#a thrilling second chapter nobody asked for

[sulevinen]

”I don’t want to do this.”

Alpha scoffed and patted him on the shoulder, lightly but still irritatingly enough for CT-7567 to shake the hand off.

”I know you don’t. But I think you two would be great friends.”

”I have a friend. I don’t need another.”

Alpha rolled his eyes and shook his head, not in disappointment but in amusement. At least CT-7567 hoped so.

”And Cody is a great friend to you. But I think you could use a friend who is more like you.”

”More like me?”, CT-7567 raised his eyebrows, and followed Alpha to the left, avoiding his hand trying to maneuver him.

”Yeah, like you. You’ll see.”

CT-7567 didn’t want to see. He wanted to go back to his bunk, take his datapad and hide under the covers until it was time to go to sleep. The blanket didn’t block out much of the noise his batchmates made in the room, but it did help him concentrate on the book he was reading.

Tyrannosaurus Rex, an apex predator, largest of all ancient carnivores…

CT-7567 lost himself to the thought and followed the sound of Alpha’s light footsteps. He got to page seven, which meant that the place Alpha was taking him was farther from the nearest training room than the facility next by. CT-7567 got curious and lifted his gaze from the floor, noticing that the lights had gotten dimmer and the usually loud noises of his brothers couldn’t carry on even as echoes through the vents.

”Where are we going?”, he asked, and Alpha gave him a reassuring smile.

”Don’t worry. It’s not far. It’s a secret hideout.”

”Hideout?”

Alpha hummed, and stopped in front of an unassuming door, like every other door in the facility. It was darkened by the edges by dust and what CT-7567 hoped wasn’t mold, but the air of the corridor felt moist enough to make it possible. He frowned up at Alpha, nodding at the door.

”Is that mold?”

”No”, Alpha said nonchalantly, punched the code in and smiled at him. ”Don’t worry.”

The door slid open with a slight creak, and Alpha led the way in. CT-7567 hesitated at the door a bit, but decided to trust Alpha and went inside. Alpha had lit the lights up, and they beamed from the ceiling white and cold like everything else on Kamino. CT-7567 looked around him, seeing nothing out of the ordinary for a simple room, but it was oddly empty and quiet.

”What is this place?”, he asked, looking out the window where the never-ending storm raged in the distance.

”This is the secret hideout”, Alpha said, but clarified at CT-7567’s angry frown, ”it’s an old bedroom I emptied and cleaned, to your standards.” Alpha had a weird expression on his face, something between smug and humble, but CT-7567 couldn’t remember what it was called in the book.

”I actually don’t know if it was a bedroom or an office or a medbay”, Alpha started rambling, moving around as if seeing the place for the first time. ”I found it with my batchmates when I was still a kid, even younger than you. And so far I don’t know if anyone else has been here. It was filled with junk and dirt and spiders, but I cleaned it for you.”

”For me?”, CT-7567 asked, and Alpha nodded.

”For you, and for your new friend.”

CT-7567 crossed his arms. ”Stop calling him my new friend.”

Alpha lifted his arms up, like surrendering, but not in a real way. Wolffe did it a lot when Cody was starting to get really angry at him, which just made Cody more pissed off. CT-7567 wasn’t really sure what was the point of it, but he guessed by what he had observed, that it was a false surrender to make the opponent calm down.

”I am calm”, he said, mostly to himself, and tapped his leg with his fingers. Alpha let out a chuckle and cleared his throat, making CT-7567’s shoulders instantly tense and go up his ears.

”Okay, hang out here for a bit, I’ll be right back. That okay with you?”, Alpha smiled at him, and CT-7567 gave him an uncertain nod. He really didn’t want Alpha to leave him alone, because usually it meant that people came to bully him, but this time by the sound of it, nobody could find him here. It didn’t make him any more relaxed though, and when he watched Alpha disappear behind the closed door, he wanted to run after him.

He’d just have to stay calm. He kept tapping his leg with his fingers, and looked outside, gently humming. The sound resonated nicely in his throat, and his voice wasn’t bad either. It was in perfect tune with the actual song from the holonet, and Cody had told him it was because he had perfect pitch. CT-7567 was yet to search on his datapad what it meant, because every time he meant to do it, it managed to slip his mind.

He sighed and sat down by the window, following the raindrops with his eyes. There were probably millions of them on the surface of the glass, all racing down, merging with each other or ceasing their trip completely. CT-7567 felt the static in his head quiet down the longer he stared at them, and he almost forgot the anxiety he was feeling about the new kid he’d have to meet. Almost.

The silence around him got disturbed by quiet chatter and footsteps outside the door, and CT-7567 hung his head low, preparing himself for meeting his ”new friend”.

The door opened with a creak, and at the sound of two sets of footsteps, CT-7567 raised his head and faced the cadet. He was glued to Alpha’s side, eyes flickering from CT-7567’s hair to his uniform, slightly squinting. When CT-7567 looked directly at his face, his eyes strayed away towards another direction.

He supposed this was CC-1010.

”This is CT-7567”, Alpha said, and CT-7567 got up, stood as straight as he could, and attempted to make eyecontact, but his eyes settled on CC-1010’s eyebrows.

CC-1010 looked up at Alpha, frowning slightly, and Alpha answered with a smile.

”He’s like you. His brain is wired the same way as yours: a little differently than the rest of us. I think you’d get along just fine.”

CT-7567 glanced from Alpha to CC-1010, seriously considering if Alpha knew CT-7567 at all. They were not the same.

”We’re not the same”, he decided to tell him, ”similar, but not the same.”

Alpha gave him a nod and stepped forward, attempting to take both of them by their shoulders, but like CT-7567, CC-1010 also avoided his touch. CT-7567 took a step forward just to not be so difficult, and looked at CC-1010 from below his eyebrows. His shoulders were tense, hands squeezed into tight fists and gaze on the ground: hardly eager to have a new friend either. CT-7567 glanced at Alpha, trying to look as disapproving as possible, but Alpha just kept talking his nonsense.

”I know that. But you’re more similar to each other than you’re to me or the other cadets. I thought this way you could have some company, maybe help each other with tasks and training, and maybe, maybe become friends.” Alpha looked sternly at CT-7567, and his fight or flight urge kicked in. He didn’t need any more friends. Cody was plenty, Cody was enough. He didn’t want any more friends. CT-7567 was sure Cody would agree with him if he was there. He decided to ask him later, so he could talk some sense into Alpha.

CT-7567 kept frowning at CC-1010, and he started looking more uncomfortable as the seconds went by. He faced the corner of the room, and Alpha humphed as he looked back at CT-7567.

”He’s always frowning. Nothing personal.”

Well, CT-7567 surely took that as personal.

CC-1010 kept looking away, and Alpha signaled CT-7567 to sit. He did, after giving him an angry glare, and kept staring at CC-1010, expecting him to turn around and sit as well, so they could begin whatever dumb activities Alpha had planned.

”Take your time”, Alpha spoke to CC-1010, and then leaned towards CT-7567: ”He’s a little shy. Why don’t you think about dinosaurs for a while?”

That CT-7567 was happy to do. He lowered his head, folded his hands on his lap, and fanned through his memory to get to page seven of his book. It was about Tyrannosaurus Rex’s diet, one of CT-7567’s favorite subjects.

After a moment which felt too short for thinking about the T-Rex, he heard a deep inhale and concentrated his eyes on CC-1010, who sat down as he exhaled.

”Easy now”, Alpha said, and CT-7567 glanced at him: he was being easy. He was being as easy as he could. It was up to CC-1010 if they could carry on with the start of their great friendship.

Alpha laid his hands on the floor, and CC-1010 copied him, eyes on the ground and rapidly blinking. CT-7567 dropped his head as well and got back to his book, but felt something tinge his forehead, and lifted his head to stare at CC-1010. He immediately looked away at Alpha.

”OK. You’re both okay now, yeah?”, Alpha said with a smile.

Then he cleared his throat suddenly, and CT-7567’s hands flinched instantly on his ears despite his efforts to make himself stop. He felt his cheeks and ears get hot and he looked down at the floor, hiding his hands in his lap.

”It’s OK.” Alpha kept saying that. It clearly wasn’t okay. They were in a strange room, that was too quiet and filled with static noise, covered in mold and had just been a residence to spiders. And he had to share it with this new cadet that was supposed to become his new friend. It was not okay.

Alpha tapped the ground next to CT-7567’s knee to get his attention, and he reluctantly complied. ”Like I said. You’re both okay. This is a safe space, like we discussed. Here you don’t have to hide your stims.”

CT-7567 gave him a quick nod and started picking at the palm of his hand. It had been opened and scarred and reopened and rescarred multiple times, by CT-7567’s nervous habit alone, and his trainer’s didn’t like it at all: but Alpha had approved, and Cody didn’t mind. So it was fine.

CT-7567 kept staring at the ground, thinking back to the memories of the times he had been at medbay, scolded by the medics and Kaminoans for ruining his skin. After the tenth visit, about nine too many, Cody had exploded at the medic and decided that from that moment forward he’d patch CT-7567’s hand whenever needed.

CT-7567 could always trust Cody. Everything would be okay as long as Cody was there.

He wanted Cody, now. Nothing was okay. Not this weird new stranger, not Alpha who forced him to make new friends, not this room that smelled like mold and spiderwebs. He wanted out.

He opened his mouth to tell that to Alpha, when he noticed that CC-1010 was hitting his hips with his eyes closed. CT-7567 tilted his head at him in confusion, then remembered that they were supposed to be stimming. CT-7567 glanced at Alpha who sat his eyes closed as well, and decided that disturbing the quiet moment of peace wouldn’t be looked at kindly by either of them. So CT-7567 decided to suck it up and close his eyes.

He started tapping his knees lightly with his fingertips, and almost involuntarily his body started slightly swaying from side to side. CT-7567 never quite knew why his body did that without him telling it to, but it was calming and helped him with the static in his head that came from silence. It quiets the quiet, he used to tell Cody, who didn’t really understand, but smiled at CT-7567 anyway. Like he always did.

CT-7567 slowed down his breathing, and listened to the raindrops and Alpha’s breathing in the room, and tried to ignore the sound CC-1010 was making. He opened his other eye a bit to see what in the universe he was doing that was so loud, but he was still hitting his hips with the faintest hint of a smile on his face. CT-7567 lifted his eyebrows and closed his eyes, keeping his mouth shut.

He wanted to feel happy too. He guessed that was what CC-1010 was feeling, why else would he be smiling? CT-7567 frowned and took a steady breath, his thoughts wandering through the many books he had memorized, and the songs Cody had played for him from the holonet.

One of them was his ultimate favorite. It was slow, it had a nice beat to it, a low bass sound and instruments that sounded like flutes. He started humming it quietly under his breath, adjusting his body’s movements to the melody and tapped the beat with his fingers.

He liked music. It was the only way to keep the static in his head to a minimum. It helped him concentrate, and remember things, and relax. It was soothing to his senses, it made the twitch of his hand more regulated as he listened to the beat of the drums, and sometimes he felt like he could almost see it as golden strings or sharp green peaks, like in a heart monitor, depending on it’s pace. He thought that music looked just as calming as it sounded.

Alpha’s quiet voice mumbled something in the background, but CT-7567 wasn’t ready to let go. He kept playing the song on loop, feeling it flow around him and through him and take his anxiety away. He shook off the weight from his shoulders, and the fatigue from keeping the stress in for so long finally overtook him, but he was able to relax and let it settle in his bones once he got to the end of the song.

The ground trembled under him and he heard Alpha laugh. He opened his eyes, very slowly, and faced CC-1010 again. His cheeks were slightly glistening, and his eyes weren’t as squinty and anxious anymore.

”You ready?”, Alpha asked, placing his hand on the ground next to CT-7567’s knee.

CT-7567 blinked. ”For… what?”, he asked, a slight stutter in his words.

”For sleep”, Alpha smiled, and got up as CT-7567 and CC-1010 glanced at each other simultaneosly. CC-1010 looked puzzled, mirroring CT-7567’s expression.

CT-7567 tried to collect his thoughts. ”You- we- we did all this, and now- sleep?” CT-7567 got up and dusted his pants, ”I thought that we’d-”

”You’re both tired, no? If you feel like it we can train or do math-”

”No thank you”, CT-7567 cut him off, and noticed a smile spreading on CC-1010’s lips. CT-7567 raised his eyebrows at him, and prided himself in getting someone to smile. Usually he wasn’t a fun or nice person to be around, but CC-1010 smiled at him, without having to tell him a single word.

It made CT-7567 feel a little less alone, so he offered his hand for CC-1010 to grab, and he did, shortly, before dusting his pants and getting in line with CT-7567 in front of Alpha.

”I’m proud of you two. I know it was just a few minutes in a closed space but- this is the first step into unlearning your mindset towards stimming. It feels good, doesn’t it? I saw how you both easened up, relaxed.”

CT-7567 chest bubbled with joy and an odd feeling of sadness. Finally, someone was proud of him for who he was, and was happy he had a way to relax himself. CT-7567 bit his cheeks to stop himself from getting emotional. The more you cry the more it hurts, the trainers’ voices echoed in his ears.

He glanced at CC-1010, who was looking at him, and he shrugged. CC-1010 copied him and opened his mouth for the first time.

”Yes. It felt nice.” CC-1010’s voice was so strained and quiet that CT-7567 wondered if he used it at all. CT-7567 nodded to his words in complete agreement, thinking it was even more than nice.

It was freeing.

”This room is for you two. I’ll make sure that you have your space and peace, so that you can do whatever, whenever, when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, or just want to be alone. You can also meet up here, if you ever need to, OK? This is for you two, only. I promise.”

CT-7567 glanced at CC-1010 and nodded, and CC-1010 took a deep breath and nodded back with a small smile. CT-7567 tried to reciprocate his clear message of amicability, but could only lift his eyebrows.

”Just us?”, CT-7567 frowned at Alpha to forget his bad attempt at smiling.

”Just you.”

CT-7567 looked around the empty room and felt distraught by it’s emptiness and complete isolation. He didn’t like being alone in it, not even with Alpha, and he didn’t know CC-1010 well enough to feel completely comfortable.

”Will we- will we be- could-”, CT-7567 started, trying to find his words. ”Could- Cody-”

”If you want to, you can ask someone to come with you. Mainly I meant this as a… secret lair of sorts, so that the Longnecks won’t find out what you’re doing. The trainers too. So, try to keep it lowkey, OK?”

”Okay”, CT-7567 said, next to him CC-1010 nodded. Alpha smiled as he turned around. ”Come on. I’ll take you to bed. And- remember, keep this a secret, OK? If a non-brother asks, you’re here to receive extra training. Understood?”

”Okay”, CT-7567 and CC-1010 said in perfect sync.

Part 1

[luvt0kki]

𝟎𝟎𝟏 | 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞

She don't give a fuck about nobody

And she got her whole crew poppin'

And she bend it over like she got no back bone

🎧 six feet under - the weekend

⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧ s.w.m masterlist ୨୧⋆ ˚｡⋆ taglist ⋆ ˚｡⋆ ୨୧

001 | next

pairings : ot8 x reader, (with a focus on Mingi and Wooyoung this chapter)

wc: 7.2k ( not fully proofread yet so sorry for any mistakes 🥺)

cw: mature themes, MINORS DO NOT INTERACT, clubbing, alcohol, futuristic stuff that I had to google cause it’s been years since I watched Star Wars or scifi movies, nud1ty, hints of violence, hints of crime, slow burn, eventual smut, lots of teasing, reader is referred to with she/her pronouns and y/n, fembodied reader, mentions of segss work ( mostly just stripping), hints of violence

REMINDER : my works do not represent the irl members in any way, this is purely a work of FICTION.

a/n: this is long I know 😭 but YES, look forward to part 2! Also I would really appreciate and enjoy like your thoughts in the replies or in my ask box hehe we can fangirl together for what’s to come

The former noble turned galactic nomad sighed as he stared out at the endless darkness littered with twinkling stars that maybe was a part of another system. It wasn’t that he found his life on the spaceship boring, in fact, he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

When his childhood best friend and also former crowned prince of their home planet, Jupiter, showed up after a year of escaping and denying the future laid out for him by the King, he had to know what he was up to. He had to talk to him and hear all about the life outside their planet and without the protection of their standing, the dangers, the perils, the thrill of the unknown and more.

Wooyoung then had not believed that his best friend, glowing with the freedom he had given himself, was right there in the bustling city’s downtown market. He had thought he had hallucinated and mistook the cloaked figure to be someone else but when his feet carried him to follow him, he was able to confirm that it was indeed his best friend.

Their reunion gave Wooyoung a chance at the same freedom Yeosang had sought after and a chance at meeting the band of brothers that he found that shared the same ideals. On his own volition without even consulting the Captain of the crew that Yeosang had become a part of, he decided that he was going with his best friend. Plus, what better way to create a reputation for himself as former noble turned space pirate? He liked how that sounded.

Which leads us now to the present…

Now he was part of one of the most revered and hunted group of pirates of the galaxy. Not what he had in mind really but he liked the life. The thrill, the danger and the excitement of it all. The not being told to act a certain way nor have his whole life planned to every second.

Was he buddy buddy with a bunch of rogue, violent and defiant pirates? Yup. He was one now too and the crew were like his brothers.

Sure he’s only known them for six months but there’s only so much you could do in a ship when you travel from one planet to the next, never ever really having a permanent dock. The ship was their home, his home…and the members of this crew were friends that he felt he was fated to meet.

But he hasn’t met one person of the crew…and he didn’t know that.

“Woo. Wake up. ” A firm hand shook him by the shoulder “We just docked at Xileon.” The calm and pleasing voice of their youngest slowly being heard in his ears as he gained consciousness.

“X-Xileon?” Wooyoung muttered, brows furrowing as his eyes blinked and squinted, adjusting to the soft light coming from his open door.

“Yeah, little fun rest stop. Well fun for me,” Jongho chuckled, excited to see all the cool technology and city life Xileon offered. He’s only ever been once when he had been an apprentice. Xileon was every science, engineering and tech geeks favorite planet, other than that the bustling fun night life it offered attracted all kinds of travelers across the galaxy. “C’mon, Captain says we’re free to do what we want while he contacts one of his informants.”

“What if I want to sleep, Jongho?” Wooyoung whined, sitting up despite his words.

“I know you’re always up for a party.”

“Now where did you hear that from?”

“Yeosang.” He shrugged, getting up from the edge of Wooyoung’s bed. “Come on, everyone’s going .” He clapped the raven haired man on the back, the impact making a little ‘oof’ escape Wooyoung.

“Yeah…yeah,” Wooyoung made a face, rubbing the back of his neck as he woke up. “I’ll be there…just wait a bit. Let me freshen up.”

“Don’t make us wait too long,” Jongho’s lips pursed in a childlike way, making Wooyoung chuckle a bit. As strong and intimidating as Jongho was, he was still their youngest and had an inner child that came out now and then.

“I won’t…I don’t want an earful from you anyways,” he snickered, playfully jabbing at him.

Jongho glared at him before leaving.

Xileon was a colorful fluorescent modern, futuristic jungle of a planet. The most high tech flying vehicles and motorcycle cruisers sped by the roads and streets, the avant-garde and neo-futuristic skyscrapers and buildings glimmered during the lively evenings of *Night City*. Clubs and the grandest of parties happened every night. The pounding music, the flashing lights and glittering champagne, and the vast choices of alcoholic concoctions called many for a good time but underneath all of that, it provided many individuals a guise to have dealings of a far more less than lawful nature.

If you’re lucky, Night City’s police would turn a blind eye. Just make sure you don’t get caught or were one of the most hunted wanted individuals of the galaxy.

Luckily for ATEEZ, they were never really caught…except for that one really disappointing and poor depiction of Mingi’s profile that was being plastered in every back alley or lamp post. It was a good thing it looked nothing like him and that that day, Mingi had been wearing an oversized leather cowboy hat that casted a shadow over his eyes so the wanted poster was practically useless. All Mingi had to do was not wear that hat ever again…he grumbled about it for a bit but he had let it go eventually.

The eight men stood in line for one of the top venues to experience the night life the city offered.

While their Captain and First Mate were here to do conduct business, the rest decided to enjoy the establishment as well as make sure they were there should anything go south. But as they entered, guided by a bouncer with a metallic high tech prosthetic arm, Hongjoong dressed in an exquisite Aegean velvet suit tailored to his frame like a glove, turned to them once more to remind them that this whole affair was likely not to be any trouble.

“Don’t worry too much and try to enjoy yourselves,” he ran his fingers through his dyed azure hair before adjusting the lapels of his blazer, some tipsy club goers passing by to leave eyed their captain’s slightly exposed skin. The rest of them garnered looks as well the more they walked into the place, the music pounding and colored lights flashing. “If anything,” he tapped by his ear, earrings glimmering as they’re caught in the lights, the little communication device Jongho fashioned for them hidden behind his and their earlobes. “I’ll call you.”

“But, really, please do enjoy yourselves.” Seonghwa smiled, raven dark hair sweeping perfectly to frame his handsome face. “We rarely get days like these. Have fun.”

The newest addition to their crew grinned like a cat who got the cream, eyes looking over the dance floor with a glint of mischief and the full intent to indulge himself in pleasures he was used to having. “Don’t worry, Seonghwa. I plan to do just that.” He winked at the women who looked his way.

“Oh, he’s in his element.” Yeosang chuckled, throwing an arm over his best friend. “Don’t get into that kind of trouble, Woo.”

“It’s trouble they want anyways.”

“Were you always this cocky?” Mingi’s nose scrunched up at his friend’s obnoxiously flirty behavior.

“Don’t act like you’re not a flirt when you want to be.” Yunho teased the crew’s gunner, poking his side.

“I know I said to have fun,” Hongjoong spoke as they made their way through the spread wide and lively establishment, passing several tables, booths and private rooms. “But do behave.”

That was their last exchange with the group before Seonghwa and him continued down towards the part of the club with another set of bouncers that led to the private and premium rooms. Straight to business while the rest stood by the railings that overlooked the dance floor and bar below, eyeing what entertainment tonight had to offer each of them.

“You’re awfully quiet.” Jongho turned to San, their agent, who stayed close to them, rather protectively, almost like a bodyguard. His posture was straight yet elegant with an air of quiet and unquestionable confidence, almost making one think that he may have come from royalty.

“Places like these…” San’s cat like eyes scanned the room, processing possible exits and blind spots. “Can’t be too careful.”

“Maybe some alcohol in your system will help loosen you up.” Wooyoung came to his side, eyes on the dance floor eying for a partner for one night, the ocean of people reminding him of the days he’d sneak out his father’s manor to party with the other elites.

“He doesn’t hold his liquor well,” Jongho stated, crossing his arms over his chest, a group of what seemed to be innovators, inventors and scientists out to have a good time catching his eye as one of them boasted their interactive hologram that displayed a model of an advanced hover cycle. “I’ll be doing some mingling.” He clapped Yeosang on his back as he made his way to the group cooly while simultaneously getting a shot from a hostess passing by.

“Seems like he’s done this before. Not so baby as I thought he was,” Wooyoung hummed with narrow eyes, watching Jongho easily join the groups conversation and a random woman sizing him up flirtatiously.

“We should get a table,” Yeosang suggested.

“A booth.” San inputted. “Specifically in that corner.” He gestured with a tilt of his head to the far right corner of the dance floor below. “I can keep an eye on things there better.”

“To give Sannie some peace of mind, we should follow his request.” Yunho placed his hands on their agents broad and stiff shoulders.

“I’ll get us drinks.” Mingi decided, heading down the aesthetically pleasing steps to the bar. His tall, muscular figure was clad in a fitting white shirt with sleeves rolled to his elbows topped with a vest that cinched at his waist, boasting his defined v-tapered back. Little did the people who gave him double takes knew, beneath the leg of his trousers, strapped to his ankle was a knife and at the back of the waistband was a gun.

With Yeosang’s charm, the boys were able to secure the corner table booth that was a bit further away from the dance floor, it was private and one that definitely were for VIPs. What they liked was that it was close enough to where the party was but far enough that they can speak to one another while the music drummed at a less overwhelming volume. San sat took his spot on the dark violet cushioned seat that gave him a view of all the exits and entrances and for now, since it was just the start of a long fun night, they decided to have a couple of drinks and some food while enjoying each others company and the music.

“You need to relax,” Wooyoung tutted at San, unbuttoning another button of his shirt to expose more of his honey skinned chest. “When was the last time you fucked, huh?” He asked the former assassin.

“W-what?” San stuttered, eyes growing wide and ears tinting pink at the sudden question. For such an intimidatingly handsome man, he sure flustered easily.

Yunho looked over at San with concern, the last time San had been with anyone…was before Wooyoung had joined the crew…before—

“You never really told me your type?” Wooyoung wiggled his groomed brows, relaxing in his seat as he watched people dance, bodies pressing against one another, some fitting perfectly and rolling in tandem with whomever they danced with.

Yeosang quietly observed his friends, savoring each sip of his drink and mindful of their interactions.

“I-I don’t have a type.” San murmured, reaching for a glass from the tray Mingi returned with, who settled next Yunho on the other end of the couch.

“San’s not really the sleeping around kind of person,” Mingi’s deep voice almost melded with the low hum of the bass music.

“And you are?” Wooyoung scoffed at their gunner, his newly dyed pink hair catching the eyes of those that passed by them.

“Pleasure is pleasure,” Mingi shrugged his broad shoulders, ringed fingers cradling his whiskey sour. “But,” he reached for one of the thinner silver chains around his neck. He pulled out a specific one with a pendant. “I’m a loyal man.”

San stared at the pendant, a wave of melancholy washing over him as he recalled memories of who that butterfly pendant belonged to and who it signified.

“You’ve got someone?” Wooyoung’s interest was piqued immediately, forgetting the women he had been eying across the dance floor and now staring at the pendant that Mingi displayed proudly and pressed to his lips.

His smirk was answer enough for Wooyoung.

“It must be hard for them.”

Yeosang tilted his head. “Why’d you think that?”

“Because we’re rebels, bandits/pirates? Shall I go on and list the colorful achievements of our crew? Plus,” he turned his gaze to the dance floor, locking with a pair of eyes so magnetic that even behind the intricate lace masque she wore, just a small moment had him looking for them when he lost it. “Isn’t it cruel to make her wait?”

Mingi’s reaction caught Wooyoung off guard. He scoffed with a slight amused smirk on his face, as if what Wooyoung had said was funny.

“She’s not doing all the waiting.” San spoke without thinking before Mingi could reply, his eyes transfixed on the pendant until it disappeared back beneath Mingi’s shirt. His eyes returned to observe the happenings around him.

Wooyoung wondered what San meant but he didn’t have enough time to think much of it when another round of drinks arrived.

As the night progressed, the drinks emptied were quickly refilled and Wooyoung danced, mingled and flirted like he did back in his old life. Seonghwa and Hongjoong after having met with their informants had joined them at their table, while Wooyoung and even Yeosang danced, the rest deciding to play a game of pool.

Wooyoung was not blind to the wandering eyes that were on him and his very attractive crew members. Many flirted with them but it was never more than that. His friends entertained their advances but were quick to turn them down when they asked or suggested for more.

But he didn’t worry much about it, not when he was searching for that pair of eyes he locked with earlier. Where was she? He would catch glimpses of her now and again but she was always a distance away from him, and every time he tried to head to her direction and he lost her in his peripheral, she was gone.

Was he hallucinating ? He wasn’t even that drunk.

Soft fingers brushed the nape of neck, nails scraping delightfully on his skin. He knew what that meant. Grinning and letting himself go, he turned to entertain another flirty party goer, only to meet the masked beauty he was searching for all night.

Sporting what clearly was a shoulder length pink bob wig with bangs, her eyes were hidden behind a white lace masque and she wore the most alluring Mona Lisa smile that haunted his mind since he had seen her.

Wooyoung with his experiences back in his and Yeosang’s home planet, girls like her, like you, who came to happenings like this dressed almost incognito, meant that you were here for a very good time that not even your identity can be disclosed.

He smirked and placed his hands on your waist, pleasantly surprised to feel warm skin against his palms. With how packed the dance floor was, he couldn’t really get a good look of your outfit but from what he could see, you wore a bejeweled bralette with straps that were lined with tiny crystals and brushing over his knuckles as you both swayed were long beaded shimmering strings hanging by the band.

So who were you? Some elite socialite whose reputation was too good to ruin in a scene like this? A noble like he was looking for a good time? A princess of some other planet?

“Hey,” your sultry voice, like honey to his ears. “My eyes are up here.”

Your arms hung over his shoulders, giving the handsome stranger a quick look down as if you hadn’t been observing him all night.

The buttons of his black silk dress shirt revealed his toned chest, honey skin glistening with a thin sheen of sweat beneath the party lights and his pretty neck was wrapped in a matching silk black choker with the extra fabric dangling in a classy fashion.

“And mine are up here too,” he teased back and pulled you against him. “I’ve been looking for you.”

“Oh?” Glossy pink lips stretched into a smirk and shimmering eyes locked with his. “And why would you be doing that?”

“Because I’ve decided,” he turned you around, his hands on your hips keeping you in place against his own as the two of you danced to the music. His lips were hot against your ear while your hand rested on the back of his neck, rolling your hips sensually. Wooyoung smirked against your ear.

You wanted him just as much as he did.

“That you’re mine for the evening.”

“Yeah?” You tilted your head slightly to give him access to your neck, your eyes falling to his group of friends by the pool table.

“Not everyone gets that privilege, baby.” He husked, brushing his soft and hot lips along the column of your neck, breathing in your addicting scent.

Wooyoung wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol and the heat of the dancing crowd that was getting him so easily riled up but something about your aura was so magnetic and intoxicating. Was it because he hasn’t slept with anyone since he left Jupiter?

“Well aren’t you arrogant.” You raked your nails through his hair, shivers going down his spine and sending pulsing heat to his crotch. “Was that supposed to flatter me?”

His eyes shut at the delicious sensation of your touch. He wanted to get you alone, heck, he would have you on the dance floor if he could. He almost forgot how good it was to fuck after months of traveling the galaxy. He wanted to fuck. He wanted you.

“Don’t lie to yourself and say you’re not.” He brushed his lips on your earlobe, his hot breath against your ear and the way his hands roamed your body felt good.

God, how did his friends put up with his cocky flirty attitude?

“Is that what you want me to do?” You rolled your hips against his, completely aware of the growing hardness pressed against your ass as he ground his hips to the music. “Lie?”

“Trust me sweetheart, there’s many things I want you to do.”

“And what are those things?” You purred whilst tugging at his hair, your voice and your gesture spurring his desire further.

He gripped your hips tighter and lowered his lips to your neck, to the spot just below your ear. He pulled you closer to his body to feel the heat of your form on his own before letting his hands roam freely again, feeling the exposed skin beneath the beaded strings that teased every spectators eyes.

“I want you,” he growled against your skin, pressing his lips just a little bit. “Legs spread apart with my head between your thighs.”

The warmth of his hot lips and the lust in his words undeniably sent heat to your core, and the image he painted with his words was so tempting. Plus, the fact that that was his response set him apart from other men. Usually the response you’d get were more about their pleasure never yours.

You hummed at the thought before turning around to face him and meet his eyes. He wore that flirtatious grin and his eyes were blown with lust. They had a look in them that you found so sexy, you couldn’t help but play a little.

“You’re very bold.”

“I’m honest.”

“And what’s an honest man such as yourself doing here?” You caressed his cheekbone with a gentleness that made Wooyoung’s heart skip a beat.

“What do you know about honest men?”

“Well for one, they don’t spend their time in a place like this.” You swayed to the beat closer to him. “Secondly, an honest man always ends up with an honest woman. I’m far from honest.”

“Then maybe we’re just two dishonest people.”

He watched your pretty lips stretch into an endearing grin, their glossiness and plumpness pulling him closer to you.

“Maybe we are.” Your sweet breath fanned over his lips, your foreheads touching, so dangerously close.

“I wonder what you taste like.” His thumbs caressed the skin of your waist.

You grazed your lips over his just a little and Wooyoung could get a little taste of cherry from the gloss you wore while you slid a hand between the two of you. Your fingertip brushed along the exposed skin of his chest then the silk of his button up shirt before they lingered at the waistband of his trousers. Before he could even think about pressing his lips on yours, you turned your cheek and leaned in his ear. Your right hand skimmed over the hardness of his crotch, making a cute little gasp escape the strikingly handsome man.

His cock twitched beneath your teasing touch.

“Like heaven,” you purred.

His forehead fell on your shoulder as he bit his lip, holding back a moan as you palmed him through his pants.

“But…” your touch left his hardened member, the loss of friction making him groan. “Not everyone gets that privilege.” You echoed his words back to him.

Before he could react, his head dizzy and spinning from both the alcohol and your hot touch, you slithered your way through the crowd.

His eyes watched the pink of your hair amongst the dancing and close proximity of people. You headed to the back, to the dark red velvet decorated motif which was below the second floor where the premium private rooms were. You nodded at the two bouncers who guarded the velvet draped entrance, who smiled back at you.

Did you work here?

Before you disappeared behind the curtains to what he assumed was the private entertainment rooms, you casted him one last glance. It was like you were telling him to follow.

Wooyoung wasn’t the type to be whipped by just anyone. He knew what was worth his time or not but with you, he wasn’t even thinking. His feet moved on their own to follow you like he was under some spell.

“Hey, I found you.”

Jongho entered his peripheral.

“Huh?”

“Captain said his informant got us a private room as a treat.” Jongho’s hand on his shoulder started to guide him through the crowd, towards the dark glowing red area.

“For what?”

“For taking care of the man who was his competition. Even though that wasn’t our intention.”

Wooyoung frowned, adjusting his pants to hide his erection. Not really how he wanted to spend the rest of his night but if Captain calls, you do not make him call twice.

“Ugh,” he ran his hands through his hair, missing and imagining your touch. “Fine.”

If he was lucky, he was going to find you…

“This is…odd.” San spoke, sat on the curved plush couch between Yeosang and Mingi of the rather compact red room with just enough space for ten people.

“Why is that?” Jongho asked, pouring himself another drink, the golden liquid in his glass like honey.

Hongjoong made himself comfortable at his spot on the left curve of the couch, legs crossed classily as his eyes stared at the empty little platform in the center of the room, the silver pole glowing cause of the mood lights..

“Isn’t entertainment like this supposed to be for one set of eyes?” San wondered out loud.

It’s not that he hasn’t ever experienced this before. He has. It’s just more private when it’s him and the performer. He never thought of doing an activity with his friends…though they have indulged in some acts on the ship when a certain someone was around.

“Yeosang and I used to do this all the time,” Wooyoung shrugged nonchalantly, making his best friend’s eyes widen at how he threw that info out so easily. “Oh c’mon, they don’t care about your Perfect Prince Yeosang reputation.”

Mingi chuckled at their interaction and Wooyoung narrowed his eyes at his friend.

“Why are you here? Aren’t you a loyal man? Now I feel even sadder for your girlfriend.”

“I’m not worried about that,” Mingi pushed his black shades up higher to shield his eyes. “I am a loyal man cause no matter what, no one can compare to her. I wouldn’t be in this room if Captain’s informant wasn’t a dickhead who will take offense if not all of us accepts his ‘treat’.”

“Also, this club has a policy of not touching the dancers unless they consent,” Seonghwa added. “We just enjoy the show the lovely lady assigned to us will put on, tip her extra and that’s it.”

“And we can’t just leave why?” San sighed, leaning back and crossing his arms over his chest.

“Because the informants goons will report back to him if we turn down his gift,” Yunho explained, knowing the character of that rich man all too well. “Hongjoong still needs to be on his good side til he gets information of the location of the Cromer.”

A soft knock on the door silenced them and all that could be heard now was the vibrating hum of the music that played in the room.

“Boys,” Hongjoong spoke lowly, casting them a glance. “Play nice.”

Jongho raised his glass at that, leaning back into the other end of the curved seat.

“Good evening, gentlemen.”

Wooyoung stopped breathing. No fucking way.

Too lost in his own surprise of coincidence, he wasn’t able to catch the way his crew mates interest were suddenly piqued.

With you only being the one standing, Wooyoung was able to see you in your full glory. The purple lilac bralette bedazzled with sequins cupped your breasts so perfectly and the crystal beaded strings caught the fluorescent light in a way that made you shimmer and appear like a goddess. Behind the curtain of beads, all of them could see your naked skin but compared to when Wooyoung had danced with you earlier, the silk mini skirt you wore was gone.

Feeling all their eyes on you, you smiled coyly at their Captain, stepping your foot onto the circle platform in the middle of the room, showing off the skin of your legs that were elongated by your silver heels.

“Shall I get started then?” You asked, running a finger from your ankle to the purple garter on your thigh, aware of how their eyes followed the trail of your chrome lilac painted nails.

“It’s you.” Wooyoung breathed out, eyes tracing the waistband of the sorry excuse of an underwear that matched your bralette. It was tiny and flimsy, and almost left nothing to the imagination, except for what your pussy would look like. Wooyoung wanted to know.

Yunho glanced at his friend. How did he know you?

“Oh? Well if it isn’t, Mr. Arrogant.” You gracefully stepped your whole body onto the platform, circling around the pole while playing with the little crystal studded purse you brought with you.

Your words made Jongho chuckle.

“You work here?” It was a dumb question, Wooyoung knew that.

“What does it look like?” You shrugged your shoulders cutely before throwing your tiny purse to the curved platform behind them where you could play around some more if you wanted to.

“How long have you been working here?” Hongjoong asked, taking your attention from Wooyoung.

Smiling his way, you slowly sunk to your knees and ran your hand on your left thigh where your purple lace garter was.

The man before you smirked knowing what you were silently telling him.

Hongjoong dug into the inner pocket of his blazer and in between his fingers was a 50 Zaire bill. He leaned forward and without touching your skin, slipped the bill beneath the garter.

“Three months.” You answered him, sensually getting up to lean against the pole with your arms over your head, elongating your body for their viewing pleasure.

“I like your wig.” Jongho commented, eying you with a knowing gaze.

“Thank you.”

Wooyoung watched as you moved seductively on the pole, unaware of how San became completely relaxed and excited at the same time.

“Does all of this turn you on?” Wooyoung asked, eyes raking your body and feeling his throat dry at how drawn he was to you.

“Sometimes.” You purred nonchalantly, bending over a little to show the arch of your pretty back before expertly twirling around the pole.

“Earlier…were you lying to me?” He leaned forward, elbows on his thighs as he tried to meet your gaze.

“No.” You replied, locking eyes with the man in the middle whose hair matched your wig.

He lowered his shades close to the end of his nose, his eyes locking with yours and sending a shiver down your spine.

“You’re a good dancer. I had fun.” You admitted still looking at the tall man before you even though you were addressing Wooyoung.

“Are you having fun now?” San asked, surprising Wooyoung that he was interacting with you, his cat like eyes set on you and no one else.

“Because I’m here with eight handsome men rather than the sleazy ones? Yes I’m having fun.” You stepped your heel onto the plush couch, the men making space for you as you stood between Mingi and Wooyoung, your gaze down at Mingi who looked at you with stars in his eyes while the one behind you, going crazy with desire let his eyes wander.

Placing your hand delicately on Mingi’s shoulder, you slowly bent over, giving Wooyoung and Jongho the view of the back of your legs, your ass and your clothed cunt.

“I thought there’s a no touching rule.” Yeosang spoke, feeling himself grow hot, knowing the body his seeing all too well.

“I can touch any of you while I do my business since that’s what I was paid for but none of you can touch me unless I say so. So keep your hands to yourselves unless you’re putting a bill under the garter.”

You traced your finger along the side of your thigh, knowing full well that Wooyoung was watching your every move more intently than the others.

“Are you flirting with us?” Wooyoung licked his lips, mind racing with thoughts of kissing and feeling your skin.

“Maybe.” You winked at Mingi, making him smirk.

“Are you allowed to flirt with us?” Yunho asked this time and you moved to perch yourself on the platform/back rest of the couch.

“Yes I can flirt with you,” you nodded, placing your hands on your closed knees.

Wooyoung driven by desire, took out a 100 Zaire bill from his wallet and waved it your way.

“Open your legs.”

You obliged him, opening them an inch apart, entertained by how impatient he was with your teasing behavior.

“Wider.”

A little bit more.

“Make this worth all our time, sweetheart.”

Rolling your eyes at his demanding yet bratty tone, you surprised them all by spreading your legs wide, unfolding them into a flexible split on the surface you were on.

“Fuck,” San swore under his breath.

Wooyoung revealed to you another 100 bill. “Show me.”

Looking him dead in the eyes, you pulled your purple panties to the side, revealing your bare mound to their eyes. Some of them swore, some of them let out a groan and some of them just continued to look while they bite their lip. All of their reactions made you suppress an amused giggle, you kind of feel bad for them but you kept a straight face, not wanting to give Wooyoung the satisfaction of winning in the cat and mouse game you were playing.

“Oh baby,” Jongho cooed lowly, the familiarity of the pet name causing a chink in your armor.

“By the way, we can’t fuck.” You threw the rule out there, enjoying the way the handsome man you danced with was breaking at the seams.

“Why not?” Wooyoung scoffed, eyes on the pretty pink folds of your pussy.

“I’m a stripper not a whore.” You adjusted the panties back to cover you and you closed your legs, deciding to crawl to the side where Hongjoong, Seonghwa, Yunho and Yeosang was.

“Like I told you earlier,” you could feel Wooyoung’s eyes on your ass. “Not everyone gets that privilege.”

Mingi swiped the bills from Wooyoung’s hand and handed it over to Yeosang, who nicely slips it beneath the garter. You thanked him.

“Now, Captain,” you turned to Hongjoong, who was looking at you with his signature smirk and his pretty brown eyes shimmering with amusement. “Tell me, where on earth did you find this arrogant, cocky and bratty thing?”

Wooyoung frowned at the sudden shift in your tone. The way you spoke with Hongjoong was as if you two were familiar with one another.

“Blame, Yeosang.” Hongjoong sipped his whiskey.

“He’s not as bad as you think, love.” Yeosang sweetly spoke to you, his hand moving to tuck a strand of your wig behind your ear to get a better look at you.

“He’s just a little dramatic,” Mingi inputted, tapping at his thigh and like a pet called to their master, you moved yourself to Mingi’s lap, straddling his hips.

“More dramatic than you?” You pouted cutely, running your hands through his pink hair. “So…how long did it take you all to know it was me?”

“Not long. We know your voice anywhere.” Seonghwa answered, quietly admiring you with just a small smile on his face. “But it is a big surprise to find you here out of all places.”

“Hi baby,” you couldn’t hold back your smile anymore as you cupped Mingi’s face with your hands. “Did you miss me?”

“More than you could possibly fathom.” Mingi replied, leaning in to kiss you but you leaned back.

“You can’t kiss me. Well…not here. They’re watching.” You tilted your head to where Jongho sat. “They can see us but they can’t hear us.”

“There’s CCTV on the right corner of the ceiling.” San told the group.

“W-wait. Wait a god damn fucking minute.” Wooyoung exclaimed, looking at you, settled on Mingi’s lap like you belonged there. Were you Mingi’s girl? What were you doing in a place like this? “You all know her?”

You pursed your glossed lips and turned to them, feigning hurt. “You guys didn’t tell him about me?”

“It was a topic that didn’t come up.” Yunho admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. “Sorry, Y/N.”

“It’s not our fault anyways, Mingi was gatekeeping you.” Jongho added, making the big man in front of you pout, a reaction that made Wooyoung reel at the sight. It was unfamiliar to see their intimidating gunner all soft and not…scary?

“When did he join?”

“Three months after you departed on your mission. We had to make a stop at Jupiter and Wooyoung recognized Yeosang, and he followed him, and now he’s one of us.” Seonghwa answered, eying the size difference between you and Mingi.

“And none of you mentioned me?”

“Mingi was gatekeeping you.” Jongho repeated, making everyone but Wooyoung laugh. He was still trying to grasp the new information of how you were Mingi’s lover and a member of the crew???

“Sure he was.” You rolled your eyes, moving from Mingi’s lap to the round platform to continue your little show for them.

“What are you doing undercover here?” Hongjoong asked, placing another bill on the platform to keep up with appearances and you bent over sensually to pick it up.

Was Mingi okay with this? Wooyoung glanced with wide eyes at their gunner. Was he okay with all of them seeing you like this?

Mingi was watching you with desire. He was reclined so comfortably on the couch, his thighs spread apart as he bit his plump lips at the sight of you entertaining them in the sexy skimpy number you wore. Was this a kink of his? Wooyoung wondered, unable to stop the way his face scrunched at his many unanswered questions.

“Because the information Vix won’t give you, I was able to get.” You told Hongjoong with a smile, and the leaders smirk morphed into a grin. “It’s amazing how flowery words and too much alcohol was all it took. I didn’t even have to take my top off.”

“Good cause I would’ve gauged his fucking eyes out if he saw what was mine.” Mingi growled, hands closing into fists to restrain himself from holding you to him.

“Will you?” Jongho confidently suggested with smirk.

“Will I what?” You coyly smiled, acting innocent.

“Take your top off?”

“Was seeing my pussy not enough for you?”

Wooyoung couldn’t believe the conversation flowing in front of him. He was painfully hard but his confusion and shock had his mind a mess. He didn’t know what thought to entertain or what he wanted to ask.

“Nothing is ever enough when it comes to you, doll.” Mingi muttered, tilting his head a little to the side as if to get a better look at you.

“So you have what I want?” Hongjoong casually glanced at the CCTV keeping watch of all of you.

“Yes I do. The timing of everything is kind of funny. It was Vix I was supposed to be dancing for tonight,” you told them, twirling around the pole. “I was going to get rid of him for you since he’s not of use anymore then I would’ve found a way to get to Xeres since that was your next destination for a restock of supplies on the ship.”

“Well it seems destiny is always in our favor.”

“So shall I finish him off?” San asked, rolling up the sleeves of his button up.

“Will he be any trouble to us if we let him live, angel?” Seonghwa turned to you, licking his lips when you were on your knees, sitting prettily before them.

“He’s not much of a threat. We should be more worried about his boss because he asked for me after I finish with you boys.”

Seonghwa leaned over to add more bills to your garter and San’s defensive posture softened.

“Which is why I’m amazed at the timing of finding all of you here tonight.”

“Is it the first time he’s asked for you?”

They saw your eyes flicker with fear for a split second and you shook your head.

“But he scares me.”

Mingi and San’s aura darkened at your words. It took a lot for you to be scared by someone.

“He knows a lot of things he shouldn’t know. He mentioned and boasted about the Academy when I met him. I was sure then that my cover was going to be blown.”

“So what’s the plan now?”

“Well since I hacked into his data systems earlier in his penthouse just above this club and took more than I came for. At exactly 2:27 am, the club will black out and we can make our escape then through the back door here thats used usually by the dancers to get in and out quicker for shifts.”

“What did you take other than the information about where the Cromer could be?” Hongjoong called your attention while his hand raised slightly in a gesture that the rest understood except for Wooyoung.

“Jongho, can you please hand me my purse please?”

They watched as you opened the bedazzled flap of the purse and took the bills beneath your garter and stuffed them inside, giving Hongjoong a glimpse of a glowing crystal that was one of the most sought after items of the galaxy.

Hongjoong only shook his head with a smile and you decided to turn to the new crew member.

“So, Wooyoung, right?”

He was caught off guard by your sudden attention.

“It’s nice to meet you and I hope we can get along well,” you warmly smiled at him, your pretty face glowing beneath the colored lights.

“Two minutes,” San checked the time on his watch.

“Oh, fun.” You giggled, sitting on the edge of the platform.

“Can you even make a run in those?” Wooyoung glanced at your very high heels, trying to remove the image of your pretty pink pussy that you had flashed to them.

He remembered your exchange from earlier.

What do you taste like?

Like heaven.

It was against his morals to want to fuck someone that was someone else’s lover. You were Mingi’s and Wooyoung couldn’t deny the fact that he was burning with jealousy with the thought of you being touched by Mingi.

“She could kill in those,” Yeosang answered for you. “So back door?”

“End of the hall, camouflaged with the wall.”

“I missed you so much baby.” Mingi groaned getting up and placing his large hands on your waist.

“Me too. More than you know.” Your voice softened, no longer in the facade of the identity you’ve been using.

“Ten seconds.” San announced.

“I’m not gonna let you run around like this.” Mingi slid his hands to your hips, biting his lip at the tiny piece of underwear covering the heaven between your thighs.

“Here, Y/N.” Yunho handed you his blazer. “Wear that.”

“Thank you, Yuyu.”

His blazer was like a dress on you and it made you look so tiny. Wooyoung pushed his hair back, trying to ease his frustration of both lust and knowing too late about who you are. He was also a little scared of how and when Mingi will confront him later because he was flirting with you.

“Good to have you back, Y/N.” Was all Hongjoong said before the whole establishment was enveloped in darkness and the nine of you made your escape.

A small squeak came from you in the darkness because Mingi had thrown you over his shoulder like you weighed nothing, and he carried you easily as you all made your exit.

When the bouncer, one of Vix’s goons, checked the room when the power came back on, he began to sweat nervously at the emptiness he was met with. He was going to be in big trouble.

Jongho hijacked a black van and used it to drive the nine of you to where the ship was docked, which was going to be a solid thirty minutes to get to.

Your soft giggles was a pleasant sound to all their ears as Mingi was all over of you in the back of the van.

“We’re glad to have our favorite girl back.” Seonghwa smiled fondly, watching as Mingi attacked your neck with kisses and his hands tickled your sides causing the very missed melodious laughter to fill the van.

The Vice Captain looked to his left to check on the members all of them well and in one piece minding their own business and checking the parameter if anyone was chasing the crew. Seonghwa spotted Wooyoung staring at you and Mingi through the tinted windows, his Adam’s apple bobbing deeply as he swallowed what he could see was envy mixed with desire.

“You okay there?” He quietly asked their new member.

“Huh? What?” Wooyoung responded as if broken out from a trance. “Oh,I- uh, I’m fine.”

“You sure?”

“Y-yeah. Just…” he paused wondering if he could confide in Seonghwa but the handsome older man’s gentle eyes was hard to say no to. “Just shocked that’s all.” He decided to not share his deep feelings.

Seonghwa knew and could tell that Wooyoung was attracted to you, and he knew he was feeling conflicted for feeling that way especially after seeing how you and Mingi acted.

Wooyoung gave him a small smile before turning to the window again, staring at the buildings they passed by.

As Seonghwa left him with his thoughts, he wondered how he was going to break it to their newest member the true nature of the crews relationship with you. How kind of unorthodox it was….How Mingi was not your only lover but theirs as well.

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[greenorangevioletgrass]

fever pitch (b.b.) - part three

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soundtrack: don't blame me - taylor swift pairing: footballer!bradley x popstar!reader synopsis: you and bradley spend the night, but the road to heaven is full of obstacles; some are external, others are self-inflicted. warnings: language, public scrutiny (will be a recurring theme in this fic ha!), bradley is a stand-up guy all round, fluff, smut (d/s elements, praise kink, bit of a bratty side?, fingering, oral [f receiving], dirty talk, size kink, bradley is PACKING, protected sex) notes: i'm back! life has been crazy since i posted the previous chapter, but i just wanna say thank you so so much for your patience and your kind words about the fic so far! big shoutout to @gretagerwigsmuse and @teacupsandtopgun for being absolutely GEMS in brainstorming ideas-- this wouldn't have happened if it weren't for y'all <3 happy reading!

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The Langham, Sterling Suite. Ask for Holly Golightly ;)

Bradley smiles at your text, and the cheeky “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” reference. He shoots up a quick reply as he makes his way out to the lobby, fighting hard not to be grinning like an idiot to any unassuming passersby, until—

Click-click-click-click! FLASH! FLASH! FLASH!

“Hey, it’s Bradley Bradshaw!”

“Oi, Bradley! Give us a smile, mate!”

“Bradley, did you get to meet Y/N inside?”

“Did the boss let you out on a school night, Bradley?”

”How are you feeling about the Sunderland game this weekend?”

It’s a meager distance from the steps of Annabel’s to the curb where the valet has brought out his car, but holy shit. It doesn’t usually get nearly as crazy as this. He’s partied here with Harry Styles, and nobody bat an eye when the guy stumbled out drunk with his left tit out. But maybe it’s because Harry lives in London sometimes, or maybe because he was on a break… unlike Miss Americana on her world tour right now. It makes him pause and rethink how careful he needs to be.

Bradley gets into his car and drives off, trying to tread between the fine line of quick and careful. He can’t help but look over the rearview mirror more often than normal. Fuck, is this how you feel like all the time? He’s no stranger to the spotlight, but rather than the occasional run-ins, nobody has ever been interested in where he went to dinner on a random Tuesday night.

The Langham is barely a mile away, but Bradley sees photographers parked across the hotel with their long-lens cameras and disgusting disposition, and he keeps on driving. Thinking. Restrategizing. Hoping that his vintage aubergine Ferrari isn’t causing suspicion for driving by the second and third time.

He finds a basement parking lot behind the building and pulls up, hoping it’s the right entrance to the hotel. The attendant looks starstruck as he nods and points the way, sending him off with an eager ‘Come on you Gunners!’. And just like that, he makes it into the lobby out of the pap’s sight.

Be cool, he reminds himself, you’re only as suspicious as you seem to be. He comes up to the reception desk, and the girl behind it greets him warmly.

“Good evening, sir. Welcome to the Langham. How may I help you?”

“I’m here to see Ms. Golightly at the Sterling Suite,” Bradley says smoothly. “Holly Golightly.”

“And who am I speaking with, sir?” The girl looks at him like he seems familiar, but can’t quite place him. 

“...Paul Varjak,” he states, unable to bite back the smile. Oh, the thrill of giving out a fake name with the very real possibility of getting called out on his shit. 

But she nods and grabs the telephone, dialing into your room. Blissfully ignorant of the pseudonym he just gave her. 

Good. 

Let this inside joke be the two of yours alone.

The elevator ride up is peaceful—too peaceful that he can hear his heart beating and his palms sweating. Even the carpet mutes his footsteps towards the double door. Before he even presses the bell, a bodyguard opens the door for him.

“Mr. Bradshaw,” he nods curtly. It’s one of the guys from the restaurant earlier. Middle-aged, stout and rather short, sporting a permanent scowl and a vibe that indicates he’s seen some shit.

“Hi. Sorry, I haven’t got your name…?”

“Guy,” he deadpans.

Bradley wonders if that’s his real name or he’s just saying it so Bradley would get off his case, but smiles anyway. “Nice to meet you, Guy.”

Guy hums gruffly and ushers him into the foyer, an identical hallway of the hotel, with a room on each side. “Through here,” he leads him towards another set of double doors at the end of the hallway.

Meanwhile, you are full-on freaking out in your living room. Should you get changed? You’ve taken off your heels, but getting everything off feels so premeditated… You don’t even know if he wants things to go that far. Maybe you can break your little rule and bring out the wine for liquid courage? Gosh, nothing feels right. And it’s been so long since you’ve last done this that you’ve actually gone rusty.

And before you get to decide—in the long, wasteful twenty minutes or so you’ve been pacing, you hear a knock on your door.

“Coming!”

You rush over to get the door and there he is, coming out victorious through the hurdles, smiling at you.

“Thanks, Guy. I’ll take it from here,” you dismiss your security a little too quickly, nodding over Bradley’s shoulder. You’re sure Guy is rolling his eyes all the way back to his room over your lovestruck teenager behavior.

But it hardly matters when this man before you is looking at you like the sun.

“Hey, you.” Bradley beams at you from his spot. As if afraid to invade your space somehow.

And so are you. This feels like that night in the garden all over again. You have to remind yourself that this isn’t some pocket of a park you stumbled into; this is your hotel room. 

Quiet. 

Private. 

Safe.

“Come on in.” You let him cross the threshold, closing the door behind him the warm foyer light cast golden upon his face. You’re not sure if it’s the fact that you’ve ditched your six-inch heels, or that there’s no one else, but Bradley looks even taller than you remember him. Broader. More… imposing.

“I’m sorry for taking so long. There’s cameras everywhere and I had to—”

“It’s okay,” you try to reassure him. It feels rude to ask if he got caught on camera, but at this point, you had to ask. “Did you… Did they…?” 

Bradley quickly shakes his head. “No, I took the basement entrance, out of sight. We’re good.”

”I’m, uh… sorry for the fuss.”

”Hey, it’s no trouble at all… Ms. Golightly,” he tilts his head, grinning at your chosen pseudonym.

”Yeah, it changes every time. My last stop in Tennessee, I was Clarice Starling,” you admit, making him laugh. “Although I’m glad you got the reference… Mr. Varjak.”

He simpers, very proud of himself. And with that, he takes a step closer to you. Towering over you. Crowding you with his smile, his scent, his body heat… and neither of you makes the first touch. You’re painfully aware of how his gaze keeps dropping to your lips. Bodies drawn towards each other but tied in place for some reason. It seems like despite all the flirting you did at the restaurant, everything goes out the window once you’re alone.

You’re just two strangers, caught in a thrilling game of push and pull. Too scared to tip over and just… fall.

“Can I kiss you…?” Bradley breathes out. He feels foolish for asking, but it’s the only way to make sure he’s not ruining the entire evening.

But you sigh in relief and nod your head yes, and it gives you the push you need to close the distance from him. You don’t know which one happened first; touching his lips with yours, grasping his arms for balance, or standing on your tiptoes on his shoes. He keeps you there, his strong hands securing your waist.

“You’re making me feel like a kid…” It makes you giggle into the kiss, and he can’t not possibly fall in love with the sound of that—with the feel of your lips pulled up right against his.

“I don’t think that’s a bad thing…” Bradley runs his hands down your sides gently. “Besides, I’ve been wanting to do that all night.”

“All night? You mean you’ve been thinking about making out with me while I tell you my life story?” you gasp, feigning shock and offense.

He laughs again. “Maybe for a moment or two there, I’ll admit.”

“I thought you were a gentleman!” you give him a playful smack on his behind, and there’s a flash of… something in his eyes. A spark, or a darkening. You’re not sure what it is yet, but it sends butterflies into your stomach yet again.

Bradley tucks some loose strands of your hair behind your ear. “I’m still a gentleman.”

“Really? I don’t believe that…” you sway his hips lightly, “I think you’re very… very bad,” you purr out, your lips barely touching.

He meets you halfway, and it feels like less of a shock this time. You gladly lose yourself in him, knowing you’ve crossed the line now. You finally notice how his mustache scratches your skin in a nice way, how he holds you flush against him, how he just melts into you in the kiss… enshrouding you in his warmth and lighting you on fire at the same time. 

Bradley pulls away, barely just. His forehead is still pressed against yours, your noses are bumping, and his breath melding with yours. He licks his lips and you swear you can almost taste it. “You’re making it really hard for me to be a gentleman, kid…”

You can’t help but chuckle at the nickname. It’s not one you expect, but it sounds right somehow. “I didn’t invite you all the way here to be a gentleman.”

The twinkle in his eyes darken. Fuck, you’re gonna be the death of him. “Is that right?” Bradley’s hands slide down your hips, finding the swell of your ass and giving it a firm squeeze.

The air catches in your throat, and you swallow lightly. “Mm-hm.”

Instead, you lead him into the bedroom. Bradley is right behind you, barely a step behind. His hands have found a home on your hips and he seems adamant to stay there for a moment. Insisting to hold onto you because he worries he’ll get ahead of himself before you’re ready. But gosh, you’ve been ready all night and you’re practically twisting your arms around trying to reach the zipper on the back of your dress.

“Come here, I got you,” he rasps, his heart skipping as he drags the zipper down your back. He’s not sure which one he loves more; the dip of your spine that he wants to trace with your tongue, or the way the dress falls to the floor and reveals what’s underneath that prim and proper pink dress.

A tiny scrap of lace held by a black strap on either side of your hips, framing the swell of your ass perfectly.

And he swears, for a split second, he thought he had died and gone to heaven.

“Fuck…” he breathes out.

You can’t turn around fast enough. It might be a good ‘fuck’, but what if it’s a bad one? “What’s wrong?”

Bradley just blinks at you, for no other reason than how your nipples are poking out the side of the skimpy triangle of your bra. And that your lipstick is smeared on the edges from kissing him.

But of course, your mind is already racing from the lack of response and you’re already thinking, oh no this was a bad idea I shouldn’t have worn this—

“Hey, hey…” he sees your face fall and your arms come up to cover your chest and he immediately steps in. Holding you close, hoping to give you comfort. “Is this all for me?”

Oh, shit. Maybe if you close your eyes tight enough, you would melt to the floor. “I know, it’s a little much—”

“No, that’s not what I asked…” Bradley tilts your chin up, making you look him in the eye. “I said… Did you put these on for me?”

Your breath comes up short, and you nod ever so slightly. You don’t even trust your own voice not to betray how much you want him to like it. How much you want him.

“It’s perfect. I love it. Thank you.” He smiles into your lips, kissing you there. Spelling out how he feels with his hands on your ass, his mouth on yours. “Such a good girl…”

That flips a switch in your brain and he can see it. Your eyes go wide, your posture changes, and all of a sudden, you look so… small in his arms. So vulnerable, so beautiful. So perfect. 

Suddenly, he’s holding the world in his arms. The sexy little thing you call panties is a pesky little nuisance now, and he can’t wait to get it off of you. His broad shoulders are keeping your legs open, his nose nuzzling your pubic bone as he looks up at you.

Bradley lowers you down on the side of the bed, settling on his knees before you. Committing every inch to memory by touch, from your ankle to your knee, up the inside of your thighs. When he reaches the scrap of fabric at your core, he feels it slick. He smirks. “What do we have here?”

Your face heats up. How the fuck are you supposed to answer that? No words are coming to your head—not when he’s drawing patterns over your pussy, making the lace glisten all over. And when your panties are positively ruined, he draws his hand back and licks the offending fingers in earnest.

And all it takes is a taste to send him into a frenzy. 

“Fuck honey, need to taste you…” he murmurs between feverish kisses all over your legs. “Can I?”

You nod fervently, feeling like he’s got you under a spell.

“Use your words, kid.” He grins, playfully biting the inside of your thigh.

The sharp sensation makes you yelp, and you grip his hair in reflex. “Yes, want your mouth on me, please…”

“Good girl, asking so nicely…” he chuckles, satisfied with your response. Then, he pulls you to the edge of the bed. That dainty scrap of lace you call panties is a pesky nuisance now, and he couldn’t wait any longer to get it off of you. With your legs hiked up on his broad shoulders, he dives into you. 

A taste, as it turns out, is an understatement because what Bradley does is devour. 

“Oh, fuck…” you gasp sharply at the contact.

With one hand pinning your thigh open, he laps you up in earnest, figuring out the many ways he can make you squirm. Time ceases to exist because it feels like he makes you come in no time, but also he’s been down there forever. But he goes on and on and on until his name comes out in a desperate chant of lust and need. 

“Bradley Bradley Bradley…” she grinds shamelessly into his mustache now, an unfamiliar but not unwelcome sensation on your part. “Please, I’m gonna…”

“I know, honey. I got you. It’s okay.” It’s an oddly wholesome thing to say in a moment like this, but maybe you’re a hopeless romantic at heart, because sweet nothings get you off.

Your orgasm strikes like a thunderbolt, and you find yourself arching into his mouth. The more you take, the more he gives—or is it the other way around?— It seems like he takes as much pleasure in it as you do. Maybe even more, as he holds onto you as you squirm away overstimulated.

“Bradley… wait.” You grab a handful of his hair, trembling breathlessly.

His mustache glistens when he comes up for air, and he finally (finally!) takes off his suit jacket as he stands up. He eases up on the throttle and lets you breathe for a second. He rolls up his sleeves to his elbows, watching you spread out like a feast for him. Legs open, bra askew, hair fanned out on the pillow… God, he’s so lucky.

When he returns on top of you, you’re eager to pull him by his belt buckle, but he brushes your hand away. You frown in protest. “But I wanna touch you—”

“It’s not your turn yet, honey,” he chides you teasingly.

“You just had your turn!”

He shrugs, nosing your cheek. “Well, it’s still my turn, so…” Bradley closes the gap again and kisses you openly.

The taste of your arousal on his tongue makes you dizzy, but it can’t distract you from the buzz of his fingers rubbing your devoured pussy, sending shivers down your spine. It’s entirely too much, and you keel over from the contact.

“Somebody’s a little sensitive, huh?” He grins, easing the throttle a little.

“Fuck you…”

“Well, if you say so.” He slides his middle finger in.

“Ohhh… Bradley…” you buck up your hips and moan. But in comes another finger, and you swear it feels like all of him. 

He’s wound differently this time, like a man on a mission. With his fingers crooking and stroking your silky walls, beckoning you to come closer, while you grip his shoulders, willing yourself to hold on. But his teeth yanks the edge of your bra to set your nipple free, and his sly tongue finally gets a taste… all resolve goes out the window.

“Come on, honey. I know you got another one in you…” he breathes out, undoing the front clasp of your bra so he can suck your tits with all his might, willing you to come.

And frankly, who are you to say no?

The burst of pleasure hits you from your core to your fingertips. If he wasn’t pinning you down on top of you, you would have probably floated away. But you’re firmly laid on the mattress and feeling everything. Your eyes blink back into focus as you come down from your high.

You pant, staring at him in disbelief. Nobody has ever put that much attention on you in bed before even taking off his clothes. “You got a baseball bat in there or something?”

“Something like that.” He rolls his eyes playfully. Jokingly, you assume.

You take his arm, kissing his wrist, “Can I touch you now?” sticking your tongue out to lick his digits clean of you. Putting on a show as you suck his fingers. “Please?”

He throws his head back and groans. “Fuck.” He can’t resist that doe-eyed look you’re putting on, nor can he resist you undoing his shirt buttons. He can play dominant all he wants, but he knows that the truth of the matter is, he’s all wrapped up around your little finger. “Okay, okay. You win.”

It’s a mess of unbuckling pants, kicking off shoes, and tossing clothes to the floor. Your hand reaches out to trace his gleaming skin, every ridge of his abdomen. You’ve seen the Calvin Klein campaigns and the Men’s Health covers— and gosh, he looks like a dream. But when that thing just springs up to his stomach when he pushes his boxers down…

You didn’t expect him to manifest straight out of your wet dream.

“Holy fuck, you weren’t kidding about your baseball bat,” you breathe out, head tilted as you stare at his thick cock. The vein that runs along the side, the way it curves slightly to the right, the length that makes you clench at the mere thought of it… Fuck, it’s pretty.

Bradley chuckles sheepishly. He knows how big it is, he’s heard all the jokes in the locker room, but hearing it from you hits different. “You scared?”

You should be, a little. But without flinching, you bite your lip and look him in the eye. “Nah, I’m a big girl. I can handle it.”

Gosh, he loves you. He’ll have to remember not to blurt that out too early. “Okay, big girl,” he chuckles, kissing you one last time before rolling off of the bed.

His sudden disappearance out of sight makes you frown. “Where are you—” you prop yourself up on your elbow, seeing him fish out a packet of condom from his trousers pocket, “Right. Safety first.”

Bradley nods, tearing the packet open with his teeth and rolling it on. There’s something so hot about how a man looks just before he fucks someone. “Mm-hm. Gotta make sure we’re both covered.”

“Do I need goggles and a helmet, too?”

He pauses as he straddles your hips. “Maybe next round,” he cheekily quips back. The idea of you wearing nothing but a helmet and safety goggles weirdly makes his cock stir, too. But you’re already lying naked under him, and he doubts that much will deter his hard-on.

Bradley pushes himself into you a little, and your eyes water as you whimper out in a blur of pain and pleasure. And here you thought two of his fingers felt full…

He stops in his tracks, trying to gauge your reaction. He nearly lost his mind over how tightly you’re clenched around him, but he doesn’t want to presume. “Too much?” He asks softly, stroking your cheek. 

Your breaths run ragged as you look up at him, almost in awe. “You’re just… so big…”

He laughs breathlessly. He hates to brag, but it’s true. And as much as he’s enjoying the way you flutter under him, he has to ask, “Want me to pull out?” Please say no, please say no, I don’t think I can handle it…

“N-no…” you wrap your arms and legs around him, clinging to him for dear life. “But I don’t know if it’ll fit.”

Bradley smiles at what has to be the most adorable look he’s ever seen from you. He kisses your forehead in reassurance. “I’ll go nice and slow, okay? I promise.”

Feeling this small and vulnerable so soon after meeting someone would usually set all kinds of alarms in your head. You never know how a guy would take it. But in this moment, nestled in the crook of his neck, among the mix of his perfume and aftershave and his natural musk… all you want to do is stay. “Okay,” you nod softly.

“Let’s try again then, hm?” He kisses your temple and whispers in your ear, “Open up, love.”

With a deep breath, you bite back a whimper as you take him deeper, still not quite all the way in. “Hurts…”

Bradley stops again, his concern fully taking over now. “You sure you want me to keep going…?”

“Yes!” You surprise yourself with how quick and desperate you answered him. Your eyes shut, trying to offset the warmth setting over your cheeks, as you make the dirty admission, “I… I like it when it hurts.”

Jesus fucking Christ.

Bradley has to remind himself not to come on the spot, because holy shit. He wouldn’t go this hard on a woman so early in the game, but… his head is dizzy from how innocently you said it. He takes a breath to pull himself together. “Tell me if it’s too much, alright?”

The air is heavy. The room is silent. You can hear the shift in the tension as you smirk, “Yessir.”

There you are, you little devil. Bradley simply grabs you by the hips and bottoms out inside you. Your face goes slack while your cunt tightens around his cock, and it blows his mind.

He starts out slow, torturously so. Stuffing himself inside your crevice and dragging himself out, willing you to feel every inch. Every ridge. Until your body loosens up and twists around in the throes of passion. Your mouth falls open, your little gasps and moans coming and going as he pleases.

The unhurried pace is nice for a few minutes, when you’re still adjusting to his size. But now that he’s snug inside you, you’re simply aching for more. Your hips arch up into him halfway, a little more urgent, disrupting the rhythm with a pleasant stutter.

He notices this and smiles. “So eager… what’s the rush, hm?”

You answer with a groan. He has a penchant for asking you questions you can’t answer, this man. “You feel so good, baby…” you murmur headily, hands desperately grasping on him—his arms, his shoulders, his back…

”You feel even better.” He nips at your pert nipple, relishing in your angelic little filthy cry. Fuck, he can feel the exact motion of your pussy tightening for him. “I’m not gonna last long if you keep doing that…”

”Then don’t.”

His eyes flicker onto yours immediately. You’re gonna be the death of him, he swears…

You grab his hair by the fistful, keeping his gaze. “I want to feel you come inside me.”

”Oh fuck—” he doesn’t stand a chance. His body reacts faster than his brain could compute, and he holds your hips flush against his as he buries himself as deep as he can. Every twitch of his cock sends you reeling, and your pussy clenches and unwinds in your climax, following him down from his high to yours.

Free falling, hand in hand.

Bradley rolls off of you and you would complain, if it weren’t for the way he immediately pulls you into his chest. Thank fuck. You’re not quite ready to untangle from him yet. Not when your breaths still run a bit ragged, as if accidentally catching each other’s. He presses a kiss to your forehead, and it feels unlike your regular out-of-town hookup. No, this one’s different. But not a word is said between you on that for different reasons— each of you holding your cards close to your chest, as close as you’re holding each other.

[bangfantanfic]

Our Own World: Chapter 12.

Warnings: Possible mentions of stalkingand yandere behaviour.

tags; @miss-jupiter @imagine-forlife @blaaiissee @millenniumspec @toughbook @darkuni63 @badbyeyoongi @iloverubberduckiez-blog @missseoulite @singukieee @potterbrooke @suhappysuho @doublebunv @sevenpersona @blancflms @childfmoonn @caffeineandreveries @cryingpages @gato-dumbo @xicanacorpse @devilzliaison

A/N; I am alive! Thank you all for being so patient, life has been life-ing and I cannot say it's been enjoyable lmao. I hope this update is okay, please let know! I am also currently going through Our Own World and my other works editing everything! So there may be some changes, so please bare with me while everything is a bit messy. If you would like to be removed or added to my taglists please let me know <3

Being holed up in Jimin’s room had surprisingly been a nice refresher. The only person coming and going from the room had been Jimin, taking clothes to his roommates, bringing fresh clothing to you, and meals whenever they were ready. He spent nearly every second glued by your side, chatting away like he had known you his entire life. He had millions of questions, wanting to know every intimate detail about the life you lived before finding yourself stuck here, although he worded it much nicer. 

In turn, you asked Jimin a million and one questions. You asked about his life, what it was like living with your brother, did he have hobbies, and of course, questions regarding life as a hybrid. You hadn’t ever spent much time around normal animals despite the never-ending line of pets your parents bought home, and so obviously hybrids were a whole new ballgame. Jimin had been thrilled by your interest, answering every question in length and always making sure you understood everything. The hybrid had shown you so much patience and care, more than you had expected or ever even experienced before. It had been a shock and left you feeling embarrassed and ashamed of the way you had behaved around them all. 

Growing up, despite your parents' interest in hybrids, they never got any. Nobody you knew had hybrids— well obviously other than your brother but his ownership over them had been a surprise! You had very little knowledge of them, only what you had learned through the media, which even you should have known wasn’t the most reliable source at times. All your information, the knowledge you thought you had? Useless. You may as well have watched Fox News all your life. Thankfully, Jimin didn’t seem to mind your lack of knowledge, in fact, he seemed thrilled to share everything he could with you. The two of you had started to form a surprising bond. 

For the first time in almost a week, you woke up alone. It had left you feeling strangely disappointed. The first night you had spent in Jimin’s shared bedroom, he had insisted you sleep in his bed, and you both had bickered for a ridiculous amount of time until you caved in. By the second day, he had rejoined you in his bed, being careful to keep his distance. It was sweet. By day four you were waking up to Jimin curled up around your body, his nose buried into your neck, his hot breath tickling your skin. Strangely enough, you weren’t bothered by the skinship. Your skin didn’t crawl at his touch, even the gentle brushes of his tail on your calf. It was almost comforting. Jimin had picked up on the change in attitude toward touch, slowly amping up his skinship. 

But it was strange to wake up to the disturbed routine you had so briefly experienced. Usually, you woke up before Jimin, the fox hybrid stayed up later than you and slept in longer. Today was different. Deciding to shrug it off, you rolled across the bed blindly reaching for your phone on the bedside table. The blinding white light from your screen caused the device to slip from your hands for a moment before you recovered from temporary blindness. Speedily scrolling through the notifications on your lock screen, your thumb froze upon noticing a familiar name. 

HY- U free today? Was thinking about going on a walk… u interested? 

Staring at the words, rereading, and then reading one more time, you threw the blanket off your body, throwing yourself upward. You still texted the man from the grocery store, Hanyoon, nearly every day, unfortunately, you hadn't run into him again since your first meeting. Covid’s lockdown rules had thankfully finally started to ease up. Whilst masks and international travel still hadn’t gone back to normal, you were allowed to roam the streets again... Exercising for a few hours outside of the house in the neighborhood you lived in was encouraged. Getting out of the house was just what you needed, even if it was with a man you had only met once. Keeping yourself cooped up like this was crazy, of course, it was. Jay wasn’t able to return anytime soon, and just because Hoseok and Jeongguk had scared the shit out of you, it didn’t mean you should close yourself off to the others who hadn’t done anything wrong. A day out was exactly what you needed to clear your head. 

Y/N- sounds great! Whenever you're ready :)) 

Dropping your phone back onto the mattress, you stumbled out of the bed, ankle snagged in one of many blankets that Jimin kept all over the bed. You made a quick mental note to fix his bedding when you got back. Digging through the pile of your dirty clothes that had been shoved behind the door, you found a decent enough outfit. Sure, you could go to your bedroom but the fewer stops the better. If you could avoid alerting the whole house of your departure that would be ideal. 

You were thankful for the one sink in the ensuite that still worked, getting to quick work brushing your teeth. Unfortunately, your hair was disgustingly greasy, but with no time to shower you would just have to steal some of Jimin’s dry shampoo and pray it could fix the cesspool on top of your head. Not bothering with makeup, knowing your unfit ass would sweat it all off, you were quick to ditch your glasses in favor of contacts. Deeming yourself presentable for the public, you quickly grabbed your phone from Jimin’s mattress. Hayoon’s contact alerted you to his arrival at the park nearby. 

To your complete surprise, you managed to make it out of the house without a single soul making an appearance. If you didn’t know any better, you would have assumed the house was empty. Knowing better than to test your luck, you had been quick to slip into your sneakers by the door, taking off down the driveway. Despite enjoying Jimin’s companionship the past week, you craved normal human interaction. Jimin was a sweetheart, but there was something that lingered under that sweetness that often left you feeling uneasy. It could just be you overthinking, subconsciously comparing him to his two packmates that had spooked you, but you weren’t going to completely ignore your gut. You had learned to be better than that. 

“Y/n!” 

A grin pulled at your lips as you locked eyes with Hayoon, your legs picking up pace to meet him faster. Hayoon looked good, dressed in loose black shorts and a baggy white tee. His hair which had been completely buzzed off the first, and last, time you saw him had started to regrow. Thick dark hair had started to flower across his head, making you wonder what kind of style his hair had been before it had been shaved off. 

“Hayoon, I hope I didn’t keep you waiting?” You asked sheepishly, keeping a little space between your bodies. 

He waved you off, smiling down at you. You forgot how tall he was, definitely an inch or so taller than Namjoon. You weren’t short, in fact, you were considered tall for a woman in your country, but Hajoon made you feel tiny, something you couldn't say happens often. 

“Nah, I haven’t been here long.” He assured you, gently bumping into your shoulder as he started to walk along the dusty path. The crunch under his shoes finally jolted your legs into gear after what seemed to be a moment of short-circuiting when the skin of his arm brushed against yours. 

The sun felt amazing on your skin, something you never thought you could say. Even the gentle breeze didn’t bother you. It was still early, the only other people in the park being an elderly couple walking with their arms linked up ahead. Despite how warm it already was, the couple were dressed in thick coats as if braving the city's harsh winter. Watching the way they interacted so freely with one another warmed your heart, they seemed so in love. Growing old didn’t seem as scary if you did it with someone you loved. 

Hayoon must’ve been watching the same scene as you, a soft smile on his lips as he admired the affectionate couple ahead. A comfortable silence had settled over the two of you rather quickly, and you were grateful. Something you liked about Hayoon was how easy it was with him. There were no forced conversations, no bitterness over slow responses. There were many similarities between the two of you, making it almost effortless to keep any conversation going. Any differences were discussed, debated, and settled. Those differences weren’t drastic, nothing that could end the bond that slowly was forming. 

A sound of disgust broke your thoughts, Hayoon’s eyes were still looking toward the elderly couple, only now a third person had appeared. A short woman who looked to be in her mid-thirties had been walking in front of them and now separated off to the left with her arm linked with the elderly woman, the two admiring a shrub of flowers. The short woman had pretty honey-colored hair with ears of the same color poking out– a hybrid. 

Hayoon looked down at you, an apologetic look on his face. His tanned cheeks had a cute pink flush to them. “Sorry– I didn’t mean to.” He stumbled over his words, his cheeks going brighter in embarrassment. 

“Not a fan?” You laughed, glancing back toward the elderly woman and her hybrid. 

Hajoon snorted, shaking his head. He kept quiet as you approached the trio, waiting until a good distance had been made before he answered your question. 

“It’s just.. Weird?” He sighed, his thick brows pulling together. “It’s not natural.” 

Humming, you found yourself agreeing. Hybrids were a strange concept, you found it incredibly difficult to understand why anyone would go out of their way to warp genetics in such a way. What was the real reason for creating such a mess of DNA? Only to ban them twenty years later? What was the reason for banning them? They were a hot commodity, every facility selling out within weeks, the waitlists being years long. The money the government had made from their creation had been staggering, and yet twenty years later facilities were shut down and forced to stop producing. The last few generations were sterilized, and the older generations were also encouraged to be as well. The government was trying to completely erase their creations without an explanation. As anyone could imagine, it didn’t go down well with the public. Hybrid trading has become a huge issue over the last few years, with huge rings being found and shut down every few days. 

What about Jay’s hybrids? When exactly did he get them, and where from? They were all born before the ban, that much you knew. So maybe he got them legally? Did he follow the government's advice, suggesting (demanding) to have all hybrids sterilized? Jay seemed to want to hide the fact that he owned hybrids, was it because of how many he had? Maybe there was a limit on how many hybrids a person could own that you weren't aware of. Seeing the elderly couple out with their cat hybrid, not a concern in the air, had you confused as to why the seven back home were kept under lock and key. Was it because of their breeds? They were all exotic animals, the laws might apply differently to different breeds. After the ban on hybrids, many laws shifted, and still to this day they are constantly changing, it is difficult to keep up to date. 

The topic of hybrids and Hayoon’s opinions on them piqued your interest. You were still clueless on the topic, no matter how much research you did into it you still felt uneducated on it all. Hayoon had been an excellent source of information, leaving you almost speechless on how much he seemed to know about them. If there was one thing you admired about the man, it was how educated he was on all topics. He always made sure to have himself as well informed as possible before making an opinion, he was a pool of knowledge. He never looked down on you for things you didn't know or understand and explained things as many times as you needed. It reminded you of Namjoon. 

A knot of anxiety pulled at your stomach. Had they noticed you were gone? Were they upset... Maybe you should have told someone, or at least left a note. You know Namjoon has a shitty old phone that's shared amongst the group, but you never bothered to get the number for it. You hadn’t seen a need for it, the only time you had spent away from any of them was to go get groceries. A part of you also just didn’t want them to have your number, the thought of them being able to contact you in the only time you had alone was distressing. Quickly shrugging off your concerns, you turn your attention back to Hayoon who had thankfully not noticed you spacing out. 

They’re fine, they’re grown men, and they can live without you for a few hours. 

“She’s gone!” 

Namjoon slammed his laptop shut, glaring up at Jimin for bursting into the bedroom he was temporarily residing in until Y/N was ready to go back to her own. 

“Have you forgotten how to knock?” He snapped, earning a frustrated hiss from the young fox. 

“Are you deaf!” He shot back, tugging at his hair. “Y/N is gone, I can’t find her anywhere!” 

Jimin’s panic was already distressing enough, the emotion suffocating the room the longer he stood in the doorway, but the anxiety that flooded his nerves was enough for him to feel bile rising in his throat. Namjoon had heard one less heartbeat when he woke up late this morning, but he had pinned it down to either one of the boys had gone walking at the back of the property, somewhere too far for his hearing to pick up, or Jeongguk was sleeping so deeply that his heart had slowed to almost nothing again– a common occurrence when the snake hybrid had a late night. The possibility of it being your heartbeat missing hadn’t even crossed Namjoon’s mind. You had been locked away in his bedroom for some time now, nobody but Jimin had seen you, and nobody would have suspected you leaving. The smell of your fear still lingered upstairs, Jimin would herd everyone downstairs before you would agree to go use the upstairs bathroom to shower. Going as far as making Jimin stand guard on the door until you were done. When did you lose that anxiety? 

Ripping the blanket, Namjoon’s laptop hit the floor as he jumped off the mattress. “Where have you looked?” 

“I’ve been through the yard, the kitchen, our bedroom, and all of downstairs. I haven’t checked Jeongguks room, I was on my way–” 

Namjoon was speeding down the hallway before the fox could finish his sentence. This was a new kind of fear he had never experienced before, his throat closing up and his eyes burning. His lungs were on fire, struggling to keep up with how quickly he was breathing. At the end of the hall was Taehyung and Jeongguk’s room, the door shut and only the sound of one heartbeat fluttering peacefully. Had you found your way into their room? Maybe you had gotten lost and ended up in the wrong bedroom? These things happen all the time! He’ll open the door and you’ll be curled up in someone's bed, and the crisis will be averted. 

With the force that Namjoon pushed open the door, he almost fell flat on his face. Stumbling into the room, his eyes quickly adjusted to the darkness, squinting as he took in two groggy men peeking out from their blankets. 

“Hyung, what the fuck?” Jeongguk groaned, his heart going from nearly stopped to racing. 

“Well, is she there?” Jimin huffed, shoving past his leader to look for himself. To his great disappointment, the room held no signs of you ever being there. Cursing, Jimin shoved past Namjoon, his usual gratefulness replaced with clumsy heaviness. 

“What’s his problem?” Taehyung whined, pulling his blanket over his head to shield himself from the brightness of the hall. 

Namjoon, for the first time in his life, couldn’t find words. You’re not here. There are seven heartbeats, not eight. The knot in his stomach tightened, the bile in his stomach rising higher and higher. When did you leave, how long has it been? Your car is still here, you couldn’t have gotten far. How didn’t anyone hear you leave? A house full of hybrids and not a single one heard you get up and out the front door? 

Impossible. 

“Did you hear anyone leave the house this morning?” He asked as calmly as possible, the shake in his voice far more noticeable than he would have liked. Both grunted out no’s, begging the elder male to close the door. 

It was Jeongguk, finally ripping the blanket off his head ready to start a war over the damned door still being open, that noticed Namjoon’s pale sweaty skin. He looked like he was about to projectile vomit. Frowning, the snake hybrid slinked out of bed and heaved his tired body toward his sickly leader. Pressing the back of his cold hand against Namjoon’s forehead, he sighed in relief. He wasn’t running abnormally hot, so it wasn’t a fever or some kind of sickness. Even with his less advanced hearing, he could still hear the erratic beating of his hyung’s heart. 

“Joonie, you okay?” He murmured, his hand cupping the back of the man's neck as he tried to get closer to assess him better. “You don’t look so good…” 

The concern in Jeongguk’s usually smug tone had Taehyung flying into a sitting position, his hair standing in every possible direction. His puffy eyes zeroed in on his pack leader, his brows pulling together in concern. 

“Is he sick?” 

Jeongguk shook his head, keeping his eyes on the wolf hybrid. Gently squeezing at the muscle in his neck, the snake hybrid was starting to get antsy. “Hey, come on. Talk to us, we can’t help if you don’t tell us what's wrong.” He cooed, the money hybrid making a sound of agreement from behind. 

Namjoon’s tongue pressed against his cheek, his eyes going glassy. He couldn’t get his tongue to work, he couldn’t get himself to say the words his packmates needed to hear. How could he admit to everyone that he had lost you? He could hear Jimin tearing through Jay’s room downstairs, Hoseok and Seokjin hot on his heels trying to calm the younger man down. They didn’t know what was happening either, nobody else had figured it out. 

“We can’t find Y/n.” 

[murmel-malt]

Hedaera Targaryen - 92 AC

Viserys Targaryen x Hedaera Targaryen (OFC) prev / next wordcount: 1.6k summery: my answer to the question: what if Viserys and Daemon had a little sister? canon divergent dance of the dragons au featuring canon and original characters.

chapter summery: After Aemon Targaryen's death on Tarth, King Jaehaerys names his second son Baelon Prince of Dragonstone and also decides on the future of Prince Baelon's children. His plans are not well recieved by his youngest granddaughter.

A/N: note that english is not my first language so there will probably be some grammar mistakes.

92 AC - Kingslanding

Once Hedaera had thought that changes happened slowly, like the changing of the seasons. It took years for summer to pass into autumn and for autumn to pass into winter. So slowly that one barely noticed it until a raven came from the Citadel to announce it. But now she knows better. Now she knows that things can also change in the blink of an eye; and she hates it.

Just last week they had celebrated uncle Aemon becoming a grandfather. It had been a grand family dinner, where Rhaenys announced her pregnancy to the rest of the family. Grandmother had been thrilled and even Grandfather had looked less sour than he usually did. Everybody had been happy. 

Now her uncle is dead, killed on Tarth. Drowned in his own blood by a crossbow bolt to the throat, that’s what the messenger had said as Daera had her ear pressed against the door, eager to catch some of the things the adults never let her hear. Her grandmother always said that she was too curious for her own good. 

Rhaenys had admonished her for eavesdropping when Daera had gone to comfort her afterwards. While they are not as close as Daera is with Aemma or Gael, Rhaenys is her cousin too and she loves her no less. She had felt silly, stumbling over her words of comfort. After all, what comfort could she - a girl of only eight - offer her - a grown woman of eight and ten and mother to be? But her cousin had only pulled her into a hug and thanked her with a gentle and watery smile. They had talked for a bit afterwards about Rhaenys’ baby and Driftmark, which Daera had only ever visited for her cousin’s wedding two years ago.

They stand together now in the throne room. Grandmother and Rhaenys wear a pinched expression of carefully masked anger and Daera hates that she is too small to be told or asked anything of importance. Grandfather is sitting up on the Iron Throne, this ugly and dark and jagged and pointy thing that is quite dangerous to climb up if you are unsteady on your feet. Not that she had ever tried and nearly tripped over the uneven steps.

But Grandfather had always been sure footed when taking his seat at the top. Just like he had this time. His intense gaze sweeps the hall before he speaks and Daera’s world shatters.

Her father is heir now and she is to marry Viserys.

“My sweet”, Grandmother says gently, reaching out to cup her cheek as she always does. Usually Daera would appreciate any and all gentle affection from the Queen, but not now; not like this. With a small cry she slaps her hand away, ignoring the admonishing warning from her father and furiously rubs at her eyes, trying and failing to keep the tears away. She hates that she is crying like a little girl. They will never take her seriously like this.

“No,”she says in between a sob, “I don’t want to marry Viserys.” She has lost count how often she had told them by now and still nobody seems to listen to her. “I won’t! He is stupid and boring and- and old. He never listens to me and only talks about boring things.” Her hands are fisted in her dress, dark splotches where her tears hit, marking the soft golden fabric. “I don’t want to marry him”, she repeats weakly.

Grandmother smiles gently as she kneels in front of her. Something dark and angry in Hedaera wants to make that smile drop from her face.

“You are still young, Daera”, Grandmother tells her. “And Viserys is too. He will grow up and so will you. You will come to appreciate each other and when he is King” - Alysanne’s expression twists for the blink of an eye - “you will be his Queen, and your children will be the princes and princesses of the realm.” Her stomach twists at the thought and she suddenly feels sick.

“But I don’t want to be Queen. And I don’t want to marry Viserys”, she screams the way she had always been admonished for and Alysanne and Baelon flinch at the shrill break of her voice. Hedaera continues undeterred: “Tell him! Tell grandfather I don’t want to marry him. Tell him to find someone else. Please!”

“Daera”, her father sighs and she looks to him with teary green eyes. He beckons her closer but her feet remain glued to the ground. There will be no safety in his arms today. She can see it in his face. He had once said he would protect her from anything that would ever try to harm her, but apparently not this. She feels even more sick.

“I know this seems scary but it is for the best. Viserys is a fine young man and your brother”, Baelon says. “He will treat you well and you will be happy together. Just like your mother and I have been.”

Understanding hits her. She will get no help from them. Father and Grandmother won’t listen to her. They will only tell her that she is still young and will change her mind; that she will come to love Viserys and that they will be happy together. 

“And how has that ended for my mother?” She watches as all color drains from her Father’s and Grandmother’s faces at the reminder of Alyssa Targaryen’s death. The dark, angry thing in Hedaera rejoices at the pain she has inflicted. And she does not feel bad about it. If they so easily condemn her to a miserable future as her brother’s wife, she will make them equally as miserable.

Without another word she storms out of the room, ignoring their calls and slamming the door behind her as she goes. Outside she finds her cousin and aunt. Aemma and Gael must have been waiting for her and Daera wants to throw herself into their arms and cry her eyes out. They get her, they listen to her. Aemma immediately takes note of her cousin’s mood and tear-stained cheeks and dress and her expression falls. She herself is still grappling with the revelation of her own future. 

Just like Jaehaerys has decided that Hedaera is to wed Viserys, he has decided that Aemma will wed Daemon. She knows that her grandfather’s decision has raised some eyebrows as it left his own daughter still unwed but Gael doesn’t seem to mind and Daera is happy for her; and a bit jealous.

“What did they say?” Aemma asks nervously, hoping that maybe, hopefully she has read Daera wrong.

“They don’t care what I want”, she replies bitterly.

“I’m sorry, Daera.” Her cousin tries to give a smile. “It’s going to be alright though. We will still have each other.” It is as much reassurance for herself as it is for Hedaera. Daera knows she is nervous about her match to Daemon. Truth be told, if they had given her the choice between her brothers, Daera would have picked Daemon over Viserys. At least Daemon is fun; very annoying but fun. 

She stops thinking about it before the ugly thing inside her makes her lash out at her cousin.

Instead, she goes looking for Viserys. If they won’t listen to her, they will surely listen to him. Her brother is five and ten, almost a grown man, and with their father now Prince of Dragonstone, he is his heir, the future King. They will have to listen to him. The thought leaves a bitter taste in her mouth. It should be Rhaenys. She should be Princess of Dragonstone. She is uncle Aemon’s only child; it is her right.

She finds her brother, of course, with his new miniature. The model is still small but quickly growing, and will probably be taking up more and more of the room in the coming months as Viserys adds painstakingly recreated building after building. Daera would have been more interested if she hadn’t been bored half to death several dozens of times by him talking about it before.

He barely notices her as she enters, as absorbed in his work as he is and Daera wants to scream at him. Their lives are being decided for them and he just sits here with his stupid, tiny city. Only when she steps in front of the window, blocking out the light he needs to work, does he finally look up with a frown. His mouth opens, undoubtedly to complain but Daera beats him to it.

“Tell him to find you someone else”, she tells him shakily. “Tell them you don’t want to marry me! Grandfather will listen to you.” But Viserys only sighs the way he always does. Hedaera hates it.

“It won’t change anything, Daera”, he says, as he picks up the small sculpture again.

“You don’t know that”, she accuses angrily. “You haven’t even tried!” You never do. You never do anything at all.

“This is not about what I want. Grandfather has made his decision and there is nothing to be done about it.” There is no regret in his voice, no sign that he is unhappy with this; because he isn’t, Hedaera realizes with a sinking feeling.

It’s not defeat that keeps her brother from doing anything about this, it’s complacency. He doesn’t mind that they are going to be married and he doesn’t care that she doesn’t want to. He thinks they are going to be their parents some day just like Grandmother and Father told her; that she is going to be his Alyssa: spirited and stubborn but happy - no, eager - to do her duty and ‘give him a thousand sons’.

“It will be alright. You’ll see”, Viserys tells her and Hedaera wants to smash his stupid model to pieces.

a/n: cannot believe I am actually posting this. the only other thing I ever wrote and also published was the first four(?) parts of my Daensa Skyrim!AU.

[whatthefishh]

Satisfactory Part 1

Jake Lockley x Fem Reader

Words: 1.7K

Summary: Jake has a secret that's not really a secret but he's hiding it from Marc and Steven because they’d be scandalized AKA the Jake Porn Star AU nobody asked for and is probably slightly OOC but is honestly just for fun so don’t take it too seriously

Warnings: in this chapter, no smut just hints at sex, talk of sex toys, future parts will have smut

Thanks to everyone who encouraged my idea and writing ❤️

Jake had a secret. Jake liked knowing that certain things were just his. Once he came out to the boys, he liked being part of their lives but some things he wanted to keep just for himself. It was a little exciting, if he was being honest. So he kept some secrets. No biggie, right? Plus, the money was good. A small bonus to what he felt was a thrilling side hustle. 

Jake liked to be on camera. No, no, that’s not the full truth now. 

Jake liked to fuck on camera. 

He got off on exhibitionism, he loved the thought of people getting off to him getting off. He liked seeing the undeniable pleasure he gave his partners on set, even though many in the industry faked it when necessary, he made it a goal to actually make his partners finish on camera. Their noises spurring him on to really give it to them good. Their look of surprise when they realized his reputation rang true - you won’t fake it with Jake. He was a good guy like that, you know? A real gentleman. 

It was a flexible gig, whenever he had the time or whenever he had the urge to splurge on a nice pair of leather gloves, a new cap, something for his cab. You get it. 

Jake wasn’t insanely popular to the point where Marc or Steven would easily find out, but he had a decent following. Also, that big dick energy? It wasn’t just a brag, it really was just… big. Memorable, even to the viewers. So much so, that when he - quite literally - ran into you at the sex shop around the block of his usual cabbie route, you recognized him immediately as one of your go-to content creators. 

“Oh! I’m so sorry, I didn’t...see y-you…” You trailed off after completely making a fool of yourself and falling over bumping into a strikingly handsome man rounding the corner of the aisle you were perusing. Eyes wide, heat rising to your face as you were staring into the man’s eyes. You were able to place him from your memory after only a couple seconds of taking in his features. 

No. Freaking. Way. Jake motherfucking Lockley, Jake object of your fantasies Lockley, Jake all-eight-inches Lockley, the man whose videos you’ve gotten off to countless times, the man who is literally holding your arms to steady you because you almost fell at his feet. Oh, God you’re mortified. 

“That’s okay, cariño, s’my bad.” He finally let go of your arms as you looked less like you were going to topple over but still had that deer caught in headlights expression. He smiled kindly at you to try and diffuse the situation which only served to make you drop the items you were limply holding. 

It was at this untimely moment that you realized where you were and what you had just dropped. 

You both looked down at the clatter of the box hitting the floor, and Jake quickly bent to retrieve your… vibrator? Right. You were buying a vibrator since your last one decided to die on you, mid self-love session and left you insanely frustrated. And now Jake was examining it like he was the one who was deciding whether or not to buy it and if possible, your face grew even more hot. 

Your last vibrator was a simple bullet, with a few different functions to switch it up every now and then, bought out of necessity due to the dry spell you were going through for the past year. This time the sales associate, who to be honest seemed too young to be working here to begin with, convinced you to upgrade to a more advanced vibe and you were open to trying something new. Until now. The neon pink, glittery, curved toy would’ve been cute in your bedroom drawer, not in the hands of Jake will-rearrange-your-insides Lockley, staring down at it with mirth in his eyes and a smirk playing at his lips. 

“Mierda, 7 inches?” he muttered, still smirking, and finally dragging his eyes away from the package to look at you through his lashes. “Your boyfriend not doin’ his job or something?”

Fuck, he was more handsome in person. “N-no boyfriend.” You managed to spit out. Great response. So well spoken. 

He looked you up and down appreciatively at that. “I’m Jake.” 

“I- Yes, I know who you are,” you breathed out, grabbing the box from his hands. 

Jake seemed to pick up on your discomfort and was about to back off until he registered what you just said. “Wait, have we met before, cariño?” 

Will the floor just open up and swallow you whole now? This interaction could not get any worse for you. How were you going to explain where you’ve seen him before without further embarrassing yourself? You blushed harder at the thought of telling him to his face that you’ve watched all his content, some of them repeatedly. 

He didn’t miss a thing. “Or have you just seen me around?” He prompted with another panty-dropping smile. 

“Yeah we’ve met bef... no, that’s a lie, alright I’ve seen you online and your… stuff. Good stuff.” Biting your lip at the end of your sentence. You wanted to play it cool but that was undoubtedly not going well for you. Good stuff, you said. 

“Thanks, doll.” He laughed it off smoothly, hand rubbing at his growing stubble almost bashfully. “I’d love to show you sometime but I won’t keep you. It was nice to meet you..?” Stuttering, you gave him your name, to which he repeated back to you, winked and smiled one last time and continued down the aisle. 

You had to take a deep breath in before being able to continue shopping and picking up some other items you had your eye on. Your hands were slightly trembling from the interaction, replaying the way his eyes roved over your body. You were not used to men giving you attention, checking you out or being openly flirty with you. You doubted his intentions were sincere, he probably just made conversation with all the women he almost knocked over. 

Your conversation with Jake felt like something you made up after repeating it a few times in your head. The whole time you couldn’t help but look over your shoulder to see if Jake was still around or almost bumping into you again, and it made your insides flutter at the thought of speaking to him again. As if you could keep your cool the first time around, you thought to yourself with an internal groan. How is he just allowed to walk around freely with those intense eyes? 

Gathering all your items in a basket, you made your way up to the cash register standing in line behind an older woman arguing with the cashier. The minutes pass you by, idly checking out the fast-grab trinkets near the counter. Tiny bottles of lube, single packets of flavoured condoms, nipple covers with a single connecting chain, phallic-shaped silicone keychains, and the like. 

A receipt has been pulled out with some more angry noises from the lady, and the cashier seems to be getting more and more flustered. 

You pick up a penis keychain out of curiosity. It’s neon pink. 

“Did you grab the batteries?” A gravelly voice asks from behind you and you gasp as you turn to see Jake standing in line behind you with another mischievous smile directed at you. 

“Jeez! Yes, I grabbed the batteries.” So you didn’t hallucinate that conversation. 

“Lo siento, didn’t wanna spook you.” He snickered. “I just wanted to make sure you’d be… satisfied.” Jake’s eyes were sparkling with his teasing tone, but there was a layer of suggestion beneath that had you raising a brow. 

The air grew hot and you resisted the urge to tug at the neckline of your knit sweater. Was Jake Lockley flirting with you? 

It took you maybe one second too long to reply just because you were powering up to finally flirting back with the man of your literal dreams, and hoping it got you somewhere. 

“Hmm, there’s other ways of checking if you really want to be sure.” You say with a coy smile of your own, internally screaming. Shit, this isn’t going to work. You’re embarrassing yourself. You’re being ri-

He takes a step closer to you, eyelids lowering seductively looking down his nose at you before purring, “You want some help with that, hermosa?” Shit, this was actually working. 

You giggle, you can’t help it. Up close you can see a light scruff coming in, thick eyebrows resting over extremely expressive, espresso brown eyes that are gazing back at you. You can feel his body heat radiating off of him the closer he comes to you, and you’re looking up at him through your lashes and he’s staring down at you with a smile like the cat that ate the canary and the angry lady at the counter is yelling now, clearly not done reaming out the employee, and you’re okay with it, you’re somehow more than okay with all of it. For a minute it’s just you and Jake, imagining all the ways he’ll take you apart, the store fading into black.

The lady asks for the manager, and finally moves to the side to allow your turn. You don’t hesitate to dump your items on the counter, suddenly in a rush to leave with the strikingly pretty man at your elbow. 

“I actually live nearby… Wanna-” 

Your heart is beating loudly in your chest, almost matching the register beeps as the cashier is ringing up your purchase.

“Yes.” He growls into your ear while sliding his card across the counter to pay for your things. He’s grinning at you now, grabbing your bag of purchases before reaching for your hand and leading you out the door. He leads you outside but stops on the sidewalk, hands still intertwined, and turns to you to ask which way to go. Half the bravado leaves your voice, but you still point to the building that’s yours and you two make your way towards it. When you shyly link your arm with his, he doesn’t pull back and just looks down his nose at you again, lids low.

“Whatever you say, hermosa. I’m yours for the night.” His voice went straight to your core and you felt a swirl of desire stirring in your gut. 

What have you signed yourself up for?

People who have encouraged my writing/gave encouraging feedback on my first fic  - if you don’t wanna be tagged lmk, no hard feelings :) :  @lucianadraven32 @kittyofalltrades @romanarose @dameronscopilot @my-secret-shame-but-fanfiction @unspokenmoon @bit-dodgy-innit @milkymoon2483​ @symbioticskywalker​

[weewooviewer]

you dreamed me up and left me here - chapter 2

The thing is, Eddie’s not stupid. He knows. He’s always known. It suits him to keep it this way, as an abstraction. 

He’d known at 13, when his cousin Maria brought a boyfriend home for the first time – Jason, with his shining eyes and hair and muscles in his arms that shifted under his shirt when he ruffled his hair. He’d known at church every Sunday. He’d known when he heard the women at the park mutter about his neighbour’s daughter and her girlfriend. He’d known at 16, when he was leaning on a dilapidated wall tucked away on the school grounds, a barely smoked cigarette between his fingers. He didn’t really like the taste but it thrilled him to pass it back and forth between him and his best friend, Pedro. He liked to imagine that when their eyes met with not enough distance in between as Pedro lit his cigarette, it meant the same thing to both of them. He’d known when he asked Shannon to prom, minutes after Pedro had asked him for advice on how to get Julia to agree to be his date. He’d known when he held her hand and when they danced and when he put one hand on her waist and when he kissed her and when she led him, shyly to her room one afternoon when her parents weren’t home, and he’d known when he was shaking and she smiled up at him, kind as anything. He’d known when she came to him crying, telling him she was pregnant, and he’d known when seconds later, he was holding back his own tears and promising her he would take care of it, that he would take care of her. He’d known when he realised that nobody would take care of him. He’d known when he was at the altar, all of 20 years old, thinking about how this was God’s punishment for him, it had to be. 

He’d known when Christopher was born and when his son smiled up at him, for a second, it didn’t matter what he knew, but then Shannon laid her hand on his arm, and he’d known when he ran away. He’d known in the army when he was lying in his bunk, barely breathing, listening to Graves and Carter try to be quiet on the other side of a very thin wall. He’d known when he was in the Academy, training to be a firefighter, and one of the men in the cohort came up to him to return his wallet with his number tucked into it. He’d known when he was fighting, after the fights, when they were sore and sweating and keyed up, had recognised the gleam in other men’s eyes, worried that the same gleam might have found its way into his, and he fought harder punched harder worked harder till one day it was too much. 

Chapter 2 of my fic is out here! Enjoy and please let me know what you think :)

[sourwolf-sterek32]

The Chief’s Daughter

Summary: It had been six years since your father left you behind in New York. However, now that your mother was gone, you had no choice but to drive to Hawkins to find him. That's where you meet Billy Hargrove, who turns your life upside down... literally.

Pairing: Billy Hargrove x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 3.4k

Warnings: language, alcohol

Previous Chapter

Chapter 4-

Hopper was cooking breakfast and ranting about your unsafe driving from yesterday while you sat on the couch.

"And I don't want you hanging out with that Californian boy." He said, finishing his sentence.

You had barely been listening to him, tuning out his words while reruns of Charlie's Angels played on the television, but you quickly spun around when he mentioned Billy.

"What?"

"That Hargrove kid. I've seen him around town, better yet, I've heard him around town with that car. I don't want you hanging out with him, that boy is trouble."

"You don't even know him." You pointed out causing Hopper to glance over his shoulder at you with a frustrated expression.

"I know his type and I know you were with him that day you skipped class."

"How the fuck do you know that?"

"Language." He warned, glaring at you. "I'm the Chief of Police, I know things."

You rolled your eyes and folded your arms across your chest before turning to face the television. Hopper could say whatever he wanted because it wasn't like you were actually going to listen to him.

A few minutes later, El walked out of her bedroom and you grinned when you saw her wearing the ghost costume that you had helped her make last night while Hopper was still at work. It was just a white sheet with two holes cut out for her eyes, but the girl seemed thrilled when you helped her make it.

"Ghost." El said, standing behind Hopper in the kitchen who stared at her a second before grabbing the saucepan from the stove.

"Yeah, I can see that."

"Halloween."

"Sure is." He replied, walking over to the small kitchen table and serving up what looked to be French Toast. "But, right now, it's breakfast, okay? Come on, let's eat. Y/N, food."

"Not hungry." You muttered, still staring at the tv.

"You need to eat."

"You haven't cared if I ate breakfast for the last six years, don't try and pretend that you care now."

Hopper sighed, "really? You want to do this, right now? Just eat the damn toast before you go to school."

You didn't get up off the coach, but you could feel Hopper glaring at you before he seemed to give up and he sat down at the table to start to eat himself.

"They wouldn't see me." El continued to say, going to back to costume.

"Who wouldn't see you?" Hopper asked.

"The bad men."

"What are you talking about?"

"Trick or treat."

There was a brief pause of silence before Hopper asked, "you want to go trick-or-treating? You know the rules."

"Yes, but-"

"Yeah, so, you know the answer."

"She's a kid, Hopper. Let her go, nobody will see her. I can take her." You said, wanting anything to be able to get the house while you were grounded even if it meant walking El around Hawkins for candy.

"Yes, Y/N can take me." El agreed.

"No. Nope. Not happening, your sister is grounded."

"Grounded?" El repeated in confusion.

"Grounded. It means she's in very serious trouble and is not allowed to leave the house unless it's for school and school only." Hopper answered, pointily looking at you as he spoke.

"Oh." El sighed.

"Sorry, kiddo." You apologised, glancing over at the girl still under the blanket.

She turned back to Hopper and looked up at him, "but they wouldn't see me."

"No. Hey, I don't care. I don't care. You go out there, ghost or not, it's a risk and we don't take risks, alright? They're stupid and...."

"We're not stupid!" El finished for him and you wondered how many times they have had this conversation before.

"Exactly. Now, you take that off, sit down and eat. Your food's getting cold. You too, Y/N, I am not in the mood for arguing."

El sat in her usual seat at the table, the costume on the floor and her arms crossed and a frown on her face. Yep, she was pissed.

"How about I get off early tonight, and I buy us a bunch of candy, and we can sit around and get fat and we watch a scary movie together?" Hopper suggested, looking over at El. "How's that for compromise."

You felt a pang of hurt at his words as you took in the soft smile he was giving El. He was trying so hard to be a good father for her, but where the hell was he when you were her age?

You hated that were jealous over El. The poor kid had been through enough. She deserved someone looking after her, but you were jealous at how much Hopper was trying with her when he couldn't even be bothered to stick around for his own biological daughter.

"I'm going to school." You muttered, grabbing your backpack and car keys before walking out the door.

-

Billy knew you were a shit mood all day, but you refused to tell him why.

He didn't need to know about your family crap. He had enough to worry about with his asshole of a father, he didn't need you dumping your abandonment issues onto him.

Classes went by painfully slow, but eventually school finished and you drove back to the cabin in hope of beating Hopper home from work so you could grab your stuff and leave for Tina's Halloween party.

To your relief, there was no sign of his Chevy out the front and you parked the Mustang and walked inside to find El sitting on the couch watching her cartoons.

"Hey, kid." You greeted, walking through the door.

"How was school?" She asked, her eyes lighting up now that she had someone to talk to.

"It was okay. Hopper said he will be home early tonight, right?" You asked and she nodded.

"Eat candy and watch scary movie together."

You smiled softly, "good, that's good. Listen, I, uh, I have a party tonight and I know you can probably find me with your powers if Hopper asks you to, but please don't tell him where I am, okay?"

She titled her head a little in confusion and you sighed.

"Please, El. It can be our little secret."

"Our secret." She repeated with a reassuring nod.

This kid wasn't half bad.

"Thank you."

You rushed into your bedroom and switched your denim jeans for tight black ones before shrugging off your jacket and pulling on a black tank top too. If Billy was going as the Terminator than you figured you'd stick with the theme and go as Sarah Connor. That and it was the first and easiest thing you could think of.

El said goodbye, promising to keep your location a secret before you climbed back into the Mustang and made your way to Tina's house.

Tina's place was out in the rich neighbourhood of Hawkins. It shouldn't have been a surprise when you pulled up in front of her house to find that was basically a two-story mansion.

Even from inside the car, you could hear music blasting from the house as a continuous flow of students piled through the front door with various six packs and bottles in their hands while wearing their stupid costumes.

You sat in the car for a little longer, half temped to just drive off, but you didn't want to go home and deal with Hopper. Plus, Billy's Camaro was already parked out the front which ultimately convinced you to go inside.

You grabbed your black baseball cap and sunglasses and put them on, finishing off your costume before you climbed out the Mustang. The music switched to a Mötley Crüe song which caught you by surprise as you made your way through the rich house in search of Billy or something to drink, preferably both.

There was commotion coming from out the back, the sound of a crowd counting up drawing your attention. You weaved your way through the crowd and leant against the back door to find Billy in the middle doing a keg stand.

You folded your arms across your chest and watched on in amusement as the crowd counted all the way up to forty-two before suddenly cheering and you figured Billy must have just broken some kind of record to get that sort of reaction.

As if on cue, Billy lowered himself down and stood up straight, spitting the last of the beer out his mouth. You found yourself unable to look away as you stared at him and boy, did he do his Terminator costume justice. He wasn't wearing a shirt under his opened leather jacket, exposing his muscular stomach that was now shining from the beer trickling down his face onto his chest. You knew Billy was attractive. Everyone in Hawkins knew that, but seeing him like this was just a whole different level.

Fuck, you needed a drink if you were going to be dealing with Billy when he looked like this.

"We got ourselves a new Keg King!" Tommy cheered, appearing beside Billy and handing him a cigarette.

The crowd of students started to chant Billy's name and you smiled watching as he took a drag of his cigarette, enjoying the attention.

"That's how you do it, Hawkins! That's how you do it!" He shouted.

Him and Tommy began to make their way back towards the house and Billy's face lit up when he saw you leaning against the back door.

"Well, I'll be damned, you pull off Sarah Connor very well." He whistled, looking you up and down with a grin.

You were a little relieved that he had picked your costume so quickly. You were almost worrying that you hadn't done enough and people wouldn't get it.

"You don't look too bad yourself." You replied.

Understatement of the century, but you weren't about to say that aloud. 

"C'mon, let's get some real drinks." Tommy said, slapping his hand on Billy's back before leading him through the door.

Billy quickly reached out and grabbed your hand, pulling you along with him until Tommy suddenly stopped right in front of Steve Harrington.

"We got ourselves a new Keg King, Harrington." Tommy said proudly, clearly trying to get a rise out of the other guy.

Steve removed the sunglasses from his face as Billy stepped forward. The two of them stared at one another for a few seconds before Steve's girlfriend, Nancy, suddenly walked off and Steve sighed quickly following her, not giving Billy or Tommy a second thought.

"He's just jealous. Hey, Danny, go grab me and my boy Billy some drinks." Tommy instructed, looking over at one of the other guys before adding. "Get his girl a drink too."

The fuck did he just call you?

"His girl?" You repeated in confusion, glancing over at Billy who just shrugged his shoulders before you turned back to Tommy. "Why did you call me that?"

"What? Aren't you guys, like..." He trailed off motioning between the two of you. "Oh, well, everyone at school thinks you're fucking."

"What?"

"Like it's hard to believe. Billy has every girl in school swooning over him, he could have anyone he wants, but he hangs out with you."

"We're not together, man." Billy said, setting the record straight.

"Oh, thank fuck for that. That is actually a relief, I mean, why would he choose you over the total babes that go to our school? I mean, you wear those stupid band shirts and the leather jacket, it's not girly shit. It's kinda off putting, plus you drive around in that loud car and blast metal music like you're a dude and-"

"Take a walk, Hagan." Billy growled, cutting him off.

"What? Why?" Tommy questioned, looking at Billy in confusion.

"I said take a fucking walk. And don't talk to her like that."

"Jesus, okay, man. Whatever."

You watched Tommy walk off before glancing over at Billy who was glaring daggers into the back of his friend's head.

"You don't need to stand up for me."

Billy looked back over at you and shrugged his shoulders, "Hagan tries to be cool, but ends up being an asshole."

"Sounds like somebody else I know." You teased causing Billy to raise his eyebrows at you.

"You calling me an asshole?"

"I didn't say that."

He rolled his eyes before seeming to realise that he was still holding your hand and quickly let go, like your touch had burnt him as he looked around the party.

"C'mon, I need a drink." He said, nodding over his shoulder as he stared to make his way to the kitchen. "And don't take what Tommy said to heart. I like that shit about you."

Your heart fluttered at his words and you couldn't stop yourself from smiling either. You quickly followed him to the kitchen before he filled up one of the red solo cups with whatever punch was in the giant bowl and handed it to you.

You took the drink without a word and had a sip while Billy cracked open a can of beer and you ended up downing the entire cup before scooping it back into the bowl and filling it up to the brim.

The drink just tasted like tropical juice with a little bit of a kick. It was great. But you also knew that was a little dangerous, but you didn't really care.

An hour or so ticked by and you had lost count of how many drinks you've had, but it didn't matter, you were having a blast.

Billy had disappeared amongst the crowd of dancing drunk teenagers with a trail of girls following him and you made your way down the corridor in search of a bathroom when suddenly someone collided right into you.

In your drunken state, your reflexes weren't fast enough to catch yourself and a second later you were on the ground with a surprised yelp escaping your lips.

"Shit, fuck, sorry, sorry." A familiar voice apologised, and you looked up to find Steve Harrington in front of you.

He held his hand out apologetically which you took, letting him help you to your feet and you opened your mouth to tell him not to worry about it before you noticed what looked to be almost unshed tears in the guys eyes.

"Hey, are you okay?" You asked.

"You're the one that just went ass up, are you okay?" He questioned, rubbing his face with his hands, trying to get rid of the tears.

"I'm fine. Steve, what happened?"

"Nothing. Nothing. Just, well, I think my girlfriend kinda broke up with me, so there's that."

Oh, shit, you didn't see that one coming. Why did Nancy break up with him? You wanted to ask, but even in your rather intoxicated state, you knew it was none of your business.

"Sorry, that blows." You said instead and he nodded.

"I'm gonna go. Enjoy the party."

He was walking off before you had the chance to say anything else. You watched him leave before you managed to find one of the bathrooms that weren't occupied before you re-joined the party and grabbed another drink.

Another hour went by and before you knew it, you were standing on Tina's kitchen bench with a few of the other girls from school and dancing to the music.

Sober you would absolutely hate this, but drunk you didn't give a shit as you continued to dance with the other girls while the crowd circled around you guys cheering you all on and shouting the lyrics to the song.

Suddenly, you lost your footing and fell straight off the side of the kitchen bench. You closed your eyes and braced yourself for the hit on the hard tiled floor, but it never happened and you opened your eyes to find Billy Hargrove looking down at you.

It took your drunken brain a moment to process what just happened before realising that Billy had caught you.

"Falling for me, baby?" He asked, his voice a little slurred from his own alcohol intact as he smirked. "C'mon, we both need some fresh air."

He didn't wait for you to respond before he carried you bridle style out the house.

"This is so patronizing." You whined as he gently eased you down on the porch steps before he sat down beside you.

"Leave it to you to use big words when you're shitfaced." He responded in amusement.

The two of you sat on the steps for a couple of minutes in silence, the music from inside still blasting, but it was nice sitting outside. The fresh air already making you feel better.

"Why are you doing this?" You suddenly asked, breaking the silence.

"Huh?"

"Why are you hanging out with me? I mean, Tommy's right, you could have any girl in town, but you hang out with me. I mean, those girls in there were all over you. You could have gotten laid tonight, dude, but you're sitting out here with me."

"You think I want to sleep with the cows that go to our school?" He questioned.

You snorted softly, but shrugged your shoulders.

"Maybe I just like you better than those other girls, you think of that?"

"I think you're drunk."

"We both are." He laughed, but that laugh didn't last long as realisation washed over him. "Fuck, I'm already an hour late to pick up Max from her trick or treating."

"I'm technically not even meant to be here. Grounded, remember?" You supplied and his eyes widened, clearly forgetting that little detail.

"Shit. The Chief is gonna be pissed."

"Yeah, I can't go home like this. I need to sober up before I show my face in that house."

"I'll get us some water, we can sober up together." He said, jumping to his feet and nearly tripping over before he grabbed the railing of the porch to save himself before he walked back inside.

It didn't take long before he returned with two bottles of water and sat back down on the step beside you as you looked out at the stars shining brightly in the sky above you.

"How did you know that your father wouldn't just be a dick and give you a speeding ticket anyway? You said so yourself, your dad is an asshole." Billy suddenly questioned, bringing your attention back to him as you shrugged your shoulders.

"He is an asshole, but he is also an asshole that is trying to make up for abandoning me six years ago and I figured giving me a ticket would not help him in that category."

"He abandoned you?"

"Right after my sister died... he started drinking too much, and argued with mum at every chance he got. Eventually they divorced and one day I got home from school and he was just gone. Never saw him again until... was it Saturday? Yeah, until Saturday."

"Jesus, and I thought my family was fucked up... my mum left. She must have read the same how-to manual on abandonment because she did the same thing. I got home from school and dad told me that she left and wasn't coming back."

"Well, here's to shitty parents." You said, holding up your water bottle.

Billy chuckled softly, "to shitty parents."

He tapped his water against yours and you both took giant gulps before you glanced back over at him. His blonde curls were sticking to his forehead with sweat from partying inside that stuffy house, but you were more focused on just how blue his eyes really were. They were pretty and bluer than anything you had ever seen before.

"I got something on my face?" Billy asked, snapping you out of your thoughts.

God, his eyes were as blue as waves in the ocean. How was is possible for someone to have eyes that beautiful?

"My mother used to call them pretty ocean eyes." Billy said with a soft chuckle and you quickly realised that you must have said that out loud.

"She wasn't wrong."

Billy smiled, "look at me. Let me see your eyes."

You turned on the step to face him properly as Billy lifted his hand, pinching your chin with his thumb and index finger to tilt your head upwards. His beautiful blue eyes locked with yours and you were unable to look away.

"God, you're beautiful." He whispered, his eyes still glued to yours. "Can I kiss you?"

"You're drunk."

"I promise I'm still a good kisser when I'm drunk, baby."

You rolled your eyes, "no, I meant that you'll regret it when you're sober if you kiss me now."

Billy's eyebrows furrowed, "why would I regret it?"

"Because I'm me? Because I'm just some girl you got stuck with on your first day of school and I'm not pretty like the girls in there." You said, pointing at the door behind you as you rambled on. "I'm not anything like them. They're smarted, skinnier, funnier, prettier. I'm not Carol or Tina or Vicki. You could have any of those girls. They all fucking worship you, so why would you want someone like me? I mean, look at-"

Billy's lips were suddenly on yours, shutting you up instantly as he kissed you. His hand moved from your chin to the back of your neck, pulling you closer to deepen the kiss.

"You talk too much." He whispered against your lips.

"Then kiss me again."

Billy smiled, cupping the side of your face before continuing to kiss you.

-

Next Chapter

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[amaretigris]

Developpe Ch. 4

1.2k words | Spicy fluff 🔥

Taglist: @luna2034 @mylittlemermaid221 @notagreekgal28

For reference in this chapter, the first pic is a fish lift, and the second is a fish dive. ☺️

That was a close call. Seeing you curtsey in your little ballet skirt, with only leggings underneath, gave Jonah ideas. The image of him bending you over his desk popped into his head, but he quickly shook it away. He didn't know what he'd gotten himself into.

In class on Monday, you were met with several glares. Several other ballerinas were huddled in the corner, looking you up and down, and whispering about why you'd been chosen for the lead female part in Don Quixote. You were a nobody from nowhere, after all.

Clearing your throat, trying to ignore the icy stares, you walked up to the casting list on the wall. You face lit up when you saw your name at the top for the part of Kitri. You were excited for the role, but just as excited that Jonah had kept his word to you. What exactly did this mean going forward? You weren't sure, but the possibilities thrilled you. While you were busy restraining your thoughts, you saw Jonah enter the studio.

Bouncing to your normal spot, you didn't turn to face him, but followed his reflection in the mirror. Jonah was carrying a stack of paper, and walked straight to the equipment closet. After he pulled everything out, he got everyone's attention.

"Alright class! The casting has been posted. I have the list of dance sequences for each role printed. This includes individual and group dances. Please pass these around and find yours in the stack. If you have any questions or issues, you can come to my office during office hours."

His expression grew stern for a moment.

"Do not, however, come to my office and ask me to reconsider the casting. These roles have been chosen for the dancers who have shown exceptional skill and proclivity."

You felt goosebumps covering your body at his words. The notion of Jonah thinking you were skilled was a pleasant one. You were flying high through class. You began practicing your solo dances. They were tough, but you were grateful to be learning them.

At the end of class, you put your jacket on much more carefully. As you slipped your fingers into the pockets, feeling the creases in the fabric, but no note, you were a little disappointed. Surely you couldn't expect one every day, though. He'd gone out on a limb to give you the first note. You should be happy for now, and patient.

The next class period, you found yourself struggling. You were practicing the couples dance with Sebastian, who had been cast as Don Quixote himself. You were happy your new friend had gotten the part, but the two of you didn't have the moves down yet. The couples dance included a fish lift, and you and Sebastian were not synced on the positioning.

"Again," Jonah said, watching the two of you.

You almost fell to the floor on this attempt, but Sebastian caught you at the last second.

"Are you alright, (Y/N)?" Jonah asked when you were standing back up straight.

You met his eyes.

"Yes. I'm sorry."

He shook his head.

"Don't apologize. Try again," he coaxed.

You two practiced this lift for the rest of the class period, with no luck.

"Don't cha worry," Sebastian smiled, "we'll get it soon."

You nodded.

"We will. Thank you Sebastian. Nice work today."

Turning to retrieve your coat, you felt giddiness rise up in your chest when you felt a sliver of paper in your pocket. You calmly walked out of the studio, unfolding it carefully.

My office for office hours.

Practically skipping back to your room, you showered, and busied yourself with tidying up your space until it was time to go to Jonah's office. The whole way there, you could feel your heart racing. You took a centering breath, and knocked on his door. Jonah called for you to come in. You noticed that he wasn't wearing glasses today.

"Hello," you smiled, taking the seat closest to him this time.

"Hello, (Y/N)," he smiled back at you, then his features twisted. "You and Sebastian seemed to have been struggling on synchronizing your positioning today," he said frankly.

You sucked in a breath. Shit. You hoped he wouldn't take the part away from you.

"I know. I'm sorry. Hopefully we can get it next time," you tried to placate.

Jonah shrugged his shoulders.

"Hopefully. I think we should try it."

You could hear the blood rushing up in your ears.

"W-What?" you squeaked out.

Jonah put on a wolfish grin at that.

"I said I think we should try it. I can show you the man's proper position. I'll just pull the chairs to the back of the room," he motioned to the chair you were sitting in.

He got up out of his own chair and rounded his desk. You slowly stood, stepping out of the way for him to pull the chairs to the back wall. With those out of the way, he padded across his office. You watched him lock the door, and your adrenaline spiked. When his eyes met yours again, they had a mischievous twinkle in them. Seeing his larger frame coming toward you made you want to swoon.

"What if someone comes by?" You managed to choke out.

He was much taller than you, looking down at your smaller frame when he stopped only inches from you.

"No one will. You're the only student that's been brave enough to come by my office this semester. Besides, I locked the door," he cooed.

He held his hands up, gently caressing the back of your arms.

"Should we get started?" he breathed.

You didn't know if this was a good idea, but you weren't going to say no. Sucking in another breath, you raised yourself en pointe, and assumed your first pose of the dance. You were amazed to see Jonah lift onto his toes, too. Without another thought, you began, first going into the pirouette, then shifting to the battement. Jonah did the same, surprising you with his flexibility. Trying not to let yourself get too distracted, you spun into him, setting up for the fish lift.

Putting his hands around your waist and inner thigh, Jonah pulled you close to his body, and lifted you into position. He walked a small circle with you, then letting you go down into the fish dive. Feeling the magic of the moment, you didn't want it to end. Several seconds later, Jonah pulled you up. Suddenly turning to him, giggling with happiness, you came face to face with your instructor.

He seemed short of breath; you weren't sure whether it was from the move or the moment. Looking up into his soft blue eyes, you smiled.

"Thank you. That was wonderful," you chirped.

Jonah's dimples made their appearance, making your smile grow wider. You couldn't tear your eyes from his.

"It's no problem," Jonah insisted. "You just need an experienced partner."

Raising his right hand up to your cheek, he settled it there. Touching your skin, Jonah's eyes blew wide. This was the first time you'd ever touched skin to skin. He felt an instant spark through his fingertips. You felt the same pulse of energy, and your heart was beating out of your chest. You knew that he'd experienced the same sensation, based on his reaction.

"What're you going to do about it?" you spoke before thinking, casting your eyes down to Jonah's lips, and back up again.

Jonah creased his brow and studied your eyes until he made a decision. Nodding slightly, he urgently molded his lips to yours.

[writeforfandoms]

The shelter from the rain

Find my series masterlist

Here we are, second to last chapter of this story. I hope you enjoy!

Warnings: Swearing, allusions to violence, allusions to threats, Eggsy being the cutest menace. 

Word count: 2.7k

You were alone when you heard the car. You’d kept your promise to Jack and were still at the ranch, but he’d checked, double checked, and triple checked that he had no appointments booked for the next week. Nobody should be coming to the ranch.

So why did you hear a car coming down the drive? 

Heart suddenly pounding, you grabbed your cell phone, just in case. A quick peek out the window showed a truck rolling to a stop near your car, and two men got out. One was blonde and lean, hair pulled back into a neat ponytail. The other was dark-haired, scowling, and broader. 

A call of your name had you jerking back away from the window, but there was no repercussion. Just silence for a full minute. Then another call of your name. 

“What do you want?” you yelled back, edging over closer to the door to peer out the peek hole.

“A mutual friend sent us,” the blonde one called back. “Said you’d remember him from the coat he wore to the diner, and told us to ask if the banana cream pie was good.”

It took you a moment and then your shoulders fell. Okay. Your… accomplice? Ally? Whatever he was. You opened the door, still eyeing the two warily. 

The blonde one smiled at you, aiming for disarming and falling a little short. “I have a letter from him.” 

“Stay put.” You stepped out of the house, glancing around. Champ was nearby, slowly edging closer, surprisingly quiet for a dragon of his size. That gave you the courage to walk up to the two, where the blonde was holding out the letter. You took it and then backed away, towards Champ. Just in case. 

And then you opened the letter, trying to hold it so you could read and keep part of your attention on the two men at the same time. 

I’m sure seeing these two will be a surprise to you, but I ask that you allow them to stay. They’re both ex-military and I regularly retain their services to guard more precious shipments. Allow them to stay and guard you until your beau’s work is done. Just in case.

Those last three words haunted you and you swallowed hard before you folded the note again. 

“I see,” you murmured, more to yourself than them. “Uh. What do you need?” 

The blonde one relaxed a little. “Not much,” he assured you. “Tovar and I are equipped.”

“Right.” You shrugged. “I’ll be out here for a bit if you need anything.”

The two looked at each other, having an entire conversation between facial expressions and little hand movements, before the blonde one nodded. “I’ll come with you. Best to be careful.” 

You thought about arguing, because you were going to be with the dragons. What could possibly happen to you there?

And then you remembered that Poppy had the resources to kidnap a fully grown Royal, and gave up. “Sure, okay. What should I call you?”

The blonde’s lips twitched as he stepped forward, falling into step next to you as you walked towards the big pen. “I’m William. We’ll keep out of your way, ma’am. We’re just here on guard duty.” 

“So I read.” You grimaced a little. “Nothing personal, but I’m not thrilled with this.”

“I can imagine. You had no idea we were coming.” He slanted a sort of sympathetic look at you. “Our employer likes his little games.”

“Yeah, well.” You sighed, long and slow, reaching up to pat Champ’s nose. “I don’t.” 

William nodded once but otherwise left you to your own devices. Which was actually much appreciated. You didn’t need someone hovering over you until Jack got home. 

It did not escape your notice that Tequila idly ambled around to keep an eye on the two guards. (Which did surprise you - you didn’t know Tequila had it in him.) 

The two switched off who watched you during the day, but one of them was always around. 

And, before dinner, you gave in and decided to be more hospitable. 

"Any food allergies? Or anything you won't eat?" You aimed the question at Tovar, since he was nearby. 

"No." The word was grunted but that worked. 

"What about William?" 

This time Tovar just shook his head, watching you curiously. 

So you grabbed the ingredients you wanted and set to work cooking. It didn't take long for the kitchen to smell delicious. 

"Dinner will be ready in five minutes," you told Tovar. "If you want to tell William." 

"You're feeding us?" Tovar looked surprised, though he still sounded grumpy. 

"Yeah, might as well. You're here now, and I'm not going to let you go hungry. Nobody delivers out here, either." You shrugged. It made sense to you. 

Tovar grunted again but left, the front door smacking open as he yelled something in what sounded like Spanish. 

Jack better finish up and get back quickly. 

Dinner was a little awkward, but the amount that both men ate was quite gratifying. 

And then you had some time to kill before bed. So you went back outside to do one final round before bed. 

Eggsy barreled into you, chittering and sniffing you all over. Warm breaths puffed against your face as he chirped, an inquisitive baby noise that he was almost too big to make. 

“I’m fine,” you assured him, scratching his eye ridges. “We’re fine here. No big deal.” 

Eggsy grumbled (you swore he learned that from Champ) but settled a bit, his scales smoothing out and his wings tucking more firmly against his sides. He did still peer over your shoulder and hiss a little.

“Hey! Behave.” You snapped your fingers in front of his face in reprimand. “I told you they’re fine.”

Eggsy managed to look quite mulish but relented, sulking along next to you as you did your final round. 

The property was dark, as always at night, with only the porch lights from the house and the barn lights providing illumination. Champ had settled down much closer to the house for the night, and Ginger was still stalking the perimeter of the big yard, clearly agitated at the two newcomers while Jack wasn’t around. Tequila had flopped down behind their car, which made you snort. Nobody was using that car until he deigned to move. 

The rest of the property was quiet and dark, and you headed inside after tucking in Eggsy under Champ’s wing. They both somehow managed to look like they were only humoring you. 

And then you made your way back inside, left with nothing much else to do. 

“Feel free to use the TV,” you offered to the two. “Wake me if you need anything.”

William nodded with a smile. “Good night,” he murmured, settling in one chair. Tovar was already in the other, a bigass hunting knife in hand that he was inspecting closely. 

You locked the bedroom door. Just in case. 

Somehow, you had a very hard time getting to sleep, your dreams troubled and interrupted. 

The next day was quiet. You’d gotten one single message from Jack overnight, a quick update that they’d arrived and he’d be out of communication until this was done. 

Leaving you with nothing but time.

Deciding the best route was to feed your guard-visitors, you made a big breakfast. Somehow, William snuck over to do the dishes while you were distracted.

“It’s only fair,” was his only reasoning. “Since you cooked for us.” 

You gave up on arguing with them very quickly. 

Tovar accompanied you outside, keeping a respectful distance while you greeted the dragons and pulled a chunk of beef out of the big freezer for Eggsy. The rest of the dragons were fine for a few more days. 

And then… You stood in the yard, hands on your hips, aimless and frustrated. You weren’t used to being here alone, you weren’t used to being without direction, and you weren’t used to the pervasive low-level anxiety plaguing you. 

Tovar stepped up next to you, silent for several moments as he took in the view. “Has the fence been inspected recently?” he asked, low and gruff.

“What?” The question caught you off-guard, and you blinked at him dumbly for a moment while the words actually percolated. “Uh. No. No, I don’t think so, Jack usually does it.” 

Tovar grunted. “Let’s go.”

You stared blankly at him, but he didn’t wait for you. He strode off towards the nearest section of fence, leaving you to scramble after him. 

The two of you walked the entire perimeter of the fence. Then he insisted on inspecting the barn, inside and out. 

It was about the time he suggested you organize the big freezer that you realized he was distracting you. And maybe you should have been insulted, but… Honestly, you needed it. It was too easy to get lost in your own head, with everything going on. 

So you let yourself be distracted all day. Between the two men, they came up with chores and activities for you to do all day, always with at least one of them by your side. 

You appreciated it more than you could say. But instead of trying, you poured that feeling into cooking dinner. 

Dinner was once again devoured with a fervour that told you that maybe they got the message. This time, Tovar was the one that did the dishes while William distracted you. 

“I’m out to do last rounds,” you told the two, standing and rolling your shoulders. 

“I’ll come with.” William stood and followed you outside. He was quiet as the two of you did one last check, Eggsy bouncing along next to you happily. “How’d you get a little one, anyway?” The question was without judgment, and William showed only curiosity.

“Long story short? I found him under a rose bush.” You huffed out a laugh, thinking back all that way to when you’d found the baby dragon. “He was injured, so I brought him here.”

“And never left.” William smiled, just a little. 

“Something like that.” You shrugged. “Things worked out.”

Ginger hissed at William as she slunk past, making her way over to Tequila. The big boy was once again laying in the middle of the drive behind the cars. 

“They don’t like us much, do they?”

“Don’t take it personally.” You shrugged, your steps turning towards Champ. “You’re here and Jack’s not. They’re just being cautious.”

William stayed back as you tucked Eggsy under Champ’s wing, giving them both good night scritches. And if you stayed in front of Champ for a few extra moments, breathing deeply through the ache in your chest, well… William didn’t say a word. 

And then you were once again adrift, feet unwavering in your walk back to the house, though your mind was miles away. 

You and Jack still needed to have that talk, after all. 

“Want to see something fun?” 

You blinked, jolted out of your thoughts, and looked back at William. “What did you have in mind?”

“Watch.” William stepped past you with a wink, opening the door and ushering you inside. After making sure the door was locked, he turned on the TV and switched over to some game show. 

Tovar didn’t look up from his knife, but he did snort when a contestant answered incorrectly. “Idiots,” he grumbled. “All of them.”

“Oh look, a question on geography,” William said, dropping into the other chair with a barely concealed smirk.

That got Tovar to lift his head, and he nearly growled at the TV. “That is not in Africa,” he grumbled. “How are people so–” He said something in Spanish that was very definitely not complimentary. 

Keeping your laughter to yourself, you settled down as well to watch the entertainment that was Tovar swearing at the game show. 

You woke in bed, still fully clothed but for your shoes. Embarrassment flamed, but you still got up to face the day. 

“You’ll have to come up with your own distractions today,” William told you teasingly over breakfast. “I’m fresh out of ideas.”

You snorted. “I’m sure I can think of something,” you agreed dryly. “If nothing else, there are at least three packs of cards in this house.”

“Poker?” William asked, eyebrows raising.

Your smile turned a little cheeky. “Go Fish.”

Tovar snorted, shaking his head. 

“Actually, I have a few questions.”

They both paused at that, exchanging a look. Tovar shrugged, and William nodded slowly. 

“Alright then,” William said, meeting your gaze. “Ask.” 

“What do you think of your employer?” 

William tipped his head to the side, watching you closely. “He pays well.”

You snorted. “Not quite what I meant.”

He shrugged. “He doesn’t hover, he pays well and on time, and he keeps us as busy as we want.” He paused for a moment. “Even if he does enjoy his little games.” 

“Would you say he’s trustworthy?”

William shrugged, tapping his fingers against the table. “He knows what he’s doing,” he said instead, which was a sort of answer. Not the kind you wanted, but good enough. 

So you simply accepted it and stood, gathering up the dishes. 

Spending time with the dragons was a balm to the anxiety that refused to settle in your gut. Eggsy chirped at you and greeted you with a gentle nose boop, and this morning he finally didn't hiss at William. 

William did start asking you questions about the dragons, which was distraction for a couple hours. He even let you walk him around the property while you told him about the one school trip you'd seen visit. 

"So you don't live here, then." The raised eyebrow from him was not quite judgmental. 

"No," you admitted. "We… haven't quite gotten to that conversation yet." 

William nodded slowly, gaze flitting over you. Then he looked away. "Here." He dug into his pocket for a moment and pulled out a business card, holding it out to you. "If you ever need help, let us know."

You took the card carefully, with a lingering sense of deja vu. "Thank you." 

He nodded. "What else needs to be done out here?"

Still shocked, you allowed him to take over, herding you back to the house. 

Most of the way through the day, William stepped outside to take a phone call. Although he didn't move from his position sprawled across the couch, Tovar watched the door like a hawk. 

You had no idea what to expect, but you weren't expecting William to come back inside and nod to Tovar. "Let's go."

"What?" You squeaked, looking between the two. "But… now?"

William smiled reassuringly at you. "Your beau is returning," he told you as Tovar got up, grabbing the few of their belongings that were both packed already. "He'll be back shortly. The danger period has passed, and it's better for everyone if we're not here when he gets back." 

You had so many questions. So very many questions. But the two didn't give you a chance to ask, making their way out the door again. 

"Thank you, for your help." 

That got them to pause, and they both turned back to look at you. Tovar grunted before throwing himself into the car, whereas William actually grinned. 

"Take care. We'll see you again." He waved before getting into the car as well. Within moments, they were on their way, gone just as suddenly as they had arrived. 

You stood in the doorway watching their car go down the road, and then your heart kicked into overdrive. Jack was on his way home! 

You whirled through cleaning and making sure everything was okay. After whatever had happened, you didn't want him to worry about a single thing. 

It also helped to keep you busy, since your nerves wouldn't let you settle for more than three minutes at a time. 

The instant you heard a car, you were on your feet and at the door, heart thrumming in your throat. Jack's truck pulled down the drive and stopped next to yours. 

Jack got out, already looking over at the house. He met your eyes and smiled, a bit rumpled, a bit worse for wear, but here and whole. 

You threw yourself out of the house and into his arms, holding tight to him. He held you tight, rocking you slowly side to side, one hand cradling the back of your head. 

Everything else could wait. 

[randomfoggytiger]

X-Files Collector's Edition: The X-File That Started It All

In the wake of the 30th Anniversary, I combed through my fic pile and pulled up some fics dealing with the Pilot. (Don't worry about the AUs-- I'll stick them in another list later for the fun of it.)

Loose chronological order below~

Melymbrosia's Untold

""Double-blinds, triple-blinds, codes instead of names, codes instead of the details of procedures or drugs. Dr. Charne-Sayre has assured her bosses that the lab assistants will have no idea what projects and experiments produced the blood tests and organic compounds they're analyzing, and that this will not, in fact, even seem strange to them. The old men ask if it can't all be done by computer instead; they have what Bonita Charne-Sayre privately considers a charmingly naive faith in computer security, possibly because they think of it as half magic and half obfuscation. No, she says, and again no, and finally they give in. Medical research, it seems, requires a larger budget and a more select staff than mere conspiracy.""

The horrendous experiences of the Pilot abductees.

@discordantwords‘s (Ao3) Cataplexy

""It took him a moment to realize that he was awake, that he could move, and he did so in a rush, sitting up and shucking off of the blankets. His heart thudded in his chest. He lifted one hand and then the other, clenched his fist, looked at his fingers.

Across the room, in the second bed, his father mumbled something in his sleep, turned over, began to snore.""

Billy Miles's dad hopes his son will snap out of it, willingly covering up all evidence to protect his son.

zulu's First Sight

""She remembered that there was at least one agent who pursued unusual cases. She'd heard about him from...whom? Tom Colton, in their last year at the Academy. He'd told her about the agent who chased unexplained phenomena the way the rest of them tracked drug shipments and illegal weapons.

"He's a real ghostbuster, apparently," Tom had said, laughing. A group had gathered around him, ready to hear the sort of case study their instructors didn't see fit to assign to them officially. "They say he's rather--spooky. Spooky Mulder, chasing after aliens with a badge and a gun. You know you've gone bonkers when, you know what I mean?"

Dana smiled with the others, but the idea intrigued her. "And they let him?" she asked.

"The way I hear it, it's the only way they can keep him happy enough to do their V.C.U. profiling for them." Tom snorted. "They say his profile caught Monty Props almost single-handedly.""

Scully's boredom is eased with her thrilling new assignment to the notorious Fox Mulder. Although Melissa is her only familial support, she tries not to let it dampen her spirits-- as yet unaware that Mulder is on a campaign to figure out who she is and why they were partnered.

Maidenjedi’s Ab Initio

""Stuck. He was stuck in an elevator at the Hoover Building after 6pm on a Friday night....

On a Friday night.

Mulder sat down and started fishing in his pocket for sunflower seeds. Of course there weren't any, he never had them in his pants pockets. It was a crazy habit anyway.

Somewhere right now, guys his age were picking up chicks at bars. Or maybe they were married and having kids.

Mulder? He was chasing demons and ghosts from a basement. They called him Spooky for a reason.

The elevator starting moving an hour later and Mulder went home.

To nobody.""

Mulder is a lonely, paranoid man: friendly only to Reggie Perdue, and suspicious of anyone else at the FBI. TLG slip him information about Bellefleur; but he is a little more intrigued at his first glimpse of Dana Scully.

Surajtare’s Fragments in Time

Chapter 1

""Over the next few days, Mulder set his investigative skills to find out whatever he could about this Dana Scully. Her credentials made him uneasy: undergraduate degree in physics, M.D., "Einstein's Twin Paradox: A New Interpretation."

In Mulder's head the people of the world were divided in two: word people and number people. Word people saw stories everywhere. Number people saw equations. Mulder was a word person through and through. He never trusted number people; they usually had an obsessive need to quantify everything. Scully was definitely that kind, a person who could never understand the X files. The mere thought of a partner like that was exasperating.

Then, on March, he got a call from Reggie, his former ASAC at Violent Crimes.""

Mulder finds out about his assigned partner through the grapevine, immediately assuming she's been hand-picked to be "his type." He's mildly surprised at Blevins's pick.

Chapter 2

""So, how do you like the X Files so far?" he asked her, a little teasingly.

"They're interesting. They are!" she added when he saw his skeptical look.

"Well, this is an interesting first case," Mulder said, sitting back in the chair and stretching his legs. He couldn't fight the smile anymore and she reciprocated, briefly.

"Do you really think aliens have something to do with all this?" she demanded, growing serious.

"I don't know," he admitted, "but I can't find any better explanation."

"We haven't found any explanation, so far," she said.

Mulder soothes Scully after her embarrassment over the mosquito bites, admitting he'd had first-case paranoia, too. Scully admits she's fascinated by the case overall; and their conversation slowly turns to why he's so devoted to the X-Files.

Lara Means’s (Ao3) The View From the Outer Office (Ao3)

""Today it's just one agent -- Agent Mulder. He doesn't come up here much, and his name doesn't come up very often in Mr. Skinner's day-to-day work -- mostly Section Chief Blevins supervises him. But today he's waiting for the Assistant Director. And he looks nervous.

His knee is bouncing pretty steadily, and he's chewing on a fingernail. He keeps glancing over at me like I'd disappear if he didn't. When he catches my eye he smiles a nervous little half-smile, which I return before I go back to my work.

He clears his throat and I look up. "Um... I'm sorry, I've forgotten your name."

You didn't forget it, Agent, you never asked. "Kimberly.""

Mulder tries to get information out of secretary Kim, too impatient to wait for A.D. Skinner any longer.

Athene's Dana Scully's Senior Thesis

""She was accepted at Johns Hopkins University College of Medicine up in Baltimore, and graduated with the President's Medal in 1988," Frohike continued. He stared at a photo in his hand, one Mulder couldn't quite see. There was a little smile on his face, and a hint of admiration in his voice as he continued. "After being recruited by the FBI under a grant-with-stipend issued by the Critical Position Acquisition program at Quantico, she did a two year residency in clinical pathology at Hopkins. When she finished-"

"Let me guess," Mulder interrupted, a sneer in his voice, "she was at the top of her class."

Byers took up the narrative, his voice calm, ignoring Mulder's interruption with the ease of long practice.""

Mulder, enraged about being partnered, gets TLG to dig up information on one Dana Scully (who he believes is a plant set up to get him into an HR harassment claim.) His thoughts turn soft when he sees her honest eyes.  

@spookytheory's Fire, But Better

""First ring of fire: cleared. Blevins seemed content. The strange man in the corner seemed non-plussed. Both fit her preconceived notions of what FBI higher-ups were like. Old, stand-offish, starchy, and, dare she say, predictable? Dana is used to bland men: soulless nurses and aides who seemed to give life and hope to patients from their own personal stores. Some salt-and-pepper doctors were exceptions. Her heart clenches as her mind whispers the name Daniel.

She shakes it off with a roll of her shoulders. I chose this.

She lets this assurance distill into confidence and begins walking down the hall, smiling and nodding at her new co-workers. They blatantly ignore her.""

Scully is trying to shake off her past-- and its mistakes-- by seeking a new change in this assignment. Still, it echoes her heel taps all the way down to the basement.

Madeline Partous's (Annex) Pilot, The 01

""His castle. His domain. He knew that many people saw his exile to the basement as a demotion, a source of shame, but he'd considered it a new lease on life, the compensation for the dues he'd paid.

He'd been the golden boy, and it had earned him a measure of freedom. Now he planned to exploit it for all it was worth, despite the fact that he knew it would condemn him to ridicule and obscurity in the end.""

Mulder covers his extreme surprise and intrigue with sarcasm, finding himself immediately drawn to Dana Scully: New Recruit.

@i-gaze-at-scully’s (Ao3) She's a medical doctor

""Einstein.

His new partner literally took on Einstein. 

“A New Interpretation.” Polite way to say actually, you’re wrong. Here’s why.""

AUish-- Mulder is mad that he is forced to have a new partner; and decides that he hates doe-eyed, green Dana Scully.  

Beshter/Publius's Seasons: First

Chapter 3

""Dana Scully," she passed over her badge to the pleasant woman behind the ticket counter, stifling her own yawn, yearning for the coffee she could smell coming from some mysterious corner of the airport. Why 8 AM, she silently complained? She hadn't seen Fox Mulder. She half expected he would come last minute, tumbling to the gate, tie rumpled and dark hair scattered, as he'd grant her an unapologetic smile. She doubted he was really used to having to do anything on time for anyone, or at least not for a partner. From what she had gathered from his personnel file it had been a few years since he had one of those.

"Here you go, Ms. Scully, if you could sign here," the ticket agent pointed towards a line on the receipt she passed over, and slid Scully's open badge over the counter. Scully's own serious face stared up at her as she signed quickly.

"Who did you con to get that good of a picture, Scully?" Mulder's lazy, monotone drawl was somewhere just above Scully's ear, and she snapped her head up, nearly knocking the top of it into Fox Mulder's chin.""

Scully is floundering in the paranoid waters of Fox Mulder way too early in the morning, and without her coffee. She feels a little guilty that Mulder nails her on her eagerness to debunk his crazy theories.

astronaught's Equilibrium - Chapter 1

""He has had friends. He has had lovers. He has certainly been played with, though not in the fun way. Fox Mulder doesn’t have fun. Fox Mulder sits in his basement office for fourteen hours a day reading rotting casefiles from 1953. He enjoys the work, but his single-minded focus has nothing to do with enjoyment, and everything to do with a desperate and somewhat self-abnegative feeling of necessity. He has a sense of irony so well-cultivated that an outside observer might mistake it for a zest for life. In reality, it is the final recourse of the smart and painfully sincere. He thinks he jokes at the world because he’s given up on it joking back, but Fox Mulder is nothing if not a compulsive seeker of wonder, and deep down his ill-guarded, latchkey heart murmurs Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.""

Mulder's humor garnered him respect from Scully; and both mutually want to hope in each other.  

@wexleresque/hllsteeth’s

Table for Two - Chapter 1

""Mulder bounces his leg and taps his fingers on the sticky table, the pent-up energy from hours of sitting in a car being released from his body like pressurized steam. Through the stubborn pieces of hair that hang over his forehead, he observes the agent sitting across from him as she examines her nails and sighs tiredly.

He can sympathize with her on that front, at least. Though he’d strategically found the least uncomfortable way to fold his tall body into the plane, sleep had been far down on his mental to-do list. Instead, he’d let the case details swirl around the ether of his consciousness, looking for patterns and anachronisms that he may have missed, all the while stealing glances at Scully while she’d white-knuckled her way through turbulence and read over the case notes.""

Mulder observes Scully's post-plane meal.

@scapegrace74-blog​​‘s (Ao3) Fictober, Day 11. Theme: UFO

""They are two hours into their flight to the very plausible state of Oregon when he asks her to switch seats.   She’s momentarily confused.  With his coltish legs, there’s no way he should prefer the window, and she tells him as much.   Challenging Agent Mulder’s assertions is already beginning to feel less like a job description, and more like a secret vice.

“We’re almost over Utah.” As though that explains anything.

“What’s so special about Utah?   Is it a hotbed for UFO activity or something?”

He smiles and makes the obligatory harhar gesture, but his eyes shift to the hublot behind her, so she obliges by sliding out into the aisle.""

Mulder and Scully have a mini conversation about their respective faiths and beliefs before the Oregon plane experiences turbulence.

@scullysexual/PostApocolypticAlien

(Un)Buried.

 ""An unmarked grave. No mortsafe protected this body. There was nobody left to care about what happened to it.

Just the three of you stand in the graveyard in the black of night. The coffin is brought up, the lid removed.""

Mulder is intrigued by the body, mulling this new development over while Scully instructs the cemetery men to take it to the morgue.

10.02 (Ao3)

""It suddenly dawns on you how fun having a partner again could be so fun. You missed it, you realise.

Standing in the rain, in a graveyard, next to two unusually empty graves, discussing how a coma patient is sneaking out and taking people to the forest, it should be as absurd as everyone says it is but it is, instead, a reality and the person who is supposed to argue is absurdity is standing in front of you, laughing, believing it all.""

AU-- Mulder realizes how alone he was while watching Scully laugh in the graveyard. He makes moves that are very not canonical.

@kateyes224‘s (Ao3) Unnamed

""She was nervous as she packed her bags for “Ore-gone”, as her spooky, shockingly attractive new partner called it.... Dana spent almost an hour dutifully stuffing clothes and toiletries into every nook and cranny of her rolling carry-on, fretting over how many layers to bring, erring on the side of caution and, she decided as she was barely able to zip it closed, definitely overpacking.

It wasn’t until she opened her bag in her motel room in Bellefleur that her stomach plummeted as she pawed frantically through her bag, realizing with no little amount of horror that she’d forgotten to pack her pajamas."" 

Scully forgot her jammies, and Mulder lends her his shirt. Both of them appreciate the high art of Steven Spielberg references.

@scullywolf's (Ao3)

Pilot - Chapter 1

""Sighing, she picked up the tape recorder and turned back to her computer, grabbing her glasses from the bed and sliding them on. With a click to restart the tape, she resumed her transcription.

“...four millimeters in diameter and twenty-seven millimeters in length. Object is cylindrical in design with small spheres on either end. No identifying marks, stamps or branding were found. The potential purpose of this implant is unknown.”

The recorder clicked as the tape came to its end. Scully read back over her notes with a small shake of her head, then saved her data and shut down the computer. She had started this case with such confidence, certain that with proper investigative work and attention to detail, they would be able to figure out what was happening to these kids. Now, though… now she was not so sure.""

Scully is intrigued by this strange, new case; and, while not quite sold on the ape theory, she isn't about to subscribe to the alien one.

Fictober Drabbles - Day 3: Basement

""Diana once remarked how appropriate it was that his office was in the basement. “The Fox’s den” she called it, and he blushed and thought her so clever. Infatuation will do that; if anyone else had said it, he’d have rolled his eyes.

She wasn’t wrong, though....""

Mulder's infatuation with Diana turns into desolation when she leaves. He didn't realize how much isolation had affected him until Scully knocks, helping him to stop clinging to loneliness.

Tammy D. Aiken-Phillips/ThamasD's Nine Minutes

""It took only a moment for It to look them over, catalog them, and then telepathically inform It's comrades of It's findings. And intentions.

*The Female - She will have what We need in approximately eighteen Earth months. The Male - His body will be able to provide Us with information in approximately eight Earth years. We will have them then.* *What shall we do with them for now?* A comrade questioned. *Wipe their memories of this visit and return them. Inform our connections on their planet of their importance and the timetable I have set. The arrangements will be made.* *Affirmative.*""

In the 9 minutes that Scully and Mulder are abducted, the aliens have assessed them and marked them for future abductions.

@frostbitepandaaaaa's (Ao3) Nine Minutes and Then Some

Chapter 1

""As much as she was dizzy with relief, she was now weak with abrupt, crushing mortification.

“I need to sit down,” she told him, herself, cinching up the belt of her robe tighter for good measure.

“Yeah, of course.” His voice wavered with a note of insecurity. His motions were suddenly hasty, rushing to put the barrier of the cheap, motel table between them. And just like that, they were drawn apart like hydrophobic molecules.""

Scully is shocked at how much Mulder truly understands and cares her embarrassment post mosquito bite scare.

Chapter 4 (Ao3)

""I believe that hypnotherapy can have… therapeutic uses,” Missy begins, slowly, still recovering from her shock, “though I am not so sure of the… veracity of the memories it is said to tap into.”

Dana smiles, that little half-smirk that her sister dons whenever she was amused against her better judgement.

“What?” Missy asks her.

Dana shakes her head, looks down at her plate. “Nothing… that just sounded like an answer I would give.”

Missy grins. “I’m not as hippy-dippy as you think I am, Dana.""

Melissa sides with Mulder, admonishing her scientific younger sister to keep an open mind.

@neednottoneed/neednot’s (Ao3) Unnamed

""Maybe, she thinks, she’ll lose another nine minutes if it means he’ll look at her like that again.""

Scully realizes she can only talk about and understand her experience with Mulder, the man who lights up like a boy at Christmas when it comes to these uncharted, paranormal waters.  

Erin M. Blair’s (Ao3) His New Partner

""He wasn't quite certain what to make of her. He read her personnel file, along with a photocopy of her thesis. Her intelligence in the scientific would help him brainstorm and come up with plausible theories, along with keeping him sane. He had a gnawing feeling that Scully would gradually change his life, forever.""

Mulder is struck with how quickly his bad luck with partners has so suddenly turned around.

Macspooky's New Partners

""Come on," he slipped an arm around her waist and led her in the direction of the ambulance. "I think I might have another patient for you ladies and gentlemen. Possible concussion."

"Mulder...it wasn't..." She wanted to say that it wasn't that bad, that she had only been dizzy for a moment.

"Go on...." he said. "That's an order. I'll meet you at the hospital. You should be checked out.""

Scully berates her behavior in the wake of the case, scoffing that she'd been swept off her feet and gotten a concussion for her troubles. Mulder kept her company and thought she'd "done good."

@allyinthekeyofx's (Ao3) Playing the Game

""By the time morning comes her pile of sunflower seeds far outstrips his and he knows he will have to stop on the way to the airport to buy more.

He also knows that Dana Scully is not to be underestimated.""

Scully and Mulder have to spend a night at their burnt down motel before flying out. He does them both a favor by buying them new clothes and passing the time with easy bonding games.

@cactustree's (Ao3) Babyface Blues

""The residual embarrassment from the mosquito bite incident has only just begun to wear off when a flight attendant leans down to place a paper cup of coffee on Agent Mulder’s tray table and then asks him softly, “And would your daughter like anything?”

Dana is leaning back against the headrest with her eyes closed, but she is not asleep. ....

The motel fire left her with nothing but what she’d had on her person when she and Mulder rushed out in response to the news of Peggy’s death, and so she is still dressed in the same oversized raincoat and jeans that were soaked through in the cemetery, face bare of makeup, hair loose about her shoulders. She is twenty-nine years old, a medical doctor and a federal agent, and she has just been mistaken for the daughter of her partner, who, as far as she is aware, is in his mid-thirties.

Mulder lets out a quiet chuckle. “No, thanks,” he says to the flight attendant. He does not correct her.""

Scully tries to correct her babyface with a new haircut.

@freckleslikestars/Living_Underground’s perfect lullaby (Ao3)

""They were over Idaho when he carefully removed her reading glasses and tucked them into his breast pocket for safe keeping, lest her head loll to the side and crush them.

The lights of Montana cities sparkled bellow as her soft, nasal snores competed with the whir of the air circulation in the cabin.

Around the time they flew across the Missouri River, her head dropped to his shoulder and she slouched into him."" 

Mulder is surprised that Scully can sleep through their return trip from Oregon. He ponders on his impressions years later; and is shocked when she admits it's "his presence."

David Hearne's Thoughts at 11:21 P.M.

""Then the woods came. They brought twisted black corpses, metal hidden inside flesh, marks branded onto skin, and the light. Your new partner picked a spot and declared it unnatural. He spoke of time being snatched like quarters from the pavement. He pointed the finger of blame at a comatose teenager. None of it was false. None of it was true. It was all merely unsubstantial. You might as well try to bottle the wind as prove what happened in those woods.

You became angry at the mystery. Then you became scared....""

Scully had noticed how defensively Mulder believed before they even left for their case; and is surprised that he calls after to keep her in the loop. She listens.

@invidiosa/Circe Invidiosa's (Gossamer, Alt., Live Journal, Website)

silent fury

""Scully hurled the report into the trash can and dropped down onto the chair in front of Mulder’s desk. “They ask me to debunk your work, and then when I can’t do that, they just redact everything? And you want me to just sit here in silent fury and just take it?""

Scully is furious over her redacted report; and channels her frustration into Mulder's next case, ready to get back out and expose more truths.

@the-spooky-alien's Day 2 of Fictober!

""Oh, c'mon Scully, don't play innocent,'' he snorted, stomach clenching as annoyance flared high in his mind. She couldn't seriously ignore what everyone was calling him behind his back. ''Never heard of Spooky Mulder?''

The look of warning she gave him was enough to dampen his irritation. He mouthed an inaudible 'sorry' at her, wincing when she crossed her arms.

''I have, yes,'' she said, coldly. ''But it can hardly be considered a warning. It's merely a stupid nickname because of what you do with the X-Files.''

Stupid. That was one word for it.""

Mulder is relieved that Scully didn't (doesn't) chase the rumor mills; and is touched that she considers him intelligent.

Diadem’s Scene 02 - Thank You

""At first I guess it was simply morbid curiosity - would I find the body of my sister? Anything was better than the "unsolved" stamp the police had given the case file detailing Samantha's abduction.

After a couple of years, though, I realised that finding her would not be so simple. She would not just be dropped in the middle of a field and left there to be found by some farm hand. I knew by then that everything was much more complicated.""

Mulder had lived a lonely, obsessive life since childhood; and is grateful to be saved and given dignity by Scully's presence.  

amalnahurriyeh/Amal Nahurriyeh's (DW) Triptych With Luggage

""We got you something," her father had said quietly, when they'd all been having lunch back at her apartment after the ceremony.

"You didn't have to," she'd said, and blushed. She still found it hard to talk about the FBI with him; she'd pretty much stuck to telling her mother about it on the phone since she left her internship, and conversations with her father had devolved into safe topics: football, politics, Billy's disciplinary record.

"Sure we did," he said, and swallowed. "Come on down, they're in the car." She'd gone out to the parking lot behind her building with him. "Your mother thought we should wrap them, but I figured that was just a waste of time." He unlocked the trunk of the car and lifted it. She paused for a second, confused. "It's a whole set of 'em," he said, gesturing to the suitcase sitting next to the windshield wiper fluid. "I figured, you'll probably have to do more traveling now. And you can't put your FBI suits in Billy's old duffel, huh?""

Scully pours her excitement for her first field agent case into packing her new, expensive suitcase (gifted by her father in his hesitant support.) It serves her well all of Season 1; and it becomes her conduit during the rough, grounded months in Season 2.

Foxhunt2blue's Pleasures of Simplicity

""It's always strange how children can't wait to grow to adulthood---constantly in a hurry to be something they believe will be so much better. When they finally get there they wish they were children again.

Somewhere along the way they lose what can only be called magic, but maybe it's something else.""

Scully reflects on the innocence that can only be lost in adulthood; and her ensuing transformations over the years in many hallways.  

Enjoy!

[hannahssimblr]

Chapter Nine

I shut my eyes and let the wind rush past us, my hands linked tightly around Jude’s waist as he shoots up and down the narrow streets of the town on his bike. I didn’t know that there was such a thing as truly perilous bicycle riding, but I feel like we’re going so fast that every time we swerve around a corner I am sure that I’ll be hurled off the pannier rack and splat onto the concrete. I tell myself that if I squeeze my eyes shut tightly enough then I’ll be able to pretend that I’m safe, because this way all I can feel is the jerks of my body every time he swerves around another building or telephone pole and hear the sounds of my heartbeat drumming in my ears. I squeeze my cheek into his back to try and feel more secure, and the vibrations of his voice rebound through me as he speaks from up at the handlebars. 

“You doing okay?”

“Yes, great.” He skids onto a long stretch of straight road, and I breathe a sigh of relief as the bike steadies, and I peer over his shoulder. Seeing a town in this light is eerie. The streetlights cast a strange, ghostly orange glow over everything making it look like a black and white film or like we’ve somehow cycled through a portal into some old photograph, a town deserted and we’re the only ones on it. During the day this place is always bustling with noises, car engines and voices, footsteps, but now there’s no other souls but ours. It’s so quiet. 

“Hold on tight for a second.” Jude says, his voice an isolated sound in the silent streets.

“What are you going to do?” I cling on and brace myself as he releases the handlebars from his grip and tries to cycle with no hands. The bike wobbles first, then lurches to one side, and to my horror, I am almost launched from the back of it until he steadies himself and holds on again. “Sorry, I wanted to see if it would work with two people.”

“Well it doesn’t” 

“Sorry.” He cycles a little slower for a while after that. 

I wait until my heart has stopped thumping until I talk again, and when we’ve left town and all that lies ahead of us is a straight road all the way home, I feel steady enough to speak. “You didn’t have to bring me home, really, it’s so nice but I could have found my own way. And the extra weight can’t be good for the tires on this thing.”

“What, like you think you’re heavy? This bike has been through worse.” 

I glance down at the rusty frame, the spray paint, and the pedals so worn down from being tossed onto hard ground that most of the plastic has snapped off. I suppose that it has been. “And your hoodie,” I say “You didn’t need to give me it either.”

“I did both those things because I wanted to though, really, you’re not a burden. I’d prefer to cycle home rather than wait for the guys to be finished in the nightclub. It’s fine.” 

“You often cycle alone at night?”

“I prefer to do most things on my own, honestly. I have my own pace.”

I assume that pace is absurdly, dizzyingly quickly. He moves around so energetically, every movement he makes is so abrupt that he would make your head spin around. I’ve never met somebody so charged before. I think that it’s a bit thrilling to be around him. 

“Do you want to see something?”

I don’t even ask what it is. “Yes.”

He turns down into a narrow driveway, and we quickly lose all light from the road behind us. I have no idea where we are, only that the surface beneath the wheels is rockier now. I can feel little leaves and branches from a hedgerow swiping against my arms and legs, and I ask him where we’re going. 

“You’ll see.” He brings the bike to a stop soon after, and as my eyes adjust to the darkness, I can see that we’re next to a high brick wall. We climb off and he leans his bike against it. “In my hoodie pocket” he says. “There’s my phone, can you hand it to me?” I reach in and retrieve it, and as my hand curls around it I can feel that it’s old. It’s some early 2000s model sturdy block phones. Nobody has these anymore, nobody except old people, and Jude apparently.

“Nice phone.” I say as I toss it to him. “Is this the new Blackberry?”

“Ha ha. Can your Blackberry do this?” He presses a button and a torch light glares out of the top of it. I’ve become so used to the pitch blackness of the night that it hurts and I have to look away and shield my eyes. “Jesus. No, I’m glad my Blackberry can’t do that.”

“Hey, it’s handy.” He clutches on to the top of the stone wall and starts hoisting himself up onto it. I start to follow him and leap up to grab the jagged stones at the top. “That phone is mad. I haven’t seen one of those since I was a little child.”

“It’s the worst phone ever.” He agrees, throwing a long leg over the wall and straddling it. “But I always break them, this is the only one that’s ever lasted.” He shines the torch light over the wall at something that I can’t see yet while I try to use all my strength to haul myself up onto it, feet searching around for some leverage, but it doesn’t work. I’m just not strong enough for it. 

“Give me your hands.” He reaches out to me and takes them, and then drags me up onto the top of the wall with him just like that. He made it look so easy, even if he scraped me on the stones on the way up a little bit. It’s only when he shakes my hands off his that I realise I’ve been holding onto them for longer than I should have, and I’m glad that it’s too dark for him to see me blush. “Getting in is the hard part.” He tells me. “It’s way easier to get out again.”

He grabs his phone again and points the torch at a patch of long grass on the other side of the wall, and then in one fluid movement he’s leapt off onto it and is reaching up to help me down there with him. 

“It’s too high.” I say. 

“I’ve got you.”

I scoot myself to the edge of the wall and then slowly, carefully I turn around and start easing my feet down the side of it. I’m facing away from him when he takes hold of my waist and asks me to let go of the wall. “I’ve got you.” He says again. 

There’s a rousing feeling within me when he lands me on the grass. An excitement in the vulnerability of it, the nearness of him in the darkness sending electric currents over me so that goosebumps rise up on my arms. I’ve had kisses with boys that have left me feeling nothing, but he can make my whole body shiver while barely touching me.

“Are you alright?” He says softly, because to speak in a normal voice among the absolute silence of the countryside would feel like an exclamation.

“Yes.” I breathe.

“If you want to go home, I can take you home. All you have to do is climb up on a bench and you can get back over, easy peasy.”

“No, I want to stay.”

“Alright.”

“Where are we?” I ask him. He lifts the torch and shines the beam out in front of us to illuminate what at first, looks like oddly shaped rocks scattered around in an overgrown field. I squint. “What is this? It’s like a- oh!” I gasp when the realisation strikes me. “We’re in a graveyard.”

“Yeah.” He starts stepping through the overgrown grass, weaving in and out of the gravestones and I follow him, trying to stay close enough so that the tiny phone torch light will light up the ground beneath me. God forbid I catch my shoe on someone’s grave and fall face first into an open tomb or something equally horrifying. 

“This way.” He says to me, and I scramble after him, reaching him as he stands at a pair of large, wooden doors. I reach out and lay my hands flat on them, looking up at the dark blue sky where I can see for the first time the pitch black silhouette of a steeple. “A church.” I say in wonderment. “An abandoned church.”

“Can I show you what’s inside?”

“Is it safe?”

“Yeah.”

“Then yes.”

Prev // Next

[noodlecupcakeswritings]

A Royal Affair - Chapter 3 (Kylo RenXOC)

The First Order is looking to expand its allies and Corellia is known for its great Starships and the royal family. Princess Cora Ardmore is less than thrilled about her future marriage to General Hux, and even less thrilled to have Kylo Ren as her temporary bodyguard.

AN: I just want to warn people that this is definitely a darker fic from me. Plus I do not hate General Hux at all regardless of how I’m portraying him in this fic, I love him but have some dark headcanons about him. I also want to thank @neeharlow and @kittyofalltrades for helping bringing this fic to life with our roleplay thread :D

Warnings: Mentions of death, Mentions of implied violence, A funeral, Hux being an asshole

Chapter 3

Kylo Ren

Now that Cora had no personal guard, I had been forced by Snoke and Hux to take up that mantle. Even when I had protested the idea, Snoke made it clear there was no wiggle room, that it would only be ‘temporary’. An appropriate replacement would be found for me by the time the wedding was over. Snoke had tried to appeal to my ego, saying I was the most suitable fit because of my training, but it didn’t make me feel better about the situation. Frankly, I didn’t want to be anywhere near the woman, let alone the planet. There was little to no reason for me to still be on Corellia when I could be busy doing other things for Snoke.

I had to keep telling myself it was only for a month, and all I had to do was ensure she didn’t escape or kill herself. It seemed a simple enough task, provided she kept her mouth shut. Hux had made sure Stormtroopers were stationed outside her quarters at all times, nobody was allowed in or out unless to deliver her food. He hadn’t even allowed her handmaidens inside. He’d used her quarters as a temporary lavish cell. The troopers didn’t question my presence, allowing me to let myself inside.

Cora was on her bed, wallowing in self-pity. She wasn’t even dressed properly, probably incapable without her handmaidens. Her cheeks turned red, and she threw a robe over her nightdress to protect her modesty. “I would have appreciated you knocking before entering, I’m not dressed appropriately,” Cora said matter-of-factly. Already her tone was annoying me. She acted as if she was better than me and had some moral high ground over me. She didn’t, and I’d soon make her learn that.

“What do you want?” Cora asked impatiently. “Your fiancée has requested that I babysit you until the wedding or until we find a suitable replacement,” I replied. Cora scoffed, thinking it was a bad joke for a few seconds. When she deemed I was serious, her emerald eyes narrowed. “I don’t need you to babysit me, you already ruined my chances of escaping. There won’t be anymore,” Cora said venomously.

“Your right, there won’t. But that’s not the only thing Hux is worried about. He doesn’t want you harming yourself before the wedding. So, for the time being, you’re stuck with me. And I can assure you, I’m just as unhappy about this arrangement as you are.” “Then why are you doing it? I didn’t think the Jedi Killer of all people would take orders from a General.” I glared at her from behind my helmet, “I’m not taking orders from him. The only person I take orders from is the Supreme Leader.”

“And did your Supreme leader order you to kill Varidun? You could have spared him, arrested him if you felt the need to punish him.” “The supreme leader didn’t. But your previous guard made his choice when he led you through those tunnels. Be grateful I chose to spare you unless you’d like to meet his fate as well?” Cora didn’t shrink back as I had expected at the threat, instead, she stood her ground. This would not work in her favour, especially if she continued to show this level of defiance to Hux. “Nothing will happen to me, or you will lose this planet. You and Hux need me alive to strengthen this so-called alliance and so my people don’t see through you and revolt. Because whilst I have no doubt The First Order would cull the planet, I also know it would be a waste of resources you can’t afford to lose,” she said matter-of-factly.

Perhaps she was smarter than I had previously given her credit for. Not that I would ever admit that to her, the last thing a royal needed was a bigger ego. “I would suggest watching your tongue around Hux if you want to keep it. Whilst I cannot harm you, he can. And whilst he won’t kill you, I’m sure that won’t stop him from hurting you. So, my advice is if you want to survive your marriage. Behave,” I replied coldly. Cora rolled her eyes at me before going to her wardrobe and picking out a dress. “Now that you’re here, does that mean I’m allowed out of my room? I’d like to have breakfast if you partake in that sort of thing,” Cora asked. “I partake in private. But I see no harm in leaving your quarters for now, so long as you don’t make me regret it.”

She shot me a glare before stepping behind the privacy screen. Before Cora could begin to dress herself, arguing could be heard from outside her quarters. I figured it was best to investigate and send whomever it was on their way. Opening the door, I saw Cora’s handmaidens, the chief one arguing with the stormtroopers as they denied the handmaidens access. “If he’s allowed in her quarters, then so are we. Her royal highness needs our assistance with her royal duties. Now kindly step aside,” she argued. “Nobody but the commander is permitted access inside. Not even you, now move along,” the stormtrooper replied.

“Let them through, the princess can’t even dress herself without their help,” I spoke up. The chief handmaiden turned her glare to me, not seemingly afraid of my presence like the rest of the Palace staff had been. It was almost amusing how much fire was in the woman’s hazel eyes. The stormtroopers let them pass without a word. The women entered Cora’s quarters and went behind the screen to help her dress. All except the chief one who stood before the privacy screen and kept a close eye on me.

“Why have you been allowed entry after three days but not us?” She asked. “He’s going to be my new personal guard, Flora,” Cora answered her before I could. Flora turned her nose up at the fact. Perhaps I had been wrong earlier, perhaps Cora’s handmaidens were worse than her. “There must be someone else,” Flora argued. Never had I met or seen a handmaiden that was so...mouthy. Most handmaidens would be scolded for talking this boldly by now. But Flora and Cora spoke as if they were old friends.

Finally, Cora was ready for the day, her dress whilst a simple green silk gown had a sense of elegance to it. Or maybe that was just her. Cora’s hair had been pinned back and her handmaidens had added some light makeup. “So, breakfast?” Cora asked. “Would you like it here or in the dining hall?” Flora asked. “The dining hall, please. Preferably the private one. If there are no other available personal guards, then Ren and I are going to have to be civil and get to know each other better. Whether either of us like it or not.”

Now that was much more mature compared to what I walked in on this morning. The handmaidens followed behind Cora and I as we made our way to the dining hall. This dining hall was smaller than the other I had seen, obviously, the Ardmore family reserved this room for more intimate dinners between them or close friends. A place was set for me, and food was also brought, not that I would eat it. Flora lingered nearby, clearly not trusting me around her precious princess. It was irritating, perhaps if she wanted my job so badly I could convince Hux to let her have it. “Are all your handmaidens this mouthy?” I asked.

Cora glanced at Flora and then back at me. Flora didn’t seem impressed with the comment, not that I cared for her feelings or opinion. A hint of a smile played at Cora’s lips. “Not all of them. Just Flora. She’s been like this since we met. Flora is allowed to speak freely, as I cannot all the time. She’s able to vocalise my thoughts when it wouldn’t be appropriate for me too,” she explained. “You’ll want to watch that mouth around Hux considering what happened to your decoy. I’m sure you don’t want to lose anyone else,” I warned both of them.

She nodded once to show she understood and would heed the warning before eating a bite of fruit. “And what can you tell me about my supposed future husband? Whilst he’s so insistent on this marriage, he also hasn’t exactly made the time for us to get to know each other,” Cora asked. “General Armitage Hux is thirty-five years old and enjoys tarine tea. He’s very nit-picky and will complain about everything and anything. He is the bastard of Brendol Hux, and the two hated each other. Understandable when Armitage was an embarrassment to his reputation and Brendol was abusive. Hux senior met a rather disturbing end when he was found liquefied in a bacta tank. Everyone knows either Hux orchestrated it, or he carried it out, but no one would dare say it out loud. Armitage is a known sadist and enjoys inflicting pain on any of his female companions. They don’t usually last long in his care.”

The more I told Cora, the more she seemed to lose her previous confidence, her shoulders slumping as she shrunk in her seat. Her calm demeanour had dropped, worry evident in her emerald green eyes. “You’re supposed to be babysitting me, not making me want to attempt another escape,” Cora replied. “Oops,” I said, completely deadpan. “And he’s always been this…detestable?” I nodded once. For as long as I had known him, Armitage Hux had always been a pain in the ass. Good at his job, yes, but also completely insufferable. Truthfully, I couldn’t blame Cora for wanting to run but I also couldn’t allow it, considering the alliance between The First Order and Corellia.

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

The day of Gela Ardmore’s funeral arrived. Cora was dressed in a black modest gown, her handmaidens helping her with her hair and makeup. They didn’t make her look too grand, nor did they go too heavy with the makeup considering she’d be crying once the ceremony began. Cora was trying to put on a brave face, likely because I was present. I wanted to tell her she didn’t need to, considering she was burying her mother today, but I figured it was best I stay quiet.

Once Cora was ready, we headed downstairs to the throne room, where eventually her father joined her, also dressed in black. Salth hugged her tightly, whispering comforting words to her before the moment was ruined by Hux. Cora glared at him, separating from her father. “You are not welcome here, not today,” she hissed. “As your fiancé, I wanted to be here to support you emotionally and pay my respects. Besides, we must keep up appearances in front of your people.”

Cora was rigid with rage, bordering on shaking, “is that really all you care about? Your reputation? If you had any respect, you’d leave us alone to mourn for the day.” “Be grateful I’m choosing to respect your planet’s funeral traditions. I could easily have the funeral called off and have your mother tossed in an incinerator like your previous guard.” Cora’s eyes glassed over with tears, and she took a step forward, ready to play right into Hux’s hands. It was obvious he wanted a rise out of her; he did to me enough times. Now was the time to intervene before Cora said something Hux would later make her regret.

“Princess, that’s enough. Your mother will have the funeral she deserves and the general will be present,” I interrupted firmly. Both of them looked at me, Cora still glaring although it had softened slightly. Hux smirked before offering Cora his arm. He wanted to clearly play the role of a supportive fiancé in front of her people, even though that was the furthest thing from the truth. Cora refused his arm, instead taking her father’s before the two of them exited the throne room. Waiting at the entrance of the palace was the open casket of Gela, a handful of guards present around the casket.

Cora caved at the sight of her mother, sobbing quietly. Her father remained strong, knowing if he buckled in front of everyone, it would be seen as a weakness. The casket was led outside by the guards, down the steps to the crowd waiting to mourn their queen. Cora’s handmaidens followed behind her and Hux and I followed behind them. Although it was clear Hux was looking for his opening to take Cora’s arm. The crowd parted, and the procession ended at the funeral temple.

Once inside, that’s when Hux barged past the handmaidens and linked his arm with Cora’s, pulling her from her father. She made a small sound of protest as he wrapped his arm around her waist, trying to console her in front of everyone. Even I was irritated by his pathetic performance. Cora wriggled free from Hux before returning to her father. Her handmaidens moved closer, standing around Cora, and acting as a barrier between her and Hux. His false smile fell, turning into a glare before he gave up his attempts and let them comfort Cora.

Once the service was over and the body was buried, we returned to the palace. Flora was leading Cora this time, letting her cry on her shoulder. It was clear that Flora was more than just a handmaiden to Cora, the two of them had a very close bond similar to lifelong friends. And that’s probably what Cora needed most right now, was a friend. As we reached Cora’s quarters, I allowed them inside but didn’t venture further. Instead, I closed the door and waited outside, allowing Cora to have a moment of privacy and peace. It was the least I could do.

Taglist: @jana-banana-fana​​, @kittyofalltrades​​, @sweetfictionalworld​

[spnhunter4life]

So Long Version 2 Chapter 2

Word Count: 5k

Warnings: Canon typical violence

A/N: If version 2 is the first time you're reading this, I hope you enjoy! If you've read version 1 and are reading this also, thanks for the support! Let me know which version you prefer.

Series Masterlist

Ages 12 and 16 July 23, 1995

Dean’s POV

The beds at this motel were probably some of the best quality I’d ever seen. The mattresses weren’t lumpy or too hard and they didn’t smell musty or like cigarette smoke. There weren’t any questionable stains on the blankets either. It was actually a comfortable bed, and I didn’t take that for granted. I would undoubtedly be sleeping on a bed that was much less comfortable and much more sketchy in the next day or two. 

We were in Washington right now, but we’d just finished the job last night. It had been my second official hunt, and I was still thrilled that I was finally allowed to be involved, to actually get to chase down and kill the monster instead of being stuck at home doing research. 

It was only a simple salt and burn case, but I’d still had a lot of fun. Things had gotten exciting when the ghost showed up as we were searching the abandoned house she used to live in for the object she was tied to – it turned out to be the knife she had been killed with, still covered in her blood – but other than getting a little bruised up from being thrown across the room, nobody had gotten hurt. 

It had been a long night though, and so, exhausted, I hadn’t been able to do more than strip down to my t-shirt and boxers before collapsing on top of the bed and falling asleep almost immediately. 

I had slept deeply. I was slowly making my way towards consciousness, clinging to the dream I was already forgetting. It was about me and Jenna. We were… out with friends? On a date? The details were hazy and fading quick. I think we were at the movies maybe. I was startled into alertness by Sam’s gasp.

I grabbed the knife from under my pillow, rolled onto my back, and sat up, scanning the room for a threat. There was nothing though. Dad was gone, probably either talking with Ben or gone out to grab breakfast and coffee. There was just Sam standing at the foot of my bed, eyes wide, mouth slightly open, staring intently at my ankle. Staring at the name that was tattooed there.

“Why didn’t you tell me?!” He cried out in the voice of a little brother outraged at being left in the dark.

“Shit,” I muttered as I got out of bed and started getting dressed to hide the evidence. But the damage had already been done.

“Dean!” Sam protested.

“Let it go Sammy,” I ordered, rifling through my duffel bag for some clean clothes, deciding a shower was in order. 

“Let it go?” Sam echoed, trailing me towards the bathroom. “Dean, this is huge! I thought we didn’t have secrets. You guys should have told me!” he insisted.

I set my clothes on the counter and was ready to threaten him to keep his mouth shut when something seemed to occur to him.

“Wait,” he said, backtracking a little. “Jenna does know, doesn’t she?”

“I’m only going to tell you this once Sam, so listen up. I don’t care if you’re my brother. If you ever tell anyone, especially her, I will end you,” I warned before slamming the door in his face.

Great, I thought. I’d been able to keep this thing a secret for less than a year. I wasn’t at all sure that I could trust Sam not to say something. Sure, he could keep a secret if he wanted to, but I didn’t know if I would be able to convince him that this needed to stay between us. Anxious thoughts swirled in my head throughout my shower, but by the time I got out I had a persuasive argument ready to go.

When I stepped out of the bathroom, Sam was on the couch, restlessly tapping his fingers against his knee. He looked up at the sound of the door opening and stood to face me.

“I won’t say anything,” Sam rushed out at the same time I said, “We need to talk.”

“What?” I asked, not having heard him over my own statement.

“I won’t say anything,” he promised. “But… why haven’t you told her?”

I sighed. I should have expected this. Should have, but didn’t. I’d planned out how to persuade him not to tell anyone, had considered potential arguments he might throw my way. I hadn’t anticipated him immediately complying or the simple question that followed. I ran a hand through my hair as I considered how to answer. 

“You know why,” I finally said, deciding that the argument I’d planned out would work as an explanation to his question. He just stared at me expectantly.

“I haven’t exactly made a secret of the fact that I don’t want to know my soulmate. That I don’t want her stuck living this life,” I told him.

“You love this life,” he pointed out.

“Yeah. I do. But it’s dangerous and it means never having a home. I won’t force her into that,” I explained.

“But she’s already a part of it. You won’t be forcing her into anything,” he responded.

“Just because she’s in this life now doesn’t mean she has to be in it forever. She’ll be able to make her own decisions in a few years. She can find somewhere she likes and stay there. She can get out of hunting.”

“Who says she wants to?” Sam asked. 

“Well then that’s her choice if she doesn’t want to quit. I’m not going to be the reason though. I don’t want her hunting with me out of a feeling of obligation. I won’t do that to her.” I told him.

“You keep talking about her being able to do what she wants. What if what she wants is to be with you? Did you consider that?” he argued.

I had considered it. I decided that until I had a reason to think that she was interested in something more, I would leave things the way they were. I was happy just to have her in my life, in any way. I wasn’t going to push for more when what I had was already more than I could have ever hoped for. My soulmate was with me every day. And I didn’t have to worry about scaring her away. She already knew the whole truth about me and my life.

Frustrated that he kept pushing, I snapped, “I thought you weren’t going to say anything.”

“I’m not,” he insisted.

“Then why won’t you let it go?” I demanded. He scowled at me.

“If I’m going to be keeping this a secret for you, you can at least tell me why it has to be a secret. I told you I won’t say anything and I won’t, but I still don’t see why you don’t just tell her.”

“I don’t know how to explain it in a way you’ll understand,” I told him. “Can you just believe that I’m doing what’s best?” 

He thought about it for a while.

“Fine,” he agreed.

“Fine?” I asked, relieved, but surprised he wasn’t putting up more of a fight.

“Yeah. Fine. Because you have less than a year before Jenna turns 16. You know she’s going to find out then,” he said confidently. 

I hadn’t been letting myself think that far ahead. I wasn’t sure what to expect when her birthday came around again. Would she find my name somewhere on her body? Would she be happy or disappointed? Would she want to be with me or would she rather stay away and have a normal life? Would it even be my name she found?

“Maybe,” I said, humoring him for the moment. “But until then, this stays between us. Actually, this stays between us until I say otherwise,” I told him.

"Fine," he agreed. He wasn't happy about it, but he felt secure in the knowledge that he had less than a year before it would no longer be a secret. I both hoped he was wrong and hoped he was right. "Jerk," he added a little frustratedly. 

I just smirked at him. 

"Bitch."

Ages 15 and 16 September 13, 1995

I was sitting at the table in the Winchester’s motel room with John and my dad, discussing the case they were working on. Sam was in our motel room studying for a big test and Dean was just getting back from his afternoon out with the sister of the latest victim, trying to get more information. 

“Hopefully Dean learned something useful so we can go in more prepared,” John was saying as we all heard the familiar rumble of the Impala’s engine. He had come up with a plan to catch the monster, but though we had theories, we still weren’t 100% sure what it was. 

When the two of them had caught wind of this case, finding a newspaper article about a 14 year old girl who had gone missing – the third missing girl in this Colorado town this month – they’d immediately packed us up. The latest girl’s body hadn’t been found at the time, but the previous two were found a few days after their disappearances, covered in deep cuts, bodies drained of blood and dumped in rarely used alleyways. The girl from the newspaper article was found a day after we got to town.

My dad and John were able to find out almost immediately that the girl had an older sister and instructed Dean to start trying to get close to her. They figured the teenage girl might spill a little more information – especially when a mysterious new boy with a handsome face and charming smile was asking the questions – than her parents would. 

“Well?” John asked as soon as Dean had the door closed behind him.

“Sorry, I’ve got nothing,” Dean admitted disappointedly. “She didn’t say anything different than what everyone else has been saying. And she was more than happy to answer my questions so I don’t think she was hiding anything. Maybe I just didn’t ask the right questions.”

“Alright. Don’t be too hard on yourself. We knew she might not know anything. I’m sure you did just fine,” my dad reassured Dean.

“Maybe. I’ll try to figure out if there’s anything else I can ask her that might give us something useful,” Dean said.

“No need. Jenna, why don’t you go get ready to head to the library,” John said. I stood up to follow his instructions and he turned to the array of weapons on the table.

“The library?” Dean asked. “You guys are doing research? We don’t even have enough information to go off of to know where to start.”

“Don’t we?” John countered, already irritated. I froze where I was. He never handled it well when Dean questioned him, no matter how innocently. He always expected instant compliance, a “Yes, sir!” kind of attitude. 

“Ok, well I’ll come with then,” Dean replied.

“No you won’t. You’ll stay here with your brother,” John told him.

“Why? What’s the point in me sitting in a motel room when I could be with you guys doing something useful?” He argued. “The more people we have looking, the more information we can get through.”

“We don’t need more people. Jenna’s going alone.” John told him, the “end of discussion” clear in his voice.

“What?” Dean spit out through clenched teeth. I looked at him and saw him looking disbelievingly between the two men. 

“You heard me,” John said, daring his son to question his decision. “We made a plan while you were out.”

“While I was out?” Dean said incredulously. “You mean while I was working the case? While I was doing what you told me to, you ‘made a plan’ to send Jenna out by herself?” 

I’d never seen him argue like this with his father. With jerks at school, sure. With me and Sam, occasionally. But with John? I’d never seen him truly question his father, and I was worried where this might be headed and how ugly it might get.

“Yes, we did,” John said. “And the plan isn’t going to change just because we don’t have all the information.”

“Did the three of you somehow forget that this… this thing is taking teenage girls? Did you forget that all three of the girls he took had dark brown hair, pretty much exactly the same color as Jenna’s? What about the fact that he’s taking these girls from the library? That he only goes after them when they’re alone? Tell me how this isn’t enough information to know that sending her in is a terrible plan!”

“We’re not discussing this any further Dean,” John said with finality, moving to usher me from the room. Dean stepped between us, back to me, breath heaving. 

“You can’t use her as bait!” he yelled. He ran his hands through his hair, a sure sign that he was beyond stressed. I set my hand on his shoulder, wanting to comfort him. He took one quick look at me, his eyes wild, before he turned to look at my dad. 

“Ben, how could you be ok with this?” He asked.

“I don’t like the idea either,” my dad said as he looked at me.

“So why-” Dean started.

“Because it’s the only plan I can see that catches this thing before another innocent girl is taken,” he said firmly.

“Jenna is an innocent girl,” Dean said.

“But not an ignorant one,” John countered. “She knows what she’s getting into. We have no leads on this thing other than it being in the library. It’s managed to avoid all security cameras so we don’t have any idea what it looks like. We don’t even know if it managed to sneak around so well because it works there or if it was just that careful about scouting out the place ahead of time.”

“Exactly! That’s why you can’t just let this thing take her, Dad! How bad do you think it’ll hurt her before we manage to find her? Who says we even find her on time? You can’t do it.”

John stiffened.

“Excuse me? I can’t do it? You’re giving me orders now?” he asked in a dangerously quiet voice. Dean squared his shoulders and lifted his chin.

“You heard me,” he said, repeating his dad’s earlier words. “You can’t. I won’t let you.”

Sensing that the situation was about to escalate to a point of no return, my dad stepped in.

“We’re not going to let it take her, Dean. Of course not. We’ll be there, waiting for it to try and grab her. And when it does, we’ll be ready.”

“You’ll be ready?” Dean said with an edge to his voice, never taking his eyes off of John. “You don’t know what the thing even is. How can you be ready?”

“We’re bringing everything. Whatever it ends up being, we’ll have what we need to kill it. I’m not going to risk my only daughter,” Dad said, trying to reason with him.

After a few tense seconds of silence, Dean finally turned to me.

“And you?” he asked. “You’ve been awfully quiet through this whole thing. Are you ok with this? They can’t make you if you don’t want to.”

“Dean,” I started, trying to decide the words to say that would calm him down, ease his nerves. “I’m ok with it,” I finally decided on. There was nothing more I could really say.

“You’re ok with it? You’re fine with being bait? Jenna, I know you. You try to hide it, but I can see how scared you are every time you come on a hunt. You’re telling me you’re not scared now?”

“No,” I said, and was surprised to realize I meant it.

“No?” He questioned disbelievingly.

“No,” I repeated. “Because I know you’ll be there,” I told him confidently, looking at John to see if he would contradict me and insist Dean stay behind. That’s what the plan had been originally, both John and my dad thinking he wouldn’t be able to handle it. When he just shook his head – not in denial but in irritated acquiescence – I continued. “Because I trust you. Because I’ve never had to worry about not being safe when you’re around. Because I know you would die before you would let anything happen to me.”

He looked at me for a few moments, processing the words I’d spoken with such conviction.

“You’re sure?” He asked one more time.

“I’m sure,” I told him. He nodded, resigned to the plan if not happy about it.

“Alright,” was all he said.

“Great,” John said sourly. “Now that that’s settled, we’ve got a job to finish. Get moving.”

~~~~~

An hour later I sat at a table in the most secluded corner of the library I could find. My biology textbook was laying open in front of me and the rest of the table was scattered with my notes and some old assignment sheets. We’d only been at this school for a few days, but I tried to carry all my notes from previous schools. It wasn’t uncommon to cover the same topic multiple times with all of the school-hopping we did.

Dean, John, and my dad were hiding behind one of the big bookcases behind me, waiting. I was actually doing homework, partly to keep myself calm and pass the time, partly because it’s what the monster would be expecting.

We were covering the digestive system currently and the teacher had assigned the class an essay taking her through the full digestive process from the perspective of the food that was being digested. It was definitely one of the weirdest assignments I’d ever been given. Unfortunately, I let myself concentrate a little too hard on my work, not paying attention to my surroundings the way I should have been.

“Excuse me,” a voice said to my right, causing me to jump a little in my seat. He was a man, probably in his 40s, wearing a little name tag identifying him as Trevor. “Sorry to startle you. I’m just letting you know the library will be closing soon, so if you could please finish up, that would be great.”

“Yes, of course,” I said, a little flustered. I couldn’t believe I’d been so careless. I started packing up my stuff, already mentally preparing myself for having to come back here tomorrow to try again, when I realized the man wasn’t leaving. Tense now, I looked at him. “Was there something else?” I asked.

“Actually, now that you mention it.” He pulled a syringe out of his pocket and grabbed me, moving the needle towards my arm. He was quick, but I was quicker, reflexively swatting the incoming hand away with the arm he wasn’t holding in place, knocking the syringe out of his grasp and onto the floor where it rolled away. 

“You little bitch,” he spat as he caught the fist I threw at his face. “Hard way it is then. You’re going to regret that. I enjoy a fight.”

I threw my knee straight up towards his crotch and he dropped one of my arms to block it. In blocking this attack, just as I’d anticipated, he’d dropped his head down to see. I grabbed the back of his head and pulled him closer as I rammed the top of my head as hard as I could into his nose. 

Momentarily stunned, he let me go and I ran in the other direction, wondering where the guys were. I meant it when I said I trusted Dean with my life. I obviously trusted my dad just as much and John too. But that didn’t mean something hadn’t happened to them. Trevor took only a second to recover before he lunged forward and grabbed me. He wrestled my hands behind my back and started to force me towards the back exit but he was stopped by my dad stepping out in front of him, gun pointed at his face. 

“Let her go,” he commanded.

“How cute,” Trevor said. “I suppose you guys figured you’d set an easy trap for me in what I can only guess is some misguided revenge attempt. I’m afraid you’ve underestimated your opponent though. Those bullets won’t kill me. So now you both die.”

“I suggest you listen to the man,” John said from behind and slightly to the left of us. He also had a gun trained on the man. And then I understood. They’d taken so long to intervene because they were getting into position, sneaking around behind the bookshelves to surround us. I knew where Dean would be, behind and slightly to the right, but I didn’t look. Didn’t let this monster know we had a fourth person on our side.

“I don’t think so. Like I said,” Trevor said, still unconcerned about his odds, “It’ll take more than a bullet to kill me.”

“You mean because you’re a shapeshifter?” John asked as if he were having a casual conversation. “That’s why all three of our guns are loaded with silver bullets.”

That’s when I heard the gun cocking directly beside me. John had been the distraction, the way to get Trevor to turn his back so that Dean could get close.

“You’ve got one more chance to let her go,” Dean warned, gun pressed up directly against the man’s head.

“And why would I do that? I let her go and you kill me.” He breathed out, afraid now that he understood the guns were a very real threat to his life.

“If you don’t let her go, if you hurt her in any way, you can be sure that you’ll be wishing for death by the time we’re done,” Dad said. Dean grunted his agreement.

I could feel the hands on my wrists minutely tightening and loosening as he made a decision. The next thing I knew I was being shoved into Dean and the monster – shapeshifter, apparently– bolted for the door.

Dean and I fell in a heap on the floor, him flat on his back, me on his chest. I heard a gunshot, only one, and knew it was over. I didn’t know which of our dads had been the one to fire the shot. 

I took a deep breath, letting Dean pull me into a seated position and hold me against his chest while murmuring into my hair, “Don’t you ever do that to me again. I don’t think I can handle it.”

I didn’t respond. He knew I would do it again if it was ever needed the same way he would always offer himself up for the sake of others. I just listened to the sound of his elevated heartbeat and let myself enjoy the feeling of being held by him.

“How did you know it was a shapeshifter?” I asked once Dean had let me go.

“The real guy is dead behind one of the bookshelves,” John answered. “We knew what he was the second he came over to talk to you. Now let’s get this cleaned up and get out of here.”

I mentally rolled my eyes at his order, but I knew he was right. The real Trevor’s body would be left for the police to find. We needed to take care of the shapeshifter though. 

We drove to an abandoned warehouse on the edge of town. It was mostly empty inside and everything was made of concrete or metal. It was the closest and safest place we could find to burn a body.

Once it was taken care of, we piled back into John’s truck and drove back to the motel.

Ages 15 and 17 March 18, 1996

“Jenna!” I heard Dean call from down the hall as he stalked towards me. He sounded annoyed. I knew how it looked, Tony casually leaning next to me, arm braced against the lockers. The halls were mostly empty as everyone went home for the day. I knew I had a big smile on my face too, knew the conclusion Dean had undoubtedly come to, but I wasn’t in the mood to deal with him playing overprotective big brother. Rolling my eyes, I turned to face him as he stopped within inches of me.

“What’s up, Dean?” I asked calmly. I didn’t fail to notice the way he angled his body slightly between the two of us.

“I was going to ask the same thing,” he answered. “I thought you were going to meet me and Sam outside.”

“I was. I am.” I corrected myself. “Tony was just telling me about all the horses his family owns and he said I could come over and ride if I want.” I told him, getting excited again. I looked at Tony who looked slightly nervous. He was a fairly attractive, semi popular guy. A sophomore, like me, he was still growing into his long legs and widening shoulders.

“You really think your dad is going to let you go to some guy’s house?” Dean scoffed.

“Why not?” I answered defensively. “You and Sam go to your friends’ houses all the time.” I noticed Tony wince a little and pushed Dean away, only able to do so because I took him by surprise. He still only backed away a single step.

“That’s because our dad doesn’t care what we do and you know it. Your dad is way more protective,” he countered. “It’ll be a cold day in hell before he lets you do something as stupid as go to the home of some random boy by yourself.”

“You mean before you let me go,” I retorted. “Well news flash Dean, you don’t get to decide what I can and can’t do. And what do you mean ‘stupid’? I want to go ride horses with a friend, not bungee jumping off a cliff above a shallow lake.”

“You’ve never ridden a horse before, Jenna! What if something goes wrong? You could fall off and hurt yourself!” 

I was surprised he wasn’t backing down. He never used to have these kinds of arguments in public. He’d always been protective, but for the past year he’d been even worse. While deep down I appreciated his concern, right now I was just irritated. 

“I have to drop my stuff off and let my dad know what’s going on, but I’ll try to be there by four if that works for you.” I told Tony, ignoring Dean for the moment.

“Yeah, sounds good,” Tony said warily. “Whenever works for you. And if you don’t come, I’ll just assume your dad said no.” He told me, eyeing Dean before making a hasty escape. I huffed and turned to punch Dean in the shoulder.

“Really?! Why do you have to do this to me? You know how much I love horses! Why can’t you stop scaring away everyone I make friends with?!” I ranted. Dean just started walking for the door.

“I don’t scare away all of your friends. Only the jerks that are making moves on you. I mean, really Jenna? You think all he wants is to show you a few horses?” He mocked. He held the door open for me and, choosing to ignore his jab, I made a beeline for Sam, who had started walking once he saw us come out. Sighing, he closed the door and jogged a couple steps to catch up to me.

“Hey,” he said, grabbing my shoulder and turning me to face him. “I’m not trying to ruin your life, you know. I’m just trying to protect you.”

“Well maybe I don’t need you to protect me! Did you think of that? I’m not an idiot, I know he’s hoping for more, but I also know he’ll back off if I tell him to. And even if he didn’t, don’t you think I can handle one teenage boy? My dad doesn’t have me train for nothing.”

“That’s not the point.”

“Then what is?” I asked him, exasperated.

I watched as he physically reigned in the automatic response that wanted to shoot past his lips. He worked his jaw back and forth and took a breath as he thought of the best way to say it.

“Guys suck. Ok? And I can say that with absolute certainty seeing as I am one.”

“Dean-” I tried to interject.

“No, let me finish. I just don’t want to see you get involved with some guy who's only going to end up hurting you.”

I waited to make sure he was finished before answering.

“Yeah, but did you miss the part where I said I wasn’t interested?” How could I be? There wasn’t a boy in the world who stood a chance of gaining my attention when the most perfect one was already in my life, completely oblivious to how thoroughly he had ruined the chances of me ever being interested in anyone else. Of course I couldn’t tell him this, so there was no real way to assure him that I was telling the truth. “Zero chance of me being hurt. I promise.”

“Maybe,” he said, clearly not sure if he believed me or not. “You could still fall off a horse though. I’m sure that would hurt.”

“Because the risk of falling off a horse is so much greater than getting hurt on a hunt?” I asked pointedly.

“Okay. You’re right,” he sighed after a moment of deciding whether or not to argue. “I’m sorry. You still have to get your dad to agree to it though,” he pointed out. I groaned and squared my shoulders, readying myself for the upcoming argument.

~~~~~

I was practically vibrating with excitement as Dean pulled into the driveway of Tony’s home. It had been one of Dad’s conditions, that Dean drove me. I could see several horses already and knew I’d be on one of them soon.

“Thanks Dean!” I said as I moved to get out of the car.

“Just a second,” he said, putting a hand on my knee to stop me. I paused with my hand on the handle and turned to him. “Just… promise you’ll be careful.” He finally got out. My heart stuttered a little like it always did when he worried. I knew it was only a brotherly concern no matter how much I might wish it was more.

“I will.” I told him with a soft smile. Then I jumped out of the car and headed towards where I saw Tony at the barn.

Chapter 3

[missherondale29]

Client is always right, Part 1

Chapter 1. Love talk

There are days when Hyunjin asks himself a pretty logical question about where he made mistakes in his previous life so he struggles in this life. Well, instead of practicing his profession (he has a very beautiful diploma stating his profession as a translator-linguist, it sounds considerable, and he doesn’t understand why Seungmin and Jeongin are laughing at him), he finds himself at the bottom of social pyramid, more precisely, he creates tattoos on people’s bodies in salon being not so presentable. He states that Changbin is one to blame, but now he isn’t so sure about that.

It all began when they were sophomores, and Hyunjin, being drunk enough during some senior’s birthday party (Hwang couldn’t remember his name even though he struggled enough, but he doesn’t care about that – well, nobody does), has lost bet to Changbin. And this Korean pig decided to play with Hyunjin, so his desire was that guy had to get a piercing. Well, that would be okay if Changbin chose ears. Nose, no problems. Eyebrow, he would survive. But Seo decided to make fun of his friend and chose belly button for piercing. Very unusual choice, needless to say, especially among guys, they don’t choose this location to get pierced, but Hyunjin has to be thankful it wasn’t nipples (again, he decided not to say it loud, Changbin could hear it, and then Hyunjin would regret his life choices and hate that day he told his name to the guy who joined him during his second day of university).

Changbin chose the studio, it wasn’t big or popular, it was located on the suburbs, but it was cheap enough, and Changbin’s elder brother owned it. Youngho is nobody by himself, he doesn’t create tattoos, he doesn’t pierce, but he is the one to collect money and to run through tax authorities (even if Hyunjin wanted to understand the whole Bermuda Triangle, it’s nearly impossible). It seemed like Hyunjin cursed everybody in the world during this procedure, starting from Changbin, master, Youngho, that unknown birthday boy and even the creator of alcoholic drinks. That was fucking painful, he was nauseous, when he tried to take a sitting position (he vomited then into a carefully offered bowl, until the poor stomach was completely empty), Changbin was the real asshole, because all he did was sitting and laughing so hard while Hyunjin was suffering.

“Well, it looks pretty good,” he made his reputable conclusion, while he was lying on Hwang’s bed in his dorm room and eating cheese rings. Hyunjin was carefully treating his piercing with alcohol, sticking out the tip of his tongue, “it suits you very well”.

“Nah, wouldn’t it suit,” Hyunjin snarled, but he understood, that Changbin had the point – the nature gave him not only handsome face and bitchiest character, but also such a good body, which he supported by going to the gym and training until he fell down, but the result is obvious – a neat silver piece of jewelry looked quite good against his steel abs.

 “Girls will be thrilled when you undress in front of them,” Changbin laughed, “they will spread their legs right away.”

“Fuck, which girls,” Hyunjin sighed tiredly, putting the bottle of alcohol and cotton aside and carefully sealing the piercing with a cotton pad, “first of all, sometimes you forget that I’m gay.”

“And secondly?”

“And secondly, fuck off,” Hwang grunted, giving Changbin an angry look, “I’m done with your eating in my bed, then I have to clean up the crumbs after you. Go, damn it, and eat at your place, why are you stuck here?”

“Shit, how evil you are,” Changbin pouted theatrically, but quickly relaxed, putting his cheese rings aside, “I came to see you on business. Youngho decided to promote his studio, you know, put an ad on Insta and even make something like a website. And now he is looking for models for photos on this very website, like, promoting his artists’ works. He said you looked good, so he offers you to be a model for his ad. The artist will tattoo you, of course, free of charge, they will take some pictures of you and make you a local celebrity. What do you think?”

Hyunjin felt like sending Changbin to hell again, because bitter experience showed that any adventure of this rogue usually ends up in the middle of disaster (or pierced belly button, as it goes), but he braked sharply, realizing the full depth of the issue. Well, he had been thinking about a tattoo for a long time, the topic seems to be popular these days, and here it is also free of charge, it’s just a sin to miss such a jackpot. Moreover, Youngho himself is quite harmless and adequate (unlike Changbin, of course, or it is only Hyunjin who has been a lucky one), and the situation with this ad didn’t seem so adventurous to him.

“Damn it,” Hyunjin waved his hand at this offer, “Agreed.”

“Really?” Changbin was somehow overjoyed, he expected that he would have to persuade his friend for a slow and dramatic time, and he was also preparing for being put forward a request in return, “then I’ll give Youngho your number.”

To be continued

[ziva0888]

InoAoi FanFic Chapter 9

It was afternoon at the butterfly mansion

Someone came in.

It was Giyuu Tomioka

Aoi greeted him at the door “Welcome Tomioka-san”

He bent down to make eye contact with her “Aoi, how are you?”

She smiled delightfully “I’m doing well”

He didn’t take his eyes off her “And Tanjiro?”

Aoi smiled at him excitedly “He’s doing better than ever”

He smiled and closed his eyes “That’s great, what about Kocho?”

She narrowed her eyes “Was nee-san not at the Hashira meeting?”

Giyuu didn’t answer.

Aoi also stayed silent, she knew about Tomioka’s preferences of silence more than anyone

Tanjiro poked is head out the doorway “Tomioka-san!” he looked excited “Why didn’t you tell me that Aoi-san was your student?! I thought we were friends!”

Tomioka looked at him blandly, his eyes were less soulless though “We are friends” he felt weird considering someone other than Aoi and Shinobu as his friend “You just never asked”                                                   

“If you could teach someone water breathing, then why did you send me to Urokadaki?”

“Aoi was much more obedient than you are, I taught her much before being a hashira, about a year before I met you and Nezuko” Giyuu reflected

“Tomioka-san, can I talk to you about something later?”

Giyuu looked skeptical “Okay . . .”

Shinobu  came into the room, she saw Giyuu standing with Aoi and Tanjiro “ Tomioka-san . . . what brings you here?” she smiled cheerfully

He looked at her sharply “I only came to see Tanjiro and Aoi”

Shinobu clapped her hands together “How kind of you!” she cheered

Tomioka couldnt have looked away from her faster.

Later Giyuu was in the room, nobody but him and Tanjiro were there

“Tomioka-san, can you teach me your eleventh water breathing form?” he asked, knowing he would say know judging by what Aoi told him that night

Giyuu’s eyes widened for a fifth of a second “No”

“Why?~” he said skeptically

Giyuu tucked a strand of hair behind his ear “Aoi and you wouldn’t be able to learn it”

Tanjiro’s eyes narrowed “There’s something you aren’t telling me”

“If I told you how it works, you’d worry about me”

“That’s exactly what Aoi-san told me!”

“And she’s right”

“Well you told her!”

“She’s my student”

“I could’ve been your student too”

Giyuu lost his patience “Fine! I’ll tell you” he took a breath in

“Well?” Tanjiro asked impatiently

“Tanjiro, the eleventh form of water breathing is something that I developed myself, Urokadaki doesn’t know it either”

“Not even Sabito and Makomo?”

Tomioka’s eyes widened and he stumbled back “How on earth do you know those names?”

Tanjiro’s face dropped

“Tanjiro! Answer the question!”

“I practically saw their spirits when I was cutting the boulder” he said

“Practically? What did they look like?”

“Sabito had Orange hair and lavender eyes, he also had a scar on his face” he remembered Makomo “Makomo had black hair and blue eyes, and had a flower painting on her kitsune mask”

“You saw them?”

Tanjiro nodded “Yes” he laughed “The spirit world is a weird place, isn’t it?” he looked back at Giyuu “Now tell me about the eleventh form”

“Right” Giyuu was still in a pretzel “The reason it’s called ‘dead calm’ is because it happens when my heart rate drops so low to the point where I can use it”

Tanjiro’s eyes widened “What?!”

Giyuu stared at him

“But that’s really unsafe!”

“I have to do what’s nessesary to kill demons, end of conversation” he left the room silently

“Tomioka-san” Tanjiro muttered

Giyuu stopped “I must ask, why did Aoi tell you I was her teacher?”

Tanjiro blinked it off “I asked her who taught her water breathing, and she told me you did”

Tomioka’s eyes widened “You . . . saw her using water breathing?” he asked

Tanjiro laughed “Yeah, a demon entered the mansion while Kocho-sama was away”

“Was she good at it?”

“Heck yeah, she was!” Tanjiro acted more childishly with Giyuu, since he knew he wouldn’t be judged for it. Also seeing him always thrilled him.