spoke, his voice echoing around your head.

That’s when Hank began to run, as well. “Hey! No!”

Your eyes widened, watching Alex in fear. “Alex!”

All warnings you and Hank would try to call out went ignored as Alex had already begun to unleash a pulse of energy towards where the portal once stood. It burst right through the door, the explosion making you jump back, shielding your eyes from the flash of light.

  In an instant, you felt a wave of all too familiar nausea. You blinked, adjusting to the sudden change in your surroundings. You were no longer standing in the mansion, but out on the grass, watching the explosion from the outside. You froze, knowing a very certain mutant that had the power to pull this off.

Just the thought crossed your mind, a hand fell on your shoulder.

“Wow.” Peter’s exhausted voice came from behind you, making you spin around.

“Peter!” You gasped, throwing your arms around him and enveloping him in a tight hug. He looked… nice. His hair was shorter and definitely more silver. He definitely began leaning more into the silver part of himself with a similar silver leather jacket that he used to own over a band tee, but now sporting metallic jeans and dirty gray sneakers.

“Wait where- where did you-” Hank interrupted, still clearly getting used to the movement. You pulled away from Peter, looking between the two men.

“I was looking for the professor, I thought he lived here.”

“They took him.” You all but whispered. Peter glanced at you, wrapping an arm around you when he realized how shaken you actually were.

You stood there, looking at the school with a massive pit in your stomach when you noticed the hush that grew over the crowd.

Everyone was looking at Raven, in awe at seeing her in her natural form. She slowly turned to Hank, who was no longer facing you and Peter.

“They look up to you.” He spoke. “Right now, they need you.”

“That’s not what they need.” Quiet gasps fell over the crowd when she changed back into her human form.

The crowd’s attention was pulled away once more to see a car pulling up. Peter craned his neck to see the car, arm still wrapped around you. Upon seeing Scott in the car, you realized with a painful jolt that you couldn’t see Alex in the crowd.

Scott ran up to the group, stopping in front of you and Peter. “What happened? Where’s Alex?” He looked to you for answers, not at all reassured by the pained expression on your face. “Where’s my brother?” He repeated, directing it towards Peter this time.

“Pretty sure I got everybody.” He shrugged, glancing around once for good measure. When he looked down at you, however, he began to doubt himself.

“Alex was closest to the blast.” Your voice was barely above a whisper, tears stinging your eyes. Peter pulled you closer, bringing you into a hug in an attempt to comfort you.

Scott began running towards the rubble of the school, Jean and Kurt following close behind him. You watched the two from afar, seeing Scott fall to his knees and Jean go to his side immediately.

The sound of helicopter blades whirring shifted the focus from Scott mourning the loss of his brother. A speaker played a looped message simply saying, “please remain calm. Medical assistance is on the way.”

“Pete?” You looked up at him, brows furrowed. He moved his goggles down from on top of his head over his eyes.

“This normal?” He asked, giving you a look. You simply shook your head before looking back to the helicopter as it landed on the grass some feet away from you.

Moira, who you forgot was still here, began walking towards them after the men in the helicopter got out. “Hey! Moira MacTaggert, CIA, thank god you’re here!”

As the final guy got out of the helicopter and started walking towards you, you had a really bad feeling. He took off his sunglasses, looking over the group of mutants around you, when Raven yelled behind you.

“Wait!”

Peter spun around, confused. You, however, didn’t take your eyes off the man as he yelled for his people to fire.

Before you could even react, a blast flew over everyone, and everything went dark.

[imaginesmaimasterlists]

You can request about any of the characters above, or any other masterlists I have (here), always following the Requests Rules. My main blog is @imaginesmai​

💕:Fluff

🎈: Funny

💋: Smut

😭: Angst

⭐: Personal favourite.

🥇: The most popular fic in each category (it might change).

Angst Alphabet

Fluff Alphabet

Prompt List 1

Kink-November

Tom Holland

Back home (First part)  and (Second part):    💕 😭

Five months ago, you broke up. Five months ago, you walked out of Tom’s house because it was all too much. Five months ago, Tom left his home without you. And now he’s back, realizing you shouldn’t have never broke up. (COMPLETE)

Back to you (Song inspired) 😭

Caterpillar:   💕

There isn’t ice-cream on the fridge, and that only makes your day worse. Until Tom comes home to fix it all. 

⭐  Christmas Present:   💕

You recive a call in Christmas and your world lights up like a Christmas tree. 

⭐Fawn (Mob!Tom): GENERAL SUMMARY (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) 💕😭

Love makes you do weird things, this much you know.

You had always been the sensitive girl, following your heart before your brain. The type of person that tends to fall in love way too quickly, only to have it blown in their faces moments later. Your friends and family warning you doesn’t mean anything, because the result is always the same; a broken heart, and hopes shattered.

Love makes you do weird things, as dating a man who controls you as he wishes. Richard is the most famous cop in town, has the highest score in locking criminals up, and is the worst boyfriend anyone could have. So he doesn’t hesitate in using you as a bait for the Holland’s family, a dangerous mob.

You have no experience, no knowledge about how to deal with a dangerous gang, but still you’re thrown to them like a meat offer.

Love makes you do weird things, and it’s found in the weirdest places. You have yet to see if, for once, it leads you to the right person, or goes back to the wrong one.

⭐  Fluff Alphabet (Tom Holland)  💕

Forgotten aniversary:   💕 😭

Working so hard had consequences.  💕 😭

Football incident (college!Tom):  💕

Tom gets hurt in a game, although it might not be an accident after all.  

Gift wrapping:   💕

Gift wrapping is the worst part of Christmas. Tom is the best one.   

Lost kid:  💕  🎈

Tom and you spent your last weekend before going home in Disney World, and he turns out to be one of those boyfriends who end up in the ‘lost kids’ deparment.  

Mushy Pancakes:   💕

Morning sex and breakfast in bed is the best way to wake up. 

Oceans between us 😭

You’re in lockdown becuase of the pandemic - alone, sad, and bored. Tom has been distant lately, and to make it worse, you hear a conversation you weren’t meant to hear.

Our fairytale:  💕  🎈

That story where two characters of a movie fall in love, or in this case two actors portraying those characters fall in love, even if they don’t belong to the same fairy tale

or

Tom is prince Eric and you’re Belle, and he’s just a jealous bean.

Relax:  💋

Tom is driving you mad without knowing, but that’s about to change after an stressful day. 

Short fic 1:   💕  🎈

Everyone is cooking in the quarentine, and even if Tom knows he can’t do shit, he’s going to try.  

Shower time:  💋 💕

The quarantine is the perfect time to tease, until you have enough and Tom is alone in the shower.  

⭐  The Impossible (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6):   💕 😭

Your relationship with Tom is on edge. Work, paparazzi and not seeing each other for months is making you tear apart from each other. Thankfully, he’s an amazing boyfriend and propose you what you thought it would be the perfect holidays; Thailandia. The hot sun, the beach, a cute hut and privacy to mend your relationship. Neither of you thought you would be witnesses of one of the greatest natural dissasters of history (COMPLETE)  

This two-seat couch  💕

College!Tom has some feelings for you, and you have some feelings for you. Maybe, ‘some’ isn’t the way to describe it, more like ‘madly in love with my best friend’. Thank God though for those two-seat couch where knees brush.

Training Day:   💋

Tom’s morning hasn’t been the only thing hard that day.   

🥇  True love kiss:  💕  🎈

“I tricked your little sister telling her Ursula has stolen my voice because I have a massive hangover, and now we have to kiss in order not to break her innocence”

or

Au were Tom works in Disney store, has a massive headache and can’t talk, and now he has lied to a little girl and she wants to get him a ‘true love kiss’; which happens to you, her older sister and Tom’s highschool crush.  

CHRIS EVANS

Bananas:  💕 🎈

Your daughter seems to have a strange fixation with bananas   

Bananas’ worries:   💕 🎈

Banana the plushie is making another appearance in your life, and this time is bringing worries.  

⭐  Banana’s new friend:   💕 🎈

Little Nathan is the new addition to the Evans-Y/L/N family, and Banana is having troubled feelings, along with Claire.   

🥇  NSFW Alphabet 💋

Short fic 1: 😭

You don’t gotta say, I know you ain’t staying over, and I won’t even mention, the fact that you’re never sober

My type - Chainsmokers ft Emily Warren

ALEX HOGH

Attention:  💕

Alex just wants to cuddle with you.

🥇 ⭐  Friends don’t love each other:  💋  😭

When feelings and sex are mixed, nothing good can come out of it. Alex and you have been doing it for a while, and the bubble if about to explode. 

Good Boy:  💋

Alex has been a naughty boy and he needs to earn his reward.

Imagine 1

MARCO ILSO

🥇  Imagine 1

Imagine 2

You’ve got my heart :  💕  💋  😭

Marco is your best friend, your neighbour and your crush. One night at your house changes everything for the best; but you’ve taken different paths and life might never reunite you again.

TOM HARDY 

B for Baby:  😭

You’re pregnant and something happens  

🥇  Imagine 1

Imagine 2

SEBASTIAN STAN

Gorgeous:  💕

Sebastian is doing and interview and can’t keep his eyes away from you (short blurb)

🥇 ⭐  Wired Autocomplete Interview:  💕

Fans watching your interview with Sebastian are going to get more than what they bargained for. 

We’re a team:   💕

No interview is boring since having your adorable four year old son, who needs his father as much as he needs him.

BEN HARDY

⭐  Interview :   😭 💕

You’re exicted for your first solo interview about the End Game movie, but it’s not going to be as good as you thought it would.

Trust:  

Ben is your bodyguard and you’re his client, and both of you have some unspoken feelings. And what best way to confess, that without words and just after a bomb have blown up the building you were in? 😭 💕

TARON EGERTON

Hypothetically:   💕 🎈

You find something that you didn’t mean to in Taron’s tablet, and you wish it had been porn. 

[inkandpen22]

Beautiful Angel of Darkness (8/8)

Pairing: Spike x Female!Reader

Warnings: Mild fluff 

Word Count: 1.5k 

Part Summary: Y/N falls apart after Spike disappears again and can’t find the way back until something snaps Y/N out of it

A/N: FINAL PART!!! Woohoo the first end to one of my series! I hope you all enjoy :)

Masterlist

A week later... 

Emptiness. All I feel is emptiness. For the last six months, I've been running toward finding my new purpose in this life. Then, one day Spike appears and knocks me off course. The walls and foundation I built grumbled into nothing. I am nothing. I feel nothing. In his absence, I'm nothing. 

There's a knock on my front door for which I ignore. 

"Y/N!" I hear Angel call from the other side of the door. "Y/N, answer the door." 

For the last week, I've laid in my bed waiting for some absolution. I stare out my window from dusk until dawn, yet nothing happens. Upon my silence, Angel wiggles the nob to learn that it was unlocked the whole time. He storms into my apartment calling my name until he appears in the doorway to my bedroom. 

"Y/N, no one has heard from you in days," he sighs as he approaches my bedside. 

My eyes remain fixated on my window. I watch as the branches on the tree wave in the wind, leaves fall from it with each passing breeze. Taking a seat on the edge of my bed, Angel releases a deep sigh. 

"Spike returned to Sunnydale," he tells me quietly. 

"I know," I speak for the first time in days. 

"He...um... " Angel stammers as he reaches into his coat pocket to reveal a piece of paper. "He stopped by the office before he left a few days ago. He wanted me to give you this. I was reluctant but Fred insisted." 

Gently, he places the folded-up paper on the edge of my bed beside my hand. I don't react, instead, I remain as I am, as I've been for the last few days. 

Angel brushes his hand over my cheek and rises from my bed. "I'm here if you need me," he assures quietly. He starts toward the door but stops in the archway. "He's not worth your pain, Y/N," he mutters over his shoulder. "I'll be back later to check on you." 

Once I hear him enter the hall, I lift the piece of paper and begin to unfold. Soon, Spike's handwriting is revealed on the small parchment. It's evident it was a last-minute decision, being on an official Wolfman & Hart labeled paper. 

My Love, 

I leave Los Angeles without you with great despair, a sense of pain I haven't felt in centuries. You are my dark angel. I'm nothing without you. My soul belongs to you. 

I will love you always and forever. 

Yours, 

Spike 

Memories flash across my mind like seconds of light. My entire human life was superficial and ordinary. Then, I met Spike and I felt instantly that he was my dark angel sent to lead me through life.  One, in particular, stands out to me, the moment I knew wholeheartedly that I was where I was meant to be. 

“Okay, one more time,” he so kindly does it again. 

I huff, growing slightly frustrated that I’m missing it and losing my streak. 

An IL word, how hard can it be? 

“Is it a phrase?” I question aggressively. It’s the one solution. 

He hums, a mischievous smirk appearing on his lips. 

To help me figure it out, I begin to name the letters out loud. 

“I, L, O, V…” I stop saying them, but Spike continues writing out the letters. 

Slowly, I turn onto my side and Spike’s hand slides to my waist. A faint smile remains on his lips as he brings his fingers to my temple and brushes my hair back. His eyes search my face with such admiration. 

“I love you,” he reveals quietly between us. 

A breathless laugh escapes my lips as I leap to wrap my arms around him. He falls onto the bed with laughter. I climb on top of him, utterly exploding with happiness. 

“You love me?!” I question for positivity. 

He snickers, amused by my reaction. “Don’t believe me?” 

He sits up, resting against the headboard, and grips my waist. “Yes, Y/N, I love you! I’ve loved you since the moment I saw you!” 

I cup his face, pressing my lips to his. I can’t help but smile against the kiss. I want to make this moment last forever. I break away, realizing I haven’t said it back yet. 

“Oh! I love you too! I love you so much!” I rush out. 

He smiles brightly, “I was hoping you would.” 

His hand wraps around the back of my neck and he brings me in for a gentle kiss. I’ve fallen under his spell, he’s utterly immaculate. Every moment with him is magical. I want to make up for every minute we spent apart before we met. As long as Spike’s mine, nothing bad can ever happen to us. 

We rest our foreheads against one another, starring at each other’s eyes. 

“From now until forever,” he promises me. 

“Forever,” I repeat the vow, meaning it wholeheartedly. 

God, I love him so much. My entire world is him. He’s the sun, the moon, everything. I will love him for eternity. 

As if resurrected and given a second chance, I rise from my bed and hurry to get dressed. I gather a bag of a few items that I can fit and rush down the hall to my living room. When I get out there, Angel is sitting in the armchair on the phone. When he sees me enter the room, he hangs up quickly. 

"Y/N?" He first says with confusion, then with seriousness. "Y/N! Where are you going?" He urgently questions as he flies up from his position. 

"Sunnydale." I grab my keys off the side table and march toward the door. 

Angel follows me like a shadow to the door as I swing it open. "Are you crazy?!" 

I chuckle wickedly and glance over my shoulder at the vampire. "Absolutely mad," I wink as I walk off. 

_______________________________________

From atop the mausoleum, I watch as Spike returns from the Bronze. Even after almost a year, Spike hasn't changed his routine. I suppose I should be thankful since it made locating him much easier. He walks with a sense of gloom about him, instead of the usual confidence and lack of care. I smirk as I leap down from the roof onto the leaf-covered grass. Spike halts and whips his head around to investigate the sudden thud. I linger in the shadows and out of sight to his annoyance. 

"Who's there?!" He barks and awaits a response as he spins around. When he doesn't receive one, he huffs. "Whoever it is, it's Halloween! Take the night!" 

He starts to march off toward his tomb and I follow a few yards behind. It's sort of ironic now that I think about it. He must've done this when we first met. He hunted me like prey, lingering in the shadows. I felt his presence and now he feels mine. It's funny how the roles have reversed. He found me and now I must find me. 

"I said back off!" Spike snaps as he stops dead in his tracks. "We don't hunt on Halloween!" 

"That's a shame," I chuckle lightly as I hide. "Halloween was always my favorite..." 

"Y/N?" Spike mutters to himself, unsure if it's real. 

I emerge from behind a nearby tomb and approach him stealthily. His crystal eyes meet mine in awe. 

"Here I am," I smirk. 

"What are you doing here?" He questions quietly. 

I circle him with a mischievous grin as he did when we first met. Our little game of cat and mouse continues, except this time I'm the big bad cat. 

"Some blonde, problematic, North London vampire left me this note, would you happen to know anything about that?" I tease. 

I stand behind him, gliding my fingertips across his back. He inhales sharply with a hiss at my touch. The reaction makes me giggle. 

"Perhaps," he answers, his voice a tad shaky. 

"I read it. Quite short, but there was something about it...The words made something snap inside my head. It was like I was dreaming and rose again," I describe the experience. 

"Is that so?" He plays along and I can feel his body relax. 

"It was like someone turned on a light." I pause to whisper in his ear, "a sweet cure." 

"And now?" He presses, filled with curiosity. 

I step to stand before him and I meet his beautiful eyes directly. They've haunted me for months and I finally have them starring into mine again. 

"Nothing else matters," I tell him. 

Hesitantly, he reaches up and caresses my cheek with furrowed brows. "You've come back to me?" 

I nod, leaning into his touch. 

"I've always loved you," he confesses breathlessly. 

"I know... and I never stopped," I confess softly in return as my eyes fall shut to ponder the sensation of his hand. 

"You and me forever?" He questions urgently as he cups my face. 

I nod gently and bring my hand to cover his. "All time." 

The edge of his lips curves upward to a light smirk as he leans down and brings them to meet mine. I'm electrified by the feeling and am reminded that my place in the world is with him. For all eternity. 

________________________

Masterlist

Tags: @currently-obsesed-with-spike​ @mx-pibbles​ @shy-ginger-in-the-graveyard​

[victoria-daydreams]

Of Vices and Virtues

Chapter Fifteen: A Love Supreme

AN: Anyone stay up late to watch The Falcon and The Winter Soldier on Friday, because I did with pride.

Word Count: 4.9k

Trigger Warnings: none

Taglist: @azayamari

Chapter Sixteen: Tensions Run High

The room that surrounded me was incredibly unfamiliar, the walls were a dark shade of cherry wood and not the serene blue I have in my own bedroom. The sun seeped through the curtains, the light reflecting off the silver tray of empty plates that once had breakfast on it on the table by the window. This didn't look like a bedroom, it appeared more as a hotel room, a five star hotel at that. Large, royal blue satin curtains, a canopy bed with matching bronze and blue comforter to the curtain, and a bronze carpet.

I stretched out, feeling content as I remembered the events of the previous night.

"What happens now?" I asked, shifting my body in a comfortable position.

Charles wrapped his arm around my waist, something I tensed at first but relaxed into. It felt nice to have him holding me. I leaned back against his shoulder, wrapping my arms around his.

"What do you mean?" Charles asked backed, starting to play with my fingers.

"Where do we go from this?" I clarified, leaning my head back to look at him.

"I think that we're now a 'couple', as Raven would put it," Charles chuckled, tucking his chin into my shoulder. "I quite like the sound of that," he added, his lips curving into a smile.

"It's funny, I never thought I'd see myself with a white man," I commented, closing my eyes. "Not after James," I breathed out, reopening them.

"No one special in college?" Charles asked curiously, peering down at me.

"There was," I answered, nodding my head. "His name was Benjamin," I remembered. "He treated me well, he didn't run to the nearest exit sign when I revealed that I was a mutant. We dated for a few months, and I thought all was going well..." I trailed off.

"What happened?" Charles questioned.

"He just couldn't take it anymore," I answered, shaking my head.

It was a warm day for the spring, as I walked to the park looking around trying to find Ben. The park had a few people in it, mainly kids playing over by the baseball diamond or younger kids at the playground. There were a few teens but not many. Then I saw him and made my way to Ben for our outing. Ben Hughes was sitting on a bench off away from everyone by a tree in an olive green button down and brown slacks. I smiled at the sight of him, the green complimented his complexion quite nicely if I do say so myself. I walked up to the black-haired and brown-eyed man.

"Hello," I greeted smiling.

"Hey," Ben greeted back, but his smile was more nervous then happy and I got a bad feeling in fact I was unintentionally picking up on a few of his emotions and I didn't like what I was feeling.

I sat down next to him, "What's wrong?" I asked placing my hand near his.

Ben's face fell and took my hand gently. "It's...I...I'm sorry I can't keep doing this," he looked away and I suddenly got a very terrified feeling that he was talking about us dating.

That and I sensed that Ben didn't like this either.

"But why? I thought...I thought we were happy?"

"I was...for the most part...but Claudia...you're wonderful, but I'm not ready for this," Ben ran a hand through his conk styled hair looking over the park. "I'm just not ready to date someone like you...I mean we both know how people treat others that are different, we face it all the time...and...I don't want that to increase tenfold...at least not until I know I can handle it. I figured you would want to be with someone that could be open with you in public," Ben explained lamely.

I thought about it, and looking back on it Ben always did act like we were just friends or something in public while we only kissed or anything simple as holding hands, unless we were at each other's rooms or no one else was around.

"Are you ashamed of me being what I am? Cause there's nothing wrong with it," There was a hint of anger in my voice, but I didn't care.

"I...I don't know...that's one of the reasons I don't want us to get to serious and...there's another reason,"

"What?" I asked him, I was sensing something from him but I wasn't sure. "Come on, I know there's something that's really bothering you so what is it!"

"That's it!" Ben exclaimed. "I hate the fact you know what I'm feeling all the time...it's creepy! I mean I don't want my emotions known," he explained, throwing his hands up.

"I can't help it! I mean I'm still learning how to keep my barriers up, I don't mean to, this isn't easy for me either you know!" I snapped slightly raising my voice, and feeling my eyes water up.

Ben looked at me in sympathy, "I know, I know, you've told me and I wish you didn't have to go through all that and that you had control...but it feels like an invasion of privacy to me...I...I just can't handle it. You know how much of a private and shy person I am and this...this just makes me feel uncomfortable, I'm sorry I don't mean to make this sound horrible I'm trying not to I really am...but I can't," Ben repeated sadly.

I could feel the emotions running off of Ben and knew he was hurting just as much as I was and I tried to shut off the surge of emotions, but I was having trouble doing so.

"So...you don't ever want to see me again," I stated coldly.

"No, I didn't say that...I just can't date you...at the moment. I thought I was ready, but I'm not. I'm just not ready,"

Charles softly placed his hand on the side of my face and captured my lips with his own. A shudder went through me as I was snapped out of my memory, but I smiled into it, kissing him back. His hands traveled down my waist and flipped me over to fully face him, pulling me on top of him. The two of us continued kissing until he pulled away for a short moment. Charles stared at me, moving a lock of hair from my face simultaneously caressing my cheek.

"His loss, love," Charles declared, pressing a kiss to my head causing my smile to widen further.

"I'd better take the tray down," I sighed, wiggling my way out of Charles grip.

"Or you could just stay here if you'd like," Charles suggested tightening his grip around my waist.

"Easy, tiger," I laughed at his forwardness, softly pushing his hands off my waist.

"Maybe next time, then?" he questioned, releasing me so I could stand up.

"Oh, there's a next time?" I asked, making Charles flash me a grin. "Next time," I agreed, lifting the heavy, silver tray from the table and walked across the room.

I opened the door with a flick of my hand and walked out, a cold draft rushed through from the open window in the hallway, making my body shiver. As I closed the door behind me, I heard footsteps coming toward my direction. I saw Erik down the hall, his blue eyes completely fixated on me, standing outside the door of Charles' bedroom. Erik shut the door to his own room, my pulse began to pound furiously within me as Erik came toward my direction.

"Good morning Erik!" I greeted cheerily, attempting trying to break the awkward silence.

Erik responded by sending me a frosty glare and something akin to a scowl, as he walked past me without a word. I released a breath I had no idea I was holding in. Erik clearly knew something was going on, but chose not to say anything outright.

Today was going to be interesting.

~~~x~~~

From the distance I could see Erik and Charles talking amicably, but their body language told a different different story. While Charles body was relaxed, Erik's was tense and rigid.

"Ah, Claudia it is nice to see you have joined us!" Charles chirped as he came over to me.

His hand quickly found mine while his other hand rested on my lower back and led me closer to the table that he had set up with a pigeon thrower next to some clay disks.

I moved away from Charles and ran my hand along the table, "What do we have here?" I asked, studying the equipment on the table.

From the corner of my eye I saw Erik staring at me, maybe he was waiting for me to return his gaze. I don't think he was too pleased at how relaxed Charles was when he took ahold of me. It probably had something to do with the fact that yesterday Erik also held me similarly. If he only knew what his touch did to me. I tried very hard to not look at Erik and concentrated my attention on Charles.

"Well, I figured since your already adept at your telekinesis I'm not going to ask you to move a pen, or a book. It seems that you have grasped the notion of moving small and large items and have expanded on this. The shield you created, is an example of this," Charles explained, now beside him again I crossed my arms over the grey sweatshirt I had changed into. "So, I thought some target practice would do you some good. The energy you use for your telekinesis can be molded and projected into various forms," Charles continued.

"So what? Skeet shooting?" I guessed, looking around for the rifles. "Where are the rifles?" I asked, furrowing my brow.

"Skeet shooting with a twist, Claudia," Charles corrected, moving in front of me. He grabbed both my hands and lifted them up to eye level. "You don't need a rifle love, your hands are more than enough," Charles reminded, letting go of my hands. "Erik, when you're ready," he called, looking over to him as Erik loaded up the trap thrower with a clay disk.

I shook my hands out before lifting them up in front of me as violet aura formed around my hands, "Pull!" I called, Erik fired off a clay skeet. I aimed my hand and fired, a purple bolt hitting the clay skeet, and shattering it.

"Nice shot, Claudia!" Charles smiled, as I dropped my arms.

"Did you ever doubt me?" I laughed, glancing over at him.

"Never, I'm just trying to keep your skills sharp," Charles answered, as I raised my arms up again.

"Pull!"

Erik fired off another clay skeet. I aimed my left hand this time and fired off a purple sphere. The sphere from my palm contacted the clay skeet, and it exploded into a little million piece.

"Excellent!" Charles exclaimed again. "Wasn't that fantastic Erik?" he asked excitedly.

"Yes, it was a fine shot," Erik replied, a tight smile on his face.

"Thank you, Erik," I said, flashing him a quick smile in an attempt to make things less awkward. It didn't, if anything it just made him shoot an icy glare at me. I darted my eyes away from him and went back to focusing in front of me. "Pull!" I directed, trying to now avoid the metal bender's stare.

The clay skeet sailed through the air, and I aimed my hand at the skeet, and fired.

The skeet then shattered.

~~~x~~~

I collapsed onto the grass off the side of the mansion, my chest heaving. It had been awhile since I had exerted this much physical energy. My lungs were screaming for oxygen and the muscles in my legs and feet were begging for mercy. Not too far behind me was the sound of three thuds falling next to me. I lazily turned my head to the right to see Hank, Sean, and Alex in a similar state of fatigue.

"The...Professor...needs...a...smaller...mansion..." Sean said in between breaths, his face the color of his hair.

A chuckle managed to seep through my gasps for breath, "Nonsense," I called, pushing myself up to rest on my arms. "You just have terrible stamina, Sean," I corrected smiling.

"What did we do to deserve four laps around the mansion?" Alex groaned, before sitting up.

"Hey, your lucky I didn't make you all run five like I originally planned to," I pointed out.

"She has a point," Hank agreed, copying Alex's movement.

"Shut up Bozo,"

"Now, now. Knock it off," I called in a motherly tone, pushing myself up from the ground, "Alright boys we're done for today," I stated, stretching my arms out over my head. "Last one back at the mansion has to do the others washing for a week!" I announced dashing off towards the mansion.

As I sprinted away from the boys I could hear their cries of displeasure because of my head start towards the mansion. I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, already envisioning not having to do my washing for a week. But the sound shoes nosily slapping the gravel behind me told me that the boys were quickly catching up with me. Suddenly, a flash of red hair surged past me and I looked to my side to see a newly invigorated Sean in the lead of our little race. Sean looked back at me and gave me a wink knowing that he was mere meters away from the back door, but fate would prove otherwise.

Unfortunately for Sean he didn't notice one of the larger rocks that were strewn across the ground and tripped right before the backdoor. I easily sped past him and reached my hand out touching the door first panting heavily, but with a smile on my face. Hank and Alex followed shortly behind me just as I opened the backdoor, I looked back to see Sean dusting himself off and slowly heading to the door.

"So close, yet so far," I commented, slightly laughing as I held the door open for Sean.

"Very funny Claudia," Sean replied dryly, as he entered the mansion.

"Aren't I?" I quipped, closing the door. I walked beside Sean as we made our way down the hall and towards the kitchen. "Come on, you gotta admit it was a little funny," I suggested, pinching my finger close together.

Sean smirked at me, "Alright, it was a little funny," Sean agreed, nodding his head as we stepped into the kitchen.

"By the way I'm going to enjoy watching you do my washing this week!" I informed, mirth simply rolling off me.

I went straight for the cabinets where the cups were stored so I could quench my thirst, if I didn't get something to drink I was sure to die from a dry mouth. On my way to the cabinet I lightly hit Alex on his leg.

"Get off the counter, you're all sweaty and disgusting," I stated, walking past him and onto the cabinet.

"Yes, mom," Alex said mockingly, sliding off the counter.

"Be like Hank, he sitting in a chair at the table," I pointed out, a grin appearing on my face as I opened the cabinet door.

Reaching on my tiptoes I grabbed a cup and went to the sink to pour myself a glass of water. After I took a deep, long gulp out of water I hastily wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. Just as I went to put my glass down onto the counter Erik and Raven had walked through the doorway of the kitchen, Raven was clinging onto his arm with a grin on her face which made me raise an eyebrow. Erik mirrored Raven's expression as if they were just laughing from a joke he told before coming in here, but as soon the two of them saw me their grins vanished.

It was as if a black hole had opened in the room, sucking in all the warmth, leaving cold and emptiness. What was once a friendly atmosphere turned tense and uncomfortable. I looked at Erik and I could feel an angry bitterness swirling beneath his calm demeanor.

"What were you two doing?" I asked, breaking the silence that had blanketed over the room.

"Erik and I were training," Raven answered simply, and I just gave a nod also noting that Erik still hasn't said a word to me. I lifted my glass back to my lips to take a sip of water and just as I went to swallow Raven spoke again. "He was teaching me the best way to use my body while in combat. He said that I was quite the challenge," Raven continued, with a challenging glint in her eyes.

I nearly choked on my water and subtly spit out my drink back into cup due to the innuendo that Raven made. I set down my water, my eyes flashing dangerously and resentment coiled like a small little snake in my chest, I was getting too worked up. And then a sudden realization hit me, oh dear God. I was jealous. I know that I needed to calm down, but I couldn't hold my tongue.

"How surprising," I began, staring right at Raven. "I've always known him to take a vested interest in things he considered nice and easy," I quipped, arching my brow in response to her challenging stare.

If looks could kill, Raven would have butchered me right then and there, as she visibly flushed before turning stony and a glint of hate appearing in her eyes.

"Let's go Erik," Raven ordered, storming out the kitchen and dragging Erik along.

The silence in the kitchen was deafening, you could hear a pen drop. I looked at the shocked faces of the boys that remained in the kitchen, all of their mouths forming an 'o' shape from witnessing what just transpired.

"We're going to pretend the last five minutes never happened," I stated, before taking a sip of water.

~~~x~~~

I sighed and fell on my queen-sized bed after changing into a fresh t-shirt and sweatpants. I snuggled against the coolness of the pillows, my body relaxing against the softness of the bed. I cherished the silence in my room letting my eyes drift close as I prepared to meditate. All was well, I was at peace as my chest rose and fell with each breath I took. That was until my thoughts felt clouded and muddled, my heart flooded with a myriad of emotions, spinning in a thousand different directions. A sudden spike of self-loathing and reproach plowed through me, and returned me back into reality, trying to sort out my emotions.

I had to lower my barriers to pick apart my own feelings. A wave of uncertainty, affection, and fear sent my mind spinning. Sweat beaded my brow. I felt even normal emotions with an unnatural strength, but these threatened to render me unconscious. From somewhere below me, I stumbled out the bed wearily stood and headed toward the strangling emotions.

Being the empath that I was, I responded to those emotions even as they tried to block them out. I ventured outside my room. It was quiet in the hallway, however as I came closer to the staircase I heard a faint sound of piano keys. The melody was quiet at first but then it began to escalate further up. A crescendo and then it began to descend as I came down the stairs.

Claire de Lune.

The music did not stop as I almost stumbled down the last stair to see where the music was coming from. I finally reached the sound and slightly pushed open the door to see Erik completely engrossed in the music. I could not quite see his face as he was looking down at the keys. My heart began to race within my chest as he continued to play oblivious to me watching him. Without warning, the melody was gone and instead all I heard was a slam of keys. My head snapped up to see Erik staring right at me.

He didn't look too happy.

"I'm sorry," I whispered as I turned around to head out, but before I could reach for the door knob the door slammed shut right before me.

"Why are you here?" His voice was menacing as he stood from the bench.

My stomach flipped as he came closer to me, "I...I heard the music," I stammered, before I cleared my throat. "And I felt a spike of emotion from my room. You could kill an empath without ever coming closer than six feet, you know that, Erik?" I quipped, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere.

"Shouldn't you be with him? Shouldn't you be with Charles?" Erik asked, spitting out Charles' name like it was venom.

I lowered my head slightly and raised an eyebrow, "What's that supposed to mean?" I questioned, placing my hands on my hip.

"You know exactly what that means! I saw the two of you last night! “ Cautiously, I moved back to the wall as he inched closer and closer. He prowled toward me as if I was his prey. "The two of you dancing, kissing?" Erik hissed, he had me cornered.

A chuckle of disbelief bubbled me and that only made Erik angrier, "If all you wanted was a dance with me, then you should've just asked," I pointed out simply, my playful expression vanished when Erik slammed both his hands down on the wall behind me, literally trapping me.

"Is everything a game to you?" he hissed.

"Depending on the situation. Sometimes, I just spin the wheel and see how many spaces I’m supposed to move," I answered, cocking an eyebrow and Erik's anger rose even more, which almost suffocated me. "You're angry at me, that much is clear. As to why, I'm not sure," I said, shrugging my shoulders.

"What more do you want from me to do? Get down on my knees and confess it! Erik stared at me, emotion churning inside him.

"So, you admit it?" I could no longer keep my facial expression neutral and a small triumphant smile appeared on my lips. I ducked from underneath from Erik's arms and laughed. "Finally!" I laughed, closing my eyes and spinning around. "Oooh, Mr. Lehnsherr, is that resentment I feel burning in your chest?" I giggled, twirling once more.

The shock that radiated from Erik caused me to open my eyes again to look at the German. Erik was staring at me in astonishment, before he lurched forward and two strong calloused hands closed over my arm and my mind was flooded with emotion one particular emotion, anger.

"You've been purposefully toying with my emotions this whole time!" Erik growled, his expression livid and his blue eyes ablaze.

I scoffed giving him a once-over, "I didn't toy with your emotions. We've been flirtatious with each other since we got to the mansion," I reminded, attempting to free myself.

"So what, your affectionate embrace with Charles last night doesn't qualify as toying with me?" Erik questioned incredulously.

I leaned my face closer to Erik's, "No," I answered, pulling my face back smirking and he narrowed his eyes at me. "If you wanted to kiss me you had your opportunity yesterday in the woods," I pointed out. "If you wanted to kiss me then you should've of been a man about it and pulled me back when I went to walk away," I continued, lifting a finger to his chest. "Because you wanted to kiss me...just as badly as I wanted to kiss you," I admitted, watching the anger in his eyes briefly eclipsed as he processed what I had told him and his grip slackened.

I held his gaze a little longer, my brown eyes meeting his blue, "But you chose to pursue Charles' affection over mine. Why?" Erik asked.

"Because Charles didn't shy away from me," I answered, staring at him.

"That can be corrected," Erik remarked.

"Oh really," I retorted, cocking my head to the side, before I freed my self from his grasp and pulled away. "Erik, do you want to know another reason why I pursued Charles?" I asked, walking backwards slowly.

"I am all ears Claudia," he responded sarcastically.

"Charles has never been insincere with me, he's never tried to manipulate me," I explained, continuing to move away from Erik and ending up on the other side of the room. "I never had to second guess what his motives were," I added.

"Oh, this again?" Erik asked annoyed, frustration joining the list of emotions that emanated from him.

"Yes, this again!" I repeated. "That stunt Raven pulled in the kitchen earlier," I recalled. “The way you let her cling onto your arm with that hopeful gaze in her eyes. You’re using her massive school girl's crush on you against her," I explained, folding my arms together.

"Claudia, you would think so low of me?" Erik questioned, sliding his hands into his pockets.

"No, I just know the wicked games men can play," I answered simply, staring into his eyes searching for signs of deceit.

"Claudia, you are an assertive and observant woman, but I'm afraid you'll find no mastermind schemes here," Erik assured with a smirk that said he wasn't going to give away a thing. "You can take my word," he added.

I turned on my heel, my back facing Erik, "I am going to need a lot more than just your word, Erik," I replied with the same light tone and slight smirk.

"And what do you suggest, Miss Walker?" Erik asked right into my ear, his chest pressed up against my back.

I bit down seductively on my bottom lip, "How about you do what you were to afraid to do yesterday, Mr. Lehnsherr," I suggested, pushing off his chest and spinning around to face him. "I'll have you know second chances like this don't come by often," I breathed, staring up at him.

The two of us were so close to each other, Erik gently grabbed my face and tilted it up and as he leaned closer my heart felt like it was going to explode out of my chest. My eyes slid shut and I waited to finally feel his lips, all our flirting and dancing around each other finally leading to this. I felt breathing against my lips and then a slight pressure...but then there was a loud slam.

"Erik, Charles is looking for...you..." Raven trailed off.

I turned my head away feebly in an attempt to not show that Erik were about to kiss. I lifted my hands swiftly, palms facing outwards, softly pushing him away from me.

Erik, continued to stare at me, "Fine," he growled and moved away from me. I watched him as he ran his hand through his fine brown hair.

I nodded as I dared not look back at the man who had my heart pounding against my chest furiously.

Chapter Seventeen: Everything Falls in Place