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min-arya · 3 years

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Change of Mind

Pairing: jimin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Note: this was my very first work last November 2020. I tried to give it an ending but, I genuinely cannot think of a good ending for this story. it sucks but whatever. pls send me your ideas aaa i would love to read them. thank you for supporting me!! i adore y'all! :) <3

You hate children.

Everyone who knows you knows that. They really can’t convince you to pick up their baby, or coo at them. They didn’t even try to hide the disappointment in their eyes when they saw you roll your eyes when their children copy you. They keep pestering you about how you hate children when one day you’re going to have one. The thought made you smirk, as if. It’s easy to say that you won’t have one because you don’t have time as a single busy woman. And also, they’re pretty loud and dumb. They’re always so dependent; can’t do things on their own.

“I think you’re being too hard,” your brother, Namjoon, said. He was a married man for 4 years now. You can see the dark bags in his eyes as he looked at you in concern. You rolled your eyes as you already know where this is going. “They’re just kids,” he added.

“We’ve had this conversation for a long time, can’t we drop it already?” you said a little loud out of frustration. Namjoon shushed you, scared to wake up his cranky daughter. By the way, you were at their house because it was your pregnant sister-in-law’s birthday. They invited you this morning, and you decided to drop by for a little greetings and told her that your gift will be a little late, which she didn’t mind. “ughh! It’s getting late. I’m going home.” You said irritatedly.

“Okay, so you see, I have a very important meeting tomorrow,” he began. You know something was off, and you’re not going to like it because of the way he slowly and carefully stated his words. You don’t want to hear it, honestly. But you didn’t and can’t cut him off because first, it’s disrespectful; after all, he is the oldest, and second is that, he beat you to it. “I need you to attend the family day in Miyoung’s school.”

You were bewildered, maybe beyond that but, you were. He knows that you hate children, why would he do that? Is it because you’re the only one who is free on Fridays? That’s not even an acceptable excuse. You hated children! You expressed countless times of how irritating they are, how can your niece be any different? Is it because he raised her? You looked away for a second, not knowing what to say. You brought your gaze up, about to protest until you caught a glimpse of his tired pleading eyes, you had no choice but to comply. “Fine, but you owe me 50 dollars,” you agreed with a groan.

Namjoon smiled weakly, knowing his pregnant wife doesn’t have to stress herself up for this school activity and get all the rest she needs. “I’ll double it if Miyoung comes home with a smile.” He said, playing along with his sister’s antics. “By the way, it starts at 8:00am. Don’t be late.”

“Fine,” was all you said standing up to reach your bag. “I’ll be here tomorrow, 7:00am sharp. Thank you for the meal, Oppa. I’ll be going now.” You stated, from you professional voice to a surprisingly calm voice after the news of babysitting your niece.

Tomorrow is going to be a long, long day.

You finished your morning routine with a groan and a pep talk. This is only for today. This is only going to last a few hours. After that you’ll have the peace away from children. After that pep talk, you left your garage to go to your brother’s house to fetch your niece. You internally wished she’s not as annoying as any other kids her age.

You arrived 15 minutes later. Seeing how your niece is crying in front of a kneeling Namjoon made you realize that she hates this idea, too. She’s scared of you, that’s for sure. But, what can you do? Imagine your babysitter hates children. Damn.

“Why can’t you go instead, Daddy? She hates me, I know it!” your niece said as she started to sob louder, not stopping any sooner no matter how much your brother is trying to convince him.

“She doesn’t hate you, baby. She’s just jealous because she’s old and lonely.” He said as if he didn't know you'd already arrived. You scoffed loudly at that. It was almost funny. You…jealous of a kid? Pleaaaaase. “It’s only for today, Miyoungie. I promise I’ll make it up to you. We’ll get ice cream after this event is finished.” He ended, knowing his daughter is a weakling for ice cream.

“Fine.” She stubbornly said. Angrily stomping to the shotgun seat of your car.

Namjoon walked towards you with a paper bag in his hands. “Here’s her costume, by the way. I think the event ends at 3pm. It’s only 7:15, have you had your breakfast?” he rambled. Even though he was annoying most of the time in your childhood, he was, no doubt, caring.

“I’m fine. Has she had her breakfast or do I need to drive her to McDonald’s?” you smirked victoriously, proud at your comeback sass. It didn’t last long though after Namjoon playfully smacked your head with the word pabo leaving his mouth. “Anyway, we’ll be going now. Don’t worry, she’ll be safe.

Namjoon handed you the paper bag filled with clothes and lunch box for two before walking towards his daughter, kneeling to her height and hugging her. He whispered something to her tiny ear before she nodded. He wiped her tears away. He opened the door to the passenger’s seat of your car, making sure he fastened the seatbelt as he closed the door gently, not wanting to startle his daughter.

You went to the driver’s side to finally start the car. You badly want to end this day. You glanced at your niece who was sulking beside you. I mean, who could blame her tho? This was so unplanned. She already informed her dad about this last week. And now, he’s telling her that he won’t be able to attend so he needed you as a substitute guardian. Isn’t that a little heartbreaking? But, anyway, your niece just wants to get close to you.

“Are you ready to go, kiddo?” you asked in a surprisingly calm manner. You saw how she nodded cutely. So you reached for the clutch and got ready to go.

The silence between you was pleasant, it surprised you. Everything about today surprised you.

You feel the stares Miyoung was giving you. They weren’t out of hatred or adoration. It was out of curiosity. Maybe something about you fascinated the toddler’s tiny mind. ‘What did Daddy mean when he said that she is lonely? Is she sad? Is that really why she hates me? Is she going to eat me?’

“What is it?” you asked, growing frustrated by the curious glares she gave you. She looked away, and shrugged.

“Daddy said to not cause you any trouble. If I do, you’re going to eat me. Is that true, Aunty?” she said with a slightly shaky voice. So that’s how he raises his kids huh. “Please don’t eat me, Aunty.” She faced her body towards you with her hands clasped together, practically begging.

It was cute, no doubt. Is that what Namjoon whispered to this baby? You laughed at the thought. For the first time in, like, your whole life, a child has made you laugh. Your niece’s eyes widened at your laugh. The tiny toddler is overthinking too much for her tiny mind to handle. She now thinks you’re really going to eat the sweet sweet child.

“What?! AHAHA. NO! Of course not. Why would I eat you? I don’t eat children, that’s gross.” You said between your laughs. Feeling the atmosphere between you lighten up. This day was going better than you thought it would be.

Maybe kids aren’t so bad after all.

After a few hours of meeting (more like seminar or something) with the parents and this really charming teacher, accompanying Miyoung to eat her sandwich and her meal but she offered you her sandwich because you don’t have anything to eat even though you have money but she insisted so you accepted, and phone calls from your work, it is time for the little performance the toddlers from this said kindergarten prepared for their ‘parents’. So that’s the costume for, now I get it. You thought as Miyoung came up to you and handed you the video camera that you didn’t know that she had. Maybe Namjoon packed it since he couldn’t go.

The performance was good, entertaining even. You felt like a proud mama cheering for her baby while holding the camera. It surprises you on how you reacted, you seemed really fond of the child, and you were though.

After the performance was done, the crowd dispersed into sections, making the columns and rows you all formed a while ago a mess. Miyoung rushed into you and held your hand. And suddenly, your phone rang. You let go of your niece’s hand to reach for the phone in your right pocket.

It was no surprise that it’s your boss. “It’s me, Sir Kim. What seems to be the problem?” you said. What could be the problem? Mr. Kim always bothered you, like he was really annoying. And now, you’ve filed your one-week leave and yet, he’s still bothering you and bombarding you with work. Man, he’s the worst.

“Nothing, I was just saying you got the promotion. Have fun on your leave.” With that, he hung up. Maybe he’s not so bad after all, pfft. That was amazing news, so amazing that you decided to take Miyoung to an ice cream parlor yourself and treat her with her favorite ice cream that you had no idea of.

You were happy, so happy that when you put it back to your pocket and reached for your niece’s hand, she wasn’t there.

Oh no. I’m doomed. Namjoon’s going to kill me. You thought as you started formulating a plan on searching for Miyoung. Internally panicking. What to do? You scanned the whole area to see if someone found Miyoung. Unfortunately, the messy crowd started to disperse slowly.

The pounding of your chest, beads of sweat start forming on your forehead as you spin around trying to look for a familiar small girl with a yellow humongous ribbon on her head. You were out of luck. Stupid phone call. Stupid promotion. Stupid boss. Stupid life!

You approached a middle-aged woman who looked like a principal in this kindergarten, thinking it would help you search for your niece. But then, an unknown number called you. Anxiety filled your stomach, a slight ringing in the background was heard, then silence.

Oh no, is Miyoung kidnapped? Are they going to ask me for ransom? Why is this happening? You thought as your shaky hands answered the phone.

“Hello? Hello, Miss?” a sweet honey-voiced man talked through the phone. He didn’t sound like a mysterious criminal, did he?

“Hello? Who is this?” you cringed at how shaky your voice was, you should’ve sounded tough not like some scared girl.

“Oh, where are my manners! I’m Park Jimin, Miss. Kim Miyoung’s teacher. I found your business card on the child’s ID. Don’t worry she’s in good hands but, be sure to pick her up though. We’re at the teacher’s faculty. I’ll hang up now.” He started, sounding so sure and professional.

You have finally arrived at your destination, the teacher’s faculty. You see Miyoung, sitting on a chair with a chocolate in her hand, eating happily while she swings her feet.

A man approached you, just as you reached to Miyoung. The man smiled down at you. “You must be Y/N. Miyoung’s this way.” With that, he led you to the faculty room that your niece was staying on.

“Aunty!” she shouted as she jumped off the chair, ran to you and hugged you as if you were the one who got lost. “Jiminie told me that he’ll buy me ice cream if I behave until you arrive.” She said, giggling. “Now that you’ve arrived, I can finally have my ice cream!”

“Jiminie?” you asked, curiously. “I thought he was your teacher?” you added.

“Yeah, but he’s daddy’s best friend so it’s fine.” Huh, that explains it. “Come on, Jiminie. You still have to get me ice cream.” She said as she skidded away from you and closer to the teacher who happened to be your brother’s best friend.

She grabbed his hand and pulled him to you, almost stumbling at how much height difference they have. “Woah, easy Miyoung.” The teacher said between his laughs. He genuinely seemed to be enjoying kids his whole life. Heck, why would he even be a teacher if he doesn’t?

You didn’t think you could handle being in the same room with someone the total opposite of you yet, here you are. Everything about this day seemed to surprise you. “Wait, are you even done with your work? We don’t want to cause you any trouble.” You said. Well, that came out wrong. It sounded like you didn’t want to be with him. Wait, no…not really. It's nice having him around, maybe cudd—NO Y/N, you just met hi—

“Y/N? Y/N, right? I was just telling you that my shift was done half an hour ago.” He said, interrupting your internal rumbling. You looked away from the scene of trees swaying with the wind to glance at the handsome guy looking at you in concern. “Uhm, shall we take your car or mine?” he asked, fidgeting the keys latched to the belt loop of his pants.

“Uhm, I’m not sure. Huh, I guess I haven’t thought about that. Miyoung?” you looked away from the stunning man to look at your side thinking that your niece might be by your side. But sadly, she was long gone to her teacher’s side, trying to pull his weight away from the direction of your car.

“Let’s go to Jiminie’s car! His car smells like vanilla and strawberries!! C’mon c’mon!” She squealed to you while pulling on her teacher.

You shrugged. So much for an ice cream, you thought as you followed the two.

The whole ride was surprisingly pleasing. Miyoung was right, his car smells good. Strawberries and vanilla.

You glanced to your left, looking at his hand at the clutch lever. By the way, you were on the passenger’s seat since Miyoung insisted that she needed space. You became silent, staring at your niece. What did she mean when she said she needed space? Is she trying to sell you out? You thought as you continued to watch her looking around, trying to find something. And then, she pulled a blanket from the back of the car. She happily hugged it before spreading it to cover her tiny body. She sat up again, reaching for a certain purple pillow.

To say that you were confused was an understatement. You reached for the door handle of the passenger’s seat before boarding. You finally noticed that Jimin was watching the whole scene. He explained that he was the one who Namjoon asked to drive her daughter. And that today was different since he had to assist and entertain parents so he wouldn’t be able to keep an eye on Miyoung. You nodded in understanding.

“We’re here,” you snapped out of your daze when you heard his sweet honey voice rang throughout the car. You turned your body to look at your niece, you noticed that she’s still in her mini dreamland. You unbuckle your seatbelt before going around the car to wake Miyoung up. You opened the car that was facing the top of her head, noticing the slow but calm pace of her breathing while she sleeps. Just as you lifted your hand to shake her shoulder awake, a hand grabbed your wrist. “She gets cranky if you shake her awake. Let me do it,” he said before letting you go slowly.

You step aside to give him a way to Miyoung’s head. You tilted your head to the side to watch what he was doing. He was stroking her head gently as he whispers into her ear. It freaking worked. She sat up while rubbing her eyes. She wrapped her arms around his neck as he carried her off his car. She looked at you before waving her hands enthusiastically before yelling, “Hi Aunty.” You waved back before walking to Jimin’s side.

You leaned towards him to give him a compliment, “You’re really good with children.” He looked down at you before facing forward, smiling adorably. He mumbled a small ‘thank you’ as he led the way.

You finally reached to Miyoung’s favorite ice cream park in front of a park. The place was spacious yet, simple. Groomed trees around it, benches and a playground. It’s the perfect destination to couples, and couples with children. That’s probably why this is Miyoung’s favorite place.

Jimin sets Miyoung down as he goes to the counter to place an order. You saw how Miyoung immediately ran towards the playground, communicating with some kids her age. You turned your head towards Jimin who was looking at you, “Yes? Is there something wrong?” you asked him.

“Uhm what flavor do you want? My treat,” he said, pulling out his wallet. you held out your hand, about to tell him that he didn’t need to buy you an ice cream, He was persistent as he said, “don’t worry, it’s on me.”

“Cookies n’ cream,” you mumbled while looking down. He nodded then faced the cashier attendant. You unknowingly pouted when you noticed they were close to each other, whispering something between themselves. You saw him moved away, shaking his head as if he was denying something. You turned away towards the playground, just to forget the scene and also, to keep an eye on Miyoung. She seemed to be enjoying her life as a kid. Lucky.

Jimin shyly cleared his throat, snapping you out of your daze. You noticed he was holding two cones. He handed you the cookies n’ cream flavor, before turning back to get Miyoung’s favorite ice cream. “Thank you, though you didn’t have to,” you said, as you gave him a genuine smile.

“Nah, I wanted to,” he said as he giggled slightly. You two walked side by side towards the playground. You sat on a bench while munching on your ice cream. He called your niece to give her her ice cream. She ran towards him immediately before going back to the playground. Jimin sat beside you as he started to devour his ice cream. “So, Namjoon-hyung’s sister?” he started, facing you.

You snorted lightly at how awkward he sounded when the question left his mouth. He looked at you, amused. “Yeah, and you’re his best friend?” you said with just right amount of sass while you raised your eyebrow at him. “How come I’ve never heard of you before?” you asked with genuine curiosity as you faced the scene before you.

“Hmm, probably Namjoon-hyung forgot again. You know how he forgets stuff like that.” he said facing the same directions you’re looking at. It’s hard not to notice how the air around you is claiming, and the getting-to-know conversation the two of you are having feels like two best friends catching up with each other. It was nice. “I heard that you hated children. Why is that?” he suddenly asked, catching you off guard.

You shrugged. You were about to answer but a detail on his sentence stopped you. “Hated? What do you mean? I still hate them.” you said, calmly. You inhaled before talking, contemplating what to say. “Well, I just don’t like how high-maintenance they are. They always demand attention and can’t do things on their own. But, I can stand children; just don’t let them copy me. I hate how they do things I do.” You finished your rant with a sigh. You turned your head to Jimin who nodded in understanding, he looked amused. Fuck, I sound like a child.

He let out a short laugh as he leaned towards you. “Same, but I find it adorable though,” He said, trying to ease himself. “To answer your first question, you seem too fond of Miyoung, so I assumed that you have changed your mind,” he ended before proceeding to continue his ice cream.

“what? I mean, she’s a great kid...she doesn’t annoy the hell out of me,” you replied with a shrug. “Well, what about you? What’s something about children that fascinates you that you chose to be a teacher other than every other career that you can have?” you questioned him. You were grateful that he didn’t hate you for hating something he finds adorable.

Jimin looked towards the playground, thinking deeply for a wonderful example. “I love how innocent they are. They don’t have to worry about anything. All they want and need to do is to be happy and enjoy their childhood. And, I want to be a part of that wonderful memory.” He said as his eyes glowed in adoration of the kids playing with your niece. Laughter was heard as you two talked. “And then, there’s just the hint of pride whenever they achieve something. Even the tiniest victories, they’re so happy,” he added. He was shaking his fist adorably as if trying to contain his excitement.

“I think you’re going to be a great dad in the future,” you complimented, giving him a sweet smile.

“Thanks, I think you’re going to be a great mom too. Someday, he said.

An unfamiliar warmth swells up to your chest as you took in his words. “Yeah. Someday.”

#jimin x reader #bts jimin #jimin x y/n #jimin x you #jimin x army #bts x army #bts x you #bts x y/n #bts x reader #bts fluff #jimin fluff

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moral-turpitudes · 4 years

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Deal with the Devil: Ch. 8

Trigger Warnings: Swearing, Blood, Knives, Angst, Mentions of Death, Fluff, etc.

Characters: Thomas Shelby x Isla Maxwell (OC)

Word Count: 4,493

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | *7* | 8 | 9 | 10

The next morning, Isla lied there enveloped in the sheets as she slept soundly. It was the first night in years that she’d slept decently, the screams from her family not plaguing her mind for once.

Thomas had woken up an hour before, silently staring at her for a while as she slept. She was menacing yet delicate, and he couldn’t quite put his finger on why she was growing on him. Maybe it was their shared motives? Or the way her eyes sparkled in the moonlight like when they’d first met. Or maybe, just maybe, it was because he’d finally met his match. Someone who would call him out on his bullshit without fear. Someone who made him work for what he wanted. Someone who found it hard to navigate life but figured they’d try anyway. These were all things that ran through his mind as he walked aimlessly around her small room while getting dressed.

While fastening his belt closed, his gaze landed on a picture attached to her mirror, a man and his wife, and two older children sitting under a tree. Their once small wooden house in the distance as their smiles graced the photograph. He gently plucked it from the mirror, running his finger over the dark, burnt edges, and flipped it over to find faint handwriting scribbled on the back that read: “Maxwell Family Photo, Spring of 1919. William (55), Jane (50), Isla (20), and Isaac (15).”

The year 1919 threw him back, as he remembered adjusting to civilian life again after the war. The nightmares of France still fresh in his mind as he battled between them and the business that had been left in his hands. Knowing that in only a couple years his life would change for better, and for far worse. He had been around 29 when all the responsibilities fell on his shoulders, and at that same time Isla had been only 20 as her family burned before her. The scars of both their pasts a painful reminder of what they’d gone through.

But it was now-a whole 10 years later-that he’d finally realized that it hadn’t all been in vain. Maybe he was meant to shake hands with devils and walk past them, just to get to this point. To hold out long enough just to see if he could finally end the one man who harbored so much destruction in him. And to finally meet someone who didn’t need him, even though he needed her.

While lost in thought, Isla’s voice pierced the silence as he rubbed a hand over his face.

“What’d you say love?” He asked, putting the photo back as he walked towards the door.

“I said I couldn’t believe you stayed. Usually any man I’ve brought here leaves by dawn.” She said, putting her robe around her bare body and securing it tightly. Her hair was tousled and her eyes strained from the light in the window.

“Why would I leave?” He asked.

“I don’t know. It’s just something I’ve noticed with others.” She said, getting up and going into her kitchen. She got out two cups and got to work on making tea, mentally slapping herself for even voicing any insecurities.

“Do you not have someone to do that?” He asked, lighting a cigarette.

“Do you not have someone to wipe your own ass?” She quipped back. He smirked and blew out a cloud of smoke in her direction.

“No. I do that myself thank you.” He said.

“Exactly.” She said, smirking while swatting away the smoke.

“Are you always this cranky in the morning?” He asked.

“Are you always this annoying?” She asked back.

After a moment she spoke, waiting for the tea kettle to go off. The awkward tension hanging in the air.

“I don’t particularly like mornings, unless I’ve had tea first.” She said, quickly taking the kettle off the stove as it whistled, and pouring some of the tea in the cups. The steam rising up and filling the air with a sweet aroma.

“Here you go. Now if you’re going to stay here, don’t fuck with anything. I have work to do.” She said, taking her cup into her room while she got dressed. Thomas finished his cup and sat it on the counter, his eyes gazing into her room only to be cut off by her giving him the middle finger and shutting the door. With a smirk, he headed towards her office where his things were, deciding to make himself somewhat presentable. After a few moments he heard her footsteps as they padded along the floor.

“So I’m trapped here till you’re off work aye?” He asked, following her with his eyes as she walked, her emerald green dress getting his attention.

“Yes.” She said, sitting her cup at her desk and looking at the bloodied paper work from the past couple of weeks.

Thomas wandered around the office looking at the books and chain smoking as she flipped through the papers and her journal. Growing antsy at the fact that he couldn’t be at his own office discussing politics or planning missions.

“Is this how you treat all your victims?” He asked, sitting in a chair in front of her desk. He waited for her response, hearing a small sigh escape her lips as she looked up at him from her paperwork.

“My victims don’t make it this far. You’d be tied to a chair naked with your throat slit if you were one, love.” She said, quickly writing something down and closing her journal. She could hear him let out a small laugh at her answer.

“Why do you keep everything in there?” He asked pointing to it. It’s edges worn from the last 10 years.

“I keep track of every letter or important interaction with my connections. It’s just in case I need it to prove something. You never know when this lifestyle will catch up to you.” She said, lighting a cigarette and checking the clock on the wall.

“You’ll get to meet Nick and John by the way. They’ll be here soon.” She said.

“Hmm” he mumbled, reading over the newspaper on her desk. The mention of the name John causing a dull pain in his chest.

“So you killed all these men aye?” He asked, pointing to the papers in a desperate attempt to hide the pain.

“Yes.” She said, getting up to grab her knife.

“You going to kill me now? After all we’ve been through...” He said jokingly.

“No. I was going to practice throwing. Have you tried it?” She asked, twirling the knife as she walked towards him.

“I’m better with guns.” He said.

“Oh, well this is more fun. Watch.” She said, sitting in her chair and aiming for the dartboard on her wall in the distance.

“Normally you’d be standing but I’ve learned to do it sitting over the years. Helps me think while I’m working.” She said, aiming and hurling it towards the bullseye.

“Almost knocked Jays head off the other day. It’s shame I didn’t.” She said, retrieving it from the board.

He smirked as he observed her, mentally noting how she threw it with good form while sitting but even better form while standing, thinking of how she could come in handy when he needed to take down various people at a distance.

“Have you ever hit a moving target with them?” He asked as she picked up another knife.

As if on cue, Nick and John walked in, neglecting to announce themselves once again.

She quickly hit Nick in the shoulder as he walked in and John in the leg, both hits making them yell out in pain.

“To answer your question, yes.” She said walking over to them with hand towels as they struggled.

“Jesus fucking christ boss why’d you fucking knife us?” John yelled.

“I’ve told you both a thousand times to knock before coming in. I have a guest here.” She said, the men followed her gaze to Thomas who was standing with his hands resting behind his back.

“Where’s Jay? He should’ve been here by now.” John asked, shoving the towel onto his leg.

“He betrayed me.” She said. Their faces paled as she looked down at their wounds, getting up to retrieve a sewing kit.

“Drink this cuz it will hurt.” She said, as she stitched their wounds closed. Thomas watched silently from afar as she went about her business.

“If you want to see for yourselves, you can go to his apartment. Me hitting you both was a warning.” She said, her eyes boring into theirs as she lowered her tone.

“Have you both been going behind my back?” She asked.

“N-no...we would never. We’ve just been keeping an eye on things like you told us to.” Nick said, looking nervously at her when she touched his arm, his heart rate increasing as she came closer.

“Next time anyone decides to betray me I’ll do more than just throw a knife at you. Is that understood?” She asked, getting up and throwing the towels in the fire, Nick gazing at her as she walked away.

“Yes ma’am.” They both answered as they composed themselves. Thomas on the other hand was quietly dealing with the noise in his head as her voice snapped him out of his daze.

“Now, I want you to meet Mr. Shelby. He’s the one I’ve assigned you to, as you both know.”

Isla retreated back to her desk as Thomas introduced himself, her mind racing as well but instead of noise, it was over the plans she’d slept on for weeks.

“I’ve called you all here because usually I’d tell you where our next hit was. But today I wanted to discuss our protections in place and the plans for the rally. You see...Jay outed me to a member of Mosley’s party. Therefore, one of his men followed me to Small Heath and tried to attack me all because Jay tipped him off and got a little too acquainted at Mr. Shelby’s shop. For protections sake, I’m going to need both of your all’s full cooperation for this to go smoothly, because I only have you two and our small band of connections left. Is that clear?” She asked, as they sat down at her desk, Thomas standing near her as she stared them down. His gaze settling on Nick as he’d noticed him staring at her.

“Yes.” John said, and Nick nodded along, avoiding her gaze.

“Very well. So, the plan is for you two to continue keeping watch, not so much for information but for protection now. Mr. Shelby and his family may as well be in the same amount of danger as we are so we have to do all we can to keep each other safe. If you suspect something, I want you to contact one of us. I don’t care if it’s by phone this time, just use the payphones around town. Our plan is to then have some of the blinders stand guard here and around where we usually go for business with our clients. This way we can all have someone near at all times. Do you have a problem with that gentlemen?” She asked, lighting another cigarette.

They shook their heads no as she gathered a map and various pages and spread them out on her desk. Thomas quirked an eyebrow as he examined it, wondering how she came in possession of such a thing.

“Good. Now before I let you both go, I wanted to get a plan set in motion for the big rally. What have you both found out so far?” She asked.

“Well uh, it’s been confirmed that he’s having it at Cheltenham. Heard a bunch of those bastards talking about it when we snuck into a meeting the other day. He’s expecting a big turn out, bigger than the previous rally.” Nick said.

“You’re essentially working with him Mr. Shelby, do you think we’d be able to take him out?” John asked.

“We’ll have to. He’ll help bring us into another war if he’s not stopped soon.” He said bluntly, remembering that night when he felt the world crash around his shoulders as he watched men he cared about get stabbed and shot to death amongst the crowd of people, the screams of everyone filling the room as he watched his brother Arthur almost bleed out from behind the stage. The cool metal of his gun grazing his temple as he yelled into the moonlit fields, thinking his only way to end the madness, the heartache, and this insatiable power struggle would be to end it all at once. Luckily, for him and his family he didn’t pull the trigger though, as he realized his time on earth wasn’t quite finished yet.

Isla’s voice pulled him back to reality as she spoke, pointing at the map.

“You worked in the tunnels right?” She asked, her eyes going from cold and calculated to a slight bit concerned as he stood there staring where she pointed.

“I did. Why?” He asked.

“I was telling them that we may need men down below. There’s tunnels used for moving equipment and things so you don’t have to worry about digging. But they lead straight to where the back of the stage is.” She said, pointing to the light outline on the drawing.

“Alright. I’ll have a couple of my men in the tunnels. What about you aye where are you going to be?” He asked.

“Wherever you are.” She said. It pained him to hear her answer, knowing last time he had people following his lead, he watched them die or come remarkably close to it.

“Alright, well what’s the tracks security looking like? Can we get in through the back?” He asked.

“I wouldn’t. They’ll have security there too, we’ve seen it.” Nick said.

“I could work around that...” Isla said, twirling her pen as she cringed at the thoughts flashing in her mind. Remembering a few perilous nights spent trying to get information.

“You don’t have to seduce them.” Nick said, looking down at his hands. His eyes avoiding hers as he swallowed hard.

“I was going to have to resort to it at some point...why not go out with a bang?” She asked smirking.

“Jesus...” Thomas said, rubbing a hand over his tired face.

“What? I know it’s not the best part of the plan but it may be our only shot considering how things went last time.” She said looking at Thomas, never failing to mention how he came just short of killing Mosley himself.

“You don’t know what he’ll do.” Thomas said, putting the last of his cigarette out.

“He doesn’t look like the nicest person boss, I-I wouldn’t risk it. You don’t have to do that.” Nick said softly, his eyes sheepishly looking down as she looked at him.

“I’m doing what I can, don’t worry about me. I’ll use that as my last resort alright? We can’t afford to have anyone slip away. Mosley has around 30 members left here, unless he somehow gains a massive following in the next few days.” She said, her eyes scanning the map and floor plan of the racetrack.

Meanwhile, Nick stole a glance at her, quietly admiring her intelligence. He never told her how he felt, knowing she’d probably chop his head off all the same, but he kept his attraction hidden as he watched with sad eyes as Thomas stood by her, knowing they’d been doing more than writing letters back and forth.

“So...say we actually make it in through the back. What’s the next steps then? Do we just bloody shoot him and resort to her plan if it doesn’t work? It’ll cause chaos if we go in there on a killing spree.” John remarked, breaking the silence.

“Some of the blinders will be in the tunnels, and some will be in the two corners where his followers will enter. The area where his party members will be is the tricky part though because that’s around where all our main targets are. In these documents, they noted where they’ll sit just in case an attempt on Mosley’s life is made again. For this reason, I’m hiring some of my connections to stand in as fascists in the crowd, here.” She said pointing to a slew of seats near the front of the stage.

“When and if things get tense, we’ll have snipers in various areas ready to go. They’ll be setting up the night before to avoid any of his men seeing them. If all goes according to plan, Mr. Shelby will enter with me through the back and you two will follow. After that, it would be wise to wait him out.” She said.

“Why would we wait him out?” Nick asked.

“Because he may be running late.” She said, pulling out his pocket watch from her desk.

“Where the hell did you get that?” Thomas asked.

“Turns out, not only was the man who followed me to the Garrison trying to kill me, he apparently was Mosley’s little errand boy. After rummaging through his pockets I found his watch and a crumpled receipt in Mosley’s name from a repair shop. He’ll probably realize it’s gone and go mad looking for it. In the off-chance that he leaves his room to look for it, this would probably be our best shot at taking him out before it starts....You got rid of that mans body though didn’t you?” She asked, looking up at Thomas.

“Yes. They won’t find a thing.” He said, sitting down on the edge of her sofa.

The men looked at her with bewildered expressions. She herself even doubted her plan slightly, but she was never one for doing things according to plan anyways.

“Look...I’m not saying it’s foolproof, but this could cause a distraction and every second counts. We’ll all be in the same area as Mosley if we get there early. If we can take down some of the members before it starts, we can pick off the lot at random times to avoid suspicion. If we can’t get him before it starts, we’ll wait him out and continue with everyone else. If he starts getting suspicious, I’ll resort to seducing the bastard, but if that fails...we’ll just have to resort to chaos.” She said.

“Did they mention how many of his members will be in the stands watching?” Thomas asked.

“10, that leaves 20 of his other members elsewhere, so that’s where our people come in.” She said, circling Mosley’s dressing room and their point of entry, along with the areas where everyone will be on the paper.

“What if this doesn’t work?” Nick asked.

“Then we’ll die. Just keep an eye out and do your job. If you can take his men out in broad daylight you can surely take some out at night aye?” Thomas said, remembering how he had to reassure people before running through trenches and digging tunnels, the scraping of shovels still playing on loop in the back of his mind.

“Alright...what’s the pay then? We may not even come back from this so it better be good.” John said, crossing his arms in his seat.

“Double what I paid you last time, you’ll also receive a part of Jays last paycheck since he won’t be needing it where he’s going.” She said, putting everything except her map away.

“Really?” Nick asked.

“Does it look like I would lie to you?” She asked, looking him in the eye softly, glancing at both of the puncture wounds on their bodies.

“No ma’am. When are we to meet that day?” Nick asked, getting up from his chair and wincing as he moved his arm.

“It won’t be until evening but I’ll brief everyone around 5 and then we’ll head out at 7.” She said before waving them off. Once the door was shut she sighed in relief.

“Jesus fucking christ this better work...Do you think it’s a stupid plan?” She asked, pouring herself a glass of whiskey.

“Not entirely. I just can’t lose more people.” He said.

“When did you ever care about losing people?” She asked, pointedly.

His eyes met hers in a quick glance, with his jaw clenching as he got up.

“I never wanted them to die you know.” He said, pouring himself a shot.

“Who? Aberama?” She asked, remembering his demise.

“No. All of them. The ones I cared about. If you’d like me to go in order...” He trailed off, taking a swig of the whiskey.

“Please do.” She said, not realizing she signed up for a lecture.

“It started off with my mother, whom I still see in the mirror everyday when I look at myself. Then a woman named Greta whom I loved before the war. And then there were the men in France whom I’d seen blown in half by grenades and buried alive in tunnels...” He said, walking towards her.

“Is that-“ She started to say as he took her hand in his and placed it on his chest. His heart was beating firmly against her palm as he continued.

“After that, my friends who’d served and came back with me passed, then my first wife Grace was killed. Not long after that my brother John was shot, and recently there was our beloved hitman and his son...and almost myself.” He said, his eyes looking at the brown liquid in his glass as he stepped away from her. The reflection of himself reminding him of a monster.

“Thomas...” She said walking over to him and taking his hand slowly.

“I have blood on my hands that I can’t wash off Isla. I can only be of so much use until someone I love dies because of me.” He said, walking over to the window, the daylight streaming in and illuminating the room in a yellow glow.

“You didn’t pull the trigger on them Thomas. You may have planned something for them to do, but you didn’t take their life. You may have been there for some of them when they needed you, but you didn’t kill them, love. You can’t hold yourself to that.” She said, walking up behind him and taking his hand once more.

“I almost shot myself in the fields at my own fucking house. Good thing I didn’t do that aye?” He asked, wiping a stray tear from his face as he turned around.

“I’m glad you didn’t. Who else would I have gone to for help? Who else would I have here with me?” She asked.

“You don’t need me though. You have everything under control here. You don’t need me...” He said, looking into her eyes.

“I may not need you here...but I want you here. There’s a difference.” She said, cupping the side of his face with her hand and gently pulling him to her, planting a soft kiss on his lips.

“What?” She asked, as she saw him smirk as they pulled away from each other.

“I can think of one person who wouldn’t mind having you.” He said.

“Who?” She asked.

“You’re own little errand boy. Nick...if that’s even his real name.” He said.

She smirked and shook her head gently, never noticing until now that he’d been more agreeable than John since she’d hired them, and how he’d never failed her, not once.

“He should’ve said something then. I would’ve had two lovers aye?” She said, giggling as Thomas pulled her closer.

“I’m just joking, he’s great for business, but I only have my eyes on one man...besides Mosley of course.” She said, cringing internally.

“Who’s that?” He said, his hands snaking their way onto her hips.

“You.” She said, kissing him once more before breaking away.

“What are you doing?” Thomas asked as she pulled away, watching her gather things at her desk.

“I’m putting this stuff away because we have to get going. I have to get you back. Your family will think I’ve kidnapped you.” She said, locking her drawer and grabbing her coat and purse.

“I thought I was trapped here.” He said, crossing his arms.

“I’ve changed my mind now that I’ve met you.” She joked, thinking back to their first real conversation.

“I’ll drive you back to your shop. Besides someone like me wanting you, I can only imagine how wanted you are back at home by now.” She said.

“Alright. You know I’ll be back though.” He said, following her out the door.

“I wouldn’t doubt it.” She said, walking hand in hand with him out to her car. The busy street bustling with people as they quickly got in.

As she drove, there was a comfortable silence, the sun streaming in as she coasted along various roads. Both of them lost in thought as she neared his shop.

“Does your family really know what we’re doing?” She asked, before he got out.

“Yes. My family is what makes up this business so they have to know. I’ll be bringing it up tonight, I’ll let you know how it goes.” He said before getting out of the car and walking quickly into the shop. She scanned the road behind her and observed the people milling around the dark muddy streets, hoping none of them were Mosley’s party members. She slowly drove away, her eyes looking through the rear view mirror every couple of minutes as her paranoia grew.

When she neared her apartment, she looked around once more, parking by a pay phone to call her various connections. Knowing one man in particular would love nothing more than to aide in taking out fascists.

“Alfie? It’s “I.” I know you never get calls from me but it’s urgent. I have a plan.” She said, her heart racing as she waited for his gravely voice to roar over the phone.

“Right, so you want me to almost get killed again? To help you and little Tommy out aye? Well...he’s a bit dumb ya know. He’s taken lots of hits to the head over the years. I’ll help you...but I can’t give you all me men, love.” He said.

“I know. I’ll pay you back for taking all those flower sacks last month how about that? I’ll give you the same pay as I would Tommy for all your efforts though, it’s a lot of money.” She said.

“It’s a damn shame he didn’t kill the fucker the first time innit? I guess I’ll accept, but after this I’m going back to Margate, love.” He said, she could hear Cyril barking in the background.

“It’ll work out, I promise. Give Cyril some kisses for me aye?” She asked.

“Alright, say....if Tommy gives you trouble you know where to find me. He’s always been bad with women.” He said.

“Goodbye Alfie.” She said, rolling her eyes as she hung up and made her way home.

As the day gradually came to a close, she sat in her office, racking her brain for how she’d take down his men. She had her gun and a plethora of knives, but as the gears in her mind shifted, she felt she was lacking something bigger. Something that could really make a statement if need be. Something...explosive.

“Shelby Company Limited, this is Polly speaking.” She heard his aunts voice say over the phone.

“I’d like to speak to Mr. Shelby, please.” She said hesitantly, not wanting to reveal her name.

“Who’s calling?” She asked.

“I.” She said quickly, fumbling with the mail in her hand.

“Oh...one moment.” She said, hearing the line buzzing.

At the shop, Polly set the phone down and marched to his office, knocking harshly.

“Come in.” He said, noticing the disapproving look on her face.

“You have a call. I don’t know if it’s some whore you’ve been with or that writer but she said her name is “I.” Sounds awfully suspicious to me.” She said, her patience wearing thin with Thomas ever since her fiancé’s death.

“Put her through, I’ll take care of it.” He said, flicking his hand at her so she’d leave.

“Hello? Isla?” He asked, the phone shaking in his hand as his tremors set in slightly.

“I didn’t tell her anything. Wasn’t sure who to call though. I have a question.” She said.

“Alright? What is it?” He asked, frustrated that he’d been tore away from his work.

“Do you have any machine guns or hand grenades by any chance?” She asked.

“Why in the hell would you need those?” He asked.

“Just in case.” She said, hanging up quickly.

Thomas put the phone down and sighed, knowing he’d have to go to the warehouse instead of straight home.

“Oi! Where are you going?” Arthur asked, walking in just as Thomas prepared to leave.

“I’m going to need your help. Come with me.” He said, taking Arthur by the arm and dragging him out the door.

The two of them walked out of the office, leaving Polly and Michael to their own devices amongst the plethora of workers. Finn had been rarely seen at the shop, constantly running off with girls or doing Johns old tasks when he wasn’t snorting cocaine with Isiah.

“She’s insane Tom. Are you really bringing her machine guns and grenades?” He asked.

“Yes. She’s our only chance at ending this whole thing. I haven’t done all this for nothing Arthur. Tonight I’m holding a family meeting about all of this.” He said as they parked near the warehouse. Charlie and Curly greeted them as they made their way through the piles of dirt and scrap metal to the locked doors.

“About what Tom? Killing Mosley?” He asked, as he picked the lock.

“Mhmm. We have a plan.” He said, shoving the doors open as Arthur sighed, looking around the room they hadn’t been to in months.

#peaky blinders fanfic #peaky blinders #thomas shelby #thomas shelby x reader #thomas shelby x oc #thomas shelby x y/n #thomas shelby x female!reader

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twilightknight17 · 4 years

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Today on P5S, we’re taking a nice relaxing dip in the hot sprin--

Fukuoka, Kyushu! The plan was to keep going straight through to Kyoto, but Makoto was hurting from all the driving, so we pulled over with the intention of spending the night in a proper hotel and having a good meal. Which, of course, means ramen, because we gotta try the local ramen in each place. ^_^

Even Morgana wanted to try, though he requested that Akira blow on it, first, because “feline tongues are sensitive.”

The plan was to stay in Fukuoka until Makoto was feeling better, but Zenkichi called and basically said we had to get to Kyoto right away. So after a night of sleep, we got up the next morning, and we finally learned why Haru hasn’t been driving, despite having her license.

My wife has a lead foot.

Apparently no one but Joker and Queen ever drove the Mona Bus, because everyone but Makoto seemed extremely surprised.

Supposedly it was eight hours to Kyoto. We were there by noon.

Anyway, this old bar is apparently Zenkichi’s safe house, if anything ever goes wrong on an investigation.

He’s tracked the list of names that we found in the lab back to a politician called Jyun Owada, who was apparently a Shido supporter. This guy would benefit from changes of heart, and one of his supporters is the CEO of Madicce, Mr. Akira Konoe. They determine that Owada wouldn’t have a Jail himself, but that he’s probably getting Konoe to influence people for him. Which means that, since Sophia sensed a Jail in Osaka (that we missed because we were all screaming at Haru’s driving), it’s most likely that Konoe is a Monarch.

So my dart hit the board, I just gotta see how close to the bullseye.

Zenkichi heads to Osaka for a meeting with Konoe to try to get his keyword, and convinces the kids to stay behind. They need to rest and recover so they can be at their best for the Jail. Plus, he’s put them up in the nicest hotel in Kyoto! Which means it’s time to go to the hot springs!

The boys are having a lovely time relaxing. Even Morgana’s chilling on a rock with his tail in the water, basking in the chance to really unwind.

.......Atlus. We need to have words.

Not only was this absolutely unnecessary...

It’s the exact same scenario as P3. We’re even in the same goddamn city. If I thought Gekkoukan would be willing to spend 40K per person a night, it might as well be the same hotel.

Apparently, the boys went in right before the time switched over, and didn’t realize. And now, once again, they’re up for an unjust execution. At least Yosuke and Teddie were actually peeping in P4.

Personally, I think a better plan would have been to start yelling, “Who’s there?” as soon as the girls came in. Sneaking just makes it look like you’re up to something nefarious. It was an honest mistake. And really, trying to get out without causing a scene isn’t a heinous crime.

We don’t see who knocked over the thing that got them caught, but they do get caught. There’s no gameplay here. Defeat is inevitable. And...

The girls jump immediately to accusing them of being perverts. Never mind that they’re wet because they just got out of the damn hot spring. And the boys try to explain. They try their best. They explain that they didn’t realize the time had switched. They explain that they’d gotten locked in without noticing, because the men’s side doors lock when it switches over. “It was an accident,” Akira says, plaintively.

And Makoto looks at these boys that she’s fought alongside for over a year. The ones who risked their lives to save her and everyone more than once. The teammates that she stood beside as they shot a god and saved the entire damn world. The ones who, on this very roadtrip, stepped in to defend Haru from Natsume being a harassing jackass... And she says...

She sounds actually angry.

And she beats them up.

For an honest mistake.

I know this is a trope, but in this particular instance, it’s stupid, and it feels incredibly out of character. None of the boys deserve this, but Akira least of all. He’s your goddamn leader; he’s done more for any of you than anyone else. He’s been falsely accused of shit over and over, and now he has to deal with it from his own teammates?

For shame, Atlus. Shitty writing, especially because this event is never going to be brought up again. Was this supposed to be funny? Because in this situation, it wasn’t at all.

...now that I’m done being cranky, let’s go check how Zenkichi’s meeting in Osaka is going.

Hm. Nowhere, apparently, because Konoe’s gone for the day. Weird. Zenkichi had an appointment and everything.

Now let’s check on... well fuck.

Commissioner Kaburagi, Zenkichi’s boss, is summoned by the commissioner general and the previously mentioned Owada. This asshole is claiming to have evidence that the Phantom Thieves are behind all the changes of heart. They hacked into EMMA!

You’ve got a lot of fucking nerve, when you’re the one behind this.

.......maybe this lady is better than I thought.

She says that there’s not enough proof, and that they need to look into things more. The commissioner general counters that the Thieves are going to be tried for murder. Because apparently they killed that poor man at the Okinawa facility after they learned how to get into EMMA.

Kaburagi knows this is bullshit and wants to investigate more, but they basically tell her to do it or else. And promise that she’ll be commissioner general one day. After the current commissioner general launches his political career with the capture of the Phantom Thieves, of course. And she’s just going to follow orders. Never mind. God. I didn’t misjudge her at all.

Konoe goes on TV and announces that they’re shutting down EMMA temporarily, because the Phantom Thieves hacked it and stole personal information. He also informs everyone that they murdered one of his employees. Zenkichi and I had the same reaction, which was “WHAT?!”

Look at this asshole.

Zenkichi realizes what’s going to happen and takes off for Kyoto. Cut to that night, where there’s an entire fucking squad of police outside of the hotel in riot gear. For seven teenagers. Zenkichi shows up and basically pleads with Kaburagi to stop and think, because the real mastermind is still out there.

Kaburagi snaps back with, “You mean like with your wife?” and Zenkichi shuts up. Low blow, lady. She also points out that he seems very attached to criminals.

Before Kaburagi can have the police storm the place, Zenkichi yells for the kids to run, and gets arrested for it. The kids make it to the safe house, but when they find out about the arrest, they want to go after him. They end up agreeing to let Makoto handle that, and then we get a look at King Asshole himself.

I hate how nice this man’s office is.

And I’m kind of afraid of EMMA.

Good luck with that, though. You’d have to break them first; you can’t change the heart of someone stable enough to have a persona. Not that this fuck would know that.

God, he’s like if Shido and Maruki had a fucked-up kid. He wants his own personal team capable of entering the metaverse and changing people, to make the world “better”. Holy fuck.

Somehow I don’t think you’re the one in the right, when you’re talking about making us a “sacrifice to bring about [your] new world order.”

So the next day, the Thieves get a text from Akane’s phone number, that basically says she’s been kidnapped. It’s clearly a trap, but they all agree that they have to go. According to the text, if they want her back, they need to come to Inari Taisha.

Also known as Fushimi Inari, the largest Inari Shrine in Japan. I’ve been there.

I have literally been right there. I have a picture:

And so the kids head into a Jail based on Fushimi Inari where the keyword is “Phantom Thieves”, and I try not to explode from sheer glee because oh boy I thought I’d have to wait a lot longer for this and also I didn’t expect it to be somewhere I know.

Eeeeeeeee~

They find Akane tied up and all go running towards her. Futaba trips, and before she can catch up, a huge cage snatches up the rest of them, because surprise, the Jail Monarch is Akane, and she’s absolutely ready to lord it over them.

Meanwhile, Zenkichi is getting beaten up in interrogation and taking it like a champ.

But it’s okay, because Makoto called in a favor. <3

Futaba managed to get back to the safe house, and Zenkichi met up with her there after Sae got him released.

So you know that bit in P5 where the phan-site poll hits 100% belief and we summoned a demon the size of a skyscraper? That’s Zenkichi right now, except he’s hitting Maximum Dad Energy and I’m pretty sure he’s going to summon his persona.

There’s a cool stealth sequence where you have to sneak by a bunch of shadows, because Zenkichi doesn’t have a persona. Futaba runs navigation for him, but it’s so funny because he... sneaks like a regular person. He doesn’t leap into cover with superhuman speeds.

It might have been cool to play Zenkichi With A Gun, but stealth mode was fun, too. XD

And then the confrontation with Akane. She gives the Thieves a choice of who wants their heart changed first, but before anyone can stupidly volunteer, Zenkichi shows up, and a few more things get revealed. Most importantly, the fact that Owada is the one who killed Zenkichi’s wife, and Zenkichi got death threats directed at Akane if he didn’t stop investigating. No fucking wonder he couldn’t solve the case. But Akane is too disillusioned to listen, because she doesn’t understand. And Zenkichi is forced to confront that at some point, he compromised his morals, telling himself he was doing it for Akane.

This line wasn’t sung, but I kind of wish it was, considering who his persona is. :P

Zenkichi admits that he might have been wrong. But he was doing it to protect the only family he had left.

“But at least I know what makes a person evil. Evil only cares about itself. It’s the mark of a man who would bring another to ruin and dare not show remorse.”

And his awakening was badass.

Shitty picture, but his literal shadow had glowing eyes while it was forming the contract. It was so cool. :D

Wolf is awesome. After beating up a whole hoard of shadows by himself, Akane got away, the Thieves were freed, and we all went back to the safe house to rest. And I swear, you take a nap for one hour, and cannot get any peace. XDDD

Thank you, darling. Now I gotta figure out what deck that’s from.

So that was today. Technically I only played for like...2 and a half hours?? But god, we hit the hot springs and everything just flung itself directly off a cliff and all I could do was hold on.

I have so many thoughts about things!!! But I need to see more first. But this has been fantastic overall.

#god this is a long one #Li plays P5Scramble

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filmjrnl365 · 5 years

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#141 Downton Abbey (2019)

Director: Michael Engler

United States

If you didn’t already like Downton Abbey, you won’t get much from the movie. However, for anyone who enjoyed the trademark Britishness of the series, then the movie won’t disappoint. It took me about thirty seconds to decide to watch the series when I first stumbled across it. The production values, and the setting captivated me immediately, and I really enjoyed the entirety of the series.

The film does a decent job of closing this chapter of the story and paving the way for future stories. By now Downton Abbey is fighting an economic and moral battle against the onslaught of time and modernism itself. The Great War is over, the world is rapidly moving into modernization and Downton Abbey has thinned its ranks of starched servants. It’s become a full time job to maintain its privileged, traditional at all costs, Englishness.

Fans of the show knew this was coming. It’s been lurking in the background for the entirety of the story, but we were constantly diverted by the numerous plot twists that kept us tuned in every week. But that’s not the whole picture. I suspect I’m not alone when I shamelessly admit that I enjoyed Downton Abbey because I got to see the beauty of the place itself, the idyllic landscape, and the amazing costumes worn by each of the cast. I think the British audience found Downton Abbey with as much excitement as cold oatmeal, but the show delivered America’s idealized version of what British gentry looked like. This is not to say that Downton was inaccurate –I know a good deal of research and consultation went into production to make sure the social and sartorial details were handled correctly. But I think Americans secretly like this stuff. As much as we whine on about freedom and resist social classifications, we spend a lot of time breaking our backs to emulate the lifestyle those categories provide, the big house, the lawn, and doing damage control on family dysfunction.

Downton Abbey was, and is, an escape. A beautiful setting with mostly beautiful people, that at least on the surface, could put their egos aside long enough to apply themselves to a larger cause, whether that be war, love, duty, or the crankiness of tradition itself. If public discourse or civility got any better in America, I’d like to think it had something to do with Downton Abbey. If we were paying attention we might have gleaned some things that might come in handy in today’s world. 1. Be wary of phones, they are evil devices and should be used sparingly. 2. Dress for dinner, better yet, have someone dress you for dinner. 3. Take care of your employees- no one likes or respects a shitty boss. 4. Have some civility, quit yelling at one another, or at least take it into the drawing room. 5. Learn how to suffer in silence –this is where having the stately mansion comes in handy.

Downton was a moneymaker for public television. This was not an accident. It was a well written, well produced series. It came at a time when there was a lot of competition from streaming services, and its viewing numbers were sizable. The movie offered one last glimpse of grandeur and we had to bid farewell to a cast of characters that we had come to know over the span of this epic generational story.

It will be interesting to see if the idea gets a second incarnation, and if it does, it will have to meet a very high benchmark of quality.

https://filmjrnl365.tumblr.com

#downton abbey movie

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dreamiesformula · 5 years

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Triggered - Seo Changbin

When the one person you trusted to not break your heart does just that... how do you recover? Broken one too many times before can you forgive him?

To say you were insecure was an understatement, your whole life you were made to feel less than everyone else, worthless, ugly and a waste of time. That was until you met Seo Changbin rapper for famous idol group Stray Kids, exactly 2 years ago today. He made your life worth something, he made you feel loved, wanted, needed he made you feel beautiful. So you wanted to make him feel special and surprise him with lunch, before your very exciting anniversary night but shit backfires!

Y/N’s P.O.V

He is everything that’s good and I felt so bad about having to rush to my best friend Jack’s house early morning, but it was only cause he is helping me to organise Binnie’s surprise for tonight! Dinner at his favourite restaurant, 2 tickets to a Chase Atlantic concert being performed in a bar (since he said he wanted to see my favourite band live with me), then back to my place for a long night of appreciation and sentimental words, oh and loving.

Walking into the JYPE building even after all this time still made me nervous, I’d brought enough for the 10 of us to eat but probably would end up making sure Changbin ate enough for the both of us. I make my way to the dance studio where they undoubtedly are overworking to perfect their lastest comeback, but to my surprise I hear them talking.

“I just can’t handle Y/N today man, the stress and exhaustion may be getting to me but god I can’t deal with her insecurities. Every night she’s crying over something new, worrying I’ll leave her, skipping meals. Every single time I come home she’s panicked and I can’t deal with her insomnia one more sleepless night I’m gonna lose my shit.” I hear Changbin ramble on, standing at the door awe struck and frozen with fear. I hear footsteps...

“That’s not nice Changbin!” Jeongin defends me, bless him he’s always been so kind to me.

“Yeah maybe you’re being a little bit harsh, she’s had it rough and on today of all days you shouldn’t be bagging out the girl you’re dating.” Chan agrees knowing full well what today was while Changbin seemed lost.

“Today of all days? What do you mean?” Tears start rolling down my cheeks as the foot steps getting closer before you could process the door swings open revealing a very shocked looking Jeongin and scared looking Chan.

“Don’t.” I choke out handing Chan the food and with blurry vision and my head up high looking Changbin dead in the eyes. “I know where I stand, happy anniversary btw asshole. Enjoy it on your own!” Sarcasm lacing my voice as I spin on my heels ignoring the pleads of the boy who was and is my world.

Changbin’s P.O.V

I go to chase after her, I was dumb, I didn’t mean any of it. I said it myself I’m just tired and stressed, one things for sure, I need her.

“Changbin, Jyp is on his way and you know that, you can’t leave now.” Woojin scolds.

“Hyung, I cant just let her leave, not like this, not today, not anyday. I need her I was just being a dick, you all know that.” I say pointing to the members.

“I’m sorry but right now Woojin is right, she’s already gone, your damage has been dealt.” Minho backs Woojin up looking at the boy sorrow filling his eyes, Minho of all people knew the extent to which Changbin needed Y/N.

“Did you really forget what today was Bin?” Felix asks, his voice a whisper as he stood beside the boy.

“Yes.” He breaks “I fucking forgot.” He colaspes to the ground in his own sorrow he doesn’t hear his boss entering the studio.

“Changbin, what’s wrong?” The man dressed in casual attire sounds genuinely concerned.

“I-I -I’m just a bit cranky today sir, I’m sorry.” He stands up momentarily regaining his composure.

“Well you boys have tonight off, but I wanted 3 racha to go to a show tonight. The group is an Aussie group, I figured you’d like that Chan...” he chuckles to himself “the point is to widen your musical exposure and hopefully give you some ideas for beats, composition and you’ll have a chance to talk to them afterwards. In return they’ll come to your show later this month, their manager wanted them to have some free time and they wanted to check you boys out after hearing that you’ll be watching them.” They all nod Changbin regretting so afterwards.

“The show starts at 8pm, goes for about 2 hours and you’ll meet them afterwards. Changbin I know it’s your anniversary but is there anyways you could call Y/N, I’ll pay for your make up date, I know how inconvenient this must be and I’m so sorry.” He smiles genuinely patting the boy’s back and walking out.

“Fuck as if it couldn’t get any worse.” He grunts turning to Chan who’s still holding the bag.

“She brought this for us.” Chan says followed by “She’d want us to eat it regardless.” A bittersweet smile on my face as I realise exactly the magnitude to which I have just fucked up.

Y/N’S P.O.V

“Yo mitty, so I’m coming to your show tonight, was wondering if you and the boys wanted to get drinks after. Like old times back home!” I ask excitement filling my broken voice, my voice hoarse from an hour of sobbing until I decided I’d just go to my friends concert and let lose. Have a good time like we used to!

“You know I’m always down for that, but we gotta meet with some idols or something after who are coming, you’re more than welcome to join back stage. We can race fireball like old times?” The boy chuckles over the line.

“Alright Cave, you’re on!” I smile proudly knowing I’ll kick his ass just like old times!

“Alright cutie you’re on.” With that he hangs up the line, cutie was what he used to call me in highschool. Some junior tried to hit on me during our last year and he swooped into rescue me, I miss those times. No broken heart, no betrayal, just a bunch of idiot friends having a good laugh and writing some songs.

I get dressed while calling Casper to update him on the situation. I take my lacey black bra and pair it with some black ripped skinny jeans and a pair of combat boots and leather jacket to top off the bad ass bitch vibe for tonight. Put my piercings in, necklaces on, straighten my hair and do some light make up and boom ready to have an awesome time. Despite the ever growing pit of grief in my stomach, was I really that needy? Desperate? Clingy? That I managed to make Changbin the man who would always call me the love of his life, hate me.

Changbin’s P.O.V

3RACHA pulling up looking hot as fuck. Chan dressed in his mixtape 4 outfit (cause that’s a fat OOF 🤤), Han Jisung wearing his outfit from the boxer street video (p.s author loves her baby UWU he’s so handsome.) and Changbin wearing his outfit from SBS Inkigayo ep 997 (because Oml What an absolute king of I am not a goth but black is such my colour and I own this shit). Okay visual cue out!

“What the fuck is up Seoul? We’re Chase Atlantic thanks for coming out tonight.” The crowd screams “it’s super amazing to be here tonight and we hope you all have a dope time, our first song tonight is Triggered. I wanna hear you get loud.” A man with long dirty blonde / brown hair hypes the crowd up and they begin. The music itself wasn’t bad but most of the lyrics went in one ear out the other, lots about drugs but then again I only picked up half the songs contents but after all we were only there to listen to their use of sources, beats and their instruments so if it works, it works.

Next was a song called Swin, Cassie, Into It, 23, Lust, Friends, Uncomfortable, Drugs & Money, Right Here, What U Call That, Ozone, Devilish, The Walls, Okay and then they talked for a little. I scan through the crowd from our seats which were front section of second level as I was not really understanding what they were talking about until I see her, there she was, Y/N here, or at least I think it’s her I can only see her back but she’s got the jacket I gave her on. It had a SPEAR.B patch on the back, one she had designed for me when we were only known as 3RACHA. Surely it’s her the hair colour and jacket, surely that’s MY Y/N.

“Oi Chan?” I turn to the blonde haired Aussie to my left “is that Y/N?” I question pointing to where the girl is.

“Looks like it, that’s her jacket after all and this is her favourite band.” He looks slightly annoyed I hadn’t put two and two together, Aussie band, Chase Atlantic. Y/N always talked about how one day we’d go to their concert and we’d be the hottest couple because she had me. I told her I wanted to go see the things she loves. Jesus today keeps getting worse. Time ticks on and I can’t help but watch her, the girl I love, dancing with some other guy, laughing, singing, being happy. When I left her broken-hearted.

“This is our last few songs, these are You Too, Meddle About and Like A Rockstar! Enjoy Seoul you’ve been fucking awesome.”

I watch by as she gets crazy, let’s go and enjoys herself. Was she really unphased? No, I could tell, I know her better than anyone.

The boys wrap up the show and I watch as the lead singer leaves before we head back stage. My eyes searching for her, but she’s no where to be seem.

Y/N’s P.O.V

“MITTY” I scream as I hurl myself at my oldest friend who’s laying in the green room couch. “CUTIE!” He screams back tickling me “how the fuck have you been man?” I ask as we spend time catching up we hear a knock. “Yeah come in” Mitchael screams “bro my fucking ears, Jesus” I complain getting off of him and going towards Clinton as he’s where the drinks are. “Clint? Gimme something strong yeah?” I plead “Jesus rough day?” He chuckles “you have no idea man. No I fucking dear” I sigh turning around and regretting it instantly.

There he stood, Seo Changbin looking as good as ever. Without much thought I down the entire drink and head back to sit with Mitchel, Chan breaks the momentary awkward silence “hello it’s nice to meet you, we are 3RACHA.” Chan extends his hand to Mitchel but instead he bro hugs him, “how’d you enjoy the show man?” Clinton asks Changbin as they bro hug “uh... it was really good, I-I really like the uh compositions of your music-c.” I smile slightly to myself he’s doing so well my precious boy, Y/N SNAP. OUT. OF. IT. “That’s so nice, thanks bro.”

The night or the next hour and 30 minutes at least consisted of everyone sitting on the couches sharing advice, ideas, stories and me on my phone. “You know this little chick right here is pretty good with a beat, we used to have jam sessions and she always started our old songs.” Mitchel looks down at me as I occupy the space next to him, “she even sends us samples and lyrics still to this day, cutie over here got mad skills.” My eyes go wide knowing full well Changbin just heard and understood everything that was said, I hum from behind my phone screen too scared to look up in fear I’d meet his eyes. Those same eyes I can feel burning a hole into my forehead right now, “how about we watch some of your videos, I know we get to see you live soon but aye give us a sneak peak!” Clinton changes the topic, my life saver. Chan pulls out his phone and everyone huddled around where he was sitting I stand at the back close to Changbin just too rest the waters, knowing he was both sad and jealous I didn’t want to escalate things. He notices my position and while everyone is focused on the phone snakes his arm around my waist and pulls me closer into his side “baby, you know I love you. I was a dick I am so sorry. I need you to stay with me. Please love.” He whispers in my ear sending shivers down my spine as he peppers soft, sweet kisses along my neck, “we will talk about this later” I muster up all the courage I can to detach myself from his side and go back to sitting on the couch scrolling through my phone. “Y/N, you good?” Clinton asks knowing I’ve had a few drinks “yeah boys, all g” I smile.

“Talk about sick beats man, those are dope. So you make all your own shit. Composing, mixing, lyrics. The whole lot yeah?” Changbin nods “yeah the whole lot.” He smiles confidently, fuck he’s making this hard.

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kingtrashlord · 7 years

Text

Hey There Cupcake

My fic for @starfruitspice‘s art for the @borderlandsbigbang

Pairing: Rhack

Rating: M for language

Summary: Rhys stumbled upon Jack arguing with Tassiter and did not become obsessed - no matter what Vaughn says - and decided to make the man a treat to cheer him up. the results were unexpected but not unwanted.

- Rhys, no last name given.

- Male.

- 22 years old.

- Brown hair.

- Brown right eye, blue ECHO right eye.

- Hyperion Propaganda and external relations intern.

- Internship has low pay but provides housing and meal plan.

- Promotion due in 2 years if adequate work and work ethic.

- 1 of 50 volunteers for experimental ECHO eye and arm surgery.

- 1 of 15 to survive without any ailments after the procedure.

- 3 months expected recovery time.

- Actual time: 5 months due to inability to properly rest

***

Rhys was walking down the hall towards the cafeteria when he first ran into him. He had a lunch date scheduled with his roommate Vaughn, but his mind was forcefully dragged away from the thought of food when he stumbled upon Tassiter and an unknown man arguing down a secluded hallway. He knew he shouldn’t eavesdrop, but Rhys in all his years at Hyperion had never seen anyone argue with the big boss like that.

“What do you mean I can’t get a fucking raise? I’m better than all your fucking code monkeys combined!”

“John -”

“Jack.” The man cut Tassiter off, his tanned face getting closer to the older, greying man.

“Yes, Jack. There is nothing I can do. You’ll have to talk to your supervisor.”

“You’re my supervisor's boss asshole. Just give me the raise or tell him to give me it at least. I work too hard for the shit wage I have.”

Tassiter gave the man Rhys assumed to be Jack, a sour stare. His already thin eyes narrowed further and his lips pursed. “I will not waste my time or money on one man when I already have to pay an army “fair wages”.”

Rhys could tell, even from his distance away that Jack was not happy with the response he was given. Jack’s hands balled into fists and his head lowered a bit. He reminded Rhys of a viper, coiled tight and ready to strike.

“Oh boy are you going to regret this Tassi-ass.”

Tassiter sputtered at the crude nickname, but couldn’t say anymore as Jack stormed away.

Rhys sucked in a breath as Jack came stomping toward him. He backed up and gave Jack a wide berth. In doing so he curled into himself, trying to seem as non-threatening as possible.

“Out of my way.” Jack hissed through clenched teeth as he passed the now quivering Rhys.

Rhys sucked in a shaky breath and straightened. He felt and heard his back crack and winced. He didn’t fully understand what had happened between the two men, but Rhys could sympathize with Jack. His internship was stressful enough as it was, and adding his shitty paycheck only added financial stress on him. He was just lucky that Hyperion had housing available for its workers otherwise he’d be boned. He was also grateful for the roommate he was paired with.

“Oh shit, Vaughn!” Rhys’s back went stiff as a rod before he began to sprint down the hall. He was late! “I’ll treat to apologize.” Rhys thought as he reached the cafeteria.

He avoided finger guns from strangers and walked over to the little restaurant Vaughn and he had agreed to meet at.

“Rhys!” Vaughn waved as he saw the lanky man break the restaurant boundary. “What took you so long buddy?”

Rhys chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck, “Sorry man, I got distracted on my way down.” he shuffled over to the booth Vaughn had snagged, sat down and opened the menu.

“I already got that.” Vaughn rolled his eyes, “What did you get distracted by? I’m curious. It made you almost fifteen minutes late. You tend to be more punctual.”

Rhys shook his head. “I saw a guy arguing with Tassiter.”

“Woah, what?”

“I know right?” Rhys leaned forward and set his menu down. “It was crazy. They were arguing over wages. But you should have heard the way the guy - Jack I think - spoke to the CEO of Hyperion.”

Vaughn’s brows furrowed, “How did he talk to Tassiter?”

“He was swearing up a storm! He called Tassiter Tassi-ass!” Rhys spoke in an excited faux whisper. His lips were split into a wide grin that exposed his blue band braces.

“I can’t believe he wasn’t fired on the spot.”

“I mean he seemed confident in his abilities, so maybe Tassiter couldn’t really fire him without it being even worse than it already is?”

“Maybe” Vaughn brought a hand to his chin in thought. “But man, what I wouldn’t give to shake his hand.”

“I know right? He was fucking brave.”

“Aw man.” Vaughn groaned

Rhys quirked a brow at his friend “What?”

Vaughn dropped his head into his hands, “I can already see the stars forming in your eyes.”

“What are you talking about Vaughn?” Rhys grumbled. His face crumpled a bit as he pouted.

“You’re talking super psyched about this guy you saw for like what, five minutes?” Vaughn paused before he groaned.

“What?” Rhys snipped

“You’re gonna stalk him aren’t you?”

Rhys sputtered, “What the Hell Bro? Why would you think that?”

“That’s what happened with Stacey, remember?”

“I didn’t stalk her.”

“Yeah, finding every little fact about her isn’t stalking.”

“I wanted to be a good boyfriend!” Rhys protested.

“You guys weren’t even dating yet.”

Rhys’s mouth shut with a clink.

“That’s what I thought.”

There was silence between the two men. They placed their orders and after the waitress walked away Rhys spoke again.

“I’m gonna go back to the office, ok? I’ll see you at home.”

“See you, Bro. Try not to stalk your crush too bad!” Vaughn teased.

Rhys growled and shook his head. “Yeah, whatever asshole.”

***

Over the next couple of weeks, Rhys continuously stumbled upon Jack. It wasn’t like he purposely would look for Jack and then like watch him from a distance or anything. No, it was purely by chance, no matter what Vaughn said.

Anyways, Rhys could continue to run into Jack - though not literally and Rhys would just keep an eye on Jack. He found that the old man was trying to get a higher position in his programming and hacking sector and that he really hated Tassiter. Not that Rhys could blame the man after hearing their squabble.

Rhys decided that after a month of seeing Jack on and off, he wanted to do something. Nothing too big, but his infatuation grew as he watched Jack fight for his position and see how incompetent those under him were.

He never actually spoke with Jack even though he would have loved to. But he never actually worked up the nerve to do so. Instead, Rhys had a plan.

He was going to bake and give Jack a cupcake. It shouldn’t be too hard for him. It was just a miniature cake in a paper wrapping. He was smart. He should be able to bake a cupcake no problem.

***

There was a problem. Rhys didn’t take into account that he might actually be bad at baking and need to call in reinforcements. That being Vaughn who stumbled upon his mess in the kitchen of their tiny dorm, housing area.

“H-hey Vaughn...” Rhys chuckled, and futilely tried to hide the mess with his body.

Vaughn quirked a brow and looked at Rhys with disappointment evident on his face. “Why am I not surprised? I take it this is for Jack?”

“W-what made you think that?”

Vaughn starred Rhys down and shook his head. “I’m not going to even try to fight you on this.”

“I’m sorry about the mess Bro, I’ll clean it up -”

“Oh yeah, you will.” Vaughn crossed his arms over his chest and began to walk into the danger zone. “You’ll clean this mess up all on your own, but I’m gonna help you actually make whatever it is you’re trying to make for your boyfriend.”

“He’s not my boyfriend -”

“I’m ignoring your protests, Buddy, now what were you trying to make?”

“A cupcake...”

He looked at Rhys, his brow quirked once again, “You made this huge mess for a… Cupcake?”

“Yes?” Rhys squeaked.

Vaughn sighed and rubbed his forehead and walked over to their cupboard and pulled out an extra apron. “Help me clear out space so we can make your boy a cupcake.”

Rhys let out a happy cry and clasped his friend’s hands in his own. “Thank you, Vaughn!”

“Yeah, yeah. Let's get this over with.”

***

Perfection.

Well, not actual perfection, but as close as the two combined forces could get. Though it would likely have been better if Vaughn made it himself, Rhys wanted to help.

They had placed the finished cupcake on a plate and put it on top of the refrigerator so Rhys wouldn’t get flour or anything on it while he cleaned. He knew he couldn’t give Jack the cupcake today, but he was going to aim for tomorrow.

Since he ran into Jack so often he got a basic feel for where he was during the week so hopefully, he could find the older man to give him his sweet treat.

It thankfully didn’t take him too long to find Jack and in a sense corner him. Not literally, but enough so that he could offer the man the cupcake he an Vaughn slaved over.

“E-excuse me, Jack, sir?” Rhys called out, cupcake in hand as he sped walked down the hallway.

Jack turned around at the call of his name with his brows furrowed. “What do you want Kid?” He sounded irritated like he just got out of a verbal fight and he wanted to punch something.

Rhys gulped and held out the cupcake. “Um, I uh, made this for you sir.”

Jack’s brows shot up to his hairline as he stared at Rhys. “Did you poison it?”

Rhys was pretty sure that was meant to be a joke, but he had been wrong before.

“Um, no?” He flushed, his hands trembled and he felt his arms burn a little - he didn’t have much upper body strength. “I just, I don’t mean to sound creepy or anything, but like I’ve run into you for awhile and I noticed you didn’t smile a lot and seems cranky a lot and so I thought maybe I could make something to cheer you up?” Rhys was word vomiting his thoughts, “And like I really look up to you? I’ve noticed your work and work ethic and just thought that you deserve something nice after dealing with Tassiter.”

Jack stared at Rhys and rubbed his face after a minute of looking at the younger man. “You know kiddo, you said you don’t want to sound creepy but that is exactly what you sound like.”

Rhys held his breath at Jack’s statement. “I um...”

Jack rolled his eyes. “I get what you mean kiddo.” A grin crossed his face, “You’re infatuated with me. I understand I am pretty great. Though I still don’t know if I should take that cupcake.”

“Um, please at least try it!” Rhys brought the sweet closer to Jack and hoped that he would take it. “My friend and I worked really hard on it. I know it doesn’t look the best but we didn’t poison it or anything!”

Jack propped an arm on his hip and sighed. “Fine kid, I’ll eat your thing, but if I get sick from it I’m suing your ass.”

Rhys frantically nodded his head in understanding and couldn’t fight the grin that crossed his face when Jack took the cupcake from his hands. “I hope it tastes ok.” his face flushed red as Jack examined the pastry.

Jack looked up at Rhys and back at the cupcake before he sighed and peeled some of the wrapper back and took a bite. Rhys kept his eyes trained on his hands as Jack swallowed the bit of cupcake.

“Is it bad?” He asked. A light sweat forming on his brow.

Jack rocked his head from side to side. “It’s not bad.” he shrugged again before he took another bite. “You said you made this to make me feel better?”

His face felt like it was on fire, “I mean, I know you and Tassiter aren’t on good terms cause I stumbled upon you two arguing and I thought you like deserved something nice?”

Jack’s face softened a bit as he looked at Rhys. The skinny young man squirmed under the stare of his, not necessarily idol, but the person he looked up too.

“That was really sweet of you kiddo.” He winked at the pun which caused Rhys to sputter.

“I-”

“I do appreciate the thought kid. Not many code monkey assholes would try something so… Pure-hearted.”

“I’m not trying anything!”

“I didn’t mean it like that kid. I just meant in general. It was nice of you. Though I never got your name.”

“Oh… Um, It’s Rhys.”

“Reese?”

“Rhys.” Said man frowned at the mispronunciation of his name.

“Sorry. Never heard someone named that before.”

“Well you know what they say,” Rhys mock puffed out his chest, “I am pretty unique.”

“More like just pretty.”

Rhys whipped his head around to look at Jack. “What?”

Jack smirked and leaned closer to Rhys, “I called you pretty. Is that a problem?”

Rhys flushed further as if that was even possible and stuttered, “W-what? N-no. T-that’s not a problem.” His intonation at the end of his sentence sounded more like a question than a statement.

Jack’s grin grew as he leaned even closer. “That’s what I like to hear.” He brings his fingers up under Rhys’s chin and tilts it up. Rhys bites his lip and gulps loudly. Rhys could feel the heat travel down his neck and to his shoulders and that heat spread other places too as Jack broke his personal space bubble and planted a chaste kiss on his face. Jack pulled back, a Cheshire grin on his face and waved a hand in farewell, “See you around, Cupcake.” with a turn on his heel Jack winked at Rhys and walked away.

He left Rhys frozen. Unable to fully comprehend what just happened.

“I-I-I-” His brain felt like it was short-circuiting. “I need to tell Vaughn. Holy shit! I need to tell Vaughn that worked!” Rhys curled forward and ran shaky hands over his face and through his hair. “Jesus Christ!” on fawn like legs, Rhys turned around in his spot and raced back home where he knew Vaughn would be.

He couldn’t believe what just happened, but boy he couldn't wait to see what came next.

#borderlands #borderlands big bang #borderlands reverse big bang #fanfiction #rhys/jack #rhack #tftbl #borderlands pre-sequel #pre-sequel jack #rhys has braces #language #swearing

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messyscriptorium · 7 years

Text

Dismissal chapter 4. Smoke and gold. (2)

Fourth chapter of the Dismissal series written in collaboration with @sootemptation and @oh-beyond. This is also the second chapter of Smoke and gold, which is Yixing’s part inside the Dismissal series. Enjoy!

Fandom: EXO

Genre: CEO!AU

Type: Slight angst. Future smut.

Member: Zhang Yixing (Lay)

Warnings: None

Word count: 3,649

Smoke and gold part 1 | part 2 |

You were late. Not extremely late, you'd just fallen asleep and you woke up half an hour later than expected. If you speeded up a little, you could make it to Mr Kim's house in Namwon only a few minutes behind schedule.

You weren't really worried about being late to Mr Zhang's meeting because you knew you were going to be on time, rather you were more worried about Mr Zhang's reaction to your tardiness. It was the first time since you'd started working for him that you'd been late. Sure that must count for something, right? But with your boss, you could never know. His mood was really hard to read and you didn't actually know the man besides what he did for a living and where his house was. You didn't even know his exact age or where he was from.

During your first weeks working for him you’d been curious about your serious, stoic and handsome employer. Always with his eyes glued to his smartphone, always dealing with what looked to be very important business stuff, always hiding his feelings. So you naturally googled him. And there was nothing. Nada. Mr Zhang only existed in the business world. Outside of that, he was a complete mystery. So it was normal for you to be nervous about his possible anger.

You put some music on to help you calm down as you drove through the country, heading south. Under the light of day, you could finally appreciate the views and you enjoyed the soft hills, the forests and small villages that adorned the mountains as you passed by. You wished you could take some secondary road, and use the touristic route, but work was calling you and you put that idea aside as you speeded through the highway.

You arrived at Mr Kim's house only fifteen minutes late, and you thought you'd done pretty well when you saw Mr Zhang bursting out of the house towards you. He was pissed, you could tell and all your instincts were telling you to stay in the car and lock the doors, but you weren't a child anymore, at least that was what you liked to tell yourself. So instead, you stepped out of the car and bowed deeply to him.

"You are late," he barked, not even bothering to greet you.

"I'm so sorry, Mr Zhang." Your voice was low and you were trying to keep the attitude out of it. Showing remorse was your best option, so you kept bowing at him, not daring to look him in the eye.

"And you're not even going to make an excuse for it, are you?"

"I have none, sir, my behaviour was unprofessional and shouldn't be excused," you said meekly. You were hoping that would appease him a little.

"Get in the house. There's still time." And with that he turned around, leaving you there, dumbfounded.

Was he for real? Did he scold you only to tell you later that there was still time? You followed him into the house, removing your shoes at the entrance. The house smelled like food again and you smiled. Was Jangmi-ssi around? You wished she was; due to your delay you had no time to had breakfast and now your stomach was complaining about it. Maybe you could grab something quick before Mr Zhang appeared again to make you take him back to Seoul.

You heard Jangmi's voice upstairs and without really thinking it through you followed it. You spotted her as soon as you reached the upper floor, she was cleaning the dust and singing to herself.

"Jangmi-ssi," you chirped, happy to see her again. The maid turned around and a smile splayed across her face at the sight of you.

"You're back! I thought you wouldn't be going into the house today. Mr Zhang seemed like he was in a hurry this morning," she confessed.

"Oh, he is, trust me," you said, grabbing her hand and squeezing it a bit, "but he only seems to be in a hurry when I'm the one screwing up. When he forgets something inside the house then it's ok."

She laughed at your comment.

"Someone looks cranky this morning. Have you eaten?"

Your belly growled as an answer.

"Oh, my sweet girl," Jangmi mocked you, "we better get you something, ok? Let me put this stuff away, first."

And she took her cleaning stuff and disappeared through a door. It was then when you heard Mr Zhang calling you from downstairs. Oh, shit. You were late again, weren't you? Say bye to breakfast. You rushed downstairs and you were a little surprised to see a man and a woman standing in the threshold.

The man was about your boss’ age, maybe younger, but his furrowed brow and deep stare made him look unapproachable and older. He was really handsome, though. Damn, what was with all this angry, beautiful, rich men? Were they all breed together and then thrown into the business world or what?

The woman standing next to him seemed out of place. While the man was wearing expensive clothes, she was wearing yoga pants and a simple t-shirt, so you wondered if he just picked her up while she was exercising. She looked cute, nonetheless. You didn't think much about it and you were about to reach the door when the man stood in your way, staring at you.

"Who are you?" he demanded. His voice was really deep and that made him even more intimidating. But you were not one to recoil from men, especially when that was the thing they were expecting you to do.

You lifted your eyebrow and opened your arms, your uniform on full display.

"The postman."

The woman next to him snorted and that made you feel a little braver.

"Excuse me!?" he roared.

You would have been afraid you’d stepped your boundaries if it weren't because you heard your boss' voice coming from outside in that exact moment.

"Can I get you two a soda? I need to be in Seoul at four. What part of at four did you not understand?”

Don't answer back, don't answer back. He was your boss, he could be late but you couldn't. And he definitely couldn't be late because of you.

"I'm sorry, Mr Zhang..." you said and you made an effort to sound remorseful, but you were just tired.

Your boss was already inside the vehicle when you reached the driver seat and you fastened your seatbelt in a hurry, not wanting to try his patience any longer. He wasn't a bad boss, you were aware of that, but he was strict. That brought the bitch inside of you out to play and that wasn't a safe thing to do when wanting to keep your job.

He made sure you were far away from the house before he started to scold you again.

"You are late and yet you manage to waste even more time inside," he nagged you, and you swore his tone sounded a little bit bored, like he didn't want to do it more than you wanted to hear it.

"It won't happen again, sir. You have my word, I'm going to do my best, I won't let you down."

"You are tired."

It wasn't a question, it was an observation. You must look like shit if he was making comments about your appearance. He never ever made comments about your appearance, not even that day when you went to work with red eyes and a runny nose thanks to stationary allergies.

"I-I... a little bit, Mr Zhang."

There was a silence after that and you were not sure how to behave. You were expecting some harsh words, maybe more screaming, not this. His eyes were fixed on you again, just like yesterday when you were taking him to Namwon and this time you held his gaze for a few seconds.

"After you drop me at the meeting, you can take the rest of the day off. Leave the car at the designated car park and take a taxi home, I won’t be needing you more for today, I can drive myself home. Get some rest, I'll need you fresh for tomorrow."

You were left speechless after that. He was being nice. You were not used to him being nice to you. Maybe polite but never friendly or considerate. Your eyes were still looking at him through the rear-view mirror, but he was back to his smartphone, his face unreadable.

"Thank you, sir. I won't be late again, I promise." This time your voice truly reflected what you felt inside. Gratitude. He hummed to let you know that he'd heard you but he didn't look back at you.

“I want my employees rested, especially you.” At his words, your heart started to beat furiously in your chest. “You are my chauffeur, if you are tired we can have an accident and putting my life at risk is not something I like.”

Oh. Of course. What were you thinking, you idiot. That he cared about you? Of course his kindness revolved around his own interest. You bit your tongue and a bitter feeling nested on your belly. The hope and gratitude towards him had left you uncomfortable in your own skin.

The rest of the trip passed uneventfully and when you arrived at your destination, you hurried to open his door and bowed deeply.

“I’ll park the car in the usual spot, sir, and I’ll be heading home.”

“Very well, chauffeur. I’ll text you to let you know at which time you have to pick me up tomorrow.”

You were still bowing but you could see the dismissive movement of his hand while he went towards the entrance of the building, not even saying goodbye. You sighed and got in the car again to park it. After that, you halted the first taxi you saw and got in.

“Where to, miss?”

You were about to give him your address when you changed your mind mid-sentence. You needed to see someone else. You gave the taxi driver the new address and you relaxed against the seat, taking your phone out of the pocket of your jacket. You sent a quick text and then put it back inside the pocket. When you arrived, you payed the driver and you headed to the building doors. It was a simple building, probably built in the 80s, grey cement and orange bricks exposed for everyone to see. Just a normal working class building in Korea. But you smiled upon the sight of it. You loved it here.

When you rang the bell, a cracked feminine voice answered through the speaker.

"That was fast. Were you in the neighbourhood?"

She didn't wait for you to answer before opening the door and you went up the stairs to the fourth floor where she lived. She was already at the door, waiting for you and you smiled at her at the same time you tried to control your breathing. You really needed to start to work out.

"Hyeri!" you exclaimed, enveloping her in a bear hug. She hugged you back with the same strength and let you in.

"Ah, I've missed you. Where the hell have you been hiding, uh?" Hyeri's tone tried to sound mad, but you knew it was just an act. You just texted her yesterday, she knew you've been busy with work.

"You know, here and there. My recent hiding spot has been Namwon," you told her before falling on the couch of her small living room.

"Namwon? The city in the south? That's new." She appeared to be a little confused at this, not knowing if you were kidding or if you'd really been there.

"Yes, the very same." You looked tired and that was how you felt, Mr Zhang's schedule sometimes a bit too much for you. "My eccentric boss now has business in that city. Guess who has to drive him there back and forth from Seoul," you sighed, pointing at yourself. "This bitch right here."

"No!" Hyeri sounded mad and that lifted your spirit. She was always caring so much for you.

"Oh, yeah, it's 4 in the afternoon and I've already drove six hours straight today." Her eyes were bored into yours and you could tell she was fighting not to snap, her lips a thin line of rage. "But, on the bright side, the views are amazing! I've never seen that part of the country until today."

This was a little game you two had. You were fully aware that being a driver for a rich business man required you to drive to wherever he asked you to. No questions asked. And the payment was so good you weren’t really in a position to complain about it. But the unexpected of the trip had made you grumpy and you needed to talk about it just to feel better.

"Ah, yes, the bright side. Always the bright side with you, right?" You smiled at each other after that sentence and you thought about what she meant by that.

You were in love with her a few years ago.

Things were confusing back then. You didn't know what those feelings were, you didn't know what to think of it and you certainly didn't know it was love. It made you cranky, moody and irascible. The world had moved from its axis and your live was spinning out of control. Was there something wrong with you? Did you like her or did you just admire her? Were you a lesbian now? The guilt was eating you alive.

Your mind was crowded with unanswered questions and you really hated not knowing. But, how could it be. You were pretty sure you liked boys. You were attracted to them, you'd even had a few boyfriends here and there. But what you felt for Hyeri... it felt the exact same way. Could sexuality change over the years?

You'd never heard about the word bisexual until it happened to you. Or rather, until you realized you were one. But it took a lot of time, sleepless nights and months of denial before you finally came clean to yourself.

You loved her. You loved a girl.

And now what? Well, you thanked the universe everyday for Hyeri. You told her, tears in your eyes and fear in your face, that you may be lesbian. Scared that she may reject you, that she may tell everyone and made you a pariah. That your parents would hear about it and kick you out.

But that never happened. She listened, she understood and then she talked about her brother. How her brother liked girls and boys the same. That you were not alone, that you were not weird, that you were not gonna be rejected by her because of that. And that bisexuality was not a switch you could turn on and off. You were not suddenly a lesbian one day and straight the other. You just liked boys and girls at the same time, simply as that. The relief that washed over you at her words… you would have never thought you needed to hear those words. You knew you were lucky, not everyone’s coming out was this good.

She didn't love you back, though, or at least not the way you loved her. That hurt, obviously, however, after a few weeks of awkwardness you realized something. Hyeri had given you a greater gift, the gift of getting to know a part of yourself you didn't even know existed. The gift of accepting something that terrified you about yourself. The gift of the greatest friend you could ask for. When you mastered enough courage to talk to her again, you told her that and she just laughed.

"That's why I like you, you know? That bright side of you. You have a pretty fatalistic mindset, and yet you are always making an effort to not fall into that. I admire that, it must be very hard."

And just like that, you became inseparable.

Your romantic feelings for Hyeri took about a year to fade off, and sometimes you still wondered if you loved her. Of course you loved her, you would always do. But not in the same way you did back then. The burning passion made place for a tranquil affection.

So when she brought out your way of thinking, you both were transported to that moment, a little nostalgia in your eyes. Ironically, those were simpler times.

"Well, you know me," you smiled at her softly. "Aren't you going to offer me some coffee or what? I’m starving, I haven’t eating since yesterday."

She snorted and hit you lightly in one arm, shaking her head.

"You are the worst, I take all the good things I said about you back!"

Nevertheless, she stood up and she headed to her kitchen, where you heard her humm to some song you didn't know.

"So, what brings you to my humble home?" She yelled. You could hear the sound of the coffee pot being placed on the fire and the clashing of mugs and spoons while she prepared all of it.

"Oh, I just wanted to see you, you know. Work's been stressful lately and I needed my best friend and my best venting partner."

That's when Hyeri appeared with a tray with two mugs, a jar of hot milk, cookies and sugar.

"So you only want me for my body!"

You bursted out laughing at that.

"That's not true at all! I also want you because you give me food from time to time."

She placed the tray on the coffee table, grabbed the closest cushion from the sofa and hit you with it.

"You, bitch… I forgive you because I do the same to you.”

You had spent your free days and nights at Hyeri’s place complaining about life, telling each other your problems and, overall, comforting the one having a hard time.

“As I was telling you…” you resume your story, “Mr Zhang has business in Namwon. A friend of him called him to ask for help or something, I couldn’t really pick up the reason behind the call. But within the past 24 hours I’ve been to Namwon and back twice!”

“So that’s the reason you look like hell.”

Ah, thank you, Hyeri, always so sweet.

“Yeah, that’s the reason… and Mr Zhang might have noticed because he’s sent me home after I dropped him at his daily meeting.”

You picked that moment to yawn loudly, as if you needed to make your words seemed true. You were beyond tired.

“He was nice?” Hyeri was surprised about the same thing you were a few hours ago. As you all could see, Mr Zhang was not the most sympathetic boss out there. “I can’t believe it.”

You snorted.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought, too, but it turns out he ‘doesn’t like putting his life at risk’,” you said, lifting your hands to make air quote marks and a ridiculous tone in your voice.

“He said that?” Hyeri asked in disbelief. You could tell she was fighting a smile.

“Oh, yeah, he said that. But I’m not going to complain, he gave me the rest of the day off. Maybe I should start doing my makeup to make me look tired, that might play in my favour.”

Hyeri was totally on board with that.

“Yes, please. Exaggerated eye bags, and pale skin. No blushing at all. Maybe some pimples!” You could tell her imagination was running wild, like always, and you stopped her there.

“Hyeri! I just want to look a little bit tired, not be an extra in The Walking Dead.”

“You’d make a really cute zombie chauffeur.”

You groaned at that.

“Ugh, please, don’t call me that,” you begged, burying your face on your hands.

“He still calls you that?”

“I don’t think he knows my name, Hyeri, I’m serious.” You lifted your head to look at her and again you noticed she was smiling. “Really, my name is not that hard, the chauffeur thing makes it feel so impersonal… like I’m not human.”

The coffee pot started to whistle in the kitchen at that moment and Hyeri stood up to bring it to the living room. The house smelled delicious, like home and warm and safety. You’d always loved the smell of coffee.

Your phone buzzed in your jacket when your friend was pouring the hot beverage in your mug. You knew it was him even before looking at the screen.

Mr Zhang: Chauffeur, pick me up at 8 am tomorrow. [17.32]

You show the text to Hyeri and she chuckled, repeating the word ‘chauffeur’ under her breath.

“See what I meant?” you whined, while you answered him back that you’d be there.

“Do you want to stay the night?” your friend offered. “It seems like there’s a lot you want to talk about. I can lend you some clothes for tomorrow.”

You grabbed the mug she was offering you and brought it to your face, the steam heating your face, the smell flooding your nose.

“I’d love that.”

“It’s a slumber party, then!” she said, her eyes glowing with excitement.

Hyeri was definitely the love of your life.

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superhusbands4ever · 7 years

Text

Cling - Chapter 1

Have some superfamily clingy baby Peter and awesome dad Tony! This wasn’t supposed to be multi-chaptered but I got impatient. There should only be 3 chapters. Idk when I’ll post them, but if anyone wants to be tagged in the other chapters let me know. I tagged anyone I could that liked my post about this fic lol. I’ll post it on Ao3 when it’s finished.

Peter had always been more of an easygoing baby. He didn't cry very much, he wasn't easily startled or upset by things, and he was generally pretty good at being held or watched by other people on the rare days where Steve and Tony both got called into work.

Tony should have known his luck would run out eventually.

"I'm really sorry," Tony said to Happy, who stood looking confused and a little hurt at the screaming toddler in Tony's arms. "I don't know what's gotten into him today."

Steve had to go into SHIELD today to help train some new recruits with Clint and Bucky, and Tony was supposed to stay home with Peter. Unfortunately, a problem had come up with some of the specs for the new Stark Phone that Tony had completed, and he had been called into an emergency meeting to soothe the nerves of the board. It hadn't seemed like that big of a deal at first as Tony called up Happy to come to his office to sit with Peter for a little bit while Tony went to the meeting.

Peter usually adored his Uncle Happy and loved when he got to stay with him because Happy was always down to play with Peters's trucks or robots his him. But today Peter just wasn't having it, and as soon as Tony had handed him over and was about to leave, Peter had burst into tears and started sobbing, reaching for Tony.

(mobile watch the cut)

Thinking his son was scared or hurt, Tony had rushed over and plucked him out of Happy's arms and held him close to his chest, where he immediately began to calm down. Peter was clinging tightly to Tony, tiny arms nearly strangling him with how hard they were squeezing.

He walked around the office for a few minutes, rocking Peter back and forth slightly as he calmed down. Once the tears had stopped and Peter seemed alright, Tony motioned Happy over to come and grab him.

As soon as Happy put his hands on Peter and tried to pull Peter away he had begun sobbing again, clinging impossibly tighter to Tony.

"Maybe he's just having a bad day," Happy said, looking at Peter sympathetically. His face was red from crying and he kept hiccuping every few seconds. "He seems a little stressed out over something."

"He's two years old, what does he have to be stressed about?" Tony brushed the tears from off Peter's face. Peter laid his head down on his shoulder, burying his face in Tony's neck.

"I don't know, boss, maybe he's just cranky."

"I don't have time to deal with cranky right now," Tony murmured, glancing at the clock on the wall. He had to be at this board meeting in 3 minutes or else Pepper was going to murder him.

"You know what, screw it," Tony said, reaching over and grabbing Peters's diaper bag from the couch and flinging it around his shoulder. He hitched Peter up in his arms some more (and he could feel the snot and tears making a wet spot on his shirt collar) and turned to leave the office.

"Sorry Happy looks like you're not needed today after all."

Happy looked confused. "But, boss, what about Peter?"

"I'll handle it!" Tony shouted behind him, turning down the hall towards the elevator.

Pepper glanced down at her watch wondering where the hell Tony was.

"I'm sorry about this," Pepper said again, turning to the other board members.

"Ms. Potts, I've been at this company for a long time," an old man next to her said with a chuckle. "I'm used to dealing with Starks who are never on time."

Pepper was about to retort when she heard the doors to the conference room burst open.

"Sorry! I know, I'm late, sorry. I had to deal with something, it's fine. I'm here."

Pepper looked up as she watched Tony walk in wearing his customary three piece suit and sunglasses, but did a double take as she noticed him carrying Peter in one arm and diaper bag in the other.

"What is Peter doing here?" She whispered once Tony sat down next to her.

"I'll explain later," Tony said, his voice leaving no room for argument. He pulled a couple of toy cars from the diaper bag and held them out to Peter. Peter simply shook his head, turning to bury his face in Tony's neck once more.

"Okay," Tony said, tossing the toy into the table with a clang. He picked Peter up and turned him around on his lap so he was facing forward towards the rest of the board. Peter didn't seem to care that he had a couple dozen men and women staring incredulously at him. He simply accepted the pacifier Tony pressed to his lips and leaned back against his father's chest, playing with the wedding ring on Tony's hand.

"Alright," Tony said, voice tight and strained. Pepper could tell that whatever the reason Peter was here for was causing Tony some stress.

Tony fiddled one handed with the papers in front of him before he finally looked up at the board.

"Where do we start?"

He was met with silence as the board members (and Pepper) continued to stare at Tony in bewilderment.

"What, have you never seen a two-year-old before?" Tony snapped, letting some of his frustration shine through. "Come on, I thought this was important!"

Pepper raised her eyebrows as the board jumped to start the meeting, all pushed into action by Tony's no-nonsense parenting voice. Peter looked over in her direction and waved at her, and she could help but smile and wave back.

Tony sat back in his chair, the hand Peter was playing with coming to rest on top of Peters little tummy. He leaned down and kissed Peter's head before pressing his cheek against Peters's curls, still listening to what the current board member was saying.

Pepper shook her head in amazement and grinned, wondering where the wild man she had been a PA for all those years ago had gone.

@peonytony @hedgehogs-in-hats @thealextheshipper @downeylove @em1ree

#cady writes #cling fic #superfamily #superfamily fic #stevetony #stony #stony fic #dad tony stark #dad!tony #iron dad #baby peter #peter parker

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fourtrisheafanfic · 7 years

Text

Under the Stars CH 4 (Jonerys fanfic)

Chapter 4: Under The Stars ~ Day four (Completed Story)

Summary: Modern AU, a camping trip in Colorado ends up being more than originally planned. Four chapters total.

Links: Chapter 1 (X), Chapter 2 (X), Chapter 3 (X) or Ao3 (X)

Rating: Mature

Words: 11,000+

++++o++++

Chapter 4: Under The Stars ~ Day four

*Jon POV*

"Rise and shine! Time to wake up!" Sam yells from what I can only guess is his tent. I groan at the sound of his cheerful voice, which is an annoying way to be woken up. I keep my eyes closed, hoping this is just a dream and that I really have a good hour or two of sleep left.

My body responds to her before my brain does. I feel Dany lying against me, which immediately makes me excited. Very excited. I feel a pull in my stomach as I bite my lip to swallow my groan.

My eyes pop open to look, immediately confirming that Dany's lithe figure is pressed firmly against me as we are wrapped in each other's arms. Her leg is thrown over my hip, and my hand rests on her upper thigh. One of her arms is wrapped around me, slipping up the back of my shirt and resting directly on my back.

I'm overcome by desire, even though I know I shouldn't be. What I didn't anticipate was a sleeping Dany, adorable drool on her chin and all, pressing her entire body closer to me as she mumbles in her sleep. Oh shit, I feel her core press directly against me as I gasp loudly. I try desperately to untangle myself.

Although not by design, I feel as though I'm taking advantage of her in some way - which is an awful feeling.

Sam is now standing just yards from our tent as he makes his rounds to wake our entire group. His booming voice is close enough to wake Dany this time.

"It's the big day, happy Fourth of July!" Sam calls. "The storm rolled out last night, we are good to do the Ouzel Falls hike. Let's go, let's go!"

Her eyes pop open immediately, taking in our positions. I'm sure she feels my large excitement as well, when her eyes widen and she quickly joins me in untangling herself. Her cheeks are flaming red as her mouth falls open in shock.

Embarrassed I look away because this is not what I wanted. Not even close.

We manage to separate and move to our respective sides of the sleeping bag. For the record, Dany was all the way on my side. I'm just saying.

She sees my face, which must reflect the absolute horror that I feel, and then she releases her breath and smiles bashfully.

"Let's never discuss this moment again, deal?" Dany mumbles and laughs nervously.

"What moment? I have no idea what you're talking about," I say awkwardly, trying to break the tension with humor.

Then Dany surprises me. She gently cups my face and smiles.

"I'm sorry, I was on your side of the sleeping bag," Dany says. "Forgive me?"

I place my hand over hers, and her violet eyes burn into me, watching every move I make. I slide her hand across my jaw until her palm is over my mouth, and I kiss the inside of her hand. Dany bites her lower lip as she gives me a small smile.

"Only if you forgive me too?" I throw back to her with a playful smirk.

We both grin and laugh, the awkwardness immediately behind us.

++o++

"What else can I do?" I ask Dany while beating the next batch of scrambled eggs. She insists on making breakfast for everyone this morning, and I insist that I will serve as her sous-chef. Jamie points out he hasn't had a turn cooking and offers to assist Dany instead. I give him a pointed look, and he immediately announces he will take dinner.

Dany chuckles when I tell her this is the one time I'm giving her permission to boss me around.

"Good to know," Dany smirks, while placing strips of bacon on the non-stick pan. Our group brought two camping stoves. I'm impressed as Dany skillfully manages to have numerous plates of food cooking at once.

"The trick is to time it correctly, you are hosed if everything is ready at the same time," she explains. "Something will end up burning." She asks me to hold off on turning on the stove for the bacon.

Dany and I share a piece of toast to hold us over because the first few batches of food are for our friends. We'll eat last. I feed her the toast while she is cooking, and she blushes. I resist dragging her to my tent like a caveman.

Using my thumb, I wipe toast crumbs off the corner of her mouth as she grins at me. I notice that Sam and Gilly are watching every single move and smiling. Good grief, does Gilly actually have happy tears in her eyes? Because that wouldn't freak Dany out. I discreetly motion the universal 'knock it off' sign at them. Sam motions for me to grab Dany and kiss her. Sam demonstrates by kissing Gilly, as though I am an idiot.

"I'm completely stoked that storm rolled out, a perfect day for Ouzel Falls," Tyrion smiles. "Make sure you wear your suits for our hike out, there will be nowhere private to change once we leave camp."

"Suits?" Dany asks.

"Of course, the best part of this strenuous hike to the falls is swimming," Jamie says enthusiastically. "After our swim we'll eat lunch while we dry off and rest. The hike down is also difficult because so steep."

"I don't have a suit, but I'll just dip my feet in," Dany shrugs and smiles. "I can be towel girl or something."

Sam finds this hilarious. I have noticed that even when I am not within talking distance that all of my friends genuinely seem to like Dany. She's a great girl, so I can't blame them. Part of me wonders if after this trip she will still be in my life.

I need to talk to her.

Shae offers to let Dany wear her extra bathing suit, and I smile at her thankfully.

"Come on, Dany," Shae says. "I need to run to my tent for a minute. You can change now. Jamie, please take over for Dany until we return."

Tyrion watches the girls walk off and then pats me on the back in a good-humored way.

"You are so welcome, my man!" he smirks.

"For what?" I demand.

"You'll see," he laughs.

I'm not quite sure what he's getting at, so I just nod and turn my attention back to the food. I lower the heat a little, not being as skilled as Dany in the cooking department.

Jamie offers me help, but I wave him away. I'm sure Dany will be back soon and I lowered the heat. The remaining campers are getting hungry. I eye the toast and consider having another slice that I can split when she gets back. I decide against it. I'll save the toast for my eggs.

Dany walks back, and I immediately notice she seems uncomfortable. She forces a smile and quickly assesses the food being cooked. She plays with the burners to get us back on track.

"Everything okay?" I whisper, as I place my hand on her lower back.

She looks up at me and smiles, her cheeks flushing red.

She nods her head as to motion not a big deal, "It's just that Shae's bathing suit is more like dental floss with a small amount of fabric," she whispers.

My mouth falls open, and I feel all the blood rush to my lower anatomy. Before I can stop myself, my eyes lower to her lovely rack, which I've been discreetly admiring all weekend long. This time there was nothing subtle about it.

"Jon!" Dany hisses, glaring at me. She punches me in the arm playfully. I can tell she isn't that mad.

"I'm sorry," I laugh. "But in my defense that was a very detailed image and provocative description,"

Dany laughs, too. I pull her into my arms.

"Do you forgive me?" I plead.

She bites her lip, which in itself drives me insane with need, and we stare at each other. She slowly glides her hands up my chest and wraps her arms around my neck.

"I'll decide later," she says with a playful smirk.

I pull her even closer to me, "Oh, yeah?" I lean closer and whisper.

She quickly gulps, as though needing to calm herself. Could she want me, as much as I want her?

"Our eggs are going to burn," Jamie yells. "I need a good breakfast for this hike. Cook or give me the spatula."

Dany and I jump apart, our faces now beet red. Our friends laugh, Jamie is the only one not amused. He huffs while checking the food for himself. He is a cranky little bitch when hungry, but I'm used to it.

We resume cooking - the moment has passed, as we just smile at each other.

++o++

"According to my map we are halfway to the big waterfall, but we can sit for a minute and rest if you guys want," Tyrion offers.

"Yes, please!" Shae and Gilly say in unison.

I left Ghost with Dickon and his friends today. We didn't want to risk this hike being too much for the dog. I glance over at Dany, and I'm impressed at how fit she is. I forgot that the day we drove up and set up camp, she was hiking away from those assholes for many hours. I open my canteen and offer her a drink first. Dany and I packed our backpacks as a couple. I'm carrying our water, and she has our food. It's what the other couples are doing for today's hike.

More than anything I want us to actually be a couple.

The hike so far has had some strenuous parts. Several times, I held Dany's hand to help pull her up a deep incline. My face warms remembering that we'd held hands longer than necessary - often with our fingers intertwined. This can't all be in my mind.

I glance at her, and she is smiling and talking to Tyrion and Shae. They are explaining how they met. Tyrion snidely comments that meeting Shae was the one redeemable thing he could say about my ex, Ygritte. Dany's brow furrows. Maybe she is caught off guard by Tyrion's strong feelings.

Tyrion detested my ex-girlfriend, but he can admit he only met Shae because of her. Last semester Ygritte and Shae worked together in a bar near campus. Tyrion and I were on our way to dinner, and I made him come with me to say hi to Ygritte. The rest is history.

"Would you like some trail mix?" Dany offers as she scoots closer to me.

"I'll have anything you are offering," I smile at Dany, trying to flirt. She gives me a handful of trail mix without noticing.

Okay, I need to work on my flirting skills. Where the hell is Tyrion to coach me? I think about how I've never had to pursue a woman before. Before Dany, it's always been so easy.

Maybe too easy.

"So, did any of your friends like Ygritte?" Dany asks quietly as her eyes meet mine. She seems curious, but not upset in any way.

"That's a hard question to answer." I say honestly, pausing to organize my thoughts.

Dany nods and looks away.

I've noticed that she doesn't push me for information or details. She did the same thing when she saw my reaction to having my shirt off. I know she cares, but she won't demand information that I'm not willing to give.

I also know that if I want a chance with her I have to be open and honest. I want a good relationship. I trust her. She deserves to be able to trust me as well.

"Ygritte is not an awful person, she really isn't," I admit slowly. "And if I'm honest with myself...I could have been a better boyfriend, had I wanted to be."

Dany's eyes dart over, meeting mine as we stare at each other.

"Ygritte was my girlfriend, but I never imagined a future with her. Ever," I continue. "She was a really aggressive person. She was just the girl that pursued me at the right moment, and it worked out. She and I were on the same page for a long time. We were in a committed relationship, but just a casual and fun thing. One day to the next, she decided that she wanted to be married, and expected me to go along with her change of plans."

Dany nods with understanding, and she gives me a small smile.

"Did she know how popular you were with your students?" Dany asks pointedly.

"She did," I frown at the memory. "To be honest some of her own friends made passes at me. Obviously they weren't true friends to begin with."

"It must've been hard on her, knowing that other women are hitting on you left and right," Dany insists. "Offering you sex after a three minute conversation."

I hear the uncertainty and reservation in Dany's voice. I remember telling her that I had only had a three minute conversation with Melisande the day before our run in at the showers. I don't think we're talking about Ygritte anymore.

I feel dread. I don't like where this conversation is going. But I have to be honest, it's all I can do. I just got away from a demanding and conniving girlfriend. Now I need honesty across the board.

I pause to calm down, I feel like I am on a job interview. I hate that Dany sees me as some asshole that has women throwing themselves at me all the time. But I also know it's true.

"Dany, Ygritte was not fazed at all about the students or even her lame friends," I say. "She was confident in herself. More importantly - she trusted me."

Moments of silence pass. Neither of us say anything as we drink water from the canteen.

Then suddenly it's as though a decision is made in Dany's mind. Shrugging, she smiles brightly at me.

"That's great Jon," she laughs halfheartedly. "You're right, there are girls out there that wouldn't be bothered at all. That is so not me! It would drive me insane to have a boyfriend where I had to beat girls off with a stick. I'd be miserable."

Dany hops up and offers to pick up the trash from the group as she did after yesterday's lunch. I stay seated and frown.

Why do I feel like I was just dismissed? Like it was Dany's way of telling me that we won't be dating?

Because that's exactly what she means, dummy.

We get up and continue our hike to Ouzel Falls. We come across several smaller falls and cascades that only motivate us to keep going.

Tackling one especially steep part of the terrain, we all work together to help whomever needs assistance. Jamie and Brienne are pretty badass and can do it alone because of their tall height, both are skilled enough of hikers to help the others. Jamie and I help Shae, and then I help pull Dany up, and I pull her into my arms.

"Thanks, Jon!" she says quickly while squirming to put distance between us. "You should help Jamie with Gilly, she seemed nervous about this part."

I nod carefully, watching as Dany gives me a small smile and then turns and walks away. I stand there and frown gloomily.

Once we keep moving, I notice that Gilly and Brienne link arms with Dany and enjoy an easier part of the hike.

"What happened with Dany?" Sam asks quietly so no can hear us.

"What do you mean?" I snap.

Sam rolls his eyes at me.

"Don't play dumb or get all brooding with me. At breakfast she was two steps away from jumping in your arms and sucking your face off," Sam says. "And now, she is treating you as if you are her older brother or something."

I frown, the ache in my chest is painful because he's right. She is treating me like I have been sent to the "friend zone," a guy's worst nightmare when he is pursuing a girl.

"Look, Jon," Sam says. "I've been your friend for years now. I've always enjoyed the comical aspect to your dating life. Seeing which sexy pushy girl happened to pounce on you at the right time. Don't get me wrong, it has been fun and comical to watch."

I roll my eyes, so glad my dating adventures have been a source of entertainment for my friend.

"But this isn't funny," Sam says softly. "Dany is an amazing girl, I've never seen you light up with anyone else the way you do with her. Jamie and Brienne have a lot of good things to say and they've known her since freshman year. I just don't want to see you blow it." I hear the concern in his voice.

I already have, but it's not my fault!

"Sam, it's complicated," I growl. "Dany isn't into me. She basically just told me that she couldn't handle dating someone with the constant pressure of other girls. It's not like I ask for it!"

"First, lower your voice. Second, you're acting like a damn blind fool," Sam admonishes me, his tone as sharp as nails. My frown deepens, I’m not used to Sam being so blunt.

I frown and shake my head. What does he want me to do?

"Let me remind you, this is the same girl that you have been thinking about for almost a year," Sam points out. "You know she is special, you told me you saw it right away. Remember?"

I nod, admitting how I've felt for a long time.

"I care about you. I hope you know that you deserve good in your life. Your stepmother is a cruel person, you didn't deserve the cards you were dealt. That shit is on her. Don't let her ugliness tear you down anymore," Sam finishes softly.

I lower my eyes and nod. Sam's right. I often doubt myself, which is probably one of the reasons I've never pursued someone that I really wanted to date. I've just been snapped up by the wrong girls.

I turn to watch Dany walking with Gilly and Brienne. Dany is talking animatedly and gesturing. Brienne is hysterically laughing while Gilly's mouth hangs open. I catch enough words to guess the story is about their freshman year in the dorms.

I smile watching them, Dany is gorgeous, funny and kind. No one has ever made me feel the way she does.

I'm not giving up on Dany without a fight.

++o++

Ouzel Falls is breathtaking, the drop more than forty feet through a sliver in the dark rock wall surrounding it. The water flows into a pool filled with boulders and fallen trees. There are small pools of water that are calm and perfect for wading.

The storm that rolled through last night must have scared other hikers away. Our group is the only one up here. It is very hot and sunny today, just what you would expect in early July.

We pick a spot where the huge boulders are flat. The boulders make a perfect place to set down our gear and have lunch after we explore the falls. Our group brought up two sunblock tubes to share. I grab one tube and slip my hand into Dany's hand. I pull her aside so we can help each other. She smiles at me and follows.

I am wearing a rash guard shirt that protects me from the sun while also covering my chest and back. I still need help applying sunblock to the back of my neck so I ask Dany. She also does my face, and she is very careful not to get any sunblock in my eyes. She bites her lip while applying it. I reach out and place my hands gently on her waist. Her mouth falls open for a moment, but I just smile at her innocently. She gulps and then moves on to put sunblock on the tops of my ears.

"Okay, your turn, Dany." I say and wait for her to slip out of her shirt and shorts.

Dany slides her shorts down, and then pauses for a moment before taking her shirt off, blushing furiously. She wasn't kidding, it is the sexiest bathing suit I've ever seen. Dany holds her shirt to her chest and looks away from me.

"Just put lotion on my back and shoulders please," she squeaks while frowning and turning her chest away from me.

I can see how uncomfortable she is, and it's more of a modesty issue. I slather my hands with sunblock and thoroughly run my hands over her shoulders and then down her back. I also do the back of her arms and pull her closer to me.

I add more lotion to my hand and do the back of her neck, while also working out any kinks in her shoulders.

I lean over and whisper in her ear. "Dany, you are so beautiful," I say. "Stunning...you have nothing to be embarrassed about."

Dany turns her head to meet me gaze and smiles. "Thank you, Jon," she replies.

She instantly seems to relax and tosses the shirt she had been carrying with her pile of stuff.

My talk with Sam runs through my mind, I need to convince her that I am the right guy for her. I know it. I know it as much as I know she is the right girl for me.

The water pools are magnificent, and we all go for a swim.

The girls are being especially silly and happy. I feel a twinge of envy at how affectionate Gilly is with Sam. Gilly and Sam are like family to me, and I feel a twinge of sadness because I'm desperate to be close to Dany.

Brienne insists on taking photos from outside the pools, due to the whole iPhone and water thing not being a good idea. Gilly agrees to switch with Brienne after so she can be in the pictures too.

I pull Dany into my arms so Gilly can get a picture of us in the water. Dany blushes but wraps her arms around me. It's a wonderful excuse to hold her close to me. After I tease Dany, asking if she is tired and needs me to carry her again. I offer to let her hold onto my back while I swim.

"Like a baby monkey?" she scowls and laughs at the same time. "No thank you, Jon."

"I was thinking more honeymoon and past the threshold," I joke and gently cup her face, brushing my thumb across her lips.

For the first time in my entire life, the idea of marriage crosses my mind. I can actually picture myself having forever with her. I get lost in my own thoughts for a moment.

Dany is watching me intently, so I snap out of it and smile at her. That would be a great way for me to scare the crap out of her. I will keep these thoughts to myself.

The girls play 'model' while the guys do some laps - and race, of course.

Playing photographer, Tyrion is making the 'models' take turns, Shae is laughing hysterically at how bossy he is. Tyrion may have found the perfect woman as well.

Striking a pose for the camera, Dany wades over to stand in front of the falls. She is laughing as she poses with her arms outstretched. The water reaches her lower waist right below the start of her bikini bottom, and her long hair flows down her back. I breathe in and out to calm myself. I am getting excited just looking at her.

What the hell is wrong with me? I am acting like a horny sixteen year old! But I know the answer, it's her. I'm crazy about her in every way.

Sam notices her too, leaning over to me he whispers."You are so very lucky there are no other single guys in this group," Sam says. "They would be going nuts for a chance with Dany. Jon, you better figure your issues out...and soon."

"I know, I've just got to convince her," I say with determination.

Sam smiles and lets me know that he and Gilly are ready to help in any way they can. They are good friends.

Everyone is having a great time, except for Tyrion. He is peeved no one else wants to play chicken against him and Shae. He tries again to convince Dany to do it, "I know if you tell Jon you want to play, he'll do it. I'm pretty sure he would do anything for you, Dany," Tyrion says innocently, with Shae nodding in agreement.

"Not going to happen, Tyrion. I hate that game. And I am wearing a bikini top that feels ready to fly off my body at any moment," Dany laughs.

"I'm not seeing the issue," Tyrion deadpans as Shae snickers. Her suit is equally revealing.

Dany rolls her eyes, and I've seen enough to want to step into the fray.

"Tyrion, I am going to spend some time alone with Dany. Go away," I smile.

Tyrion waggles his brows at us and then races Shae across the water to give us privacy. I notice he lets her win, and she is ecstatic.

Dany looks at me and smiles, so I pull her close to me in the water. She looks nervous for a moment and then relaxes in my arms.

"I wanted to continue the conversation we were having earlier," I whisper in her ear while holding her close to me.

"Oh?" Dany mumbles sheepishly, with her fingertips resting lightly on my shoulders.

"Yes," I say seriously, staring into her eyes. She nods in agreement. "You know, I’m just a normal guy. The truth is, it doesn't matter to me how many girls flirt or offer it up. I am trustworthy and loyal. I would never hurt you in that way."

I pause while searching her face for a reaction. She is listening to every word, with her eyes studying mine intently.

"I also have one key clarification from our conversation earlier," I lean my forehead against hers before continuing. "If you were my girlfriend, you wouldn't have to beat other girls off with a stick alone. I'd be right there helping as well."

Dany bites her lip and then giggles softly. Her hands move from my shoulder to wrap around my neck, as she pulls me closer to give me a kiss on the cheek.

We end up splashing around and enjoying a swim, Dany tries unsuccessfully to "drown me," but is unable to push me under the water, even when jumping on my back and trying. I greatly enjoy her numerous attempts, but I finally pull her close to me.

"Come here, no more drowning attempts. There are much better ways for us to exert energy," I smirks at her seductively.

Her eyes light up with delight as we embrace and hold one another closely. We share a smile before I gently plant a kiss where her shoulder and neck meet. I quickly realize it's a ticklish spot. Dany squirms in my arms but doesn't break away.

Her laughter rings in my ear, and it's the best sound.

Her smile falters for a moment as her fingertips tracing the seams of my rash guard.

"Do you wear this because of...what happened with your stepmother growing up?" she murmurs gently.

I gulp, meeting her gaze and nod to confirm her thoughts.

She pulls me even closer, pressing her chest against mine as I really appreciate Shae's tastes in bathing suits.

"I wish you didn't feel that you have to, you are perfect - exactly as you are," Dany assures me, similar to how I persuaded her earlier to be comfortable in the sexy bathing suit.

"If we were alone, I would be comfortable going without the shirt," I assure her while sliding my hand to cradle her face.

Dany and I stare at each other, our eyes alternating between our lips and eyes.

I lick my lower lip nervously, "Maybe one day we can come back here...alone?" I ask her with a small amount of in trepidation.

Dany meets my gaze confidently. "I'd love that, Jon," she responds.

I lean over and press my lips to her mouth lightly. Her body responding to me as she trembles. I think she's as nervous as I am. Each time our lips meet, we both give a little more, until our kisses are passionate and loving as our tongues move in a slow dance. My hands roam up and down her sides and back, the feeling of her bare skin only adding to my excitement. Dany's hands are holding onto my shoulders to keep us close. Her hands occasionally touching my hair.

Our kiss during the dare was really good. This is different because we are kissing because we choose to. This kiss is a promise for what is to come.

"Guys, it's getting late. Let's eat!" Jamie calls out, breaking us from our daze.

We smile and kiss one last time before looking around. To everyone's credit, no one is looking anywhere near our direction, giving us a small sense of privacy.

"Tonight, when we are able to be alone, I want to talk more about us, okay?" I ask Dany and smile sheepishly. I want to make us official, but it's also a conversation I want to have when we are alone.

"Yes, definitely," Dany smiles.

We swim over to the rocks and get out of the water; Dany and I had agreed to share a towel so we wouldn't need two. I let her dry off first, of course, forcing myself to look away as she does.

"I can't believe our weekend is almost over," Gilly says sadly while giving Sam a back massage.

"Yeah, it will take us even longer to hike down with the incline, we'll probably get back to camp just in time for dinner," Jamie says. He jokingly asks me if I want to be his sous-chef tonight.

I say no while throwing a grape at him, which he skillfully catches in his mouth. The girls laugh at us.

"We have to be completely packed up and out by ten o'clock tomorrow morning. I already checked, another party has rented our site starting tomorrow," Sam instructs. We all agree that packing most of the gear tonight is the way to go.

As our rest time is winding down, and we are mostly dried off, Sam calls me over to show me something. He has his backpack on him. Gilly winks at me while passing me as she walks over to the girls that are looking at their "modeling" pictures on Tyrion's phone and laughing at themselves.

"What's up?" I ask Sam.

"Do you have pockets with a zipper in those cargo shorts?" he asks.

"Um, yeah?"

"Just in case, better safe than sorry. Take a couple of these," Sam says. He slips two foil packages in my hand. "I'm assuming you didn't bring any as you weren't planning on finding your soulmate on this trip," he smiles.

I quickly shove them in my pocket and close the zipper.

"I am pretty sure that is not going to happen tonight; but just in case, it's better to have them and not need them than the other way around. Thanks, buddy," I say.

We all pack up and get ready for the long hike back to camp.

++o++

We are all exhausted as we trudge back to our camp site after using the facilities at the campground entrance. Jamie is trying to convince us that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches would be a much more enjoyable meal than the grilled chicken and corn on the cob we have slated for dinner.

He looks at Dany for back up, but she laughs at him.

"Sorry Jamie, you lost my vote at the threat of taking away corn on the cob," Dany says.

He pouts because if anyone in our group would have given him a pass, it would have been Dany.

With Brienne on his one side, and Dany momentarily walking on his other, he agrees to make the dinner we had planned. Dany is the best cook we have, and she smiles at him and promises to help him cook.

"We'll have it done in no time. You'll see!" Dany promises brightly.

Jamie smiles and announces to us that Dany is the nicest person in our group. He picks her up good-naturedly and twirls her around. Her laughter rings out as she demands he put her down. The rest of us join in her laughter, too.

"Well, isn't this nice. And here I was worried sick about you, Dany," a guy hisses, stepping out from behind the trees at our campsite. A second guy follows behind him, and moves to stand next to him. I recognize Joffrey immediately from class last year. I can only assume the guy who spoke is Drogo.

My jaw clenches as my eyes narrow.

Jamie places Dany down but stands his ground. Dany looks like a deer caught in headlights, her face expressionless although her eyes open wide.

"I mean this is hysterical. We have been frantically looking for you, and all along you are here – living it up with another group," Drogo spits. "I met Dickon, nice kid. He knew right away where you were and with whom. Did you have fun at the falls today, sweetie?"

"Go away, Drogo, we are done," Dany says firmly.

"I'm ready to leave when you are, Dany. I took the liberty of packing your crap," Drogo spits. Drogo has Dany's hiking backpack that had been in my tent along with her rolled up sleeping bag. These little assholes went through our camp’s stuff.

"Enough games, let's go," Drogo steps toward Dany as she steps back.

"Drogo, we broke up. I don't even know why you are here. I'm not going anywhere with you," Dany says firmly, her eyes darting between Drogo and Joffrey.

A dark look crosses Drogo's face.

"Imagine my surprise finding your things in some guy's tent. You look really familiar. Do we know each other? Are you Jon?" Drogo snaps while scowling at Jamie, who had been standing next to Dany. All of the gear in my tent is labeled with my name.

"Don't worry about who I am, get the hell out of here. This is our camp site and you are not welcome," Jamie says calmly.

"I'm Jon," I say as I walk over to stand next to Dany. Without caring what this little shit thinks, I slip my hand into hers and squeeze it.

I don't think it even occurred to Drogo that she would move on so quickly. Even with her things in my tent, it isn't uncommon for people to share tents as needed and there was a storm that rolled through last night. A combination of disbelief and rage crosses his face. Even Joffrey behind him looks stunned. Drogo steps closer to us, now standing directly in front of Dany. Jamie and I stand at her sides.

"Are you kidding me, Dany? We have one fight, and this is what you do?" Drogo shouts at her, then turns his attention to me. "Get your damn hands off of my girl."

"She's not your anything," I snap.

"Please, Drogo. Just go," Dany pleads. She looks terribly uncomfortable.

"You damn slut! What happened? You had to try to earn your keep in order to join their camping group? I guess you had to work for your rations like a tramp," Drogo hisses.

It happens so quickly. I reach forward to grab Drogo's shirt with my free hand demanding he apologize to her.

Instinctively, Jamie picks up Dany at the same time and drags both her and Brienne away from Drogo and me.

The next thing I know Drogo sucker punches me in the face. I was not expecting it, and I feel the rush of blood from my nose. The bastard then comes at me again. This time I'm ready and sidestep him. I don't even want to fight him. He's a punk and pissed he lost Dany. I just want him to apologize and get the hell out.

Drogo is enraged, and will not stop. Next thing I know, he has tackled me to the ground. We are rolling around and both throwing punches.

I hear Jamie warn Joffrey to stay out of it, unless he wants to make it a three-on-two fight, meaning that both Jamie and Tyrion would jump in.

The girls are pleading for someone to break it up. This is not how I wanted my relationship with Dany to start.

I finally get Drogo in a headlock and hold him still. "Drogo, enough. This is over. Just get the hell out of here and take Joffrey with you," I command. Drogo is furious that I have the upper hand.

Dany has tears streaming down her face as Gilly and Brienne comfort her, but they look equally distressed.

"Screw this shit!" Drogo scream. "Get the hell off of me."

I sigh while releasing him and stepping away. Drogo isn't badly injured. I made it a point to not hit him hard until I could get him in a headlock and end the fight. After his initial sucker punch, he never got a good hit in either. Until this point, it was more of a ridiculous wrestling match.

Drogo scowls at me and turns to walk away. He takes a couple of steps before stopping in front of Dany and turning back to face me.

"Enjoy this bitch, Jon," Drogo scowls. "You've probably figured this out by now, but Dany is completely frigid. Good luck with that. Hope you enjoyed having some kind of a sex life until now."

Dany gasps, mortified that he would say that in front of everyone. Angry tears fill her eyes.

Drogo frowns at seeing her reaction, and for a moment I think he is going to apologize for hurting her feelings. Instead he roughly grabs her by the arm.

"Enough Dany, let's go. You had your fun, but it's over!" Drogo snaps while yanking her towards him.

Dany gasps sharply as Drogo turns and roughly begins pulling her behind him while he trudges away. Even Joffrey looks stunned.

Drogo stumbles when Dany pulls her arm back. Almost tripping, he pulls Dany down at the same time. Dany's chin hits the corner of the picnic table, and she shrieks in pain.

I don't even hear what Drogo is saying as he leans over to check on her.

I see red. That was the last straw for me. I lunge for Drogo and punch him in the throat. An odd gurgling sound comes out of his mouth. I drag him away from Dany and tackle him to the ground and begin swinging. I don't even register the girls screaming and crying, begging me to stop. Joffrey tries to pull me off, so I punch him once in the nose and he falls back. I'm too enraged to stop.

"Jon, stop! Enough!" Sam shouts. He and Jamie both work together to drag me off of Drogo, who remains on the ground, not moving.

"You bastard, how dare you touch her. I'll kill you!" I grunt while struggling to get back to Drogo.

"Shut your mouth and come with me now!" Sam hollers at me. Sam has me by the shirt collar and is dragging me for a walk towards my tent. I am so mad that I am shaking.

We keep walking, past my tent and then further into the forest.

"What the hell, Jon!" Sam yells. "I was afraid you were going to hurt him to the point of earning yourself some damn jail time. You were out of control, reel it back in."

Dany. I need to see her. I turn around and start walking back to camp.

"No way!" Sam stops me. "You and I are going to keep walking until you calm the hell down. Seriously, stop it. Jamie is with the girls and Dickon's group came running when they heard the girls screaming and crying."

I frown, but nod. Sam is right. I lost control. Sam uses his finger to make a loud whistle, and suddenly Ghost runs to our side.

"Come on Ghost, you can help me calm Jon down...and avoid jail," Sam grumbles as we walk.

++o++

I feel anxious as we walk back towards our camp. I regret leaving Dany behind while Drogo and Joffrey were still there. But I was out of control and holding on by a thread. I trust Jamie and Dickon's group were able to kick them out.

As soon as I step into our shared area by the fire pit, I sense something is wrong. The girls have a look of dread on their faces. I scan quickly in search of Dany, but she is nowhere to be found.

"Where's Dany?" I immediately ask.

"Jon, why don't you sit down? Let's get you some ice for those hands," Gilly offers.

I frown, looking around again.

"Seriously, where is Dany?" I repeat.

"Jon, she was upset," Gilly sighs. "The whole fight was so violent. It was just an ugly situation."

"Gilly," I warn. I need to her to spit it out.

"Look, all we know is that she picked up her camping gear and left," Gilly says. "They sent a ranger over to take Drogo to the infirmary. Dany didn't say a word to any of us. Even when we tried to talk to her, she begged us to leave her alone." I see that it pains her to tell me this.

Dany is gone?

"Well look who's back from his anger-management walk," Joffrey says snidely.

We all frown as Joffrey enters our camp. He is holding up his hands as if to say that he is not there to fight.

"Believe me, this is the last place I wanted to come back to," Joffrey scowls. "Drogo left his bag with the car keys in it."

Joffrey motions to the tree they stepped out from behind, and he picks up a backpack we can only assume is theirs.

"You know, when you were my teacher last year," Joffrey turns to face me, "I used to think you were so damn smart. But you're an idiot. This is a little game Dany and Drogo play with each other. It makes their love life more exciting. After all that, you don't even get the girl. She's with him again, taking care of his sorry ass like always."

Blood rushes to my face, a sick feeling settling in my stomach.

"I almost forgot," he laughs. "Dany changed clothes at the main entrance, she asked me to bring this back and return to someone named Sandy or Shanna something?"

Shae's eyes widen at seeing her bikini. Dany had been wearing it when we got back from the falls. Joffrey holds it up so that it dangles, smirking at it.

"This is some sexy shit, Shanna," Joffrey says. "Too bad I didn't get a chance to see Dany wearing it. She made me leave the room before she changed. I think she wanted to give Drogo a private show. Those two freaks...always fighting and then making up."

Tyrion snatches the bathing suit out of Joffrey's hands, and then walks Shae back to their tent.

Before I process what Joffrey is saying about Dany, I decide to deal with him first. I step closer to Joffrey.

"You know Joffrey, I wonder what your friend Drogo, or his cousin Margaery, would say if they were to find out how you're always harassing Dany?" I ask him.

Joffrey looks startled.

"And don't forget, as your teacher last semester I saw first-hand how you leered at Dany in my class," I continue. "Your sick game is up. Dany may be too nice to blow you and your bullshit out of the water, but I'm not."

Joffrey looks worried.

"I don't care if Dany marries Drogo tomorrow...you had better leave her the hell alone and knock off your sexual harassment," I tell Joffrey as I step closer. "Do we understand each other?"

"Yes, I understand," he snaps.

Joffrey rolls his eyes. He walks away and then stops one last time.

"Hey Jon, Dany is with Drogo and going to ride back with us," he calls. "Anything you want me to tell her on your behalf?" The smirk on his face is loud and clear. He is taunting me.

"Just get the hell out of here, Joffrey," I snap.

As soon as he is gone, my friends walk over to comfort me, which only makes me feel worse. How could she do this? I'm such a fool.

I'm pissed and heartbroken at the same time. I shake my head and tell the group I need to be alone. They nod in understanding.

I go to my tent and lie down, my heart aching. All of her things gone. I can't believe after all that, she went back to him. Joffrey's words ring in my ear, "This is a little game that Dany and Drogo play with each other."

How could I be so stupid? I was so sure I meant something to her. Bitter tears fill my eyes, but I blink them away. I refuse to cry over her.

The good news...now I know the girl I've been pining for doesn't really exist. Now I can let her go, and be done.

I close my eyes, trying to sleep. Maybe then I can get some reprieve from the sadness I feel.

Sleep doesn't come. Instead conversations, looks, and warm embraces play over and over in my mind. I sit up, struggling to reconcile what I feel for her in my heart with the fact that she left camp, she left me, and with what Joffrey produced as evidence.

I remember the beautiful girl I met in my classes last year. She was always respectful and kind to everyone around her. She was warm and genuine. I think about that day in February when she entered my office. I couldn't help but stare at her because the bright girl I knew from class was shattered and heartbroken. I never touch people, and I don't really like to be touched myself.

I surprised myself when I pulled her into my arms and held her that day. I think I needed her as much as she needed me. Holding her felt so right. We've never talked about that day.

Joffrey is right. I really am an idiot.

A complete idiot to believe a word Joffrey said, an idiot to doubt Dany for even a minute.

I do know her. In fact, I'm crazy about her, unlike anything I've ever felt before.

I allowed my insecurities and jealousy to cloud my judgement for a moment, and I will give Joffrey credit...he was convincing.

I do trust her.

Even if she was worried about Drogo because of the beating I gave him, she would have made sure he was okay, but I know she isn't going back to him.

I jump up from the floor of my tent. I don't know where she went, but I need to find her.

I run out of the tent yelling for my friends to meet me at the fire pit.

"Guys, I don't care what it looks like. Dany would never go back to him. I don't know why she's not here, but I know she cares about me. And I...well, truth is I'm crazy about her. I've got to find her!" I spit out.

I am rewarded with smiles and encouragement. I get my hiking backpack and flashlight, we have a couple of hours before it gets dark, but just in case. Gilly reminds me that Ghost is a great tracking dog. Brienne brings out her bathing suit that Dany was just wearing.

Everyone wishes me luck as I take off in search of Dany.

++o++

I walk towards the main entrance of Aspenglen campgrounds, with Ghost leading the way. I figure I'll check in with the ranger's station first in case they've seen her.

I enter the park ranger offices, glad I caught them right before they closed for the day. I look around the lobby and I see her. Dany is sitting on a bench with her gear at her feet, with her eyes red and puffy from crying. I do a double take because I was not expecting to see her here.

She doesn't notice me. She seems to be lost in thought while staring at the ground. I slowly approach.

"Penny for your thoughts," I say quietly when I am standing next to her.

She gasps and looks up, but the moment our eyes meet, she looks away and sniffles softly.

"Dany, come here. Please. Talk to me," I say. I sit down next to her and pull her into my arms to comfort her.

She pulls away and looks into my eyes.

"Jon, I'm sorry. I ruined everything. All that drama, the things Drogo said, and your fight with him...it scared me how violent you were with Drogo...I just had to get away. I don't think I'm good for you."

"Is that what you think, that you aren't good for me?" I ask incredulously.

"Well, I'm not!" she snaps.

"Dany, I'm sorry...I've never lost control that way. When he had his hands on you, and then you got hurt...I lost control. I'm not proud of it, at all. It is something I am going to work on, I don't want that to ever happen again," I pause to reach over and check her chin, it is badly bruised but the skin didn't break. "I'm sorry I scared you, it won't happen again."

Dany nods, her eyes show understanding and forgiveness.

"Also, Drogo is a jerk and Joffrey too," I say. "But nothing was ruined, especially not by you. It was one bad part of a great camping trip, that's all. No one is upset with you, Dany. In fact everyone was worried you left. Especially since Joffrey came back to camp and told us you had made up with Drogo..." my voice trails off, the pain I felt creeping back to mind.

"What? Joffrey said that?" She looks confused.

"Yeah, he brought back Shae’s bikini and told us that you were riding back with them. He told me that you and Drogo always break up and then make up," I finish painfully.

Dany places her hand on my cheek, searching my eyes. I frown because I had been so hurt at the idea of it all just being a sick game. She pulls me close, wrapping her arms around me. I allow myself to enjoy her warmth.

"That must have hurt you; I hate that Joffrey did that. But it's not true, Drogo and I were done before I even ran into you," she states firmly.

Dany looks confused for a moment, as though she is trying to work something out in her head.

"I didn't want to keep Shae’s suit so I changed in the bathroom," she explains. "I then asked the woman at the Lost and Found to please deliver it back to your camp tonight. I even told her what lot number it was and watched her write down Shae’s name. I do remember Joffrey was in the lobby waiting for Drogo, who was getting medical attention. I didn't even think he saw what I was doing at the Lost and Found. What an ass!"

I laugh with relief. Joffrey is a snake in the grass. We agree he probably offered to make the delivery himself.

I smile and pull her into my arms. She hugs me back.

After some time, the park rangers let us know they are locking up, telling Dany they can give her a ride to Estes Park if she still wants it.

"Dany, don't go. Please," I beg. "Stay with me."

She nods before turning to the ranger.

"Thank you so much, but I won't be needing that ride after all," Dany tells him.

++o++

As we have a couple more hours of light and our gear, we decide to go for a short hike. Before heading out, we see one of Dickon's friends. I ask him to tell Sam and Gilly that I found Dany, and tell them that Dany is safe and with me. He also takes Ghost back to camp. He was one of the boys that ran to our camp during my fight with Drogo. He tells us that he is glad things are settling down.

We walk in comfortable silence while holding hands. I run my fingertips down her palm, and she shivers and smiles. When we get to a pretty spot, I stop and pull her close to me. Dany wraps her arms tightly around me.

"I'm going to kiss you now, I mean really kiss you," I say while pulling her entire body tightly against mine. I feel her shiver in anticipation, her lips parting as her violet eyes stare at my lips.

I press my mouth to hers and immediately push my tongue into her mouth. I kiss her frantically, I need to feel her. I need to show her how much she means to me. One arm on my shoulder and the other gently pulling on the curls at the bottom of my head, Dany appears to be equally desperate for me.

We kiss for what feels like minutes, but the darkness of dusk tells us differently.

"Jon, it's getting dark. We should head back to camp." Dany says slowly, alternating kisses to my lips, neck and cheek in between each word she whispers.

"I did bring a flashlight, so we could stay right here and keep kissing," I say hopefully, although Dany is already shaking her head no.

"I'm also starving, I am guessing there are some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches waiting for us." She giggles while grabbing my hand and leading me back towards camp.

++o++

Everyone was so relieved when I brought Dany back to the camp. She admitted that she felt so bad about what happened with Drogo and that she felt stressed that she may have ruined the trip. The group immediately put her at ease.

I now sit in my camping chair with Dany on my lap. We are sharing s'mores while snuggling. As much as I'm enjoying our last campfire with the group, I am anxious to get Dany back to our tent to be alone.

When no one is looking we steal short kisses and smile at each other. Dany bites her lower lip and leans down to kiss my neck.

"I wish we were alone," Dany whispers. My cheeks flush with excitement, I'm hoping she wants to be alone with me as much as I want to...and for the same reasons.

"Me too. We will be soon," I assure her.

As we are enjoying our beers, we go around and make toasts. When it's Sam's turn, he holds up his beer. He has consumed his fair share of beers tonight.

"I want to make a toast to Dany. I've never seen my best friend as happy and alive as he has been this trip. And let me add," Sam motions with his hands towards me and Dany, "I've never ever seen Jon be so loving and affectionate. Who knew that the same girl that I've been hearing about for almost a year would be the one to join our camping trip? To Dany!" Sam says, his voice full of emotion.

We all take a drink.

"Sam, what did you mean...you've been hearing about me for a year?" Dany asks. She looks genuinely confused.

The entire group is silent, and Sam's eyes widen as he takes a large drink from his beer.

I feel the blood rush to my cheeks as I lean over and kiss Dany on her shoulder. She turns to look at me, her eyebrows raised.

"On that note, I think Dany and I are going to call it a night. I do want to explain everything to her, but I also want to do it in private," I smile as the group laughs.

Sam looks mortified and apologetic.

"It's okay, Sam. I was going to tell her tonight anyway," I say to him.

We say goodnight and then use our lantern to walk to our tent. Dany leans up and kisses my cheek.

"Be ready to explain when we get to the tent," she teases me and then pinches my butt to stress her seriousness.

++o++

Once we are inside the tent, with our shoes kicked off, I pull her into my arms, kissing her forehead.

"I really care about you Dany, and I have for a while. I want you to know the truth," I begin.

She looks at me, confused. I clear my throat nervously.

"I've mentioned you a few times over the last year to Sam," I confess. "I've always felt a connection to you. I would have loved to get to know you better, even as a friend. The truth is, part of me always wanted more from you...since the day I met you."

"Wow...Jon. I'm actually shocked. I had no idea," Dany blushes while examining me. "So, why didn't you try to get to know me better?"

"First, I knew you had a boyfriend, and I was with Ygritte. And second, you were so aloof...I was sure you were not even remotely attracted to me," I mumble.

Dany starts laughing while shaking her head, she sits on the sleeping bag still chuckling.

"Are you kidding? I had a crush on you the moment I laid eyes on you," she says, her eyes bright with excitement. "But in all fairness, I did decide not to think about you that way because so many girls were after you. It was annoying."

Dany explains her visualization exercise that kept her emotions in check. A sixty-year old with eight grandkids, ha!

"Also, right before Ghost and I found you in the woods," I say in a rush, "the group played a game of Never Have I Ever. I admitted having a serious crush on you. Imagine my horror when Jamie and Brienne knew exactly who I was talking about. When I brought you back to camp, everyone knew who you were already. I wasn't sure if they'd play it cool!"

Dany blushes and then moves closer to me. I hold my breath as she pulls me towards her for a kiss.

I cup her face and pull away from her so I can look at her, studying every feature on her face, committing this moment to memory. I have to tell her how I feel. I don't care if it's too fast. It's what my heart is telling me.

"I'm crazy about you...like nothing I've ever felt before," I smile at her nervously. "I've been waiting until the right moment to ask you something."

"The right moment? Ask me what?" she says, smiling too.

"Yeah," I whisper, "and I just don't want to frighten you."

"You can say anything to me. You should know better, Jon," Dany says.

"Fine, then here goes. I really like you, a lot. And I know this is fast, but I really want us to date...exclusively," I tell Dany.

Her eyes light up and a smile breaks out on her face.

"I would like that too, Jon," she whispers.

"Dany, will you be my girlfriend?" I ask hopefully.

"Absolutely, now kiss me," she demands.

"Dany, you are amazing," I whisper, before giving her a kiss.

++o++

We spent hours gently kissing while talking about our lives, holding each other while lying on top of our sleeping bags. It's a much warmer night without the storm.

Our kisses are loving and slow, as I let my hands roam up and down her body. Then Dany pauses and guides my hands under her shirt as I explore her body.

"Dany," I moan her name softly as I discover she isn't wearing a bra. My need for her is overwhelming.

"Jon, I don't want to go too fast - at least not having sex tonight," Dany whispers while resting her forehead to mine.

"Neither do I," I nod in agreement. "I really want this to work. There's no rush. Let's really get to know each other. I want to know every part of you."

"Well, when you say things like that, you make it hard to be wise," Dany giggles before deepening our kiss and rolling onto her back and pulling me with her.

"Dany," I whisper as I situate myself on top of her. I know she can feel how hard my dick is.

With her lips parted and panting, I can see the lust in her eyes. She wraps her legs around me while pulling off my shirt. Her hands touch my chest and then she pulls me close. Dany’s hand resting on my back. I lie down, letting her feel exactly what she does to me. She moans with desire upon feeling my body's reaction to her. I softly pull her lower lip with my teeth in a teasing way before kissing her again.

I kiss her jaw, her neck, I slowly kiss behind her ear as she whimpers. My hands explore her perfect breasts as I lower my mouth to her cleavage while moving her shirt down one shoulder. Her moans encourage me on.

Suddenly I feel her tense, a frown appears on her face. I quickly pull her shirt back up her shoulder.

“Dany?” I ask with concern.

"Jon, what Drogo said about me - the frigid thing." Her cheeks get red as she clears her throat. "Drogo and I had a terrible sex life, thanks to the combination of his excessive drinking and me not being happy in the relationship. But...I don't think...I mean...."

"Dany, I wasn't worried for even a second that you and I are going to have any issues in the passion department. I already know how you react to me. When the time comes, when we are both ready...we are going to be together. Don't worry about that, okay?" I assure her.

"And let me assure you, my 'delivery' percentages will meet with your satisfaction," I promise her confidently with a teasing smile.

Her breath hitches before she runs the tip of her tongue across her lips. "I'm going to hold you to that," Dany says excitedly as she pulls her own shirt off with a wicked smile.

She laughs and pulls me in for a kiss.

I then kiss down her neck, stopping to lick her collarbone before kissing further to take her nipple in my mouth. Dany gasps and pulls my hair while still pushing my head closer to her.

I growl when she rocks her hips against me, grinding her core against my almost painfully hard dick. I look up to see her smirk as she enjoys my reaction. I kiss to the underside of her breast and gently bite her, she shudders while gasping loudly.

She rolls us over so that I’m laying on my back, sitting up she smiles down at me. Dany moves to straddle me as I sharply inhale.

I watch as she slowly and tenderly kisses my jaw, neck and then finally painstakingly kissing down my chest and stomach.

“You are absolutely beautiful, Jon,” she whispers. “Never forget it.”

I nod before quickly flipping her back over as I resume kissing her passionately.

I’ve never felt as close to someone as I do when in Dany’s arms.

++o++

After hours of giving and receiving affection we decide to get ready for sleep.

As we change into our sleepwear and situate our sleeping bags I have an idea.

“What do you think about sleeping by the fire pit. Since it’s our last night camping?” I ask.

Her violet eyes light up as she nods enthusiastically.

I quietly set up our sleeping bags by the pit and Ghost has joined us, demanding pets from Dany. The moment she stops he nudged her hand with his head. She complies happily, Dany is very affectionate with my dog. Who seems to adore her already.

I know the feeling.

With Ghost sleeping at our feet and Dany and I holding each other before sleep we whisper quietly in between gentle kisses.

"We should be getting back to Boulder mid-afternoon at the latest. May I take you out on a date tomorrow night?" I ask hopefully as I kiss her neck. "I'd like to take you to The Mediterranean for dinner. After, we can walk around Pearl Street if you are up for it."

"Jon, I would love to go on a date with you tomorrow. But we don't need to eat at such a fancy restaurant," Dany says firmly, stopping to look me. "I just want to spend time with you. Let's eat at Chipotle, which is also on Pearl Street."

"It's our first real date, let me spoil you," I whisper.

Dany blushes but agrees. I kiss her nose.

"We can agree that our second date will be at Chipotle, which I think should be the following night," I notify her while she giggles and nods in agreement.

I pull her into my arms tightly so we can go to sleep.

It was a rough start, but it became the start of something beautiful.

"Goodnight, Dany," I whisper.

"Goodnight, Jon," she whispers, kissing me one last time before she falls asleep in my arms.

We lie under the stars while enjoying our last night of camping.

++o+ Story End +o++

#jonerys #jonerys fanfic #jonerys ff #jonerys fanfiction #daenerys targaryen #jon snow #GoT #complete #jonerys fics

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bananashemmo · 7 years

Text

When We Collide (Part 14)

Pairing: Assistant!Y/N/CEO!Luke

Rating: NC-17

Parts: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13

Summary: He is the definition of high class smart ass, swimming in Dom Pierre Pérignon champagne and has never seen the shadow of poverty. She is underprivileged, lives in a messy dorm room on sale and struggles working as an assistant after being thrown out of college. But how will they collide when Luke makes Y/N pregnant after a drunkenly one night stand?

When We Collide on Wattpad

“Cutest couple in Hollywood? My ass!” You commented loudly and looked down at the magazine in your hands, you wondered why you had even decided to invest money in it in the first place.

Your feet were resting on top of your desk while the icon of Tetris was still on your computer screen, but it was paused and your full attention was on the large front page in front of you.

“It’s all just a freaking joke.” You leaned over to grab your mug to take a sip of your almost cold tea, it had been standing there for too long and definitely not helping on your angry mood.

In your hands was the newest best selling gossip magazine out in the news with a front page of yet another new famous Hollywood couple. Though, this time it wasn’t just a random pair of people you would never get the chance to meet, no this was one with Luke and Holly.

“Why are they even getting this much attention...” You shook your head in disbelief and ran a hand through your hair, deciding to let it stay and rest.

“They most probably paid the photographer after I left. And five pages to read about them? They’re barely a thing, which author did they hire to come up with all of this crap?”

You were rambling loudly to no one in particular, the only respond you got was from the cars coming from many floors down. You were sitting alone but in your head you were having a discussion with three different sides of you at once.

Licking your finger to go through the sides easily you roamed through the magazine until you came to page 14 with Luke and Holly, seeing a few more pictures where you were also visible in the background.

“They could have least shown some respect in case I didn’t want my face in the interview I mean look at me!” You moved the page closer to your face, furrowing your eyebrows because that picture was horrible.

“I look like I was seeing a ghost.”

Falling back to your chair you folded the magazine together and threw it to the end of the table. You didn’t want to read about the fake imagination, it was enough that they were official and public now because no matter where you went Holly would be right in your heels.

It was as if she assumed that now she was in a relationship with Luke she was also allowed to use your assistant as a benefit. If you thought serving for Luke was horrible it was nothing compared to her.

But what could you say? You needed the money and you still had a bit of tolerance to keep your head up and push all the angry emotions away.

At least she was so dumb she barely heard anything every time you insulted her either indirectly or through sarcasm.

It had just been one of those days this morning when you woke up. Nothing seems to work out, you had horrible pain in your shoulders because you couldn’t find the right position to sleep in and the water had out of order this morning meaning that it was cold as hell and not able to use.

And without the chance to get some coffee it was clear shown on your face you were cranky. Not even Nicole had said hello, it was like she could spot your angry morning face with her back facing you.

It was a good thing you weren’t doing much today. Answering a few mails for Luke, checking his bank account to make sure his savings were alright and just simple checks like you always did.

Or, more likely now trying to beat your high-score in Tetris.

Concentration wasn’t really your best thing and when things got boring you needed something else to take your mind off. And it wasn’t like you were allowed to leave unless you needed to go to the bathroom or check something with another colleague.

“Y/N, have they called?” Luke suddenly said and grabbed your attention from the entrance to his office.

“Who?” You questioned confused and quickly moved your mouse so it could show something else on the screen and not spoiling your lack of dedication to the work.

“I already beat your high-score so there’s nothing to come for.” He replied fast like it was nothing and nodded his head towards your screen that now had closed down the Tetris game and he took the small walk around your table.

“I’ve been waiting for a very important phone call-, Oh would you look at that!” The subject was quickly changed once he noticed the magazine of himself resting on your desk.

You rolled your eyes and fell back in your chair by his lack of situation awareness. He was almost looking down at the magazine in awe, there was no doubt who he had eyes for the most.

“Don’t I look good?” He questioned and lifted up the magazine so it was right in front of his face to match.

“Isn’t your nose photo-shopped?” You asked almost in a mumbled and saw your reflection in the mirror of your computer.

“Photo-shopped?” He suddenly had fright in his eyes and looked back at the magazine. His fingers came up to touch his nose as if he had forgotten it was there and his lips parted.

“I’m just kidding?” You said like it was obvious, you were in disbelief that he hadn’t caught onto that yet.

“Oh yes, of course.” He mumbled and placed the magazine back on the table after taking one last look at his face.

“So have you seen? All the magazines look like this and not only because I’ve sponsored half of them. It’s literally everywhere, isn't it fucking amazing?”

“Yes, bloody amazing. I’m so rooting for you.” You gave him a smirk that was clearly sarcastic but he didn’t seem to mind and shrugged it off. Even if he had left the magazine in his hands he was still looking at it for dear life.

“Where is the sunshine now that we’re talking about her?” You asked seconds later, it was a nice feeling for once.

Your office wasn’t smelling of too much perfumed hairspray and nail polish. Not to mention that she didn’t really have her own place to stay at, she wasn’t assigned an office and when Luke had meetings the only place she could be was at yours.

“She’s out getting food. I could have forced you to it but she said she needed a walk. Something about wanting a new Marc Jacobs Carolyn Crocodile Handbag...” He almost gave you a glare and you furrowed your eyebrows.

“How many times have I said sorry? Out of all people you should be the one to get it!” You exclaimed and sat up in the chair so you weren't’ so pushed down.

“How should I be able to understand? You know how much that costs? More than you will ever own in your life, Y/N!” He grabbed the magazine again just so he could touch something, it helped him thinking.

“Because I’m pregnant, Luke? Are you still living in fantasy and not in the so called world of reality?” You almost spat, you couldn’t believe how he was still acting like this.

“Oh I am living in the world of reality!” He widened his eyes and nodded his head in agreement, “We just see reality with two different meanings! I’ve got so many things to focus on right now and to be honest I don’t know anything about this pregnancy stuff!”

“Well maybe you should!” Now you stood up from your chair just to prove how frustrated you were getting.

“Maybe you should just take one day out of your week to figure out what is going on? To see how things will change from day to day because every day I’m somehow a new person, I react differently and everything around me is different!”

“Have you gotten your coffee this morning or did someone piss on your toast?” He ignored everything you said and crossed his arms like he had been shutting his hearing off just for a second.

“Are you joking?” You asked and wanted to pull out strands of your hair.

“I’m not allowed to drink coffee with caffeine because it’s not healthy for the baby and last time I checked I have to be very careful with everything I do because by the smallest mistake I can lose everything!”

“Oh sorry I’m not keeping up with pregnancy errors!” He yelled back and loosened the tie around his neck.

“i just don't have the time to do it Y/N! I have a lot of things going on and you know that, you know how pressed my schedule is hell you’re even the one who makes it every week! I don’t have the time to invest time in keeping up with this baby and as I said it’s your thing! We agreed to have it, yes, but I only did it for you! That doesn’t mean that I have to keep up with it every single day because we’re not that close anyways! I mean, we’re boss and assistant it’s not like I would eat pizza with you and talk about the deeper side of life!”

Silence fell upon the room after his little speech, he was breathing violently but you could tell a bit of him seemed relieved. As if he had been carrying around with the words on his chest and now he finally got to say them.

“I uh-,” You mumbled confused and fell back in your chair feeling totally defeated.

“I just thought there was more to it that’s all.”

He didn't look at you, his eyes were adverted to his feet. You could see he was clenching his jaw, you weren’t sure if he had regretted saying it but it was Luke.

He never regretted anything he did.

“You don’t care about any of this, do you? You don’t want to know anything about this baby?” You grabbed onto one of your pencils just to check if you were shaking or if it was just something you were feeling.

“You don't want to know anything about me?”

It was a wave of many emotions hitting you at once. You could feel it, it was ready to explore and being shown on your whole body but you kept it in. It was hard, the hormones were trying to find a loophole but you kept it all in.

“It’s just how it is... I don’t see us work together when it comes to the befriending part. We’re just too different.” Luke said as his finals words and looked down at you with his baby blue eyes.

But even if you could compare them to so many great things in life, they were nothing else but cold and filled with nothing. You weren’t sure if it was even him speaking, with all this work sometimes he would turn into someone that was barely human.

That was what the business was doing to you. With all the hard work, with all the stress and anything else it offered you would slowly be losing yourself. You could feel it by just being an assistant and to imagine what he would be going through, it would be something way else.

But it was scary, there was no doubt.

“You know different is good sometimes? Being polar opposites?” You questioned almost in a whisper but he heard you loud and clearly.

A phone-call was what saved him for an answer. To be honest you barely wanted to hear what he had to say, when he was in this mood it wasn’t possible to get to him without talking to what you could compare to a door.

“Luke Hemmings’ Office. What may I help you with?” Your eyes were still locked with his as you answered the phone, a knot in your stomach forming.

“Yes, he’s available right now. I’ll let you in.” You mumbled the last part and pressed on the button that allowed whoever called to get inside, and you almost smacked the phone back on its stand.

“Who’s coming?” He asked in a calm tone.

“I should be the one to ask that.” You answered his question and crossed your arms, the guy in the phone didn’t sound familiar and since you weren’t aware of who he was talking about before you assumed he already knew and was prepared.

Luke sighed and ran a hand through his hair right in time as the door opened.

Inside came one guy in a nice suit along with two bodyguards from behind. Along with that were two others standing by the door, one of them being Ashton and he smiled softly when seeing your face.

“Luke Hemmings, my man.” The man announced, his hair red and pulled back into a small bun.

“Zachary Jensen, king of the diamonds.” Luke smiled and shook his hand followed by a manly hug.

“Not literally, but close enough.” Zachary winked and had a dry laugh afterwards, you assumed it was from too many cigarettes and cigars. Which was kind of weird considering he looked healthy.

Must have been Botox from an early age.

“Hello precious.” Your eyes widened when he politely leaned over to take your hand and kissed the back of it.

“Thanks for letting us in.” He winked again.

You wanted to stammer ‘You’re welcome’, or something along the lines of that but you only managed to choke on your salvia and nod your head in agreement. It was too weird, sometimes you wished you could confront Luke and tell him that he needed a new pair of friends.

“Now should we talk diamonds!” Zachary announced and waved for one of the bodyguards to come, he had a black box in his hand that looked rather fancy and secret.

“Of course. Let’s go inside.” Luke nodded is head in agreement and opened the door to his office, letting Zachary in first.

“Y/N if someone calls or requires my attention please do inform I’m in a very busy meeting right not and not available for service.” He looked over at you to see you nod in understanding and agreement.

“I will do.” You said like you couldn’t care less and lifted up the phone so nobody were able to call it if they wanted.

You could tell by the expression on his face that now wasn’t the time to joke but he nodded his head in satisfaction and closed the door. Not that you couldn't see anything inside, it was full on glass doors that had recently been cleaned.

You had suddenly no idea what to do, you couldn’t play Tetris because there was a security guard standing in front of the door to Luke’s office and because you couldn’t call him for direction you were stuck with nothing.

“Looks like a busy day for you.” Ashton commented from your behind and placed his hand on top of your chair.

“You tell me?” You sighed and leaned back to look up at him with a small pout.

“Do you mind?” He asked politely and pointed towards the chair that was placed in front of your desk.

“Well if you’ve got some sort of protection in case I vomit or spill my food on your clothes again I’d say yes.” You ironically said, you were so emotionally disturbed you didn't even care about the embarrassment from before.

It wouldn't surprise you if you did it again. If you made a fool of yourself and once again hear him say that it would be alright because you could not avoid being clumsy around him.

It was the weird affection he had on you.

“Here.” He leaned over to take the basket that was on your desk, not that it had anything in it you had just bought it for decoration from IKEA.

“You think that will help” He moved it in front of his face just to make sure nothing would happen and to be honest he looked so stupid you couldn’t avoid laughing.

“I won’t do anything this time I promise.” You said and leaned over to remove the basket from his head, or at least that was what you were hoping for.

He nodded his head in agreement and laughed quietly. He was so easy to read, you could just tell how comfortable he was. The way he was around you, the smile he had on his face, like come on twice you had done something that normally would scare people off.

“How are you like this?” You asked with a soft tone, feeling a little bit dazed but it wasn’t because you were feeling bad or anything.

“Like what?” He smiled back and fiddled with the batch in his belt.

“Like you can take on the world no matter what you do? You’re so carefree, you don’t seem to be scared of anything that could possibly hurt or ruin you. How do you do that? I barely feel like I know you yet I feel like I do.”

He smiled as if it wasn’t the first time he had been asked this and he placed fish hands on top of your desk with his fingers fiddled together.

“I guess that’s just a part of who I am.” He shrugged but still had the warm smile on his face and fiddled with one of the pens on your table.

“I go through one day at the time. I’m not in a rush and very open-minded for everyone around me.”

“That’s a great skill.” You nodded and you actually felt a little bit jealous but it wasn’t in a bad way. You wished you saw life from same perspective as him.

“You want to?” He asked and you furrowed your eyebrows.

“Want to what?” You answered his question with a question.

“Get to know me. And not just the side of me that constantly says it’s alright when you spill on my clothes.”

“I uh-,” You nervously fiddled with whatever you could take in your hands just to look down at it instead of him, your cheeks were turning red but you were still giggling by his kindness.

“I’d really like that.” You agreed with a nod.

“That’s great? I’m not sure about you but I’m actually off as long as they’re in a meeting how about you take a small break yourself? You look like someone who could need it.”

He didn’t say it as if he was being offending, it was just an observation. You understood, when you looked into your reflection you looked like someone who could sleep any minute from now.

When you nodded a bigger smile broke onto his face and he moved his chair closer to the desk.

“Great I know this place a few streets away that serves the best coffee ever.”

“Coffee?” You almost asked in defeat, you didn’t want so sound like it was a bad idea but truth was, it was a bad idea.

“Coffee?” He repeated the way you had been saying it like it was something bad and he furrowed his eyebrows.

“Oh, you don’t drink coffee?”

“It’s not that...” You mumbled, feeling your heart start to race, “Ashton there’s something I need to tell you before we start all of this. After, you can announce whether you actually want to get to know me or not.”

“Sure, okay.” Ashton nodded his head in understanding, furrowing his eyebrows preparing for what you had to say.

“I’m uh-,” You hesitated whether you should say it or not and bit down on your lips harshly.

“I’m pregnant.”

“You’re... Pregnant?” He stayed put in his position but you could tell so many thoughts were racing in his mind at once. His eyes had also grown in size, but he wasn’t looking completely shocked. Probably more frozen in his spot.

You hesitantly looked back at your desk not really knowing how to explain any further. Maybe he didn’t want to know anymore and want to leave.

“You’re pregnant.” He said more in a statement and looked over at you with his lips parted.

“That kind of makes sense considering the throwing up and that.” He scratched his stubble chin and furrowed his eyebrows by thinking the scenarios over again.

“Yeah uh-, I had morning sickness.” You stammered nervously and looked down at your thighs.

“But we were drinking champagne?” He suddenly remembered and looked at you curiously.

“No actually you were the one drinking champagne. I just politely took it and spit out the small sip I took like everyone else.” You explained and watched is face turn into wonder.

“Well that also makes sense then.” He leaned back in his chair and looked less confused than before but it was also hard to answer to many things at once.

“So you’re a married woman?” He asked after some thinking and your eyes widened.

“Oh no no no, I’m uh-, I’m not together with the father. It’s all just really hard to explain I know and I understand if you don’t want anything to do with me. It must be hard already but I just thought I’d let you know.”

You nervously looked down at the desk, you didn’t want to see his expression. You could already imagine him leave the table wanting to get away as quick as possible.

“Well that’s something got take in.” He announced and ran a hand through his curly hair.”

“Yeah I know it’s just... Complicated.” You whispered the last part and let the silence take over the room to let him think. You almost regretted telling him but he was better off with the news instead of being played with and suddenly surprised by everything.

“Juice?” He suddenly blurted, his eyes a bit wide from all the news but you didn’t blame him.

“Juice?” You questioned back and realized that it was actually a new suggestion of his.

“I like juice.”

“I think we just found the first thing we have in common.” He smiled and stood up from his chair with an inviting hand.

You looked up at him unsure if it was what he actually wanted but when he nodded his head in agreement you couldn’t do anything else but giggle and feel your stomach erupt with butterflies.

“Juice it is then.”

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