#actually i have like a black n gold suit that's sparkly but in a different way and it has small hints of blue n purple. it's so gender

[pankomako]

with suits like those they may as well be hosting a TV game show

[stagefullofentertainment]

New Year's - New Promises

Just a little short story about the things our beloved characters would promise for themselves (or others) for the New Year's!

With the clock counting last hours and minutes of the old year, every resident of the one and only Hazbin Hotel felt at least a smidgen of festivity in their minds. I cannot answer for their hearts because who knows when they let them be sealed shut. Not all, I'll admit, but the vast majority did. Don't let this sad fact fall deep to your heart, let me do the story telling part.

As I was saying, everyone gathered around the main lobby of the hotel where different little tables were scattered around with various appetizers, desserts and drinks, ready to be served. Although Christmas decorations remained (to Alastor's dismay), the atmosphere was energetic and inviting to party and celebrate.

All wore their dearest celebratory outfits! Colours of gold, silver, black and green were greatly favoured among them. Of course, we can't forget razzle, dazzle and sequins! Interested in outfits? Let me fill you in! So, over there, near one bit sandwiches table stood Vaggie and Husk, holding their glasses of their respective choice of alcohol. Vaggie was rocking an indigo pant suit with a red shirt. Husk wore a silver tie, matching his new top hat, gifted by Niffty. She herself had pulled up a chair to the desserts table to make it easier to get food. She wore a simple green dress but with her own embroideries on it. Near the bar stood Angel, donning a sparkly golden dress which left little to the imagination. Yes, it was toned down from the first time he wore it. Besides him was Charlie, who chose a black shirt and pants combination with golden suspenders on top. She even managed to add some hair glitter to her, well, hair. At last there was Alastor, sitting on a sofa, making sure that appropriate music is being played tonight, observing others. His usual wear wasn't much different than usual. Alastor just switched the main colour to black and outlines to red. Voila! Simple as that.

There were small talk and chit-chat going around, everyone was enjoying their time and not letting all the world's, well, hell's problems bother them tonight. That was until a dessert spoon tapping on a champagne glass sound was heard. All turned their heads to it's direction, seeing that Charlie was the one to make it.

Charlie: Dear friends! I would love to offer a toast!

Smiles, big and small, manifested on everyone's faces. They all gathered around Charlie, those who hadn't had a glass of champagne grabbing one. Vaggie stood beside Charlie, hugging her around midriff with one arm while the other held Vaggie's drink. Charlie looked to her lovingly and then payed attention to others, ignoring Angel's knowing smirk.

Charlie: Well, actually, I would love that all of us could say a toast! But with a twist!

Niffty: Oh! What kind of twist?

Charlie: That we all say one thing, like a New Year's promise to ourselves or others, but it has to start with the first letter of your name.

Alastor: Hmm, I see. I suppose that should do something with trying to be a better person?

Charlie: Well, that would be great but you don't have to.

Angel: Phew!

Vaggie: Watch it, araña.

Angel: Lovely name, Vags, really.

Charlie: So, would anyone like to start?

Niffty: I could try!

Alastor: That's the spirit, Niffty!

Charlie: Go ahead!

Niffty: *Giggles from unexpected embarrassment, feeling everyone's gaze on her* Okay, something from n. Hmm... Would not worrying about everything so much work?

Charlie: Yeah, sure!

Niffty: Then I wish that over the next year my worries drop to null!

Charlie cheered, encouraging others to support each other. Niffty blushed from all the encouragement.

Angel: Well, if that's how we toast, mind if I say mine now?

Charlie: Of course!

Angel: Okay! So, over the next year I wish to experience more ana-

Vaggie: *Shouts enraged* Don't you dare finish that sentence!

Angel: What? She said that I could wish for whatever.

Charlie: Maybe not to that extent?

Angel: Fine, ya buzz killers.

Angel thought for few moments, oblivious to everything happening around him. He snapped his fingers.

Angel: I got it! This year I will appreciate life more!

Husk: Weren't you doing that already?

Angel: Not at my fullest capacity!

Charlie: Okay! I'll accept it! Now, whose next?

Husk: I would like to throw this out of the way.

Charlie: Husk, you don't have to if you don't want to!

Husk: It's fine. You know what? I would like to find happiness this year.

Alastor: *Mocking tone* I thought that you were already the happiest person here!

If looks could kill, Husk's irritated stare would make Alastor drop dead right here right now but since it doesn't work like Husk would love it to, Alastor's stupid smirk continues to haunt him. Husk chose to ignore him and added to his wish.

Husk: *Holds his index finger* I also want to try out the Hanami cocktail. Never had it.

Niffty: Oh! It's so good! I know a place where we could get those.

Husk: I'm in.

Alastor: While we still are here and not running to drink till passing, I would like to intercept. I want to see, spread and enjoy all the entertainment available!

Charlie: Well, yours isn't exactly tied to your letter.

Alastor: What do you mean? I even had two a's in there!

Charlie: You know what, you're right. Okay! Vaggie?

Vaggie: *Sighs* Okay. What could start with a v? No, Angel, don't even try!

Angel immediately shut his mouth, pretending to look at his glass with interest.

Vaggie: What if I promised to value all of you more?

Charlie: Aww!

Charlie kissed Vaggie on her cheek, making her blush ignoring shouts like "What do you mean? Are we not valuable already?".

Charlie: I think I'm the only one left! I promise to keep count on every single day that we have fun!

Alastor: Well, is it just me or now yours letter doesn't make sense?

Charlie: Don't hate the player, hate the game, my dear.

Alastor looked at her surprised but with small content tweaking his heart. Alastor bowed his head a little to Charlie, making her smile sincerely.

Charlie: With that out of the way, let's celebrate!

With that they all resumed to party activities, dancing and snacking through the evening. Later, when the clock was mere minutes till midnight, Charlie invited them on the hotel's roof. When it struck 12, she let various colourful fireworks with her magic. Even Alastor decided to help Charlie out. He too made some fireworks appear with his magic.

All watched it unfold in awe. Truly, a magical and happy start to our friends.

[wannabemobwife]

Guns, Glamour and Goodfellas- Chapter 1

Chapter 1: Dressed to the Nines

Dad!Mob!Tom Holland x Mom!Mob!Reader Fanfic

-Pairings: mob! Tom Holland x reader

-Warnings: Language

-Words: 3.9K

Background Info- Tom Holland is boss of his mafia and Y/N Holland, his wife, is former mafia boss turned stay at home mom but still joined Tom on his business trips and meetings. They started dating at 19 and were married at the young age of 21, realizing they only needed each other. They have two kids together, both ages 16, Parker and Rosie Holland.

*Realistically to have two teenagers, Tom and Y/N are both in their mid/late thirties but they look like they are in their mid twenties/late twenties alright. What can I say, they have really good genes. I can guarantee that Tom will still definitely look as gorgeous as he does know in his 30’s.

Author note: I enjoy writing drama, so it’s hard to have constant fluff, mostly angst (I hope, at least what I consider angst). The more times where a character almost dies but doesn’t the better to me. This is my first fanfic, I wrote this story based on being married with kids because that is the part of my life I’m most looking forward to. Heads up but there is tons of dialogue, I find that the most fun to write.

Also I enjoy PDA and a personal goal of mine is to be married for 20 years and still want to jump my husband’s bones so there are a bunch of little hints like that through the fanfic. Sorry if your name is any of the characters, feel free to change them in your mind. I know it’s stupid of me to say that but whatever.

Chapter 1: Dressed to the Nines

Words: 3.9K

You and Tom were a power couple. The Hollands, the ones with the most power and the most dangerous. A king and queen to their empire. Lately you had been tackling married life together and had been raising two kids. A boy named Parker and a girl named Rosie both the same age. But nothing could prepare you for what every parent dreads, their teenage years. All the hormones, mood swings and relationship drama that comes with it.

When both the twins turned 16 it was big turning point in your family. Rights of passage as Tom would say. You and Tom threw a massive gala to celebrate their 16 years of being alive. Tom as the leader of his own mob, money was no object and you coming from the family you did and being a former mafia boss, you both had truly opulent wealth. It was the night of their kids’ sixteenth birthday and everyone was invited from family, friends, business associates and even enemies. Keep your friends close and your enemies closer they would say. Tom and tried to keep as much as possible from your kids, trying to give them a normal childhood. Failing over and over again at that. Some nights Tom would come home bloody from beating up someone who crossed him. Or there would always been strange, bulky, built men surrounding your mansion for protection. It was hard to explain everything to the kids, but it was something they just had to do for family.

The party was about to begin, 7:00 on the dot, and the house was decorated to fit a very elegant yet youthful look. Caterers dressed in white carrying bountiful trays of appetizers. Tom and you adored the luxury of their life, even though they knew if they didn’t have all the materials they did they would be even happier. Their family is what mattered most to them. You were dressed to the nines, in a lace gold gown, with sparkly stilettos on. Her Y/H/C hair gracefully laying one her back, without a strand out of the place. And her Y/E/C eyes were beaming, if looks could kill they would. Tom couldn’t help but admire you.

“You know, it’s rude to gawk,” you said and Tom chuckled.

“I’m sorry but you’re just too beautiful not to,” he responded and placing his hands on your hips.

Rolling your eyes and smirking you said “tonight’s the night.”

“I know, should we do it now?” he questioned as his half smile turned into a frown.

“No, let him have this one more night. Without any obligation,” you had been dreading this night for years.

“Alright, darling,” he said as he kissed softly, he just couldn’t contain himself he

found his other half. The person that makes him want to be a better man. His soulmate.

Like any family there are skeletons in their closets but, the Hollands were a whole another story. Tonight was the night, one they had been dreading for 16 years, to be exact. You and Tom’s son, Parker would be tasked with the most difficult decision of his life. One that will rewrite his story. Tom wishes he would just turn it down and do what he didn’t have the balls to do when he was his age.

The day Tom’s dad brought him into the office, he knew his life would never be the same. Dom, his father and former boss of the Holland empire, made it very clear that if he turned him down, he could forget about being in this family. Tom just knows he won’t give the same ultimatum. Parker being the oldest and only son of Tom and Y/N Holland is the future of their family empire. Parker was quite popular, a playboy actually and very dashing. Wearing a black suit with a black tie and a white shirt he look just like his dad with his brown hair slicked back. Being one of the guests of honor tonight he had to look the part. Slowly made his way to the bar before his mother could find him. Desperately needing some liquid courage, he quickly poured himself a shot of vodka and downed it even faster. However nothing gets past, you, Y/N Holland.

“Parker Jackson Holland!” you fumed, catching her 16 year old son drinking.

“Hey, what’s with the middle naming me, it’s my birthday,” he responded a little startled.

“You should not be drinking, ever. You got two years, mister,” you explained.

“Alright, mum,” Parker sounded annoyed.

“Where’s your sister by the way, party is supposed to start in 10 mins,” you said as she noticed all the guest starting to arrive. A line of people already waiting at the door but everyone knew the Hollands preferred people to arrive fashionably late.

“I don’t know. Having a fit probably. Last I heard was screaming coming from her closet.”

“I’ll go check on her. Your father and I need you sober later. Understood?” You exclaimed.

“Yes, mum.” Parker was a good boy on paper but, enjoyed breaking the rules.

Right as you turned away, Parker then started to pour another shot.

“Don’t even think about it,” you said still walking forward. Parker chuckled and set the shot down.

You went to go check on her daughter. You knocked on the door when she heard something shatter. Rosie may seem timid but she definitely inherited Tom’s anger issues.

“Honey? Is everything alright?” You questioned, startled by the outburst.

“Yeah, mum. I’m sorry,” Rosie muttered seeming frustrated.

“It’s ok, oh honey!” You exclaimed, noticing the tears on her daughter face

“I know, this is stupid,” Rosie whispered trying to hide her tear stained face.

“No, no it isn’t. What’s wrong?” you said, genuinely concerned for her daughter’s well-being.

“I don’t know everything, this dress, my hair, my makeup,” she exclaimed frantically.

“Baby, you look beautiful.”

“Pretty enough that someone would want to dance with me?” Rosie whispered. You were caught off guard that your daughter could ever have thoughts like that.

“Yes of course, you are always gorgeous.” You hated seeing your baby girl beat herself up based on her looks.

“Thanks mom, I have a question?” You just nodded in response.

How did you get dad to fall in love with you?” Rosie asked inquisitively.

“Um, I guess was just myself. I didn’t put on a facade and I was very honest and transparent with him,” you answered a little taken back from the question.

“You were yourself? I find that hard to believe. From stories I’ve heard you seemed to be bold, brave and beguiling” said Rosie with a hint of sarcasm.

“Am I not those things now?” You asked, cheekily.

“No you are, just in a different way.”

“Honey, whoever you are trying impress, will love for who you are, ok?” You couldn’t stand seeing her daughter like this.

“Alright. Can you help me with my makeup?” Rosie asked because her previous makeup had been ruined by her miniature breakdown

“Yes, of course.”

Back at the party Tom was making his way around saying hello to almost everyone. He desperately needed to find his son. Tom’s and Parker’s relationship was interesting to say the least. As babies and toddlers Tom was there. He loved his kids so much but as they grew older they only noticed the times he wasn’t there. Only the missed recitals and football games, never all times that had dinner as a family and he tucked them in to bed at night. Parker is closer to his mother and his twin sister. Never really having that man to man talk with his dad yet. The time when fathers stop seeing their sons as boys and look at them as men. Tom approached Parker sitting there with his a drink in his hand, he hoped was a watered down Pepsi.

“Hey Parker, did your mom talk to you already?” Tom asked, not trying to raise too many questions.

“No, she might have mentioned something,” Parker responded.

“Ok, well after cake meet me in my office.” Parker nodded in response and noticed how he tensed a little at the conversation.

Their chat quickly ended when Harrison and his 16 year old son Henry came to wish happy birthday. Harrison is Tom’s right hand man, his consigliere and his best friend. He was more than that, Harrison was family. Harrison’s son, Henry was best friends with Parker and Rosie, ever since birth.

“Hey mate,” Tom said to his best friend Harrison.

“Hey, just came to wish this guy “happy birthday”” he said patting Parker’s shoulder.

“Happy birthday, dude” Henry said to Parker and he returned with subtle “thank you’s.” Parker slightly nodded to his dad to see if he could leave the conversation and Tom let him know it was ok.

“Come on, let’s go,” Parker exclaimed making his way to den where his other friends were.

Harrison was the first to speak up, “Have you told him yet?”

“No, Y/N and I are going to do it tonight” Tom uttered with a low toned voice.

“Geez, do you need me there?” Harrison asked, afraid Tom might say yes. Harrison was there when Tom went through the same process with his dad. Tom’s anger issues didn’t help the outcome.

“I think I’m alright, just family. Not that I don’t consider you family but I don’t even know if Rosie should be there.” Tom justified.

“It’s alright mate, I get it.”

They were both enjoying their night, making their rounds, Tom and Harrison went to get drinks, not beer this time but a scotch on the rocks as this was a classy night. Everything was dandy up until one of Tom’s men, William, came up to him informing Tom of a problem.

“Sir we have a problem,” William whispered to Tom, Tom nodded for them to follow them to his office.

“William, what now? Can’t you see I’m enjoying the party?” Tom exclaimed, closing the doors to his office.

“Sir, Daniel, was found dead at his post outside, shot by a tranquilizer gun, with a note taped to his chest, it’s for you.” William announced and handed the paper to the most important and dangerous man of the mob, his boss.

“What the fuck?” A long silence stayed in the air while Tom processed the news. Awkwardness had filled the entire room as they all awaited Tom’s response.

“For fucks sake, you need at least 3 guards posted outside. NOW!” He screamed as his anger continued to rise as read the note.

“Yes, Sir.” William said promptly.

“God forbid anything else happen tonight, but my wife and kids are the first ones to be escorted to safe house. Understood?” Tom explained as he only was only thinking about his family in that moment.

“Yes, Sir.” William said and quickly ran out before he could get the brunt of Tom’s upcoming outburst. Right on cue, Tom threw a glass ashtray at the wall, it shattering into shards.

“Calm down mate, what did the note even say.” Harrison asked with a worrisome look on his face. Tom showed Harrison the joy and his smile faded immediately. Tom for the first time, in a while, felt fear because he knew he had everything to lose.

Not wanting to deal with the life long headache that is his life. He looked for solace in, you, his wife as he spotted her over by the fireplace and made his way over to you.

“Have told you look stunning tonight?” He said instantly falling in love with you over again.

“Several times actually,” you said.

“Well I can’t help what you do to me, gorgeous.” He said placing a kiss to your temple.

“Hey, have you had the talk with him yet?” You said pointing a finger at your son getting very intimate with some girl.

The girl was Charlotte Owens. Parker and her had been together for almost a year, but you and Tom hadn’t met her formally yet. Your son was very tight-lipped the it came to his private life. She was tall, fair and had platinum blonde hair along with piercing blue eyes. Rosie didn’t seem to like her very much, constantly annoyed by her popularity status and reputation, used to be known for being with a new guy every couple weeks and don’t put it past Rosie to not give her the benefit of the doubt.

“No, remember we’re going to do it tonight. Is something wrong?” He said with concern, worried why you would forget something so important.

“No, not that talk, silly, “The talk”,” you responded. His lips formed an “o” shaped as he realized he would have to teach his son about how to be safe during sex.

“Oh, no. I’ve been avoiding it for as long as possible.”

“Why baby, you’re so good at it. You could give him a few a pointers.” You said, winking at him.

“Wow, love, you surprise me everyday. Speaking of beautiful girls, where’s Rosie. I’ve haven’t seen her all night,” Tom quickly trying to change the subject as they were at a party.

“I saw her a few minutes ago,” you said as a puzzled look grew on her face.

“Come on, let’s go find her and maybe you and I can sneak off for awhile.” He said cheekily.

“Tommy,” you whispered but eventually agreed. Slowly making your way out of the main ballroom to the secret garden next to his office.

Walking very slyly, you both made your way to secret spot near Tom’s office. Where ivy had grown throughout the brick and purple and yellow tulips lined the fence along with giant trees. There was a little wishing fountain that Tom had installed when you moved in, this was their secret spot. One where they could forget about all the violence and responsibility that tainted their lives.

Their intimate moment was ruined when Rosie walked by with some random guy named Connor, not the person she’d hope to bring there. All throughout the night Rosie seemed to be jealous of the attention her crush was getting at the party as he didn’t pay attention to her. Thus, she went find a distraction of her own.

“Oh hey, shh, look two people getting it on over there,” he whispered to her as she dragged him outside.

“Please don’t be my brother.” She murmured but felt like she wanted to throw up when she saw who it was.

“Mom, dad?” Rosie screamed.

“Oh shit, we’ve been busted,” Tom muttered against your neck.

“Hey honey,” You said while Rosie was completely mortified. Rosie’s potential hookup stood there mouth wide open.

“That’s your mum, god, she’s a babe.” Connor said.

“Connor, not helping.” Rosie exclaimed sternly as she pinched his side.

Tom spoke up, “Why don’t you guys go back and enjoy the rest of the party.”

Rosie just nodded and left as fast as humanly possible. She never wants to be that embarrassed again.

“Oh my god, we were gonna get it later.” You said.

“I know, we really screwed up this time. But have you had “the talk” with her yet,” Tom asked.

“Nope, we should both really get on that. What would I’ve happened if they hadn’t caught us?” You asked jokingly.

“I don’t want to think about that Y/N! She’s our daughter.” Tom exclaimed.

“Neither do I.”

“Enough of this, where were we?” Tom interjected immediately changing the subject.

“Well you lips were on my neck and you hand was on my waist, but I think the moment has passed and we should get back to the party,” you said rather seductively.

“Fine, I know you’re right. But fuck, I just want to make out with my wife,” Tom muttered frustratingly.

“Well you can later... in bed.” Winking as you chuckled.

“Man, that kid was right, you are a babe.”he said as he slapped your ass as you walked in front of him chuckling.

“Is it time for cake?” Harrison asks as he came up to Tom and you.

“I think it is.” Tom said and you nodded. Walking towards Rosie, who was desperately trying to erase her self from existence because of the embarrassment she’d experienced a minute ago.

“Hi, honey. Can you please go find your brother? We are going to cut the cake.” You said trying not to accidentally bring up the elephant in the room.

“Alright, fine,” Rosie muttered still a little peeved finding you and Tom like that. Rosie searched high and low for Parker.

Needing some assistance she asked Henry. “Hey, have you seen my brother?”

“Last I saw he was taking Charlotte to the green house” Henry responded.

“Alright, come on, let’s go find them” Rosie said rolling her eyes. Her hand slipped into Henry’s as she led the way. Making their way through the vast yet gorgeous yard. Rosie and Henry found Parker and Charlottes lips entangled together and bodies in a compromising position in the green house

“For fucks sake, how many people am I going to find sucking face at this party.” Rosie yelled, startling Charlotte and Parker.

“What the fuck do you want, Rosie? Can’t you see I’m busy.” Parker quipped annoyingly.

“Mom and dad want to cut the cake” Rosie responded.

“Ugh fine. Give us 10 mins” knowing he will be finished in that time.

“No, you can fuck your bimbo of a girlfriend later.” Rosie said, receiving a grimace from Charlotte.

“Don’t you fucking talk about her like that! Fuck off!” Parker yelled as Henry and Rosie left. Both of the kids had inherited Tom’s angry side.

“Well, you can explain to mom and dad you were late because you were balls deep in in your whore,” Rosie said walking away.

The moments leading up to the end of Parker’s innocence were fleeting. In more ways than one. He wasn’t a virgin even before that evening but, Parker could imagine the task he was supposed to accomplish. The 3 tier chocolate raspberry ganache cake had been cut and distributed to the guests. Happy birthday had been sung to Rosie and Parker. Parker tried to go off with Charlotte again, but Harrison stopped him and brought him to the Tom’s office.

“They’re in there,” Harrison whispered.

“Who?” Parker asked Harrison who was like his uncle.

“Just go,” Parker opened the door to see his mother and his dad sat behind the desk. The door shut behind him.

“Mom? Dad? What’s going on here?” Parker hesitated.

“Son, sit down,” Tom said, knowing this wasn’t going to be easy.

“We have to talk to you.” You interjected.

“Parker, as part of this family, there are certain responsibilities you have to take. It is a tradition in our family that at the age of 16, the sons are brought to light about the dealings of our family and what is expected of you,” Tom said as Parker grew wary. Not really understanding what his parents were trying to convey.

Throughout his entire life, he had his suspicions about his family. Wondering why men followed them everywhere, even on trips to the store for eggs. Why his parents went to work but have never seen their office, only heard it referred to as “the warehouse.” Why everything was always so damm secretive. Scared if he accidentally let some enormous family secret slip with his big mouth there would be repercussions. Never not scared of the harm that could come to his family.

“Your father, is the leader of a very powerful mob. I am part of it too, not just as wife but as his partner. There will be day when he will longer be in position of boss and you will take over,” you asserted playing off of Tom’s words.

“Our family is not only the owners of one of the world’s richest exporting company, we also do business with casinos and own multiple hotel chains. Sometimes our work brings us above the law, but the connections we have are what keep us alive.” Tom explained trying to preserve his son’s innocence.

“Why are you telling me all this?” Parker stuttered.

“Because it is time. Time for you to step up and take your place in this family. You’ve had 16 years of juvenile fun and now this is what has to be done.” Tom concluded.

“What if I don’t want this life. You don’t think I don’t know what happens behind closed doors here. All the times dad has come home with a black eye or blood on his knuckles. Why fuck isn’t Rosie here? She is the same age as me, WE ARE TWINS! Why am I the only one who has to do this. I don’t want to kill for sport like you and mom!” Parker screamed. He couldn’t handle this anymore. There was too much information he had to process.

“Do not raise your voice at your mother! Tom screamed.

“Dad, I had dreams and hopes. I wanted to go to college and travel. Find a nice girl and marry her. Experience the kind of love you and mom have. What you are asking me to do, flushes all that away. You are asking me to give up on my life.

So that’s it, I don’t have a choice,” Parker begged.

“Baby, you have a choice. Nothing is set in stone,” you said rubbing his arm.

“Y/N, you damm well know what will happen if he turns this down,” Tom yelled.

“Maybe this life works for you two, but I don’t want this kind of life. My answer is no. Find someone else.”

“Parker, you know I can’t do that. Take a couple days and think about it” Tom answered trying to stay calm.

“NO DAD! My answer is final, I’m not going to be your apprentice to carry on this heinous family legacy!” Parker exploded. It was too much.

“If you aren’t willing to do what is asked of you, then you can forget about being in this family!” Tom screamed. He did exactly what he said he wouldn’t, he gave his son an ultimatum. Parker couldn’t handle it anymore and left. Needing to forget about the fact he no longer had a say. He was stuck.

It was just Tom and you sitting in the study. They couldn’t understand where the conversation had gone. All their hopes for tonight went out the window along with potted plant Tom threw when Parker stormed out.

“Tom, you can’t force him. You can’t do what your father did to you to him.” You tried to say in a loving tone but it came out as stern.

“IM NOT, Y/N!!!” Tom screamed. He had fucked up. The words spoken tonight have rewritten his relationship with his son.

“Alright.” You whispered trying to calm your fuming husband down.

“I’m sorry I raised my voice, baby.” Tom’s tone immediately changed once he heard the softness of your voice. You just nodded in response

“Tommy?” You asked hoping Tom was now ok.

“Yes, love” Tom said.

“He’ll come around. I can promise you that.”

“I know, darling. That’s not what I’m worried about.”

“Then what?” a look of confusion grew on your face.

He handed you a paper, the same one that was found on Daniel’s body, saying “Eclipsing of the Hollands. Let the show begin. Better watch your back.”

It was threat. A play to eventually be made on his life or the life of his family and you all had no idea who was behind it.

Guns, Glamour, and Goodfellas Series Masterlist

[itsadamcole]

arranged

fem!reader x drew mcintyre

reader was just a regular American girl who has some royal family members in Scotland. Drew is the heir to the Scottish throne, and he needed to marry to become king. Drew and reader were married only days after they met, making reader a Scottish princess. both were against the wedding. now, the two want nothing to do with each other unless they have to attend a public event, until one night ...

word count: 3.6k

warnings: prince!drew, arguments, arranged marriage (ig that's what you can call it?), angst, a tiny bit of fluff

— this was originally gonna be one part but now it’s two bc that’s just the way the writing brought me. this was also gonna go in a completely different direction than it did but now this is it. enjoy —

part 2 || masterlist || request an imagine here

***

You're getting ready in your chambers. The maids are helping you get ready for the annual New Years Ball that the royal family of Scotland puts on every January 1st. Your long Y/H/C colored hair is being curled by one of the maids while another does your makeup. A third maid is making sure your dress and shoes are ready for you for when your hair and makeup are done.

Balls are not your thing. Actually, going out in public with your husband is not your thing. It's only a few times a week but you're not all about the fake smiles and hand-holding when you were never supposed to marry him anyway.

Being a princess was not on your list of things to be in life. You were an up and rising professional wrestler. Your great Aunt Blair asked you to come to Scotland to meet someone while you were wrestling on Ring of Honor. You had no idea that she meant that she actually volunteered you to marry the heir to the Scottish throne.

The maid doing your hair throws some little white flowers with a sparkly silver lining on the end of the petals. The maid doing your makeup has done a silver smokey eye look with some highlight, blush, and nude lipstick color.

Your nails were done earlier in the day. You got an acrylic French manicure. The nails are kind of long and oval-shaped.

"Princess," one of the maids says. "Yer dress is ready for ya when ya're."

You look at the ballgown hanging up in your large closet and sigh softly.

Once your hair and makeup are done, you get up. One of the maids grabs the dress. You take off the long, silky robe and the dress is pulled over your head. You're zipped up and the maids puff out the skirt.

The silver ball gown is very poofy with a small trail. The dress is strapless and very sparkly. The neck dips down a little bit. The top is tight and gets poofy at the waist. You put on silver heels to match the dress.

You put on silver earrings and a necklace, as well as your diamond engagement ring and silver wedding band.

There's a knock on your door as one of the maids put on a silver tiara since you are the princess of Scotland. Another one answers the door.

"Oh, yer highness," she says, bowing. "The princess is almost ready."

A male voice says, "Thank ya, Miss Arabel." Your husband, Drew, is at the door.

After some finishing touches, you're finally ready. You walk up to the door and look at Drew, who's dressed nicely in a black and white suit with a silver tie to match you. His hair in a neat ponytail on the back of his head. He's also wearing his wedding band.

"Ready?" he asks. You can hear the annoyance in his voice.

You nod and mumble, "Sure."

Drew hooks his arm with yours and the two of you head down to the ballroom.

You wait at the door with Drew's father and brother. The royal family is announced together. Drew's father, the King of Scotland, says, "Y/N, ya look stunning. Doesn't she, Drew?" He looks at his eldest son.

Drew just nods and says, "Sure, it's a little too much though."

Anger rises within you as Drew's dad signals for the door to be opened. The guard at the door opens the door and another guard yells, "Introducing the Royal Family of Scotland. The king, Andrew, Prince Drew, Princess Y/N, and Prince John."

Music plays and a fake smile forms on your lips as you follow Drew's father into the large ballroom. Most of the room is made of gold and a large chandelier hangs on the ceiling.

"The princess looks stunning."

"Look at the princess."

The comments make you blush and the fake smile turns real. Drew looks down at you without you knowing.

You and Drew mingle, talking with guests together. Drew steals occasional glances at you but you don't notice as you laugh with the guests.

Being an American, you're still learning about all the Scottish traditions. You've only been over here for a few months so everyday is a learning experience. The guests ask what you did for the holidays with Drew and his family since it's your first time in the country.

"Oh, we celebrated Christmas the way we do in America," you explain to the guests who asked. "Christmas Eve dinner, presents on Christmas morning, and Christmas dinner on Christmas Day. Drew and I also watched some Christmas movies that night. I've heard that Scotland's Christmas traditions are similar to America's."

You added the part about Drew to make it seem like you and your husband actually spent time together on Christmas. After dinner, you went off to your separate chambers and you watched Christmas movies over FaceTime with your friend who now works in NXT, Candice LeRae.

The guests are all very interested. Then the music changes and Drew asks, "M'lady, may I have this dance?"

You look up at Drew and say, "Uh, yeah. Sure." He takes your hand and you excuse yourself from the small group and walk to the dance floor with Drew.

He takes one of your hands in his and the other goes to your waist. You hold up your very poofy skirt so you don't trip.

The dance is slow at first, to make sure you don't trip. Once you're both in sync with each other and you're sure you won't trip, Drew speeds up the movements.

"Wow," Drew says. "My toes aren't bruised yet. Looks like those dance lessons 're paying off."

You stare up at Drew, who is standing tall above you at six foot five. "You're so funny, Drew," you say, rolling your eyes. "I almost peed from laughing so hard."

Drew says, "And there's the sarcasm I absolutely just love about ya."

"As if you love anything about me," you mumble to yourself.

The air turns tense and he says, "Ya could only wish that I'd love ya, or anything about this relationship."

Rolling your eyes, you say, "Maybe if you spent time with me, maybe you'd actually start liking things about this relationship. You only married me to become king when your father relinquishes the crown in a few months."

He looks around and says in a hush tone, "Believe it or not, Y/N, but I married ya for several reasons. Yes, I needed t'marry t'become king but I was excited to start a family. Then ya got here and were nothing like I expected. Yeah, I have an attitude with ya but that's because ya have one with me all the time."

Annoyance rises within you and you say, "I gave up my career to come here. I gave up my dreams of wrestling for WWE and winning titles for the company. I'm not happy I'm in this marriage, Drew. I married a stranger and you're still a stranger to me."

Guests start to look at you and Drew so he takes your hand and whisks you off to a more private area in one of the hallways. You trip over your gown as you follow closely behind Drew.

The door closes and now you're alone with Drew. He looks at you and says, "I'm sorry that ya gave up wrestling to come here and marry me, Y/N. I'm not that happy about it either but if I wanted t'succeed my father then I had'ta marry someone, and that someone is ya."

"You could've picked someone in the country, Drew," you say. "Seriously, you had to pick me."

Drew says, "Yer aunt spoke very highly of ya when she would visit my father. When my father told me I needed t'marry, my mind went t'ya. I didn't think about the repercussions ya would face when I told my father I wanted ya t'be my wife."

Sighing, you say, "Wrestling was taken away from me and I moved away to a country to marry a prince. It's been overwhelming for me and you are nowhere to be seen. I've been taking princess lessons for months and I'm still struggling. It doesn't help I'm alone, Drew, in a foreign country. I don't even have wrestling anymore because I 'can't risk getting hurt'. It's not a fairytale ending like in the books."

There's a silence between the two of you before Drew says, "It still can be"

You look at Drew and ask, "What does that mean?"

He meets your eyes and suddenly you feel butterflies. You've never felt butterflies in your stomach since meeting Drew.

"I just thought that maybe before the coronation that maybe we can go t'America and see a few wrestling shows," he says slowly. "I'm a big fan myself."

Everyday in Scotland is a learning experience. You didn't know that he was a wrestling fan.

You say, "I'd, uh, like that."

Drew slowly takes your hand and he says, "I also thought that maybe we can share a room together like a married couple should."

Confused, you say, "It was your idea to have the separate chambers since we 'didn't have to be married within the four walls of the castle'. At least that's what you told me."

He says, "Contrary to popular belief, I actually do like ya, Y/N. Why do ya think my mind went t'ya when asked if there was someone I wanted t'marry? The girls in this country are beautiful, don't get me wrong, but ya. There's just something about ya that peeks my interests."

You stare up at Drew and for a second before you say, "We've been married for months and this is all coming out now."

"We've never had this conversation until now," Drew says, shrugging his shoulders a bit. "By the way, ya do look stunning in that dress. Shows yer personality really well."

You get flustered and say, "You said it was too much."

Drew chuckles and says, "I'm just that good of a liar, I guess."

A little bit of annoyance creeps up and you say, "Stop lying to me, Drew. I'm confused and now I have a headache because of what you're saying to me."

He says, "I know, I'm sorry. I can walk ya to yer room if ya wanna go lay down and get rid of that ache."

You soften up a bit and say, "Yeah." That's all you say. That's all you feel like you can say.

So, Drew walks you to your chambers. You notice that you're still holding his hand when you arrive at the door of your room. He turns toward you and says, "Whenever ya would like t'go see those wrestling shows in America then let me know and we'll go, okay?"

You nod and look up at your husband. "Thank you, Drew," you say. "Offering to go see some wrestling shows in my home country sounds really nice."

Drew says, "It's been a while since I've been to America and I'd like t'see where my wife is from."

My wife. He said you were his wife. That was the first time behind closed doors that he's referred to you as his wife.

There's another silence between the two of you before you say, "I'm, um, going to head inside. Take some medicine and lay down."

"Can I stop by later t'make sure yer okay?" he asks slowly and cautiously.

You consider it for a moment before you say, "Yeah, sure. Just come in if you do because knocking may make my headache worse."

Drew nods and says, "Alright."

You look up at Drew and the air between the two of you thickens a bit. Your heart races in your chest as you wait for Drew to do something.

He pushes a loose curl behind your ear before he kisses your cheek lightly. Your heart almost jumps out of your chest when his lips touch your cheek. You look at him as he pulls away from you slowly.

"Goodnight, in case yer asleep when I come check on ya after the party," Drew says quietly.

You nod and say in almost a whisper, "Goodnight."

He shoots you a smile before walking off to the party again. You stand in the hallway for a second, playing with your engagement ring as you watch him walk off.

For the first time in this marriage, Drew's actions and words made you have butterflies in your stomach and made your heart race.

If you didn't know any better then you might be falling for your husband.

***

The moment between you and Drew has melted away by morning. You walked down to breakfast early the next morning and he doesn't even acknowledge your presence at the table.

"Y/N, are ya feeling okay?" Drew's dad asks. "Ya left with Drew and only Drew came back."

Nodding, you say, "Yeah. I just wasn't feeling well so I went to bed a little early. That's all."

Drew finally glances at you and his dad says, "Feeling better this morning, I hope?"

"Depends," you say, looking at Drew. "Is your eldest son going to keep ignoring me like he is right now?"

His dad looks at him and asks, "Is there something wrong?"

You say, "No, nothing's wrong." You get angry and stand up. "Excuse me but I think I'm going to go back to my chambers. I'm not feeling well again."

After you're done talking, you leave and go back to your room. You've just closed the door when there's a knock.

Reluctantly, you go and answer it. Drew stands in the doorway and you say, "Oh, great. It's you. Come to promise me something else then ignore me again?"

Drew says, "Look, I'm sorry. This whole thing is new to me, Y/N. I'm 35 and I haven't been in a serious relationship like this."

"We're not even in a relationship, Drew," you spit at him. "We're legally bind to each other for you to become king."

He says, "I'm trying here, Y/N!" His voice is rising. "I'm fucking trying. We met, were engaged then married within weeks. I'm trying t'be a good husband in public while also trying t'form a relationship with you behind closed doors. It's not easy. Especially because I do want a relationship with ya, Y/N."

You glare at him and say, "Ignoring me isn't trying, Drew."

He says, "I know, Y/N." He rubs his face. "God, I'm terrible at communicating how I feel and this is whole new territory for me."

Deciding to lighten the air, you say, "If you want to be king then you have to work on communication skills there, Drew."

Drew looks at you and says, "I'm gonna pretend that I didn't just hear ya say that."

You smile and say, "Come on, Drew. Lighten up a bit. Here, tell me the truth. How do you feel when you're around me?"

Your husband blinks at you and thinks for a second. He says, "I, uh, I feel nervous. Ya make me a little nervous, Y/N. My heart races when ya're around me, especially when we touch. Um, when ya walk into a room, I feel a knot in my stomach. I don't know what it's called-"

"Butterflies," you say, helping him out. "They're called butterflies in the stomach. It's what happens when we're around someone who we may or may not like."

Drew looks down at you and says, "Sounds like yer talking from experience."

You nod slightly and say, "I am."

He blinks at you and starts to say something before someone walks into the hallway and say, "I apologize for the interruption, your highnesses. Prince Drew, your father has requested your presence in his chambers. Immediately."

Drew nods and says, "One second." He turns toward you. "When I'm done with my father, I'll come back and we can keep talking. Okay?"

You nod and he smiles before walking off quickly.

That's when you notice when there are butterflies in your stomach again.

***

It's hours later and you're still waiting for Drew. You've asked your maids if they've seen him and they've all said that he's still with his father.

You're watching Freaky Friday on Disney Plus when the doors to your chambers open. A red-faced Drew walks in and you ask, "Woah, Fire Face. What's wrong?"

"My father is what's wrong," Drew says. He's pacing around the room and you pause the movie, getting up and walking to him.

You say, "Talk to me, Drew." He doesn't look at you. "Hey, dumbass. I'm your wife, remember? You're supposed to talk to me about this stuff."

Finally, Drew looks down at you. You're so much shorter than him. You're barely five foot four. You're eye level with his chest and you have to tilt your head up to look at Drew.

He says, "My father just told me that we're going on a two week tour of the country. He wants me t'know the country before I ascend the throne."

"What's the matter with that?" you ask, gently stroking Drew's arm to calm him down.

His eyes are on your hand on his arm as he says, "I wanted t'surprise ya with tickets home t'America for the two weeks that we'll be on tour."

Your eyes widen and you say, "We can go when we get back."

Drew says, "When we got t'America, yer friend was gonna meet us in Florida. I got ya cleared t'wrestle in one match in WWE against your friend. It was more than just going t'see some wrestling shows in America. When we got t' ya're hometown, I was gonna take ya t'yer favorite spot that ya told me about before and I was gonna ask if ya wanted t'try and be a real couple."

Your heart sinks into stomach when you see how upset Drew is about this. You say, "You had all that planned out for me? For us?"

He nods and says, "I wanted ya to feel less alone and I wanted ya t'have at least one more match before ya actually have t'give up wrestling."

You console Drew by hugging him. You close your eyes and you say, "I already feel less alone, Drew."

"What about yer one more match?" he asks.

Looking up at Drew, you say, "I've already come to terms with the fact I'll probably never wrestle again. It would have been amazing to be in a WWE ring but I don't need one more match."

His hands rest on your cheeks before he says, "I'll get ya in a WWE ring at some point, Y/N. Ya gave up yer career t'be here. It's the least I can do."

The idea of talking to Drew's father pops into your mind and you say, "I need to do something really quick. Can you excuse me?"

Drew nods and you let go of each other before you walk off to the king's chambers.

At the door, you knock. A "come in" is said from the other side so you open the large doors.

King Andrew sits at his desk and he looks up at you. "Ah, Y/N," he says, getting up. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Postpone the tour of Scotland," you bluntly say. "Please, sir."

His face hardens a bit as he says, "Drew must've told ya what was happening."

You nod and say, "He did, and he pulled a lot of strings to surprise me back home. Mr. King Sir, he gave me an opportunity to do the thing I love one more time before I give it up to join him by his side as queen of this beautiful country. He wants to take this trip to help us get closer so maybe we could be together behind closed doors as well. Let us take this trip and the day we get back, we can tour this country that I can proudly say I call my second home."

Andrew looks at you as you talk. He leans against his desk and crosses his arms across his chest, looking down at the floor when you're done talking.

You wait for a response.

It's almost an eternity before he says, "I can remember what it was like t'be in love with Drew's mother when we were younger. All the trips we took were always business, never for pleasure. Then she got sick and she died, and I regret that we never got to go on a trip just for pleasure. So, I will postpone the tour so ya and Drew can visit the States, but the day ya get back is the day the tour of Scotland begins."

You smile and say, "Yes, Mr. King Sir. May I go tell Drew the news?"

He nods and dismisses you.

As soon as you're out of the room, you take off back toward your chambers. Drew sits on the small love seat in your room and looks at you when you walk in.

"When do we leave to go to America?"

—

tags: @drewmcintyrekoccsrocbwdgfan

[pikemoreno]

and then i’d kiss you

pairing: marcus pike x f!reader

summary: when going undercover requires you be fake married to your longtime work crush... because of course that’s how life is going right now.

word count: 3.6k

warnings: mentions of guns, excessive pining

a/n: an idea sparked by discussions with @hdlynn​ and @ithinkhesgaybutwesavedmufasa​ about undercover!fake married!marcus. shoutout to them for the inspiration and being my think tank.

(also i hate trying to name things)

***

You slid into the conference room right at the end of the briefing, coffee in hand. Marcus stood at the front of the room, presenting the case you’d been building with the rest of the team. You’d been doing so much planning and research for the sting that you had almost forgotten about the meeting for it, so you inconspicuously took a seat at the back, pretending that you’d been there the whole time, and listened as Marcus closed. 

“The gala is tomorrow evening at The National Gallery. Very fancy, very exclusive. Our targets are, as I’m sure you guessed, Mitch Pimpkin and Harriet Smith.” Their images appeared on the monitor in the conference room and every member of the team groaned. These two had been a thorn in your team’s side for months. They were particularly good at what they did. They were dangerous, not afraid of casualties, and they always covered their tracks. Agent Pike continued, “They are confirmed to be attending the gala. They are supposed to be meeting with three clients at the event. The clients are already in custody, but Mitch and Harriet don’t know that. So that’s our in.” Suddenly he called you up to explain the rest of the plan and you just about had a spit take with your coffee, looking at him wide-eyed. The look on his face told you he caught you coming in late and putting you on the spot was now the revenge. You glared at him, but the shit-eating grin remained on his face. 

“Yeah, so, “ you stumbled, trying to find your bearings as you joined him at the front of the room, “According to the information we got out of the clients, Mitch and Harriet have never actually seen them, so we’ll be sending in three agents undercover. They will pretend to be the clients and catch them red-handed,” you nodded to Marcus and he put the pictures of the three apprehended clients along with their basic information up on the monitors. “First is a single buyer meeting with Harriet, name is Natalie Reyes. A real femme fatale type. Should be fun. Anyone feeling particularly strongly about acting as Ms. Reyes? Maria, interested?” You looked to the agent sitting directly in front of you.

“Yeah, I’m down,” she grinned. She was going to enjoy this way too much.

“Now the other two that are meeting with Mitch are a married couple. Allison and Shane Morgan. They’re attached at the hip, extremely into each other.” You rolled your eyes, experiences with them in the interrogation room painting your memories. “Gotta be a pretty convincing couple or Mitch will catch on. As we all know, he is extremely intuitive. He’ll run at the first sight of a lie. Anyone with any secret relationships wanting to make-out on the job?” Everyone laughed, but no one volunteered. 

You missed the way one of your fellow agents, Logan, looked at Marcus. And you certainly missed the way Marcus looked back at him. 

Don’t you dare.

Logan spoke up. “Well, if no one wants to volunteer, maybe it should be you two.” You gaped; Marcus pinched the bridge of his nose. “After all, it’s your plan and you are the only ones to have met the couple.” 

“Plus, you two go on assignments like this all the time. You’re closer than anyone else in this room. You would probably be the most convincing,” Maria chimed in. 

The look you gave her was murderous. She wouldn’t dare. She knew all about the little crush you had. You’d trusted her with that information-- actually she’d figured it out, but that was beside the point-- and now she was about to ruin everything. The most frustrating part, though, was that you couldn’t argue with any of that logic. She was completely right.

And that is how you ended up at Pike’s front door in a form-fitting black cocktail dress that flared out just enough to hide the thigh-holster and concealed gun. That was paired with strappy heels that were probably going to leave your feet numb within the hour. The duality of the job. You played nervously with the golden necklace that weighed heavy on your neck while you stood there, preparing yourself to knock. It was all starting once you made your presence known. Tonight, you were going to have everything you wanted in all the wrong ways. It was going to be so easy to pretend, because it wouldn’t be pretend. You would be feeling every word you uttered. But it wouldn’t matter after you took these heels off tonight. Lord, did it hurt thinking of how it was going to be on his end. It was all pretend to him: every touch of his hand to your back, every interlacing of fingers, every whispered compliment to make you blush, every-- God forbid-- kiss that was to come tonight was untruthful. It was all part of the gig and you resented it.

You didn’t know Marcus was sitting on the other side of the door, waiting for the minute you knocked, thinking shockingly similar things. You had no way of knowing that. You had no way of ever guessing that he was both anticipating and dreading the way your hand would brush his, how you would look at him like he’d hung the stars, how you would maybe even dare to kiss him. It was all for show and it made his stomach turn to think about it. 

He blamed himself. If he had come clean months ago, he would’ve never been put in this situation, no matter what your response was. You would either be really kissing him tonight or else no one would’ve dared suggest that you be a fake couple due to “your history.” Either of those scenarios would be preferable to pretending that he wasn’t shaking right now, waiting for the best and worst night he’d had in DC so far.

You finally knocked.

He jumped up to answer the door.

Time stopped with two people looking at each other like it was the first time all over again. 

He looked more handsome than you’d ever seen him before. He wore suits almost every day, but this was different. He looked nothing short of elegant in a black suit and bowtie, accents of a dark burgundy through the ensemble. His actual appearance was much the same, but elevated somehow. The facial hair was a newer addition to his look in general, but it looked its best tonight, accentuating his jaw line, making it sharper and more defined. His deep brown eyes took on a new color tonight with the way they sparkled and brightened in the early twilight’s light. 

Damn, your fake husband was fine. And it killed you.

Of course you were no better with your perfectly fitting dress and the beautiful jewelry that made you look like one of the art pieces you were protecting tonight and the heels that looked like they couldn’t be comfortable to him, but oh did they draw attention to your legs in the best way. You were beautiful every day in his eyes, but the way you’d so elegantly done your hair and make-up served to accentuate that. The smile that slowly spread across your face was what really did him in, though. It was the smile he saw every day, but tonight it seemed extra special.

He’d have to be swatting others away left and right to keep them away from his fake wife tonight. But there was nothing actually tying you to him. Someone else could sweep you off your feet tonight and you’d have nothing to keep you around. And it hurt.

There was a beat of silence as all of these thoughts arose and swirled around each other. 

“Uh- ready to go?” he initiated finally.

“Yep- yep let’s go. Can’t keep our convicts waiting, can we?”

“Oh, before I forget,” he patted his pockets, searching, before pulling out a ring.

Of course. You hadn’t even considered wearing a fake ring. That would’ve been a dead giveaway. He was so good at all of this.

“May I?” he asked, just above a whisper. You nodded and he slid the piece on your ring finger, gently holding your left hand in his. Your stomach flipped, swallowing hard at the lump that formed in your throat. There was nervous laughter from both sides as you looked at it now settled on your finger. He slid his own on and shook his head.

“Feels weird to be wearing this again,” he curled and flexed his fingers around the piece.

“Were these--” you started, but found yourself unable to finish. 

“They were,” he smiled sadly, “Not sure why I kept them. But at least we’ve found a use for them, hmm?”

“Yeah, great thinking, by the way. I would’ve never clocked that, but Mitch definitely would’ve. And might I say,” you studied the simple, stunning ring in the fading light, “You have excellent taste, fake husband.” The warmth went straight to his cheeks.

You can have it someday, if you want. 

Is what he almost said, but this was just two kids playing dress up (and anyway, he would’ve bought you a new ring if it came to that).

“Shall we, fake wife?” he put out his arm for you to take. You did with a plastered on smile. You tried to miss the warmth of his other hand as it came to rest on yours.

***

The National Gallery was already beautiful in its own right, but the coordinators of the gala really went all out with ornate chandeliers and furniture being brought in just for the event. Even the food tables were gold and sparkly, filled with all kinds of food you didn’t recognize and were frankly scared to eat. You inconspicuously rendezvoused with Maria, giving her a quick hug and pretending to introduce her to Marcus. 

“Spot them yet?” you mumbled to her, thankfully covered by the echoing sounds of the other attendees and the music that was accompanying the dancing in the center of the ballroom.

“Just arrived. 6 o’clock and 10 o’clock. She’s upstairs at the railing, he’s downstairs.” You clocked them both.

“You start with Harriet first. We’ll stall for a few minutes so we’re available for back-up. I’ll be expecting a ‘cuffed’ text in 15 minutes. If I don’t get one, we’ll come check on you unless you tell us otherwise. Copy?”

“Copy.” You exchanged more plastic smiles and parted ways, though you didn’t miss the wink she directed at you, eyeing you and Marcus standing there together. His arm came around your shoulder as you walked off. You played with his fingers there in true rich-fake-wife fashion. 

“Now how will we stall for time, sweetheart?” You fought with the tightness in your chest. The dichotomy between words meant only for you to hear and the term of endearment that came with the act confused you. There was no use for such words with all the noise, so why use them?

“Shall we join them, my love?” you nodded towards the people dancing.

You wouldn't have known but his stomach flipped so violently at the name that he thought he might be sick. 

He nodded and grinned, leading you by the hand. His hands found your waist as you joined the others in their swaying and dancing to the classical music. Your hands looped around to the back of his neck and you absentmindedly played with the short hairs there. It was as soft and thick as you had thought it would be.

Not that you’d made a habit of imagining it, of course.

“Maria is on the move with Harriet. They look like they’re having a nice talk,” Marcus laughed, looking over your shoulder.

“That’s a good sign,” you sighed, pretending to scan the room, but purposefully finding Mitch chatting with another guest. You looked back to Marcus, focusing your full senses on the music and how you were moving with it, the pressure you felt on your waist, and how his eyes were somehow even deeper this close.

You almost missed Mitch leaving your vision, heading up stairs. 

“Mitch is on the move,” you hissed, a little disappointed over the loss of Marcus’s hands on your waist as you left the dancers to trail the target. Though you took the steps maybe little too quickly to be just a normal couple, your hands swung, connected between you, hoping to still pass as a couple just looking for a quiet place to get away from the bustling party. 

You stopped in a small, sparse exhibition room, hearing Mitch’s voice on the phone around the corner. The broken words you heard sounded like he was talking about a different deal entirely. You breathed a little easier. He wasn’t suspicious of you and wasn’t calling back-up. 

But he would be if you didn’t think quickly. 

You heard him say his goodbyes to the associate and you knew what came next. There was only one way out of the room and it was behind you. You were too close to him to try to get back out unnoticed. So you did the only thing you could think of. You could only hope that Marcus wouldn’t be totally appalled. 

“Marcus, kiss me,” you whispered, noticing you were still holding his hand, you gripped it tighter.

“What?” he whispered back, not… Appalled exactly, but surprised. You couldn’t blame that, you guessed.

“He’s coming back this way. Kiss me.” You saw it in his eyes as the plan suddenly clicked for him. 

Mitch’s footsteps began clicking against tile and your back was all at once pressed against the wall closest to you, hands meeting either side of your face.

“Sorry about this.”

He was hardly sorry.

You weren’t either.

And, damn, did he kiss you. It started hesitant, barely there, but it didn’t stay that way. Once you heard Mitch round the corner, you deepened the kiss- that’s the only reason you did right? Because he was coming?-- letting your lips part, fingers weaving through Marcus’s hair.

He caught on, responding, taking the space your lips allowed. One hand came down to your ass, your leg hitched up around his waist. Just to really sell it-- that’s the only reason he did it right? To sell it? 

You can just barely hear Mitch let out an annoyed huff at the sight over your heartbeat in your ears. 

But then came the hitch: Mitch gets another call, presumably an urgent one, because he doesn’t keep moving.

Which meant you had to keep kissing Marcus. 

You couldn’t say you hated that part, but you were really wishing it wasn’t a matter of life of death. 

“A fake? Where are you? ...  Stay there. I’m on my way,” he clicked off, running out of the room. You and Marcus broke apart finally, gasping for breath. But still the separation came too quickly, the lack of him everywhere such a stark contrast to the cool air spreading against your now too-warm skin.

“Maria,” you whispered to him, eyes wide. “He’s going after Maria.” He pulled his gun and you followed, at some point ditching your heels in favor of speed as you took off after the thief. You made a call to the rest of the team outside as you ran. “Plan aborted. Maria caught. Come inside to make the arrest.” 

You caught up just as Mitch pulled a gun on Maria who had hers already pointed at an unarmed Harriet, her hands in the air, phone smashed on the ground. You moved out to flank him while Marcus moved directly behind him.

“FBI. Drop your weapon,” Marcus announced. You watched Mitch wince, looking behind him and then over to where you stood. Then he smirked. You didn’t like that one bit.

“I see you two were having some fun on the job. Might have to bring that up in my interrogation. Doesn’t sound like FBI policy to me to--”

“Watch it, jackass,” you sneered. He chuckled and you hated that you let him get a rise out of you.

Back-up slammed in through the emergency exit to your left and it was game over. They cuffed Mitch and Harriet, taking them back outside with them while Maria went to get her injuries checked by medical. That left you and Marcus in the room alone, catching your breath on a garish, velvet covered bench. The silence was awkward until Marcus finally broke it.

“That was… Good thinking… Back there.” You laughed.

“That’s what you’re going with? ‘Good thinking’?” 

“Well, what do you want me to say?” he asked, a little frustrated

“I don’t know just--” you groaned, “Forget it. Nevermind.” You stood to face away from him, crossing your arms, and willing yourself not to get upset.

Of course you already guessed it hadn’t meant anything, but now hearing it out loud made it too real.

“Are you wanting me to say that I liked it?” Your stomach turned in the worst way. You would’ve never expected this kind of cruelty from him, but his voice wasn’t accusatory. It was… hopeful? “Because I did.” You spun around to face him. 

“You-- Marcus, don’t be funny about this.” He stood now, stepping in front of you.

“I’m not. I’ve wanted to do that for… Longer than I’d like to admit,” he confessed, a hand coming up to scratch the back of his neck, “Something about the way you’re acting right now tells me you might be thinking the same thing.” You smiled bashfully, thankful he was braver than you were.

“Yeah,” you brought a hand to rest on his cheek, “I loved this night with you-- other than all the life or death stuff.” He grinned, leaning into your hand. HIs bright eyes seemed to bore right through you, hanging on every word. “I was just wishing it was… Real. I guess it kind of was after all.”

“Oh, not even close.” You tilted your head in confusion, dropping your hand from where it was gently laid against his cheek. “I would’ve done it all very differently,” his voice dropped to a whisper, too close to need anything more. 

“How so?”

“Well,” his eyes darted to your lips and then back to meet your gaze, “May I?” You nodded vigorously. 

“Please.”

This kiss held nothing back. It wasn’t quite so vigorous as before, but was a slow and steady presence. No longer afraid to be truthful, it was free to be deep and passionate and real. So real. 

“Soooo, is this what Mitch was talking about earlier?” Maria’s voice interjected. You and Marcus scrambled away from each other to find her, arm bandaged, leaning against the doorframe of the emergency exit. “Don’t stop on my account, just be back to the bureau in an hour to debrief.” You both nodded sheepishly.

“We’ll be there,” you told her, finally finding your voice. She shook her head, smiling.

“Oh, everyone is going to love this.”

“Please don’t say anything, Maria.” 

“I have to,” she grinned. “We all had bets placed. I said you’d get together tonight, but Logan said it wouldn’t be until tomorrow. Looks like I won. Bye, you two.” 

“We’re never gonna hear the end of this,” Marcus murmured, kissing your forehead as you watched Maria leave again. 

“Never,” you agreed as you started walking hand-in-hand back to the car. “Hey, what else would you have done differently tonight? Just for… Curiosity's sake.” 

“Sure, that’s all it is,” he mused. “Well, I would’ve taken you on a proper date first, somewhere you didn’t have to wear those shoes that look like they’re--”

“Shit.” No shoes. You both looked down to find your bare feet and started laughing far too loud for the middle of this pristine gala. Everyone stared. You couldn’t care less now. There was no act. You shrugged, “Good riddance. Keep going, keep going. What else?”

“On that proper date I would’ve told you that I’ve been wanting to ask you out since the first assignment we had together. I thought you were beautiful, of course, but it was really the way you worked. You were so on top of everything-- saved my ass more than once. You had such an incredible work ethic, but you made it all so fun. Like now, we’re laughing about you walking through The National Gallery with no shoes after facing multiple instances of life and death. Who else could I do that with? I would tell you that I want that every day. And then would I have kissed you.” You stepped outside into the cool, quiet autumn air.

“But first,” you interjected, “I would have to tell you that I’ve been infatuated by you since that first assignment. You were the new guy and I was a little skeptical at first, but you proved me wrong so quickly. You were so cool under pressure and it calmed me down too. I would’ve told you that you’re still a calming presence in my life; that everything’s easier around you. I would’ve told you I couldn’t understand how anyone could let you go, and it made me angry, honestly. How could they get a chance with you and waste it when I couldn’t even get one?” His thumb rubbed across the back of your hand comfortingly. “I’d tell you that you’re the most beautiful soul I’ve ever met-- and that this look tonight almost killed me.”

“And then I’d kiss you.”

“And then you’d kiss me.”

And he did.

[cordonianchoicesqueen]

Rewritten: The Royal Romance: Hello Cordonia (Part Four)

A/N: We are in Cordonia! Drake and Riley have their first fight and finally Hana, the true unsung talented queen of the TRR series makes an entrance. Also, on second reading of TRR, there’s a lot of really sexist chatter by the male characters about how awful all the women are to each other/ gold digging... They make you so worried about the women in court but they are all fabulous in their own ways... Definitely will have to come back to that at some point!

Summary: Riley drops her life in NYC and boards a plane to Cordonia with Drake and Maxwell. Arriving at the palace she feels very overwhelmed but manages to make a new friend in the process.

Choices Chapter: Book One, Chapter Two, First Half

Disclaimer: Characters and main storyline from Pixelberry’s Choices.

Word Count: 2570

Warnings: none

Hello Cordonia

The next hour or so was a whirlwind. I walked into Elliot’s with my head high. My manager turned around to shout at me for coming in the wrong entrance and being a couple minutes late but when he saw my carefree expression, he paled. I told him exactly what he could do with his sexist rants and disregard for his employees and then rushed home. I had no idea what to pack but I didn’t have time to worry about it, throwing random outfits into my bag. I grabbed anything sparkly or fancy I could find… I mean I was going to a Palace! My wardrobe nor I was truly prepared for this major life change. Just before the car sent for me pulled up outside, I left my key to my apartment on the table and texted my landlord, glad that I had decided to take out periodic tenancy. With that, I felt my ties to New York fall away and I felt free… if not just a bit petrified. 

When I got to the airport, my bags were taken for me and I was escorted through the airport. I skipped line after line and before I knew it I was standing on the runway beside a magnificent private jet. As I walked up the stairs, I let my hand run across the cold railing trying to take in everything. Yesterday, all I had to look forward to was a day off from a job I hated so I could sleep and do nothing. Today, I was boarding a private jet to travel into the unknown. It was terrifying. Yet, my overly anxious self finally let the excitement take over instead of fear. The cabin was stylish and like no airplane I had ever been on before. The chairs were the size of three economy style seats and large tables so clean you could see yourself in them were dotted around. Maxwell and Drake sat across from each other, sipping glasses of champagne. “Wow,” I said, not managing to contain my inner monologue. Maxwell jumped up, handing me a glass, “say goodbye to New York and helloooo to Cordonia!” I took the glass, feeling underdressed even for an airplane journey, “I can’t believe this is happening.” “Believe it,” Drake chimed in, downing his glass, “we’ll be there before you know it, ready or not. And if you’re not ready, those ladies at court are going to eat you alive.” “Don’t scare her Drake!” Maxwell scolding, gesturing for me to sit down with them. “You okay, Riley?” “Honestly… I’m terrified,” I said exhaling. “I knew it. She’s not gonna last a week. It’s a waste of time bringing her,” Drake bristled. Drake had obviously taken a strange dislike to me from the get go. He wasn’t happy that I was out with them the night before and he definitely wasn’t happy I was there with them now. I tried to brush aside his feelings about me… but for some reason I really wanted this grumpy, asshole to like me. He was obviously close with Liam. It wasn’t just the women I would need to win over in court. “I don’t get why you’re being so grim about this…” I said neutrally. “Look, no offense,” he said, his words dripping with offense, “but I’ve seen girls like you come and go. It never ends well. Not for you, not for Liam, not for the royal family.” “Riley’s not some crown-chaser, Drake” Maxwell fired back. I’d yet to see Maxwell look upset or angry about anything. He, so far, had always seemed so bubbly. It was nice to have him in my corner. It was time to fight my own battles and it seemed the only way to fight Drake was with a fire of my own. “Drake, to be fair you’re more my usual type. Down and out bad boy who have a strange superiority complex and like making other people feel bad,” I chided him. “Hah,” Drake rolled his eyes sarcastically. “I’m serious. I don’t usually mess around with rich boys, much less royalty. So you can keep your opinions to yourself until you actually know me,” I said never breaking his stare. Maxwell let out a low whistle, “well I think that’s enough for our pre-flight entertainment. How about we get this plane in the air and play some card games to pass the time!”

A while later, the pilot announced the plane’s descent. “Look,” Maxwell said to me pointing out the window. “You can see Cordonia out the window. You won’t want to miss this, Riley.” I peered out the window and saw one of the most beautiful costal cities I had ever seen. Small buildings scattered the landscape down to docks where extravagant yachts and ships were moored. The sea was a fantastic blue, so clear I felt like I could see all the way to the depths into the sand where the fish hide. So used to cities with unapologetic concrete structures stealing as much of the landscape as they could and the New York grids, I instead could make out the winding roads of this city leading to so many unexpected parks, plazas and market stalls. A maze I couldn’t wait to be inside. The lights of the city were soft and seemed to be united into one pattern instead of different obtrusive flashes fighting one another demanding my attention On the top of a hill overlooking the whole city was a gleaming palace with a garden so splendid in colour I could almost smell the flowers from my seat on the plane. “This is Cordonia?” I smiled despite myself. “It’s like something out of a fairy tale… The sparking ocean, the swaying trees…” “If you burst into song, I’m jumping out the plane,” Drake said behind me but I felt like I could hear an almost smile in his voice. “I’m just saying it’s beautiful,” I shook my head not being able to believe my luck. “It is, isn’t it… Are you ready?” Maxwell gave me a reassuring smile. “Ready as I will ever be!” I exclaimed.

We rode in a black car with tinted windows up the long pathway through the grounds of the palace. Fountains sprayed water high into the clear blue sky and flowers of all colours burst from ground to meet us. “Welcome to your home for the next few months, Riley,” Maxwell said. The castle itself was extravagant with gold trims and ancient carvings built into the exterior. “This is where I’m staying? I didn’t realise I’d be living in the palace,” I said, suddenly feeling very overwhelmed. My apartment was probably half the size of a singular room in this spectacular building. I had done nothing to deserve this type of, literally, royal treatment. “Most of the nobility live here while the social season is underway, including all the ladies vying for Liam’s hand,” Maxwell explained. “Yeah, living under one roof just makes it easier to attend the rose ceremony later,” Drake joked, giving away a little too much about his reality TV watching habits. Maxwell rolled his eyes as the car stopped outside the grand doors, “Drake’s just kidding… at least about the roses. Anyway, I’ll show you to your room!” Maxwell hopped out the car and held the door for me. Palace staff appeared out of nowhere to take my bags and bowed to me before heading inside. “This is my cue to take off,” Drake said getting out of the car and looking at me once more. “See you around… if you’re lucky.” I watched him as he walked away. I scrunched up my nose as I tried to figure out what his game was. I was so convinced he just had a natural dislike for me but as the plane journey had gone on, it seemed that he was almost testing me, trying to see how far he could push me before I snapped. I wondered if I was only a social experiment to him, a play thing that I was sure he would get bored of quickly. Through the doors to the castle, I was immediately greeted by more splendour and a staircase with a blushing red carpet that would rival any images of castles or mansions I had seen. The baluster was a dark wood elegantly carved. The walls were covered in portraits of the royal family and landscapes of the Cordonian countryside. I followed Maxwell slowly up the stairs. “So what’s the deal with Drake,” I asked Maxwell, wanting to enjoy my incredible surroundings but not being able to get Drake’s behaviour out of my head. “Why is he so… angry?” “Oh don’t mind him. Drake’s never really… fit in,” Maxwell said carefully. “Not used to courtly life?” I asked. “Definitely not,” he said in a matter of fact tone. “He’s a commoner. He’s always been an outsider here. Even if he is Liam’s best friend…” I wanted to know more but knew better than to pry. I let the conversation drop as Maxwell led me down corridor after corridor. There was no way I was ever going to find my way around this place with it’s suit of armour lined, high ceilinged halls. “Your room is here in the west wing. In case you need anything from me or my brother, our rooms are just a couple doors away,” he said reassuring me yet again. “I didn’t know you had a brother?” “Yeah, an older brother. His official title is Duke Bertrand Beaumont. As the eldest son, he’s the heir and I’m the spare. You’ll see him tonight. He’ll be excited to meet you,” Maxwell smiled elbowing me. I couldn’t imagine another Maxwell! So bubbly and supportive even with people he barely knew. This was a case of two had to be even better than just the one! “I’m really looking forward to meet him,” I said with full honesty. Maxwell stops short in front of an ornate door, “this is it! Here’s your room!” As we entered, I realised I needed to learn to stop my jaw automatically dropping open when I saw the splendour that was presented before me. The lavish guest room had one of the largest beds I’d ever seen, with huge detailed throws and filled with fluffy pillows. There were full length paintings, gilded ceilings and mirrors that made me feel like Alice lived here and could fall into the looking glasses. “Wow.” “As a guest, you are spared no luxury,” Maxwell smiled looking at my face. I must have looked like a young child in their first candy shop, “so there’s nothing stopping me from jumping on the bed? From raiding the mini bar?” “There’s no mini bar, but the staff here,” Maxwell gestured to the man placing my very small suitcase in the room, “will get you anything you’d like.” “Sweeeet!” I yelled, letting myself go and throwing myself backwards onto the bed. I felt my body sink into the sheets. They were soft as silk and I immediately felt like I could have drifted off into the best sleep I had ever had. Maxwell laughed, “I’ll let you settle in before your big debut tonight…” I sat up abruptly, “my what?” “I’m sorry, I keep forgetting that you’re not used to this. The first event of the social season is tonight, The Masquerade,” Maxwell made jazz hands. “It’s the ball where all the suitors will be presented to the Prince, as well as to the King. Not everyone dresses in costume… but you might need to have a think about it…” Maxwell glances doubtfully at my modest suitcase. “I’m guessing it’s unlikely you’ve got a costume or a fancy ball gown in there.” I gulped, “nope not gonna have that.” “There’s a seamstress who frequents the palace before social events to aid the ladies with any last-minute fixes to dresses. She’ll be downstairs, you should find her and ask if she has any spare dresses in your size,” Maxwell said. “Thank you, Maxwell. This is all very overwhelming but you are being so helpful,” I half smiled. “Remember. Tonight is very important. It’s your chance to make a first impression on all the influential people at court and to stand apart from everyone else!” he stated. “Don’t worry. I’ve got this,” I said more confidently, standing up and straightening my posture.

It took me a while, but I finally managed to follow Maxwell’s directions down through the castle to the room that was temporarily being used as the women’s make-up and wardrobe space for the social season. As I stepped inside I heard a gasp. The gasp came from a gorgeous woman in the back corner of the room, dressed only in her bra and knickers. I immediately went beetroot as she moved the dress she was holding to cover herself. “Sorry! So sorry,” I said. Damn it, Riley! What did Maxwell just say about making a good impression?! “I didn’t realise someone was already here…” I continued rambling. The woman laughed, her laughter was the type that was infectious and I felt a cool relief wash over my embarrassment, “No problem. I should have put up a sign or something!” Still holding the dress to her near-naked body, she approached me, each step as dainty as the next, extending her hand, “I’m Hana. I suppose you’re also here to prepare for the Masquerade.” I shook her hand. “You’re just like me… searching desperately at last minute for something to wear!” I had been warned of vicious women who took no prisoners. Hana seemed competent and caring, rather than someone who would shiv me with a stiletto. “More or less,” I replied, not wanting to give away too much in case I was reading her wrong. “Just let me slip my dress on and I can show you around. The seamstress has already left for the day,” Hana said. I turned around so that she could dress. I could hear her struggling with the zipper. “Do you need a hand?” I asked, still staring at the door. “That would be amazing,” she giggled. I helped slide the zipper up her dress, that suited her petit and slim body shape perfectly. She picked up a matching mask, securing it in pace and then tossed herself a daring look in the mirror. She turned to me, grinning, “Thank you. Not many people in court are like you...” “Helpful?” I asked. “Nice,” she said, a steady smile on her face. “Ah this dress is perfect!” Hana spins, showing off her skirt in full twirl for me. “Now, what about you? Let’s find you a dress!” It only took Hana a moment to find me a stunning, long, white ball gown with cold shoulder sleeves and sexy slit up the side of my leg. It was everything I needed to look at myself and feel transformed into the princess I wanted to be. It covered all those bumps I did not like, was the perfect length and showed off all the parts of my body I loved. Hana secured a stunning silver masquerade mask to my face and I truly looked the part of pauper become princess. “You look wonderful,” she smiled admiring her handy work. “You did a wonderful job!” I responded, glad I had somehow already made a friend in this strange place.

[soft-imagines]

I Think I Love You {Park Jihoon}

Park Jihoon

Fluff

[100+ Request]

@parkji-hoons

synopsis: it’s been 10 years since you saw a really good friend of yours.

note: this is so overdue, i’m sorry naia TT i hope you like it though!!

It was a chilly, December night as you pulled into your friend’s driveway. You put the Corolla into park and turn the engine off, shoving your keys into your pocket. The backpack in the passenger seat is light on your back as you walk up the walkway to the door. Upon Seolhae’s door was a frosted wreath with pinecones littered around it here and there. 

You press the doorbell, regretting your choice of sliders and socks for shoes. Seolhae opened the door and herded you in, immediately enveloping you into a hug. 

“Are you ready for the surprise?” She laughs, shutting the door.

“Of course,” you laugh, shaking your sliders off. 

Seolhae leads you up to her room, the carpet soft on your feet. Upstairs is warm, and her parents are folding clothes in their room. 

You plop onto her bed as she hurries over to her closet. You glance at the time. 4:30 PM. Seolhae is rummaging through her closet, and she comes out with two hangers. On them are long coverings of plastic. You stare at them and then back at your friend. She grins, unveiling one of the hangers. 

On it is a rose-gold dress with a pair of sparkly silver pumps hanging with it. Seolhae lays it on the bed and you marvel at the outfit. The next hanger includes a navy blue dress, a golden necklace and a pair of sparkling golden pumps hangs with it. 

“What’s the occasion?” You ask. 

“Just a gala my parents were invited to, but they’re not feeling well and said I could take you.”

“I could of just brought my own dress from home.”

Seolhae drapes the second dress over the bed and sits beside me. 

“Y/N, you’re my friend. We’ve been studying for exams for the past two weeks. I knew we were the same size, so I just got two dresses. Now, which one do you want?”

You glance at both dresses. “Whichever one you don’t want.”

Seolhae slightly frowns but looks at the dresses, contemplating. “You choose a dress.”

You can’t help but smile because this argument could go on forever but you lean forward and grasp the hanger to the blue dress. “I’ll take this one.”

Seolhae takes the other dress and smiles at you. “Brought your makeup?”

You gesture towards the backpack on her bed and she grins. 

“Let’s get ready.”

You step out of the bathroom and walk into Seolhae’s room. She looks up from her phone and immediately stands. 

“Girl, you’re looking good. The boys are going to be all over you.” 

Boys???? “Wait, what? I haven’t talked to a guy besides my family in over 5 years. That’s 1825 full days of never t-”

“Y/N! You’ll be okay, I swear. I’ll be right next to you.... Unless you wander off, okay?”

You nod and she hands you a faux fur coat and a golden clutch. You slip your phone inside the clutch and bring along your backpack to your car. 

“Do you mind dropping me off after the party?” Seolhae asks you as you walk to your car. 

“Nah, that’s fine,” you reply, opening the door and starting the car. 

The two of you carefully sit, making sure not to rip your dresses against your heels or anything. You start the car and reverse out of the driveway as you follow the directions Seolhae punched into her phone. 

Seolhae hands a man your invitations. Before you can even step into the building, the smell of alcohol stings your nostrils. Seolhae leads you, gently pulling you along by your fur coat. Everyone was dressed luxuriously. One woman was even wearing a gold foil dress. A bit flashy for you but it was a nice dress in terms of style. 

You and Seolhae are at the bar. You order a cherry coke and Seolhae manages to score some coke and rum. 

“SEOL!” A girl screeched, stumbling to the seat beside your friend. 

Seolhae smiled and greeted her. They talked about everything and everything as you finished up your coke. You didn’t mind not talking, really. Seolhae was popular and social, so she knew basically everyone there. You only recognize some people from school, but that’s it.  

“I’m going to dance for a bit,” you tell her, siding off the chair. 

Seolhae glances at you and fully turns. “You sure?”

You nod. “If we don’t find each other at all, we can meet by my car when the party is over.”

Seolhae nods and smiles, waving as you walk away. You wave back and approach the dance floor. Even though people were cooped up in suits and expensive satin dresses, they still danced like there was no tomorrow. 

The song playing ended, leaving a little it of silence in the air as you stepped onto the the floor. A few people glanced your way but continued their conversation. You leave your heels on, prepared to rock out. It’s been a while since you’ve let loose. The last time you were at a party was a few years ago, your freshman year of high school. 

Some k-pop song comes on and you groove along to the beat. It’s catchy and you get really into it. When the beat drops at the chorus, you smile to yourself and dance along, bobbing your head along to the song. It gets intensely hot as more people join you on the dance floor, some people saying ‘hi’ as they waltz by. 

You were enjoying yourself, song after song. After an intense session of dancing to ‘Likey’, you go over to the bar where your seat was, a full glass of cherry coke with a maraschino cherry glistening. You sit and smile at the bartender. You glance at him. “Thank you.” He grins and nods. You realize he’s dressed differently from the other bartender. His shirt sleeves are rolled up to his elbows and he’s very handsome. Too handsome to be a bartender, actually. You take a few glances at him as he washes some cups and you sip on your cherry coke.

“Y/N?”

You turn at the mention of your name, nearly choking on your coke when you notice an even more handsome guy sitting next to you and smiling. He was in a stark, black suit; a black and silver-striped tie resting on his chest. He looks familiar but, who the hell was he?

“Um, hi,” you hesitantly say, passing him a polite smile.

“Oh, right. We’ve changed a lot since elementary school, huh?” He says, slightly smiling. “I’m Park Jihoon.”

Everything suddenly floods back into your brain. Every little cute memory from elementary school with him. You stare at him and Jihoon chuckles.

“Oh… Jihoon, it’s been so long!” You gasp. “You look so different.”

“You do, too. I saw you dancing and thought you looked familiar, so I couldn’t help but see if it was you,” He laughs. “So, what are you doing here by yourself?”

“Oh, I’m here with a friend. Her parents were invited, but they decided to stay home, so we ended up coming.”

“I see… Well, if you need anything, I’ll be at the table over there.”

Jihoon points towards the back of the building, where tables were elegantly decorated with tealights in the middle. One table was over-crowded with many boys, and the handsome bartender comes over.

“Hey, I’m gonna head over to the table. Can you help me find Jinyoung and tell him it’s his turn to help with the bar if you find him?” He asks Jihoon.

“Sure. Oh, Minhyun, this is Y/N. Y/N, this is Minhyun.”

You smile. “Hello, Minhyun.”

“Hi Y/N.” Minhyun smiles a very charming smile and looks around, probably for this Jinyoung guy. “I’ll see you both later?”

Jihoon nods and you nod as well as Minhyun walks off. Jihoon turns to you. “I’ll be back after I find Jinyoung.”

“I’ll be on the dance floor,” you tell him, smiling and standing.

He stands, and he has a good couple of inches on you. You look up at him and laugh. “See you later?”

He nods, and you two walk off in different directions. You find yourself jamming again, this time to ‘Kokobop’. After about an hour, Jihoon hasn’t returned, and you’re slightly worried but shake it off as a  k-rock song plays. One you recognize as ‘Sorry’ by The Rose. You found it weird that on a dance floor, they would play a k-rock song. Some people start to couple up, though, and eventually, everyone starts pairing up. You freeze, wanting to stay because it was a good song that you wanted to dance to, but you had no one to dance with.

“Would you like to dance?”

You turn, a bit disappointed not to find Jihoon. Instead, a boy who seemed slightly intimidating held his hand out to you. When he smiled, though, a little fang poked out and you immediately softened up inside and smiled while nodding, slipping your hand into his. You two start dancing, a bit awkward at first. You let your arms rest on his shoulders, his arms starting to relax onto your hips. After a minute, you have the courage to introduce yourself.

“By the way, I’m Y/N,” you tell him, speaking a bit louder so he could hear over the music.

“I’m Woojin,” he says, smiling. “You’re a friend of Jihoon’s, right?”

You nod and smile, glancing away. You two were very close and you felt your face getting slightly warm. Woojin was actually quite handsome, now that you thought about it. After the song was over, you smiled at Woojin, thanking him for asking you to dance.

“Well, I didn’t just want to leave a pretty girl standing there by herself,” Woojin tells you. You blush and blink a couple of times and can’t help but smile. He smiles as well and chuckles. “I’ll see you later?”

You nod, waving as he walks toward the table Jihoon had pointed to an hour earlier. You sit in your seat at the bar, asking the bartender for a cherry coke. He starts making it, and you take out your phone from your clutch, texting Seol.

Where r u? I’m gonna go so come find me @ the bar

You set your phone down and glance around, noticing the dance floor getting empty. You hear a glass being slid to you across the counter and you thank the bartender who nods and goes to make someone else a raspberry margarita. You get a text back.

akreadu wrnt homee. .    .  my frieends drooped mer off

You can’t help but laugh at your friend’s drunken text, even though you were a bit pressed that she would leave you alone at a gala where you didn’t really know anyone. You sip on your third cherry coke of the night, eventually slamming it.

“Coke and rum please?” You call out to the bartender, who starts making it without question. He slides it to you and you take a sip. It was nasty, yet good.

By the time you finish it, you’re a bit tipsy and the gala is settling down. You stand, your head slightly pounding. You slip everything into your clutch, take out your keys, and put on your fur coat. You look around one last time, and start towards the entrance. Even though you haven’t had alcohol in a long time, you’re not as drunk as you thought you were going to be. Last time, you could barely even talk, let alone sit up. Just as you step out the door, though, the security guard asks if you’re okay.

“A bit tipsy, but I’ll be okay,” you tell him, giving him a serious look. “Trust me, I’ll be okay.”

He seems convinced. “I don’t care what age you are, or how tipsy you are, but someone’s driving you home.”

“My car is right there.”

Your Corolla sat there, waiting for your arrival.

“I can drive her.” Jihoon comes up from behind the guard and looks at you. You stare at him and are about to protest, but Jihoon takes your keys and nods at the security guard.

“You know her, Jihoon?”

“Yes, she’s a friend of mine. I can drive her home and have one of the guys pick me up.”

The guard nods and Jihoon takes your hand and places it on his arm. You hold onto his arm and walk towards your car. You let him open the passenger door for you and he climbs into the driver’s seat.

“Jihoon, I can drive on my own,” you say, leaning back into the chair.

“No, it’s fine. I can drive while you just take a little nap.” He takes out his phone. “What’s your address?”

You tell him and he types it in, starting the car and reversing into the lot. He drives off to your house and you realize that the pounding in your head gets a little more intense.

“Y/N?”

You didn’t realize you had fallen asleep, but you blink your eyes open and look at Jihoon, who had opened the door for you. You slowly step out and Jihoon closes the door. The two of you walk up to your door as he locks the car up, and you ask for the keys.

“I got it.” Jihoon unlocks the door and you enter first. He follows and you don’t know what to do first. You want to drop to the ground and sleep, but your mind tells you to wash your makeup off and get ready for bed.

“What time is it?” You mumble, rubbing your eyes.

“Two in the morning.”

You’re suddenly awake, staring at Jihoon. “What?”

Jihoon nods, and you look at your phone for confirmation. Unbeknownst to you, you had been at the gala for hours. You sigh and look around.

“Well, I’ll call Daniel or Jisung and see if they’ll pick me up,” Jihoon says.

“I think you should just stay here.”

Jihoon looks a bit surprised, and you realized you just invited someone you haven’t seen in over ten years to stay over at your place. You were surprised yourself, but you just nodded to make sure he understood that he could stay over.

“Are you sure?” He asks, not sure of himself.

“Yeah, you can even take my bed. I’ll be fine on the pull-out couch,” you tell him. “I just need to find you a change of clothes. My older brother has some clothes upstairs, hold on. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

You hurry upstairs, going to your room. You wriggle out of your coat and dress, putting on a baggy mustard yellow sweater with the names of cities in the right corner and a pair of track shorts. You go into your brother’s old room and take some sweats and a t-shirt. You go back downstairs.

“Actually, you can sleep in my brother’s room,” you say, searching for Jihoon in your living room.

He’s on the couch, his suit jacket on the arm of the couch. His sleeves are rolled up and some buttons are undone. Jihoon looks at you and smiles, getting up. “Okay.” He takes the clothes and you point out the bathroom, a bit embarrassed to see him like that. When he comes out, his hair is messy and you can’t help but giggle at the places where his hair sticks up.

“What?” He asks as he comes over to you on the couch. He plops down beside you, and you laugh a bit more at his hair bouncing to become even more messy.

“Your hair,” you manage to tell him before dying in a fit of laughter.

Jihoon laughs along and your guys’ laughs quiets down a bit. You two sit there in a bit of silence and you don’t want to glance over, afraid of staring.

All of a sudden, you grin. “Remember when we were 6, and you were convinced Santa was real, so we stood up all night by your fireplace to see of he would fill the stockings, but it was your dad?”

Jihoon laughs, and you smile a bit more at his laugh. “Yeah. And then I started crying?” You nod and Jihoon seems to be thinking about something else. “When we were about… I think in 5th grade? And you slid down the slide right after I did and we ended up falling on top of each other and we thought we broke our legs? Do you remember that?”

You search through your files and nod, remembering that you face-planted into the wood chips and started crying because you thought a woodchip had poked your eye out. “Remember when we went to the local pool and I pretended I was Arielle and you were Prince Eric, and our parents even took pictures and held a fake wedding with every person there as our guests?” 

Jihoon suuddenly grins, nodding. “I remember that like it was yesterday.”

You think for a moment. “I really miss when we were in elementary school. I’m still upset that I had to move away.”

Jihoon frowns and nods. “I cried for a week straight, and my parents told me that we could call but… We never saw or contacted each other again.”

Suddenly, you being tipsy went out the window. You felt perfectly fine. The headache throbbing had gone away while you two talked. The two of you stare at each other for a moment, and you have an urge to lean in and hug him. He has a slight pout on his lips and you want to squish his cheeks, kiss him, and tell him you’re here for him now. You lean forward and place a quick kiss on his cheek. “Well, all that matters is that we’re here right now. We’re seeing each other again after 10 years.”

Before you let him say anything, you get up to look through your box of movies. “What should we watch?”

“Um… Whatever is fine,” Jihoon replies just as you pull out a DVD set of Descendants of the Sun. You put the first DVD in and give the remote to Jihoon. “I’ll get some snacks.”

When you and Jihoon are ready to watch with the snacks, you’re on the opposite sides of the three-cushioned couch. A bowl of popcorn was in the middle cushion and the first episode had started. Neither you or Jihoon mentioned the kiss earlier, which made you relieved.About 10 minutes in, you’re focused on what’s going on but notice Jihoon moving around. You look over at him and see him trying to get comfortable.

“Need to lay down?” You ask.

“Oh no, I’m good,” he replies, looking at you while sheepishly smiling. You smile and continue watching, eating the popcorn in the process.

After the first episode, you realize you and Jihoon had scooted closer together. Both of you had to keep reaching for the bowl so you two just sat right next to each other in the end.

“Next episode?” You ask him. Jihoon nods, and you press play. You lean back, getting a bit tired.

“Go to sleep,” Jihoon says, tapping your shoulder.

“I’m fine,” you say, crossing your legs up on the couch and sitting up.

Jihoon laughs and sits cross-legged, too. While the two of you are watching, you both reach into the bowl for popcorn, only to be met by nothing. You glance at the bowl, then at Jihoon.

“I’ll be right back,” you say, pausing the show and getting ready to stand.

But a warmth surrounds your hand. Right away, you look and see that Jihoon had taken it, his thumb gently running over the top of your hand. Your eyes meet his and you’re at a loss for words. A bit taken aback by his own actions, Jihoon blinks innocently, then slightly looks away before speaking and gazing shyly into your eyes.

“Can I kiss you…?”

No words come out of your mouth, so all you do is smile shyly and nod, nervous to break away from his gaze. Jihoon leans in, letting his lips softly meet yours. The warmth and gentleness of the kiss makes you smile, and you could feel Jihoon’s shy smile, too. Your eyes close, and you take in the moment. The two of you pull away and let each other’s breath linger, and you gaze into Jihoon’s eyes. His eyes shimmer with adoration as he pulls you closer, his arms around your waist. You hadn’t noticed that your arms made their way around his neck and a hand was playing with his hair. Jihoon pulls you in for a hug, and the two of you are a suddenly a cuddling mess. Your legs are entangled with his, and he twirls around some of your hair, then tucks it behind your ear. You smile and scoot closer to him, his arms around your waist.

“I think I love you,” he murmurs, pressing his forehead against yours.

You giggle, lightly twirling a bit of his messy hair. “I think I love you, too.”

[logancreatesworlds]

Really? - T’Challa x Black!Reader

Hey guys, try this on for size! Let me know if you like it!

“Natasha, I don’t know about this,” you said anxiously.  “Relax,” the redhead viper said brushing her fiery locks out of her vision, “He saw your picture on my phone and wanted to meet you.  Remember?  I told you this.”  “Yeah, but he’s a king,” you hissed as Natasha Romanoff grabbed a wine glass from a nearby server, “What if he doesn’t like me?”  “He’ll love you,” she soothed, “He said you were pretty and that was just from your picture on my phone.”  “Are you kidding me? I look ridiculous in this dress.”  The dress you had chosen was pretty and sparkly.  Tony and Natasha had dragged you all the way through best boutiques in New York to find it.  

“Oh relax, you look great.”  “I could not agree more,” said a dulcet, masculine voice.  You and Natasha turned around, and there stood King T’Challa in all of his Wakandan glory.  His suit was all black, with the only color on him being the shiny gold lining of the handkerchief on his front coat pocket.  His two guards, Ayo and Okoye, stood behind him - both looking way more beautiful than you in their respective saucy red and mint green dresses.  “King T’Challa,” you said respectfully, giving the best bow possible, “It is an honor to finally meet you.”  “Your majesty,” Natasha greeted with a nod.  “Natasha, it is nice to see you.  And Miss (Y/N) (Y/LN), the new infamous weapons specialist and technological infrastructure expert for the Avengers.  It is my utmost pleasure to finally meet you in person for the first time.”  You tried not to smile too wide when he kissed your hand, your melaninated skin tones blending together for a beautiful brief moment.  A moment of silence passed, and in that moment, you could sweat that King T’Challa’s eyes were trying to swallow you with their seductive brown swirls.

“Okay,” Natasha spoke, “I’m going to find Clint, but you two have fun.”  Soon, the assassin was gone, the billows of the black number she chose to wear to Tony’s party flowing smoothly behind her.  T’Challa gave a nod to his guards.  You didn’t know what it meant, but you could infer by the girls’ responses. 

“Your Majesty-” “Are you sure?”

“I am positive,” T’Challa said calmly, “You two go take a break.”  Okoye looked unsure, but then Ayo nudged her and gave her an impish wink.  It seemed like a lightbulb flashed over Okoye’s head before she nodded to T’Challa and walked off with her fellow Dora Milaje.  

T’Challa and you got along swimmingly after that.  Despite your differences in stature, where you were and even how nervous you felt, the King’s surprising humility put your at incredible ease.  So far, you had learned a lot about him for your first meeting.  His favorite color was black, he LOVED math and science and as a personal inference from how he talked of them, he LOVED his mother and sister.  Your family had died when you were little and Sam Wilson’s mother had taken you in, which allowed you to grow up like his little sister.  T’Challa learned of this, along with other trivial things like how much you loved caramel and how much you wanted to visit Africa and see all of her interesting cultures.  

In short, the two of you grew incredibly close in a stupidly short amount of time.  Soon, Tony’s birthday party was over, and you and T’Challa dropped off your respective presents and said a quick hello to Steve and Sam.  T’Challa had convinced you to come to his hotel suite, promising you that he wasn’t that kind of man at the look you gave him and that he just wanted to offer you some hot water for your feet - which were burning in the heels Natasha made you wear.  Thanks Natasha, you thought sarcastically and honestly. 

You were actually glad for the chance though, as you got to know T’Challa even better.  He talked of Wakanda and his life before his father died.  You watched a couple movies, too, and before you knew it - you were fast asleep.  T’Challa put a blanket over you and slept next to you in his clothes as well, only taking off his jacket.  You awoke with confusion at where you were, and you were shocked to see T’Challa sleeping next to you.  Holy shit, you thought.  “Good morning,” T’Challa groaned.  “Hi,” you responded, unsure of how to respond.  “Are you alright?  You look scared.”  

“I’m fine, it’s just that I just woke up from sharing a bed with a king.”  “Well it was totally platonic and I did not advantage of you while you slept.  My father raised me better than that.”  You smiled, but then a noise interrupted you both.  

CLUNK!

“Did you hear that?”  “Yeah,” T’Challa answered with a knowing look as he got off the bed and opened the door.  On cue, several people feel through the doorway - Ayo, Okoye, Sam and Bucky.  “Eavesdropping Okoye? Really?” T’Challa asked.  “It was her idea!” Okoye squealed pointing at Ayo.  “Was not!” “Was too!” “Was not!” “Was too!”  “Enough,” T’Challa commanded, stopping their argument before gesturing to Sam and Bucky, “And what in Bast’s name are you two doing here?”  “Sam wanted to make sure his baby sis wasn’t y’know...fondueing,” Bucky explained.  “You little snitch bitch,” Sam snapped at him.  “Not my fault you wanted to be nosy,” Bucky, “And Ayo’s the one that let us in, anyway.”  T’Challa glared at Ayo, who had a sheepish look on her face, “Would you believe me if I told you I did it for your safety?  More people to protect you.”  T’Challa sighed, “Is there anyone else in here that I need to know about.”

“Yup!” said Steve Rogers as popped in, leaning on the door in his fresh new clothes.  “Captain, what are you doing here?”  “I came to stop Sam and Bucky from doing something stupid.  Natasha’s waiting in the car by the way and she says hi.  Wow, this suite is nice!”  T’Challa rolled his eyes as Steve briefly poked his head into his hotel room, before pushing it back out.  “Everyone out,” T’Challa ordered, ushering the others away from his room.  “I knew they didn’t have sex,” you heard Ayo say, “Okoye, you owe me five American dollars.”  “You can get two Wakandan dollars but that’s it-”  “I knew we would get busted,” Steve mumbled.  “Shut up Steve,” the rest responded.  

You snickered and laughed at your friends, “They are a trip.”  “They sure are.  Forgive my Doras.  They can be mischievous, but they mean well, I promise.”  “No, no - they’re fine.  They’re your family.  Besides, Ayo and Okoye are hilarious.”

“See! I told you she likes us!” “Shut up, Ayo!”   

You and T’Challa sighed as you heard their voices from down the hall.  “Well at least we have people watching over us.  I’d love to do this again sometime.  Here’s my number.  Call me anytime.  I cannot promise I will pick up, but I can promise that I will call you back.”  You smiled, taking the marked slip of paper from his hands.  “Now if you will excuse me, Miss (Y/N), I have to go make breakfast for the eavesdroppers.  They can fight to the death, but Bast help their cooking.”  You busted out laughing as T’Challa let the room.  

You replayed what just happened in your mind as you stared at the number on the slip of paper.  Had you just gotten a king’s number?  Nervous excitement stirred in you at the concept.  He was royalty, yes, but you remembered his kind humility and the nice man he was underneath the politics and the illustrious title.  Yes you had, really.

  And that is all she wrote, folks! Hope you liked it!  Please, feel free to request more T’Challa or any other marvel or DC characters.  I can’t come up with all the ideas, people! XD  Let me know what you liked and what you didn’t about my stuff and Comment, Comment, Comment!  Cach ya’ on the web!

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