#and last meeting boss was like at least none of you gotta worry about your job

[unholyeverything]

Love germany and it’s non existant overtime pay. Love it. Oh but you can take days off with ur overtime weee

/stares at my 154 extra hours that surely come cuz i have so much time to take time off/

yes.

[lemoncrushh]

Connect

Summary: Not wanting to lose their connection, Lily takes a surprise trip to see Harry.

Warnings: None

Word Count: 3.4k

A/N: Real Harry x OC, written in first person. This is the last of my writings from 2019 (technically the first one since I'm reposting backwards). Obviously, this was heavily based on Live on Tour. I think I was just testing the waters then after having taken a break from fics. The only thing I focused on in 2018 was a longer fic which will come later. So next, I'll be reposting the one shots from 2017.

“I miss you,” he said, his voice raspy and weary.

“I miss you, too.”

“I wish you were here with me,” said Harry. “I know you didn’t wanna be, cause it’s crazy, but-”

“I never said I didn’t wanna be,” I interrupted.

“Well, you can’t. And I get it.”

With a sigh, I rolled over onto my stomach as I gnawed on the inside of my cheek. The truth was, I wanted to be with him more than anything. I just felt like it was too soon. We’d only started dating a few months before he left for the tour. Things had been such a whirlwind then, that it was a wonder we’d managed to actually become a thing. I’d worried that we’d moved too fast, and when Harry had asked me to consider flying out for some of the shows, I’d hesitated. In the end, I’d told him I couldn’t do anything on short notice since I didn’t have vacation time yet and my job was still relatively new. But I promised I would make plans to be with him for his final show in Los Angeles. He’d said he understood, but each time we talked on the phone, he seemed to miss me more and more. It broke my heart to say the least.

“I just don’t think I can-“

“Lily,” he interrupted this time. “It’s okay. Let’s change the subject.”

That night when I went to bed, I thought about our conversation. Though the rest of it had been sweet and light-hearted, I had felt the weight of Harry’s tone. He wasn’t mad, or even upset, but I could tell he was having a hard time concealing his emotions.

Throwing the covers off of me, I hopped out of bed and grabbed my laptop. Like the word nerd I was, I googled.

Emotion. Noun. A natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others.

Relationship. Noun. The way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected.

Harry and I were connected. I knew it from the moment we met. Not to sound cheesy, like it was some grand scene of kismet in a rom com, but I’d felt something that first day.

Literally, it had been my first day at my new job. After years of trying to be a writer and applying for any kind of position that was remotely associated with writing, taking jobs as a receptionist at a local fluff newspaper and a data entry operator in the accounting department of a publishing company, and even working behind the counter at a bookstore, I’d finally landed my dream job. Well, not so much dream as it was...how shall I put this...the bottom of the totem pole at a company I wanted to work for. Everyone’s gotta start somewhere, right? So what if I was pouring coffee and scheduling meetings and *cough* picking up dry cleaning? I was working for an amazing magazine. No, I wasn’t writing anything yet, but I was finally getting somewhere!

The stars must have been aligned that day. Being the “new girl”, I was led around the office by my boss as she introduced me to everyone. We’d just made it past the editing department when Candace, my boss, lifted her cell to her ear with a frown.

I didn’t understand the conversation, especially with only hearing one side of it, but I certainly caught the words “Harry Styles” and “lunch interview” followed by a few expletives. My breath stilled, and I’m pretty sure my heart did too. Trying to act casual as Candace returned her phone to her pocket, I blinked several times and shifted the weight between my feet.

“Lily,” she turned to me. “I know it’s your first day and you barely know your way around here, but I need a favor.”

I nodded. “Of course.”

Her expression relaxed as she gave a gentle smile. “Congratulations. You get the opportunity no one else has ever gotten on their first day.”

I wasn’t sure why I’d agreed to it, other than the fact that I’d wanted this job more than anything, and impressing Candace was my top priority. But to say I was a nervous wreck as I rode next to her in her BMW to a restaurant so luxurious I’d only ever dreamed of dining there, was an understatement. Apparently Candace’s head writer had gotten into an accident on the freeway that morning and was unable to get to the interview on time. That meant either sending someone else to have lunch with Harry Styles or going herself. Deciding quickly on the latter, and because it was my first day as her personal assistant, I got to tag along, notebook in hand. Well, not exactly in hand. It was in my bag. But you get the idea.

I hadn’t really known what to expect, both in meeting Harry and in getting to eat lunch at this particular restaurant, but within ten minutes I got the answers. The restaurant, while swanky with a limited menu, still felt like any other restaurant I’d been to, albeit upscale. Cloth napkins, iced water in big glasses that looked like they were more for wine or brandy, and tinkly piano music to complete the ambience. And as for Harry Styles...well let’s just say, he was the coolest person I’d ever met. And I don’t mean cool as in too cool for me, or too cool for school. I mean he was so completely down-to-earth that I immediately felt at ease. Sure, my insides were a mess, my heart beating out of my chest and my stomach doing somersaults, but despite that, he didn’t come off as a “celebrity”. He was charming and funny and easy to talk to. And because I was Candace’s assistant, you would think he’d only direct his answers to her. But he looked over at me several times with a sexy, easy grin and made sure he included me in the conversation.

Once Candace got up to take another phone call, and I was left alone with Harry. Afraid I might say or do something stupid, I looked at the notes I had written down. Candace of course had recorded the conversation on her phone with Harry’s permission, so I wasn’t quite sure why she’d had me take notes too. But such is the job of an assistant, I presumed.

After a moment or two of silence, Harry said something, though it took me a second to realize he was addressing me.

“Sorry?” I looked up from my scribbles.

“Is the interview done?” he asked, his eyebrows raised.

“Um...I don’t think so,” I stumbled.

“Then why are you looking at that? I’m right here.”

My heart plummeted to my stomach, and I thought I might vomit the salad I’d just eaten.

“Sorry,” I mumbled as I shoved my notebook into my bag, my face no doubt red from embarrassment. I wanted to crawl under the table...on the other side of the restaurant.

Suddenly Harry laughed. A good, hearty laugh. I looked up at him to see the little crinkles next to his eyes as he chuckled, dimples dipping in his cheeks.

“Loosen up, Lily,” he said.

It took me a second, and a shake of my head, to remember that he knew my name. But the fact that he’d remembered it after only learning it once briefly when Candace had introduced me was another thing entirely. And...was he teasing me?

“Excuse me?” I asked.

“I’m just giving you a hard time. You seem very nervous.”

“Sorry.”

“Don’t apologize,” he smiled. Then he gestured toward where Candace had walked off. “Is she hard to work for?”

I relaxed, exhaling and placing my hands in front of me. “Truth?”

“Of course.”

“It’s my first day.”

A grin spread across Harry’s handsome face. Just then Candace emerged from the hallway headed back to our table. Harry quickly and simply leaned over towards me, covering my hand with his.

“You’re doing great,” he whispered.

And that’s when I knew.

Okay, it’s not when I knew we were meant to be together or would fall in love or any of that. But I felt connected. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it, but it was something.

I hadn’t gotten another assignment quite like that one again. At least not yet. Most of my job consisted of running errands and getting coffee, although I did get to see and greet a few celebrities here and there. But when Harry’s interview was printed, I received a bouquet of flowers. Lilies.

Harry and I laughed about it for days after he called to ask me out. We both agreed it was cheesy, but he admitted he liked the cheese. I’d fallen for it, after all. Sucker.

Emotion. Noun. A natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one's circumstances, mood, or relationships with others.

I stared at the screen, reciting the definition over and over. Harry and I were in a relationship. He was far away and it would be a long time before he returned. How could I not feel any emotion about it? How could I not consider his feelings as well? How could I keep pretending I didn’t miss him more than anything? How could I possibly keep this amazing relationship alive if I wasn’t willing to try to put more effort in re-establishing our connection?

Connect. Verb. Bring together or into contact so that a real or notional link is established.

Indeed.

With one or two more clicks of the mouse, I found myself on an airline website. Then opening a second tab, I brought up another website and searched for Harry Styles tickets. Flipping between the two sites, I chose a concert on a Saturday and managed to find a decent price for a flight. I figured I could fly out on Friday and be back by Sunday. I wouldn’t even have to miss work. A few clicks later, and I’d made my purchases. I was going to see Harry.

It had been a while since I’d been to a concert. Despite being a huge fan of music and having my own list of favorites, I hadn’t been inside an arena in at least a few years. My ears were already ringing from the noises around me, fans eager for Harry to take the stage.

I had a seat near the B stage. I hadn’t known what that meant until I’d bought my ticket and began to watch fan videos on YouTube. During the middle of the show, Harry stepped off the main stage and walked the gauntlet so to speak, screaming fans on either side, and made his way to a second smaller stage near the back of the arena where he performed a few songs acoustically. I’d watched several videos so far, and this was probably my favorite part of the show. It seemed so intimate, like Harry was giving his audience a special little piece of himself. Sometimes he’d throw in a little banter which made me giggle and remind me why I liked him so much.

I’d also seen fans giving him flowers. I thought that might be a little presumptuous and perhaps even ridiculous, not because he didn’t deserve them, but because...what if he didn’t take them? Or what if they got crushed in all the excitement? The poor girl spent her money on a bouquet for nothing. But I reckoned I’d take my chance. And if nothing else, we’d have a laugh over it later.

No, Harry didn’t know I was coming. It was a surprise. We’d even talked on the phone the night before after I’d landed and was snug as a bug in my hotel bed. He hadn’t a clue.

When the lights went out, I immediately felt the excitement the rest of the arena did. I even laughed and hugged the girl next to me when she grabbed my arm and screamed in my ear.

Before the first song was over, one thing was certain. Watching Harry Styles on YouTube was not the same as watching him in person. You would think I wouldn’t be screaming and dancing with the rest of the crowd since I actually knew the guy personally, let alone had the privilege of dating him. But holy cow, was I a fangirl! It was like watching Mick Jagger, Freddie Mercury and some cool indie rocker all rolled into one. I was so mesmerized and lost in every single song that I almost forgot about him coming to the B stage. Until it happened.

I’d laid my bouquet of lilies as gently as I could underneath my seat, hoping they didn’t get stomped on. I quickly retrieved them as soon as he took the steps down the main stage and waited for him to come closer. To be honest, up till this point, I suppose I had just assumed he would catch a glimpse of me, but I hadn’t considered anything further than that. My stomach started doing the flips as he climbed onto the small stage, and I saw him wave to the crowd. I didn’t want to make my presence obvious, but I did want him to know I was there. But his eyes grazed right over me and then he pulled his guitar strap over his head.

Disappointment ate at me as I felt my chest deflate. Nevertheless, Harry sang the first song beautifully, and it brought tears to my eyes. As he introduced the chords to the next song, teasing the audience a bit, I almost thought he saw me. But instead he tucked his guitar pick between his teeth and spread out his arms, making the crowd cheer loudly. The girl next to me began to jump up and down, making the ground tremble beneath my feet. I sort of wished she’d make enough noise for Harry to look our way, but he seemed to be taking it all in, letting the fans simmer in their excitement.

Finally, he began to sing. It was one of my favorite ballads where everyone with a cell phone brought it up to display their flashlights or bright screens. I sang along with him, wishing I could somehow channel my thoughts to him, make him look my way telepathically. Suddenly, during the breakdown after the bridge, his gaze met mine. It was kind of comical how his eyes widened as though he wasn’t sure he’d really seen me. I smiled, holding my lilies underneath my chin. Then he smiled too, one corner of his mouth sliding up further than the other. The crowd seemed to scream even louder, thinking his pause and smirk was somehow a reaction to them. I was perfectly fine with letting them think that. But I knew it was for me.

Harry finished the song, his audience singing in unison. Then he took me by surprise by setting down his guitar, walking to the edge of the stage, and reaching out. At first I wasn’t sure what was going on, but then someone nearby, a stagehand or someone from the soundboard, or maybe even Jeffrey Azoff, heck if I knew then, took the flowers from my hands and handed them to Harry. He smiled, inhaled deeply, smiled even wider, then blew me a kiss.

Everything after that happened so fast, it was a whirlwind. I think someone took the flowers back from Harry and put them somewhere. Then Harry sang one more song before heading back to the main stage. The cute girl next to me grabbed my arm again and squealed that he’d taken my flowers, and I was so freaking lucky, and that she was gonna do that next time, if she got to see him again. I giggled with her and squeezed her hand, then we watched the rest of the show in glee.

I hugged my new friend goodbye after the lights came back on, not really sure what to do next. Obviously I’d come to see Harry, not just his concert. But I didn’t know if I should stick around and wait for him, or go back to my hotel.

I opted for watching the crowd fizzle out as they sang and danced down the aisles towards the exits. I was just about to climb the steps myself and make my way to the restroom when my phone buzzed in my pocket.

Where are you?

I grinned, quickly texting him back.

Still in my seat.

I’ll send someone for you.

I wouldn’t have been surprised if I’d had to wait another half hour or so before someone came to retrieve me. Working somewhat in the entertainment industry - even for a few months - I was used to a lot of waiting. But it wasn’t barely five minutes before a man with a tight smile on his face came to greet me.

“Follow me,” he said simply.

The hallway backstage was brightly lit and smelled of sweat and cologne. It reminded me of a high school gym. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting as I’d seen many movies and documentaries about bands, but for some reason it wasn’t that. Still, I followed the man down the corridor to a closed door onto which he knocked. Someone must have given him the all clear and he pushed open the door and gestured for me to enter.

Now, the fangirl in me would have kicked myself for not first noticing the shirtless Harry Styles sitting in a chair by the mirror, but instead the bouquet of lilies displayed in a vase next to him. However, the girlfriend in me was all heart-eyed and flustered.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” I heard him ask.

Blinking my eyes, I smiled at him, finally getting a good look at him. Weak knees. Heart palpitations. 9-1-1, people. How did I get so freaking lucky, as my new stranger friend would have said.

“I wanted it to be a surprise,” I beamed.

“Well, mission accomplished,” he chuckled.

With the grace of a gazelle, Harry rose from his chair to stand in front of me. I’d almost forgotten how tall he was. Man, it had been too long.

“Truth is…” I cleared my throat. “I missed you.”

Harry said nothing, merely nodded, his eyes glowing as they seemed to memorize every curve of my face.

“And um…” I continued as he suddenly touched my arms, his hands cupping my elbows.

I momentarily lost my train of thought as Harry lowered his head and began to breathe on my neck. I felt goosebumps all over my flesh in an instant, and I instinctively lifted my hands to touch his chest.

“There’s an and?” he said low into my ear.

“Yeah,” I sighed. “But it’s not important.”

“Of course it is. Or you wouldn’t be here.”

He lifted his head again to look straight into my eyes.

“Tell me,” he said.

“I just...didn’t want to lose our connection,” I confessed. “I think we have something great. And I hope you do, too.”

Harry nodded, a soft smile on his lips. “I do.”

“I admit, it’s hard being apart from you,” I added, looking down at my hands that had somehow landed on either side of his butterfly tattoo. “But I’d be an idiot if I didn’t let you know how I feel.”

Harry pulled me to him then, and I felt him sigh.

“And how do you feel?” he asked.

“I just said.”

Harry laughed. “No, you didn’t.”

“I feel...emotional,” I side-stepped.

“That’s a bit redundant, darling.”

I bit my lip. He was gonna make me say it, wasn’t he? As much as I was a word nerd, that was one word I couldn’t just blurt out. Even though I definitely felt it. It just wasn’t easy for me.

“Well, how do you think I feel, Harry?  I mean, I just flew out here from L.A. to surprise you.”

“Oh, I dunno,” he teased. “Could’ve been for another reason, and I just happened to be here…”

“Harry!”

He threw his head back laughing before kissing me on the forehead. Then the nose. Then the mouth. The kiss deepened, and for a minute I thought perhaps his inquiring was over and we were just lost in each other. Then he stopped suddenly and whispered against my lips.

“I love you, too, Lily.”

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[cato616]

NEGOTIATING OVER US (part three)

roman roy x fem reader

note: im glad actually at least a few people saw the other posts i was honestly expecting none at all, so yey thanks <3

summary: you're expecting to go back to see roman today; are you hoping to experience something like yesterday with him? or are you planning to have a normal "negotiation" (since of course you know you don't want to seel) day. Keeps you excited

content: some spicy spice and well as always degrading treatment from roman

You're pretty anxious about today, cleaning over every single table of the café every ten minutes and at the same time, taking orders, you really make those tables shine by the way; you're waiting until Liza arrives so she can start her shift and you can be gone already. cleaning, coffee, cleaning, coffee, cleaning... LIZA! she finally arrived and you dropped the rag when you were about to clean the counter for the third time, you really had to put your mind on something else because this types of meetings makes you impatient.

"hey Liza!" you waive at her. "You seem really happy to see me" she said to you with somewhat of a worried face. "yeah! i gotta be somewhere and i wa-" "you want me to cover the next few hours" Liza interrupted you finishing your sentence. "yes! you can't say no, i am your boss tho" you laugh with her. "where are you going this time?" she asks in a friendly way. "just having a date with-" "oh!" Liza adds mid sentence seeming amused, you continue. "... with the roy family" you say. "oh..." Liza's face changed to disappointment. "yeah... they're still trying to make me sell" you said to her while you start to put your coat on; since Liza is one of the few people that knows about the history of the café, when you said that, she felt a little blue about it. "so, are you... going to sell?" She asks you pitifully. "I don't want to sell Liza... im just, meeting them anyway... roman always came here, i am now going over there" Liza nods with her head smiling at you and then waiving goodbye when you start leaving.

You start walking over your grand meeting with roman roy, and just by knowing that, it makes impatient all over again, you can't think about it until you get to arrive there, so you put your headphones on and start listening to music to escape your mind a little bit.

You're a block away from the building, and my my, it looks even bigger than last time, you start having a lot of vertigo by just looking at it.

Here we are now entering hell. "good morning hey, im here to see roman roy?..." you had to ask the receptionist since you couldn't go up in an elevator without authorization. "uh... yes, you may go" she kindly directs you to the security guards who would let you go in with their key cards; very intimidating men, feels like they destroy animal plushies just for fun. you walked really fast into the elevators, those big guys had some scary faces too, who hired them? never mind, that makes sense.

You're in the elevator, breathing, in and out. You can't help but to feel nervous about these places; these people makes you drop huge gouts of sweat over your forehead, and under your armpits, that's why you needed to relax first. 'ding.' You arrived at your floor, it's time to shine.

Right after you set a foot outside the elevator, you look up, and you see roman waiting for the same one. You stared into each other's eyes at first and even for a millisecond you felt you wanted to say something different by just looking at him, but you immediately great him like an every day person. "hey roman, good to see you" you unintentionally stretch your hand to him, he obviously doesn't copy you and do the same thing instead looks down at it as he feels grossed out by the gesture, and starts laughing, of course. "oh yeah yeah mrs. princess come on in to the castle" he stretched your hand in an ironic way while making a silly voice. "don't greet me like that, I'm not the fucking president of the united states." You two start walking to his office and well, you looked very solemn by his attitude, but deep inside you did felt a bit embarrassed, you never actually did that when he would stop by your shop the other times. "(you sigh) always so delighted to see you roman" you sarcastically tell him. He opens the door for you to go in. "yeah don't worry darling, i know that you hate me and blah blah blah". You sit down on those sofas he had in his office, and after he said that you zone out and start to reflect about it, i don't think I've actually ever hated him, i said the words but never felt it.

You zone back in when he suddenly sits on another seat in front of you, there's a bit of silence, there's words that are trying to come out of your mouth but you're worried how much it would change the atmosphere in the room. "i've... never actually hated you... by the way." Roman seems astounded by your comment, he has a slight smirk on his face. "oh wow, really? you're the first one then" he then suddenly starts to make deep eye contact with you; you're the type that can't stand eye contact for even a second, so your eyes start to wonder somewhere else to avoid him; oh shit no, not down there, look up! look up, the window, perfect, stay still. Of course roman noticed your anxious look around the place, and those accidental wonder eyes you gave him. "what? what you looking at? a plane?". You're now tired of his teasing at this time of the day, and get to the point.

"i only came back here to tell you once more that i won't ever sell my coffee shop" you told him very confident, you felt good about yourself after saying it; he smiles at you as if he believes that you don't know what you're saying. "what?" as you start to feel on edge by his silence and his smirking, that unfortunately makes the insecurity come back to your body, damn you, roman you bully. "maybe for now let's say you don't wanna sell, sure" he's making you feel confused and irritated with his stupid superior complex. "i am not going to sell roman" you said to him very serious this time. "I've told you about it already" you remind him about your story. "oh yeah boo-hoo sad backstory-" You struggle to feel confident at times, but you don't let people like that in your life, he really does feel like he's better the anyone else. "I'm leaving, hope you have a good day you little shit" you rapidly get up from your sit almost about to leave the room. "okay waitwaitwait stop". roman didn't even felt like getting up but he did like saying wait very fast. "i don't know why i stopped, but of course that you roman tend to be fucking selfish, egocentric, and a bitch, but who knows why, i forgot about that" you yelled.

Quietness fills up the room; your face is hulk red and his is blue; he looks down, defeated. "pff, wow, i thought you said you didn't hate me" You couldn't believe that he felt sad about it, however, you were deeply fighting your inner self, started to feel a little regretful. "oh so apparently you're the victim, nice one" you sarcastically put your thumbs up to him. You paused, he didn't say anything. You didnt want to at the moment, but deep down you wanted him to feel remorse; you felt like you should be civilized about it. "just try to say sorry perhaps and we can then, continue our day"

He starts to get up very slowly from his seat, his eyes gradually starts to direct themselves from the floor to then your eyes, he's now very delicately getting closer to you. Your face meets his face, you stayed very still, not a word coming through your mouth. His eyes slightly start to shift, left to right, like if he's trying to decipher what your eyes are telling him. then he quietly says, "i am, sorry... i didn't say, anything about our meeting, last night". You froze.

Although you were pretty aroused by that meeting yesterday and actually wanted to have something like that happen again, the adrenaline; you weren't very good at confronting it. So now you felt it became harder to breath, while your heart was beating faster. "You want me to say something about it?" He wanted you to respond as of course you were at the moment, unavailable, your mind is currently out of thoughts. "um.. a-about, what?" you continue to not admit the events. "I'm not stupid- you fucking want me, don't you?"

continue

[fictionalwh0ree]

fireworks- rachel green

summary: you meet rachel at a new years eve party thrown by monica and are immediately entranced by her.

word count: 1.2k

warnings: none

pairing: rachel green x fem!reader

a/n: happy new years guys!!! heres a little nyc nye kiss imagine

join my taglist!!

you took a deep breath as you stood outside your co-worker/boss, monica's apartment. the smell of food fanned out into the hall, though it was something you'd grown used to working at her restaurant. she'd been kind enough to invite you to her new years party. you chose to wear a simple yet stylish dress that hugged your body in all the right places. you finally knocked on the door. when it was opened a man with dark hair was on the other side.

"how you doin'?" he smirked.

"joey! you know the rules, no flirting with my guests!" monica yelled, approaching the door.

"hey y/n," she laughed nervously, tugging at the bottom of her dress and motioning for you to enter.

"hi monica," you said, stepping in.

"don't worry about joey, he flirts with anyone with boobs," monica assured, prompting a small laugh from you.

she took you around the room, introducing you to her friends. first was chandler, who was joey's roommate. next was phoebe, who you learned was a masseuse as well as a singer/songwriter. after that was ross, monica's brother, though he seemed preoccupied staring at the last person monica introduced you to, rachel. you could see why, though. she was stunning, her dirty blonde hair flowed to just below her shoulders and she wore a dress in a similar simplistic style to yours.

"rachel, this is y/n, she works at the restaurant," monica introduced.

"y/n, this is rachel," she finished, walking away to attend to other guests.

"hi y/n," rachel greeted.

"hi," you breathed out nervously.

"i love your dress," she complimented.

"oh, thanks! i love yours, too," you said.

you began to hit it off and you found you had quite a lot in common. you were glad you'd found someone to stick around with for the party, seeing as you didn't know many people. as it got later, the energy in the apartment only got better. everyone seemed to be excited for a new year, you included. as you continued your conversation, you and rachel exchanged a few flirty words, though you tried not to get your hopes up. it was only 1997, anyways. well, it was almost 1998, at least it would be in about half an hour. you thought about it all, your thoughts telling you it'd never work out.

you were snapped out of your thoughts when ross came and asked if it was okay to steal rachel for a second. you nodded mindlessly, not having fully processed what he'd said.

you went to the food table, picking up and trying some of monica's delicious food. you looked at the tv, which was set to the countdown.

11:47 pm

as you munched on an appetizer, you could somewhat hear rachel and ross talking. ross was trying to talk to rachel, though it seemed more like he was just searching for a topic that would hook her on the conversation.

"i've gotta go find y/n," rachel said.

"she's not gonna die if you leave her alone, rach," he tried convincing.

"i don't wanna leave her alone for the countdown," she pushed.

"why? you plan on kissing her or something?" phoebe pitched in jokingly.

"is it so bad for me to not want my friend to start off the new year in a room full of people she barely knows?" rachel diverted, an almost unnoticeable blush tinting her cheeks.

as you were facing away, you'd completely missed her body language and took that as your sign that nothing would ever happen between the two of you. the admiring stares, the smile that spread onto her features when she heard you talk about something you were passionate about and everything in between were all a coincidence, you told yourself half-heartedly.

you were pulled out of your thoughts by rachel greeting you again and throwing in a quick apology for being gone so long. the time was now 11:53 pm.

"do you wanna go outside quickly? i need some fresh air," rachel said.

"sure," you answered.

she interlaced your fingers and your heart almost stopped. she tugged you out onto monica's balcony, guiding you through the other guests. the cold new york air engulfed you, goosebumps spreading all around your body. you rubbed your arms as you looked up at the dark sky, small and big stars scattered around it. the moon hung high, illuminating the streets of the city. you took a minute to bask in the moment.

"we probably should've grabbed our coats before coming out, huh?" rachel laughed.

"probably," you laughed, looking over at her as she looked at the sky.

"do you wanna go back in?" she asked.

"what's 5 minutes?" you answered after looking at the time displayed on the tv through the window.

"okay, well we have a blanket," she began as she looked around the balcony, picking it up, "and this chair!"

"what're we gonna do with one chair?" you giggled.

"oh come on, we both fit in it. it's a pretty wide chair," she reasoned.

you both tried to sit in it, but as you expected, it was really tight.

"can i try something?" you asked.

"sure, go ahead," she answered.

you placed your hands on either side of her upper hips and pulled her onto your lap.

"is this okay?" you asked.

"yeah, it's perfect," she said, whispering the last part.

it was much more comfortable and the closeness of your bodies and blanket thrown over the two of you provided you with enough warmth to combat the chilly night air. the downside to your closeness was that your heart was pounding in your chest and all you could do was hope that the gorgeous woman sitting on your lap wouldn't notice.

11:59 pm

"i'm sorry i dragged you out here to spend your new years eve in the cold with some girl stuck to you," rachel apologized, turning to look at you.

"there's no need to apologize. i love spending my new years with pretty girls, plus the fireworks are my favourite part of new years anyways," you reassured, turning to face her.

as if on cue, the fireworks began to light up the sky, their colourful sparks were miles away yet you could see them clear as day. you looked back at rachel to find her already looking at you. the bright fireworks reflected in her eyes as she smiled softly before speaking.

"happy new years," she said, your faces only inches apart.

your cold breath turned into vapour and her nose, which was now bumping with yours, was tinted bright red along with her cheeks.

"happy new years," you whispered as though speaking any louder would break the purity of the moment.

she glanced down at your lips, her gaze lingering on them as she licked her own.

“can i?” she asked, her words so low that if you were even an inch further away you would’ve missed it. you nodded slowly and within a second, her lips were on yours in a gentle kiss, the taste of champagne still present. sparks flew between the two of you, similar to those that boomed in the sky above you.

--

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[forever-rogue]

OH I HAVE AN IDEA like an angsty fic where bucky and reader have a miscommunication and it causes a fight between them and they are both like ???? “we’ve never yelled at each other ??? what is this” AND IDK I JUST WANT ANGST

So, head empty, very little thoughts, but I hope this works and you like it 🥺

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

You sang along to the music that was playing softly in the background as you showered and got ready for your day. You’d had a late start, easily giving into Bucky and staying in bed for just five more minutes, which had really turned out to be almost another hour. The good thing about being the boss was that you could afford to be late every once in a while. Bucky was in the kitchen, whipping up a quick breakfast before he too needed to leave and go about his day.

“Sugar,” he called out to you as you washed your hair. You could faintly make out his voice as you carried on, but figured you’d be able to make out what he was saying well enough, “I’ve got everything made and prepared just how you like it!”

You thought nothing of it for a moment and continued to wash your hair; but about halfway through the motions, you stopped in surprise. What had he actually said?

“Bucky? Bub, what did you say?” you quickly rinsed out our hair before pulling back the shower curtain as you tried to listen in. Had he really said he was mad?

“It’s all done! I’m done,” he called back as he covered your plate for you to find once you got out of the shower. He grabbed his travel mug of coffee and headed towards the door, giving Alpine a quick pet before leaving, “bye honey. Running late and gotta go - I’m leaving!”

“Bucky!” you almost slipped and fell as you tore back the shower curtain and almost jumped out of the shower. It was still running as you haphazardly grabbed a towel and darted down the hall and into the kitchen. But he was already gone; the only thing that was left behind was the faint smell of his cologne. Swallowing the nervous lump in your throat, you trudged back down the hall to finish your shower. You were already running late and whatever this was - whatever had just happened - would need to wait until later.

Had Bucky really just broken up with you in the midst of a shower? It sure seemed like it right now.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

A heavy sigh escaped your lips as you sat down and stared at your computer screen. You’d had the same spreadsheets and charts pulled up for the last two hours and made almost no progress. You swore that almost every single interaction you’d had with Bucky over the last week was playing on loop in your mind. You were desperately trying to figure out where you’d gone wrong, what had caused him to snap.

In an effort to alleviate your own fears, you’d texted Bucky to get a response from him and see what was going on. But you hadn’t heard back from him. You’d sent three messages before deciding not to bombard him. But still...if he was just up and leaving you after almost three years together, he owed you at least a small explanation.

You opened google and quickly pulled up an apartment search, already resigned yourself to the idea that you’d need to find a new place fast. Being around for too long would be too hard and you didn’t want to subject to more torture than necessary. And Alpine! You’d need to decide what to do with your beloved cat - Alpine loved you equally, how were you to choose who would get the fluffy little thing? And all the friends in common you shared...who would they side with?

“Fuck,” you groaned at nothing in particular and decided to focus on your work. At least that would keep you distracted and your brain focused on something other than Bucky. You would figure out everything else tonight. It would all be fine. This was no big deal; maybe your world was falling apart...but you would handle it. You always did.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

When you finally allowed yourself to go home that evening, you were shocked to find the lights on and Bucky in the kitchen. He was on the phone with someone, his new girlfriend or someone like that you immediately presumed, moving about the kitchen as he finished dinner. You choked up as you watched the domestic scene that was so normal to you by now. But this time, it felt so wrong.

You stormed in and for whatever reason, you decided that grabbing a pillow and throwing it at Bucky was a good idea. You picked the soft thing up in your arms and hurled at him, who suddenly realized you were home and yelped in surprise as he dodged the offending object. He raised his eyebrows in surprise as he pointed to the earbuds in ears as he turned back to the stove.

You were seeing red by now as you stormed in the kitchen and ripped his earbuds out. He was so stunned by your sudden actions, he jumped back and offered up a shocked look.

“What the fuck are you doing here!?” you shouted at him as you threw the buds on the floor, half tempted to stomp them, “how fucking dare you!”

“Sugar, what on earth are you talking about?” he grabbed his phone off the counter and ended the call without hesitation. Your chest heaved as you waited for some sort of explanation, “what’s going on? Are you alright?”

“No, I’m not alright! How on earth could I be alright?” you threw your hands up in exasperation as you tried to unsuccessfully hold back your tears. He was so calm and nonchalant about everything it was almost more frustrating than anything else.

“Okay...something is going on. Care to enlighten me?” he tried to reach up and wipe your tears away but you flinched out of his touch, “sugar?”

“Y-you! It’s you!” you cried softly as he motioned for you to explain just what it was about him that was the problem.

“What about me…?”

“You just break up with me this morning and tell me you’re leaving me and then you just come back like nothing has happened?” as soon as the words left your mouth, Bucky’s mouth dropped open. It was news to him that he’d broken up with you, “and you didn’t answer my texts all day! I deserve some sort of explanation!”

“I didn’t...I didn’t break up with you, Sugar,” he stated simply as you tilted to your head in confusion, trying to decide if he was pulling your leg or being honest, “why would I leave you? That makes no sense. I love you - I’m in love with you!”

“This morning,” you whispered softly, “you said you were done and you were leaving. When I was in the shower.”

His brows furrowed as he tried to figure out what exactly you were talking about. But then it hit him and he struggled not to burst out laughing. He gnawed on his lip as he fervently shook his head, “my sweet girl, you...well you heard me correctly, but incorrectly at the same time.”

“What? I-I swear…”

“What I said was breakfast was done and that I was leaving for work because I was running late too,” he explained as you tried to replay all that you had heard. Maybe...maybe you hadn’t heard him correctly at all - and in turn jumped to the worst possible conclusion, “I had to run...I’m sorry I didn’t come into the bathroom and say goodbye. Maybe that would have solved this whole thing.”

“You’re not..leaving me?” you asked as he just shook his head and took the opportunity to wrap his arms around you, “you still love me?”

“I find it both hilarious and concerning that you so easily thought I would just leave,” he kissed the top of your head as you held onto him as tightly as possible, “of course I’m not leaving. You never have to worry about that, sugar. I love you so much, silly girl. You sweet, silly girl.”

“I’m an absolute idiot,” you mumbled as you buried your face in his shoulder. You couldn’t believe that you jumped from A to Z so quickly and without a moment of hesitation, “I’m sorry, Bub. I feel like I wouldn’t blame you if you did want to leave me now.”

“Never,” he promised softly, “even if you do have moments of being ridiculous. Just like I do.”

“If I ever do something so dumb again,” you huffed as you pulled back and looked at those ocean eyes, “just smack some sense into me. But I...you didn’t answer my texts.”

“Texts?” he seemed genuinely confused as he reached for his phone and correctly scrolled through his messages. You could see that there were none from you, “what are you…I was in bad reception today. Blame Sam, that I was just on the phone with, for that one. They probably never came through. I’m sorry, honey. If they’d come in, maybe we could have avoided this whole situation, huh?"

“Some bad luck on top of it,” you hid your face behind your hands and sighed heavily, “James. I..I’m so sorry for everything. I just downright acted like a fool today. I don’t even know where to begin to apologize. I love you, Bub. I hope you can forgive me, but if not...I would-”

“Hey,” he put his hand under chin and turned your face up to meet his own. His smile was lilting and gentle and his eyes soft, “I love you. It’s alright done and forgotten. Are you hungry? Dinner’s just about finished.”

“I love you more than anything,” you whispered as he pressed a gentle kiss to your lips, “I just...my emotions were so all over the place today. Like out of control, A to Z. I don’t know what happened.”

“Shit happens,” he dismissed it with a slight scoff as he reached for some dishes, “I’m yours, sugar. Always.”

“Me too,” you agreed as you leaned against the counter, watching him with nothing but adoration. It was then that another realization - and possibly an explanation - hit you. It felt like a punch in the gut, “shit.”

“What?” Bucky asked as he started to plate dinner, “everything okay?”

“Yeah,” you smiled nervously, “just remembered something I forgot to do today.”

“As long as you’re alright…”

“I am,” you promised. You could worry about this later, “hey - I love you so much, Bucky. You know that right?”

“I love you too. Always.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

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[beyondspaceandstars]

While You Sleep

Chapter 11

Relationship: Bucky Barnes x Reader Warnings: nothing (i think?) Summary: Soulmate!AU - Throughout life, you’re given glimpses of your soulmate through dreams. As you sleep, memories flash in your mind showing you the life your soulmate has lived. Everyone around you raves about how their soulmate reads great books or volunteers in their spare time. But you can’t relate as your dreams end up being more like nightmares. Through initial images of death and violence, you come to learn your soulmate is the Winter Soldier.

a/n: hi all please be patient I am having some writers block/lack of motivation lately for writing so this series may be a bit on a pause (hopefully not) but I am working to get out more drabbles to maybe just get some inspo or something!

Masterlist | Series Masterlist

Waking up in Bucky’s arms felt just too good to be true. You were sure it was a dream, a nice, new dream Fate had blessed you with, but when Bucky shifted beside you and you felt every sensation, you knew you were truly awake. 

It also helped tremendously that you had a pleasant dream about him. It feels like centuries since you were shaken awake by the actions of The Winter Soldier. You couldn’t even consider any of it the actions of him next to you, feeling like the person in your dreams was and wasn’t the man in this bed. Everything felt like it intertwined dangerously, vines running through your mind. But, truthfully, you didn’t wanna think too much about it. You were finally getting your chance at the real soulmate experience, dates and dreams and all, and that was too priceless to spend time dwelling over much else.

Bucky awoke slowly, his normally rough eyes met yours in the softest manner. You two were tangled comfortably, still in most of last night's clothing, minus your panties and Bucky’s sweater which he must’ve ditched in the middle of the night. But none of that bothered you for a second. You were just too glad to be in this bed with your soulmate, cocooned lovingly in the sheets.

Bucky’s hoarse morning voice broke the silence, “Good morning.”

You smirked. “Good morning.” You shifted on your side and Bucky removed his arm from your waist, letting you get comfortable. The other arm around your shoulder stayed put. Quite surprisingly, it was his metal one. You could see Bucky’s torso completely now, the light from the sun hitting him in just the right way. Your eyes traveled from his arm to his shoulder, looking curiously. He was a fascinating phenomenon that you couldn’t believe was yours.

Thankfully, Bucky didn’t shiver away at the interest you were taking again in his arm and instead, indulged in your curiosity. “What’s going on in that pretty brain of yours?”

Your eyes snapped back to Bucky’s face. Your cheeks heated up from the question, feeling like you were caught doing something wrong. But Bucky didn’t look at all upset. Slowly, your eyes drifted back down and your hand came up to caress the base of his neck, just barely skimming his shoulder. He shuddered under the feeling.

“Does it… Does it hurt or anything?” You asked, suddenly feeling very stupid the second the words left your mouth. You bit your lip, trying to find the words to peddle back, but Bucky didn’t seem very bothered by it.

“No,” he shook his head. “I guess I don’t think much about it now. It’s just part of me. Obviously.”

You nodded, still letting your hand trace invisible patterns on his skin. “And you use it to fight bad guys?”

Bucky chuckled. “You’re still on that, huh?” You smirked and shrugged, wordlessly asking him to continue. “I… I help where I can. Don’t think it’s much to get excited about it but I like to think I have a hand in making the world better. It’s the least I could do since…” His words trailed off, leaving a kind of heaviness in the conversation. Bucky’s eyes lost their softness. They were beginning to water up but before any tear could escape, he spoke again. “You know, I actually am glad you brought this up. I have a mission soon.”

Your brows furrowed. “What?” 

He nodded and sat up in the bed, untangling you two. You followed his motions, gripping the blanket to you as you now sat side-by-side. 

“Should just be for a day or so. Mainly just gathering intel, nothing really crazy from the looks of it, but I still wanted to let you know.”

“W-When?”

“Tomorrow.”

Your jaw went slack. “You have a mission to leave for tomorrow and I’m just now hearing about it?”

Despite your rising anger, you let Bucky take your hand in his. He rubbed soft circles on your skin. “Doll, I promise, I didn’t know about it until yesterday morning.”

“Were you going to tell me?” You were a bit surprised by how softly your words came out, just barely making it above a whisper. Your heart was pounding loudly in your ears, worry and uncertainty course through you. You didn’t know what these missions could really entail. Could they really just be intel gathering? What if stuff goes wrong? Stuff goes wrong all the time, right? Your head was swimming and all you really knew was that you were losing your soulmate for a bit. Sure, you had gone your entire life without him (and he went without you much longer) but now you two were connected. It was practically set in stone. The situation had changed drastically and now he was leaving to do God knows what…

Bucky let out a sigh, the noise forcing you out of your worried thoughts. He spoke gently as if sensing the uneasiness within you, “Yes, I planned to, doll, I just didn’t know how to bring it up. When you asked about my job again, I just jumped on the opportunity, okay? I swear, I wasn’t going to just disappear.”

You wrapped your arm around his, leaning closer to rest your head in the crook of his neck. He shifted to welcome the touch. 

“You can’t disappear,” you whispered. “After what happened that night on the phone…” It flashed back. The dial tone in your ear, the thought of Bucky gone in the night. You didn’t want to remember those feelings, really. “You gotta promise me you’re going to be safe.”

Bucky let out a soft chuckle and you possibly would’ve found it comical, it was actually quite funny asking an ex-assassin to be safe, but thanks to the bond, there wasn’t anything funny about anything. You couldn’t imagine even having to put a bandaid on him. 

“I’ll be safe, doll,” he said. “Try not to worry.”

You scoffed. “Impossible.”

A moment passed before Bucky reached to cup the side of your face. Instinctively, you brought your face up to meet his. His expression as he stared back with a true whirlwind of emotions. Sadness, appreciation, love… But he didn’t express anything outwardly, and instead just placed his lips on yours. His body pressed into you as the kiss deepened, slowly pushing you back to the bed. You two fell back once again into the entanglement of one another. 

***

“You’re going to be okay, right?” 

“Yes, sweetheart, I’ll be fine.”

You tried giving an understanding nod but still, all you felt was worry as you and Bucky stood outside your apartment building saying your goodbyes. It was early and he had made sure to stop by before you had to leave for work. You thought you two had said your goodbyes in more ways than one yesterday but he wasn’t leaving so easily and you were secretly glad.

“I’m just making sure,” you sighed and reached to grab his hand. He accepted, intertwining your fingers.

“I know,” he nodded. “Are you going to be okay?”

You raised your brows. “Me?” You let out a small laugh. “I’m not the one going on a mission to do who knows what in God knows where.”

Bucky shook his head, a small smirk on his lips. “No, but I still have to make sure you’re safe here.”

“Bucky, I’ve spent a lot of time alone. I’m going to be just fine.”

Bucky’s expression morphed into something unsettling. He looked quite distressed at your comment, which you hadn’t truly expected, but hearing it out loud, you wanted to cringe at the statement. It was probably the most uncomfortable reminder but Bucky didn’t mention anything about it.

“I’m just making sure.” He repeated your words as a teasing remark, making you let out a small sigh of relief.

In a quick last-minute move, you pulled him closer to place a loving kiss on his lips. He smiled into it as his other hand came up to caress your cheek. Warmth raced through you as he broke the kiss.

“Have a good day at work, doll.”

“Have a good mission, Buck.”

***

You thanked your lucky stars that work today was ridiculously slow. It was almost the weekend but the usual rush of morning folks had dwindled pretty fast. Truly, though, this was a best-case scenario in your eyes because in between the fleeting customers and out of the watchful gaze of your boss, you took time to send Bucky some texts. While, yes, you knew he hated texting (who could blame him with the T9 keyboard he was working with) but you still thought they would be nice for him to read. 

I’m sure you’re high off in the sky getting briefed on your task but I wanted to wish you luck. You hit send with a goofy grin feeling a bit silly and a bit… concerned. Your worry for Bucky hadn’t stopped and you knew most likely it was consequences of being separated from your soulmate but you wished the gnawing at your soul would quit it. Still, though, a part of you felt giddy being able to send him cute little things while he was gone.

Your coworker took notice of your behavior quite quickly. As she came around the counter  restocking the syrups, she asked, “What’s got you all lovestruck?”

You bit your lip, trying to suppress your smile. “Bucky’s gone for a bit and I was just sending him a little love note.”

Your coworker chuckled. “A love note. Oh, how far you two have come.” With that sentiment, she went back to her restocking, leaving you to stare at your phone. You nodded to yourself realizing, yeah, you and Bucky had come far. You didn’t know if all relationships hit the gas pedal but there had always been an urgency with you even before ever looking at Bucky. You had wanted this for a while, always unsure if you would get it thanks to what the nightmares showed, but now it was real. It was as Bucky said, if it felt right to you two, then it must be.

Thinking of you. You sent off another little message before sliding your phone back into your pocket. You waited the rest of your shift but never received anything back, not that you really expected it, though. You figured if he had time to call, he was going to wait for that opportunity. 

Eventually, the clock hit quitting time and you exited the coffee shop, waving a brief goodbye to your coworker. Standing on the sidewalk, you half expected to maybe see Bucky eager to walk you home or take you to dinner but the street was gravely empty. You shook off the unusual thought and began your journey home. 

It was a fairly quiet night and you were thankful for that. It gave you a chance to just be with yourself for a second after a whirlwind of days and nights with Bucky by your side. Maybe this distance would be good, you thought. The distance creates a need and your reunion would be unlike anything you had ever felt before. You blushed at the thought.

You made your way into your apartment building and up the stairs. Unlocking your door, you threw down your items and began getting ready for bed. The softness of it was just begging for you. While you would’ve loved to be back in Bucky’s, you were dying for a bit of sleep to maybe ease your hyperactive thoughts of your soulmate and his mission. 

After taking off your make-up and getting on your pajamas, you crawled under the covers. Sleep hit you almost immediately, a new occurrence you were getting used to. You never really recalled a time when you were welcoming sleep with open arms.

But maybe you were counting your blessings too soon. Tonight ended up not being how it had been for the past few days. The nightmares came back in a sudden rush, way too fast for you to even think about what the hell was going on. You felt so lost, being pushed so many steps back in your progress, as scenes of fighting and guns blazing flashed in and out without any warning. The emotions came back as well. Need and anger were swelling in your heart as you fought and fought within the nightmares. Everything began feeling…so real. The nightmares felt strong as your body felt it had a mind of its own, tossing around your bed in panic as your brain filled with the images and… yells?

You were shaking now. You didn’t remember hearing sounds in your nightmares before but everything can be suppressed if you’re traumatized enough, you figured. But there was just something within you that didn’t feel right. Granted, nothing was right about the nightmares but this was different… these sounds felt real and sudden… Your brain was screaming. What the...

Something cold hit your back. At first, you had thought your blanket fell off but when you went to grab it, you found your hands were bound together. Real panic, nothing of the dream kind, raced through you. Your eyes bolted open. 

You didn't find your blanket because it wasn’t there. You weren’t in your bed. Hell, you weren’t even in your apartment. You were alone, shoved into a dark cell, your back pressed against a cold, metal wall. The panic was settling in but you couldn’t find the strength to react besides staring around frantically in the dark. You couldn’t make out anything, barely able to even see your own body. It was deadly silent.

You began praying to whatever was out there that this was just a dream, that you just really couldn't wake up, you had only thought you woke up. But that just wasn’t the case and a sad part of you really knew it. Nightmares suddenly weren’t just reserved for bedtime.

[plaidbooks]

Love Comes to Those Who Wait - Chapter 2

A/N: Here’s the next installment of LCTTWW! I hope you all are enjoying it so far, even though it’s just some story/scene setup!

Masterlist / Last Chapter

Tags: none

Words: 823

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After making dinner plans for that Friday night, you had introduced Ryan to your squad. Everyone seemed friendly, shaking his hand and greeting him, but after he left—with your card/number—your sergeant, Mike, pulled you aside.

“Hey, what did that Ryan guy want?” he asked, his voice a little strained.

You furrowed your brow. “He wants to catch up—we’re going out to dinner Friday night. Why?”

“I don’t know…something seems off about him. I just want to make sure you’re safe,” he explained.

“He’s been my friend since birth, Mike. He’s safe. But thank you for looking out for me,” you replied, and you meant it. The fact that this could easily be an awkward conversation for him made you appreciate it more.

He nodded. “You know I trust your judgement. Even so, I’d like to be sure. How about after your dinner with him, we meet up for end-of-the-week drinks?”

It wasn’t the first time you and Mike grabbed a few drinks together at the end of a long week, though it was the first time it would be under the pretense of not trusting one of your friends.

“Yeah, okay. We’re having dinner at six—meetup at Forlini’s at eight?” you asked.

He smiled, “sounds good. Thank you.”

*************************

You took Ryan to one of your favorite restaurants for dinner—one close enough to Forlini’s so that you could walk to it afterwards. At first, the dinner was going well as you caught up, but you quickly found that Ryan wasn’t nearly as polite as he had been in high school.

He started with a long, in-depth description of his life from the moment you lost touch up until he showed up at the precinct. His whole story took upwards of an hour, and you hardly got a word in edgewise, outside of a “yeah,” or “oh wow.”

And when he asked for your story—one you vowed to be at least a quarter of the length of his—he’d interrupt you to somehow relate your life back to his. It got to the point where you were subtly glancing at your watch, silently counting down the minutes until you could escape to Forlini’s.

When the waiter brought the bill, you insisted on paying your half, determined that he couldn’t somehow hold this over you as a date. Surprisingly, he wasn’t hard to fight on the issue, instantly agreeing and totaling up the amount for you.

“So,” Ryan said once outside the restaurant, “did you want to get a nightcap?”

“Oh, well, um…no thanks. I’m pretty tired—it was a long work week. I’m just going to head home,” you replied. You weren’t quite sure why you lied to him—you figured you just didn’t want him to follow you to Forlini’s, where Mike was hopefully waiting.

“Ah, too bad. Well, want me to walk you home?” he offered.

Your mind flicked through excuses before your phone chimed, making you jump. Pulling it from your pocket, you saw that Mike had texted you, asking if you were alright or if he needed to come rescue you.

“Actually…” you muttered while texting him back that you would be five minutes late, but not to worry, “that was my boss—I gotta run. But it was nice catching up with you.” You went in for a hug, and he hugged you back, his hands respectfully on your back.

You broke away from him, then turned and started heading down the street in the direction of Forlini’s. “I’ll text you when I’m free!” you called as you hurried, pretending to be rushing for work.

You glanced back once you were close to Forlini’s, but you didn’t see Ryan. Letting out a sigh, you pushed into the bar, finding Mike sitting at a tall table in the back. There were a few patrons, mostly couples, but some single guys scattered around.

“There you are,” he said as you sat in the chair across from him. “I was about ready to go out and find you.”

You sighed, “I’m fine, Mike—I told you he was safe. Though, he’s turned into a pompous jerk in the past twenty years.”

The bartender stopped by, placing your usual in front of you—you and Mike came here too often if you didn’t even have to order anymore. Mike watched you while you took a long sip of your drink, the alcohol burning satisfyingly down your throat.

“You wanna talk about it?” he asked once you put your glass back down, half its contents drained.

You shook your head. “Nothing really to talk about; I got his whole life story, and he constantly interrupted me when I tried to tell him mine. At least I don’t have to move to Maine.”

“Maine?”

“Long story.”

“I’ve got time.” He took a sip of his beer, then sat up, giving you a smirk. “And I promise to not interrupt.”

Next Chapter

[writefasttalkevenfaster]

Take My Hand (Part Five)

Summary: everything is perfect, only when its not  (five of ??? parts - more parts to come!)

Pairings: Sonny Carisi x Reader, Rafael Barba x Reader

Word Count: 5,985

Song: Oh, I can't / Stop you putting roots in my dreamland / My house of stone, your ivy grows / And now I'm covered in you (ivy by taylor swift)

Warnings: T, swearing, lots of fluff but some angst sprinkled throughout, a mild foray into “sightless in a savage land” (22x04) (basic facts of the case), also the v*rus doesn’t exist b/c i don’t want to live in reality. 

A/N: finally we’ve gotten to the actual premise of this fic!! i don’t know what to say thank you to all of you for reading, your comments and reblogs have kept me going! thank you to @laneygthememequeen​ and @bucky-of-the-opera​ for being the best beta readers!! 

“What is this?” Sonny asks, a hesitant half murmur into your ear, the two of you curled in his living room, your head resting against his chest, your legs tangled in each other’s in bed — his fingers tracing a circle on your hip, his teeth bearing down on his lip, And you turn to face him, your elbow propped up on the pillow, head tilted. 

“What do you mean?” he pauses, pursing his lip, “Sonny—” 

“I know it’s early,” it had been about two weeks of bliss — weekends spent at each other’s places, week nights spent keeping the other company —- a routine so natural you didn’t know how you had spent three years without him by your side. His hand moves to cup his cheek, and his lips move to kiss your palm, resting his over your cheek, “but it’s also three years late.” 

A soft chuckle leaves your lips, “Already looking to put down roots?” 

He shifts slowly, until he’s hovering over you, his breath warming your lips and his eyes even warmer, “Always when it’s you,” but there is a soft of disbelief that is already taken root in your heart — months and months before this had began — its poisonous roots already twisted around your chest. Planted from the seeds of doubt and false promises, of plied kisses and fake reassurances — none of which Sonny had done. 

And yet — he sees you hesitate, and the hurt ricochets from his eyes right to his heart, and he begins to pull away, “If it’s too early—” 

“No, no, Sonny,” your fingers find purchase at the back of his neck, tugging him gently back to him, his eyes finding yours with reluctance, “It’s not too early. I’m just—” you needed to tell him, you wanted to tell him when this had first begun, but it was too hard — too difficult to burst the bubble the two of you had made a home in, without talk of reality, “I need to tell you about something.” 

But you needed to. 

He furrows his brow, and you bite your lip, shifting so that both of you were sitting up, your back pressed against his headrest, “Before, any of this — before I even met you,” you lick your lips, twisting your fingers in your lap, “you remember I was seeing someone right?” 

“I do,” he frowns, “you don’t have to—”  

“No, I have to,” you’re practically chewing your bottom lip now, “you deserve an explanation—” he deserved it a long time ago. 

He purses his lips, but nods, “Well, that was the reason I had to leave,” you raise your eyes to meet his, “the idea of seeing him every day—at the office—I couldn’t do it.” 

And the pieces seem to click together for Sonny, “It was—” 

The name dies on his lips, just as your relationship with the A.D.A. did, “It was Rafael,” it had been so long since his name had been on your lips that it was now unfamiliar, the same syllables that had made a home on your tongue — said between laughs at the office, whispered in his ear, muttered against his lips — now was a stranger’s, the vowels and consonants foreign, “we tried — I tried to make it work, but he never wanted a relationship.” 

“Sweetheart,” Sonny whispers, and you shake your head. 

“Every time, I said I wanted more, he never did,” you knew it was wrong — you knew you deserved more, but you still did it, you tolerated it, “I stayed, I hoped things would change, but they didn’t. The night I came to you —  we had fought, I had tried to end things, and what I did—” the words spilled from your lips, but you refused to let any tears spill — no, you had shed far too many over him, “I left because I was ashamed, I was so ashamed of letting myself get into that situation.”  

He’s silent a moment, before speaking, “You were in love with him,” his fingers slowly intertwine with yours, “and everyone does stupid things when they are in love.” 

“I was,” And you let yourself stew in silence of that truth, for a moment, before squeezing his fingers, your eyes finding his gaze with a small smile, “but not anymore.” 

“And what does that mean for us?” he asks. 

“I just don’t want things to go wrong like it did with him,” you were always waiting for the other shoe to drop — for something to go wrong, and when you spend your time waiting for something to go wrong, it usually did, but at least you expected it, “I don’t want to lose you.” 

“In case you didn’t notice,” he tilts your chin up with two fingers, “I’m not him.” 

“I know,” your forehead falls against his, his arms wrapping around you,  “I know.” 

“You’re leaving me in suspense here, doll,” he mutters, his thumb brushing against your cheek, “but it’s okay if you’re not ready—” 

You lean back, “I don’t know what this is, but,” you press a kiss to his lips, and he tastes like home — not one that would crack beneath your feet, but one that was steady and strong, “I know I only want you.”

“Sh—” Sonny cut himself off, sucking air between his teeth, as he stared at the pile of paperwork he had accidentally knocked off his desk in his office. Some office, a shoebox fit for a junior A.D.A. — one that he could barely fit his desk into — it had taken three different people to maneuver his desk into his office. He sighed, slipping from his chair and rounding his desk and now on his knees, gathering the papers off the floor. 

But what did he expect? For them to hand over the keys to Barba’s old office? He felt an odd twinge at the thought of his name — he was his mentor, his friend (at least he’d like to think so), and yet, it felt like he was living in his shadow still. With the squad, with his bosses, with— 

“Counselor,” you knock on his door, leaning against frame of the doorway to his office, until you see the papers, and bend down to pick them up, “this would be a really good meet-cute if we haven’t met before,” 

“Too bad,” he smiles up at you, before you lean forward and press a kiss to his lips, and his hand cups your cheek, your tongue tracing his bottom lip, “Doll,” his voice drops an octave. 

“Not all bad, huh?” you breathe, grinning, breaking the kiss to help him pick up the rest of the paperwork, his eyes falling back onto the pile, and the stress creeps back into his shoulders, “now I’m guessing you weren’t throwing these papers up in a victory celebration, were you?” 

“Not exactly,” he sighs, both of you getting to your feet, as he moves to shut the door, collapsing in his chair, “when did you start to feel good at your job?” 

You lean against the edge of his desk, “What’s wrong?” 

“I asked you first,” and you shake your head. 

“You don’t— if you’re any good you question yourself every step of the way, you think carefully with every choice you make,” you cross your arms, “Sonny, they say your first year as a lawyer is akin to your first year in law school — how did you feel as a 1L?” 

He folds his arms, “Incompetent, like everyone had the answers except me, and that I was gonna fail outta school,” 

“And did you?” 

“No, you’re right,” he leans back in his chair, “I just didn’t think this would be this hard,” 

“It’s something new,” your fingers find his, “of course it’s going to be hard, but you’ll get the hang of it — I know you will. And you’ll screw up, you’ll make mistakes, but everyone does—” you grimace, “remind me to tell you about the time I got grilled by Judge Lopez for my mistake during discovery.” 

“Bad?” you shudder. 

“I still have nightmares,” and he cracks a smile, and your lips curl too, “there’s that smile that I—” you cut off, sucking your bottom lip into your mouth. 

And Sonny can’t help the way his lips split into a grin, “What was that?” 

“Sonny—” but you can’t escape because he’s already got you trapped, rising to his feet and pressing you into the lip of his desk. And he kisses you, relishing in how you melt into his touch, your fingers twisted in his hair, your other hand resting on his shoulder. His lips draw a path down your neck, kissing right above your leaping pulse, “I—” 

“Mm?” he murmurs against your warm skin.

And he knew it was too soon to be saying those three words — it hadn’t been enough time, but there was something about you that made reason disappear between the tips of his fingers, and he was only left holding you. 

“I love your smile,” you lean up to kiss him again, softly and wholly, “you should do it more often.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Let’s go,” and his eyes fall back to the pile of papers on his desk, but you draw your attention back to him, small kisses dotting his face — his chin, his cheeks, his neck,  “it’s late, and you’re exhausted, and these cases will be here in the morning.” 

“But—” 

“Is everything for tomorrow taken care of? Is there anything pressing?” he pauses, before shaking his head, and you find his lips again, before sliding off the desk, holding your hand out to him, “let’s go.” 

He takes your hand, fingers laced together, grabbing his jacket, and shutting off the light, casting the room into shadow, and spared a glance at the room, before he allowed you to lead him out of Hogan Place. 

Maybe he didn’t have to worry about a shadow after all. 

“Come on, you gotta let me do something,” you leaned against Sonny’s kitchen counter, watching him cut tomatoes, “I have to be able to help.” 

“Not after last time,” he replies, a wry smile on his lips, “not happening, sweetheart, no matter how much you pout at me.” 

“Oh come on, I didn’t cut myself that—” he raised an eyebrow, “okay I burned myself once, but—” 

“And the injuries are not just limited to you—” he held up his hand, where a faint scar could be seen, “if it was just you getting hurt, maybe I’d let you help.” 

“Ouch,” you feign mock hurt, before shrugging and sipping at your drink, watching him finish, crushing the tomatoes with the flat side of his blade before placing them in the pot with olive oil, onions, and garlic, “but it is sexy to watch you cook.” 

He snorts, gesturing to his stained apron, “This is sexy to you?” 

“I have needs,” you smile against the rim of the glass, “and those include being fed.” 

“Well, good thing we got that covered,” he sets a timer, turning his back to stir the pot, and you bite your lip, as your eyes rake over him until you reach one of your more favorite features— “are you staring at me?” 

“Yes,” you reply unabashedly, and he glances over his shoulder, lips curled, “but I think I rather do more than look,” 

“Oh yeah?” you can hear the smirk in his voice, “well, you’re gonna have to wait until after I finish.” 

You round the counter silently, until your arms are wrapping around his middle, leaning to press a kiss to his neck, “What if I don’t want to wait?” 

“Doll,” he warns, but your hands continue to slide up and down his sides and front, “the sauce will burn—” 

But you’re turning him around anyway, your hand around the back of his neck, pulling him down to your lips, his smile presses against your lips, and then he’s kissing you back, his back pressed against the counter. He tastes a little like tomato and you know he must have been tasting the meal as he went. His large hands sliding down to your waist and squeezing. 

You gasp and he’s grinning, swallowing your noise with pleasure, and he takes control from you easily, and suddenly the lip of the counter is digging into your skin, and then he breaks the kiss, smiling, “What?” you ask, laughing. 

“I was just remembering the first time we cooked together,” he traces your cheek, “I never thought we’d end up here.” 

You raise an eyebrow, “Did you want to end up here?” and he clears his throat, the pink flushing across his cheeks a tell tale sign, “did you have a crush on me?” 

“Sweetheart,” he sighs, a begrudging smile gracing his face when he hears you laugh, before he leans closer, “so what if I did?”

What if he wanted to end up here — holding you like he was, imagined briefly what it would be like to hold your hand, to fall asleep next to you, to hear your thoughts — and he did, and he kisses your forehead — and he didn’t want to question how.  

“Well I got good news and bad news,” you kiss him again, languidly, “good news is that I most definitely have a little more than a crush on you,” and he snorts, your lips smiling as they press kisses across the length of his jaw, “bad news is I think your sauce may be burning—” 

“Oh shi—” and he’s rushing over to the pot to see what he can salvage, while you are carefully peering over his shoulder, “go sit,” he wags a finger at you, “you’re a danger to the process.” 

“Yes sir,” and you don’t miss the way he looks at you — and you smile as you watch him begin to cook the pasta — you’ll have to keep that in mind for dessert. 

“Are you sure you want me to come?” you tugged nervously at your clothes, straightening everything for the twentieth time, “I don’t want to intrude on your family—” 

“You’re not intruding,” he presses a kiss to the top of your head, “It’s Theresa’s engagement party—you’re doing me a favor by coming—” he wraps his arms around you from behind, watching you scrutinize yourself in front of the mirror, “they are going to love you, relax.” 

You murmur, “How do you know that?” 

“Because I’ve told them about you — my mom is the one who basically begged me to bring you,” he kisses your cheek, lips lingering. 

“You told them about me?” your heart squeezes, as he laughs, furrowing his brow. 

“Of course I did,” he snorts, “do you think I could keep you a secret this long?” and you bite back a smile, chest warm, as you lift one of his hands to your lips, “plus, it doesn’t hurt that you’re beautiful, now does it?” 

“Sonny,” you lean into his touch, lips finding the side of his face, “You’re sure that—” 

He pulls away, facing you,   “Do you not want to go?” 

“No, no,” you shake your head, wringing your hands — you weren’t used to this, you were used to hiding in bedrooms, and sneaking kisses in between cases, not used to meeting the family and holding hands in public, “I’m just nervous.” 

He presses a kiss to your forehead, “You have nothing to worry about — they’ll love you,” he smiles, “just like I do.” 

Sonny had said the words a few days before — whispered in your ear after dinner, as the two of you curled up on the couch together, his arm wrapped around your shoulder, you had found him staring at you softly, a small smile on his lips.

“What?” you had asked, tilting your head. 

“I love you,” he had said, “and you don’t have to say it back right this second, but I do, I love you, sweetheart.”

And you had wanted to say it back — burning on the tip of your tongue and deep in your chest, standing at the edge of a precipice, unable to see the bottom, but also unable to jump. But you knew he would catch you, you knew he would keep you safe — but— 

You still couldn’t say it. 

You lean up to kiss him, “I know.” 

“So you’re the one my son’s always talking about,” it hadn’t been more than a minute since you stepped in Sonny’s home, the woman standing before you was none other than his mother. 

“Ma,” she engulfs him in a hug, pressing kisses to his cheeks, “so this is—” 

She cuts him off with your name, holding her hands out that you take, and she squeezes them, “I’ve heard so much about you — all good,” she elbows her son, “but not nearly enough about when you’re getting mar—” 

You flush, while Sonny is gaping at his mom, “Mom—” 

“I’m just joking, Dominick,” she laughs, she squeezes your hand again, “come on, let me introduce you to the rest of the family.” 

Your introduction to the rest of the Carisi clan is relatively painless for you — though you can’t say the same for Sonny. You swore his skin turned several different shades of red — by his sisters alone. 

“Is he going to be okay?” you ask Gina, as you gesture to Sonny standing with several of his cousins, who seemed to currently be ribbing him. 

“He’s fine, he’s a big boy, he can handle himself,” Gina waves him off, leading you over to a couch where the rest of his sisters are sitting, “how long have you two been together?” 

“It’s been a few months,” you smile. 

“But you’ve known each other longer right?” Theresa asks, crossing her legs, “he’s mentioned your name before years ago I think?” 

“Yeah, we used to work together,” you had a feeling where this was going, “I—” 

“Yeah, yeah, you had left all of a sudden, right?” Bella tilts her head. 

“I did,” you furrow your brow, and Theresa waves you off. 

“Look, Sonny didn’t ask us to talk to you — he actually didn’t tell us any of this, but our brother isn’t hard to figure out,” Gina shakes her head, “we just—” 

“Look—” you purse your lips, “I know you are trying to protect your brother, and I get that, I really do — so can I just say something?” 

“I know I’ve done wrong by Sonny before, I have,” you lick your dry lips, hands in your lap, “I know, he knows. I don’t want to hurt him — I’m scared of hurting him.” you swallow thickly, “I just want you to know, I...love him” 

You loved him — even if you couldn’t say it to him, you loved him. Your eyes drift to him easily — his lanky figure by the dining table, smiling at you — no matter where he was. It was a compass finding north — and he was home. 

You continue, “If I could change what I did before, I would, but…” 

They all glance at each other, shoulders relaxing, exchanging a smile, “Come on,” Bella squeezes your hand, “let’s get started with dinner.” 

Your shoulder is brushing Sonny’s, his hand finding yours under the table, squeezing. The clinking of knives, spoons, and forks against plates accompanied with the boisterous conversation between the family booming — no one was sparing from the teasing in the Carisi family it seemed, a lull in the conversation is when you found yourself speaking, “The food is delicious, Mrs. Carisi—” 

“Please call me Elena,” she had her son’s smile — a smile that consumed their entire face — even her sparkling blue eyes crinkling as his did, “What did Sonny say you did again?” 

“Defense work,” you reply, “I used to have the same position as Sonny, but I moved on to a private criminal defense firm.” 

“I bet the hours there are much more reasonable than Dominick’s,”

“Ma—” 

“I’m just saying,” she lifts her hands in defense, “It would be nice if you could come home and see your family more than once a month now, wouldn’t it?” 

You interrupt before Sonny can reply, “Well, I have my fair share of late nights as well. But you should see the work that Sonny is doing — he’s doing incredibly at the D.A.’s Office.” 

You share a look with Sonny, a smile on his lips, “Someone’s exaggerating—” 

“Someone doesn’t take enough credit when it’s due,” you bump him, and his arm is wrapping around your shoulder. 

“He doesn’t,” Elena raises her eyebrows, “gets it from his father.” 

Dominick Carisi Sr. was a little more of a mystery, slivered blonde hair and a small smile on his lips — a man of little words compared to his wife. You could see Sonny in his brow, in the same sharp bone structure, and even in the mustache that laid above his lips (although it suited much more than his son). 

He offers you a smile, the conversation continuing, and you hold in a sigh, as Sonny pressed a kiss to your head. 

It was going well. It was okay. 

And after dessert — a delicious and quite-possibly-too-large serving of both tiramisu and cannolis — you found your way to the kitchen to wash up. 

You passed by the wall of pictures — each picture was different in age — you spotted a few of the Carisi children together (Sonny was lanky even as a 8 year old), another of Sonny standing with his parents on his high school graduation, one of him receiving his promotion to detective, and another on his law school graduation — and there was another of his parents’ wedding, his mother and father standing side by side, smiling. 

“Happiest day of my life,” a voice said behind you, and you found Dominick Carisi Sr. standing with his arms crossed, “can’t remember a single thing I regret about that day or any day after that. Well,” he frowns at the picture, “perhaps the choice of suit.”

You snort, “Well if that’s your only regret, I think you’re in good shape.” 

“Do you want to get married?” 

Wow, the intentions talk was coming at you from all angles today. 

“I do, I think,” you smile, hands in your pockets, “I don’t know when—” 

“As long as you do, someday,” he smiles, glancing at the pictures, “please take care of my son, okay?” 

And your heart warms, glancing at the father of the man you loved, your gaze softening, “Of course, sir.” 

His hand brushes your shoulder, giving you a nod, before he slips away from the kitchen, back to the festivities. 

And you spared one more glance at the photo wall — falling onto the wedding picture yet again — and you let yourself wonder, if only for a moment, if your picture would be up there someday. 

~~~

Eventually the party began to die down, and you found yourself slipping away again to use the bathroom right off the kitchen, before you and Sonny had to get ready to go. You were washing your hands when you heard quiet voices speaking in the kitchen. You pause, the voices floating through the walls. 

“So when are you going to pop the question?" you raise your eyebrows — no one in the Carisi family pulled any punches, and you were starting to see why Sonny was so blunt to begin with when he came to S.V.U. 

"Ma," you can hear the sigh in his voice, his brow most assuredly wrinkled. 

"At least tell me this," she cuts him off, “Is this who you want to marry?” 

Your heart catches in your throat, his soft reply stealing air from your lungs, “I think I do,” 

“Have you told—” 

“Not yet, Ma,” there’s clattering as they place the dishes in the sink, and you can’t hear the start of his sentence, “it’s too soon right now,” 

“But eventually?” and your chest warms at the smile in his voice. 

“Eventually.” he sighs, “now can we move on? Before you start asking me what my children’s names will be?” 

“You two both want children right? Because I better be getting grandchildr—” their voices drift away as they head towards the living room, and you lean against the door, smiling for a moment. 

The car door closes behind you, and Sonny relaxes, head against the headrest, “Thank you for—” But then your hands cup his face, and you’re leaning over the console to kiss him, and his brow is furrowed for a moment, before relaxing into your touch, “I—” 

“I love you,” you breathe, eyes fluttering, and he’s blinking, “I love you, I have for a long time, I just couldn’t bring myself—” 

“Sweetheart—” 

“No, please,” your eyes are glassy, as you blink away tears, “I love you, Dominick Carisi, so, so much—” 

And he’s kissing you now, your hand dropping to fist in his shirt to pull him closer, his palm warm against your cheek, a tear rolling down his knuckles. 

“I love you too,” he breathes back, a ghost of a laugh on his lips. 

“So should we start discussing our children’s names now?” and Sonny’s eyes widen, before snapping to his parents’ home. 

“Did they—” 

“I heard your mom,” and he’s pinching the bridge of his nose, “hey,” and his eyes drift back to you, “I love you.” 

And he smiles, pressing a kiss to your forehead, “I love you too.” 

There is an annoying buzzing. It’s low at first, but then it grows louder as you turn, your nose wrinkling at the light falling across your eyes, and then you realize — eyes snapping open to see the alarm blinking back a time that taunts you with a late start you can’t escape from. 

You’re late. 

“Shit—” you’re up with a start, shaking Sonny beside you, “Sonny, we’re late — get up.” You’re pulling on your clothes from last night, running into the bathroom. You’re washed and essentially ready in five minutes, leaving the bathroom, finding Sonny still motionless, and you sigh, shaking him again, “Sonny, Sonny,” 

“Mm?” one eye cracks open, and he’s groaning, rubbing his eyes, “sweetheart—” 

“Sonny, my love,” and he’s blinking, glancing at you, still barely out of the throes of sleep, “it’s 8:50 AM, we’re late. Get up!” 

And now he’s getting up, stumbling out of bed, “Shit—” 

“Go take a shower, you have arraignment at 10, don’t you?” and he’s nodding, pulling you close a moment for a kiss, “what a mess huh? Maybe we shouldn’t spend the night when we have hearings in the morning,” 

“Or maybe we need a more permanent solution to the problem,” he presses a kiss to your lips, “like moving in?” 

“Moving in?” you furrow your brow, before your phone is buzzing, “shit I have to go. I’m sorry I got to get to court—” 

“What about—” 

“I have a steamer at work and an extra blouse in the car, I’ll change when I get in,” you press a quick kiss to his lips, “get ready, meet for dinner at my place?” 

He nods, “Have a good day—” 

And the door shuts behind you. 

“Are you cooking?” Sonny’s arms wrap around your middle, pressing a kiss to your neck, “didn’t we establish that’s incredibly dangerous?” 

“Not when it’s just eggs and not when I ordered chinese takeout,” you slide the cooked eggs onto the plate, and your lips find his, as you set the plate down,  “it’s been a long day.” 

“What happened?” you sigh, wiping your hands off with a dish towel. 

“Let’s just say my steamer isn’t worth the price I paid, and my semi-wrinkled clothes did not fly in front of Judge Williams,” you wrinkle your nose at his name, “sexist piece of—” 

He snorts, “Did you win your motion?” 

“By the skin of my teeth,” you shake your head, as you walk over to the couch, your leg folded underneath the other, “I should keep a spare set of clothes on me when I stay over.” 

Sonny slides beside you, leaning against the top of the couch, his arm stretched across the top of the couch, “Maybe you should keep more than that here,” 

You raise an eyebrow, “Like a drawer or something?” 

“No, I was thinking maybe you should move in?” his mouth is dry, as he sees you blink, hesitate. 

“I don’t know if it’s the right time—” 

“But don’t you think it’s worth discussing?” but his voice softens, “I want to wake up next to you, doll. I want to be able to wake up late and not worry about you having to change in the bathroom, and we’re both busier than ever — I want to come home to you every night. Our home.” 

“Sonny,” you pull him into a sweet kiss, “you’re right, and I want to, I do, I just—” you pull back, arms crossed, “I just don’t know if I’m ready for that.” 

“Not ready for what?” For him? For us? 

You frown, “Don’t be mad, please—”  

“No, I’m not upset, I just want an explanation,” he wasn’t angry — he was disappointed. Throughout this relationship, you were the one playing catch up. He was the first to fall, he was the first to love, he was the first to want more — the first, the first, the first. 

He was always the first. 

“Sonny, I promise,” you lace your fingers with his, “I want a future with you. I do. I’m just not ready right now. I’m—” you cut off, “I will be ready, eventually, just not now.” 

He only smiles, pressing a kiss to your head, “I understand.” 

And he would be the first to get hurt, wouldn’t he? 

Just like he was before. 

“Hey,” Sonny taps you on the wrong shoulder, making you turn, pressing a kiss to your other cheek, “are we doing something for New Years?” 

You shrug, handing him a hot coffee, walking arm and arm with him towards the courthouse, “If you want to? I thought you usually see your family around this time,” 

“They decided to go down to the Poconos,” he shrugs, “I got seven arraignments on Monday—” 

“Say no more,” you press a kiss to his lips, “we’ll do something to make up for last year,” Sonny had left for his family’s place for New Years when you both had just started dating, and you had stayed behind — to work. 

“What do you usually do on New Years?” you sip at your drink. 

“Not anything usually,” you lick your lips, before smiling, “but now, I think I have something very special to do.” 

He pulls you into his arms, “Oh really?” 

“What better way to ring in the new year?” and he kisses you, carefully pulling you closer, savoring the taste of the dark roast and milk on his lips. 

“Can’t argue with that.” 

~~~

“I hope you didn’t mind—” Sonny murmurs, and you elbow him discreetly, glancing at a sleeping Amanda. 

“Of course not,” A sleeping Jessie is curled next to her mom, “I love Amanda and Jessie — although I may sue you for the headache I’ll be getting from the pot banging.” 

He snorts, and you shush him, watching Amanda and Jessie shift, and you’re handing him a throw blanket from the couch and he’s gently placing it on top of them, 

You smile, as he settles back next to you, “What?” 

“It’s nice to see her relax for once,” you lay your head against his shoulder, your chin resting on his shoulder, “and you too.” 

“Well that’s thanks to tonight, and to you,” he leans down and presses a soft kiss to your lips, “I love you.” 

And you smile, “I—” 

A screeching cuts you off, as you sit up, and both of you are reaching for your phone, “An Amber alert,” Amanda is slipping from Jessie’s side, “S.V.U. requested.” 

She adjusts the blanket on Jessie, running her hand through her hair, “You two will?” 

“Of course,” you nod, “Go Amanda.” 

She sighs, rubbing at her eyes, “2021 begins.” 

And in a second, she’s changed and ready and out the door. The door clicks behind her, and you rise to check on Jessie, adjusting her blankets, “Should we move her to her bed?” 

“Let her sleep for now,” Sonny holds his hand out for you, and you take it — pulling you back into his arms, “When do you think you want kids?” 

Your fingers combing through his hair pause, “I don’t know — whenever I get married I guess.” 

“But you want kids?” and you smile, pressing a kiss to his brow. 

“I do, maybe not yet, but someday,” and he nods, two fingers tilt your chin upwards, “Happy New Year.” 

“Happy New Year,” he murmurs, drawing you into a kiss, one of his hands slipping into his pocket, thumbing the velvet ring box in his pocket — maybe this year would be the year that he’d convince himself to ask.

What were you about to get yourself into? 

Your shoes click against the concrete floors, approaching the entry point, “I’m here to see Mickey Davis,” you flash your I.D. badge at them, “I’m here from Noble-Gordon LLP as possible representation.” 

You sigh, adjusting your coat while the guard has someone check on Davis. Taking on a case like this was tricky — the press could spin it either way — getting off a cold blooded vigilante or saving a war vet from unjust punishment. But right now, Noble-Gordon needed a win, and needed it to be on the side of the military. Their firm’s recent win of getting off a man who had murdered a vet had left the firm in bad form with several of its benefactors — and right now, you were trying to direct pro bono hours to go any which way you could towards veterans’ rights — pro bono cases for veterans for damages, against abuses by the V.A. helping deal with HIPAA laws to obtain medical files — anything and everything. 

But this case — this case would be the kicker. 

A high profile case of a veteran shooting a man who had molested and raped his daughter — it would be perfect. 

Or so the partners at your firm thought. 

You were only there to secure the case for the firm — or that was what you told them. You knew this fell well into Sonny’s case load — and you didn’t want the unpleasant experience of having to tell the judge that you were in a relationship with the A.D.A. trying this case. 

Not to mention the fact you hadn’t told him your firm may be taking the case — you checked your phone, several unreturned texts — but it wasn’t like you could reach him anyway. 

The guard turns back to you, “Right now, Davis is meeting with his counsel—” 

You furrow your brow, “That’s impossible, I had let him and the prison know I wasn’t arriving until now, I’m his co—” 

“Not his only counsel it seems,” a voice says, emerging from behind the gate, as the guard buzzed him through. 

His hair was neat, if not a tad overgrown, but so was the rest of his face — consumed by a thick beard that put his five o’clock shadow to shame. But his lips were still curled in that signature smile of his, the very same that made your heart squeeze — as it was doing right now. But his eyes were different — softer, as he tilted his head.

“Rafael,” you breathe, even though you were breathless,  “you’re back.” 

He only smiles, “I’m back.”

[bumblebee-moreno]

Awkward meetings (GN!reader)

Request: "Awkward first meeting for all the boys" and "Awkward first meeting and You lost something very important to you and they’re helping you look for it with Frankie Morales" for @luminescentlily

(Boys included are: Din, Javier Peña, Agent Whiskey, Frankie Morales, Max Phillips, Marcus P, and Marcus M.

Warnings: None?

A/N: Sorry this took so long to write. I had to leave a few boys out due to writer's block (Ezra, Tovar, and Zach Wellison), and I wanted to get this posted rather than continuing to stare at the screen in hopes of my brain miraculously functioning. To make up for my lack of inspiration at least a little bit, I added Marcus Moreno. Hope that's ok :)

Din Djarin

You feel a tug at your pant leg. Looking down, you are greeted by a pair of large watery eyes and big green ears. “Well hello there,” you smile, crouching down to be closer to the small child. “Where’s your family?”

He simply responds by lifting his arms towards you. You take that to mean he’d like to be lifted up. Scanning through over the crowded marketplace, you search for someone who the kid might belong to. You really have no idea what you’re looking for, having never seen anything like him, but you search nonetheless.

“Hey!” an angry voice calls out behind you. You whirl around, and before you know what’s happening, the child has been torn from your grasp and there’s a blaster to your head.

“I wasn’t going to hurt him I swear, I was just trying to find his family,” you blurt out, raising your hands in surrender.

The figure in front of you doesn’t respond at first, keeping his blaster pointed at you while he inspects the child for injury.

“Why did you have him?” The voice from under the helmet demands.

“I just found him by himself and I wanted to make sure he found his family,” you explain, voice shaking. “Are you his… Does he belong to you?”

“… yes.” He cautiously returns his blaster to its holster.

“I’m sorry,” you relax. “I didn’t mean to scare you. He’s just so… small. I didn’t want him to stay lost.”

The Mandalorian clutches the kid close to his chest as if he’s afraid they’ll be separated again. “Thank you.” He nods his head just enough for you to see the motion.

Javier Peña

“Shit, I’m going to be so fucking late,” you mutter to yourself, walking as fast as you can without sending the tall stack of papers in your arms flying.

On your way down the hall, you start going down your mental checklist.

‘Closed the window so the cat doesn’t escape? Check.’

‘Turned off the lights? Check.’

‘Locked the front door? Fuck.’

You stop in your tracks. How could you forget to lock your front door? You spin on your heel and run back towards your apartment, your one free hand switching between searching for your keys and adjusting the unstable tower balanced on your other arm.

In your haste to get your apartment locked so you can get to work on time, you fail to watch where you’re going.

Your body smacks into another. You fall backwards, losing your grip on the meticulously organised files. They scatter across the floor, completely losing the order you’d spent all night putting them in. The wind is knocked out of you for just long enough to hear the man you ran into grumping about how you should watch where you’re going.

“Shit, I’m so sorry, I’m running late, I should’ve been paying more attention.” You pull yourself to your knees and start gathering your work off the floor. You’d normally stand and make sure the man you ran into is okay, but things at work are tense as it is, and being even later than you already are isn’t going to reflect well on you. Especially now that all of last night’s hard work needs to be done over.

You expect him to get up and walk past you. After his reaction to being practically tackled, you wouldn’t expect him to give you more than a second thought. But then a stack of papers lands on top of the one you’re already holding.

Your eyes shoot up to meet his. “You okay? You hit the ground kind of hard there,” Your neighbour asks.

You swallow thickly. “y-yeah, I’m fine,” you give a shaky smile. “How about you?”

“I’m all right, just running a bit late,” He offers a hasty smile before helping you to your feet. “I gotta get to work, but um, I’ll see you later?”

“Yeah,” you breathe, momentarily forgetting how late you are.

Agent Whiskey

‘Ugh I really needed this day off,’ you type underneath the photo before pressing send.

You place your phone on the edge of the tub before relaxing back into the warm water.

It isn’t long before your phone buzzes. Your eyes widen in horror at the response:

‘I think you’ve got the wrong number, darlin’.’ It’s paired with a photo of a man you’ve never met.

He is kinda cute though. You’d never think the whole “unironically cowboy” thing could ever work but… No. No. You can’t be thinking that kind of stuff. You just texted a stranger a photo of you in the bath for fuck’s sakes, you can’t be attracted to him after that!

You frantically scroll up to examine the photo you sent, breathing a sigh of relief when you confirm that the photo you sent didn’t have anything too revealing in it; between the angle of the camera and the bubbles in your bath, nothing too embarrassing is visible.

‘Shit, I’m so sorry, that was meant for a friend ’

You pick up the shred of paper your best friend scribbled their new number on while you were at lunch with them yesterday, to figure out what happened.

‘not a problem, It’s a nice distraction from this god awful meeting I’m stuck in’

You frown. ‘You’re in a meeting and you’re texting a total stranger?’

You return your gaze to the phone number in your hand. “what in the fuck,” you say aloud to yourself. The second to last digit. It’s supposed to be a 4. Not a 9.

A shaky photo appears on your phone. It’s obviously taken from peeking just the camera of his phone over the edge of the table.

‘Damn, that looks like a serious meeting, shouldn’t you be paying attention?’ If you were texting at work, especially in a meeting, you’d have your ass handed to you unless someone was dying (and even then, it would depend on what kind of mood your boss is in that day). And this guy is just casually texting you, a stranger, during a meeting with people who look like they make more money weekly than what your whole car is worth.

‘I’m a bit more concerned that I don’t even know the name of the person who texted me such a lovely photo 😉’

‘It’s Y/N.’ you send. ‘And please delete that picture, that’s kinda private’ you ask, crossing your fingers that he respects that.

‘Already done. Mine’s Jack, since you obviously weren’t going to ask 🤠’

A soft smile appears on your face. Maybe it is kind of okay that you accidentally typed in the wrong number. Or… it will be after you (lovingly) cuss out your friend for having such bad handwriting.

Frankie Morales

“Shit.” You mutter to yourself, searching through your pockets. “shitshitshitshitshitshitshit” You swear you just had them. Or… maybe you left them on the counter back at the library?

You turn around to run back, rifling through your bag. You only make it a few steps before you’re knocked backwards to the ground.

“Shit, I’m so sorry,” you blurt the moment you catch your breath again. Barely sparing a glance towards the man you ran into, you start gathering your books.

“No, no. I’m sorry,” the man insists. “I wasn’t watching where I was going.” He helps to gather your books.

“You okay?” he finally asks.

You look up at him and freeze. He’s really cute. In the ‘I give the best hugs in the world’ kind of way.

“Yeah,” you respond breathlessly. “I just think I lost my car keys at the library, and I’m running late for lunch with a friend.” You mentally kick yourself. You just ran over the only attractive man you’ve seen since moving here, and then the first thing you do is overshare?

“Oh, did you want some help looking?” he immediately offers.

“I wouldn’t want to be any trouble.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he shrugs. “I’ve got lunch plans I’m desperately trying to find an excuse to get out of, so you’re helping me, really.”

“Okay, um… sure,” you nod. “an extra set of eyes looking wouldn’t hurt.”

“Cool. I’m Frankie.”

You introduce yourself and shake his outstretched hand.

The two of you make your way back towards the library.

“so…” you break the uncomfortable silence. “Lousy lunch plans, huh?”

“…yeah,” Frankie falls silent for a moment. “A couple of guys I used to serve with invited me out and I didn’t really have an excuse to say no.”

“Don’t get along with them?”

“We used to be friends, but I’m kind of rethinking that lately.”

“Oh,” you debate asking more questions. But then again, he doesn’t have to answer if he doesn’t want to, right? “Did… did something happen?”

“Convinced me to go to South America a while back, which would’ve been fine, except we kind of got stuck there, and my wife was left alone with the baby.”

Your stomach dropped at this. You’re not even sure why; you just met the guy, you really have no reason to be disappointed he’s taken.

“Was she at least understanding?” You ask.

“huh?”

“Your wife.”

“Oh,” Frankie chew his lip for a moment. “no. When I got back, she was… possessive. Searching my phone, never letting me go out with friends, that kind of stuff. Separated a few months later.”

“Oh,” you try to ignore the fact that your heart skipped a beat; you can’t be excited—that’s insensitive. “I’m sorry.”

“No, don’t be.” Frankie pinches the bridge of his nose. “I’m sorry, actually. I was helping you find your keys, and here I am ranting about my whole tragic backstory as if you actually cared.”

“I don’t mind.” You actually like listening to him. But you keep that to yourself.

“You shouldn’t have to listen to all that though—”

“Shit!” you interrupt him. “I’m such an idiot.”

“What? What’s wrong?” Frankie looks like he’s assuming the worst.

“…I didn’t lose my car keys. I walked here. And lunch with my friend is next week.” You chuckle bitterly. “I was so lost in my head I completely forgot she rescheduled. Sorry I wasted your time.”

“It’s okay,” Frankie laughs. You can’t help but smile at his lopsided dimple. “Hey, since you don’t have lunch plans and I want to get out of mine… Can I take you out? You can tell me your life’s story since you already know mine?”

“Sure,” you smile, though half of you is screaming to just leave the country to escape the embarrassment.

Max Phillips

“Ew, no.” you scrunch your nose.

“Hey, you’re the one that lost the bet.” Eva insists.

“I am not kissing a random stranger.” You sweep your gaze across the crowded café.

“It was your idea.” Eva sips her tea.

“That was because I thought I was going to win.” You cross your arms across your chest.

“You don’t get to opt out just because you’re a sore loser.”

“Yeah, but I don’t know them, what if they have a disease or something? Gross.” Your stomach turns at the idea.

“Okay, fine.” Eva sighs. And, for a fleeting moment, you have hope that she’s given in. “Kiss that guy then,” she points.

You turn. “Oh my god, Eva. No.”

“What? He doesn’t look like he has a disease,” Eva shrugs.

“He looks like a frat boy.”

“He’s cute though.” Eva leans in a not-at-all-subtle way to get a clearer view of him.

“I hate you.” You stand up. “And when I’m done, you’re buying me an entire bottle of vodka to wash my mouth with.”

“Yes!” Eva cheers triumphantly. A few people shoot her expressions of annoyance at the outburst.

You storm over to the man and pull him in by the collar. His lips barely brush against yours before you’re stomping back to your friend. Though, for a moment, you actually consider staying to talk to him. Eva was right, he definitely isn’t hard on the eyes.

You push the thought from your mind and collapse back into your seat, scowling at your friend.

“You’re literally the worst human being on the planet,” you huff.

“You’re just being dramatic,” Eva laughs.

“Am not.” Okay… maybe you are, but Eva can’t know that.

“Fine. We’ll go get you a drink once I’m back from the bathroom.” Eva skips off, still laughing about your reaction.

She’s barely out of sight before her seat is filled by the stranger you just kissed.

“Don’t flatter yourself, I lost a bet,” you don’t look up at him, instead choosing the glare at a stain on the wooden table.

“I figured as much.” You can practically hear the smirk in his voice. “I also figured I have the right to at least know the name of the person who just kissed me.”

You reluctantly introduce yourself, still refusing to make eye contact with the man.

“I’m Max. And, if you want to apologise for kissing me without my consent,” he throws a napkin with a phone number scribbled in red sharpie onto the table in front of you, “You can call me.”

Marcus Pike

You hum quietly to yourself, unable to stop smiling. It’s been so long since you’ve gone on a real date. You turn on your shower, but instead of water coming from the showerhead, it starts leaking from the base of the hose.

That can’t be good. You turn off the water and fiddle with the shower. Maybe it just came loose.

You reach for the handle to try the water again. But before your hand can even touch the cool metal, the entire shower head disconnects from the wall and clatters to the shower floor.

Letting out an exasperated groan, you start gathering your clothes into a bag. You really don’t have time for this today. Crossing your fingers your neighbour is home, you head next door.

You’ve never actually talked to him, but you figure he’s probably a safer bet than the crazy old neighbour on your other side; the way he looks at you whenever you run into him gives you the jitters. And not the “he’s a creep” kind of feeling you get when anyone else stares for too long. More like the “he’s probably got a taxidermy cat in his living room and a human body in his closet” kind of feeling. So the neighbour you’ve never even introduced yourself to will have to do.

Your knock echoes through the quiet air. Shifting from foot to foot, you wait impatiently for an answer.

The door clicks open, leaving you face-to-face with your neighbour, who is way cuter up close than you expected him to be.

“…hi,” He greets you as if he’s startled by your presence.

“…hi…” you bite your lip and tear your gaze away from his face to examine your shoe. “I… Well, I live next door, and well—”

“I know,” he interrupts.

“I-What?”

“I’ve seen you… around. We get home from work at the same time, so…”

“Oh.” You chew on your lip for a moment. “Look, my shower broke, and I have a date I have to get to, and well…” you drift off. Are you really asking your irresistibly adorable neighbour who you’ve never met if you can use his shower?

“Oh. Okay, did you want to use mine then?” You pretend not to notice how pink his face has turned.

“Would you mind? I just—I’m running late and I don’t have time to figure out what’s wrong with mine before I leave and still have time to get ready to go.”

“Sure, Come on in,” He shuffles out of the way to allow you space to enter. “Down the hall, second door to the right.”

“Thank you so much,” you smile awkwardly. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

You walk as quickly as you can without breaking into a run to get to the bathroom, leaving Marcus frozen in the doorway.

This is not how he imagined meeting you. Not that he imagined that at all. And he definitely hadn’t spent hours trying to figure out how to ask you out. Because that would be weird.

And he just let you use his shower to go on a date with someone else.

Fuck.

Marcus Moreno

“Excuse me,” a voice speaks up from behind you, just barely audible over your music. You turn around to find that the voice belongs to a young girl.

“Hello,” you greet taking out your headphones.

“Do you see that guy over there?” she asks, pointing across the cluttered bookstore to a man struggling to balance a tower of books while skimming the shelves for more.

“The one in the glasses?” you confirm.

“That’s my dad,” the girl nods. “He thinks you’re cute, but he’s too afraid to talk to you.”

“Oh,” you say, unsure whether you should be flattered or amused.

“He says it’s ‘cause he doesn’t want to weird you out,” she elaborates, “but I think he’s scared you won’t like him back.”

The man glances up, and, upon seeing his daughter talking to you, rushes over. He pauses only briefly when he trips over a box of books placed in the middle of the walkway.

“Oh, here he comes, act natural,” the girl whisper-yells just before her father arrives. “Oh, hey dad,” she greets him nonchalantly.

“Missy, what did we just talk about?” he scolds.

“I know, I know,” she rolls her eyes. “I shouldn’t go up to strangers and tell them my dad thinks they’re cute even when he totally does.”

Missy’s dad freezes, a look of horrified embarrassment washing over his face. “You… You told them what?”

“I’m going to shop some more,” she walks away, winking at you.

“Hey, you get back here, young lady,” he calls after her, struggling not to raise his voice above a murmur in the middle of the peaceful book shop. His daughter ignores him.

He groans under his breath. “I’m sorry about her,” he turns back to you.

“It’s okay,” you laugh. “I’m Y/N,”

“Marcus.” He looks down at his armful of books. “I’d uh… I’d offer a handshake but…”

“Don’t worry about it,” you smile. Marcus smiles back. You allow a moment of uncomfortable silence before speaking up again. “So… you think I’m cute?”

“What? No! I mean, Yes. I mean…” Marcus’ face scrunches up in embarrassment. “Yes? But not… not in a weird way. I wasn’t like… admiring you or anything. That’d be… weird.” Marcus hangs his head with an exasperated sigh. “I’m sorry. I’ll just shut up now.”

You smile again at the flustered man in front of you. After a moment, you pull a pen from your sweatshirt pocket.

“Well, here’s my number,” you say, writing as clearly as you can across his forearm. “You can text me if you decide you do think I’m cute… In a weird way.”

You walk to the counter to pay for your books, sincerely hoping he decides to text.

---

Taglist:

@pascalisthepunkest @trashbin2 @anatanotegami @beesting77 @northernpunk @pumpkin-stars

[markleesthighs]

Can you make another jaemin x BOY reader? Since he looks so good and badboyish with his new raven black hair, can you make one where jaemin is the only son of a mafia leader who gambles, drag races, and other reckless underground stuff and the boy reader is a pure, fragile, and perfect ballet dancer and honor student, an only son of an ambassador. Like a dangerous boy meets a delicate boy or like romeo and juliet? Thankieeeeeee!🖤🤍

-aw this is so cute this concept... *chefs kiss*

Forbidden Moonlight

You attend one of the most prestigious art schools in the country. Everyone there had to go through rigorous testing, students needed to be academically and artistically smart and creative. You and your peers were the top 5% of the country where you’d all grow to be famous artists after you graduate. But there was one student who you were confused about was Na Jaemin. Apparently he got into school because of his amazing graffiti art and gambling skills. You got into the school from your amazing ballet performance and you being at the top of your class with perfect grades. You were the only son of an ambassador so your family had high expectations for you. Specifically, they support you for dancing but they push hard for your academics. Every grade you receive you have to report to your parents so they can keep track of your progress. You arrive to dance classes early, always volunteer for every club or in class, and keep up the best grades in the grade.

You were perfect as people say, and you got asked out by several guys in your class but you always kindly reject them simply telling them you don’t have time for a relationship. Jaemin on the flip side was just as popular as you, getting confessions from guys and girls but he also rejected them always saying his catchphrase, “you couldn’t keep up with me.” Rumors spread that he was a mafia leader and already had a spouse and kids but you didn’t know what to believe. Your parents would have scolded you for being distracted by silly things. Yet you still found yourself intrigued by him, he was everything you weren’t, a troublemaker, laid back, and competes in drag races instead of doing any work. You always wondered how he stayed in your school, despite his work ethic.

One night you went out to pick up a study snack from a local restaurant with a sweet old lady who would always give you extra of whatever food she sold. When you walked home you were staring at your phone, listening to music when you accidentally bumped into someone.

“Oh, I’m so sorry...”

You looked up to see a man at least a foot taller than you and had a huge build, he could definitely crush you would his fingers if he could.

“HEY watch where you’re going twerp!”

“I’m really sorry, I’ll just go-“

“Oh no you’re not! You need to learn your lesson!”

He grabbed you by the collar and brought you aside to the alley where he pinned you agains the grimy brick.

“You’re going to regret bumping into me-“

“Let him go...he’s worth a lot to this city.” A voice called.

“Boss??”

“Jaemin??”

“How do you know the boss??”

“That’s none of your concern, Sebastion, now go back to work.”

“Come with me y/n, you’re coming.”

“Wh- I gotta go back-“

Before you can say anything you were suddenly on his motorbike riding to his mansion. You got off his bike and were fathomed by his luxurious lifestyle, you expected him to live in a messy apartment for some reason. You walked in as you were greeted by a bunch of maids taking off your jacket and giving you heated slippers and a face towel. You kindly thanked them as Jaemin plopped down on his couch. You shyly walked over to join him.

“Here’s the deal, y/n, you’re dad owes me something of mine, and I need to keep you here as leverage got it?”

“Are you seriously expecting me to the calm about this? Jaemin this is crazy, my mind is circling...”

“Well...” He moved closer. “There’s no chance of me letting you go...willingly at least.”

Your face heated up smelling his light cigarette breath.

“But I assure you that you will be treated like a king here since you are my guest, so you might as well get comfortable.”

Jaemin got up and grabbed your hand giving you a tour, from olympic sized pools, bowling alley to shooting ranges and torture rooms. The tour ended at the bedroom, Jaemin’s bedroom.

“You’re going to be sleeping in my bedroom, since I don’t trust the other guys in the house if you’re alone in the room, all of them are horn dogs. I’ll leave you alone to refresh yourself.” Jaemin left and closed the door.

You were freaking out having a meltdown in the bedroom pacing back and forth. You decided a shower would calm you down, you undressed and stepped in the shower. You smelled the musk of Jaemin, it was warm and comforting, the complete opposite of his appearance. You dried and realized there were not pajamas for you. So you threw on one of Jaemin’s shirts and sweatpants. You opened the bedroom door to let Jaemin know you were done.

Jaemin turned and saw you, barefaced, raw, and he thought you looked breathtaking. It was a different look, and he liked what he was seeing. He went to shower and when he walked out he saw you staring at the night sky while sitting on the bed. He admired you looking at the moonlight the bright moon gleaming against your skin, the light shining though your irises and the reflection of the moon in your eyes. He snapped out of it and asked you if you were going to bed. You quietly nodded and tucked yourself in facing away from Jaemin. You didn’t know what to think, you were speechless about the situation.

Jaemin sighed and joined you in bed but he couldn’t fall asleep. He just keep watching you, making sure you were asleep and sleeping well. Despite the plush and lavish sheets you were shivering, from the cold room and a bit of anxiety. You didn’t know what was going to happen tomorrow, your father is the type to send a whole army after you, you didn’t want anyone to get hurt. Jaemin snapped you out of your thoughts.

“Cold?”

“Y-yeah a bit, but I’m fine.”

You felt a warm embrace, Jaemin’s wrapped his arms around you tucking his head into your neck. It was comforting, warm, and nurturing. Your shivering calm down and you felt yourself drift off to sleep. While you were asleep Jaemin kissed you temple

“Goodnight, y/n.”

You woke up to some giggles by the maids cleaning up Jaemin’s room. Your vision was blurry but you noticed you were facing Jaemin as he was holding you in a warm embrace. You stared at Jaemin for a minute, his face was calm and serene, and his hair was a little messy. You smiled playing with his hair as he groaned in pleasure. A maid came in a rang a bell as Jaemin woke up confused.

“Master Jaemin, it’s time for school.”

He got up and sighed as he collapsed back into bed. You tried to get out of bed but Jaemin kept trying to pull you back in.

“Get up sleepyhead, you gotta show me your closet.”

Jaemin lazily got up and opened his finger print locked closet. It opened up to dozens of racks and shelves of designer clothing. Jaemin walked over to two bags one from YSL and one from Fendi.

“I asked one of the maids to pick an outfit from you I didn’t know which one you liked so you can pick one.” You peeked in each box and chose the one from YSL, putting it on in the dressing room and you walked out to see Jaemin shirtless. You apologized but he told you to stay and brought you closer. Your eyes traced his body.

“Take a picture it will last longer baby.”

You blushed hard and looked away. Why did he make butterflies appear in your stomach? He put on the rest of his outfit and sprayed his cologne and you were still looking away from him. Jaemin grabbed your chin and pecked your cheek.

“You have a beautiful face don’t hide hide it from me.”

You pecked his lips

“Well if you didn’t make me so flustered I think I’d look at you more often.”

That made Jaemin’s eyes go wide in shock.

“Don’t test me now baby, or will I have to show you how to play nice?”

You rolled your eyes as you walked passed him. He chased after you as you both ate a light breakfast and walked outside together holding hands. He gave you a helmet and he held your hand and made you wrap your arms around his waist. You arrived to school with a bunch of eyes all over you two. You were averting gazes but Jaemin held your hand as you both walked. You smiled at him as you walked together. You got gazes of jealousy and shock. You walked into class and Jaemin held you close squeezing your hand in reassurance.

“Would Mr. y/n l/n please come down the the front office please.”

You looked at Jaemin in confusion but he let you go alone to the office. You walked in and saw your father and mother standing there next to the principal. They led you into the principals office.

“y/n as you know you went missing last night according to your parents, once we were notified that you arrived on campus we contacted your parents. If you don’t mind, would you mind explaining to your parents where you went?”

“Did they drug you? Did they harm you?” Sobbed your mother

“Were you threatened? Do you know how worried we were how reckless are you?!” scolded your father.

“Well, I was with Na Jaemin, he helped me that night after I was being harassed. Is there anything you need to explain to me, dad, regarding Na Jaemin? Does that name ring a bell?”

The principal stepped out by simply saying that he won’t be involved or eavesdrop on family affairs and he shut the door.

“y/n, the Na family is the most powerful mafia family in the country right now, I have to meet and do deals with them to maintain the safety of this country. Last night I made an offer to Jaemin, and he accepted it saying he would return you to school the next morning.”

“How’d you know where I was?”

“I received intel from a mafia member who saw you with Jaemin.”

“What did you offer Jaemin?”

“That’s none of your concern, from now on I want you to stop affiliating yourself with him, he’s too dangerous for you. I forbid you from seeing him off campus, y/n.”

“WH-“

“As your father and guardian, I need to do what’s best to protect you and keep you on a clear track. No more boys no more mafia business.”

You felt as if you were going to cry, how were you going to tell Jaemin? What is he going to do? What if him and you father go to war? You couldn’t have that you’d have to choose. So who will you choose?

part 2

[ninjakitten1699]

But to change the topic from all the Lloyd ship thingy that’s going on…

F U T U R E S H I P P I N G

Oh yes! I might be rewriting some headcanons but I love them so much and I just gotta write out how it’d be in my AU when I come around to it.

Once more, we begin with Acronix crushing on the inventor when he was kidnapped. It didn’t confuse him too much since he’s been with some guys before but none of them were really in for the romance. The only thing that conflicted his feelings was needing to go through with the plan with his brother and maybe he just buried it far beneath.

Of course he’s helping plan out Cyrus’s escape and they end up bonding over it. Cyrus is on his old spider mech chair and Acronix practically jams the auto pilot button while distracting the inventor with a short kiss. It’s a sad goodbye, but the plan still goes on which means Nix is lost in time for a while.

They reunite by pure accident and begin bonding again. Krux is happy that his brother found some joy outside of tech but he didn’t expect Cyrus to be Nix’s boyfriend. He confronts him about it but Acronix just shoots back with “At least I caught feelings talking with someone. You caught yours in the middle of getting fucked by an actual demigod. So, don’t you come at me about who I want and like when you don’t even know what you want anymore. Now excuse me, I’m going to meet up with him and hopefully he’ll help us find the Ninja to take little Wu back.”

Anyways now that’s out the way, I just want to think about the development they have together. It’s slow, sweet and fluffy. Cyrus is a literal boss of his own company and Acronix is the first to test any new tech products. He gives reliable advice to Cyrus on what to advance and what’s unnecessary. He’s just plain honest with him and Cyrus appreciates it.

Sin down below because I have no filter and I can’t be stopped:

And don’t get me started on the saucy sin with these two. Ah!

The first time was honestly nerve wrecking, at least for Acronix. He’s so used to one night stands just getting their fill and leaving, but Cyrus?.. He’s so sweet and he’s gentle. It’s just soft kisses all over and his hands roaming. Basically Nix actually gets worshipped and he’s so overwhelmed by it.

Later on, Cyrus sees that Nix is more energetic about the bedroom and basically he takes notes. Name what he’s noted and he’s got it. Positions? Kinks? How long he can last? The fact that maybe his restlessness was connected to his elemental powers? Favorite toys? Past flings? He’s got it all, even makes sure to avoid what he doesn’t like or makes them both uncomfortable.

When Cyrus can’t keep up some nights or needs to focus on work? Don’t get him wrong he loves Acronix but unfortunately he can’t meet some standards and he’s okay with it. He’s allowed Acronix to be more open with partners as long as they both were comfortable with it, which sometimes leads to Cyrus eventually joining in.

One partner was in fact Garmadon. Garm is a perfect example of a fling. He has experience, has the energy, and no strings attached. Yes his wife knows of his habits and they had a talk about it. How do you think he got to the city? She drove him there and they met up with Acronix and Cyrus. That’s probably when Cyrus brought up the idea of open partners. Acronix is embarrassed by Cyrus bringing it up but admits he likes the idea.

“We’re not looking for any adultery. It’s just I can’t keep up with him and I don’t have much to offer him in bed at the moment so.. I was thinking maybe on some occasion you can.. visit and help me tire him out?” “Let me talk to my wife about it.” “I don’t wish to put strain on your marriage.” “Oh don’t worry about it. He’s been alive longer than I have so it’s almost unfair to tie him down.” “Yeah but I need someone to help make decisions with me.” “I know you do.. Anyways I don’t mind. Besides it’s not like I’m looking for another kid anytime soon. I’m happy with Lloyd for now.” “So.. when’s the first visit?”

Did he take notes on Garm during the visit? Yes. Yes he did. Mind you, sometimes, Garm was in full monster form. Long forked tongue? Yes. Grabby claws? Yes! Horns perfect for grabbing? Yes. And if he has his Anacondrai tail? Then you bet Cyrus saw how excited Acronix was when he saw the double flesh staves. Cyrus mostly found his different forms fascinating. If Garm was still in Anacondrai form, I realize that there’s one for each of them and Acronix ends up dragging Cyrus in anyways.

And yes, Cyrus does put the notes to use and perhaps on the side, he makes some personal projects. They’re surprises for Acronix later and boy he’s happy when he sees Nix absolutely loving the toys.

And yes there is a safe word for when it gets too uncomfortable or overwhelming. It’s been used a few times but for good reasons.

Anyways, with the two of them, it’s an amazing time until Acronix sub-drops. Basically, his body by then throws away the high and the adrenaline which causes him to suddenly feel vulnerable to many negative emotions. Cyrus is scared, but he basically sticks with him and feels terrible for what Acronix is going through. (Honestly subdropping needs to be brought to light more often.) He provides some aftercare and gentle words.

The aftercare itself? Oh it’s absolutely mandatory. The process of it is needed, cause the aftermath actually can lead to injuries; mental and physical. Its a red flag if anyone says otherwise. Thankfully neither possess that red flag so that’s good. It’s so sweet and gentle. Cyrus makes sure Acronix is okay and they’re just laying there and cuddling for the rest of the night. And yes, when it comes down to it, it can go the other way around for Cyrus.

I really don’t understand why the aftercare isn’t talked about in relationships because it should be about love and not gratification. And the pairing just offer that kind of love to one another.

Oh and before I forget, yes. Acronix is little spoon and if you want sin added in, then he likes it when he can just slip Cy in and proceeds to grind on him... It’s a slow and gentle and they both enjoy the change of pace.

[echo-three-one]

A Forgotten Memory

Likes and Reviews are appreciated. (Reblogs too!)

I - Alex

The bright California sunshine striked across Alex's face as soon as he shifted his sleeping position. The newly assigned agent clicked his tongue and covered his face with his heavily tattooed arms, letting out a slight groan of frustration. His head was slightly pounding from a night of irresponsible drinking, courtesy of his new found friends. It was almost always customary for him to get to know some locals for information, especially in foreign territories, but last night's set of people was wilder than he'd imagined. Americans do have their own definition of fun.

He wasn't much of a heavy drinker, so he actually felt the nasty after effects of the alcohol or whatever they took last night, but none of such pain did he regret. After all, he did get a decent amount of information without raising suspicion.

Sprawled across his apartment wall are photos, articles and a handful of red yarn interlacing across pins of different colors. His own evidence board finally made sense because of last night's encounter. Reports of missing people that later came back disoriented and have no recollection of what happened started increasing day by day and it all started in this exact city.

Taking a fresh white shirt from his gym bag, Alex slipped it on and made his way to the evidence board staring at the piece of paper he had from last night and comparing it against what he had so far. A smirk strewn across his face as he pins it on the board.

"Gotcha." he muttered proudly, blindly dialing his immediate supervisor over the phone.

"This is Alex. Intel was off, they're after a different person. I'm sending it to you as we speak." he informed over the encrypted lines. He did this expertly, as if his whole life was like this, secret spy work and a whole lot of information gathering.

"This one? She seems ordinary, even her name brings out zero results." the voice replied over his phone.

"That's why it makes much more sense. She may be using an alias." Alex commented, standing up from his laptop, casually pacing back and forth as his free hand rests on his hips.

"Well, I trust you know what to do. If she's being targeted then it's either she's being protected-"

"-or a threat to the enemy." he cut off, completing the caller's thoughts.

"Keep us posted while we monitor the other missing person cases."

"Got it." he assured as the call ended, taking one quick glance at the image displayed on his screen.

Samantha Cooper, age 26, a graphic designer at a nearby local company. Alex took his time staring at her, clearly familiarizing her face as she will be the object of his eyes for this mission. He can't help but appreciate how cute she is, how her brunette curls perfectly fit her facial features. It would be such a shame if she's actually a threat and it would make him a believer of the phrase "looks can be deceiving". He quickly tapped on his burner phone arranging a meetup with a certain person from last night, a person whom he believed to lead him right into Samantha.

* * *

Strong gusts of salty seaside air blew across Alex, who sat on a park bench by the baywalk waiting patiently for his guide. He somehow wished he brought a cap, as the harsh rays of the sun kept his eyes squinted while looking at his phone.

"There you are!" a short blonde haired woman greeted the agent as he busily taps on his phone. Alex quickly recognized the person as Maxine, also known as Samantha's best friend and roommate, whom he met at the bar just last night.

She wore tattered jeans and a white shirt covered by a gray cardigan, a typical choice of clothing around these parts.

"Yep." Alex stood as he shakes her hand, quite an awkward gesture to say the least, but she immediately dismissed it with a friendly hug.

"Handshakes are for acquaintances, Alex. If you're friends with Samantha, we're friends." Maxine hugged him as Alex slowly pats her back, still baffled by the action she's done. But it was no time to dwell on those, so he silently cleared his throat and went on to business.

She's obviously alone, but that could also mean Samantha's just letting her go first for confirmation, so Alex took quick glances at visible corners for any sign of her.

"So, where's Samantha?" he finally asked, the question was quite demanding almost indicating urgency. Maxine seemed to catch this reaction from him and made Alex slightly worry about his cover.

"She's still at work, but I'll lead you to our apartment. It's just a few blocks from here..." she goes on about how she should also know Alex at some point if he's really here staying. It felt like she's starting to get cautious whether to let them meet.

"You say you're a friend from her hometown? Come to think of it, she never told me where she came from." She asked the agent as they walk across the block.

"Yeah, from Georgia." Alex replied confidently. Her information was very limited, and judging from it, Samantha may have been also living with a lie. A lie that kept Alex from wondering if she's s threat or she needs to be protected.

"Really? Doesn't strike you both as from there. Or maybe that's just me. What do I know about that place anyway? I haven't been there..." she chuckled and Alex slightly laughed. He was almost being suspicious, something that never usually happens when he's gathering intel.

"Yeah. Moved a lot growing up. Gotta follow where my Dad's job is." Alex commented, trying to support the lie he's built up. Funny how you have to lie to look for the truth, he thought as they pass by the busy streets across the beach.

"Oh, so you're that kind of kid growing up. That's probably why you easily got along with our group last night." she laughed and suddenly fished her phone from her pocket.

Raising a finger, she gestured to Alex that she had to take the call. Alex automatically nodded and she excused herself just by the alley. He couldn't help but be cautious around her, as she told earlier she was the target's roommate and if ever she's a threat, she's also on his watch list. But for now she's all he's got to bring him close to Samantha.

An embarrassed grimace formed on her lips as she approached Alex. The agent raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Sorry, Alex. My boss needs me to go earlier than usual. I'll just lead you to our apartment and I'll let you wait for her on the stairs. You wouldn't miss her if you still know what she looks like, right?" she stepped forward, leading him the way. Alex nodded in agreement and gave a soft "Yeah." as they made their way across two more blocks.

A tall three storey building, walled with dark orange bricks, with three flights of stone steps as entrance greeted Alex as Maxine stops walking.

"This is where we stop. And this is where you wait." She pointed at the stairs leading to the apartment doors.

"She'll be here in a few minutes. She told me she wants to go home immediately after work before she left. Good luck on your meet up, Alex!" She waved goodbye almost in a hurry and left before Alex could even open his mouth.

"Guess I'm on my own now." he muttered and sighed as he sat down on thr topmost slab, just beside the door. He found himself tapping his foot nervously, as if he's really out to meet her. A lie he made that felt so real, even he almost believed they're really hometown friends.

At that exact moment, he saw a foot step on the bottom slab and he immediately trailed his blue eyes across the person. Her floral dress sways to the breeze as a man on a skateboard passes by her. Then their eyes locked for just a second, her hazel eyes now embedded in his memory as she quickly turns back and ran away.

"Hey! Wait!" Alex immediately bolted and followed her.

II - Samantha

[lilchibi-chan]

Hawks Mafia! AU x Reader

Part 2. Here is part 1 and thanks so much for the support on the first post.

It’s the next morning and you wake up around 10:30. You decided to call your boss and inform her about what happened last night and that you would most likely be taking some time off. She was very understanding and told you to take as much time as you needed. She was still willing to pay you the same amount for the time you would eventually miss. You thank her for her kindness and she informs you that it’s no problem at all and she thinks of you as one of her own.

You had started working at the diner to help pick up what financial aid didn’t pay for and you were set on quitting after you graduated, but you couldn’t find the heart to leave. You grew to love the people that came in and your boss. You’ve even spent holidays with her the times you couldn’t get home. You start thinking about all the memories you have working at the diner and suddenly your phone rings. It’s Hawks.

“Hello,” you say, a small hint of tiredness still in your voice

“Mornin’ baby bird,” he says so happily that you can basically see his smile on your side of the phone

“Morning,” you say, a yawn escaping your mouth

“So what’re you doing right now,” he asks, genuinely curious

“Well I was about to get a cup of coffee and make myself something to eat,”

“Well how about instead of doing that, I kidnap you and take you out to eat,” he says, pleased with himself

You smile and let a small laugh escape your mouth.

“I would love that, but I’m not even close to being dressed.”

You take a look at the clock and its 11:15

You take a moment to think about it and think that this could be a good thing.

“How soon will you be here” you ask 

“Look out your window, humming bird”

You go to your window and open the curtain. You see him, standing outside his car, which is below your window.

“How-when-”

“Don’t worry about it, baby bird. Just go get ready and I’ll see you when you get down here”

“How should I dress”

“For brunch”

He hangs up right after and you go through your closet trying to figure out what to wear.

You finally decide on a white mock neck bodysuit, light wash skinny jeans and a pair of nude patent leather pumps.

You quickly shower and get dressed, then put on light makeup. You grab a jacket just in case and your purse and head down to meet Hawks.

He smiles as soon as you walk out and rushes over to help you down the stairs. Once you make it down, he walks with you to the car, still hand in hand and opens the door for you.

“Such a gentleman,” you say, somewhat mockingly

“Only when I need to be,” he says with a shrug of his shoulders and a cocky smile, that you can’t help but smile back in response to

“So where are you taking me,” you ask curious

“It’s a surprise” he says with a side smile

“Don’t worry baby bird. You’ll see soon enough”

With that, he drives off. After 15 minutes, he pulls up in front of a hotel. He opens the door for you to exit the car and puts a hand out for you. You take his hand and you enter the gorgeous hotel. He walks straight in past reception and walks to the restaurant that is on the same floor as the lobby.

The host automatically escorts you both to a private room and your mind starts to wander. You figured he was rich and in some type of position of power, but you were still unsure of how much he actually possessed.

After the host leaves you two, Hawks pulls out a chair for you to sit down. You thank him and take a seat. After pushing you in, he takes his and hands you a menu.

As your analyzing the menu, you can’t stop thinking about Hawks and what he does. You wanna know more about him, but you also don’t wanna pry if he’s not open to talking about it.

“What’s going on, baby bird? I see those wheels turning in your head,” he says with a smirk

“Ya know for a guy, you’re quite observant”

“I have to be. Ya never know with people. You always gotta watch your back. Especially in a position of power”

“W-what do you do exactly,” you ask, piggybacking off of what he just said,“I noticed when we walked in that you were treated like literal royalty and when you would come to the diner I noticed your clothes were a lot nicer and clean cut than most of the business men that would come in. I figured you had a lot of money, but judging from the way you were treated,it’s more than I initially thought.”

“Well, I “do” a few things. As a matter of fact, I own this hotel. I also own a couple more around the country, we’re looking to expand to others. I have a few businesses I run. Fashion, modeling, and marketing. You could say I’m a man of many talents,” he says with a cocky smirk

You let out a small laugh and the waiter comes in with champagne and some food. He places a plate in front of you with pancakes, eggs, bacon and some syrup on the side. As well as some apple juice, just in case you didn’t want the champagne.

“I ordered ahead for us. I hope you’re okay with your order,” he says hopefully

“It’s fine,” you say smiling

It was a huge plate of food, but you were starving so you were gonna be able to at least finish half and have some for later at home.

Once you both finished at brunch, Hawks took your hand and you both walked out together to his car. He has a very gentle touch when holding your hand. Almost as if, you’re the most precious,fragile thing he could ever hold. Like one small move and you’ll break instantly.

You didn’t even notice, but you were staring at your hands together.

His touch was warm and his hands were soft, despite their rough and manly looking appearance.

You start to admire the details of his hand and the rings he had on.

He let go of your hand, which snapped you out of your trance.

He opens the door for you, then proceeds to the other side of the car as he usually does.

He’s about to pull off, but receives a phone call.

“Hello,” he says stern

The warmth that once filled his was now gone and there was a cold look in his face. Judiging from that, you were convinced what he was just told wasn’t good in the slightest bit.

“Baby bird, I have to drop you home. Something came up at the office and that I need to take care of like right now. I’m so sorry,”

“I could go with you. It’s not I really had anything planned for today,” you say, trying to brighten his mood

He softly smiles at you

“Today’s not really the best day and I’d much rather show you around when I’m in a better mood. How about...I bring you some dinner tonight? Let’s say 8?,” he asks hopefully

“That’s fine,” you say smiling

He kisses your hand

“Thanks, hummingbird. I won’t be late. I promise,” he says, gripping your hand a bit tighter

He drives off and takes you home. He watches as you enter your building, just as he did last night.

He pulls off and makes his way to his office....

Or so you thought

Meanwhile with Hawks

He makes it to a warehouse that’s an hour outside of the city. He made sure to turn his phone off, so that he wouldn’t be found by anyone.

He enters

“Where’s the fucker at,” he asks fuming

“Right inside,sir” Tokoyami says, following Hawks as he makes his way further inside the warehouse

Hawks walks further in and there he is, hand cuffed to a chair.

“Nice to see you, Twice”

He says nothing

“Aww, cat gotcha tongue...don’t worry, we’ll change that,” Hawks says with a menacing smile

He takes off his rings and puts them onto a silver platter that Tokoyami held out for him.

He picks up a steel rod and starts swinging it around,feeling its weight in his hand.

“So Twice, I heard from a little bird, that you’ve been trying to steal my inventory and trying to embezzle money from my company. The funniest part about this is you thought I wouldn’t find out.”

“Ya know if I wasn’t hand cuffed to this fucking chair right now, I could kick your ass,” he says with a smile

Hawks laughs

“Ya know Twice, you would be a better boss if you weren’t so FUCKING sloppy. I mean c’mon. You’ve been in the game longer than I have and you pull something as stupid as trying to steal from me. It’s honestly embarrassing”

He runs a hand through his hair.

“Twice, I’m a nice guy. I really am, so here’s what I’ll do. I’m gonna let you off with a warning.”

He lifts up the steel rod and cracks Twice in the knee.

“Try that shit again and I will break both of your legs or kill you, depends on how generous I’m feeling...Shadow, get him out of here”

Tokoyami does what he’s told and uncuffs Twice’s hands and feet from the chair. He drags him to the back door of the warehouse and throws him out.

“So what now sir,” Tokoyami asks curious

“Now, we prepare for war. Twice isn’t gonna back down that easy just because I threatened him. He’s gonna use whatever he can to get me and what I’ve built. He wants to be number one and he’ll stop at nothing. Little does he know, I’m one tough bastard and I’m gonna fight for what’s mine. Call everyone and have them meet at the house in an hour.”

“But sir, it takes an hour to get back in the city and it’s rush hour by now so-“

“So it should be no problem for everyone to get there on time. Now go call them”

“Yes sir”

With that, Tokoyami exits the warehouse to call the rest of the members.

Hawks makes his way to his car and drives back to the city to make it to his penthouse.

He ends up beating everyone there, but he did drive a little above the speed limit and took some shortcuts he knew, that way he wouldn’t be stopped by police on his way there.

He takes the elevator that only he has access to and goes straight to his penthouse.

He pours himself some scotch as soon as he gets in. He doesn’t usually drink much, but today warranted one. A stiff drink at that.

Soon there were knocks at his door.

“C’mon in boys,” he says, drink in hand

“I’m sure Shadow already briefed on the situation at hand. We’ve dealt with some pretty rough bastards before, but none of them compare to Twice. As I said to Shadow, he’ll use whatever he can to get to me, my business and people I care about. Make sure to never have your guard down and protect yourselves. Brief everyone on your location before and after you leave. I may be hard on you guys, but I’m not gonna lose any of you to him just cause we were ill prepared.”

“You got it boss. Ain’t nothin gonna get past the great King,” Bakugou says

“Yeah boss, we’re the manliest that you’ve got,” Kirishima says

“I knew I could count on you, King and Red”

“M-me too boss. I know I look weak, but I won’t let anyone or anything get to you, us or the people you care about,” Deku says

“Thanks, Deku. I never thought of you as weak by the way. I don’t judge a book because anyone is capable of anything.”

“R-right,” Deku says

Everyone else agrees to follow Hawks’ orders and to be extra vigilant in the coming days. They couldn’t make stupid mistakes. Although Twice is injured, he still has skilled assassins under his thumb and one slip up could cause anyone’s demise.

After everyone leaves, he decides to shower and wash the day off of him. He lets the hot water flow down his body, almost as if it was melting ice off of him. His mind drifted to you and he smiled, but that smile quickly faded when he realized the life he was bring you into and what would happen if Twice ever found out about you and where you live.

He couldn’t tell you about this side of him. He knew you would view him as a monster. This lifestyle was basically an unforgivable one that ended a lot of his relationships in the past. He knew there would come a day when he would have to fess up eventually, but that day wasn’t going to be today. He wants to be able to live in the happy moments he has with you and make them last as long as he can.

Picture 1: Human Tokoyami by ChigoPlush on DeviantArt

Picture 2 by Kiro_Tktr

Hope y’all enjoyed!! I know it’s super long, but I figured I owe you guys that, being that it took so long to come out. Thank y’all for the support on this new fanfic and I’m also wondering if we should give it an actual name. Leave me a comment or reblog with what you think the name should be, if there should be a name.

Tag list: @rozebudx @cpaperheart

[cheiyunn]

Under the Cloudy Skies [1-4]

~~~~~~[1]~~~~~~

Reon: (I don’t have a 4th slot today… I have plenty of time until my job, so maybe I’ll just go back and practice for a bit)

???: Ah- Reon-kun

Reon: Huh..?

Banri: I heard from Wataru-kun, that the older members of Gyro aren’t here right now?

Reon: ah… yeah

Reon: But its no big deal if they’re here or not

Banri: Oh.. really? Its just you and Nayuta-kun then

Banri: I’ve had the impression that you and Nayuta-kun often butt heads

Reon: Well that's because that bastard…

Reon: Either way, thats not a problem. Since we don’t really run into each other anyways

Banri: Ah… I see. You probably don’t have class in noon… the only thing to go to left is your part-time?

Reon: Well there's that, and also because our lives are all on different wavelengths

Reon: ( ...to simplify it, we didn’t have to really worry about that form the start)

Banri: Got it..

Banri: If you don’t have 5 people, you can’t rent a studio or practice…

Banri: Ah, what about during eating? You don’t meet up to eat?

Reon: We usually get it done outside

Banri: Eh

Reon: Or I’ll just buy from the convenience store...

Banri: You don’t cook for yourself!? WHY!?

Reon: Why… because it’s a hassle

Banri: HAAAAAAAAAA, I can’t believe this…. what a waste

Reon: No… that's just how it is

Reon: Do you make your own food in Argo?

Banri: Of course! The ingredients are also bought directly from the supermarket

Banri: Well, it was hard at first

Banri: There were some really good beginner chefs… if you left them alone they’d wash the rice down with detergent level

Banri: ...don’t tell me, are you also on that level of cooking?

Reon: At the very least, I know how to cook rice

Banri: That sounds right, and relieving

Banri: If that's the case, you should be able to practice and cook a bit right?

Banri: Just eating out or from bentos can be bad for you right

Reon: Well thats...

Reon: ....

Reon: (...that reminds me, is he, eating properly?)

Banri: ...ah, Nayuta-kun

Reon: !

Nayuta: …..

Reon: (...hm?!)

Reon: ...isn’t he, looking a little pale?

~~~~~~~~[2]~~~~~~~~

Reon: ...isn’t he, looking a little pale?

Banri: Nayuta-kun is? I’m not so sure, he looks fine to me

Reon: ...I see

Banri: If anything, I’m a little surprised that you seem pretty worried 

Reon: That’s not how it is. But, Nayuta’s throat..

Banri: ...ah, is it the asthma thing? I remember him collapsing mid-live as well

Banri: It got spread around and caused a bit of an uproar, and even he admitted to it live

Reon: Yeah

Banri: Are symptoms reappearing recently?

Reon: Nope, I haven’t heard of anything. Our last practice went smoothly after all

Banri: Got it…

Banri: If you’re curious about it, why don’t you ask him? I think you can still catch up to him

Reon: ...Nah, I’ll pass. He’s seems like type to hate being cared for

Reon: It’ll be a pain in the ass if I try to

Banri: Hm? Well, I guess I kinda understand

Banri: But the more you try to pretend that everythings okay, the more you feel like your clinging on by yourself

Banri: I’m saying that from personal experience

Banri: ....y’know, back when we were in Hokkaido, I got into a traffic incident and inconvenienced everyone

Reon: Ah… was it that time…

Banri: I didn’t want to have them be worried. I wanted to show them that I could handle it myself

Banri: But the situation got worse, and I couldn’t do it

Reon:  I see…

Banri: Well that's just in my case. There can be patterns like that as well

Reon: ...I’ll take note on that

--Night--

Salesperson: Thank you very much-!

Reon: (It’s still 7pm)

Reon: (At this time, the music store is still open, so I’ll just swing by)

*Flashback to Nayuta in the morning*: …

Reon: ...

Reon: (It’s not like I’m worried about it, but I should probably just go home now)

--Sharehouse--

Reon: I’m back...

Reon: (The fact that the lights are on means Nayuta’s already back)

Reon: (I was already told by Kenta-san, so I guess, I’ll take a peek)

*Loud sound of something crashing/falling*

Reon: hm?... Nayuta?

Nayuta: *Wheezing sounds*

Reon: Oi !?

Nayuta: shut...up..don’t be so loud

Reon: ...tch, is your asthma acting up again ! The medicine? You have some right !?

Nayuta: *Even louder wheezing and coughing sounds*

Reon: Fuck… Nayuta! Keep it together!

~~~~~~~~[3]~~~~~~~~

--Hospital--

Reon: ...it's good that I kept my calm

Nayuta: ...

Reon: That medicine.. Is pretty effective 

Nayuta: …

Reon: You little-! Why don’t you say anything! I was hella worried over this !?

Nayuta: I don’t remember asking you for anything

Reon: HA !?

Nurse: Pardon my intrusion, but please be quiet in the hospital

Reon: Ah.. right, I’ll try not to next time

Reon: Oi, Nayuta? Where’re you going

Nayuta: They ringed you up for the bill. Didn’t you hear it ?

Reon: Oh for fuck’s sake -! I’ll pay for it so you sit down

Nayuta: You don’t need-

Reon: Don’t you dare say it. Sit down

Nayuta: …

--Gyroaxia’s sharehouse--

Reon: hah…

Reon: Overuse of throat, mild malnutrition, lack of sleep. Even you heard the doctor’s reasons for your breathlessness

Reon: I thought you just weren’t at home alot, but turns out you were at the studio…

Nayuta: Whatever I do is up to me. I don’t remember having to be bossed around by you

Reon: That may be so. But it’s no good if it's to the point where you collapse

Reon: Is this something that can be managed haphazardly with the power of pure will

Reon: and if that really works, why haven’t you been able to overcome it by now?

Nayuta: …

Reon: This time it happened at the sharehouse so its fine

Reon: But if you keep doing this, there's no doubt that you’ll end up collapsing on stage

Reon: ...just like that time

Nayuta: …

Nayuta: I choose the time to finish practice

Nayuta: Its impossible to think of neglecting practice just because of my throat’s condition

Nayuta: I gotta do it somewhere

Reon: I understand that, but it doesn’t mean to force it

Reon: But your problem is that you’re so focused on what's ahead that you’re neglecting the present you

Reon: ...the thing you’re neglecting the most is your own health

Nayuta: tch, don’t just go deciding that. What do you know about me?

Reon: Then tell me. What you’re thinking

Reon: If I’m satisfied with that answer, I won’t question anything. You’ll be free to do whatever you want

Nayuta: …

Reon: If you clam it up here, I’ll keep bugging you until I hear it

Nayuta: Shut up

Nayuta: tch

~~~~~~~~[4]~~~~~~~~

Reon: So, what about it Nayuta. What do you feel about your body?

Nayuta: ...tch

Nayuta: I’m taking medicine nor am I feeling sick these days. There isn’t a live concert upcoming anyways

Nayuta: So I decided that there were no problems

Reon: ‘I decided’, it makes you sound like you were thinking before acting

Nayuta: hah

Nayuta: I didn’t want to showcase such a disgraceful figure. I have no regrets

Reon: ...

Reon: (...regret)

Reon: (Thats what Ryo-san said back then as well)

*Flashback to band practice*

Ryo: Nayuta..I think he was regretting something

Reon: Regretting?

Ryo: Yup. How he couldn’t sing at yesterday’s live

Ryo: Probably even more than anyone of us

*End of flashback*

Reon: If thats the case, don’t go ham anymore

Nayuta: I’m not taking your instructions

Reon: ...ha !?

Nayuta: It doesn’t matter if you agree or not, I do what I want

Nayuta: I don’t want to collapse at a live, and I don’t intend to in the future

Reon: Then you’re just repeating the same-

Nayuta: Shut up

Reon: …

Nayuta: At least I know about my asthma more than you, even if you’ve been around me since children

Nayuta: and just because we came to Tokyo and my health deteriorated a bit

Nayuta: With today’s seizure, I now know the line that I shouldn’t cross

Reon: Oi… don’t tell me you’re planning to go to the very edge

Nayuta: It's a necessary action, to take the world

Reon: ....you little shit..! You just never learn!

Nayuta: That guy is just doing what's convenient to him

Reon: No matter how much Kenta-san worries about you, it'll all go to naught if you keep acting like that!

Reon: For the last time, that’s-

Nayuta: I answered what you wanted to know

Nayuta: This discussion is over

Reon: Hey, hold on-

Reon: I can’t believe that fucker!

Reon: Shit… really, what is it

Reon: (...regret huh)

Reon: (I didn’t expect such words to come out of Nayuta’s mouth)

Reon: (Feeling worried… scratch that. After hearing those words…)

Reon: (...For now I need to contact Kenta-san and the others)

[noladyme]

My Only Sunshine - Chapter 5

Liv is as human as they come – faults and all. After a dark experience in her past, she is determined to live life on her own terms, and never let anyone claim her as theirs again. This becomes an issue, when she meets a 1000-yearold vampire, who is dead-set on claiming her as his own.

CHAPTER 4

Every person I met on my way back to the elevator, looked away from me, as if I didn’t exist. Once I entered the elevator, I drew in a stuttering breath. My clothes felt sticky from the spilt TruBlood, and I was shaking.

Taking a deep breath, I entered the suite, where Pam was going through some official looking papers. She looked up at me, and seemed confused. “TruBlood”, I croaked. “He’s in there”, she said, and nodded towards Eric’s room. The door was closed. “On the phone with your other boss”. “Bill?”, I asked. Pam’s lips drew up in a smirk.

The doors to Erics room opened, and he came out, with my old phone to his ear. “… That’s between you and miss Sunday”, he said into the phone, before looking up at me – suddenly frowning. “I’m fine…”, I muttered. “She’s back now, if you want to speak with her”, he said into the phone; before handing it to me. Before I put it to my ear, he wiped his thumb down my cheek, and then put it in his mouth to taste. He seemed to relax when he found that the blood on my face had in fact come from a bottle.

“Bill?”, I said into the phone. “Liv…”. It was Sam. “Sam… hi”, I said. “What the fuck? You said you were taking a vacation… Then Sookie tells me you’ve gone to Dallas with… him? You know what you’re getting yourself in to?”. “I’m ok, Sam… I’ll be back in a few days”. “Liv’, you’re a walking, talking hamburger to those people. Come home!”. He sounded angry.

I walked in to my own room, and went to stand by the window. It was 2 am, and I knew Merlotte’s was closed; but I heard talking in the background – figuring he and Terri were cleaning up after the evening service. “I’m perfectly safe”, I lied. “No one’s fed on me without…”. “Without what? You mean you’ve been letting that fanger suck on you?”. “That’s none of your business. I’m a grown woman”. Sam sighed deeply. “Just… Don’t come home with any visible marks on you. I don’t wanna scare away the costumers”. “That’s mean, Sam…”, I croaked. “I know… I know, cher’; I’m sorry. I just care about you, is all”. I heard him moving around some glass. “I got something in the mail today, you should know about. It was a picture of you…”. My breath hitched. “You… what?”. “You didn’t tell me you used to dance… if you can call it that”. “So, now you’re shaming me for my former job? Tell me, Sam. How much student debt do you have?”. “I’m being an asshole, aren’t I…?”. “Yeah, you are… Am I fired?”. “No… Of course not”. “Good”, I said, a little more edge to my voice than I had planned. “Was there a return address on the envelope?”. I noticed Eric entering the room behind me, and coming up next to me by the window. “No… It was just sent to Merlotte’s. Is someone trying to make you look bad?”. “Is it working?”, I muttered. Sam chuckled. “Hell, no. You look hot as fuck”. “That’s inappropriate, Mr. Merlotte”, I smiled. Eric tensed up next to me. “Only if I was flirting with you, cher’. I’m just stating facts”. Gazing up at Eric, I decided it was time to end the call. “Sam, I gotta go. I’ll be back soon, no marks and in one piece”. “Be careful… and call me if you need anything. And call vampire-Bill. He’s worried as well”. “I will. Take care… And could you let me know if you get anymore pictures?”. “Of course. Talk to you later”. I hung up, and went to drop the phone on the bedside table.

“Shifter-daddy is worried”, Eric muttered. “He’s just protective…”, I said. “Why were you on my phone?”. “The ringing was annoying”, he said. “Why are you covered in O negative?”. “Because Rose thinks humans are cattle, and wants to start a civil war…”, I said. I was surprised to see that Eric didn’t even flinch at my words. “I expected as much”, he said. “Tell me what happened”.

I spent the next 20 minutes retelling what had occurred at the meeting between Carl on Rose. Eric and Pam sat still as statues as I spoke. “This just confirms what you’ve been saying”, Pam said. “We always knew Stan was power-hungry, and that Rose was a cunt. Now we got proof. Liv just has to…”. “She can’t… They’ll kill her”, Eric said. His eyes were focused the table in front of him, as if he was far away in thought. “So…?”. “Thanks, Pam”, I sneered. She smiled sarcastically at me. “Why would they kill me for telling the truth?”. “Rose tried to glamour you. A human that can’t be glamoured won’t sit well with vampires on any side of the fence”.

“So, what do we do?”, Pam said. “Stan as sheriff… that’s bad for business”. “You’re worried about money?”, I asked. “She was talking about humans like nothing but… animals! Who is running against you in Area 5?”, I asked. “No one”, Pam said, before Eric could answer. “They’re all too afraid of Eric, or too lazy to pick up the mantle”. Eric nodded agreeingly. “There’s no one willing to take it on”. “Seems like Area 5 politics are quite different from the rest of the country”, I said. “But at least you’re one of the sheriffs that don’t just see my kind as meals”. Eric gave me a smirk as if he was undecided. I rolled my eyes.

“With Stan taking the post, civil war won’t just be a possibility. It’ll be an actuality”. He looked at me seriously. “And it won’t be good for vampires or humans”.  He took another moment to think. “We do nothing. For now… I will speak to Isabel; tell her you heard some rumors about Rose working with Stan”. Pam frowned. “Me? But I’ve been with you all night. I haven’t been talking to anyone to make that believable”. Eric raised a brow at her; and Pam looked even more disgruntled. “That means I’ll have to… mingle”. Her master smiled slightly. “I’ll buy you a new dress”, he said. “Two”, Pam sneered. “You owe me one for the one you ruined last night”. She left the room, leaving me alone with Eric.

“Are you going to ask me about Godric?”, I said with bated breath. “No”, he replied shortly. “Why?”. He looked at me, as if I was from a different planet. “Don’t ask me questions, you wouldn’t understand the answers to”. Feeling chided, I cleared my throat, and looked down at my blood-stained clothes. “I’m gonna get cleaned up… Unless you have any more spying for me to do”. I got off the couch, and headed back towards my room. “You can use my tub”, Eric said. I stopped in my tracks, and looked over my shoulder. Eric got off the couch, and held out his hand to me. “You’re giving me whiplash, with your mood swings… Don’t you have some tanning-salons to see to?”, I asked. “I have all the sunshine I need right here”, he said. “Come”. I sighed, and put my hand in his outstretched one, letting him lead me towards his own room.

There was a large, freestanding tub in the middle of the large bathroom; which – save for the tub – looked like the one connected to my own room. I went over to look in the mirror by the sink, and drew in a stuttering breath. My face was covered in specks of synthetic blood, and my top was beyond saving. Without even thinking about the fact that Eric was standing in the doorway, I pulled it over my head. The blood had seeped through, and I looked like I’d been in a fight, except for the fact that there wasn’t a bruise or cut on my body; other than the fang-marks Eric had left there.

“You look delicious”, he said. “That’s creepy”, I muttered, and rubbed at a stain on my neck. “I’m a creepy vampire. You’ve told me more than once”. He walked over to the tub, and turned on the water. I opened the button of my pants, and kicked off my shoes. “My clothes are ruined”, I said. “Then it’s good I prefer you naked”.

Eric came over to me, and hooked his fingers into the waistband of my pants; tugging them down. “Sit”, he ordered, and I sat on the edge of the tub. He pulled the pants down, and off me; throwing them in a corner. I realized even my underwear was soaked through. “Taking this job for you, has ruined all my good underwear”, I said. “You only have to two sets of good underwear? Maybe you should just go without…”, Eric smiled, and raised me to stand, by taking my hand again.

Eric leaned down to kiss my cheek, and when I found him running his tongue down my jawbone, I realized he was licking up the splatters of TruBlood. “Are you hungry?”, I asked, finding the situation kind of strange. “I could eat…”, he breathed, and ran one hand down between my legs, letting his index finger trace the edge of the fabric of my panties there. Feeling my walls begin to quiver, I grabbed his wrist. “Do you want me to stop?”. “I want to take a bath”, I whispered, looking up into his eyes. I unhooked the bra on my back, and took it off. Eric hooked his fingers through the fabric of my panties, and pulled them down; letting me step out of them. As he crouched in front of me, he put his hands on my bottom, and buried his face in my curls. “Eric, please…”. Eric stood back up, looking quite unhappy. “I’ll leave you alone”, he said. I grabbed his hand. “You don’t… You don’t have to go”, I said. “With everything that’s happened tonight, I don’t want to be alone”. “If you’re looking for conversation, why don’t you call Sam Merlotte?”. His voice was cold.

Feeling suddenly uncomfortably exposed, I grabbed one of the large fluffy towels by the tub, and put it around me. “Should have known that was all you wanted from me. I was stupid to think…”. I couldn’t finish my sentence, but in stead made my way to the door. “You know what I want from you”, Eric said, his voice level. “Yeah, you just made that abundantly clear”. Eric suddenly stood in front of me, blocking my way out of the bathroom. “Get in the tub”. “Fuck you”, I snarled. “No, you’re apparently not in the mood. Get in the tub”.

I pushed at Erics chest, to no avail. He stood firm in front of me, and looked down with a raised brow. The towel had fallen from my body. “Fine…”, he said; and flung me over his shoulder, carrying me back towards the bathtub. Before I knew it, I was dropped into the water; which instantly turned pink from the blood on my body. “Asshole!”, I yelled. “What the hell is your problem?”. “You’re my fucking problem!”, Eric roared; a hint of an accent showing. His face was contorted in rage, and he grabbed on to my shoulders to keep me from standing up. “You put yourself in danger by disappearing for hours, and then you mouth off to one of the most powerful vampires in existence. You won’t be mine… You won’t even take the bath I’ve drawn for you. Why can’t you just behave and göra vad helvete jag säger!”. “English!”, I screamed in frustration; and smacked him across the face.

Eric sprang out of the bathroom at vamp-speed. I heard crashes and roars from his bedroom; but didn’t dare get up. I sat hugging my knees for a few moments, before Eric returned in the doorway; a somber expression on his face. He met my eyes; his own looking almost pained. “I’m sorry…”, I said. “No you’re not”, he retorted. “Yeah, you’re right… You deserved that. You have no idea what I went through for you today…”, I croaked. “The people I had to face”. “You were never in any real danger”, he said. “You don’t know anything…”, I whispered, and wiped away a tear running down my cheek. “What he did… You don’t know”. Eric tensed up, and took a hesitant step forward. “Carl?”, he said. I looked up at him; and he suddenly looked like I’d struck him across the face again. “Godric…?”. “No… not Godric. He is… He never hurt me”. Eric came over to the tub, and crouched to my eye-level. “Then, who?”.

I’d said too much; but there wasn’t a chance Eric would let me leave the room, before I answered his question. Depending on my words, I could bring danger on both him, and the rest of his family – because that is what they were. His family. “That photographer…”, I rasped. “He’s the one who hurt me in San Diego, a year ago”. Eric pulled out his phone immediately, probably about to call someone to find Thomas. “Please, let me finish”. Eric visibly tried to calm himself. “Talk”, he demanded. “He’d been coming around Sugar and Spice, to take promo-shots for the owner. He asked me out, and I went on a date with him; but I wasn’t really interested. He kept coming around the club, telling anyone who got too close to me, that I was… his”. Eric straightened his back slightly. “One night, he came up after I’d just performed. Asked me to have a drink with him. He swore it was just a drink – that he was gonna back off, and leave me alone – he just wanted to have a drink as friends. So, I said yes”. “And you shouldn’t have”, Eric said. I shook my head in agreement. “He put something in it… drugged me. I blacked out”, I said. The water in the tub looked the color of the Watermelon Margarita Thomas had gotten me that night, before he took the picture of us together, that had been sent to my house. “When I woke up… We were in the back alley, and I tried to fight him off, but he was so strong… I think he’s on V”. “He… hurt you”, Eric growled. “I fought like hell, but he got a couple of hits in… He didn’t have a chance to go any further”. “Why?”. I began trying to wash off the TruBlood from my arm. “A vampire stopped him. In return, I let him have my blood. I had a gash in my chest, and he fed from there”.

Eric stood back up, and began pacing the floor. “This happened in a dry state…”, he said. “Who was the vampire?”. “I don’t know…”, I lied. I couldn’t even begin to imagine the consequences of letting him know the truth on that matter. “But… he glamoured Thomas to forget me… At least he was supposed to”. “The pictures…”, Eric snarled. “Merlotte told me about the one sent to him”. “He shouldn’t have”, I muttered. “It’s my problem”. Eric shook his head. “Not anymore. I put you in danger, by having you go see him”. “You didn’t know”. “I know now. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of it”, Eric said, his voice cold. “What’s that supposed to mean?”, I asked worriedly. “That he’s a dead man”.

Eric pulled out his phone again, and went to leave the room. I sprang out of the tub, and raced after him; almost slipping from my wet feet. “No, Eric, you can’t!”, I said. I pulled at his hand; trying to pry the phone from it. “He wouldn’t want you to!”. “Who?”. Godric. Godric wouldn’t want you to. “Just… please. Leave it. I just want to forget about him”. “He hasn’t forgotten about you”, Eric said. “He’s been sending you pictures”. “I don’t know that he has… When I saw him today, it was like I was a complete stranger”. “Then who sent them?”. I shook my head. “I don’t know… Maybe someone’s just messing with me”. Eric turned the phone around in his hand. I took him by surprise, when I put my hands on his cheeks; forcing him to look at me. “Please, Eric. Don’t…”.

As series of expressions travelled over Erics face. Indecision, anger, and finally determination. “He could still come for you”, he said. “From now on, you don’t leave my side. If I’m not around, Pam will be with you”. “You need me for things during the day”, I said. “I’ll get someone else for day-tasks. You stay in this suite, unless one of us are with you” “You can’t keep me locked up here…”, I scoffed. “I can, and I will. I made a vow to protect you”. I closed my eyes, and took a deep breath. I only opened them again, when I felt Eric put his hand on my cheek; and his forehead to mine. “I’m going to keep you safe. Please help me do so… Do as I tell you”. “Ok”, I whispered. “I’ll try…”. Eric raised a brow at me. “I said I’ll try!”.

Eric picked me up again; this time, carrying me bridal style into the bathroom. “What are you doing?”, I asked. “Taking you back to your bath”, he said. I looked down into the bathwater, and recoiled. “It’s all… yucky”, I said. Eric shrugged and sat me down on the floor again, before sticking his harm into the water to drain the tub. As I stood by, he opened the tap again, to refill it.

“Bubbles, this time”, I said. He looked at me, and smiled slightly. “There’s my greedy human”, he said. “Still not yours… Not like that”, I muttered. “Så envis”, Eric muttered, before meeting my disgruntled eyes. “Stubborn”. “You know it”, I said.

After pouring some soap into the rising water, Eric began undressing. I couldn’t take my eyes of him as he did. “What are you doing?”, I asked. “What does it look like? I’m taking a bath with you”, he said, and removed his underwear. I began covering my body with my arms. Eric stepped forwards. “You said you didn’t want to be alone”. “And you said that if I wanted conversation, I’d have to call someone else”. Eric stepped in to the tub, and reached for my hand. “I was wrong. We just had a very long conversation, and that turned out fine”. I raised a brow at him. “You call that long?”, I asked. He smiled leeringly at me; and with a firm grip of my waist, he lifted me into the tub – getting me to sit down. “Long… and very hard”, he said, and sat down in front of me.

Putting a hand on the back of my head, and an arm around my back, Eric pulled me up to straddle him. “How do you do that?”, I asked, and looked down at his fully developed erection. “I mean, you don’t have a natural blood-flow… Is it like magic?”. “Do you care?”, he asked, and caught my lower lip between his own. The blunt tip of his penis was already probing my entrance, from the position we were in. The only thing keeping it from entering me, was the fact that I was on my knees over it. “Not really, I guess”, I smiled. “Then sit down”.

I bit my lips, and turned off the faucet behind him; raising my breasts to his eyelevel. He caught my nipple in his mouth, and tugged at it with his teeth. I pulled at his hair, to get him to unlatch from me. “We were supposed to be taking a bath”, I said; and sat back in the tub – moving my admittedly quivering folds from the Viking-penis. Eric furrowed his brows at me. “Are you saying no again?”. “I’m saying… Bath first”.

Eric sat back, and smiled at me. “Bath first. Then we’ll get back to my magical erection”.

---

I was drying my hair, bundled up in a lush robe and seated on the edge of the tub; while Eric was draining it, nude as the day he was born – the first time, that is. He opened the sash on my robe, and pushed it off my shoulders. Putting his hands on my bottom, he lifted me to straddle him, and walked us towards his bed; where he laid me down. Though he was fully hard, he didn’t go for the home-run yet. Instead – as I traced his back-muscles with my fingertips, he kissed his way down my belly. “Did you eat?”, he asked. “Yes…”, I croaked. That granola-bar had to count for something. “Good. I don’t want you passing out on me”, he smiled, and kissed my clit; flicking his tongue over it. I let out a gasp, as his long middle finger entered me; and another, as he grazed his teeth down my inner thigh. The finger in me crooked, and stroked against the spot inside me he had found gave me the most pleasure. Going back to suckling my nub, he looked up at me – his light-blue eyes warm in spite of the cold color of them. “Another…”, I whimpered, and Eric let his index finger join the one inside me. I was quivering already – Eric was a master of getting me to my climax quickly, I’d learnt that the night before – but it seemed that he wanted to draw out my pleasure now, because he unlatched from my clit; and began kissing his way down my thigh. I let out a dissatisfied whimper, to which Eric smiled. Once he’d brushed his lips over the inside of my knee, he put it over his shoulder; forcing my leg upwards as he went back to my folds.

All the while, Erics fingers had been working inside me – stroking and prodding. I was feeling the coil in my lower stomach tense to the point of snapping, when Eric looked at me again, and lifted his head – baring his fangs. His eyes grazed over my inner thigh, near my groin; before they met mine, asking for consent. “Do it…”, I said, almost as a plea. Two sharp pangs of pain hit my skin near my warmth. As Eric began suckling at my flowing blood, his fingers sped up their movements; and I unfurled – feeling every beat of my heart and spasm of my climax, send my blood flowing in waves, into Erics mouth. I didn’t understand how something that was dangerous, painful – at least in the second it took for him to bite me – and should be so wrong, felt like it was the single best thing in the world. After what seemed like forever, and at the same time, only a second of intense orgasm, Eric licked over his bite, and pulled back. I realized he was healing the fang-marks, when I felt the familiar tickling sensation on my skin, where he’d bit me.

Crawling up to lay over me, I once again found that Eric’s temperature had changed. “You’re warm…”, I whispered. He placed himself between my thighs, and immediately pushed himself in to me. “It’s your blood”, he breathed, beginning to thrust slowly. “It’s moving in me”. I let out a soft whimper, as Eric kissed my neck gently. “Does that always happen?”, I asked. “Not like this”, he replied; moving his head, to nuzzle his nose against mine. “Your blood… it’s so alive”. I kissed him deeply – tasting only a small hint of blood – and put my leg around his hips. We moved together, with Erics hand on my thigh, to hold me in place around him; so that we were never out of sync.

We moved like this for the longest time; kissing and touching ever part of the others body we could reach, as Eric thrusted in to me. “I want to look at you”, he said, and flipped us around, so I was on top. I sat up, and looked smilingly down at the admiring Viking; without moving. Lifting me slightly by my waist, Eric thrusted in to me once; letting me know he wanted me to move. “Who’s greedy now?”, I grinned; but instantly gasped, as – with a firm grip on my hips – he began moving me back and forth; grinding against him. I tried to move faster, but he held me steady, moving me so that I was riding in a calm, steady rhythm on him. “Slow…”, he said. “Like this”. “Are you asking me to be gentle with you?”, I smiled. “Always”, he breathed, an almost pleading look on his face. I looked in wonder at this suddenly fragile figure under me.

Leaning down to kiss his soft lips gently, I then sat back up; taking his hands to put them on my breasts. I rolled my hips back and forth, letting Erics groans guide me as to how to pace myself. The constant grinding of my clitoris against him, made me once again see stars. I wanted to move faster, so that I could reach the explosion of pleasure I knew was waiting; but he moved his hands to my hips again, holding me in place. He was forcing me into drawn out, waves of pleasure; instead of mindlessly screwing me to a final climax. I collapsed on him, and grabbed on to his hair; kissing and nibbling across his collar bone. “Please, Eric… Please”, I rasped breathlessly. “You’re doing so good. Don’t stop…��, he whispered in to my ear; and raised me up to sit again, by my shoulders. “Don’t stop”.

My whole body shaking, I began raising and lowering myself; fucking myself into oblivion on Eric’s cock. As his eyes buried themselves in mine, he helped me move; while my quivering thighs were getting too weak to do the job on their own. With Eric’s help, my pleasure kept dragging out, filling my entire being. Eric stared at me, almost in amazement; as I threw my head back, and cried out in extasy; from the longest, most intense orgasm I’d ever had. Eric lifted me slightly and pistoned up into me; roaring a series of words I didn’t understand, and finding his own release from my clenching walls. In that moment, my body gave in. I didn’t have the strength to control my limbs. Quickly but gently, Eric wrapped his arms around me, and laid me down on the bed – pulling out of me in the process.

Reaching over to press the buttons for the blinds, Eric then wrapped his body around mine. The action was a strange one from a vampire, I thought; but I supposed this was as close to human as Eric got – full from a feast of blood, and blissed out from a session of mind-blowing sex. At least it had been mind-blowing to me. “Do you… I mean, did you enjoy that? As much as I do?”, I asked, a little worried about the answer. “You mean, did I come?”, Eric smirked. I frowned in embarrassment. “I guess I shouldn’t be asking questions, and just… enjoy the magical erection”. Eric chuckled softly, and pulled at me to lay with my head on his shoulder. “You can ask. I want to tell you”. He seemed almost excited about talking about himself, the smug bastard. I couldn’t help but smile. “It’s just… You can’t really let yourself go with me”, I said. “You’d hurt me”. “I won’t do that”. “I know… That’s what worries me”, I muttered. “That you’re not… getting as much out of it as me”. A rumble of laughter went through Eric’s body. “You’re joking… I’ll add funny to the list of things you are”.

I moved out of his hold, to grab at the duvet; wanting to cover myself, and disappear. I felt like Eric was laughing at me, in my most vulnerable state. Once he realized, what I was doing, Eric put his hand on my cheek. “I didn’t mean to make you feel bad… Look at me”, he said. I shook my head. “Liv… Look at me!”. I tentatively met his eyes. “Part of being a vampire means, that I see, smell, taste and feel much more intensely than a human. The only thing you should feel bad about, is the fact that you don’t get as much pleasure from sex, as I do”. I pondered his words for a moment. “It’s really that good?”, I muttered. “Because that… was pretty great”. “It is…”, Eric said with a smile. “With you, even more so”. I felt my cheeks flush red, and he kissed my temple.

Erics fingertips grazed the fang-marks on my neck. “If you still want me to, I can remove them”, he offered. “No… It’s fine. Just do it before we go back home”, I said. “Why didn’t you feed from me, when I first offered it?”, I asked. Something unreadable ghosted his face. “I swore I wouldn’t force myself on you”, he said. “That night… you didn’t want it. Not really”. “I wouldn’t think that should be a problem for a vampire”, I said, remembering Rose’s words. “It’s different with you…”, Eric said. I bit my lip, and began playing with a lock of my hair. “You’re fidgeting…”, he said; and pulled my hand away – merging his fingers with mine. “I’m thinking!”, I said. “It’s just… You say you can’t sense my emotions, but then how could you know that I didn’t want it? I didn’t even know”.

He turned me slightly to meet my gaze. “When we have sex, I bite you; because it’s part of the pleasure for both of us”, he said. “At least, you seem to enjoy it”. He put a hand on my cheek, and brushed his thumb over my lower lip. “I do…”, I smiled. “I didn’t see any lust in your eyes that night, just fear. And that wasn’t how I wanted that experience to be; for either of us". “That’s strangely human”, I said. Eric frowned a little. “Yes, it is…”.

I suddenly yawned, surprised at my own exhaustion. “You need to sleep”, Eric said. I groaned in frustration, and tried to crawl on top of him; kissing my way across his chest. “I need to sleep. The sun is coming up soon, and if I try to stay awake, I’ll get the bleeds”. I sighed heavily, and latched my pouting lips to his nipple, while running my fingers down his torso. Eric growled, and grabbed my wrists, to stop my wandering hands. Holding them up over my head, he looked seriously but mischievously into my eyes. “Liv, I have to rest… Or else, in about five minutes, you’ll be going from nymphomaniac to necrophiliac”. “It’ll kill you?”. “The bleeds won’t kill me; but combined with you sucking the life out of me through your vagina…”. “Fine”, I sighed. Eric pressed his lips to mine, hungrily devouring me in a kiss. “Don’t worry. I’m not done with you”, he breathed against my lips; backing up the promise in his kiss.

He laid his head back on the pillow, and closed his eyes. Soon, the breathing he’d been doing to be able to speak to me, stopped.

---

I must have slept all day, because when I woke, Eric was gone. When I pulled the covers off me, and went to get out of bed, I winced in pain. My hips had hand-shaped bruises; reminding me of my session with Eric.

The vampire in question was fully dressed in a bespoke suit over a black tank top; seated in the living room, going over some papers. I had wrapped myself in a robe, and gave him a slightly self-conscious smile on my way to my own room, to get dressed. Eric raised an amused brow at me. “Sleep well?”, he asked. “Like a dead woman”, I said over my shoulder, and walked over to my suitcase; which was still laid on the bed – that so far, I hadn’t slept in. “Far from it”, Eric said, having moved from his seat, to lean against the doorway. “Did you know you snore?”. “Sorry…”, I muttered. “Don’t be. It’s cute”, he smiled. I found it an interesting word for a 1000-yearold vampire to use. I began to unwrap myself from the robe, but stopped when I saw Eric didn’t divert his eyes. “Are you just gonna stare at me?”, I asked. “Yes”, he smiled; his arms crossed across his chest. I sighed, and took off the robe.

For a moment, Eric just looked at me appreciatively, before his eyes met the bruises on my hips, and they went dark. “I hurt you”, he said quietly, his voice pained. “I’m fine… It’s just a little bruising”, I said. Eric walked over to me, and stroked my hips gently. “I don’t want you walking around in pain, because of me”. I felt a warm sensation stream through my body; which was soon switched in for slight disappointment, when I realized something. “Then I guess my fantasy about you ravaging me again is off the table…”, I muttered. Erics lips twitched into a sly smile. “Ravaging… I like the sound of that. I think that can still be arranged… Come here”.

He sat down on the edge of the bed, and pulled me down to sit sideways on his lap. The cool fabric of his suit, sent goosebumps across my naked skin. “What are we doing?”, I asked. Eric extracted his fangs, and bit into his wrist. “Bottoms up”, he said. I looked at the wound for a moment, before suddenly it closed up again. “Really? Just take the blood. We already know it won’t create a blood-bond”. He bit in to his wrist again; and with a frown on my face, I put my mouth to the wounds – sucking at them. His blood tasted as delicious as it had the last time I’d had it; full and nourishing. With his free arm, Eric stroked my hair; and nuzzled at it with his nose. “That’s enough”, he whispered. I pulled back, and made a final swallowing movement. Looking down, I saw that my bruising was completely gone. “As long as you let me heal you, I see no issue with ravaging you as much as your hearts-desire… You don’t seem to get high of my blood, as other humans do".

I felt for the fang-marks on my neck, but they were gone as well. “Now everyone will know you’re giving me blood… or they might think I’m free”, I said. Eric shrugged. “I could bite you again…”, he said. “Ok”, I said. Eric was taken aback. “Really? Just like that?”. “Yes… Bite me”, I said.

He looked at me disbelievingly, before he finally accepted that I was serious. He grazed my jaw with his knuckles, before kissing me deeply. I put my arm around his shoulder, and savored the feeling of Erics tongue against mine. Eric squeezed my knee, then pushed at it to spread my legs slightly, on his lap. Agile fingers stroked up my inner thigh, and as they found my folds – warm, wet and wanting – I let out a whimper against his lips. Tugging at my lower lip one final time, Eric kissed his way down to my neck. Flexing his middle and ring finger, they entered me at the same time as he bit into my neck.

Erics fingers began moving up and down, and the heel of his hand rubbed against my clit. He wasn’t forceful, simply moved his hand to the rhythm of my heart pumping my blood through my veins, and in to his mouth. I felt Erics penis stirring under my butt, and let out a pleased whimper. Eric took this as a signal to speed up his movements inside me. I grinded against him, and Eric growled against my neck. It felt like my core and my neck were linked by pulses of electricity. Fisting the front of Eric’s tank-top, and grabbing on to his hair; my whimpers turned in to loud moans. Eric never relented; simply moved his hand faster – stroking and pushing me, inside and out. My walls tightened around Eric’s fingers, and as I cried out from my orgasm, he unlatched from my neck.

I was shuddering with after-shocks in Erics lap, as he gently licked over the two new fang-marks. I looked down at myself, and realized the mess we’d made on his lap; both coming from my juices, and – from the look of Eric’s blissed out expression – his own. “I’ll have to change…”, he smirked. “Woops…”, I croaked Eric lifted me off him, and got up to stand. I went to stand myself, but immediately stumbled. Eric caught me, and had me sit down. “You’ll have to wait a while, before you let anyone feed from you again. I might have gone a bit overboard…”, he said. “I’m not going to let anyone else feed from me…”, I said. A strange smile ghosted Eric’s face, and he walked towards his own room, shedding the layers of his clothes all the way; once again letting me have the pleasurable view of his naked form.

Pam barged in to the room with Carl in tow. I quickly put on my robe. When he saw our visitor eyeing him, Eric disgruntledly put on a pair of black sweatpants; that hung so low on his hips, I was having trouble focusing anywhere else than there.

“I see I’ve interrupted breakfast”, Carl said, and raised a brow at me. “Sheriff Rockford has something he wants to speak to you about. You should hear this…”, Pam said. Eric went over to sit on the couch; while I went to stand in my assigned spot by the window. “Have a seat, Carl”, Eric said, plastering on the fakest smile I’d ever seen. “TruBlood?”. “Still not sharing?”, the other vampire asked, and looked towards me. Eric looked at me with hard eyes. “Pamela, take Liv up to the restaurant. She hasn’t eaten”, he said; before moving his eyes to Pam. “Stay with her”. There was no room for questioning him in his tone.

I apparently didn’t have time to get dressed, because Pam grabbed my arm, and dragged me out of the room, in nothing but my robe. “What’s going on?”, I asked, once we were in the elevator. “It’s an N.Y.B. situation…”. I looked at her questioningly. “None of Your Business”. “Fine…”, I muttered.

---

At the restaurant – which, to my luck, was open 24 hours, save for during private parties – I ordered a pasta-dish the size of my butt. Pam looked at me, like the sight of my eating was sickening. “I can’t believe I used to do that”, she said. “You probably used to poop, too”, I smiled. A shudder went through her body, and I smilingly popped another penne into my mouth.

“Why do you hate humans so much?”, I asked. “I don’t hate you all… Some of you are delicious”, she said. “So I’ve been told”, I muttered. Pam’s eyes went to the fang-marks on my neck. “Yeah, well; Eric says you’re off limits, so I’ll just have to imagine how you taste”. “Guess so…”, I said. “Seriously, though. It’s like we’re all just meals to you. You must remember what it’s like to be human; and to have someone you care about”. “Humans didn’t exactly show themselves from their good side, when I was alive, either…”.

I picked up my napkin, and began separating the layers. “Stop fidgeting. It’s annoying”, Pam said. “There’s that family resemblance”, I muttered. “When did you two meet, anyway?”. Pam raised a brow at me. “What, are we girlfriends now?”. “Just making conversation… Come on, you can tell me”. Pam brushed a non-existing piece of lint of the shoulder of her pink power-suit. “Back when I was a madame. 1871. He was a costumer”. “Of yours?”, I asked. She smirked at me. “Are you asking if you and me are phallus friends? Penis pals?”. “Well… yeah”, I admitted. Pam sat back in her chair, and narrowed her eyes at me. “We fucked. It was good. We don’t anymore”. “Because you prefer women?”, I said. “Because even Viking-dick gets boring after a few decades…”, she said. I raised a brow at her in disbelief. “Yes, because I prefer women. I don’t think any dick-lover could ever get sick of Eric”. “Huh…”, I said, and returned to my meal.

Pam suddenly smiled at me. “I just told you that I used to have sex with Eric, and you’re acting like it’s no big deal?”. I remembered what Godric had told me about Eric and Nora being former lovers. “Your ways are just different, I guess…”, I muttered. “I also told you, I used to screw for a living… You didn’t even wince”, Pam said. “Was I supposed to? Sex-work is work”, I shrugged. The vampires eyes seemed strangely warmer. “You are different”.

I finished off my drink, and poked at the food on my plate. “So… You had sex… And then, he turned you? Why?”. “Because I asked him to”, she replied. “Why? You worried he’ll turn you?” “Are you?”, I retorted. Pam shrugged. “Maybe I like being an only child”, she said. “Stop talking. Eat your… food”.

For a good while, we just sat there, before another shudder went through Pam’s body. “I didn’t even say anything!”, I said. “No. Eric’s calling for me… Us, I guess”. “Well, I’m finished”, I said; and we left the restaurant.

---

[flamingo-writes]

Same Cloth — Satori Tendou x Reader

Summary: The friendship everyone saw coming. And the unlikely romance that came after. You were the two weirdos from your respective years. The freshman weirdo, and the second year weirdo. It only made sense. The romance, however, definitely took everyone by surprise, even though it was obvious to you, given that you two were two birds of a feather. 

"You and I are cut from the same cloth" Satori Tendou had said almost immediately after properly meeting you.

Posted: 05.10.2020

A/N: So, I was finally able to write this. It def took me a long while. This was inspired by a fic written by @laceymorganwrites​. Also, I intended to keep this shorter, but after word-vomiting the conversations and events written with minimum detailed turned out to be almost 2K words, I knew it’d end up being 5K after adding details and everything...

Word Count: 5.1 K

Warnings:  None

The school's journal didn't particularly excite you. Journaling wasn't your thing. Writing wasn't your thing. Interacting with people wasn't your thing either. But you needed to join a club. And you did have a talent with cameras. So, you joined the journalism club as the photographer in your first year at Shiratorizawa. 

"So, [Name]-chan" Your boss called you once she saw you walk inside the classroom you usually used after class. "I know it's your first year, and that it's hardly been a few months, but, we finally have some big story to cover" 

A girl from third year, named Makoto, was the director of the journal and pretty much everyone's boss. She was usually in charge of what stories you covered and she reviewed the final drafts. Everything related to the final draft was her territory, she gave the final green light to everything before publishing the paper. 

"I'm not in the writing team…" You reminded her, feeling already uncomfortable by her loud friendly aura. 

"Oh, I know that" She giggled. "Sorry if I wasn't clear, but I was going to ask you if I could get some pictures." Makoto by this point knew you weren’t particularly good with figurative speech.

"Alright. About what?" 

"The Volleyball tournament will begin soon, the local one at least. Then we'll have the spring tournament. Anyways, I'm pretty sure you know by now how big of a deal Volleyball is to this school" She began explaining as you felt the attack from her eye contact, as you avoided actually locking stares with her, as if you were a prey being watched by the predator. 

"I've noticed, but I don't know why" You hissed.

"The team is great” She said “You should go and see one of their games" 

"I don't like sports" Flatly, your voice made Makoto pout, sightly dissapointed by your lack of excitement.

"Anyways, [Name]. Could you get some pictures of the team, please?"

Her wide eyes looking at you, begging. And it wasn’t much you could say. She was your boss. You sighed deeply, thinking about how you’d had to pull through, maybe feel unpleasant and uncomfortable watching them play. But the sooner you had the job done, the better, right?

"Yup" You sighed, as Makoto’s smile took over and she thanked you dearly, knowing you weren’t particularly excited by this. 

♤

The next day you’’d begged your best friend over and over again to come with you to the Volleyball Court. Normally, you could pull off any photography job by yourself, but this was a whole different story. The awkwardness biting your neck and tensing your back like a cold shiver freezing your spine. 

"Can you believe I've never been here?" You muttered standing outside the court. 

"Well, you're not one to play sports, so, understandable!" Your best friend said trying to stay cheerful so you’d relax, however, all attempts to make you feel at ease were useless. 

Your best friend agreed to go with you to the volleyball court during training hours to take the pictures. A little bit of moral support was all you needed. Even when your best friend thought she wasn’t doing anything for your nerves, her presence alone gave you the strength to step inside the hell with a never ending rain of volleyballs. 

Your boss was supposed to meet up with you outside. She was a third year student and knew the team pretty well. Shiratorizawa’s volleyball team was a constant guess, and the leader of the Newspaper of course had to know each and everyone of the team members.  

With your feet glued to the ground, and your breath suddenly missing, you could hardly move. Makoto, quite passive-aggressively pushed you inside, as you reluctantly put one feet in front of the other while biting your tongue. Stiff like a corpse, made you wish you had entered the chess club instead. 

"You really don't like sports, do ya?" Makoto sighed with a gentle chuckle, trying to soothe your nerves as well.

"She's got very bad luck with sports. She always gets hit in the face" your best friend said holding your hand as you immediately squeezed back her hand. Your friend trying to keep a straight face, pretending like you were not about to break her fingers. 

"It's gonna be alright, [Name]-chan" your friend said giving you a threatening look that made you realize you were squeezing the life out of her hand, and you had managed to loosen your grip a little bit.  

"Why are we here again, Makoto-senpai?" You murmured, feeling your entire body sweat cold. 

"We need pictures!" Makoto said proudly as she stepped inside the gym. 

Menacingly, volleyballs flew everywhere. You were convinced that they’d break their trajectory to fly in your direction and hit you instead. Your head got light, and your eyes hurt from the white lights. Feeling terribly exposed and blinded, you were definitely an easy target now. 

"Guys! Could you please give me your attention for a few minutes!" Makoto yelled, waving one of her arms, catching everyone's attention.

"Is she allowed to interrupt them just like that?" You asked your best friend as she shrugged as confused as you were. 

Several, very tall and intimidating guys suddenly surrounded you like flies in a dumpster. You felt your anxiety closing in round you as these boys circled, leaving you and Makto in the middle, ready to hear whatever the Head of the School’ Paper had to say. 

"Ah, Makoto-senpai!" A tall redhead guy said in a dreamy tone. "Want an interview with the school's titans, is that it?" 

"Not, quite. We're covering the tournament in the school paper, and we wanted some pictures. So, I brought my photographer" Makoto said, turning around and looking at you. 

All the set of eyes were now on you. Very much to your pet peeve of being constantly stared at. Boy, this was horrible. All the guys, standing as tall as buildings, with drilling eyes, the bright lights, the anxiety. It was all awful, and you wished you could just blink and be in your room, as if ll of this was just a nightmare. 

But it didn’t matter how many times you blinked, you were still there. Time seemed to slow down significantly. Still stiff, you waved your hand painfully awkwardly as Makoto grabbed your arm and pulled you with her.

"Everyone, meet, [Full Name]. Please be nice, she's like a cat. Also, please be gentle with how you train, she's got bad luck and always gets hit in the face whenever wherever she tries to play sports” Makoto said, quoting what your best friend had told her before walking inside.  

"Do you not trust us?" A blond guy with a fierce stare said. "We're amazing players,  we won't let her get hit by a volleyball" 

"Oi, oi, Semi. Relax" said the redhead with spiky hair. "Don't worry, Makoto-senpai, your photographer will be in good hands~" 

"Thank you, Satori-kun. I know she'll be safe,  just don't scare her '' Makoto laughed awkwardly as she gave you one last stare, almost if she was asking ‘are you gonna be alright?’ to which you simply gave her a poker face, not even sure if you were going to be alright. 

"Makoto-senpai said you're scary, Tendo" another tall guy with darker skin and dark hair said patting the thin redhead in the shoulder. 

"Oh, my, my. I'm sorry" Tendo said grinning as you noticed he didn’t deny what his teammate had said.

"I didn't say anything!" Makoto giggled shyly.

"The second years are very chatty, aren't you guys?" A rather intimidating guy said. "I'm sorry, I'm the captain of the team. Feel free to stay and take as many pictures as you'd like" The guy said bowing politely as you felt even more awkward by such a polite gesture in such a hostile place. 

"Tha-thanks…" you said

“She speaks!” Satori said. 

Everyone could sense the tension surrounding you. Almost as if you were a tiny bomb yourself. However, the entire team felt slightly curious by what could have you so tense. Finally, the captain took away the focus from you by talking loudly. 

"Ushijima!  Let’s take it from where we left!” The captain said cheerfully as another rather intimidating second year walked back to the court. 

“Will you be okay if I leave you here? I still gotta check some stuff back in the classroom” Makoto said in a gentle voice. 

You opened our mouth ready to answer when another, more cheerful voice, took over. 

“Don’t worry, Makoto-chan! We’ll take good care of your photographer” Said Satori ruffling your hair in a friendly manner as you tensed up, thinking why on earth a stranger would do such a thing to you. 

“Thank you!. Take lots of pictures, [Name]!” Makoto said walking out of the gym, waving at you. 

Your best friend exchanged stares with you, as you realized you’d been keeping your breath for the last several seconds. You sighed loudly, trying to focus on your camera, hanging from your shoulder. 

“Don't worry,, we’re good at what we do,” Satori said, walking in front of you “We won't let any volleyballs fly your way. And if they do, I’ll stop them” He said grinning in a rather creepy way as you simply stared at him “You’re not very talkative, are you, kitty?” 

“Makoto did mention that. She is like a cat. She’ll take a while to open up” Your best friend giggled trying to lighten up the tension.

“Well, if you girls need something, feel free to ask” He said politely, walking back inside the court “So, make  sure you make us look cool as hell in those pictures, kitty” 

Leaving aside your crippling fear of being hit, you found yourself in a complete state of lack of inspiration. Despite the explosive dynamic the team had, there was something that just wasn't there. It was hard to explain, even to yourself. 

Yes, the team was there. They were training. You could tell they were really trying by the shiny layer of sweat all of the guys had. The determination in their eyes. But something was off. Something that somehow was blocking your creative eye. The need to pull your camera to your eye did not exist. An urgency to capture a moment wasn't there. 

“So, how are the photos going?” Makoto made an appearance out of nowhere, gently patting your shoulder. 

Without looking away from the most intimidating guy of all, a guy by the name of Wakatoshi Ushijima, you answered. 

“Terrible" Your gaze moved back to your camera, looking at probably the most decent picture you'd taken so far. "I can’t work like this” 

The picture was Wakatoshi's; caught in the middle of his jump, his left hand raised tall and strong ready to hit the ball. 

“What the hell does that mean?” The blond, Semi, growled.

“I’m not feeling this, you know?” You answered in a low voice.

“I’m not following you” Makoto peeked over your shoulder, looking at the picture. 

“I’m not excited. How am I supposed to take exciting pictures if I’m not excited myself?” 

“Are you saying our training is boring?” The blond growled once more.

“Oi, oi, Semi-kun!" Satori said, holding his friend by the shoulder. "I think what Kitty is trying to say is that there’s not enough competitive atmosphere to properly take pictures, isn’t that it?” 

There was something terribly familiar about you, thought Tendou. Maybe the fact that your analyzing stare somehow reminded him of Ushijima. Your monotonous tone, and the way you seemed to struggle to put your thoughts into comprehensible words. He was able to.understand what you were trying to say thanks to his friendship with Ushijima. 

You simply shrugged, not quite agreeing with him, nor denying it. Truth was, you were not sure what was wrong, but Satori's words seemed like a pretty good guess. 

“She needs to feel excited, and as long as we train with each other, she won’t feel it" Satori continued "She needs to go to one of our matches against other schools. Not friendly matches, an actual one with us wearing our white and pink shirts and the school screaming at the top of their lungs"

“That’s actually a pretty good idea" Said the captain "Are you free next Wednesday after class?” 

“I don’t know. Am I?” You looked at Makoto who raised an eyebrow at you.  

“I-I’m not your mother” Makoto saod awkwardly.

“You are my boss, if I’m not going to make it to the club I have to let you know so...” 

“oh, that's what you mean" Your boss sighed "We still have a week and a half for the deadline, so yeah, you can go” 

You looked back at the Volleyball team as all of them nodded instinctively.

“Ah, just you wait, Kitty cat, you’re going to be on the edge of your seat watching us play” Satori Tendou said patting you in the head gently. 

You could feel your best friend staring at you, somewhat of excitement in her eyes. You nodded at the redhead, seriously doubting what he was saying. Still somewhat stiff by the whole hour of nerve wracking stress, you spun in your toes and left right away. 

Satori watched you leave, a small proud smile on his face. Something about you intrigued him, and your shy nature sure as hell amused him. You were, in fact, like a kitten. Scared of loud noises and over all shy, but still observing and analyzing like cats usually are.

"Someone liked the new photographer” Semi teased staring at Satori, as the latter sighed dreamily. 

“Yes, I did,” He said proudly. “And how could I not? Are you gonna tell me she isn’t cute?” Satori looked back at Semi who didn’t answer, and instead looked away, defeated. “Yeah, I thought so” 

Your best friend followed close behind, and once you made it out the gym, she leaned closer to your ear.

“I think Satori-senpai liked you” Breaking you apart from your train of thought, you looked at her, trying to keep the blush from telling on you. 

“I didn’t notice…” You lied “He’s weird” You tried to somehow defend yourself, and make it look like you weren’t at all interested in the tall redhead. Your best friend giggled in response. “What?” 

“It's funny that you say that, you’re not precisely the definition of normal” Your friend laughed. 

♤

On Wednesday after class, you met the volleyball team at the entrance of the school. The school bus was waiting for everyone to gather before leaving.the team greeted you with polite smiles. 

The only ones who greeted you properly were Satori Tendo and Ushijima Wakatoshi. The pair greeted you as if you weren't seeing each other for the second time ever. The redhead asked you about your day and your classes as his friend limited himself to wave at you silently and ask how were you today.

“So, Kitty, excited to watch us play?” Satori said as the team started getting inside the bus.

“I guess” You said as Tendo allowed you to get inside first and followed you, taking the seat next to yours.

“Oh, come on. Loosen up!" He gave you a friendly pat in the shoulder "I can see you’re tense. There’s nothing to worry about. I won’t let any volleyballs hit you while you’re wandering around taking pictures. Issa promise” He said sticking his pinky finger at you as you looked at his hand and then at him. “C’mon, give me your pinky!” You met his stare, exchanging stares for the first time with his penetrating glare. You did as he asked and he locked his pinky with yours.“The pact has been sealed” He answered dramatically.

Ushijima took the seat in front of yours and as Satori leaned forward, saying something to his friend, you sighed deeply looking out the window, holding your camera close to your chest. 

“You know, Kitty..." Satori continued leaning back into his seat "you and I are cut from the same cloth” 

You didn't hear him at first. His voice took a while to be processed in your brain. 

“Yeah?” You asked still looking out the window

“You and I are not like the rest. We’re both quite similar” At this, you turned around,  scanning the guy, not sure you understood what he meant.

“Yeah...I don’t think so” 

“Of course not" He answered "I’m extroverted, you’re not. But that doesn’t mean we’re different. You seem distracted most of the time, but I know you’re constantly observing each and every one of our moves" You looked back into the window, feeling uncomfortable by his piercing eyes on you "I bet you already know how volleyball works from just seeing us train, don’t you?"

He was good if he noticed you analyzing their training while still training hard himself. Trying to put your thoughts in orders,  you took a while to talk back.

“I know you  guys touch the ball maximum three times before sending it to the other side. The second player to touch the ball usually sends it to the hitter, I think they are called setters?” 

Satori smiled pleased with what he had heard, especially because his guess about you was right.

“What a clever kitty we have here”  He answered.

“Your reaction time is outstanding" You continued.  "I don't know if your thought train is that fast, or you run just in intuition l, maybe it's both. I really am impressed by how quick you react" You said looking at him briefly before looking away once more.

“Thank you" Satori smiled “Also, you’re not so bad yourself. Little Kitty Cat turned out to have Sherlock-like observation skills, nice” He could tell you were avoiding meeting his stare, but he didn't mind. He scanned your face, now relaxed compared to.when you met outside the school a few minutes earlier ”Ah, I can smell a nice friendship about to bloom, here”  He sighed before hoping off his seat and sitting next to Wakatoshi. 

Once at the game, it was euphoric the amount of intense competitive atmosphere going on during the match. The school singing and cheering. Loud enough to make you get a headache barely 10 minutes after the match began. However, you came prepared with your earbuds. 

Putting them in, you started playing music to help you with your nerves brought by the overstimulation. The yelling, the bright lights, and the constant fear of being hit with a volleyball while moving around the cort while taking photos. 

Normally, people weren’t allowed to be wandering around, but being Shiratorizawa, and thanks to the coach’s big influence, you were allowed to move around taking photos, as long as you didn't distract any of the teams. Something you managed to do perfectly, being unnoticed by everyone throughout the match. 

Once in the bus ride back to the school, you sat at the back, and scrolled through the camera roll to see all the pictures you’ve taken, and plan which one you’d use and how you were going to edit them. 

Satori constantly looked back at you from his seat, feeling curious by your big focus swallowed entirely by your camera. After Ushijima had encouraged him to go with you, Satori chuckled sarcastically before doing as his friend did and walked towards you. 

“Kitty-chan, nya!” Satori Tendou said sitting next to you, breaking you apart from your trance “Mind if I sit here for a while?” You shook your head silently looking back at your camera. “What did you think of the game?” 

“It was exactly what I needed for the pictures” You said in a low voice.

“Mind if I peek?” His question took you by surprise. The idea of someone freely looking through your camera roll made you nervous. However, something was urging you to trust him. You sighed, hesitant at first. You handed him your camera as he proceeded to look at the pictures. 

You’d taken a lot of them, from all of the players, even the coach sitting on the bench with his ever present analyzing stare. Satori indulged himself, counting how many pictures you’d taken of each player just for his own amusement.. However, he felt flattered when he noticed he was the second player with the most photos after Usijima. Being the second with the most photos taken of him after the team’s ace player was just a weird compliment. And probably something you didn’t do on purpose. Or, did you? He thought.

Seeing his fare share of cool pictures flattered him.

“You guys are amazing” You broke the silence, surprising Tendou as he looked up from the camera.

You were usually so quiet and limited yourself to answer whatever questions were addressed towards you. And now, you were actually starting a conversation. On top of that, Tendou felt his cheeks blush gently upon seeing a small shy smile on your face. It was the first time he’d seen you smile, and boy, he felt strangely flattered for a second time. 

“You’re welcome to see us play every game, Kitty. In fact, you could be our personal paparazzo” Satori joked, returning the flirty smile.

♤

A few weeks had passed. The Volleyball team were really excited for their pictures. After editing them and sending each of them their respective photos, all of them lost their heads and immediately flooded their social media with them.

This gesture alone made you somehow popular among the school. Everyone in the team greeted you, talked to you and personally invited you to their games. It was weird how a single event, which was a responsibility, triggered the friendship. 

Especially with Satori who constantly looked for you in between classes or during lunch break to drag you along to hang out with him and Wakatoshi. 

This time, however, it wasn't Satori who poked his head inside your classroom.  As you talked with your best friend, she saw Ushijima's face looking for you. She immediately changed the topic, letting you know Ushijima was looking for you. 

Turning around, and making eye contact with him, he signaled with his hand, calling you. You nodded and excused yourself from your small group of friends and walked towards the door. 

“[Name], may I have a word?”  Ushijima said even before you could ask anything.

"Ye-yeah, sure” You nodded, nervous because, well, Ushijima wasn't a very talkative guy. 

You followed him down the hall a few meters away from your classroom, towards a more.open space with less people around.

“Look," He said, stopping by the staircase and looking at you "You’re probably aware of this by now, but Satori likes you, and that's the first time I see him like that since I met him. Be nice with him. If you’re not interested in him, let him now before his feelings for you get out of his hand” His voice wasn't particularly threatening, but he sounded more serious than he usually was.

Something inside you made you feel butterflies in your stomach, maybe the fact that Ushijima pointed out what you already knew. Satori liked you. You knew this, but hearing it out loud felt...nice. 

“Ushijima senpai, I really appreciate that you care so much for Tendo-kun" You began, the anxiety building up.in your stomach as you gathered the strength to put your thoughts into words "But you don't have to worry, I wont hurt him. In fact, I really like him too… And, it may sound dumb…" You chuckled awkwardly "But it’s the first time I like someone who likes me back, so, I’m not sure how to proceed from here on...I'm improvising along the way, and so far it has worked…" Ushijima chuckled this time, thinking how Satori had actually said something quite similar. "Tendo-kun always says we’re cut from the same cloth, so, I wanna believe I know how to handle him to not hurt him" 

A gentle smile was drawn on Ushijima's facem something you didn't see as often. But it was somehow comforting.

“I’m glad to hear” He said turning around towards the stairs, ready to go back to his classroom. "Thanks, [Name]-san" 

“Ushijima-senpai?” You said before he walked away.

“Yes, [Name]?” 

“Please don’t tell Tendo that I told you that I like him back” You asked nervously looking at your fingers.

“I’m sorry, [Name], but I can’t promise that. I won't tell him. But if he asks me, I won't deny it. Besides, I'm pretty sure he knows by now" Ushijima said looking up the stairs and noticing his friend walking along the hall, looking for him. 

Ushijima gave you one last smile before joining Satori in the next floor as his friend asked him where had he'd gone. 

♤

The next two months you lived with a crippling anxiety that popped up whenever you saw Watakoshi and Satori together. However, Satori never showed a sudden change of attitude towards you. But that didn't mean Wakatoshi hadn't told him. 

One thing had changed, with each day, Satori opened up more and more. He looked for excuses to spend time with you. You even went on coffee dates with him and both of you worked on your respective homework. 

Very subtle, little by little, you fell harder and harder for him. And so he did. To the point where people weren't sure if you were dating or not. Including you among these people. 

Where your relationship or friendship stood, wasn't clear. At least not until that date. The very first non-coffee-and-homework date you had. 

He'd taken you to the aquarium. At first you thought it was a rather random place for a date. At least until you noticed how quiet he was. The usual talkative Satori Tendou now walked slowly, silently. Very much like a cat, fascinated by the fish

You realized that was why he'd chosen the aquarium. And you knew this from his behavior alone. He didn't speak much, and he paced slowly, stopped at every tank and attentively watched at the fish. And it felt weirdly intimate. You were seeing a side of Tendou you didn't see at school. And you weren't sure if other people knew of. Probably Ushijima.

His talkative loud demeanor was gone, replaced by a quiet wandering shadow. And you took advantage of this to take a lot of incredible pictures of him. The blue lighting and the dim lights worked magic combined with your skills in photography. You captured the beauty of absolute calmness shining from his eyes. The eyes that usually shone with a chaotic fire now looked calm. The calm before the storm reflected in his eyes in blue and greens.

"How come you haven't grown tired of taking pictures of me?" He said as his eyes followed the marlin fish swimming in front of him. 

"Because your eyes shine in a way I've never seen before. Its nice..." You said, drawing a small, yet confident smile in Satori's face. "And I want to capture them as much as I can" 

"[Name]-chan, can I ask you something?" He whispered walking closer to you.

You looked up at him, curious. And then you saw yet another perfect frame to take a picture. However, your curiosity was stronger and you refrained from stopping him to take the picture.

"Sure" You answered, noticing how he'd stopped within a single step away from you. 

You looked up at him, he was tall. His slim complexion made him look even taller. His eyes, somewhat tender and gentler met yours. Your intuition screaming at you, suddenly making you blush and your heart race.

"Why do you like me so much?" He asked bluntly as one of his hands reached your face and softly brushed your hair with his fingers. 

"Did Wakatoshi tell you?" You stuttered.

"Wakatoshi knows?" 

"I-I asked him not to tell you"

"So that's why…" He whispered "Normally he tells me everything...you haven't answered my question, Kitty" He looked at you as you shyly shook your head  

"I'm not sure" You began, as your heart raced at an amazing speed you didn't know was possible. 

"I just know my heart races, and my gut twist in funny ways whenever I see you, or even think of you" You continued "There's something special about you and I can't pinpoint what. And I don't want to know either. You're the kind of mystery that should stay unsolved"

Satori smiled, quite satisfied with his answer.

"Such a weird kitty" he murmured leaning closer to you, pressing his forehead against yours, and closing his eyes. 

"Yeah" You breathed as Satori took deep breaths, getting drunk on your sweet smell. A sweet smell he could never grow tired of. A smell he'd love to smell every day close to him.

Desperate, with the anxiety twisting your gits more and more with every second, you stood up.on your toes, closing the distance between your faces, and pressing a shy kiss on his lips.

At once, he cupped your face, holding you there, as he kissed you back. Lips clumsily locking, exploring each other for the first time. A sweet kiss, the both of you had been craving so desperately finally bringing closure to the questions about the two of you dating. 

God, what a kiss. Stealing your breath, making your head feel light, thinking how you could easily become addicted to him. 

Finally, Satori slowly broke the kiss. Pressing a delicate kiss on the tip of your nose, and another one on your forehead before pressing his cheek against it. As you tried to catch your breath, Satori returned to look at the fish swimming calmly in the tank.

"Can you hear them?" Satori whispered as you followed his stare.  

"Who?" 

"The fish" He answered as if it was obvious who he was talking about. You looked at him and smiled before looking back at the fish bank swimming in hypnotizing shapes. 

"What are they saying?"  You said playing along.

"You don't talk fish?" Satori joked looking at you crack a soft laugh.

"I'm sorry, I don't talk fish" You answered with a small cheeky smile on your lips. 

"You're beautiful" He whispered. 

Looking back at him, you noticed he was scanning your face. A subtle smile drawn on his face as he continued to admire you. One if his long thin hands cupped your cheek. He felt his heart melt as you gave into his touch and snuggled your face in his hand. He leaned closer, pressing another kiss on your lips. You stopped breathing for a second before you gasped against his lips in surprise and wrapped your arms around his chest squeezing him m gently against you.